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«You need rest, brother.» Lindon sighed heavily. «After all, we can be summoned at any given time to the trial.»
«If there even will be one!» Hunter growled, heading out.
Lindon shook his head, understanding the distress his friend was in. Having the woman he loved – they both loved! – incarcerated and being under investigation was definitely nerve-wracking. The Veluthian didn’t know if they will be in any position able to help Serena’s case at all, considering they too were under investigation.
And if things go wrong, Lindon and Wolfin would have to face their charges right here on Velutha, but as to Hunter, Cipher and Pher – the trio would be sent out to the Terran authorities. After all, the Terrans were, in fact fugitives from the Company that issued a bounty on their heads.
Knowing very well that he still needed to keep his head cool and his determination unwavering, Lindon headed to the bridge. Ever since Serena was arrested and MSS Lyssandra confiscated for the trial proceedings, they were all cramped up in the SS Growler, which was found to be cleared for them to be on, as no one was really thinking about them at the moment. The authorities only swept through the ship to know if there were any of the possible contraband, but as soon as they realised everything was at Lyssandra, they left the crew remain on the Growler until the end of the trial.
And since then Lindon unofficially took upon himself the role of a Commander – just like before losing his own ship. Mitigating the rising unrest among the crew, answering any possible questions – all this and much more was weighing on him, as he tried hard not to think about Serena making a terrible mistake by putting her trust in the Empress and those close to her.
Approaching the bridge, Lindon noticed Cipher jumping to his feet and hurried in, as the Growler AI reported:
«You are being hailed by Captain of the Imperial Guard Dillian Dorn Merr-Philas.»
Cipher glanced at Lindon and saw him nod:
«Put him through!»
The screen lit up, showing the very same man they were dealing with while confined to their ship for the past week. The Veluthian seemed calm, collected and proud as always:
«I was asked to inform you that you are being summoned to the palace. As I was made aware, the Empress wanted to question Lindon Dorn Grey-Linn, Wolfin Ghor-Dinn, Cipher Reeds and Hunter Winters before she would speak to Serena Dal Thara-Lyss.»
«We are honoured for the invitation and are ready to face the Empress.» Lindon stepped up.
«Ten minutes. I shall escort you to the palace personally. No weapons, if you be so kind.»
«Of course.»
The screen grew dark and Lindon exchanged glances with Cipher.
«Growler, tell Pher, Wolfin and Hunter to meet us by the cargo bay in five minutes!» Cipher ordered.
«Done.»
Lindon headed out, wondering if Hunter will be happy to hear that they were finally given a possibility for an update on Serena’s case. He hoped that the trial will be swift and fast, claiming the woman innocent, as they did, after all, collect a lot of information on the dark dealings that were going on Velutha without the authorities knowing. Or – known and not dealt with…
As they gathered by the exit, Lindon saw Cipher leaving Pher as the one in charge, offering him some advice on dealing with the unusual neighbour – Laneth, who has added a bit of chaos into the ship’s crew with her being around. Wolfin and Hunter seemed anxious, though Serena’s mentor tried hard to keep a calm and collected demeanour.
After that was done, and Hunter hurried their friend to open the door, they stepped out – Hunter and Cipher wearing only the atmospheric bracelets to negate the harsh environment of the planet.
Captain of the Imperial Guard Dillian Dorn Merr-Philas stood ready with a regiment of his soldiers, waiting for the men to walk up. As soon as they did, the soldiers surrounded them and they all headed out towards the biggest building that stood ahead – the so-called Palace, where most of the council meetings were held and al the Royal Trials commenced.
Hunter knew that the low building next to it was the prison, which was mostly guarded by drones, and the Veluthians that worked there mainly oversaw the robots, rarely ever engaging with prisoners. At least, that’s what he was told by Wolfin.
Escorted through the lavishly decorated plaza before the Palace, the crew walked into the building, where their guards stopped only once – for a few drones to scan the visitors for any sort of weapons. Finding none, they continued their way, and Hunter suddenly thought if this place was so secure, how was it even possible for criminals like Salaar Dorn Kalun to operate and steal things that were supposed to be held in even more secure areas.
Finally, they were showed into a very large, luxuriously decorated hall, where the Empress already sat on a golden throne, surrounded by her counsellors. A number of people stood by the walls, and for a minute or two Cipher and Hunter felt themselves being on trial by the sole looks they were given.
«Captain Dillian, thank you for escorting them to us. You are free to go.» the Empress waved the Veluthian and his men off.
Seeing the Royal Guards located all over, Hunter swallowed a sudden lump, realising that this place was always ready to defend or attack anyone, who would do something stupid.
«Approach.» one of the counsellors waved to Serena’s crew.
They obliged, feeling uncomfortable and vulnerable, though, their biggest concern was the fact that Serena was nowhere to be found.
«I have studied the evidence you and your Captain have provided. And though I do not condone such a familiar way to send me a personal message, I do find the extent of this information to be quite admirable.» the Empress glanced at Wolfin. «Wolfin Ghor-Dinn, as I understand, the search for this information began after you have encountered Serena Dal Thara-Lyss on some distant planet?»
«Yes, Empress. I was forced to hide for a long time after being falsely accused of murder.» Wolfin replied, trying not to make his answers too long.
«And you, Lindon Dorn Gray-Linn? You joined them later?» Empress tilted her head.
«Yes. At first I was after Wolfin, investigating the disappearances of Veluthian citizens on that planet, but Serena held a field court and I found out that he was innocent through means of memory extraction. I was later attacked, because the proof I brought to clear his name threatened the people who have conspired to falsely accuse the man.»
«And… these Terrans? What stakes do they have in this matter?»
Hunter took a very short step forward:
«I am sorry, I do not know how to address you properly, Empress. But we are Serena’s friends. We helped her collect all that information, not for some benefit or reward, but to help her. She felt it was crucial to bring these crimes to light. She was certain that if she could be heard and the information disclosed to the right people, something could be done to stop the contraband from filling pockets and spreading among the space pirates.»
«And you are sure that Laithorian technology is being used by pirates?»
«Yes. I’ve seen it first-hand.»
Hunter saw one of the Royal Guards approaching the Empress and whispering something to her ear. And though her expression hadn’t changed, her eyes squinted. She replied – quietly, and the guard walked off.
«Which of the contraband found on MSS Lyssandra have you retrieved from pirates?» the Empress asked the man.
«The contraband we had in our possession was retrieved from a smuggler.» Wolfin said. «We were investigating a trail of some pirates to find out where the tech was, but we had to return to Velutha, as we were approached by bounty hunters and found out that Serena was wanted under the guise of false accusations against her.»
«Ah… yes, that I saw in the extracted memories Serena had sent us.» the Empress glanced at one of her council members and nodded.
«We shall start the Royal Trial as soon as Serena Dal Thara-Lyss will be brought to court to face her charges.» the man, dressed in strange wide clothing stood. «In the meantime, you are free to stay here.»
Chapter 5. Trial
The wait took some time. Hunter felt his nerves becoming even more strained – he was not only anxious to see Serena, but worried that it was taking so long for her to be brought before the Empress at all. Lindon and Wolfin seemed to be even more tense, though at the start they were the ones telling the Terrans to keep their heads cool.
Hunter felt like something was terribly wrong.
Finally, after what seemed like at least an hour passing, the doors to the hall opened and everyone turned to see a group of people. Hunter flinched, only to be stopped by Lindon, as the people walked in.
However, everyone saw that the prisoner that was brought, wasn’t walking herself. On the contrary, she was being dragged by two men, who carried her by her armpits, while her legs dragged on the floor.
Wolfin frowned, seeing Serena being seemingly unresponsive.
Hunter, seeing the procession, barely recognised Serena. He flinched forward, wishing to approach, forcing Wolfin and Lindon to catch him from running up to the woman, who seemed to be heavily beaten and barely conscious – if at all. All three men watched in horror at the state Serena was in, realising they could do nothing in the circumstances they were in. The only one to do or say anything at that moment was only the Empress herself.
«What is the meaning of this?!» Empress Alathea’s furious tone reverberated through the throne room. «Where are her clothes? And why is she in such a pathetic state?»
The woman watched the prisoner with a dangerous squint in her golden eyes.
«During the very first day she resisted us when we were searching her for any weapons, my liege.» Lazarus Dorn Kalun said, bowing. «I beg your forgiveness.»
«And her hair?»
«It was cut for safety reasons – her own and ours, my liege.»
«Liar…» Serena forced out, fighting through the pain and humiliation.
The Empress tilted her head:
«Prisoner! Are you calling him a liar?»
Serena tried her hardest to lift her head, even though it felt impossible:
«I am… See my memories, my liege.» her voice sounded pained, raspy and very weak. «See how corrupt this man is. And his father… and a few others…»
«You demand memory extraction to prove your words?»
«I do.»
The Empress closed her eyes and leaned towards one of her councillors, listening to his advice. Finally, the royal waved aside:
«Bring the doctor to monitor the procedure.»
«I hereby give my consent to have my memories extracted without the use of any stimulants and painkillers.» Serena breathed out. «I wish for the extraction to have no ways of being undermined by any sort of drugs.»
Lindon noted how Lazarus suddenly lost colour in his face.
«You are aware how dangerous it is in your current state?» the Empress squinted.
«I am.»
«Very well.»
Hunter felt Wolfin’s hand squeezing his shoulder.
«How dangerous is it?» the Terran exhaled, panicking at the sight of his lover being so injured and mistreated.
«She could lose her life.» Lindon replied, gritting his teeth. «But she has a reason for this risk.»
«I’ve never seen anyone being in such a state after prison…» Wolfin mumbled to himself. «What did they do?»
They watched as Royal Guards took the prisoner from the prison guards and carried her to the medical pod that slid out in the far end of this hall – closer to the Empress and her counsellors. A thin, sleek looking man approached the pod and the prisoner, carrying a scanner, checking her state and Hunter noticed how the man frowned deeply, seeing the results. The medic glanced at the Empress and seemed to hesitate to start the procedure for some reason.
And while this was happening, Serena was only trying to stay awake. She was on the brim of losing consciousness, but kept herself awake only because of her stubborn wish to show the Empress and all the counsel what was happening right under their noses.
She hoped she would have enough strength to withstand the memory extraction – she had a whole week of pain and memories of what has been done to her to show them.
«I highly recommend a stim shot to be made.» the medic leaned in, when Serena was put into the pod.
«No.» Serena whispered, her voice failing.
«Then you must know how harsh it will be on your body in such a state.»
«Yes. I do.»
«Is the prisoner ready?» the Empress asked, and something in the tone of her voice felt off.
«Ready, Empress.» the medic sighed, looking into Serena’s eyes.
As he began the procedure, Serena felt her head bursting with pain – at first distant and faint, but then becoming stronger and overwhelming. Her abused body clenched in a spasm, causing her even more pain, and almost throwing her into the darkness of unconsciousness, but she powered through, biting down onto her lip to try and keep herself from collapsing.
To someone else the procedure seemed to have been taking only a few minutes. For Serena it was a struggle that lasted almost as long as her confinement. A few times she felt her consciousness slipping, only to be brought back in a fit of pure hatred for the men who had used her, while she awaited trial.
She tried hard not to let out a scream of pain, knowing well how many eyes were fixated on her at that very moment. But a few stray tears still burst from her eyes, sliding down and leaving her a faint, cold reminder that she needed to live through this.
When the torture finally ended, she felt her muscles relaxing, and her sight slowly becoming darker.
She might have given them the proof she needed to… but she didn’t know what will happen next. The rest was up to the Empress. Losing her consciousness, Serena wished that her sacrifices would serve their purpose and bring criminals to light.
Hunter, watching like a hawk, saw her eyes closing, and tensed up, only to feel Lindon and Wolfin tightening their grasp, so that he wouldn’t run off to his woman. The Terran saw the medic scanning Serena once again, and glancing at the Empress in a very strange manner.
«They’re done…» Hunter whispered. «Why don’t they stim her?»
Everyone watched, how the Empress and her counsellors aimed their eyes on the screens before them.
Wolfin felt his muscles tensing up, as he saw the Empress frown, and then tense up on her throne. The counsellors too seemed unnerved to see whatever they were watching on their screens unfold. Not knowing what they were seeing, he could only guess that it was something hard to process, as the Empress suddenly widened her eyes and threw a quick glance to Serena, before returning her gaze to the screen.
Time seemed to flow slowly, as the High Council sat there, watching Serena’s memories.
Lindon flinched, seeing the Empress gasp and close her mouth with her palm, obviously shocked from whatever she saw on the screen. The Veluthian noticed how a few of her counsellors gasped as well, their eyes widening in horror and shock.
Hunter and Wolfin frowned, seeing this reaction. But if Hunter was trying to grasp at the thought that, maybe, the court saw some terrible torture that Serena endured, Wolfin found himself thinking on the fact that there had to be something extremely vile happening on their screens.
The Veluthian knew that none of the witnesses among the people standing there in the throne room will ever be shown what was on those screens. Unless, of course, the Empress will wish it.
But the Empress looked at Serena again, who lay unmoving in the memory extraction pod, and in her eyes Wolfin saw pure terror. The woman was not only shocked, but terrified at what she saw.
A quiet rumble of people talking arose – everyone noticed the expressions of the counsellors and the Empress herself. Everyone was wondering what had happened.
«Doctor Dorn Malachant!» the Empress finally found her voice. «Take the prisoner to the infirmary immediately and see to it that her injuries are looked at.»
«No…» everyone heard a raspy, frail whisper from the prisoner.
Empress Alathea looked at Serena once again:
«By Royal Decree I hereby set this woman free, all charges are to be dropped!»
The people began talking, filling the throne room with an even louder rumble of voices. Wolfin tried to find the people who took Serena to the hall, but the witnesses gathered so close that he couldn’t see her prison guards. For a few moments he thought that, perhaps, something foul was uncovered to what they had done to Serena while she was incarcerated.
«Take her away! Stim her before releasing!» The Empress gestured to her Royal Guard, calling him.
Wolfin saw how Serena was taken out of the pod and dragged off by a couple of royal guards at the command of the Empress. This time, however, she wasn’t handled as harshly as before. The Doctor hurried after them, his face frowning and concerned. Hunter flinched beside the Veluthian, and Wolfin caught his wrist:
«Don’t. We’ll see her shortly. We can’t leave just yet.»
He heard Hunter gritting his teeth in frustration.
The men watched as the Royal Guards approached Lazarus and his men, arresting them.
«Everyone’s free to leave!» one of the counsellors said loudly.
Hunter and Wolfin pushed through the crowd, followed by a silent and worried Lindon, who stayed like this all through the trial. Cipher walked last, wondering about what could have been seen on those screens.
Chapter 6. Release
Hunter couldn’t stay in one place, walking from side to side all through the time they’ve been waiting for Serena. The big double doors of the prison stayed shut, and the man was losing patience with each passing moment.
Wolfin and Lindon stood still, frowning at the doors and wondering why the release was taking so long. Cipher stood a bit further, keeping an eye on Hunter just in case he was about to do something stupid.
Finally, the doors slipped open, and they all saw Serena slowly walking out – four guards letting her go, bowing to her from the sides of the corridor that stretched into the bowels of the building.
Serena trembled, grasping herself by the sides and keeping her eyes fixed to the ground under her feet.
Hunter and Lindon jolted to her, but she bared her teeth:
«Don’t touch me!» Serena hissed, throwing their hands off her shoulders.
Wolfin and Lindon exchanged glances, but stayed silent. Hunter, however, tried to embrace her once again.
«Get the fuck away from me!» the woman shoved him aside, throwing him to the pavement. «Respect my wish. It’s the least you could do after I saved all your lives by surrendering mine to the Empress.»
She finally straightened, obviously straining against her body, forcing her usual proud military posture to her shoulders and back. Not looking at anyone, she headed forward – towards SS Growler, which stood ways away on one of the parking spaces.
«Serena, take my quarters for the time being…» Cipher offered, reaching out to touch her shoulder.
«Fine!» she growled. «Just don’t touch me!»
Cipher slowly retracted his palm, frowning at the unusual manner she addressed them all.
«Serena…» Hunter caught up to her, trying hard to see into her eyes.
The woman didn’t look up, still fixated with her eyes on the ground beneath her feet.
«What…» Hunter tried to ask her again, but the woman shook her head, making him fall silent.
They walked silently, until they reached the ship. Wolfin and Lindon exchanged glances, but said nothing, even though they both felt something was terribly wrong.
«You’re hurt…» Lindon said, trying to reach out to Serena to get her attention.
The woman swayed aside, not letting him touch her.
«It’ll heal.» she growled under her breath.
«Serena, you have to tell us…» Wolfin tried to watch his ward for any hint of her being able to respond to their questions.
«I don’t have to tell you anything, Wolfin. Not now.»
«What the hell happened to you in there?» Hunter burst out, angry to see her so distant and cold. «Answer me, damn it!»
«It doesn’t matter.» Serena stumbled a little, but caught herself on the wall, freezing for a couple of moments, as if trying to gather her strength to continue her way. «I need rest.»
«Serena, please…»
«I need rest. Stop bugging me, Hunter!» she wasn’t even looking at him.
Lindon walked behind, noting every bruise and cut on her visible skin, and wondering what exactly happened to her in prison, if the Empress arrested the men, who brought Serena to the trial. Even though he saw a lot with his keen eyes, he still couldn’t really understand what she could have gone through behind the doors of the Veluthian prison.
«Did they feed you?» Lindon asked, watching the woman curl up, tensing from the sound of his voice.
«I’m not hungry.» Serena retorted.
Hunter jolted forward and stood in front of her, forcing her to stop.
«Talk to us!» he demanded. «What the hell, Serena?»
She kept looking under her feet, not raising her eyes to look at him. For a second he noticed her gritting her teeth, before she stepped aside to walk around him. The man grabbed her arm to stop her, but he wasn’t ready to face what happened next.
Serena twisted with her body, shoving him into the wall:
«SHUT UP!» she screamed, still not looking into his eyes. «Leave me the fuck alone! All this can wait! All your measly questions, all your worries – they can wait! SHUT UP! Leave me alone, will you?!»
She pushed him aside and hurried further on, leaving the men puzzled at this outburst.
Lindon saw Hunter’s expression turning sour – the man was definitely suspecting that something terrible had happened to his woman, and he was definitely feeling helpless, because Serena wasn’t in the mood to open up to them all as to what exactly happened to her while she was held in confinement awaiting the trial.
Before Hunter would dart after the woman, Lindon caught his arm, stopping him. He knew that if anyone would try to talk to her again, it could make her fury take over. He didn’t know if they would be able to handle whatever she could do then, as she was obviously distraught and incapable of keeping herself calm, even though she tried hard to remain calm around them.
«Give her a little space, Hunter.» Lindon said quietly.
«Let me go, Lindon!» Hunter tried to free his arm, but Lindon held him tight.
«Don’t do anything stupid. She’s in no mood to be subjected to our questions.» the Veluthian shook his head.
«But…»
«I know!» Lindon hissed, feeling anger rising within. «We have to give her time! I know how badly you want to help her, but right now she wants none of us to approach her!»
Wolfin walked on, wondering if his ward would be able to at least tell them if she needed any medical attention or not. Lindon met Hunter’s frustrated and desperate gaze and let go of his arm.
«We need to give her time.» Lindon said. «Please respect her enough to give her this.»
Hunter gritted his teeth and hurried after Wolfin, aching for the woman he loved. Lindon stood for a moment, before following the man.
They caught up to Serena as she approached the captain’s quarters and opened the door.
«Serena…» Hunter called out and she froze for a second.
«I’m in no mood for company.» she replied.
Serena walked into the captain’s quarters and immediately shut the door, locking it from inside. Hunter tried to reason, but no response reached him through the communication device near the door. The man turned to Lindon and Wolfin, standing there with very concerned expressions:
«What the fuck did those Veluthian prison guards do to her?» he asked, his voice cracking from worry and desperation.
Both Veluthians stayed silent, not really knowing what torment she could have lived through inside the prison walls.
Chapter 7. Attempt
Hunter sat at the dining table, barely touching his food and grasping at his head.
«Give her time, alright?» Wolfin sat next to the man.
«Oh, fuck off.» Hunter growled.
«Don’t push us away, Hunter.» Lindon sat on the opposite side. «We’re here to help.»
«What help, huh? She’s been locked in Cipher’s quarters for a week now!» Hunter bared his teeth at the Veluthian. «And you can’t even tell me what those prison guards could have done to her.»