Debts Repaid

[Durandal]

.....The man squinted his eyes as the blinding bright light of the Aurora's corridors flooded into his cell. Food trays came through the gap, and his cell was cleaned only when he was allowed daily PT under the watchful eyes of the Maltese exiles - 0800 hours each day. it was 0032.

.....This was it, he thought, hands behind his back and head down as he fell in between the guards. "I've had a good life. Thallia, Lancaster, Raven, Kelly, even Hunt. Lovers, friends, allies." He raised his head, steely grey eyes clear and bright, not unmarred by a single tear streaming down his unshaven face.

"I've done my part.

It's okay.

I can go."

.....His thoughts repeated; a broken record of synapses even after he took the stand. Memories of all the things that he had left behind. "Samuel Ethan Locklear", a voice bellowed throughout the courtroom. "You stand accused of mass murder, assault on a civilian vessel, violating a ceasefire, and attacking a vessel in distress, the same charges pressed against you eight months ago aboard the Bellona. How do you plead?"

....."Guilty on all counts, your honor."