Shinie’s Ritual. Natalia Afanaseva

      The Superperson materialized the nano-particles, which were contained in the nearest tank, and all but walked up to the two.

      “Destructive act 3112—05—14789564 detected. Offence against person Category 2, Type 1, Code 3. Non-accomplice theft, minor loss.”

      “Oh, come on”, the number-one objected with factitious resent, “No theft.”

      “You don’t have anything against me, do you?” the number-two uttered with a snort.

      “Nothing, Dr. Cooper.”

      “Well, thank you for sharing your sandwich with me.”

      “The analysis of your action shows signs of destructive behavior, Dr. Cooper Arc-ID-17895462879.”

      “No, that’s wrong. Why should I steal – you mean I did it, don’t you?” Doctor did realize that the Superperson would not appreciate his irony, but he could not hold it.

      “Affirmative, Cap,” his swashbuckling companion trumped. “Thank you for being alert, Sir… erm… Miss (there was hardly anything in the whole world that the doctor’s companion liked better than sneering)”.

      “Charges of destructive behavior withdrawn, proceeding terminated for mutual denial”, the Superperson turned around and, followed by the “criminals’” choked-back laughter, started toward the nearest container. To an onlooker, it might appear that it walked heavily and was quite low-shouldered.

      – 4 —

      As soon as it collected a sufficient amount of resource in one place, the proceeding was resumed. It started with the question: is the offence against the Superperson an offence against a person?

      An affirmative answer was received in 10,87 seconds.

      In 14,35 seconds, the Superperson decided to categorize this type of destructive behavior as ‘highly hazardous’.

      98,52 seconds later, the first member of the control group became the thirtieth-century’s first life-termer.

      Strategic Mistake