The Day Of The Execution
Opening his eyes, he saw the gray cell walls seeming to loom in on him. Laying on his cot quietly, he simply stared at the ceiling until the door opened up, three guardsmen came in, all of them adorned in Thisspiasian royal attire. Two others flanked themselves in, one Sarandtor and the other a high ranking official of the parliament. Getting up slowly, Salazar scowled at the man, knowing everything that had happened to him was a sham of a trial, just looking to prosecute him. Sarandtor held his hands together, looking tired.
"Salazar, it's time..."
Nodding, he slithered forward with the guardsmen as they left the cell. Looking around, he didn't see Rishia anywhere, which made him feel slightly better. She had kept that promise to not come, which was how he wanted it. For her to see him sprawled on the ground, blood oozing out after the blasters made their mark, it wouldn't be a cherished memory.
As they finally reached outside, a large crowd had come, all of them overlooking an elaborate ground that had a single wall with the Thisspiasian royal crest adorned on it, a marvelous carpet that the royal guardsmen would be on as they did their duty. As he was directed to the patch of ground near the wall, people began to jeer and taunt.
Well, no one said it was going to be a happy event...
As the guardsmen approached, the official came forward, speaking loudly from an audio system set nearby.
"Salazar Manto, you've been found guilty of high treason by a jury of your peers. Such a crime can only be sated by your death seeing that you've abandoned your loyalty to your world. Your title, your honor, and your profession have all been stripped. However, we follow the rule of law on this world, and as such, you have the opportunity to say what you wish before your sentence is passed. Do you wish to speak?"
Nodding, he slithered forward. Looking at the crowd of venomous faces, he breathed softly.
"You people believe that my death will bring you peace, that a traitor has been dealt with, but the real culprit of whoever tried to cracked into the planetary system is still out there, and I pray you learn of this soon, for they will not stop and will strike again. For my entire life, I've put honor and integrity of Thisspias above my own being, but it seems someone has to pay for a crime, even if they're innocent. I don't except to win anyone over by announcing my freedom, so I only have one request."
"Do not put this on my wife or my unborn son. Whatever you think of me, they are not to be affected by this, to be shamed. My own fate is in my hands, so if this execution eases your anger, then let it die here and not have it involve anyone else."
Slithering back, the royal guardsmen came forward. As they raised their rifles, Salazar stood tall, shooting daggers at the men. As he heard the word ready, he boldly looked out, not wavering. At the word of aim, he smiled, happy he had a great life with Rishia and sad he would never meet his son. And at the word fire, he took a deep breath before he felt it.
Three blaster shots...
Holding his sides, he slithered forward for a second before falling on the ground. He didn't let out a single word, but the pain erupted everywhere as he saw a small pool of blood escaping from him. Sarandtor had been right that this wasn't going to be a quick death. Breathing raggedly, he began to slip in and out of consciousness, but as he did, he thought he could hear a baby crying. Smiling one last time, he closed his eyes, a final breath escaping his lips as he moved on to wherever he would go.