The Time of Trial

Posted on Sun Sep 26th, 2010 @ 2:47pm by Vice Admiral Iluvar & Commander Fala Awen & Commander Christopher McNeil & Lieutenant JG Hannah Andeti

Mission: Episode 1.3 - "The Time of Trial"
Location: Courtroom, Deep Space Four
Timeline: Mission Day 03, 0900 hours

ON: [[Courtroom, Deep Space Four, Mission Day 03, 0900 hours]]

McNeil walked slowly into the court room, eying the bailiffs by the door as he did so. They ignored him, which was a rare thing when one wore a grey uniform. That probably meant they already knew who he was, which didn't surprise McNeil in the least. No doubt the entire legal staff here on the base had been briefed on every member of the Pandora's senior staff before the ship even arrived. Picking a seat close to the front, as near to the defense bench as possible, McNeil sat down and pulled out a small PADD to take a few notes on.

Andeti had arrived early and took one of the back seats from where she could watch the proceedings. Of course she was curious about everything that had transpired over the past few weeks (had it really only been a few weeks?) but her natural curiosity was necessarily shunted to one side in favour of her concern for both the Admiral and the fate of the ship. As the court room gradually filled with officers, she thought back over her time on both the Tethys and the Pandora with a sense of pride. It was one of the best ships on which she had served and while the admiral was not a perfect man, he was a good man and a good leader who she had come to respect. If he was unfairly punished it would not only be a travesty but would also affect the Pandora's crew in a way that even she didn't know how to handle. Reading over the last of her PaDDs, she waited and hoped for the best.

The door to the courtroom hissed open, allowing Captain Wells (NPC) to enter the room. He was immediately followed by Iluvar and the rest of the defense team. The four individuals made their way over to the table that had been dedicated to the defense counsel. Joseph leaned over and whispered something to Lieutenant Aerus (NPC), his deputy in this case. The young man certainly had potential and Joseph only hoped that these proceedings would not serve to dampen his spirits.

Iluvar took a seat on the far side of Wells. As the three members of his defense team were discussing a few last minute details, he surveyed the small group of observers that had already begun to gather. He could see a few members of the Pandora's crew amongst them and wondered what they would think of how the proceedings might play out.

A moment later, the door to the courtroom hissed open again. Arnold Mercer (NPC) stepped across the threshold and walked purposefully toward his seat at the table for the prosecution counsel. He was followed by the deputy prosecution, Commander Harking (NPC), and the team's yeoman, Ensign Aa'leyel (NPC). Each of them took a seat in one fluid motion. They seemed to be well prepared for the morning's proceedings.

Arnold glanced over toward the defense table, making eye contact with Wells. It seemed to him that they were still trying to get their ducks in a row, which meant that things were going to be even easier for his own team. He didn't think that they would have any trouble putting this case to rest. With any luck, he'd have this case wrapped up neatly and be back on Earth by the end of the week.

The door at the back of the room swished open, allowing Gareth Bullock (NPC), Tom Saunders (NPC), and Alan Richards (NPC) to enter the courtroom. Having decided to forego a formal announcement of their arrival, Gareth simply led the trio to their place in front of everyone else. He took the center chair and allowed Tom to pass behind him towards the chair on his left. They paused for a moment, and then sat down.

A PADD had been laid before each of them and Gareth had a second PADD as well. After allowing his eyes to take in the sight of those gathered for a few moments, he announced, "We will begin the proceedings. Captain Mercer, if you would."

"Thank you, admiral," Arnold said, rising to his feet with a polite nod in the direction of the assembled admiralty. Stepping around the table to allow himself more freedom of movement, Arnold took a moment to compose himself for his opening argument.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests," Arnold began slowly, "We are gathered here today to hear witness and testimony about Rear Admiral Iluvar and the service he has rendered in the name of Starfleet. It is our intent to prove that Rear Admiral Iluvar knowingly and willingly violated Starfleet protocol on more than one occasion, putting the lives of his crew and countless others at risk. For all intents and purposes, this man has led what would appear to be an outstanding career. I mean to prove to this board that there is more to Rear Admiral Iluvar than meets the eye...that perhaps this man is not as innocent as we have come to believe."

McNeil rolled his eyes, but fought back the urge to make any audible expression of his disdain for Mercer's statement. He'd been through Iluvar's record and available log entries with a proverbial fine-toothed comb and hadn't found a single realistic indication of anything sinister with any of the various minor incidents in the Admiral's career. Mercer was up to something, McNeil was sure of it, he just didn't know what that something was... yet.

Andeti felt her eyebrows rise in disbelief and her crossed arms tightened over her chest. If these accusations weren't so dangerous they would almost be funny and, uncharacteristically Andeti had no desire to laugh.

Gareth listened quietly as Arnold gave his opening statement. Considering that this inquiry was taking place, he wasn't really surprised by what the man had to say. It had been concise, which was a bit promising. "Thank you, Captain," Gareth began. "Captain Wells? Opening statement for the defense?"

Rising to his feet, Joseph nodded once in the direction of the board. He was still trying to wrap his mind around whatever it was that Arnold was trying to do by bringing this inquiry before the board. It was something that was frustrating him to no end and he knew that Arnold knew it.

"Ladies and gentlemen, members of the board," Joseph began, pausing only a brief moment to collect his thoughts, "Some of you may already be familiar with my client, Rear Admiral Iluvar, from the reports of the engagement at Altorus. His service record has shown him to be an upstanding officer who has always put the needs of the Federation and his crew above his own. Yet, my esteemed opponent would have you believe that the admiral's actions have not been sincere...that there is some deeper motivation behind his actions. It is our intent to reinforce what we already know to be fact: Rear Admiral Iluvar is a dedicated Starfleet officer."

Pausing a moment, Joseph decided that he had said enough and lowered himself back into his chair. He noticed a smug look on Arnold's face, but did his best to ignore it. This was not going to be a repeat of last time.

With a brief nod to the other two board members, Gareth spoke again, "Thank you Captain Wells. At this time, the proceedings shall begin. We shall begin with the prosecution's case. Captain Mercer shall present his case and call any necessary witnesses. As per normal procedure, Captain Wells will be given the opportunity to cross examine any of the prosecution's witnesses." He looked down at each Captain sternly, adding, "I also expect this to not turn into a circus, gentleman. This is a Board of Inquiry and if I or the Board at any time feel that things are out of hand, we will take appropriate measures."

Both men nodded in acknowledgment of the admiral's instructions. It was to be expected that such a remark might be made prior to the opening of an inquiry like this, considering the high profile nature of the inquiry.

"Captain Mercer, you may begin presenting your case," Gareth said, settling back in his chair for what was sure to be a long day.

OFF

A JP by:

Admiral Gareth Bullock (NPC)
Station Commander
Deep Space Four
Played by: LtCmdr Fala

Vice Admiral Tom Saunders (NPC)
Member of the Board
Played by: LtCmdr Fala

Vice Admiral Alan Richards (NPC)
Member of the Board
Played by: LtCmdr Fala

Rear Admiral Iluvar
Commanding Officer
USS Pandora

Captain Joseph Wells (NPC)
Legal Officer
Starfleet Judge Advocate-General
Played by: RAdm Iluvar

Captain Arnold Mercer (NPC)
Legal Officer
Starfleet Judge Advocate-General
Played by: RAdm Iluvar

Commander Christopher McNeil
Chief Intelligence Officer/Mission Advisor
USS Pandora

and

Lieutenant JG Hannah Andeti
Chief Counselor
USS Pandora