Caged Among the Stars, Chapter 9 (Patreon)

“Do I look alright?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

“You’re in a freshly cleaned and pressed uniform, what more could you do?”

“I don’t know.” He stares at himself in the mirror before turning on the style-switcher and seeing what he looks like with different hairstyles. “I knew I should have gotten a haircut yesterday.”

“Your hair is fine, boy.” I step up behind him to wrap my arms around his waist. “I know you’re nervous, but it's going to be okay.”

“You don't know that,” he argues, closing the app on the mirror and turning in my embrace. “But thank you, sir.”

“I do know that your brother is smart enough to fix this.” A knock on the door. “And there he is now.”

“Hey Kay, how are you feeling?” Len asks as he walks in. “Are you ready for today?”

“I think so.” Kaylin nods nervously. “Are you?”

“Always, little brother.” He tries to offer a reassuring smile. “Let’s go.”

The three of us exit Kaylin’s dorm and make our way to the academy’s courtroom. I know I’ve been doing a good job of playing it cool, but the truth is, I'm just as nervous as Kaylin. I have no idea how this is going to go, or even how good Len actually is at his job. But for my boy’s sake, I have to believe that it will all be okay.

I hate being useless like this. I feel like a dom failing their sub, even though there really hasn’t been much to do but wait since our investigative outing to the recruitment event a few days ago. Len prepared Kaylin as much as he could, going over how he should answer any potential questions, but we all know it’s unlikely that he'll even be given the chance to speak on his own behalf.

“This is where we leave you,” Len announces as we approach the room. Since I’m not Kaylin’s custodial dom anymore, I’ll have to sit up in the gallery with everyone else.

“You got this,” I try to psych Kaylin up. “And I’ll see you right after.”

He offers me a small smile, but I can still see his fear beneath the surface. I want to do nothing more than hold him and tell him it'll be alright, but I have a feeling he’d hate that. So with a nod of my head, I turn and walk up the stairs to get my seat.

“Vaiken, over here!” I don’t even have time to look before I hear Tuck calling for me.

I spot him sitting in a row near the front, and... all our friends are here. Prim, Gax, Rev, Astella, and Brakis. And from the way they’re looking at me, it’s not just gawk at the spectacle.

“You guys all came,” I say a little dumbly as I join them.

“Of course we did,” Prim correctly answers like I'm an idiot. “We gotta support our friends.”

“Thanks.” I take a seat between Tuck and Brakis. “Kaylin will really appreciate it.”

“He’s not the only one we’re here to support.” Brakis shoves me lightly with his big grey shoulder.

“Well... Thanks from me too.” I really hope no one notices my cheeks turning purple.

I forgot that after Malprin “caught” me and Kaylin together in the park, it didn’t take long for word to spread across the academy that we were involved. All of my friends were happy for us, of course, but I know Kaylin wasn't very pleased. We’ve both gotten our fair share of weird, whispering stares and stars only know what kind of rumors are already going around.

<The judges are about to enter,> Gax-On alerts us all.

“Here they come!” Prim shushes everyone as the doors to the chamber open

The room falls silent as the five heads of the disciplinary board - and judges of this tribunal - file into the room and onto their stage. Each of them moves to take one of the five seats behind a long table, and I wince internally when I see Admiral Ranock taking the center seat. For each hearing, the five of them rotate who leads the proceedings, signified by taking that chair.

I can see Kaylin’s shoulders slump from behind. This is exactly what we were hoping against. Ranock has already made it clear what he thinks of submissives, and particularly Kaylin, so we know he won’t be doing us any favors.

“Good morning gentlemen and my fellow members of the disciplinary board,” Ranock begins, sitting up straight in his would-be throne. “This tribunal gathers today to rule on the alleged crimes of Cadet Kaylin Zekram. Lenolfis Zekram, are you and your client prepared?”

“We are, sir.” Len answers affirmatively.

“Before we begin...” Ranock starts, already going off script. “I feel I must question if allowing the cadet’s older brother to represent him does not create some sort of conflict of interest?”

“If that is how you feel admiral,” Len quickly replies, managing to mask any annoyance in his voice, “then I’m not sure why you would then hire our father to represent the academy’s interests.”

My jaw nearly hits the flow as gasps and whispers flow through the audience at the news. Kaylin’s head shoots to the side, looking pleadingly at his brother in a combination of anger and fear. Almost on cue, the doors to the room slide open again, and the asshole himself, Alias Zekram, waltzes inside.

“I’m sorry,” Len apologizes to his brother. “I’ve known for a little while now, but I didn't want to tell you because all you would do is spend this entire time stressing. It’ll be okay, just trust me.”

“But what if I...” Drop. He’s afraid he might drop.

“Just stay focused on me,” Len tries to assure him. “Hopefully, you won’t even have to talk to him.”

Kayling lips are tight as he manages to jerk out a nod and return his gaze forward, refusing to look at his father. I know he can do this, but a little encouragement might help... I quickly type out a message on my OCID that should go directly to his.

“You can do this, boy. I’m right behind you.” I see his shoulder relax a little as he receives it.

“I suppose I see your point, but when a man with your father’s talents and reputation offers his services pro-bono, who would I be to turn them down?” Ranock concedes, and gee, isn’t that convenient. “And I must say, to see a father willing to fight against not just one but both of his sons? I cannot say that bodes well for what this board may ultimately decide.”

“I’m sorry sir, but are you suggesting that the board has already made a decision, before we’ve even begun?” I love how unflappable Len is.

“O-of course not.” Ranock is flustered. “This tribunal is fair and impartial.”

“That is good to hear sir,” Len continues, sounding calm as ever. “I would hate to think any of you might be biased in your decision making.”

“Perhaps we should begin?“ Commandant Lurza suggests helpfully.

“Of course,” Alias agrees and steps in front of the tribunal table. “Cadet Kaylin Zekram, you stand accused of lying to the Galactic Authority and providing false information to the academy regarding your designation. You are also accused of using your designation as a submissive to inappropriately coerce and influence your fellow cadets and professors for the sake of furthering your academic standing.”

What the fuck? Both brothers’ nearly fall out of their chair after hearing that as whispers spread through the gallery. All my friends turn to look at me and all I can do is give my best “I have no idea look” in response.

“Why was I not informed that there was a new charge?” Len asks angrily, seemingly flustered for the first time this morning as he swipes rapidly through his datapad.

“The charge was added as of yesterday,” Alias notes offhandedly. “You should have received a notice electronically.”

“Well I did-- Oh look, it just came in,” Len reveals flatly.

“Must be a problem with your datapad connection,” Alias suggests, and I call trillshit. “Though I'm hardly the only person to submit things last minute, if this video ‘evidence’ of yours is everything to go by. Is that what they’re teaching in law school these days, filmmaking?”

“Everything was turned in to the tribunal on time and with appropriate notice,” Len defends defiantly. “You better hope this witness I see you claim to have can back up this new charge.”

“Don't worry, they will.” Alias turns towards the door. “I would like to request that Cadet Nolivo Malprin take the stand.”

“Malprin?!” I say a little too loudly, drawing a few eyes.

“How could they possibly trust what he has to say?” Rev notes as the asshole enters the room. “Wasn’t he the one who falsely accused Kaylin in the first place?”

“Something tells me they don’t care.” Prim scoffs as he takes his seat at the stand.

“Cadet Malprin, do you swear that all the information and testimony you provide to this tribunal is accurate and truthful?” Alias asks him a question I’ve come to expect from watching starship courtroom dramas.

“I do, sir,” Malprin answers while holding a fist to his chest in salute.

“Thank you.” Alias begins walking around as he speaks. “We’ll just start with some basics. Please tell the tribunal your full name, occupation, and how you know the accused.”

“Nolivo Malprin,” he leans forward to speak into the hovering microphone. “I’m a cadet in the GAA - Cabrian Division, and me and Zek-- Cadet Zekram are in the same officer program.”

“And it was in this officer program that you witnessed Cadet Zekram engaging in... activities unbecoming a cadet?” Alias continues.

“That’s right sir.” Malprin nods before looking at Kaylin with pity in his eyes.

“Please, tell us what happened,” Alias cedes the floor.

“It was right after Cadet Zekram’s first hearing,” Malprin starts what I know is a lie, since I followed Kay back to his dorm right after. “He followed me back to my dorm. He looked worried.”

“What happened then?” Alias asks next.

“I thought he was there to talk about class or something, so I invited him,” Malprin resumes his story. “That was a mistake. As soon as the door slid closed, he threw himself at me.”

“I never--!” Kaylin starts before Len gives him a sharp look and tugs on his wrist.

“Cadet Zekram, control your outbursts,” Ranock warns. “Please continue, Cadet Malprin.”

“He started begging me to help him,” Malprin continues to lie. “He said he would do anything if I'd just put in a good word for him, to try and help him stay in the academy.”

“Oh my, that’s quite serious,” Alias fakes concern, and my blood boils. “And what did you tell him?”

“No, of course not sir.” Malprin shakes his head. “I felt bad for him, the whole thing just seemed sad. But I’d never risk going against the academy or the GA like that.”

“I see.” Alias acts like he's disappointed in Kaylin. “Did anything else happen after you turned him down?”

“No sir.” Malprin shakes his head again. “He left my room, though I did hear he approached some other students not long after. Some instructors, too.” As he says it, he looks up at me in the audience.

What the fuck is he implying? None of that is true! I’m steaming in my seat, my hands clenched tightly into fists, and Kaylin looks angrier than a trillbeast that just had its dinner stolen. He’s managed to hold everything in though, and I’m proud of him for that.

“I thank you for your time, Cadet Malrpin,” Alias says to the dickbag before turning to Len and Kaylin. “Your witness.”

“Cadent Malprin,” Len starts as he stands. “Remind me, was it not you who accused Cadet Zekram just a few weeks ago of using performance enhancing stimulants during a field test, leading to the discovery of his designation and the formation of this very tribunal?”

“He did cheat...” Malprin grouses.

“I’ll remind you that an investigation found no such thing,” Len reminds him.

“Well I thought he did.” Malprin is getting annoyed.

“Mhmm.” Len seems unimpressed. “And remind me, this officer program of yours, it regularly releases a public ranking of the cadets in your class based on your performance during field tests and in class, correct?”

“...That’s right,” Malprin confirms, though he’s not liking where this is going.

“And in those rankings, which of you is usually above the other?” Len is leading him down a path.

“...he’s usually higher...” Malprin admits.

“Correct,” Len agrees. “Now, I already find it hard to believe that Cadet Zekram would seek help from the very person responsible for getting him into this mess, but if he has consistently overshone you in class, what exactly were you going to help him with? Are you particularly well connected at the academy?”

“I... I don't know what he wanted me to do, exactly,” Malprin defends his flimsy tale. “I didn't let him go on long enough to explain before I kicked him out.”

“Mhmm. And what time did this event occur?” Len asks next.

“Uh... I don’t know.” Malprin is trying to think. “Some time in the afternoon?”

“Do you have proof of that?” Len gets closer. “The dorms are very busy during the day. Was there anyone who would have seen him go into your room?”

“I, uh, don’t think so...” He swallows nervously.

“So, no proof he was there at all then,” Len confirms, more for the tribunal than Malprin. “And these other people you heard Cadet Zekram went to after you said no, could you please name some of them?”

“I... I wouldn’t want to put out anyone else’s business like that,” Malprin is really starting to sweat now.

“Nonsense, cadet,” Len encourages with a false sweetness. “In addition to providing this court with exactly what you have purported to have happened, but you’d be doing your duty in weeding out trouble from the academy. Though I would like to point out that not a single other person has made such an accusation, and that you are under oath.”

Malprin opens and closes his mouth twice before answering.

“...I don’t remember.” Malprin can't quite meet Len's eyes.

“How convenient,” Len mocks, then turns to the tribunal. “No more questions.”

“Cadet Malprin, this tribunal thanks you for your time, you are dismissed,” Ranock says with a sigh, looking none too happy about the development.

“Mr. Zekram - senior,” Commandant Lurza addressed the older man. “Are there any other witnesses or evidence pertaining to this particular charge?”

“Unfortunately not, ma’am,” the man admits, though he quickly recovers. “Which is why I would like to move on to the more serious charge - lying to the Galactic Alliance Academy about his designation and falsifying official GA documentation.”

“You may proceed,” Ranock tells him.

“Thank you, sir. This is very much an open and shut case,” Alias begins walking around with swagger. “Article 12, section 3 of the Galactic Alliance Academy charter forbids both students and staff from knowingly providing false information or records, punishable by expulsion and a possible court martial. And as you can clearly see on his entry forms, Cadet Zekram’s paperwork all mark him as a dominant - which we now know to be a lie.”

“Objection!” Len quickly stands. “Cadet Zekram did not fill out his own paperwork. As the videos I’ve submitted clearly show, GAA recruiters frequently fill out an applicant’s paperwork themselves - and they do not always ask for a cabrian’s designation, more often than not assuming that the potential cadet is a dominant. That is precisely what happened to Cadet Zekram.”

“We have reviewed your ‘evidence.’” I don’t like the air quotes that Alias just used. “And while it might prove the applicants in your videos were not asked, that does not prove that the same thing happened when Cadet Zekram applied.”

“By that logic, do you have any proof he lied back then?” Len stands and the air starts to feel tense. “Or is the default now to assume guilt? Cadet Zekram never lied to the academy!”

“Even if that were true.” Alias takes a menacing step towards his son, raising his voice, “Can he truly say he never lied to any of the staff? I mean, he certainly had no problem lying to his own father.”

“Gee, I wonder why!” Len shouts back.

With both men now in a shouting match, Kaylin just sinks into his seat, hanging his head in his hands out of embarrassment.

“Order. ORDER!” Ranock shouts, banging down his gavel.

“That is enough!” Commandant Lurza sharply warns both men. “If the two of you are unable to keep your emotions and personal feelings in check, we will conclude this tribunal without you.”

“My apologies, Commandant,” Alias bows dramatically.

“I’m sorry as well.” Len retakes his seat.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Zekram,” Admiral Halshu addresses Len, “Your father is correct. While the videos you submitted do show the need for some changes in our recruitment process, they do not actually prove your brother’s innocence.”

My heart sinks and Kaylin’s shoulders slump. That was our whole defense; without it, what do we do? Even Len looks worried.

“Do you have any other evidence that would prove your brother's innocence?” Admiral Milok asks snidely.

“I... I do not, sir.” Len tries not to sound defeated, but... we are.

“In that case--” Ranock starts, raising his gavel again.

“I would like to hear from Cadet Zekram himself,” Admiral Yit-Ded interrupts before he can bring it down.

“I see no need to speak to a submissive of his--”

“Oh please, Ranock,” Lurza rolls her eyes. “The only reason those laws were created was to protect high-level submissives from being forcibly dropped in order to testify or be interrogated. It has been clear since his first hearing that Cadet Zekram is more than capable of conducting himself in public. As long as his guardian has no objections, he may take the stand.”

It’s clear from the way Ranock’s eyebrows pinch together that he wants to object, but the Commandant’s logic is sound. “Fine, as long as both counsels app--”

“I approve,” Len quickly responds.

“And you, sir?” Milok asks Alias.

“I have no objections,” he responds with a sinister smile. “I have deposed many high level subs before.”

“Very well,” Ranock agrees. “Cadet Zekram, please take the stand.”

KAylin hesitates before he stands up, eyes locked onto his father. He’s worried he might drop again, and I bet that’s exactly what the man is hoping for. But my boy is out of options, and since he doesn’t want to leave the academy, he stiffly walks to the stand.

“Cadet Zekram,” Alias starts, as if they aren’t father and son. “You have spent nearly five years at this academy hiding your true designation, is that correct?”

“Yes, I--”

“But you must have been hiding it for much longer than that,” he continues. “How long?”

“When I--

“You hid from your family as well, didn’t you?” Alias lets false disappointment bleed into his voice.

“I told m--”

“When did you first--”

“Are you ever going to let him actually answer or do you just like hearing yourself talk?” Len complains, earning a glare from his father and a look of warning from Ranock.

“Fine,” Alias goes from staring down one son to the other. “Lying to those closest to you, to your own father. Why would someone do that?”

There's a pause before Kaylin answers, sure he's going to get interrupted again. “Because my father made it clear how he felt about submissives from an early age.”

“Maybe your father,” I guess both men are gonna dance around this, “simply believes that submissives, especially ones with levels as high as yours, need a strong guiding hand. As your dominant, it was his job to provide that hand, an opportunity you denied him.”

“Maybe because I didn’t like where his hand would have guided me.” There’s the stubborn Kaylin I lov... know.

“It is well known that submissives of your nature require a close monitoring of their suboxane and domicyclin levels, not to mention that it has been extensively documented that they are highly susceptible to uncontrolled subdrop and coercion,” Alias gets to his point. “There are even instances of dominant who are perfect strangers that are able to manipulate an unsuspecting submissive. Much of society agrees that left on their own, these subs risk not only their health, but also falling into abusive hands.”

“W-Well maybe much of our society is wrong.” I can see Kaylin trembling slightly, but he’s holding it together.

“So are you saying you know better than countless doctors and researchers that have spent their careers studying submissive behavior?” Alias tries to sound reasonable.

“No, but I know who I am, and what I’m capable of.” Kaylin’s arms are stiff at his side, but his voice sounds more even.

“Oh, I think everyone knows exactly who you are now, Cadet Zekram.” There’s that ‘disappointed father’ look again. “So, you admit that you hid your designation long before you entered the academy?”

“I did.” Kaylin nods defiantly.

“I see.” He smiles slyly and turns to the judges. “No further questions.”

“Kaylin.” Now it’s Len’s turn. “When did you first learn you were submissive?”

“When I was fourteen,” Kaylin answers. “I came home from school early one day because I felt really sick. It started right after Quasiball practice. I was already feeling kind of off, and I kept messing up play and our coach really laid into me about it. I felt awful, but it was strange, because it wasn’t just physical, it was like I just wanted to curl up in my bed and hide. I didn’t realize it until later, but I was deep in a drop.”

“Did you tell anyone the truth?” Len leads him to the next question.

“Kind of.” Kaylin answers with a nod and a smile. “My brother found out when he came home and found me. He’s who helped me figure out what was going on.”

“Were you worried about him knowing?” This is going somewhere.

“A little, at first... But I also knew he would help me hide it from our dad.” Kaylin struggles not to look at Alias, who is quietly fuming at his small table.

“And why would you need to hide it from your dad?” Len continues his questions

“Because if he knew I was a submissive, that would have been it for me,” Kaylin answers softly. “MY dad can be kind of a chauvinist. The kind who believes doms are the ones to run everything and subs just sit quietly and do as they're told.”

“And he never suspected the truth?” Len asks with mock surprise.

“Not as far as I could tell,” Kaylin shares. “He was always bragging to his friends about how proud he was of having two doms for his sons. He always used to say that if either of us had turned out to be a submissive, we’d be shipped right off to finishing school and bonded me off to what he considered a ‘proper dom’ like him.”

“Did you really believe he would do that?” Len asks next.

“I did.” Kaylin nods softly. “He even had one picked out - St. Ilkon’s Academy for Submissive Training. It’s where he ‘met’ our mother.”

“So to keep your freedom, you hid your designation.” I think I get what he's doing now. “But after you left home, why keep hiding it?”

“Because it was easier,” Kaylin admits. “Because people don’t respect a sub on his own. Not even other subs.”

“And that's why you lied when applying to the academy?” Len asks.

“I never lied,” Kaylin argues.

“Not even once?” Len reiterates.

“No, I swear,” Kaylin insists. “Even after I was enrolled, no one ever asked me for my designation, not that I can remember. As soon as I started, everyone just assumed I was a dom. And I just never corrected them, because I didn’t want them to start treating me differently. Which is exactly what has happened.”

“Thank you, Kaylin.” Turn to judges. “No further questions.”

“Well if there are no more witnesses--” Ranock tries to move things along.

“I would like to ask the cadet some questions myself,” Yit-Ded stops him.

“I would as well,” Halshu agrees.

“Alright...” Ranock is so ready for this to be over. “Cadet, please stand before the tribunal.”

Kaylin does as he’s asked, standing tall and proud at the center of the floor.

“Cadet Zekram,” Yitded goes first. “Lying to the Galactic Alliance is a  serious crime, and hiding your designation is dangerous for your health. I can understand needing to keep the information private given what sounds like a difficult childhood, but what reason could you have for doing such a thing after you entered the academy?”

“...There are no submissive captains,” Kaylin says, almost too low to hear.

“I’m sorry?” One of Halshu’s ear-stalks swings in his direction.

“There are no submissive captains.” Kaylin repeats more clearly. “Not one, not in the entire Cabrian fleet.”

“And is a captain what you are aiming to be?” Lurza is intrigued.

“For as long as I can remember ma’am,” he confirms. “I've always wanted to pilot my own ship, run my own crew. I want to explore the stars and help people.”

“That is preposterous,” Milok spouts. “There are no rules preventing a submissive from becoming captain.”

“Just because a rule isn't written down or said out loud doesn’t mean it's not there.” Kaylin challenges the squat cabrian man.

“He has a point,” Yit-Ded agrees. “It is strange that in the centuries it has belonged to the Galactic Alliance, there has never been a cabrian submissive promoted to the captain's seat, let alone higher.”

“But that hardly means there's some sort of conspiracy to prevent it!” Milok forest back. “Maybe the reason there aren’t any submissive cadets is because none of them have been worthy enough for the promotion.”

“It does not strike you as odd at all?” Halshu asks her fellow judge for confirmation.

“It does me,” Lurza says, before all her tribunal starts to speak over one another.

“Order!” Rannock is once more in charge, bringing down his gavel twice. “Now then, do we have any other questions for Cadet Zekram?”

No one at the table says anything.

“Very well.” Rannock turns to the lawyers. “Alias and Lenolfis Zekram, your closing  statements, please?”

“Thank you, Admiral,” Alias goes first. “First and foremost, I would like to reiterate to this tribunal just how unprecedented this is. In times such as these, with the Rulixan Empire expanding their reach every day, we know it is only a matter of time before they are knocking on the Galactic Alliance’s doorstep and we are forced to take action. Allowing Cadet Zekram to get away with his alleged crimes is dangerous and would only set a precedent for other submissives to follow in his footsteps. Is it really the time to start testing an experiment like this? I ask you to think of not just the academy, but the entire alliance, when considering the risk.0 Thank you for your time.”

“That is exactly why you need to test it,” Len argues the opposite once his father takes a seat. “We are told over and over from the time we are little that submissives are just as capable as anyone else is, but how often have you actually seen that in practice? Nearly a full third of our species is judged before ever being given a chance, so can we really blame some of them for wanting to keep that information private? My brother is one of the strongest and most capable people I have ever met, and the fact that he has come as far as he has, despite his designation supposedly working against him, is proof of that. My brother never lied to the academy, and if we're going to face that upcoming danger head on, we’re going to need people like him leading the charge. Thank you.”

“Thank you gentlemen,” Rannock dismisses. “The tribunal will now convene to determine our ruling. Please remain seated.”

The five officers stand and exit the room, leaving the rest of us sitting in a tense silence. I can see Kqylin and Len talking low under their breaths, and it's hard to tell how they are fleeing from their body language. Alias looks none too pleased, occasionally glaring in the direction of his offspring. What a great dad...

“I think that went pretty well,” Tuck offers, breaking the silence.

“Really?” I ask for confirmation.

“I mean, the videos did end up being useless,” Prim complains.

“I think Zekram will be fine,” Astella says with a nod.

<I agree,> Gax-on concurrs. <Statistically, I believe Kaylin is safe from explosion.>

“I mean everyone knows Milok always votes with Ranock, he’s like the dues henchman,” Astella starts to explain. “But Lurza is pretty clearly on Kaylin’s side, so the only two you actually need to convince are Halshu and Yit-Ded.”

“And they seemed pretty convinced to me,” Brakis adds.

“And so that would make the votes 3-2 in Kaylin’s favor,” Rev finishes.

We’re waiting for nearly twenty minutes before the doors reopen for the final time. As the tribunal retakes their seats, the room once more falls silent and tense. Everyone is on the edge of their seats waiting for an answer, even Alias.

“Cadet Zekram, please stand,” Ranock requests. “On the charges of deceiving the Galactic Union and academy, and using your designation to further your academic career, this tribunal finds you... not guilty.”

A cheer erupts from my throat, thankfully just a half-second before the rest of the room breaks into applause. Down on the floor, Kaylin looks dumbfounded at the ruling, looking to his brother for confirmation. And Alias, he just looks pissed, standing and stomping out of the room. Good. Hopefully he gets off campus too. The last thing I need is for him to interrupt me and Kaylin celebrating. And we have a lot to celebrate.