Chapter 52

 FIFTY-TWO

There was a low echo in the large wood paneled courtroom as Trigger awkwardly took a seat next to his lawyer. Only a handful of people milled around the large court room, some to watch the opening plea, others to find a quiet place to rest in the hectic halls of Central Command. 

“Look familiar?” Roshack asked. 

“Not at all. Last time was all done in conference rooms over video call.” Trigger replied. 

“Damn, after reading the reports, I had expected the accused killer of a former president, especially one like him, to get a bit more fanfare.” 

“Believe me, I was just as disappointed.” Trigger replied. He knew the only reason he was getting a full in person trial was entirely thanks to Cossette’s involvement. Harling’s death was an embarrassment for Osea, one they had tried to bury with Trigger going to the Spare Squadron. There had been no news of his later acquittal, so as far as the average Osean citizen was concerned, the matter was settled with a deranged Osean pilot instead of a military technology few knew about, and even fewer understood.

“Did we learn anything more about the panel?” Trigger asked. 

Roshack shook his head. “No, and we wont until they show up. Presumably they’re random but I’m sure Payne will find reasons to have fellow judges that share her views on things.”

“That seems broken.” 

Roshack shrugged “Welcome to the Osean justice system. Its not much but it’s what we have. You don’t like the rules, write your senator.”

Trigger snorted “Yeah, I don’t see that conversation going over well at all.”

A loud echo of footsteps trailed up behind the two men, as Trigger turned to see who the intruder was, Roshack was visibly startled by a clasp on his shoulder. 

The man was taller and far older than Trigger, His hair fading from blond to grey to white, and the lines across his face spoke more to a politician than the career officer his ribbon rack and rank suggested. 

“Rick! How are ya doing?” the man greeted jovially.

Roshack made a forced smile as he turned to greet the man. “Once again Dan, its Eric.” He gently reminded him. “Ah, of course, my apologize. Old age am I right?” he said jokingly taking a step back, allowing Roshack and Trigger to stand up from their seats. Trigger read the mans nameplate, Ackerman.

“So, with that out of the way Rick, down to brass tacks, did you see the updated plea deal we’re offering?” Ackerman’s smile unnerved Trigger as he spoke. It seemed too wide to be natural and put the pilot on edge. “It’s a sweet deal. 6 Months with time served plus parole. We would even entertain a less than honorable discharge just to make this go away.”

Roshack nodded “Yes and we’re not impressed.”

The smile fell from Ackerman’s face. “Rick, you’re kidding me, right?” he held up his briefcase “I have a slam dunk of a case here, Multiple witnesses putting your defendant not only with the Princess, but also with those scumbags In Farbanti that, may I remind you, Killed nearly a thousand Oseans.” 

“As well as fifteen thousand Eruseans. Your point?” 

Ackerman sighed. “Rick, no matter how you cut it, theres no defense, strategy or anything that you can say that makes this case any less damning. I’m saying this as your friend and colleague, take the deal.” He urged, then turning to Trigger “You have to see the writing on the wall here! Clearly you’re not this stupid.” 

Trigger held up his hands defensively. “Hey, I’ve been called a dumbass plenty of times but, I’m sticking with him on this one.” He said pointing to Roshack, who appeared to Trigger to be fuming. “Colonel Ackerman, I will remind you your professional obligation to speak to me, not my client, about current legal matters.” 

Ackerman’s demeanor soured before he took a step back. Roshack exhaled sharply before making another forced smile. He patted Ackerman on the arm slightly “What can I say Colonel? I’m a sucker for these lost causes. Thanks for looking out for me.” 

Ackerman sneered briefly before composing himself. “Of course, Rick. Just trying to give some professional courtesy.”

“Of course.” Roshack replied as Ackerman turned and took his position behind the prosecutions table. 

Trigger snorted “Is he always this much of an ass?” 

Roshack sighed “Pretty much. You best get used to it.”

“Is what he said right?” 

Roshack gave Trigger a side glance. “What do you mean?” 

“Should we actually have taken his deal?” 

Roshack shook his head. “Personally, I don’t think so. As long as your Fiancé or wingmen don’t say anything damning, Im pretty sure we can get most of the evidence nullified.” 

“You don’t sound too confident.” 

“Well there’s always the chance they don’t let her testify, or use some other methods to rail road us.”

“Sounds familiar.” Trigger replied snidely.  

“Welcome to the UCMJ. You’re going to have to prove your innocence to this crowd no matter what the lawbook said.” Roshack whispered. 

A few moments later, a bailiff marched out and announced the arrival of the judges panel. 

“All Rise!” the sergeant bellowed as a sharply dressed, older female general made her way into the courtroom. 

After the judge took her seat, she waited for the rest of the court to return to their seats in kind. It made Trigger nervous as he waited for her to finish adjusting the documents on the bench.

“Where are we?” she asked rhetorically. Ackerman stood up and approached the pedestal at the center of the room. 

“Docket Number 411275 VR dash Five. Osean Federation vs the Accused. He is charged with treason, sedition, terrorism and conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman.”

The judge made a few notes before she spoke again. “Does the defense wish to enter a plea?” She asked. 

Roshack stood up. “Yes, ‘not guilty’ your honor.”  

The lead judge turned to the court reporter “Enter a plea of ‘not guilty’. We will adjourn until ten-hundred, two weeks from today, at which time this general court martial will reconvene.” Before banging her gavel and exiting the room. 

“Now what?” Trigger asked turning to Roshack. “We wait, see who the judges are, see if we can get any dismissed, then go from there. For the most part all we can do is wait.” He replied pragmatically. 

“Joy…”

***
Trigger shut off the showers water and grabbed a towel to dry himself. It had been a reasonably short day all things considered after the week of constant interviews with Roshack after his initial arrival. As he dried himself, there was a rap at the door. 

“Can I come in?” Cossette asked. 

“Yeah, one sec” Trigger said, tying the towel around his waist to make himself modest before opening the door. Cossette stood waiting with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, bouncing on the toes of her feet. “Avril will be here in a few minutes.” She reported. 

“I didn’t know Scrap Queen was coming to the shin-dig too.” He said, taking the clothes. 

“Well, its no fair if its only your friends.” She replied.  

“You’ve met my friends! Once!” 

“Yeah, and that was before we were dating.” 

“I mean I guess that’s fair but. Fine whatever. Scrap Queen can come too.” He said in faux surrender as he shut the door to get dressed. Truthfully, he didn’t mind. Avril had earned his trust for not telling anyone about the relationship for the past year. 

Emerging a moment later fully dressed. Cossette had already set out a tray of hor d'oeuvres in the main room of the penthouse and turned on one of the radios for music. 

“Do you think its too much?” She asked him from across the room. Trigger shrugged. “Most of them are fighter pilots so, it really doesn’t take much to impress them. I think we’re probably fine.” He replied. 

“Wow, you speak so highly of them.” 

He shrugged “I’d trust them in contested airspace, but their culinary habits leave a lot to be desired. I mean seriously, who eats quiche?”

“Hey, I happen to like quiche!” Cossette defended herself. 

“Real men don’t each quiche.” 

“And no true North Pointer puts sugar in their porridge, what’s your point?” 

Before the culinary disagreement could progress however, there was a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it.” Trigger offered as he made his way to the door, he paused for a second to grab his cane. “Oh that should be Avril!” Cossette said excitedly as she rushed alongside him, helping him to the door. 

Opening the door, Avril waited, “Avril!” Cossette said rushing out to hug her friend. “Cossette! Its been too long!” she replied. “Come in, come in.” Trigger said ushering the two women into the penthouse. Avril looked her friend up and down. “Damn, I hate you. You simply don’t have a bad outfit!” she complimented. Cossette shrugged “Oh you know, this is just casual.” 

“For a model maybe.” Avril replied, turning her attention to Trigger. “And You, I hear you’re in more trouble you dumbass.” She said giving Trigger a hug as well. “Whats with the cane?” She asked.

“My slight vacation left me with a bum leg. Not much to be done about it right now unfortunately.” He explained. 

Avril nodded. “I know the feeling. I was so glad when I was finally able to get that brace off my leg. You’ll get used to it though.” She reassured him. “So I hear you have a court martial now?” She asked. 

Trigger nodded “Yeah, go figure.” 

Avril shook her head disappointed. “General Court Martial? What a load of shit. What they should be doing is slapping a medal on your chest and sending you back out there. You earned that much.” 

Cossette sighed “Unfortunately the Osean Government doesn’t see it that way, even if the Erusean’s certainly would.” 

Trigger shook his head “Then at best they’d say its nepotism.” 

“But I’d know the truth.” Cossette assured him; Trigger rubbed his forehead “Frankly all I’d really want is to just go back to normal.” 

Avril laughed “If you wanted ‘normal’, you shouldn’t have gone to that dinner party in Selatapura. Sorry to say Trigger but ‘Normal’ is no longer an option for you two.” 

Cossette took his hand “I know you’re right, but it’s a good dream all the same.”

The Trio made their way to the couch to sit and talk, Trigger and Cossette catching Avril up on events that occurred after they arrived in Farbanti. Midway through Trigger telling an abridged version of his exploits in Chopinburg, there was another knock at the door. Trigger glanced at his watch. 

“Should be the squadron.” He surmised. Cossette glanced at him “How could you tell?” 

Trigger tapped his watch “I told them Seventeen thirty and its seventeen twenty-nine.”

“A minute early, that’s a bit sloppy.” Avril quipped. 

Trigger shrugged. “Close enough for CAS work…. Probably.” 

Repositioning to stand, he winced in pain and leaned on the cane. Like Avril had said, he was slowly getting used to the lack of mobility he once had, but occasionally throughout the day he was forced to rely on the cane to stand, let alone move.

Cossette saw and nodded to him, allowing him to relax back into his seat as her and Avril instead greeted their guests. The seven pilots of the Long Range Strategic Strike Group awkwardly made their way in past Cossette and Avril, exchanging pleasantries until Count laid eyes on Trigger. 

“There he is!” Count said excitedly. Trigger held up his cane in greeting. “Man of the hour!” Fencer added as the pilots made their way towards their former Group commander. Many shaking his hand or clapping him on the back. 

With some effort from his friends, Trigger stood up. 

He looked to his friends and cleared his throat. “Guys, I know its been a while, and I’m sorry I kept this a secret until now, but I have someone for you all to formally meet.” He said, sweeping his arm towards Cossette, standing at the head of the room. “I’d like to introduce you all to Rosa Cossette D’Elise, my Fiancé.” There was a silence in the room “Cossette, I’d like you to meet the squadron, I know we all kinda saw each other last week but, here’s Count, Huxian, Jeager, Tailor, Skald, Fencer, and Lanza.” As he introduced each pilot, they either nodded or made shy waves towards her. 

“Your highness, it’s a pleasure to meet you again.” Huxian said sheepishly. Cossette approached the group and clasped Huxians hands in hers. “Please, just call me Cossette, I’m not a royal here.” She said, her demeanor and casual dress seemingly putting the pilots at ease slightly. 

Jeager cleared his throat, “If you all don’t mind, I think we are all wondering what the story is.”

Trigger chuckled and nodded, turning to Cossette. “I think they’ve earned that much. Don’t you.” 

Cossette nodded “If you all wouldn’t mind, dinner will be here soon, we can share it over a meal.” She offered. 

Trigger cleared his throat “Dinner tonight will be a traditional Erusean fare, artisanal flat breads with traditional tomato preserve and cheeses, adorned with –“ Cossette cut off his over the top accent. “-to spare you all his theatrics, we ordered pizzas. I hope that’s OK with you all.” She said. 

He looked to her pouting “It doesn’t sound as exciting your way.” 

True to their word, as their dinner was delivered, they shared their story to the pilots. Occasionally answering questions as they came up. While Count, Jeager and Huxian had heard an abbreviated version of the story before, Trigger watched the other pilots silently start to connect the dots about their time in Selatapura and regarding Trigger’s whereabouts. As the couple concluded their tale, Huxian raised her hand. 

“Whats up?” Trigger asked. 

Huxian picked at a piece of pineapple off the pizza before discarding it onto Count’s plate. “It’s all well and good that you two kids decided to settle down but what I want to know is, how are we the only ones to know?” 

“What do you mean? Theres an entire court martial going on for him.” Jeager countered. 

Huxian waived dismissively “I noticed, but, for a story this big, I expected more paparazzi around the case. There wasn’t anyone outside the hotel, and aside from the extra security, it doesn’t seem like anything special is going on here.” She elaborated. 

Trigger glanced to Cossette, he hadn’t noticed before, but his wingman was right. Cossette was a common name in the media for better or for worse, but despite being in Osea for over a week, he hadn’t seen anything about the case aside from a minor blurb about his apprehension in Selatapura.

Cossette cleared her throat “Of course, Right now Osea and Erusea are taking several steps to keep our situation secret. I was assured by the Osean’s that everything about my transportation has been classified, and my own Ministry of Defense is taking steps to minimize the chance of a leak for the time being.” She explained. 

“Funny, why weren’t we told?” Count asked annoyed. Trigger shrugged “Probably since we all are used to doing secret squirrel missions I imagine. Whats one more event we can’t tell our kids about.” 

“I guess you’re right, besides who are we going to tell it to, and who would actually believe us if we did?” Fencer added. 

“Whats next for you two anyway?” Avril asked. “You have the court martial and then what?”

Cossette frowned and Trigger shrugged. “It’s a bit too early to be making those kinds of plans.” Cossette said tactfully. They had only briefly discussed the subject between themselves on if he was found guilty or not, what would happen. Most of them hinged on Cossette’s limited political sway, but Trigger was adamant in his defense of making a giant glider to escape any penitentiary they sent him to. Practicality be damned. 

“This is bullshit.” Lanza said disdainfully. “You said it not me.” Trigger quipped. 

He leaned in, motioning with his cola as he spoke “The way I see it, after all the shit you pulled in the War, this? This is nothing. Just sweep it under the rug and maybe give you an article 15 or demote you. But prison?” he snorted “That should be reserved for actual criminals. Not love-struck dumbasses. No Offense” 

Count and Trigger looked at each other uncomfortably but said nothing. 

Trigger shrugged and sighed “Its out of our hands on what happens now. Theres some credence to this being political more than anything which, if true, tells me they’re going to get their pound of flesh somehow. I’m just the unlucky guy holding the bag at the end of the day.” He leaned back into the couch as Cossette took his hand. 

The Pilots sat in silence and thought. 

“But what if you’re not?” Skald spoke up. 

“What do you mean?” Trigger asked. 

“Sapin is just across the Strait. Princess your government has good relations with the Monarchy, correct?” Skald asked. 

Cossette nodded “Yes, my father and the current King were on good standing before the war. Where are you going with this?” 

Skald grinned “While this Trial is going on, they have us quartered just down the road at Matherford. What I’m thinking is we have you make a run for it.” 

Trigger furrowed his brow “What do you mean, make a run for it.” 

Skald nodded. “While I know jack about the air defense around here, I do know its not looking for a fleeing Osean jet. You might not have flown the Eagle in a few months but I’m willing to bet your still more than capable.”

“Go on” Trigger said cautiously. 

“What I’m thinking is this. We can get you on the base, we can get you to the jet. From there its less than one hundred miles and you land in Sapin and request sanctuary; Given how you’re the fiancé to the Princess of Erusea, that shouldn’t be a hard sell for the Monarchy to protect one of their own.” 

“While damaging the foreign relations of just not one, but two foreign countries in the process.” Cossette said sharply. 

Skald nodded “It’s a gamble your highness, but it would work. Osea wouldn’t lay a finger on you no matter what Trigger does. And, as much as I hate to say it, neither of our countries are in the shape or mood to go back to war in Usea any time soon.” 

Count chuckled “How patriotic Skald. But he’s right. We could get Trigger out before anyone knew what was happening. Frankly we could even go the long route of getting him out of here. We could be halfway to Perbla before Osea knew what was up. And from there, we could get into Leasath and go anywhere.” 

“You mean the country still at war?” Trigger asked incredulously 

“War torn places like that have bad records, and even worse border security. They certainly wouldn’t notice a group of mercenaries like us getting passage to who knows where.” Count explained. 

Trigger shook his head bitterly “Cool, so not only am I an Innocent traitor, but I would also be defecting to a foreign country, with Osean jets, and one of the few Special Forces assets the Air Defense Force has… because that just looks good.” 

“Hey! We’re trying to figure out how to keep you out of prison!” Count defended. 

“Shit plan dude.” Trigger shot back.  

“Enough!” Cossette said standing up and raising her hands. 

“We are not putting anyone else at risk because of this. I have enough faith that they will see Trigger for the man we all know.” 

“A Dumbass?” Avril added helpfully, trying to lighten the mood.  

Cossette rolled her eyes at the jab. “Amongst other things. He’s innocent of the crimes they’re accusing him of. We all know that, and they will see that too.” She said adamantly. 

Avril folded her arms “Cossette, I know what you’re going for but, you may be disappointed with how this will turn out if you’re just going to have faith in Osea all of a sudden. You said it best yourself, Osea is all fake and lies and bullshit. What they’re doing to Trigger is no different.” 

The mood had become tense in the room. Trigger clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention. “If it’s all the same to you guys, I think I’ve had my fill about talking about the Court Martial, lets change the subject, shall we?” 

“Agreed.” Count said, there was a murmur of similar sentiments from the rest of the guests. 

As dinner came to a close, the mood started to lighten. The Pilots all took turns sharing their stories with Cossette, pictures were taken and soon the heated exchange was forgotten about in the revelry of the moment. 

Avril pulled Cossette aside as the Pilots got into a debate on the merits of between the F-15 Eagles they currently were flying, to the F-15E Strike Eagle. 

“Hell of a party you’re throwing.” Avril said to her friend. 

“Something like that. I’m just glad we no longer have to hide our relationship. It’s nice to actually be able to act like a normal couple.” Cossette replied.  

“Enjoy it while it lasts. If you think its ugly now, when this story gets out to the public it will be so much worse.” 

“You think?” 

Avril nodded her head sadly “I know it. Not everyone will be as accepting as these guys. Sure, some in Osea will fall for the romance of the whole situation but others lost family members in the war. They’re going to put as much pressure to burn Trigger to get to you. Plus wasn’t your Ex’s family also influential here?” 

Cossette scowled “‘Ex’ in relative terms. Yes. I think his aunt, or something is a relatively high-ranking party member. I remember him droning on about it.”

“Well unless you two had one hell of an amicable breakup, I wouldn’t put it past them getting involved too.”

Cossette laughed. “You know what? Technically we never broke up.” 

Avril raised her eyebrow “You’re kidding.” Cossette shook her head “Nope. Granted we haven’t talked for a month, but I never called off the engagement, at least not officially. I haven’t even told him I’m in Osea or about Trigger and I.”

“Wow, I’ve known some cold-hearted women but damn.”

“Alex is a prick. It’s about time he learned that he can’t always use his families name to get his way.”

“Damn, remind me never to piss you off.” Avril said, taking a sip of her drink. 

“Its easier to just ghost him than declare war on Belka. If I had my druthers though, I’d love to see his entire company implode around him. They certainly earned it.” She said bitterly.  

***

Eric sat in the corner booth of the diner alone, his pancake dinner only periodically picked at but largely left untouched as he poured through his notes for the case. Ackerman had forwarded him the list of witnesses the prosecution was planning on calling. An OSI Agent, an Osean Staff Sergeant and an Osean Navy pilot. 

The Agent and pilots connections made sense to the lawyer, but the Sergeant seemed unrelated at best, and when asked even Trigger was unsure of their connection. Loose ends bothered Eric. 

A commotion and squeaking of the booth startled Eric out of his thoughts. A pale looking man was sitting across from him, he wore sunglasses and had a high-and-tight haircut. 

“Can I help you?” Eric asked annoyed. 

“No, but I think I can help you.” The man spoke as he reached into his jacked, fishing a flash drive from his pocket. Eric noticed the man had a distinct accent, though he couldn’t place from where. The man tossed the drive to Eric. 

“Whats this?” Eric asked inspecting the small silver device. “Think of it as a bit of a pointer in the right direction. Evidence from a police precinct outside of McKnight, plus the transfer paperwork making it legal. I’m sure the Prosecution hasn’t done their due diligence on one of their witnesses and this will definitely show it.” 

“How did you get this?” 

The man grinned “Thanks to my employer Eric.”

Eric squinted “I never told you, my name.” he said slowly as the man silently got up from the booth.

“Eric, its safe to assume that my employer knows many things. One of those things is that Trigger is innocent. He wants you to prove that.” And as quickly as he arrived, he spun on the heel of his foot and left the diner. 

Eric turned the small device over in his hand and made a mental note, though remarkably despite the odd interaction, he was struggling to remember any clear details of the stranger.