by Paul Ormond
“It is agreed then,” Chancellor Andahar said, striking a gavel. “We will summon the High Priestess and state our case. I shall present the evidence to her holiness, and she may examine the perpetrator’s deeds as she sees fit. May the Gods have mercy on his soul.”
“Summon the priestess,” Minister Jorhalan shouted, and the congregation echoed his words before the hall fell silent.
After a few tense moments a drum beat filled the chamber, and a procession of men and women wearing brightly colored robes entered the room through the same doors Drak had passed through. Walking in lockstep, they marched down the wide aisle beating their drums in rhythm with their pace.
Following the drummers came several armed guards in white robes. They stepped to the side of the aisle, and the audience gasped as an impossibly tall woman wearing an illuminated white gown strode through the doors and paused. The ornaments attached to her headdress shook as she came to a stop.
“All hail the High Priestess,” Chancellor Andahar said before a priest near the altar struck a large gong.
“All hail the High Priestess,” the crowd said in unison while the Priestess moved down the aisle with long graceful strides.
Coming to a break in the pews, she made a right turn and followed a round aisle that led to the side of the room. She greeted the onlookers with solemn reverence as they gazed at her in awe. After circumventing the crowd, she passed down another aisle at the side of the room and ascended a short set of stairs. As the robed drummers continued their pulse-like beat, she made her way to the pulpit with her long gown trailing behind her.
The drumming ceased, and a hush came over the crowd after she took her place behind the lectern and looked out over her audience.
“My loyal subjects,” the Priestess said with solemn majesty. “It pains me to stand before you in this capacity. For I feel a profound guilt in my heart when I hear that we must try one of our own for the most heinous crime of treason against the state. When someone errs in such a foul way, I feel that I can only blame myself for such a disgrace. This is the weight of my duty. If it were up to me, I would have chosen a simple life, but I couldn’t deny the calling I felt in my heart to serve at the behest of the Gods. It is this calling that has placed me before you today. But it is a position I embrace wholeheartedly. It is my sworn duty to fulfill the will of our gods in the fullest capacity. That means I must take on tasks that would crush the faint of heart. But fear not, for, although the undertaking at hand fills me with dread, my heart is brimming with the love for our Gods. And I know they will allow me to do what is right for all. It is with this in mind that I will hear the case presented to me by Chancellor Andahar and her loyal ministers. Let us begin the trial of Drakon Trendago, charged with treason against the Divine Republic of Chalthantar.”
“Let us begin,” Chancellor Andahar said while she stood and bowed to the Priestess. Her accompanying ministers followed after and bowed in reverence of the priestess, who nodded at each minister in turn.
“Before we begin, I would like to say a prayer in honor of Goddess Keishu whose altar stands behind us,” the Priestess said before she gestured to the statue towering overhead. “Great Goddess, we look to you now for guidance in these troubling times. May you grant us the wisdom and insight we require to see to the heart of the matter. Through your divine capacity, deliver to us the truth and allow justice to be served. All present here are witness to your grace and knowledge and shower you with love. Hail Keishu, bringer of life and destroyer of worlds.”
“Hail Keishu,” the audience echoed as the gong was struck once more.
After several moments of silence, the priestess opened her eyes and looked to Chancellor Andahar seated at the table.
“Chancellor, it is time for us to begin the trail,” the priestess said. “You may present your evidence to me as you see fit.”
“Thank you, High Priestess and praise to the Goddess Keishu, may she bless us all with the strength to find our way through this difficult time,” Chancellor Andahar said after she rose from her chair. “Ladies and Gentleman, today is a grave day for Chalthantar. For we have come face to face with the dark underbelly of our society. The young man sitting in the chair before the altar of Keishu has been charged with the crime of treason. Before we get to the facts of his crime, let us examine the path he took to get to this point. Born to humble roots, Mr. Trendago came of age during our first contact with the Masters and the subsequent conflicts that followed this interaction. Like most Chalthantarians, he suffered unquestionable losses. As the disputes were settled and work orders were released, Drak was separated from his family and put to work in a mine alongside his comrades. Alone and angry, he encountered other young men and women who felt disadvantaged by their circumstances. As hard as the government fought to regain our status in relation to the Masters, there are others who disagree with our position. Defying the will of the people, they believe their vision of the world is right for all. They seek to eradicate any ties with the Masters and return our world to the time of old. In their eyes, our contact with the Masters is a blasphemy, and they believe we should cease contact with the network and create a new golden age on Chalthantar. This is the message that the enemies of our state spread to disgruntled men and women living within our society. They shower the disaffected with promises of glory under the Gods in order to draw their recruits into the fold. Once they are within their clutches, they are told of the horrors and atrocities the Masters have inflicted on our people, and that the only way to avenge these crimes is through violent means. Accepting this message, the newly radicalized recruit is willing to commit acts of terror in service to their overseer in the belief that they are acting upon the will of the Gods. It was using these tactics that members of the Revolutionary Guard of Chalthantar were able to lure Drakon Trendago into their web of lies and deceit and train him to fight against our state.”
“Do you have any proof of this recruitment?” the High Priestess asked.
“I do indeed, High Priestess,” Chancellor Andahar said while a holographic projection appeared overhead displaying an assortment of images and 3D motion. “Here you can see the recruitment materials the Revolutionary Guard of Chalthantar, or the RGC, uses to gain new members. These images and stories are designed to entice potential radicals to join the RGC. Enraged by what they see and read, angry young men and woman flock to these messages and lay down their swords at the feet of the RGC.”
“But in specific relation to Drakon Trendago, do you have any proof of his radicalization?”
“We have obtained the accused’s personal files and messages with contacts within the RGC. The subject matter of these communications is disturbing to say the least,” the Chancellor said before a new slide came into place on the screen. “Here we can see the messages sent between Drakon Trendago and his comrades in the RGC. I’ll play you a video of Drakon expressing his views. As disturbing as the content of the video is, I believe it is necessary that the court hears what Mr. Trendago feels deep in his heart, so we can better understand why he committed the crimes he is charged of.”
“It sounds horrible, but I agree with your approach,” the High Priestess said after a 3D image of Drak’s face appeared on the screen. “Let us see for ourselves, and may Keishu forgive us all.”
“My heart is filled with rage, my brothers and sisters,” Drak’s voice said while his face came to life on the screen. “We are living in a dark time. The Masters have taken our planet and enslaved our people. Those that we look to for protection have allied themselves with the Masters, leaving us to fight for freedom on our own. But I do not lose hope, for I know in my heart that the Gods favor the just and the universe is on our side. If this were not the case, we wouldn’t have found each other and we wouldn’t have been blessed with the weapons we use to fight against the Masters.”
“It is shocking to hear these words coming from the mouths of one of our own,” Chancellor Andahar said, cutting off the video. “But we now have a gr
eater understanding of Drakon’s mind as we move ahead with the proceedings. Minister Jorhalan, are you ready to present your evidence?”
“It troubles me to do so, but I am ready, Chancellor,” Minister Jorhalan said after he rose from his chair and stroked his beard. “What the Chancellor just presented allows us to see into the mind of the accused, but we must look into the facts that led up to the crime in question in order for the High Priestess to pass judgement.”
“Yes, we must hear the facts,” the Priestess echoed as she watched the Minister walk down the stairs to the tiled floor and approach Drak.
“As I share the facts with the court, I would like to question the accused. Do you have any objections to this?”
“If you feel it is necessary to present your evidence then proceed, but please stick to the facts. If you attempt to coerce a confession from Mr. Trendago I will intervene,” the High Priestess said.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way and there will not be any need for coercion because the facts speak for themselves,” Minister Jorhalan said before he turned to face Drak. “Drakon Trendago, you sit before us bound to a chair, a prisoner accused of a crime against our Republic. Being charged with treason would be enough to cripple a man, but here you sit seemingly unfazed by the proceedings. How do you plead to the accusation of treason?”
“Not guilty,” Drak said, and a wave of gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd.
“Not guilty?” The Minister asked. “If that is how you feel, then we accept this plea.”
“May I remind you not to coerce the prisoner, Minister Jorhalan,” the priestess said from above.
“Of course not, your worship. I was just making sure the accused is aware of what a plea of ‘not guilty’ means in the eyes of the court,” Minister Jorhalan said, looking toward the pulpit.
“I understand what it means and I stand by my plea,” Drak said.
“It appears that he understands the scope of the situation and the grave consequences that will follow,” the Minister said. “May I proceed with my questions?”
“You may, but I’d like you to remain as objective as possible.”
“I will do my best, your grace,” the Minister said, returning to Drak. “A not guilty plea means that you wish the court to believe you were not involved in the incident which took place in quadrant B37.”
“No comment,” Drak said.
“That is an interesting position to take considering the evidence we have to prove your involvement,” the Minister said while he flicked his wrist and the holographic display brought up a video feed of a large rectangular device.
“Just to reiterate before we go forward, I’d like to state that it has been proven already that Drakon Trendago was an active member of RGC and had been for some time before the incident we are about to show you. We have seen him express his radical views and his willingness to commit violent acts against the state. So there is no question that Mr. Trendago was acting under his own free will on the night of 11.23 quarter 4 in the Galactic year 32459.”
“We have seen Drak speak his views,” the priestess said. “But we have not seen him in action.”
“That is what we are about to witness, your worship,” the minister said before he looked up at the screen. “What we are looking at is an image pulled from a security device focused on a gateway generator developed by our military in partnership with the Masters’ forces. After hard-fought negotiations with the Masters in the aftermath of our initial conflict, we were able to secure access to the Masters’ portal technology in exchange for raw materials. This was seen as an agreeable set of terms on either side of the table, and both parties ratified the agreement. Under the Masters’ guidance, we built a portal of our own and were testing it under tight supervision. On the eve the mechanisms unveiling a breach was reported at the facility. This next video clip will show the court what happened next.”
With a simple gesture of his hand the Minister activated the image, and everybody in attendance leaned forward as the generator pulsed in a slow rhythm. After a few quiet moments, a figure crept in from the left and approached a console.
“I’d like to pause the video now. We can clearly see that an individual has entered the facility. Let’s all note the time and date displayed on the feed. On the date of 11.23.32459 at 3:17 our systems recorded a security breach at our facility. The individual was able to gain access using a stolen device containing top level security clearances. This device was provided by a member of our security that had fallen prey to the RGC’s propaganda. We have apprehended this individual, but they refused to testify in this court, further damning them to a lifetime of imprisonment. But that is beside the point,” the minister, looking out at his audience before turning to the Priestess. “I’m going to zoom in on a still image of the figure’s face. Let’s see if we can identify the perpetrator?”
Pulling his hands apart, the minister narrowed in on the face of the person on screen and the crowd gasped when Drak’s face came into focus.
“It is clear for all to see that the man sitting in the prisoners box is the same man seen in this image,” The Minister said while a flurry of hushed voices filled the room. “As damning as the image is, I’m afraid we are not finished. We have correctly identified the culprit, but we must continue watching in order to witness the criminal act that takes place next. Just let me zoom out and I will play the video in full. Before we watch, I must explain why what we are about to see is a crime and a most serious one at that. Interfering with military property for purposes other that what has been officially approved by the sitting assembly is considered ‘Acting Against the State’ and a treasonous offense. The court will see in a few moments that Drakon Trendago did exactly that. He illegally entered a military facility and commandeered our portal generator to serve the interests of the RGC. In doing so, Drakon Trendago violated our treaty alliance with the Masters and endangered us all.”
“We understand the seriousness of the crime, Minister Jorhalan,” the priestess interrupted. “Let us see Mr. Trendago commit this act with our own eyes. It is painful, but I must see it for myself and so should we all.”
“It is a sad day for our nation, indeed, but we must push forward in order to let the healing begin,” Minister Jorhalan said, dropping his head. “Together we shall get through this and we will be a stronger republic when it is all said and done. Without further ado, let us proceed.”
The minister raised his hands again and pushed forward, causing the video to continue.
Punching several commands into the console, Drak stepped toward the generator while a column of light appeared over the machine. In a flash, the beam expanded into a large circle, revealing an empty blackness beyond. As the circle expanded, Drak removed several items from his bag and placed them on the ground. Crouching down, he wired the items together while he continuously looked over his shoulder to see if anyone approached. After wiring the items, he placed his pack on his back and approached the dark circle towering over the generator. Electricity crackled along the edges of the portal as Drak made his way up a short ramp leading to the passage. Before he reached the opening, something caused him to look over his shoulder. Crouching down in a hurry, he narrowly missed being shot from an incoming orb of light lobbed in from off camera. Rising to his feet, he activated his device and fired at his unseen attackers. He shielded himself from another blast before he extended his arm in front of himself and fired at the items he had assembled on the floor. As several soldiers charged forward, a large explosion tore through the room. Fire and smoke engulfed the image, but Drak could clearly be seen diving into the blackness before the portal closed in on itself.
The Minister paused the video and backed it up to where Drak was about to pass through and zoomed in on his face again.
“As horrific as all of this was to witness, we must step back and analyze the facts, your grace,” the Minister said after he stepped away from the image. “The video has shown us that Drakon Trendago ill
egally accessed our facilities, hijacked our equipment and committed an act of sabotage. I do not think it is necessary for us to debate what we have all witnessed with our own eyes.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more, Minister Jorhalan,” the High Priestess said. “I thank you for your time and your careful presentation. If you don’t mind, it is time that I question the accused before passing my final judgement.”
“Not at all, your worship,” Minister Jorhalan said while he bowed before the priestess. “I am honored to serve on behalf of the people of Chalthantar, and it is my hope that justice will be done, and the honor of our state restored.”
“This is a belief that we both share,” the Priestess said before she turned to Drak. “I only have one question for you, Drakon Trendago. Do you have anything to say for yourself regarding these allegations?”
“I’m afraid anything I say will fall upon deaf ears,” Drak said. “This has been nothing more than a show trial. The verdict was decided long before I sat down in this chair.”
“Is this the message you wish to convey to the court?”
“No, I was only expressing my opinion of the proceedings.”
“Your opinion has been noted. I am giving you the opportunity to speak on your behalf before I passed judgment on this case. Do not ruin the opportunity to exonerate yourself and clear up any misunderstandings.”
“I only have one thing to say, and I address it to all the people of Chalthantar,” Drak said while he looked toward the crowd with defiant eyes. “What you all witnessed in that video was the truth. I acted on my own, and I was not forced to do so in any way. But I did what I did in order to free our people from the Masters’ control. No matter what any member of this government says, we will never be free until we break away from the Masters’ control. They will continue to take and take until there is nothing left. On my journey through the multi-verse I witnessed the destruction they are capable of and the impunity within which they operate. If we continue to serve their interests, we will suffer the same fate as so many other civilizations that fell victim to the Masters’ lies. I will not stop fighting them and neither should any Chalthantarian that values their freedom and way of life.”