Shipwrecked - Chapter 154: Defending the Indefensible (nosex)

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Chapter 154: Defending the Indefensible

There had been many surreal moments on Phoenix over the three plus years I'd been on the island. Watching Keekah bash the gun-wielding man over the head and killing him. The floating bodies. Fires on the horizon. So many times, the events in front of me didn't connect in the moment, as if my mind was still somewhat stuck in the past, unable to believe what I was seeing in the present.

Certainly on that list was what occurred on the morning of December 19th. I stood on the shore with Kate and Ekoh, the others back in the camp in positions. The luxury yacht was anchored in a spot which would be difficult to navigate away from. An older white man and woman, wearing bahama-style shirts and shorts were seated in a dingy, a young black man behind them steering the motor as they pressed towards us on shore.

The woman held a parasol over her head despite the drag from the air whooshing past. It was comical to see her try to keep under the shade as the curved fabric bent and twirled and turned inside out. The man held tight to his thick cigar, puffing on it regularly and exhaling a big burst of grey smoke which was quickly lost in the humid air.

Ekoh had spotted reflected light on the horizon just as dawn broke that morning. We'd rushed into positions, readying ourselves for a fight. As the boat grew closer, it was clear it was not a military vessel. The yacht was high and sleek, painted a combination of tropical orange and something close to pineapple yellow. Using the binoculars, I could see a man standing forward on the bow, peering out towards the island. Even from that distance, I could see his cigar.

We waited until the yacht got closer before I stepped out, alone, to try to slow them down. The boat was headed directly into one of the treacherous oyster shoals barely under the water some distance out. Those on the boat ignored me, plowing through and somehow avoiding grinding the hull on the sharp shells.

They dropped anchor close in. The man had gone back out of sight just before, and my ears were met with the tinny sound of a male voice through an onboard speaker being blasted in my direction. “Ho there, good ser! We are travelers from afar. We request a chance to dine with you and refuel and refit. Would you point us to your dock?” The man's accent suggested Britain or one of its previous colonies.

I stood motionless, my semi-automatic rifle held in the same careful grip I'd practiced over the months. I said nothing, choosing to watch instead.

“I say,” the speaker blared with a slight reverb, “do put away that ruddy gun. We mean no harm.”

When I still didn't respond, the man continued. “It is but my wife and I, along with my servants. We can offer you a tribute?” he added in the cadence of a question. “An offering? A docking fee?”

I made a gesture which suggested the man come to shore, but my grip on the rifle did not change.

“Very well,” the man responded and the speaker buzz cut out. I wasn't sure whether that mean, Very well, we're coming ashore, or Very well, I'll respond in kind.

So I stood there, the surreal image of this couple being brought to shore as if Phoenix was a remote luxury vacation spot, and waited with my hands on the rifle, holding it tight and ready to bring up quickly. They didn't look threatening and I saw no weapons, and that's why I said nothing when Kate and Ekoh walked over from the outpost to stand nearby. They, too, held weapons close.

The boat hit the sand and the man took a step out as if he owned the place, chest puffed out, dock shoes covering his feet, large, brown sunglasses over his eyes. The man stumbled when the boat shifted just as he tried to step off and he planted himself, face-first, on the wet sand. His cigar was unceremoniously crushed beneath his chin.

The man's arms and legs moved slowly but erratically as he attempted to right himself, eventually coming to his feet while trying to brush the wet sand from his tropical clothing. After a moment, he puffed up again and continued towards my position.

The woman, assumedly his wife, was being carefully hand held by the dark-skinned young man as she stepped off the boat. Once on the ground, she waited while the man retrieved several bags and her parasol, the latter of which she smoothed out and returned over her head for shade.

The man stopped a few yards from me and said, “Put away your gun, ser, for I am not so armed.”

“What brings you here?” I asked directly.

The man studied me a moment, his cheeks reddened and the sandy remains still coating parts of his face. “I was unaware that I needed to provide anyone with my reasons for existing.”

“If you expect hospitality, you best check your attitude, mister,” I told him coldly. “You wouldn't be the first person in this place put down for... rude behavior.”

His eyes narrowed. The woman stopped her approach a few yards back from him and waited, her eyes cast down and unmoving. The man glanced back towards our camp. I knew the others were still carefully concealed there, and I wondered if the man was weighing the threat to him. I thought it was rather silly, really. I had all the power in my hands that was needed to deal with him.

“You fancy you own this place, I take it?” The man said, slowly opening his hands what I took as a mock display of humility.

“Something like that. Why are you here? Who are you?”

He straightened himself and replied, “I am Dunston Nicolas Trickelbank the Fourth, owner of the world's most exquisite emerald mines and distant relative of the Queen of England.”

“I'm Kal,” I said without offering more. “What brings you here?”

“Travel. Adventure. My wife and I have been enjoying the Spring months on holiday all over the Pacific. Your little... rustic... place caught our eye this morning. We thought we might stop over for a spot of tea and whatever services are on offer.”

“You have to be joking,” Kate muttered.

I eyed Dunston a moment, “You do realize there's a war on, right?”

The man threw back his head and laughed, “Oh, dear boy, I swear you people don't know how to tell lies from reality. The war was over years ago. Now there is so much left to enjoy and so few people to enjoy it that I must insist on taking whatever advantages there are in living still.”

“Over?” I said with a skeptical tone. “The War's not over. Not by a long shot. There are active engagements within a few days of here. People are still dying.”

“Peasants, maybe. Backwards sorts,” he said as his eyes swept over Ekoh. “Civilized folk have returned to our lives.”

“Returned to your lives?” Kate exclaimed. “How? Everything we've learned says almost everyone is dead. And that fighting goes on. And the bugs! They are still around.”

The man shook his head. “Like children,” he muttered. “Perhaps you lowly sorts worry about such things, but those of us who know better are enjoying this new, wide open world. There is much still to claim. Besides,” he added, “we've seen no fighting. Each port of call has been... different, but they all serve as expected. We are the new royalty, you see. I expect that when we offer you payment of some sort, you'll do the same.”

I nearly shouted at the man to leave and leave quickly, but I was no fool. I knew enough about the world, at least as it was near Phoenix, to not turn down an opportunity for something of value for future bartering. I heard Kate inhale her breath and I raised my hand to quiet the angry response to come, words I'm sure would have sounded much like the ones which I'd formed in my head. “We have no fuel for sale, few supplies. We can offer you baths, simple fresh food, and little else.”

“No fuel, you say?” Dunston scratched his chin. “No worries. We will make do. Have your servant help my boy with my things.” Before I could let fly the angry reaction I had to his referring to Ekoh as a servant, the man added, “Come, Felicity dear. This man... Kal... will lead us to our rooms.” The woman's eyes remained downcast. As she stepped towards her husband, it was clear that she was much younger than Dunston. Her age lines were premature, but her eyes, her mouth, suggested a woman in her early-to-mid forties, easily twenty years her husband's junior. She didn't look at me as she joined him.

I turned to Ekoh and before I could say anything he said quietly, “I heard him, Kal. We need whatever he's going to offer us. I'll play the servant for now. Don't worry.”

I pushed down my response. I'd been about to object, but Ekoh was willing to play along to ensure we got something from this asshole. Something of value. I wondered just how far this guy could push before things turned ugly. Disgusted, I glanced to Kate and she saw my intent, hustling back to the main camp to let the others know what was going on.

The man's eyes followed Kate's naked form closely, his lips wetted with his thin tongue. He glanced at me when Kate disappeared into the common shelter. “Say, what sort of resort are you running here, ser? Your parts are all on display for the eyes. My wife, she has... delicacies... about such issues.” As if on cue, Felicity blushed and clearly tried to withdraw into her clothing.

“This is no resort, Mr. Trickelbank, but we'll see you fed and cared for as we can.” As we started to walk back towards the camp, I got right to the point. “You mentioned payment. What do you offer?”

“Oh, Pounds of course.”

“Pounds. British pounds?”

“The only currency worth owning.”

“Not here,” I shot back. “We don't take pounds.”

“Don't take pounds?” he said, eying me carefully, “the other natives had no problem... oh, I see... You are no savage, uh... Kal. You and I... we can discuss other arrangements. They wouldn't understand, of course,” he added, nodding towards where Manu, Popko, and Takino had come out to stand near the fire pit, still holding firearms. “Ruddy savages. I don't know how you live among them. I have no choice with the three onboard the Humble Beginnings, but how else would would my shirts get clean and my sup get cooked?” He laughed like it was the grandest joke he'd ever told. His wife looked down as she walked and didn't react.

I chose to ignore the man. It had taken no more than five minutes to know enough about him to decide I hated him and everything he stood for. It really wouldn't take much for this situation to become dangerous.

Dangerous for him.

I stopped and turned towards the man. His wife stopped with him but a couple of feet behind.

“I will make one thing very clear, Mr. Trickelbank. There are no masters and servants here. We are equals. Human beings who survive as we can. If you make one more offensive comment about those here, my own family, you'll be returned to your boat in worse shape than you arrived. Do you understand me, Mr. Trickelbank?”

He stared at me as if he was working on a bitter comeback. Instead, he smiled and laughed again. “You do play the part, ser. Fine. We'll play along.” He glanced up at the sun briefly then back at me. “This place is rather hot today. My wife and I could use a cold drink. Something with rum, I think, yes dear?”

Felicity nodded meekly and said nothing. It was then that I noticed the small bruise near her ear, hidden partially by her hair and the shade. It was angry and purple. Perhaps there was an innocent explanation. To say I had my doubts would be an understatement.

“Cold drinks you'll have to provide yourself. We have no electricity. No refrigerators. No ice.”

“No electricity!” Dunston exclaimed. “Surely you have generators!”

“None. You'll have to make do with whatever your Humble Beginnings can provide if you want a cold drink. We can spare a little alcohol, if you would like, but things are modest here. We have little we can share and that, only for a price. In fact,” I said, leaning forward a bit and looking at the man with just enough menace to make it clear that I was unwilling to stall any longer. “Let's discuss how you plan to pay for our... services.”

“Yes, yes, all in good time.”

“Now is a good time.” I said, slowly moving my rifle in such a way as to back up the implied threat.

“No need to be half-cocked, ser. Sebastian!” he shouted over his shoulder. “Bring my pack!”

The young black man was walking up with Ekoh at his side, several large, heavy bags being carried along with a few small ones over shoulders. Sebastian came forward, setting some of the bigger bags on the sand.

Dunston's hand shot out and smacked the dark-skinned man across the face. “You're soiling my things, you dimwitted moron!”

He cocked his arm again and on his downward motion, I caught his wrist. The surprise in his eyes was worth the effort. I told him, “Not again. Not here. This is my island. Our island. You will not strike this man again.”

“He is mine.”

“Oh? What, like a slave?”

The man blustered a moment before finally blurting out, “My servant!”

“You will not treat this man as any less than an equal. He is not beneath you.”

I saw the fight in Dunston's eyes. He wasn't used to having anyone stand up to him. A battle was fought in his mind for the next words, knowing they would determine how I, how we, reacted to his visit.

He chose poorly.

“I own this man and will do with him as I please.”

“Wrong answer,” I spat. “Ekoh, please take Sebastian into a shelter and get him a drink and some food if he is hungry. I'll be in shortly. Kate!” I yelled towards the fire pit. “Please take Felicity inside as well. I wish to have a private talk with Mr. Trickelbank.”

The man fought for words, so angry I swore I saw spittle. I noticed there were two more dark-skinned faces watching from the bow of the man's boat, both seemed to be female. Ekoh and Sebastian went inside and Felicity put up no resistance when Kate took her arm. Dunston stood steaming, fuming with rage. “How dare you!”

“I think you're an asshole.”

“Wh-what? What gives you the—“

“No, I take that back,” I said, shaking my head, “I know you're an asshole. And you are no longer welcome on this island.”

“This is the worst, the most horrendous, the most cowardly, the worst—” Spittle was definitely coming out of his mouth as he sputtered an attempted insult.

I continued, ignoring his rage, “And those who wish to stay here will stay here. Without you.”

It was a gut instinct. The way he'd treated Sebastian. The bruise on Felicity's cheek. This man was a monster, and even though I'd not discussed it with my Vice or with the Council, hadn't planned for it with Gale, I knew we had no choice but to offer sanctuary to any of those who wished to get away from this abuser.

Dunston fumed a moment. “Coward. That's what you are. Clearly, you ran from the fighting, didn't you? Ran away and found some savages who didn't know about you. I see through you,” he spit, “I see everything about you.”

“Funny. I was just thinking the same about you. What story is Felicity going to tell me about that bruise on her cheek?”

“That was nothing! An accident! And none of your feckin' business you feckin' coward!”

“Is she really your wife? Where'd you steal her? What horrors have you visited upon her?”

“This is not your business, feckin' savage!”

“Oh, but it is my business,” I said as calmly as possible, which is to say, not very calmly, “the moment you dropped anchor at my shore. The first step you took on my sand. This became my business. In fact,” I turned back to the fire pit, “Popko! Takino! Your help a moment, please.”

The two rushed up and before Dunston could move, I told them, “Take this man into custody on suspicion of battery and slavery.”

“Wh-what?! This is an outrage! I am a royal cousin! I am beyond your reach you feckin' savages.” He attempted to struggle free but the strength of Popko and Takino was more than enough to restrain the relatively weak older man.

“And gag him.”

I enjoyed giving that order.

Manu rushed up with a cloth rag and tied it around the man's mouth, cutting off a stream of expletives and insults. He still tried to scream through the fabric, but at least his nonsense was muted.

“Where shall we put him?” Popko asked, holding the man tightly.

“Manu, get some rope for his arms and legs. Once he's tied up, tie him to the big tree, away from the fire pit. I don't want him able to stand up or move around. When you are done, I want all hands in the common room.”

- - -

My suspicious were right on the nose. Kate had quickly gotten the story out of a broken-down Felicity. Two months previous, the woman had essentially been sold from an island somewhere far to the West where she'd been living with her aging parents as missionaries. The elders of the village apparently approved of whatever offer Dunston had put forth and then forced her to take part in a sham marriage to the man before sending them on their way. Dunston raped her nightly and hit her for no reason at all. I was so furious by that point I had only one thing to say.

“We must execute him.”

“Kal,” Bailey cautioned me, “I know this is scary and very serious, but we can't do things that way...”

“He raped her, Bailey. He bought her as a slave and raped her.”

Amy said, “If he did it, I agree...”

“If he did it...?”

“Should we not attempt some sort of fair trial?”

“He is not a Phoenician.”

“Does that matter?”

It was a difficult question. The formal formulation of our island nation didn't have much to say about those not from here or attempting to immigrate to Phoenix. Were we bound to treat an outsider as we treat our own? A big part of me thought we should not hold others to such protections, and yet, if we were to maintain any semblance of moral high ground, we must at least attempt to do so.

I nodded slowly. “Then we'll hold a trial. It will be one's word against another. We have little more to go on, I suspect.”

“We should search the boat,” Kate suggested.

“Agreed,” Bailey said, “I'll go.”

“Me as well,” Takino offered.

“Go then. Try not to disturb anything of interest before others can examine things. Bring back valuables and any food you find. And be kind to the others on the boat, allow them to come ashore freely, but also see if they can offer their views of this man.”

“Others?” Bailey asked.

“There are at least two more people on the boat. I saw them earlier.”

“Okay. We'll go now.” Bailey headed out of the common room, Takino on her heels.

“Amy, the Council has not yet worked out what to do for dealing with criminal trials. I need guidance here, and I'm going to need Tok here in person I think. I need a volunteer to go get him. I don't want to wait until this evening's check-in call.”

“I'll go,” Mie and Poln said in unison.

“Good. You two pack what you need and head out immediately. Stay North and help there until you are recalled. Brief Hakee on what's going on. Send Tok immediately.”

“Okay,” Mie said.

“Good luck and fast travels.”

They leapt towards a passage to one of the shelters and disappeared.

“Kate, please ensure Felicity is comfortable and get her whatever she needs. Ekoh, please do the same for Sebastian. I'd like to talk to each of them with the Council when all have arrived.”

“It might be hard for Felicity to talk, Kal,” Kate said carefully, “she was distraught at giving me the basics.”

“Understood. We don't need to rush her. Perhaps, if she doesn't wish to talk to all of us, she might be willing to let you take her testimony. I don't expect her to talk about the details in front of others if she cannot.”

Kate nodded and left the room. Ekoh did the same to go visit Sebastian.

“Popko, go join Bailey and help get the other crew members back here and comfortable. Manu, if you would do us all a big favor and dish out meals from breakfast, including the newcomers, I know everyone must be hungry. Don't bother feeding the asshole.”

Manu chortled then moved outside.

That left me with Amy, Keekah, and the young ones.

“What a day...” Amy said quietly.

“And it's not over yet.”

She eyed me a moment, then asked, “I thought you told me months ago that you were against capital punishment.”

“I was.”

“And now you're not?”

I shrugged. “Let me cool off a bit, I suppose. If he took slaves and raped... I can't imagine anyone more worthy of being put to death.”

“I agree... I just don't know that I am comfortable with us killing someone...”

I said no more, trying to sort out my thoughts. Keekah stood and offered me a cup of coffee which had been brewing over the small fire within the shelter, and I took it eagerly, sipping the scalding liquid as if it could somehow cool down the fire burning inside me.

- - -

There were two main ideas spinning in my head as Tok took a seat near me in the common room a few hours later. First, I had concerns about Felicity and her well being. I worried about what she'd gone through. The trauma, the anger, the pain. It was still fresh, still a very open wound. I didn't know how ready we were to help her. But I knew we'd certainly do everything we could to support the woman and give her the chance to heal.

Second, I realized that this moment was a precedent-setting event in our society. We'd never before needed to deal with anything serious. No crimes to speak of, no trials, no judgements so serious. We'd managed to get along, to pull together, and to avoid the worst social ills. Yet, among us now was a stranger who, I believe evidence would show, was a monster. Evil in the general sense of that word. How we decided to handle this situation, how to determine guilt, how to proceed after the verdict, would establish in our community standards we must be able to look back at and judge as fair. Just. Reasonable. This was not going to be an easy day.

I brought Tok up to speed with what we knew so far. Felicity was resting in the shelter Nina and Hakee shared with both in the North, allowing her privacy. She had been willing to tell Kate, in detail, her story, from how she came to first meet the man who bought her to the things he did to her on the boat. It was a horrifying story to hear, and I could only imagine what it had been like for her to live through it. Kate had a hard time maintaining her composure as she took notes during their conversation, and there were tears in her eyes when she'd briefed me and Manu before Tok's arrival.

When Kate had asked the woman what she thought would happen to the man, the bitter response was the same as the one I'd given earlier: he should be put to death so that he may never again harm another person. Felicity was hesitant to offer her testimony before others, so far only being able to open up to Kate. I knew there were future moments where this would make testimony difficult to judge as it would have been hearsay, but I'd asked Kate to read the woman the notes she'd taken and asked her to sign off on their accuracy. I thought that was good enough for the time being, though the full Council would need to consider the issue.

I'd spoken with Sebastian one-on-one and learned that Dunston had bought him, as well, one year earlier. He treated the young man like a slave. Just enough to eat to not starve. He determined where the man went and how he was to conduct himself. Sebastian was threatened often, hit with fists and canes and whatever else was nearby during many of the moments Dunston was drunk, though just as often as when he was sober. He used his cigar on Sebastian, and the young man showed me several circular burns on his arms and legs and shoulders. My hatred for the older British asshole was growing by the minute.

And Sebastian was a simple man, in the traditional usage of that word. Mentally, he was not caught up with his appearance, physically in his mid-20s. He seemed to have the vocabulary of a seven- or eight-year old, had difficulty voicing anything more than general descriptions of events, and likely, in the old world, would have been considered mentally challenged. He didn't know his age nor did he know when or where he was born. He thought his parents were possibly from Madagascar, or maybe it was Mexico. Something with an M, he believed. He was calm and gentle when I talked with him, but there was a nervousness underlying his every word, his every movement. I didn't know how much of that was the result of being slower than those around him, and how much of it was the past year spent in fear of the asshole who owned him.

Bailey had brought back the two women on board the Humble Beginnings, a tall, light-skinned black woman in her twenties named Ranice, and a shorter, slightly darker-skinned woman in her late teens named Abuella. It was not a surprise for each of them to detail stories which only made it more clear that Dunston was a monster. Like Sebastian, they had been sold to the man a year ago as servants. And like the simple young man, they were hit or slapped or beaten whenever Dunston felt like it. Though each said they were not subjected to the same sexual abuse as Felicity, they had had their privates exposed and they were ridiculed often. They were regularly locked on the boat whenever they were in port. The man's racism was overt on board the ship. Those of darker skin than Dunston's were informed, repeatedly, of their lessor nature, told that he was doing them a great favor by employing them. They were not paid, they said, though he did provide a decent amount of food and they had a small bunk each to sleep. Like Sebastian, they performed all the duties on board the ship: cleaning, cooking, repairing, cutting hair, shaving the man, even bathing him.

Dunston had tried to whore them out a few times to locals at a couple of island stops, but each woman was thankful that those listening to the offer refused. They still traded with him and many of the places they went treated the older white man as if he was good friend. I simply couldn't believe how others could see the things I'd seen that morning and treat that man as anything worthy of respect.

Bailey and Takino also brought back some interesting things from the boat. There was wealth there, though we suspected most of it was still held in a locked, oversized safe in the captain's quarters. A few British Pounds were in a sack, along with coins of several different nations. There were maps, some of which contained Phoenix, though not by that name. They were more detailed than the ones we had. They also found a guide book for touring the Pacific islands by boat, well worn and dogeared. A guidebook!

They found tools, kitchen and cleaning supplies, toiletries, a pretty decent amount of canned and long-store foodstuffs, including instant potatoes, tubs of butter and wheat flour, and slabs of cured bacon. There was a robust medical kit. A case carrying cigars and lighters. Dozens and dozens of bottles of alcohol. A variety of cocktail mixes. Clothing which mostly fit Dunston, though a few pretty dresses likely bought for Felicity, mostly third-hand ratty shirts and pants for the others. Cushy pillows and soft blankets.

Tea sets and gaudy porcelain place settings. Many pounds of several varieties of loose tea in glass jars. Sugar cubes. Gallons of canned milk. Honey. Molassas. Premium chocolates, the boxes still wrapped in silky ribbons and imprinted with the name of the chocolatier. Bulbs of garlic and large canisters of ginger root. Whole dried chili peppers. Bottles and sealed containers of spices too numerous to name. Sweetened cocoa. Vinegars and oils and extracts. Hard cheeses, some round and waxed red, others orange-rinded or yellow in a rectangle or wedge. Jars of caviar and tins of fish preserved in oil. Cans of lump crab and lobster. Sacks holding hard-rind melons and coconuts and pineapples and sweet potatoes. A large walk-in cooler was stuffed with oranges, pomegranates, limes, jackfruit, papaya, bananas, apples, and an assortment of other fruit we couldn't identify. There were jars of kimchi, brandied cherries, and blackberries soaking in rum.

The food found certainly suggested that Dunston was enjoying quite a decadent buffet, especially given how such things were surely wildly expensive and valuable for barter.

There was a collection of island iconographic statues and plaques and masks. A shiny ornamental sword. A few old books. Pornography. Lots of old magazines of explicit, often violent, pornography.

Restraints.

I felt chills when Bailey told me of those.

And a fucking Bible with bookmarks next to the man's bed.

The boat also had two fully-fueled jet skis mounted on the stern.

And one more thing worthy of mention: a small, dirty white cat. The timid creature was huddled, shivering, held in a small cage in the back of a storage compartment. Bailey had brought it in and within moments it started to mewl plaintively. She gave it some reconstituted milk and a bit of freshly cooked fish which the little furball devoured and was quickly pleading for more. "She's so tiny!" Bailey had said in a soft tone.

Kate had gone to check on Felicity and returned saying that the woman cried when she told her about the cat. We found out quickly that the kitten, whom she'd named 'Sanity,' had stowed away after a port visit a couple of weeks earlier and Felicity had tried to hide her from Dunston. When he found her, he'd tossed the cat off the deck into the waters as they travelled well out of sight of land. Only because Felicity jumped in to the rough seas to save her did the cat survive. Dunston told her that if he heard one peep out of the cat, he'd wring it's neck. It had been Felicity's only real friend on the boat, a companion she was so relieved to hold in her arms again while she rested in Nina's shelter.

We didn't find anything terribly relevant to the investigation, though. We still didn't know what was in the safe, but we'd get in there soon enough. Either we'd get the combination out of Dunston or we'd find a way to crack the lock. Outside of those unknown contents, we'd found no documents, no blood-stained clothing, no obvious proof of the charges of rape or slavery. We had only visible bruises and scares, and the testimony of those affected to work with.

Honestly, though, to my mind, it was more than enough. But it wasn't up to me to determine this man's fate.

The Council was our judiciary. I had some ability to ensure my view of things held weight, but it was really up to the three Elders to ensure our first trial was held as the precedent for our future selves. "So," I said after briefing Tok, Kate, and Manu, "that's what we know so far." Amy took notes to preserve our discussion for future examination.

There was a heavy silence in the room before Kate spoke up. "I propose we follow a very simple system on this. We three sit in judgement. Someone must act as prosecutor. Someone else in defense. Witnesses can offer testimony. Some may simply affirm written testimony."

"No cross-examination?" I asked, playing Devil's Advocate.

"In the United States, testimony could sometimes be offered in a trial without cross in certain circumstances. I think it is fair to say that Felicity's situation is one worthy of such consideration."

Manu replied, "I agree. I will trust the notes you transcribed and she affirmed as her honest testimony. If we need clarifications, we can solicit it."

Tok nodded and agreed.

"Who will act in this man's defense?" Kate asked.

A collective disinterested shrug seemed to shudder around me. The bile rose in my throat, and yet, I knew what I must do. "I'll do so."

"Kal," Kate said cautiously, "weren't you the one who, just this morning, suggested we execute this man?"

"I was."

"And why exactly should... should we trust you to provide a vigorous defense?"

"Because if we're going to potentially execute this man, I want to be fully convinced of it. I can think of no better way than to personally argue against his guilt. I promise to give it my fullest effort, though I admit I will not be willing to go so far as to challenge the testimony of Felicity in person. I don't think I could do that..."

"Perhaps someone else should be in this role," Manu suggested, "someone who would be willing to challenge her."

"See the humanity of this, Manu," Kate countered. "I'm not saying it isn't possible that she has lied, but we suspect we'll have corroborating stories about who she is, how she came to be on the boat, and the things heard and seen onboard. Even if every detail doesn't check out in her story, the basic charges are not impeached."

"I understand," Manu replied. "I worry, though, that we are creating an exception for Felicity, and for those in her situation, when we exclude her testimony from the usual rigor. I'm willing to make an exception this time since it seems her story appears factual, but I want it noted that this is not a precedent we set on this issue. We must revisit it in the future."

"Noted," Amy said as she scribbled.

"If you find someone you prefer to represent the accused, I will step aside," I affirmed. "I promise to do my best in his defense, but the truth is, if we are going to execute him, I will be the one to do it." When I felt objections about to be vocalized, I raised my hand and steadied my voice. "This is my decision. I will not ask another to lay down a man for me. If he is worthy of execution, it will be by my hand. That is why I must be so convinced it is the correct judgement, and the only way I can be convinced is if I provide him the best defense possible. Remember," I added looking at Tok, Manu, and Kate, "you three are judges. You must set aside your biases, your emotions, your first impressions. You must open this court room as if you are a Fair Witness like those in the novel Stranger in a Strange Land. If you don't know the role, it means putting aside all influences and judging the situation without bias or assumptions. You must be willing to let this man go free if you are not convinced by what follows in the trial. This will not be easy. But you must do it. And I must do my best to convince you he is not guilty."

- - -

"Why the feck should I trust you?" Dunston growled after I told him about his upcoming trial, only removing the gag after I'd finished talking.

"You are free to choose someone else."

"Like you feckers would defend me. Feckin' savages just want to put me down. You've no right!"

He was seated on the sand near the big tree just beyond the fire pit where the evening meal was being prepared. Only sips of water had been offered throughout the day. Whatever beliefs I had about humane treatment of suspects in custody didn't yet extend to giving the man food or a roof. He was still tied at the ankles and wrists and roped to the tree. I saw no reason to change that situation.

"I promise I'll do what I can to argue your side. But I will not do so if you wish to defend yourself."

Dunston spat in my direction. The wind caught his phleghm and cast it down to splash instead on his pale knee.

"You have an hour to think it over. You'll be summoned when the court is ready for you. You should know," I told him, "that the punishments being considered are... extreme."

"You'll feckin' kill me you feckin' savages? I knew you would. Feckin' savages."

I ignored his angry response. "I'll come to get you when it is time. You can decide whether you wish counsel or not."

- - -

It had been decided by the Council, after some consideration, to ask Ekoh to act as prosecutor. The man was good with words, despite the way he sometimes fumbled for the right phrasing. He was a shrewd negotiator by reputation, and he was fully aware of the charges and the evidence. He agreed to do his part in the trial. He and I avoided each other to prevent any possibility of undue influence or coordination.

Dunston was still defensive when I came to get him, but I saw fear in his eyes. "Have you made your decision? Do you wish to be your own counsel? Or will you accept mine? Or choose someone else?"

"Don't feckin' matter, now, do it? You're decided, you lot. You feckin' animals."

"Decide."

He stewed, chewing his lip. "I have done nothing wrong."

"Decide."

Dunston chewed again. Finally, he said, "You promise me something."

"What?"

"If you kill me, make it quick."

"Decide about your council." I was growing angrier by the minute.

He stared at me. "You fancy yourself a fair man, do you? Fancy yourself above everyone else?"

"Ironic questions coming from you," I responded.

"I'll take your counsel. I'll take it because those other savages would do me far worse if it was just me."

"That remains to be seen." I let out a long breath. "Tell me your story. You're charged with rape, enslavement, and battery. I think you know what has been said against you. Now give me a story I can tell with a straight face in front of the Council."

Dunston spat on the sand, then told me his side of things.

- - -

"The charges," Tok said in front of those gathered in the common room, "are rape, enslavement, and battery." Seated in the room were the three Elders, along the back wall, and everyone else not part of the trial was either sitting along a side or back wall, or like Ekoh and I, standing in the center of the room. Dunston was tied up and seated next to me. Takino was the sole absentee in the South where he manned the nightly outpost.

Felicity was not present, and we'd taken the precaution of moving her to the furthest shelter so that she, hopefully, would not be forced to listen to the testimony about her personal abuse. Sebastian, Ranice, and Abuella were near me, seated, each looking resolute.

Tok continued. "You wish to enter a plea of not guilty?"

"We do," I said, speaking of the accused. I'd made it clear to him that I was to be his voice and that his speaking up in the court without being prompted would only hurt my efforts.

"Ekoh. Please proceed with your evidence," Tok said, nodding towards the older man.

For twenty minutes, Ekoh laid out the story of abuse, enslavement, and physical harm as told by those who accused Dunston of such charges. Felicity's testimony was read to the Council and affirmed by Kate as the words she had written, words affirmed by the woman who'd given them.

I was offered a chance to offer a counter argument. "Perhaps I can present a different interpretation. A young woman was lonely, isolated, far from her home, living with parents who disliked her modest but still modern lifestyle. She sought escape. We know she once tried to leave the island she called home but was convinced to return. She explained, in her sworn statement, that she was not happy there, that she wished to live somewhere else, to be away from the parents who were becoming less understanding as they grew older.

"A man visits her home. A rich man. He arrives in a large yacht. Obviously wealthy and influential. She becomes infatuated by this man. She seeks him out. She admits to a conversation with him a day before she claims she was sold to him. A conversation which she admits she thought was enjoyable. Affable. He's charming, this man. He makes her feel desired. He offers her the chance she sought to escape. She cannot but agree to his terms. They devise a plan to get her away from the place she lived, making it appear a forced issue, but in reality, she was a willing participant. Inside, she was smiling as this man conducted a faux purchase of her and powered quickly away from the place she wished to leave. She was no more a slave than I am today."

I paused to let my words sink in. I felt sick to my stomach. I really thought I might vomit. Sipping water, doing my best to calm my nerves, I continued. "This man offered her safety and comfort, companionship. Adventure. Challenges she'd only been able to daydream before that day. She willing joined his bed. She gave herself freely. She did not regret her decision until two days ago. She'd grown angry. Moody. Restless. Her rescuer tried to reassure her that they were going to go somewhere more permanent and get away from life at sea. She tired of the endless travel, though it had only been a spare two months with many nights spent in friendly ports.

"She grew agitated and she struck at him with her fists. Only in defense did he hurt her and that had been an accident. He'd caught her badly-thrown attack and pushed her, her face hitting the end of a hard, metal handrail in the interior hallway. It caused bruising. The man rushed to her, upset that he'd hurt her. He carried her to bed and nursed her injury. But it had been a blow to the head, and the man knew something was different. She was not herself. Now, she was withdrawn, somber. She didn't talk to him as she did before. She may have been concussed. He was no doctor. He did the best he could. When he came to Phoenix, his secret hope was to find help for her. To seek treatment. Her behavior had changed dramatically, and the woman who had been his fast friend and willing lover was no longer either of those. He wanted desperately to help her. He is absolutely disheartened to find accusations of rape and enslavement being made by her.

"He wishes you to understand that he does not blame nor hate her. No, he loves her, as he did from first sight. He wants only for her to get the help she needs, no matter what happens to him. This man, the accused, is innocent of the charges of rape and battery and enslavement in the matter of Felicity."

I let out my breath and nearly vomited again. My eyes were aware of the room again, and I watched the expressions on the faces of each counsel member. There was a great deal of disbelief. Confusion. I saw Kate turn to Manu with a look of uncertainty. Tok watched me as if he could not believe that I had just given that story credence. And yet, it was also clear that none on the counsel expected to hear an explanation which, at least on the surface, was difficult to disprove. It was plausible without a lot of contrary evidence, and that made me feel even more nauseous given that I believed not one word of it.

The doubt on Ekoh's face was the hardest to watch. I needed him to be confident. To find the holes in the story I told. I knew them. So did Dunston. But Ekoh was the one who needed to shatter that narrative and show it was not as plausible as it first seemed. He had several resources he could tap to confirm Felicity's story and cast serious doubt on Dunston's. I worried that he was too anxious to do so.

"Ekoh, do you wish to proceed with questions for the defense?" Kate asked. "We have no witness to cross-examine, but we have provided an opportunity to query the defendant's counsel if you so choose."

He hesitated, watching me and then Dunston, then back at me. "I do wish to ask a question, thank you." He turned to more directly face me. I tried to keep my growing unease from affecting my expression.

"Two nights ago, as you claim, there was a disagreement. You said Felicity was agitated, restless, only because she wished to end the time spent at sea. Is that correct?"

"Yes," I confirmed.

"Council, I wish to bring a witness forward at this time."

"You may do so," Tok agreed.

"Abuella, will you please come and stand just there?" Ekoh said, calling out the young woman nearby. She stood slowly, running her hands nervously down her canvas pants. Beads of sweat were obvious on her forehead and across the exposed part of her chest just below her neck.

When the woman was in place, Ekoh asked her, "Do you recall an event two days ago onboard the Humble Beginnings which may have been the event being described by the defense? Not that you necessarily agree about the details, only that an argument took place which led to Felicity being injured?"

Abuella nodded.

"Please answer with your voice, if you would," Ekoh instructed her.

"Yes," she said, her hands wringing in front of her, "yes, I remember that well."

"What did you hear? What did you see?"

Abuella took a deep breath. "I heard yelling. It was just him yelling."

"Where were you?" Ekoh asked.

"In my bunk, trying to sleep. It was very hot and the air conditioning only worked in the master's bedroom. They were only down the hallway, you see, so I could hear everything."

"And what specifically did you hear?"

"He told her that she was an ugly... bitch... and that if she didn't... I do not wish to use his language..."

"Please," Ekoh implored her, "this is important."

"He said that if she didn't... fuck... him properly... he was going to throw her overboard."

"Go on."

Abuella took another breath, clearly uncomfortable. "Then he told her he wished he'd never bought her, that those... niggers... were worth more though he'd paid less..."

"Niggers," Ekoh said lightly, "meaning you and Sebastian and Ranice?"

Abuella nodded, "I think so."

"Objection," I said without any heart.

"Agreed," Kate said, "the witness cannot know the intent."

"Understood," Ekoh said, scratching his chin. "Please continue, Abuella."

"I heard something slam against the hallway wall and she screamed, crying. Then I heard it again. He called her 'feckin' bitch' and 'whore' then I heard a thump like I've never heard before. And then she was quiet. No more crying. I heard shuffling, and then the door to the master's bedroom closed and I heard nothing further."

Ekoh held out his hands as if to say he had nothing further for Abuella.

"Defense?" Tok offered.

I nearly cried. How could I even attempt to cross-examine this woman. I didn't doubt one iota that she was telling the truth as best she knew it. Where would I even begin? I did my best, though I know it was with no significant attempt to break down her story. "Were you tired that night, Abuella?"

She nodded, glancing at Ekoh as if for permission to speak. "Yes. Very tired."

"And when you're tired, do you sometimes have trouble remembering everything that you see or hear in those moments?"

She shrugged, "Yes... I suppose..."

"Is it possible, then, that what you think you remember was instead nightmares? Disturbed sleep? Is there any possibility that the testimony you gave is honest but flawed? That what you remember did not actually happen?"

"Objection," Ekoh cried out.

"These are fair questions," Kate announced, "you may answer them, Abuella."

"I... I..." For just a moment, I thought she'd broken. There was enough doubt there. She was unsure of herself. Young. Vulnerable. Scared as all hell. And I was another intimidating white man yelling at her and making her life very miserable. I hated defending that asshole.

But then I saw her straighten and she looked at me with strength gathered from somewhere deep inside. "I'm certain about what I heard. I've had many dreams that seemed real, but I can tell the difference as soon as I wake. If this one is a dream, if what I heard him do to her was dreamed, then I have yet to wake from it. I know what I heard, and it was no dream."

I nodded slowly. Thank the proverbial god that she'd won that round. I don't know if I could have handled knowing I'd been the one to browbeat a young woman into doubting the most important testimony she'd ever given.

I spread my hands to indicate I was through. Even if I'd wanted to, I was done with my defense. I'd argued as strongly as I could stomach, but I could go no further. I hated Dunston. I hated that I was the one defending him. I hated how I must look to the young woman now settling herself back along one wall, still shaking from nerves and fear. Goddamn, I hated that moment.

"I believe I need offer nothing further, Elders," Ekoh stated, "Sebastian and Ranice did not see or hear anything of those moments and can only relay hearsay from after the events. None of the potential witnesses can offer much other insight into the circumstances which brought Felicity onto Humble Beginnings nor can they testify as to the relationship which took place afterwards. They have each submitted written statements confirming that the defendant kept them generally isolated and browbeaten and they were fearful of the consequences of delving too deeply into the lives each of the others led on the yacht. I have offered this into evidence before you and the defense. On the matter of Felicity, the charges of rape and battery and enslavement, I can offer nothing more, I'm afraid."

The Council looked at each other in silence a moment, and Tok opened his mouth to speak.

Instead, a firm female voice echoed in the room. "I have something to say."

Everyone turned to see Felicity standing in the doorway. Kate started to rise, but Bailey was there to take her arm and steady her as she walked into the room. "I have something to say in this matter."

"I will not stand for this!" Dunston shouted, attempting to stand. I pushed him back onto his ass and growled at him to stay there and stay silent.

"You wish to offer additional testimony?" Kate asked her.

"Yes," Felicity said. She walked forward and stood between me and the Council, facing them. "Everything that man said," her finger pointed directly at me, "is a lie. I was not an eager participant. I did not seek out this vile man. I did not wish to leave my parents. I did nothing more than daydream leaving. I was stolen. A slave. Raped. Used by this man as if I had no worth other than his sick pleasure. I took a blow to the head, yes, but it was from his cane, the one with the carved horse head. He knocked me out and he had his way with me before I regained consciousness. I know this as any woman would know it to be true. Every word this man said, every explanation, every goddamned syllable, was a lie."

I heard the anger in her voice. The hatred. The devastation. My stomach turned over and my legs began to tremble. Amy stopped her scribbling and looked at me with concern. I knew I was going to vomit. I raised my hand with a finger up as I rushed out of the common room and raced as fast as my weak legs would allow towards the surf. I gagged, coughed, gagged again, and as I fell to my knees near the lapping waves, my bile rose and I emptied my stomach onto the sand.

I was horrified. I hated what I'd just done. I was defending a man capable of these things? Capable of harming someone like that? She hated me and I understood why. I vomited again, the bitter contents a burning acid in my throat and mouth.

I felt an arm around me, slowly wrapping along my shoulder, "Kal?" It was Bailey.

"I hate this," I said plaintively, my voice gravel, the bile tearing up my ability to speak in a smooth tone. "I hate this."

"It's okay, Kal... you just got worked up."

"She hates me. She's right to hate me. I made it worse! How could I defend that evil monster?"

Bailey said nothing a moment, "For now, she might hate you, Kal. But you did the right thing."

It was no comfort to hear such obviously platitudinous words. I shook my head. "The right thing was to slit his fucking throat."

"No." Bailey's tone was firmer. "The right thing was to make it clear to everyone that her claims were true. You offered an explanation beyond what anyone could have imagined. It was plausible."

"But it was a lie. Felicity is right. It was all a lie. I knew it when Dunston told it too me earlier. I knew it with every fucking word out of my mouth. And yet... I said it all as if I believed it. And she heard me say it and I made her life that much worse. Another fucking man destroying her!"

I was too distraught to cry. I retched again and another arm slid around my waist. "Here." Amy's voice this time. "Drink some water."

I took the cup from her hands and almost dropped it. My fingers were weak, shaking. I sipped then swallowed, sipped again. It soothed a touch, but it made even more clear the sorry state of my throat. At least I was able to wash some of the bitter bile from my tongue.

"I can't go back in there..."

"You probably don't need to," Amy said, "that prick was making an ass out of himself. He'll be lucky if he isn't torn into pieces before we go back. The Council paused the trial after you rushed out, and I don't think he's stopped shouting insults at everyone since."

I was on my hands and knees. I tried to bring myself back to some sort of resolute state. I was tasked with giving a vigorous defense of a man I detested. That I wished ill. I'd done all I could do, but I would do no more. I knew them what I wished to say to the Council.

Amy and Bailey helped me stand. "Please, will one of you make me a cup of tea? I need it before I go back in."

Bailey rushed off while Amy took my arm and helped me weakly make my way up to the fire pit. There was already water on to boil, so Bailey handed me a cup ready to drink as we drew close. I sipped it slowly, watching as heads poked out of the common shelter. I steeled my nerves as best I could, washed the rest of the vomit from my mouth, and swallowed a big gulp of scalding tea.

I walked inside. I'm sure I was a mess. I'd not bothered to wipe my chin. The stench of vomit likely hung over me like a disgusting cloud. Dunston was being restrained along one wall, the gag in his mouth not stopping him from attempting to yell.

He quieted down when I walked by him, but I didn't look in his direction. All heads followed my unsteady gait, including Felicity's. I tried not to look into her eyes. I did not want to see the justifiable hatred I knew was there.

"You are unwell?" Tok asked when the room became quiet.

"I am recovered, thank you."

"Then we shall proceed. Your, uh, client, has forced us to restrain and gag him." Tok looked at Dunston with obvious disdain. "For his own good."

I nodded. "I do not wish to waste the Council's time any more this evening." I took a deep breath. "I took on this man's defense for one reason and one reason only: he faced execution for his crimes. I am the one who must perform this if it is to be done, and I must be convinced of his guilt before I can bring myself to do so. I have given the defense as I could, though it has been one of the most difficult moments of my life.

"However, this difficult moment, for me, pales in comparison to what others here have been through, and I feel sick... literally... over what has been done. I have offered this defense to the best of my abilities. I will offer no further counsel to the defendant. He is free to find another or to be his own counsel. I cannot, in good conscience, proceed any further. This matter is now out of my hands."

Tok nodded and looked to Kate and Manu, then the three of them huddled, talking quietly. I stared at my hands as they shook in front of me. I was thankful the tea had mostly settled my stomach and its contents were empty.

"We have heard all the relevant testimony needed, and the defendant, of his own free will, worked against his own case during his outrageous shouting following his counsel's absence. We need nothing further on the charges of enslavement and battery of the persons of Sebastian, Abuella, and Ranice. Those charges will be moot as a result of the recent events. On the charges of rape and enslavement and battery of Felicity, we are decided unanimously. Guilty on all three counts. Our recommendation," Tok glanced at Manu and saw her nod, then got the same response when looking at Kate, "is execution."

I swallowed, my heart pounding, my vision blurring. I heard Dunston trying to stand and scream through his gag. There were hushed whispers and more excited and shocked exclamations. My eyes narrowed, my ears felt as if they withdrew into a tunnel. I swam in the moment, uncertain how to find my feet again. I knew what would need to happen. I new it was the right thing to do. And yet... I didn't know if I could do it.

Someone's hand took mine and led me into the bath house, settling me down on one of the built-in benches along one wall. I heard water being drawn, the basin filled. "Kal?" Kate's voice. "Here," she said, offering me a hand up again. I stepped in robotically, sinking down into the warm water and sliding nearly under.

Kate held my hand as I soaked. "You did the right thing, Kal."

"I know," I said softly.

"If you want someone else to perform the—"

"No," I said more firmly. "No. It must be me."

Kate didn't respond, slowly stroking my fingers. Keekah came in, unencumbered by our twins. I wondered where they were, but had no energy to ask.

She stepped to the other side of the basin and used a rag to wash away whatever was caught in the stubble along my chin. Slowly, she turned the cloth over and rubbed soap over my body. I began to relax, at least physically. "Kowl," she said quietly.

"Yeah..."

"This man must die."

"I know."

"You worry you not be able..."

"Yes."

The only sounds were light splash of water from the motion of Keekah's cloth. Then, "Remember when that man tried to kill you? And Bailey? The man from the boat?"

"I do."

"I killed him."

"I remember. You saved our lives."

Her fingers wrapped into mine. "You will save lives of others."

"It's not the same, Keekah," I countered, weakly.

"Yes, it is," she replied. "This man will hurt and rape and beat others if he no be put down. Just like the man I killed. I do not regret this that I did. You must not, either."

"I wish it was that simple."

"It is that simple. You will see, Kowl. It must be done. To save other people."

I didn't reply.

"I will kill him for you."

"No... no, thank you," I said, "No, I must be the one to do this."

"Then I will be there with you so no suffer alone."

"No, Keekah, I—"

"Yes. You shared my kill and that made it easier to no regret. I will share what you must do, and you will see it is right thing."

I had no energy to argue further, but I did not intend to let Keekah watch me murder... I mean execute... a convicted criminal.

There was a noise at the door and I felt Kate pull away. I didn't bother to look up, but I heard Kate say, "I think it would be okay..."

"Hello, Kal," said a woman's voice.

I glanced up from my bath to see Felicity standing nearby. Her eyes were red, her brown hair tangled and worn. I noticed for the first time the small bruises on her wrist and near her ankle. Even the clothes she wore had seen abuse. I didn't say anything, but I did feel sick again and tried not to retch.

She squatted down, looking at Keekah a moment. I wondered what she saw. A naked, dark-skinned teenager cleaning an older white man who'd spent the last hour or so defending her rapist. I tried to sink under the water.

"I... I... It is very difficult to hear anyone talk about my life, my experiences... but it is even harder to listen to someone lie about them."

I closed my eyes.

"I heard everything you said. The plausible story you told. Undermining every detail of my story. Casting doubt on me, on my motives... I've experienced things worse than this, but few words have caused me as much pain."

I started to babble an apology but my tongue and throat seized up and I remained mute.

"It's why I came in. It's why I couldn't let that stand. Your words. You forced me to confront this head on, though it was painful to do so. I could not let you lie about me like that. I could not!"

Her voice had risen, passionate. Distressed.

"And yet, I see now that you were only trying to do the right thing. Trying to be sure. Your words... your words about me hurt you too."

I managed a weak nod, eyes still closed.

"I don't know you, Kal. I have only a few hours on which to judge you. I admit... I am still uncertain. Kate explained to me why you defended that... vile creature. Why you thought he must be defended. In another life, with someone else's experiences, I think I could even support the idea. Having been through this life, through my experiences, that is not a pill I wish to swallow at this time.

"However... she also explained that you were ill over your part in this... literally ill. I see it, too. You have a pallor you did not have this morning. And when you came back in the room... it was clear you'd been sick. I hope this means you are a good man, Kal. I'm not trusting you or anyone right now. I hope you understand. I... I just wanted you to know that... as much as I hate that horrible monster... I only somewhat envy you for what you will do to him..."

"I'm so sorry..." I managed to say without strength, opening my eyes finally.

She nodded once and looked at Kate. "I'd really like to rest now..." she said before standing.

Kate patted my fingers before rising and leading the woman off to another shelter, leaving me and Keekah alone in the bath.

"I need to see this done."

Keekah didn't say a word, but I knew she understood my meaning. I rose from the bath and dried myself, trying my best to find my nerve. I walked into the common room to find only Tok and Manu remaining, the others had returned to chores or to sleep. "Where is he?" I asked with as much resolve as I could muster.

"Tied back at the tree," Manu replied.

"Then let's get this over with."

"How do you wish to do it?" Tok asked.

I stopped in mid-step. To be honest, I had not really thought about it. Bullet to the head the seemed the most obvious and that's what I said in response.

"I've seen two men executed, Kal," Tok said gently. "Right here," he added, pointing to his temple, "ends it quick and direct."

"Seems too easy, doesn't it? For his crimes... seems too... painless."

"Do we wish to make suffer those who make others suffer?" Tok said evenly.

"Sometimes that seems like justice, yes?" Manu replied. "'Eye for an eye,' isn't that what your Bible says?"

"It was never my Bible," I replied, "but yeah, something like that." I shook my head then. "I can't be like him. Even if he deserves it, I cannot cause suffering which has no point except to be suffering. I will end him quickly. Keekah wishes to go with me for... support. We'll go down to the East and cast his body off the island when we are through. He's not fit to see burial on Phoenix..."

Keekah followed me to my shelter where I kept a pistol in a place safe from little hands. Amy and Bailey were awake but the children seemed asleep. The teens bore grim looks as they watched me take hold of the gun.

I found my grip surprisingly steady. I tried not to think about what I was about to do. Ammo was stored separately, and I loaded two bullets into the clip. Just two. It should only take one, but I'd only give him a single second chance to end his suffering. Beyond that, he was at the mercy of whatever gods he wished to conspire with.

Keekah took my other hand and squeezed it. "This is right thing, Kowl."

"I know," I said, kissing her cheek, "and thank you for the support, Keekah. I love you."

I walked more confidently than I felt towards the tree. The wide base hid the condemned man on the far side. The camp fire had been left roaring while chores were completed, casting light on the near side and dark shadows behind the tree.

We rounded the base and I stopped in my tracks.

The rope holding Dunston to the tree was wrapped around his throat twice, pulled tight, his skin pale even in the darkness, his body slumped onto the sand but held partially upright by the twisted rope. I watched without believing, looking for motion, looking for a breath. None was forthcoming. I felt Keekah squeeze my hand again. I stared at the monster. At the evil man who had caused so much harm, refusing to believe he was already dead. I stared and stared, but no breath came.

After what felt like an hour, Keekah said quietly, "Kowl... he's dead... he's dead..."

I swallowed, my throat parched, my tongue swollen and raw. "I known," my scratchy voice responded. Automatically, from the practice over the months, I begin to unload the bullets from the clip, counting them over and over as I couldn't believe at least one had not been spent in this man's death.

"Do you think someone did this? Or did he do himself?" Keekah asked.

I shook my head. "I don't know."

"Do we find out?"

I stared longer, one last sure moment before I would believe. He refused to breath. Refused to move. No eye movement. No twitching. No life left in his worthless body.

"Not tonight," I answered before handing Keekah the bullets, clip and pistol and then dropping to my knees to begin the process of untying the corpse. "Not tonight..."