Chapter 36
"Execution at Ground Zero"
So, here we are, back to where I began this story as I looked at a copy of the letter that Giovanni had written to his wife only just the day before. It was September 11, 2011, the 10th anniversary of the day our country was changed forever and it seemed only fitting once again that the people who helped Osama Bin Laden and his network kill 3,000 innocent people be put to death at the site where the most victims were.
"So, Giovanni had written this for his wife?" remarked Ash as he looked at the letter as did Pikachu. "But, why would he?"
I took one good look at the letter and then stared back at Ash to answer his question.
"You see, Ash," I said. "The threat of Team Rocket is not going to go away anytime soon. Not until every single person associated with them or its affiliates is eliminated. Until the day that happens, the United States and its allies will not rest until our mission is complete."
"Are you sure about that, Jeff?" asked Amanda. "Do we need to prosecute any more criminals?"
"Yes, Amanda, we may have to," I said. "I fear that Giovanni's wife and his sons may plan some sort of revenge scheme because of what happens here today. But, no matter what happens, we will get through this together, all of us."
Just then, we saw Colonel Andrus leading a group of photographers and members of the press towards a seating area that was reserved for them. To us, this seemed all too familiar as a similar matter occurred for the events leading up to the execution of the Nazis.
"May I?" asked a photographer who then took a photo of Colonel Andrus in front of the gallows, which had five ropes tied in nooses. 20 people were sentenced to die and that they would be executed at 8:46am, 9:02am, 9:58am and 10:28am, the moments where the planes crashed into the towers and the towers themselves crumbled to the ground below.
"You got what you want?" asked Colonel Andrus.
"I got it, sir," said the photographer, feeling satisfied with what he just got.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," said Colonel Andrus. "Follow me."
He then led the photographers and reporters to the seating areas as we saw a bus being surrounded by members of the NYPD, FBI and CIA pull up to the site. Just then, we saw the 20 criminals who were condemened to die, chained together like a chain gang in five different groups. Suddenly, Amanda noticed something that was completely different from the leaders.
"Jeff, look," she gasped. "Archie is in there. Didn't he get a life sentence?"
"He did," I replied. "But it appears that the sentence was commuted to death because of evidence that came in only last night. So, it appears that he will die with the rest of his comrades. "
So, the first group was led to the gallows and it included Giovanni and his fellow leaders, all showing no remorse as the families of the 9/11 victims looked on in disgust and despair. As he stood in the center, Giovanni felt the noose being tied around his neck as the executioner stood towards them.
"Do any of you have anything to say?" he asked.
"I say this," said Giovanni. "When you look back on this day, you will one day see that everything we have ever did was for a greater world. I ask you all to pray for us. May God bless you all and may God bless Team Rocket."
The crowd stayed silent as the clock struck 8:46am and at that moment, the handle was turned and the gallows were lowered and Giovanni, Archie, Maxie, Cyrus and Ghestis fell through the floor and the snapping sounds of their necks were heard throughout the crowds as the bells tolled. Amanda was horrified by this and she could not help but cry silently as she saw the defendants being put to death. 15 minutes later, at 9:02am, the second group of defendants, the crime executives was put to death without saying any last words to the crowds below.
When, it came time for the scientists to be put to death, they each had their own thing to say. Namba was the more vocal.
"I hope you all burn in hell!" he shouted. "Every single one of you!"
"Hail Team Rocket!" shouted Professor Sebastian. "Long live Giovanni!"
"I ask God to accept me with mercy," whispered Fuji. As he finished what he had said, the time was now 9:58am and the Team Rocket scientists were the next group of convicts to be executed.
Finally, at 10:28am, the moment the north tower collapsed, the four condemned agents, Atilla, Hun, Annie and Oakley were executed with their last words being apologies for what they had done to people and Pokemon alike.
It was over, the main force of the most notorious crimes in our history was dead and from their cell in Rikers, Jessie and James broke out sobbing feeling free from everything that had held them captive for such a long time and even though they would serving 20 years in prison, they were lucky to be alive to stay on this Earth and repent for their crimes.
Meanwhile, later that day, Amanda and I were at Grand Central station ready to take the train back home to New England where we belong.
"You know, Jeff," said Amanda. "After everything that has happened, don't you think that maybe we should…"
"We'll worry about that when we get home," I said reassuringly. "Remember, we are friends and I want us to keep it that way."
"I see, Jeff," she said. "What are we going to do now that this is all over?"
"In reality," I replied, staring at Harry and Hermione as they waved goodbye to us for they had to get back to England. "We still continue the hunt for Giovanni's wife and sons. But for now, let's celebrate our first victory. We won the battle, but we have not won the war just yet."
So, bending my arm out to Amanda, I escorted her on to the train for the ride back to New England and our normal lives. We were confident of our victory, but there was still much work to be done, much work indeed.
Meanwhile, in a remote portion of the Indigo Region, a group of young men were preparing themselves for the ultimate revenge scheme that would result in a sacrifice and the second Pokemon war crimes trial in history. We didn't know what they were planning, but Amanda and I both knew of the second battle for justice that was about to begin.
TO BE CONTINUED…