Bravo team crafted a stretcher which they used to carry Anderson down to the logging camp. Joey was led down, his arms still bound and put with the rest of the prisoners. The group stayed there for a few hours, tending to the wounded, scouring the camp for supplies and any more raiders who could still be in hiding. Eventually Rick, Grace, Luke, Chris and Lester departed, making their way to the Elk Lake Commune on foot, taking the road on the north side of Elk Lake.
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Dénouement
Elk Lake Commune.After returning to the Elk Lake Commune preparations were made for Rick's trial. The commune had been fortunate compared to Camp Elk Lake, only a couple of people had died due to New Plague. However among them was June Dunn, the elderly Citizen's Council member and as Rick was aware, a former member of the FLC. Rick's weapons were confiscated, Rick was kept in holding and chairs were set up in the Town Hall to hold an audience of several dozen people. On the far end of the cabin was a desk behind which Yisheng would sit, severing as judge. On one side of the desk was a chair for witnesses, on the other a chair for the prosecutor. A meter in front of the desk sitting in the open facing the desk was a chair for the defendant. Rick didn't have a lawyer, instead he'd be offering his own defense. A few meters behind that chair were rows of seats for the audience. Rick's traveling companions all sat in the front row of the audience, they could whisper to each other but were instructed not to interrupt the trial. While Ming Xiao was still in the clinic, many familiar faces were in the audience, Chris's niece and brother among them. Any audience member, including Rick's companions, could be called to testify before the court as a witness.
An hour before the trial Yīshēng explained to Rick how it would work. Field Commander Zhang was serving as prosecutor presenting the case against Rick. The court had no jury, instead all power laid in the hands of the judge, he would decide the verdict and sentence. The trial would begin with Yīshēng reading out the crimes the defendant had been accused of. After that Rick could present an opening statement to the court. After his statement the prosecutor could call a witness to the stand and ask them questions. When the prosecutor finished, Rick could then question the witness. They would then repeat in reverse with Rick being allowed call a witness to question and the prosecutor getting a turn when Rick was done. This would continue until both the defendant and prosecutor elected to rest their case or the judge deemed it appropriate to bring the trial to a close. At that point the prosecutor and defendant could present their closing statements after which Yīshēng would decide a verdict. Finally while Yīshēng didn't say it, the guard for Rick's holding cell implied that if Rick was sentenced to death, the sentence would be carried out immediately by way of gunshot in the courtyard outside the Town Hall. It was up to Rick to either prove his innocence or justify his deeds. And given what he'd done, he knew his life was on the line.
20:00 - Town Hall - The Trial Begins
The audience were growing restless waiting for the trial to begin. However once the clock struck eight the judge and prosecutor entered the cabin in silence and made their way to their respective seats. Yīshēng was carrying a number of folders which he put on the desk. Shortly there after the defendant, Rick, was lead into the court by a guard. His hands were in front of him in cuffs. Rick glanced at his companions as he walked past them and got into his chair.
With everyone now present the trial of Elk Lake Commune vs. Rick was ready to begin. "I know not all of you speak it, but this trial will be held in English for the benefit of the accused. I have collected statements, they will be taken under advisement." said Yīshēng tapping the folders in front of him. "So, let us begin. Rick... uh... Rick, you stand accused of the following:
Sedition against the Citizen's Council. Working as a military commander for the 'Black Cat' organisation and actively attempting to overthrow our government and military.
The murder of two scouts, Comrade Bo and Comrade Tong while they were investigating Vault 115.
The murder of Minister of Defense Tong. Killing him not in self defense during the fighting but rather after he extended an offer of peace and tended your wounds.
While your infection with New Plague has caused death, the court accepts that you were unaware of your condition at the time. Likewise, barring Tong, those killed and injured during the firefight which occurred here are accepted as acts of self defense. As such you are not being charged with any offense in relation to such deaths or injuries. I'd invite the defendant to now present his opening statement to the court in relation to the charges. After his statement, the prosecutor shall make his own statement and call to the stand his first witness." said Yīshēng in an extremely formal manner while remaining seated. It felt unusual given the group's earlier interactions with the man, but this was an entirely different environment, such formalities were to be expected.
"Rick." Yisheng made a gesture with his hand, inviting Rick to stand and address the court.
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