End of the Road

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Zaarek
Posts: 21
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2018 3:18 pm

End of the Road

Post by Zaarek »

Drzza stared out the narrow slit of a window. Despite the diminutive opening, the view of the vast Mon Calamari ocean was impressive. Soft mumblings of the court reporter broke what had been a deafening silence. “We’re almost ready” were the only audible words. More likely, the only words the Major cared to hear. He was ready to get this over with. He knew the case against him was fabricated, either by New Republic brass, or by a more nefarious source. In any case, he knew what the outcome would be. The Zabrak had been to enough court marshals. He knew enough about the inner workings of the internal, military government. Finally, the bailiff stood at attention. The few that noticed followed suit, and he gave the word.

“Attention! The honorable Kosan Melbar presiding.” His voice carried a weight of authority. Drzza, however, recognized the bailiff to be the lowest ranking person on the courtroom. Two counselors stood ten meters to his right. The desk in front of them was littered with files. Drzza had elected to represent himself. He had seen no other option. The bailiff was the fourth person in the courtroom, and as the judge emerged from his chambers, accounted for the fifth. His large, bulging eyes narrowed as his gaze lingered first on Drzza, then shifted to the prosecuting attorneys. Slowly, he sat at the desk overlooking the room. “Alright then, let’s get to it,” he said. “In the case of Major Drzza Iro’qui, number eight-seven-seven dash four-four-three, under the charges of failure to render reasonable aid, abandoning post, failure to report, and failure to follow command orders, how do you plead?”

The Mon Calamari judge read over the file as he finished his inquiry. His eyes finally lifted, rolling over and locking on the Major. His list of accommodations was long. Aside from a few minor infractions, he had a clean record. Several files indicated an often-reckless nature, to which troops under his command had sometimes mentioned in their evaluations. Nothing, however, incriminating. Drzza lifted a stern gaze to the judge. He could see the onset of regret, not easily hidden, in the Mon Cal’s enormous eyes. He knew this would not go his way, no matter what he said. No matter what evidence he produced, he felt his fate was sealed. He took a heavy breath, glancing down to the desk in front of him, then back to the Judge. “Guilty, your honor.”

The whispered conversation between the prosecuting counselors confirmed to Drzza that they did not expect his plea. They had, of course, spoken to him before the hearing, but the Major had offered little in terms of conversation. Judge Melbar’s gaze could have singed the Major. The subtle clamoring of the attorneys simmered as Kosan spoke. “We can get to sentencing, then. If both sides agree to.” Drzza nodded once and the attorneys looked at each other, and in unison, replied, “yes, your honor.” For a long moment, no words were spoken. The court recorder looked nervously between the prosecutors and the Major. Finally, the judge spoke.

“Major Iro’qui, you have been charged with two counts of failure to reasonably render aid to New Republic citizens. Under article twenty-seven, of the New Republic laws and regulations accord, concerning warfare. This carries a maximum of twenty years. The charge of abandoning post, under article four, also carries a maximum of twenty years. The charge of failure to provide report of wartime activities and the charge of failure to follow a direct order both carry a maximum sentence of five years. Altogether, you’re looking at a maximum sentence of fifty years in a New Republic prison. Before I commence with sentencing, do you have anything you would like to say, Major?”

Drzza turned his head to face the prosecutors. Momentary regret crept upon him. He was making this too easy for them. His stone-faced gaze shifted to the judge. “Your honor, all I wish to say is that my orders were clear. There is a log of dialogue between Specialist Boga and command, and a similar account of his dialogue with Agathon authorities. I just hope you listened to them. And, for what it’s worth, I regret you had to preside over this specific hearing.” This would mark the third, and presumably final, meeting between the Judge Melbar and Major Iro’qui. The previous occasions each ended with the Major’s counsel easily navigating awkwardly worded or exaggerated charges. The judge looked over the room, his head on a subtle swivel. “Alright, then,” he said. "Major Iro’qui, I have no other option than to order your discharge. Based on the charges and reason, it will be without honor. I am sorry,” the judge paused, shifting his cold glare to the attorneys. It was as if he was hoping for a reaction, regarding his sentiment. The counsel gave none. “Due to you long service record, and taking the long list of accommodations into consideration, I sentence you to time served, for all existing charges.” Kosan didn’t need to look to the attorneys to incite a reaction, this time.

“With all due respect, your honor,” the woman blurted out. “These are serious charges! Whatever your feelings may be about the defendant, he plead-” her protest was cut short by Judge Melbar’s gavel beating.

“With all due respect, counsel,” Melbar retorted in a sharp, aggressive tone. He paused and looked down to the courtroom recorder. Upon a single shake of his head, the recorder stopped recording. “The Major is, by all accounts, a hero of this accursed war,” he continued. “What’s happening here is a travesty, and I am insulted and degraded that it’s being dragged through my courtroom. The only good is that I get to render sentencing, which you will respect, or be held in contempt,” he snapped, his tone daring. The attorneys said nothing, indicating compliance with a slight nod. The Mon Calamarian took a deep breath, then nodded to the court recorder before looking at Drzza. “Effective immediately, based on the verdict of this court martial, Major Drzza Iro’qui is hereby discharged, without honor, from the New Republic Army. You will be escorted from this base, and will not be permitted to return to any New Republic military facility, unless requested to do so.” Judge Melbar’s gaze lingered on the Zabrak. His thoughtful countenance shifted slightly before he spoke again. “Thank you Major, for your service.”
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