the trial will be swift and fast, claiming the woman innocent, as they did, after all, collect a lot of information on the dark dealings that were going on Velutha without the authorities knowing. Or – known and not dealt with…
As they gathered by the exit, Lindon saw Cipher leaving Pher as the one in charge, offering him some advice on dealing with the unusual neighbour – Laneth, who has added a bit of chaos into the ship’s crew with her being around. Wolfin and Hunter seemed anxious, though Serena’s mentor tried hard to keep a calm and collected demeanour.
After that was done, and Hunter hurried their friend to open the door, they stepped out – Hunter and Cipher wearing only the atmospheric bracelets to negate the harsh environment of the planet.
Captain of the Imperial Guard Dillian Dorn Merr-Philas stood ready with a regiment of his soldiers, waiting for the men to walk up. As soon as they did, the soldiers surrounded them and they all headed out towards the biggest building that stood ahead – the so-called Palace, where most of the council meetings were held and al the Royal Trials commenced.
Hunter knew that the low building next to it was the prison, which was mostly guarded by drones, and the Veluthians that worked there mainly oversaw the robots, rarely ever engaging with prisoners. At least, that’s what he was told by Wolfin.
Escorted through the lavishly decorated plaza before the Palace, the crew walked into the building, where their guards stopped only once – for a few drones to scan the visitors for any sort of weapons. Finding none, they continued their way, and Hunter suddenly thought if this place was so secure, how was it even possible for criminals like Salaar Dorn Kalun to operate and steal things that were supposed to be held in even more secure areas.
Finally, they were showed into a very large, luxuriously decorated hall, where the Empress already sat on a golden throne, surrounded by her counsellors. A number of people stood by the walls, and for a minute or two Cipher and Hunter felt themselves being on trial by the sole looks they were given.
«Captain Dillian, thank you for escorting them to us. You are free to go.» the Empress waved the Veluthian and his men off.
Seeing the Royal Guards located all over, Hunter swallowed a sudden lump, realising that this place was always ready to defend or attack anyone, who would do something stupid.
«Approach.» one of the counsellors waved to Serena’s crew.
They obliged, feeling uncomfortable and vulnerable, though, their biggest concern was the fact that Serena was nowhere to be found.
«I have studied the evidence you and your Captain have provided. And though I do not condone such a familiar way to send me a personal message, I do find the extent of this information to be quite admirable.» the Empress glanced at Wolfin. «Wolfin Ghor-Dinn, as I understand, the search for this information began after you have encountered Serena Dal Thara-Lyss on some distant planet?»
«Yes, Empress. I was forced to hide for a long time after being falsely accused of murder.» Wolfin replied, trying not to make his answers too long.
«And you, Lindon Dorn Gray-Linn? You joined them later?» Empress tilted her head.
«Yes. At first I was after Wolfin, investigating the disappearances of Veluthian citizens on that planet, but Serena held a field court and I found out that he was innocent through means of memory extraction. I was later attacked, because the proof I brought to clear his name threatened the people who have conspired to falsely accuse the man.»
«And… these Terrans? What stakes do they have in this matter?»
Hunter took a very short step forward:
«I am sorry, I do not know how to address you properly, Empress. But we are Serena’s friends. We helped her collect all that information, not for some benefit or reward, but to help her. She felt it was crucial to bring these crimes to light. She was certain that if she could be heard and the information disclosed to the right people, something could be done to stop the contraband from filling pockets and spreading among the space pirates.»
«And you are sure that Laithorian technology is being used by pirates?»
«Yes. I’ve seen it first-hand.»
Hunter saw one of the Royal Guards approaching the Empress and whispering something to her ear. And though her expression hadn’t changed, her eyes squinted. She replied – quietly, and the guard walked off.
«Which of the contraband found on MSS Lyssandra have you retrieved from pirates?» the Empress asked the man.
«The contraband we had in our possession was retrieved from a smuggler.» Wolfin said. «We were investigating a trail of some pirates to find out where the tech was, but we had to return to Velutha, as we were approached by bounty hunters and found out that Serena was wanted under the guise of false accusations against her.»
«Ah… yes, that I saw in the extracted memories Serena had sent us.» the Empress glanced at one of her council members and nodded.
«We shall start the Royal Trial as soon as Serena Dal Thara-Lyss will be brought to court to face her charges.» the man, dressed in strange wide clothing stood. «In the meantime, you are free to stay here.»
Chapter 5. Trial
The wait took some time. Hunter felt his nerves becoming even more strained – he was not only anxious to see Serena, but worried that it was taking so long for her to be brought before the Empress at all. Lindon and Wolfin seemed to be even more tense, though at the start they were the ones telling the Terrans to keep their heads cool.
Hunter felt like something was terribly wrong.
Finally, after what seemed like at least an hour passing, the doors to the hall opened and everyone turned to see a group of people. Hunter flinched, only to be stopped by Lindon, as the people walked in.
However, everyone saw that the prisoner that was brought, wasn’t walking herself. On the contrary, she was being dragged by two men, who carried her by her armpits, while her legs dragged on the floor.
Wolfin frowned, seeing Serena being seemingly unresponsive.
Hunter, seeing the procession, barely recognised Serena. He flinched forward, wishing to approach, forcing Wolfin and Lindon to catch him from running up to the woman, who seemed to be heavily beaten and barely conscious – if at all. All three men watched in horror at the state Serena was in, realising they could do nothing in the circumstances they were in. The only one to do or say anything at that moment was only the Empress herself.
«What is the meaning of this?!» Empress Alathea’s furious tone reverberated through the throne room. «Where are her clothes? And why is she in such a pathetic state?»
The woman watched the prisoner with a dangerous squint in her golden eyes.
«During the very first day she resisted us when we were searching her for any weapons, my liege.» Lazarus Dorn Kalun said, bowing. «I beg your forgiveness.»
«And her hair?»
«It was cut for safety reasons – her own and ours, my liege.»
«Liar…» Serena forced out, fighting through the pain and humiliation.
