System, are you messing with me? - Chapter 33: Chapter 33

The next day, Shu Ning was roughly awakened by the constant ringing of his terminal. And not just his terminal was making such annoying sounds this early in the morning, but Sun Zhilong's was as well. It was like they were competing with each other on 'who is able to wake up the two sleepyheads first'.
In the end it was Shu Ning who crawled out of bed to put an end to the noise. However, as soon as he opened the message board, any lingering sleepyness was blown away. The entire online world was in an uproar and more and more people, soldiers and civilians, couldn't help but participate in this shocking development. And what stuck out among all those coments floating in the internet was the name Zhou An.
It seemed that the fight between Shu Ning and Zhou Feng in the canteen the day before was actually filmed by someone and posted on the internet. The view in the video was very clear and even though the sound was a bit rough, the words could still be easily understood. In no time at all, the first people commented below the post.
"Oh my god. That guy is insane. Did he really traget his own comrad like this and tried to kill him?"
"What are the soldiers doing nowadays?  Are they trying to kill each other?"
"Hey. Isn't that Zhou An? I think it is. He is supposed to be one of the best fighters in his generation."
"Zhou An? I heard of him. The rumours were all positive though. Isn't he kind hearted, strong, passionate and always looking out for others?"
"kind? You civilians just never had the oportunity to meet that guy face to face. I'm a soldier too and I had the missfortune of living close to his room. That guy never settled down. He was loud, always yelling late at night, got midnight visitors of different men and once he even broke all the furniting inside of his room. He had to pay for the damage of course and was transferred to a different place afterwards."
"I met that guy too. He always acts high and mighty and he even took away others achievements. The other soldier in the video is Yang Quan. He is a kind and strong individual. And he saved his comrads more times then one but Zhou An always got the limelight for it."
"I never met Zhou An myself, but I heard a bit about his family. He is extremely rich and lives in a huge villa almost entirely out of gold. He is supposed to have a sister, but she never appeares in public anymore. I don't know what happened to her. The parents are also gone. They never took care of the children and just got up and left at some point. I think they wanted to travel around."
"I dug into the past of that guy just now. He was severely ill as a young teen and the medical report doesn't seem hopeful at all. I even asked a friend of mine who is a doctor and he thought the same. With an illness like that, he should have died a while ago and even if by some miracle he did survive, he shouldn't be capable of leaving a whealchair. I don't understand how it is possible for Zhou An to be a soldier. There is another thing that I fould out. Zhou An lived on a different planet most of his life and only returned when he turned 14. He was supposed to live with his sister, Zhou Feng, and be cared for for the rest of his life. But shortly afterwards the girl just dissapeared. No matter how much I look, there is no information about Zhou Feng at all."
"That does sound strange. I know someone who lived near Zhou An's villa in the past. She said that the parents never had any time for the children and once Zhou An was diagnosed with the illness, they immediatly shipped him off. From then on it was only Zhou Feng living in that big house. My friend even has a picture of the two from when they were younger. [#image}"
"They look so similar in that picture. They could even pass as twins. I wonder what happenned with Zhou Feng though. No one can just dissapear like that."
"I would think so too, so I looked at the newspapers from that time and asked around a bit. Zhou An's return was actually a big event. There is even a picture of him. [#image]. He still looks very sick back then and as you can see, he is dependant on a whealchair. His eyes also look depressed and tired. That's how a termnal ill patient should look. But shortly after Zhou An arrived, the doors of the villa shut very tightly. No one actually left the villa and all the food and clothes were send to their doors. Then suddenly, Zhou An appeared in public again. Compleately healed. If that isn't strange."
"What exactly happened in that villa?"
Shu Ning read all the information that the people gathered very careful and made a thoughtful face. Zhou Feng was already imprisoned and ready to go to trial, but she hadn't been idle before. Thank's to her charm and general good acting, she got the favour of quite a lot of soldiers and civilians. One of those were the elders, that were responsible for her penalty.
Shu Ning: "Alpha."
System: "yes Host?"
Shu Ning: "You still have all the information, that we found when we visited Zhou Feng's villa, right?"
System: "Of corse. Everything is ready for use."
Shu Ning: "Good. Then create a false account and make a statement. Publish all the information, that we managed to find. The elders are already debating about Zhou Feng's fate, but I'm affraid that they would still be lenient towards her. After all, she has them wrapped around her little finger. There is also Wu Kang to consider. With his background, it wouldn't take much to bail them out. With public opinion though, there is no way, that the elders could get away with sparing her."
System: "I understand. I'll get right to it."
Shortly after Shu Ning ended his conversation with the system, a new comment got posted on the internet that shocked the whole nation to the bone. A brief silence followed before the comment area blew up again.
"Hey guys. I'm a servant inside of the Zhou villa. I have been working there already for multiple years and know quite a lot of the inside story. I have been oppressed by the owner of the villa for quite some time though and never had the currage to speak. But now that master Zhou got locked away and is put on trial, i will be safe from any repercussion. You need to know, that Zhou Feng and Zhou An never had a good relationship. Zhou An was indifferent, but Zhou Feng hated her brother to the bone, because he was born a male. The miss always had the dream of becoming a soldier after all. It got to the point where she was totally obsessed with it. She applied for he academy, but got rejected. She took the hit really hard. Shortly afterwards Zhou An came back home again and Zhou Feng took out her anger on him. Then few days later, when I was cleaning the misses room, I saw all those pictures, documents and posters of poisonous plants and there were even viles with strange substances inside. I got scared, because I thought the worst and brought one of the viles to an aquintance and he analysed it for me. These were the results. I will also include the posters and documents and a newer picture of the siblings. [#image] [#image] [#image] [#image]. It was only a week later that Zhou Feng suddenly dissapeared and Zhou An changed so much."
"OH MY GOD. What is this? Is it just me, or do you also think that there is something completely wrong about this. Why would Zhou Feng gather poison and how could Zhou An change so suddenly."
"It's not just you. I think so too. I don't want to scare anyone, but from all this information we gathered, don't you all think that Zhou An might not actually be Zhou An? It would make sense, right? Compare Zhou An to the picture that was just posted. Don't you notice something?"
"Yes. I thought the same. The current Zhou An resembles Zhou Feng a lot. They look more alike then Zhou An with Zhou An. But alone the thought is scary. Please ask the elders to make a statement. Please clarify this matter for us. I'm getting scared."
"Also ask the elders to investigate and give a statement."
"Also ask. "
"+2"
"+1122"
After no more new information about Zhou Feng was posted, Shu Ning shut down his terminal with satisfaction and finally noticed the movements behind him. A fully dressed Sun Zhilong had carefully snuck up on him and was now looking over his shoulder. He had been so silent in his approach that Shu Ning hadn't noticed the other at all, but now that he did he immediiatly turned around to appreciate the new look of the man.
Instead of the military uniform, the General wore a plain white shirt with a U type neckline that showed just the tip of his chestmuscles. The shirt was covered by a dark blue vest that was buttoned up in front and loosely enclosed both of his arms. The pants was the same colour as the vest and snugly encompassed tha man's butt and long legs. Only around the ankle did it widen again. The thing that caught Shu Ning's attention almost immediatly though was the small silver chain around the other's neck that hung freely over the top of the vest.
(AN: I think describing someones choice in clothes is the hardest thing I've done so far. Is it just difficult for me, or do you have the same problem?)
After all, it was unusual to see Sun Zhilong in normal civilian clothing, but even more unusual to see him openly wearing accesoires like that. The overal appearance made the man look extremely handsome and slightly less cold.
Shu Ning quickly crossed the small space left between the two to give his fiancé a quick kiss on the mouth. Before he could seperate their lips though, Sun Zhilong wrapped his arms around the other's waist and pulled him in closer to deepen the kiss. A fight of tongue started between them that soon left the two men in a breathless and aroused state.
"Zhilong. How much time do you think we still have until the elders finish their meeting?"
"Too little."
Shu Ning couldn't help but nip at the others chin in amusement and then carefully wrapped a finger around the silver necklace dangling in front of him. He gave a slight pull and soothingly licked the places the chain rubbed against.
"I would think it is enough time for some fun, don't you?"
Instead of waiting for Sun Zhilong to give an answer, he grabbed the chain tighter and slowly walked in the direction of the bed while pulling his compliant captive with him.
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None of the elders had a very friendly look on their faces once they finally left the conference room. It was like a dark cloud was hanging above their head and dousing them in cold water. Their expression was nasty and their fierce eyes practically stabbed everyone they fell on. None of the bystanding soldiers even dared to breath too loud while the old men strode past them and gave orders to prepare the trial of Wu Kang and Zhou Feng.
Soon a lot of people rushed from one end of the military base to the other as silently as they could to get everything ready. The work was done as quick and efficient as possible to not anger the elders any further. So it wasn't surprizing that everyone finished their tasks in record time and the elders had to reluctantly acknowledge their hard work.
Just when every general, lieutnant and of corse the elders gathered inside of the big hall where the trial would be held, a new notification appeared on the internet. It seemed that the pressure of online netizen forced the elders to comply.
[live broadcast of the trial of Wu Kang and Zhou Feng. #Link]
After that announcement made it's round through the online world, lot's of civilians, but also low ranking soldiers, rushed towards the live broadcast to watch the show. There was no way anyone could do anything untoward with so many eyes on them. Shu Ning luckily didn't have to view the end of the Female Lead through a screen and instead stood right next to Sun Zhilong in the great hall. Even the General of the fifth army was present.
A big group of people had gathered inside of the assembly room this time. It got so full that only the center was kept free from any attendees. Merely the seven elders stood in the middle of it. The other witnesses had to organize themselves in neat circular rows around the free area.
As a General, Sun Zhilong had one of the high military ranks and that of corse meant, that Shu Ning and his lover were standing right at the edge of the middle circle. From there everything happening inside could be seen unobstructed.
After everyone was settled down, the elders finally motioned for silence and under the watchful gazes of everyone present, two bound figures were guided to the center of the room.
One of them had pale white skin that looked more ill than pretty and was covered in dirty smudges all over the place. The nails of both hands were broken off and appeared like someone nervously bit them. The eyes were sunken in to it's soket and dark wrinkles let the previously youthful appearance seem hagard and old. It was only after scrutinizing the figure a bit longer that some people recognized Zhou An. The other person looked even worse. The face was almost completely covered by long knotted hair, so that only a crooked nose and pale lips could be seen. The pale skin was mixed with a yellow shine and through the ripped clothes, the ribs could be seen poking at the persons exterior. It was almost impossible to see the vibrant and rich Wu Kang in this brokendown body.
"Wu Kang and Zhou Feng. You have ben put on trial in front of us military's elders, because of serious offences against national security. We will read out all of your crimes known to us and afterwards, you will have the chance to speak. What ever you say, may or maynot, change the level of your punishment."
A quiet murrmuring passed through the crowd when they heard the elders refer to Zhou An as Zhou Feng. Most of the people have already guessed this in their hearts but to have it determined still shocked them to the chore. For a while the internet forum was full of exclemation marks and everyone looked at the female in obvious disgust.
"We will start listing Zhou Feng's crimes. The charge is: Murder, attempted assassination, purposfully risking teammates lives, going against orders, stealing, breaking and entering, poisoning, drugging, manipulating authorities, encouriging Sphinx in their killing, treason against humanity, ...."
The reading went on for a little while longer and the more crimes the elders read the more everyone felt their hearts pound in horror. Even Shu Ning pressed his lips together in a flat line and grabbed onto Sun Zhilong's clenched fist. The both of them had to control themselves to not rush forth and kill the woman themselves, even though they had already known all of her evil deeds.
"Now we get to Wu Kang. The charge is: Assisting in murder, accomplice of a traitor, harming fellow comrads, posoning, stealing, abuse of power, threatening authorities, breaking out of prison, sneaking onboard a military vessel, bribery, attempted assasination, slaughter of..."
Shu Ning lifted his free hand to hide his growing smile. The elders had been very thorough in their investigation and inevetably dug the Female lead's grave. The elders must be feeling hopeless right now.
"To sum up the crimes of both of the mentioned people. Zhou Feng killed her brother Zhou An. Took over his identety and entered the academy. She killed, stole, threatened, used, manipulated and betraied people for achievements and higher ranks. Wu Kang did Zhou Feng's bidding and oppenly showed hostile and cruel intentions. He was first imprisoned after he tried to assassinate the previous lieutnant of the third army but fled and killed thousands of soldiers by using the Sphinx. Has one of you got something to say?"
Silence descended over the viewers as they waited for one of the criminals to open their mouth. The elders quietly shifted their eyes onto the body of Zhou Feng but didn't dare to make any unnecessary movements. Their faces were clearly unhappy and one of the elders even gnashed his teeth in frustration. Still, they all managed to control themselves quite well and even Shu Ning wouldn't notice their sinking mood if he didn't observe them closely.
Everything unfolding in the middle of the assembly room was a bit like watching a detective story where everyone already knew who the bad guy was but the bad guy.
Sun Zhilong and Shu Ning kept an indifferent expression on their faces while tightening their clasped hands. There was no way that the Female Lead could explain herself, so this oportunity was deffinitely wasted on the girl. All the evidence gathered by the combined forces of the military and Shu Ning would deffinitely be her end. And she knew it. But would she be able to accept it?
"I- I. I didn't... It's not... I'm innocent. I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't.... You are wrong, I just..."
Zhou Feng's voice broke multiple times and after no explenation was ushered by her, she fell silent again and hung her head. Her knuckles were turning even whiter with how hard she clenched her hands and a disbelieving look past her face. On the other side, Wu Kang kept silent the entire time and didn't even try to justify himself.
"sight... As the two accused choose to remain silent, the punishment we discussed will remain unchanged. Under the vitness of high ranking military and the civilians we sentence Zhou Feng to death and Wu Kang to exile. Wu Kang, you will be escorted to another planet in an hour. If you ever return, only death will await you. Zhou Feng will have three days to emotionaly prepare for her punishment. That will be all. Trial closed."
After the final words of the elder was heard, the two prisoners were dragged away while Zhou Feng aggressively fought against her restraints and the present soldiers slowly trickled out of the hall. Shu Ning and Sun Zhilong quietly followed behind the mass of people until they arrived outside of the room.  Only then did they break away from the others to slip into a deserted hallway.
"What do you think of the trial? Are you happy with the outcome?"
"Zhou Feng is getting away too lightly. Death is still showing merci. She should rather suffer for her crimes."
Shu Ning stroked his hand through his hair for a moment in deep thought. He was leaning against the wall of the corridor, his clothes were a little crumbles, his complexion was rosy and serious and his eyes practically glowed inside of the dark. It was a very erotic sight to see and Sun Zhilong had to take a deep breath, so that his voice wouldn't show his inner thoughts.
"What are you thinking?"
"What was the reaction of the netizens?"
"All of them are furious. There have been a lot of threats from the civilians against Zhou Feng. They all want to get their hands on her. Especially those that lost a loved one in the fight on Samadon."
"Don't you think it would be more satisfying to have Zhou Feng suffer? To have her live in hell?"
"What are you planning?"
"Wu Kang. He will be exhiled in a few minutes. I'm quite sure that he will try to escape and find Zhou Feng again. That guy is a love drunk masochist. He would do anything for his girlfriend. I think both of them should find out about the darkness of humanity, don't you?"
Sun Zhilong understood immediately what Shu Ning tried to hint at and frowned slightly. As a general, he would have a lot of leeway and together with the elders silent encouragement, there would be no repercussion, no matter what he did. But Sun Zhilong still hesitated for a moment, so Shu Ning walked up to hug him for a second and burried his face in his fiancés neck.
"Forget what I said. It was a stubid idea. I don't want you to do anything you will regret. Even if it is not illegal per se, you still have some strong morals."
"Will not regret. I will have all of their possession locked away and their status recifyed. Then they can't hurt anyone anymore. I will also have them monitored, so we can always interven in case she tries something."
"So you will help?"
"Hmmm."
Shu Ning grinned up at his lover and rewarded him with a deep and passionate kiss. Then he let the other reluctantly leave to take care of some matters and walked back to their shared living spaces. He was feeling a bit tired already because he was woken up so early in the morning and descided to get some rest while he waited.
It didn't take long for Sun Zhilong to return again and when he entered his quaters living room to report to his lover, he found the other peacefully sleeping on the sofa. Even the sudden ringing of both their terminal didn't seem to wake up the little guy, so the General carefully picked up the sleeping youth and carried him through the bedroom door. None of the cared in that moment what effect their little action would have on the civilians.