Greenland IV
(May Day)

1 May 1963
Moscow, Soviet Union

Throughout the streets of Moscow, and throughout the Soviet Union, citizens relax or paraded and marched in the streets for the celebration of International Workers' Day. Red banners flow throughout the many streets of the cities of the Soviet Union. But many await to see the parades in the largest city of the Soviet Union, Moscow. Premier of the Soviet Union: Nikita Khrushchev stands on the balcony of Lenin's Mausoleum.

"Today, we celebrate the achievements of the international working class. The struggle for solidarity and the struggle against opposing imperialist and fascistic forces," The premier and first secretary of the Soviet Union: Nikita Khrushchev stands in the middle of Lenin's Mausoleum on its balcony giving his speech to the Soviet people. Foreign dignitaries, cabinet members, and persons of interest. Foreign dignitaries are invited from all over the communist and Marxist-Leninist allied nations of the Moscow Pact: successor to the Global Communist Pact and Cominform in the aftermath of the Soviet Civil War.
Several notable dignitaries stand on top of the balcony of Lenin's Mosleum: Cuban Prime Minister Fidel Castro, pioneers of the Soviet Cosmonaut program: Georgii Titov and Yuri Gagarin, stand to the right of Khurschev. On Khruschev's left are his field marshals and his cabinet members. Companies of soldiers of the Soviet Army line up behind the military band all facing Lenin's Mausoleum.
"No matter how much the imperialist reaction: led by the United States, and the fascistic reaction of the Nazi Reich, tries to stop or check the great revolutionary process of the liberation of mankind. People, fighting for their freedom and independence are strong enough to defend their gains with the backing of all the forces of peace and socialism," Khrushchev continues his speech. "This was convincingly demonstrated by what took place in Cuba towards the end of the decade. Today, we see the extent of the danger threatening peace as a result of the aggressive forces of American imperialism and German fascism has become even clearer. At this time, the bellicose circles in the United States and the Reich have taken steps that are bringing mankind to the brink of thermonuclear war. We consider the normalization of the socialist and communist causes to be our most triumphant effort. To stave off a tidal wave of imperialist and fascistic oppression that ever encroaches on our lands and to put an end to the traitors who sold our lands, peoples, and ideology. I call on you comrades of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to reclaim what was been taken. The just demands of the Soviet and global peoples are supported by the Soviet Union, by all socialist countries, and by all progressive mankind. Let this be the day, that the Soviet Union will be the beacon of all socialist causes. The struggle for the liberation of the working class from the oppressing imperialist and fascist forces will be an arduous struggle. Let us not repeat the failures of our past or let traitors take hold of our global cause. In the end, we will stand above the imperialists and fascists in a new world where all are equal under the Soviet banner. Let us march forward for a just cause under the banner of Lenin. Onward to worker's liberation! Onward for a socialist victory!" Khurschev finishes his speech. Then the church bells ring throughout the Kremlin, they ring for a couple of minutes. Once the bells have tolled the state anthem of the Soviet Union begins to play by the military orchestra, playing the first stanza and the final chorus. The dignitaries on the balcony raise their hands to salute as the anthem plays. Once the military orchestra members have marched to the front side of the mausoleum and turned about-face, the military parade begins. The Soviet Minister of Defence: Rodion Malinovsky, announces the start of the march.

The Hero March is the first to be played as the first companies of the Soviet Army begin to march. The drummers march in front first of the Soviet Army companies leading the march, turning their heads to Lenin's Mausoleum. Regular Soviet Army companies march behind, unarmed with their arms straight down, marching to the beat of the orchestra, and turning their heads to Lenin's Masoluem as Khruschev and the dignitaries wave to the marching soldiers. Next song after is March of the Moscow Defenders, some companies carry their SKS rifles as they looked forward. Next song they play is Let's Go! (В путь!) as sailors of the Soviet Navy follow behind the Soviet Army soldiers, many of whom are holding their Ak-47s or SKS rifles. Next to be played is Aviator's March when the pilots and aviators of the Soviet Army and Soviet Air Force begin to march in. Following them are a column of vehicles with Farewell of Slavianka and Katyusha being played by the military orchestra, tanks roll to the tune of Tankmen's March, Three Tankmen, and March of the Soviet Tankists as the T-55s, T-62s, and Soviet armored personal carriers roll. Behind them are trucks presenting and representing the Soviet Union's arsenal of missiles, ballistic missiles, and the Soviet Union's nuclear capabilities. Their engines are loud and nearly made it hard to listen to the instruments, yet the sight of the Soviet Armed Forces is beholden by the spectators of the Soviet Armed Forces and Soviet citizenry. Each leading soldier and vehicle holstered the flag of their division, of their branch, of the Soviet Union. Such sights are beholden by the Soviet public as the Soviet Union shows to the world the might and spirit of the worker, of communism and socialism, will never falter.

After the march of the Soviet Armed Forces comes the Soviet gymnasts of the various the State Committee for Sports and Physical Education of the USSR. They create a spectacle with a parade float. They, and dancers from the State Committee, begin to march into formation: forming the image of the sun and the words May Day in between the sun formation as well as the name of the USSR. Following are Soviet children running up and presenting flowers to the leaders on Lenin's Mausoleum with the speakers playing the children's song May There Always Be Sunshine. After the flower presentation, the Soviet citizens march alongside the parade floats displaying aspects of Soviet society and achievements. One float holds two statues: a man holding a hammer and a woman holding up a sickle looking and marching forward wearing robes on their bodies. Another with a red banner displaying Lenin, Marx, and Engel's faces. Some held up portraits of Premier Khrushchev, while a few carried up portraits of the first General Secretary: Joseph Stalin. Everyone marching to a variety of Soviet marching songs, firstly the Internationale is played as everyone cheers on to the Premier and the other delegates.
In the midst of the cheering crowd, two women and a twelve-year-old child walk in the midst of the parade with two of them wielding a plain red banner.

"Isn't it fun, Mom?" The twelve-year-old girl asks her mother while wearing her pioneer's uniform and holding up a bunch of flowers, waving it in the direction of Premier Khrushchev.

"I know, Lobu," The mother responded, in her early thirties, wearing a long black skirt that goes to her shins, knee-high leather black high-heeled boots, a white dress shirt with Slavic ornament design on the breast, a dark blue suit coat, and a black cover that covers her short white hair. Despite not being related by blood the mother still responded as how one responds to their own flesh and blood. The mother turns to her female compatriot whose only connection to her is by their profession. "How are you holding up?" The mother asks.

"No opinions, Major. These parades are definitely a step up from that of the Revolutionary Army's." Katnieschya responded. A young woman in her mid-twenties holds up a small red flag with just enough enthusiasm to not be spotted as a dissident: wearing a long blue skirt reaching her ankles, a white collared top with a khaki-colored coat. The mother smiled at her response.

"Either way today and tomorrow are the only days we don't have any duties to conduct." The mother responded. "But after that, we have to conduct military drills." She continued. As the people's march continues a final song, We Army of the People, is played. The thunderous cheer of the Soviet citizenry continues cheering for their dear leader Premier Khrushchev. Thusly, the International Workers' Day parade comes to an end after a successful day

After over three hours of searching high in the sky. Groups one and three are recalled back to the KM. Raeder with reports of American carriers being spotted off the coast of Greenland. Group two found a faint contrail that only a propeller plane can produce, though the trail is faint they still conclude that the plane they're looking for isn't far ahead. Group two lowers their speed and altitude to 10,000 feet. They know they're close to their target for the breaking dawn provides a clean image of where the plane could be.

As the sun slowly breaks the horizon, signaling the beginning of May in the extreme early morning, Anderson looks around and sees that most of his team have already fallen asleep with the Luftwaffe pilots keeping the plane steady so they don't suicidally crash into the cold water. He checks the inside of his coat pocket.

"Now, what time is it? Huh, it's my beret." Anderson removes his beret and places the dark green beret back on his head. He checks further and removes his pocket watch. He checks the time. "Quarter past four and it's sunrise. When we get back, I'm taking a long nap," He places his pocket watch back inside his coat pocket and glances over at Tatsumi who'd already drifted to sleep with Akame and Mine by his side. "For his first mission, he did well and didn't hesitate to kill those German troops, not one bit. Luckily I have something good to report back to back to Reeds and the CIA." Anderson comments. "He exceeded my expectations. Best that I speak with him one on one soon." As he continues to observe each member, he glances over to the cockpit and hears the crackling radio frequency and a faint voice breaking through.

"~Attention, attention! Identify yourselves for you are encroaching on American airspace of the USS Independence, call sign NNQN. Identify yourselves or you will be labeled as an enemy combatant and will be shot down. Over.~" The radio officer of the USS Independence calls out to the radio. Anderson rushes over to the radio, taking it over from the Luftwaffe pilots.

"This is Captain Blaut Anderson of an American special task force unit," Anderson leans in and takes full control of the radio transponder. "We've currently commandeered a Luftwaffe Fokker F27 and are requesting an emergency landing on the USS Independence. Over.," Anderson responded. The radio officer takes a moment to respond. Then the radio officer gets back on call.

"~I'm sorry, but we cannot take the risk of landing an enemy aircraft for fear of a possible strike against the USS Independence. Over.~" The radio officer responded. Anderson is angered by the message of not being able to land at all on the nearest American vessel, he looks out of the cockpit and spots the carrier twenty miles away from where they are and coming towards them. Furthermore, he reads the fuel storage and it had significantly dropped.

"Dammit, if we don't land soon. We won't have enough to land any near airstrip. We might as well drown in these waters." Anderson thinks to himself, he brings up the radio once more. "Listen, we don't have enough fuel to land anywhere on American or friendly ground. If we waterland will you send out a helicopter unit to recover us? There are a total of nine of us, me, six Americans, and two Germans Luftwaffe pilots we took as prisoners. Over." Anderson gave his response. Then the radio officer responded almost immediately.

"~Land within ten kilometers and we'll send out a team to recover you. Over." As the radio officer responded. Anderson gave a heavy sigh of giving such a stupid idea, but its at least good enough to not be shot down nor the Luftwaffe pilots having the chance to crash and possibly sink an American carrier. Anderson walks over to Tatsumi. Placing his hand on Tatsumi's shoulder.

"Hey, kid. Wake up. I need you to translate something for me." Anderson orders Tatsumi. But as Tatsumi awakens, shots are rung out throughout the aircraft.

"What the hell was that!" Mine bolts awake by the gunshots just as everyone else does. Anderson turns to the Luftwaffe pilots.

"You two, try not to get us shot!" Anderson orders the two pilots who gave nothing but a scornful look. The two pilots continue to fly, attempting to avoid the shots by their fellow Germans, but also trying to get the Night Hunters on board killed. "Everyone listen up, it seems they're not going to give up. Be attentive and don't get shot! We're fast approaching a nearby carrier. We may land on the water, but they'll come for us." Anderson informs the team. The three ME 1110 fly past the Fokker F27, the Fokker violently shakes by the velocity of the three planes. One of the ME 1110's fires directly at the wing of the Fokker. Anderson rushes over to the cockpit radio "Attention, attention! We are under attack. Three Luftwaffe fighters of unknown origin are shooting at us! Over!" Anderson informs the radio operator. "Scramble some jets asap!"
The Night Hunters in the Fokker F27 narrowly avoided the oncoming 30 mm rounds from the ME 1110s, as the shots target the wings and rear end of the Fokker. The 30 mm rounds managed to pierce through the rear doors, depressurizing and destabilizing the aircraft. On board the USS Independence, a squad of navy pilots prepare their Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, preparing to intercept the three Luftwaffe ME 1110s. With the cabin being shot at from multiple angles, the Night Hunters grab onto the straps and ropes so as to not be sucked out into the cold water. Mine notes what has to be done.

"Dammit. If we don't do something now then we might be shot up before we even hit the water." Mine remarks. "Lubbock! Use Cross Tails and wrap it around me. I'm going to shoot down those dammed fighters!" Mine orders Lubbock. Lubbock does as asked. Once Cross Tails is wrapped around Mine's waist, she holds onto Pumpkin and begins to crawl to the rear end of the plane, keeping low so as to not be sucked out by the none existent back doors. Tatsumi attempts to make a move to grab Mine, not wanting to risk her life as she had done before even if it means being on the brink of death. But before he can continue, Akame grabs hold of Tatsumi. She knows what Mine is doing, but notes that it's the only means of defense against the ME 1110s.
Mine reaches the end of the plane and looks both ways, spotting an encroaching ME 1110 fast approaching the left, intending to land a killing blow against the Night Hunters. Mine sets up her prone sniping position with Pumpkin. The rushing air makes it difficult to spot the approaching ME 1110 but Mine makes her attempt. As the ME 1110 approaches, it begins to fire its 30 mm rounds from its nose.
To Mine, time slows down as she makes her mark on the enemy fighter. A few rounds pass through the plane. One of the rounds grazes Mine, tearing through cloth and piercing the flesh of her right arm. She winces at the pain but avoids trying to let the pain take over. Only a second pass after the first shot was fired by the ME 1110. "Auf Wiedersehen." (Good-bye) Mine mutters under her breath and fires a single and powerful shot from Pumpkin. The laser beam cuts through the clouds as it quickly makes contact with the ME 1110.

The Luftwaffe pilot of the attacking ME 1110 rolls the fighter jet out of the way, but the shot was too quick as it clips its right wing. The Luftwaffe pilot loses control of the fighter, spiraling out of control as the plane descends into the Labrador Sea. He pulls the leaver underneath his seat, ejecting him from the plane and deploying a parachute.
The crew on the USS Labrador spot the loud laser beam shooting down a Luftwaffe ME 1110. A flight squad of three A-4 Skyhawks takes to the sky from the USS Independence. The captain of the USS Independence sees the action happening from the bridge, he orders a Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King to deploy to rescue the crashed pilot and to rescue the Night Hunters as soon as it water lands.

Despite Mine's marksmanship and keeping a low profile, a couple of bullets strike and lacerate Mine's upper right arm with pieces of shrapnel hitting Mine's body. The wound seeps out blood as Mine collapses, holding tightly to Pumpkin. Tatsumi rushes over to Mine's side and drags her back in, tossing Pumpkin to Wave.

"Mine! Mine! Are you alright?" Tatsumi calls out Mine's name. Grabbing hold of Mine as blood continues to seep from her wound. "Wake up, Mine, wake up!" His hand touches Mine's open wound, shocking her awake.

"Don't touch me, those bullets must've struck me, " Mine utters. "It hurts a lot!" Mine informs Tatsumi. Mine pushes herself off of Tatsumi as the pain slowly becomes overbearing. The Night Hunters don't have much time to rest as the Fokker continues to evade the two ME 1110s. As the Fokker continues to fly closer to the USS Independence an ME 1110 air-to-air missile strikes the left wing and engine of the Fokker. Like the ME 1110 Mine was lucky to have shot down, the Fokker F27 also begins its descent into the water. Knowing that the Americans would be upon them, and losing one of their own, the one of two remaining ME 1110 fighters used one of their air-to-air missiles to shoot down the Fokker, making a break-neck getaway to reunite with its carrier. But only being intercepted by the approaching American A-4 Skyhawks.
With the first engine and left-wing gone and the second right engine giving out, the Fokker begins to make its violent descent from the sky.

"Everyone hold on! We're about to crash!" Anderson shouted out as he holds onto a strap and his beret. The Fokker makes a nose dive into the water. The Luftwaffe pilots make an attempt to pull the Fokker up, trying to have it land on its belly and not on its nose. Lubbock utilizes Cross Tails to penetrate the metal of the cain, filling in the lost rear doors and weak points. Lest that the plane sinks quickly or cracks open in two as it falls from the sky. The beat-up Fokker makes its crash into the cold labrador seawater. The velocity and contact make the plane skip a few times on the water before slowing down and stopping, several miles away from the USS Independence. The landing was not smooth, the inertia launches those not holding onto a strap of the Fokker F27 troopship to be launched forward.

"Is everyone alright?" Anderson asks, looking around. Seeing that many had faired much worse. With the current state of how the Fokker is now, the plane could only remain buoyant for only a couple of minutes before being engulfed. "Alright, we have to get out before we sink and join Davy Jones," Anderson remarks. "Christ, I'm not doing this again."

"Through the back guys, come on!" Lubbock directs for all to escape from the back, unraveling the top half of the rear doors to let the Night Hunters out and prevent water from coming in. Akame and Kurome are helped out first with Mine being helped up by Akame and pushed out by Tatsumi. Tatsumi helps Wave and the Luftwaffe pilots outside of the plane. Finally, Tatsumi and Lubbock also exit the plane, carrying Mine's Imperial Arms and her case that carries the Imperial Arms' attachments. Anderson is the last to climb out after waiting for the last person to exit and climbs up on the roof of the Fokker, making sure everyone has left and no Imperial Arms are would be left behind. Anderson climbs up with a flare gun he found in the cockpit. He has everyone spread around the roof to ensure buoyancy, but the Fokker continues to sink. Anderson aims the red flare gun at the sky and fires it, attracting the attention of the oncoming SH-3 Sea King. The Sea King lands on the water, allowing itself to float closely to the crashed Fokker. The right door opens on the left side of the plane.

"Load up the wounded first!" The Chief Warrant Officer advises the group. Mine is loaded in first and the CWO spots the heavy bleeding and lacerations on Mine's arms. "She has to be escorted to the med-bay!" Soon, everyone else is able to load into the SH-3, spotting the same pilot whose plane Mine had shot down. The SH-3 Sea King takes off from the water, returning to the USS Independence. The Fokker F-27 disappears into the cold Labrador Sea.

USS Independence
Labrador Sea

An hour and a half passed since they landed on the USS Independence. The ship's crew already had reveille and breakfast, moving on with their work aboard the aircraft carrier.
The Night Hunters await in the mess hall in relative peace as Anderson is at the bridge speaking with the captain of the USS Independence to arrange a transport plane from the carrier back to the United States. Mine lays in the medical bay to be treated for her wounds. Mine being in safe hands brings an air of calmness to the group, but out of many Tatsumi feels the most amount of guilt. The guilt overwhelms Tatsumi, he barely touched his food having no appetite. Suppressing the worst thoughts, Mine lost an ample amount of blood and suffered lacerations on her right arm. As Tatsumi continues falling into his tragic thoughts, Kurome calls out to him.

"Tatsumi, are you going to finish that?" Kurome asked. Tatsumi snaps out of his trance looking over at Kurome asking if he's going to eat his portion of the breakfast the USS Independence staff was able to save up for them.

"Kurome, you know it's rude to ask." Wave admonishes Kurome.

"But he looks pretty down in the dumps. It's because of Pink Flamingo, isn't it?" Kurome acknowledges Wave's words. Kurome turns to Tatsumi. "When this group was established. Pink Flamingo was one who put herself in front and rear line combat. You should know this since you worked with her. Us two only fought against her." Kurome continued.

"You're right," Tatsumi responded wistfully. He pushes forward his tray. "You can have it. I'm not all that hungry right now." Tatsumi offers to Kurome which she happily accepts. "I've only been able to reunite with you guys two days ago. In a way, I'm still trying to process what has happened." Tatsumi continued as he recollects the events of the last two days that lead up to this mission. From reuniting in the Pentagon to serving the US and fighting once more with many of his old friends and faces that he knew, Tatsumi couldn't help but be feeling a touch of despondency. As Tatsumi's mind continues to wander off, Wave places his hand on Tatsumi's shoulder.

"If it helps, she is in the med-bay. Akame is there checking on her." Wave tells Tatsumi. "You should go check up on her too." Wave encourages Tatsumi. This advice by Wave livens Tatsumi up a bit, but enough to give him some encouragement to see Mine. Tatsumi sighs with some relief.

"You're right. I'll go see her now. Im going to bring her a plate." Tatsumi brushes Wave's hand off of his shoulder. Tatsumi gets up and asks for a breakfast plate for Mine, bringing it to the medical bay where Mine is being treated for her wounds. As Tatsumi walks through the halls, following the markers to the medical bay. Tatsumi runs into Akame halfway as she had left the med-bay. "Akame," Tatsumi calls Akame's name.

"Tatsumi," Akame acknowledges. She looks down at the plate of breakfast Tatsumi is carrying for Mine. "Are you bringing that to Mine?" Akame asks. She looks up at Tatsumi. "I guess we had the same idea. I'll join you." Akame and Tatsumi continued to walk to the medical bay. "I know that you're worried for her." Akame comments.

"Can you blame me? I've only been able to reunite with almost everyone in the past couple of days. It's been years since the last I saw everyone," Tatsumi stated. "And now, being thrusted into a mission. Mine back then wasn't careless when I first knew her. That is almost the same for everyone else here. You, your sister, Lubbock, and Wave."

"I know what you're talking about," Akame responded. "Unlike our old world, this one is different. It comes with no surprise that some of us may act differently." Akame continued. "Mine for the most part has changed. She'd rarely got herself into dangerous situations unless it's necessary." Akame recounts memories of the old world. How Mine previously was, she was more cautious. Only getting closely involved when needed." Akame and Tatsumi continue to walk through the corridor, with passing leers and sneers from sailors and marines at the two assassins. The two arrive at the medical bay, with the Navy corpsmen having worked to stitch and bandage Mine's wounds. Mine looks out of the porthole window. She turns to see Akame and Tatsumi carrying what she sees as her breakfast.

"Morning you two," Mine greets the two. Mine glances at the tray. "That was fast." Tatsumi presents Mine with her breakfast.

"Brought you breakfast. All they could give was some scrambled eggs, a couple of strips of bacon, a hashbrown, buttered toast, and orange juice. Along with a fork and napkin." Tatsumi lists off what is seen on the plate. Mine grabs the plate. "How are you feeling?" Tatsumi asks. Mine grabs the tray and brings it to her lap.

"I'm doing better. Those medics said that my arm has to wait about a week or two for my stitches to heal and I've only lost about a pint or two of blood. I guess that 30 mm and shrapnel have already done a number on me." Mine comments on her condition. "They said they're finding a blood bag right now. I only hope that I don't have to drink it directly." Mine eats a piece of bacon first. "They even said that the 30 mm bullets had lacerated my arms and told me to not conduct extreme activities. Luckily I haven't lost my arm or broken a bone." Akame grabs a stool and sits by Mine's side.

"It's good to know that you'll be fine," Akame communicates to Mine. "But you have to take into consideration of what you're facing against. Those trucks that blocked the runway are one thing. But earlier with the enemy fighter is another." Akame continues. Tatsumi also wants to chime in. But Mine intervenes first and responds accordingly to Akame's advice.

"I know what you're saying. But sometimes, I do these things in order to help us get out of tough situations," Mine retorts. Hearing this, Tatsumi answers Mine.

"Akame is right you know. Who knows what could've happened to you? You could've pushed yourself past your limit again and even died again." Tatsumi raises his point. Being worried for her safety and well-being. He already suffered her loss once and doesn't wish to go through it again. Outside of Esdeath, the dangers are still around that could take her life away at any moment. Even in a world without Imperial Arms and Danger Beasts.

"I see what you're saying. But you shouldn't worry, Tatsumi." Mine turns to Tatsumi. "But I want you to trust me again, Tatsumi. Same with you Akame. After being brought to this world and reuniting with most of Night Raid, I want to be able to protect and work with you guys again. In the end, I want all of us to be able to end this war and come out alive." Mine continued. Tatsumi thinks about what Mine had said to him. Like Akame, Mine also desires for the others to be able to end the war and live a peaceful life. Tatsumi may even change his approach to how Mine should fight in a world unfamiliar to their own. Promptly, footsteps are heard outside of the medical bay, Anderson enters the medical bay.

"Sister, Incursitor, Pinkie. It's time to go. Grab your weapons and await at the top deck," Anderson orders the three. He glances down at Mine eating. "And hurry up. For I was able to contract us a plane that will get us back stateside." Anderson leaves the medical bay.
Half an hour passes by, the Night Hunters load onto the deck, standing clear of the runway. A Grumman C-1 Trader appears from the skies and finds its way to refuel for its journey back to the US and friendly territory. "Alright, everyone get in the plane. First Canada then Washington." Anderson proclaims with enthusiasm. The Night Hunters enter the plane, Mine being helped by Tatsumi who also carries the case that contains Pumpkin. A few minutes pass as the C-1 Trader already has been refueled. The plane begins to take off from the small runway into the skies. making a turn westward to fly into a Canadian-American military base. Tatsumi looks out of the window to see the American flotilla with the Canadian only twenty miles further out, all heading towards Greenland. Tatsumi leans to the window, taking this chance to rest. He hopes for missions similar to this that may come their way. But this is only the beginning as the war continues to drag on.

1 May 1963
SS State of Burgundy

In a Burgundian courtroom, a gavel comes down striking the pad beneath it. A Burgundian judge reads from the document, looking with disdain at the twenty-four prisoners who stand right before him as he sits in the judge's seat, higher than the prisoners. The trial wasn't long as the twenty-four already knew of their fates. Their innocence holds no grounds as they've been found guilty after arrest.
"It has been decided. For your crimes against the state of sabotage, propagation of prohibited ideological material, anti-Aryan behavior, and anti-Burgundian sentiments. You twenty-four have been found guilty of the aforementioned crimes and are sentenced to death. Your execution will be set for later today after sunset." The judge sentences the twenty-four to death. The Burgundian SS guards escort the twenty-four out of the courtroom, with no chance to prove innocence, no chance to defend themselves or anyone else to defend them. For nothing will ever convince the Burgundian courts of their presumed innocence.