Naero's War: The Citation Series 3: Naero's Trial Read Online Free PDF

tempered with mercy and compassion. That is also our tradition. If we are indeed going to take this young Spacer’s life from her, at least allow her to speak and have her final say.”
    “I will grant that in this case,” Justice Klyne announced. “Captain Naero Amashin Maeris. Say what it is that your heart tells you must say.”
    Another deep breath. Naero stepped forward once more to speak her mind.
    She closed her eyes and bowed her head in a moment of personal silence and contemplation. Mother. Father. All the blood of our Clan that has made me what I am. Help me. Please guide me, my words, and my steps that I take from this point forward.
    Naero, I can get us out of here right–
    No, Om.
    They are going to kill us, N. What do you mean, no?
    Just what I said, Om. I said no. Do nothing.
    Naero lifted her head and spoke calmly. “My people. My beloved Clans. We are a people of laws and justice. A people of freedom, mercy, and truth. In his own way, Master Tree is right. If I chose to, I could flee and avoid capture and execution, most likely for the rest of my life, and live very well for myself.”
    Master Tree brought out the finger again. “See!” he exclaimed. “That is exactly why we need to kill her–kill her right now. She readily admits to exactly what I have been warning you against all along.”
    “Haisha,” Master Jo protested. “My old friend. What has gotten into you? Will you ever shut up, you pompous bag of old farts? For once, be silent.”
    “I agree,” Naero said. “You’ve won. You’ve served the letter of the law. You’ve convinced all of these Spacers that the right thing to do for the good of all is to cut my bloody head off. To kill me and take my life. But at least I have been granted my say, so goddam it, stop fucking interrupting me and let me speak!”
    Complete silence followed.
    “If any of you haven’t noticed, despite the fact that I have the power to get away, and stay away, any time I choose…I haven’t done so. I am still standing here before all you, seeking the same thing that you are. Justice. And honor.”
    She turned around and looked at them all defiantly. She tested her shackles. “Do you really think that these bonds could hold me, if I chose to break free of of them?” She put forth her Cosmic might. Cosmic lightning flared as she disintegrated the shackles around her forearms and fists, dissolving the bonds and the chain between them completely–with ease.
    “I said long ago, that if my people decided that I became a dire threat to them, I would accept that judgment–even if such a judgment demanded my death. I readily admit that I am not above our law. No one is. But sometimes the law is wrong. Sometimes it makes mistakes. The law is not perfect, just as we are not perfect.”
    She stepped back slightly.
    “I…accept the verdict of our court and my people, if that is what they decide. I ask only that you be certain that it is the right one and that it has been decided fairly. If that sentence it to take my life, then so be it. Take it. I accept my fate. Nor will I resist or attempt to flee. All that I beg of you is one hour. Allow me only one standard hour, to say farewell to those I love. That is all that I ask. Surely, there is enough mercy in Spacer justice to give me that.”
    “It is too late for any of that,” Master Tree roared.
    “Unfortunately,” Klyne said, “that is correct. There is no turning back now. Yet I can grant Naero her hour’s reprieve, if the Elders on the jury are in agreement with me.”
    They looked to each other briefly and then nodded to Klyne in assent.
    “Then it is decided. The sentence and execution shall be carried out in one hour. Let us meet back in this place to see it done. And never allow it to be said that Captain Maeris has not retained and upheld her highest honor throughout this process. If nothing else, she is an example of honor. For us all. But even though I have served as impartial judge in this