In the Bretonian Parliament

[Dieter Schprokets]

The man strode confidently to the centre of the Bretonian Parliament. He looked to the Government benches, then across the house to those seats held by Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition.

He wore the black tunic of the Mandalorians, with their famous symbol on his epaullet. He had no rank insignia. He needed none.

Consul William Bishop was a Bretonian, who had adopted the ways of the Mandalorians.

Today, he was a Mandalorian first.

He reached to his side, drew his Murcyur, "Mandalorian Kiss", a dagger which had ritual uses, and sometimes, practical ones. The blood grooves on either side were not for show.

He threw his dagger to the ground in a sudden flash of motion and it vibrated in the wooden floor of Parliament.

Those who understood Mandalorian rituals (not many, to be sure) understood what they were seeing, and were alarmed. The Tal ke'gyce. An ultimatum was being made here.

The Consul spoke.

"You have captured John Miyagi, a Kusari Commander. He is the son of our former Mandalore, John Cabot. He is to stand trial for war crimes, namely, the destruction of the HMS Thames during the fall of Upper Leeds. You intend to make him your scapegoat, then execute him."

Angry murmurs began in the chamber. The Consul spoke again, far more loudly, partially to emphasize his words, and partially to drown out the others.

"The Mandalorians will not permit the son of John Cabot to hang. He is one of us."

The Speaker rose, and called the House to order. The Prime Minister then stood and began to speak. His voice carried much tension.

"The Mandalorians have served the Crown with honour, but you forget yourself, sir. The Bretonian people demand justice for the death of the Thames and her crew."

The Consul turned to face the Prime Minister, and took a few paces towards him. He smiled a tired smile, then spoke clearly, and quickly, not wishing to be interrupted by the rising din.

"The Bretonian People will have to slake their thirst for revenge elsewhere. John Miyagi must not serve that purpose. This is not negotiable to us. But there IS a way between the horns of this dilemna, Mr Prime Minister."

"Another prisoner waits for a show trial and likely execution. A Bretonian one. Lieutenant Austin Goodmen is in Kyushu, and will be dead in a fortnight. His only crime is serving his country well. But they will find a reason. They always do."

"Mr Prime Minister, honour demands you save the young man who saved you. Honour and truth demand you spare Miyagi."

"Exchange them."

Without another word, the Consul whirled and strode out of the chamber.

His blade still quivered in the floor.

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