Demise

[Boss]

When the aide came outside and motioned to Darryl, he felt oddly relieved. He knew that it was very probable he would be sentenced to execution. But I did what I had to. Small consolation, but better than none at all. He walked to his seat and sat down, faced the Summary Court-Martial, and waited for the inevitable.

"I sentence you: To death by firing squad, to take place no later than ten days from now. Until such a time a your execution is scheduled, you will be incarcerated in a maximum-security block of Prison Station Fairbanks.

"You have the right to request in writing that Admiral Hale defer your sentence to confinement. Deferment is not a form of clemency and is not the same as suspension of a sentence. It merely postpones the running of a sentence to confinement.

"You have the right to submit in writing a petition or statement to the convening authority. This statement
may include any matters you feel the convening authority should consider, a request for clemency, or both. This statement must be submitted within 7 days, unless you request and the convening authority approves an extension of up to 10 days. After the convening authority takes action, your case will be reviewed by a judge advocate for legal error. You may suggest, in writing, legal errors for the judge advocate to consider. If, after final action has been taken in your case, you believe that there has been a legal error, you may request review of your case by The Judge Advocate Admiral of the Navy. Do you understand these rights?

"Yes sir."

"This court–martial is adjourned."

Stevens gaped and turned to Mathers. "They can't do that! He did the only thing he could, the right thing!" Eric just sighed, turned, and walked down the corridor towards the hangar. It was over. Or was it. An idea began to take shape in Eric's mind as he lengthened his stride and ignored Stevens' shouts to slow down. He set his jaw and boarded the shuttle. Stevens joined him, along with Johnson and Goldthwait, as he instructed the pilot to fly them back to the Reliant.