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"That is NOT what I said. Worrying is a good thing. But going out of your way, sacrificing your desires, to prevent worrying? That is unhealthy. That is where the controlling aspect comes in. It's most likely unintentional, but it is there and it is wrong."

The Colonel leaned forward.

"You're not saying anything we haven't already gleaned from your psyche report, other than the fact that you let your brother control you."

Agent Ivanova cleared her throat, causing the Colonel to sigh.

"Is there anything else, Sergeant? Or are you finished?"

"That has nothing to do with the unhealthy control Sergeant Caymen has over you. Now, do you have anything to say about that, or are you done."

Colonel Jackson was starting to get frustrated. The two kept going in circles, dancing around the issues. It wasn't helping their case any.

"hmm..."

Tobias didn't realize he'd made a noise, a look of concentration on his face. Were this a cheesy cartoon, there'd be a lightbulb over his head.

Colonel Jackson sighed once more, then sat up straight.

"Sergeant Jarid Caymen, on the charge of Violation of the Rules of War, Attempted Murder, and Accessory to Violation of the Rules of War, I find you guilty. You will be turned over to the Tsardom of Russia, per the RoW Treaty. As such, the Charge of Disrespect and Threatening a Superior Officer are moot."

Agent Ivanova was grinning like a cat that got into the birdcage. Colonel Jackson continued.

"Private First Class Preston, on the of Murder, I find you guilty. Under the Uniform Code of Military Law, you will be executed by a firing squad. You may appeal your punishment to the Department of War if you wish."

The Colonel set down the paper, a pained look in his eyes.

"May God have mercy on your souls."

Agent Ivanova snapped her fingers, two armed men stepping from shadowed corners, AK-74U trained on Jarid and his team.

((You'll find the Russians vastly different than Agent Ivanova. There's actually a power struggle between the Tsarina and the Chairman of the KGB. The Tsarina would have dropped all charges.))




"Halt!"

Tobias barked the command in both English and Russian, then turned to glare at at Agent Ivanova.

"I am officially envoking the right of 'Motherland's Gratitude.'"

The KGB Agent went pale, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to find the words to respond with. Tobias didn't let her find those words.

"Under that right, I want these men formally forgiven of all charges of which they stand accused."

Ivanova swallowed, almost trembling.

"Y-yes, Comrade Winters. AS you wish."

She grabbed the desk to steady herself, then slowly left the office, the two men glancing at each other, then scurried from the room. TObias then turned on the Colonel.

"Yes, I was disrespected and threatened. But seeing as I didn't make the report, you should let them slide on the 'official' punishments."

The Colonel, obviously unfazed by this "Motherland's Gratitude,' simply smiled.

"Not entirely. Both of you were out of line. As such, I think some sort of punishment is in order."

The Colonel pulled up the display, skimming over the UCML.

"For you, Sergeant Caymen, I am banning you and your team from the Zoid Hangar for 30 days. That means you will have zero access to your Zoids. And once those 30 days are up, your team will be put on double patrol duty. And you will act more disciplined and professional, understand?"

He pointed a finger at Jarid.

"And if you ever are brought before my desk for RoW violations again, I will have you outside in full dress, locked at attention, as you watch your Blade Liger dismantled, piece by piece, before your eyes. Then you will be handed over to the Russians. And there'll be nothing Captain Winters can do to save you. Do I make myself clear?"

"Good. Now, the two of you, get out of my office."

Tobias came to attention and saluted, then did a perfect about face, and walked outside. The Colonel remained seating, past the point of caring about the etiquette of reporting.

"And Sergeant? I'm dead serious about the Blade Liger."