Court-martial

[Yaoquizque]

10 minutes passed. Everyone returned to the hall and eventually sat at their proper places in a hubhub. Eventually, silence filled the court as the Admiralty was taking place.

"After discussing the matter among the chosen juries, we have come to a conclusion." eventually stated Moshizuki.

"Attention," Gaikotsu raised his hand with a motion, telling them to stand up.

"Kaisho-ho Ryoma Sakamoto-san, Itto Kaisa Hideaki Ishikawa-san, Itto Kaisa Akaishi Hikairi-san, Nito Kaisa Junko Sanada-san, " he counted all the other members of the rebels in attendance as well, "In a time of need, when we are heavily pressed by our neighbours, when we have to deal with dissidents at every corner, when there is a great turmoil within our house and our people... when we can't even spare a single personnel... you all decided to separate yourselves from the main body of our Navy, and formed your own chain of command." he paused a second to take a breather.

"As if it was not enough, you worked against the Naval Forces, sabotaged our operations, used our equipment and vessels without authorization, staged attacks on our forces, harmed our equipment and vessels, confused our defences with your knowledge of our operations and made the defence of our home a near impossibility at times, when we also had to focus on other threats even more serious than you. You directly and indirectly caused injuries to our personnel, and some of those were fatal."

"In the end, your uncooperative efforts served to nothing except for saving your own lives and weakening our Navy... The man you claim as being an 'infectee'... held free reign over the Navy. It was Takahashi-san's efforts and her good fortune that saved us in the end from this great calamity.

Regarding this situation, we came to the conclusion you're guilty as you failed in your duty. You are most surely not the only guilty ones, but there will be time for that..." he took a glance towards the Minister and some of the other people in the leading positions among the navy, especially to those he thought were close to Nagata.

"However... We are aware of your good intention as well... Here's is our judgement."

"Former Kaisho-ho Ryoma Sakamoto-san. As you requested in your first sentence when you appeared before us, you'll take the burden of those you made to follow yourself into this senseless act, you'll be penalized for your dereliction of duty, and misuse of command. The charges regarding 'betrayal of duty' have been dropped. You'll be stripped of your ranks, your medals, and you'll be no longer belong to Kusari Naval Forces. In addition, you'll be incarcerated for a year, which may be turned to a house arrest later on."

"The rest of you, except for Tetsuo Shimizu-san. You'll be penalized for your dereliction of duty. You'll also be stripped of your ranks, your medals, and you'll no longer belong to our proud Navy. Your charges regarding betrayal of duty have been dropped."

"Nito Kaisa Tetsuo Shimizu-san. You're also charged with dereliction of duty, as you assisted the rebels in their operation in Nansei, which could turn into a disaster, and it indeed caused a lot of distress among the navy. In addition, it caused injury to our personnel and the station security. However, as your dereliction of duty is not on par with the rebels, the penalty will be lighter."

"You're, hereby, temporarily stripped off your ranks and relieved of your current command posts. You'll also be forced off-duty for an amount of time the Admiralty will decide later on. After that time is over, you'll be given a command of a new ship, and will be assigned a new crew."

"With this, we conclude this assembly. May our judgement prove sufficient for the well-being of our beloved house. Naval personnel, former naval personnel, Tokkeitai, Minister, you may leave now..." he signalled to Gaikotsu, and bid him to escort the ones mentioned out.

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