Alien Indiscretions (49 page)

Clajak put his arm around his mother-in-law. “I hope the Empire is ready.”

Huddling close together, the Imperial Clan and Tara left the gallery. Tasha slid her arm around Cissy’s waist, giving her a sympathetic and knowing smile. “Come on, twin. You need a few drinks.”

Cissy nodded, laying her head on her sister’s shoulder. Clinging tight to Tasha, she allowed her to lead her out of the gallery in the company of a couple of Royal Guards.

Wal could tell Rolat’s grumpy mood increased with the news that the Imdiko and Diltan had seen Cissy. The Nobek had been stuck in administrative meetings all day, no place for a warrior. Being the only one of them to have not gotten to look at the Matara they missed deepened the frown lines etching his face.

He somehow kept any temper he felt from his tone. “How did she look?”

Diltan sighed. “Beautiful.” He picked at his meal as they all did. Even though the first day of the trial had not gone badly, none of them had much appetite. The soothing breeze coming in from the open archway and serene golden light of sunset spilling into the dining room couldn’t soothe away the tension of the clan. Even Wal, who had barely touched his lunch, could hardly bear to eat.

Rolat gave the Dramok a humorless smile. “I didn’t think she would appear otherwise. She looks well?”

Wal swirled the bohut in his glass. “Gorgeous.” At Rolat’s impatient growl, he added, “I think she misses us. Every time I looked at her she was watching me or Diltan.”

Diltan pushed his plate away. “Which is both good and bad. I hate to be the cause of her unhappiness. It was damned hard to not run up to the Imperial Clan’s gallery and steal her away.”

Their words seemed to lighten Rolat’s mood a little. He managed a weak chuckle. “I can just see you fighting your way past the Royal Guard, my Dramok.”

Wal scowled at his drink. “Don’t tease him, Rolat. Being so close to her, but not able to touch or speak ... damn it.” He quaffed his bohut in one gulp. When he reached for the bottle to refill his glass, Rolat moved it away.

The Nobek said, “I thought about going to the trial simply to look at her. Now I am glad I didn’t. You both look miserable.”

Diltan shook his head. “It’s not all bad. For me, breathing the same air gives some comfort.” He covered his face with his hands as if in pain. “Those fucking stupid records. Why couldn’t Zarl have erased it all?”

Wal sighed. “He would have released the contents while still alive had the war and rebellion not happened.”

“But he didn’t. Now we have to clean up the mess he and his clan left us.”

Rolat’s frown deepened again. “That may take some doing. Even though the trial started rather quietly, there are those who are using it to further their agendas.”

Wal caught the tension in the Nobek’s voice. He hadn’t checked the news vids today, trying to stay as untouched by public opinion as possible. “What’s happened?”

Rolat and Diltan exchanged looks before the Dramok said, “A quarter of the fleet and nearly a third of the ground troops have left their positions in protest. Rumor has it many will join the Basma if he comes out of the shadows to lead them.”

Wal gasped. “Is this verified?”

Rolat said, “That they left their posts? Yes. That they wish to revolt? Still only rumor, but behind every gossip is a touch of truth. I think few will actively go against the current Imperial Clan if they concede to the court’s judgment, whatever it turns out to be.”

Diltan gave them both an encouraging look. “Emperor Clajak is determined to do that. He will put the Empire’s welfare first, even over that of his own family.”

Wal wasn’t so sure. Seeing one’s father on trial for his liberty and life would be a harsh challenge to any son. “Tomorrow’s examination of Yuder will be a huge test for our young emperor. I hope he has the will for it.”

Diltan refused to let forced optimism fade. “Meanwhile, we will see Cissy again.”

Rolat uttered his weak chuckle again. “Now I’m thinking of rearranging my schedule so I can go. I’d face a panel of high judges myself just to look at her.” He sobered and reached to touch Diltan’s arm. “My Dramok, this forced separation has revealed the depths of my feelings for Cissy.”

Diltan nodded, smiling. “And mine. Do you think it presumptuous of me to ask the Imperial Clan for permission to clan her the moment verdict is pronounced? That is, assuming our Imdiko is in agreement?”

Wal found the strength to laugh. “In agreement ... absolutely. Presumptuous ... perhaps. However, I never want there to be occasion to be separated from her like this again.” Feeling the weight of his calling even out of the courtroom, he couldn’t help but advise caution. “We will have to see how the trial goes before taking that step. I fear if Yuder is convicted, it may drive a wedge between us and her.”

Diltan swallowed. “That has occurred to me as well.”

“There is another cause for concern in the opposite direction. The Empire is on the precipice of real trouble if Yuder is not convicted. It could result in violence against those who the public sees as working against them. With our being part of the case, clanning Cissy could put her in danger.”

That sparked anger in Rolat’s eyes, but Diltan didn’t react. Wal was relieved his Dramok had thought of that eventuality.

Instead, Diltan said, “We will keep her safe if she will have us. We’ll go off planet until things settle, if warranted. So tell me, Honorable Wal, what say you to that?”

The Imdiko shook his head at Diltan’s pretense of arrogant assurance, knowing it was an act meant to calm him. “Discounting the effects of this trial and its outcome? I say as much as I want Cissy as my lifemate, tread carefully. Though we are ready for her, she may not be ready for us. Know her heart before you ask, Diltan. We may get only one chance to convince her.”

* * * *

The courtroom was packed again the next morning. Wal noted the heightened sense of anticipation the moment he stepped out onto the panel’s platform. After hearing of the defections from their armed forces, he couldn’t help but look at the ranks of the Global Security officers that secured the court during high profile cases. There were more than the usual, along with the Royal Guards next to Imperial Father Yuder and up in the Imperial Family’s box.

Wal wondered if they would stand should things go an unpopular route during the trial. He looked at Cissy, seemingly safe and secure with the rest of her family. She smiled and gave a little wave. He offered back the slightest of nods and hoped no one noticed. Then he glanced at the Royal Council gallery and saw that Diltan sat next to his friend Oiteil. Rolat was nowhere in sight, so he’d not been able or had decided not to come. Wal tried not to worry.

The court official today was a different one than yesterday. Wal knew this man, a Nobek named Emro. He announced the beginning of the session and the quiet hum of conversation died out. The case got under way in quick order.

At Onziv’s nod, Emro said, “The prosecutor calls Imperial Father Nobek Yuder to stand for investigation.”

Matara Nivere gave Yuder an encouraging smile. Flanked by his Royal Guards, the wiry Nobek rose to his feet and stalked to the blindingly lit testimony stand between the defense and prosecution podiums. He climbed the two steps to the circular platform. He blinked up at the panel in the strong beam of light that washed his sleek steel-colored hair silver.

Prosecutor Chamar rose from his seat next to Maf’s. He walked forward, standing at the foot of the testimony stand where Yuder waited to be questioned, facing the sharp-featured Nobek. Wal didn’t miss the quick glance Chamar exchanged with Maf, or how Maf nodded to him. It made Wal wonder who was in control of the prosecution.

Before Chamar could ask his first question, Nivere stood and mounted the defense platform. In a polite but strong tone, she said, “Honorable panel of judges, the defense has a request before examination begins.”

Chamar jerked at the unexpected delay. His surprise was further demonstrated when he addressed Nivere rather than the panel. “Defense will get its chance to clarify after examination.”

Nivere gave him a respectful nod before continuing. “The defendant is willing to submit to examination should our motion be refused. Honorable judges, I would like to change my client’s plea. Imperial Father Nobek Yuder submits an admission of guilt for the crimes he is charged with.”

The gallery erupted in shocked exclamations. Wal noted no one in the Imperial Gallery seemed startled.

Chamar yelled, “He admitted guilt before and withdrew that plea! Now he’s guilty again? What are you playing at, Counselor?”

Nivere stayed quiet, her face patient as she waited for Onziv’s ruling. Meanwhile, Nobek Emro shouted for order and threatened to clear the courtroom. The onlookers quieted and Onziv resumed the session.

His brow furrowed with concern, the high judge asked Nivere, “Are you sure of this motion for your client, Counselor? Admitting his guilt removes the burden of proving his complicity from the prosecution. It will mean his conviction and we would proceed straight to the sentencing hearings.”

Nivere bowed. “We are aware of that, Honorable Onziv. With your approval of this change of plea, we wish to proceed.”

“What says the prosecution?”

Chamar glanced at Maf. The councilman scowled, his features turning as twisted as his body. He looked furious by this turn of events. Chamar shook his head at him, his gaze warning.

Wal watched the exchange with confusion. Why did Maf look so angry? Holding someone accountable for the abductions and war had been his focus for years. With Yuder’s admission of guilt, he should be pleased. Especially since it would probably save Kalquor for any further division and short-circuit the threat of civil unrest.

Chamar turned to the panel. “The prosecution, speaking for the people of the Kalquorian Empire, accepts Imperial Father Yuder’s guilty plea in the matter of willfully arranging the abduction of 1,873 Earther Mataras and triggering the war that led to Earth’s demise.”

Subdued whispers eddied through the air and silenced again before Emro could call for quiet. Onziv nodded to Yuder. “Noted and accepted by this court. Proceed with your confession, Imperial Father Yuder.”

Yuder bowed. “Thank you, Honorable Onziv. I wish to state that as Emperors of Kalquor, Dramok Zarl and I did order the abductions of the Earther Mataras that were on planets and stations we had access to. I affirm it was done without the knowledge of our Imdiko, then-Emperor Tidro. We acted without his knowledge in the hope of protecting him from future consequences.

“Zarl and I orchestrated the kidnappings knowing our actions could offend Earth and lead to trouble ... perhaps even war ... between the two planets. In the wake of Imperial Father Dramok Zarl’s death, I assume full responsibility for that act ... an act which ultimately led to the destruction of Earth. However, I plead the court’s mercy in light of the extraordinary reasons involved. Zarl and I felt we had compelling cause to commit the horrific crime of which I am accused.”

Wal frowned along with the rest of the panel. Onziv prodded Yuder. “Compelling cause, Imperial Father?”

“Yes, Honorable Onziv. We acted for two reasons. First, the desperate need to salvage the Kalquorian Empire’s culture. As everyone is well aware, we were but a generation away from extinction.”

Wal knew Yuder would not be spared a severe penalty for that. Saving one world at the expense of another would never mitigate his crime.

Perhaps that was why Onziv’s tone was so forbidding when he said, “And the second reason?”

“The humanitarian mission to save nearly two thousand innocent Earther women from torture and execution.”

The public and Royal Council galleries filled with shouts once more. Wal again noted the lack of surprise from the Imperial Family. A look at the Royal Council told him Diltan was not shocked either. In fact, the Dramok had a hint of his familiar smug look.

So that’s what you and Empress Jessica have been up to. By the ancestors, Diltan, don’t you know you’re playing with fire here? How is this going to keep the Empire peaceful?

As Emro shouted for order, Maf rose unsteadily to his feet. His face was purple with fury. “What farce is this?” he raged.

Chamar marched right up to the panel’s stage. “I object, Honorable Onziv. There has never been any mention of a humanitarian mission to do with the kidnappings!”

As the furor quieted, Onziv reminded him, “Prosecution relinquished all rights to objections when it accepted the guilty plea from Nobek Yuder. The details and reasons he has stated are a matter for the sentencing hearings, however, which defense counsel needs to remind her client of.”

Nivere nodded. “Noted, Honorable Onziv.” She wore the twin of Diltan’s almost-hidden smirk.

Ignoring the emotions of everyone in the courtroom, Onziv kept the proceedings on track with a doggedness that Wal admired. “Imperial Father Yuder, have you anything further to add that has direct bearing on the case itself?”

“I do, honorable panel. With my support, Zarl ordered my co-defendant Dramok Ospar to send clans to take the Mataras in question. You have seen that communication, which deals exclusively with the issue of our extinction concerns. Ospar expressed hesitation, not wanting to be a party to kidnappings just to save our culture. Then I sent a separate order myself, advising him that these were in fact rescue parties. I convinced him the women’s lives were in danger, which they were.”

“Rescue parties, Imperial Father?”

“This is absurd!” Maf shouted, overcome. Chamar shushed him.

Yuder continued, as if he hadn’t noted the interruption. “That is how I presented the order to our then-ambassador. I told him the Mataras were in imminent danger from their own government. I also told him that they were probably not fully aware of their peril; that if they were, they may be in denial of it. There was little time to convince them to flee. Ospar was to see to it that as many of those women as possible were brought to Kalquor for their safety, even over their protests. This was the assumption he operated under. Since time was of the essence, he executed those orders without hesitation and without consulting anyone else.