Kreel

Chapter 13

Kreel had predicted beforehand that the Imperials would search the mountains, so he evaded towards the south areas, where more discreet locations could be found. But he had never expected Major Carton to be waiting for him, metal handcuffs clutched in his hands. "Sergeant Kreel, you have been charged of desertion to the Empire. You will receive a trial at a safe Imperial compound. Any means of attempted escape, and we will not hesitate to shoot to kill."
In response, Kreel raised his hands, and two nearby stormtroopers escorted him towards an awaiting shuttle. Carton placed the pair of handcuffs tightly on Kreel's wrists, entering the shuttle just before the ramp closed.

Kreel was attached to a seat on the portside of the shuttle. Carton was the closest to the ramp, and the other two stormtroopers were presently on either side of Kreel.
"Sergeant, I never knew you would ever put into consideration deserting the Empire. We gave you a home, Kreel. And now you've thrown all of that away," Carton told him, glancing at Kreel's arm left arm which was currently strapped, made to bound Kreel from attacking or showing violence.

The journey on the shuttle had been mostly uncomfortable, so when they docked at the hangar bay of the Justifier, Kreel was somewhat relieved that it was over.
"Sergeant Kreel, or, former Sergeant Kreel, you are issued to be taken to the main prison on Stygeon. For the moment, you will be taken to a detention cell until your transfer," Lieutenant Tahn said to Kreel, signalling the stormtroopers to take Kreel away. Tahn had been one of the very few who had ever liked Kreel, so to Kreel's surprise, Tahn was being awfully strict and cruel to him. While he had addressed Kreel, he had clenched his teeth, which displayed signs of anger and grief.

Even Kreel's most trusted officers had turned on him, and that had become clear more than ever.