Chapter 76, Jacques Ryan
Before the dew had even finished settling on the grasses and meadows across France, millions of TV sets had already tuned in in anticipation of what was to come. At its peak, 353 million people would be tuned into the proceedings, an estimated 800,000,000 people watched, out of a total world population of 1.2 Billion.
Meanwhile, Napoleon was dressing in his room. He dantily put on his finest military uniform, adjusted his tricone hat, and walked out the door at exactly 8:00 AM. A mob of over 800,000 had shown up to glimpse Napoleon, in addition to the 50,000 seated inside.
With jaunty ease, Napoleon ascended the steps, turned to wave to the crowd, and entered the building. The first trial of the day was the man himself, Gen. Jacques Ryan, Commander of all US Military operations and traitor to the French people.
As soon as Ryan was brought in, the crowd jeered and threw things at him. Although throughly enjoying the spectacle, Napoleon raised a gloved hand and 50,000 people fell silent. He stood up and marched onto the middle of the floor, and, facing Ryan, read the list of charges.
"We, the people of France, and myself as their leader, accuse you of the many charges listed below:
Extermination of civilians in an active combat zone- 2 counts
Extermination of civilians not in an active combat zone- 7 counts
Carlessness in the destruction of the pieces of Historical importence- 1 count
Traitor against the people and crown of France- 1 count"
The room fell silent as Napoleon explained the charges in more detail.
The accusation is highlightd in exhibits A, B, and C, where we can still see the remains of people in the hamlets of Ashburg and Hurnsia with buillt holes in them from being used as body sheilds during combat." At this time, several skeletons were produced that were riddled with holes. "One may wonder, how do we know the Americans did it? Simple, the bodies have sword wounds where the Americans killed them. The French did not carry swords with them in 1753 when these battles took place, they only became popular afterwards."
As the skeletons were removed, Napoleon went on. "Extermination of Civilians not in an active combat zone. Back in early 1754, you gassed over 12,000 people on seven seperate occasions, due to 'Not cooperating with authorities' as it is stated in this record, Exhibit D." Napoleon held aloft the document in question then moved on.
"Carlessness in the destruction of pieces of historical importence. You might not remember, but back a while ago you led the mission to retake Les Tourte, and inscribed upon your father's tomb the words that are there today. Correct? Of course! Exhibits E-K are security camera stills which show you breaking and entering the tomb, and subscribing these remarks onto it."
"And, the last one. You served with distinction in the French army, did you not? Did I not pin a medal on your chest in 1748? Were you not grateful, that I spared your father?" By this time, the hue in Ryan's face had turned a dark red while he gritted his teeth.
"I see that you are angry, Ryan. Shouldn't I be the one to be trifled? A capable officer defecting to an enemy doomed to lose? Come now, you should have more sense than to have done that. You are a blight on the earth." As Napoleon uttered these last words, he sat down upon the bench.
Brig. Gen. Cochet asked Ryan, "Do you have anything to say in your defense?" In reply, Ryan said, "Nothing I would like to say to this miserable piece of garbage."
With that, France lurched into anger. The 50,000 strong crowd booed and hurled anything they could find that wasn't nailed down at him. Napoleon let it go on for a few minutes. The, as he had before, he raised his gloved hand and the entirety of france stopped and sat motionless. Never had any person ever achieved this highest pinnacle of power, where he controls the world with the raise or fall of a glove.
Napoleon asked the committee, "Your Verdict?"
Brig. Gen. Cochet answered, "Guilty."
Never in history had a cry of celebration erupted from the people of the earth once they heard that word. Paris went wild with riots with over 8,000 people injured in the celebrations alone.
The rest of the day's trials continued unhitched, bringing the day to a swift conclusion. The totals for the entire trial was 301 guilty, 43 innocent, and 30 suicides. A hard weeks work done very well.
(This is not the end, one more chapter to go!)