Friends in High Places- Conclusion

Posted on Sat 11th Jan, 2025 @ 5:45pm by Commander Paul Graves PsyD & Renato Solis
Edited on on Tue 14th Jan, 2025 @ 1:39am

1,076 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: The Phoenix Gamble
Location: Ullia Judiciary chambers

There was motion in the shadows, and a face appeared for a split second as someone forgot to don the visor to obscure their face. Suddenly the consternation was on their end. Renato spoje out loud and riled the audeince into lauighing, "oops, did daddy Federation get home before you could make your ruling? Aww man, bad timing."

The Judicium sounded the chimes and regained chamber order. “After consideration of new evidence and our standing agreement in Federation jurisdiction we find the Ambassador's statement to be in conflict with our membership agreement within the Federation."

there were roars from teh audience, the people objected vehemently. The Judicium raised his volume, "Further review may reveal this is not the case, but this will take years to complete. We will impose our right to keep the prisoner--“

The Advocate roared over them, “The Federation Advocates council demands Renato be released into Federation custody!"

Even the people who voted for the Stigma then and now knew a weak government covering its ass when they saw it. Despite several attempts to regain order the house was in uproar all the same.

The Principium imposed order finally, "To uphold our civic duty, we must uphold precedent. Within our frameworks of justice we will serve the public need and elevate our social contract. You stand as a symbol to those who would freely and wantonly use their abilitiies to terrifying ends, as our hsitory has proven every time. We will not preside over another madman defaming our good people."

“Oh hell, just send me back!” Renato broke his silence, in further violation of tradition, but it was well cooked by this point. The accused was supposed to stand silent, but Renato was bad at silent. The Advocate didn't object; in fact there was nothing to lose but public opinion.

Renato spoke over the objecting officer of the court trying to rein him in, “Enough of this civil restraint, I’ve played the games, I’ve obeyed your rules just to let you feast on my agony? To what end is this? Does the state wish to make an example of me? Lifting the Stigma meant as a return to the way things were before, so you lead the charge with inquests and sentences of horrific mangling? SEND ME AWAY! As you did before, send me away.”

There was silence, the live feed showed over 38% of the planet was watching. Renato reined in the fury, “Surely that is within the framework of both parties, to uphold the original sentence?”

A glance to the Advocate got him a nod in reply. “Then exile me from my homelands once more. Though we all have these abilities, it is true we must control our nature. Though the Stigma is lifted the taint must be cut from the fruit, you are right I do think our abilities should be used freely, I am not fit for your social contract. It is the same tomorrow as it was yesterday if I am sent away. Let the wisdom of your forebears win out.”

The Principium extolled in a monotone, “The public has initiated their referendum. Has the prosecution any additional testimony?”

In a rare moment of integrity, the Prosecution abated. “No, we find agreement in this proposition. Restoring the original sentence without the weight of the Stigma only strengthens the laws. Our mercy and our fair rule can work together. The State has no objection, and closes their case.”

{Starbase 109- CRC Main Lobby}

The trial cut then and there. Kya screamed for a second at the pent up energy this frustration had wrought. It could be hours before a decision was reached, and there was nothing to do but wait.

Paul sagged in his seat. "Gee, thanks, guys, for letting us know how it ended," he said to the air where the holograph of the trial had been. He looked at Kya. "It sounded like they were inclined to be reasonable, at the end. I hope it worked."

Kya was upset but had largely spent the rage. "Thank you everyone, please stick around if you like. PAul... thank you so much, you really helped. I can't imagine without your testimony.... Just thank you."

Paul shook his head and gave Kya a half-smile. "I can't take credit for what will be someone else's decision. I just hope those judges listen to reason. If I felt someone was so dangerous that I'd even consider a lobotomy, I'd consider that person too dangerous to be anywhere. I'd feel that exile was just giving the danger to someone else."

People were uncertain of what to do and nobody moved, after several minutes the pall was cut by a chime, an incoming message.

Kya looked at the gathered friends, "Whoa, that was fast... Fast isn't good."

Kya thumbed the display and a lovely young woman, Ullian, greeted them.

"Celia? I am Kya!"

She looked stricken, "Oh Kya, they aren't following the referendum's results even though it was a landslide to exonerate. They're going to take him to jail, but I think, from what his advocate is saying, he can claim asylum...

"Yes, just like before, can you get him off the planet?"

"I think that's the plan; the ambassador will soon be at the embassy to personally protect him."

Kya could faint for joy, but held on to reality, "We can send someone but from here would take a week-"

Celia looked truly overwhelmed, "They've arranged a shuttle, and I'm coming with him."

The moment sat between the two women, "I needed to let you know what was going on and I... and wanted to call ahead to ask if... can I stay?"

Kya looked to Paul, "We can ask, we can find out, but at the very least I have a hundred beds ready for you, Celia. Bring him home, please!"

Celia looked relieved then empowered at Kya's offer, "I am. We will contact you once he is free."

"Thank you, Celia. I'll be ready on this end."

She blinked a tear away, a grown child sniffling futile rage and nodded, "Thank you. He spoke so highly of all of you. I won't let him down I promise!"

The line cut, and Kya once more turned to Paul, unsure of what to say. Simplicity dictated she only say, "Renato's bringing his sister."

Paul nodded at her, a relieved smile spreading over his face. "I gathered. And of course, she can stay."

-End-

 

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