Lost on the Stars of Night
The dust lay heavy in the air as the assembly took their seats. Lord Thomas Kildred, fourteen years old, and now Commander of the colony, took his place in the one remaining leather armchair of the former principle’s office, now turned Imperial Courtroom. The Commander looked perturbedly towards the empty seat on his right. It was unlike his advisor to be late. He must think of a suitable punishment.
Once the various guards and officers had been sufficiently settled, he gave the sign, and in rushed the unruly horde of Commoners, anxious to get in on the latest gossip. They were ushered by the guards into the fences areas in the corners, and ordered to be silent, and though theirs proved a rather loud silence, there was a limit to the punishments which could resonably be inflicted. Lastly came the accused, dragged by two of the tougher boys into the commander’s august presence. It was none other than the Royal Advisor, Miss Mary Gretta, who had now been arrested and brought to trial.
“Let the trial commence.” said the Commander, signalling to the nearest Secretary to carry on with the procedings.
The Secretary of Justice rose, and addressed the guards holding the accused. “Of what crime is this person accused of?”
Both guards spoke at once, but glaring towards the other, the tallest one continued more loudly.
“Of attempting to communicate with the outside world, sir. We found her using a recovered radio phone to signal an SOS.”
“And both of you swear that this is true?”
“Yes, Sir” both replied in unison, the shorter one recieving a glare as before.
The commander spoke again. “I appoint Secretary of War Johnny Wilkes and Commoner Sarah Milem to be jurors for this case. Are there any other witnesses to this accusation?”
About half the assembled commoners raised their hands, as well as three of the officers, as
the two members mentioned rose from their appointed places and made their way to the two metal chairs on the side of the room.
“It seems we have evidence enough. Would the defendant like to make a plea?”
She spoke with desperation in her voice. “Johnny, we need to do this! We’ll die out here! This isn’t a game -”
“Silence!” shouted the commander, “You will address me here as ‘your honor’ or higher, and for this I am adding impudence to the charges against you. Would the jury find this person guilty of the charges against her?”
“Certainly, Lord Commander, guilty without doubt.” Said the Secretary of War, as his fellow juror nodded along. “What punishment do you assign?”
Lord Kildred sighed. “Formerly, this would have been a case of capital punishment, but considering the circumstances, I sentence her to 4 years solitary labor. She must make up for the harm she has caused us. Retainer, inform the accused of her judgment.”
The Secretary of Justice nodded, and turning to the assembly, announced the verdict. “Commoner Mary Gretta, you have been found guilty of insubordination, and of promoting anarchy, insurrection, and rebellion, in this the imperial province of Varuna Colony I, and of dishonoring the name and station of our esteemed Lord Commander by your impudence and contempt of court. You have hereby been stripped of the honors bestowed upon you as Royal Advisor, and sentenced to 4 years solitary labor for your crimes. Guards, see to her punishment immediately.”
“In other business,” said Lord Kildred, “I hereby appoint Commoner Sarah Milem as Royal Advisor. Any objections?”
Mary collapsed. “How could you?”
“The assembly is dismissed.” said the Secretary of Justice, “All Commoners must now vacate the courtroom.”
With a foxy smile, Sarah moved to the metal chair next to Tommy. The rest of the group rose, and swarmed their way through the narrow door, into the endless metal corridors.
Once the courtroom was empty, the Commander let out a sigh, throwing his head back and staring through round skylight into the darkness beyond.
It was always dark. But he loved it. The darkness gave him the courage he needed to keep ruling this colony of children. And he would never let anyone take that away.
Sarah put her hands around his arm, and looked in his eyes adoringly. The Commander just sat motionless, the rock that stood firm when even the sky fell down. In the distance, a faint blinking light coursed its way among the stars. He couldn’t help but feel that his reign was coming to an end.