Graham set his Templar into auto pilot. While the ship took off and made its way towards the next best bar district he leaned back and emptied what little was left in his flask in one gulp.
One of the advantages of flying an Armed Forces ship was that no one would halt you for a control. Everyone just saw what he projected on the Forces, not the person behind the uniform. Usually it was Grahams carte blanche for flying drunk, today it would nearly cost his life.
As the ship was roughly 15 miles away from the destination, two small warning lights flashed into life, slipping the attention of its tipsy pilot. Soon they were followed by another one, heralding the imminent failure of the engine cooling system, wich yet again did not get through to Graham.
With the landing pad in sight, he finaly noticed something was wrong. A rattling and very discomforting sound emerged from the engine exhausts, when he looked back he saw his ship was tailed by a line of smoke. In panic he tried to switch to manual flying but the computers already went haywire.
As the ground approached without any signs of slowing down, Graham just sat in his seat any more, staring at the closing landing pad paralized when everything became dark.
The rescue team arrived with the fire department five minutes later. By pure luck they found Graham alive, thrown out of the burning wreck when the ground shattered its cockpit.
On the way to hospital he stabilized, barely, but did not wake up.
Without anyone to ask, the police reported the incident as an engine failure of unknown source.
The first day had ended with the Steiner's holding the advantage. Graham had played into the prosecutions hands perfectly and provided them with a near killing blow to Hall, but it was not enough. A confession was required, or overwhelming evidence which they did not yet have. William and Edmund had decided to stay at the family winter home on New London, a small cottage not far from the city of Reading. Normally it would have been used as a holiday spot, or temporary residence for a family friend. On this particular evening however, it was home to the brothers planning their next move, or more specifically one of them, since Edmund had long since had enough of legal matters and retired to bed.
William sat in the living room beside the warm fireplace, smoking his pipe and quietly thinking about how best to use Graham's statement. The attempt to discredit the prosecution could be dismissed as nothing more than bias speculation without any legal weight, yet if Hall built on the same statement and came up with a reasonable explanation, then the advantage would be lost. and they would be back to square one. He mulled over the possibilities before arriving at the conclusion that plotting and scheming were not helping him in anyway. He extinguished the fire, put out his pipe and went to bed. Tomorrow would have to be taken as it came.
The court martial had once again reassembled, William was prepared to have Graham's statement thrown out if need be, but unusually, there was a delay in the proceedings. Neither brother was happy about that and both suspected a trick of some kind. A loophole that Hall or his slippery lawyer may have found that could have gotten them off. Fortunately, it was not to be, quite the opposite in fact, Graham had recently been in an accident in his ship which had put him in the Hospital. As such the Trial was fairly uneventful, Strates argued that the trial should be suspended until their wittness was well enough to return. Against his better judgment, William agreed and so the trial was suspended for the day.
What are you planning brother? Edmund asked as they wandered down the steps of the court Whatever makes you think I am planning anything? William replied You're quieter than usual, which isn't saying much, but I do get the feeling you are planning something
William paused for a moment before revealing his idea I wonder if it would not be wise to go and speak to Graham while he is in hospital. Just to..check in on him, see how he's doing.
Edmund smiled I think that would be a wonderful idea. But you should be the one to go, I'll only complicate matters.
William mulled over the idea before agreeing Yes..yes that might be wise. Alright, I'll see you later then, cherrio! he called out as he wandered off to the shuttle pads.
The hospital was as one might expect, full. The Nurse was only too happy to get William out of the way so she could carry on with her duties. Graham was looking a little worse for wear as William entered the room
Good afternoon Mister Graham, I hope you are feeling well..or better at least. he began as he sat down next to the bed Now I'm sure the Police will be able to figure out what went wrong, but as a lawyer, and a concerned citizen, I must point out that the timing of such a tragic accident seems...well a little odd, don't you think? He stopped talking and waited for Graham to reply, with any luck, William would be able to plant the seed of doubt in Grahams head, but he was content to wait for the time being.
When William opened the door Graham instantly realized who just came for a visit, but unlike he would have done just some hours ago he did not ask him to leave immediately.
I used to feel better but thank ye for asking. The police wasn't able to tell me what'd happened to my ship though. I was expectin' you to tell me more actually.
He said, glancing at Williams robe.
As ye don't seem to know more you're here to make me speak out against Sir Hall, noo? Spare your breath, you don't need to convince me.
I saw how Halls face lost all its colour in court yesterday when he saw me leave the room. I 'ain't a genius but even I smelled that somethin' was wrong. I'm not sure wether it's Hall or that outcast lass herself who sent someone to fiddle with my ship but that was no accident. I've never had a ship act up like that before, my old lady always did her job if ye know what I mean!
He sat up with the last sentence, immediately regretting his decision followed by a painful caugh.
You're one of these Steiners too, noo? Ye look like your brother. I don't know what sceme yo all are setting up here but you lot managed to get me in the crossfire. Did ye know Hall met that outcast lass on the Norfolk? In the heartland of Bretonia... I didn't question it but now I think he's been up to something bad, if I am to die for it. Maybe I'm wrong but it's the only thing that might've not fit his plans, me mentioning it in the court. Tell the court that, if ye like, but I will not play for any side in this no more, if you want me to appear there another time come back with a judges order or save your time.
Graham turned away from William, making it quite clear he did not want to be disturbed any more.
Of course Mister Graham, I understand. William said But I'm afraid I'm going to need you to say that in front of the courts. If you do, I can promise you'll hear no more about Hall, no more looking over your shoulder, no more worrying. It'll be done. Stand in the dock and tell the courts what you just told me about Hall and Loyola and it'll all be over. Will you do that for us? William asked, putting on the softest and most reassuring voice he could in an attempt to show Graham that he was on his side, that if Graham helped, the Steiner family would be in his debt. Which wasn't true of course, Graham had insulted the family name and therefore slighted their honour, but if everything went well, that would be dealt with later. Until then, they needed Graham to testify.
William obviously tried to butter him up, most other days he might even have had success with that but Graham was in a horrible mood along with a good portion of fear, pain and the all consuming crave for the least a small sip of whiskey. Hell even a wine if need be.
You're not very fast are ye? I said I don't want anythin' to do with that trial any more! So would you kindly SOD OFF!
He pressed the emergency button next to his bed to call a nurse wich complimented William out of the room quickly before leaving him alone.
"...And do you have any evidence to support your claim?", one of the judges asked the witness of the prosecution, an officer from the HMS Norfolk, concerning Loyola's presence aboard the ship. The day's session had already started and the courtroom was already warm. "I checked her card, Sir. It's recorded in the database. But Admiral Hall... ex-admiral, told me not to ment-" He was cut by Strates. "Objection!"
"Overruled." "He told me not to mention it in my report, Sir." "Very well, we will check that until tomorrow's session. You may go. The defense may speak now."
Strates picked up his files and rose with casual confidence, having already concocted something aromatic for the audience. "My client-" Hall grabbed his arm and directed him a look. Like a musician giving a sign to another that it is their turn now, he nodded to Hall -- as if the who act had been prepared before. "I", the client proudly named himself, "Have something to admit. Some of you... but probably none, yet... might already know... might already know that..." There was no turning back. "That, during my days in the Taus, I came into close contact with a... an opiate used by the Maltese". The audience's yawns became gapes. "Please be more specific", the judge insisted. "Cardamine... Sir". It was not easy for him to call someone else, someone who was at the time his enemy, a Sir, but he was relatively skillful at fawning. He said this as if it was something he regretted. Cardamine was legal in Bretonia, for personal use at least, but it was still a scandal for someone of high standing to use it.
The judge was used to scandals. He proceeded normally: "And Loyola, Maltese by origin, did what for you?" "She was... my dealer." He recollected himself from the pit of false guilt. "But I'm aware that cardamine use is not illegal?"
The prosecution asked for a break. What they thought was their crucial evidence only led to a scandal at best. They needed to reexamine their strategy. The audience left the courtroom in excited chatter.
I told you he was clever Edmund said, ready to explode at the turn of events that had just taken place in court. His intelligence was never in question brother, however I agree this is indeed an unfortunate outcome William said calmly stuffing his pipe while his brother paced around the room. 'Unfortunate'?! Edmund asked, his anger coming close to boiling point. Yes! William snapped Unfortunate, and that is all! It is not the end of the world, and hardly the end of the case, it is a minor set back, that is all and you'd do well to remember that!. Edmund's anger was suddenly stolen from him as his brother was clearly not interested in a temper tantrum. We asked the court to examine the following statement because it allowed us the chance to bring treason into the mix, his involvement with Loyola cannot simply end at drug supply, she is far too important to do simple drug runs. Both brothers continued to brainstorm for a while before Edmund stumbled upon a reasonable explanation A love affair?. William remained silent for a time before nodding his head That would explain a few things, but we would require solid evidence of that, which we don't have... Kaze Dagon would know Edmund said and the silence deafened the pair No William said flatly What do you mean? Edmund asked She would provide valuable evidence of Hall's treachery.. Victor has told me all about Dagon, we are not bring her into the case, end of story Victor isn't here and she is, you want to win this or not?! Edmund said standing up getting irritated at his brother's stubbornness. I want to win this through the proper channels! via actual Law! I will not have that bloody woman come into this case and ignore the rule of law, as she has a habit of doing according to Victor William shouted It doesn't matter how we win! He's a bloody traitor! Edmund shouted back We are doing it our way, properly, through law, not shrewd methods that would dishonour the family damn you!
And so the argument switched from English to Rheinlandic so the servants wouldn't understand, but the argument got worse and worse and lasted throughout the night.
The result of whoever won the great debate of House Steiner wouldn't be known until the next morning in the court room. When all parties were assembled at last, William stood and addressed the court.
My Lords, I bring before you today, a written testimony by Commander Graham regarding...or clarifying rather, his recent testimony to this court. He has taken the liberty to share further details of what he knew regarding the accused's relationship with miss Emna Loyola. I have taken the liberty of having a copy delivered to the judges, and the defence for further consideration, however it clearly indicates..or hints at, a relationship that transcends that of a simple drug exchange, a legal drug exchange, as the defence has already correctly pointed out. Indeed, we must ask, what business does a person of Loyola's status have in doing a simple delivery? You will also note that within the testimony given, mister Graham has been so kind as to provide corroborating details of the nature of these visits even going so far as to provide accounts of what miss Loyola was wearing at the time of these visits.
The call of objection came from the defence, and the crowd was getting restless and uncomfortable with the new series of accusations being made at Hall ORDER! bellowed the judge.
My Lords, I am not one to question anyone's behaviors and actions behind closed doors except when those actions threaten the safety of this house. A simple drug deal perhaps, but highly unlikely and, as you will no doubt read, something that even mister Graham himself doubts. Now I put to this court and indeed, to the defence, what was the nature of these visits? Clearly the defence is unwilling or unable to explain something that has, seemingly on more than one occasion, happened while Hall was in command of his vessel. What secrets does this man hide? He refuses to obey lawful orders, he willingly deceives the court through lies of omission and deals secretly with persons who have been identified as traitors in league with the Arch enemy that is the Gallic Royal Navy!
At the end of his speech, he sat down next to a somewhat bemused Edmund, clearly showing that their argument the night before was nought more than a ploy designed to mislead potential spies withing the household servants.
"We have lost this", Hall whispered to Strates through the noise while everyone was taking their seats. "I should never have rescued that wench from prison". "It is 50/50, Sir. And the devil takes care of his flock, too. The servant you bribed didn't speak German, and we don't know yet if Dagon is coming or not. You have less odds if you try to run away." "So if she's here, even you admit you couldn't-" Hall was interrupted by the judge's gravel. A drop of sweat slid from a messy tip of his hair onto a file. The adrenaline rush that was fueled by the expectation of Dagon shapes his face into a true, uncontrolled smile, when she does not show up.
"I do!", he suddenly got up and exclaimed when the persecution accused him of close relations with Loyola. "I confess! I confess my love! I confess, as I confessed it to my dear on that rainy day, while tears slid down my cheeks like the cold rain caressed the windows, a rain that smelled like relief! I do it with pride, as I was proud to have such a soul entangled with my own, and uncaring of what you hypocrite gentlemen with your trophy wives and cash cows might think of it! I have been blessed, and doomed, to not loathe my enemy in war, but make unbridled love to her", Which was where prude cries of disgust erupted throughout the courtroom, "While good men and women made their last groans of pain, through the purulent rips in their lungs, pain they dealt to each other! If this makes my heart faulty -- then shoot it! And get on with the killing, the rest of you, who are innocent!
He almost fell back into the seat, as if the strength in his knees let him down, and wiped the fake tears. This was exactly what he had prepared for.
The Judge's demanded order, the crowd refused to settle, the MPs were summoned to throw out the main trouble makers meanwhile the Steiner's sat there stunned. Edmund turned to his brother, who couldn't quite believe what Hall had done and whispered quietly to him. My turn Brother. With that he stood and, with his cold voice addressed the court clearly. My Lords. While we are all surprised by the defendants shock revelation of love toward miss Loyola, I have but one final witness to call forward that will be able to give evidence on the matter of the defendants actions whist he held command. I beg leave to call this witness forward.
The judges quietly discussed among themselves for a few, brief moments before returning their attention to the Commodore. You may summon them Commodore.
Edmund paused to catch his own breath in his throat, knowing full well that who he was about to summon would not be a popular choice, but there was little else for it. I call forward, Leftenant Victor Alexander Weber Steiner to give evidence against Captain Hall and his actions. As if to reinforce his statement, the side door was opened and Victor himself walked into the court room, followed closely by none other than the recently returned Captain Kaze Dagon herself. Victor walked pasted his brothers, both of whom gave cold smiles to him as he walked toward the stand. He stood in the dock and steadied himself, he looked back at Kaze, who had since found a seat. He gazed at her, with a slight panic crossing into his eyes at the importance of his being here. She looked back and smiled softly.
Her attention immediately snapped to Hall all joy leaving her features, she looked at Hall, like he wasn't there. Like he didn't even registered in her eyes. Dirt. Common dirt in the eyes of that marble like face. And like marble, a cold crept up his spine. He quickly turned forward and never dared to look back again.
The Good Book was bought forward and the oath never to lie was given, the court settled, and a still, uneasy silence fell on the audience. One last time, Victor looked at Hall and almost silently offered him a final chance to surrender.
Boiling blood suddenly gushed through Hall's cold heart. He yanked backwards and, together with the chair, toppled over. It seemed that he had lost consciousness, but he knew he was acting, albeit his state was not far from real. Strates could guess he was. "Stop the process! Doctor! Doctor!", he kept repeating while he was checking Hall for life signs.