Lar pushed a ronka strip around on his plate. “It could be something will come out that will implicate him, however. Tidro was much too savvy and involved in the Empire’s dealings to not have known something of it.”
Onziv’s tone warned them. “I remind my honorable colleagues to not allow yourselves to debate what we have not heard evidence for. We must be careful in this case. Only the facts that are uncovered can be allowed to be shown.”
Lar stopped playing with his food and sat back in his chair. “Yes, and the facts could put Kalquorians at each others’ throats. It’s happening already. What happens with this case could well decide the fate of the Empire.”
Dorl nodded grimly. “You can’t tell me the Basma is not laughing with glee as we hear the case. Mark my words; this will feed his damned revolt.”
Gnawing disquiet killed Wal’s appetite as quickly as it had the others. The five men sat in silence, their food growing cold. Nothing more was said. A heavy pall lay over them, as if they already attended the funeral of their civilization.
It was a relief to return to the courtroom. It had filled once more, if it had emptied at all during the recess. Wal tried to find solace again in Cissy’s face, but now she appeared as somber as he felt. Whatever the Imperial Family had discussed at their meal had obviously been no more optimistic than the brief conversation in the judges’ chambers.
Despite the serious turn, she still looked from Wal to Diltan over and over, as if she couldn’t get enough of seeing them. It was much needed-consolation for the Imdiko judge. Kalquor might be on the brink of going to hell, but he had hopes of paradise with the woman he loved.
The court official’s voice rang out. “Court is resumed.”
Onziv bowed to the woman sitting with two male legal aides behind the defense’s platform. Sitting behind her were her clients Rajhir and Ospar. Off to one side, surrounded by grim-faced Royal Guards sat Imperial Father Yuder. None of the men showed any trace of emotion.
Onziv asked, “Does the defense have any remarks or business to bring before this bench before questioning begins?”
Matara Nivere of Clan Gegra rose and mounted the steps to the podium. Wal bowed to her, as did the rest of the panel. A Kalquorian lifebringer was a rare and wonderful creature, and this particular woman was an accomplished lawyer. She’d won more cases than many attorneys had tried. She was also Rajhir’s mother. Wal wondered if that would have any effect on her ability to defend her clients.
She smiled at the panel, though the aura of determination never wavered from her expression. “We do have business to present to you Honorable Onziv and honorable judges.”
“Speak then, defense counsel.”
She did so, her voice strong and carrying through the courtroom chamber. “Two of the accused, Dramok Rajhir and Dramok Ospar, will not submit for examination. As their counsel, I concur with their decision.”
Finally the onlookers in the courtroom made some noise. Cries of support and outrage echoed through the room.
Maf rose from his seat unsteadily, as if he was in charge of the prosecution and not Chamar. “Honorable judges, I most adamantly protest this silence from two of the accused! We are discussing the murder of billions of people, for whom justice must be done. They have no right to refuse examination.”
Nivere’s only concession to the oddity of Maf speaking was a raised eyebrow. In the anticipatory silence that followed his cry, she addressed the judges. “The evidence against Rajhir and Ospar is circumstantial at best. They were never named in any of Zarl’s records as being party to his direct orders to abduct Earther females. Nor has anyone else named them in any traceable documentation during that timeframe. In short, there is no hard proof that Rajhir and Ospar were responsible for the mass Earther Matara clannings which are alleged to have been directly responsible for Earth’s destruction – an allegation this defense refutes, honorable judges of this panel.”
That set off intense mutterings this time, which Wal hoped was better than the previous yelling. Chamar rose to whisper in Maf’s ear. The deformed councilman glared for an instant before sitting back down.
Onziv raised his hands, arms held out wide, for silence. He got it, which also boded well for the overall mood, Wal thought. The high judge said, “The session will hold as this panel discusses the matter put forth by the defense counsel.”
Wal moved from his podium with the rest of the panel, converging in the soundproof area at the center of the dais. He already knew the vote he would cast in this first salvo of the battle.
* * * *
From her birds-eye perch in the Imperial gallery, Cissy watched Wal. It was impossible to hear what the judges discussed, but she could see the intensity on his face as he appeared to argue with his fellows. For an Imdiko, he put on a fierce face. He wanted the matter to go in a certain direction from the way he looked.
Since she couldn’t guess which way the wind blew over Matara Nivere’s motion, Cissy looked across far too much space to meet Diltan’s gaze. At least she could see him again. She’d almost been afraid to attend the trial, worried that neither he nor Wal would spare her a glance.
It made the weight she’d carried in her stomach for the last two months lessen to see the opposite was true. Diltan looked at her with so much bald want that her heart threatened to burst from her chest.
If only Rolat had also found a way to be present at the trial! Cissy felt like she starved, her insides yawning wide for any taste of Clan Diltan. Now her eyes feasted on two-thirds of that marvelous entity and begged for more.
Yet it hurt to be so close to Diltan and Wal with no way of being able to touch or even speak to them. Seeing them was just two drops in an arid desert of need. Cissy wasn’t sure if it was worse this way or not setting eyes on them at all.
Tasha’s voice in her ear was a hushed whisper. “It’s tearing you apart, isn’t it? I’m so sorry, Cissy, but you’ll be with them again.”
Cissy glanced at her family, at the men who made up her in-laws. They had been silent for the most part throughout the proceedings, with only a few muttered asides here and there.
She whispered back to Tasha, “Will I? If things go badly for Yuder, it could hurt Diltan’s career as a councilman to be seen with me. Those loyal to the Imperial Clan will not forgive his part in this.”
Tasha pulled a face. “Diltan doesn’t care about that. Look at how he’s staring at you. If a man looked at me like that, I’d never let him get away.”
Cissy didn’t remark at the envy in her twin’s voice. Instead she said, “Even at the expense of the man you love? I can’t do that.” Her words made pain stab her chest. She swallowed the ball of hurt that formed in her throat. “Damn it, I feel like I’m going to die without them. When did I get to be so needy?”
Tasha took her hand and squeezed it. “You’re in love. It’s wonderful.”
“You’d think so. To be honest, it feels like shit.”
Their whispered conversations ended as the judges made their way back to their podiums. Cissy saw Wal glance at her as he assumed his place on the high judge’s right. The ache came back to her throat and wouldn’t move no matter how hard she swallowed.
Judge Onziv addressed the prosecutor and Nivere. “We have reached a decision regarding the defendants Dramok Ospar and Dramok Rajhir refusing to conform to examination by the prosecution. There is indeed no discernable physical evidence that they colluded with Emperor Zarl to effect the abduction of 1,873 Earther Mataras. By a vote of three to two, these two defendants will be excused from examination at this time.”
That set off a new wave of muttering from the people gathered in the public gallery below. It swelled louder. The emperors glanced at each other, their expressions tense.
The court official came forward on the judges’ platform, accompanied by two members of the Global Security guards that were stationed all around the courtroom.
The official announced in a firm voice, “There will be silence while the Honora
ble Onziv speaks. If you do not comply, the court will be cleared immediately.”
The temporary furor died down. Cissy and everyone else relaxed, with the exception of Bevau. The Royal Guards looked like they were on high alert, but then they always looked like that. Cissy suppressed a shiver as she looked at the faces of the Nobeks who wore the red armored formsuits. She had no doubt the fierce-looking warriors would kill in an instant.
Onziv resumed speaking, claiming her attention once more. “There is enough circumstantial evidence to warrant a penalty for Dramok Ospar and Dramok Rajhir’s refusal to speak. Witnesses have admitted verbally that they were given their sealed orders by Dramok Ospar. There is also the matter of Dramok Rajhir’s clanning of the first of these alleged abductees, taken during a time when the Empire’s relations with Earth were precarious at best. For this reason, both men will be taken into custody for refusing to speak. They will remain in custody until the trial ends or they submit to prosecution’s questions. Furthermore, if testimony and evidence is presented that convinces this panel the two defendants be required to submit to examination, they will do so.”
He turned to the court official who stood at his station at the foot of the stage. “Have these two men taken into custody.”
The official bent to his handheld. The mutterings of the onlookers were back but much quieter. As Rajhir was led away with Ospar, Nivere put a hand on his arm. He smiled at her and nodded. Cissy looked at the prosecutor’s area to see how Councilman Maf took this ruling. The twisted frame was bent close to Chamar, conferring with counsel.
As soon as the Dramoks left the chamber, Onziv bowed to Nivere. “Does the defense have any further comments or concerns?”
Nivere shook her head, appearing calm despite the fact her son had just been taken out of the room under armed guard. “We do not, Honorable Onziv.”
Prosecutor Chamar rose and approached his podium. “If I may speak, Honorable Onziv and panel?”
Onziv nodded. “You may.”
“The prosecution begs this panel for a delay of trial until tomorrow, as we were prepared to examine defendant Dramok Rajhir today. This unforeseen challenge, which we will lodge a formal protest against, has placed us at an unfair disadvantage.”
Perhaps Nivere had expected his motion, because she had not taken her seat. From her own podium she said, “I protest this delay tactic, Honorable Onziv and panel. Prosecution should have its entire case prepared and be ready with all its witnesses before presenting itself in court. The defense is ready to move ahead.”
Onziv considered for a few seconds. Cissy saw how he exchanged glances with Wal before answering. “Having two out of three defendants abruptly move to refuse examination is an unfair burden on the prosecution’s timetable. I will allow the delay. This court will reconvene tomorrow morning at the scheduled time.”
Chamar bowed. “Thank you, Honorable Onziv.”
People shuffled towards the exits as the tone sounded and the official called, “Clear the court. Session has ended for the day.”
Cissy watched as Wal shot her a last lingering glance before leaving with the rest of the judges’ panel. Then she directed her attention to Diltan. He backed out of the Royal Council gallery, taking his time leaving despite the Global Security officers ushering everyone out. Finally he had no choice but to walk out, but not before blowing Cissy a kiss.
Just like that, she was without even the sight of the men who haunted her dreams. Cissy thought she might choke on her sudden grief.
Jessica’s disgusted voice broke through her agony. “Just like court on Earth. A whole lot of nothing got accomplished.”
Bevau sighed, the guarded demeanor giving way to his friendlier nature. “Yuder will be examined tomorrow.”
“I hope he’s ready.” Tara McInness let some of her worry peek through. Cissy realized that as hard as it had been to see Diltan and Wal without getting close to them, her aunt must have suffered greater. After all, her future with Yuder was very much in question right now.
Clajak put his arm around his mother-in-law. “I hope the Empire is ready.”
Huddling close together, the Imperial Clan and Tara left the gallery. Tasha slid her arm around Cissy’s waist, giving her a sympathetic and knowing smile. “Come on, twin. You need a few drinks.”
Cissy nodded, laying her head on her sister’s shoulder. Clinging tight to Tasha, she allowed her to lead her out of the gallery in the company of a couple of Royal Guards.
Chapter 26
Wal could tell Rolat’s grumpy mood increased with the news that the Imdiko and Diltan had seen Cissy. The Nobek had been stuck in administrative meetings all day, no place for a warrior. Being the only one of them to have not gotten to look at the Matara they missed deepened the frown lines etching his face.
He somehow kept any temper he felt from his tone. “How did she look?”
Diltan sighed. “Beautiful.” He picked at his meal as they all did. Even though the first day of the trial had not gone badly, none of them had much appetite. The soothing breeze coming in from the open archway and serene golden light of sunset spilling into the dining room couldn’t soothe away the tension of the clan. Even Wal, who had barely touched his lunch, could hardly bear to eat.
Rolat gave the Dramok a humorless smile. “I didn’t think she would appear otherwise. She looks well?”
Wal swirled the bohut in his glass. “Gorgeous.” At Rolat’s impatient growl, he added, “I think she misses us. Every time I looked at her she was watching me or Diltan.”
Diltan pushed his plate away. “Which is both good and bad. I hate to be the cause of her unhappiness. It was damned hard to not run up to the Imperial Clan’s gallery and steal her away.”
Their words seemed to lighten Rolat’s mood a little. He managed a weak chuckle. “I can just see you fighting your way past the Royal Guard, my Dramok.”
Wal scowled at his drink. “Don’t tease him, Rolat. Being so close to her, but not able to touch or speak ... damn it.” He quaffed his bohut in one gulp. When he reached for the bottle to refill his glass, Rolat moved it away.
The Nobek said, “I thought about going to the trial simply to look at her. Now I am glad I didn’t. You both look miserable.”
Diltan shook his head. “It’s not all bad. For me, breathing the same air gives some comfort.” He covered his face with his hands as if in pain. “Those fucking stupid records. Why couldn’t Zarl have erased it all?”
Wal sighed. “He would have released the contents while still alive had the war and rebellion not happened.”
“But he didn’t. Now we have to clean up the mess he and his clan left us.”
Rolat’s frown deepened again. “That may take some doing. Even though the trial started rather quietly, there are those who are using it to further their agendas.”
Wal caught the tension in the Nobek’s voice. He hadn’t checked the news vids today, trying to stay as untouched by public opinion as possible. “What’s happened?”
Rolat and Diltan exchanged looks before the Dramok said, “A quarter of the fleet and nearly a third of the ground troops have left their positions in protest. Rumor has it many will join the Basma if he comes out of the shadows to lead them.”
Wal gasped. “Is this verified?”
Rolat said, “That they left their posts? Yes. That they wish to revolt? Still only rumor, but behind every gossip is a touch of truth. I think few will actively go against the current Imperial Clan if they concede to the court’s judgment, whatever it turns out to be.”
Diltan gave them both an encouraging look. “Emperor Clajak is determined to do that. He will put the Empire’s welfare first, even over that of his own family.”
Wal wasn’t so sure. Seeing one’s father on trial for his liberty and life would be a harsh challenge to any son. “Tomorrow’s examination of Yuder will be a huge test for our young emperor. I hope he has the will for it.”
Diltan refused to let forced optimism fade. “Meanwhile, we w
ill see Cissy again.”
Rolat uttered his weak chuckle again. “Now I’m thinking of rearranging my schedule so I can go. I’d face a panel of high judges myself just to look at her.” He sobered and reached to touch Diltan’s arm. “My Dramok, this forced separation has revealed the depths of my feelings for Cissy.”
Diltan nodded, smiling. “And mine. Do you think it presumptuous of me to ask the Imperial Clan for permission to clan her the moment verdict is pronounced? That is, assuming our Imdiko is in agreement?”
Wal found the strength to laugh. “In agreement ... absolutely. Presumptuous ... perhaps. However, I never want there to be occasion to be separated from her like this again.” Feeling the weight of his calling even out of the courtroom, he couldn’t help but advise caution. “We will have to see how the trial goes before taking that step. I fear if Yuder is convicted, it may drive a wedge between us and her.”
Diltan swallowed. “That has occurred to me as well.”
“There is another cause for concern in the opposite direction. The Empire is on the precipice of real trouble if Yuder is not convicted. It could result in violence against those who the public sees as working against them. With our being part of the case, clanning Cissy could put her in danger.”
That sparked anger in Rolat’s eyes, but Diltan didn’t react. Wal was relieved his Dramok had thought of that eventuality.
Instead, Diltan said, “We will keep her safe if she will have us. We’ll go off planet until things settle, if warranted. So tell me, Honorable Wal, what say you to that?”
The Imdiko shook his head at Diltan’s pretense of arrogant assurance, knowing it was an act meant to calm him. “Discounting the effects of this trial and its outcome? I say as much as I want Cissy as my lifemate, tread carefully. Though we are ready for her, she may not be ready for us. Know her heart before you ask, Diltan. We may get only one chance to convince her.”
* * * *
The courtroom was packed again the next morning. Wal noted the heightened sense of anticipation the moment he stepped out onto the panel’s platform. After hearing of the defections from their armed forces, he couldn’t help but look at the ranks of the Global Security officers that secured the court during high profile cases. There were more than the usual, along with the Royal Guards next to Imperial Father Yuder and up in the Imperial Family’s box.
Alien Indiscretions Page 38