The Drakenhof Incident

Log of Event

Boudicca

Based on evidence found on Ancha I propose a motion with the above name. The text shall read:

For intentional spread of the galactic plague and the use of human being as cattle for both research and other unspeakable purposes, House Von Carstein shall be declared renegade until such times as all members of the family surrender to Imperial authority and confess to the complete and full nature of their crimes before the senate and the entire galaxy.

Slick Ink

I believe the first thing that should be done is whatever evidence found should be presented before us. All I've seen so far is words but no actual evedince.

But as for humans being cattle and research being done on humans. I see no law there that was broken. It is wrong yes, but since slavery is allowed with no law protecting the slaves, what they have done to humans is not illegal. So I would have to say that I'm against this part of the motion.

Lastly I must ask. Has his presence even been requested before the senate? I know that when a represenative from the house I work for was present at the investigations he was not asked to present himself to the senate.

Von Carstein

Thank you Mr. Slick Ink. Just because of your support, I will give an official apology for all the trouble I have caused various members of your family in the past. Hell, and the whole D'Lioncourt thing.

Slick Ink

Well I thank you on that count. Since all my brother was was detained we will harbor no grudge over the incident. But I would be intersted to hear your side of things. I would ask that you come and present your side and any evidence you have to the senate.

Boudicca

Haha.

I knew you were an animal Von Carstein but I didn't think it was a dog.

As for evidence, I had not shared the information with House Slick Ink as I figured they were too busy with their slaughter of Goratrix troops. I shall prepare the information packet with haste. However, I will not allow any member of the Von Carstein family to set foot on the senate floor, for the protection of the Senate members. I will allow a human representative.

Slick Ink

The protection of the senate. So you accuse the man of a crime and he has to send a flunky to defend himself? Are the Emporer's men so weak they cannot defend the senate against one man? If he can't keep one man from doing harm how is he to protect the empire from a whole house. Sorry but as a senator I would prefer to hear from the accused not someone else.

Pershing

Perhaps a video conference could be arranged in a careful fashion to prove all involved are who they claim as would be seen in person?

Slick Ink

If the person in question had proven themselves hostile and attacked I would agree. But I have seen no attack made by the accused. If we were to protect the senate then perhaps the one that had to violate the empire's law to attack should not be present. They are the ones that have proven to be uncontrollable.

Pershing

Interesting proposal...2 simultaneous video conferences with both parties involved talking indirectly to the senate. Excellent proposal.

Slick Ink

Hilarius looks a little puzzled. "Um yes, /yes/ it was good proposal wasnt it." He straightens his tie and stands a little straighter.

Boudicca

Indeed an excellent suggestion that I have no qualms with.

Slick Ink

Anyone thats looking at Hilarius will see a puffed up chest as he takes his seat again. The smile on his face looks to be from ear to ear also.

Boudicca

So, will the Count be broadcasting from your office on Ancha, Hilarius? Since you're so friendly now?

Slick Ink

A slightly worried look crosses his face. " Uh Uh Yea I mean yes If that is what the senate wishes. Am I to remain hear with him or be at the senate meeting?

Boudicca

Erina's angry look softens a little. "I think it best if you were at the Senate. It would be more appropriate. I would prefer to be at the Senate in person as well but if the suggestion that I remain at home was a serious one, I will agree."

Slick Ink

Well I do not wish to insult you in any way. But from what I've heard of the incident is true. Then the count did not attack anyone and he is to be kept away for the senate's protection. It just seemed logical that the one that did do violence should also be kept away for the senates protection.

Invernigon

The count ordered scientists and security personnel, who were dispatched as agents of the Empire, rounded up and captured. Their whereabouts are unknown. Tell me, Lord Martin, is /that/ illegal? There is no Imperial law against it, but I suspect Ancha has laws against kidnapping false imprisonment. I also suspect that the Imperial government has the right to authorize military missions...related to its own investigation.

Slick Ink

Well if this is the case them I'm sure there will be no problem proving it in the senate hearing. He rounded my brother pat up during this same time. but he and Captan were released. So I am unsure if the others were also.

Boudicca

I make no denials that my troops fired on the Von Carstein forces. It will come up that the count personally threatened my nephew and continued to impede the investigation, but I will leave that for the trial. But if violence precludes attendance, then can I ask why you or any other member of House Slick Ink should be allowed to attend? And before you take offense, which I don't mean, remember I no more fired a gun on Ancha than you did.

Slick Ink

Any actions taken by my house were completly legal withing the eyes of the senate. No law was broken. war happens everyone knows that. The actions taken by your house were not legal within the eyes of the empire. So if you would violate that then whats to say you would not violate the senate hall?

I will not say what my house did was right in any sort of way but we followed the laws. As writen by this senate. We had legal fued and it was used. I personaly believe a law for the decleration of war is needed but the few times it has been brought before the senate it did not even make it to a vote. If what my house did would keep me from the senate then should there not be a law made making war illegal?

Boudicca

Ah, I thought you would rest on your laurals of legality. And your house's breaking of the constitution during your short stint on the throne?

But enough arrows. I shall not set foot in the Senate hall until this matter is resolved.

Slick Ink

Yes it's good to bring up that time. If it was not for the breaking of that law then the senate would not of decided that the constitution needed to be adjusted and it be explained what is to happen if the same situation happened again. There was no clear line of power in that instance. So by the letter of the law was broken but it also lead to the fixing a major problem in the constitution. There was also no violence during it. So to be honest I do not see how it would have relevance in my house not being allowed in the senate. The reasons for the 2 not being allowed is violence. Well at least the suggestion of violence.

So when shall the trial be called for? Will the Count need a senator to help state his case for legality reasons? What will be the order of evidence? I ask the last since my house also has some relevant evidence on this case.

Boudicca

Well, I see no reason to wait but I suggest the Emperor make such decisions. We would not want the perception of impropriety.

Von Carstein

Prisoners of war, good sir, prisoners of war. Surely you didn't expect me to enter negotiations when my hand rested on the prospect of a straight up shooting war. Dare I mention that I rounded up any non VCF personnel in the compound after it broke out. Wouldn't want more explosions.

In any case, I will agree to a video conference, however, I'm not entirely sure how it might work. There are... difficulties, that occur with certain types of recording devices.

Dekara

Let me get this straight... you attack a bloodworshipping farmer because of what?

"Slick Ink"

So has there been a date set for the trial?

Godwinson

I would ask who would be set to adjudicate the trial. Normally it would be the Emperor, myself in this instance, however my house's men were directly involved in the fighting on Ancha and I would rather avoid the possibility of any accusations of corruption of the law. I would recommend a smaller, yet still established house, unaligned with either side in this matter. Perhaps House Houraisan?

Houraisan

Your Majesty, we would be honored to adjudicate this trial in your place. As I cannot perform this duty personally, I will send my brother-in-law, Tatsuaki Houraisan, to be my representative instead. I hope that this would not be a problem.

Slick Ink

I have another question if I might ask. Exactly what crimes is the count on trial for? I only ask so that any evidence that my house might have on them could be brought forth during the trial.

Dekara

"I, Augustine Dekara, will be following this trial like a hawk from the sky. We will strike down on any logical or ethical wrongdoing like vengeance from above."

Boudicca

The office of the Prime Minister presents the following list of charges to be brought against House Von Carstein:

Conspiracy to Spread Galactic Plague
Obstruction of an Imperial Investigation
Mass Kidnapping
Mass Torture
Transporting Dead Bodies Across Planetary Lines
Defilement of a Corpse
Cannibalism
Conduct Unbecoming a Noble House
Attempted Murder of a Noble
Aiding and Abetting an Enemy of the Empire

Houraisan

When and where shall the trial take place?

Von Carstein

I don't suppose I could get the majority of those thrown out since they weren't what you were looking for?

Boudicca

But they are what we found. So I am afraid not.

Godwinson

I find it disturbing that so soon after House Houraisan accepted the role of adjudicator, the head of the house was assassinated. The span of time in between was just enough to infiltrate an assassin. I will repeat here that there is a total of $700,000 solars in reward for evidence leading to a conviction in the case of this assassination.

Quest

A white-haired, bespectacled man addresses the Senate. Though he looks every one of his eighty-one years of age, his hands and his voice are steady.

"Garth Fonesca, Senator for Nashira. As it is apparent that House Houraisan will provide the adjudicator, and the Prime Minister's House will be prosecuting, then by any standard of equity, Count Von Carstein and his dynasty deserves the best defence available. I wish to offer myself as Count Von Carstein's advocate. Thank you."

Von Carstein

As much as I appreciate your offer, I will also be accompanied by my defense lawyers, Berthold Von Carstein, and Tom Hagen.

---

In the weeks leading up to the trial several media outlets, specifically tabloids and entertainment media, specifically in the southern half of the empire, see a sudden upswing in 'monster' related items. Tabloids run stories such as "Wolfman of Alycone 9 Terrorizes Locals!" and "Devil-Child of Marfik Eats Mother From Inside While Being Born!". On the entertainment side there is a plethora of movies about zombie apocalypses, evil cults, and human sacrifice.

No names are mentioned anywhere.

The old senate house on Syrma Prime buzzed as dozens of conversations took place at once. Senators milled about the floor, trailed by their aides and pages. The upper gallery had been reserved for representatives of noble houses who lacked a presence on the senate floor itself. With so many important people present and with such a charged topic, security was heavy and guards patrolled everywhere. As authorized people entered the hall the rapid fire questions of the press could be heard outside, assailing anyone they could before being cut off by the massive doors to the main chamber.

At the front of the hall two massive screens had been erected to either of the central podium. As technicians completed the connections the screen to the left of the podium (to the right of the rows of seated senators) came to life with the image of Erina Boudicca. She was dressed in a green wrap dress with matching emerald jewlery and reclining casually on a divan in front of a large window, the south lawns of Caerphilly visible behind her. She had a drink on one hand and was apparently reviewing some notes in the other. She began speaking and the technicians adjusted the sound settings, leaving the volume low until the proceedings were ready to begin.

As it was apparent that things would soon get under way, the various senators under the Quest banner began to drift to their seating. Every such senator was in attendance, save only the oldest and most distinguished of their number, octogenerian (but still vigorous) Garth Fonesca of Nashira, who was with the defense team.

The delegation of house slick ink's Senators arrive and move quietly to their seats. There is one person in a white lab coat that is also sitting with the senators. He is the scientist that was apprehended from the residence of the accused.

The Invernigonian senators file in, hubbubing and such. Ulrich is eating a very messy sandwich.

Chika Houraisan arrived in a red suit and skirt with a white shirt underneath, and over the suit, she wore a gold cape: the colours of House Houraisan. Her hair was tied up into a bun, and she was still wearing her trademark visor.

A small, unmarked transport flies near the Governor's residence on Ancha. It lands outside the compound, and Sergio Von Carstein steps out. Gone are the fancy clothes of his religion, today it's back to basics, with trench coat, suit, fedora and all. Behind him, Berthold Von Carstein and Tom Hagen walk out of the ship. Both carry brief cases. The trio stands near the gate, awaiting entry.

The steward of the residence opens the gate.'Welcome. A special room has been set up so that you can communicate with the senate and see what they are saying." He walks through the building to a room that is set up to look like a corner of the senate hall. with screens all the way around on 3 sides. When in the room it truly feels as if your in the senate hall.

The steward then claps his hands and 2 servants walk in. They're carrying 4 bottles, each is deep red and apear to have a small heater in the bottom of them. " I was told to make sure your stay is comfortable so I have arranged refreshments for you."

An elderly and distinguished looking man enters the room where Count Von Carstein and his team are waiting for proceedings to begin. He bears an eye implant of the sort favored by devotees of Technocracy. He bows deeply.

"Greetings, Milord Count. I am Garth Fonesca, senator for Nashira. I am here to assist your defense team on matters of procedure and to otherwise serve in an advisory capacity."

Hilarius walks into the room with the count. he walks over and turns on the feeds for the cameras and the mics. " Well it seems that everything is set at this end. I hope this can begin in a timely manner. "

"Good morning gentlemen. Before the proceedings begin, I would just like to let it be known that the scientific team is safe, and can be released as soon as an agreement is reached."

"Ah" chimes in Erina. "I guess that means we can put a checkmark next to the Mass Kidnapping charge immediately. Excellent. One down, nine to go."

Hilarius looks at the screen." Im sorry i dont understand Erina? It sounds like he has been keeping them safe from harm. The he says that after the trial when he has time he will return them. So how is that mass kidinapping? But on the same point House slick ink was ordered by the Primes house to gather up any scientists after the building caught fire. So does that also mean that the Primes house ordered Mass kidinapping?

"Safe from harm by /who/ ? Those scientists could be of good use as witnesses in this trial," said the Consigliere Ulrich Invernigon.

"Well its easy to assume that they're in danger and the count is protecting them. After all it would have been brought to the senate long ago if he had taken people against their will. Either that or the people that knew about it did not care enough to speak of it. This is the first that I or any senate member of House Slick Ink has heard of these /kidinapped/ People. I've seen no negotiations trying to get them back. So it leads me to believe that these scientists probably found something in favour of the count and someone does not wish it to be said."

"Keeping them safe from harm? What danger are they in at this very moment? Why have they not been released already? My nephew ordered the scientists found while the Von Carstein facility was burning, as you yourself pointed out. I had impressed upon Captan that I wanted him to lead the mission in a manner appropriate for a representative of the Senate. It seems only natural that any responsible leader would want to locate people under their 'command' in the midst of an explosion largest enough to level an entire fortress. I can assure you that his only goal was to evacutate people from the disaster site as part of search and rescue operations."

"Additionally, the Count just clearly stated that they will be released when an agreement is reached. He might as well just call them hostages. The only harm he is trying to prevent is his own by using civilians as shields."

"You're right, any responsible leader would want to care for those that made it out of the destroyed fortress. But instead of that leader being allowed to care for those people he was attacked. Perhaps he hold the said people for protection becouse of their testimony. Perhaps not but this is the senate and jumping to conclusions and saying they're guilty without testimony or proof will not be tolerated. Yes he has said he has the people. Yes he said they would be released after. Do we know if it's for their safety? NO. Do we know for a fact it's to try to leverage the senates decision? NO. Yet you have claimed that he admits guilt."

"He has admitted guilt. We agree he has them. We agree his intent is to release them after. But listen to the rest his statement. After an 'agreement'. Not after the 'trial' or after the 'hearing'. After an /agreement/, which means the scientists, in the employee of House Invernigon, are /bargining chips/ who have not been allowed contact with their employer or their families since they were forcibly taken on Ancha."

If this is the case then I must ask why it has not been told to the senate before this? It looks to me as if you are merely grabbing straws and hunting charges. Perhaps he said agreement instead of trial because he knows that at least one of the trumped up charges will come to punishment. I did not see him say that they're barganing chips merely that they will be released when this is resovled.

Senator Fonesca speaks up.

"Gentlepersons, the purpose of a trial is to establish fact and to apply the law to the facts as determined. Now as far as I am aware, the trial has not commenced yet, so your bickering is pointless. The prosecutor will have ample opportunity to question the defendant and determine what has been done, and determine the status of House Invernigon's team. Just as the defense should have opportunity to defend. Although it appears many of the participants are already warmed up, so perhaps the Judge could get us started soon."

"Indeed." Erina reaches for a button and its clear she has muted her end as she continues talking to someone off screen but nothing carries into the Senate hall.

On Ancha a pop-up screen appears on the defense team's screen:
Incoming Message
From: Erina Boudicca
Subject: Plea Bargin
Are you willing to discuss ending this before it begins?

The Count has been sitting quietly during this whole affair. He briefly whispers in Bertholds ear, and then points to the screen of the senate floor, specifically at the Doctor seated amongst the Slick Ink representatives.

"I would like to draw attention to Dr. Rosencratz, a surgeon taken under the false assumption that he knew about the agricultural wing of our businesses. I have know idea if other employees of mine were taken, and frankly I don't care. I need that man back. As such, I can negotiate the release of the Prisoners of War in exchange for some conditions, one of which concerning the Doctor."

The dr. stands and looks at the count. " My leige Thier is no need to make a deal for me. I am free to go when i chose to. With the headquarters gone i have not known where you would go. So ive waited in the slick ink compound till i heard from you."

"Ah. In that case, feel free to report to the medical center in our new operational command in the center of Mt. Vulcan. Directions are available at the remains of Drakenhof."

Sergio sits back down, then leans over to Berhtold and whispers,

"Thanks for the volcano base idea. Should prove harder to destroy."

Leaning back in his chair, he keeps his voice too low for the camera's to pick up on.

"I love being a villain."

"My leige do you wish me to stay for the trial in case im needed or should i leave now? I know that i have been asked to testify by House Slick ink. But if you wish me to leave now i will."

Erina presses the button to re-activate the sound.

"Hold it. The defense doens't get to exclude witnesses. If they have an objection they can bring it to the attention of the judge. But if Slick Ink brought him here to testify, then he testifies."

Hilarius stands to speak." He was asked to testify if he wished. I see no summons that he has to testify. Im sure that since kidinaping is one of the charges we wish to speak about today that you do not plan to hold an innocent person against thier will."

"A summons to testify is not holding someone against their will and has been a valid legal procedure since time immemorial so spare me your over-generalizations. You had the wherewithal to find him and bring him, a shrewd move if I do say so myself, and yet when the accused says 'boo' you want to throw him away. You summoned him by bringing him here and by accompaning you he has already consented. Unless of course /you/ forced him to be here."

Hilarius looks at the doctor." Dosnt he look so forced to be here? Ive even paid his wages while he was away from his job. So anyone brought is to be considered summoned? I have servants that are doing thier job. Are they to summoned to testify? But then again since he would be a witness for the defense and if they have no qualms about him leaving i see where its none of your concern."

"No, he doesn't looked forced. And you're right to be offended at the suggestion. Just as I don't appreciate your suggestion of me kidnapping people either."

She paused to take a calming breath.

"You have servants here. But did you ask /them/ to testify? No, of course not. But you asked the doctor, paid his way, he agreed and is here now. I can't imagine a more clear intent to bring a witness or a more clear acceptance of the summons."

"Lastly, and this may surprise you, I don't care who he's testifying for. You are the one who thought he had value as a witness, and I for one would like to hear what he has to say."

"So is this trial going to be starting soon?"

"We await the pleasure of House Houraisan"

Chika straightens her clothes out and and stands.

"By the authority graciously invested in me by the Empire, I call the official commencement of the Trial of The Empire vs. Von Carstein," Chika announces in an uncharacteristically deep voice. She turns to the representatives of the accuser and continues, "would the accusing side like to formally declare their accusations against House Von Carstein?"

Erina grimaced as her message to Ancha went unanswered. Guess we were going to have to do this the hard way. She unmuted her end of the connection:

"As previously stated, the charges leveled against House Von Carstein are as follows:

Conspiracy to Spread Galactic Plague
Obstruction of an Imperial Investigation
Mass Kidnapping
Mass Torture
Transporting Dead Bodies Across Planetary Lines
Defilement of a Corpse
Canibalism
Conduct Unbecoming a Noble House
Attempted Murder of a Noble
Aiding and Abetting an Enemy of the Empire

I have prepared an opening statement or if you prefer I am ready to move directly into the calling of witnesses."

Tom gets up and motions to be heard.

"The defense would like to motion that the charges of Canibalism, Abetting an Enemy of the Empire, Mass Kidnapping, and Defilement of a corpse be dropped. We wouldn't want to waste the time of the senate endlessly debating the exact definitions of such terms in relation to the actions of the defendant."

"Ridiculous. I have witnesses who will testify, and video evidence, that the defendant performed these crimes to any reasonable definition of those terms. Doubly rediculous as the defendant just admitted to having the Invernigon scientific team as hostages."

"Would the accuser like to present this evidence to the court?"

"Well, technically, it's not canibalism if the defendent isn't human. Add the fact that the defendent did not infact eat humans."

Hilarius stands" I would like to point out to the senate that the accused is not human. Therefore if it was human he was eating or drinking then canabalism is not the case and ask that this be thrown out without anymore discussion."

Garth Fonesca has a quiet word with the Von Carstein defence team.

"This is a bad tack to take. The 'not being human' defence either works perfectly or it won't work at all. And Boudicca won't allow it to work perfectly. You're playing into her hands. If the Count is not human, then why bother with a trial? You don't give a mad dog a trial - you just shoot him."

Thier are other races besides just human. Does that mean that they to should just be shot?

edit. "I also see nothing in the constitution of the empire that says nonhuman have less rights then humans. So since he did not eat one of his own then canabalism is not true period."

Erina smiles.

"Its quite all right. I will gladly drop the cannibalism charge if the Count stipulates to the following:
A) That he is in fact not human, which he has already done
and
B) That he does in fact consume the blood of humans for sustenance"

Berthold leans back over to Garth.

"It's simple. The Count is not a mad dog. Half the charges here are completely legal."

Berthold then speaks to the assembly.

"The count has made no effort to hide either statement, after the investigation of his home. I do hope this means the charge will be dropped."

"By all means, consider the canibalism dropped. Moving on if I may. I have several questions:

1. How is the blood extracted from the donors?
2. Who performs the extraction?
3. Can you produce signed consent forms for all donors, past and present?
4. How often is the blood extracted?"

Incoming bulletin from Dekara.

"House Dekara is uncomfortable with this courts recognition of nonhuman nobles. If they are nonhuman how are they then able to breed with humans? Furthermore a clearer definition of what human is, is needed. It is not obvious. This is all... Dekara out!"

Sergio stands.

"I'll assume the questions were directed at me, as I witness. First, blood is extracted through use of machinery specifically designed for the purpose. To answer the third question, all employees sign contracts that allow we, the employers, to use there bodily fluids in any way we see fit upon their death. And finally, blood is extracted from the point the body is hooked up to the machinery until there is no longer any liquid in the corpse, at which time it is disposed of. This takes longer then one might imagine, as science allows us to have bone marrow continue production for several days after the individual has died..

Sergio sits.

Augustine Dekara is sitting at home following the live media stream from court at home while eating his warm fish soup and drinking Dja Dja tea. After hearing Sergio´s explanation on how to extract blood from his victims Augustine suddenly feels sick and nearly gets a shrimp down the wrong way.

A response is quickly filed, this time by Chris Von Carstein

"I would like to point out that the judge of the court in question has rabbit ears. F***ing. Rabbit ears. I think non humans have been evident for some time now."

Chika clears her throat and says, "I would comment, but I think that would jeopardize my neutrality." "Furthermore," she continues, "I believe the issue is not whether or not Von Carstein are human, but whether or not they are legal persons..."

"Also," she concludes, "I believe we should not be using foul language here."

Erina ignores the interruptions.

"You can produce documentation that all of the people found in your 'blood lab' died of natural causes before being hooked up to your blood sucking machines?"

The doctor that is to testify for house slick ink stands. Then he looks to the screen that hilarius is on. " Yes we can. I have downloaded the said documents from out reserve database. Everyone has signed even i have. "

"Thank you doctor." She turns back to the Count.

"And exactly how often do you require the blood of humans before you...die...expire...turn to dust...and what exactly does happen if you don't get it?"

Hilarius stands." I object. This has nothing to do with the crimes the count is being accused of. It does not matter how often only that he does. We eat other creaturs and to them we are nothing more then a cow. they wait till the cow dies. Dow we?"

"Various members of the Von Carstein family have been seen off-world since their....transformation. They say that they always wait until the person is dead but without specific details the truth of that statement cannot be ascertained. I am merely challenging their credibility, something of direct importance to this hearing."

"Good point. since its creditability your looking for i withdraw my objection."

Augustine is following the transmission from his tower in the capitol from Avior Australis, and are using a Eridanus´ version of "Twitter".

"Our need for blood is similar to your need for water and food, wrapped up in one. If deprived for long enough, we die. Except it rarely gets to that point. After roughly one week, the individual will revert to a more feral state. At this point, they have nothing approaching thought in their brains. Fueled only by instinct, they violently attack bystanders in an effort to quench their thirst."

"The reason we can travel off world is that blood is a liquid, and liquid can be put in bottles. No, it doesn't taste as good, but that's hardly the point, now is it?"

"And what exactly did you do before you had your laboratory setup for blood extraction? Before you had willing participants lined up for you to drain after their demise? What did you do in those first confusing days/weeks?"

The Von Carsteins shouldn't have to answer the question, they are not on trial for that.

"Aren't they? I believe that killing citizens on Ancha would fall under 'Conduct Unbecoming a Noble' and possibly 'Mass Torture' if their blood was taken forcibly. In addition, as far as I can figure they attended the bachelor/bachelorette parties of my daughter and son-in-law shortly after their transformation, which falls neatly under the heading of 'Attempted Murder of a Noble'. In fact, I recall some unusual circumstances surrounding the bachelor party."

Berthold stands up with a surprised expression.

"I'm sorry, I did not realize that attending a party that one was invited to was to be considered 'Attempted Murder'. In addition, the count would like to enter the plea that, in exchange for all prisoners, he is the only member of his family to be held accountable for the charges here."

He pauses, briefs through his notes, then continues.

"Secondly, I fail to see how the death of common people falls under 'Conduct Unbecoming a Noble'. It is even less so if the individuals in questions were slaves, which there are confirmed cases of."

Hilarius stands." I must object to this. How long ago are we going to try to go back and prove things? If it had not been brought before the senate for over a yaer then how do you plan to prove he is guilty? "

Erina focuses Hilarius first. "I did not realize that the statue of limitations for murder and torture expired after a single year. And I was merely establishing a pattern of behavior that leads us up to the core of the case."

Then to Berthold, "You mention confirmed cases of slaves being used to sate the Von Carstein's hunger. But were all cases? No need to answer. The prisoners are employees of House Invernigon so I leave the final decision to them but if House Invernigon finds the agreement to their liking then I have no objection."

"Until the prosecution can provide any evidence whatsoever that my client extracted blood from a non-consenting or non-slave, we are forced to assume it is not the case."

All ive heard is specualation from the prosecutor. No evidence has been shown. They just want the count to say he did things. I ask that the senate not waste thier time unless evidence is going to be shown and the dog and pony show ends.

"My apologies, I was merely trying to establish the context for future events. Turning our attention for the moment to something more 'concrete' I am forwarding to each senator an indepth analysis of the Von Carstein fertilizer used on Vega and a detailed scientific report on how it contributes to the spread of the plague. Also attached are pictures of citizens of Vega found on Ancha, and I remind eveyone that the Count has already admitted to removing them from Vega after quarantine measures were put in effect, and the documentation proving their exposure to this fertilizer. Lastly, documented reports of a significant quantity of the fertilizer being stored on Ancha, and what appear to be attempts to conceal it from the investigative team."

The count stands up in obvious frustration.

"I have come to a decision. To shorten the rest of what is obviously shaping up to be a remarkably tedious legal debate, I will plead guilty to all of the charges save for the Cannibalism, Mass Torture, Mass Kidnapping, and Conduct Unbecoming of a Noble. In exchange, I hope to serve the minimum sentence for the crimes leveled against me."

He sits back in his chair, before grabbing one of the bags of blood presented to him. Ripping of the top, he drains the bag in a few short gulps.

Chika's lips curl into a smile; she is intrigued.

"How does the accuser respond?"

Hilarius stands." If i may interupt i must ask if it is wise to have a person in a renegade house adjudicating for the senate? Seems if they cant follow laws themselves then can they truly do thier job here? "

"Broke the laws, and were given the legal punishment. I have no problem with this."

"Hilarius, you're not being funny anymore. If you have a problem with rabbit-ear'd folk, just say it."

"I have no problem with them personaly. But i was wondering if they should be adjudicating a trial for the senate after and during being a renegade."

"Well, since the Count has pleaded guilty to the majority of changes, a bargin I am inclined to agree to, the role of the adjudicator has been diminished. So if I may have but a moment to consider I think we could move on to the Senate deliberating on a sentence, which I have some thoughts on."

"Very well. I accept the plea bargin and drop the charges of Cannibalism, Mass Torture, and Mass Kidnapping."

"The sentencing phase for the remaining charges will begin shortly."

"The official text of the Declaration of Crimes Against Humanity on House Von Carstein shall be as follows:

Having pled gulity to the following charges
Conspiracy to Spread Galactic Plague
Obstruction of an Imperial Investigation
Transporting Dead Bodies Across Planetary Lines
Defilement of a Corpse
Attempted Murder of a Noble
Aiding and Abetting an Enemy of the Empire

The senate hearby sentences House Von Carstein as follows:

1. Count Sergio Von Carstein shall serve a term of imprisonment of no less than 15 years at a facility to be determined by the Prime Minister. During which time he can neither act as head of a sphere (other than his current duties) nor as a planetary governor/senator.

2. In specific to the charge of 'Conspirary to Spread Galactic Plague' Count Von Carstein shall additionally order the construction of a Medical Research Center on Vega to undo the damage he has wrought.

3. In specific to the charge of 'Aiding and Abetting an Enemy of the Empire' House Von Carstein is additionally forbidden membership to any alliances for a period of 10 years so that their sedition shall not spread.

Violation of these terms shall result in renegade status for House Von Carstein which can only be lifted by agreement of the Prime Minister and the Emperor."

Chika nodded.

"If the accuser has nothing further to add, then I declare this trial over."

Sergio stands up before any of the gathered can leave.

"Now wait a damn minute. I'll build your hosipital, but your worried about /me/ spreading sedition amongst my alliance? It's the /Conclave of the Void/. It's headed by the /Void Engineers/! They're the reason I'm even standing here today."

He pauses, with a cross look on his face. His expression then softens, and he adds,

"Additionally, where am I being held?"

"Count Von Carstein. At this point you are no longer the accused, you are the convicted, and so your opportunity to speak has passed. And while the Senate welcomes the input of all noble houses, you can see how your thoughts, at this time, are perhaps less than appreciated.

However, I will answer the second part as to the location of your incarceration with a simple, 'I haven't decided yet.' Should the motion pass I will solicit opinions on that matter."

"Also, for all, please note that I have made a small change to the motion above, which since it has not been seconded yet, I believe all parties will agree is allowed."

"I have a few points to make about this punishment.

1st vega is not a part of the empire and i do not belive the senate should make demands for things on planets it does not control.

2nd. I belive 15 years when his headquarters has already been destroyed for these crimes is a tad extream. 5 years maybe but 15 is not punishment it is spite.

3rd. I do not understand why his house cannot join an alliance. Was it not the agreement that the count alone is responsible? So if he is the only one to be punished then why can his house not join in an alliance?"

Tom Hagen taps the camera, attempting to draw attention.

"If I may make a suggestion, perhaps it would be an acceptable bargain for the count to disband his military, save for one unit for HQ defense, in lieu of him leaving an alliance. That way, it would be nigh impossible for him to make any overtly aggressive acts, and the less then unified nature of the Void Conclave makes it unlikely that he will be defended should he perform any actions that would lead to punitive assault.

"But do not people live on Vega? The building of a hospital there has nothing to do with imperial authority. It is intended as a humanitarian gesture of remorse from House Von Carstein. One he has already agreed to I might add, although his agreement or disagreement is irrelevant.

You are referring to the initial destruction of his headquarters under mysterious means or the subsequent destruction at the hands of my troops? Please clarify and detail how destruction of a military facility offsets the number of crimes he pleaded guilty to.

Lastly, I have explained my rational for the alliance penalty, but if you would prefer I would be happy to included the stipulation that it will end should Count Sergio perish before the normal time limit is up."

"Mr Hagen, the fact that there exist plants that are beyond the edge of known space that are not public knowledge, many of them presumably in the exclusive posession of your current ally, makes this suggestion effectivly unenforceable, despite you claims of disunity among the alliance."

"Perhaps detailed intelligence on the Von Carstein Military can be demanded should there be any need for doubt. Else, if we're really that untrustworthy, perhaps some sort of agent."

It is the senat trying to force a hospitle to be built on vega that i disagree with. its not thiers to use in that way. If someone just wanted it built and did it then yes its a good thing. But it is the empire saying that one will be done. You heard that right then EMPIRE saying it. so as i point out this is the empire pushing its will on planets not within the empire.

I am refering to the needless destruction of his fort by your hands. Since the fort was destroyed as punishment for crimes then should it not be added in to his plee bargin? Or is the empire reinbursing him with an apology fr it?

I will try to explain again. this violate the plee bargin. It was agreed that only the count will be punished for the crimes. The count will be in prision. So i do not see how the rest of his house being in an alliance matters. The only way i see it mattering is that you are trying to punish the rest even tho it was said only the count be punished.

"I must admit, your thoughts on who or what the Empire is confounds me.

The Empire is enforcing its will on Von Carstein, who being not a renegade, is part of the Empire. We are enforcing nothing on the planet Vega. Would you perfer a hospital on Ancha then? Since that is where the bodies from Vega ended up that would be just as appropriate to my mind.

As for the fort destruction, that was done at the hands of me and my house for what I thought was the rescue of my nephew from capture. It was done without orders from the Emperor. So unless you arguing that I am the Empire, I fail to see the connection. Likewise, Von Carstein has but to ask and I would be happy to apologize.

Lastly, Count Sergio Von Carstein /is/ House Von Carstein and frankly your sudden democratic leanings are surprising. However, I have a feeling nothing I say will dissuade you, so we are going to have to simply disagree on this."

"Oh, hell no am I building two hospitals. I've already got one going up on Vega, as per request. You want me to throw one up on Ancha, you gotta pay for the first. I'm not made of money here."

"Ancha would be a better place and keep it in the empire.

From what i remeber it was on orders of the emporer that you attacked was it not? If not then i must wonder at you not still being a renegade.

If the count is his house then how do you plan to just punish him? I thought a House comprised of more then just one idividual. Yet you say that it does not. Your placing the count in prision. does that also mean that his household will be in prison? You take thier leader and then say that they still connot run thier house how they want. So i ask are you punishing the count and the rest of his family or just the count?"

"Well count perhaps this will teach you patience. This has not been agreed upon by the senate yet."

"On this, at last we can agree!"

"
If you wish an inquiry as to why I am not a renegade, then please feel free to bring the matter before the senate, but I can state that the Emperor issued me no such orders.

Perhaps I can approach the matter of the alliance from a different angle. Its clear that Sergio Von Carstein wants to remain in an alliance with House Goratrix. So denying this is punishing him. His membership in any alliance at all is very recent anyway, it would hardly be a new state of operation for him. Now you may call this a petty but he was convicted of six crimes, one of which was one step away from outright treason. I think a little heavy-handedness is in order.

And I realize I did omit a comment you made previously. I would consider 10 years, if we keep the alliance penalty, a fair duration for imprisonment."

Keturah Goratrix formally petitions the court for permission to speak.

"I have no objections."

Keturah stands. "House Goratrix would also like to voice their objections to the proposed punishment, specifically the issue of Von Carstein's membership in an alliance."

"First of all, we feel that it is important to note that the prosecution never had to even /attempt/ to prove the merit of their accusations. We are unsure what "enemy of the Empire" the prosecution is even referring to. Their heavy handed approach to punishment seems at odds with the spirit of a plea bargain."

"Next, we take some small offense at the suggestion that 'sedition' will spread within the alliance that we lead."

"Finally, we wish to point out that removing House Von Carstein from the Conclave would severely hamper our research into The Void. This would punish House Goratrix more than House Von Carstein. As far as I'm aware, we were not accused of any crimes, so we should not be the target of the court's retribution. The Conclave of The Void is not a military alliance, we do not protect our members' holdings. There is no military benefit to Von Carstein's presence in the Conclave, so removing them does nothing to punish the the House that was actually convicted."

Erina smiles.

"Of course you have no idea what enemy I am referring to. But frankly it doesn't matter. They have pled guilty so have admitted it for all to hear.

I make no specific mention of any alliance as its a blanket restriction. Who knows what the future holds?

Lastly, your assertion that there is no military benefit is patently false as regardless of what defensive measures you take, fued score for attacking your allies is still incurred should Von Carstein come under attack."

"Well as a member of the senate i will not vote in favor of this and ask all others to say no to it. The count is to be the only one punished. By saying that they cannot be in an alliance while the count is inprisoned is the same as saying the whole house is being punished. It seems to me that the plea bargin is not being honored in the way it was proposed and agreed upon. therefor i say no punishment."

Senator Amelia Slick Ink nee Goratrix stands. "Unless the restriction on alliances is dropped, I will not vote in favor of this. I will also ask my colleagues in House Slick Ink to reject this motion."

As Keturah has so clearly brought to a head, should Count Von Carstein violate the terms of his punishment, say by escaping his imprisonment, then House Goratrix would get feud should miltary action be required to bring him to justice.

House Slick Ink's position is short sighted and dangerous.

The Imperial Crony sits and watches the proceedings, completely concealed by robe, mask and voice synthesizer. For a brief moment it looks as though they are about to rise and speak for once in the Senate, but the moment passes.

((16 of 28))