Outlaw Star The Flower of Fate

Chapter 6: Divided at the Goal

When it comes to how law and order are handled closer to home, the results vary between species. The Rorgans and Ctarl-Ctarl are known for their quick, often ruthless justice systems, while it's unclear if the Sith have anything even resembling legal proceedings in their society. The Corbonites and Nayans have a more moderate approach in comparison, while the Silgrians are famous for both their overly extensive legal procedures and high emphasis on rehabilitation programs. As for those residing on Earth, the variations from region to region are far more diverse. However, it is an open secret that on the frontier of the galaxy criminal punishment and the court procedures leading up to sentencing are swift and brutal to all, regardless of their origin. The notion of a thorough investigation and an innocent verdict are rare, both of which become even more uncommon the further one gets from the different races' home worlds. And while there have been numerous attempts to advocate for a rehabilitation system to be put in place in the more densely populated systems over the years, a lack of both resources and enthusiasm usually prevents these movements from gaining much traction. These efforts are especially stymied by the fact that none of the major national and private security space forces are open to the idea of giving space pirates a means to walk free after being successfully arrested and incarcerated. And on the rare occasions one does attempt to turn themselves in to the authorities, nearly every single instance results in them being assassinated by their former comrades for treason before they even have the chance to repent in protective custody. In the end the issue often comes down to two questions: does rehabilitation have any meaning if the person in question does not wish for redemption? And are there enough of those who do to justify providing sufficient sanctuary?

(Outlaw Star The Flower of Fate)

"Not much longer now," Hanmyo said while staring out the window. On the other side of the glass the Outlaw Star was receiving the last of its repairs. Between the earthquake at the ruins and their rescue operation at the prison, the ship hadn't been quite at 100% when they arrived at this space station, but compared to the aftermath of a grappler fight the necessary maintenance was nowhere near as bad. Regardless, no one on the crew wanted to be at a completely avoidable disadvantage once they reached the Leyline, so it was fortunate that for once there wasn't as much to do, nor would it be quite as expensive.

Taking a breath, Hanmyo turned away from the window and started walking down a nearby hallway, having no real destination in mind. To the indigo-haired girl's surprise, she came across a pacing Aisha.

"Still got some errands to run?" she asked the Ctarl-Ctarl.

"Yeah, just got a few calls to make to people back home," Aisha responded. At this, Hanmyo raised an eyebrow.

"Does that include informing your superiors about the Leyline's coordinates and our presence there?" the young girl all but stated.

"H-h-how did you guess?" Aisha stammered in shock. Hanmyo lowered her eyebrow, but otherwise her expression didn't change, nor did she say anything in response. Suddenly, a thought struck the Ctarl-Ctarl. "Wait a minute...is this your intuition again?"

To this Hanmyo couldn't help but giggle. "Something like that," she said with her usual cheerfulness, before her smile disappeared once again and she turned her gaze away from Aisha. "I know that you have responsibilities to your homeworld, but even if Gene doesn't come out and say it I can tell he considers both you and Suzuka part of the crew, regardless of why you chose to accompany him on his journey in the first place."

Now it was Aisha's turn to look away, though out of the corner of her eye Hanmyo was positive the Ctarl-Ctarl was blushing. "I mean, it is only to be expected that Gene holds me and Suzu in high regard after all the times the two of us have bailed him out of trouble. I guess I could mention in my report that this particular crew has been of assistance in acquiring the coordinates...though I have no idea if that will accomplish anything." That last part had been muttered, but Hanmyo still heard it.