*Spock, Blaze and Ardeth enters the tribunal chamber and sits down near nonir to listen to the trial*
Baphomet looked to Captain Taurik and then back to Taylor.
"My opinion of the events that took pplace are irrelevant Ensign, but Captain Taurik's actions were not logical no.
The logical thing to do would have been to contact Captain Sanchez and request his surrender, if request ignored then it would have been necessary to stop the USS Evolution via other means.
But as illogical as his actions were, let it be said that even Vulcans would do what we could to support aquaintences in times of dire need, especially with irrational and emotional human friends as it were.
Although their actions went against direct orders and put multiple lives at risk, either voluntarily or involuntarily, the fact remains a child and family were at stake.
So although their actions were illogical and nothing short of treason, their actions were logically rought, but was indeed brought on by an emotional reaction."
"Captain Sanchez. We pursued the Evolution, in accordance with our orders. Once we caught them, I listened to Captain Sanchez's explanation, as he is generally a loyal officer, who's actions are almost always well justified. After hearing his explanation, I came to be in agreement with his solution to the problem with the Loxian government."
"Trust me, commander, they can go on without you. Now, everyone, if there is nothing else?"
Will waits a moment. "No? Then, ensign, you may continue."
"Lieutenant, you are free to call your second witness."
OOC: Can you please hurry this stupid trial up please, it is illogical anyway seeing as Taurik and Sanchez will get off scott-free, even though Federation law stipulates that NO Starfleet Vessel may involve themselves in ANY Disagreement or war unless it DIRECTLY involves the Fedration, which the Loxian conflict DID NOT.
Sorry if I have offended anyone, but this is unfair to those crews who are left out of the Storyline, which includes the USS Rivendell and the displaced crew of the USS Evolution.
Durandal took that moment to give his input. "Congratulations, Captain," he said.
After processing for a moment, he continued. "Sirs, the Evolution has already been outfitted to support my AI matrix. With your permission, I will transfer myself aboard and prepare the ship for it's shakedown."
Captain Taurik and Captain Randall Sanchez enter the tribunal chamber under escort from Commander Lauren and her security entourage.
They are escorted to the defendant's booth, where they are asked to sit. Upon doing so, Taurik notices that Commander Lauren finishes a report on a PADD and sets it on the tribunal desk.
Morgan enters the room and finds a seat by Baphomet just as the trial is about to begin. He figured that his testimony might be needed in the coming trial so he came.
"Their it is said Admirals, nothing short of treason, putting lives at risk, ships at risk. All because of an emotional reaction?"
"I have nothing further for this witness your honor's."
He heads to his seat, awaiting the cross examination by the defense.
"What led you to Loxius Prime, to take place in this combat?"
"Surely there are other capable engineers on the station that can handle whichever situation there may have occured. If it is in any way lifethreatening, then I am quite certain they will contact me immediately. Proceed."
Freeman steps down from the stand and goes back to his seat.
(OFF: If Ensign Taylor could post ASAP, it would be appreciated.)
*Vorak takes a deep breath, and then he walks on through the corridors, followed by Sanchez.*
"Mr. Sanchez, it is not without that the U.S.S. Evolution was decommissioned. Naturally, the ship was outdated and severely damaged, which is why another upgrade of the ship's systems would end up being inefficient. Instead, we have chosen for a more logical alternative."
*Then he halts, and looks out the windows next to the corridor. They give a magnificent view on the station's inner docking area. Sanchez, wondering what Vorak is talking about, looks through the window too, and sees a huge ship, with a beautiful design, and on it the letters... U.S.S. EVOLUTION-A. Sanchez gasps, and there appears almost a smile on Vorak's face.*
"THIS ship, Mr. Sanchez, will be your new assignment. Effective immediately."
"Durandal, alert Admirals Vorak and Karelia. We've got Sanchez and Taurik here, and we're ready to begin the trial."
Karelia sits and takes up the PADD left on the desk by Ms. Lauren. After reading the report over, he passes it to Vorak, who reads it over as well. As Admiral Montrell arrives, the PADD is passed to him lastly.
Will lifts a gavel, and bangs it onto the desk.
"In the case of Starfleet Command vs. Randall Sanchez and Taurik, court is now in session. The tribunal is willing to allow the defendants to choose their own attorney."
Will looks to the captains, awaiting their response.
Baphomet kept her eyes on the Prosecution, as she replyed in the only logical course to her, the truth.
"That is correct."
*Sanchez looks up in surpise, and whispers to Taurik.*
"One admiral calls them away, and the other admiral calls them back... what's going on there?"
*Sanchez gets up from his seat, goes to the witness seat and sits down. He then places his hand on the bioscanner.*
Computer: "Identified: Randall Sanchez, captain. Commanding officer, currently no vessel assigned."
*He then looks up at Matthews and waits for the questions to come.*
OFF: will be away from computers till Monday.
"Yes, Commander."
*Taylor slips in the takes a seat near Matthews**
He put his hand to his chin while slipping the PADD under his arm.
"In your opinion, how considerate was the Captain of suggestions that day? Transporting first and asking questions later is hardly starfleet regulation wouldn't you say? Was this...logical to you commander?"
<Turns to face the Admiral>
"Excuse me, Admiral. Why do you need me to stay ? surely my testamony isnt needed unless you need me to testify now. Besides Ops may need me to prevent the station from exploding, and if that happens then theres no reason for the trial or me to be here."
"I call upon Captain Randall Sanchez"
After arriving from the USS Rivendell, Baphomet had walked into the JAG Court room and sat in a convient chair giving Captains Taurik and Sanchez a nod.
At first she wasn't going to come, finding both their actions illogical for placing so many lives in jeapody, on Vulcan such actions would be considered punishable by self-termination or at the very least, extensive Kolinahr rituals.
But this is Starfleet and by Federation standards, not everything is punishable by such dramatic means and as on Vulcan as in the Federation, there are extenuating circumstances.
So Lt. Commander Baphomet, knowing what it is to be ostracized due to extenuating circumstances, decided it was only logical to show support, or at the very least, to have another Vulcan present at the trial and being involved in the events that are being exercised in this court room, would also be prudent.
Baphomet raised her right hand to Taurik and Sanchez in the Vulcan salutation and said;
"What ever happens in the trial Captains, Peace and long life."
She then lowered her hand and sat back down, awaiting the proceedings to enuse.
(OFF: The Federation has no death penalty.)
Karelia bangs his gavel. "Court is in session once again. I suggest we proceed. The prosecution may call it's first witness."
Baphomet stands and walks to the witness chair, places her hand on the Biometric reader.
COMPUTER: IDENTITY CONFIRMED; LT. COMMANDER BAPHOMET, CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER, USS RIVENDELL. STARFLEET REGISTRATION CODE 0418-135-458-C.
Taylor paces slightly as he speaks.
"I am certain they will consider the tampering."
He looks over his padd
"I have no further questions Captain."
He waits until the captain is seated then prepares to call his witness.
"I wish to call Commander Morgan Freeman as my second witness."
OOC: To General Zayan, You will find me the CMO and my medical Staff on the Rivendell quite Capable.
Matthews stood, and gave a question to Freeman.
"Commander, you say that Captain Sanchez requested Captain Taurik to come to the Evolution. In your professional opinion, being an officer at the rank of Commander in Starfleet, would that be considered a prudent action? With the claim being that Captain Sanchez's small detour with the Evolution was quite private, but important. Would you say that it was quite appropriate that Captain Taurik met with him in private, to make an effective move to resolve the situation peacefully?".
Matthews entered the room, following the Evolutions security officers. He did not lead any from the Rivendell, but came to view the 'event' for himself.
He took a seat in the proper place, and awaited the Admirals entrance.
Entering just after the Admirals and the prosecutor I sit as close to the Captains as I could. Feeling for them because I like amany others on the evolution Guilty for going along with the Captain. But mutiny was still punishable by death if unsucessful so we went with him to make sure he returned safely. Wanting to be sitting there in the Dock was where I wanted to be.
Taylor looks down to his PADD.
"Commander, according to recorded footage and logs, following your first contact with the USS Evolution, Captain Taurik aggreed to hear Captain Sanchez's explanation. A simple, and unharmful act purphaps. But not only did he aggree to that, but he transported to the Evolution alone; Against yours as well as Commander Freemans advice. Is this all correct Commander?
He took a pause and then turned to the panel of Admirals.
"I also remind the Admirals that it was following this lone transport that Captain Taurik joined Captain Sanchez."
He then looked back to Baphomet.
"I call Captain Taurik to the stand".
After Baphomet had left the stand to be replaced by Captain Taurik, she went back to her seat and listened to the rest of the trial.
*Sanchez looks at Taurik as he sits down again, and whispers.*
"It's not going that well, now is it. We don't have exactly much to plead in our favour. I think we need a miraculous piece of evidence to be set free after this trial again."
*He sighs.*
(OFF: I may not have mentioned this clearly enough, but Doctor Nickerson died in the Na'jigat attack on Avalon Station.)
OFF: Could the trial continue please?
OFF: im bored... *pretends to be Knight (if you remember him)* "i had something to do with all of this! i communicated with sanchez telepathically and told him to do it all. and cause im knight he has to do it" lol... sorry... *leaves*
*Vorak then suddenly speaks up.*
"I would like to state for the record that Mr. Sanchez was listed for a promotion to admiral, rather than have another ship command assigned after the decommissioning of the U.S.S. Evolution. He was also made aware of this by me personally prior to the events."
*He then faces Matthews.*
"You may continue."
"Ensign, your cross-reference?"
Karelia looks up in surprise. "General Zayan, this is a Starfleet matter. While you are welcome to observe this trial, it is not your place to interfere."
The admiral sighs in resignation. "Because you claim to have important information, I will allow you to approach the bench. But you will not interrupt another Starfleet proceeding in this manner again, understood?"
OFF> Guess I am to late.................. again
*Admirals Vorak and Karelia enter the room. Vorak glances at Sanchez and Taurik, and for a moment there is a flash of disappointment in his eyes, whereafter the Vulcan posture of no emotion whatsoever returns, and he sits down.*
"Very well, let it be noted. On that note, Starfleet Command appoints Ensign William Taylor as the District Attorney and lead prosecutor. The court will allow the counselors a brief recess to review the case. Court will resume in thirty minutes."
Will bangs the gavel once more.
Matthews sat next to the Captains, awaiting the prosecutions first call. He was slightly surprised to be called upon to defend, but was very glad to have some sort of significance in the case.
Matthews stood.
"Commander, back to Captain Taurik's transporting to the Evolution. I think it is without a doubt to many of us here, but can you please confirm with a 'Yes' or 'No, that the Captain wanted to persue a diplomatic solution to the situation with Captain Sanchez?".
"Yes. We participated in a short rebellion on the planet Loxius Prime. However, weighing the loss of life of the Loxian military against the continued suffering of the Loxian people, we opted to assist the rebellion."
"And so action took place to put this solution to effect, and would you say that those actions resolved a serious conflict on this planet?".
OFF: Mike Nickerson is needed in the medical section so Zayan can get to this trial.
"Wait right there, Commander."
Will taps his combadge. "Admiral, Freeman and Spock are required here. You will need to make do without them until the conclusion of this trial. Karelia out."
Taylor brings his padd to his side and looks at Freeman.
"Commander, would you take me through the events from the point you arrived at the Evolution until Captain Taurik left the Rivendell."
Matthews pulled a breath in, and slowly let it out. Things were not looking good.
"No further questions Commander".
*Vorak waits.*
*Zayan enters with her child in one arm and the information disc in the other. She waves the disc in the air, trying to get someones attention.*
Excuse me! I have something here that you may want to take a look at.
*Sanchez looks at Taurik.*
"Well, my friend, it would seem that we whithered out this storm as well! Unfortunately I don't have a ship to captain any more, because the Evolution is decommissioned, and... wait..."
*He runs after Vorak, stops next to Zayan and kisses her.*
"I'll be back in a moment!"
*Then he runs on to catch up with Vorak.*
"Admiral Vorak! Admiral Vorak!"
*Vorak stops and looks around.*
"Admiral Vorak... I meant to ask you... now that I'll still be a captain, and the Evolution is decommissioned... what will my next assignment be?"
*Sanchez stares at the ship in amazement for some long moments.*
"Admiral... I don't know how to thank you... I..."
*He looks around to see that Vorak had already walked away to his office. Sanchez then looks back at the ship, and hears Durandal's voice.*
"Ah... Durandal, a familiar voice I have not heard for some time. Yes, yes, of course by all means get yourself on the ship. I won't be far behind."
*Then he taps his commbadge.*
=^= Sanchez to Zayan =^=
Could you come to docking bay 9? I have a surprise to show you.
=^= Sanchez out =^=
*Sanchez walks on in the corridor to head to the ship.
OFF: I will at this point post in the forum of the Evolution again.
"Thank you, Baphomet."
*Then he turns to Taurik and speaks softly.*
"I can still get you out of here. All we have to do is keep up the story that when you beamed over to the Evolution, I took you captive and forced you to order the Rivendell to cooperate, and also you yourself to cooperate. You'd go free."
Taurik whispers to Sanchez for a few moments, both nodding after a while and coming to an agreement. Taurik turns to face the bench.
"The defense appoints Lieutenant Junior Grade William Matthews as it's defense counselor."
Ensign Taylor rises with a PADD in his hand.
"The prosecution calls Lt. Commander Baphomet, Chief Science Officer, as the first witness."
"To my knowledge Lieutenant Matthews, it was with the expressed desire to help his friend.
But we were not aware of the transport until after the fact."
"Captain, to put my question quite plain, did any action, directly or indirectly, from yourself or Captain Randall Sanchez, cause injury, death, or destruction for any people or peoples?".
"Yes. However, I would like to point out that the new Loxian administration is grateful for our help. With luck, it may result in a new ally for the Federation in this area."
Freeman stood up and moved up to the stand, where he placed his hand on the bioscanner.
The computer responded very shortly. "Identified: Freeman, Morgan, Chief Engineer, U.S.S. Rivendell NCC-84540-B. Starfleet Registry Number 3502-0112-01-D."
*Spock gets up and walks over to near the captains, and told them good luck, nodded to the Admiral panel and leaves for ops*
Morgan thinks back in his mind for a moment.
"We arrived at the Evolution, myself and Baphomet gave the captain a few plans on how to disable them. Then Captain Taurik spoke to Captain Sanchez over the viewscreen for a few moments until Captain Sanchez asked Captain Taurik to transport over to the Evolution to talk to him."
Freeman sat on the witness stand for a few moments considering his answer
"To be honest, no I don't think it was prudent. When the Captain informed us that he was beaming over both Baphomet and myself advised against it.
To my knowledge the two captains are friends and so I believe that Capain Sanchez included him in his private plans."
*Galindez sits there and starts to take a real interest in this case*
Freeman gets up and leaves the room.
"Very well. This case is closed."
*Vorak gets up and leaves the room.*
*Robert came in and found a spot to be seated. He sat and waited for the trial to begin. He looks to Sanchaz and gives him a respectful nod.*
"A more accurate statement would be to acertain Captain Sanchez's reasons for his actions, rather than anything else at the time."
"Thank you Captain, no further questions".
=A= Admiral Yates to Commanders Freeman and Spock=A=
"Gentlemen please report to Ops we are in need of your assistance."
*Sanchez takes a deep breath.*
"When I returned to Avalon station last, I received news from admiral Vorak that the Evolution was to be decommissioned. Then, I received news that Zayan, who was pregnant with my child, was captured by the Loxian government and was scheduled to be executed. Zayan, who fought for the Loxian exiles, with whom we have, after all, good relations thanks to the project at Vontak Nor, the Cardassian station in the Dark Passage, that is now shared by Starfleet, Cardassians and Loxians in a peaceful way. I felt it was my duty to inform the admiralty of this situation, and offered to perform a rescue mission myself. I asked this directly to admiral Vorak, but he claimed there was no ship available. He refused to allow me to take any ship because he did not want Starfleet to be involved in the Loxian civil war. The thing, however, was that there was one ship still capable of spaceflight, and not in use... the Evolution. It was only just decommissioned and had not been entirely taken apart, so despite its obvious damage, it was still of use."
*Sanchez takes another deep breath.*
"I admit that I have stolen the U.S.S. Evolution, though decommissioned, to go to Loxius. It would appear to have been for the good, because the Loxian government was at first winning, but our arrival turned the tide in favour of the Loxian Exiles. I need not remind you again that the Loxian Exiles are on good terms with Starfleet, while the Loxian Government has broken off diplomatic relations before, who knows what their next move would have been had they won this war."
*Then he faces Taurik on the other side of the room.*
"But before we got to Loxius, the Evolution was halted by the Rivendell. It is true that me and captain Taurik have been friends for many years, so I would never cause him harm, and he knew this. That is, no doubt, why he knew he could beam over alone. I don't expect that anyone else understands this seemingly illogical decision of his, but it appeared to me that the senior staff of his ship was more interested in pulling out the guns, rather than have a diplomatic discussion. Taurik chose the latter and beamed over to my ship, proving to his crew that I meant no real harm. The fact that he is still sitting here, and can testify that I never even tried to make an aggressive move on him, proves that my intentions were good."
*He then faces Matthews again.*
"We talked for a while, and I explained him the entire situation. After all, how can one judge of another's actions if you don't even know the reasons why. Once I had explained this to him, he realized that we had but two choices... we turn around to Avalon Station and comply to Starfleet orders, knowing that people will die unnecessary, including my child, and allow a potential enemy of Starfleet to grow stronger, or disregard our orders and save lives instead. We chose to do the latter, and we succeeded in this mission. And to prove that I have no ill will toward Starfleet or anyone, I have thereafter voluntarily allowed security officers to take me to the brig, and I came here without protest."
*He then faces Vorak, Karelia, and everyone else in the room.*
"I realize that I violated direct Starfleet orders, and I submit to the punishment you choose for me, but I need to ask of every single one of you... had it been your unborn child that was in serious peril, would you have turned back instead?"
"Very well. Ensign, you may begin."
*Sanchez, standing up while listening to the verdict, lowers his head and sighs deeply.*
"As I feared..."
*He glances at Zayan and their child she's holding, and takes a deep breath.*
Taurik turns his head to Sanchez, also speaking softly. "Captain, I admire your willingness to further sacrifice yourself for me, but it is unnecessary. I will not lie to the judges. If court-martial is what is decided for me, I will embrace it."
"Did Captain Taurik want to persue a diplomatic solution to the situation?".
"The prosecution may now cross-reference the captain."
(OFF: The Academy teaching position has indeed already been taken. Admiral Hobson is now the medical teacher. Sorry for interrupting this trial)
Edit from Hobson: Admiral Hobsons holographic double specifically
"And so to confirm, clearly, for the observing admirality and prosecution. All of your actions, beginning with the taking of the Evolution, were indeed for the better good of Starfleet, and life of any form. Be it your unbord child, and the lives of Loxians, and Starfleet officers of the future? Who might have been killed in a conflict with the Loxian government. As well as if the conflict between Loxian exiles and thier govermment had been left unassisted".
*Sanchez gets up and returns to his seat next to Taurik.*
OFF: I won't be able to post between tomorrow, Friday Aug. 4 and Monday, Aug. 7.
"This new evidence will be reviewed when we make our deliberations."
The tribunal judges listened as the defense and prosecution made their closing statements, then retreated into their deliberation chamber. Fifteen anxious minutes passed in the courtroom before the judges entered again. WIll banged the gavel to get the congregation's attention.
"We have reached a verdict."
Will read from a PADD. "Captain Taurik, on the charge of treason, we find you not guilty. Your actions have caused no damage to the Federation, and that charge will be dropped. On the charge of aiding and abetting a known criminal, we find you guilty. You directly disobeyed orders, and as such, a formal reprimand will be applied to your record. Consider yourself lucky."
Will turns to Sanchez, and begins to read the most anticipated part of the verdict. "Captain Sanchez, on the charges of treason and of violation of the Prime Directive, we find you..."
He paused, as the entire room hung on his every word.
"Guilty."
OOC: Yes that still applies, but is the one and only exception to the rule of no capital punishment.
"Very well. The defense may now call their own first witness."
Ensign Taylor rises and approaches the Captain.
"Captain Taurik, after hearing your answers i gather that you did indeed involve yourself, after Captain Sanchez's explanation, in the affairs of the Loxian government and people. Do you admit to violating the prime directive captain?"
OFF: that would work, but it is a question of where they are at. Or the medical staff of the Evolution could be temporarily stationed there or something.
OFF: helloooooooooooooo?
*slipped in through the doors and took a seat up the back of the room and remained quiet*
*Galindez watched on as the closeing arguements were about to start*
"However, while we have ruled that you are guilty of the charges against you, we also realize that a greater good has come of this. You have helped freedom triumph on a world where such a notion was alien. As such, we are willing to forego the court-martial and imprisonment, but your impending promotion to Admiral is hearby rescinded, and a formal and severe reprimand will be applied to your record as well."
ooc:there is, if a Starfleet Officer whent to Talos IV it is unless its been changed
He faced the Admirality panel.
"The point I am attempting to reach, is that Captain Taurik boarded the U.S.S. Evolution with a cause that should not face scrutiny. Meeting personally with Captain Sanchez might have proven more success in swaying his decisions to continue his flight, or return to this station. Boarding the Evolution alone, would be paramount to not showing 'force'. Diplomacy, to solve the problem.
I have no further questions".
"I admit to what I have done. Whether or not it was a violation of the Prime Directive is a decision only the tribunal can make."
"No further questions"
Taylor took a seat.
(OFF: I believe someone has taken the Academy position, but there's no CMO for the Starbase yet. You can use the Rivendell's medical staff for your post-natal care if you'd like.
"That is correct. I realize that this may cause reason for debate whether or not I violated the Prime Directive, but even if I did, the most distinguished captains, such as captain Kirk, Picard and Janeway have done so several times before too. Never for their own personal advancement, but always for the greater good. Those were also my intentions, otherwise I would not have put my life on the line. I originally set out to do this alone, I never forced or asked anyone to come with me, and all people that did, did so voluntarily."
Taylor rose.
"Admirals, i have no further witnesses to add to my case, i request we make our closing arguments."
*Zayan holds back her tears, wanting to be strong for their unnamed child.*
Taurik stood and straightened his uniform in typical Vulcan properness. He moved up to the stand, where he placed his hand on the bioscanner.
The computer responded very shortly. "Identified: Taurik, Captain. Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Rivendell NCC-84540-B. Starfleet Registry Number 2809-0405-04-E."
OFF: Ok then who is medical officer of the station and who is teaching in the accadamy medical division?
Matthews paced, and looked to the Captain.
"Captain, in your own words, please explain what took place. From the time that you made the decision to leave with the Evolution, to the time that you made for a return to this station, leading us to this".
"Thank you Captain. Nothing further".
Matthews took his seat.
Understood.
*Zayan approaches the bench and hands the disc over. She briefly tells about the disc in a low voice.*
While we were escaping from the compound, I went to on of the security stations to run a systems test that would lock the defensive weapons. Giving my people more time to get with a better chance of survival. While bringing that program up I came across this weapon plan of theirs. The capabilites of this weapon are suspected to open a hole into the dimention of dark mater space. The Government decided to test it out on this StarFleet Base once it was completed. In the least it would have created a black hole according to the scientific calculations. Either way the Government planned to make an example out of one of the most powerful influences in this part of space.
*The child in her arms began to cry.*
I will take a seat now and get her settled down. If you will excuse me.
*Zayan declines her head in a respectful bow and takes a seat near the back of the room, giving Sanchez a smile as she passed.*
*Sanchez gets up and looks at Karelia and Vorak.*
"T... thank you... sir."
*And then he sits down again.*