Elements of Earth: The Element Trials

Synchronous 8; An exploration of subcutaneous memories: Commander's Tribunal

One of the judges addressed me after I marched to the center of the room. "Element 14-5." I faced the tiered benches filled with judges, observatory windows to my back. "Where is the rest of her ten?" One of the judges addresses the guard.

"They are still making their way out of the labyrinth." A new guard reported. "Three of them are injured. Two unconscious." Three? Who else got hurt?

"Where is Silicon? We cannot hold a commander's tribunal effectively if the accused is not present."

"He is among the wounded."

"Then while we wait, we will receive testimony the executive commander. 14-5-"

I had dropped my salute and entered parade rest signaling I was requesting permission to speak but, out of deference to the judge, did not interrupt verbally. After a slow nod from him, I speak. "Pardon me your judgeship, as per rule 3 there is information I am required to inform you of." The judge gave me another slow nod, and I continued.

I carefully craft my words so that while everything I am about to say is, if not true, isn't verifiable. "Prior to causing the power surge, my commander, 14-6 was injured and unconscious. At that time I became acting commander."

"You caused the power outage?"

"I did."

"Then we will commence with the commander's tribunal. Commander of Silicon, you stand accused of sabotaging the ability of judges to witness and assess the events of the trial. are you prepared to commence?"

"I am, but respectfully request clarification of the charges."

"What about the charges are unclear?"

"Am I right in my understanding that the charges I stand accused of are solely a violation against the judges' ability to view the trial and are unrelated to the advantages I gained over other elements?" It is their self-image of importance that I offended.

"That is correct."

"Then, whatever my fate may be, Silicon's victory stands?" They will not want to contradict themselves. Any weakness in the structure and ideology of the trials will undermine them.

The judges considered my statement silently. "It does." The admission protected their pride while injuring it. Since I know that they will make me pay for it I should not be so happy. But even if I can't fight the charges, my downfall protects my ten and honors my agreement with Silver. I am content. That doesn't mean I won't throw every rule and piece of propaganda back in their faces to justify my actions.

"Then I am ready."

"Let it be known for the record of the commander's tribunal that acting commander 14-5, addressed as Silicon from here on, acknowledges the charges of sabotage. How do you plead Silicon?"

"Not guilty."

"Proceed with your testimony of the events in question."

"While my ten was seeking out the objective Aluminum ambushed my commander and 14-3. By my rank and the last order of 14-6, before he was incapacitated, I took command. I noticed the power junction, so I zapped it. Aluminum needed to see us to kill us. I took away the light to regain tactical advantage over Aluminum and retain combat capability of my elements. Per article 46 I understood it as my right to utilize 'any tactics, strategies, and levels of force' to accomplish that."

"You admit to sabotaging the power?"

"As I had no intention to disrupt the judges' ability to witness, the trials I deny the charge of sabotage. But yes. I took out the power. It was an opportune strategy that took environment, situation, and position into account. Better yet, it worked."