Session 5

Author's Note: For those who haven't read my previous works the ending of this session might be a bit surprising. But—for those who have read Acid Rock Riot they'll know precisely where that connection comes from. I have done a lot of character building since the end of the series material. And now … on with the story …

Under the prosecutor's stern gaze Jet held up both hands as he stuttered, "No, you got it all wrong. That's not at all how things went! You see –"

Breeze slashed the air with his hand. "Innocent people were injured in the crossfire as your personal crafts recklessly tore through the city streets. This doesn't even bring into perspective how many buildings sustained damage, and that this was hardly the first time members of the Bebop crew were involved in this excessive level of collateral damage."

Seated at the table, Spike's restrained fists pumped rattling the chains. His blood boiled as the lawyer sweated Jet on the bench. Spike ground his teeth, barely holding back. They were already in enough trouble. From Ed's cheery account of hacking to Faye's feisty denial on the stand. And that didn't take into account his own train wreck of a turn on the grill. That damn slimy snake barely let him get a word in edgewise, all he'd managed to get out only landed him in glaresville with Judge Lynchworthy. He'd never heard the word contempt used that many times in such a short span.

Breeze shook his head while Jet resembled a gold fish. At last the lawyer turned to the judge and sighed. "I think we can agree that this crew poses more of a threat to society if they are allowed to continue business as usual."

"Bullshit!" Spike discovered he was on his feet. Shackles or not, he wasn't going to stand for this. "More than once we've saved whole colonies. What about Alba city when the government's little experiment got out of hand? Who cleaned up that mess? We did it thanklessly! After all, instead of being rewarded we were issued a bill for things the army shot to all hell."

Breeze put his hands in his pockets and rocked on his heels. Judge Lynchworthy's expression darkened a second before her gavel struck. "One more word out of you Mr. Spiegel and I will see you sent straight to Pluto on your own express shuttle. Do I make myself clear?"

A cold sweat broke out on Spike's forehead as he choked on thin air, visions of Quidlivun Cavus Prison Colony haunted him so intensely he shivered. Up on the stand, Jet tugged on the collar of his orange jumpsuit.

"Your honor," Breeze grinned like a cat cornering a mouse, "if I might point out the electronic document issued from Mar's government, exhibit 394. I had hoped it wouldn't come to this but..."

The judge held up the file and eyed Spike. "I am aware of the gag order issued to the crew of the Bebop concerning the events in Alba city."

Spike bowed his head even as Faye glared at him. He cursed under his breath.

"Thus, your honor, proving they are incapable of following instructions. And given that breaking that order alone has the consequence of imprisonment, I do believe we have a clear cut course of action."

Faye hissed, "Way to go, lunkhead."

He didn't press his luck with an acidic reply, instead he just offered her a glare.

Breeze gestured for Jet to join the others before plunking down in his seat, hands behind his head as he leaned back. "Prosecution rests."

Jet shuffled back to the others and sat beside them, the mood heavy. None of them looked at one another.

Judge Lynchworthy folded her hands. "To be honest I don't even need to recess for my decision. The actions of this crew are deeply deplorable on all levels. Shameful! From outright criminal actions to the active contribution of vagrant behavior in a minor. You three adults are extremely bad role models. I find there is only one course of action. Jet Black, Spike, Spiegel, and Faye Valentine; I hereby sentence you to sixty years each in Ganymede's Bayside Prison." She locked eyes with Spike as he opened his mouth, her gavel pointed at him. "One. More. Word. Well?"

Spike clamped his mouth shut, his eyes drawn to the floor. The last thing he wanted was a one way trip back to icicleville.

"Good. Now keep it shut." Not even looking up she waved her hand. "The unlicensed dog will be sent to the municipal pound." Inside the carrier Ein whimpered and scratched at the sides. "Radical Edward will be sent to Juvenile Detention—"

In one moment Ed's cheery nature faded. Instead of the wriggly, gangely teen, she stiffened. "No!" Since she couldn't separate her cuffed hands, she pointed with both at the others. "No! Edward goes wherever they go!"

Lynchworthy shook her head. "These disreputable adults have been a terrible influence on you. Where you are going, you will be straightened out."

"They are Ed's family. Ed stays with Bebop!" Heat rose to her cheeks as she stomped a foot.

The gavel fell in finality. With its clack, tears streamed down Ed's face and she slammed her shoulder into Spike's thigh, unable to wrap her cuffed arms around him. Her panic struck Spike with the force of the impact.

It wasn't like he could embrace her. Spike started to bend down over the frantic girl when he spied the bailiff rushing their way. Spike bared his teeth, the chain clanking as he strained against it. "Back off! Lay one hand on Ed and I swear, restrained or not, I will find a way to end you!"

Thinking better of it, the bailiff took several steps backward.

Spike crouched down as Ed nestled against his chest. Sobs racked her, reminding him of when her nightmares first began, that fateful night on that abandoned asteroid. Poor kid. He longed to rub her back, to comfort her. Screw anyone watching him. But of course he couldn't. All he had to offer was his voice. "Easy kiddo. Nice sentiment and all. But where we're going … you uhh … you really don't want to go. It's not a place for you."

Gripping the collar of his jumpsuit she tugged on it, rocking her head back and forth. "I don't care. I'm a member of the crew. We belong together."

"In some cases … yes." His throat tightened. "But not this one. Trust me. Where you're going is better."

"Come with Ed."

He laughed, a nervous chuckled that shamed him. "Well, that can't happen either."

"Why not?" She pounded her fists.

He let her. "It just can't. This … this is one of those times where we can't really do anything about what's going on. It sucks big time. But, just like us, you gotta go with it. Cause if we don't, things could get a lot worse. Can you do that? Can you just go with it for now?"

It took a long moment. Ed gradually stopped sobbing. Slowly, she pressed away from his chest and blinked back the tears. Scrunching up her nose, she nodded. "Ok. Ed will go with it for now." Her eyes narrowed. "And Ed will find where they take you and get you all back again. Ed swears."

The vehemence in her eyes caught Spike by surprise. For a long moment they just stared at one another until the bailiff stepped forward and took her shoulder, leading Ed out of the court room by one door, determined expression on her face. Another group of officers lead Spike, Jet, and Faye into a different corridor.

As the door shut behind them, Spike closed his eyes and fought against the steely shiver of terror. He had glimpsed life behind bars and never imagined facing that again.

Apparently someone else had other plans. He only hoped Ed could hold out until they could sort out this mess. The crew of the Bebop needed a miracle like never before.


See You Space Cowboy