‘Growing a new arm?’ asked Icek.
‘Yes, sire.’
‘Why have you not come forward with this earlier?’
‘I did not think it was of much importance, sire. However, it now appears relevant, as it seems General Zaccarah has failed to abide by Alliance law for quite some time now.’
‘You are correct,’ said Icek. ‘General, your response.’
‘Council, I assure you that I too have only just recently learned of this technology. Ethan revealed many new achievements in the previous months that he himself has kept hidden over the years. I cannot be held responsible for his silence.’
‘Is it not your duty to know of everything in your unit?’ asked Icek. ‘It was you that requested Ethan Coride specifically to accompany you here.’
‘Council,’ said Liet. ‘I think it wise to add that I too have spoken with Ethan. It appears this technology could lead to greater works, but the general has not permitted it and has even called for its destruction. Ethan came to me in confidence, as he wishes to advance it further.’
‘General Zaccarah,’ said Elor, visibly furious as he was appalled by the idea that such technology would be kept hidden. ‘Explain your actions!’
‘Sire, we cannot make man into machine!’ said Alkon.
‘Machine? I heard nothing of making man into machine!’
‘But that is where it will lead, sire, you must realise this.’
‘How does this technology work, Lieutenant?’ asked Icek.
‘From what Ethan has explained,’ said Liet, ‘the metal casing is simply to maintain shape. It moulds the new limb into that shape after new flesh is grown from various injections. The only part that could be likened to machine is the titanium bone structuring, but there is no mechanical device installed.’
‘This could aid thousands of soldiers who lose their limbs,’ said Icek. ‘You chose to hide, and perhaps even destroy it, General?’
‘I questioned Ethan myself,’ explained Alkon. ‘He admitted to me that it would lead in the direction I feared. I could not allow it!’
‘General!’ Again Elor attempted to yell but failed, coughing loudly. ‘These advancements should have been made known to us. You do not have the power to judge any different! It is clear now that you do not have any intention to abide by Alliance law. It seems this is not a trial of competence alone, but perhaps even of treason. General Zaccarah, you have made strange moves, and I am growing tired of debates. Lieutenant, as a close friend of the general, has there been anything said that would suggest he is a traitor?’
‘Little, sire,’ said Liet, ‘but he often spoke of returning home. He wishes the wars to end, however, I do not believe he purposely set out to destroy the Alliance in any way. I believe he has genuine reasons for withholding technological gains and also that he simply was not ready for an enemy such as Waikor. From my observations, I would say that he has simply had enough and no longer wishes to fight.’
The High Council was quiet in thought, speaking to one another occasionally as they prepared their final judgement. After several minutes, Elor spoke again.
‘We have heard enough,’ he said. ‘Lieutenant-General Liet Revarn of Xosuh, you are now promoted to the full rank of General for the Alliance.
‘Thank you, sire,’ said Liet.
‘Kobin Guyde of Callibra,’ said Rihk. ‘You have permission to seek out the Daijuar where you think they are located. They are to be found as soon as possible. Take as many men as you see fit, but first you must give us a victory at Waikor, as you believe you can.’
Liet quickly glanced back at Xosis and shrugged at the news as Kobin showed his gratitude to the council.
There was silence then as all waited for what the High Council would say about Alkon. Alkon stood silently, showing as little emotion as possible. To retain any respect among the Alliance from this point on, he would have to remain completely still, no matter what was said.
‘General Alkon Zaccarah of the nation Ordear,’ said Icek. ‘We have heard of your actions and have labelled you a criminal. However, due to your previous record, we have decided to be lenient. It is for this reason that you will not be executed, but you will hereby be stripped of your rank and outcast, just as your father before you. It now appears your family is incapable of maintaining discipline as they yearn for a simpler life. Effective immediately, you will be shunned by the Alliance, and you will be escorted out of the city of Raiulun as a commoner, where you will be forced to fend for yourself. Your punishment is that you will need to make your own way back to Ordear without our aid. Guards, remove Mister Zaccarah from our sight.’