Scattered Suns - Kevin J. Anderson [167]
Lanyan’s face became very cold. “Don’t you dare complain to us about Dasra. Because of our incomplete information there, because you didn’t finish your job, a military survey team and a tactical squadron consisting of more than three hundred personnel were completely wiped out at Dasra.”
BeBob lowered his head. “Okay, maybe that wasn’t the best example—”
“I’m not sure we need to hear any more.” Lanyan’s voice held a note of smugness.
Rlinda wondered how hard she’d have to smack the EDF legal counsel to get him to do his job. Frustrated, she stepped forward again. “Does the phrase kangaroo court mean any—”
Lanyan slapped his hand down on the table. “The basic facts are clear and uncontested. Even Captain Roberts does not deny them.” He lifted a hand to tick the points off on his fingers. “He was legally conscripted into the Earth Defense Forces. His ship was legally reassigned to serve the EDF. Captain Roberts was allowed to keep flying solely on the condition that he would devote his time to authorized scout missions. Instead, he simply flew off and never came back.” His piercing gaze nailed BeBob. “Do you deny any of this?”
“I came back. I’m here now, aren’t I?”
Rlinda turned back to the defense table. “Don’t say anything, BeBob.” She snapped at the legal counsel, “Isn’t that what you’re supposed to advise him?”
The man looked at BeBob without expression. “I thought he could figure that much out for himself.”
Lanyan prepared to leave. “I don’t see any point in continuing this nonsense today. Admiral Stromo is arriving with his report from Corribus, and I need to speak to him as soon as possible. We can reconvene tomorrow to wrap up anything else, but clearly there’s sufficient evidence to proceed with a formal court-martial.” He glanced at the other two officers, who nodded.
The General’s expression was full of disgust for BeBob. “Once we go public, the Hansa media will paint you as the slime-dripper you really are. I doubt you’ll get a lot of sympathy. Chairman Wenceslas has already granted approval for us to seek the death penalty if you’re found guilty of desertion. He agrees with the need to crack down on people like you.”
BeBob’s eyes went wide. “Death penalty?”
Rlinda put her hands on her hips but bit back an outcry. At the table, the legal counsel simply nodded solemnly. “Desertion in a time of war is an offense punishable by death. Has been for centuries.”
Lanyan continued in a threatening tone, “However, your past examples of service may be considered mitigating details, along with your rescue of the two survivors from Corribus. Depending on public reaction during the court-martial, King Peter might commute your sentence to permanent penal servitude on an industrial planet.” The General smiled. “If he feels generous.”
Chapter 83—DOBRO DESIGNATE UDRU’H
In order to save his planet from destruction, the Dobro Designate had promised to deliver his answer to Hyrillka in person. Now, like sand slipping through his fingers, time had run out.
Udru’h had to face his rebellious brother alone and do his part; the Mage-Imperator could not assist him in this. Rusa’h had already murdered his legitimate Designate-in-waiting and apparently at least two of Pery’h’s brothers; he was not likely to respond well to defiance. Therefore, Udru’h had to formulate his response very carefully. He would lie, he would remain firm...and he would find a way to survive. He always did.
En route to the Horizon Cluster, he kept to himself, brooding about what he had agreed to do. Udru’h knew what the Mage-Imperator expected of him. As he approached Hyrillka, the Designate felt as if he were falling off a cliff. The decision was made: He could not rescind it.
As the transport craft approached Hyrillka, several warliners swept out of orbit and surrounded