Chapter 12: Asylum

The last couple of days had been a blur for Mizu. He felt like a stranger in a strange land as he gazed out of the enclosed windows of the Martian landscape. The heart of the UWA and UHN was here. The red, orange, and gray-colored soil of the Martian dirt was everywhere. The small planet was currently undergoing one of its great global dust storms. Every decade, the world would experience a massive shift, where its dirt is launched into the air due to changing temperature fluctuations. This would make the planet’s surface hard to see. Even from the window, Mizu couldn’t see the canyon cities. Contrary to belief and what he had learned, the dust storms were considered more of a nuisance rather than a threat. The wind speeds would never reach beyond 115 kilometers per hour. It was barely enough to reach hurricane speeds of former Earth, and even then, the Martian air had such low density that it made the winds almost seem like a joke to be in, even in a protective suit. Most of these heavy-duty week-long storms would throw dust and dirt particles onto equipment that required regular cleaning.

Despite the tension around him, Mizu felt at peace with himself. He knew the trouble he had caused as he sat on the waiting bench that would lead into the tribunal room of the Martian UHN command. The passageway was beautiful and detailed. Located in the grand canyons of Mars, the buildings were well protected from these dust storms. Artificial lights and shades of blue and red were everywhere in the passageway. Near the opaque sliding doors was a red carpet with the UHN emblem seal on it.

He was not alone. He had an armed guard watching over him. Shackled, Mizu was dressed in a solid blue uniform very similar to what Li’lo and Jenta wore. The waiting call had been made. He felt like he had been sitting for an hour. Even the guard seemed bored.

For Mizu, he didn’t feel afraid. With his cuffed hands, he could feel the fixed wound where he had been shot. He had been adequately treated for his injuries and had two days to recover. The daring escape appeared in the media of a person who broke out two Itreans in one of the most fortified structures in the UWA. It must have been an embarrassment for the people who were in charge. Mizu felt a sense of satisfaction in sticking it to Baxton for destroying a family heirloom, and he felt that it exposed a possible assassination plot against the Ambassadors of the UWA and T’rintar clan. He felt he could live with his actions and choices, but they had their catch.

Such an action was not without its costs. Mizu was under arrest. Li’lo and Jenta were in a similar situation as well. Choosing to face judgment by the UWA and surrendering himself was the only honorable thing to do. He could have sought asylum with the T’rintar clan first, but it didn’t feel right to do so. It was best to leave it to the politicians in what to do next, but even then, it was a political quagmire that he saw and helped conclude. He still remembered the events with Fort Batrice. He remembered the shuttlecraft as they docked with the Olara’kon. He remembered the fact that Fort Batrice was constantly warning the Itreans to surrender Mizu and the prisoners as the warship prepared to jump from the system. He could remember the fact that it almost ended in a shooting match that would have left the T’rintar clan virtually on the verge of launching an all-out assault on Fort Batrice. Thankfully, none of that happened.

Regardless, the damage had been done. Mizu hadn’t seen Li’lo and Jenta since he surrendered to the authorities on Mars. There was no resistance by any of the three. What seemed to shock him the most about the situation was that Li’lo and Jenta both decided to let themselves be arrested as well willingly. Perhaps it was out of loyalty for his actions. That alone was something that he kept in his thoughts as he was incarcerated. Maybe it was simply a gesture of goodwill to show the alliance was strong regardless of the events.

Ultimately, Mizu could only stare at the window from his bench. Compared to the onslaught, he felt no danger to his life and didn’t feel any fear toward the actions he committed. Only the haunting words of what Baxton told him held any lingering emotion for him. He was not permitted to contact his family after he was arrested, and another official’s request to learn more about his family yielded no results as of yet.

The passageways were seemingly barren of life. All the media was kept away from the location. This upcoming tribunal was a big one that he only knew so much about. The only thing that he knew was that it dealt with his request for asylum. The man looked down at his shackles. He knew that people died in his attempt to escape. The situation was seemingly hopeless. It could go significantly in his favor, or he could very well be sent back to Fort Batrice.

“You look like you’re bored,” Mizu told the guard as he looked at him.

“Yep...” the guard replied with the familiar Martian accent. The man didn’t even bother to look at him.

“You know ... a part of me doesn’t really care what they do to me anymore...”

“Yeah...”

“I was doing what you were doing not that long ago ... shot my way out of a space station.”

“I know ... I saw it on the news...”

Mizu could see that he had more to say on the matter. “What is it?”

“I have to say that I’m pretty impressed that you managed to do that ... but that’s all I’m going to say...”

With that, the guard remained quiet. Engaging in idle conversation with a prisoner was a severe offense that Mizu was all too aware of, and the guard was not going to push his luck. Regardless, it was said in a complimentary way that made Mizu smile a little bit.

“You know ... you don’t have to reply back to me on this, but my brother and I did have some differences. He died on some routine mission ... giving his life to save others from some alien life form. Now ... it’s time for me to face my judgment. Chuang ... I might see you again very soon ... and to be honest, I look forward to it...”

He knew that he was just talking to air. The guard was listening but didn’t say anything else.

Mizu turned his head to look down the passageway, seeing a pair of guards and two other individuals coming. It was a surprise for him to see the familiar shapes of Li’lo and Jenta walking together handcuffed. They were once again in the almost tight blue spandex-like prison uniforms. He was not expecting to see them.

Li’lo seemed happy to see Mizu, even under the circumstances. He felt inclined to smile at her as well.

Jenta, on the other hand, was walking very much upright. She didn’t show any fear like she was on Fort Batrice. She was more interested now than ever before. Even in shackles, it appeared that she was treated better than she was on the space station. The moment that her reptilian eyes befell Mizu, she gave a big smile on her pointed face. The nasty blast wound that she had on her shoulder had been healed and fixed. It was a staunch contrast to what he remembered the day before on the shuttlecraft. She was in horrible pain and had bled a lot. Thankfully, as he already knew, the Itreans had resilient bodies and good doctors. On the Olara’kon, even Ambassador Ifra was recovering well despite the horrific injuries sustained.

“They have all of us here?” Mizu asked openly to both Li’lo and Jenta as they walked up next to him. “I was told that this tribunal was only for me ... their trial was going to be sep...”

“Eh...” the guard replied, interrupting and waving his hand at him. “Sorry, but no talking between the prisoners...”

“Ugh...” Mizu said.

“Orders have been changed,” said one of the female guards, keeping a professional tone. “All three of you are to participate in the tribunal together, under the orders of the three judges you will be presiding under. Is that understood?”

“I do now,” Mizu replied. Both Li’lo and Jenta did their quick nods.

With that, Mizu walked up to join the two. He knew that he was supposed to wait and understood why things were seemingly delayed. He could surmise why this was to occur, but he thought nothing more about it. For now, the three were guided to the transparent door. The guards gestured for them to head inside.

The doors slid open as they began their trek into the great room. Mizu walked over the UHN emblem on the carpet. As he started his walk, he could feel Jenta’s cuffed hands touch his. Instinctively, he did his best to comfort her as he tried to hold her hand in turn. The guards either didn’t see it or didn’t care.

Inside the trial room, Mizu could see a large podium consisting of three main seats. On the center seat was a high-ranking female official. On each side beside him was a man of high rank and importance. The podium was designed to envelop the center of the room slightly. Two single tables were positioned apart from both sides, along with multiple lower chairs linked below to the central podium.

The room had an ample white light that poured down and illuminated everything inside. The background walls showed the numerous flags of the UWA colonies and worlds, with Mars in the top center. It had an awe-inspiring look for the place. Even by now, Mizu could see the severity that had been pressed forward onto everyone inside this room. It was judgment day for him. Here, serious offenders would be given their sentences for their misdeeds.

Mizu thought about his punishment. He imagined that he would be stationed in a penal colony in the harsh environment of former Earth. He could be executed by firing squad or jettisoned into space. Maybe he would be lucky enough to have his rank stripped from him. He honestly didn’t know, but one thing did make him happy, however. The two alien women were safe, at least. He had no idea what their punishment would consist of, but it could be just about anything as well. He knew that, in the end, he was more concerned about them.

Mizu could see three high-ranking officials. All of them were the rank of admiral or above. Due to his handcuffs, he couldn’t salute. He did release Jenta’s hand, however.

“Halt,” the center female official called out in a Russian accent as all three came to a stop. “Both of the Itreans will hold their position. For the UHN military personnel. State your name and rate.”

“Petty Officer 3rd Class, Mizu,” he replied. “Pilot Enlisted. Stationed aboard Fort Batrice.”

“The Itreans accused will identify themselves.”

“My name is Li’lo,” Li’lo introduced herself.

“Jenta is my name,” Jenta replied in earnest.

“The accused will head over and remain standing next to their seats on your left,” the female official continued. “You will remain standing until the plaintiff and prosecutor have entered and introduced themselves. Is that clear?”

“Aye, Maam,” Mizu replied.

“Yes, your honor,” Li’lo replied. Jenta gave a couple of quick nods to respond to her.

With that, Li’lo, Jenta, and Mizu complied as they walked and stood next to the table. There was no assigned seating for this table. Mizu could tell he was standing between the two short Yutilian women, with Li’lo on the left and Jenta on the right. Mizu looked at each of the officials, noting their appearances from left to right.

He recognized the center official, noting that she was a Fleet Admiral. However, she was unofficially much more important than that. Even though she had the twin star emblem rank much like Baxton, Mizu knew her role was far more critical. Unofficially, she was a “Media Public Admiral,” one of the only positions served in the UHN, but she still carried weight in her rank and position.

Mizu did know who this woman was. She had a pale complexion to her and was an older woman, much like most female admirals. Her blond hair was a clear indication of who she was. He knew her as Fleet Admiral Annika, the spokeswoman to the UHN. She was often considered to be the go-to official when it came to civilian and military press information. He had seen her enough on the recorded news broadcasts, usually condemning or commenting on the actions of Batrice. In some aspects, he did feel a sense of relief to see that she was the center of the other two officials. This trial or hearing was going to be crucial, and the fact that she had condemned Batrice officials in the past affirmed him that he might have an ally for this event.

The next admiral on Annika’s right or Mizu’s left was an older man who also had a pale complexion. He was completely bald and had a one-star rank. He had no idea who this admiral was by his appearance. He had a stern look and seemed to be annoyed even to be here. His gaze appeared to be focused oddly on Li’lo, although it might have been nothing.

The other officer on Annika’s left side or Mizu’s right was an Admiral as well. This man had a slightly pale complexion and short black hair. Judging by this man’s appearance, Mizu assumed that he was Paloran. His features were reminiscent of those of a man who was born in Brazil on former Earth. He had a short black mustache and bushy eyebrows on his face. While he didn’t know his name, he could tell that this might be particularly interesting. He knew that Palora was a colony constantly trying to rival Batrice’s mining. Palora and Batrice didn’t always get along because of this competition. Still, Palora never achieved the mining capability that Batrice had accomplished, nor did it achieve building monumental shipyards. Regardless, seeing a person like this was either really good or bad. He had to hope that these officials were going to be equally fair and balanced towards him in the end.

As Mizu looked across the empty table, he knew the three were waiting on the prosecutor. The fact that there were three essential officers all meant to him that this was going to be a vital trial or hearing. He could only imagine the catastrophe that he brought forth upon these officials. He did know, however, was that his actions did resolve in creating a trial that was outside of Batrice. With everything that was meant to happen inside the walls of his colony world, Mizu felt accomplished getting Li’lo and Jenta off of Fort Batrice. Regardless, he did wonder why a defense attorney had not been assigned to assist him on this crucial meeting. He knew he would have to voice his opinion on that if it wasn’t explained to him.

The tension was subtle but present. Mizu closed his eyes, knowing that anything could happen. He wished to be able to talk to Li’lo and Jenta, imagining that they wanted to speak to him as well. He remembered what he was briefed about before this meeting. A prosecutor was going to be sent from Batrice to register their complaint to the UHN, not knowing who it might be. The cuffs were solid as he fidgeted in place. He opened up his eyes and took a deep breath. There was no turning back from everything that had occurred. He knew that he was a criminal, but he would do his best to defend himself against the inevitable.

Finally, for what felt like hours, even if it was only for a minute, a person arrived outside the main entryway. The sliding doors opened up, and a man walked into the tribunal room. Upon seeing the individual, Mizu’s jaw was agape. He remained speechless as to whom it was.

It was Baxton. The fleet admiral had made a trip all the way to Mars to participate in this meeting. Upon stepping in, Mizu could tell that he was different in appearance due to his uniform. Unlike the other three officials, who were dressed in their fancy red and blue officer attire, Baxton was dressed in black and red. It was the same style of officer’s uniform, but the colors were wrong. He even had a signature black cape behind him. Neatly dressed, the fleet admiral was a shell of a man that Mizu had remembered back on Fort Batrice. His black and red cap had a white crutched cross on the top center. On his right arm was an armband that had a red and black rectangular emblem on it. The white crutched cross was also on this armband. Mizu could see that the uniforms matched a similar style to what the military police were wearing near the very end of his escape. In one hand, he had a tablet, and the other was a swagger stick. It must have been the same one that was in his glass case back in his office. He could even see the familiar green bristles that were on the tip. Tucked neatly to his arm, Baxton was an impressive and startling sight to behold in the courtroom. However, the three officers were aghast at the view.

“What!” the bald admiral standing by Annika said as he looked down at Baxton. “Fleet Admiral Baxton!?” He got out of his seat and pointed at him. “What’s the meaning of this!?”

Annika remained seated, but she didn’t look excited to see Baxton. “Fleet Admiral Baxton,” she said. “We were not expecting to see you come to this courtroom. We expected prosecutor Harris to show up ... the one that you told us was coming...”

Baxton walked up to the center, looking up at the three. Mizu felt a sense of fear and intimidation at looking at the fleet admiral. It took him by complete surprise. Baxton ignored Mizu at first as his attention was clearly focused on the three admirals. He placed the tablet in his other armpit next to his swagger stick and did the familiar salute that was only practiced on Batrice. The closed fist went outward and remained perpendicular to the carpet below him.

“Fleet Admiral Baxton,” he calmly answered to them. “Head and CO of Fort Batrice ... leader of the Batrice military forces.”

“Baxton, this is outrageous,” the Paloran officer said as he stood up, too. “You step into this courtroom. You come in a uniform that’s not proper attire and regulation to the UHN.”

Baxton lowered his salute. “Admirals of the tribunal room,” he explained to them. “I come from Fort Batrice to represent my people. Prosecutor Harris was unable to attend. I ... requested to come to prosecute these three criminals myself...”

“Baxton,” Annika said, keeping a firm look of anger on her face. “You step into this courtroom expecting to serve as prosecutor. You’re supposed to be in proper UHN military attire. You come in wearing ... that thing on your arm. We have proper standards for the military...”

“Fleet Admiral Annika,” Baxton continued. “I have the authority to be here. I’m a Fleet Admiral. I choose to wear these colors to represent who I am. It is the future of Batrice.”

Mizu couldn’t believe it. Baxton was telling these officers off. On the one hand, he would have felt glad to see this officer have the audacity to tell the three who was boss, but it was one that still served as a glaring contrast to everything that represented the UHN. It was too extreme in its own right. Why was he doing this? Mizu could only stare at Baxton and watch the spectacle that was unfolding. He couldn’t have imagined this officer showing up to be a part of this. The very thought that he was going to be the prosecutor was one that sent chills up Mizu’s spine. For Li’lo and Jenta, it would be the first time they would see this officer who had them incarcerated.

“You demand to be made a part of this!?” the bald admiral beside Annika asked in a yelling tone. “How dare you show up as Fleet Admiral in the UHN ... you come here dressed up as a charlatan. You mock our courtroom and our laws!”

“Admiral Simmons,” Baxton answered back. “I come here to serve as a defendant of justice and Batrice itself. These criminals must pay for their actions. I’ll see to it that it does happen.”

“Baxton, be aware of your actions,” Annika explained. “While it’s allowed for you to serve as a voice of prosecution against the suspects in question, by stepping into this courtroom and not taking our regulations seriously, it’ll discredit you and your arguments.”

“I would expect nothing more than the ones who wish to see Batrice be considered as lower life forms. My words or anyone else’s in my place would face the same regardless.”

The three officers all looked angry and disappointed. Baxton’s inflammatory words were well-pronounced and undeniable. Baxton himself appeared to be indomitable in his look at the three above him. He turned his head and gave a stoic smile to Mizu before he focused his attention forward. It was as if he had a personal vendetta towards the three that Mizu could see.

“I would assure you,” the Paloran admiral said to Baxton. “That we intend to give a fair hearing on this ... regardless of your intentions to possibly sabotage it.”

“I prefer that no matter what,” Baxton replied.

“With these current issues brought to our attention,” Annika explained. “We’ll allow you to serve in the representation of Batrice’s prosecution against the three, but be aware that we’ll not watch this courtroom undergo any form of shenanigans or malcontent. We treat these events very seriously under the UHN laws and rules established. If we feel the need to eject you from the court, then we can decide to do so. Is that clear?”

“Quite...” the fleet admiral said with a short nod. Annika looked at the two admirals and nodded to them. Both of them went and had a seat to get themselves comfortable once again.

“Very well ... you may have a seat to your right. We’ll commence with the hearing that’s been established, but first, we must explain our intentions and goals for these proceedings. Fleet Admiral Baxton ... Petty Officer Mizu, Li’lo, and Jenta ... we are holding these proceedings to establish the intent and purposes that have occurred in this week involving the alleged bombing at Fort Batrice and Mizu’s subsequent breakout of the two prisoners of that alleged bombing. I am Fleet Admiral Annika. This is Admiral Simmons and Admiral Thiago,” she explained as she looked at the bald admiral and the Paloran admiral. “Petty Officer Mizu, this hearing was intended to serve as a hearing and trial to see if you, Li’lo, and Jenta are guilty of actions of assault, murder, and aiding and abetting terrorists on Fort Batrice. How do you plead?”

“Not guilty on all counts, Fleet Admiral,” Mizu replied.

“Very well ... Li’lo, Jenta, we now turn to you regarding the trial and hearing that’s to take place. Originally, it was intended to have two separate hearings for Mizu and one for both you and Jenta. Due to the nature of the events that have transpired, we feel that it would be easier to have all three of you here to have a verdict for each one. If you wish, Li’lo, Jenta, you can still have a separate hearing and not be included in this. You reserve that right if you wish.”

“Your honor ... I would like to have it together,” Li’lo replied.

“Same...” Jenta added as well. Mizu could understand what was happening, and it supposedly made sense as he considered it. The officers were trying to simplify the system. It made things much easier in earnest to have things operating together.

“Baxton...” Annika asked him. “Due to the nature of this, do you have any objections in having the hearing and trials be conducted in unison for all three?”

“None...,” Baxton replied.

“Very well, let us make things clear that this is intended to serve as a hearing first and foremost. It’s intended to serve as a weighted decision by Simmons, Thiago, and myself. We have already reviewed most of the reports from both sides prior to this hearing. Our goal is to ask questions and clarify more on these reports. We’re here to resolve the issues that transpired between the parties of Mizu, Li’lo, and Jenta. It has been specified that you ... Baxton, under your report, you accuse Li’lo and Jenta of conducting a bombing and assassination plot on Ambassadors Ifra and Kane. You wish to have these two surrendered to you so that they may face Batrice’s justice system. Do you still wish to carry out with that?”

“Yes, I do,” Baxton said as he went and placed his tablet and swagger stick on the table.

“Very well, we also want to make it clear that Petty Officer Mizu requested asylum on Mars due to the events that transpired two days ago in breaking out the prisoners Li’lo and Jenta. According to your report, you accuse Mizu of committing acts of assault, attempted murder, and homicide of enlisted personnel, destruction of Fort Batrice property, stealing a shuttlecraft, and attempts at sedition of Fort Batrice itself. Do you wish to still carry out with that?”

“I do, and I will,” Baxton said as he looked at Mizu closely. Mizu could feel the gaze of the fleet admiral trying to slice into him.

“Understood,” Annika continued as she folded her hands together. “Mizu, Li’lo, and Jenta, due to the fact that you do not have a defense attorney assigned to you, one can be made for you. Li’lo, I know that you are a qualified defense attorney. I remember you from the hearing procedure that was made for Shira over a couple of months ago. As we’ve mentioned to you before, if you still wish, you may represent your party in the defense proceedings.”

“I would be happy to do so, your honor,” Li’lo happily replied. “I have had a chance to evaluate the records and would be ready to mount a defense.”

“Mizu, Jenta ... Any objections to this?”

“None,” Mizu and Jenta almost said in unison.

Of course ... it made sense now to Mizu. The attempt to make the procedures all together wasn’t only to simplify the law process but also to allow Li’lo to serve in her intended role. For him, he could see that the officers got what they wanted. They didn’t want to go through two separate hearings and have to go through the extra efforts to procure the necessary personnel for each one. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed convenient. For some reason, though, when he thought of Li’lo serving as a defense attorney, it didn’t seem to make him too comfortable, but before he could think too much more about it, his thoughts were interrupted.

“I knew it!” Simmons remarked as he got loud and quite vocal. He pointed his finger at Li’lo. “It was you in that hearing with Shira! You were the bumbling attorney that tried to defend her.”

“Admiral Simmons...” Annika tried to interrupt him. “This is inappropriate...”

“Ugh ... she owes me for the desk that she scratched up when she accidentally tripped on it over two weeks ago! Yeah, you know what I am talking about.”

Mizu seemed surprised to hear it, and it only affirmed him of Li’lo. He looked down at her as she turned her scaly head to look up at him. She gave a big shrug and smiled.

“Heh ... I tripped on it after Ambassador Ifra came to see Admiral Simmons,” Li’lo commented to Mizu.

“Ugh...” Mizu said as he put his hand to his head. He knew that Simmons had probably already made up his mind then and there with Li’lo. He could tell that Thiago was trying to hide a slight chuckle. Baxton, of course, tended to look at Li’lo as some sort of monumental threat, but Mizu could tell that the opinion was already set prior.

“Enough,” Annika said as she politely tapped her hand on her desk. “Order. I don’t care what Li’lo did to your belongings. It has no relevancy to this hearing.”

Simmons grumbled as he waved his hand up and rolled his eyes. She shook his head as Annika seemed satisfied that Simmons had shut up. No matter. Baxton seemed to call out on him.

“Baxton,” Annika continued as she looked at a tablet that was on her podium. “According to the report, the bombing on Fort Batrice occurred on August 26th at 0850. We reviewed the pictures and the video recording of the explosion. While we did review the reports, what makes you conclude that Li’lo and Jenta were responsible for this explosion?”

“Admirals,” Baxton explained as he tapped his tablet. A projector was activated from the central podium so that everyone could see it. “The evidence that Li’lo and Jenta were culprits to the Zaza terrorist organization was found in both the recording and on Li’lo’s tilon. On it proclaims that Li’lo was a fervent member of this group. She activated the switch.”

“Objection,” Li’lo said as she stood up. “Umm ... Jenta and I had nothing to do with this. Where is the proof?”

Mizu could see that the admirals gave her a somewhat questioning look.

“Li’lo...,” Annika almost shook her head at her. “Sustained on the last question ... Baxton, according to this, you also stated that Jenta is a part of this group and was conspiring against Ifra and Kane. Regardless of your claims, we do have questions on this. Do you have the tilon to present as evidence for this hearing?”

Li’lo went and sat down again. Her tail accidentally smacked Mizu in the arm.

“Sorry...” Li’lo whispered to him.

“I do not,” Baxton replied. “The evidence is housed at Fort Batrice.”

“Will you have it transferred to Mars for further study?”

“I will not, Fleet Admiral Annika.”

“Then how are we supposed to accept this as evidence against Li’lo and Jenta’s actions?” Thiago questioned him.

“Why would I?” Baxton protested. “If I hand over this evidence, it could be rigged or altered on Mars to show that they were innocent.”

The response was something that Mizu did wonder about but ultimately had to reject. Baxton’s mistrust towards the other planets was evident by now, and it didn’t reflect highly with the other admirals.

“Rigged!?” Simmons said as he slapped his hand on the table. “You would accuse my department of forging evidence!?”