The following takes place between 3 pm and 4 pm
-3:00 pm-Tony Almeida sat nervously, waiting for his trial to begin. His palms grew sweaty and his heart beat fast. He took deep breaths trying to calm himself. It didn't work. He didn't think he would be this frightened about it, but he couldn't help himself. Within one hour he would know whether or not he would live or die. Whether or not he would spend the rest of his life or just some of it in prison.
Tony leaned back in his chair and looked out at the few people that made up the court audience. Among them he saw his wife, Michelle. He had told her to stay strong. He had also told her that he didn't regret what he did. He didn't regret that he had let Saunders get away, so that he could save his wife. It could've turned into a disaster. Saunders could've escaped for good and released the virus. Michelle could've died. But that didn't happen. What if it had? That's what the court was looking at... what if? In that case, Tony could pretty much kiss his whole life good-bye. Whether it was spent in prison...or not. Either one could destroy Michelle. Although Tony didn't regret what he did, he did regret the fact that Michelle might have to live with the pain and grief of being without the man she loved. Dead or alive. But...she was alive and he thanked God for that.
As he looked at his beautiful, courageous wife he saw how desperately she was trying to stay strong...for him. And she was, even though he could see slight tracks on her cheeks from where her makeup had run when she cried. Her eyes were half closed and she seemed overcome with exhaustion. Dear Michelle. She hadn't even gone home to sleep for an hour or two. She had decided to stand by her husband, through everything, no matter what happened. She had made that choice along time ago, on the day she had said, I do.
Tony knew this and he thanked God for allowing him to marry such a woman. And what a woman she was!
All of the sudden a police officer said, Please rise, breaking Tony's train of thought. And so it began.
All rose and Judge Katlyn Almeck came and sat at her throne-like seat; she was now ruler of the court. She held all the power and it was her decision what would happen to Tony.
The police officer called Tony to the front and held a Bible out to him. He told him to place one hand under the Bible and one over it. Tony did as he was told.
Do you agree to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? The police officer asked in a monotone voice.
I do, Tony said obediently, trying to mask the fear he felt.
He sat down in the peeling, gray chair next to the judges seat. His heart beat fast and he felt lightheaded. He brought his hand up to the bandaged gun shot wound on his neck that he had received just yesterday. It was warm and sticky. The doctor had said that he would have some bleeding and possibly experience some dizziness or fainting spells. He was bleeding, but only a little bit. He just hoped no one would notice and he hoped, above all else, that he wouldn't pass out. He tried to push the sick feeling from his head. He had to focus.
Here, there were no lawyers, no jury, just a couple of people and a judge. Tony was glad it was this way. Less confusion.
Judge Almeck shifted in her seat as she leaned forward to look at Tony. She sorted through papers and then found one which seemed to interest her.
Mr. Almeida, She began as she held up the paper. This says that you are being charged with treason.
There was a long pause and all eyes were on Tony. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to say anything, so he decided he probably shouldn't.
The judge let out a long sigh before going on.
I've already been informed of what you did, so let's just cut to the chase.
Treason is a very serious thing Mr. Almeida, she said as she picked out another paper from among the pile in front of her.
Tony rolled his eyes slightly. He wasn't a child. He knew it was serious. He had put the lives of millions of people at risk. He, himself had accused others of the same crime. It was not to be taken lightly. Oh yes, he knew just how serious it was.
Mr. Almeida I'm going to ask you a few questions and for your cooperation, okay? Judge Almeck said somewhat robotically.
He nodded his head yes.
How long have you and your wife... She paused as she looked at the paper more closely, ...uh...Michelle been married for?
Tony wondered why they asked questions they already knew the answer to. But he answered anyway.
8 months, He replied.
The Judge looked thoughtful.
Do you have children?

Hmm, ok...did Saunders threaten Michelle's life?

Did you agree to his terms immediately?
Tony began to get annoyed with these questions.
Not immediately, it wasn't an easy decision to make.
I'm sure, the Judge said unsympathetically.
Tony's headache began to increase and he felt faint. He wished the trial would hurry up and be over. But Judge Almeck continued to question him.
If put in that type of situation again would you make the same kind of decision?
Tony paused hesitantly. Yes, he would...in a heartbeat.
He said, looking over at Michelle , yes, I would.
His eyes still fixed on Michelle, he saw her somewhat surprised reaction. But she was smiling. Deep down inside she knew he would say yes.
The Judge was also a little surprised, but she too smiled.
She muttered as she rested her chin on her hands. She said after a long pause, Here's my verdict: Antonio Almeida, I hereby retire you of your job at CTU and you are forbidden to acquire or request any job working for any other government agency, you are also sentenced to two years of prison and 2 more years of probation.
Mr. Almeida, yes, you did crommit a serious crime and it could've costed many people their lives, but I believe you did this strictly out of love and devotion to your wife, She said as she looked over at Michelle. I think that taking you out of the type of environment that could cause you to have to make this type of choice again and sentencing you to some prison time will prohibit you from having to make that kind of decision again.
She stood up and took the pile of papers in her hand. But, I advise you to try and stay out of anything like this in the future. If it were to happen again you wouldn't just be looking at being fired and a little prison time, you could be looking at the death penalty.
She struck the desk hard with her mallet. Court is now adjourned.
What people that were in there begin to immediatly file out of the room. Tony made his way over to the police officer, who stood ready to take him away, and asked, May I have a moment with my wife?
The officer nodded his head and walked to the other side of the room where he kept a watchful eye on Tony.
Tony walked over to Michelle. As soon as she was in his arms they both began to weep. They had both thought that his sentence would be much worse. Much, much worse. The tears they cried were tears of joy.
Tony sighed a huge sigh of relief. Michelle was shaking.
It's okay, Tony said as he held and comforted his wife. It's over now.
Michelle looked up at Tony, but something caught her eye. His neck was bleeding. She touched the bandaged wound slightly. Tony winced.
She started, but he didn't let her finish.
His eyes suddenly looked glazed and he swayed in her arms. Moments later he was on the ground...out cold, with blood oozing from his wound.
Michelle screamed, Someone help!