Sons of Abraham: J-17's Trial

by JOSEPH RAY

  “I’ll talk to Quaid,” she continued. “I don’t care about selling what’s on that datapad anymore. You’re part of this crew as far as I’m concerned. Wherever you need to go to get your head unblocked is where we go. You take care of us and we’re going to take care of you, you got that?”

  He nodded as her hand slipped off his chest. It took a moment before he realized her hand was still hanging out, waiting. He reached out with his own, shaking her hand.

  “Best deal I’ve been offered in centuries,” he replied.

  *************************

  I.I.U. Agent Nathan Calloway brought his ship to a merciful landing, the engines screaming and pleading for him to ease off the throttle for the last six rings. Smoke swirled out from the right engine as he exited the rear of the ship, a military transport already waiting for him just beyond the platform. Two techs raced towards him, muttering something under their breath as they went to work on the heap behind him.

  The military transport was not as fancy as those on Parasus were. It was an enclosed vehicle, with three sets of doors running the length of the truck. Nathan chose the front passenger when he realized there were no other soldiers or military personnel whom would accompany him to the military hearing.

  The driver was a pleasant girl, early twenties by his deduction. Her dark red hair was pulled back in a tail underneath her black hat. Unlike other personnel, the guards on the base wore all black, with heavy canvas armor and making no effort to conceal their weapons. Her face was small, with rounded cheeks and a tiny upturned nose. She glanced over at him once, her green eyes reflecting the sun’s rays before returning her focus to the road ahead of them. Traffic was light today, thankfully, taking precious minutes off the travel time to the hearing.

  Calloway cursed under his breath as he fumbled with the buttons on his dress shirt. The dark gray shirt pulled over left to right, buttoning over his right nipple with large metal discs that had to be forced through tight holes on the other side. He never cared for the dress clothes, always feeling out of his own skin when he wore them. Today, however, he would gladly take the discomfort if it meant being there for an old friend.

  He took the lift on the exterior of the building after the truck came to a halt. He thanked the security officer for the lift though he didn’t wait for her to reply. She was pretty, but far too young for someone of his age. Military girls tended to be a little too independent for his liking anyways, a lesson he’d learned the hard way many times.

  The glass lift scaled the side of the building, offering him a clear view of the African city. All the buildings were military, stretching out as far as his eyes could see. They were all built with the same sand-colored stones, shipped in from some other planet years ago. The city seemed slow today, perhaps too interested in the events that were about to occur to be scurrying around the streets like ants. In the history of their people, no third gen Cyber had been placed on trial. Their programming voided any signs of personal feelings or beliefs, making it impossible for them to act outside of their programming and protocols. MA Joseph, it seemed, was going to become the first exception.

  The lift stopped at the top, fifteen floors up by Nathan’s best guess. The door slid open behind him as he entered the long corridor. It was wide enough for twenty people to stand shoulder to shoulder and still have room on each side. The floors were light gray, with dark, almost black tiles lining the edges near the walls. The walls themselves mirrored the floors, black tile trim, reflecting the lights from above, with duller light gray tiles making up the majority of the wall’s covering. There were skylights above, each lined with a row of soft lights for when the darkness came. A few stone benches rested between the metal doors on both sides, with a computer terminal every thirty feet. The entrance to the chamber consisted of two massive doors, tall and wide enough for one to pilot a mech through to the other side. He wondered if that was what they had in mind when they built the place.

  Two male guards, both in full combat gear, stood by the ridiculously large doors. One of them checked his credentials, quickly realizing that the man was summoned to testify in the courtroom behind them. The other guard wasted no time, pressing a button on his wrist that forced the huge doors to slide open. The doors didn’t disappear into a pocket on either side, rather they slid away from the frame a foot, and then slid down the exterior wall. It reminded Nathan of the cockpit on Joseph’s Hermes, a sight he hoped to see again someday.

  The room was nothing if not intimidating. Like the hallway, the courtroom stretched on much further than such a room needed. The walls and the floors matched the hall, but with rows of padded benches on both sides. Beyond the benches was a glass wall, roughly as tall as Nathan’s hip, separating the audience from the proceedings. Two simple tables rested on the other side of the glass barrier, one for the accused and one for the prosecution. Balconies lined the upper half of the walls, with little lighting to display their occupants. At the far end, tiled steps led up to the judge’s podium, with two enormous banners hanging from the ceiling. The banners were gray, with the black symbol of an eagle on one, and a planet on the other. The skylights from above were clear, unlike the red-glassed windows from Parasus.

  The room was filled to capacity as everyone wanted to see the circus unfold before them. Guards in armor lined the walls, their rifles resting against their shoulders as they stood at attention. Unlike the guards from the hallway, they wore black helmets, their face shields opened to show a small portion of their faces. Nathan quickly noted that they were all male, and all Caucasian. The thought disturbed him, though he hadn’t a clue as to why.

  From the left table, Nathan could make out MA Joseph, seated next to Major David Ballistar. David was an old friend of Nathan’s, a relationship that went back to his playing days in college. Ballistar kept up with his alumni, taking an interest in the young player from the same small town as he. Over the years, their relationship came and went, a sign of how military life treated its employees. Still, they’d managed to stay in touch, always getting together during the holidays to catch up on the events of the year.

  The right table offered a sight that Nathan wished not to see. Norman Voss was a tiny, annoying little man with no regard to manners or proper behavior. He was glad to see that he’d chosen a black suit today, and thus a black wig that was slicked backwards. Nathan also recognized the red silk robe seated to the little man’s right, most likely some dignitary from Parasus. Calloway looked up at the balconies, wondering if King Isom was sitting somewhere above him.

  A faint ping played over the speakers, indicating that the trial was about to begin. Nathan scanned the benches, looking for an empty seat. He found one on the far left side of the room, right next to one of the guards. As quietly as he could manage, he hurried around the benches, his dress shoes clicking off the slick tiles beneath his feet. He found his seat just a moment before the entire room stood up, signifying the Judge entering the room. Nathan tried not to laugh as he’d sat down for only a second before having to rise once more.

  “Judge Trinidad Mathis,” a voice indicated over the speaker.

  Mathis, Nathan thought to himself as the room waited for the elderly man to reach the podium. The thin man looked like a walking skeleton, his eyes buried deep in their sockets, his cheek bones threatening to pierce his skin, a tight lip barely noticeable upon his mouth, and gray hair that was swept backwards over his scalp. His looks were deceiving though. Judge Mathis may look frail, but he was hard as nails. A lesson Nathan had witnessed firsthand on more than one occasion.

  “You may be seated,” Mathis stated in a monotone, deep voice through an unseen microphone.

  The room collapsed upon their seats, though everyone at the tables remained standing. The Parasus dignitary was a woman, much to Calloway’s surprise. Her hair was light and her figure was flattering despite the loose robe that was tied around her. For a brief second, he found himself wishing to see her face. He shook the thought away, reminding himself
of how arrogant everyone on Parasus seemed to act. Even the most beautiful face was wretched when their personality was foul. Another lesson he had to learn the hard way, more often than he was willing to admit.

  “The charges are brought forth upon Military Advisor J-17, whom shall be called Joseph for these proceedings,” Mathis started.

  Nathan smiled, glad to see that they were using his name rather than his coding. That would play well with the jury.

  “The charges are murder, in the first degree. These charges have been brought upon Joseph by King Isom himself, whom is present for this hearing.”

  Nathan could see shuffling from the balcony to his right, indicating that the King and the Prince were likely sitting above them. He was sure they enjoyed their perch, looking down upon the common people.

  “King Isom has called upon Natalie Sonasa, of Parasus, to represent their interest upon the matter. Do you accept this responsibility Ms. Sonasa?”

  “I do your Honor,” the woman stated in a clear, soothing voice.

  “Very well. Norman Voss has been elected to represent the prosecution, with Major David Ballistar representing the accused. The evidence has been brought before me. At this point and time, I see no reason not to proceed with this hearing. What is the plea of the accused?”

  “Military Advisor Joseph has pled ‘Not Guilty,’ your Honor,” David stated loudly, with heavy emphasis on the plea.

  “Very well. The prosecution may make his opening statement.”

  Norman Voss stood from his metal chair, though he seemed to rise no higher than he was from a seated position. The man placed his hands behind his back, slowly stalking over to the row of jurors against the right wall. Nathan took notice of the jury for the first time. All of them were in military uniform, the same dress garbs as his, though they looked much more comfortable wearing them. He instantly recognized many of them to be Cybers. Confusion settled in. Why would they want Cybers as jurors? They weren’t programmed to make such decisions.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, your Honor, and to all whom are present today,” Norman started, his high voice ringing off the walls. “We are here today to seek justice. Justice for Lord Baron Elsmere of Parasus, whom I shall prove beyond any doubt, was murdered in cold blood by the Cyber seated before you. This murder was unprovoked and unwarranted. MA Joseph, or J-17, had not received any orders to act in violence by his superiors, nor was the advisor acting in self-preservation.”

  Nathan suddenly realized how he’d recognized many of the Cybers. They were from the ‘J’ series, the same group as Joseph.

  “I do not make light of this situation,” Norman continued. “Some may see this as a simple, random act, or perhaps as a malfunction on the part of J-17. What I see, however, is a troubling possibility of what may come. A Cyber, acting outside of its programming, is a dangerous thing. Not since the age of the second generation Cybers have we witnessed such examples of cruelty. J-17 represents the first of any third generation Cyber to have charges brought for against them. Is this a single incident, or a sign of a storm upon the horizon? The defense will attempt to confuse you, claiming that J-17 acted within his protocols and was within his rights when he shot Lord Elsmere. Do not allow their trickery to deceive you. We will only show the facts, and not waste this court’s time with such words as instinct, duty, and justice. You will see this Cyber’s programming, as examined by trusted and skilled technicians. These technicians will testify that J-17 acted outside of his protocols, and we will prove it guilty of murder. Thank you.”

  The man sat down in his chair, a stir of side conversations unleashing throughout the room. Judge Mathis looked around the room, displeased with the constant hum of conversation.

  “Silence,” he rang. “The defense may now speak.”

  Major David Ballistar stood from his metal chair, his frame casting a shadow on the prosecution’s table as he made for the jury. Unlike Norman, he held his hands out before him, clasping one over the other as his dress shoes clicked off the slick tiles.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen,” he started, his gruff voice echoing throughout the chamber. “Military Advisor Joseph is a decorated officer. For the last ten years, he has lived and breathed protocol, sticking to his programming upon every turn. His record is exemplary, even going so far as to be requested when allying planets are in need of military assistance. If every planet, other than Parasus, requested MA Joseph’s presence when criminals escape their capacity, does it not paint a fair picture of the man’s valor? My client does not deny killing Lord Elsmere….”

  Panicked conversations broke out amongst the room. Judge Mathis picked up a metal block on the podium, slamming it down upon a marble cylinder that boomed off the walls. The people quickly drew silent.

  “My client, however, did not MURDER the man. A threat was placed upon the lives of innocent victims, by Lord Elsmere himself. My client sought to protect these innocent souls, keeping the monster at bay. His duty is to protect and serve the Earth alliance, and all her people, wherever they may call home. MA Joseph acted out of mercy for these poor souls, not out of bloodlust or hatred towards the deceased. The people of Parasus are within their rights to question the actions of MA Joseph, but I shall prove that he acted within his protocols, within his programming, and with valor, few could claim to possess. Thank you.”

  Hushed whispers fell over the crowd as David Ballistar returned to his seat. The light from the skylights shined off the man’s red skin, giving an ominous glow to his appearance. Nathan smiled, pleased to know that the best man was on the job.

  “You may call your first witness, Prosecutor.”

  Norman Voss stood from his seat, facing Judge Mathis.

  “The prosecution calls upon I.I.U. Agent Nathan Calloway, your Honor.”

  Nathan closed his eyes, attempting to calm his nerves as he stood up. A guard came to him, motioning for him to walk around the benches, and to the short gate in the middle of the glass divider. He followed the guard’s wishes, making for the small gate and proceeding through the room. He tried not to glance at Joseph, not wanting to indicate that he was on the Cyber’s side. Such a sign could cause more harm than good. He needed to remain professional, for Joseph’s sake.

  A short woman stepped out from the corner of the room, wrapping a band around Nathan’s wrist. The band illuminated when their ends met, indicating that it was ready for his testimony. A screen lit up behind him, displaying his vital signs for everyone to see. He needn’t turn around to know that his heart rate was high. He took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself.

  “Please state your name and title,” Voss ordered kindly.

  “InterPlanetary Investigator Unit Agent Nathan Calloway,” he replied.

  The lines on the display remained flat, indicating that he was speaking the truth.

  “Very good,” the little man continued. “In your own words, Agent Calloway, please describe what happened on the day in question.”

  “We were called to Parasus to investigate a complaint made by Lord Elsmere,” Nathan responded, trying to sound calm and reassuring. “I arrived before MA Joseph and waited for him on the platform near the capital…”

  “And how long was it before J-17 arrived?” Norman interrupted.

  Nathan swallowed hard, understanding where the question was leading him. Still, he had little choice but to respond.

  “Joseph arrived approximately four hours later, best I can recall,” he replied. The lines on the screen tilted.

  “Do you mean to say four hours and fifty-seven minutes, Agent Calloway?”

  “If that was the true time, I wasn’t keeping track.”

  “You may skip to what happened in presence of the deceased. We won’t waste time telling of how you traveled to the capital building in a transport.”

  Nathan became unnerved, realizing that the man was deliberately skipping the part where the guards disarmed the MA, and attempted to order him off the planet.

  “We met with Lord El
smere and received his official complaint,” he replied.

  “And whom else, other than J-17, were present in the chambers of the deceased?”

  “There was Terrance, though I never learned his last name. I believe he is, or was, Lord Elsmere’s personal assistant. There was also Lura, Ira, and Zulanna Koranth, as well as two of Elsmere’s guards.”

  “Very well,” Norman stated. “Do you see any of those people in this courtroom today?”

  Nathan looked over the crowd, recognizing the foul sight of Terrance seated behind the prosecutor’s table, but no sign of Yomiel’s daughters. A sight he was most pleased to notice.

  “Just Terrance, no others. Though I can’t say I would recognize the guards in different attire.”

  “I see,” Norman continued. “Do you know the location of Lura, Ira, and Zulanna Koranth, Agent Calloway?”

  “No. The last time I saw them was on Mesa, reuniting with their oldest sister and their father.”

  “Whom did you leave them with, Agent Calloway?”

  Nathan tried not to frown, knowing that the next words from his mouth would not aid Joseph’s case. Still, he had little choice but to reply.

  “I left them in the care of MA Joseph. I know not what happened to them afterwards.”

  “Very good. I have no further questions your honor.”

  Norman Voss returned to his seat, just as Major Ballistar was standing from his. David wasted no time, beginning to speak before he finished his short trip.

  “Agent Calloway, can you recall how the girls came to be in the Lord’s chambers?”

  Nathan tried not to smile.

  “I do. They were his slaves.”

  The crowd gasped, causing Judge Mathis to slam his gavel upon the podium once more.

  “Objection your Honor!” Norman yelled. “The word ‘slave’ does not exist within the Parasus culture. Using such a word leads the jury to false presumptions.”

  “My apologies,” David responded. “How would the representative from Parasus prefer to label the daughters of Yomiel Koranth?”