"You are not the Arbiter, Sangheili. You have no right to decide who lives, and who dies in your forces. The matter should have been reported to one of a higher echelon, rather than take matters into your own--" Truth began to speak, and Sorran found to his horror that he couldn't help but interrupt. "Had I opted to do so, the child would have already been dead, rendering my attempts at mercy moot." Sorran cut in, and Truth's eyes flashed dangerously. "And what of it? The child was but a human, and Hestaphus was right to judge that it should be killed." Truth demanded, and for the first time Sorran felt himself falter. If the High Prophet of Truth himself deemed that the child should have been killed, surely the council would be likewise influenced. Sorran looked around the hall once again. The councillor's faces were blank, as always. At the back of the hall, Sorran could make out the grim faces of Zharn and Ahkrin. Ahkrin had his hand upon the Ultra's shoulder consolingly. That hit Sorran hard; even his closest friends believed him doomed. "Noble Prophet, it was a grave mistake, one I shall not emulate again, of this I assure--" Sorran began, before being shushed by a hand of Truth. "Indeed, you [i]shall[/i] not emulate it again. Whether through being pardoned and learning a lesson, or death; I do not know. However, know this: the Brutes are pressing hard on this trial. They would consider a pardon a personal offence. I advise the council to keep that in mind as they cast their votes." Truth spoke, and Sorran spluttered in shock. The High Prophet was influencing the decision of the council! Surely there was a law against that? "We shall hold a brief respite whilst the council debilitate upon whether or not to have you executed. Enjoy these last moments of freedom Sangheili minor, they could well be your last. As always, I implore the council not the reveal their option to others." Truth told the assembled jury, who nodded. As one, a series of computer terminals appeared in front of each and every Councillor. Sorran could only assume that each had two options upon them; one to condemn Sorran, and one to have him spared. Time trickled away as many councillors took their time, for the first time displaying emotion. Some looked down at Sorran with hate; others with compassion. Some seemed to be indifferent. Eventually, the last of the council had made their choice, and the terminals sunk back into the floor. "Has the council made their choice, free of all and any pressure, with their free will?" Truth questioned, bringing up his own terminal. The council looked amongst each other uncertainly, before nodding. "I now have the results for this trial." Sorran held his breath as Truth studied the screen before him. Sorran could not see what displayed upon it's holographic surface. To Sorran's surprise, Truth's eyebrows rose, before his expression settled into one of frustration. Just as quickly as it appeared however, it was vanished, replaced with a smug, almost sly smile. Truth cleared his throat. "Sorran Mahaf'ee; the council of High Charity has decreed that you be put to death by separation of the head. Guards, take the Heretic to the dungeons, where he shall await his final hour." Truth declared, and the world turned to ice. Sorran couldn't breathe, his two hearts beating rapidly. Many of the councillors were looking slightly confused at the result. Two of the Honour Guard next to Sorran grimaced, and grabbed the condemned Sangheili by the wrists. Sorran shook them off. "I can walk by myself." he said, marching away from the council, and Truth, with his smug face. How Sorran longed to end that bastard's life; he was no leader, he was a monster. The Honour Guards shrugged, and followed after Sorran, keeping their weapons raised in the event the newly branded Heretic attempted to escape. "We're sorry for your plight...Sorran." one of the two Honour Guards told the Sangheili Minor, who scowled, saying nothing. Sorran turned to look at the council one last time, saw Tartarus sneering, wearing a look of satisfaction, and saw Zharn and Ahkrin staring with horror down at him. Savara, his dear love, didn't even know of this trial, it had happened so fast. It was of no matter, he would be dead soon enough. Sorran but hoped that Zharn or Ahkrin would inform her of his fate. Sorran wasn't ready to die; but it seemed he had no choice. [Edited on 10.12.2009 2:39 PM PDT]