Chapter 49: 048 Hung Jury

The ensuing debate raged on for hours.

Raged in this case did not refer to rampant emotions or accusations, but the speed at which arguments, sources, and rebuttals were brought up. In the course of a single minute, an aspect of the Captain's preparation could be analyzed in its entirety by both parties, discussed, and consequently relegated to a source that would be referenced later.

Not a word could be heard from the stands either. Various other sounds, gasps, yawns, and chuckles would escape someone's lips from time to time, but they were never loud enough to interrupt the festivities that were the focus of everyone's attention.

It was a brilliant sparring match, at least as far as the considerations of neutrality were concerned. This brilliance was only made possible by the contention contained within the argument itself.

Neutrality, as Grandmother Ashes tried to sincerely to convey, isn't something that can be completely codified. Situations and opinions changed, and with them the exact parameters of a neutral exchange. Guidelines could be set, rules could be followed, but when it came time for action it was ultimately the individual who was responsible for determining the most neutral course of action.

On one side of this debate was the firm stance that the Captain had violated the rules of neutrality, not giving this new species the same chance as every other, favoring total death over the natural path. Grand Elder Larson in particular was particularly staunch in that this rule more than any other should not be violated regardless of circumstance.

If it was a matter of the Captain's capability, then it was his duty to renounce his post or find someone that would be able to accomplish the task. He was chosen for this task by the high council.

If it was a matter of the equipment's capability, then it was his duty to see this beforehand and request improvements or replacements. The Sanctum was not lacking financially, and there were a great many nations and people more than willing to donate their own equipment and services if it meant the survival of another species.

If it was a matter of the crew's capabilities, then the responsibility fell on his shoulders. Seeing as they were both hand picked by him or his aides for their skills and he was their commanding officer, blame could only be placed on his shoulder's in this scenario save for such cases as insubordination.

On these points, the Grand Elders would not budge.

Therefore, the Scholar only had one possible way to convince them that the Captain's actions were born of neutrality.

He must demonstrate that it was not possible for the Captain or any other commander to salvage this situation.

He must demonstrate that the equipment was operating correctly and that there was no replacement which could have altered the result in any way.

He must demonstrate that the crew acted so flawlessly in their duties that any mention of incompetence would be laughable.

The crux of his argument was one that would make or break his case, that being the practical infeasibility of the task they had been assigned.

Theoretical possibilities were one thing, but manifesting these theoretical actions might prove impossible. If he could prove practical impossibility, the Captain was in the clear. If he couldn't, then the Scholar would have to resign himself to the fact that the Captain was at the Grand Elders' mercy.

"... and that's why I am telling you Larson, it simply doesn't seem possible for him to have acted in time. Precedence clearly shows he would have had half a year's time to prepare for the Veil's collapse." The Scholar had finished his case a long time ago, not having spoken for the better part of half an hour.

"That may be Firche, but given the importance of his duties the Oberlux should be crewed, equipped, and prepared to disembark at all times precisely for a scenario such as this." Grand Elder Firche was entrenched in a truly ferocious back and forth with Grand Elder Larson.

"I simply cannot endorse that stance. Military man though I am not, I am still responsible for the financing of the Sanctum. Wasting money and resources, abundant as we may find them to be, is simply not something I can allow!"

"You consider the loss of billions to be acceptable because of finances?! We are in charge of their security until they are placed on the galactic stage!"

"We are also in charge of every other person who resides in the Sanctum, and many who live beyond its borders! How much do you think the Oberlux costs to maintain? To fuel? If we kept it constantly at the ready we might end up with more people dead or suffering than die from incidents such as this. Not to mention the crew! They have families, ambitions, hobbies! Would you keep them a slave to their duty and ship when their time could be better spent elsewhere?"

"I think it is high time you gentlemen stopped bickering." Grandmother Ashes was becoming fed up with their infantile behavior. It was good that they were so devoted towards their responsibilities, but it should not come at the cost of professionalism. "It is obvious to me that neither of you will be changing your minds on the subject. In that case we must conduct a vote."

The build-up to their arguments had been slow, smoldering to the point it was a blaze, yet her words quashed it in mere moments. She gave those seated in the stands time to think about their decision before continuing.

"Now then, all who believe the Captain to be neutral may make their way to his right. Those who believe the Captain to have violated the principles of neutrality may make their way to his left. Those undecided my remain seated in the middle."

Very slowly, those in the stands shuffled to the option they believed most correct. The tally revealed these sides to be equal in number.

"A draw..." Grand Elder Larson brought his hand to his chin and began contemplating. "I believe we have made our stances clear, Szirpty. You will have to be the deciding vote in the matter."

A wry smile made its way to her wrinkly countenance. "I am afraid my vote will upset both of you gentlemen." She raised her voice to address the crowd. "While unfortunate, I believe that I do not have enough information at the time being to make an accurate assessment of the Captain's neutrality. In accordance with this inability, I shall abstain from this vote until such a time I believe I have learned enough of the specifics."

All in attendance save for those on the podium broke out in a cacophony of sounds. Some were outraged, others indignant, but all were confused.

"You have chosen to abstain from the vote?" Firche found himself more baffled than any other. "Is that even an option available to us?"

"Of course it is, Firche. Those in attendance are permitted to admit they lack the required understanding and abstain from voting, and so are we. Just as they are, we too are only human. It is not our right but our obligation to admit where we are lacking. I doubt you would be comfortable with someone judging another's fate without first understanding why they do so, correct?"

Both Larson and Firche nodded in unison. Where once they were practically at each other's throats, they now were being lectured as one.

"From my perspective, both of your arguments were wrong, and both were right. As Firche said, we cannot justify the rampant spending the Oberlux would induce, and I have no doubt that there would be tragedies born from the deficits it would cause. However at the same time I must concede that a tragedy on the level we have witnessed must not be allowed to manifest itself either.

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There must be a balance somewhere that would satisfy both of these conditions, but I do not have the requisite knowledge to know where this balance lies. For all I know, this may be the rare situation without precedent where it is not capability but understanding that led to this result, and as much as I would like to trust your judgement's, I am unable to."

"Even though we are the authorities on our respective fields?"

"Indeed Larson, even though you have the most knowledge about the subject matter. The fact of the matter is that I simply cannot trust the information you would give me now, in voting you have shown bias. I may not even take the Scholar's word as gospel in this situation, tempted though I may be.

I feel my knowledge to be exact, but I cannot discount the possibility my mental faculties may be failing me. It would be unwise to ignore the effects of aging after all. If I am to make a proper judgement, I will need to conduct my own research on this issue. I suggest the two of you do the same."

With this she fell silent, waiting for a response or rebuttal.

None came.

"In that case what are we to do? Should we reconvene at another time?" Firche was still unfamiliar with this process.

"I feel a month would be wise, Grandmother Ashes. Will that be enough time for you to come to a decision?"

"That should be enough time. Shall we reconvene when our schedules best match? I understand Firche will be quite busy in the coming months." Both assented to her suggestion. "In that case the rest of you are dismissed. You won't be bothered to come back, it would be unreasonable of us to ask you to perform the same level of research as I will be doing."

With the go-ahead to return to whatever duty or activity they had planned, those sitting in the stands filtered out through the openings in the back.

Once Szirpty was confident in the privacy of the room, she once again began to address the Scholar and Captain. "Captain, while we cannot place you in prison as we have not yet convicted you, we cannot simply let you roam free. We do not question your loyalty, nor do we believe you would attempt to run, but we must abide by protocol and appearances. As such, we ask that you maintain residence aboard the Oberlux until we reach a verdict."

"I understand." The Captain, still on his knees and facing the stand, did not have much say in the matter anyways.

"While I still think you are guilty, I will make sure your reputation will remain intact amongst your peers until you are convicted or acquitted."

"Similarly, I will only be able to provide you the essentials."

Grandmother Ashes nodded, approving of their judgements. "Just so."

"A-and what shall I do in the intervening time?" The Scholar was almost at the point of shaking. There was no doubt this was the most stressful and labor intensive time of his life.

"I am not one to forbid you to fortify your position with adequate information. Sift through the records in the library as you please."

A light tapping could be heard from the crevasse below the Grand Elders.

"I don't think that will be necessary, Librarian."

A voice, one which those in the room had rarely ever heard, if they had the pleasure of doing so in the past.

"The Great Csillacra and I know the truth, the Captain is blameless. I can assure you there is nothing more he or any other could have done to save the children of Earth."

The tapping of wooden shoes and the chime of metal rings slowly got louder as the Arboreal Maiden made her way towards the podium. Her emergence from the shadows was met with a gasp from the Scholar, the only one in a position to see her. The only person he thought might rival the grace on display was one of his most recent acquaintances.

"Rise, Captain. I know the stone must be hard on your knees."

The tone of the tapping changed when she began to climb onto the pedestal, the sight of her eliciting a submissive posture from the Grand Elders.

"Marshal, Merchant, Librarian," She nodded to each of them in turn, "I applaud you for your adherence to the processes inherent in your duties. With this I feel I have properly verified the integrity of the judicial system. Captain I insist that you stand."

"I am sorry my lady, I just can't feel my legs." Struggling, the captain toppled to the side. "Scholar, a hand?"

As the Captain was helped to his feet, he began to shake. This wasn't born of fear, his legs had simply fallen asleep. They were covered by his pants, But the Captain was confident that his knees were probably an ugly purple.

"Perhaps we will have to consider letting the accused kneel on a cushion in the future..." The Arboreal Maiden took note of the Captain's state.

"I think it would be best not to, my Lady." Much to her surprise, the Captain himself was the one who voiced an objection. "The whole purpose of the trial is to be made uncomfortable."

"If you say so. Truth be told I have become somewhat swayed by our charge's culture. They have some interesting philosophies, especially in regards to the justice system."

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