He blew both loud and shrill;

began its summation. With the exception of felonious assault, the charges against the accused, Lars Dahl, are dismissed. Killashandra swallowed. Criminal intent is not apparent but disciplinary action is required by law. Lars Dahl, you are remanded into the custody of the Judicial Branch, pending disposition of the disciplinary action. You are further remanded for examination of the charge of subliminal manipulation against the Elders of Optheria. Olav Dahl, you are seconded to assist these investigations, which have now been initiated. Trag Morfane, Killashandra Ree, have you anything to add to your recorded testimonies on the charge of subliminal manipulation by the Elders of Optheria? Having already been as candid as possible, neither crystal singer could expand on the information already on record. And Killashandra did not quite understand the matter of disciplinary action for Lars and the remand orders. Then this session of the Grand Felony Court of Regulus Sector Federation is closed. The traditional crack of wood against wood ended the hearing. Perplexed by the legal formulas, Killashandra turned to Lars and his father. Are you free, or what? she demanded. Im not quite sure, Lars said with a nervous laugh. It cant mean much. Everything else was dismissed, wasnt it? He looked to Olav and was sobered by his fathers solemn expression. He has been remanded, the Bailiff explained kindly, taking Lars by the arm. I interpret the judgment to mean that the Court has dismissed all charges but Lars Dahls physical assault on you in the matter of your abduction. Disciplinary action is always short term. On the second remand charge, the Court requires further discussion of the allegations about the use of subliminal conditioning by the Optherian government. If these are proved correct, then it is likely that the disciplinary action will be suspended. I can give you hard copy of the precedents involved, indeed of the entire trial, if you wish. When Lars nodded a perplexed affirmation, Then I shall program them for your quarters. If you gentlemen will come with me? A panel at the back of the seating area opened and it was toward this that Funadormi gestured Lars and his father. Come with you? Lars cried, trying to break from the Bailiffs grip. Shock and surprise briefly immobilized Killashandra and before she could make a move to reach Lars, the Bailiff, securely holding her lover, had him nearly to the open door. Wait! when was the digital camera invented Please wait! she screamed, falling over the chairs in her haste. You two have been dismissed. Justice has been served! Arrangements for your transport have been made and the ground vehicle programmed to take you to the appropriate site. But Lars! Killashandras cry of protest was made to the immense back of the Bailiff which was disappearing through the aperture, totally eclipsing Lars. Olav hurried anxiously after, adding his protests. Lars Dahl! she screamed, every fear alerted to his unexpected departure. The panel closed with a final thuck just as Killashandra reached it. Justice has been served? she shrieked, beating the wall with impotent fists. What justice? What justice? LARS DAHL! Couldnt they let us say good-bye? Is that justice? She wheeled on Trag who was trying to silence her tactless accusations. You and your fool-proof verbiage. Theyve charged him after all. I want to know why and what does disciplinary action mean for a man whos put himself on the line for a whole benighted fardling useless planet? Killashandra Ree, and both crystal singers turned in astonishment as the voice issued unexpectedly from the wall. During your evidence, your psychological reactions exhibited extreme agitation and apprehension unusual when compared to your official profile which have been interpreted as fear of the accused, despite your generous testimony to his actions against you. Disciplinary action will prevent the accused from any future acts of felonious assault. WHAT? Killashandra could not believe what she had heard. Of all the ridiculous interpretations! I love the man! I love him, do you hear, I was frantic with worry for him, not against him. Call him back. Theres been a dreadful miscarriage of justice. Justice has been served, Killashandra Ree. You and Trag Morfane are scheduled to leave this Court and this building immediately. Transport awaits. The silence after that impersonal order provoked a thunder of tinnitus in her skull. I dont believe this, Trag. This cant be right. How do we appeal? I do not believe that we can, Killashandra. This is the Federal Court. We have no right of appeal. If there is one available to Lars, I am certain that Olav will invoke it. But we have no further right. Come. Lars will he taken care of. Thats what Im fardling afraid of, Killashandra cried. I know what penalties and disciplines the Judicial Branch