WEEK 8 - The Trial of Le-a HiveQueen

"Call to Order
Call to Order
Director Kal Marx will be presiding over the arbitration of this case.
The Temporal Empire has declared a breach of territory.
The Iron Republic has confirmed it.
The following charges are on the docket.

1 count of tresspassing

1 count of kidnapping

1 count of mass murder

1 count of attacking civilians without violent provocation

1 count of gross negligence in the breaking of a treaty

1 count of conspiracy to cover up a treaty breach

The Board of Directors and HiveQueen council is watching and they will decide the fate of Le-a HiveQueen."

And after stating that, the Mekanoid Bailiff moved across the large boardroom activating the broadcasting device that would allow each of the witnesses to speak.

The first witness, a young man, who seemed a bit agitated but wore a nice suit with the symbol of the Temporal Empire on his blue arm band.

Cecil Hornbow was uncomfortable to be in an IR court. He truly worried the Brethren soldiers would gun him down for no good reason.

Cecil had lived with the Da'uhnb a long time. Now he represented their interests when dealing with Earthers.

"Director, the Temporal Empire has submitted evidence of the attack. When interviewed by a officer of the law Le-a freely admitted she attacked the vessel in Free Systems space.
There are also transcripts of the communications showing the ship said there were no Quall on board. Therefore this attack was aggregious."

"Le-a HiveQueen has also reserved the right to do so in the future."

Suddenly Cecil stopped. As if his ear bud was delivering a message to him.

"It has come to the attention of the Temporal Empire that Le-a HiveQueen has been pardoned by the Da'uhnb Queen," said Cecil, "the deathmark has been removed from her head. But she still did break IR Quall treaties. I ask that the punishment of Execution be removed, as the Temporal Empire does NOT request blood for blood."

He stepped away from the broadcasting device, and returned to his seat as Sector General Deer took the stand.

"Director Kal Marx, honored members of the court.

I am here to testify that Le-a HiveQueen never asked for my aid or advice before charging in to attack targets in Free System space.

I am also here to testify that if she would have contacted me I would have told her it stinks like old cheese in a rat trap.

You don't burn a Koran, you don't threaten to wipe out the Quall. Anyone who did so is retarded and deserve what they get.

My testimony is that Le-a should be fined for tresspassing and nothing more.
She had been a good supporter of the IR and its time we did right by her.

And now she has learned her lesson. I think she will be more careful in the future."

Having made his statement Sector General Deer, left the room, wondering why he was spending as much time cleaning up after Quall Allies. When he reached his shuttle he found the message about the death of Ar'yay Hivequeen and her hive, and felt a ghost of emotion.

Meanwhile the trial continued and the holographic image of Su Maehl of Maehl Holdings was projected.
"Director Marx and members of the Iron Republic, I address this court as a citizen and business owner of the Free Systems. For the records, my name is Su Maehl, I am CEO of Maehl Holdings, am a citizen of the Free Systems and have visa clearance under the IRLC laws of 2219.

It was my communication with the members of the Iron Republic that led to this arbitration case being heard today. I am here to present evidence verifying the nature and extent of Le-a's Hive Queen, high ranking official of the Iron Republic military, breaches of conduct per the treaties between the Iron Republic and the Free Systems, as well as express to all parties the experience of this transgression from the perspective of the wronged party, the Free Systems citizens.

I first would like to present evidence. This evidence comes from the Free Systems 7th Armada. I present this evidence because, due to the nature of the Free Systems, it is imperative that no members of the actual hierarchy be known publicly. This evidence shows that Le-a's ships were queried upon entry into the vicinity, whereby she was requested to state the nature and intent of her action. Throughout the course of this conversation, Le-a specifically stated her intent to make overtures to the ship in question, to which she was advised her entry was unauthorized. The 7th Armada also advised her, correctly, that she was mistaken regarding the nature of the ship in question, which she and her associates summarily ignored and acted upon her own prerogative. This evidence, in conjunction with the evidence provided by the respectable Cecil Hornbow of the Temporal Empire, indicates that Le-a Hive Queen knowingly entered Free Systems territory without authority, clearance, and in violation of the treaties that bind our two nations in peace. The offending vessels were military in nature, and their actions hostile against Free Systems' targets. In turn, these actions indicate a breach in contract and treaty.

But there's more, Director Marx, to this breach of treaty, than a mere attack on our people. For years the Free Systems and the Iron Republic have had mutually beneficial agreements of non-aggression. When these policies were formalized over the centuries, the core of these treaties were trust. The Iron Republic has a fleet unlike any other in the universe, of which a mere 10 percent is needed to completely obliterate the Free Systems. But when the Free Systems and the Iron Republic entered into formal treaty, the trust that neither party would break this treaty is what ensure mutual peace between our territories. We trusted the Iron Republic would not attack, despite their overwhelming numbers. The Iron Republic respected our sovereignty, and the Free Systems would act accordingly. With the Treaty of 2219, whereby you, Director Marx, further cemented our mutually beneficial agreements, our two nations have been working closely together for the purpose of mutual economic growth and vibrancy.

As such, it was this trust between us that was shattered with the actions of Le-a Hive Queen. The Quall N'Drone and their Hive Queens are the elite of the elite in the Iron Republic military. For centuries it is known throughout the universe that they enforce the will and might of your great empire and corporation. In fact, per our knowledge, the only military officers that rank higher than a Hive Queen are Sector Generals and Fleetmasters. Therefore, when a Hive Queen of stature and military rank, accompanied by a full compliment of war vessels, enters the Free Systems without regard for protocol, it especially violates the trust that holds our two nations together. After all, if a Hive Queen can't maintain our mutual agreements, who's to say that any of lesser Iron Republic officers will?

Trust is pillar of all relationships. We slept well for years knowing that the Iron Republic lived by its word and would not attack us while we slept. This trust has been broken, and we of the Free Systems humbly request action that will repair this breach. This arbitration is an important first step. Hearing that neither the Sector Generals, nor the Fleetmasters, nor the Board of Directors authorized this action is important to us, and me especially. I can trust that when you say you will not attack my ships as they enter your territory. In addition, the bare minimum that must be provided for the sake of justice, is reparations for those adversely impacted by the actions of Le-a Hive Queen. Those reparations, however, do not constitute repair of broken trust. Money, to a multi-trillion credit an hour corporation, is not a significant enough action that will signify to your lesser military officers that this form of behavior is not and will not be tolerated. Reparations will not signify to me or my peers that you, the Iron Republic, have every intention in the future to uphold, in its entirety, the treaties between our two nations and keep your lesser ranked officials in alignment and under control.

If trust is to be given again, Director Marx, actions must be taken against Le-a Hive Queen to ensure that she, or any other ranked official of the Iron Republic, will not act so recklessly again. Actions, in no particular order, such as publicly being stripped of rank and/or demoted, dishonorable discharge, incarceration, public flogging and/or beating (such as in the case of President Ragman when he acted in a similar fashion against the Iron Republic), expulsion from the Polar Expanse, or some other definitive gesture of castigation is required for this purpose. We, of the Free Systems, do not demand any specific action or any particular penalty, only that action is taken to demonstrate the commitment of the Iron Republic to maintain the treaties between us. Let your decision and action be public, and may your words and actions echo your stated desires to maintain the positive relationship between us.

I thank you all for allowing me the opportunity to speak as an interested party on behalf of my employees and peers throughout the Free Systems. We anxiously await the results of your judgement.

Director Marx and members of the Iron Republic, I address this court as a citizen and business owner of the Free Systems. For the records, my name is Su Maehl, I am CEO of Maehl Holdings, am a citizen of the Free Systems and have visa clearance under the IRLC laws of 2219.

It was my communication with the members of the Iron Republic that led to this arbitration case being heard today. I am here to present evidence verifying the nature and extent of Le-a's Hive Queen, high ranking official of the Iron Republic military, breaches of conduct per the treaties between the Iron Republic and the Free Systems, as well as express to all parties the experience of this transgression from the perspective of the wronged party, the Free Systems citizens.

I first would like to present evidence. This evidence comes from the Free Systems 7th Armada. I present this evidence because, due to the nature of the Free Systems, it is imperative that no members of the actual hierarchy be known publicly. This evidence shows that Le-a's ships were queried upon entry into the vicinity, whereby she was requested to state the nature and intent of her action. Throughout the course of this conversation, Le-a specifically stated her intent to make overtures to the ship in question, to which she was advised her entry was unauthorized. The 7th Armada also advised her, correctly, that she was mistaken regarding the nature of the ship in question, which she and her associates summarily ignored and acted upon her own prerogative. This evidence, in conjunction with the evidence provided by the respectable Cecil Hornbow of the Temporal Empire, indicates that Le-a Hive Queen knowingly entered Free Systems territory without authority, clearance, and in violation of the treaties that bind our two nations in peace. The offending vessels were military in nature, and their actions hostile against Free Systems' targets. In turn, these actions indicate a breach in contract and treaty.

But there's more, Director Marx, to this breach of treaty, than a mere attack on our people. For years the Free Systems and the Iron Republic have had mutually beneficial agreements of non-aggression. When these policies were formalized over the centuries, the core of these treaties were trust. The Iron Republic has a fleet unlike any other in the universe, of which a mere 10 percent is needed to completely obliterate the Free Systems. But when the Free Systems and the Iron Republic entered into formal treaty, the trust that neither party would break this treaty is what ensure mutual peace between our territories. We trusted the Iron Republic would not attack, despite their overwhelming numbers. The Iron Republic respected our sovereignty, and the Free Systems would act accordingly. With the Treaty of 2219, whereby you, Director Marx, further cemented our mutually beneficial agreements, our two nations have been working closely together for the purpose of mutual economic growth and vibrancy.

As such, it was this trust between us that was shattered with the actions of Le-a Hive Queen. The Quall N'Drone and their Hive Queens are the elite of the elite in the Iron Republic military. For centuries it is known throughout the universe that they enforce the will and might of your great empire and corporation. In fact, per our knowledge, the only military officers that rank higher than a Hive Queen are Sector Generals and Fleetmasters. Therefore, when a Hive Queen of stature and military rank, accompanied by a full compliment of war vessels, enters the Free Systems without regard for protocol, it especially violates the trust that holds our two nations together. After all, if a Hive Queen can't maintain our mutual agreements, who's to say that any of lesser Iron Republic officers will?

Trust is pillar of all relationships. We slept well for years knowing that the Iron Republic lived by its word and would not attack us while we slept. This trust has been broken, and we of the Free Systems humbly request action that will repair this breach. This arbitration is an important first step. Hearing that neither the Sector Generals, nor the Fleetmasters, nor the Board of Directors authorized this action is important to us, and me especially. I can trust that when you say you will not attack my ships as they enter your territory. In addition, the bare minimum that must be provided for the sake of justice, is reparations for those adversely impacted by the actions of Le-a Hive Queen. Those reparations, however, do not constitute repair of broken trust. Money, to a multi-trillion credit an hour corporation, is not a significant enough action that will signify to your lesser military officers that this form of behavior is not and will not be tolerated. Reparations will not signify to me or my peers that you, the Iron Republic, have every intention in the future to uphold, in its entirety, the treaties between our two nations and keep your lesser ranked officials in alignment and under control.

If trust is to be given again, Director Marx, actions must be taken against Le-a Hive Queen to ensure that she, or any other ranked official of the Iron Republic, will not act so recklessly again. Actions, in no particular order, such as publicly being stripped of rank and/or demoted, dishonorable discharge, incarceration, public flogging and/or beating (such as in the case of President Ragman when he acted in a similar fashion against the Iron Republic), expulsion from the Polar Expanse, or some other definitive gesture of castigation is required for this purpose. We, of the Free Systems, do not demand any specific action or any particular penalty, only that action is taken to demonstrate the commitment of the Iron Republic to maintain the treaties between us. Let your decision and action be public, and may your words and actions echo your stated desires to maintain the positive relationship between us.

I thank you all for allowing me the opportunity to speak as an interested party on behalf of my employees and peers throughout the Free Systems. We anxiously await the results of your judgement."

"

The next witness was broadcasting via a Nanite Transmitter. A swirling globe of microscopic robots formed into an exact image of Sector General Palomedes.

"Honored members of the Iron Republic, and our honored guests.
Trials are about finding truth not about punishing to punish.

I declare I have proof of a conspiracy to confused and frame Le-a HiveQueen.

Here is proof that Rogue and criminal elements creating rebellion against the HiveQueens, contributed to this violence.

Witnesses aboard the rogue Quall Vessel reported the following

her ship did indeed show up after the initial transmission went out and I sent out no transmissions to her during the battle. Her ships are still coded with the IR and that can show that she received no transmissions from me during the battle. She believed that there were people on those ships getting ready to unleash a bio weapon against her people and rushed there to stop it. Most would do the same in her position. I didn't inform her otherwise because I didn't even know she would be there, I made no plans with her previously about it. I saw a possible threat and I acted on it. I did suspect a trap but I figured better to be safe then sorry. I don't take kindly to threats of genocide.

The She being referred to is Le-a HiveQueen. The rogue agents involved were killed during a Da'uhnb attack. Therefore the Real Criminals are currently dead and punished.

Le-a's real crime was falling for a plot by the criminals. "

Then the feed ended and the ball of nanites returned to resembling a small globe of silvery liquid metal.

Then Le-a took the stand, denying everything that Palomedes just testified to.

"We all know what happened here I showed up while the attack was happening and I admit I was reacting rashly but after my experiences with so many of my Quall being killed by the frost generators how could I not react rashly? How could I let another mass genocidal weapon out? If I could save another Hive queen the torment I suffered how could I not come to her aid? If the court wants I can have my memories downloaded just after the events after the frost generators attack so that the revered Director can fully understand where I coming from. I know what I did was wrong now and will be willing to pay reparations to the Temporal Empire."

This left everyone in silence, and Le-a could see the look of anger on Mr. Hornbow's face.
The mekanoid bailiff sensed the tension immediately bringing the next speaker forward.

"Esteemed Colleagues, Honored members of the Iron Republic, and Representatives of the Conflicting Parties, I address you in defense of the Quall. This is hardly a matter of triviality seeing as how this is something on a larger scale. What is apparent is that Hive Queen Le-a and Hive Queen Ar'yay jumped the gun on this matter merely out of fear for their own people.

While protocol is there to dictate what to do in these types of situations, sometimes that mess of red tape gets in the way and not always for the better. What we know is that the transmission was merely the work of a 'reality tv show' but as shown by the events, the Quall did not know that. While some could take this and attempt to be witty by saying that the Quall hide behind that as a poor excuse, let us look at the Quall's Culture.

It is vastly different than that of our own and while some say they should know the difference between reality and make-believe, we must also remember that they are not Earther/Mankind, they are not human. An example, if anyone were to take a ship and venture to the backwater 'Penal Colony', they would see a vastly different culture, even with those whom call themselves Earthers. It is almost as if they have been taken back to the 17th Century of the Common Era on Earth, albeit with some improvements, but nothing that we'd consider civilized.

Also, the Quall have their own enemies in this day and age, and those enemies are not of the Iron Republic. With frost generators, rampant fungi, all factions besides the IR, and the Nuclear holocaust, which may I remind you is not the first, the Quall are set upon rather viciously.
With the turn of events that have caused so much destruction, the rumored Fleets of Fate being upon the fringe of our reality, and the E-Strain, this is not a time to be in turmoil amongst ourselves.

I, Orleos Sacrenine, advise that Hive Queen Le-a be made to pay reparations unto the Temporal Empire, a fine for breaching the Treaty on IR Grounds, and not be Banished from the IR, but be put on a probationary period, where if Le-a is not found to be in breach of any protocols, save those inflicted upon her by outside influences, she will be allowed to continue as such. However, should she be found again in any breach, save the conditions mentioned, she should be stripped of rank, banished, her holdings withdrawn, and never to return to IR space upon pain of death. Let the Iron Republic not lose one of it's high ranking members, lest it strength falter. Thank you."

With all the statements made, Director Kal Marx read through the transcripts one last time, and said,
"Thank you diligent witnesses for your statements. I, Director Kal Marx appreciate your time.

While it will be the Board of Directors and the Quall HiveQueens final decision, my opinion will help inform that.

From the evidence at hand, Le-a HiveQueen did commit the crimes of tresspassing with intent to do violence without regards to the protocols of our mutual treaties.

The Quall HiveQueens serve an honored place in Iron Republic society. But that honored place does not put them above the law. If anything it makes them the necessary enforcers of that law, just as a civilian Stockholder or military Sector General is.

If they ignore our mutual treaties and then why would their subordinates enforce our mutual treaties.

I will suggest to the Board that Le-as punishments be this:

Personally placed on probation. For the next six months she may personally not step foot in Iron Republic space. She may retain her holdings but must command them from Kyrpos not our dimension. If in six months she has proven she and her servants all follow the laws of the Iron Republic then she can regain her right to travel freely through IR space.

During this six months she will need to pay reparations but not money. 10% of all her holdings in IR space must produce medical equipment and medical supplies which will be checked and then shipped to the Free Systems poorest planets.

Lastly she must make a public apology which will be broadcast on the free systems only telling our Da'uhnb neighbors she will respect their sovereignty in the future.

Unless anyone has any additional evidence to add?
As I thought. It is time for the Directors and the HiveQueen council to decide her fate."


The Director left the room. Le-a HiveQueen waited for two hours as the Board discussed, disagreed and decided.

Finally the Mekanoid Bailiff asked everyone to sit, and Director Kal Marx returned.

He stood up and said, "The powers that be have decided that Le-a HiveQueen will not be allowed to leave the dimension of Kyrpos for six months while she is formally educated in all treaties of the IR & Quall alliance.
During that time, she may send representatives into IR Space, and may rule her holdings in this dimension from her home dimension.
On her behalf the Iron Republic will pay reparations to the families of ALL people harmed in this intrusion.
If Le-a HiveQueen personally steps foot outside of Kyrpos for six months, she will be stripped of all holdings.

The Hive Queen Council has reassigned her to the Quall Biological Growth Project. Yes, Le-a HiveQueen, you heard me correctly, you have been assigned to a nuclear wasteland overgrown with deadly fungus.

This should be a lesson to all IR Military and Civilian representatives. Breaking our treaties will result in immediate action, decisive action. If the perpetrator had been a human being they would have been spaced for this crime. But Ardana HiveQueen and Quoa HiveQueen have demanded clemency and offered this option instead."

Secretly in her own head Le-a laughed, after all her new holdings on Kyrpos had been a gift from the HiveQueen's Council before the Trial even started. They must have convinced the Board this was some sort of punishment, and the foolish humans believed it. Let them believe it, Le-a thought, as she walked into an Energy Bridge back to Kyrpos.

Already word had spread about the punishment the Da'uhnb brought on Ar'yay HiveQueen, and Le-a realized the treaties had saved her from a horrible, horrible fate. Now she would learn, now she would be more cunning than her enemies. Because that was the only way she and her Hive could hope to survive.

Rewards

All Players who acted as witnesses in this trial gains 250,000 ghaz as a public speaking stipend.

Orleos Sacrenine gains, Le-a Owes you one : Owes a favor to Orleos Sacrenine who spoke on her behalf.

Le-a Gains HiveQueen in charge of the QBG Project
Gains a bonus 1.5 Million population boost, +50% Industry and +20% Research to holdings on Kyrpos with Elite defense.


F.KalMarx gains A Chance to Gather the Stockholders about the Recent Quall disturbances
Allows F.KalMarx to call all Stockholders and Directors into single meeting on Mars only.
Single Use benefit

Temporal Empire and Maehl Holdings gain the Defended by Treaties
If attacked by Quall N'drone or Agents from a Hive Queen, they may use this one time bonus to avoid all damage to their holdings.