Chapter 94. Trial of Rasekhai
Noah felt discovered, although of course he didn't show it. Instead, he smiled charmingly. "This will be a pleasant side effect, and I don't want to hide that. Plus, we can ensure that your pack is saved. Mr. Jeffrey is proof of that."
"But we will change the fate of millions of lives. Not just the fate of humanity, but the fate of the Klingons, the Andorians, and everyone else," Flora retorted.
"Millions of lives have been affected. All the creatures we knew, our families, our friends, all these people no longer exist. In our universe, Vulcans and Terralites are two A race that still exists, and they did so for billions of lives. In this case, wouldn't it be logical to try to restore it all?" Noah's smile faded.
"Maybe logically so, but not necessarily right. And we're not trying to commit to logic," Flora reminded the captain.
Noah sighed. "I'm sorry. I forgot about that when I looked at you. You look just like the Vulcans I know. And these people are usually very logical."
"It's okay," Flora said politely and calmly. "But we have to deny your request. Our goal is to understand why the Vulcan homeworld was destroyed in order to learn from it and prevent other planets from suffering the same fate. We will never change the past."
Noah just nodded. Flora's words were very clear, and his decision was made. For now, Noah can't figure out how to change that perspective.
"Captain, I think we should stand down now," Flora said. "We have an intense day of work tomorrow. Thank you for your hospitality and company."
Noah and his two officers stood up and said goodbye to their guests. He returned their courtesy and watched the two Vulcans leave.
"Things didn't go exactly as planned," he whispered as they walked away.
"They may have emotions, but otherwise they're just as stubborn as Vulcans," Carol said, shaking her head, and then left too.
"Mr. Jeffrey," Noah said softly to his science officer. "Please review our guests' data and conclusions carefully. If they are not going to take action, then we may need to take action to apply their results."
Jeffrey just raised his right eyebrow and didn't say much. What he thought of deceiving his own countrymen, he remained silent. His silence prompted Noah to add a biting comment as he left, "I guess you at least want to save your tribe."
The next day, the two Vulcans resumed work while the crew experienced more of the daily tedium. In this way, the crew gradually got used to this state. Everyone is doing their own work and pursuing their own interests. What Noah didn't expect was that five days later Flora and Flort told them they could return to the colony. Regarding the discoveries they had made, they kept silent until they reached the colony, when they broke their silence. And Jeffrey could only provide very little information. The two Vulcans cleverly concealed their research.
Rasaka slowly followed the guards escorting him to the court. He couldn't run fast, so the guards shackled his feet and hands, not wanting the prisoner to escape.
Rasekhai thinks this is good for him. He was in no hurry to get to court. Not because he feared the sentence that awaited him there, but because he feared running into a familiar face. Especially the faces of his wife and children. If they just shot him, that would at least spare him all this. This is more terrible than any punishment, no punishment can compare to this.
As the court door opened, he heard the murmurs of those present, but the murmurs immediately ceased when he was led in. All eyes were on him. In their eyes he saw anger and resentment. There were also silent questions and accusations. Apparently, no one understood that his actions were to save the colony. He faced clear rejection. Some people whispered as he walked by. Although he couldn't hear every word, he could clearly tell what bad things were being said about him.
He wanted to lower his head because he couldn't stand the gazes of those present. Just then, he saw his wife. She stood among the first row of onlookers. She gave him a look of reproach and sadness. He ruined the happiness of her little family. And obviously, she didn't understand the intention behind his behavior. She didn't realize he was doing this for his family. He wanted to explain it to her. He hoped she would understand. But now there is no chance. It cannot be done in court. And he is not allowed to accept defense, so there will be no chance to explain again.
At least her two daughters weren't with her. As much as he wanted to see them again, this might be better. They shouldn't see him like this. Bound and humiliated, despised by all. Maybe one day they'll understand why he did it. At least this hope remained in his heart.
When he returned to his seat, the guards tied him to the chair with chains. That way it would be impossible for him to escape.
Rasaka closed his eyes. This way at least he no longer had to endure the glare of onlookers. Although he felt as if their gazes were piercing right through him, it was a small thing. He didn't open his eyes until three judges entered the room.
Those present stood up and sat down again only after the judges had sat down. Lasekai also stood up and slowly sat down again. He ignored the judges, just as they ignored him. While it may have looked like a fair trial to those in attendance, Rasaka was convinced that his sentence had already been delivered.
The presiding judge announced the start of the trial. He was a tall, bald man with a face so wrinkled that one could easily assume he was at least eighty years old. His saggy cheekbones, combined with droopy eyelids, make him look like a Bernese Mountain Dog.
First, he read out the indictment. The indictment covers multiple charges. "Mr. Rasaka, you are accused of being a member of a criminal organization targeting the Earth. In addition, you are not only a member, but also played a leader role in the kidnapping operation. Secondly, you planned a hijacking incident and participated in a Possible deaths were considered at the outset. Third, you threatened the life of an Earth envoy. You kidnapped him, harmed and threatened him. Fourth, you blackmailed the Senate of the Taurus colony. Fifth , you recklessly put the lives of all colonists, including those of your own family, through kidnapping. In addition, you violated various regulations, such as illegal possession of weapons, illegal laying of landmines on public roads, and inciting hostility against foreigners. Hatred...what is the prosecution’s defense?”
He turned to the prosecution representative, a short, slightly plump man with small eyes sparkling behind thick glasses.
"Guilty to all charges," came the firm reply.
The judge gave a slight nod, then turned to Rasaka. "Defendant, what is your defense opinion?"
Rasaka remained silent. What could he say? This question alone shows how unfair this trial is. Of course, he was guilty of all of these crimes. He didn't deny it either. Of course, he would be happy if he had to. But when everyone else chooses to close their eyes or do nothing, someone always takes action. If he testified now, it would be considered an admission of guilt. And he couldn't explain anything at this time. What is needed here is a short and clear answer: Guilty or Not Guilty. His defense will take place at a later date, which is what he was told was the trial procedure. So it's best not to say anything now. He was sure that if he had a lawyer, the lawyer would suggest the same thing. But he couldn't afford a lawyer, and no one wanted to represent him. So now he stands alone in front of the court. In fact, this is what he prefers. That way he might also be able to explain why he committed this crime. Maybe he still has a chance to make people understand the need for this. A lawyer would certainly turn this message on its head.
The judge shrugged slightly as Rasekhai continued to remain silent. The trial then continued.
Rasaka watched his wife leave the courtroom. She didn't even look at him again. His heart was as heavy as lead. How he wished he could explain everything to her. How I longed to hug her again and hold her tightly in my arms. But he may never get another chance.
He was not afraid of the sentence itself. He could predict the outcome of the trial. He would be found guilty and then sentenced to death. Worst case scenario, he could be sent back to Earth. This frightened him a little. Because he would probably not be treated fairly there. Nor did he expect to die quickly. There he could be tortured until they were convinced he was telling the truth. He heard the torture could last months or even years. He really didn't want to go through such pain.
However, there may not be a verdict today. After all, this is only the first day of the trial. Although the situation was clear, the colonies still wanted to avoid the impression of a blatantly unfair trial. They want everyone to know that this is a fair and unbiased court that adheres to the principles of democracy and the rule of law. Rasaka knows this. However, he was not happy. Instead, he preferred a speedy verdict. That way he wouldn't have to endure the humiliation of being shown so many times. And a swift verdict, after what was deemed a premeditated game, could have made him a martyr. If the trial drags on too long, few will ultimately care about his fate.
In the end, the trial was adjourned. Rasekhai should get a defense attorney. The continuation of the trial could take several days. So, he was taken back to the cell amid hateful looks and sporadic boos. The cell suddenly seemed friendly to him. At least there, he was alone and could spend time quietly. There, he can bid farewell to life.
Ingmar stood in front of Shu Ran's residence, his palms slightly moist due to nervousness. Today was their first day off together and they would spend it alone. No one else will disturb them or join them. He had received permission from Captain Noah to make a shore trip. After obtaining permission, he immediately discussed the trip with Shu Ran. She was very excited to spend the day on land.
The Taurus Alpha 6 offers a wide variety of options. The planet is virtually unpolluted and lacks large predators and venomous species, making it an ideal place to spend time relaxing in nature.
She opened the door to her apartment and immediately rushed to kiss him.
"How did you know it was me?" he asked later.
"I just know," she replied.
He tilted his head. "You're just guessing, if I were anyone else, you would kiss him too. Maybe Jeffrey." He said it in a deliberately humorous tone, making sure not to sound jealous.
"Yes, maybe I will like it." She replied with a playful smile. "I can't imagine it though. No one can kiss like you."
"That's just because you're such a good kisser," he said with a smile, adjusting the backpack slung over his shoulders.
"Nonsense," her tone left no room for doubt. Before he could say anything, she disappeared into her room and was standing in the doorway seconds later with her packed backpack. "I'm ready," she announced.
"Are you ready?" he asked, almost half-jokingly, expecting the answer to be a simple "yes."
But she didn't even answer. "How dare you ask such a stupid question." She squinted at him. He raised his hands in innocence. "Sorry, just a dumb, routine question."
Her expression turned friendly. He took her hand and walked to the transport room together.
Their destination was a mountain range some four hundred kilometers from the nearest settlement. Since the colony currently only has five different settlements, and they are all relatively close together, much of the planet is unexplored and unknown. They found the lake using sensors in orbit. Ingmar wonders if the colonists were aware of its existence. But even if they knew, the lake was too far for a private outing. The colonists had only a few shuttles and could not use them for private purposes. There is no road next to the lake, making it impossible to access it by vehicle.
Ingema and Shu Ran were teleported near the shore of the lake. Shu Ran had already put on sunglasses in the transfer room, while Ingmar tried to cover his eyes with his hands and squinted at the surroundings.
The sun shines down from a cloudless sky, reflecting countless rays of light on the water. The lake sparkles with dazzling light.
"Damn, I know I forgot something," he muttered, continuing to squint until his eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight.
Shu Ran looked at him and laughed. "You asked me if I have prepared everything?"
Ingmar looked at her, grinning just slightly.
The air was warm and filled with the scent of grass and water unique to the lake. Only the breeze blows gently through the valley, blowing comfortably on the skin. After spending time on a spaceship, these rays of sunshine become a wonderful change, producing a flood of happy hormones. This is especially true for people like Ingemar and Shuran who already have these happy hormones.
The lake is located in a small low-lying area. The terrain is rising all around. It starts out gentle and then becomes slightly steeper. The eastern shore of the lake is fed by a small, clear stream. There are emerald green grass surrounding the lake, exuding attractive colors, which makes people want to stop and enjoy it quietly. There are some occasional thorny shrubs, but it's easy to get around them. Although there is water here, there are no trees. Either the wind did not blow the seeds into this valley, or the soil conditions were not suitable for the trees to grow.
This lake will be a paradise for the Republic crew. Here everyone has a chance to relax and forget about the worries of the past few weeks. However, Ingmar didn't want to share the place with anyone else. This should be their place, a corner where they can be carefree.
They are free to choose where to stay. All sides of the lake are easily accessible. There are no particularly steep spots, and there are no obvious differences in the lakeshore zone. The meadow extends directly onto the lake. Possibly the lake's water level changes depending on the season and precipitation, so the shoreline becomes even.
They spread the towels they had brought with them on the grass and placed their bags beside them. While Ingemar was looking for something in his bag, Shu Ran had already taken off his shirt and pants.
"I brought us a bottle of champagne," Ingmar smiled, turning and showing her the bottle. At the same time, he noticed Shu Ran standing in front of him wearing a swimsuit. "No one will come here. We don't need to get dressed," he scolded with a mischievous grin.
"You guys are all the same. What a pig," she said, shaking her head in mock indignation.
Ingmar smiled triumphantly. "Of course. And we're particularly sensitive to certain things."
"Well, then you're truffle-hunting pigs," she rolled her eyes.
He looked up at her from below, and she immediately sensed what he was up to. He stood up and approached her. Then he gently ran his hands over her bathing suit, which hugged her breasts. "Truffles? Are there any truffles here?"
She laughed loudly and gently pushed him away. "Of course, but it's not easy to get." She turned around and hurried to the lake.
Ingmar quickly took off his clothes. Even though he really wished he couldn't wear swimming trunks, he brought one anyway. He already knew Shu Ran well enough to know that she didn't particularly like being naked, or even willing to be naked in front of him. He regrets this because to him she is the most beautiful woman in the world, even if she has some flesh. He couldn't and didn't want to imagine being without her. That won't fit. That was no longer Shu Ran. And now he could no longer imagine that he had ever only noticed women with model bodies. Now he would say these women were too thin and had no feminine curves at all.
After he changed his clothes, he chased Shu Ran. She hasn't gone very far yet. The water only came up to her knees. She just took small steps carefully. She turned when she heard him coming.
"As cold as ice water!" she shouted, gasping for air.
"What did you think it would be like? This is a lake in the mountains." He tried to look innocent. He stood there and watched Shu Ran racking her brains in the water.
"I thought mountain lakes on other planets would be warmer," she replied dryly. "You come in first. It's really cold." She marked a one-centimetre gap with her thumb and index finger.
"This remains to be verified." He said arrogantly, striding into the water. But Shu Ran is right. The water was surprisingly cold. Although he didn't make a sound, his face must have said it, because she couldn't help but say sarcastically: "How was it?"
Ingemar definitely didn't want to show any cowardice. So he leaned forward and fell into the water. He heard Shu Ran scream as the water slapped him. Apparently, he splashed enough water to hit her.
He swam under the water with a few short swimming movements. Some of the small fish fled when he noticed them, including one particularly strange fish. This small fish is wider than long and looks like two curved fingers on either side. However, it fled quickly like the other fish. Since Ingemar was told there were no dangerous animals here, he assumed the fish was harmless.
When he resurfaced, he immediately felt the sun above his head. Because of the warmth at this moment, he suddenly realized how cold the water was. When he moved, he could barely feel the coldness of the water.
He turned to Shu Ran. Although he swam a few steps, he could still stand here. The water only came up to his waist.
Shu Ran still stood in the same place, motionless. "So, cold?" she wondered, repeating the gesture.
"Come and see and try it for yourself," he responded.
