Chapter 14

Bangladesh, 2001

The smoke was thick in the air and the stench of the dead was on the wind. The popping sounds of military grade weapons were going off and there were shouts of anger and cries of pain. It was the same thing she had seen previously; war was like that but it didn't detract from what Angela aimed to do and that was to get her charge out of the city and to the rendezvous point.

The country had gone to shits and it appeared that there were two rebel groups. Both were against the current government but one wanted to assume the role of the oppressors. And the current government was against them both. You could call it a Mexican standoff but with dissident groups and either way, it was a dangerous combination.

Angela looked down the street as she checked the gun she had procured in a nonchalant manner from a government official that tried to shoot them. She really didn't like guns all that much but when push came to shove she would use it as necessary. Her ears listened for any signs of trouble as well as her nose. She made sure that she was locked and loaded and that she had spare clips. It wouldn't do them any good if she ran short of ammo.

"You have any idea where to go?"

Angela didn't look at the frightened girl that was staying by her side. She was busy making sure she had the means of getting them safely through the city and to their rendezvous point. "Just like we talked about before we started on this little trip," she replied with a calm voice that would brook no dissention within the ranks.

Raylene nodded still breathing heavily. The first shots that had been taken at them had scared her heavily. She couldn't help but scream when they started shooting at the innocent people that were around there. "I thought they were against the government."

"That's the problem with revolutions. The wrong person gets put in charge." Angela locked and loaded her weapon and looked around. Seeing that they were clear she said, "Let's go."

The streets were quiet except for the screams that sounded close along with the occasional shots from guns. After the initial shootout, most people were in hiding and had closed and locked their shops and homes. It still wasn't completely safe since people with guns and on a high for revolution, it could be pretty scary. Angela had seen worse things and that was when the people knew how to use the guns to their full capacity so this was relatively mild but that didn't mean that she couldn't let her guard down. She had a charge to take care of and was depending on her to get her to her father.

The city was fairly large even though it was one of the smaller ones so the distances were fairly great and they had to move with care. They avoided areas with large gatherings since they stood out. Patrol groups they avoided since they were outnumbered. It was like playing a maze game of sorts as Angela checked every corner before they crossed the street or moved up another block. It wasn't a thing to last.

The area looked clear so Angela gave the signal to move up. She led the way while keeping an eye out. The shot came from what looked like an alleyway and it hit on her upper arm. It forced Angela to press against the wall and she pushed Raylene to take cover while she returned fire in the direction it had come from.

It turned out that it was one of the government soldiers. She wasn't willing to kill anyone unless it was necessary so she popped him in the kneecaps. It was the least she could do and they were able to get away from that block. She managed to call Jabari on his phone, "Sitrep."

I have the ambassador and we are moving towards our exit.

"Good. We're on our way."

Are you all right?

"I'm fine," Angela replied while looking at the wound on her arm. It hurt like a bitch and she was going to have to dig it out but she was still functional. "We're just having some difficulties. Seems like a Mexican standoff."

Be careful then Ayana.

"Always," Angela replied with a grin. She then said something in his language and added, "Do what you have to do."

The conversation ended and Angela took a breath to assess the situation. They still had a ways to go and barring any confrontations with angry mobs on either side, they would be okay. Then she would be able to get the round out of her arm and then get back to Palo Alto. Then life would be perfect and maybe she would be left alone for at least two months. That was a dream but reality hardly ended up that way.

"You're hit."

Angela looked at her arm and then glanced at Raylene, "It's just a scratch. I'm fine." Looking at the landscape, she judged it was good to move. "Come on."

They made their way through the streets and didn't have too much trouble. There were a couple of two man patrols that Angela easily took out. She had Raylene hide while she snuck up on them and gave them what was coming to them. She could have easily snapped their necks but she had them pass out with a sleeper hold. She didn't like to kill unless it was necessary.

They managed to make it a couple blocks until they made it to the bridge. One of the rebel groups had taken control of the bridge and they were a little trigger happy. Angela thought sneaking by might work but she had to take careful consideration the logistics. She could make it even with her arm being the way it was but it depended upon the girl falling in line. She looked at Raylene and caught the girl's gaze.

"What?"

"How good are you at shedding tears?"

If the question was odd, Raylene sensed it was better to not ask but answer and do what she was told. She had learned the hard way that her new bodyguard had a different way of thinking and processing the world around her and she was pretty handy with her hands and feet. She listened and did what she was supposed to do. It ended up with her glaring at Angela and then bursting into tears as they were being yelled at by the rebels in their native language.

Angela remained calm and listened to the screaming. Her arm was killing her but she had to maintain the illusion that things were okay. They kind of were okay now; it was just a matter of things playing out as they were supposed to. Now that the guy finally stopped shouting, she was able to reply in the same language, "We are not your enemy but we know who is."

The rebel barked at her and demanded her to tell them where the government officials were. It took Angela being her usual self and not being put off by the blustering and she told him so. She also took the time to remind them that they were also agents of the order and they would do well to recognize someone who is on their side. It was a little bit of a bluff but it worked since the guns were lowered.

"So you know who our true enemy is?"

Angela looked at the rebel leader she was speaking to. Oh yeah she had a fairly good idea. And she had a plan to stick it to the current government. Politics wasn't her thing and she avoided it but if she was going to come out this alive she needed to not be so squeamish about it. Besides she didn't like bullies.

Looking at the rebel leader, she gave a slow smile. This was going to be good and part of it was already in play. "We all know that the president-general is your enemy but even with your revolution it will fail."

"What do you mean?"

"What if I told you there was a way to take him out and the oppressed that have become the oppressors in one fell swoop?"

"I'm listening."

Present

Angela looked at the councilors with her gaze lingering on Havilland. She didn't like that he implied a threat against Sam and Dean and that she would be powerless to stop it. She didn't like to think that three strikes and you were out. Part of the reason she was good at what she did was that she always managed to find one more thing that could be done and they were always options that demanded zero body count.

She had told Sam times over that she wasn't a saint but a killer. She had killed people. Not just the things that killed people or people that were turned but actual people. As she said, she had lived through seven major wars and countless smaller ones. She lived through revolution and rebellion in countries that are still shit holes today because the oppressed became the oppressors. And there were innocents she had killed but she hadn't known at the time.

Those were dark times and she had brought it up in her own way because she wanted the Winchesters to know who they were getting into bed with and in particular Sam. Dean, she kind of hoped initially that he would go hunter on her and shoot first and ask questions later. Sam… he just asked and delved deeper. Against her will, she gave details and even still he asked her to stay and she didn't want to leave. Along the way more things had been revealed but he still was insistent that she was a good person.

Sitting there, she wondered what he would think and feel once she was put on the stand and being made to tell her story. Of course it would be restricted to the facts of the case but everything she said could be latched onto and questioned. It was all part of fair trial and courtesy since the accused got to tell their side of things.

Behind her, she heard whispers and murmurs. Some were spiteful and those were from the idiots that were too full of themselves to do job the right way. Others were from people who were questioning why she was on trial in the first place when it had been clearly presented that she was nowhere in the vicinity when the event happened. Some were impressed whispers about Sam and wondering what he was going to do today. She was right in that he had made people stop and think with his question. If he had stayed at Stanford, he would have been a good lawyer.

Sam was sitting looking lost in thought but she could tell that he was thinking about the case, what he had been told and that was while trying to listen to Riley giving him advice. She gave a small smile that was a little sad. This was going to be one of the more difficult things to bear with. It'll be okay Sam. With everyone doing their parts… it will be okay.

The trial was called to order and everyone turned their attention towards the front when Angela was called to the front. It was made into a show as her shackles were undone and then she was tugged by them towards the front. She could hear the whispered protests at that; that she should be treated with some respect because of her service. She ignored it as she surveyed the room until she was told to sit and now she was facing the audience. She still had the shackles on, something you wouldn't see in a normal courtroom.

"So general, where were you the night the consul was killed?"

"In a motel two states over enjoying pizza and beer after disposing of a particularly nasty vengeful spirit with the penchant for making its victims take a long walk off a short pier about five stories up." Angela kept a bland expression but not the one that Sam hated. It was what Jo once called her game face since it took on the appearance that she wasn't going to settle for bullshit. "I was doing my job and that is saving people… hunting things… I call it the family business," she added with a slight smile that was polite but not friendly.

There was a snicker from the audience. Angela kept the smirk on her face since she wasn't inclined to show anything but her game face. She caught Sam's eye and blinked slowly to let him know she had this. She turned her focus towards the prosecutor and said, "To save the trouble, I was nowhere near the building. The knife is one of many that were crafted by me but there are many here who possess one like it. I was a weapons smith for a time."

It raised good points and Angela gave what she was going to give. She even responded to queries about her past that weren't relevant and most people knew anyway by looking it up. It touched on the events she had been glib about with the Winchesters and was mostly to establish character. That was shot down when Sam asked his questions.

Then it came down to the closing the statements. The prosecution wanted to dismiss charges since there wasn't substantial evidence but it was denied. It got people upset but Angela didn't bat an eye. She just sat there, taking it all in while surveying the room and in particular the councilors. She noticed one of the junior councilors looking scandalized while the other was alarmed but it was clear that he was going to follow through. Havilland though was adamant and it was clear that he intended to go through to the end. The only recourse was that the two junior councilors would be the majority against Havilland.

Sam took his turn and took his time. Angela could tell he was nervous. She watched him as he cleared his throat and began to give the facts that made it possible that it wasn't her that committed the crime. He looked at the audience and then would glance at the councilors before lastly looking at her. His eyes were on her as he explained her reputation and essentially listing why he thought she was a good person. His gaze never left her as if he were determined to let her know that was the truth.

The whole thing made her want to blush and she felt the heat start to rise. The way he was looking at her was very similar to how he looked at her in the Colorado and that the times before, just before he kissed her. She couldn't forget because it made her feel like she was feeling now… and it sounded so wrong because she was on trial for her life. But she couldn't help the fact that she was having a harder time resisting her attraction to him. She managed to keep it together while he was looking at her since his gaze held something in his eyes that was different from what he had sent her way previously.

Sam kept his gaze on Angela as he gave his closing. A lot of what he was saying was how he saw her and he was well aware that his personal feelings were showing through. But it was the honest truth and it showed on his face, at least to the people that were watching him proclaim her innocence. Whether or not she saw it was something else and at the moment he was pulling out all the stops. It was risky but he had to show that once and for all, Angela was not the killer she was accused of being.

"We've heard the evidence and there are a few things we know. One is that no one had a clear look of the intruder. For all we know there could have been more than one. It could have been an inside job. The point is the identity is never clear. Second, the weapon itself; it was admitted that it was one that was crafted by the accused. It was also pointed out that there were others who have a similar weapon in their possession. If we were to accuse the maker of a weapon then we'd be in trouble with no one to make what we need to fight.

"Lastly… it's the nature of the accused. Many of you, and including the council here, know the accused by reputation. She has fought, bled and died doing the one thing that you, as members of the Centurion have sworn, done. And that is to save people. Not just humans but those that needed it. Some of you have worked with her and know this. You know that while abrupt and sometimes rude in personal conversation… she always looks to help others.

"So I have to ask, would someone who has shown nothing but devotion to a cause, a cause the Centurion claims is their mission, go against that and kill someone she highly respected? The answer is no. We all have a dark streak yes. It's the job we do and the life we lead. No one is truly clean and if we are that honest, then we would all be on trial."

Angela listened as Sam finished and blinked. It was a good speech and it occurred to her that he had spoken from the heart on that. It was a rare thing but she had learned that what is spoken from the heart is the truth. She knew that the people would hear and listen to what he said. The hard part was whether or not the council would.

Sam finished and it allowed her to look up and study the council. There was nothing to indicate their thoughts on their faces. Of course that was part of the job. They had to weigh the evidence and then make their ruling. They were essentially judge and jury. The executioner part was not really used by them unless there was a good reason to. The executioner was usually chosen from the Centurion ranks and it wasn't the pleasantest of jobs. In fact it was so unpleasant that only two held the job and they rotated. It was a disgusted position but no one said a word.

"We have heard the evidence and now we will deliberate. Escort the prisoner to holding while we deliberate."

There were murmurs about the decision. True that it was customary but people were starting to wonder why the council wasn't just going to dismiss. There was already too much evidence that supported innocence. Angela heard the murmurs of suspicion but also ones of admiration for Sam. As much as she would like to dwell on it, she was focused on what was going on. There was something going on and it had been illusive to her. The deliberation time would help her to think.

She was led by the same guard that had been escorting her since this farce began. She was grateful for consistency and she got the feeling that she was going to need it while she had her thinking time. She walked by Sam and shot him a look that clearly said he had done his best and that she had faith in it. Maybe she was being overly optimistic in light of the fact that she really did stand no chance in hell since Havilland had it in for her. It was better than facing the alternative and being the pessimistic twat she could be. Besides, she knew that Sam had the people eating out of his pocket. Whether he knew this or not… she wasn't going to say anything unless it became an issue.

She was led back to the cell she had been taken to and rudely shoved in after the shackles were removed. She watched with a bland expression as the guard was readying to shut the doors. He was stopped by Sam, who brushed his way in like he owned the place and with little to no explanation. Angela raised her brow as she watched the guard gave a shrug and then a warning that he only had thirty minutes.

"Not long enough," Sam muttered with a glare.

Angela blinked at that but kept her mask on until the door was shut and locked. She gave a shrug and said, "Well at least if something happens the crazy one is contained."

"Not funny."

Angela turned to see Sam leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. His gaze was firm but it held a worried look. She replied, "Maybe," acquiescing to that. "Why are you here?"

It caused a brief wounded look to appear on Sam's features and Angela immediately regretted it. She really sucked at this and hissing in agitation, she turned away, her face burning. "Never mind. The waiting is the hard part," she said in a flat tone.

Sam noticed the change in tone and blinked in confusion when he noticed the change in demeanor. He had been hurt that she had to ask why he was there. It was obvious to him because he wanted to be there. He thought it would be obvious to her. The change had him confused but then he kicked himself mentally; his feelings must have shown on his face and… He never had this much trouble with Jessica. Why did Angela have to be so different?

Before it could escalate into a bigger misunderstanding, Sam reached out and grasped her hand as she walked by. It was enough to make her stop and look at him. "I wanted to be here with you if only for a little while."

The tension that Angela had felt from her blunder eased the moment Sam touched her hand and told the truth. How she knew it was the truth… it was how he said it. She looked at him and the stern look had disappeared and honest feelings were clear on his face. It was overwhelming and so honest that she wasn't sure how to react. She knew what she wanted though and nodded and softly voiced, "Thank you."

Sam took her response for what it was and his lip twitched in a smile. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and hoped he wasn't overstepping his boundaries. "What do you think about uh…"

Angela felt the squeeze and flexed her fingers in response but didn't pull away. This was comforting and… She replied, "You did everything that was expected of an Arbiter. You pleaded my case."

It sounded matter of fact but even Sam knew that there was no better way to say it. It was what it was and now her fate was in the hands of three people. He was just frustrated that it came down to the point where it seemed like it was for nothing. "Yeah but… it's like they aren't listening. It's biased."

Angela chuckled slightly at that, "It is. And that's what has people pissed at the whole thing." She saw Sam's expression and explained, "I saw their reaction and I could hear it. You pleaded a good case for dismissal. By law it should have been but it wasn't. It's not like the legal system of this country. Judge's word is law."

"So nothing can be done?" Sam reluctantly let go of her hand when she started pacing. He let his fingers brush her palm gently, trying to make the feeling last.

Angela turned to look at him. "I didn't say that."

"So there is a way out?"

Angela looked at Sam and debated on what to say. She didn't want to put him in a position to get his hopes up and then have them dashed to the ground. She also knew that to not tell him… it was like the whole thing with Maddison. She took a breath and said, "There is but… it's a very, very slim chance."

Sam understood what she meant but he also knew that she would take it. She was like Dean in that if it was a snowball's chance in hell… He knew she had something up her sleeve and it was probably morbid curiosity that had him want to wait and see though his anxiety was shooting through the roof. "Would you take it?"

"Yes."

"Can you tell me? Head start."

"No."

Angela saw the frown appear and replied quickly before he could protest, "Because you got to have a little faith. Trust me."

A/N: Angie gets on the stand and Sam gives a riveting speech. Will it clear her? Now the waiting game and it looks like there is some sweet Samgie fluff. Keep watching for more Trial and Reckoning...