UNSCDF2 Chapter 9- Knocked Down to Nothing

San Francisco, California, USA

UNSC San Francisco Outpost

April 8, 2001

1300 Local Time

            Reid sat on his chair handcuffed as he faced a panel of three officers.

         “Second Lieutenant Daniel Reid, please stand.” an officer with markings of a Captain spoke out loud.

            Reid stood up with a serious and unpleasant face.

            “Do you know what you are charged under Lieutenant Reid?” the Captain asked.

            “No sir.” Reid shook his head.

            “Very well.” the Captain nodded to another officer beside him with markings of a First Lieutenant.

        “Lieutenant Reid, you are charged with assault, harassment, and abuse of authority.” the First Lieutenant read from his folder.

            “How do you stand?” the Captain asked.

            “Not guilty. Definitely not guilty, sir. Officer Parks was the first to strike me.” Reid blurted.

            “Ok.” the Captain nodded.

            “And why am I exactly in restraints? It should be her instead of me.” Reid exclaimed.

            “Stand down Lieutenant. Speak until you are spoke upon.” an old man with markings of a Major spoke out and held his hand in the air.

            “Sorry sir.” Reid shut his mouth.

            “Lieutenant Reid, an investigation is underway and as of right now, the incident is not in your favor as there is a witness.” the Captain explained.

            “With all due respect Captain, did the witness punch my face?” Reid asked.

            “We can not answer that question.” the Captain replied.

            “Fine. Can you tell me what I will be faced if I am found guilty?” Reid stared.

            “You will be looking at military imprisonment as well as removal from the UNSC.” the Captain answered.

            “This is outrageous!” Reid spoke angrily.

            “This is some serious charges you got Lieutenant.” the Captain spoke in a calm tone of voice.

            “Lieutenant Reid, this is just a preliminary hearing. We haven’t decided on a verdict yet.” the Major spoke.

            “Understood sir.” Reid nodded.

            “We will continue with this later.” the Captain waved at two Sergeants standing at the back of the room.

            “Until now, you will be held up in our cell until we have a clear picture of what happened.” the Major added.

            The two Sergeants each grabbed Reid’s arms and walked him out the courtroom. Reid walked slowly to his cell and watched the metal door slid open. The two Sergeants walked him in and then unlocked his handcuffs. Reid sat down on a bed and watched as the marines exited and locked the door as they left. Reid stared at the wall in front of him thinking about the day of the incident. Perhaps he was over friendly or too intrusive, but Reid felt like Officer Parks shouldn’t have slapped him. Everything else that happened later was a blur. Reid pulled at his hair in frustration as he thought about the life ahead of him. Suddenly, the metal door slid open and a Sergeant walked in holding handcuffs.

            “You have a visitor.” the Sergeant locked Reid’s wrists together.

            “Who?” Reid asked.

            “Sit and wait.” the Sergeant pointed at a chair.

            “Ok.” Reid sat down obediently.

            Reid waited on his chair and saw Morgan enter the cell.

            “You have ten minutes.” the Sergeant spoke to Morgan and closed the door as he exited.

            “Morgan, what are you doing here?” Reid was surprised.

            “LT, I heard about the incident. How’s court marshal?” Morgan asked.

            “Terrible. It’s because of Sarah Parks.” Reid crossed his arms.

            “The word outside seems to be you attempting to kidnap Sarah. So far, the public is not pleased. When I mean public, I mean civilians.” Morgan reported.       

            “What?” Reid shouted.

            “From the UNSC side, it seems to them that you were harassing a married police officer.” Morgan continued.

            “I was being friendly.” Reid explained himself.

            “I know. I believe you man. The thing is, both parties are not standing in your favor.” Morgan nodded.

            “This is wrong. This is unfair.” Reid replied angrily.

            “Tell me about it. Since you are here, Lieutenant Baker is now our CO. I hate him. Always bossing people around and making all of us feel expendable.” Morgan shook his head.

            “Yup, sounds like Baker.” Reid laughed.

            “Look, Hornet Squadron believes in you. We all like our lives when you led us to glory.” Morgan patted Reid.

            The metal door slid open and the Sergeant waved at Morgan.

            “Time’s up.” the Sergeant touched his watch.

            “We got your back LT. We’ll see you on the day of sentencing.” Morgan stood up and walked to the door.

            “Thanks. Tell the others that I said hi.” Reid stood up.

            Morgan left and the Sergeant removed Reid’s restraints. Reid walked over to his desk as the Sergeant exited his cell locking the door behind him.

San Francisco, California, USA

UNSC San Francisco Outpost

April 10, 2001

1400 Local Time

            “Lieutenant Reid, please stand.” the First Lieutenant spoke out loud to a courtroom seated with marines and some civilians.

            Reid stood up looking tired and looked at the panel of three officers.

            “Second Lieutenant Daniel Reid, after undergoing a detailed investigation, you have been found guilty of assault, harassment, and abuse of authority.” the First Lieutenant read out loud from a piece of paper.

            “What?” Reid shook his head in disbelief.

            “In violation of UNSC protocols, you are now hereby stripped of all medals, rank, and affiliation with the UNSC. You will also be sentenced to two years in military imprisonment in Alaska.” the First Lieutenant continued to read.

            “This is madness.” Reid shouted.

            “Is there any questions Daniel Reid?” the Captain asked.

            “This is immoral! You’re taking away everything I have. And why the hell am I going to Alaska?” Reid shouted.

            “You’re going to Alaska for the general public’s safety. The citizens here don’t want you locked up here. Plus, you are not what represents the UNSC. Therefore you are going to a UNSC base up north free of civilians and zombies.” the Captain explained calmly.

            “You guys disgust me! All of you!” Reid shouted at the panel.

            “Take him away.” the Major waved his hands.

            Five marines standing beside the wall walked to Reid and grabbed him. Reid struggled to break free, but was pinned down by the marines. Eventually, the marines dragged Reid out of the courtroom while everyone watched.

            “This is madness! It’s madness! I hate you Sarah Parks! I hate you!” Reid shouted as he was dragged into a room.

            “The court is now adjourned.” the First Lieutenant proclaimed.

            The panel exited out from a door behind them and the civilians walked out chattering on what had just happened. As the last of the marines left, only two marines sat in their seats.

            “Miller, assemble the team. Tell them it’s time.” Morgan spoke with a sigh.

            “Yes sir.” Miller replied and stood up.

            “I hate to go down this road, but we have no choice.” Morgan stood up and stretched his arms.

            “Me too.” Miller nodded in agreement.