Only a few days after Astrala's arrest, her trial began. Charles Banner took on her defense, despite her protests. It didn't matter which way the trial turned; she had no reason to fight the law. She didn't even bat an eye when Sh'Ekrah was called by the Prosecution to testify. No surprise; with Camiel in such a weakened state, there was no way for her to give a count of the events. Mikel and Detia came to the trial to show their support. As soon as Sh'Ekrah was settled in the witness stand, the baliff came over with a small rectangle box. "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So sworn on all that is Holy to you?"

"I do." he said.

"You may sit."

Sh'Ekrah sat, cool and collected. But anyone who knew him personally knew that he was struggling to keep under control so he doesn't take the law into his own hands. Too much had already been lost without his temper lashing out. The Prosecutor walked over to the stand. "If you would, please state your name for the courts."

"Sh'Ekrah Brightlight."

The Prosecuting attorney continued. "Could you describe the events of last week for us?"

Sh'Ekrah gave a full, detailed description on that day's happening. The only things he kept quiet about were Baca's vision and Sapphire's rescue. His voice was calm, with a little bit of a quiver, possibly from his own grief. When he finished, the Prosecution thanked him and allowed the defense up.

"Would you repeat for us, please, your full name, sir, and any titles or rank you may hold?"

"Birgadier General Sh'Ekrah Brightlight; Local Bedlamian Military Police."

"Have you had any run-ins with my client prior to the day in question?"

"Not recently."

"Is that a yes or a no, Brigadier?"

"Yes."

"Could you explain the last time you saw my client, aside from the day in question?"

"Objection!" the Prosecutor shouted. "Irrelevant to the case!"

"I am trying to establish the personal motive of my client for her actions." Charles explained.

"I'll allow it." the judge said. "Objection noted." Charles repeated his question.

"It was about thirty years ago," Sh'Ekrah explained. "During Governor Xander's campaign. The defendant was the assassin hired to take out Governor Xander and secure Mob power over Bedlama. She had attempted to use a rifle about 100 yards from the site, but was stopped by Commander Stargaze of the SilverHawks."

"And she was arrested?"

"Not immediately. She then tried to charge at the potential Governor at the time, but she was stopped."

"How so?"

"I stabbed her in the abdomen with my weapon."

"And after?"

"Shortly after her arrest, it was learned the defendant was two months pregnant."

"And she miscarried due to her injuries?"

"Yes."

"So, in other words, all of this was for pure revenge."

"Yes."

"Then what she did to your mate was all in a manner of grief. So, you're here, testifying on the murder of unborn children when in fact you have done this yourself!"

"Objection!" the Prosecution shouted.

"It's ironic that you lack the ability to practice what you're preaching now!"

"Objection!"

"Then again, what else can I expect from a man who marries a much younger alien slut who's considered a freak among her own species?!"

"OBJECTION!"

"Counsel, that is enough!" the judge yelled. By then, Sh'Ekrah looked like he was about to snap. He actually gripped Charles by the neck.

"Don't you dare call her that!" he hissed. "If you knew the kind of grief my mate is going through now, you wouldn't be so quick to accept this case! Besides, I only accidentially caused the death of one unborn child two months old while your client deliberately murdered seven of my children who were eight months in the womb and were stillborn!"

When the new parents got to their baby's room, they beheld a wonderous sight. Seven little orbs were hovering around Ke'Rika. Cami swore she heard the orbs speak.

Baby sister, who survived our doom, please accept our strength as a gift from us. Let our spirits guide you into adulthood and in the darkest of times. Let yourself use our final gift for all that is good. With that, the seven orbs went right into Ke'Rika.