Whew, my second longest chapter in this story, that's why the wait was a bit longer. Still, it was worth it.
This is one of my favorite ones to write so far. Hope you enjoy it.
Thanks to evil Ratchet96 for the reviews and input, am enjoying your stories so far as well. Thanks to Trekker77 as well for the review.
Please read and review, any reviews I get will be greatly appreciated as they keep me writing.
Now to the story...
Chapter 10, Objection,
Ratchet woke up. He was sleeping in one of the five guest rooms. Each room had either a queen bed or two twin beds. He was in one with two twins and was bunking with Sly again; it was simpler.
He got up, used the facilities, and went downstairs. He heard voices in the kitchen and made his way there. In the kitchen were Kaden, Atlas, Bentley, Talwyn, Bones, and Clank. Kaden's housekeeper, Terry Axis, had prepared breakfast for everyone. "Hey guys," Ratchet greeted.
Everyone said hi back. "Hey Ratchet," Kaden started, "I was able to get us access to Rykk. If you want, we can go see him after breakfast."
Ratchet nodded, "Yeah I would. Man, I'm still trying to figure what to think of him."
"So are nearly all of the chiefs." Kaden added. "Ratchet, I'd be lying if I said things looked good for him. Arctan was a well-respected and very well-liked Chief. Even after finding out what he had done, many lombaxes still miss him." Kaden sighed, "But, I'll do what I can to get Rykk free. Saving you and your friends has changed my view a bit."
"Thanks dad, so what have you done since you left our part of the universe? I mean besides become one of the most powerful lombaxes in the city."
His dad thought a second, his green eyes flashed. "Well, after things settled, I joined the Scouting Regiment of the Praetorian Guard. Learned a good deal, learned more about fighting and this world. I spent five years in the Scouts. Planned on many more, but I left after a run-in with Calamity." Kaden's face took a dark and hard expression, "He did things to my friends, I can't and won't describe." Kaden's expression softened as he continued, "After I left, I started working for the last Chief of Internal Security. I can't go into detail about my job but I've seen and heard a lot of interesting things. Most of the time, I thought about you. I'd imagine what you'd be doing. Anyways, don't want to embarrass you any more in front of your friends."
Ratchet chuckled and shook his head, "Nah dad, you didn't embarrass me. By the way, on the way here I saw a few small, red, imp-like creatures. You know what they were?"
Sly, Murray, and Carmelita all entered the kitchen at once and began to have breakfast.
Kaden nodded yes to Ratchet's question. "Nocturnes, they are a native species to this planet. There are different types but the red ones you'll see around the city. They are sentient and do some business with us and humans. They are cunning little things, so when doing any kind of dealing with them, be careful. Not to say that all will cheat you, but just keep your wits."
"You said that there are other types?" Talwyn asked.
"Yeah, there are three and they are distinguished by their color and the way they treat others. Red ones are the most friendly. Black ones are less friendly but rarely do they do any harm. They prefer to mind their own business. Blue ones are generally troublemakers; they have attacked human and lombax alike and love to mess with us. And yes, like their name suggests, they are nocturnal."
"Guys," Ratchet said to Sly, Murray, and Carmelita as he finished his breakfast. "My dad said we can go see Rykk today. We're planning on going once we're done here, that is if you want to come?"
Sly sighed, "Yeah, I'll come."
Murray swallowed, "I'm in."
Carmelita simply nodded yes.
There was a knock on Kaden's front door and his servant answered. "Mr. Ellipse; Mr. Edwards, Mr. Davis, and Ms. Saga are here."
"Good, show them in."
All three of the visitors were human. Edwards introduced himself, "I'm Theo Edwards and this is Phil Davis and Nai Saga." Theo looked to be in his early twenties, had light brown hair and blue eyes. He was of average height and size for a human. Phil was around the same age as Theo but a bit taller. He had dark brown hair and brown eyes. Nai was also around the same age and was of orient descent. She was around the same height as Theo.
Atlas smiled, "Dese tree are Law Men, an' Teo es also a Dragon loike Leo."
"Leo was and is still my mentor. Guessin he's still asleep?" Theo asked.
Atlas nodded, "Yeah, te old bum."
"Hello Atlas," Phil said as he gave Atlas a friendly hug. "It's been a while."
Atlas smiled, "Et's been too long."
Nai chuckled, "Ah Atlas, I've missed you and your accent."
Atlas laughed, "Oi can speak wit your accent but et takes me a lot of effert."
"No, your accent is cool,"
Atlas then introduced Ratchet and Sly and their friends to Theo, Phil, and Nai.
When he finished, Theo said, "Sorry we can't stay, just wanted to stop by and say hi. But we'll be in the courtroom. Man, I can't believe they caught him."
"Calamity nearly killed him, that's how they got him." Ratchet responded.
"That murdering demon, they had just reported another body found as we left New Elko." Phil stated, "Or at least, most of one."
Phil's statement made Sly glad he had eaten before he heard it.
"Anyways, we have to go," Nai said. "We'll see you in a bit." With that, the trio of Law Men left.
An hour later and the gang headed for the Holding Facility. It was a tall, grey building with very small windows.
Kaden got the group access to Rykk's room/holding cell. It was like a combination of a prison cell with a hospital room. Dividing the room was a transparent wall.
Rykk sat on the edge of his bed. He looked as if deep in thought. His entire torso was covered in bandages. His tail moved slowly across the sheets. What caught the group's eyes was Rykk's right ear, the one that was cut off by Calamity. It was now whole. However, the section that was cut off was now an almost-shiny white. They also saw some kind of collar device around Rykk's neck. It was a dark grey color and had a single green light on it. The collar made Sly have a bit of pity; it made Rykk look like nothing more than a caged animal.
Rykk's white-tipped ear perked slightly at the sound of his cell door being opened. He looked up and grinned a bit, "Hey guys." His green, slit eyes sparkled slightly.
"Hi Rykk," Ratchet started, "Hey, I know you've probably met this lombax before…" Ratchet motioned toward his dad.
"Yeah, I know him, Chief Kaden Ellipse, one of the highest ranking officials."
"Well…" Ratchet started, "He's also my father, and he's going to help."
Rykk chuckled, "Well, congratulations Ratchet, I must admit, I wasn't expecting to hear that. So I guess that everything is good?"
"Ya mean besoides ya bein locked up? Yea everytin' es foine," Atlas answered smartly.
Rykk scoffed, "Been in worse spots before."
"Maybe, but that doesn't mean that this situation is a good one." Kaden remarked. "Rykk, I'm going to be honest with you, things don't look good. You're due in court tomorrow and many of the lombaxes in there want your tail."
Rykk simply grunted in response.
"That doesn't mean there isn't any hope for you, just hang in there and don't do anything reckless." Kaden advised.
"Not like I can do much, watch," Rykk said and held his palm up. There was a flash of black and purple and the collar beeped. Rykk then convulsed and fell sideways onto his bed. The shock lasted for two seconds. When it was over he sat back up. "Gonna die of boredom before they can hang me," He remarked darkly.
"You're not gonna die!" Ratchet said sternly, "Now we can pay you back for saving us. Just… hang on."
"The odds in court may be against us," Clank started, "But we've gone up against worse odds trying to fly home from Galaxy Burger." Clank grinned slightly.
His comment made Rykk grin, slightly. "Thanks guys, in case things don't go well; just stay safe ok?"
"Don't talk like that," Carmelita spoke, "Don't give up hope. You've had a rough time and I know we just met, but we do need you."
"Besides, I promised your dad I'd look after you and made sure you were ok." Leo said in as serious tone he could muster. His eyes began to get wet as he said the words.
The mention of his father made Rykk turn so that he faced away from his friends. Tears came to his eyes as he remembered the good times. He did his best not to lose it in front of them but they could still hear his restrained weeping. "Please go," Rykk said between tears.
Ratchet was about to say something but felt a hand on his shoulder. It was his dad's.
Kaden then started motioning towards the door, "Guys, I think Rykk needs some time alone."
Everyone quietly walked out of the room. They were even more confused about the situation.
"He looked like a caged animal with the collar," Talwyn commented.
"Yeah, can't imagine what he's feeling." Sly added.
"What can we do dad?" Ratchet asked.
"You guys will be called as witnesses. All you can do is tell them what happened. Let's go, the trial starts in a couple hours."
It was sometime in the afternoon when the gang was led to the courtroom. It was circular in design and had a large, semi-circle desk that sat around seven. In the center of the large desk was where the Chief of Justice sitting. He was an older lombax with a mighty frame. He had yellow fur with hints of silver and crimson stripes. Kaden sat to the right of the CJ, to his right sat Chief of Defense, Ryan Decagon. The other four seat were filled with the other Chiefs; The Chief of Transportation, The Chief of Technology, The Chief of Agriculture, and The Chief of Education.
There were seats for spectators and they were all filled. That's where Ratchet, Sly, and friends sat. Theo, Phil, and Nai sat on the other side of the section. Not by choice, but because there weren't any other spots open.
The court was mostly composed of a dark brown wood. The place was definitely constructed by lombaxes, its walls, desk, and décor had an angled, yet smooth and elegant design. On the walls were six, elegantly carved windows. In the center of the room was a vertical, metal pole.
The place was mostly quiet except for the occasional whisper from the spectators or Chiefs.
They waited for about a half hour until the main doors swung open. They revealed Rykk between two, tall and big lombax Praetorian guards. Rykk wore only his black pants and the bandages on his torso. His hands were cuffed behind his back. He still had the collar on but this time there was a chain attached to it. The end of the chain rested in one of the guard's hands. Rykk's head was low as were his ears and tail. He didn't even look up when the guard shoved him forward. They then proceeded to the pole in the center of the room.
As they walked there were plenty of glares from the crowd aimed at Rykk. No one said anything nor did they need to.
The guards latched the end of the chain onto the end of the pole.
As if the collar was bad enough, they have to chain him up like a dog?
The Chief of Justice looked at a sheet of paper. "Well Rykk, I must admit, I didn't think I'd ever see you in this courtroom."
"Frankly sir neither did I." Rykk responded.
"Rykk, you stand before us accused of murdering the Chief of Defense, Lionel Arctan. Now, how do you plead?"
"Not guilty," Rykk said firmly.
Sly could hear quite a few lombaxes scoff and others shook their head.
"I see, well now in light of recent events, I would like to call some witnesses to come forward. First up is Ratchet Ellipse."
Ratchet left his seat and stood to Rykk's right.
"Alright son," The Chief of Justice started, "Now just tell us everything that happened when you arrived to this world."
Ratchet took a deep breath and then began to tell what had happened the past few days. When he was done, about a half hour later, he added. "Chiefs, I don't know what happened here before, but as far as I can tell, Rykk is the only one that stands a chance to kill the sick freak that Calamity is. Plus, he saved my life and that of my friend's; I don't think a murderer would have."
"Thank you Ratchet, Chiefs, any questions for Ratchet?" The Chief of Justice offered.
Surprisingly no one had any questions for Ratchet and so Ratchet returned to his seat.
After Ratchet, Leo was called, then Atlas, then Sly, and then Bentley. No one asked them any questions either.
Sly thought it was because they weren't really interested in what they had to say; their testimonies were just a formality.
Once the testimonies were finished the Chief of Justice said, "I will now allow the Chiefs to say a few words or present any evidence they have."
Not surprisingly, the first Chief to stand was Ryan Decagon. "Sir, I am Chief of Defense Ryan Decagon. As everyone here knows; not only was Rykk at the scene of the crime, he surrendered without resisting, and he had a motive, revenge. Or at least he thought he did. He accused my predecessor of dealing with the League of Attero. He also accused Mr. Arctan of trying to cover this up and have he and his friends killed. Whether or not these accusations are true is a moot point, he still should not have died. He should have been tried in this court. To make matters worse, Rykk himself is also a Bonded, just like the infamous Calamity. Therefore, I say that not only has he committed murder, he is also a threat to us here and now."
While Decagon gave his point, Rykk was silent. He said nothing, didn't even look up. Not even as the crowd of lombaxes applauded. Some even gave verbal agreement.
Most of the gang in the stands were conflicted. Leo wasn't and just shook his head. Atlas was resting/covering his mouth on his hands. Bones and Clank were not allowed inside the courtroom. Ratchet wished Clank was there, he might have helped the somewhat torn lombax.
The next Chief to stand was Kaden. "Sir, I am Chief of Internal Security Kaden Ellipse. I believe the one really behind the killing of Mr. Arctan was Calamity. I would also like to correct Mr. Decagon's statement in that Rykk was not a Bonded at the time of the murder. He was possessed by one of Calamity's puppets. The famous scientist, Christine Janice confirmed it. However, the most prominent evidence for my statement comes from the day he was supposed to be hanged. When he was turned into Rykk, the puppet inside him flew out and away. I saw it and many lombaxes here saw it as well. Those that were there and deny it are lying. And, though Rykk is a Bonded, he is nothing like Calamity. In point of fact, he saved not only my son, but his friends from Calamity on multiple occasions. The last one almost got him killed. I surmise a true murderous psychopath would not give up his life for someone he just met. Therefore, I conclude that he is innocent of these charges."
The court was quiet when Kaden finished. Some lombaxes looked genuinely torn. Others even seemed to look a bit sympathetic towards Rykk. However, most had a stubborn look of scorn.
The Chief of Technology stood up. He was an average-sized lombax with white fur and crimson stripes. "I am Chief of Technology Keith Argand. I knew Arctan, he was a good friend. These charges against him are absurd and this Rykk; undoubtedly committed the act. He needs to be held accountable for it and I will see that he gets it."
Argand's speech also got a light round of applause.
Another chief stood. This one was a bit taller and had yellow fur with crimson stripes. "I am Chief of Transportation Jack Extremum. Looking at the case I am inclined to agree with the Chief of Internal Security. I believe this Rykk is innocent; his behavior after being turned into a Bonded is more indicative of someone who has gone through great trauma, not one who has inflicted it. That, and as Mr. Ellipse stated previously, we did see the puppet fly out of Rykk as he was turned into a Bonded. So I pose this question, would you condemn an innocent's blood to satisfy your bloodlust?"
As Extremum finished there was a very light murmur among the crowd.
The last chief to speak was a shorter lombax with yellow fur and brown stripes. "I am Chief of Education Miles Linear. To answer Mr. Extremum's question I ask another, how do you know he is innocent? He was an angry person, many people will attest to that. His girlfriend left him because he was harsh. Many of his friends deserted him and he was known to be violent. He is more dangerous now than when he killed Arctan and he should be put down."
Put down? Ratchet thought, so he's like a sick dog to them?
The Chief of Justice then said with his booming voice, "I'm now opening the floor for the Chiefs to ask Rykk any questions they may have."
"Rykk, if what you claim is true, how did Calamity possess you?" The Chief of Agriculture asked.
Rykk sat down on the ground, "He can implant a puppet through physical touch. It's impossible to feel to unsuspecting victims. The most likely time the puppet entered me was when I first came here; when he nearly strangled me to death." Rykk responded with a touch of venom near the end.
"So the puppet was in you for weeks then?"
"Yeah, he saw everything, heard everything, and knew everything I did."
"What proof do you have that Arctan set you up?" Decagon asked with a somewhat demeaning tone.
Rykk growled quietly in response, "You mean besides the fact that the Law Men captured the man we were going after and found a letter with Arctan's seal on it? Besides the fact that me and my team were nearly killed? that my best friend, Kaden Magnus was tortured and killed by Calamity?.. He, was only sixteen!" Rykk shouted as a burst of anger and rage flared up and he felt his eyes get wet. He forced them shut and lowered his head. Then he began to chuckle darkly. "You all, maybe you're right to condemn me, but now is not the time. Let me go after Calamity and when he is dead, I will give myself up. I am not a threat to you."
"You will just run as you have before," The Chief of Technology stated abruptly.
"There is a much greater threat that you are all ignoring!" Rykk shouted and raised his head, his emotions started to flow like a rushing river. As the volume of his voice rose, his eyes began to glow. His glowing green eyes had slight red shimmers in them. "You politicians would rather appease the bloodlust of your subordinates, than go after a psychopath that would love nothing more than to rip you all to shreds! He is killing both lombaxes and humans alike! Just the other day he dismembered a human and lombax! Male or female, young or old, he doesn't care! He will torment everyone to death! You are fools to put on this charade now! Don't you care about your friends or your families?! He, won't, stop, until the ground is covered in blood and bodies!" He shouted in rage.
A Praetorian Guard then kicked Rykk in the head.
Rykk just laughed loudly and in a dark, menacing manner. It visibly unsettled a few lombaxes in the court. "You think that hurt? Do it again, think I'm beginning to enjoy getting my tail kicked. Besides, compared to Calamity, you're nothing." Rykk then spat on the shoe of the guard.
The guard growled and punched Rykk in the face.
"If my sentence is to be beaten to death," Rykk stated, "This is going to take a while."
Ratchet couldn't help but smirk at Rykk's remark.
"Sir," Kaden asked/stated, "No matter how rude he is; Rykk is right. Calamity is out there and he is actively killing. Now can one of you give me a solution on how to handle him?" He said as he looked at each of the chiefs.
Most were quiet then Decagon spoke, "The VIM project."
Kaden was silent and furrowed his brow.
"For those chiefs that don't know, explain the project. " The Chief of Justice asked.
"The VIM project is the development of superlombaxes via special, Valkyrie-laced, serums. Somewhat similar to New Elko's Hammer, the key difference is that these will imbue superpowers. What the superpowers will be, will be determined by the user's DNA."
"Have you developed any superlombaxes?" Kaden asked.
"A couple," Decagon responded, "We haven't started field tests, but they look capable."
Rykk scoffed; "Strength isn't enough, Calamity will tear through them."
The Chief of Justice studied Rykk and thought for a few seconds. "All the chiefs will meet and we will deliberate. When finished, your verdict will be announced. For now bailiff, take Rykk back to his cell." With that all the chiefs left the courtroom and Rykk was taken back his cell.
"I can't believe that they still want your tail!" Ratchet exclaimed. It was a few hours later. The gang had gone to get a bite and had to force their way through a crowd to get into the holding facility.
Rykk was sitting on his bed and held his head. "You lombaxes are stubborn." He stated.
"I don't get how they can't see that it was Calamity that killed Arctan." Bentley stated; he was confounded.
"They got the taste of blood," Sly stated before sighing, "I'm sure Kaden is doing all he can. Besides, there was that other chief that thought you were innocent." He said trying to cheer Rykk up.
"Hey can someone explain to me why they had Rykk chained to a pole?" Talwyn asked.
"Dey do dat for murderers, rapists, and basically anyone dat 'as committed a croime worty of death." Atlas answered, "But yea, Oi see what ya mean."
"I can't take this," Bones stated, "After everything I went through with Spark, I can't bear to see this happen." If an A.I. could tear up, Bones would have.
"I'm sorry about this Bones, you've seen a lot." Rykk stated.
There was a knock on the door. A guard came in carrying a tray of food for Rykk. It wasn't the one that hit Rykk, the other one.
"Hey, you know if they're close to being done?" Rykk asked as the tray was slid through a slot. He took the tray and began to eat.
"No, I'm sorry," The guard paused, "I'm sorry for all of this, I'm one of the few who think you're right about Calamity. And I don't believe you killed Arctan."
Rykk swallowed a bit before asking, "What's your name?"
"Tyler Masters,"
"Thanks Tyler,"
With that the guard left.
"How's the food?" Sly asked. He knew a thing or two about prison food.
Rykk swallowed again and shrugged, "Eh, had worse, had better."
"Nice speech in there Rykk," Carmelita complemented. "I like that fire you showed, hmph, politicians." Carmelita had disdain for most politicians, so much red tape and paperwork.
"Thanks, though I think I just made myself look like a lunatic." Rykk responded.
"No, those that were thinking clearly saw and heard raw passion, hurt, and anger in your words." Clank answered, "Few times have I seen such a display."
Rykk nodded, "Thanks Clank."
Leo stepped forward. "Rykk, whatever happens, I want you to know that I, we care about you. After everything that has happened, I consider you family. No matter if you're a Bonded or not, I can still see that kid inside you. The same kid I watched grow up, the same kid that was told his father's and Spark's story. The same kid that helped humanity come back from near extinction. You do not deserve this, you hear me? You, do not, deserve this." Leo said firmly.
Leo's speech visibly affected Rykk. He was able to resist getting emotional and responded, "Leo, you were always like a brother to me. You and all of the old gang were like siblings. Though we lived in that hellhole in Nicaragua, it was ok." Rykk chuckled lightly, "My dad, he always had a way to keep me going, to cheer me on." He said in a longing tone.
"He still is," Leo said in a comforting tone.
"Hey Rykk, thanks, for everything." Sly added.
Rykk smiled a little, "No problem Sly. By the way, Ratchet? Personally I think Sly beat you in your contest back on the transport." Rykk said with a mischievous look, he knew what he had started.
Sly grinned, "Told ya I won."
Ratchet rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, Rykk, when you get out, Sly and I are having a rematch and you have to judge fairly this time."
Rykk chuckled and noticed everyone else had a bit of confused look on their faces. "It's an inside thing, trust me, you don't want to know."
Talwyn shook her head, "Knowing Ratchet, you're probably right."
Carmelita then added, "Yeah, this ringtail can be a child at times."
As Carmelita finished her sentence there was a knock on the door. It was Tyler, "The chiefs are finished. Time to go,"
An hour later and everyone was back in the court. They had to wait a few minutes before the chiefs came in.
"All rise as the verdict is read," The bailiff stated and everyone stood. There was a quiet eagerness in the air; a tenseness that hung uncomfortably.
"The defendant, Rykk, you are accused of murdering the Chief of Defense Lionel Arctan. We Chiefs of Velocity find you…"
Everyone was on edge.
"…Guilty, your sentence, it is hanging. It will be carried out two days from now. My God have mercy on your soul."
No, Ratchet thought, his heart sank.
Not surprised, disappointed, but not surprised. Sly thought grimly.
Talwyn put her fingers on her head. Her face showed anger and sadness.
Leo shook his head grimly before looking over at Theo. He nodded and Theo, Phil, and Nai got up and left.
Bentley sighed and held his head.
Murray was just silent. His face showed frustration and a great deal of it.
Carmelita's expression showed anger, like she wanted to maul someone.
Most of the lombaxes nodded and/or smiled in approval.
Rykk just hung his head, his ears drooped and his tail was still and low. He shot his head up and roared; it was a deafening display of rage, frustration, anger, and despair. It was an unnatural sound and made quite a few lombaxes shake in fear, including a few chiefs. The collar was shocking him but his emotions were so high he didn't feel it. Blue arcs of electricity could be seen on Rykk's neck and collar.
When Rykk stopped, he fell onto his side panting. There were wisps of steam coming from the collar.
When the court was silent after a few seconds, the Chief of Justice ordered, "Bailiff, take the condemned back to his cell."
As the bailiff approached the broken Bonded, there was a loud rushing of wind throughout the room. There was a crack of thunder as a white and purple lightning bolt flew through one of the windows. It struck the ground a few yards in front of Rykk. Green and yellow flames appeared from the spot and a figure formed amidst the flames.
The flames dissipated revealing a tall, black-robbed, lombax. The black robe had a decent-length trail of fabric. She had; white fur, no stripes, ears half the length of normal lombax ears, lightly glowing, green/yellow eyes, bright red lips, long red fingernails, and two, black, curved horns on her head. In her left hand was a staff with a spherical top. At the base of her horns was a black head covering that covered most of her head save her face. She smiled darkly, "Well, I would like to object." Her voice was smooth, elegant, dark, and mockingly respectful. She then chuckled in the same manner.
Ratchet began to tremble as fear sprung up in him. Ebony, she really is real? What is she?
So quite a lot of stuff in this one and you get Ebony's first real, physical appearance. So tell me, do you think the court was right to condemn Rykk? If not why? If so why?
Any thoughts on the story thus far would be awesome, thank you,
Jerod2447