Onboard the battle barge "wrath of justice," a temporary military tribunal was convened.
Li Feng walked in just as the court was about to open. The young Naval Military Police at the door tried to stop him, but seeing the colonel's insignia on Li Feng's collar, they respectfully let him pass.
After Li Feng entered the court, a Military Police Sergeant walked over and slapped the young Military Police on the helmet: "You idiot! Didn't you recognize that officer as the one who saved our captain that day?"
Li Feng had just rushed from the mechanical ark. Li Feng was busy with research and production on the mechanical ark every day. Why? Because the 30,000 men initially approved by the Department of Military Affairs for Li Feng were gradually arriving, and a large number of weapons and equipment needed to be updated and re-equipped to meet Li Feng's tactical requirements.
And there was also the Carcharodons Space Marine Chapter, which had collectively received new equipment. After Forros asked for help that day, Li Feng visited the Carcharodons' warship, and it was incredibly poor!
Five Space Marine couldn't even share one Bolter, let alone a power sword; even Chainswords were only available to squad leaders, while other Soldiers had to use daggers to fight enemies in close combat.
Old-style power armour was only worn by veterans; new recruits collectively wore outdated models from ten thousand years ago. Li Feng and Huron were seeing such a dilapidated Space Marine Chapter for the first time.
Huron immediately notified the Badab Sector to quickly send a batch of power armour and weapons to the Carcharodons, even immediately sending over the newly decommissioned power armour and weapons from the Claws of the Stars warship's warehouse...
As the court opened, Paquita raised his gavel and struck the table. The criminals were also brought to the court...
Li Feng looked at the five hardened felons; their crimes were undeniable, all involving murder or attempted murder, and each harbored deep resentment.
Kaelp and Treibek stood at opposite ends of the prisoner lineup, glaring at each other. If not for their shackles, they would likely have come to blows.
In the middle was Thomas Hollanby, small, with messy red hair and a face full of freckles. If Li Feng hadn't personally witnessed him stab a Military Police through the neck with a piece of a meal tray, it would be impossible to imagine him possessing such ferocity. Ironically, he was even a medic.
Next to Treibek was the short, stout female Soldier Griselda Velarde. She seemed a little flustered, claiming she didn't mean to hurt anyone, but accidentally kicked her comrade's throat, causing him to suffocate to death.
Paquita ignored this, only wanting to put these Valhallans before a firing squad as quickly as possible.
At the other end, the tall, gaunt, and grim Maxim Sorel watched Cain with his cold gaze, sending a shiver down Cain's spine. He was a tall and slender man with short blond hair and the cold eyes of a killer.
Sorel was a sharpshooter, an expert with a laser sniper rifle, capable of killing any target from a great distance, like swatting a fly. The others were merely swept up by the murderous desires of a mob and could not truly be held responsible for their actions at that time.
But Sorel, using a dagger, had precisely and repeatedly stabbed multiple vital points through the joints of a Military Police's armor, killing him.
"If it were up to me," Paquita said coldly, "I would execute you all immediately."
His gaze swept over the prisoners. Kaelp and Treibek glared back defiantly, while Hollanby looked uneasy. Velarde was visibly panting nervously, and Hollanby even reassuringly held her hand.
The sharpshooter Sorel merely blinked faintly, without a trace of emotion:
"Despite this, your Commissar Cain has convinced me. He believes the Commissariat is better suited to handle the disciplinary affairs of the Imperial Guard, and has requested that Army regulations, rather than Naval regulations, be used to decide your fate... Political Commissar, the rest is up to you."
Five pairs of eyes turned to Cain, who slowly rose and scanned the data-slate on the table before him.
"Thank you, Captain."
Then, Cain turned to the three figures in Political Commissar uniforms beside him: "And thank you, three Commissars; your advice on this case has been invaluable to me."
The three Political Commissars nodded slightly, their faces full of smiles as they looked at Cain: "Oh! Commissar Cain, you're too kind! Not at all, we merely offered some minor suggestions... Hahahaha!"
See, this was Cain's ability, a master of social graces. This was true skill, a skill many could never learn in a lifetime.
Early "networking" with other Political Commissars had brought Cain unexpected benefits; he knew who would be more likely to support his decisions. Two young Political Commissars fresh out of school, plus an old Political Commissar who had spent most of his life on the battlefield—these three had Cain's full trust.
Cain turned his gaze back to the group of prisoners and began:
"The mission of a Political Commissar is often harsh. Regulations exist to be followed, and discipline is for obedience. These regulations clearly stipulate how to adjudicate serious crimes like murder, unless there are mitigating circumstances! I must admit, I have tried my best to find such circumstances in this case."
At this point, the prisoners seemed to have been fitted with nooses, quietly awaiting judgment. The air was filled with the roar of fans, much like the sound of a Chimera transport's engine.
"However, I am very disappointed not to have found any."
Cain heard everyone gasp. Paquita grinned triumphantly, certain he had finally gotten his wish. He was already prepared to have the Military Police set up a gallows on the spot.
"However..."
Cain paused for a moment. Paquita's expression changed slightly, while the criminals showed a glimmer of hope.
"These colleagues whom I respect would undoubtedly agree that a Political Commissar's responsibility is not merely to ensure regulations are followed to the letter, but also to uphold their spirit."
Cain continued: "It is with this in mind that I consulted with them privately, attempting to find a reasonable explanation, and thus found myself in a dilemma."
Cain dramatically turned to the three Political Commissars, indicating that this was not his personal decision, but a decision of the Commissariat.
"Once again, gentlemen, I thank you, not only on my own behalf, but also on behalf of the regiment I have the honor to serve."
Cain turned to Kastin and Brocklaw, bowing to them as well. They were observing the trial's progress from the court's spectator gallery.
Cain knew his deference seemed excessive, but he never minded admitting it, as he always enjoyed being the center of attention, as long as it wasn't the focus of enemy fire.
"A Political Commissar's primary concern is the effectiveness of the regiment to which he belongs, and by extension, the battlefield efficacy of the entire Imperial Guard. This is a heavy responsibility, but in the name of the Emperor (he glanced at Li Feng in the spectator gallery below), we Political Commissars are honor-bound to bear this responsibility."
The other Political Commissars also nodded slightly with a touch of pride.
"This means I am never willing to sacrifice the life of a trained Soldier unless it is the only way to achieve the victory the Emperor requires."
Paquita interrupted Cain: "So, can it be said that you have reached some kind of agreement?"
Cain nodded, acting as if Paquita had helped him, rather than interrupting the speech he had spent most of the morning training with Li Feng on his yacht.
Cain replied: "Indeed, that is precisely the case. My colleagues and I—"
He again emphasized that this was a considered collective decision, not his personal intention, but a joint resolution of the Commissariat and the 597th Regiment's command.
"—believe that simply executing these Soldiers would be meaningless. Their deaths would not bring victory."
"But it would bring discipline..." Paquita began to argue. However, this time it was Cain's turn to interrupt him.
"We will still use death as a form of punishment. However, not immediate death."
Cain turned to the row of confused and uneasy prisoners:
"The Commissariat sentences you to detention, to be transferred to a penal regiment at an appropriate time, where you will ultimately achieve a glorious death. In the interim, should there be particularly dangerous missions, you will be granted the honor of volunteering. Both of these will provide you with opportunities for atonement under the Emperor's gaze."
Cain scanned the ragged group. Kaelp and Treibek's fierce expressions were replaced by astonishment, while Hollanby remained stunned, seemingly incredulous at the sudden turn of events.
Velarde visibly relaxed, finally breaking into tears. As for the sharpshooter Sorel... his face remained expressionless, as if none of this concerned him.
"Dismissed."
The Military Police herded them out with stun batons. Cain waited until everyone had left before turning to Paquita:
"Captain, are you satisfied?"
Paquita replied bitterly: "I suppose I have to be."
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
[patreon.com/TripleCrown07]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"