Fury of the Phoenix by Robert Stadnik

Author:Robert Stadnik
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Science Fiction
Publisher: Amazon
Published: 2012-10-24T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY

For the first time in its history, court martial proceedings were being held in the TERRA command council chambers on Luna instead of advocate’s office on Mars. The proceedings were being held publicly. A large audience consisting of humans, Senfo, Onixin, Quix, and Cresorians were gathered in the chambers.

Once the alien alliance learned that John and Julie had turned themselves in, they demanded to be present for any hearings that would decide their fates. Word about them had also reached Earth, Luna, and Mars, and people were demanding their immediate release. Under pressure, Admiral Vespia agreed to open the hearings to the public. She had cemented herself as the new head of TERRA and, as a gesture of good will, turned over Admiral Donalds and the command council members she removed to Earth Security. In addition, she agreed for Earth Security personnel to occupy TERRA headquarters as well as appoint at least three of their commanders to TERRA’s command council.

With her position safe for now, Vespia sat at the middle of the council table and waited patiently for the proceedings to begin.

The doors to the chambers opened and John and Julie walked in, accompanied by two TERRA and Earth Security guards. As soon as the audience saw them, they broke out in applause. Vespia did not react to the adulations.

The two young officers stood at the head of the table and looked up at Admiral Vespia. She noticed how proud and confident they appeared. Neither of them showed any fear about what punishment they might receive. They certainly didn’t come across as cadets. It was still hard to imagine that these two inexperienced cadets managed to do the unthinkable. They defeated the Screen.

Once the applause died down Vespia spoke. “Cadet John Roberts and Cadet Julie Olson…”

“That’s captain and commander,” shouted an audience member.

Vespia slammed her gavel down. “Silence! Any more outbursts like that and I’ll clear the chambers and conduct these proceedings in private.” When no else offered a protest, she looked back down at John and Julie. “You’ve been provided a list of charges leveled against you. The charges include theft of TERRA property, assault against fellow TERRA officers in battle, and disregard for the chain of command. Do either of you have anything to say?”

“We elect to make our statements during the official court martial proceedings,” answered John.

“Very well,” said Vespia. “This preliminary meeting is to ascertain whether there’s enough evidence to support the charges against you. The council has determined that there is sufficient evidence to move forward with court martial proceedings.”

There was a loud drone that came from the audience, but Vespia held her hand up. “However, the council recognizes there is a technicality that prevents us from moving forward with those proceedings.” John and Julie looked at each other in confusion.

Vespia opened a file on her DAT. “According to our records, the two of you never graduated from the Academy. Court martial proceedings clearly state that only commissioned officers can be held to answer charges for violating military rules.

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