The Mannion Court-Martial
By Randall Garrett
Why would a Space Officer lead an android
rebellion? Even Lieut. Mannion believed he was
guilty as they gave him the supreme penalty....
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy
October 1957
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
Lieut. Dan Mannion of the Earth Space Patrol stood in the prisoner's dock in the courtroom, gripping the rail of his cubicle so hard his fingers hurt.
Comdr. Edward Harkness of the SP, who was presiding, glared at him sternly. "Lieutenant Mannion, the charges against you are severe. You face the risk of total mnemonic erasure if found guilty. Is there anything you care to say in your own defense before we proceed with the trial?"
Mannion glanced around the military courtroom, seeing the pale, tense, anxious face of his wife Virginia, the stern countenance of Dubrow, his former commanding officer, the interested eyes of half a hundred onlookers.
"No," he said. His voice was thin and dry. "There's nothing I can say. Nothing at all."
He saw Virginia's pleading eyes. She was telling him silently, Please, Dan. Tell them you're innocent. At least put up a defense!