A Court Tribunal - Ft. Leavinworth, KS

The courtroom is packed with reporters and onlookers as AirDive is ushered in. Flashbulbs are popping everywhere. So many that he attempts to raise his hand to shield his eyes, only to thwarted by the handcuffs restraining him. Everyone wants to get a look at this man...this high ranking officer accused of crimes against his own. The MP's lead him to the table on the left side of the room. They ungraciously uncuff him and push him down into his chair. A door at the front of the courtroom opens.

"All rise. Court is now in session...the honorable John J. Hunley presiding."

" You may be seated"

The bailiff walks over to his seat on then right and shuffles papers. Pulling out a thick file he bellows " Case # CV10846....the United States Armed Forces versus Bomb Group Commander AirDive"

"Commander...you are charged with discharging your weapon towards one PJTrap, mortally wounding his aircraft and placing Mr. Trap, his gunner Mr. Yates, and an entire mission in jeopardy. How do you plead?" the judge asks.

The room falls silent. The only sound is an occasional cough. AirDive, facing the judge, looks completely stressed out. His hair is disheveled, and there is several days growth of beard on his face. He rubs his face with his hands, looking only downward as he contemplates his next few words. "Guilty as charged, Sir"

The room erupts, flashbulbs popping, a cachaphony of voices, doors slamming open at the back of the courtroom, and people running out , reporters no doubt...looking to get to a phone for the scoop. The judge repeatedly bangs his gavel. "Order! Order in the court!" The room quiets.

The judge clears his throat. "Normally, I'd take this session under advisement and schedule sentencing for a later date...however...in the interests of the war effort and the distraction this has caused Allied commanders I believe I'll pass sentence now. But before I do, do you have anything to say to this court Commander?"

AirDive stands up, his chair scraping across the tiled floor. "Your Honor, I'd just like to apologize to the men in my squadron, and to the people of the United States and her Allies. It was a stupid thing which jeopardized the whole mission. You see, Trap was in on me and Cakes real tight...about 500 yds back. It was beautiful. From my tail gun position I could see the props on his 17 real good. I heard Trap ask Cakes if he was gunned. I don't know what came over me...but I thought 'wouldn't it be a hoot to whistle a couple rounds under him', ya know, just to get his attention. So I looked through the sights and aimed real low and squeezed off a volley in his direction. I guess I didn't take into account the deflection cause the next thing I know I see Trap's 17 smoking and I hear Trap screaming "Who just shot me?" The whole thing took maybe five seconds...then later I heard Trap call that he was feathering his number 2. It was so stupid!...I couldn't believe I had done it!"

AirDive is visibly shaking now, near tears as he slumps back to his chair.

The judge lets out a loud sigh. "Son, everyone hear knows you didn't mean to do it but that doesn't lessen the impact or your stupidity. Firing a loaded weapon anywhere near someone as a joke....well, I don't think I need to lecture you on that. The laws allow for a maximum penalty of 20 years hard labor, and that's what I'm giving you." The judge bangs his gavel . "This court is adjourned."