Roc Wieler stood before the Minmatar Republic Military Tribunal, awaiting the verdict of his highly publicized and controversial hearing.

His wrists and ankles were shackled; he was unshaven. He looked hardly the “hero” that millions had adored only weeks before. He stood in a grey prison uniform, head hung low, his eyes looking puffy and haggard. He looked to be a man beyond his years, aged and defeated by these trying events. His broad, muscular shoulders drooped forwards, his chest deflated. He was a man ready to accept whatever fate befell him.

Inside his mind, his thoughts continued to race, his heart weighing heavy upon him. He had been betrayed on several fronts, rejected by those he had put his trust in. Once again, the piercing lesson of humility in this harsh universe had taught him a terrible lesson: trust no one.

Shiaz Starr, Celebrity Defence Lawyer, stood by his side, nervous, slightly pale, a touch of sweat on his brow. His heart raced slightly; this was to have been his defining victory, his highest profile case that would earn him more than he had other dreamed. He was supposed to be famous, not infamous as the lawyer who defended the slave trader.

The prosecution team stood with confidence on the opposing side of the chamber, confident in the outcome. Justice would be served.

The three tribunal elders stood behind their elevated bench. The highest ranking of their number, seated in the center, spoke the words that would condemn Colonel Roc Wieler forever.

“Arguments and evidence have been notably presented by both prosection and defence.” the Elder started. “These have been burdensome days, and my esteemed colleagues and I have pondered diligently as to the ramifications of any verdict given.” He looked to his left and right, his colleagues reflecting the somberness he portrayed.

“Given the very nature of this hearing, beyond the charges of murder of a fellow officer of the Tribal Liberation Force, there has arisen an even greater issue which demands attention.” The Elder paused, drawing in a deep breath before continuing. “Today it has been placed into our hands to determine the very measure by which to hold our Capsuleers accountable. Our decision will affects thousands of our pod pilots, and will potentially serve as a precedent to the other empires of New Eden.”

The Elder let the grandeur of his words sink in. If too little was done, it could potentially elevate Capsuleers to even greater heights, instilling in them the freedom to break laws even more freely without fear of consequence or accountability. If the verdict was too harsh in the minds of pod pilots, it could incite rioting and rebellion beyond anything previously seen in the galaxy. How would one annihilate a navy of immortals?

“Fortunately,” The Elder spoke, “This decision has been taken from us.”

Starr and the prosecution team both began looking around, uttering in confusion under their breath. Colonel Roc Wieler never flinched, stoically accepting whatever fate would bring.

The Elder raised his hand, silencing the growing commotion. “New evidence has been provided and verified, from the office of the Sanmatar.”

All eyes were focused on the Elder, now hanging on his every word.

The Elder gestured to his right, a camera drone responding, displaying a video for all to see.

It was security footage of the prison cell occupied by the nefarious pirate Mynxee. This footage was thought to be non-existant, the cameras undergoing routine maitenance at the time of the incident.

It showed in graphic detail the events leading up to her escape. It was plain to all that she had acted alone. The drone continued after her escape, fast forwarding (according to the time index in the bottom right of the screen) forty three minutes after her egress.

Daul Halwick, bound and gagged, could be seen to begin convulsing, thrashing at his bonds, foam and vomit barely able to leak from his mouth due to the gag. His convulsions became wose, his eyes opening in panic. This continued for three minutes before finally he went limp.

Shortly thereafter two security personnel enter, rushing to his side, slicing his bonds with a knife, pulling the gag from his mouth. Vomit and blood covered the floor.

One of the guards checked for signs of life, shaking in his head in the negative to his partner.

The image flickers and is replaced with video footage of the private quarters of Colonel Roc Wieler. The small chrono in the bottom right of the screen proved without doubt that the Colonel had been in his quarters in Dal, several systems away from the scene of the crime, during the alleged time.

Daul Halwick had suffocated; his death without malicious intent.

It was clear Colonel Roc Wieler had no part in it. It was clear that Mynxee would be held responsible, though on lesser charges.

The drone powered down, and the Elder spoke.

“Colonel Roc Wieler, you are hereby cleared of the charge of murder in the second degree regarding Spear Lieutenant Daul Halwick.”

Shiaz Starr beamed, barely able to contain his sheer joy at the verdict.

The lead prosecutor objected strongly. “Your honours, these recordings haven’t been verified by prosecution, nor have we had the opportunity to present a counter argument to the evidence. In the fairness of justice I ask…”

“Overruled.” The Elder cut in. “And I would advise you to not test my patience, counsellor. Our ruling is final.”

Colonel Roc Wieler still hadn’t moved.

Starr leaned on the bigger man. “Don’t you get it? You’re free! We won!” he said in elation to the Colonel. Still, Roc Wieler didn’t respond, simply staring towards the floor.

“Your honours,” Starr began. “Thank you for your wise judgement. If we could please have my clients’ restraints removed then…”

“There is another matter to be addressed, counsellor.” The Elder interrupted. “Your services will no longer be required. You are dismissed.”

Shiaz Starr stood dumbfounded for a moment, then quickly gathered his things and quietly exited.

“Colonel Roc Wieler, you are hereby charged with the practice of slavery, against Republic Penal Code R2 Subsection 4. How do you plea?” The Elder’s voice echoed throughout the chamber.

Finally, the Colonel raised his eyes, full of remorse and regret, to meet the gaze of the Tribunal Elder. He didn’t speak, though his lower lip did quiver slightly.

“I’m waiting for your answer, Colonel.” The Elder said. “How do you plea?”

Roc Wieler took a deep breath before responding.

“Guilty.”