The first court trials convicted the conspirators discovered hiding throughout the city. Since they had chosen not to carry out their planned acts of sabotage, they were sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for conspiring to commit treason.
The trials of the co-conspirators who accompanied Keerat into the temple stretched into the hottest days of summer. Most pleaded guilty and received two years’ imprisonment. Three of them pleaded not guilty and required a jury trial.
Bel-mar was deposed and chose to testify in person rather than submit a recorded statement. When asked how the co-conspirators should be punished, he evaded the question, stating, “The Queen, in her compassion, requests that they only be sentenced according to the guidelines established by the court. She urges every member of the colony to remember our shared struggle and to resolve our differences through discourse instead of discord.”
As he had hoped, popularity polls for the queen soon ranked her among the most beloved queens in colony history. No matter what might happen to me, her safety and wellbeing are assured.
During the evening of the last trial of the co-conspirators, the sun experienced an unprecedented coronal mass ejection, or CME. The stellar particles and radiation arrived the next day at midday. Early warning systems provided an ample warning for the colonists, their pets, and livestock to get to shelter.
The scorching heat forced even androids to remain indoors for days as temperatures soared to lethal levels. The radiation subsided, but the heat lingered until summer’s end. The annual rain showers that ushered in autumn failed to materialize. Crops that had survived the heat shriveled and died in the drought.
When it was safe to go outdoors, Nordhi-sha used her popularity to recruit volunteers to distribute food stockpiles in the royal granaries. The dry heat baked the drought-stricken ground until it cracked, releasing an unknown spore that afflicted the population with respiratory ailments. A minority of colonists, including Nordhi-sha, experienced severe symptoms and became bedridden. Without a cure, the oldest and frailest began to succumb.
In the city center, the trial of Keerat started. His barristers attempted to portray him as a devoted patriot. They contended he had merely done what he believed best for the colony and his island.
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Irrefutable evidence and video of the failed coup resulted in a brief trial and swift jury conviction. The court adjourned for the day, and the elated Bel-mar rushed home to share the news. “He was found guilty on all charges!”
The queen extended her hand from the bed. “Wonderful news.”
Bel-mar took her hand in his. “I missed you, wife. How are you feeling?”
“Yearning to spend time with you and Rangpu.” She pointed out the window. “Look. Storm clouds. I have a feeling tomorrow my illness and the drought will both break.”
* * *
The judge announced the sentencing guidelines for each crime the next day. Before taking a short recess, the judge addressed Keerat, “Before I impose your sentence, do you have anything else to say? An earnest apology or admission of guilt might sway the court to show leniency.”
Keerat defiantly replied, “I deserve the throne more than King Bel-mar. As long as I live, I will not rest until the throne is mine.”
The courtroom erupted in shocked anger until the judge demanded order. “Your highness, as king it is your right to provide recommendations on sentencing.”
“Please grant me a moment to confer with counsel.” Bel-mar turned to Artee. “You have been suspicious of Keerat all this time. Any suggestions?”
“Sire, my expertise is in carrying out sentences, not deciding them.”
“In your expertise, do you believe Keerat will continue to be a threat or is he posturing?”
“Any man who openly and publicly attempts a coup is already committed to success or to die trying.”
Bel-mar positioned himself opposite his cousin and in full view of the court cameras. “Keerat, twice you have threatened the life of Queen Nordhi-sha. Yet she still believes there is good in you and would plead for leniency.” He waited for the applause to end before continuing. “I believe you when you say that you will always be a threat to the throne and to my family. As long as I live, I guarantee that you will spend the rest of your life at hard labor.” The king turned to address the judge, “Your honor, as king that is my recommendation.”
“The defendant will rise to receive sentencing. Duke Regent Keerat, for the crimes of treason against the throne and in accordance with the laws of the colony, you are stripped of your royal titles and all lands and properties associated with those titles. For the crimes of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, you are sentenced to life imprisonment at hard labor with eligibility for parole in forty-five years. Sentence to be carried out immediately. This court is adjourned.”
The courtroom erupted into cheers and the news reporters hurried outside to set up for a press conference. Before the press conference started, King Bel-mar stepped in front of the cameras to express his gratitude to the judge, prosecuting barrister androids, and the jury. He answered some questions until it started drizzling, forcing him to hurry to his hovercar. The vehicle slowly weaved its way to the royal estate through throngs of joyous pedestrians laughing and dancing in the long prayed for rain.