Just A Bit Of Trust (Constel·lación #1) (11 page)

Vivian loved her new role as a wife and Queen. The Constel·lacións were no different from humans. They loved,  cried, cared, and they bled. They had family structures too, some broken and some solid. Nights in Didac’s arms were explosive and left her wanting and anticipating more. Didra was very helpful in educating her about their customs and history and escorting her around the planet showing her the best places to go when she needed to shop. They were fast becoming friends. She didn’t worry as much as she initially did about Didra working so close to her husband. But the jealousy was still there. Meetings with several Leaders from different Houses took up most of her time. She wanted to learn all there was to learn about their policies and systems and find ways she can improve them if she could. Even if the leaders were thorough about it, she wanted to implement a few more programs that could be useful to the people of Constel·lació, her people now.

The new governor of Temprança, Oscar Agusti was the most difficult man to deal with. “I am sorry, Your Highness, I will still have to decline your petition. We cannot have women be involved in combat roles.”

“Would you care to tell me why not?” Vivian would not give up. She had come prepared to win this after she was told no through the correspondences they had together over the communication device.

“The Warriors are an elite fighting force. It’s not an elite fighting force of elite men and mediocre woman. While the Constel·lación female is generally stronger that females or even males of other species, you cannot deny science, women do not have the same capabilities as men.”

“Excuse me Governor; I do not understand your line of argument. On one of the conversations we had, you expressed to me that women are not strong enough, capable enough, and aggressive enough. I was under the impression that as a democratic planet all are equal in general. The point is that everyone must be afforded an equal opportunity. Correct me if I am wrong?”

Oscar’s irritation was evident on his face. ”If my life was on the line, who would I choose to have next to me? A big strong guy or a short light woman? I’m not sexist in fact; I am all for women working as warriors, but in different roles.”

“Then the problem is with your men and perhaps you then. I must admit that I do not possess the physicality capable for some roles that demand an amount that is only achievable by males, but you see I am only human. I do not presume much, but a Constel·lación female is stronger than an average human male or a male of most species in the solar system and with supernatural abilities that your species possess, your females can make significant contributions as warriors. I have had the opportunity to talk to your females especially from your House. They feel they have been treated unfairly. They are not asking for favors, they want to have the same training as men and only those who manage to do it, they can be warriors. I believe that if you cannot do the work, you do not belong to the group. Think about when you go to war with a weaker species like mine; you can take the females who didn’t pass through if they wish. Every female just like a male understand the risks they undertake by being warriors.”

“You are presenting strong arguments Your Highness. You have put me in a tight spot. Governor Dudet warned me in advance to expect this.” Oscar was not fooled. The Queen was a devious woman implying she was weak but in earnest Oscar thought she was strong minded, worthy to be called a Constel·lación.

“I must say dealing with Governor Dudet was far easier. After seeing the injustice of the judicial system, he wasn’t so difficult to convince.”

“Governor Dudet will not be pleased to know that you thought he was easy.” Oscar Agusti’s face showed the first semblance of a smile.

“Nothing is easy with any Constel·lación male.” Vivian laughed.

“Are you talking from experience? “

The big Warrior winked at her conspiratorially. Vivian laughed harder. Everyone knew that Didac was not an easy man except when it came to his Queen. ”You may think he is easy on me, but I still find him difficult.”

“You have won me over, my Queen. You are as unyielding as my mate.” Oscar joined in the laughter.

“That is, a woman I would love to meet.” She stood up to shake the Governor's hand.

“Perhaps I should warn Governor Ziza as well.” Oscar shook Vivian’s hand.

“Not in the least. Ziza understands a female like no male I know.” Vivian laughed again.

“I am not sure he would take that as a compliment.”

“He will. He prides himself in understanding the differences between males and females. That is why he makes a good therapist.”

“I am sure he will be happy to hear that.” Oscar bowed as Vivian turned to go, watching her as she walked to the door.

“I will see you around, Governor.”

Oscar shook his head and was sure this was one of her many visits to his Star and office.

"You may all be seated." Didac sat on the bench overlooking the general public surrounded by governors of each star. Everyone took their seats. He had been waiting for the trial for some time now because they were other things that had needed his attention after the war with Mother Earth including his new mate. "I want to thank all the council members and the public for showing up on such a short notice. We are here today to address an urgent threat to our planet and possibly a potential threat to the solar system as a whole. We are here for the trial and sentencing of Abramo Agusti."

Didac turned to look at the judicial system which was mainly comprised of the people from the House of Tolerància. Their ability to accept and endure with forbearance made them better suited for delivering verdicts. ”Members of the jury, it is possible that many of you will recognize the defendant, the former Governor of Temprança, Abramo Agusti. You may also have heard stories about him or heard about the case. It is your duty to try the case on the evidence you hear in this court alone, in this trial alone.And with that Mr. Toset…”

The Crown attorney, Lluc Toset stood up. ”Thank you, Your Majesty. Members of the jury, I appear on behalf of the Crown. The defendant is represented by my learned colleague, Mara Ventura.I have confidence that you will convict the defendant. Why? Because the combination of direct and circumstantial evidence is simply undeniable. Here are the facts. Throughout 2170, the former Governor of Temprança, Abramo Agusti, a man with a history of being a fanatic, embezzled our planet funds and conspired with other individuals which include the President of Mother Earth with the intention of taking over the existing authority. Furthermore, we have confidence that once you have reviewed our evidence, you will return with a guilty verdict unanimously.”

Mara Ventura stood up, “Members of the jury, Today; I will show that in a rush to convict, the basic lines of inquiry were never pursued. This is an investigation that robbed an innocent man of his freedom; his career; his reputation and his dignity. This man deserves his life back. We all owe him an apology. When we preside over miscarriages of justice, such as the one that has brought us all together today, The People vs. Abramo Agusti, we are all to blame for this. It is my opinion today that there are only thirteen blameless people: the defendant and you: twelve jurors. Everyone else that makes up the criminal justice system is guilty. Abramo Agusti is a victim of a flawed system. Our society is desperate and impatient to condemn him to find a face. Any face that fits. This concludes the opening statement for the defense.”

Bravo. Agostino almost clapped, he was watching from the back of the Hall. The woman was lethal. She was self-admirer who never met an audience she didn’t like: A self-proclaimed prominent defense lawyer. Compelling and controversial, a household name. He was sure that the evidence collected would convict him. His father might have thought it was impressive to have a security system, but it was going to come back and bite him. Justice for all.It’s just that nature didn’t recognize it at all, but it served his people and other planets alike as a survival behavior. Justice ensured that everyone got what they deserved, but it was the politics behind the justice system that he didn’t like.

"Thank you Toset and Ventura. You may now present your evidence. Present your witnesses Mr. Toset."

“I call Agostino Agusti.” Toset’s voice boomed in the big hall. The crowd watched fascinated as Agostino Agusti stepped forward to the witness stand.” Mister Agusti, would you tell us how you are related to the defendant?"

"He is my father."

"Tell us why you are testifying against him today?"

"He abused me all my life and the people around him; I’m well aware what he is capable of."

“Why did you choose today to disclose this information?"

"Because Constel·lació is my home as much as it is anyone's, we deserve to live a peaceful and safe existence."

“At what point did you realize that your father was responsible for the attack?”

“The very same day it happened.”

“Please explain yourself?”

“When he stepped out of the hall after the coronation of my cousin, he asked me how I could just sit and watch my legacy being stripped away. I advised him that I did not want anything to do with his legacy. He then proceeded to tell me that we should stick together. After his explosive speech on why he hated the Castells. It was a Deva Vu moment when it suddenly became apparent to me that he was up to no good. That is when the explosion occurred, and he tried to run, so I subdued him by shooting him with a tranquilizer. Never once did he deny ever committing the crime under interrogation.”

“Thank you, Mr. Agusti.” Toset sat down.

“Does the defense wish to examine the witness?” Didac asked

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Miss Ventura spoke up.

“Proceed.” Didac gave his consent.

“Mr. Agusti, please state your occupation?”

“I work for the Constel·lación Special Forces unit.”

"That is very surprising; you have taken an oath to protect the planet and the people in it. If your father is the man you say he is, why have you not exposed him before now?"

"Miss Ventura, he is my father, the last thing I wanted was for him to be executed or be in the dungeons."

"Is that so? Is it because you want to protect your reputation? Or is it that he is no longer in a position that can benefit you financially?"

“I object, Your Majesty." Toset spoke up.

"Objection sustained."

Toset continued. "The last question that Miss Ventura posed would lead us to believe that she is aware that her client is guilty of embezzlement. And Mr. Agusti earns enough credits; he doesn’t need to rely on his father."

“More credits is enough motivation for the greedy.” Ventura’s turned to the jury for effect.

“You would know.” Toset made it personal.

Didac hit his gravel hard. ”This is neither the place nor time for personal verbal arguments.”

“If I may Your Majesty. The character and integrity of Mr. Agusti’s Representation are in question.”

Dudet looked put off.” Are you accusing Counselor Ventura of anything?”

“Yes, Miss Ventura knows that it is a crime not to disclose any illegal activities that her client is involved in. The attorney-client privilege is null and void if the party is guilty. I have heard that she accepts bribes.”

‘Do you have any evidence to substantiate your accusations?”

“No Governor Dudet.”

“Then I suggest that you remain on course.”

“I am curious to hear what Miss Ventura has to say for herself.” Didac cocked his eyebrow at her. "Be careful on how you respond Miss Ventura."

“I am deeply offended by Mr. Toset’s accusations. They are baseless. I presented a hypothetical question to defend my client, Your Majesty."

"We do not base our trials on hypothesis."

'I understand, Your Majesty."

"I wish to answer the question, Your Majesty," Agostino said.

"Proceed."

"You have no right to judge my decision not to turn my father in. Even if you do not believe it, I still love my father. Tell me what would you have done if it was your father?"

"I am not under questioning, Mr. Agusti," Ventura smirked.

"I cannot protect him anymore. My guilt was eating me alive, knowing what he had done before and what he might be doing. Now that all is out, I feel free."

"Your statement suggests that you knew all about this that is, if my client is guilty."

“Miss Ventura what are you implying.” Agusti was getting angry at the line of questioning.“I haven’t lived or spoken to my father since I left home. Yes, I will admit I had known of other things before I moved. That is the extent of my knowledge.”

“That.” Ventura looked to the jury. ”Members of the jury would mean Mr. Agusti should be held accountable for something.”

“I have other matters to attend to Ms. Ventura; I do not have all day.” Didac’s patience was wearing thin. ”I do not hear any plausible arguments that would expunge your client of any wrongdoing. Whether the younger Mr. Agusti committed those crimes, it is not admissible here. He was a minor and cannot be held accountable because he has proven to be a good citizen. You may step down, now, this trial is over. Present your evidence Mr. Toset.”

"Now I would like to play the video feed that will be entered as evidence." Toset stated and walked up to the console to play the video on the big screen.

"You may proceed." Didac nodded in agreement.

After watching, everyone was stunned.

"The clip we have just watched leaves us no doubt what Mr. Agusti’s plans were for the Planet. The other members involved looked like they were in disguise so we cannot identify them. The jury will retire to deliver a verdict."

Hours later.

“Governor, do you wish to address the court before the verdict is read? “After what the judge had heard today from all the witnesses Agusti was surprised that the Didac managed to keep his calmness.

Abramo went on a rampage. "They call your marriage to that earthling historical. The fact that you have been captivated of that slut is indeed proof of the degradation of our species. The purity of our race is the culture which our forefathers tried to preserve." He turned around to look at every council member. "This is disgusting. I am ashamed of this council because you are all agreeing to this intermarriage. This marriage is a threat to the fundamental principles of being Constel·lación.”"

“Our laws on marriage are not governed by species.” Dante’s blue eyes from the House of Pau bored into Abramo.

“Democracy is connected to morality. I say it is immoral to marry outside your species. What would be allowed next, People marrying animals?” Abramo's hair was rumpled, and spit was coming out of his mouth.

"You feel you can speak for the Constel·lación public." Didac pressed the alarm button under his table and warriors filled the room.

"Some of our people have mated with other species before." Didac defended his mating

"A great concern has been expressed by the people because of your union with the earthling. The general public is apprehensive." Dudet from the House of Tolerància spoke.

"I am the one mated to her. They shouldn’t worry themselves."

Dudet continued cautiously. "They feel like there has been a certain relaxation of standards. You are not any male. You are the King and whoever the king marries, becomes Queen. In the choice of a Queen, the people have the right to choose. That is the price a King must pay."

"I may be a King, but I am also a male, It’s a fundamental right for a man to mate with whoever he chooses."

Ziza, from the House of Amour, spoke up, "Even if our laws were made before we became aware that we could mate with other species, the mating law does not restrict anyone from mating with other species as long as we have similar DNA. No one chooses who they want to mate with; it is a natural selection."

"Enough!” Didac struck his gavel hard. “We will not take a paid court trial and turn it into a circus. Has the jury reached the verdict?’

“Guilty as charged.” The juror seated in the left corner of the cubicle read out the verdict.

Didac looked at his warriors. "Escort Abramo Agusti out." One of the warriors approached the former governor and placed his hands behind his back and put the iron handcuffs on his wrists. As he was being led out Abramo looked over his shoulder. "You haven’t heard the last of me." He shouted with a smug smile on his face.

Didac struck his gavel one more time to silence the people as Abramo was led out.” Destiny has chosen my mate for me. Whoever has any objection to my mating has 24 hours to pack and leave the planet.”

The people looked around more to see who would publicly reveal himself. Benita, a woman whose mate was killed by the ten man Vivian’s father had sent to attack Constel·lació, stepped up. ”My husband died recently by the hand of our Queen’s father. I have more reason to hate her more than anybody else, but I find myself daring to love and believe in her.” Tears gathered in the woman’s eyes. “I was devastated when my mate died and didn’t have the strength to take care of my younglings because the loss was too much to bear, but this woman-“   she pointed to the Queen, -“she came every day without fail to take care of my younglings, bearing food that it is rumored she had taken time to prepare herself.”

The woman who was the dishwasher at the castle, Tono stepped out of the crowd to stand beside Benita. ”It is no rumor, I have seen it with my own eyes the Queen prepare the food for his subjects and some nights she dismisses us early to make food for her family and clean the kitchen herself.”

Dudet raised his hand with a smirk and the people quieted. ”Warrior Jana you have something to say?”

All eyes turned to the compact warrior woman.” I may be female, but I was born from The House of Temprança, fighting and protecting is in my blood. It was the Queen who convinced the Council that females should be given equal opportunity to succeed or fail to become warriors. We do not receive any special treatment because we are female. We go through the same training as our male counterparts; the standards are the same. Although I have not completed my training, I am grateful for what the Queen has done.”