"How long were you in the hall?"

Griff shivered at my words. I crossed my arms and didn't blink as I spoke to him.

"M-Maybe ten seconds?"

"Ten seconds." I grit my teeth. "Here's a question for you, Griff." I took a deep breath—trying to calm myself. "How exactly could you plant Sunry's Hero's Cross in ten seconds? It could maybe take you a minute—"

"Objection! Irrelevance and speculation!"

"Sustained." That was the Head Judge again. "Arbiter, I do not see how this line of questioning is relevant to this witness."

"Isn't the Hero's Cross a bit too obvious?" I asked the judges. "It was found in Elassa's hand. How did Sunry not know that it was there? If he was the murderer, he would have taken it."

"Hmm...yes," Kota nodded. "That is a bit strange."

"If your line of reasoning is true, Arbiter, then what makes you think this witness planted this evidence?" Judge Duula asked.

My head pounded. Time seemed to slow as I paused. Thinking. The evidence I had was faulty. In fact, I had no proof except Griff's word that he planted the pin. Without Mission, technically I would have never known he was at the party.

Wait.

I smirked. "I have evidence that the witness planted the Cross, that's why."

I had a plan. A risky plan that once again relied on Griff's cowardice and stupidity. And...Mission. I didn't want to do this. Pit brother against sister. But I had no other options.

"What is this evidence, Arbiter Gale?" Shelkar asked.

"A recording of Sunry's party held at Takaon Hotel. It shows that on that night, the pin was stolen from the old soldier so that it could be planted. If one of the witnesses was both at the party and the crime scene...well that is a suspicious coincidence, wouldn't you say?"

"Yes, indeed," Kota said. It seemed like I was in Kota's favor already… "Well, go on, show us this evidence."

"First, I would like to ask the witness a question."

The judges muttered to themselves. Please. Just this once will the Force be on my side?

Eventually, Shelkar nodded. "This is unorthodox but...I will allow a question. One question. We do not have time to waste."

I nodded back, then eyed Griff again.

"Were you at Sunry's party?"

"Um…" He rubbed his lekku. "Well…"

"Witness, please answer the question." Shelkar's rubber voice boomed. "Truthfully. Know that if we discover that you lied, you will be sentenced harshly."

Griff flinched then stuttered like I expected the coward to.

"Y-Yes. I was there."

"No!" The Sith shot out of his seat. "Objection, this is being coached from the witness."

"Overruled," Duula said. He faced his fellow judges. "This witness has admitted to being at the party...but how does this prove that he planted the pin?"

"Yes, it doesn't prove our witness stole the pin off Sunry," Shekar agreed. "Griff, please tell us what you were doing at this party?"

"I was a waiter!" He seethed. "I didn't steal anything. It was just a coincidence that I was there, really. Someone else stole it."

"My evidence proves that to be false, your honors," I said. He fell for it. I waved a T4 unit over and connected it to my datapad. "This security footage was provided to me with authorization from the SSF. I have not tampered with the footage—you can check if you are unsure."

We watched the sped-up footage for ten minutes. The entire court was silent as the crowds of the party moved like bugs across the screen. As we watched I sensed...anger. I dared to look behind me. Erina's normally serene face had turned, twisted, like a Sith's. When she saw me looking at her, her face returned. Yet I saw that look already.

With a click, the footage stopped.

The Sith, Hars, snorted. "What exactly was the point of that?"

"The witness…" One of the judges caught on. Duula blinked. "The witness was not in the footage."

Griff shrank back. "Uh…what?"

"How is that…? But the witness just stated he was at the party," Judge Kota said. "This doesn't make any sense."

"Someone manipulated the footage." Judge Shelkar shook his head. "Someone tampered with evidence."

Silence.

Then, a giggle.

"Ha...ha...whoops…" Griff rubbed the back of his head. "I misremembered. Sorry. I wasn't at that party."

"Hmm…" Duula muttered. "That's possible…"

Oh, kriff. Okay. Time for Plan C.

"Yes, but someone who was at the party could testify that Griff was indeed there," I said.

"Who?" Shelkar asked.

"I'd like to request another witness to be called to the stand...Mission Vao. Griff's younger sister."

"Arbiter," Shelkar blubbered. "Griff's testimony has not ended. You cannot call another witness—"

"Unless the new witness' testimony can act as evidence against the standing witness' testimony." I smiled. "I read the datapad you provided, your Honor. And Mission Vao's testimony is evidence."

The Selkath judges were silent, completely taken aback. They once again whispered to each other, then…

Shelkar waved. "Mission Vao. Please approach the council."

I glanced back into the crowd. Mission stood on shaky legs and as she walked towards us, she dragged her feet. Force, I really didn't like getting her involved, but I didn't have a choice at this point.

Griff's face twisted. "M-Mish...I…"

Mission didn't even look him in the face. She took the other podium and faced me. I gave her a reassuring smile. Once the judges gave permission, I approached to begin the testimony.

"You were at the party, correct? We saw you in the footage."

Mission nodded. "Yes, I was there."

Her voice was steel.

"Mission…" Griff whimpered.

"Order!" Judge Shelkar rang the bell. "Allow the witness to testify."

"Did you see your brother at Sunry's party?" I asked

Mission peered to the side. Her brother shook her head, once again pleading. Yet, Mission's blue eyes sharpened into a blue, hot dagger.

"I saw him." She smirked. Then, she stabbed a finger in Griff's direction. "And I saw him steal Sunry's pin!"

Um...well, I wasn't expecting her to lie. But, it helped speed things along.

"Objection!"

Force, did this guy ever stop objecting? I object to his damn objections.

Hars pointed at me with an ugly finger. "How can we trust this witness? There is no substantial proof in the footage that the witness, Griff, was even at the party."

"Overruled." Shelkar sighed. "If this one witness saw Griff at the party, then there is a possibility that others would as well. I doubt the young Twi'lek would lie with that in mind. If Griff was there, the mere fact that the footage was tampered with to erase his presence is proof enough that he committed a deed that he wished to hide. This witness' statement solidifies the holovid evidence."

The other two judges nodded.

Griff shook his head. "N-No, I wasn't there! I—"

"Witness…" Judge Shelkar hissed. "We have one statement that you were there. We could find another, yet I would rather not extend the trial. If you continue to lie, you will be held in contempt of court. You will be given a far harsher punishment on top of the fraud and evidence tampering charges you now face."

Griff hissed. He glared at me and Mission. "Alright!" He shouted. "Alright, I stole and planted the Cross!"

The entire court bustled. I let out a long relieved sigh, rubbing my forehead of sweat. I...honestly didn't think it was going to be possible after Griff grew a backbone. A smile grew on my face.

Now that Griff admitted to this fraud, it was only a matter of time.

"Order!" Shelkar rang the bell again. "Witness, please restart your testimony. From the beginning. Without any lies."

Griff's entire body shivered. "I…" He sighed. "Yes, I stole the Cross. That night, once I heard the blaster shot, I waited at my door. When the bartender ran out, I ran into Elassa's room. I...put the Cross in her hand and ran out of there before anyone noticed me."

I walked up to Griff again, trying to keep myself calm as I once again began my cross-examination.

"What did you see at the scene?"

"I...the bedsheet was on the floor...the Sith woman—her lightsaber was sitting on the bedside table...and her head...Sunry shot her in the head."

"How do you know Sunry shot her?"

"I...well, I don't know for sure, I g-guess."

"And the stab wounds," I said, rubbing my chin. "Did you see those?"

"N-No!" He shook. "I didn't see that."

"Interesting. The bartender also made this observation," Judge Duula muttered. "Perhaps...these stab wounds were made long after the shooting?"

"That doesn't make much sense," Judge Shelkar said, shaking his head. "Why would the culprit return to the scene after the crime was committed to stab the victim?"

I smiled as I heard the judges deliberate. "Who told you to plant the Cross?" I asked. "Was it the Sith?"

"I-I don't know who—it was an Echani! I swear I don't know."

"Do you know how they knew Elassa was going to die that night?"

Griff froze. "At first, I assumed the Echani was going to kill her then...pin the murder on Sunry."

Hmm, that made sense. Perhaps that was the actual case? Did Sunry piss off Takaon so much that she also happened to want to kill the Sith and frame him the same night he committed the murder? It was a terrible coincidence if that were true—though it was Sunry's last day on Manaan as well. If only Takaon's plan went through to fruition. My conscience would have been cleaner and this trial easier.

The judges sat back. "Who would have tried to pin this on Sunry?" Judge Kota asked. "No one has a motive."

"Except the Sith," Shelkar said. "They are at war with the Republic, after all."

"No, t-this is all circumstantial evidence, your Honors," Diplomat Hars said, waving his hand at me. "Yes, the witness confessed to planting the Cross, yet this doesn't prove that Sunry didn't commit the crime. Firstly, we do not know who told Griff to plant the Cross. And secondly, the crime was likely premeditated. Sunry might have told others about his plan to murder Elassa that night. Like his wife."

Oh, he was really going to play that card, huh?

Judge Kota shrugged her shoulders. "Yes, it's not enough to prove anything concrete, but it is odd."

"I think, for now, we should move on to the next witness," Judge Duula said.

The judges nodded. "Agreed."

SSF officers were called then to place Griff under arrest. I smirked at him as he passed—he glared at me right back. Honestly, he was fortunate that other people were around. Otherwise, well, I'd follow up on my promise to make his life a living hell. My smile fell when Mission followed them on the way back to her seat. Her face was still twisted in…anger.

The next witness, Ambassador Wann, walked to the stand with his head held high. Since I called this witness myself, I was the one who had to supply the testimony. I walked up to face the Ambassador. He narrowed his eyes, but there was a faint grin on his face.

"Sunry was arrested at the Republic Embassy, Ambassador," I said. "It's assumed that he went to you after he fled the scene."

Wann sighed. "Yes, I spoke to Sunry."

"Tell us about that conversation."

I paced to the left as he spoke.

"It wasn't anything special. Just some final arrangements before his retirement. He expressed his wish to leave Manaan and go to Alderaan with his wife. That's when the SSF called in and demanded his arrest."

"When?" I asked. "When did Sunry enter the embassy?"

"Maybe…" Wann thought back. "0600 in the morning?"

I looked down at the datapad. The time of death…

"This was six hours after Elassa's death, Ambassador," I said.

Wann narrowed his eyes. Confusion painted his face.

"Yes? And? It took the Selkath a while to pinpoint a suspect and find Sunry."

"You've seen the Selkath's state-of-the-art security. It shouldn't have taken them that long to find the old soldier," I said. "The bartender made the call at 0034. The SSF arrived an hour later. Rather late response, wouldn't you say?"

Ambassador Wann crossed his arms. "What are you implying?"

"Yes, Arbiter," Judge Shelkar said. "Where are you going with this?"

This was...going to be tricky. And it was going to look bad. Yet, Wann deserved it, really.

"So far, two of our witnesses have stated they did not see stab wounds on the victim at midnight. There was also no knife at the scene. My theory is that someone else stabbed the victim to make it appear as if the killer attacked Elassa in a struggle. Something that the defendant wouldn't be able to accomplish given the fact that Elassa was a dark Jedi and that he suffered from war wounds."

"Hey," Sunry hissed at me. I hadn't paid attention to him during this trial. Yet, he was sending sharp glares. "Aren't you supposed to be defending me here?"

"Silence." Judge Shelkar sighed. "Are you suggesting that some outsiders manipulated the evidence again? Only this time to aid the defendant?"

I winced. "Yes."

The Sith laughed once. "You really must be new at this, Jedi. The only ones with a motive to cover for Sunry are the Republic. You've just supposed to all of us that Ambassador Wann had some of his spies in the SSF create faulty evidence for Sunry."

Ambassador Wann's stoic face dropped. He glared at the Sith. "We do not have spies in the SSF."

"Of course you don't, Senate dog."

"You—"

Judge Shelkar rang the bell. I swear the damn thing was going to be in my nightmares after this. Along with the glub glubs from the Selkath.

"Enough, Diplomate Hars, you are only allowed to interrupt as an objection." Shelkar eyed me again. "Arbiter, explain. Yes, what you've supposed sounds legitimate, yet this goes against your duties as the defense Arbiter."

"Recall my opening statement, your Honors." I took a deep breath. "Operate under the assumption that Elassa killed herself that night. She couldn't very well stab herself after the act. Sunry would have been there to witness Elassa shoot herself. In a panic, he would have run to Ambassador Wann for help. Naturally, the Ambassador would have realized it was a setup and called upon his spies to rectify the situation. Yes, what the Republic did to cover for Sunry is illegal, but this doesn't prove Sunry killed Elassa. Only that the Republic knew he'd become a suspect."

"Objection—you are joking, right?" Hars' smarmy grin stretched. "It's more likely that Sunry murdered Elassa and the Republic assisted in the coverup."

I shrugged. "Yet, without knowing what happened in the room, you really don't know, do you? And now that the only wound supplied by the actual killer is a blaster shot to the head…how can you say Elassa didn't kill herself?"

"Because Jedi, Elassa had no motive to do so. Sunry had plenty of motive to kill her."

Ambassador Wann coughed and shot glares at both of us. "I didn't send spies to cover up anything, you—"

"Ambassador." Judge Shelkar shook his fish head. "The SSF were the only ones at the scene after the murder. They reported stab wounds. The witness Griff did not have a knife on him so he could not have stabbed the victim. This means that someone in the SSF attempted a coverup. We could also interrogate these officers, but I'm sure you don't want to waste our time either."

Wann looked from me to Shelkar to Sunry. Then, the slimy politician huffed and crossed his arms. He addressed me.

"I don't know why you're doing this, Jedi, but yes. I had some of my spies stab the body of Elassa not because Sunry killed her. It's as you said. Elassa killed herself. Sunry told me."

More chaos erupted behind me. During the disruption and over the ringing, Jolee grabbed my arm.

"You sure you know what you're doing, kid?"

I sighed. No. Honestly, I was winging this. Sure, I could have maybe thought of another way to explain these stab wounds…but a part of me wanted to see Ambassador Wann squirm. Wanted to see the fear in his eyes as he realized…I held his fate in my hands. I could twist this in any way I wanted.

"Order! Order!" Shelkar rang the bell. "This is a serious offense, Ambassador. You will be charged with obstructing justice and conspiracy."

Ah, no that couldn't happen. We needed Wann as much as I hated his guts.

"And will you charge the Sith similarly for planting the Hero's Cross?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"Objection, your Honors, we have already established that we do not know for sure who planted the Cross."

"Yet, it was planted." Kota sat back. "In a way, Sunry has been set up with the Cross. Why would this setup be needed if it was obvious who committed the crime? Without the Cross, Sunry wouldn't have been considered a suspect since the old man couldn't have fought against a dark Jedi with a knife and won."

"Hmm…" Duula rubbed his gills, serious voice deep. "Good point, Kota. That is indeed odd. I'm starting to lean on the defense's…admittedly outlandish theory."

"You are forgetting something important, your Honors." The dark rings under Hars' eyes grew as he narrowed his eyes on me. "Motive. Elassa had no motive to kill herself. Sunry had plenty of motives to kill Elassa. I would like to call Sunry's wife, Elora, to the stand."

Ambassador Wann left. As he left, he gave me another lightsaber hot stare. Elora, the poor old woman, slowly approached the stand. She had...looked better the last time I saw her three days ago. Dark circles painted the bottom of her eyes and her entire body moved slow, like a Hutt.

The Sith had no mercy. Of course. He walked up to the stand and began to gather the testimony.

"You Elora, are Sunry's lawful wife. Your husband was a hero in the last war between the Sith Empire and the Republic. He was crippled in that war. Do you not believe he'd blame the Sith for his injury?"

"Well...yes, I suppose he would. All soldiers blamed the Sith for that war, of course."

"Some people have claimed that Sunry was approached by Elassa. They assumed she was a prostitute."

Elora flinched.

I frowned. "Objection—argumentative," I shouted.

"Sustained. Diplomate Hars, rephrase as a question. Please."

The Sith glared at me. Ha. Vengeance.

"Was it true that your husband was having an affair with Elassa?"

Elora glanced over at her husband. Sunry didn't even look up from staring at his wrinkled hands.

"Yes… Yes, it is true." She sniffed. "He was having an affair with that Sith harlot."

Hars smirked. "Ah, now do you see, your honors? He killed Elassa in order to keep the affair under wraps. Elassa wouldn't kill herself without reason."

"Hmm, yes, that would be enough of a motive…" Duula muttered.

I rubbed my chin. Now I had to provide a motive that Elassa would kill herself over Sunry killing her. I sensed Jolee shooting me a concerned look. He whispered in my ear.

"Elassa was told before the party, remember?"

I released my hold on my chin with a smile. Of course.

The Sith ended the testimony and, once again, I approached the witness.

"When did you learn about the affair?"

She frowned. "That night, before the party. He had been seeing her for some time, I think." She took a handkerchief and blew into it. Ugh. "But he said he was going to change! He had gone there that night to end it! He had promised! But now things have become so very complicated…"

"End it, huh?" Duula leaned back. "Sounds like a confession."

I ignored this and spoke to Elora again. "So, Sunry wouldn't have killed Elassa to hide the affair since you already seemed to know about it?"

"Yes. My husband...he's a war hero. He would never kill someone in cold blood like that."

"And you said he was going there to end it?"

Elora hesitated. "Yes."

"Your Honors." I eyed the three Selkath. "The Sith insists that this affair provides a motive that the defense wished to kill Elassa…yet, if that were true, why would Sunry tell his wife about it? Surely my client isn't that stupid. If he intended to kill Elassa that night…he wouldn't tell anyone."

The judges stared at me for a moment. In a way, I was telling the truth. Sunry had no idea Elassa was a Sith spy, so he had no motive to kill her.

"Yes, you're right, Arbiter Gale," Shelkar said. "It wouldn't make sense."

"If Sunry killed Elassa, it doesn't sound premeditated," Duula blubbered. "He wouldn't have told his wife about the affair if that were true."

"You—I—he…"

Hars stuttered, at a complete loss. I smirked to my right. He really was banking on the affair business, huh? Relief caused my limbs to slacken. Was I…actually going to succeed here?

I spoke too soon. A grin twisted on the Sith's face.

"I will concede, your Honors, that Sunry's murder of Elassa wasn't premeditated. Yet, it's possible that information he discovered that night led to Elassa's death." He pointed to the defense's podium. "I would now like to call Gorlias Sunry to the stand."

My shoulders sank. This guy really didn't know how to give up.

Elora was led away and the SSF officers guarding Sunry took him by both arms. He limped to the stand amongst a sea of whispers from the crowd. This was going to be the last testimony. The last before we began the deliberations with the judges. I had to make my case here. Now. Or else the Sith would get the upper hand.

After Sunry was sworn in, Hars approached the old soldier. I could sense the heat of hatred in the air.

"Are you a war hero, Mr. Sunry? It's what your wife called you. I believe you fought in wars against the Sith Empire, Exar Khun, correct?"

Sunry glanced down. "Correct."

"Indeed... Would you say that you dislike the Sith? Even... hate them?"

"Objection—this isn't relevant to this case."

"Overruled." The Head Judge shook his head. "The question is important to establish a motive, Arbiter."

Kriff.

"Of course I hate them!" Sunry shouted. "The Sith try to take over the galaxy every chance they get! Killing millions of innocents!"

And here he was almost killing as many innocents with his recklessness. I pushed that thought aside along with the anger that rose with it.

"Pure politics." Hars shrugged. "Were you in Elassa's room on the night of the murder?"

"Well I…yes." He narrowed his eyes. "I know what you're going to say next. That I killed Elassa after finding out she was a Sith. Well, that's not true. I knew she was a Sith from the start. I was playing dumb in order to turn her into a double agent."

The idiot. No one was going to believe that.

"An obviously false story! May I remind you, Sunry, that you were slated for retirement? Elassa would have no use for you after that, so why would you advertise it if you were trying to turn her? That night, you discovered you were having an affair with a Sith! You wanted to end it quickly and quietly, so you killed her in her sleep and tried to flee."

"No, I—"

"I think the motive has been clearly established now, your Honors."

The Selkath sat up in their seats. Shelkar pointed.

"Do not interrupt the witness, Diplomate Hars." He turned to face me. "The prosecution makes a strong case, Arbiter Gale. Do you wish to cross-examine?"

Of course. I nodded and approached the stand. This was it. I had to fabricate a motive. A motive that Elassa, a Sith, would kill herself. I glanced out into the crowd. My gaze met our team in the middle of the room. It ended up landing on Bastila.

"Did you love Elassa, Sunry?"

I looked back at my client. Sunry flinched.

"I…yes. I did. I wanted to elope with her…to Coruscant."

Hars snorted. "Heartbreak. Betrayal. Another motive."

"Quiet." Shelkar snapped. "One more interruption from you, Sith, and you will be charged with obstruction."

I continued. "And did Elassa…love you?"

Sunry stared at me, thinking. He opened his mouth once, then twice, then…

"I think so. Yes."

"How did you learn that Elassa was a Sith, Sunry?"

He pursed his wrinkled lips.

"She told me."

"Why?"

"I…" His face grew serious. I recognized it as the guilt that it was. Yet, to the court, he appeared forlorn. "I don't know."

I knew why. She wanted Sunry to attack her. Yet, when she didn't get what she wanted, she cut her losses. Interestingly…she didn't kill him. Perhaps it was because she was smarter than Sunry. Knew it would make her a suspect in his murder. Or…maybe she did love Sunry.

Ha. No way.

"Were you upset after she told you?" I asked.

"Y-Yes. Of course. But I couldn't hurt her even if I wanted to. She was standing there with a lightsaber at her belt. We…I bedded her after that."

I winced in disgust. "But she didn't kill you. Obviously. Isn't that strange? Was she sentimental for the enemy?"

"Objection—this is all speculation."

"Overruled. The question has merit."

Sunry answered. "Yes, I thought it was odd."

"I'd like to submit evidence to the court." I flicked my datapad on and stared down at the offending recording. I glanced to the side at Jolee. "An audio recording the Republic discovered at the scene after staging the body with false evidence."

I heard something clamber behind me. Ambassador Wann had shot out of his seat. He didn't say anything though. But his glare was sharp.

"Let's hear it then."

I nodded, separating the audio from the video, then played it using the droid again.

Elassa's sultry voice cut into my ears along with Sunry's cracked voice. I had the conversation memorized after listening to it over and over again last night. It was why I'd come up with this lie, this defense, in the first place.

It started in the middle of Sunry speaking.

"—know what you're saying, but...I can't, Elassa. I love you."

"Sunry."

"No. I won't hear it. I don't care that you're a Sith. We'll live in Coruscant. Live the rest of our lives there."

"I…can't."

"…why not?"

"I was…assigned to gather as much intel from you as I could. But I failed. With your retirement, I'm afraid they'll stop at nothing. They'll kill you too. My only option now—"

"No. Elassa. Stop. We'll run. Together. Go somewhere far. Just the two of us. Where they won't find us."

Silence.

"Okay."

My stomach twisted. I fast-forwarded until I got to the moment. The moment Sunry killed Elassa. Everyone in court flinched at the sound of the blaster. Since they only heard it, they had no idea who the supposed killer and shooter were.

More silence.

I turned to face the judges then waved at Sunry. "Does that sound like a man who would kill in cold blood? A man who wished death on his lover? To me, it sounded like he forgave her."

The Selkath all nodded. Sunry's face slackened from his tense appearance. The old soldier looked as if he almost had a heart attack. Good. Because he didn't forgive her. Not really. He lied. He shot and killed her right after this. His trickery and deception was Sith-like. Disgusting.

"Yes, it doesn't sound like he wished the Sith malice at all," Kota mumbled. "Yet, why would Elassa kill herself?"

"Simple, your Honor." I glared at the Sith. "To the Sith, failure is not an option. They torture their failed and disobedient subjects until they beg for death. Elassa knew the Sith wouldn't stop hunting them. She took her own life to save Sunry's."

"Objection—this is...all a supposition. The Sith do not torture—"

"Tell that to the Selkath youth you kidnapped, brainwashed, and took advantage of!" I shouted, pointing a finger at Hars.

"What?" Judge Duula stood from his bench. "How did you know…?"

All three judges stared at me with their fish eyes. Kota, intense, maybe. Duula confused. And within Shelkar...fear. They knew exactly what I was talking about. Yet they didn't want to bring it up. Shasa and her gang must have spoken to the judges. A smile formed on my lips. It had been risky to mention that...but if they came through, then they might see reason here.

Shelkar rang the bell. Duula sat once again.

"This cross-examination is over. We will now proceed with closing statements before we deliberate. Diplomate Hars?"

The Sith walked until he was a few meters to my right. He shot me another one of those smarmy grins. I narrowed my eyes and wished that I could at least kill this Sith. Later. I felt a mental kick from Bastila when she sensed my desire to strangle the prosecution. I mean—she'd be lying if she didn't have the desire either.

"Your Honors. What happened here is far more simple than what the defense has theorized. Sure, Sunry didn't go to Elassa that night with the intention to murder her, yet the fact remains that he had motivation to after she revealed herself to be a Sith working him for information. The defense has attempted to use emotion and pity to garner sympathy for Sunry, however, the old soldier was lying when he spoke to Elassa about eloping and forgiving her. The defense's theory also doesn't hold up to scrutiny. Arbiter Gale claims Elassa killed herself to protect Sunry, yet she was a plant and a loyal Sith agent. Nothing would make that loyalty waiver. Even love. There is also the accusation that the Sith torture their failed agents. Lies. The defense has no proof. When it all comes down to it, Wesley Gale has not provided evidence that Elassa's motive to kill herself outweighs Sunry's desire to kill Elassa." He walked over to his desk and sat. "I rest my case."

The tribunal all nodded. "And you make a good case, Diplomate Hars," Shelkar said. He nodded to me. "Arbiter Wesley Gale?"

I took in a deep breath and let it out in a long stream. This was it. This is what it all came down to.

"The prosecution insists that I have no proof to support my claims. On the contrary, this entire trial has proven my claims and more." I folded my hands behind my back. "I will summarize what I believe happened that night and let you decide whether or not the evidence and witness testimonies support my claim.

"A week before Elassa's death, Sunry announced his retirement. This sent the Sith, who were using the old soldier for information, into a panic. They came up with a scheme to set Sunry up for murder. They hired Griff to steal Sunry's Hero's Cross. How did they know Elassa was going to die? How did anyone? Not his wife. As the prosecution said, he didn't have a motive to kill Elassa prior to 'learning the truth.'

"This Hero's Cross provides proof that someone knew Elassa would die. The only way anyone would possibly know this is if Elassa told others that she was going to kill herself. The Sith threatened to kill her and Sunry for her failure if she didn't help with their scheme. She had to sacrifice herself to save Sunry or they would both die. At least Sunry would have a chance to live if he was framed for her death.

"Did the prosecution ever explain why the Cross was planted? Explain why the false stabbing was necessary? Explain why the recording of that night paints Sunry as a forgiving soldier? No. Never. We are only here today because a Sith was merciful and killed herself to spare the life of a Republic soldier. In my opinion, her sacrifice shouldn't result in the death of the man she wished to save. She was a…hero." I mentally cringed at that last line, yet I kept my face straight. My arms fell back to my sides. "That is all, your Honors."

The three Selkath sat there staring at me almost as if in awe. I could also feel the gazes of the entire courtroom on my back. It was…probably the most absurd lie I had ever come up with in my life. Hopefully it would be enough. Hopefully, it was worth it.

Shelkar rang the bell. They all stood.

"Court is adjourned. The tribunal will now review the evidence, witness testimonies, and Arbiter statements. We will deliberate on a verdict. For now, you are all dismissed until the SSF officers summon you back." He bowed his fish head. "For the Law of Manaan."

The other two bowed as well.

"For the Law of Manaan."

The dark caffa streamed into the cheap paper cup I grabbed from the turntable in the middle of the canteen. Yes, lunch had also been placed beside the cups but…honestly, I was too nervous to even think about eating anything. Only those who were a part of the court (the defense and the prosecutor) had been ushered to this small room. Those in the audience had been shuffled to a larger space.

After I grabbed a caffa, avoiding Diplomate Hars glare, I approached the small corner table that Jolee sat near. It looked as if he was thinking. Hard. I didn't interrupt his thinking as I sat on the stool beside him at the table and quietly sipped the caffa.

"You did good out there, kid," Jolee muttered. "No matter whether you win or lose...you showed wisdom worthy of a Jedi Master during this trial."

"Oh?" I raised a brow. "This is new. Not going to scold me?"

Jolee let out one of his "hmphs."

"You can't take a damn compliment, can you? A bit like Nayama..." He laughed quietly to himself—remembering something or other about this "Nayama." Then, he stopped. "Don't blame yourself if you lose, kid. The fate of the Republic...the people...hell, the galaxy...it should have never been placed squarely onto your small shoulders."

I stopped drinking my caffa and frowned. The nearly empty cup twisted in my hands.

"Who else was going to do it?"

"Not you."

I shrugged. "I didn't see anyone else jump to action. Yeah, it sucks that I had to defend Sunry. But if I have to do it to save others, it should be worth it in the end…" I peered to the side. "Right?"

Jolee sighed and leaned forward on his knees. Staring at some unknown point in the room.

"You never listen, do you?" He shook his head. "At the very least...don't forget that we're here to help you shoulder the galaxy, kid. You're not alone."

"I'll try, Jolee." I placed the cup onto the table then leaned on my own knees. "And for what it's worth...sorry for being an ass. And thanks. For stalking me. Almost lost my cool there."

"Heh. I'm rather glad I decided to come, too, really. You're a fine young lad. I hope…" His voice trailed off. Got quieter. "I hope things turn out well for you."

"Oh, we'll win." I smiled at the old man. "I know we'll win."

I had no doubts now.

Two hours of drinking caffa later, the courtroom was abuzz as we all resettled into our places. Jolee rocked back and forth on his heels while I crossed my arms to settle the shaking in my limbs. When the tribunal exited out of the back rooms, followed by a few droids, the room quieted down. I forced myself to stop shaking (too much caffa) and uncrossed my arms.

The SSF officer called us to rise as we were once again sworn in. The Head Judge, Shelkar, spoke into the mic—addressing Sunry who had been led to the witness stand in front of them.

"After a few hours of deliberation, we have arrived at a verdict." I could sense the entire room holding their breaths. "There is a saying among the Selkath. A defendant should only be found guilty when there is no reasonable doubt. The fact of the matter is…no one truly knows what happened at the crime scene. We could reasonably believe Sunry killed Elassa…yet this council believes there are too many doubts and factors. With that being said, this court hereby acquits Sunry of the murder of Elassa Huros by the Law of Manaan."

After the ringing bell, the room erupted with an even louder buzz. I let out a relieved laugh and grinned at Jolee who grinned back just as wide. I grabbed and shook the old man's shoulder, and he returned the gesture. Force, I actually did it!

No, I had no doubt.

"But…"

The SSF officer ordered everyone to be quiet. The Selkaths' faces had grown serious.

"We were made aware during the course of this trial that the Republic manipulated the scene of a crime by utilizing our own people in the SSF. This breaks the treaty that was signed at the beginning of this war. We were also made aware that the Sith persuaded some Selkath youth in an attempt to turn them into spies against our government. These acts of subterfuge cannot go unpunished. After speaking to the Selkath leaders, we have decided that both the Sith and the Republic will have to pay extra for kolto for the duration of this war."

What.

My earlier joy diminished. Sure, the kolto hadn't been cut, but knowing the Republic, they'd skimp out on the kolto now because of the price spike. Hell, they'll probably not bother helping the refugees from Uyter now.

My fists bunched.

"Kid…" Jolee shook my shoulder. "It's not the worst-case scenario. The Republic will still have some kolto at least."

But if I hadn't rubbed it in Wann's face. If I hadn't revealed that he set up the stabbing. If I hadn't let my anger, my emotions, rule over me. If...

I could have done better.

Sunry sighed in relief as the shackles around his wrists were unlocked by one of the SSF officers. We were in the processing room filing the paperwork needed to get Sunry released. Elora...hadn't followed us even though it was expected since she was his wife. Hmm, I wonder why. Probably had nothing to do with the fact that he admitted to loving Elassa still even after he promised to end it. Maybe.

I crossed my arms as the old man rubbed his wrists to remove the indent.

"Thank you, Jedi. I almost thought the trial was lost—"

"I don't care for your thanks," I snapped, glaring. "I helped you. Now it's time for your end of the deal."

Sunry glanced at the Selkath watching us at the desk. Then, he walked close. Close enough so that he could whisper.

"If you tell Ambassador Wann that you know about Project White Firaxan...he'll talk."

"Project White Firaxan?"

"We talked about it during the party," he said. "Only...you thought it was the Sith who needed the parts."

Oh, no. Really? Anger built within my chest again. The soft-touch of the bond tried to quell it, but it was not enough.

"You mean, the Republic broke the—"

"Not here. Talk to the Ambassador about White Firaxan." Sunry's serious expression relaxed. "Anyway…" He faced Jolee. "I'm sorry about what happened, old friend. I'll understand if you can't find it within your heart to forgive me…you've already suffered the pain of forgiveness before."

I raised a brow at that. Jolee crossed his arms and didn't speak for at least a minute. I thought he would have shouted at his old friend, yet his resulting reaction was muted. Stoic.

"You were a good man. Once. One day, you'll regret what you did here. And once that happens, you're going to have to live with that regret on your conscience for the rest of your life. That is a punishment, in my opinion."

Sunry's old eyes misted over. "You know...you're probably right, Jolee. You're always right. I might actually…" He rubbed his shoulder. "Anyway, it's probably for the best if I leave before some…people catch up to me. Goodbye, old friend. May the Force be with you both."

"Wait." Before Sunry left, he turned to face me again. I continued. "Why does Takaon hate you? Because...well, it wasn't really the Sith…"

Sunry sighed. "Erina Takaon treats Ahto City like her kingdom. Anyone that threatens her kingdom is as good as dead. Let's just say I wouldn't be surprised if she wanted to kill a Sith and pin her murder on me. Course I...well, did the work for her. Figures."

I was going to ask him to clarify, yet he didn't give me a chance. Sunry limped out of the processing room. To who knows and who cares where.

Jolee went to leave, however, I hesitated to follow. The evidence that was gathered at the scene was being processed on a long table. A row of spare electronics sat on the desk. Surveillance supplies.

"Kid? Come on, we can't dawdle."

I crossed my arms. Thinking...

"Wessy! That was absolutely amazing!"

I heard Mission's voice before I saw her. Her blue lekku swung about as she ran towards me in the lobby of the courthouse. The grand entryway echoed her voice along with the crowds of reporters. I'd already dealt with two (who asked for an in-depth interview). I declined, yet they kept pestering me. Force, they were insistent.

Before I could say anything, the teen pounced with one of her infamous Wookiee hugs. I was prepared this time though and sucked in enough breath to last through the attack. Jolee chuckled warmly at my side.

"Okay...Mission…" I croaked. "I'm dying…again..."

She released me. Her beaming face then twisted.

"I'm sorry my brother was a jerk back there. I really thought he would…" She sighed. "Guess not. Anyway, that idiot wanted me to pay for his release with his stupid earnings. No way! I'm not giving him another chance. He can rot in prison for all I care."

Carth, Bastila, and Juhani finally caught up to Mission and were close enough to hear the last part of the conversation.

"As you should," Carth said. "Never let anyone walk over you like that, Mission. If they do, well, they'll have me to answer to."

"Okay, dad."

Carth shook his head and smirked. I was about to ask them what they thought about the trial, however, I spotted the white hair of Erina Takaon trying to leave the courthouse. I sneered and, without wasting time to explain, I ran off toward the Echani before she had a chance to escape.

On the white steps up to the courthouse, I called down.

"Takaon!"

Erina stopped. She turned and narrowed her eyes up at me.

I smirked. "If you want to keep Ahto City...you'll release Verena."

The Echani that had been guarding her gathered at her side. Below, the journalists had pointed their cameras on us—one was interviewing the Ambassador. Erina raised a hand, ordering her entourage to wait, then walked up the steps closer to me.

She stopped two steps below me.

"Why would I do that, Wesley Gale?"

"You wanted the Selkath to kill Sunry because he was going to tell everyone about the White Firaxan project, weren't you? Or, at least, you were afraid he was going to." Erina's pale face paled further. Then, cold rain tapped the top of my head. The intense silence was interrupted by an outpouring of rain. The journalists were forced to retreat into the courthouse. As they ran past us, I continued. "Release Verena. I'll pretend I didn't hear anything."

Erina smirked. "My sister has committed many crimes as a Sith. She killed her own mother. Why risk it for her?"

"No one deserves an execution. No matter what their crimes." I smiled. "You don't deserve to die for killing your mother."

Erina blinked, face still serene. "Why would I want to kill my mother?"

"Verena had a scar before the day your mother was killed. And she had no motive to kill her mother. She was already in exile when Darth Revan killed Yusanis. Killing her would be pointless if you were still alive. In fact, she would have tried to kill you first since you were next in line. Right?" I waited for her reply, then snorted when she remained silent. "You killed your mother because she forgave Verena. She was going to make her the head of the family again. You couldn't stand it, could you?"

"Jedi." She stepped closer. Too close. "I'd watch your words."

"I'm not wrong."

"Verena deserves nothing. Only death." She grinned, a glint of rage in her eyes was barely hidden by the rain. "Yes. I killed my mother. What of it, Jedi? You have no proof that I did. Holovids can be...manipulated, as you've demonstrated in court today. And it's not like I killed my mother without a reason. I saved our family. Verena would have led the Takaons into ruin. I built an empire here—"

Click.

"Funny." I sighed. "You'd think you'd know how to watch what you say while you're around Selkath surveillance. But...you wouldn't be worried. Would you?" I took out the small audio recorder in my pocket that I'd stolen using the Force from the processing desk. The rage in her eyes dimmed. "You can try to take this, of course, but all of the reporters in Ahto City are behind me. I could play it for them now. They were asking for an interview..."

"You wouldn't—"

"Vengeance isn't worth losing your empire."

Erina's lips parted, shocked as if I'd hit her with a burst of Force lightning. Her white brows creased and her silver eyes narrowed.

"Are you blackmailing me?"

"No."

She sighed. "I would say you surprised me, Wesley Gale, but I've seen how you fight. Deceit is in your nature."

"Yeah. Insult me. That'll help you."

"I will release my sister." She raised a brow. "She is being held in the Republic Embassy. Why don't we head over there."

"Sure." I stuffed the recording device in my pocket. "Before you try to ambush me though, let's go back into the courthouse. Need to do some interviews...drop off some evidence..."

"No." She rushed to my side as I took a step up. She sighed. "Fine. Do what you must. Verena's death isn't worth playing these games with you." She turned. "I will meet you at the Republic Embassy when you're ready."

I frowned as I watched her leave. One of the Echani guards unfolded a delicate umbrella and followed her into the wet walkways of Ahto City. My shoulders fell, heavy from both the rain and from the weight of what I'd just done.

Was Verena's life worth playing these dangerous games with Erina Takaon? No, not really. Verena stole children and ruined lives as a Sith. But death was a mercy she wanted. She hated that Darth Revan died before she could make her death matter. She deserved to live the rest of her life with that regret. She deserved to live her life knowing that finding a meaningful death would never happen. She caused enough pain and suffering that she could never redeem herself. Verena couldn't do much except run. She was nothing.

Was it petty? Hateful? Un-Jedi like?

Yes.

But I was the worst Jedi in the galaxy, after all.

Next time, the Ahto City conspiracy is fully revealed. Wes and the gang begin their descent into the Hrakert Rift...

I hope you found the trial entertaining! Probably not entirely accurate, but the Selkath system is pretty shady lol. And writing Wes' deducing was fun yet difficult at the same time. Damn him.

I'd say we have two-three more chapters of Manaan left (based on what I've plotted out)! Then the fun really begins :D!

See you next time!