Talio’s Codex – Deleted Scene (“On the Spot at Law School”)

“I shall pause for a digression into a matter of hearing law,” Clemente said. “The consortium who built the skylines claimed no responsibility for the accident [that led to Scodel’s death] and said that it was a natural but undetected flaw in the skyline tower’s merinite that caused the skyship to fail. Can anyone tell me the government’s argument?”

Silence. Clemente looked out over the students. Talio shrank back in his seat as the man’s gaze swept past him. “Gabor,” the professor said, pointing.

“Uh,” the fearful student stammered. “They said the consortium was responsible due to contributory negligence?”

Clemente brought the tips of his fingers down onto the podium with a bang. “Trick question, Gabor! The consortium claimed that they were under contract and supervision from the queen, not the government. Therefore they were acting on behalf of the royal body and were exempt from prosecution.”

Gabor slumped down in his seat. Then Clemente’s gaze swung in Talio’s direction. Oh dear, he thought. “And the disposition of the hearing?” the professor asked. “Rossa?”

Talio leaned forward, trying to remember. “Their defense was successful. The hearing was dismissed with damages. The mineralogical team was subcontracted from the consortium. A later review showed that they were negligent in not informing the consortium of the potential failure point. This was…four years later, I believe? Since the team was acting as a subcontract of a subcontract, they were at arm’s length from the royal body, and therefore liable for punitive damages.”

“Very good, advocate,” Clemente said in a grudging tone. “Though your memory of the details is a bit rough. As always.”