Fodena is a small city on the northern coast. It's a thriving port, due to the constant passage of merchantmen sailing to or from the Western Kingdoms, and to the export of the coal and lumber from the hills above the city. far from. anywhere. Fodena's nickname is "The town at the end of the world". The local Watch precinct is not a popular posting for ambitious young officers. Among the ensigns churned through this high turnover was a young woman."Good morning, Master Gorton," said the.

girl. in the Watch uniform with the ensign's single round pip. He had heard a lot about the new Watch boss who had arrived a month earlier. People talked about her more than they would about a man. So he knew that she was a woman. but this was just a child! There had been quite a few ensigns over the last few years. This one made people talk, and not just because she was female. She ran through the streets every morning, long before most folks were up.

And the stories about what went on at the Training Hall were just plain silly."Thank you for accepting my invitation," she added sweetly."Master" Gorton looked up at the big Patroller who had walked smoothly into the tavern where he always had breakfast, and had more or less frog-marched him down to the Watch precinct."Yeah, well. yer invitation was so politely tendered, Mistress. I could hardly refuse.""I'm so glad you see it that way. I wanted to talk to you, Master Gorton, about your role as Fodena's primary supplier of illegal drugs.

""Mist."He was cut off sharply, almost brutally, as the girl raised a small hand. The Patroller put a huge and heavy hand on the back of his neck."Please do not interrupt, Master Gorton. It is impolite and inefficient. I want to be sure we agree on your responsibilities."He wanted to interrupt again, but the Patroller's hand closed. gently.

on his neck."You supply a very dangerous product, Master Gorton, and that gives you considerable responsibility. Just like a pharmacist would be guilty of manslaughter if he supplied the wrong medicine. so you would be responsible for any harm done by your product." She leaned forward. "Let me rephrase: If anyone dies of an overdose due to impurity or unusual concentration in your product, you will break rock for a long time." She sat back, relaxing. The Patroller's hand warned him that speech was still not welcome.

"I really do not care about the drug market itself. If people want to spend their money on that particular recreation. it is none of my business. I say again, 'their' money. I get upset when people steal from others, for whatever reason. including buying drugs."I have found that the best way to shut down chronic thieves is to ensure that they cannot get rid of whatever they steal. For example.

if I learn that you accept money from someone who has no resources. I will nail that person for theft. and you as an accessory. I will see to it that the charges fit the responsibilities of the Minor Crimes Court: the one where I preside. And which can in fact hand down significant sentences. You would be wise to be a good citizen when you know someone is stealing as a matter of course, and give the word to the Watch. We have a common purpose, here."And one last item, Master Gorton.

Just as I would not want any unauthorized pharmacists to be opening business without examination - like a 'pharmacist' whose standards of quality are unknown - I feel the same about drug dealers. I much prefer the devil I know. so if you hear about an upstart, Master Gorton, please do not. how shall I say. 'handle the matter' yourself. Let me know. I will ensure that any competition must operate under the same constraints as you. A 'level playing field', as they say.

"Do you have any questions, Master Gorton? Please ask now, because I shall expect total and perfect adherence to these rules.".