CHAPTER 18
JUDGMENT
The time for the judgment came just as quickly as the Doctor predicted. Constance chose to play the part of condemned prisoner to the bitter end and came dressed completely in black. Jason surprised even the Doctor when he appeared lavishly clothed in brocade, the jewel encrusted collar of rank around his neck, the medallion bearing his family insignia gleaming from its usual place upon it. The Marquis Krystovan had arrived in full glory.
Leela was relegated to the corridor outside the throne room where she and K-9 were told to wait until after the judgment was completed.
When all were assembled, Chancellor Dru loftily announced, "All rise and pay homage to his Most Supreme Majesty Quinton; Lord Emperor of Alterrous and the Alterran Empire, Bearer of the Great Seal, and Final Adjudicator of the Laws of Alterrous."
This last title was emphasized a little too strongly for the Emperor's liking and he shot a quick, reproving glance in Dru's direction before nodding to the assemblage and taking his place upon the throne. He then called for the proceedings to begin.
Dru read the charges against Constance, going through the litany of the Changeling history once again. The Doctor presented the evidence clearing Miss Sorenson of the murder charge and then Jason presented the petition for an Imperial pardon. Finally, the Chancellor gave his closing speech, ending it by reading the original Imperial decree condemning all Changelings and using his most lofty of tones.
"An Imperial decree of Krystovan, Supreme Lord Emperor of Alterrous and Keeper of the Great Seal. To insure the safety and security of the Empire, its people and its allies, it is hereby decreed that all members of the Sornon Genetic Research Team, now known as the Changelings, must die. So it is ordered by the wisdom of the Great Seal."
Constance closed her eyes in resignation as the document was read. She had done exactly as instructed, even though there were several times during the proceedings when it was obvious she was controlling herself with considerable effort, wanting to scream against the injustices being heaped upon her. She leaned on the railing in front of her, her knuckles white as she clung to it in frustration.
Finally Emperor Quinton spoke, his magnificent voice filling the room with an eerie calm. "I will begin my judgment by stating that law and justice are not always the same thing. It is my duty to exact justice while at the same time keep true to the law." Pausing dramatically, the Emperor turned to the Doctor and Jason. "I freely admit the great debt that the Empire, and indeed myself, owe the Doctor and the Marquis Krystovan. Their petition for clemency in the form of an Imperial pardon for Miss Sorenson is not without merit."
The monarch drew a deep breath, placing a hand on the Great Seal. "I am empowered to grant this petition and issue an Imperial pardon rescinding all charges save one. The original Changeling decree. This is beyond even my power to rescind." He paused a moment before saying, "It is my unfortunate duty, therefore, to designate the method by which the prisoner shall die."
Chancellor Dru puffed out his chest and threw a victorious and condescending look in Constance's direction. She, in turn, looked pleadingly over to the Doctor, who returned her frightened look with a stern shake of the head, a finger going to his lips as a reminder that she keep silent. Jason was aghast, observing the Time Lord's signal in annoyance and anger.
The Emperor rose to his feet and called for the prisoner to stand before him. Two guards had flanked her during the entire proceeding, but when Constance obeyed the call, the monarch held up a hand to prevent them following. The trembling woman stood before him, fighting to keep back the tears. When he failed to address her right away, she looked up, seeing, to her amazement, an expression of deep compassion on his usually hard, chiseled features. It was only then that she realized the Emperor was on her side too.
In a voice that was almost soothing, the Emperor said, "Constance Sorenson, you have freely admitted you are a Changeling, and have not denied any of the charged brought before us here. I must, therefore, condemn you to death as set forth by Imperial decree. It is my judgment that the method of your death should be—" Quinton's eyes seemed to sparkle as he said, "Time itself."
Constance was completely baffled. "Time, your Majesty?"
"You shall be returned to Aegis, where you will remain in exile until such time as you die of old age. Such is the judgment of Quinton, Bearer of the Great Seal."
Constance was now trembling uncontrollably and stood rooted to the spot, her hands to her mouth, not quite able to take it in. Having anticipated this reaction, the Doctor gave Jason a gentle pull and they came up behind her, arriving in time for Jason to catch her as her knees finally gave way.
"No!" Chancellor Dru cried, finding his voice at last. "No, this is illegal!"
"The judgment is made," the monarch replied bluntly.
"Quinton, you can't do this!"
The Emperor's chiseled features immediately turned to stone the moment his forename was used. "You will remember your place, Chancellor!" he snapped.
Dru didn't hear him, too consumed with his own purpose. He pushed the nearest guard aside, snatching the weapon from its holster and aiming it at the horrified Constance, who was huddled on the floor supported by Jason. She let out a terrified cry and hid her face against his chest. Jason, however, did not move, his eyes locking with Dru's. It did not matter who the Chancellor was aiming at, the energy ball the weapon produced would kill them both regardless.
Suddenly the Emperor's voice shook the room as he thundered, "Stop! I command it!" The full force of the power at his command instantly filled the room like a rushing wind, immobilizing all present. The Chancellor was thrown backwards as the rush struck him squarely, pinning him helplessly against the wall. The sovereign then held out a hand and the weapon flew into it.
"You are relieved of your office, Dru," the Emperor stated angrily. The collar of office detached itself and flew toward the enraged Quinton, dropping into a heap at his feet. "For years I've tolerated your arrogance and petty jealousies and this is my reward. Treason before my very eyes." Then, just as suddenly as it appeared the rush of power vanished, restoring mobility to all and releasing the now Ex-Chancellor from his place against the wall. He dropped to the floor and sat glaring hatefully back at the Emperor.
Turning to the Imperial Guards, the Emperor ordered, "Take this man into custody and have him placed in maximum security confinement. I will personally deal with him later."
During the entire confrontation, the Doctor stood marveling at the spectacle. He had seen telekinetic energy at work before, but never to the magnitude where it actually filled a room in a tangible way. He then recalled Quinton's words and understood what he meant about the power being both astounding and terrifying.
As Dru was led away, the Emperor ordered the room cleared. The moment this was done, he turned to Constance, Jason and the Doctor, appearing slightly embarrassed by his open display of power. Constance was helped to her feet and taken to a chair where the Emperor gave her a small glass of brandy.
"I feel I must apologize to you, Miss Sorenson. I realize this whole business has been terribly distressing," the Emperor said gently. "But in matters of this type, I'm bound by certain procedures, one of which precludes my speaking to you beforehand. You showed remarkable self-control, by the way. I must admit to being impressed. The Doctor said you could do it."
Constance looked up sharply, turning an accusing look in the Time Lord's direction. "You knew? All along, you knew what was going to happen? And you didn't tell me!"
The Doctor opened his mouth, thought better of it, and closed it again, saying nothing.
"How could you be so cruel?" she cried. "I trusted you!"
Quinton immediately intervened. "That way my doing, Miss Sorenson, not the Doctor's. It was essential everything proceed as we'd planned. If you'd uttered even a word of denial, all might've been lost."
"Of course!" Jason exclaimed, closing his eyes and reciting, "Because you freely admitted you are a Changeling, and have not denied any of the charges brought before us here…" He looked over to the monarch in admiration. "You needed the admission in order to enforce the decree immediately."
The Emperor smiled. "In all fairness, I must confess it was the Doctor who came across the loophole and suggested time as the method of execution." He suddenly noticed that Constance was still trembling and suggested that Jason take her back to her quarters. He did not send along an armed guard, however, their only company being K-9, who remained steadfastly at his young master's heels.
Chancellor Dru walked to the maximum-security detention area with his head high, an air of indignation and superiority surrounding him. He spent the entire journey spouting law and historical facts until the two guards escorting him were bored silly, which was exactly what he had in mind.
A few yards from the elevator that would take them directly to the security center, Dru made his move. One of the guards was holding a gun and Dru suddenly threw himself backwards, pinning the astonished man against the wall. The Chancellor grabbed the extended arm, aiming and firing the weapon still in his hand, killing his partner. An elbow in the stomach of the pinned man was all that was needed to get the gun free. Then he too was shot down before Dru fled the scene.