Chapter 14 The Second Thing
"Remember when I asked you to give me a strait answer about 2 things?" Jeff asked as they sat down with full plates.
"Yeah," Bogg said warily.
"Well, I only asked you one, so here's the second. You're in trouble because of me, aren't you? And what did Phil mean when he said the Tribunal would rule on discipline on Tuesday? It's because of me that you aren't ranked first isn't it?"
Bogg stopped with his fork in mid-air and stared at Jeff. "That's more than one question," he joked.
"Answer me," Jeff said sternly.
Bogg took a deep breath. Jeff would be at the hearing anyway, so he might as well tell him the truth.
Two days later they appeared in the same courtroom where they'd faced Drake. Jeff had been insisting to Phineas for the past two days that it wasn't fair that he should be disciplined, because they had told him that Jeff was supposed to be a voyager. Privately Phineas agreed, but he wasn't too sure of his position legally, so he kept his opinions to himself.
The Tribunal convened right on time. Three elders they didn't know were sitting on the bench.
"This Tribunal is called to order," the one sitting in front began. "Phineas Bogg, you are accused of willfully violating the Code by voyaging with a civilian, and a child. We have reviewed the records and find you guilty of this violation. Do you have anything to say?"
Bogg stood up. "It is true that I've been voyaging with Jeff, but we did find out that he was meant to be a voyager anyway."
"But not until after you had voyaged with him many times."
Bogg shifted uncomfortably, he couldn't deny that was true.
"And he could've been left here at any time, for his own safety," one of the elders added.
"I know that, but I'm the only family he's got and, well, he's just a kid. He needs a family. I was planning on leaving him here when he's 17 so he can go to the Academy. But until then, he's as safe with me as he is anywhere else. And we're successful in the field too."
The elders turned and spoke in private and Jeff and Bogg exchanged glances.
"We are impressed with the boy's performance in the field and his Temperament Evaluation. I also have a note from Instructor Tennin regarding his classroom participation. We are going to allow him to continue in the field with you, however, the sanctions against you will stand. Do you have anything else to add?"
"Can I ask a question?" Jeff said loudly, standing up and taking a step forward.
"Go ahead."
"What sanctions have you made against Bogg?" he asked.
"Voyager Bogg's omni has been locked out of the top 9 rank positions."
"I have a question too?" Bogg asked. "Can I stay here with Jeff until his wrist is better?"
"Yes, that has been decided. I have an envelope for you regarding your stay here," the elder held out an envelope and Bogg walked forward to take it.
Bogg smiled, "Thanks."
As they left, Jeffrey scowled, "that wasn't fair," he said.
But Bogg was smiling broadly, "kid, they're letting us both stay here until you're better, isn't that great?"
Jeff laughed, Bogg's happiness was contagious, "I guess," he finally conceded.
Once outside, Bogg stopped and opened the envelope. Then he smiled again, "guess it's our lucky day," he said.
"What is it?"
"Our new apartment assignment. A bit late, but still, I'll take it," Bogg smiled.