Justice: A Dish Best Served Cold

Posted on Wed Oct 18th, 2017 @ 8:01am by Lieutenant Valeria Mordin & Staff Sergeant Nyx'e'Trixe Valentine

Mission: https://wellington.pegasusfleet.site/index.php/sim/missions/id/3
Location: Science Lab
Timeline: June 17th, 2399 @ 0720

Lo'Mah headed to Science with Nyx and a couple other Marines. Would the arrest be legal? Probably not. Did it matter? It wouldn't by the end of the day.

"Draw weapons." he said, expecting some resistance. "They might just be science officers, but some may choose to fight."

Nyx reached down and deliberately chose her phaser pistol and ensured the selector was on stun. These were merely scientists and there was no point in doing harm to them. She glanced over at the enlisted Marines with their rifles, then reached over to change one of their settings as well, "My Lord, we are ready."

"Excellent." Lo'Mah said as he opened the door. "Computer. Security override on this facility. Authorization Lo'Mah Kappa 4-3-5." he commanded as the door opened and the Marines walked in. "Do not resist and no harm will come to you. Where is Lieutenant Mordin?"

Charles looked up from where he was working when he heard the door to the lab open. "What the hell is this?" he asked, seeing four Marines with weapons at the ready.

Lo'Mah looked at the science officer. "Ship business. Security, to be exact. Comply with my instructions and nobody else will be injured or worse." he asked, looking around. "Where is Valeria Mordin?"

Charles stood up and then turned to face the Marine. "Before we discuss Valeria Mordin..." he said as he crossed his arms in front of him, "..how about we discuss something else - such as why you want her and then there's a little matter of something...what is it...?" He stopped and pretended to be in thought. "Oh yes - I believe it's called...authority? Show me a warrant, Major, and I'll gladly turn Mordin over to you. Otherwise you and your people can get the hell out of my lab!"

An unmistakable pair of ears perked in the back of the lab, as Valeria heard the commotion and her name all in one breath. "Please keep it down, these samples are fragile." Valeria made her request over her shoulder, not seeing the armed Marines who were 'requesting' her presence. "I'm almost done here, I'll be there in a moment."

Wait, did he say Major? Turn over? Injured or *worse*? What the hell was going on behind her? She opted to settle the samples carefully where they were and step away from the precision handling devices.

"A warrant? I am your Second Officer giving you a direct order to comply, Lieutenant. How about that for authority? I'd hate to see you brigged for insubordination."

"Just as I would hate to see you brought up on charges of violating a Federation citizen's civil rights, Major.." Charles replied evenly. "Perhaps I'm wrong - and correct me if I am - but doesn't a charge of illegal search and seizure and unlawful detainment bring an entirely different set of rules into play here?"

While rhe Major and Lieutenant were having their argument, Nyx holstered her phaser and slowly made her way around anf behind the other marines to near to where Valeria stood and acting nonthreatening. She pitched her voice for Valeria, trying to stay as unnoticed by Charles as possible, "Milady, I have to inform you that we are here to arrest you related to the sabotages done to the ship."

Those ears weren't just for show. "I'll comply fully, if it spares the department embarrassment and further charges." Valeria stated, just loud enough to carry.

She turned that hollow, reflectionless glance towards Charles, "This appears to be a simple misunderstanding. It will be resolved quickly and then I can return to my assigned project."

Lo'Mah produced the "order" from Admiral Marquette authorizing the arrest. "Lieutenant Junior Grade Valeria Mordin. You are placed under arrest for sabotage, 9 counts of murder, and violations of the Starfleet Uniform Code."

"This isn't over, Val..." Charles said to Mordin. "Not by a damn long shot, it isn't." Then turning a steely-eyed glare on Lo'Mah, he spoke in a voice that was low and barely controlled. "You better hope you find something...Major..."

Nyx gently took Valeria's arm, but with enough grip to be recognized as a restraint, "We can avoid the embarassment of handcuffs, Milady, so long as you cooperate." Something inside her lurched. This didn't feel right, but she was under orders.

Lo'Mah simply looked at the Lieutenant. "And what will you do? Would you like to join her in the brig? Insubordination is frowned on by Commander Bowman and I'm sure she won't hesitate to confine you to a Jeffries Tube for mouthing off."

"What will I do? Nothing..." Charles said, then chuckled - but it was a laugh completely devoid of humor. "But I DO happen to know someone with no small amount of influence over your career. His name is Major General Lucius N. Pyle and if I'm not mistaken he is at the present time commanding general of the entire Starfleet Marine Corps. I could give him a summary of this happening that would guarantee you a fitness report that wouldn't qualify you to command a platoon in the Mojave desert...sir..."

"Pretty brave for someone poking asteroids and fungi all day." Lo'Mah said with a growl and a sneer. "Let's go."

Confinement to a Jeffries Tube? Truly? How barbaric.

Valeria gave Nyx a nod to indicate she heard the security officer, "Note for the record that my compliance in restraint does not mean non-contest of the charges." and she went wherever Nyx would lead her. As they passed Charles, she gave a nod, "You have my confidence." and that was the last of what she had to say before she invoked her right of arbitration.

"You will be entitled to counsel as soon as it can be arranged, Ms. Mordin." Lo'Mah said. Not that it ever would be... But they didn't know that. So far everything had gone quite according to plan. "Your mighty Ts'usugi fleet will not save you today."

What a silly and cliche thing to say. "Who needs a fleet when all it takes is a Buoy." she broke her silence to substantiate the critical remark, though remained silent for the remainder of her time in Sciences.

"Don't get too cocky yet, Ts'usugi. Treason is a serious offence." he said. "Lieutenant... Take her to the brig."

"Yes, My Lord." Nyx hid any feelings towards the situation, "Come with me, Milady."

Lieutenant Charles Damian
Acting Chief Science Officer
USS Wellington

Lieutenant JG Valeria Mordin
Science Officer
Arrested Bun Bun
USS Wellington

Frst Lieutenant Nyx Valentine
Marine XO
Conflicted Tialan
USS Wellington

Major Lo'Mah
Acting Marine CO
Resident PetaQ
USS Wellington