Author William Manchee
SWORM 6122
Genocide
Lorina Lance stood in front of the media camera and adjusted
her hair. A white light came on and a digital readout began the countdown 3, 2,
1. She smiled brightly.
“Good morning, this is Lorina Lance reporting on a dark,
cloudless day in Shisk, the capital city of Soni, Turvin, where the fate of the
Nanomite life-form hangs in the balance. Ironically the Nanomites built this
very structure dedicated to the pursuit of justice, where it will be determined
today whether or not they too may enjoy the rights guaranteed by the Supreme
Mandate, the foundation upon which our world is governed. The Seven Counselors
of the Council of Interpreters must make this determination by upholding or
overturning the conviction of Sgt. Hirah Zahn for the supreme capital offense of
genocide.
“Earlier this year Sgt. Zahn was in charge of the relocation
of a Nanomite construction colony after it had completed the construction of a
subtram transfer station in northwest Shisk. It was the beginning of the
Unification Holiday and witnesses testified that Sgt. Zahn was anxious to return
to his compartment because he had plans to go on holiday with his mate.
Unfortunately, when he contacted the closest Nanomite farm he was told it was
full. When he tried other farms in the region and was told that they too were
full, he apparently determined that there was a surplus of Nanomites and that
those in his custody wouldn’t be missed if they should happen to disappear. As
the hour got later he became more and more distressed at the thought of missing
out on his holiday and having to face the anger of his mate, so he ordered his
men to fumigate the new structure with a chemical that he knew would kill the
Nanomites waiting within for transport. He may have gotten away with his crime
had not the Nanomite’s Chief Swarmmaster Allo reported the missing swarms and
demanded they be found. After it was discovered what had happened, Sgt. Zahn was
arrested and charged with capital genocide. He was convicted and is now pursuing
his last appeal.
“For those of you who haven’t been to the Hall of the
Interpreters, it sits proudly on the tallest hill of Shisk. Raised by the
Nanomites in only three cycles, it has been the home of the Counsel of
Interpreters since its inception following the unification of Tarizon. As are
all Nanomite structures, it is made of Bazillian Crystal which is a hard,
durable material that shines quite radiantly even under the toxic clouds that
hang as a shroud over Tarizon. Inside there isn’t an empty seat as court’s
scribe rises to announce that the session is in order. We now take you to the
Great Hall where the Chief Councilor is about to begin.”
“Good Morning,” Councilor Garcia said. “Today we have asked for oral arguments
on the matter of the appeal of the final conviction of capital genocide
determined by the Supreme Council of the State of Merria in matter number SM
2247, State of Merria vs. Sgt Hirah Zahn. The prosecution and defense will each
have 20 loons to make their arguments and all other parties given leave to speak
will each be have 10 loons. Please be seated promptly when your time has
expired. We will not extend oral arguments beyond today’s session.“The councilor
turned to a stout man dressed in a purple robe. “Mr. Sorhn, I believe you will
be speaking for the prosecution?”
“That is correct.”
“Then you may proceed.”
“Thank you, Chief Councilor,” Sorhn said as he took the
lectern and faced the seven supreme councilors. “There is no dispute that Sgt.
Zahn exterminated Swarm 2247 in contravention of the covenant between Central
Authority and the Nanomite Colonies of Tarizon. Let’s get that out of the way at
the outset. Sgt. Zahn has not disputed it, nor has he shown any remorse for his
actions. The question that this supreme council must consider is whether the
Nanomite population of Tarizon enjoys the protections provided to other life
forms on Tarizon under the Supreme Mandate. We don’t believe this would be an
issue had contact with the Nanomite life form taken place before the
ratification of the Supreme Mandate. For anyone who has studied the life of the
author of the Supreme Mandate, our beloved Sandee Brahm, knows that he not only
championed equal rights for all the races of humans on Tarizon but also for
other life forms such as the Rhutz and the Drogals. And why would he not also
cherish a life form that has the capacity to enter into covenants with Central
Authority and to build not only this magnificent hall, but thousands of other
similar structures throughout the five continents of Tarizon?
“Sgt. Zahn must pay for his crimes against the Nanomites and
the people of Tarizon. His punishment must be most severe in order to deter
others who would circumvent the Supreme Mandate and the laws of God and Sandee.
If we allow Sgt. Zahn to get away with this horrific act who will be next—the
Mutants? We’ve already heard the Purists call for their extermination. If we
allow the genocide of the Nanomites, what is our argument against the murdering
the Mutants. They are human and only different from ourselves because of Central
Authorities inability a provide a safe environment after the great volcanic
eruptions. There are stories, which I fear are true, that the Purists would have
the Nanomites and the Mutants work as slaves rather than under a covenant.”
Councilor Thoripides stood and glared at Sorhn. “Wild
speculation and slander will get you nowhere with this Court,” Thoripides
warned. “How do you dispute the clear language of the Supreme Mandate that
‘...all citizens of Tarizon shall enjoy the fundamental rights herein
enumerated... and ...all citizens of the 29 states shall be citizens of
Tarizon?’ Since you admit that the very existence of the Nanomites was unknown
when the Supreme Mandate was ratified, they obviously could not have been
citizens of any of the 29 states and therefore can not be citizens of Tarizon
today.”
“Councilor Thoripides,” Sorhn replied, “the Nanomites should
be considered citizens because the author of the Supreme Mandate intended all
life forms to be afforded liberty and civil rights under the new order. His
writings and teachings are clear on this point.”
“His other writings are irrelevant,” Thoripides scowled. “We
are bound only to consider the actual content of the Supreme Mandate, for that
is what was ratified by the citizens of Tarizon.”
The Court Scribe stood and motioned that time was up. The
gallery erupted in excited chatter as Sorhn returned to his seat. The bailiff
stood and admonished the crowd to be quiet or be arrested and escorted to a
detention center.
Garcia looked at Sorhn. “Thank you, Mr. Sorhn. Now I believe
it is time for the accused’s defender, Mr. Sorrbeth, to speak. Mr. Sorrbeth, you
have 20 loons.”
Sorrbeth rose slowly. He was a tall, imposing man who exuded
great confidence. He strolled swiftly to the podium. “Chief Councilor, members
of the Supreme Council of Interpreters. It is with great humility that I speak
before such a distinguished body. Councilor Thoripides has already spoken
directly to the heart of my client’s case. The Supreme Mandate does not protect
Nanomites. That is clean and simple. The Merria Court did not have the right to
try Sgt. Zahn for genocide. Genocide by definition is the mass murder of a large
number of people. People historically have referred to human beings. Under the
Supreme Mandate, however, any life form that enjoyed citizenship in one or more
of the 29 original states ratifying the Supreme Mandate would qualify. These
other life forms would include the rhutz who were granted citizenship in seven
nations, the Drogals who were citizens of Muhl and Ock Mezan, and the Dalo who
inhabit their own island nation by that same name. The Nanomites were not
citizens of any state when the Supreme Mandate was ratified.”
Councilor Garcia sat up in his seat and peered out at
Sorrbeth. “Mr. Sorrbeth. Do you deny that the Nanomites are sapient beings—that
they are self aware and capable of rational thought and communication with human
beings?”
“I concede nothing, Your Honor. I have never seen or talked
to a Nanomite. Only a few claim to have done so and then only telepathically. I
don’t deny that they are good at building their crystal structures, but how do
we know whether they do it voluntarily or if Threebeard and the other handlers
have simply learned how to train them and modify their behavior?”
“If you could talk to a Nanomite swarm master today, would
that change your mind?” Garcia asked.
Sorrbeth chuckled. “Certainly, but we know that is not
possible. They can’t even be seen by the naked eyes. Even if one shouted, we
couldn’t hear him.”
The gallery erupted in laughter. Councilor Garcia grinned. “Well, Mr. Sorrbeth.
Don’t leave after you’ve finished making your argument today. I believe there is
a Nanomite who has asked to be heard.”
Sorrbeth’s eyes widened. “If it is true, I wouldn’t miss it, but I fear this
appearance will be but another trick of the mutant Threebeard.”
The scribe stood up indicating Sorrbeth’s time had elapsed.
He returned to this seat and Councilor Garcia looked down at his docket sheet.
“The court will now hear from Jondrel Bohm, know to most of us as the mutant
Threebeard.”
The tall, stout, three-headed mutant stood up and walked
slowly to the podium. His three heads were joined above the ears so only his
three bearded chins revealed that his gigantic head was actually three joined as
one. It was said that Threebeard was the most intelligent being on Tarizon. Not
only was he psychic but telepathic and telekinetic as well. It was no secret
that Central Authority feared him as he was unofficial leader of the mutant
population that lived unprotected outside the urban domes. As he walked by
Sorrbeth’s seat, a glass of water tumbled over and spilled its contents in
Sorrbeth’s lap. The gallery erupted in laughter. Sorrbeth stood up and glared at
Threebeard.
Councilor Thoripides became rigid in his chair and glared at
Threebeard. “Let me remind you this is the highest court of the land, Mr. Bohm.
We will not tolerate childish antics.”
“Yet you will tolerate scoundrels who openly condone genocide and even suggest
it would be a remedy for the millions of mutants who are suffering outside the
domes and taxing the resources of Central Authority.”
“Let’s not get off the subject,” Councilor Garcia
interjected. “That is not an issue before this court today.”
“My apologies, Chief Councilor. Since I am one of the few
people who communicate with the Nanomites I wanted to tell the Court what I have
learned about them. My contact is with a Nanomite swarm master who I call Allo.
This came about actually at the request of Central Authority. After the
cataclysmic volcanic eruptions that devastated Tarizon less than twenty cycles
ago, the construction industry was in ruins and Central Authority was looking
for a way to rejuvenate it. The Nanomites were well known for the crystal
palaces that they inhabited in their desert homelands, yet no one knew how they
did it. The one thing that was clear was these Nanomites were geniuses when it
came to engineering. It was thought if communication could be established, that
perhaps the Nanomites could build other structures, structures that could be
used my humans.
“Since it was apparent the Nanomites swarm masters could
communicate instantaneously with their individual Nanomite workers, it was
thought that perhaps communication could be established telepathically. So, I
was asked to attempt to make contact. It was a long and arduous task, the
details of which I couldn’t begin to explain in the short time I have to speak
today, but the important thing is I did make contact. It was an exciting moment
when I first felt Allo’s presence in my mind. He had resisted me because he had
no understanding of human life or any life form other than his own.
“Let me tell you about the Nanomites. They are gentle,
caring, beings. They have no politics because all act for the benefit of each
other. Any one of them would sacrifice their life for the good of the swarm.
There is no conflict, discord or jealousy in a Nanomite swarm. They simply don’t
understand these concepts. Everyone looks out for each other in their constant
battle for survival.”
“Excuse me,” Councilor Thoripides interrupted. “From your
explanation these Nanomites seem to me to be just another insect who live by
instinct and don’t have the ability for rational thought.”
“Oh, but that is not the case at all, Councilor. Allo has
emotions. He worries about his swarm and the other swarms in the colonies. He
communicates with other swarm masters and they discuss options and make plans
for how best to make their colonies thrive. They are as much a sapient life form
as human beings.”
Councilor Thoripides shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Threebeard, if I can
call you that—”
“Yes, please do, everyone does.”
“Threebeard, how do we know you’re not making all of this up?
I know you’ve been able to get the Nanomites to build magnificent structures all
over Tarizon and I commend you for that, but many believe you have simply
learned how to control and manipulate them. How do you respond to that?”
The scribe stood up and Councilor Garcia smiled. “I think,
Councilor, that our next speaker may be able to answer that question better than
anyone. Threebeard, would you ask Allo of the Nanomites to make his appearance.”
Threebeard nodded and closed his eyes. Councilor Thoripides
snarled, “What is this?”
“Patience,” the Chief Councilor said. “Give him a moment.”
“Yes, I have him,” Threebeard said without opening his eyes.
The Chief Councilor nodded. “Please translate his thoughts.”
“I object!” Councilor Thoripides scowled. “This is
outrageous.”
Councilor Garcia sighed. “I suspected you would object, so I polled the other
councilors and four of us want to hear from Allo of the Nanomites. Do I need to
take a formal vote?”
Thoripides sat back in his chair and shook his head. “All
right, then. Let’s hear from Mr. Allo. Is that his first name or last?”
“It is my only name. We have no marriage or parentage. Every
Nanomite is identical with the exception of the swarm masters who are blessed
with power of thought.”
“Allo,” Councilor Garcia asked. “Why have your swarms built
so many magnificent palaces, halls and buildings all over Tarizon?”
“Because we have agreed to a covenant for such construction
work with the Central Authority. We must honor our word.”
“But what do you get for all this hard work? From what I have
heard it so little in comparison to what us humans get?”
“What seems like nothing to you is monumental to our
colonies. Before we knew of your human existence, life was very perilous for us.
To thrive as a people we must have certain chemical elements and specific
environmental conditions. Only a few places on Tarizon are habitable for us. The
Covenant makes it possible for us to migrate and multiply. Our colonies have
increased a hundred fold since we signed the covenant. Like humans and all
life-forms our most important instinct is for survival and increasing our
swarms. It is our ultimate objective to make sure Nanomites never become
extinct.”
“So, tell us how you feel about Sgt. Zahn and what he did to
Swarm 622.”
“At times I feel a great sadness and depression over the loss
of so many of my brothers and sisters. Other times I feel regret that we came to
know the human race. But mostly I feel outrage that someone could murder an
entire swarm of Nanomites and feel no remorse. I wonder if other human beings
could do the same thing.”
“I assure you that is a unique case, Allo. We feel your
outrage and that is why the Merria Tribunal convicted Sgt. Zahn of this heinous
crime. Unfortunately, under the Supreme Mandate he is entitled to an appeal. I
promise you I will urge my colleagues to uphold that appeal.”
“Thank you, Chief Councilor. You are an honorable man and I
hope the others who are deciding this appeal are as just and honorable, but I
have my reservations judging by the arguments I’ve heard today.”
“I understand, but the right to speak freely is protected
under the Supreme Mandate and no one should be chastised for exercising that
right.”
“Then I will speak freely. If Sgt. Zahn is not executed for
his crimes, we will consider the covenant breached and no longer honor it. And
if there are any further acts of genocide against the Nanomites, we will take
appropriate measures to protect ourselves and punish those who have done us
harm.”
The gallery erupted in hushed conversation. Council
Thoripides eyes narrowed. “Are you threatening us?” he asked.
“No,” Allo replied evenly. “I’m simply stating a fact which
is my right as a citizen of Tarizon.”
The scribe stood up and Threebeard opened his eyes. Councilor
Garcia coughed nervously. “Well, thank you Threebeard. Our final speaker will be
Senator Videl Lai.”
A tall, muscular man walked deliberately up to the lectern.
He didn’t bow but rather glared at the Chief Councilor. “You may proceed,” the
councilor advised.
“Since my time is short I will not belabor issues that have
already been addressed. What I wanted to warn the Supreme Councilors about today
is the growing threat that the Nanomites pose to Central Authority and the human
population of Tarizon. Are you aware that many Nanomites swarms are left in each
structure after they build it? They will tell you these are maintenance swarms,
but I have it on good authority that they are actually spies for militant
mutants who are raising armies to overthrow Central Authority and seize control
of the urban domes.”
The Chief Councilor shook his head. “Senator, do you have an
argument relevant to the issues before this tribunal? We are not interested in
your paranoia.”
Videl Lai’s eyes narrowed. “If you insist on ignoring the
truth and won’t heed my warning, then I just want to say that, as far as I am
concerned, Sgt. Zahn is a hero and a patriot and I applaud what he has done.”
Many in the gallery cheered Videl as he returned to his seat,
but most just sat in shock pondering his words. The Chief Councilor spoke up.
“The council will take this matter under consideration and have a decision by
the end of the day. Thank you,” he said and stood up.
Councilor Thoripides leaned back in his chair and laughed. “Threebeard, you’re a
good actor. . . . Allo of the Nanomites. What a joke!” Just then the councilor’s
chair collapsed and he fell hard to the floor. He screamed and then scrambled to
his feet staring at the pile of saw dust which was all that was left of his
seat. Councilor Garcia stifled a laugh, but few in the gallery restrained their
amusement over the Nanomite leader’s clear message.
The media camera came back on and Lorina Lance was back in
front of it. “All right, the council has left the courtroom and will now
deliberate in private before taking a final vote. You saw that Chief Councilor
had mustered enough votes to let Allo be heard. There is no guarantee, however,
that he will be able to muster the four votes necessary to uphold Sgt. Zahn’s
conviction. In addition to Councilor Thoripides, two other councilors are
staunch allies of Videl Lai and the Purist Party. The other four councilors are
known to be independent with allegiances to no one in particular. Accordingly,
the vote could go either way and since there is so much at stake deliberations
may extend late into the night.
“If Sgt. Zahn is convicted he will flogged, hung by his wrist
in the public square, and then given a lethal injection. Experts say tell me the
flogging public display is to insure the condemned suffers great pain and feels
the public’s outrage. Just after nightfall he’ll be terminated, his body
incinerated and his remains buried in an unmarked grave.
“While we are waiting for the decision of the Supreme Council
of the Interpreters we will return to our regular programming with a promise
that coverage will resume just as soon as the council reconvenes.”
The coverage ended at 1400 and resumed six and a half hours
later. Lorina Lance was back in front of the media camera when it went live.
“This is Lorina Lance back live. We’ve just been advised that
the council has made a decision and I am making my way back into the Great Hall.
Councilor Garcia is looking rather somber which could be good news for Sgt. Zahn.
Apparently Councilor Thoripides will read the decision.”
“Citizens of Tarizon. After careful consideration of Sgt.
Hirah Zahn’s appeal of his conviction of genocide rendered by the Merria Council
of Interpreters, it is our opinion that the conviction should be and is hereby
reversed. After careful study and deliberation, it is clear that Nanomites are
not persons within the meaning of the Supreme Mandate, nor have they ever been
citizens of any of the 29 consolidated states. Therefore, Sgt. Zahn shall be
released and fully reinstated with back pay to his position in Tarizon’s Global
Forces.”
The camera switched back to Lorina Lance. “Well there you
have it. Sgt. Zahn’s conviction has been overturned and as we speak he is being
congratulated by Senator Videl Lai and others who have shown their support for
him since his arrest. This is a difficult day for the mutant Threebeard and, of
course, the Nanomites. It is unclear if they will indeed reject their covenant
with Central Authority, but their leader Allo seemed pretty adamant that there
would be no further construction by Nanomite swarms. He even suggested the
Nanomites would find a way to exact revenge for the genocide of Swarm 2247. What
that means is anyone’s guess, but I’m sure Sgt. Zahn will be pondering that
question carefully tonight when he rejoins his family.”
“This is Lorina Lance reporting from the courtroom of the
Supreme Council of the Interpreters. Good night.”
Copyright 2007
William Manchee
All rights reserved