All Rise!

Posted on Mon Jan 29th, 2018 @ 3:56pm by

Mission: https://wellington.pegasusfleet.site/index.php/sim/missions/id/4
Location: Court Room 1, New Earth
Timeline: July 6, 2399 @ 0900

The other two judges were at the front of the room behind a bench as everyone awaited proceedings to start. Lo'Mah was in prisoner's garb, stripped of his uniform and being escorted into a booth as the prosecutor and a couple security officers walked into the area. The prosecutor nodded to Dawn, and approached her seat.

"My boss says we'll do it, so long as he still pleads guilty." she said. "It's not how I would have done it, but... Damned if you didnt make a point the other day."

Dawn nodded and smiled slightly, rising from her seat, "As of an hour ago, he's still going to. Pretty pissed still that Kasella had him fooled. But it's better for him this way, better for the Federation this way." Images of Commanders pips once again danced in her head.

"You're probably right." she said. "I also forwarded your concerns about a Klingon House rescuing him to Starfleet Intelligence. They'll be ready." she added as she went back to her desk.

At that point, an adjutant walked to the front of the room. "All rise! Proceedings are now in session. Rear Admiral Russell Huffman presiding."

Huffman acknowledged the room that was now standing at attention. "As you were. Be seated." he said as he took his seat, and acknowledged the other judges.

"We have before us the matter of Federation versus Lo'Mah." he said as he read. "Commander Winters, would you please start opening statements?"

"Thank you." Dawn stood again and walked around her table and adressed the judges and prosecutor, "Your Honors. Commander,, the charges against Major Lo'Mah include no less than fourteen charges of murder in the first degree, one count of attempted murder, malicious sabotage, conspiracy to treason and finally, treason itself." She gestured towards Lo'Mah, "The evidence that has been provided is both damning, but incomplete. Is it enough to convict my client? Perhaps, but perhaps not, that is for you to determine."

She traced a finger along the edge of her table, "We have testimonies from crew members that tell us the Major had verbal conflicts with Commander Meru, but nothing about him putting him with the Commander at the time of his death and that of Ensign Copeland. We have opportunity to sabotage the shuttle, but no proof. He acted aggressively to control the ship, but to what end? Gul Kasella was in command at that point and was giving orders and what did that do?"

"So, I would beg the court's indulgence and leniency in an effort to save the court's time and present the following proposal;" She reached and then handed out hardcopys of the deal she had propsed before this all began, "Major Lo'Mah will plead Guilty to one count of Attempted Murder, one count of Murder in the First Degree, and one count of Negligent Homicide. In return for leniency and fifty years of prison time with possibility for parole, the Major will provide information tegarding the terrorist group known as the Organization." She stepped back to her table to let the judges peruse the paper.

"I will enter this into the record and consider so long as the Prosecution consents. Ms. Evans... If you would?"

Evans stood up and walked in the centre of the floor, looking at Lo'Mah. "Your Honour, Treason is something that we all must take seriously. As must we all the charges that led to such a terrible and tragic loss of life. This appeared - at least until we knew who was truly behind it - to be a new phase of activity for the Organization. An act more vile than anything they had done before." she said. "It would be our preference to frankly see the defendant answer for the crimes under the maximum penalty allowed by the law. But... in this instance, the interests of those seeking justice must be balanced with the interests of the Federation, and of restoring precarious peace and stability. The Organization's credibility is undermined. They will not be taken seriously after being duped so badly for some time. They have turned into a laughingstock for allowing their real enemies to pull the wool over their eyes. The penalty suggested by the defence is something that we are amenable to if the Court chooses to accept."

"Lo'Mah... You stand accused of fourteen charges of murder in the first degree, one count of attempted murder, malicious sabotage, conspiracy to commit treason and treason. How do you plead?"

"Against my conscience but with the advice of my counsel, I plead guilty on all counts." Lo'Mah replied.

"Very well." The judge said. "It appears today our hearing will be brief. Counsels have submitted all evidence which has been submitted for further review by Starfleet Command as to the nature of what happened. I will accept the plea deal brought forward by Commander Winters."

"Thank you, your honor." Dawn came to attention behind her desk and beamed at Lo'Mah.

"Seeing that those areas of concern are satisfied and that the defendant has admitted his responsibility, I see no reason to prolong this. Would the defendant rise?"

Lo'Mah did so, nervously. He knew what was next... He wasn't looking forward to it, but it could have been much worse.

"Mr. Lo'Mah... The stripping of rank ordered by Commander Michelle Bartlett on the 18th of June is to stand as issued. You are hereby convicted and found guilty on all counts. I sentence you to 30 years in consideration of your co-operation with ongoing Starfleet investigations into the terrorist group known as the Organization. Should you in any circumstances withdraw your co-operation, you will be subject to the maximum penalty allowed under law. Do you understand?" Huffman asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Have you anything to say to the court?" Huffman asked.

"It had never been my intention to allow things to escalate to this point. I am sorry." Lo'Mah said.

"Your apology is noted." Huffman said. "Counsels, do you have anything further?"

"The Prosecution has nothing further." Evans said.

"Nothing more, sir." Dawn responded.

"Very well. The prisoner is to be taken into custody and shipped out tomorrow under heavy escort. If there is nothing further, this court martial is adjourned." Huffman said, banging the gavel.

******************

Rear Admiral Russell Huffman
Judge Advocate General
New Earth Station

Lieutenant Commander Dawn Winters
Defence Attorney
JAG Office

Lieutenant Commander Evans
Prosecuting Attorney
JAG Office