(ooc: I still have the floor. Sorry, 'bout this, but it is VERY important for me to finish this trial without interruptions. You can go back to fighting after I'm gone.)

The Sorean nod at Jharm's statement.
They begin to look at each other, questioningly until Relkish attack ships begin to surround their ship. As Jihon calls them off, the Sorean nod in appreciation.

They begin to summon the next speaker, when suddenly Fei interrupts the trial. As he begins to intimidate Taro, the Sorean simply stare, calmly. Taro's heartbeat quickens but he remains still, nonetheless.

Asaki laughs nervously and waves off the stares of the cyborg aliens. *ehehe, i think i should start writing my will right now...*

Her muscles ease up a bit as Kanshisha's statement takes a different turn. The Sorean actually seem interested in what he has to say. When he finishes, the cyborg aliens remain speechless, thinking.

The Sorean nod, disapprovingly, but with understanding as Keseno refuses to give a testimony.
They rise, ready to speak when suddenly a stranger intrudes upon the trial and begins to attack Fei Serumen. All hell breaks loose and Taro takes a couple of steps back.

As Fei and Edgar continue their vicous battle, the Sorean begin to become enraged.

Asaki turns wide eyed, from the cyborg aliens to the brawl. She runs towards the two and extends her palms towards them. Her fingertips glow green as Edgar is lifted off the ground into the air. Asaki holds him there as the Sorean leader, followed by two more, make their way towards the fight. They fire their holstered weapons at them. A couple of wire nets wrap tightly around both offenders' torsos and legs, binding their arms to their sides and their feet together.
Asaki lets Edgar drop unceremoniously to the ground.
The Sorean continue to keep their guns leveled at them. The leader steps foward.
"Whatever skirmish the both of you may have, it will have to wait for a later time, otherwise we will be forced to take you with us as well for interrupting such crucial proceedings."

Asaki kneels in front of Fei. "You know I've never asked you for anything since we've been traveling together," she grunts as she pulls the netting off from around his feet, "and I--appreciate you stickin' out for me back there, but I'm asking you now," she presses a button on the last net and rips it off Fei's torso, "please, don't make trouble for these guys. They're serious individuals." She makes eye contact with the warrior and speaks in a low voice. "They could kill me, or you, or anyone here."

Taro picks up his ID from off the floor, adjusts his glasses and clears his throat. "I think we've wasted enough time here. Let's pack up the illicit and be on our way."
"For once, we must agree with you, Masako. It is time we reached our decision."
Asaki looks at Fei one last time before glancing up at Soul Reaver then heading back towards the trial.
Kasei looks around at the others. "I thought that was our job! You know as jurors."
"In your world perhaps, but Nebrous trial systems clearly state, the judge passes the verdict. The jurors are more equivalent to your lawyers."
"Well then--I wish to say something!"
"Kasei, no!" Asaki attempts to silence her friend but to no avail.
"I believe all your rights to speak have been used up."
"Please. Give me a chance."
"Give us one good reason..."
"I know her better than anyone here!"
"And how is it that a speaking wooden rod could possibly give a better statement than any other being in this room?"
"Because....because...," the fire rod takes one look at Asaki then turns away, "...because I was with her when everything happened." The fire rod transforms into a tall, well built man in his 50's. His black hair is short, spiked and lightly streaked with silver. His eyes are a cold blue and an old scar crosses the right one. A pair of orange tinted spectacles ride low on the bridge of his nose. His red trenchcoat is buttoned down over a blue jumpsuit tucked neatly into long, black boots around his knees. "My name is Rainer Frost. I am--or used to be 53 years old, human...advisor to the king on the planet Eve--a planet that used to exist right around where we're standing...but no more. Later I used to work for a man named Melvin Smitty. He was one of the many free space pirate leaders. He promised me wealth, so I accepted."
"Melvin Smitty?" Asaki tries not to looked shocked.
"Yeah. That's why he wouldn't let anyone call him anything but Captain."
"Our sources described Rainer Frost number 001600, as deceased on the planet Yu-gun Z."
"It's true. I am dead...sort of. Asaki gave my spirit a new form. Even after we had all lied to her--never told her she had become a space pirate. She was clueless but still helped me...because--that's the kinda person she is." He stares at Asaki. "If I could change what happened, I'd still take that bullet a million times for ya, kid. You think I saved your life that day, but you really saved mine. You helped this worthless old man find value in his life, the kind that didn't come in bills or precious metals. You're irreplaceable, timeless, self-sacrificing. Makes me think I probably should've adopted you or something."
Asaki laughs.
"No matter what happens now, I'll always stand by your side...no matter what form I'm in. I love you, kid."
The teenager smiles. "...Ditto, pal."
"It is time to make make our verdict. We shall take a few minutes to convene ourselves in our vessel. Taro, remain here and keep an eye on 001788 until our return."

As they leave, Taro swallows hard, uncomfortable being left alone in the surroundings. A bead of sweat slides down the right side of his head.
"Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you." Asaki glances over her shoulder at Taro.
"Given the circumstances, I suppose I have no choice but to trust you at the moment. But, just know, if anything happens to me--"
"It won't," she mutters under her breath, "not ever again."

The teenager walks towards her friends.
"Well, guys...my life pretty much hangs by a thread. Either I fall off the cliff or I don't. Only time will tell, but whatever happens....thanks...for everything." She smiles and sighs nervously.

(ooc: final decision, later today.)