Master Tree challenged once again and cross-examined her testimony. “We have already proven that your personal statements are suspect and cannot be assumed to be taken as fact. Just because you say something does not make it true. Other than your questionable word, you do not have any proof that you killed High Master Vane in self-defense. Do you? That’s all you have, isn’t it?”
Naero lifted her chin high. “I am a Spacer. I am my honor, and my word.”
“I call up vidcam feeds from around the now-missing Mystic Homeworld planet of Janosha and the events that took place during the attack there. Many here have already witnessed this footage. To those who are seeing this for the first time, I would call it illuminating.”
Even Naero watched as she rocketed up from the surface of the planet, swelling up larger and larger into her Dark Beast form when it went out of control.
Everyone watched as she single-handedly destroyed the enemy invasion fleet. The massive Cosmic explosion occurred and then she shrank back down.
“That,” Master Tree announced, “is the monster that Naero Maeris is capable of transforming into. So, as it turns out, Master Vane was exactly correct about one thing. He was right. Naero Maeris is a monster; she is a danger to all. Look on and see for yourself.”
However Naero and Master Jo tried to explain those past images away, and how she was learning to control herself and all of her abilities with the help of the Mystics, the jury was left with those frightening images of Naero and her Dark Beast out of control.
3
On the third day of Naero’s trial the prosecution and the defense made their final, closing statements.
Master Jo spoke first, for the defense.
“In the final analysis, I would both conclude and insist that Naero Amashin Maeris has proven herself time and time again to be an honorable Spacer, and that her word is without question. She is also vital to the survival of her people in many important ways. Naero Amashin Maeris is a noble, invaluable warrior and a proven leader who has served the Clans and the Alliance well, in both peacetime and war. She is a Mystic Champion who is now part of the great and mysterious Cosmic Prophecy, long foretold. There is still so little that we do not know about those prophecies; who can say what vital role she might play in the end?”
Master Jo paced a bit. “And on a very basic level, she is a Spacer, like all of us. As such, she has the right of all Spacers and all sentients to defend herself, to the death, against anyone who attempts to kill her. Reluctantly, she resorted to lethal force only after High Master Vane attacked her with the intent to destroy her and take her life. He kept up his attacks, even after she had tried to get away from him and begged him repeatedly not to attack her.
“She cannot not be convicted of murder for defending her own life against someone trying to kill her. Those are all many good reasons why you must see fit to exonerate her of these erroneous charges. We cannot take the life of this amazing, and valiant hero.”
The defense finally rested.
Master Tree was given the final word in the trial for the prosecution.
“Hero? First, let me also revisit the reckless side of this renegade, outlaw Spacer, who fled from justice and had to be brought back by force to face her crimes, bound in shackles, in order to keep her from getting away once again. On several occasions, Naero Amashin Maeris has proven herself to be dangerous, unpredictable, and out of control. By her own words, she has more than once declared that if she ever lost control and became a threat to any of her people, she should be put down–and destroyed.
“The cold-blooded murder of a High Mystic Master has not demonstrated this fact readily enough? Beyond all doubt? If she can slay a High Master of the Mystics so easily, how much more is she a danger to all? And she even admits that she cannot control her abilities. Her very existence has become such a clear and present threat that it cannot be ignored and must be dealt with. I repeat, she has admitted on several occasions that her powers can go out of control and be very dangerous.
“Next, she also clearly admits that she killed Master Vane. Now, of her own accord, she claims that she killed him in self defense. But she has thus far presented no single shred of proof of that. She claims that Master Vane attacked her, attempted to kill her, and that she killed him–as she now conveniently claims–in so-called self defense. And I remind everyone in this court, once again: it does not matter who she is, what she is, or whatever else she has done. No one is above Spacer Law.
“Not even the infamous Naero Amashin Maeris.”
Tree took in a breath and clasped his hands behind his back. “What are the facts, therefore? A High Mystic Master lies dead, murdered by his own student who openly stated that she could not stand him. Who openly admitted that she killed him. Nothing else can be proven, beyond those facts. Nothing else exists as fact. And this case must only be decided by the facts, the decision based solely upon the facts. Nothing else.
“A Spacer on trial for her life could readily claim and say anything. Merely stating something does not make it true. That does not prove it to be fact. According to the facts of what is known, Naero Amashin Maeris is clearly guilty of murder, and will undoubtedly say and do anything possible in order to get away with her crime. As anyone logically would, in order to escape punishment, justice, and execution.”
Naero fumed. Haisha! What the hell did they expect her to say? Yes, I offed the asshole, I loved it, and I’m a fricking monster? Go ahead and kill me?
I wish that weren’t so painfully funny, Naero.
Me too, Om.
Master Tree went on to demand that the jury uphold one of the key tenets of Spacer Law and Spacer society:
“Spacers do not murder other Spacers and take their lives! Naero Amashin Maeris is not above that law. Naero Amashin Maeris broke that solemn law. And like it or not, the law demands justice. There is no way around that law and no way to escape it. That law demands that she face the ultimate punishment for her being guilty of committing the ultimate crime!”
Tree emphasized his final point with a single, upraised index finger. “That punishment is immediate death, by execution. To be carried out by beheading, at the hands and the blade of the Mystic Enforcer!”
The prosecution rested its case.
Admiral Klyne looked slightly pale as he instructed the jury of Mystic Elders to decide the case and announce their decision after their period of deliberation.
Naero went back to her cell in silence feeling sick, unable to meet Khai’s utterly heartbroken glance. She felt stunned and numb. She didn’t know what to think. All that she could do was await the jury’s decision, along with everyone else.
Yet it was her fate alone that was being decided.
But when she thought about it further, it wasn’t just her fate.
Everyone waited for eight long hours.
Naero could neither rest nor sleep.
Then everyone was summoned back to the courtroom.
A decision had been made. The jury had arrived at a verdict in her case.
Admiral Klyne announced, “All rise for the verdict to be read.”
They did so.
The jury leader stood up and read their decision.
“According to Spacer Law, and based upon all of the facts and evidence presented, we the jury find the defendant, Naero Amashin Maeris, of Clan Maeris…guilty of murder in the death of another Spacer.”
Naero gasped, nailed to the bedrock of the planet itself in almost complete shock.
Guilty meant…
Master Tree rose up. “This Mystic trial has ended; it is over. A verdict has been reached. Without question, this grim crime is punishable among our people by death. Under the circumstances, the sentence is to be carried out immediately and without delay.”
Naero, I can–
Shut up, Om.
Naero gasped and covered her mouth with both of her bound hands as she sobbed and went down on one knee.
Then she dropped her shackled hands to her
abdomen and her eyes met Khai’s in explosive waves of desperate horror and regret.
Their child from their love within that distant star barely grew within her. Now, no time remained to tell Khai all that she needed to before he performed his duty as the Mystic Enforcer.
Before he took her head…ended her life, and the lives of his own family.
Naero Amashin Maeris clenched her fists, and rose up with her head held high to meet her fate with her eyes clear and wide open, if that was what must be.
4
Naero appealed to the court. “Admiral Klyne, this isn’t right. I don’t understand. I questioned this before. Is this normal? Why must the sentence be carried out immediately? That seems incredibly harsh and cruel. At least give me time to prepare for my own execution. Allow me the dignity of having the chance to say my goodbyes to my family, friends, and loved ones.”
“I concur,” Master Jo said. “The prosecution made up this arbitrary rule and insisted upon it. Why should Master Tree be allowed to assist on that point, unilaterally, without any one else’s input? To do so is cruel and highly unusual for such a verdict and such punishment.”
Master Tree rose up and jumped into the debate with both feet. “There are, in fact, many good reasons to take such action,” he noted. “This convicted murderer is a definite flight risk. She has fled before, numerous times. Given the chance, she will flee again. And we know full well that she has many Cosmic powers now that we have trained her to use. And she will make good use of them also to conduct her escape. Just as her outcast, outlaw uncle did before her. They are cut of the same cloth. That is why she must be executed now, this very instant.
“As stated, when her former uncle was also convicted of similar crimes, a delay was mistakenly made for his sake before his execution. Such a delay made is possible for him to escape justice. And as a result he has been at large as an outcast, an outlaw, a major criminal, and a thorn in our side ever since.”
Master Tree glared at Naero.
“Why should we allow history to repeat itself, when we surely know that it will do so?”
Why did Master Tree seem to despise her so much now? He was never that way before. The hatred and vitriol she sensed within him toward her suddenly seemed as if it was off the charts. Like the way Master Vane used to despise her.
Why? What was that all about?
Naero looked down at her shackles and sighed. “Will the court please allow me to say something?” she asked.
“The trial is over,” Master Tree insisted. “She has been convicted, sentenced, and condemned. By the letter of the law, we need not listen to anything more that she could have to say. Her words are now meaningless and irrelevant.”
“That is your opinion,” Master Jo said. “Spacers always have a right to speak their mind.”
Master Tree ignored him. “This court must now demonstrate whether it intends to uphold our laws, or spurn them and cast them aside.”
Master Jo spoke up once again. “This is exactly why the letter of the law, by itself, is never sufficient. Spacer justice, if it is to be true justice, must always be tempered with mercy and compassion. That is also our tradition. If we are indeed going to take this young Spacer’s life from her, at least allow her to speak and have her final say.”
“I will grant that in this case,” Justice Klyne announced. “Captain Naero Amashin Maeris. Say what it is that your heart tells you must say.”
Another deep breath. Naero stepped forward once more to speak her mind.
She closed her eyes and bowed her head in a moment of personal silence and contemplation. Mother. Father. All the blood of our Clan that has made me what I am. Help me. Please guide me, my words, and my steps that I take from this point forward.
Naero, I can get us out of here right–
No, Om.
They are going to kill us, N. What do you mean, no?
Just what I said, Om. I said no. Do nothing.
Naero lifted her head and spoke calmly. “My people. My beloved Clans. We are a people of laws and justice. A people of freedom, mercy, and truth. In his own way, Master Tree is right. If I chose to, I could flee and avoid capture and execution, most likely for the rest of my life, and live very well for myself.”
Master Tree brought out the finger again. “See!” he exclaimed. “That is exactly why we need to kill her–kill her right now. She readily admits to exactly what I have been warning you against all along.”
“Haisha,” Master Jo protested. “My old friend. What has gotten into you? Will you ever shut up, you pompous bag of old farts? For once, be silent.”
“I agree,” Naero said. “You’ve won. You’ve served the letter of the law. You’ve convinced all of these Spacers that the right thing to do for the good of all is to cut my bloody head off. To kill me and take my life. But at least I have been granted my say, so goddam it, stop fucking interrupting me and let me speak!”
Complete silence followed.
“If any of you haven’t noticed, despite the fact that I have the power to get away, and stay away, any time I choose…I haven’t done so. I am still standing here before all you, seeking the same thing that you are. Justice. And honor.”
She turned around and looked at them all defiantly. She tested her shackles. “Do you really think that these bonds could hold me, if I chose to break free of of them?” She put forth her Cosmic might. Cosmic lightning flared as she disintegrated the shackles around her forearms and fists, dissolving the bonds and the chain between them completely–with ease.
“I said long ago, that if my people decided that I became a dire threat to them, I would accept that judgment–even if such a judgment demanded my death. I readily admit that I am not above our law. No one is. But sometimes the law is wrong. Sometimes it makes mistakes. The law is not perfect, just as we are not perfect.”
She stepped back slightly.
“I…accept the verdict of our court and my people, if that is what they decide. I ask only that you be certain that it is the right one and that it has been decided fairly. If that sentence it to take my life, then so be it. Take it. I accept my fate. Nor will I resist or attempt to flee. All that I beg of you is one hour. Allow me only one standard hour, to say farewell to those I love. That is all that I ask. Surely, there is enough mercy in Spacer justice to give me that.”
“It is too late for any of that,” Master Tree roared.
“Unfortunately,” Klyne said, “that is correct. There is no turning back now. Yet I can grant Naero her hour’s reprieve, if the Elders on the jury are in agreement with me.”
They looked to each other briefly and then nodded to Klyne in assent.
“Then it is decided. The sentence and execution shall be carried out in one hour. Let us meet back in this place to see it done. And never allow it to be said that Captain Maeris has not retained and upheld her highest honor throughout this process. If nothing else, she is an example of honor. For us all. But even though I have served as impartial judge in this case, let me say now, personally, and for the record: this is a major mistake. We should not send a Spacer such as she to her doom. She deserves to live.”
Naero met first with Master Jo in private.
“The decision of the court still stands, Naero,” he told her. “I cannot go against it, or help, or allow you to escape. Even though I also agree that you should live.”
She nodded quickly. “Master Jo. I understand all that. That’s not what I was going to ask you to do. But do let me thank you for all that have done and attempted to do for me. I am grateful.”
She put her arms around him briefly. “But now there is little time, so hear me out. Before I do anything else, there is something of vital importance that I must do and see to. But it is difficult and takes concentration. Give me a moment, and please be patient.”
Om, help me. Please. I’ve explained what we need to do with my replicant. I can’t accomplish it without you.”
I understand, Naero. I am with you.
> Good. And you’ve had our advance medical biomancy drones gather the biomechanical components and particles together that we require?”
All waiting in readiness at your command, N. We only need to fashion and imbue them with your energies and then your final gift from your Lifespark within you.
Naero focused all of her abilities.
She formed the most perfect replicant of herself that she had yet to create, breathed life into Naero-3 and brought her into being. It was the most complete version of herself, with all of her memories, thoughts, and emotions. She gave it all of her Mystic abilities–except for her Dark Beast.
Naero even gave Naero-3 Om and the KDM. They could not die, and must live on beyond her…along with Naero’s precious daughter.
Om protested, as if he were a child. I don’t want to leave you, N. I want to go where you go–on to the next journey.
No, Om. We’ve gone over this. You must stay, for my sake, and help the parts of me that I leave behind to survive and go on. I cannot let you die.
It was my fault, Naero. It was my defensive protocols that slew Master Vane. I should be the one to perish, not you.
We did it together, Om. Besides, you must stay and protect my child, and Khai, and all of our friends, and watch over them and my people. They will need the KDM once we open its secrets. The universe will have great need of you after it is unlocked. But I charge you specifically with guarding and protecting my family, Om. Do it, for me.”
I will do so, Naero. You honor me. What of…your Dark Beast?
It is part of me, Om. So much that I could not separate myself from it if I wanted to. It must go with me where I go. If that is my curse, then I accept that. But even if I could remove that part of myself, I could not place such a burden on anyone else. That would not be right. Let Naero-3 be free of all that and be what I could not. Her life will be hard enough, I should think.”
Silence passed between them for a brief space.
Naero?
Naero's War: The Citation Series 3: Naero's Trial Page 3
