CoH CoS (Chapter 27)
The gavel banged down silencing the room.
“This court will come to order. Will the cadet stand?”
Athena stood up slowly. Her eyes were red. She had cried earlier when the bailiff had taken her lightsaber and rank insignias, but she had remained dry eyed since. Relina, the head justice, looked at Athena.
“Cadet Knight, you stand accused of disobeying a direct order from an inner council member in time of combat. The defense and the prosecutor have made arguments and rested. We have made our judgment. Have you anything to say before sentencing?”
“No Colonel.”
Relina stood.
“We have found you guilty. We are not without understanding of your reasons though. We all want to help any way we can in this time. But that does not allow anyone, from the newest cadet to the highest council member free reign. We have come to this conclusion. As in life, we all have choices. And we present these choices to you now. You to be expelled from the order, taken of rank, weapon, and position, never to be accepted to any Knight post or training facility. Or you to be sentenced to reduction in rank to cadet 3rd class, a mark in your training record, and fifty lashes.”
There were a few gasps from the crowd, but they quieted before any could call for order.
Athena looked down quickly, trying to calm herself, feeling on the edge of tears once again. She blinked quickly and took a deep breath.
“I wish to remain in the order. I apologize for my actions and the consequences that they caused. I will take the punishment set forth by the council.”
“You understand that once the court is dismissed you may not change your decision. You will remain in the order with reduction of rank, mark on record, and physical punishment. Are you sure this is your decision? Answer yes or no.”
“Yes.”
“Then the court passes judgment for the above said punishment. The punishment is to be carried out in one hour. Court is dismissed.”
The bailiff led Athena away to her quarters. Damien watched her go silently. He walked out of the courtroom and to his own quarters. Once inside he sank down to a chair, sighing deeply and holding his head in his hands.
One hour later…
Damien stood silent, at attention. He blinked hard every time the whip cracked and Athena cried out. That was his only reaction. He never took his eyes off her. He wondered how Ryu would feel about this? Would he approve? Damien and the other founders of the Knighthood had set down these laws without exception for anyone, including themselves. He deeply wished he could take every lash for her, but he knew he could not. She was to be treated like every other Knight. The founders, male and female alike had felt that all should be treated the same, no matter in age,sex,or any other difference. He could not make exception for her or for anyone else. To do so would lose the respect of every Knight, even if every last one understood and agreed with his decision. He snapped out of his reverie as he saw the medics carrying Athena to medical. He stood there for a moment longer before walking toward medical himself. He wanted to be there when Athena came to.
-Damien