Timestar

by Robert George Mertens

  "They're your imperial escorts, of course. They'll show you they way to the courtroom. I'll show you the way when we're in the courtroom."

  They arrived at the Hall of Courts early, went in, and were seated. Trong stood guard inside the entrance to the courtroom.

  "The Imperial Slave Court, Imperial SubMagistrate Eanetrexe presiding, is in session. The defendant will enter. The court is advised that all witnesses and evidence are present."

  At once, Frank realized what this was all about. His suspicions were confirmed when he saw the slave called Tog brought in bound, and under heavy guard. Frank had no desire to testify against this slave. But it was too late. He had already agreed to come here and testify.

  "I do not wish to testify against this defendant," he whispered to his lawyer.

  "No problem," the Iskolian lawyer whispered back, "I think I can get you out of it."

  "Try," Frank insisted.

  Frank looked around the courtroom as the trial proceedings opened and recognized Lord Wellum in the room. He appeared stern and confident.

  "What's he doing here?" Frank asked Gedibeh.

  "He's the head of the ISS—Imperial Slave Security. The slave being tried here today is the most dangerous one on Iskol. He's the head of the slave rebellion. They've been trying to catch him for a long time. There's a great deal of evidence and testimony against him, but they'll only try him enough to get the death penalty. It won't take long."

  "What's his crime?"

  "Murder. But they won't try him for that. They can't prove it in the court. Too much protection under the law. They'll find him guilty of sedition. That's sufficient for the death penalty."

  The first witness was another slave.

  "Please state your name," the prosecutor asked.

  "Loongta," the slave answered.

  Frank recognized this slave from his meeting with Tog.

  "What is your occupation?"

  "I'm an undercover investigator for the ISS. I'm a Drolmian."

  It was not a slave! But how? Frank saw the alien pierce its skin and draw blood with a knife. Tog had insisted that Drolmians could not do that.

  The testimony went on for a while. Tog looked up and saw Frank sitting in the courtroom. Frank saw that Tog had the look of resolve on his face. He was ready to die for his cause. The testimony went on.

  "And do you see that person in this courtroom?"

  "Yes."

  "Point to him, please."

  The Drolmian pointed at Frank, and everyone in the room looked at him.

  "He is the one the slaves call the 'Chosen One'?"

  "Yes."

  "What is the 'Chosen One' supposed to do?"

  "Lead the Relmish slaves to freedom by violent rebellion."

  Frank was enraged. He had heard nothing of any call to violence. The trial went on.

  "… and what were the defendant's exact words?"

  "He said, 'I'm the leader of the slave rebellion'."

  "Honorable Magistrate, I present to you, evidence in support of this testimony, Exhibit 19, which is a record of this conversation. The court investigators have examined the record, and found it in compliance with the anti-tampering regulations.

  Frank watched as a holographic projection of his meeting was played through in its entirety. Then the defendant showed how the Drolmian was able to fool the rebel slaves in the test of blood. It turned out to be a hollowed-out knife, containing a special liquid the color of blood. When the knife was held in a special way, the liquid would come out through the end. The Drolmian had to actually cut himself to make it look real, but blood-colored liquid came from the knife-tip itself. Then the liquid would fill the wound, a real wound, and eventually make it look like a Relmish scar as it healed. The error the Relmish had made was to allow each rebel cut himself with his own knife. This was a closely guarded ISS secret. But Tog would not live long enough to tell his comrades about it.

  The witness was cross-examined and eventually his testimony was finished. Frank was called next.

  "Honorable Magistrate," Gedibeh called, standing.

  "State your name and business."

  "I am Gedibeh, legal representative to the witness Frank Jameson."

  "What is your relevancy?" the judge said, dully.

  "I invoke the Law of Courts under the auspices of Favorable Passage in the name of my client."

  "What are your basis'?"

  "Ambassadorial status in the Law of Courts under Truth of Witness, and Objectability in Favorable Passages."

  "One moment…" the judge looked at something hidden on top of his desk, fiddled with something, and spoke again.

  "Ambassadorial status is confirmed by the Head of States, but Objectability is undetermined. Can you show this?" The judge was unperturbed.

  "I can, Magistrate."

  "Get on with it."

  Whatever Frank's lawyer had said had turned Lord Wellum a different color. Frank guessed that Lord Wellum was furious about this.

  "Take the stand," Gedibeh said to Frank.

  Frank was a little uncertain of what was expected of him, but went to the witness chair and sat down anyway.

  Gedibeh asked the first question, "State your name please."

  "Frank Jameson."

  "Do you firmly believe in and support the freedom of individuals of all sentient races and species?"

  "I do," Frank answered.

  "Do you denounce all forms of captivity of sentient races and species for purposes of permanent servitude, slavery or thralldom?"

  "I do."

  "Did you recently take into possession one female slave named 'Sahn’?"

  "Yes."

  "The slave was a gift. Was it not?"

  "She was." Frank tried to figure out was his lawyer was up to. Whatever it was, he had done his homework.

  "What were the first words you said to this slave?"

  "I said, 'You're free.' to her."

  "And did you free her?"

  "I've given her free choice in her life decisions."

  "Did you free her?" Gedibeh asked again.

  "Yes."

  "Thank you. Your witness."

  The prosecutor arose from his seat and approached Frank.

  "Frank Jameson, you've just stated that you accepted a slave into your ownership, and then set her free. Where is this slave, now?"

  "There is no slave. The Relmish person Sahn is on my starship above the planet."

  "With you, then?"

  "Yes," Frank answered.

  "When you set this slave free, how did you do it?"

  "I gave her choices."

  "What sort of choices?"

  "I've offered her free transport to any place she chooses."

  "Has she chosen a place?"

  "No."

  "Very convenient."

  "Rule of Courts, Magistrate," Gedibeh interrupted.

  "Carried," the judge agreed.

  "Forgive me, Magistrate," the prosecutor continued, "Does the slave work now?"

  "Rule of Courts, Magistrate; Contradictions." Gedibeh interrupted again.

  "Carried."

  "Let me re-phrase. Does the… Relmish person work now?"

  "Yes."

  "Where?"

  "Aboard my starship."

  "Do you pay her?"

  "No, I don't."

  "I submit then, under the lawful definitions of servitude and thralldom, that this Relmish person is still a slave, and you are her owner." the prosecutor proclaimed.

  "No, she isn't, she works—"

  "As do all the people aboard your starship."

  "No, they don't! None of them do!"

  "I understand there are nine females of your species that travel with you. Is that correct?"

  "Yes."

  "Do you pay them?"

  "Of course not. They're with me by choice."

  "Do they work for you?"

  "By choice, yes."

  "Yes or no?"

  "Yes." The prosecutor had also don
e his homework. What were they trying to establish here, Frank wondered?

  "Then I submit that not only did you acquire the female Relmish person for use as a slave, but also you came to this planet in ownership of nine other slaves to begin with."

  "That's not true—"

  "And then you came into this courtroom and had the gall to insist that you completely denounce all forms of servitude and thralldom. How do you account for yourself."

  "These people work for themselves. No one is forced to work."

  "A moment ago you told me they work for you."

  "They do so of their own free will."

  "Do they? We only have your word on that."

  "Truth of Witness, Magistrate," Gedibeh insisted.

  "Denied. Not yet proven," the Magistrate disagreed.

  "I have no further questions for this witness, Magistrate," the prosecutor said.

  "Counsel, you've failed to prove your case," the Magistrate said, "can you present any other arguments?"

  "I can, Magistrate. I invoke Truth in Testimony and have two more witnesses," Gedibeh replied.

  "Carried. Please proceed."

  "I call the witness 'Maria Volterra'."

  Frank looked around to see Maria sitting at the back of the courtroom and Sahn sitting next to her. They both waved and smiled at him. He waved back, somewhat confused. Mangle was standing next to Trong at the entrance to the courtroom, and now a third warbot, apparently Sahn's escort, was with them.

  Maria took the stand and Gedibeh questioned her.

  "Do you work for Frank Jameson?"

  "I do."

  "What is your relationship with him?"

  "I am a crewmember aboard his vessel and one of his consorts."

  "Are the eight other females of your species, aboard his starship also his consorts?"

  "Yes, they are."

  "Are you remunerated for the work you do for Frank Jameson?"

  "No."

  "Then why do you work for him?"

  "Out of love, mostly. But also for the knowledge and experience that he offers me."

  "Are you forced to do any work?"

  "Of course not."

  "Can you leave him at any time you desire?"

  "Yes. I wouldn't want to right now, but if I chose, he'd return me to my home as early as he could."

  "Then you're not a slave or servant to him?"

  "No, absolutely not."

  "On your world, is it a traditional and acceptable condition to have consorts and not make monetary compensation."

  "Yes, it is. Ordinarily, though, the male is expected to provide support and security for his female, though it's common to have it the other way around," Maria answered.

  "Then does Frank Jameson also work for you?"

  "Yes, he does."

  "Then you have a mutual agreement to work for one another without monetary compensation, and you're not bound permanently in this agreement?"

  "That is correct."

  "I have no further questions for this witness, Magistrate. I invoke the Rule of Special Conditions for Aliens for Conjugal Relations, and submit to the court that this person is not, in fact, a servant, slave or thrall," Gedibeh explained.

  "I have no questions for this witness, Magistrate," the prosecutor said.

  "Very good. The court accepts the supporting testimony and agrees to Objectability in Favorable Passages, with regards to the Terran females that are consort to the primary witness. You've yet to show that the Relmish female is not a slave, Gedibeh."

  "Yes, Magistrate. I call 'Sahn' to witness and give testimony." Frank watched as Sahn walked down and took the witness chair.

  "Please state your name."

  "I am Sahn of Relm."

  "What is your occupation, Sahn?"

  "I have no occupation right now."

  "Sahn, are you aware that under Rule of Courts, a slave may testify against his master, and subsequently has the right to select a new master?"

  "I am aware of this rule, sir."

  "Then you know you have nothing to fear from testifying against him?"

  "Yes, I know," Sahn replied.

  "What was your previous occupation?"

  "I was an Imperial Slave. I was a kitchen servant in the Imperial Palace."

  "And how did you come to know Frank Jameson?"

  "The Emperor gave me to him as a gift."

  "And what did Frank Jameson say to you just as he received you as a, gift?"

  "He said, 'You're free."'

  "How did you respond?"

  "I begged him to keep me as his slave."

  "Why?"

  "Because I had nowhere to go. There is no place I know of where I can be free and still be with my own kind."

  "And what was his response?"

  "He refused to keep me as his slave, but said that he would protect, house and feed me until my problem could be resolved."

  "Then you're not his slave, thrall or servant in any way."

  "No, I'm not."

  "Do you work for him?"

  "I do."

  "Why?"

  "I am thankful for his help," Sahn responded.

  "Does he require you to work, or make any demands on you?"

  "No, none."

  "I have no more questions for this witness, Magistrate," Gedibeh announced, "And submit to the court that my client is proven and supported in Truth of Witness and Objectability in Favorable Passages."

  "The prosecution has no questions for this witness at the present time, Magistrate, but asks the court for issuance of subpoena for the Relmish person 'Sahn' as a primary witness."

  "Rule of Courts, Magistrate," Gedibeh declared, "the witness is subpoenaed to support testimony of a primary witness, not as a primary witness."

  "Carried, but subpoena is forthwith issued. The person will be subpoenaed as a primary witness, the officer of the court will deliver it immediately," the judge ordered.

  "Rule of Courts, Magistrate. The person 'Sahn' has entered unto the court under the rules of protection for Initial Conditions."

  "Initial Conditions?" the prosecutor questioned.

  "Yes. The secondary witness, Sahn, is no longer a resident or possession of this world and has the right to decline the subpoena."

  "But under Iskolian Law the starship in which she now resides in Iskolian-controlled space, and as such, Initial Conditions do not hold," the prosecutor insisted.

  "The rules of Initial Conditions are set up under Galactic Treaty which sets a much lower limit, Magistrate," Gedibeh responded.

  During this time, the judge was busy with something on top of his desk. Apparently he was trying to access computer information which verified either of the arguments. He finally gave his answer.

  "Rule of Protection under Initial Conditions is carried," the judge ordered, "The person Sahn has the right to decline the subpoena."

  "Magistrate."

  "Gedibeh?"

  "My client wishes to consult with me. I request a short recess."

  "So ordered. The court will wait for you to return."

  Frank, Maria, Sahn and Gedibeh stepped out of the courtroom, along with their respective protectors.

  "Everything is arranged Frank Jameson. It is now up to you and Sahn whether the rebellious slave Tog lives or dies. If either of you testifies, the court and the prosecutor will have sufficient evidence and testimony to have him put to death. As it stands now, they have enough to send him to work in the deep mines for the remainder of his life. What is your wish, Frank Jameson?"

  "I wish to have him spared," Frank answered.

  "And you Sahn?"

  "I do not wish him to die."

  Frank could tell the lawyer did not like doing this.

  "You do realize this slave is a murderer?"

  "That's not proven yet," Frank answered.

  "As you wish. We have no desire to displease our clients. At any rate, after a few days in the deep mines, he'll wish they'd killed him. Here is what you must do then; Sah
n, you will decline the subpoena. That is your right. You won't be made to testify. Frank Jameson, the court will shortly grant you Objectability in Favorable Passages."

  "What does that mean?" Frank asked, confused.

  "It means that you will have to take the witness stand and testify, but you don't have to answer any question you don't want to. Your best bet is to refuse to answer any and all questions. You will be legally allowed to do this. Once you're there, I can't help you. It'll all be up to the slave's defense representative to ask the right questions. If he's smart, he won't ask any."

  They went back into the courtroom and sat down.

  "If everyone is prepared?"

  Gedibeh, the prosecutor and the defense nodded.

  "This court rules that the Primary Witness, Frank Jameson shall be granted Objectability in Favorable Passages and Truth of Witness," the judge announced.

  Gedibeh looked at Frank smugly.

  "The prosecutor will continue."

  "I call to the stand, Primary Witness Frank Jameson." Frank went up and took the stand again.

  "Please state your name."

  "Frank Jameson."

  "Frank Jameson, have you ever before seen that slave?" the prosecutor asked, pointing at Tog.

  "I decline to answer the question," Frank answered, and the courtroom filled with murmuring. Frank saw Lord Wellum and could tell he was holding back rage.

  The prosecutor was unabated. "Do you recognize the events precipitated within this image?" The holographic image of the meeting between him and Tog was played back again.

  "I decline to answer the question," Frank said, again.

  "Were you ever in this store?" An image of the store he and Maria had gone into was shown, with him and Maria walking into it.

  "I decline to answer the question."

  "Do you deny that this is an image of yourself?" the prosecutor asked, pointing to the image of Frank in the holograph.

  "I decline to answer the question," Frank held.

  "Magistrate, the witness has declined all of my questions, and I presume he will continue to do so. It is an unexpected situation in my presentation, and the court will forgive me for not fulfilling the requisites for a Class I conviction. Consequently, I hereby ask the court for a change of Intent to Prosecute for a Class II conviction."

  "Granted. Does the defense wish to cross-examine the witness?"

  "No, Magistrate," Tog's lawyer replied.

  "Are there any further witnesses?"

  "No."

  "No."

  "Any further evidence?"