Ch 46: The Council

Coming face to face with the leaders of the Guild, Grey is put on trial with Alexander as his defense. As crafty as he is though, Alexander is not about to let Grey be the only one on trial...

            Great Spire Palace, Bastion. Monday June 18, 520NA. Walking down the gangplank of the imperial family’s private airship, the Gladimir, a sour look on his face, Emperor Alcott Fanesta Magni arrived at the Great Spire Palace. A man with short black hair and red eyes, he wore on his head a silver V shaped crest with a red gem in it, and carried a staff with a large red crystal at the top of it. He also wore a red and black vest and sleeves, black pants, and brown dress shoes. His regal black with white trim cloak blew in the wind as he muttered, “That clown Walker… What is he thinking dragging us all out to this place?! I don’t care one way or another what happens to some energist! It’s not even an affair that should be judged by the Council, this should be taken to a Special Forces courtroom, the Court of Representatives at most! But no, Walker insisted it be brought before the Council, and now that he’s gotten the media involved I have no choice but to come all this way! I have better things to do!” Trailing behind him were Conwell and Sheryl. With a sickly smile on his face, Conwell said, “Right as always Your Highness, it really is such a bother. He’s always been a difficult one.” Nodding, the Emperor said, “Exactly! He’s obsessed with the ‘rights of the people’ even more lately. Hah! Rights… You give the people all the rights they want, and soon enough you aren’t even in control of your own country!” Looking around the landing spine, the Emperor laid eyes on the airships of his fellow Council members and said, “Seems we’re the last to arrive. We’d better not be late Conwell! Next time I won’t wait for you!” Bowing his head, Conwell said, “You’re too kind Your Highness! I do so apologize for my carelessness…” Making their way to the elevator, the Emperor asked, “Honestly, it was you who wanted to come even though it’s not a matter that involves the representatives. Where the hell did you go the other night anyways?” With a wicked grin, Conwell said, “Just visiting an old friend…”

            Led through the palace by one of the staff, Emperor Alcott and Conwell arrived on the 70th floor and proceeded to the large hallway where Grey had confronted Conwell the night before. Making their way out towards the large terrace, the Emperor could see his fellow Council members sitting at a long, rectangular table. Sitting in the middle seat was the man known only as Felix, the Head of The Guild in charge of managing the Special Forces and other affairs the rest of the Council does not address. He had wavy blonde hair and blue eyes hidden behind rectangular sunglasses. He wore a half gray, half black coat, black pants with gray stripes, and black shoes and gloves. To his left sat Admiral Reese Skyfire, CEO of the Navis Cartel, a trade based nation not on Ofralis, the continent where the Adali Empire and the Kingdom of Gaian rested, but across the sea on the continent Berhal. He had very short blonde hair and golden eyes. Wearing his brown with white and gold trim admiral’s coat, his brown pants, brown and white leather boots, and his brown with gold trim admiral’s hat, he looked as ready to set sail as always. Sitting left of Admiral Reese was the King. Then sitting to Felix’s right was Queen Bianca Drake, the young ruler of the Kingdom of Vesiron, which was another, much less advanced country that existed across the seas on the continent of Berhal. Her hair was red and windblown looking, and her green eyes seemed almost catlike somehow. A mantle of animal furs over her shoulders, she wore a crown of red gems, as well as a red gemmed necklace around her neck. The rest of her clothes consisted of a red sleeveless top, red and gold armguards, a short red and white dress, and gold high heel shoes. Seeing Emperor Alcott approaching the terrace, Felix called out, “Ah, Alcott, we’ve been waiting. Take your seat next to Bianca and we’ll get things started.”

            As he was stepping out onto the terrace, a voice to the side of the Emperor said, “Ah! Watch your step!” Turning to look over at the voice, the Emperor had barely laid eyes on Rufus, standing there with Ian atop his hat before a camera tripod, when his foot caught on something and he started to fall forward. Catching himself with his staff, he recovered as Conwell quickly rushed over to him, panickedly saying, “Your Highness, are you all right?!” Looking down at his feet, Emperor Alcott saw he’d been tripped by the wires of Rufus’ camera. Glaring at Rufus, Emperor Alcott muttered to Conwell, “I’m fine, get off me!” Emperor Alcott continued over to his seat, and Rufus muttered to himself, “I told him to look out…” As Emperor Alcott sat down, Conwell stood beside him while Sheryl stood off to the side. Looking over at Sheryl, Queen Bianca said, “Alcott, it’s rather unusual to see you carting around one of those human dolls.” Rolling his eyes, the Emperor replied, “The android isn’t mine. It’s Conwell’s. Apparently he won her in a bet or something. She’s a bodyguard model, and since we’re going to be around the Black Knight he was too cowardly to come without her.” Admiral Reese, overhearing their conversation, laughed and said, “Makes sense he’d be such a lily-livered chicken. Whether it’s bein’ round wanted criminals or voting on current issues, he’s always playin’ it safe…” With a sour look, Emperor Alcott glanced at him and said, “We’re simply conservative. As a representative, his decisions reflect mine, and I’m sorry to say I don’t agree with the radical proposals you and Walker are always spouting.” With an indignant look, Admiral Reese said, “Arr, don’t be lumping me in with him! I’m a businessman, not a revolutionist!” Leaning back in his chair and resting his eyes, the King said, “It’s hardly radical to suggest change when the current system is pushing a minority closer and closer to a wide scale revolt. Would it really be such a financial burden to at least approve of new settlements to alleviate the overpopulation of the Sanctuaries?” Ending their debate, Felix said, “Enough. Let’s get down to what we’re here for.”

            Accompanied by a large contingent of guards, Grey and his friends made their way down the large hall towards the terrace, EDE absorption restraint collars around their necks. As Catherine trailed behind them, unrestrained but with a pair of guards following her as well, she thought to herself, “Here we go. It shouldn’t be hard to convince the Council with Alexander’s plan. Whatever Conwell is up to, the others should be able to handle it.” Stepping out onto the terrace, Grey and his friends made their way to the tables set out on the far left and right sides of the area, and after filming their entrance, Rufus quickly moved his camera so that the view now showed all three of the tables. Felix cleared his throat and said, “Rogue energist #669, Matthew Greyson. While normally something like this would fall under the jurisdiction of a lesser court, at His Majesty King Daniel Alucard Walker’s request, The Guild Council will now review your appeal for a pardon of the charges against you. These include mass murder and terrorism. While you have been wanted for numerous other charges, being within his judgment to do so for those lesser yet still serious crimes, King Walker has already pardoned you and your companions of them. Your companions, however, will still be charged as having aided and abetted a terrorist if you are not acquitted here. Know that once you have finished your appeal, the members of the Council will recess to decide the verdict, and also know that their decision will be final. Mr. Greyson, please stand before the Council, and everyone please remember this is a courtroom now. No one speak unless called upon.” Rising, Grey walked to stand before the Council’s table. Felix scratched his chin and stared at Grey thoughtfully for a moment before saying, “Now then, you have a right to a representative. Do you have one, or do you intend to defend yourself?” Glancing over at Alexander, Grey said, “I would like Alexander to be my representative.” Nodding, Felix said, “Very well, that’s one of your companions here if I’m not mistaken. Alexander, please join Mr. Greyson before the Council.” Standing, Alexander walked over to stand by Grey. The Council looked at him strangely as he casually pulled a detective hat and a toy pipe from his pockets and put them on. Blowing bubbles from the pipe, Alexander said, “Just suiting up…” As Grey and the others suppressed their laughter, Felix muttered, “Moving on…”

            Flipping through the papers laying before him on the table, Felix continued, “Alright. According to this, you claim to have been kidnapped by Altera Veritas three years ago and that you committed your crimes while under the influence of an unknown brainwashing method. You’ve already given us all the details of your claim in writing, so let’s skip straight to the main event. It says here you have a few pieces of evidence to be inspected. Would you mind presenting them for us?” Rummaging around in his pocket, Alexander brought out the Professor’s message and said, “The first is a recorded message from a certain Professor Vincent Marcellus.” Raising an eyebrow in surprise, Felix said, “The Head of the Research and Development of EDE Weaponry for the Imperial Research Facility? What does this message contain?” Holding the message before him, Alexander said, “It would be easier to simply watch it. Do I have your permission to play it?” Scratching his chin in thought, Felix said, “Very well.” Placing the message on the table before him, Alexander activated the message. While they watched the replay of the Professor’s message, Rufus, who stood over to the side with his camera, took out a small device, and pressing it he switched the sound input to the microphone Alexander had attached to his coat so that the message could be heard. As the image of the Professor finished his message, the device deactivated, and with a rather displeased look on his face, Felix muttered, “What a joke… It would turn out the leak was so high up. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, though I don’t see what purpose it serves for your case.” Next to him, Queen Bianca said, “Well it does raise a question as to whether an actual member of Altera Veritas would expose his allies.” Scoffing, Emperor Alcott said, “He’s already dead. What gibberish was he talking about anyway? Angelorum Lux? Revenants? He always was a strange one I suppose…” Standing beside him, Conwell said, “Now now everyone, let’s not simply accept this without making sure the recording was not fabricated.” Examining the device, Felix muttered, “There’s little chance of that Conwell. I’ve seen this before. It’s an advanced holo recorder that was being developed around the time of Professor Marcellus’ death. There’s no other way they could have come across this device.” For a moment Conwell looked mildly displeased, but then he simply smiled and said, “I see…” Setting the recorder down, Felix said to Alexander, “Well then, go ahead and bring out your next piece of evidence.”

            Reaching into his pocket again, Alexander said, “The next item is somewhat unusual. It’s a special book created using EDE, among other things. It’s called a memory diary. I have altered it to visibly display memories recorded in it.” Raising an eyebrow once more, as Alexander presented the memory diary, Felix said, “I’m afraid I’ve not heard of such a thing. It would be most interesting if it has the properties you claim it does…” Laughing, Conwell said, “Oh please, this is your evidence? A magic book?” Chuckling as well, Emperor Alcott said, “Felix, don’t tell me you believe this. It’s preposterous!” Grinning, Admiral Reese said, “I don’t reckon ya’d mind if we give it a little test here, Mr. Alexander?” Opening the memory diary, Alexander gave a brief demonstration of how to use it. As he finished his demonstration, he added, “Just remember that your memories fade over time, so it’s best to use it to record fresh memories. Also keep in mind that you cannot fool it with situations you imagine. It records genuine memories only.” Handing the book to the Admiral, the members of the Council watched with interest as Admiral Reese opened the book and placed a hand on a blank page. Concentrating, after a moment Admiral Reese said, “Arr, that’ll do ‘er. So then, what do we do to see it?”

Taking the memory diary, Alexander withdrew a bookmark from his pocket and said, “Simply place in the appropriate page and…” Placing the bookmark in the memory diary, he snapped the diary shut and the bookmark glowed. Placing the diary on the table, from the protruding tip of the bookmark appeared a mass of EDE which spread out and formed into an image that floated above the table. In it could clearly be seen Admiral Reese aboard his ship, and they heard him saying, “Avast ye swabs! Bastion dead ahead! Jasper, open communications and request clearance for landing!” The image shifted to a man in uniform sitting at his station aboard the bridge of the Admiral’s vessel, who said, “Aye aye Admiral!” Watching his memories unfold, Admiral Reese was beaming as he said, “Well blow me down! It really works! This book ‘ere would make quite the profitable product!” Felix removed the bookmark and the image disappeared. As Admiral Reese donned a slight look of disappointment at having his memory viewing cut short, Felix examined the diary and the bookmark, saying, “This is very remarkable. No matter how I look at it, it seems like an ordinary book and bookmark. Writing has also somehow appeared on the pages as well, a full summary of the events we saw no less…” Beaming himself now, the King said, “I must admit, even I was somewhat surprised! Though I had already seen the book, I never actually saw it in use. Was that bookmark what you crafted with the supplies I gave you Alexander?” As Alexander nodded, Felix said, “Once more though, I question how it will help your case. Even if you cannot fabricate memories, the events you’re being charged with happened quite some time ago. Did you not say you can only record recent memories?”

            Turning to look at Amy, Alexander said, “That’s where our young friend Amy can help us, if you could remove her collar temporarily.” With a wicked grin, Conwell quickly said, “Forgive me, but as suspected criminals none of you can be trusted. I’m afraid removing her collar is out of the question.” Adjusting his shades casually, Alexander said, “Oh I assure you she’s quite harmless. It’s simply her mind reading ability we require here.” Chuckling, Conwell kept his grin firmly in place as he said, “Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear. We cannot trust any of you. The collars remain where they are.” Shooting an irritated look at Conwell, Felix muttered, “He has a point. I’m afraid we cannot go on your word alone as to what risk removing her collar would entail…” Interjecting, the King said, “Then what about my word?” Turning to the King, Felix said, “Sorry Daniel, but I’m sure you already know very well the suspicion you’re under with your recent involvement with these people. It’s out of our respect for you that you’re even on the jury today. That’s as much as I can do.” His grin getting even wider, Conwell said, “Yes, how do we know you haven’t been in league with Altera Veritas yourself?” With a sigh, Felix said, “Enough Conwell…” With an apologetic smile, Conwell said, “Of course, forgive me Felix.” With a sly grin of his own, Alexander said, “While that is not the case, there is reason for a certain someone here to be under suspicion…” Pulling his shades down to look into Alexander’s eyes directly, his tone serious, Felix said, “If I understand the meaning of your statement, you have just made a very serious accusation Alexander.” Next to him, Admiral Reese said, “Arr, what is it Felix? What’d he mean?” Leaning back in her chair, Queen Bianca muttered, “He’s insinuating someone here is a spy for Altera Veritas.”

            With a bemused laugh, Conwell said, “That’s too funny! You’re the ones on trial, and you’re accusing us of being part of Altera Veritas?” Narrowing his beady yellow eyes, Conwell said, “Where’s the proof?” Smiling as he met Conwell’s gaze, Alexander said, “I could easily offer you all the proof you need if you were to remove Amy’s collar, but since that’s out of the question, let’s see…” Blowing more bubbles from his toy pipe a moment, Alexander said, “How about we ask Mr. Conwell here where he was last night?” Quickly all heads turned to Conwell. Laughing a moment, Conwell looked quite unconcerned as he said, “Oh, but of course. It had to be me didn’t it? I’m obstructing your little show and tell, so now you’re making blatant accusations at me. How predictable…” Still staring at Conwell’s grinning face, Alexander said, “If you’re so innocent, why don’t you tell us Conwell?” Placing his hands in his pockets, Conwell scoffed, “As I already told His Highness earlier, I was visiting an old friend.” With a quiet laugh, Alexander said, “Well now, I didn’t know you and Grey were so close Conwell.” Smiling innocently, Conwell said, “I beg your pardon?” Reaching into a different pocket, Alexander withdrew a small sound recorder and said, “This sound recording was taken last night in the very hall behind us, capturing a very brief statement from a certain individiual. Our resident journalist over there was in the process of interviewing my friend Grey here when the two stumbled upon someone wandering through the palace uninvited. Grey, can you please point out who it was you encountered?” Raising his hand, Grey pointed at Sheryl and said, “Conwell’s bodyguard.” Continuing before anyone could say anything, Alexander said, “You also encountered someone else after following her didn’t you? Please point that person out.” Pointing at Conwell with a smug grin, Grey said, “Conwell.” Pressing a button on the sound recorder, Alexander placed it on the table and from it came Conwell’s voice, saying, “My, my, if it isn’t Grey! It’s been a long time…”

Reviews

[Ryan Henderson]

Particularly loved this part:

The Council looked at him strangely as he casually pulled a detective hat and a toy pipe from his pockets and put them on. Blowing bubbles from the pipe, Alexander said, “Just suiting up…” As Grey and the others suppressed their laughter, Felix muttered, “Moving on…”

Also this part:

Pointing at Conwell with a smug grin, Grey said, “Conwell.” Grey was smug to the smug kissass. Well played Grey, well played...

The chapter's flow was amazing as usual, the trial that is just getting started promises to be very, very tense yet also funny (foreshadowed by alexander's toy pipe and detective hat :P)

The dialogue in the chapter was very believable. You made Conwell as smug as ever here, the royalty used speech that was advanced and used big words. Felix was the no-nonsense guy, as well as the other characters in the scene were very well done. the end of the chapter foreshadowed the tables being turned on poor (okay, maybe not so poor) Conwell. I can't wait to read the next chapter but I'm out of time for tonight. The trial scene promises to be awesome! Mythra's memory diary proved to be a vital piece of evidence. Even Rufus helped out! As you said, Rufus Lenscap is Alexander's ace in the hole XD

As always, amazing chapter. The next one promises to be just so, if not, better. Can't wait!

~Ryan

[KeithKVH]

Thank you for the review, glad you like that first part you mentioned. XD

It shows one of Alexander's obscure traits you might see a few times in the series: His fashion sense. You see enough of it with the shades and overblown cape with noble clothes, then there was the gaudy suit, and now the detective get-up.

This is indeed just the first half of the trial, and the memory diary has not served much purpose at all actually since having Amy's collar removed was shot down. It's not over yet though, as you said things are moving out of Conwell's favor thanks to Rufus.