Chapter 12: Judgement by The Supreme Tribunal: There is a kind of tired that needs a full night's rest, and another kind of tired that needs a whole new body. Lantima felt nothing. The guards carried her through the great chamber like a rag doll managing to shake her along the way. Their heavy breathing echoed through the cavernous halls. The aching weight of consciousness overwhelmed her muscles, as she slowly came to. The incoherent, inconsistent thoughts gave way to realization where she has been brought. The great chamber. A place she remembered, vast and cold. So many sessions of the Supreme Tribunal she had to sit through while waiting for her big brother, and listening to him speak, presenting testimony on most serious matters. Sometimes she was mesmerized by the testimony she heard, she couldn't look away. She would spend hours at the Great Chamber, watching, absorbing, knowing that one day she would find the information she learned useful. The guards came to a sudden stop and dropped her. They knew she wasn't going to run, and that she couldn't run probably, being so weak. She looked haggard and barely alive. For a young shadow, Lantima looked aged and tired. Hopeful, she looked around in search of Chunagouh. Still dazed, her vision was blurry and her mind slow. So many familiar faces sat in front of her, including Nurabis, Sveratu's sister. That made her smile, Nurabis. At least she knew she had a friend on the Tribunal who would defend her no matter what. They were like sisters at one point, and their friendship remained tender to this day. Finally she locked eyes with her brother. He nodded, reassuringly.
Stand before the Supreme Tribunal, Young Shadow!" An eerie, roaring voice commanded. She obeyed, slowly standing up before the chosen group of Shadows, the Tribunal. "You have been arrested and charged with treason." The scary voice continued. "If you are found not guilty, you will be freed! If you are found guilty, however, you will be banished from this planet forever!" Lantima caught herself thinking that the loud voice seemed to have a faint tone of satisfaction if the latter actually came true. "Do I know this shadow?" She thought confused. "I have to fight for my life here and now," she told herself. "I cannot leave my home, I cannot. I won't survive!" Tears rolled down her face and exasperation slowly sat in.
"I am not guilty! I don't know why this is happening! I've done nothing wrong!" She screamed, panicking. "You must let me go! Ask my brother! He knows I am innocent!!" The scary voice thundered: "Silence!" Lantima threw a defiant glance at the Supreme Tribunal, vibrating with anger, then at her brother. "I will lie" she thought, feeling resentment towards the age old, archaic interrogation process by the entire panel. "Anything to escape that jail cell. I can't go back. If I buy enough time to distract the Tribunal, I can walk free! Free long enough to find a trail, evidence that proves I didn't spy!"
Stand before the Supreme Tribunal, Young Shadow!" An eerie, roaring voice commanded. She obeyed, slowly standing up before the chosen group of Shadows, the Tribunal. "You have been arrested and charged with treason." The scary voice continued. "If you are found not guilty, you will be freed! If you are found guilty, however, you will be banished from this planet forever!" Lantima caught herself thinking that the loud voice seemed to have a faint tone of satisfaction if the latter actually came true. "Do I know this shadow?" She thought confused. "I have to fight for my life here and now," she told herself. "I cannot leave my home, I cannot. I won't survive!" Tears rolled down her face and exasperation slowly sat in.
"I am not guilty! I don't know why this is happening! I've done nothing wrong!" She screamed, panicking. "You must let me go! Ask my brother! He knows I am innocent!!" The scary voice thundered: "Silence!" Lantima threw a defiant glance at the Supreme Tribunal, vibrating with anger, then at her brother. "I will lie" she thought, feeling resentment towards the age old, archaic interrogation process by the entire panel. "Anything to escape that jail cell. I can't go back. If I buy enough time to distract the Tribunal, I can walk free! Free long enough to find a trail, evidence that proves I didn't spy!"
She lowered her head, looking at the floor, going through many different options as she watched the glowing marble beneath her feet. "Maybe I can even find proof who is behind this whole thing and restore my family's honor to how it was before. I must try!" Lantima closed her eyes, repeating a small prayer to herself.
"Commencement of this cross-examination has begun! I call this hearing to order! Silence in the Chamber or you will be removed!" Gavel hit the rocky surface of the long table and absolute stillness fell in the chambers. Everyone turned their gaze at Lantima. Some of them were grateful that it wasn't them. Other members of the Supreme Tribunal looked on inquisitively, even suspiciously, thinking that she was guilty of everything and more. Still, some Shadows appeared almost bored, not really caring. Lantima trembled, involuntarily. She knew this was her moment. She would have to put forth a convincing effort to walk away free. But what could she say?! She wondered what evidence would be presented to the Tribunal. An accusation of treason had to be backed by hard evidence. A little relief appeared and like the butterfly she saw at the window, disappeared. She felt little hope. It was not too late to turn things around, or was it? Maybe this could be a chance she needed, her brother needed. If only she could focus. She wondered if her brother stepped in and showed his power, their family could yet regain the good name they all got used to growing up. Surging her strength to the top half of her body, she addressed the Tribunal: "I would like to make a statement before the proceedings to these esteemed Shadows and to the Supreme Tribunal if you would please grant me such opportunity." Lantima floated forward, dispelling her panic that she experienced a moment ago, and gaining control of her vibrations. Her old competitive training kicked in. When she used to do musical competitions, she knew that the audience will be rooting for her, if she showed them what she is capable of. She saw that the Chairshadow of the Tribunal nodded looking directly at her, allowing her to speak."
"I stand before you, the Supreme Tribunal of Shadows Great Zorya. I have been accused of treason which is punishable by banishment from our World. And we all know that's death. I have been detained and thrown into a cell where I have lied on the cold, dirty, infested floor for what felt like an eternity. I have dreamed many dreams and even more have been nightmares. I have over analyzed every step I took since that human queen visited our planet many moons ago. That's where the nightmare I am living now started. And that's why I stand before you here today, the esteemed Tribunal members. I would like to have an opportunity to share with you what I believed occurred, and leave it up to you to make of it what you will." Lantima curtsied again. While bowing her head, she stole a glance at her brother. He looked worried, really worried.
"We were all there that day, remember? All our people left the caverns and their homes to look at this Queen and the people she brought with her. We have never seen an alien like that. I remember that day clearly. I stood alongside my brother and watched as she descended from her ship and walked towards to greet us. She looked strange, fluorescent almost, and smaller than I imagined. After greeting her, she introduced us to her brother, who came with her. Prince Wilfred was not what I expected." Lantima noticed that when she mentioned the human's name, other Shadows grimaced, in aversion. "We got along really well from the start. He complimented our world and thanked me for taking the time to meet with him, because he knew, that most Shadows would not look kindly towards the arrival of humans." Lantima stopped her story and closed her eyes. She needed a moment to gather her strength to continue. The Great Chamber waited in sullen and ominous stillness as the anticipation built. She knew she had to finish the story, and then survive the cross examination. If only she had enough strength.
"That evening, the Human Queen and her brother were invited to the Great Hall for welcoming ceremony. I was there too, of course, even though I came really late as I had to help out Nurabis with her outfit. We both came later when the festivities have reached the firework displays. I didn't think I was going to see Prince Wilfred, but he requested that I join him for a celebratory toast. I asked my brother Chunagoh's permission, and he allowed it. Both of us, the Prince and I, walked out onto the grand balcony overlooking the crater, we celebrated, and shared stories about our people. He told me about growing up on his planet and I told him about our traditions, our Gods, our Shadow history. I felt... understood by Prince Wilfred. And I felt that humans and Shadows are in some ways similar, we value connections that build us. We value Gods that take care of our home planets. At no point in our conversation, did I ever feel like I shared anything forbidden. I know that I am innocent of the charges that are being brought me against me. I have only seen Prince Wilfred that one time, and will always keep a warm memory of our encounter."
The Gavel hit the rocky surface of the long table repeatedly and forcefully. "You were given a chance to speak young Shadow, before your cross-examination, which is not the protocol for this interrogation." An errie, scary voice followed the banging of the gavel. Lantima scanned everyone to determine where the voice of the ChairShadow was coming from. Her gaze came to a stop when she noticed an old Shadow to the far end of the Great Table speaking. "You told us that you only saw Wilfred once, but the Oracle says otherwise." Dok'is cleared his throat and shook his head left to right. Lantima looked puzzled. She has never encountered this Shadow before. But before she could respond, her brother let his voice be heard. He let out a strong vibration in disagreement with the ChairShadow. "All of us respect the Oracle, Great one." Chunagoh looked at the Chair Shadow sternly. "I would like to know why I have been restricted from seeing the Oracle. I have questions to ask. If my sister went behind my back, I would like the Oracle to say that directly to me." Chunagoh leaned forward on the Grand Table. "Where is the Oracle? Where are the visions?" His voice grew louder, "Since this whole thing started, none of us had access to the Holy One!"
"Commencement of this cross-examination has begun! I call this hearing to order! Silence in the Chamber or you will be removed!" Gavel hit the rocky surface of the long table and absolute stillness fell in the chambers. Everyone turned their gaze at Lantima. Some of them were grateful that it wasn't them. Other members of the Supreme Tribunal looked on inquisitively, even suspiciously, thinking that she was guilty of everything and more. Still, some Shadows appeared almost bored, not really caring. Lantima trembled, involuntarily. She knew this was her moment. She would have to put forth a convincing effort to walk away free. But what could she say?! She wondered what evidence would be presented to the Tribunal. An accusation of treason had to be backed by hard evidence. A little relief appeared and like the butterfly she saw at the window, disappeared. She felt little hope. It was not too late to turn things around, or was it? Maybe this could be a chance she needed, her brother needed. If only she could focus. She wondered if her brother stepped in and showed his power, their family could yet regain the good name they all got used to growing up. Surging her strength to the top half of her body, she addressed the Tribunal: "I would like to make a statement before the proceedings to these esteemed Shadows and to the Supreme Tribunal if you would please grant me such opportunity." Lantima floated forward, dispelling her panic that she experienced a moment ago, and gaining control of her vibrations. Her old competitive training kicked in. When she used to do musical competitions, she knew that the audience will be rooting for her, if she showed them what she is capable of. She saw that the Chairshadow of the Tribunal nodded looking directly at her, allowing her to speak."
"I stand before you, the Supreme Tribunal of Shadows Great Zorya. I have been accused of treason which is punishable by banishment from our World. And we all know that's death. I have been detained and thrown into a cell where I have lied on the cold, dirty, infested floor for what felt like an eternity. I have dreamed many dreams and even more have been nightmares. I have over analyzed every step I took since that human queen visited our planet many moons ago. That's where the nightmare I am living now started. And that's why I stand before you here today, the esteemed Tribunal members. I would like to have an opportunity to share with you what I believed occurred, and leave it up to you to make of it what you will." Lantima curtsied again. While bowing her head, she stole a glance at her brother. He looked worried, really worried.
"We were all there that day, remember? All our people left the caverns and their homes to look at this Queen and the people she brought with her. We have never seen an alien like that. I remember that day clearly. I stood alongside my brother and watched as she descended from her ship and walked towards to greet us. She looked strange, fluorescent almost, and smaller than I imagined. After greeting her, she introduced us to her brother, who came with her. Prince Wilfred was not what I expected." Lantima noticed that when she mentioned the human's name, other Shadows grimaced, in aversion. "We got along really well from the start. He complimented our world and thanked me for taking the time to meet with him, because he knew, that most Shadows would not look kindly towards the arrival of humans." Lantima stopped her story and closed her eyes. She needed a moment to gather her strength to continue. The Great Chamber waited in sullen and ominous stillness as the anticipation built. She knew she had to finish the story, and then survive the cross examination. If only she had enough strength.
"That evening, the Human Queen and her brother were invited to the Great Hall for welcoming ceremony. I was there too, of course, even though I came really late as I had to help out Nurabis with her outfit. We both came later when the festivities have reached the firework displays. I didn't think I was going to see Prince Wilfred, but he requested that I join him for a celebratory toast. I asked my brother Chunagoh's permission, and he allowed it. Both of us, the Prince and I, walked out onto the grand balcony overlooking the crater, we celebrated, and shared stories about our people. He told me about growing up on his planet and I told him about our traditions, our Gods, our Shadow history. I felt... understood by Prince Wilfred. And I felt that humans and Shadows are in some ways similar, we value connections that build us. We value Gods that take care of our home planets. At no point in our conversation, did I ever feel like I shared anything forbidden. I know that I am innocent of the charges that are being brought me against me. I have only seen Prince Wilfred that one time, and will always keep a warm memory of our encounter."
The Gavel hit the rocky surface of the long table repeatedly and forcefully. "You were given a chance to speak young Shadow, before your cross-examination, which is not the protocol for this interrogation." An errie, scary voice followed the banging of the gavel. Lantima scanned everyone to determine where the voice of the ChairShadow was coming from. Her gaze came to a stop when she noticed an old Shadow to the far end of the Great Table speaking. "You told us that you only saw Wilfred once, but the Oracle says otherwise." Dok'is cleared his throat and shook his head left to right. Lantima looked puzzled. She has never encountered this Shadow before. But before she could respond, her brother let his voice be heard. He let out a strong vibration in disagreement with the ChairShadow. "All of us respect the Oracle, Great one." Chunagoh looked at the Chair Shadow sternly. "I would like to know why I have been restricted from seeing the Oracle. I have questions to ask. If my sister went behind my back, I would like the Oracle to say that directly to me." Chunagoh leaned forward on the Grand Table. "Where is the Oracle? Where are the visions?" His voice grew louder, "Since this whole thing started, none of us had access to the Holy One!"
Again the Gavel hit the table over and over very loudly bringing everyone in the Great Chamber to stay still. "The Oracle is gone, Chunagoh. She is not responding to anyone." Moreover, she cannot be found." Dok'is looked saddened as he delivered these news to unsuspecting Chunagoh, Nurabis and most of all Lantima. Most Shadows in the Chamber looked shocked. Their entire lives the Oracle has always been a constant. She has been there since the beginning.
"There must be a mistake" Chunagoh protested. The Oracle is here, I can feel her vibration. "What do you mean she is gone?" Dok'is shook his head from side to side, focusing on maintaining his self control, "We have searched all buildings and the Oracle's cavern very closely, her presence is not there. Before she disappeared, I spoke to her personally, and let me tell you something Chunagoh! She said that your sister had an inappropriate communication with Prince Wilfred, that she disclosed too much information about our kind to the humans. The humans are our enemies! And you want to trade with them?? You know, Chunagoh, that constitutes betrayal of our world, and this treason cannot go unpunished!" Dok'is looked angry. His vibration became more intense as he was speaking and by the end, he looked like a hot lava cake, about to explode in all directions. Dok'is was widely known to be quick to anger. His philosophy was "shoot first, ask questions later".
We have laws on Cartosa, Dok'is!" Chunagoh shouted also losing his natural calm demeaner. "You expect me to stand by this sham questioning and unfounded accusations? And I can't even consult the Oracle to delineate exactly which communication with the human Prince she was referring to? This is not the way we do things, Dok'is." Chunagoh's vibration became distinctly evident. He promptly stood up from the long table and moved towards the back of the Great Chamber to allow the anger to subside and to regain his concentration. "I agree with Chunagoh" Nurabis sheepishly addressed Dok'is in defense of Lantima, "We all love the Oracle, but we must have specific evidence regarding the conversation between Lantima and the Prince. My recollection of the day the Human Queen visited our planet is similar to Lantima's. I do not recall anything that would have raised my suspicions. Perhaps the Oracle was referring to something else. Without understanding the meaning of what Oracle said, we must free Lantima immediately." Nurabis was almost whispering at the end. She looked uncomfortable and scared, occasionally throwing a defiant glance at Dok'is. Lantima smiled. She felt gratitude towards her friend. And decided right there and then, that she would repay Nurabis tenfold for her generosity.
By this time, Chunagoh made his way back to the long table and sat down, calm and focused. "Be forthcoming, Dok'is. You and I have a long history of disagreeing about the humans. This Tribunal is not about my sister. This is about you not wanting to trade with the humans." Chunagoh looked like he was going to continue, but stopped himself midsentence. He did not think it was a good time to bring up the Great War. "Allow my sister to come home. I agree with Nurabis. She can stay home with the guard at the door, if you wish." Chunagoh stared at Dok'is, waiting for a response. "Unfortunately, Chunagoh, that is not up to me." Dok'is replied. He stared at Lantima, then Chunagoh and finally at Nurabis, "Let the Tribunal vote and determine if Lantima is to return to her cell or if she is allowed to go home. Everyone in favor of Lantima to be imprisoned, send your vibration to your left and those who agree to free Lantima, send your vibration to your right."
By this time, Chunagoh made his way back to the long table and sat down, calm and focused. "Be forthcoming, Dok'is. You and I have a long history of disagreeing about the humans. This Tribunal is not about my sister. This is about you not wanting to trade with the humans." Chunagoh looked like he was going to continue, but stopped himself midsentence. He did not think it was a good time to bring up the Great War. "Allow my sister to come home. I agree with Nurabis. She can stay home with the guard at the door, if you wish." Chunagoh stared at Dok'is, waiting for a response. "Unfortunately, Chunagoh, that is not up to me." Dok'is replied. He stared at Lantima, then Chunagoh and finally at Nurabis, "Let the Tribunal vote and determine if Lantima is to return to her cell or if she is allowed to go home. Everyone in favor of Lantima to be imprisoned, send your vibration to your left and those who agree to free Lantima, send your vibration to your right."
Lantima watched as the votes were cast by all members of the Tribunal. She could tell that it was really close as she watched different vibrations accumulate on the left and the right. Waiting was excruciating. Mustering her strength to continue standing, Lantima took in the Chamber. It looked different from the previous times she has spent there waiting before. This time it did not feel so boring, it felt action packed. Your life is decided in front of you and all you can do is watch. It felt painful, yet exciting at the same time. "Will I win or will I lose?" She asked herself. "Please gods, help me win, please! I am innocent!" She appealed to the higher powers. "And the Oracle! Dear Oracle! I am innocent. I did not share anything with Wilfred, I swear it. I didn't share anything about our kind, or our sacred knowledge!" Lantima did not actually believe that the Oracle could hear her thoughts, but you never know. "What if the Oracle can see me now? Or hear me now? She would believe me! I know it!" Lantima's faith in higher powers was unshakeable, it was innate, forever part of her.
"I see that the Tribunal has decided to allow Lantima to wait at home while we investigate the accusations the Oracle has brought against her." Dok'is voice was even and unemotional. He counted the votes as soon as they were made, and it appeared to be a tie, until the last Shadow, Vuza, cast his vote. It was in favor of Lantima. "So let it be know to all, that Lantima will be escorted back to her home where she will remain under guard at all times until this matter is resolved." Dok'is picked up the gavel and banged it several times indicating that the Tribunal meeting was over. Lantima smiled and bowed slightly in prayer, relieved.
"I see that the Tribunal has decided to allow Lantima to wait at home while we investigate the accusations the Oracle has brought against her." Dok'is voice was even and unemotional. He counted the votes as soon as they were made, and it appeared to be a tie, until the last Shadow, Vuza, cast his vote. It was in favor of Lantima. "So let it be know to all, that Lantima will be escorted back to her home where she will remain under guard at all times until this matter is resolved." Dok'is picked up the gavel and banged it several times indicating that the Tribunal meeting was over. Lantima smiled and bowed slightly in prayer, relieved.
