For shenanigans against the Khund Empire, Mon was brought before a tribunal. The tribunal room was three stories tall with Khunds observing from various floors. "Bring forth the prisoner," the judge ordered.
Mon was brought to the center of the room. "You stand accused of conspiring against the Khund Empire. How do you respond?" the judge demanded.
"Is that a trick question?" Mon quipped.
The court submitted a "Not Guilty" plea for Mon due to his obnoxious refusal to answer the question and a desire to have him executed. He was then brought to a prison cell where he met with Brainiac 5 acting as his doctor.
Mon was given a raw animal leg to gnaw on for his food. Being an Insane warrior who often camped on various alien worlds, Mon ate the whole thing like a savage. "How are you feeling?" Brainiac 5 asked.
"I've been better," Mon said dryly referring to a cold metal slab that was his bed.
"Curious, they didn't try to kill you already," Brainiac 5 mused.
"They promised me a trial before the execution," Mon smirked.
"Well, let me check you out. In conditions like this, you could have space AIDS," Brainiac 5 exaggerated for the guard present.
"Oh, shit," the guard exclaimed and then took off.
Brainiac 5 then turned to business. "Imra is doing everything possible to work with Earth and Titan to get you released."
"How thoughtful," Mon said sarcastically. "She's only doing it to keep the Galactic Federation and the Khund Empire from going to war."
"Is he infectious?" Kholos, the state advocate, asked as he entered the cell.
"No," Brainiac 5 replied, dropping the act.
"Return to your ship," Kholo ordered him away.
Once he was gone, Kholos addressed Mon. "I am Kholos, advocate."
"Mon-El, Prince of all Insane," Mon replied.
"The tribunal is about to begin," Kholos told him.
"Well, okay then," Mon said and remained silent as the two walked together to the tribunal room.
"I have become familiar with your charges. Now that you have been charged, the evidence will be presented. You will not speak. I will conduct your defense," Kholos said gruffly.
Mon took center stage at the tribunal surrounded by pissed-off Khunds. "What are they saying?" Mon asked as he heard the observers chant repeatedly.
"Enemy," Kholos replied.
"Nice," Mon smiled amused. "So, what's your track record? It's shit, isn't it?"
"I do my duty," Kholos said defensively. "This is prosecutor, Khorak. Well known in the empire with a ninety-nine percent conviction rate."
"Excellent," Mon said pleased.
"This trial has convened. Strength to the empire," the judge began. "Prosecutor Khorak, you may proceed."
"I call on Captain Khuras. Tell the tribunal about your encounter with the accused," Khorak requested.
"I'm no longer a captain. I am now a second weapons officer. I was recently reduced in rank," Khuras replied pissed off.
"Did the accused have anything to do with your recent disgrace?" Khorak asked.
"Yaaasss," Khuras said angrily.
"Go on, weapon's officer, Khuras," Khorak requested.
"A group of rebels fled a Khund protectorate. I was commanded to bring these traitors to justice. We followed their warp trail to a system just outside Khund territory," Khorak explained. "I need a flashback to further elaborate."
"You may proceed with the flashback," the judge allowed.
Flashback
A Khund warship, a Moros-class battlecruiser, chased down the rebels and found the Poseidon-class submarine, USS Nemo. "We found them around the fifth planet in the system. Another vessel has docked with them," the female XO told Khuras.
"What the fuck is that ship?" Khuras wondered.
"Unknown but they've taken the rebels aboard," the XO replied.
"Armaments?" Khuras asked.
"Torpedo launchers and low-yield laser canons. We can defeat them easily," the XO said confidently.
"Intercept," Khuras ordered aggressively.
"They're hailing us," the XO informed him.
"Identify yourself, asshole," Khuras demanded of Mon as he appeared on screen.
"Mon-El, Prince of all Insane on the submarine, Nemo. I'm here to support these rebels against the Khund Empire in their revolt," Mon said smugly.
"Give them to me now, or we will destroy you," Khuras threatened.
"Yeah, I was hoping you would say that," Mon said pleased. "Fire on us and you'll be joining your ancestors in the afterlife."
End Flashback
In the tribunal, Khorak was shocked and appalled. "He refused to surrender the rebels?"
"Yes," Khuras confirmed.
"I said all of those things and more," Mon interjected.
"Shut the fuck up," Kholos hissed at him.
"And how did you feel when he said these things," Khorak asked Khuras.
"I pitied the fool. He was about to die in defense of these little shits," Khuras replied.
"Your feelings were misplaced," Mon mocked.
"Silence," Kholos hissed at Mon.
"Continue," Khorak requested.
"I showed him more patience than he deserved but obviously he wanted blood to be spilled," Khuras accused.
"He's not wrong," Mon smirked.
Flashback
Khuras continued his conversation with Mon, ship-to-ship. "Your vessel is inferior. You won't survive a battle against us."
"Fuck the empire," Mon said as he gave Khuras a middle finger. He then signed off.
The Nemo fired first getting a few jolts on the Khund ship. The Khund ship fired its own pulses onto the Nemo as they crossed each other. The Nemo went for the ring system to give themselves cover. The Khund ship followed after them getting a few more hits on the Nemo. However, the Khund ship quickly lost the Nemo in the ring system. The Nemo fired a torpedo and detonated it near the Khund ship creating a shockwave that disabled it. The Nemo fired on the Khund ship a few more times to add insult to injury. The Nemo then took off with the rebels.
End Flashback
Khuras was sulking as he finished his story. "It took us three hours to repair our warp drive."
"By that time, they were gone. You're fortunate your first officer didn't kill you for your failure," Khorak chided.
"Well, she was a female so that wasn't going to happen," Khuras scoffed.
"You're a worthless piece of shit, Khuras. Get out of my face," Khorak said sending him away.
"I want to question him. There's more humiliation to be had here," Mon said to Kholos.
"That isn't going to help you," Kholos declined.
"Do you have any further evidence to present?" the judge asked Khorak.
"No, Khuras' testimony is clear. He was attempting to carry out his mission, to bring enemies of the empire to justice, but this Insane man conspired with them to disgrace a proud warrior and create further dissent. It is clear this Insane man is an enemy of the empire," Khorak said.
"You should accuse my crew and government, too. You should send a fleet of warships to Earth right now," Mon suggested.
"For the gods' sake, shut the fuck up," Kholos said dismayed.
"We demand that he receive the most severe punishment our laws decree," Khorak declared.
"Thirty days in the slammer and probation?" Mon guessed.
"Death, death, death!" the tribunal observers demanded.
"Do you have a response?" the judge asked Khoros.
"No, Your Honor," he replied flatly.
"You're making all public defenders proud," Mon mocked him.
"Then, I'll pretend to consider the evidence and deliver my verdict," the judge replied.
"I have something to say. Those people were rebels, I was trying to start a rebellion, and I am your enemy!" Mon declared. Khund guards came in and shocked Mon repeatedly with their staffs to no effect to get him to shut up.
"This tribunal is in recess," the judge ordered.
Kholos came to Mon's cell to find him munching on the raw leg he was given like a total savage. "I told you to remain silent, Insane man. You should have listened to me," Kholos scolded.
"What legal strategy did I interfere with?" Mon mocked.
"My strategy may yet spare your life," Kholos said offended. "The judge is willing to show mercy if you cooperate. Tell him where to find the rebels."
"Those people we picked up couldn't hurt a fly," Mon rolled his eyes.
"It doesn't matter what you believe. They're subjects of the law of the empire," Kholos told him. "Where did you take them? Another ship, another planet?" Kholos pressed.
"Plot twist: They're on this planet," Mon mocked.
"Do you know what will happen if you don't tell him?" Kholos asked seriously.
"Lethal injection? I'm shaking," Mon rolled his eyes.
"It will be far worse than that," Kholos said seriously.
"If I gave up these so-called rebels, they would end up in this kangaroo court just like this one? Tell me, were you always fucked up or did you have to work on it?" Mon mocked.
"Don't be too quick to assume I share their interpretation of the law," Kholos said offended. "I became an advocate many years ago. They were different times. The courts were more willing to listen. But I'm an old man, now. Too old to challenge the rules."
"You sound like a bitch, too afraid to challenge them," Mon chided.
"I'm not afraid," Kholos denied.
"Prove it. Show them what a real trial is like," Mon challenged. "Allow me to testify in my defense."
Mon was brought before the tribunal by Kholos. "Have you informed your client of our offer?" the judge asked.
"I have," Kholos replied, giving nothing away.
"And does he wish to address this tribunal?" the judge asked.
"He does," Kholos confirmed. "He wishes to testify in his own defense."
"That sounds like bullshit. The time for testimony is over," Khorak objected.
"But no verdict has been reached," Kholos said obviously.
"Irrelevant. End these proceedings," Khorak pressed.
"I'm within my rights to present further testimony," Kholos pointed out.
"You speak of archaic rights," Khorak said dismissively.
"Upon the founding charter of our civilization, a defendant was given the right not to incriminate himself, a speedy trial, a jury of his peers, right to counsel, and could not be found guilty of the same crime in double jeopardy. Within these subsections, a defendant may take the stand in his own defense and cross-examine witnesses. To my knowledge, this charter is still in effect," Kholos said boldly.
"Call your witness," the judge allowed, noticeably pissed off.
"Identify yourself," Kholos requested of Mon.
"Mon-El, Prince of all Insane, captain of the Galactic Federation ship, Nemo," Mon replied.
"And did you give aid and comfort to enemies of the empire?" Khorak questioned.
"I answered a distress call. Upon knowing who they were and what their purpose was, I nourished them back to health and trained them to go back to their worlds so as to overthrow the empire," Mon replied.
"Holy shit," Kholos realized this was a mistake. "Give an account of your entire recollection," he requested of Mon.
"It will take a flashback," Mon warned.
"Proceed, Insane man," the judge allowed.
Flashback
The Nemo came upon a damaged green rectangular vessel near a Saturn-like planet. "How many life signs?" Mon asked curiously.
"Twenty-seven," Imra replied.
"Any response to our hails?" Mon asked.
"None," Laurel shook her head.
"Propulsion system offline, life-support systems failing," Ol scanned.
"Can you dock with them?" Mon asked Dax.
"I'll have to come in from behind. It will be tricky," Dax replied.
"God damn," Mon chuckled dismayed. "Do your best."
In Sickbay, Mon visited the so-called rebels of the Khund Empire. "When our warp drive failed, we tried to reach the nearest system on impulse power but then our power failed. We've been out there for six weeks as our food replicators began to fail."
"I've put them on protein shakes and bars," Brainiac 5 said to Mon.
"When we left there were fifty-four onboard. We had to eat the dead bodies," the leader said.
"Why are you out here?" Mon asked.
"Not long ago, a race we had never seen before pledged to provide us protection as part of their empire, but they stripped us of our resources and left us with nothing," the leader said.
End Flashback
In the tribunal, Kholos questioned Mon's account. "You knew they were fleeing the empire and you chose to show them compassion?"
"Yeah," Mon confirmed nonchalantly.
"They were subjects of the empire. Their welfare wasn't your concern," Khorak pointed out.
"Apparently...their welfare wasn't of your concern either," Mon said smartly.
"See the contempt these Insane have for us. He still believes he did nothing wrong," Khorak shouted outraged.
"I want to hear what the accused has to say," the judge allowed. "Continue with your flashback."
Flashback
Mon and Imra discussed the situation in his quarters. "Some of the enlisted crew will have to sleep nut-to-butt with them but I think it's manageable," Mon considered.
"I've already given the order," Imra said.
"You reading my mind?" Mon asked suspiciously.
"It was either that or send them back to their ship adrift into space," Imra said defensively.
"So...are you reading my mind?" Mon asked again.
"Where do you plan to take them?" Imra asked, ignoring his question.
"There is a system not too far from here where we can train and supply them for an insurrection," Mon said thoughtfully.
"Captain, please report to the bridge," Ol requested.
On the bridge, Mon eyed a Khund battlecruiser. "Give me some stats."
"Moros-class battlecruiser, 1.5x our armor, 3.5x our shields, and comparable weapons rating. Additionally, their three forward pulse canons have the unique ability to penetrate shields as if they weren't even there," Imra reported.
"Can we outrun them?" Mon asked.
"Yes, they're half as fast as us on impulse," Imra nodded.
"Tactical alert, ditch the alien vessel, and keep distance," Mon ordered.
End Flashback
Kholos continued to question Mon to provide a favorable narrative. "So, you were preparing for battle as any good Khund commander would."
"The accused has already admitted he knew he was holding rebels of the empire and that Khuras was there to retrieve them. Yet, he launched a deliberate attack on an Imperial vessel. This Insane man has committed more than inciting a rebellion. He has committed an act of war!" Khorak accused.
"Fuck yeah, I did," Mon agreed.
"So, you laid a trap for Khuras?" Kharok accused.
"Yeah," Mon said obviously.
"And you fired first?" Kharok asked.
"I did," Mon confirmed.
"And did you try to reach an accommodation with Khuras?" Kharok asked.
"No, I told him to go fuck himself," Mon paraphrased.
"Were you not simply defending your ship?" Kholos interjected.
"I was hoping to destroy his ship, start an insurrection within the empire, and bring our two sides to war," Mon said truthfully.
"You could have destroyed Khuras' ship. Why didn't you?" Kholos asked.
"I wanted him to come back to the empire bitching and moaning about me, which he did," Mon rolled his eyes.
"Can you not see this Insane man wants war! He wants you to convict him, to execute him, to bring us into war with the Galactic Federation. Should this happen, our fleets will be destroyed, millions of our soldiers will perish, billions of our civilians will die as well, and our planets will either be scorched clean or destroyed. My client is guilty as sin but let us not fall into his hands!" Kholos beseeched the judge and all observers present.
Mon waited patiently in his cell with Kholos to keep him company. "So...how long does this take?" Mon asked bored.
"Usually not long at all. I must have been more persuasive than I thought," Kholos observed.
"Don't jerk yourself off too hard," Mon advised.
"The odds are still very much against us," Kholos said somberly.
"You mean, for your race or me?" Mon asked.
Kholos didn't answer and opened a flask. He handed the flask over to Mon. "What is it?" Mon asked suspiciously.
"Blood wine," Kholos replied.
"Nice," Mon said appreciatively. "So, how many cases have you won?"
"Two hundred but that was long ago when the tribunal stood for truth and not a tool for the warrior class," Kholos sulked.
"There are other classes?" Mon asked curiously.
"My father was a teacher, my mother a biologist. They encouraged me to take up the law. Now, all young people want to do is take up weapons for a war you're about to start. They're told there is honor in victory, any victory. But what honor is there in victory over a weaker opponent or epic defeat against an adversary like you?" Kholos replied.
"Had Khuras destroyed that refugee ship, he would have been lauded as a hero. We used to be a great society not so long ago when honor was earned through integrity and acts of courage and compassion," Kholos continued.
"For thousands of years, my people have had similar problems. We fought world wars that almost destroyed us, whole generations were nearly wiped out," Mon mused.
"What changed?" Kholos asked curiously.
"Nothing changed," Mon said flatly.
There was an awkward silence between them. "Well...shit," Kholos sighed.
Mon was summoned to the tribunal one last time. "Advocate Kholos has made an impressive case much to the surprise of this tribunal. Based on the evidence, I see an Insane warlord hoping to instigate a war, looking for any excuse for conflict, entrapping his enemies into persecuting him so that he can retaliate in accordance with his Insane customs and traditions. We, Khunds, will not be a victim of his Insane foolishness," the judge said.
"But as Prosecutor Khorok has pointed out, the laws of the empire have been violated and someone must be held accountable for his actions regardless of his intent. I therefore find the accused guilty as charged. However, this tribunal cannot ignore the present threat of war so the sentence has been commuted to time served," the judge ruled.
"Advocate Kholos, you have gone beyond the call of duty to defend this Insane man. You shall be exiled to the dilithium mining planet of Rura Penthe where you shall spend the remainder of your life," the judge ruled. "Prince Mon-El, of the Insane, you are free to go."
"What the fuck?" Kholos exclaimed. "The life expectancy on Rura Penthe is maybe six months, a year at the most. I ask for no special treatment, only that I be judged fairly as any other Khund would be judged. But it has been many years in this chamber since anyone received justice."
"Watch yourself, advocate. You dare to insult the honor of this tribunal?" the judge asked pissed off.
"You free this Insane man out of fear rather than integrity and you exile me away to save face! Forgive me if I do not see the honor in that!" Kholos shouted.
"Remove the advocate and send him away," the judge ordered.
On Rura Penthe, Kholos struggled to mine. The caves were extremely cold and filled with toxic fumes from the mining operation. Guards would zap prisoners every so often to motivate them. Any attempt to escape the mines to the surface would result in quick death from exposure. Aliens from all over the Khund Empire were prisoners here.
Suddenly, Kholos heard the screeching sound of ki beams slicing through the air and ice. The Khund guards dropped one after another as the Insane officers of the Nemo strolled in. The Khund guards, armed with TASER staffs, were quickly subdued. Mon then came before Kholos. "We're liberating everyone on the planet," Mon told him.
"Take them, leave me here," Kholos shook his head.
"Why?" Mon asked curiously.
"I've been an advocate for fifty years and I spent the last twenty not giving a shit if my client was convicted or not. I held my tongue and as a result, honorable men were sent to places like this. And then there was your case where you dared the Tribunal to convict you so you could start a war with my people. In your case, I saw the horrors of war. I saw what someone like you could do against my people. At that moment, I felt a patriotic duty to defend you, not for your sake, but to save my people," Kholos said.
"You won't survive long here," Mon reminded him.
"This mine is closed so you're coming with me or you die now," Mon said seriously.
"Then, I prefer the due punishment of my sin," Kholos replied.
"I've lived a life of murder and debauchery," Mon admitted. "If I believed as you do, I should have let myself perish many times over. To die is easy. To live, repent, and give restitution to God and country is hard. So, are you going to bitch out on me?"
"You will give me asylum?" Kholos asked surprised.
"I will make you a judge in the Galactic Federation and you will rule over entire worlds. And when the Khund Empire becomes friends with the Galactic Federation, you will be their judge as well," Mon promised.
"Then, I accept your offer," Kholos agreed, shaking Mon's hand.
