Chapter Eleven

Becerra Alpha One:

Federation District Court:

For a closed hearing the room was surprisingly busy, thronged with diplomats and dignitaries from dozens of worlds, uniforms and suits mixing together in a sea of rich colors and disparate faces. The formalities of the legal system rarely drew such crowds, and traditionally it was only trials that gathered attention, not the brief hearings that set them up. Here though was an exception. Today was an event, something no one had believed would ever happen and the governments of local space had insisted on sending observers to make sure it was true, to guarantee the facts they had been told.

Starfleet had captured the most evil war criminal in living memory, a person who redefined the meaning of sadism and cruelty. Someone thought long dead and buried in hell.

Death walker was at last going to face justice.

Only two sets of reporters had been allowed access, one group from the Federation News Service and one from ISN, though the full trial which was expected would no doubt turn into a massive media circus, already predicted to be the biggest news event ever witnessed. The attention was a double edged sword, for while it gave the Federation a chance to flex its P.R muscles and show a new side to itself. It also meant it would be heavily scrutinized and any failings would be impossible to cover up.

It was something that weighed heavy on Admiral Robert Bennett's mind as he moved through he crowd to his seat. While the trial itself was the responsibility of an assembled tribunal and out of his hands this hearing was his responsibility. The guests, the location, the security, even the refreshments all bore his mark and would all reflect on him if something went wrong.

Honestly he'd be glad to get rid of this troublesome prisoner and return to the more pressing matter at hand, the final act of the war which was beginning to unfold.

"It is reassuring to see this day finally arrive."

The voice was even but could through the babble of noise like a knife, the resonance of the tones unmistakable.

"Ambassador Sarek." Bennett turned to find the darkly robed Vulcan stood by his side. "I didn't think you were going to make it."

"It is important that I witness this event myself." He observed. "I have accepted a certain responsibility in these proceedings and I believe it appropriate to be on hand in case more is needed from me."

"I think you've done enough, Ambassador. All of this is thanks to the plan you created."

"Not all of it Admiral, I cannot accept full credit."

Bennett nodded, choosing to take it as a mild compliment. He glanced around the room. "Quite a turn out."

"Correct. Warmaster Jha'dur inflicted a great deal of pain on a great many people." Sarek nodded. "She was relentless in her actions, destroying all that stood before her without mercy or favoritism."

"It seemed she hated everyone equally," Bennett grunted. "Anyone not of her own kind."

"It seems so," the Vulcan agreed. "At least on the surface, but in my dealings with her I perceived something deeper. She did not hate aliens, they were vermin to her, the only people she hated were the Dilgar."

"Her own race?"

"They disappointed her," Sarek said simply. "She had no feelings for the aliens; they were mere fuel for her requirements. But the Dilgar, she tried to raise them up and when they did not respond, when some of them turned on her, it generated a rage that defines her to this day."

The old Admiral grimaced. "And look what that did."

"It is a cold anger, a controlled and focused anger." Sarek gave a hint of distaste in h is voice. "That focus coupled with her intellect is an extremely dangerous combination. Another reason perhaps why I wanted to be here in person, of all the people in this room I am perhaps the only one who truly understands her."

***

Both men's eyes were drawn to an officer walking into the middle of the court, standing in front of the Judges chair and between the table set up for the accused.

"Ladies and Gentlebeings, if you could take your seats we're almost ready to begin.

Bennett glanced at his watch, noting with approval that they were perfectly on schedule.

"If you'll join me Ambassador, we have seats at the front of the hearing," the Admiral gestured, leading the Vulcan to his place.

The congealed mass of people began to find their places, sitting in the ranks and lines of their chairs and waiting expectantly for their first glimpse of the beast, her fist public appearance in sixteen years.

"Quite a turn out." Bennett cast an eye over the groups. "The Romulan Ambassador made it, not to mention that party of Klingons. I recognize two of them from Chang's staff."

"General Chang seems to be taking a special interest in these events," Sarek considered. "Fascinating."

"Yeah, that's one word for it," he responded darkly.

As they found their seats they were joined by two more elder statesmen, one Narn and one Brakiri, who were quick to offer greetings to Bennett.

"Ambassador Sarek, can I introduce War leader G'Sten of the Narn Regime, and Minister Limak Brocat of the Brakiri Syndicracy."

The Vulcan folded his hands and bowed formally. "It is an honor to meet you both, I have been monitoring your work recently as part of the recent circle of diplomatic contacts."

"Thank you Ambassador." Brocat inclined his head. "The last few months have been quite remarkable."

"Extremely," G'Sten agreed, moving his burly frame to a suitable chair. "I can inform you the Ka'Rhi have almost decided on a representative for the tribunal.

It had been decided that a Narn would chair the tribunal that would prosecute Jha'dur as a potent symbol of the shift in Narn Regime policy. G'Sten had been a strong supporter of the new direction, using his influence as one of the oldest and most famous fleet members to persuade his fellows to work more closely with the Federation. He had a clear perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of his people, and could see an opportunity when it presented itself.

"Who's in the running?" Bennett wondered.

"Myself and my nephew, G'Kar of the third circle."

"The representative currently touring our Earth?"

"The same," G'Sten nodded with a smile. "We both share very similar opinions, and hold a similar outlook on the future."

"Glad to hear it." Bennett returned the smile. He'd gotten to like and respect G'Sten in their recent meetings on this subject and believed him well suited for the role.

"The Krona is also close to final deliberation," Brocat said. "I would have enjoyed putting myself forward, but I have my responsibility to my own world first."

As Chief Executive of Brakir's biggest corporation Brocat essentially ran the planet, at least until somebody else turned a bigger profit and challenged his position. The Minister had masterminded the Brakiri recovery from the Dilgar war forming close ties with Humanity in the process. The Minbari war had weakened those ties, but the sudden appearance of the Federation offered him an enticing alternative.

Like the Narn, Brakir was in dire need of terra forming devices to help stabilize their eco-system. Their fragile world had been tipped over the edge by a Dilgar bombardment and was in constant peril of full scale collapse, condemning billions to death. Even after all this time the damage had barely begun to be turned back.

"Earth Alliance is likely to send Jesse Robinson, one of their most senior diplomats," Sarek intoned. "The Abbai have selected Matriarch Itala, the woman who was responsible for leading efforts to unite the galaxy against Jha'dur during the war."

"All coming together," Admiral Bennett affirmed. "The Drazi were having a frank discussion on who would represent them."

"Which means they fight for the honor, and the last one standing wins," Brocat chuckled. "Has a certain appeal."

"We are sending one of our own most senior Judges," Sarek announced. "A close colleague of mine from the Vulcan High Court."

"A true multi planetary tribunal." Bennett smiled with a little pride. "Hopefully the first of many similar co operations."

"United against one single figure," Brocat pointed out. "Just like our last great alliance."

"A lot of people will be watching this with great interest," G'Sten contemplated. "And not just for Death walker."

"We anticipated as much," Bennett confirmed with a nod. "This will put the Federation on trial as much as her. But we're ready for it."

"There is a lot of interest in your Government, and that of the Klingons and Gorn as well," Brocat said. "You are still a mystery, and it has drawn much interest."

"We look forward to shedding some light on ourselves here, the good and the bad," Bennett mentioned, the bad being the Klingon massacre laid open for all to see. "We'll be open and honest here, leave it to the facts to speak for themselves."

"In the last few years we've seen a lot of changes," G'Sten outlined. "The Minbari must be on the brink of collapse, these Ashen are broken before they could make a real impression, and Earth Alliance is crippled. Three great powers have been brought down, and three other powers show up out of nowhere."

"Doesn't take a genius to recognize a power vacuum," Brocat intoned. "The question everyone is asking is who will fill it? You? The Klingons? Maybe the League or Narn will expand into the vacuum with your help."

"That is… probably beyond even me to answer," Bennett shrugged. "We have a responsibility here now, we can't deny it, but replacing local governments… it wasn't our plan."

"But nevertheless that is what may happen," Brocat considered. "My people estimate Earth Alliance will bounce back quickly, several years perhaps, but by then where will the Federation be? Will you have taken over the Minbari sphere of influence? What about the Klingons?"

The Admiral was saved from an immediate answer as a door opened at the far corner of the room, a small troop of Starfleet security filing out and assuming a cordon.

"Ah, looks like the main event," sneered G'Sten.

The entire room when stone silent, as still as a photograph with eyes fixed on the door waiting for their glimpse. The individual who walked out was underwhelming to look at, no claws or blood soaked fangs, but she still exuded confidence and arrogance, a cold superiority that assaulted everyone who saw her. She wore her old uniform, now bereft of weapons, and could have walked straight out of a historical vid. The sight was vaguely unreal, seeing someone so talked about and discussed in person was a surreal experience, and there was no sound as she was led, hands cuffed together, to the table. Two guards flanked her as she stood calmly, while Captain Simon Makin stood a few feet behind her acting as her unwanted defense lawyer.

"All rise for his Honor, Justice Shan."

At the announcement to various species all stood to pay their respects, a second door allowing the presiding judge appointed to this sector to leave his chambers and make his way to his seat.

Shan was an elderly Human of Chinese origin, grey haired with a fixed scowl he sat down.

"The defendant will remain standing, all others may sit."

There was a moment of scraping and shuffling before silence returned.

***

"Warmaster Jha'dur," Shan began. "You have declined counsel at this hearing, is that correct?"

"It is." she replied, her words soaked up across the galaxy.

"You have chosen to represent yourself?"

"I have."

"Counselor Makin, is that decision acceptable to you?"

The officer cleared is throat. "With regret, yes your honour."

Jha'dur scoffed, a smirk crossing her face at that.

"Very well," Shan accepted. "Warmaster Jha'dur, formerly of the Dilgar Imperium, you stand charge with violating every single article of Interstellar Law."

She smiled. "I always enjoyed achieving a hundred percent."

Shan shot her a look. "You would do well to refrain from commenting until it is your turn to speak Warmaster Jha'dur."

She simply grinned even wider.

"The charges are too long to list, but include," Shan looked at his notes. "Waging aggressive war, engaging non combatants, destruction of neutral shipping, development of illegal weapons, deployment of illegal weapons, kidnapping, extortion, inflicting bodily harm, torture, indiscriminate use of weapons of mass destruction, genocide, and approximately one hundred and forty billion counts of first degree murder."

"Objection," Jha'dur raised. "There was nothing indiscriminate about my use of weapons. I'm not an amateur."

"Do you understand these charges?" Shan continued.

"Entirely."

"How do you plead?"

She shook her head. "I enter no plea."

There was a wave of murmurs that swept the court.

Shan banged his gavel. "Order! Warmaster, I warn you that failure to co-operate will not help your case."

"I fail to care," she mocked. "You have no authority to sit in judgment over me."

"Our authority comes from the fact you were arrested by Starfleet personnel on a Federation installation."

"I accept judgment by my superiors or a council of my peers," Jha'dur informed. "You are neither, you are nowhere near."

"Fortunately that is not your choice to make," Shan grunted. "Case referred to the High Court Tribunal. Trial to start at the earliest practical date. Do you have anything to say?"

She looked around the room, at the cameras and the host of aliens all hanging on her every breath. They hated her intensely, but there was more than hatred in the room, a deeper emotion, and she savored it.

She began.

"Am I a monster? You might think so, anyone who goes to school, watches a vid, downloads a book or asks about the war would arrive at much the same answer. The first name that comes up is always mine. Nobody remembers the victors of that war until later, Hamato, Stro'kath, Brocat, Hauser, all of these names come after mine. That I suppose is some small victory. Speak my name and you will see the same reaction on the face of the person before you. It doesn't matter if they are Human or Drazi, Abbai or Hyach, Brakiri or if you can find one these days Alacan. Their eyes widened, their jaws tensed, muscles pulsed at their temples. They hate me. Across half the galaxy they hate me. But you know something else? They fear me too. Even after all this time they still fear me. That is a lasting power, something the victors of that war never had.

"You may call me a monster, most do. I am a fable, a fairy tale told to scare children into going to bed or eating their vegetables. Today, I am the main cause of bedrooms being tidy and medicine being taken, almost a parody for the new generation. Young children will shy away from my name because their parents have turned me into an avenging demon from the sky. They fear me because they do not know any better. Their parents fear me because they do. I have been studied and scrutinized, my life opened to scholars on hundreds of worlds. They look for clues, little tidbits of information to try and explain me, to rationalize my actions and lend meaning to my decisions. They want to understand me, to define me in terms they know and derive some comfort in the knowledge that I am an aberration, that I was never normal and simply the product of a depraved and sadistic race.

"They are wrong, of course. Certainly my people were harsh, brutal, even sadistic, but we were more beside. We are the villains, the enemy, directly opposite to the heroes who were good and pure and virtuous. Yet we too could be good, and pure, and virtuous. We had those noble qualities too yet none now understand that for there is no one left to defend us. Just me, and I am no longer much of a public speaker. I was idolized by many, and I know even today small sects on various worlds still honor my legacy. Tiny cells of ultra xenophobes who try to kill all who are different, who promote the purity of their species just as I did mine. They do not understand, but I take their dedication as a compliment, misguided as it is. So am I monster or martyr? Saint or slayer? Visionary or false prophet? I am all those things, and I am none of those things. And yes, I do quite like being cryptic.

"You ask why I did what I did. What else was I to do? My world was doomed, we were outnumbered and outgunned, our only hope of victory, or survival, was to be utterly ruthless. We did what we needed to do, what I needed to do. We fought with ingenuity, with fearlessness, we sacrificed without hesitation and we won victories no race has ever equaled. We defied odds no one else has dared face, and for a long time we won. Even in the end we nearly won.

"As to my methods, well I could talk for hours about them. I can tell you I advanced medical science by decades that my discoveries are used across the galaxy though never credited of course. I could tell you we needed living space, that it was nothing personal and merely the most efficient way of clearing a planet for colonization. I could tell you we had no choice; that it was a sad task but one I reluctantly performed for my people.

"Of course I'd be lying.

"Why did I kill all those people? Why does a painter paint? Why did I experiment on living beings? Why does a singer sing? Why did I wipe out whole worlds with biological weapons? Why does a sculptor sculpt?

"It was my art, it was what I was good at and it was a good feeling. I had in my hands more power than any other individual has ever held. Whole worlds lived or died on my word, and I relished it. Judge me all you want, nobody else will ever achieve what I achieved, nobody else would dare. That is why I am remembered first before all others, why I am used to scare people into obedience. Everyone who fought in that war was just a man or a woman, everyone who died just a victim or maybe a hero. But not me, I am a myth, I am a legend, and just maybe I will be the face of fear for as long as people cower.

"So to answer your question, am I a monster? No. A monster is a beast, a product of natural or supernatural processes, an animal that acts on instincts. A monster is what it is. It cannot change and cannot be blamed for what it does, good or bad. What I did, what I became, it was not instinct, it was choice. I decided to be what I was, what I am. I decided to kill, and fight, and lead the greatest invasion the galaxy has seen. I wanted to cut apart aliens on my operating table, I desired to hear their cries and I longed to deny them the mercy they craved. Monsters really are myth. I am real.

"I am not evil, I was not born evil. I am a normal person just like you, just like your family and friends, like the people you pass every day in the street. My life was not supernatural, my existence not prophesied. I am you, I just made different decisions. But you see that means that you are also me, all of you are as much like me as I am you. It is easier to believe we are different, comforting to call me a monster, but in truth I am a reflection of what you could easily become.

"All you need is the same thing I needed. The correct motivation. One day soon perhaps you will, and then I will welcome you as brothers and sisters."

Shan shook his head. "Hearing closed." He struck the gavel a final time. "Return the prisoner to her cell."

Bennett rolled his eyes. "Well, that went better than expected."

"Admiral." Captain Makin walked the short distance over as the Judge departed. "So now the process begins."

"More than she deserves," Bennett frowned. "People like that…"

"Deserve a fair trial," Makin stated firmly. "As we all do."

"A fair trial would see her burnt at the stake," Bennett grimaced.

"Hardly, Admiral." Makin shook his head. "She is a criminal, one of the worst, and I have no fondness for her, but she deserves her chance."

"She'll get it, that is the point of all this," the Admiral said. "And then she'll get some justice."

"It is unlikely she will receive the death sentence," Sarek mentioned. "There has been a surprising amount of political pressure to keep her alive."

Bennet winced. "You're joking?"

"I assure you Admiral I am quite serious," Sarek replied flatly.

Bennett exhaled. "Perhaps a length spell in prison is better punishment than death."

"From what I understand it will be a very, very lengthy spell in prison."

As the guards began to mover her away Jha'dur was brought in front of the conversation, offering a harsh laugh.

"Good morning Ambassador Sarek. How is your wife?"

Sarek maintained a perfectly even expression. "She is dead."

"What a pity, and yet I will be enjoying life when her bones are dust. I hope you remember that, Ambassador. I hope you keep it like a shard of glass slashing your heart with every beat."

"Why don't we move along?" Makin suggested.

"And Admiral Bennett, I see you've expanded your collection of pet Narns, and added a pet Brakiri! My, isn't the Federation menagerie coming along nicely."

"Good to see you too, Jha'dur." Bennett half smiled. "How's your cell?"

"Quite temporary, I assure you."

"You won't be getting out of this one," Bennett stated. "As I hope Ambassador Sarek proved, there's nothing you can tempt us with."

"Oh, I don't know. There're still some ambitious men in the Federation." She glanced at Makin. "Men who wish to use me to make their careers. Trial of the century was it? Win or lose you become the most famous lawyer in the galaxy."

Makin looked quickly to Bennett. "I never said that!"

"You didn't have to." Jha'dur smiled. "Never try to manipulate someone smarter than you."

Bennett offered a sympathetic shrug. "I tried to tell you, some people are beyond redemption."

"No, I don't think so." Makin looked back at Jha'dur. "Anyone can be rehabilitated."

She held his gaze for a second, and then burst out laughing.

"This is the future of Starfleet? Oh dear Robert, what sort of touchy feely mess are you landing yourself in?"

"I wouldn't be so sure," Bennett said. "A lot has changed, the galaxy is a different place now, we need a different attitude."

"Yes you do," she nodded. "Not everyone wants to be redeemed, not everyone will accept your help, some of us may bite the hand that tries to feed us."

"Doesn't matter," Makin countered. "We have a duty to offer that help."

"Because it suits you, not the person you wish to help." Jha'dur sighed. "You should listen to Robert, he knows more about this than you do, and he's seen the true face of the galaxy. A face with hate in its eyes."

"My task is to try and make sure you receive a fair sentence." Makin began. "For example, regarding the order to bomb Mitoc, I'm confident we can pass the blame to your subordinates, absolving you of responsibility for the massacre."

"I gave the order," she said. "I wanted them dead."

"If we present it…"

"Simon, stop trying to make me look weak."

"I'm trying to save you from the death sentence." He returned. "If we use your brother's death as a reason for a period of mental instability…"

"Oh please Captain, what are you trying to pull!" Bennett objected. "She's guilty as sin!"

"I am too," Jha'dur agreed. "And proud of it."

"Look, this is for your own good," Makin outlined.

"Oh? Is it?"

"Yes, now I'm prepared…"

There was no warning, Jha'dur suddenly pounced forward with a speed gifted by her feline ancestry, crashing bodily into Captain Makin before the two guards, Bennett, Sarek or G'Sten could act. Her hands were cuffed, but it did not matter. She sank her teeth into Makin's neck, that same feline ancestry gifting her with a set of sharp incisors which easily penetrated his flesh and sliced into the tissue beneath. In front of half the galaxy she twisted her head and ripped a bloody hole in the shocked officer's neck, letting him fall to the ground as the guards grabbed her and pulled her away. It all happened in less than two seconds.

"Were you prepared for that?" she snarled.

"Get her out of here!" Bennett yelled, dropping down beside Makin who was gasping, his face already white as blood jetted from his severed arteries.

"Still think you can redeem me?" She laughed as the Guards dragged her towards the door, her face and clothing red with blood. "Still think I can be rehabilitated?"

"Get me a medical team!" Bennett called out. "Where are those medics?"

"Simon! Can you hear me Simon?" Jha'dur kept laughing. "There's nothing so sweet as the blood of the self righteous, delicious! Give my regards to the Mitoc when you see them! Tell them I'm still laughing at their slaughter!"

"Dammit!" Bennett roared, powerless to do anything as the man faded beside him. He did not agree with Makin's philosophy, a belief becoming more common among younger upcoming officers with limited field experience, but he would never have even idly wished for something like this to happen.

Makin held his hand tight over his neck, but it was no good, a large pool of red expanding beneath him as the crowd milled around in shock surrounding him.

"Hold on Simon, help's coming," Bennett assured. "Just another minute."

Help did not arrive in time, and without a single word Makin passed, his eyes still wide in complete shock. It was not the first death Bennett had seen, not by a long shot, but it was one of the most needless.

He slowly stood up. "I want that witch quartered."

"Unnecessary," Sarek spoke, as utterly calm as ever. "There are other options."

"Other options?" Bennett curled his lips in anger.

"Indeed." Sarek remained impassive. "One may consider death a release, an easy escape for the guilty. A severe crime should have a severe punishment, wouldn't you agree?"

Bennett frowned. "Do you have something in mind?"

"We will speak again later." Sarek stepped aside, avoiding the blood on the floor. "It appears I have some matters to now attend to."

TBC