UNN

The Trial of David Shepherd - A Political Editorial

by Finnegan Henriquez

David Shepherd, the once lionized captain exalted as Shiloh's hero, stood before a tribunal in King Silas' high court in a preliminary hearing for the offense of High Treason and Conspiracy to Commit Espionage. This news sent a shockwave throughout the nation.

Now I, like most, appreciate the comforts of order and routine. A peaceful kingdom under one rule has replaced an atrocious history for the mere price of submission and respect. Our flag, a white monarch butterfly against burnt ochre, continues to inspire and move a fledging nation. But as this nation continues to mull over the possibility of Shepherd's disloyalty to the country and our King, I cannot help but adopt an unpopular perspective of these accusations.

Jump back six months where David, a once peaceful farm boy fixing transmissions in a garage, now dragged into the outskirts of Jackal Valley to fight in a war. King Silas' war -- the same war that would claim the life of his father, brother and his faith in his country-and, arguably, his King. Weathered from fighting and all loyalty siphoned from his veins, David approaches a terrorist organization, the Sons of Moab--an organization who's existence is dedicated to keeping Gath and Gilboa at war until we are no more. David blamed Silas for his strife and sought to betray the country to Gath. And in return for his military intelligence, Gath would ensure his family farm's mortgage paid off in full, his father's death justified and David's vendetta fulfilled.

The stage was set, the war ensued and remotely, a Goliath tank was destroyed by an operative while David posed for the picture. And thus, our hero, the Gath spy, returns to the capital of Shiloh taking his seat amongst royalty while our enemy conspires against us -- their rook in place.

This is, of course, what Prince Jack Benjamin would like us to believe as he brings the lethal charges with promise of overwhelming evidence of treason. This is the same Jack Benjamin that was rescued by David after his troop was ambushed at Foxland Forest. The same Jack Benjamin that David defended in press conferences while the media threw conspirator allegations. We all watched on UNN's live coverage when David asked us to "show some respect" as men died in that war. He spoke with honor and we believed him. Perhaps we are to blame. For letting David take us the fool.

We were foolish to listen to David as he stood before a crowd defending their home, pleading to the King to not give their bourgeoning Port Prosperity over to Gath. But David insisted it was for the better. He had faith in the King's handover--said it was for the greater good--a necessary change for peace. The Shepherd Farm resided in the heart of Port Prosperity. His father and brother died to defend it. His mother's heart was in it. He fought for it.

Funny how someone so dedicated to avenging his father would so easily consign what he treasured most.

What if David has committed treason? What if his intention was to destroy? What would that really change? What, if anything, has been the result of the alleged espionage? The true question remains: If David is proven guilty of High Treason and Espionage (during a time of war), the penalty is death... so we may never know.

I have full confidence these words will fall under the eyes of Ministers, dignitaries, and all others soliciting loyalty to the throne. This article will fall under deep consideration, as will my job, maybe my life. Should my opinion stir any thought or controversy, every course of action sought fit will be executed with harmony so as to keep this nation balanced for prosperity and protected from its history and its people freed from thought. These ideals are important, as any would agree, but at the cost of our opinion? Our opinion is more than a right inherited by constitution. It is a perspective gained by simply being a citizen of this Kingdom.

This trial is not about David Shepherd. It is about what becomes of empire building.