“Since the facts are indisputable I would like to call attention to the extenuating circumstances leading up to Yama’s desertion and the consquences of his act,” Blade said. “We all know about Alicia Farrow. We can all imagine what Yama went through. But can we also imagine the hell he has endured during the two years since her death?”
The three judges listened attentively.
“If you’ve ever known what it’s like to be in love— and I know all three of you do—then you can envision how you’d feel if your loved one was murdered in front of your eyes. And I’d be willing to bet that each and every one of you would go after the party responsible.”
“You’ve got that right, Big Guy,” Lynx commented. “I’d rip the sucker to shreds.”
Polite laughter rippled among the crowd.
Blade gestured at Yama. “Exactly. So think about the torment he endured. For two years he denied himself an outlet for his feelings. He bottled them up inside. And we all know what happens when a person does that. They build and build until they finally explode.” He frowned. “Recently Yama, Samson, and I fought a Technic contingent in Green Bay. I believe that experience triggered Yama’s long-suppressed urge to retaliate for Alicia’s death. He could no longer control those feelings long denied. Although he knew it was wrong, he couldn’t resist the impulse to go after the Technics.”
“Why didn’t he just ask permission to take off?” Bertha interrupted.
“Because he knew such permission would be denied,” Blade replied.
“Had it been, he probably would have stayed and continued to suffer as he had for years.”
“His motivation is understandable,” Rikki said, “but in itself does not justify his offense.”
“True,” Blade said. “But let’s take a look at the consequences of his action. You’re all aware that the Technics have been overthrown. New Chicago has become a democracy and plans to apply for membership in the Freedom Federation.” He shifted so the spectators could also hear every word. “I was told by President Falcone, their new leader, that the revolution wouldn’t have succeeded without Yama. He inspired them to launch it. He singlehandedly attacked the Central Core and disrupted the Technic Government. The people of Chicago hail him as a hero. And to give you an idea of how grateful they really are, their Militia has adopted a dark blue uniform with a black skull on the back.”
All eyes were fixed on the accused.
“In light of Yama’s motivation and the fact that one of the Family’s worst enemies has been defeated because of his dereliction of duty, I plead for leniency,” Blade went on. “I ask you to put yourself in his shoes and temper your judgment with mercy.”
Rikki-Tikki-Tavi looked at Yama. “Have you anything further to add?”
“Just that I will wholeheartedly accept whatever punishment you see fit to hand down,” Yama said. “I know I’ve done wrong. Not that it matters, but the shame is almost unbearable.”
“Your comments will be taken into consideration,” Rikki said, and scanned the chamber. “This Review Board will be in recess for an hour while a judgment is reached.” He used the gavel again, rose, and led Bertha and Lynx from the room.
Everyone began talking at once.
Yama turned to Blade. “I’m grateful for your help.”
“What are friends for?”
“I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you.”
Blade shrugged. “We do what we have to.”
The afternoon sun had warmed the temperature to 65 degrees. Yama stood under a tree not far from B Block and watched a cloud shaped like a turtle sail to the southeast. The fresh air felt good.
“Yama?”
He turned and saw her standing a few feet off, as beautiful as ever in a faded pink blouse and patched jeans. Her dark brown hair hung to her shoulders. Anxiety was mirrored in her green eyes.
“Mind if we talk?”
“Not at all, Melissa,” Blade said. “I still have half an hour before the Review Board is back in session.”
She came closer, her hands clasped tightly at her waist. “What do you think they’ll decide?”
“There’s no telling.”
“Rikki is one of your best friends. Surely he wouldn’t agree to expelling you.”
Yama gazed at the departing turtle. “Rikki is first and foremost a Warrior, one of the best the Family has ever had. He’ll go by the book in whatever he decides.”
“It hardly seems fair,” Melissa commented, moving to the tree and leaning against the trunk.
“You’re new to the Family. Once you’ve lived here a while you’ll understand.”
A tense silence ensued.
“May I ask you a question?” Melissa said after a bit.
“Anything.”
“What happens between us now?”
“Us?” Yama repeated, looking at her.
“You know what I mean,” Melissa stated, sounding hurt. “You know how I feel about you, how I’ve felt ever since you showed up in Green Bay and saved me from the Automatons. And I thought you felt the same way about me.”
“I do,” Yama confirmed.
“Then how could you go off without saying good-bye, without even letting me know what you were up to?”
“You would have tried to stop me.”
“Damn straight.”
“So I believed it best to simply leave,” Yama said, and sighed. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”
Melissa studied his face. “And have you laid the ghosts to rest?”
“Yes,” Yama answered confidently. “At long, long last I’ve settled accounts with my past. I don’t have the weight of Alicia Farrow’s death on my shoulders any more.”
“Thank God,” Melissa said, and beamed.
“Why are you so happy?”
“Because I don’t have to compete with a ghost any longer. Now maybe you’ll loosen up and let our relationship develop.”
Yama reached out and tenderly touched her cheek. “I’d like that,” he stated, then frowned. “But we shouldn’t be talking like this with my future hanging in the balance. We’ll wait and hear the verdict.”
“What difference does it make?” Melissa asked. “If you’re expelled, I’m going with you.”
The Warrior did a double take. “You are not.”
“You can’t stop me.”
“But you’re safer here. You know the conditions prevailing in the Outlands. A couple by themselves would be fair game for every raider, scavenger, mutation, and wild beast out there.”
“I’d rather be with you no matter where you are. The reason I came to the Home was to be with you. If you leave, I don’t want to stay.”
Shaking his head, Yama stared at B Block. “I refuse to take you along.”
“Then I’ll go by myself.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Try me.”
They locked eyes, hers moist and appealing, his hard but melting.
Uttering a sharp cry, she ran into his arms and hugged him close, pressing her face to his neck.
“I don’t want to lose you.”
Yama stroked her hair, feeling her tears on his skin, and his entire body trembled.
“Are you all right?” she whispered.
“Fine,” he said, the word a haunted growl.
Again the lower chamber was packed. Anxious expectation hung thick and heavy over the spectators as they observed the Review Board judges returning to the long table.
“Will the accused please rise,” Rikki-Rikki-Tavi stated.
The Warrior in blue slowly stood.
So did Blade. He glanced at his friend, saw the torment reflected in Yama’s countenance, and hoped for the best.
Rikki cleared his throat. “After due deliberation this tribunal has reached a verdict. The decision is unanimous. Considering the nature of the offense, an equal punishment is called for.”