Alien Indiscretions (51 page)

Nivere turned to the panel. “That completes my examination, honorable panel.”

Onziv nodded. “Thank you for your testimony, Matara Amelia.”

She bowed her head. “Thank you, honorable judges. If I may, I’d like to offer my sincere gratitude to all of the Kalquorian Empire, which tried its best to see to it that we women of Earth no longer had to live in terror.”

With that, she turned and descended the steps. Emro watched her, seeming ready to spring to her rescue should she stumble. He escorted Amelia out of the courtroom and returned.

Nivere addressed the panel. “As I said before, I have many more of these first Earther Mataras who can’t wait to tell you their stories. I can bring you as many as you wish to have examined, but I have also recorded their testimonies if you prefer.” She held up a tiny file drive. “They are all here, honorable judges.”

Onziv nodded to Emro, who claimed the drive. “You may submit the files, Counselor. We will review them and determine if the women themselves should be brought forth or if these testimonies will suffice for the public record.” He checked the chronometer and glanced at the other judges. Wal and the rest nodded their agreement to his unspoken question.

Onziv announced, “We will adjourn for the rest of the day to confer over these latest developments. Objections, Defense Counsel?”

“No objections, Honorable Onziv.”

“Very well. We will re-convene in the morning at the regular time. Court adjourned.”

Wal looked up to fill his gaze with Cissy for the last time that day. After Amelia’s testimony, he found it harder than ever to turn away and leave. He wanted to be with her, if only to hold her and promise she would never have to endure the kinds of horrors Amelia had divulged to the court.

She blew him a kiss as she was ushered out of the gallery with the rest of the Imperial Family. Wal lowered his gaze, feeling empty and lost.

At least he could feel good about the direction things were headed in now. The Imdiko did until he saw Maf’s livid face. The councilman stared at the floor as his aide Sitrel and Chamar conferred, looking as if he wanted to throttle someone.

Disquiet filled Wal. Maf was not going to be happy with the conviction everyone thought he wanted. He wanted more. Had he fallen on the side of the Basma? Did he wish for revolution?

Matara Amelia’s testimony had done the Empire a lot of good, but it hadn’t fixed all the problems of the Empire. There was still so much that could go wrong.

* * * *

Two days of testimony on Yuder’s behalf followed. Five more women were brought forward to tell of how they had been rescued from horrendous conditions by Kalquorian clans. The head of the Matara Psychological Council, Dr. Govi, also delivered evidence on the Earther trauma he’d seen and treated at the capital city’s hospital.

The testimony of two men was not forthcoming. Dramoks Rajhir and Ospar continued to refuse to submit to examination, both for Yuder and themselves. Because the matter of their culpability in the matter was inextricably intertwined, the panel of judges decided it was best to deal with their case before announcing Yuder’s sentence.

Another two days was spent examining the allegations against the councilman and governor. The Empire’s peace held during that time, but it was obvious from the many protests and demands for action that the public was restless.

It was with great trepidation that Wal mounted the courtroom’s platform for what he hoped would be the last time for this case. Cissy’s wave and wink was the only thing that could lift his heart, along with Diltan’s encouraging nod. So much was at stake today. He imagined he could feel Kalquor holding its collective breath, waiting for the final act of the drama that might turn into a prelude to tragedy. Then he saw Rolat in the public gallery. His Nobek was near the front of the spectators, just behind the prosecutions’ seating. Rolat’s steady gaze settled Wal’s nerves a little bit more. As always, his Nobek was there, ready to protect him from whatever may come.

I hope your presence is a waste of time, my clanmate. I truly do.

Onziv wasted no time in delivering the first portion of the judgment. “In the matter of the Empire versus Dramoks Rajhir and Ospar, we find the defendants not guilty of willful abduction of the Earther Mataras.”

There was a rise of voices at that. As Wal looked out over the faces, he thought the reaction was about equal on either side of the matter. Half seemed to approve, the other half appeared angry. The relief coming from the Royal Council’s gallery was palpable. With Ospar and Rajhir not guilty, the rest of their number would escape indictment and prosecution.

Some of the public gallery’s muttered discontent seemed aimed at that group. However, tempers held and no violence broke out. So far so good.

As soon as the courtroom quieted, Onziv continued. “The prosecution failed to deliver anything more than purely circumstantial evidence. No witnesses could verify these two men did anything but follow their emperors’ orders. In that matter, Rajhir and Ospar’s names are cleared.”

The two Dramoks in question bowed to the panel, but their expressions remained wary. They knew this was far from over. They were right.

“Furthermore, in the matter of recalling Imperial father Imdiko Tidro to Kalquor to face trial, there has been no evidence submitted that would encourage this panel to seek charges against him. Nor do we find substantial evidence that would lead us to bring charges against other members of the council or any clan sent to abduct Mataras for their alleged safety, unless any of the Earther women involved wish to bring charges themselves.”

That elicited more muttering from the galleries. Those gathered in the Imperial box were uniformly relieved, particularly Clajak. No doubt he had lost much sleep over what would happen to his elderly Imdiko father.

One voice rose in dissent. Maf’s scowl was an ugly thing as he declared, “This is an outrage.”

Onziv ignored him. “As to other matters that have demanded the attention of this panel. Dramoks Rajhir and Ospar, you have defied this court’s order to deliver testimony as to what you knew about Emperor Zarl and Emperor Yuder’s plans. You willfully refused to divulge the specific orders or even lack of orders you were given in the matter of the abductions of over 1,800 Earther females. You know there are strict penalties for such a betrayal of public trust, particularly for men in the positions you occupy.”

Nivere nodded their behalf. “The defense is aware and ready for your judgment, honored panel.”

“Then hear and submit to our sentence. Dramok Rajhir and Dramok Ospar, you are sentenced to five years community service each. You will also pay restitution to a fund for the victims of Earth’s destruction, said fund administered by the Galactic Council of Planets.” Onziv named an astronomical sum that brought gasps echoing in the chamber.

Maf was no so impressed. “Ospar’s mines make that in a month. It’s barely a slap on the wrist!”

Onziv fixed the red-faced Dramok with a steady gaze. “Do you need to be excused from the court, Councilman Maf?”

Maf said nothing, but he continued to glare.

Onziv returned to the sentencing. “In addition, as these men’s silence has violated the Empire’s code of transparency and therefore the public’s trust, they will both step down from their government positions. Dramok Rajhir and Dramok Ospar, you are both banned from public service for life.”

Ospar’s only reaction was a tightening of his jaw. However, Rajhir looked stricken, as if dealt a physical blow. His dedication to serving the Empire was well known. Wal felt a stab of sympathy. He could well imagine how he would feel if he was banned from serving as a judge.

Onziv finished quickly, as if to get the unpleasant business done. “The judgment of this honorable panel stands. The two defendants are excused from this court.”

Rajhir, Ospar, and Nivere all bowed to the judges. Then as Ospar whispered to the still pale Rajhir, Nivere embraced him. Neither man looked happy as they took their leave to a new tide of muttering.

It was time to hand down Yuder’s sentence. Expectant silence descended once more.

Onziv nodded to Nobek Emro, who was on duty as court official that day. “Bring in Imperial Father Nobek Yuder.”

Yuder was escorted into the chamber by two Global Security officers and two Royal Guards. He was halfway to the defense counselor’s podium where Nivere waited when a yell sounded from the public gallery.

“Purity for Kalquor! Make the Imperial traitor pay! Death to the oppressors!”

With that, half a dozen men with the fierce visages of Nobeks raced forward. The Global Security teams stationed at equal intervals along the room’s walls mobilized in an instant, racing to intercept the protestors. Within moments, they fought hand to hand. More people joined in the fray while others fell back, getting away from the battle.

Yuder’s Royal Guards stayed between him and the fighting while the rest of his security team hustled him back to the door he’d entered through. Nobek Emro and two more guards rushed Nivere out behind him.

Rolat’s wide back appeared in front of Wal’s podium, the Nobek tensed and ready to take on anyone who rushed his Imdiko. Wal moved close to look over his shoulder. He checked on the Imperial Gallery, worried about Cissy. A wall of Royal Guards had assembled at the entrance to the box. More aimed laser rifles down towards the gallery below, ready to fire through the glass to take out anyone who looked like a threat to the Imperial Family. Cissy huddled with the rest of her kin in the middle of the balcony. Her eyes were round as she watched the melee unfold.

Reassured that his Earther love was well protected, Wal looked up at the council’s box to make sure Diltan was all right. That gallery had been emptied out by Global Security officers. Like the Royal Guards across the way, those men had rifles aimed at the floor below, ready to fire if needed.

Well rehearsed for such instances, security had the matter under control. They subdued the rioters, hovercuffing them as a line of officers stood between them and those who had remained in the court. Wal noted that at least a dozen had been arrested.

Onziv’s controlled mien crumbled to see his courtroom in chaos. He roared, “Clear this court! Clear the gallery immediately! Court is adjourned until further notice.”

There were many angry faces as onlookers were forced out. Rolat glanced back at Wal. “Are you all right, my Imdiko?”

“Yes. I’m relieved that Cissy is so well protected.”

“Indeed. The Royal Guards there left me free to take care of you.”

They looked up to see the Imperial Family milling about their box, talking excitedly to each other. All but Cissy, who looked to Rolat and Wal. Worry filled her face. Rolat and Wal gave her unconvincing smiles to show there was nothing to be afraid of.

“What about Diltan? Did you see him leave?” Wal asked.

“He and Oiteil made the others evacuate immediately, helping Global Security clear the gallery. It was a wise move.”

“You think so?”

“Many of the councilmen are clanned to those first Mataras and this protest seemed aimed against that specific issue.”

Onziv collected his usual calm demeanor. He called out to the Imperial Gallery, “Apologies my emperors and empress. I know your nerves are stretched to the breaking point over the disposition of the Imperial Father, but we must guarantee control of the courtroom before the sentence is announced.”

Clajak nodded in acknowledgement. His voice muffled by the glass that separated the box from the courtroom, he shouted, “No apology is necessary, honorable judges. Emotions are running too high at the moment. Do as you must to guarantee the safety of all before proceeding.”

Onziv bowed, and the rest of the panel followed suit. He turned to them. “Let’s get out of here and figure out the best way to handle this.”

Wal noted Rolat trading scowls with the members of Global Security who had gathered around the judges. His Nobek was intruding on their turf.

“I guess you’re safe enough, my Imdiko,” Rolat announced. “I’ll see to Diltan now.”

“Thank you for being here to watch out for us, my Nobek,” Wal answered. He glanced up at Cissy again.

She watched him, and her mouth moved, exaggerating the words he couldn’t hear. He was able to make out her message however:
be careful
.

You too, he mouthed. Royal Guards or not, Wal was scared for them all. His heart pounding, he followed the rest of the panel out of the court.

* * * *

Cissy thought the Empire’s collective nerves weren’t the only ones that were shot as she waited with the Imperial Clan. Hers were stretched to the breaking point as well. Seeing Diltan, Rolat, and Wal was not enough, not by a long shot. She needed to be with them. The desperation made her crazy.

So when a messenger came from the panel of judges that the sentence would not be announced that day after all, her temper boiled. Cissy seethed as Aunt Tara left the Imperial gallery in the company of two Royal Guards to visit Yuder. The rest of the group prepared to leave the court too, their expressions tight.

She couldn’t take it. Her anger burst into the silence. “Terrific. That’s just typical of this whole mess. Why does this have to be done this way? Why can’t the judges quietly tell us the sentence and get it over with, without it having to be a big circus act? Better yet, why can’t you just send Yuder off like you did Tidro?”

In the wake of her outburst, her sister, Lindsey, and Jessica smiled wanly. The remaining Royal Guards didn’t react at all. The three emperors and Clajak’s aide Korkla blinked with apparent shock before recovering their more diplomatic faces.

It was quiet Egilka who answered her. “We can’t hear the sentence before the rest of the Empire, cousin.”

Clajak nodded. In a heavy voice he said, “There can be no special treatment. Nothing that speaks of collusion between us and the court.”

Bevau gave her an understanding smile. “As for sending Yuder away and keeping him from facing his sentence, that is impossible. Someone has to pay for the crimes of Armageddon. He has taken that responsibility upon himself.”