High Treason
By Solojones

Chapter Five
"Miss Organa," Judge Maxefin said, rubbing his eyes tiredly, "you may begin your proceedings of appeal on the treason sentence of Captain Han Solo." Leia walked to the stand, and began reading her paper. "The following is a certified testimony of Emil Deluide, former Captain aboard the Imperial Cruiser The Plague." Maxefin waved his hand to usher her along. She took a breath then began to read. "SKWALKER: Tell me what you know about the Synegast incident. DELUIDE: What do you want to know? SKYWALKER: Let's start with your relation to Admiral Stirkson. DELUIDE: He's been my Admiral on The Plague for a year and a half, since I was promoted to Captain. I was his right-hand man. SKYWALKER: Had he told you anything about Captain Solo wishing to defect? DELUIDE: No, but he mentioned his plans to capture Solo. SKYWALKER: Capture him? DELUIDE: Yeah, he said that he'd learned that Solo had joined the Rebellion. Said to find out where they'd be next so we could "acquire" Solo. SKYWALKER: How did you go about this? DELUIDE: After the battle at Hawmore, right before Synegast, we paid a mechanic to put a bug in The Falcon's computer. Once Captain Antilles' message was received, the bug transmitted a message back to The Plague. SKYWALKER: What was the coding on that message, do you remember? DELUIDE: Yeah, it was MAC 57-4." Leia paused. "That's the end of the transcript." She pulled another paper from her file, and handed it to Maxefin. "This is a signed affidavit from Captain Antilles stating that he was the one to inform the rebel troops of the rendezvous point at Synegast." Maxefin took the paper, and gestured to Leia to go back to her seat. "Prosecution," he addressed Calheed. "Do you have anything to add?" "No, your honor," Calheed hesitated, "in fact, in light of this new evidence, the prosecution would like to concede the trial." Maxefin raised a brow at him. "From what I have seen today, and the prosecution's concention, I hear-by relieve Captain Han Solo of all charges. Court is adjourned." He tapped his gravel mildly on the stand, then exited back to his office. Luke, Leia, Wedge, Emil, and Han all stood from the defense table. "Let's celebrate." Luke insisted. "How about we all go out for a nice cup of ale?" "Make it a mug, or two, and it sounds good to me." Han said, groggily. "I second that motion." Emil agreed. They turned and started toward the door. Calheed stepped in from of Han. "Captain," he addressed Han soberly, "I am deeply sorry for this whole matter. Indeed, you deserve not a sentence, but a metal." Han smiled wryly. "Just doing your job Calheed." They shook hands, then Calheed turned and walked out the door. "C'mon," Leia said, trotting forward. "let's go have a drink." The four men followed without argument.

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