Tale Of Sarna The Shield Warrior First United Army

The Trial

Terrence paced the courtroom, Boyd I don't understand this. That JAG showed Durn was Fabricating this Treason thing, why think on it? Listen, Colonel, you're not out of it yet. Durn may try and get DJ killed and impaled. She looks like Sarna. Boyd that Rivers might be able to say she isn't. I don't know how to tell you, this is all a farce.
They don't want prisoners, redheaded ladies can be impaled alive. The Assembly ruled on that, I don't know if these Judges can overturn that.

Terrence stiffened then his body went limp, you're saying, my Troops have no chance. I've failed them
I've truly failed them. Colonel, you didn't know it would end this way. Boyd could you ask for some soap and hot water if I'm going to die. I want a clean uniform to die in. Terrence pulled his jacket down then tugged the sleeves in place. Troopers!
It seems this trial, as they call it is a Farce! We will
all probably die, how soon I'm not certain. Let's just try and act like Soldiers when it comes.

DJ tapped the desktop, they've been gone over an hour, Colonel, why if this is a farce? Just to look good or what. I'm not certain DJ not certain at all,
Boyd, what do you think? Only take this, the way I feel. Someone or two of them are making an argument for not guilty. Just my feeling is all. Everyone, please, take a seat. Looks like they are ready to come back. I'm sorry, I needed to be certain on one thing, Rivers says DJ isn't Sarna he knows that for a fact. This is truly good news. DJ looked at him, so JAG as you call yourself he will say that? Yes, DJ, he will.

All rise! Terrence stood last, looking at the Panel as they walked in. Thinking I may just charge you all, end it now. Please be seated, Colonel, before we begin. I was told, you don't have trials. How do you decide guilt and innocence? Mam, General your Honor, we have Rangers they are fully versed in the law, some understand Military law. They look at the facts and evidence decide on what to do.

Very well, less time involved quicker decisions. Major Durn JAG if you are ready, we have a decision. Durn smiled, by all means, your Honor.
Yes, well, your Honor the matter of my client DJ looking like Sarna, could we address that? After the ruling, if that will do. Fine your Honor. Will the Defendants, please rise.

Terrence stood glaring at the Panel, waiting ready to leap. Die fighting. First off, I'd like to say, Major Durn, be glad I don't have a full say on this. You should be brought up on charges for willfully endorsing perjury. Now, the defendants, our Uniform Code of Military Justice, does not have a definition of Treason for what you did. The United States doesn't even exist, in your land. For that matter does it in our Government! It's ideals?
Not Guilty of Treason! Durn if you wish to poll the Panel you may. Terrence looked at her, your Honor, does that mean we won't be shot for Treason or being unlawful prisoners?

Yes, Colonel, you won't be shot. Durn shouted this is an outrage! We do not take prisoners! DJ is a redhead! She must be impaled. The others shot!
We don't take prisoners! Boyd, orders were no prisoners, we can not change the verdict. Durn do you wish to poll the Panel? Yes, your Honor. I'll speak for us all, unanimous Durn! Not guilty all four! DJ then she, if any must be taken care of!

The Assembly ruled no prisoners, all redheads must die be impaled and on display! Are you going against that? The Army has its law, the Assembly does not control Military Justice! Major, you are a Political Officer Major is only a title. Our ruling stands, the Flag of the Army and Republic flys here. The Assembly can not get involved! I request the redhead be turned over, that you can not go against. The JAG says he has proof she is not Sarna.

Proof? Where is this proof? Rivers, he saw Sarna he can testify to that. The word of a lier, why absurd. Durn quiet! Sargent, get Rivers, please.
Yes, Mam your Honor. Rivers, please have a seat, you are still under oath. Just a few questions from me. Yes, General, I'll answer best I can. Did you see the women called Sarna? Sure did, young lady may be seventeen at most. Is Sarna in this room? No, she isn't that one is too old and too tall. Built a little heavier also, sorry to you mam. No disrespect.

Are you certain Rivers? Yes slightly built her hair was redder than hers. I had to look down at her while she moved me to the boat. The one in charge called her Sarna she called him father. Thank you Rivers. That will be all. Durn kicked his chair, this doesn't matter, even the Commanding General said all redheads are too die! The law matters Durn!
Open Panel ruling! That young lady isn't Sarna. The rest voice vote! Before I vote I'd like to see them standing next to each other. Two more yeses.

Young lady step out next to him, please. DJ stepped out.
Rivers said see almost the same height. I'm a touch shorter. I don't think it's her. Can't be if he remembers correctly. Hell Durn you're a fool, it's not her. Durn shook his finger at them, the Civil Court shall take over, your Commanding Officer shall be told! You all will lose entitlement! Margaret, I'll handle this one. Go on Jeb. Durn Civil Court can't take this. First, we have to release her to them. That won't happen. Second long as we hold them any of them, you sir can't do a thing!
We are done here! Durn out of our courtroom! 

Durn turned to them as he left, you four might just find out what I can do! Sargent, check make sure he is gone. Yes, General. He is gone, General.
Terrence, Colonel, I wish to talk to you in private.
Sargent see the others get back in good shape please and put two good men on them. Yes, General, I'll be one of them.

Colonel, our ruling may not stand. A few still have the law and what the Republic means in our hearts
Um, some might be able to get you out, all of you.
I can't say it will happen, it could be too big of a chance. Colonel, if it doesn't work out I am sorry. We tried. General, I am Tad Terrence, First Cavalry Army of Carolina, holding out his hand. They shook hands, General I knew some had to be like us, least close to it. I'll hold no grudge if it changes or we can't get out. Good luck Colonel as she opened the door, this Sargent will take you back.
Yesum, General, good luck ta you.

She sat down took a breathe, damn wish we didn't have to sacrifice Boyd to save those prisoners. Short one judge already, should be five of us. Margaret, what, in Sam Hell you doing? You've pissed Durn off!  I can't be putting out Fires, that my JAG keep setting! Bret, he got to you that fast? Wow we really pissed him off, didn't we? Damn it you've lost one Judge, I don't need four of you missing. Well dead I know that and you do too.

Bret, we can't break the Law just to serve the Assembly and Senate. I'm willing to die, to keep the Law. He wants me to order you to release them to him. Order all you want! The law says different.
Only way that will change, is making new laws.
You will need a board of Judges to do that. Takes fifteen Judges to decide and write or rewrite a law.
What if The President demands them turned over?

Demand all he wants, I'll not break the Law. He can't change it. So Bret protect yourself Order me to turn them over. I'll refuse, I'll put my most trusted guards on them. They'll have to take them by force! Well, I'll write it up in the morning. That will give you sometime to think on it. I'll not change my mind Bret, the time I could use. Order will be on your desk by nine, no sooner. Think on it now, your career is at stake. Bye Bret have a good evening.

Terrence looked at them, we have a small reprieve
how long, that Judge didn't know. We still aren't out of deep water. I believe they ruled different than expected. So we just wait it out. Be ready for what may come. DJ smiled Colonel, for now, we are good, let's take it a day at a time. Let's DJ the rest of you a day at a time. Boyd said I know I wasn't much help. Hope I was a little. More help than you think, maybe you'll get a reprieve. No, Colonel, doubt that will happen. DJ will yell your name in the dark after you die. Shield tradition to warn those dead, a Warrior is arriving.

So does the rest know the full truth of that first day? Do Terrence and the rest have a chance? How deep does this dissatisfaction go within The Republic?
Your thoughts comments are welcome of course, please vote.