Pity for the guilty is treason to the innocent. – Terry Goodkind, Faith of the Fallen

Ài – [愛 – love] (whether spoken by Xiùlán or Samantha, the meaning is 'Luv')]
ARC – Alliance military slang for Arcturus Station
Qīzi – [妻子 – wife]
UCMJ – Uniform Code of Military Justice

• COUNCIL CHAMBERS, PRESIDIUM • CITADEL, WIDOW SYSTEM •
⸰ 1125, Thursday, 26 October 2220-CE ⸰

"Councilor Osoba, in all my years of service as a member of the Citadel Council, I can honestly say that—with the exception of the crimes committed by former councilor Donnel Udina, in league with the Illusive Man and Cerberus—I have never witnessed anything approaching the venality you have exhibited since assuming Udina's position at the conclusion of the Reaper War." The salarian councilor blinked his eyes while sighing in frustration. "Unfortunately for you, here's the proof of your obsequious acceptance of credits … and other gifts … for favorable decisions and rulings, all rendered solely for the benefit of highly-placed members and citizens of the Systems Alliance …" at this point Valern angrily tossed a large datapad unto the polished table; it clattered loudly, spun, and slid across the shiny surface, halting askew right in front of Councilor Raesia Tevos as he concluded, "… and particularly for the benefit of Alliance Marine General Bradley Joesiar."

Tevos reached out and, frowning as she lifted the datapad from the table, quietly observed, "As much as it pains me to say this, I must admit that—with the notable exception of Captain David Anderson—neither of humanity's other two representatives on this panel have ever displayed an ability to act in other than their own inconsiderate self-interest." The asari councilor scrolled through the multitude of emails and texts on the device until she found the most damning message of them all. She skewered Osoba—standing uncomfortably behind the guest speaker podium, rather than seated in his normal position at the table with the rest of the councilors—with green eyes so intense they rivaled a pair of laser rangefinders. "Thirty thousand credits? Is that all that is required to buy a pardon for a convicted criminal … a murderer?"

Osoba started to respond, only to be brought up short by Shepard. "Councilor Tevos, you may wish to look back to June, 2188; that is when Lieutenant Colonel Elliot Chapman rendered a no-possibility-of-parole sentence of life in prison, for the person that recently attempted, for the second time, no less, to murder Admiral Yuán Xiùlán. The sentence of death by firing squad—a human sentence, justified by the fact martial law was still in effect for Alliance citizens and military personnel—was immediately reduced from the bench by Colonel Chapman, based solely on the intense pressure applied by Osoba, in concert with General Bradley Joesiar … who will apparently stop at nothing to benefit his late sister's only child." Shepard paused for a moment, then speared Osoba with a glance as she resumed speaking. "I've been informed that General Joesiar is going to be detained and bound over for court-martial, as soon as it can be arranged."

Tevos' expression, as she studied the pair of humans before her, could only be described as sorrowful. "That is welcome news, Spectre." Redirecting her attention to Osoba, she addressed the rest of the council. "With the proof of the councilor's malfeasance before you, I move for a vote on the question, which is: should Dominick Osoba be removed from his position as humanity's representative on this council? I vote yes. How say you all?"

• INSIDE IRINGÙ-EẞIZKUR • AT LARGE, SERPENT NEBULA •
⸰ 0845, Friday, 27 October 2220-CE ⸰

"Spectre Shepard." I had been looking forward to a call from Rachaél since our dinner on the Citadel. "My apologies for yet again dragging you away from your peaceful retirement on Thessia."

The freckled cheeks crinkled into a huge grin. With a quiet chuckle, she replied, "I will never deny such a request from you, Samantha … especially if it affords me an opportunity to once again view the beautiful artwork on your back."

I could feel my cheeks flushing slightly, even as I replied, "So, is that an offer for another dinner, Rachaél? I'll take any excuse that'll allow me another opportunity to wear my burgundy gown." My grin lessened slightly as I changed the subject; addressing the reason for her call, I observed, "Ident-headers show you're calling from Alliance joint base Vancouver. May I assume you have Osoba in custody there? And, if that is the case, you must have also paid a visit to Xiùlán by now."

"The admiral looked really good, Sammy. Except for having her left arm in a sling, you'd never know she'd been injured." The slight chuckle from before became a quick laugh. "As for Citizen Osoba, he's currently inhabiting a steel-barred cell, right next to Jay-Jay, as you refer to him."

This last brought forth an honest laugh from me. "Now that is what I would call poetic justice, Rachaél … even with the two of them yet to be convicted of committing any crimes. Was that your idea, or just the way things worked out?"

"Neither. Osoba's cell location was ordered by Admiral Yuán." Shepard shook her head slightly as she continued. "I certainly wouldn't wish to find myself on that woman's bad side … and I truly believe that being married to you hasn't been an entirely good thing, Sammy … for her. Seems as if some of your natural vindictiveness may have rubbed off on your lovely wife."

"Woman has a titanium core, Rachaél, and she has never suffered fools gladly …" I shook my head slightly as I thought about my exotically beautiful wife, "… with the possible exception of yours truly. That said, unlike me, she is quite slow to anger, making her an excellent choice to succeed General Park as commander of that base." A glance at my on-screen chrono prompted me to conclude, "I need to get to it, Spectre; I have to go to the Citadel in order to visit with the Broker squad once again, before I return to Vancouver to spend the weekend with Xiùlán. Are you planning to stay, or … ?"

"Unfortunately, I have to rendezvous with the Orizaba for a meeting with Admiral Lindholm and Fleet Admiral Hackett. General Joesiar is in for a rude awakening … one that's long overdue."

I chuckled at that. "Damn! I'd really love to see his reaction to that bad news. And while I sincerely doubt he'll be escorted to the brig, I'm sure he'll be placed on a really short leash … probably confined to quarters while all the legal bullshit is sorted out so he can be court-martialed."

"I expect that will be his fate for the short-term; the general will be presumed to be innocent until he can be proven guilty by the prosecution. A pretrial investigation is required by the UCMJ, a requirement I cannot imagine Brad will simply waive … he's been in the Marine Corps long enough to understand how the system works; it's a system I expect he'll abuse by using every means at his disposal to drag things out.

I shook my head slightly. "Putting Jay-Jay on trial back in the day was a lot simpler. Hell, it'll be even easier to put 'im on trial this time, along with Osoba. Think Uncle Brad can skate free?"

"His crimes have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, Sammy. Good news is, since he won't be charged with a capital offense, a conviction only requires a three-fourths majority of the court-martial panel to vote 'guilty'.

"Can a conviction be overturned on appeal?" I asked. "I'd sure'n'ell hate to see him escape punishment for blindly supporting his troglodyte nephew all these years."

"Any case involving confinement for one year or more undergoes an automatic review by a military Court of Criminal Appeals, so yes …" came the thoughtful reply. "It is quite conceivable he could escape punishment for his crimes, although I think it's highly unlikely."

"Okay, Rachaél. I've kept you long enough, and I really do need to shove off. Hope to see you again real soon, and under much better circumstances."

"Take care of yourself, Sammy," she replied. "And especially, take good care of Xiùlán."

• SSV ORIZABA, AT LARGE • GRISSOM SYSTEM, ARMSTRONG NEBULA •
⸰ 1145, Saturday, 28 October 2220-CE ⸰

"Spectre Shepard! It's truly wonderful to see you again, no matter the reason for your visit." Fleet Admiral Steven Hackett grinned as he used both hands to grasp Shepard's right hand.

"Pleasure to see you once again, Admiral." Shepard, attired in light armor for this meeting, turned towards Admiral Ines Lindholm. "Nice to see you again as well, Admiral Lindholm."

After Lindholm and Shepard had said their hellos, Hackett motioned them towards a trio of chairs at the near end of the conference table, on which a serving tray of beverages and snacks had already been placed. Hackett indicated that Shepard sit at the head of the table, while he and Lindholm sat across from each other in the chairs on either side of her. Hackett split his attention between Lindholm and Shepard as he said, "Dreadful business in Vancouver two weeks ago, Shepard. Our understanding is Admiral Yuán is recovering from her injury?"

"She is." Rachaél smiled as she added, "I had dinner with her wife last weekend … Sammy told me Xiùlán has moved into her on-base quarters there, and is getting down to the business of taking over for General Park." I chuckled, adding, "She shared Xiùlán's opinion that the general's boots were going to be difficult to fill."

Lindholm chuckled in return. "If Yuán's record at Arcturus is anything by which to judge, I have every confidence she'll do a fantastic job of running that base." Picking up the datapad that was sitting in front of her, she added, "Now, let's get down to the reason you asked for this meeting."

"General Bradley Joesiar," Rachaél stated. Setting a pair of OSDs on the table, she gently slid one to rest in front of Hackett, the other to lie in front of Lindholm while saying, "I realize it would be quicker and easier to transfer the data on those disks to your omnitools, but each of those physical copies has been certified by the Shadow Broker as authentic and genuine records of the events that transpired in Vancouver on 15 October." Before either admiral could comment, Shepard added, "Each also includes the raw video footage of the incident, independently supplied by the Alliance News Network; they had a two-camera crew covering the promotion and transfer event from a couple of choice vantage points on the parade grounds."

Hackett smiled. "I'm glad you included a record from another source, Shepard. Shouldn't be difficult to line up the time codes from each of the vids. And a Shadow Broker rapid response team captured the shooter – this Jason Joesiar? Is it true he's General Bradley Joesiar's nephew?"

"Correct, Sir … on both counts. Since he was handed over to the Alliance Marines, he's been occupying a cell in the sub-basement of the facility, alongside former councilor Dominick Osoba."

"Will the evidence on these OSDs be enough to convict the man?" Lindholm asked.

"Without a doubt, Admiral. Also, that he even had the opportunity in the first place should be enough to convict former councilor Osoba as an accessory; his order to commute Joesiar's life sentence after he served just 32 years is what brought on all this wretchedness in the first place."

Lindholm shook her head while commenting, "Helluva long time to hold onto a grudge, Shepard."

Rachaél chuckled at Lindholm's comment, then explained, "When I was recruiting a team to help me take out the Collectors, I said nearly that exact same thing to the bounty hunter, Zaeed Massani. Only for him, his grudge against Vido Santiago was only twenty years old."

"Santiago died in prison, did he not?"

Hackett answered for Shepard. "Several years after receiving multiple convictions, not the least of which was for the theft of Alliance resources, along with the murders committed to cover his participation in those thefts, he found himself on the wrong side of his former second, Solem Dal'Serah. Dal'Serah, having received the same sentence for his crimes as Santiago, instigated and led about twenty batarians in an insurrection. Before the guards could bring the situation back under control, Dal'Serah used all the chaos as cover in order to murder his former boss."

Shepard added a bit more detail to Hackett's telling of Vido's end. "Guards discovered Santiago splayed out on the floor of his cell with a fifteen centimeter shiv sticking outta his ribcage. Prison medical examiner determined the blade nicked his aorta; Vido bled out internally in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, the murder couldn't be tied to Dal'Serah, as there were no witnesses—none that would come forward, anyway—and the servers storing the video records of the cell entrances had been hacked … files completely purged, by someone that knew their way around a computer surveillance system. Nothing left behind except circumstantial evidence."

Lindholm wanted to know, "What about Dal'Serah? He still locked away?"

"He is."

Returning to the main subject, she asked, "So, what's to be done with the former councilor?"

"I expect he'll be tried as an accessory to Joesiar's attempted murder of Yuán Xiùlán, probably in the same civilian court where Joesiar will be tried." Shepard shook her head slightly while continuing. "Unfortunately, since martial law in Alliance controlled space was lifted a few decades ago, meaning capital punishment is off the table; best that can be hoped for is a true life sentence for Joesiar—which could be accomplished by overturning the pardon he received from Osoba—and at least fifty years confinement for Osoba."

Lindholm, speaking with a bit of ire, directed her attention to Hackett. "I believe that man's pre-meditated attempt to murder … to assassinate, for God's sake! … an Alliance Navy Admiral, should land his ass in front of a military tribunal, Steven. What can we do to facilitate that?"

Hackett slowly rubbed his scarred right cheek and upper lip as he thought about her query. After contemplating the question for several moments, he glanced at Shepard before returning his attention to Lindholm. "I believe it is well within my authority to convene a tribunal for that purpose, Ines. All of his actions after his release from the ARC were for the single-minded purpose of murdering either Admiral Yuán or General Park … hell, maybe even both of them." He paused for a moment, then added, "I'll make it happen. We'll convene a tribunal in Vancouver, since that is where he made the attempt."

Shepard slowly stood while saying, "Makes perfect sense, Admiral. All the principals are already there … no need for anyone to travel. I expect Admiral Yuán will approve." She held her right hand out to Lindholm, then Hackett. "If there's nothing more, I'll be heading back to Thessia."

The old soldier grinned, saying, "It's been a pleasure seeing you again, Shepard, never mind the reason for your visit. We need to get together for dinner, soon, for no other reason than to simply visit and enjoy each other's company. Please give my regards to Doctor T'Soni."

"I will, Sir, and dinner for no other reason than getting together for a visit sounds wonderful. I'd like that, Sir … a lot."

• SYSTEMS ALLIANCE BASE, VANCOUVER, BC • EARTH, SOL SYSTEM •
⸰ Sunday, 29 October 2220-CE ⸰

"Sà mi! Wǒ méi xiǎngdào nǐ zhème kuài jiù dàole … yīqiè dōu hǎo ma, wǒ qīn'ài de?" (沒想到你這麼快就來了…親愛的，一切都好嗎？ – I did not expect you to arrive so soon … Is everything okay, my dear?)

"More than hǎo ba, Ài," (好吧，愛 – okay, Luv) I grinned as I removed my duster and hung it in the closet next to Xiùlán's. "I spoke briefly with Spectre Shepard while she was waiting for the Widow relay to align with Parnitha's; she was returning home after meeting with Admirals Hackett and Lindholm on the Orizaba." I couldn't hide my delight as I shared, "Hackett's gonna convene a military tribunal to prosecute Joesiar for his attempt to murder you, and General Park."

Xiùlán looked puzzled. "He never took a second shot at the stage, Sà mi. Not that it matters to me, but how can he be charged with attempting to kill the general? For that matter, he's a civilian, so what's the Fleet Admiral's justification for bringing charges against him in a military court?"

"First of all, an M-98a is capable of rapidly—and accurately—firing three shots before the heatsink overheats. Knowing the way he felt about General Park, it's not a stretch to presume he meant to take a shot at RaeLee immediately after he fired on you." I shook my head as I concluded, "Griff's team managed to take him down before he had the chance to acquire another target and fire. As for him facing a military tribunal?" I moved to stand in front of her and accompanied a gentle hug with, "He attempted to assassinate a high-ranking member of the Alliance Navy, darling. Hackett doesn't want some slick-assed lawyer getting him off in a civilian court … he intends to make an example of Jay-Jay." Holding onto her hips, with our noses nearly touching, I found my voice sounding a tad husky as I quietly asked, "How's your shoulder?"

"Healing … not as fast as I would like, but it is healing. I'm scheduled for another session under the deep-tissue regenerator tomorrow afternoon. After that …" she shrugged her right shoulder as she concluded, "… we'll see. Probably another session with a dermal regenerator."

I snarked, "At least there'll be a smooth surface for the repair of your tattoo."

• SYSTEMS ALLIANCE BASE, VANCOUVER, BC • EARTH, SOL SYSTEM •
⸰ Monday, 13 November 2220-CE ⸰

I quietly accompanied my Qīzi into the large assembly hall set up as a court room, and took a seat close beside her in the front row of the area set aside for 'public' viewing of the proceedings. Truth be known, the only people being allowed in were members of the Alliance military and their immediate family members. I watched attentively as the prosecuting attorney entered from a side door, trooped past us and took a seat behind the table to the right of the adjudicator's raised bench; he was followed in short order by the other JAG attorney—a Navy Lieutenant—assigned to defend Jay-Jay. Of interest to me, Joesiar would be watching the proceedings on a video monitor inside a hearings cell in the sub-basement, his presence being viewable on several monitors in the courtroom.

"Not that I mind, but isn't the miserable little troll entitled to be present at his own trial, Xiùlán?"

"He is … except he already had to be removed for persisting in disruptive conduct. Actually feels like déjà vu, Sà mi. The xiǎo húndàn [小混蛋 – little bastard] wouldn't keep his mouth shut during his original trial on the Citadel in 2188 … or during his sentencing hearing, either." She chuckled while adding, "Audio from the cell was muted so the trial and hearings could proceed. I sincerely doubt he heard anything that transpired over the sound of his own braying."

The side door opened once again, this time to admit the nine Alliance officers that would serve as the jury for this trial; they walked in single file and sat in the chairs arranged in a row along the far wall of the room. A young woman—Marine corporal, judging by her uniform and rank badging—entered behind the jury members. Carrying a black case on a shoulder strap, she walked smartly up to the adjudicator's bench, there to take a seat beside a rather imposing Marine master sergeant, himself seated beside the raised desk; it appeared she would be taking notes for a written record of the proceedings.

I watched Joesiar's antics on one of the vid-monitors; he was, by turns, hollering obscenities, jumping around, shaking the bars of his cell door, or doing two or three at once. Thinking, Unbelievable, I whispered, "Perhaps he should be placed in a stasis field." The disbelieving expression on Xiùlán's face had me quickly adding, "For his own protection, naturally, so he can hear everything that's going on, without being disruptive."

She started to reply when the master sergeant serving as the court bailiff stood from his chair beside the adjudicator's bench, came to attention and, in a voice loud enough to be heard over the muted conversations going on around and behind me, announced, "All rise! Court is now in session! Major Geneviève Paquin presiding."

A trim, athletically built woman with fair skin, wearing a dress blue jacket and slacks, entered from a door behind the massive desk and climbed two steps to stand on the platform behind it. After looking out over the courtroom for a few moments, she picked up a gavel, struck the sounding block once and, in an accent hinting at her French-Canadian heritage, announced in a firm voice, "This court will come to order," then sat in her chair.

I visually inspected the major as she took a couple of minutes to sort through the several data pads on her desk; she possessed expressive blue eyes, along with defined cheekbones, an aquiline nose, lips that were a trifle full but beautifully shaped, and a square jaw. Her hair was medium length, salt and pepper in color, arranged in a tidy braid at the back of her head. I shook my head minutely as I thought, I'll just bet Joesiar is pissin' himself about now. Another trial, another female Marine sittin' in judgement? What are the odds?

Major Paquin directed her attention to Joesiar's defense attorney, who stood respectfully from his chair and waited. "Lieutenant Reid, I understand you are representing the defendant …" at this point she momentarily glanced up at one of the video monitors before continuing, " … and that his refusal to sit quietly is the reason he is being held in isolation downstairs?"

Reid replied, "That is correct, your honor." I did not envy Navy Lieutenant Brandon Reid's assignment in the least. How in 'ell can he mount any effective defense for Joesiar's actions?

Referring to the datapad in her hand, she split her attention between the device and the lieutenant, declaring, "Your client, Jason Joesiar, is charged with the following offenses: 1) Being a convicted felon in possession of a made-for-the-military long-rifle, in spite of being prohibited from owning such as a condition of his sentence commutation. 2) Conspiracy to use said rifle to murder an Alliance military officer. 3) Employing said rifle in a pre-meditated attempt to assassinate Alliance Navy Admiral Yuán Xiùlán. Each of these charges are major felonies." She paused briefly to study information on the datapad, then added, "Count four is a charge of violently resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor. How does your client plead to each of these charges?"

Without any hesitation, the lieutenant responded, "My client pleads not guilty to each of the specified charges, your honor."

"Very well." The major directed her attention towards the Marine assigned as the prosecuting attorney. "Captain Ryan. Please explain to this court the evidence you have against Mister Joesiar."

"Yes, your honor." Ryan rose from his chair and moved to stand beside his desk, there to face the jury members across the room. Holding up a datapad, he stated, "The information on this device is a certified copy of a report obtained from the Executor of Citadel Security Services, hereinafter referred to as C-Sec. The report records a purchase, completed on 3 August 2220, of a previously owned M-98a Black Widow rifle, a weapon that—when placed in the hands of a trained sniper—is an exceptionally effective offensive firearm, having been extensively and successfully utilized by Alliance military forces during the Reaper War. The seller was Rosemont and Tatum's Pawn Shop, located in the foundations of Charlie Ward on the Citadel. Mister Joesiar paid 116,000 credits to obtain this weapon."

Major Paquin wanted to know, "How is it that a man just released from prison had the wherewithal to purchase a weapon such as this, and was the weapon confiscated when Mr Joesiar was arrested?"

"Mr Joesiar's uncle, Major General Bradley Joesiar, provided the credits for the rifle's acquisition. The rifle was recovered during Mr Jason Joesiar's arrest, your honor." Ryan looked at Xiùlán as he added, "It is currently in the possession of Admiral Yuán Xiùlán, whom I'm told wishes to mount it on the wall behind her desk … as a reminder."

"Objection!" Lieutenant Reid said as he stood from his chair. "Chain of custody has been broken, your honor. That rifle cannot be allowed into evidence against my client."

Paquin's response was immediate. "Sustained." As Reid retook his seat, she looked at Xiùlán and asked, "Admiral Yuán, if I may … a reminder of what, exactly?"

Xiùlán stood and answered, "Of just how close I came to dying on 15 October, your honor." She paused, then added, "Rather than bring it into this courtroom today, I am keeping it in its travel case; it is stored in a secure location in my office. If the court deems it necessary, I can easily make it available for the court's inspection."

Saying, "Thank you, Admiral Yuán. I may require you to do just that." Paquin made a note in her datapad as Xiùlán retook her seat, then nodded. "Please, continue Mister Ryan."

The captain spent the following twenty-five minutes outlining Joesiar's actions after his release from Arcturus Prison, his arrival on the Citadel, and his purchase of the M-98a. He finally pausing at the point where the raw video footage—independently recorded and supplied by the Alliance News Network—would provide an unbiased record of the Admiral's brush with death on that day.

Upon showing the video recordings of the chaos that ensued after the bullet hit the admiral in her left shoulder, recorded by a pair of professional news photographers from two different points-of-view, Paquin asked, "Is there any other record of this incident, Mister Ryan?"

"Yes, Ma'am, there is." The captain entered a command on his omnitool while explaining that an interested third party had sent a rapid-response team to intervene in Joesiar's attempt to murder Admiral Yuán. Playback of the video recorded by Jonathan Dokken's team appeared on the monitors, from a vantage point above and behind Joesiar's left shoulder. The camera's field of view included the platform from which Systems Alliance Prime Minister Tagilima Seiuli, General RaeLee Park, and Admiral Yuán Xiùlán would be speaking.

It seemed as if everyone in the room was collectively holding their breath—myself included, since this would be my first time viewing this footage—as my Qīzi was introduced by General Park … as she stepped up to the podium and began speaking … Jay-Jay propping himself up on his left forearm and sighting through the scope … the brief flash of an intense, green dot appearing in the middle of Xiùlán's chest, a split-second before she began moving to her right … the explosive bark of the M-98a sending its deadly payload in a destructive path through her left shoulder … Xiùlán being spun partway around to her left in reaction before collapsing in my arms … the Broker's team simultaneously jumping Joesiar to prevent him taking a follow-on shot at General Park … the chaos, down on the parade grounds and stage as panicked people ran in every direction looking for cover, and in Joesiar's sniper nest, as he violently resisted his take-down and capture by Dokken, Irmina DiCaprio and Henri Järvelä.

When the three large vid-screens faded to black, Major Paquin heaved an audibly harsh sigh and inquired, "This video … unaltered, in any manner?"

Captain Ryan promptly faced the bench and replied, "There has been no editing of what was just displayed on the monitors, Your honor, nor was the previous footage supplied by ANN subjected to any editing. The imbedded time codes in each of the three vids was inspected by an independent laboratory, under contract to the Systems Alliance administration. The lab has certified the time codes for each recording are unbroken by deletions or insertions, and perfectly align with each other; replaying all three side-by-side simultaneously would, for instance, show the Admiral's wound appearing in the same, exact frame in each of the three."

Lieutenant Reid, having remained silent up to this point, stood up and asked, "If I may, Your honor? It would appear my client may be convicted based solely on these recordings. I would like to know the identity of the so-called interested third party, as it appears the last video record shown was from a camera set in place by one of the three people that pummeled my client into submission while taking him into custody."

Paquin motioned to both men, saying, "Approach." With the pair were standing in front of the bench, she muted her microphone, fixed the captain with a hard stare and hissed, "Do you have any other guarantee the video is genuine? Knowing the identity of that third party might be helpful."

Ryan glanced at Reid, then looked straight into Paquin's eyes. "The team that captured Mister Joesiar after he fired his weapon placed the camera; the video we just viewed is certified to be a genuine record of what transpired on 15 October, your honor." He paused for a moment before adding in a whisper, "They were denied permission to either proactively terminate Mister Joesiar's life or take him into custody prior to his attempt on the admiral's life. The interested third party is, in actuality, the Shadow Broker, Ma'am, who has expressed a desire to remain anonymous in this proceeding, if at all possible."

Major Paquin did an excellent job of schooling her reaction to Ryan's bombshell revelation. "Why would the Broker take any interest at all in preventing the possible assassination of an Alliance Navy admiral, or a Marine General?" she hissed.

Ryan glanced at Reid once again as he explained, "Data provided by their organization has always been above reproach; they simply do not deal in anything that is not the unvarnished truth. As to why? … respectfully, you only need to look inside the holding cells below us. Former Councilor Dominic Osoba is currently occupying a cell right next to Mister Joesiar's … the Citadel council removed him from his position as humanity's representative in response to information brought forward by Spectre Rachaél Shepard, who then arrested him for accepting bribes over the span of the previous three decades … bribes meant to—among other favors—persuade him to commute Jason Joesiar's lifetime, 'no-parole-possible' prison sentence." Looking at Reid, he added, "Mister Joesiar's prison sentence was commuted by Osoba. Why would this not be of interest to anyone? Humanity's representative on the Council freed a convicted felon … a rapist and a murderer, after receiving a total of thirty thousand credits over a span of thirty-one years."

"It just seems that Dominic Osoba and Jason Joesiar should have been beneath notice by the Broker," Paquin answered for Reid. "Does his organization have a personal stake in Admiral Yuán's continued existence? … or General Park's?"

"Only that the Admiral's wife …" he glanced directly at me for a moment while saying, "… is a personal acquaintance … has been for years. I have been unable to discover any regulation or statute that prohibits a person or organization from taking action to prevent ones acquaintances from becoming victims of a misguided vendetta."

The major solemnly studied Ryan's eyes for several seconds; after momentarily glancing at Reid, she sighed, "I believe you are correct, Mr Ryan." She waved them away from the bench; upon reactivating her microphone, she gave voice to her ruling. "This court will defer requiring that the prosecution identify this so-called interested third party … for the time being, at least. As to the video records played back for the court in this case, they have been certified as being untampered with, nor have they been edited in any way; as they are accurate records of the events of 15 October, I will allow them to be entered into evidence for the prosecution." She focused her attention on the captain and asked, "Mr Ryan, do you have any other evidence to offer this court today?"

Still standing by his chair, Ryan replied, "I have nothing further, Your honor," then took his seat.

"Lieutenant Reid, in light of the video evidence that's just been presented, do you have anything to present in defense of your client's actions?"

Reid knew he had lost the case as soon as the third video had been shown. Standing from his chair, he said, "I would like to confer with my client, your honor."

Paquin nodded after glancing up at the chrono on the far wall. "We'll take an early break for lunch, Mr Reid … Mr Ryan; we'll reconvene at 1330." Using her gavel to strike the sounding block, she declared, "Court is in recess." The master sergeant immediately stood and boomed out, "All Rise!"

Standing beside Xiùlán, I leaned in and whispered, "Back to your quarters for a bite to eat?"

With a smirking grin lighting her face, she replied, "Dāngrán, wǒ qīn'ài de sà mǐ!" [當然，我親愛的薩米！– Of course, my dear Sà mi!]

⸰ Monday Afternoon, 1330 ⸰

Major Geneviève Paquin gaveled the courtroom to order, then focused her attention on Lieutenant Brandon Reid, the JAG attorney assigned as Joesiar's defense council for this tribunal. "Mr Reid, may I presume you conferred with your client during our recess?"

The lieutenant stood up and began speaking as he turned slightly to face the bench. "Yes, Your honor." After a brief pause, he continued, "Mr Joesiar has requested that I ask the court to change his original plea of innocent to all the charges, to a plea of guilty, by reason of mental illness, to all the charges … this condition having developed during thirty-two years of confinement in prison."

Xiùlán and I turned to look at each other in shocked surprise, even as a collective, audible gasp was heard from the people sitting in the chairs behind us; Paquin briefly gazed about the courtroom before once again spearing Reid with her eyes. "GBMI has rarely been used by defendants in attempted murder cases, Mr Reid. Does Mr Joesiar realize that, if the court concurs with his plea and levies punishment—which, given the severity of the crime, could result in a twenty-five years-to-life prison sentence—the court will then determine whether and to what extent the defendant requires treatment for that mental illness?"

Lieutenant Reid replied, "Yes, Your honor. I spent most of our limited time together explaining the process, and that when, or if, his mental illness is deemed to have been stabilized, he will be required to serve out the rest of whatever sentence has been imposed. He is fully aware he will not be receiving an early release from any sentence that's levied."

The major made several entries in a datapad on her desk, then looked at the prosecuting attorney. "Captain Ryan, do you have any objections to this course of action?"

Ryan stood as Reid retook his seat, answering, "No objections, Your honor."

Major Paquin nodded as Ryan sat down, saying, "I would like to spend the evening contemplating everything presented today, especially this last minute change in the defendant's plea." Banging her gavel once, she declared, "Court is in recess until 0900 tomorrow morning,"

Accompanied by the bailiff's command of "All rise," she stood, gathered the several datapads and papers from her desk and quietly left through the door behind the bench.

• SYSTEMS ALLIANCE BASE, VANCOUVER, BC • EARTH, SOL SYSTEM •
⸰ Monday, 13 November 2220-CE ⸰

Xiùlán and I had enjoyed a quiet dinner in her quarters, and were now relaxing in her comfortable den while enjoying an after-dinner drink … or two. I stretched out and crossed my legs at the ankles as I took another sip of the exquisite single-malt she had received as a gift from Rachaél Shepard and Liara T'Soni, in recognition of her assuming command of Alliance Base Vancouver.

I grinned at my Qīzi. "I must say, I am quite surprised that Rachaél would part with one of her prized bottles of Bushmills. She must hold you in pretty high esteem, my love."

Xiùlán grinned back; taking a small sip from her own tumbler, she swallowed, sighed in happiness, then replied, "That bottle is partially for your benefit, you know. Shepard told me it's a bit difficult to pry you out of her den after you've had just one glass of this stuff."

I laughed with my reply of, "Guilty as charged, Ma'am. Good company, fine whiskey, comfortable surroundings? Why should I wish to voluntarily leave?" I took another sip from my glass. "As is, it's gonna be difficult for you to pry me outta this chair in order for us to get ready for bed."