Chapter 10: Trial
Marissa sits on the shelf trying to ignore her hunger and thirst. Finally, she tries the cell door and as she expected, finds it locked or barred. Figuring she has nothing to lose she pounds on the door which is instantly opened by a glaring Klarn. Marissa hits him before she can stop her pounding finding the Klarn’s chest as hard as the door. She complains, “I am thirsty, hungry, and cold. Can’t you give me some water and at least a blanket?”
The Klarn slams the door in her face. Marissa returns to sit on the bed rubbing her arms to get warm and feeling overwhelming helplessness. She hears the door open and watches as a blanket drops to the floor with a flask landing on top of it.
The door closes before Marissa can say anything to the Klarn. She rushes to grab the flask before it can be withdrawn finding it contains fylar juice. Throwing the blanket over her shoulders as a shawl, she returns to the bed sipping the fylar juice. Marissa knows that she will miss the juice when she leaves Ninovan. She wonders if it stores and ships well.
Although, she has slept most of the day, the quiet cell and the warm blanket induces her to doze most of the night in spite of the hard bed. She does not realize that it is morning until a Klarn enters her cell and motions for her to accompany him. He escorts her to breakfast where he stands silently and watches her select food that is displayed buffet style.
As she finishes eating, a Klarn escorts Katree to the buffet. Katree shudders and turns to the Klarn, “I can’t eat this. You are trying to poison me.” The Klarn removes a black box from his belt, speaking into it and then a young Klarn appears with a field ration packet and bottled water. She grabs both and stalks toward Marissa but the Klarn blocks her from sitting and joining Marissa. With her guard standing at attention behind her, Katree sits at the table next to Marissa.
“This is the first food that I have received since I was taken. It was terrifying; hauled from bed in the middle of the night, tied and gagged, dragged across the spaceport. Next I was stuffed into a cramped box on the back of a scooter that bounced and bruised me for hours before dumping me in a rail car ending in a cell here.” Katree rattles on. “No one will answer me. I thought you were safe in the brig and not captured like Jake and me. Is everyone from the spaceport here? Is the port destroyed? I heard explosions.” a frightened Katree pauses to give Marissa a chance to answer.
Speechless by Katree's rapid recitation, Marissa reports, “No, most of the spaceport personnel are still at the port. I thought the Klarn raid was to get the mercenaries that killed Napayshni. I am surprised to see you. Who else was brought here?” Marissa watches Katree nibble on the dry field rations.
“Jake, Mike, the mercenaries and now you. They are accusing us of helping the mercenaries kill that Klarn.” is the puzzled reply from Katree. “I guess that is why you are here, too. I asked to contact Commander Saldicy but they” Katree points to her guard, “Do nothing and say nothing. They must not know the trade language and are too dumb to learn it. That is why they are guards.” Katree’s conceited opinion shows that she missed the comprehension demonstrated by the Klarn giving her the field rations. “I keep telling them that I have done nothing wrong but it does no good. I hope the commander can force the Klarn to release us.”
As Marissa stands to leave, she shakes her head at Katree, “Do not make any assumptions especially about help from the commander.” Marissa thinks about reminding Katree that the commander did not stop the Klarn from removing them from the spaceport or that Marissa does not trust the commander. She decides not to waste her time. She looks around for a place to put her breakfast tray. Her guard places a hand on the tray forcing it back down giving her the understanding that she is to leave it on the table.
A worried Katree noticing Marissa leaving asks, “Were you questioned like I was yesterday? I saw every one else there but you.”
“No. I just got here last night and know less than you.” Concedes Marissa as her guard ushers her out the door.
Marissa returns to her cell at last understanding that the Klarn are accusing her as an accomplice in murder. Her returning to the spaceport with the mercenaries is interpreted as confirmation of her complicity. It has her worried and frightened but she is not as foolish as Katree to expect help from Commander Saldicy. Most likely, the commander will allow the Klarn to do as they please in order to pacify their anger over Napayshni’s murder. Marissa suspects the commander or one of the port personnel helped the mercenaries to track and find the traders on the trail from Dansk. Thus, Marissa fears that her position with the Klarn is not much of an improvement over the spaceport brig.
Later, her cell door opens and the Klarn again motions for Marissa to accompany him. This time, they enter a room with Kirch guards on each side of the door, along the far wall a large desk with three Klarn sitting behind it. The walls are the same stark stone as her cell with the same lighting. Marissa stands alone in the center of the room facing the three behind the desk. The situation is deliberately set by the Klarn are adept to create an atmosphere of isolation and vulnerability.
The center Klarn states in a ponderous tone, “I am Achak, chief prosecutor and magistrate, investigating the murder of Napayshni and the breaking of the spaceport’s treaty with the Klarn.”
Alarmed Marissa swallows and gasps.
Achak continues, “This is a fact gathering inquiry. Since you are not familiar with our practices, I am taking a few minutes to explain. The magistrates have supreme authority and everyone else is of equal status and subordinate to me. Clan designations are void. All may question you, you must answer truthfully, outbursts will not be tolerated, or you will be gagged. You will be given an opportunity to question others and make a short statement.” The pronouncement is not comforting and does not diminish Marissa's anxiety. She was warned that the native’s justice was swift and harsh.
A female moves to stand next to Marissa placing her finger on Marissa’s neck as the magistrate asks, “Tell us your name and purpose on Ninovan.”
Relieved that this is not a trial Marissa relaxes a little as she replies, “I am called Marissa and came to trade ore for crystals.” She assumes the female standing next to her is a healer.
The female Klarn adds, “True but she is weak and stressed by standing. This is interfering. A seat is needed.”
Frowning, the magistrate asks Marissa, “Are you ill?”
Marissa answers “No.” and the female Klarn replies, “Lie.”
The magistrate glares at Marissa, “Lying to a magistrate is a punishable offense. The markings on your face tell that you lie even without the monitor’s testimony.” The threat gives Marissa chills as she closes her eyes avoiding the resolute stares from the three magistrates. Marissa does not consider the cuts and bruising an illness. Apparently, the female Klarn is a monitor for the truth, an oddity of the natives justice system.
A seat is provided for Marissa as the magistrate continues, “Tell us in detail what you remember about the killing of Napayshni include date, time, location and names.”
Marissa knowing that the Klarn can tell if she is telling a lie, and that the others would have no hesitation to make her out as the scapegoat, resolves to omit nothing.
Marissa recounts that Jeffrey aimed his pistol at Katree and Marissa while Ousts fired on both Napayshni and Yahto with out warning or provocation.
Achak asks for clarification, “How do you know the pistol failed and that Oust did not spare Yahto?”
“I am the Maintenance Engineer on the space trader, Celeste. I have seen this failure in the past. The pistol starts to fire at full strength then sputters and quits. When the firing controls fail, the safety shuts the pistol off. If you have the pistol I can show you how to bypass the safety and the pistol will then work or you can have this checked by someone else.” Marissa starts to relax as she describes the technical operation of the laser, an area where she is familiar and confident of her expertise.
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“The second issue is the mercenaries’ escape from Amarst Chaytan.” The magistrate switches topic from the murder. “Did trader Jake aid the mercenaries? State all details.”
The abrupt change of topic is disconcerting, unsettling Marissa as she recounts, “Jake freed the mercenaries after Chaytan and Enapay subdued them. He also called the spaceport for transportation. Katree was standing away from Jake and the mercenaries, Chaytan was tending my injuries.”
The magistrates take turns questioning Marissa obtaining everyone’s locations and movement covering both the killing and escape on the transport including the name of the transport pilot. The lengthy inquiry drains Marissa of the little strength she has recovered. She thinks of it as an inquisition but admits it is a thorough dredging of her memories.
Finally, Achak asks, “Do you have any questions? Is there anything that you believe is missing from your testimony?”
Weary Marissa feels this maybe her only opportunity for information. “If you know, can you tell me if Yahto is alive and well?”
The magistrate blinks at Marissa as if he did not understand the question. As Marissa gives up on getting an answer the third magistrate states, “He is alive; not well. The healers are treating his burn and head injury. He will have scars from the burn and months of recovery. Why do you ask?”
Marissa openly shows her sincerity, “I was concerned and hoped he survived.”
Magistrate Achak finishes, “This inquiry is finished. Tomorrow, we issue the inquiry's conclusions. The next item is that Trader Marissa lied to the magistrates. The lie is not in dispute and Trader Marissa is guilty. The trial is complete. Sentencing pronounced this day by Magistrate Achak.” Marissa gasps at his verdict. It gives a new meaning to swift justice.
Next, the magistrate continues with Marissa’s sentence. “Lying to the magistrates is not acceptable and is an offense against Klarn justice. As a Trader pair, your Trader Guard is responsible for your actions and is required to attend the inquiry with you. I understand that the Trader Guard, Chaytan, is a Klarn. He will explain his absence before he is fined, will implement the disciplinary actions as set by us, and report the discipline to the magistrates to review for compliance.”
Marissa is shocked; she has had a trial, declared guilty all in one statement. The sentencing took longer. The magistrate fined Chaytan without him being present and probably not notified. It is a swift enactment of justice with only her punishment not clear other than it must satisfy the magistrate.
Dazed Marissa returns to her cell where she plops onto the bed still bewildered by her sentence not noticing that a female Klarn followed her. Staring at the Klarn not comprehending her questions, Marissa leans back against the wall and closes her eyes waiting for the surreal situation to evaporate.
The Klarn’s light touch over Marissa’s badly abuse face draws Marissa’s focus. “What are you doing?”
“I am the healer, Nahimana. The magistrate, Rowtag, ordered me to evaluate your injury. I am to report to him. Remove your garment then I will decide on the best treatment for you and inform the magistrate. You do not want to anger him more.” She dispassionately evaluates the bruises covering Marissa then informs her, “Your body is badly abused; you will wash so that an ointment can be applied to the hurts, you will eat all three daily meals, full meals, no skipping or light eating and no heavy labor including no long walks or running. You will get a complete night’s sleep. The magistrate is going to be unhappy with my report and even more than unhappy if there is not improvement when I check you in a few days.”
“Come with me so the ointment can be applied.” As Marisa gets dressed Nahimana gives the guard orders then leads her to a set of showers. When Marissa is finished, she steps out to find another female Klarn with a basket containing the ointment, a clean skirt, and a new tunic. Marissa thinks Nahimana is like a military drill sergeant, one that demands strict obedience from her troops. She wonders if anyone ever dares to tell Nahimana no or disobeys her orders. She chuckles at the thought of Nahimana reporting to the hard-nosed magistrate. Feeling much better after the treatment, she admits that the ointment soothed the sore muscles and bruises almost as well as the pain meds from the doctor.
When she goes to eat Marissa finds how far reaching Nahimana’s orders are. When she was brought here before she made selections for her meal, now the tray is ready and the food selections made. Marissa looks at the food and doubts if she can eat it all and then wonders if the healer also reports that to the magistrate. He seemed very serious and sure when he said he was the supreme authority.
When Marissa turns to find a table, she spies the two mercenaries with four guards each sitting on opposite sides of the room. Their arrogant smiles indicate that their capture by the Klarn is not worrying them. They either are foolish or have supreme confidence in the corporation’s ability to extricate them. Marissa sits as far away as she can but being aware of their presence kills her appetite. As the mercenaries leave, she sees that a strap connects their ankles limiting their steps and a similar tie to their wrists. The Klarn are making sure they do not escape again.
The next day brings Chaytan to Marissa’s cell. She is glad to see a familiar face and quickly apologizes, “I am sorry about the fine. I can get the Captain of the Celeste to reimburse you out of my funds when I get back to the spaceport.”
Exasperated Chaytan admonishes, “You were in the brig at the spaceport. Why do you want to go back?”
“I am in jail here. Where is there a difference?” She complains, irked because she forgot about the brig,
Taken aback by her statement and looking around Chaytan runs his hand through his hair and admits, “The magistrates published their opinion this morning. They dropped the charges against Katree and you but you both remain guests until after the trials because you are witnesses.”
Grimacing Chaytan continues, ashamed to admit, “The magistrate informed me that I am a disgrace to the Klarn and a poor Trader Guard; my trader is beaten beyond recognition, severely injured, dehydrated, starved and I evidently lost her. Additionally, you lied to the magistrate and then refused to follow the healer’s treatment, all of which is my responsibility to correct. The magistrate wanted a punishment registered. I suggested the Kirch treatment of standing in the center of a room for 12 hours; the magistrate changed it to 24, the healer changed it to 2hr increments. This means you coming with me.”
Chaytan escorts a stunned Marissa to a housing complex similar to the one she stayed in at Dansk. “I do not have a cuff and an account to use. How am I to pay for this?” worries Marissa. “I am lucky the magistrate did not fine me too.”
“You are a witness for three or four trials and required to live here under my clan’s protection. Please do not cause me any more appearances before the magistrates.” Chaytan cautions as he leads her to register. “I must return to my duties. Do not wander off. You will start serving your sentence when an escort comes for you later today.” Chaytan tells her what to expect, then he quickly strides away leaving Marissa without a backward glance. Marissa does not understand why her sentencing causes Chaytan embarrassment.
Later Marissa answers the knock on her door finding Enapay waiting. “I am to escort you to serve your sentence as soon as you are ready to leave.” Enapay escorts her to the center of a market area where three Kirch are waiting. Enapay nods to them and they clear an area around Marissa with Enapay and the Kirch forming the corners of a rough square. Enapay explains, “You are not allowed to speak or move or the sentence will be extended.”
After her two hours which seemed infinitely longer, Enapay walks up to Marissa and takes her elbow to guide her back to her room. Surprised that her legs are sore, Marissa stumbles as she takes her first steps. Enapay stops and in a concerned voice, “Are your legs cramping?”
“No.” Marissa assures him. She then diverts his attention by asking, “Why were the Klarn snick
ering? I did not think standing there funny.”
Enapay looks at his feet, “They read the notice, the lie you told, and then look at your bruised and battered face. They find your lie to be foolishness.” Marissa’s face flames a bright red in embarrassment. Changing the subject Marissa asks, “Do you know when the trials will start?”
Enapay responds, “No, The offworlders are being unreasonable and demand that they try the accused. The treaty specifically states the trial is to be by the Klarn. They are also angry about the raid and the power loss at the spaceport. Do not worry, the trials will not interfere with your sentence; you will be done before the trials start.” Marissa notices a twinkle in his eyes in contrast to his serious demeanor that shows he finds her sentence humorous.
Marissa checks the math and realizes she will be a spectacle in the market area for days. Although jail time would have been easier, Marissa promises never to lie to a Klarn magistrate again if for no other reason than everyone is enjoying her sentence except her.
Since her sentence amuses Enapay, she decides to ask about Chaytan’s meeting with the magistrate. “I do not understand why the magistrate called Chaytan a disgrace because I was beaten. Tell me why.”
Enapay smiles and then becomes serious. “For the Klarn protecting a trader is the most important task in a clan. It reflects badly on the guard when harm and injury happens to a trader. The traders provide communication that bring peace and unity among the clans and are very important to us. Traditionally, they carried messages, treaties, and marriage proposals between clans. Chaytan’s pride is hurt because he did not prevent harm to you. He is feeling worthless and that his behavior is dishonorable. The magistrate just stated the obvious.”
“But the mercenaries did the damage. The spaceport troops did the rest. He was not there during any of it and could not stop it.” Marissa protests the unreasonable evaluation that Chaytan and the Klarn made.
Enapay tries to clarify the Klarn's outlook. “Chaytan feels he failed to reach you earlier when he did not take the scooter. He failed to plan for your protection by not having two scooters trail us. He failed in your escape. Your safety and well-being is his responsibility. You were hurt. He failed his responsibility. It is simple to him. You were hurt therefore he failed his responsibility.”
Trying once more, Marissa states her view, “Taking care of me is my responsibility not his. I escaped from the spaceport. Normally, I can defend myself. Jeffrey took advantage of my weakness.” Marissa feels Chaytan is not responsible for her injuries but cannot get an agreement from Enapay. If he cannot see her logic then Chaytan will not.
Shaking his head Enapay maintains his stand, “You can care for yourself, but that does not replace his responsibility. You were hurt. He failed.” Enapay holds to his explanation in spite of Marissa's defense of Chaytan. He is amused that she tries very hard to absolve Chaytan of responsibility.
In the evening, Chaytan takes Marissa out to the market for dinner. She feels awkward because the location is the same place as her punishment but it motivates her to ask why the delay in the trials when hers was brutally swift.
Chaytan explains, “The Klarn justice is swift and the delays are causing Napayshni’s clan to become angrier. The magistrates have agreed to allow the spaceport to use their MMS to monitor the witnesses in order to expedite the trials.” Marissa loses her appetite as a chilling horror fills her. She escaped the spaceport only to still have the MMS scan loom in her future. Wondering what the magistrates will do to her when she refuses to allow the scan. Then she realizes that Chaytan might have the influence to stop the use of the MMS. Since she suspects he is military and not a junior position and the MMS is a security issue.
Marissa states what she believes is obvious, “You are part of the military.”
Chaytan hedges his reply, “Why would you say that?” not denying the accusation.
Marissa lists her observations, “There are little things; Kangee when he returned the scarf kept glancing at you for approval, the trade organization’s easy approval, occasionally several of the young Klarn almost salute, and the raider that remove me from the cell deferred to you.” She wonders why he is avoiding a direct confirmation or denial.
Chaytan defends the relationship with the raiders, “The raider and I have worked together for a long time on various projects.” He hopes that will satisfy her.
Amuse by his defense Marissa states her belief, “No, if you were not military the raiders would ignore you and you would not have been part of the raid.” Tired of the game Marissa tries to warn Chaytan, “Keep your secrets. Please understand you are placing everyone in danger.”
Marissa with tears flooding her eyes and her voice wavering, “Someone needs to understand what Xeres and the Commander are planning. Both will tamper with evidence and the minds of the witnesses. They probably already have tampered with the witnesses minds. I saw the mercenaries, they are too confident. The Commander wants to scan a Klarn with the MMS to discover your method of detecting infiltrators and spies. You keep uncovering her spies. Xeres wants information on the shielding process. An MMS scan can extract the information from an unsuspecting mind. This trial gives them the opportunity.” Marissa grabs his arm and shakes it to emphasize, “I have seen it done.” Marissa wipes the tears from her eyes forcing the old memories away, burying them deep in her mind to calm herself.
Using a different approach to convincing Chaytan, desperately Marissa questions, “When the other witnesses were questioned, were you able to tell they lied?” As she intently watches Chaytan for vindication, he remains impassive not allowing his thoughts to show and not answering her.
Marissa keeps trying to impress on Chaytan the problem, “What will happen if the Klarn find them guilty and the MMS finds them innocent?”
Chaytan replies tonelessly, “If guilty of murder, the Klarn will execute. We do not maintain prisons.”
“I believe the MMS has conditioned Jake and Katree after they returned to the base. They will not aid in convicting Oust and Jeffrey. I refused the treatment that was why I was in the brig. If you had not raided, I was to receive the treatment the next day. The MMS will absolve the mercenaries of the crime.” Marisa forcefully asserts then stands leaving her dinner on the table.
Grimacing at the distasteful implication, Chaytan soothes Marissa, “I will tell the magistrate your opinion. Sit and finish your dinner or healer Nahimana will complain to the magistrate. Let us talk of pleasanter things like the light show at midnight, the animals you saw on the trail or the games being played tonight.”
The next day Marissa spends the morning serving her sentence but the magistrates summon her in the afternoon.
Marissa enters a room with several chairs grouped around a table. The Magistrate Achak and Chaytan occupy two chairs. Chaytan smiles encouragingly at her.
Magistrate Achak coldly demands, “Tell me about the MMS.” He signals Marissa to sit.
Marissa takes a deep breath and starts, “The MMS is designed to enhance one's memory. It is also used to ease bad memories. It is a powerful tool. If abused the MMS erases memories, it can create false memories, or can put foreign thoughts into someone’s head in order to control the individual. The Xeres Corporation does not care if the results leave the person in torment, a mindless vegetable, or paranoid insane. The results are not immediate but slowly evolve so Xeres corporation lawyers, doctors and the commander will deny that the MMS causes the problem.”
Marissa looks at the magistrate expecting to see disbelief. Instead, she finds a serious listener. The respect encourages her to continue. “Your healer may be able to detect blank areas in the minds of Jake and Katree where the information was suppressed or erased. Planting information or ideas is more difficult and damages the mind faster, but if done the MMS will register a lie as truth. I suspect the mercenaries’ minds were manipulated to give false readings to the MMS.
; I believe the MMS can damage Klarn security and integrity. Xeres wants that process of creating quality shielding at any cost. Using the MMS, Xeres can forcibly extract the information from the Klarn to correct the processes in their plant. They will plant the idea to obey and support Xeres management in all things.”
Magistrate Achak comments, “You believe this to be true or is this knowledge?”
Marissa gives an account from her past, “On my home planet, I saw husbands and wives not recognizing each other after treatment. I saw people lie about things that I witnessed and saw the MMS certify the lie as truth. After the treatment with the MMS, I knew people who changed and began suffering nightmares and hallucinations. An investigation into the problem blamed; drugs, tumors, and head injuries but the only people affected were those who opposed the policies of corporations like Xeres. After treatment the person became complacent with their job, environment, and health”
Magistrate Achak thoughtfully murmurs, “We need the witnesses to testify. The agreement for the MMS monitor is in effect and can not honorably be changed.”
“Can you not find and eliminate the witnesses that have been tampered with? You detected my lie immediately. Or have the MMS break like all the other equipment at the spaceport.” Marissa asks as she looks up at Chaytan for agreement.
Chaytan shakes his head, “It would delay the trials until another MMS is found and is not a solution. We need the trials finished.” He looks at the magistrate and they both nod in agreement.
Marissa desperately pleads, “The larger units always treat mental problems. The portable units never treat or suppress memory and emotions. Perhaps the portable unit would be safe to use. I have never worked on a portable unit and do not know its capability. Destroy the main unit and force them to use the portable one. If it breaks after the trials maybe I could test it. Or test it before the trial?” Marissa grimly proposes.
The Magistrate concludes the meeting, “I will advise the other magistrates and decide the proper course.”
As he leaves, the magistrate directs Marissa, “Do not think to refuse to testify and defy a magistrate. I will not be lenient, if the last sentence has not taught you proper behavior. You will testify.”
Apparently, Chaytan told the magistrate that I refused the MMS scan at the spaceport. He suspects that I will refuse again at the trial. By having the magistrate threaten, he is trying to coerce me into compliance with their plans.
While Marissa is serving her sentence, she hears nothing from Chaytan, Enapay or the magistrate. The following days are filled with her serving her sentence with the Kirch escorting her until the day of the first trial; Jake’s aiding the escape of the mercenaries.
The trial uses the witnesses’ testimony as the major evidence. Marissa testifies against Jake but the damage the beating did to her vision minimizes the effect of her testimony. Katree testifies Jake did nothing. The result is the Klarn find the charge Not Proven. The MMS finds Jake innocent.
Mike’s trial for unauthorized travel results in an innocent verdict due to documents provided showing approval. His second trial for firing on Chaytan is a mixed result; the Klarn find him guilty based on evidence of the burn and Chaytan's testimony but MMS finds him innocent based on all witnesses testifying that they did not see the firing. The magistrates’ final opinion blends both verdicts to ‘Not Proven’.
The clans are angry but Commander Saldicy and Goliath are smug. The trial interrupted Marissa’s serving her sentence by requiring her daily attendance.
The final trial is the murder of Napayshni. The mercenaries do not testify to protect them from incriminating themselves. Katree and Jake testify that they saw nothing, which did not surprise Marissa. The surprise is Yahto appearing and identifying both Oust as the shooter and Jeffrey as an accomplice. With Marissa and Enapay's corroborating testimony, the result is guilty verdict from the Klarn and the MMS.