The Protector turned and opened the door, admitting the three who left to confer. The Arbiter once again sat in her seat, and the Oracle and the Praetorian stood behind her, the latter with a grim look on her face and her arms folded tightly across her chest.
"After listening to testimony and reviewing the evidence in question," the Arbiter began, "I have decided regarding this matter. As Arbiter of this Inquiry, under the authority of the Oracle of the Seanachaidh, I now declare judgement in this Inquiry." She looked at a sheaf of paperwork in her hands and read.
"I find there is sufficient evidence to call a Tribunal. The Tribunal will charge the Unseelie Court with participating and orchestrating this attack on Seelie grounds, in the territory of the Human Signatory Section Twenty-Eight. The Tribunal shall be held tomorrow night at midnight, at the Seanachaidh compound designated. The Seanachaidh will contact the Unseelie and inform them of the time and of their required attendance."
The Arbiter looked around the table, making sure to catch each participant's eye. "Each of you is charged to be at the Tribunal, as your testimony may be called on. Will this be a problem for anyone?"
Ghost looked at Captaen O'Beirne and raised a questioning eyebrow. O'Beirne spoke up, "No, Arbiter. I will vouch for Humanity. We will be present as required by the Tribunal as a Concerned Signatory."
The Queen echoed the Irishman's sentiments, "No, Arbiter. I will vouch for the Seelie. We, too, shall be present as required by the Tribunal as a Concerned Signatory."
"Then we shall convene the Tribunal tomorrow night at the appointed time and place. If you need any special accommodations, please inform myself or the Protector. Until tomorrow night."
The Arbiter stood and walked out. The Oracle and the Praetorian had a brief discussion with the Protector, then left the room as well. The Protector stood at the end of the table and announced, "Thank you for your presence at the Inquiry. For the Tribunal, you are advised to keep weaponry to a minimum. While the Tribunal will not take notice of blades or hand weapons, rifles or heavy weapons will be officially noticed, and may result in Official Sanction. For the safety of the Tribunal, I will have a team of Protectors present. Are there any questions?"
"No, Protector. Thank you for your service and for the warning." Ghost turned and raised an eyebrow at Heavy.
"What, boss? I got it. No boomstick." The others laughed at the big man's sheepish grin.
THAT NIGHT WAS a quiet night as the team strategized and planned for the coming Tribunal. Spooky, Boomer, and Heavy worked through the files of the known members of the Unseelie Court, concentrating on their weaknesses and suspected special abilities. Meanwhile, Ghost and Doc worked with Captaen O'Beirne and Gretchen on the protocols and customs of the Tribunal.
The next morning was another casual meeting and strategy session for that night. Agent Smith joined in a video conference with the team, talking some about his recent history with the courts, and what he personally knew of both the Queen of the Seelie and the King of the Unseelie.
The DHS supervisor warned his agents to be constantly aware of what was going on around them. Agent Smith told of experiences with both courts where the traditional enmities between them caused the courts to give up favorable terms to humanity, simply to spite the other court.
Agent Smith also reiterated that the team should listen to Captaen O'Beirne, as he had a great deal of experience working directly with the courts. O'Beirne would be an invaluable resource for protocol and custom, and a capable advisor during the Tribunal. Smith ended the call with "Good Luck, Knightmare. I trust you will represent Section Twenty-Eight and humanity well." The senior agent closed the video conference, and the team began to prep for the day.
At half-past eleven that evening, the Wunder Buggy pulled into the parking lot of a company that made fine art decorations for houses. When Spooky had done his research on the meeting place, he had simply grinned and had pointed out the company information to the others. What better way for fine craftsmen to hide their presence than to own a fine woodworking and metalworking plant in the industrial part of town.
The Wunder Buggy was in its base configuration, a flat black paint job with no external markings or anything to break up the metal. Boomer brought the truck to a halt just inside the parking lot to speak to the guard on duty. When Ghost showed his credentials to the guard, Boomer was directed around the back of the building, to a different parking lot. As they pulled away, the demolitions expert mused out loud, "Did you see the ears underneath that hat. Looks like the human guards have the night off."
Boomer was directed to park in a specific location by another, less-human-looking guard. As she shut down the big V-8, Knightmare piled out of the truck. On Smith and O'Beirne's recommendation everyone was in their assault BDUs, except for Doc, Ghost, and Captaen O'Beirne. Leaving their long-guns in the truck, each team member was wearing their handgun, and Heavy was wearing the harnesses with his two enchanted khukuri fighting knives. Dancer had fion-fhuil strapped to her back as well, although none of her team could see it.
Doc wore her typical suit, with her stole and vestments plainly visible over her shoulders. She carried her crucifix dagger on its chain around her neck and carried one of her books in her right hand. She was muttering prayers as she climbed out, and her vestments glowed a brief soft blue, then went dark.
Ghost stepped out just before Boomer. His scarred and worn leather duster covered his standard black button-down shirt and black jeans, and his bolero rode smartly upon his head. He clutched his ancestral cane in his right hand, and his old Webley rode low on his hip.
The Irish Captaen wore his full dress uniform, with medals polished and gleaming against the olive drab coat. The Captaen's peaked hat rested across his brows at regulation angle, and he wore his ceremonial saber at his side. Other than the saber, the Captaen was unarmed, enforcing his observer status. Ghost had argued that the Irish officer should have been armed with at least a handgun, but the Captaen had made clear that the protocol was for him to be unarmed.
The group walked to the doorway where a uniformed dwarf stood with a very large rifle slung over his shoulder. Ghost raised his credentials, "Special Agent Jonas Vanhof, and party, representing Section Twenty-Eight and Humanity as witnesses called before the Tribunal." He had rehearsed that line often with O'Beirne's coaching.
The khoztak stiffened and nodded. "Special Agent Vanhof. You and your party are expected and welcomed with Seanachaidh Hospitality. I am Protector Koragan, and I will be at your service this evening."
The Protector eyed the group and spotted the satchel slung over Spooky's shoulder. "I apologize for the inconvenience, but I must inspect your companion's bag. Tribunal orders."
Ghost nodded, and Spooky held the bag open. Once the Protector was satisfied that there was nothing dangerous in the bag, he turned and led them into the building.
The cramped hallway emptied into a large open warehouse area. In the center, a raised platform and podium had been built. There were four areas of seating in front of the platform, and one table with several seats off to the side.
A handful of dwarves walked around the assembled crowd of fae creatures. Some carried trays of small snacks or drinks while others carried paperwork back and forth. Ghost saw the Seelie Queen and her court placed in one of the seating areas, acknowledging Tó Coferal's wave with a nod. Another seating area had a group of khoztak and khozten milling around the waiting chairs. It was this group that drew the greatest concentration of the runners moving paperwork back and forth. Their Protector guided them to the section just to the right of the Seelie, and the team found seats.
As Ghost sat down, a resounding clang echoed throughout the building and the crowd murmured. The DHS leader looked up and watched as the Unseelie King strolled through a different entryway, followed by his retinue.
23
JUDGEMENT
GRAY COURT HALL, BROADWAY AVE SW, GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
His Majesty Arkanai t'Nakaót strode
through the open doorway, followed closely by his retinue. The King of the Unseelie Court drew the attention of the room in a black William Westmancott suit. His black and gray hair was perfectly styled, and his eyes were hidden behind Bentley Platinum sunglasses. His presence spoke of modern royalty.
Another draukh elf followed his king through the doorway. While his suit was clearly not as expensive as his liege's attire, it was obviously tailored for the tall elf. With dark black skin and gray hair of his race, the creature was also wearing an ornate sash similar in design to Tó Coferal's. A saber hung in its scabbard where the sash connected to the elf's belt, Unlike the ornate design of the Seelie Knight's sword and sheath, the handle was leather-wrapped brass, and the scabbard was a plain brass sheath.
Trailing the Unseelie King, four large trolls rumbled into view. Each wore simple tribal clothing and carried a monstrous warhammer. A tall figure in a black ceremonial robe followed the trolls, remaining by the doorway as the others entered the great hall. A cowl cloaked the being's face in shadow, although two red embers seemed to appear in the darkness.
As the rest of his retinue made their way toward their traditional seating area, the King and his Knight strode to the Seelie Court. There he stopped and made a slight bow, holding out his hand. The Queen took his hand lightly, and the King raised it to his lips for a soft kiss. He stood straight again.
"Good evening, my Queen. I'm glad to see that you are well after the terrible attack of the human scourge on your Court. Two attacks in one week?" He raised his voice enough to just be heard by the Section 28 team, "It is a shame those humans are starting to get delusions of grandeur. Maybe we ought to rid ourselves of them once and for all."
The King turned and looked at Ghost, "Present company excluded, of course." The elf's voice was syrupy-sweet and smooth as silk. A small smile briefly touched his lips as he turned back to the Queen.
Anger danced in the eyes of the Queen. She willed her voice to remain calm and light. "Well, my King, that is apparently why the Seanachaidh have called this Tribunal. I'm sure the parties responsible will be dealt with."
Worry crossed the King's face momentarily and his smile slipped. The Unseelie elf quickly regained his composure, "Of course, my dear Queen. It will be good to hold the humans responsible for once."
The King bowed and turned back to Ghost. "I apologize, we've never been properly introduced. I am Arkanai t'Nakaót, King of the Unseelie Court and Àrd-`righ of the Draukh. And this is my Knight, Ukonan Ortá."
Ghost bowed slightly, "Well met, your Majesty. I am Special Agent Jonas Vanhof, of Section Twenty-Eight. This is my second, Doctor Noelle Sorenson."
The King of the Unseelie nodded at Doc, who bowed slightly in response. "Well met, Agent Vanhof, Doctor Sorenson. I look forward to discussing your human response after the Tribunal." The condescending smile and tone was back for the King.
As the draukh walked away, Ghost muttered under his breath, "We'll see, you smarmy, self-righteous bastard."
A bell sounded, and the assembled representatives quickly found their seats. Once everyone was seated, an all-but-hidden door opened from the far wall, and four dwarves entered the hall. Telacus Sturmwargh, the Khozten Oracle, led the procession, his ornate robes and draped stole proclaiming his status. To the Oracle's right, and slightly behind him strode Urteghat Dhorjachen, Praetorian of the Khoztak. Her eyes were constantly roving the crowd, alert for any danger. The Praetorian's badge of office was attached to her ceremonial sash, and twin blades hung in scabbards from her belt.
Behind the Oracle and Praetorian, two more dwarves walked side-by-side. Ghost recognized The Protector and the Arbiter from their Inquiry the day before. The Arbiter wore the stole of her office, draped with both ends touching the floor. She also carried a small, ornate box between his hands. The Protector wore a similar badge and sash as the Praetorian, however he only had one blade attached to his belt.
The Praetorian stepped up to the podium in the center of the platform and paused. She took a breath and began. "According to the Law of Álfheimer, homeland of the Courts, and as is required by the E'Tuatha Accords, this Tribunal is convened at the order of the Seanachaidh. This Tribunal is in response to an Inquiry from yesterday afternoon. As Praetorian of the Seanachaidh, I hereby call this Tribunal to order." She walked back to her designated chair and sat.
The Oracle rose and stepped up to the podium. Both the Praetorian's voice and the Oracle's voice resonated around the hall, and Ghost could not tell if it was magic or hidden electronics. "As Oracle of the Seanachaidh, I agreed to bring an Inquiry yesterday afternoon at the request of Her Majesty, Queen of the Seelie Court. For that Inquiry, and subsequently for this Tribunal, I have appointed Eraste Thrughar, Scholar and Conclave Member as Arbiter of the proceedings. As required by the Accords, Praetorian Dhorjachen has appointed Dhaviha Chrechank as Protector for the proceedings." The Oracle turned and walked slowly, deliberately to his place on the platform.
The Arbiter rose and approached the podium. As she did, two khoztak assistants walked up the aisle with a small table held between them. The two dwarves placed the table next to the podium and retreated. The Arbiter carefully placed the ornate box on the table next to the podium and stood before the assembled creatures.
"Assembled Courts. Signatory Representatives. I am Arbiter Eraste Thrughar and attest that my statements during this Tribunal are factual and accurate." She leaned over and opened the lid of the box. She touched two hidden controls on the podium and the overhead lights dimmed to about half of their illumination.
"Yesterday, I convened an Inquiry at the behest of Her Majesty Lishe ta Merunaré, Queen of the Seelie Court. Signatory Representatives of Humanity were also present as material witnesses. The Inquiry was called to discuss an attack on fae and property under the control of the Seelie Court. The attack was particularly egregious, and was reported to be of human origin."
The Arbiter drew a small controller out of her robes and pushed a button. In the air, above the box, several beams of light shot out, angled toward the ceiling. The lines moved quickly around, rotated, and then became a blur. Above the box, a view appeared, the flat, two-dimensional view of a security camera in the club.
Spooky recognized the view from the footage that he recovered from the scene, the fake footage. He was more interested in the amazing holographic projection from the little box. The electronics specialist touched his wrist computer, opening the screen, and making a note to talk to the Arbiter once they had finished this current mission. He was already thinking about how he could use that technology, and what he could develop further with it.
The Arbiter touched another control, and the video began. The video showed the carnage as the group of human police and SWAT raided the club, killing the assembled fae with a ruthlessness and ferocity seldom witnessed on the battlefield. Automatic fire mixed with slashing blades to injure or kill the fae in the club. Then the perpetrators went back through the club, coldly killing any survivors.
As the video played through, Ghost could hear murmurs and menacing tones from those in the chamber who had not already seen the footage. Seeing it up on the platform, Ghost appreciated how this would have caused a war with the fae had it been real. He was just hoping that those assembled would wait long enough to let the Arbiter play the real footage taken that night. A quick glance around told him even the stoic Protectors were being affected.
As he glanced around, he noticed the King of the Unseelie. Knowing it was actually Unseelie killing the fae in the club, the draukh tried to hide his smile as the Seelie were killed. He leaned over to his Knight and said something, the latter trying to hide a chuckle in response. Ghost noted the behavior and wished he had more than his family's heirloom with him. He wanted to wipe the smile right off that face.
When the video ended, the murmurs turned into angry voices, rising as the energy built. The Arbiter raised her hands, and the noise subsided. The Unseelie King rose and shouted, "It is obvious that Humanity
has broken the Accords." Ever the statesman, he looked around at all the assembled fae, "It is time that Humanity answered for crimes against the fae."
The Arbiter touched another control and a loud gong echoed throughout the hall. Her face grave with warning, she continued, "Outbursts during a Tribunal will not be tolerated from any present, regardless of their rank or family. I will have any offenders removed, and issue summary Judgement about reparations on their case. Have I made myself clear?" She glared around the room, her gaze returning to the now-grinning Unseelie King. He sat back down, confident he would see his plan come to fruition.
"That was the original video recovered from the surveillance system of the Seelie property, and it shows abhorrent actions committed by human police. Her Majesty contacted the Signatory of record for this jurisdiction, and they sent Representatives immediately. The Tribunal recognizes that those Representatives are present today. The Queen asked the Representatives to investigate the events at the property, and they did so, with the full cooperation of the Seelie Court."
She clicked the button on her controller, and the holograph changed to an image of a collection of shell casings found at the scene. Each one was singled out, then magnified, and wire-framed, showing dimensions and caliber of the round. As each did so, firearms that used that particular ammunition flashed above the wireframe. They started out showing standard human calibers and firearms, but that quickly changed.
"As you can see, several of the casings found were not of human manufacture. In fact, the casings showed that fae-made rounds were used in the attack, along with human firearms. Even more strange, gunpowder that was formulated specifically for fae rounds was found on the contact wounds of the survivors who were mercilessly killed." A series of complex chemical formulas began to flash across the holographic projection. Doc nodded to herself, noticing the strange components she had found on the bodies.
INCURSION: Faeblade (Knight's Bane Trilogy Book 2) Page 19
