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Thread: Star Trek RPG - Mission #7: "The War-Brotherhood of Irkhuit"

  1. #401
    Stegodon stolz's avatar
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    "Pleased to meet you, too, Doctor. How do you do?" he replies formally. Dr. Bennett's little quip about privacy (on a ship?) is completely lost on Bizhi. He does not appear to be as eager to liaise as his cousin, but, as far as Bizhi is concerned, that is nothing but a good sign; what would he do if his new cabinmate turned out to be spuriously effusive? Anyway, when they both have time, he might ask him for his opinion of the merits of the different types of focussed force fields that can be used to make surgical incisions.

    ***

    The judicial hearing continues. Bizhi is no expert, but he figures it will not get very far unless the Federation prosecution can prove that the defendant and the allegedly criminous fugitive in question are indeed one and the same.

  2. #402
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    Dr. Bennett says, "About as good as can be expected. Have you thrown all my things in our quarters to the deck, or hung any dirty laundry in the shower yet? I can hardly wait."

    In Conference Room 1, Capt. Singh asks, "Does the defense wish to make an opening statement?"

    "No, thank you, Madame President," she replies.

    "Very well. The Federation may call its first witness."

    "Thank you, Madame President," the prosecutor says. "We call Lt. Onn of the USS Yorktown."

  3. #403
    Oliphaunt SidonianGal's avatar
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    Nia is a little startled--she knew she'd be called first, but this is going faster than she expected. She stands as gracefully as she can, smooths her uniform, and heads toward the chair.

  4. #404
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    Increasingly anxious, Kylah bites her lip and tries to get a better look at the defendant's attorney. She wishes she had paid more attention to what few lessons she had at the Academy relating to Starfleet and Federation law procedures.

    At the time she thought it highly unlikely she would require such knowledge. She is not a Federation citizen, not yet. But most of all, back then, she was confident enough in her royal status--not to mention her uncle's esteem--to trust that if she were in some trouble, he would simply recall her to Elas.

    So now she can only rely on the sketchiest knowledge of how such hearings work. No opening statement from the defendant's counsel, that seems unusual. Not even an attempt at explanation? This must be some legal strategy, but she cannot think what that might be. Perhaps the effect desired is to create some reason for Ms. Hutchinson to claim that things were not...fair?

  5. #405
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    Onn takes the witness chair, and the prosecutor says, "Please state your name, rank and current duty assignment for the record."

    "Ve'ne'ko'nia'onn, Lieutenant. I'm a Helm Officer of the USS Yorktown, sir." She can't help flicking a glance at Capt. Singh before returning to the prosecutor. If she hadn't screwed her chances by helping Booker and Marala, that might've been Chief Flight Officer, if Singh had ever agreed to the proposal she made to Vargas. No way that'll happen now, she thinks. Just one of the rewards she keeps reaping from her decisions that day. But I still wouldn't take it back.

    "Did you, in the past few weeks, have occasion to go to the Novy Rostov colony?"

    "Yes, as a member of the Yorktown's crew; we had an assignment that brought us there."

    "What was the assignment?"

    "We were escorting a group of miners and other future colonists to Novy Rostov. I believe there was also some Science-related secondary mission, but I don't know the details."

    "I see. But is that what brought you, personally, down to the planet?"

    Nia realizes her mistake. "Oh. No, sir. I went down after we learned about the danger to the planet. I was selected to pilot the Kaku - one of our shuttlecraft - and convey a landing party to the planet's surface in order to retrieve an artifact."

    "What was this object, or artifact, as you call it?"

    "A painting, sir." The absurdity of risking lives for some smudges on a canvas, even a supposed masterpiece by some long-dead Earthman, still rankles, but she keeps her disdain far away from both her expression or voice. "According to our mission briefing, it was rare, and very old. It couldn't be beamed up, I was told, so it had to be retrieved in person."
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 18 Jan 2022 at 05:12 PM. Reason: Onn's dialogue by SidGal; prosecutor's by EH.

  6. #406
    Stegodon stolz's avatar
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    Mäkeläinen says to Bennett, "Haven't had the chance yet, I'm afraid. I did manage to get them to beam up my kit, so I have more than the one uniform to wear. That might have quickly got awkward." He cannot resist adding, "If you really think our cabin lacks an unpleasant je-ne-sais-quoi, just say the word. I can clone us some plants that not only take up a lot of room, but emit a truly remarkable stench of rotting corpses. Or we could drown the compartment in altogether too much tropical fragrance.

    "Anyhow, hab or nab, is there anything you could tell me about how things are run around here, besides the routine stuff? Anything I should know?"

    * * *

    At the hearing, Bizhi glances around to see if any other medical staff have turned up.

  7. #407
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    "You'll figure it out soon enough," Dr. Bennett says. "Now I'm sure you'll excuse me as I get back to an experiment I'm working on." He turns away.

    Later, at the hearing, Bizhi sees Dr. Villa, the CMO, sitting among the spectators.

    The prosecutor asks Onn, "Who else was with you in the shuttle?"

    "Lt. JG Graham, Dr. Bennett, Lt. JG Garcia, Lt. JG Rangin...." She hesitates, then shakes her head. "Well, he was an ensign then, but I suppose that doesn't matter. And Ens. Russell." Am I missing anyone? Or was it just six of us? Her eyes widen with the memory. “I’m sorry, sir. There was also an Engineering officer, Ens. Serowe.”

    "What did you find on the surface, Mr. Onn?"

    "At first, just the landing pad," Nia says, a little lightly, but she goes on in a more sober tone. "As I brought the Kaku closer and prepared to land, we could all see--" She catches a hint of something in the prosecutor's eyes, and quickly realizes her mistake. "Sorry, sir, I can't speak for the others. I saw four people. And a flat, somewhat large container."

    "Did you see the defendant there?"

    Her gaze shifts to the person in question, very briefly, then back to her questioner. "Yes, sir."

    "Under what circumstances?"

    "Well, first, it was on approach, as I mentioned. Once we touched down, I was able to look out of the viewport and saw all four people clearly. Including the defendant."
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 22 Jan 2022 at 03:48 PM. Reason: The usual credits.

  8. #408
    Oliphaunt Rangin's avatar
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    Smiling to himself at perhaps figuring out the first part of a puzzle, Rangin shakes his head. Hah, if only he is so lucky, he is likely to be potholing down the wrong mine to find coal instead of dilithium.

    Next step anyway is to find the right electrical discharge that could stun the less-than-average person--so Kylah, though she is on the small side by comparison to most on the ship--and that also has enough charge to burn out a communicator.

    The average comms unit should be more than capable of resisting most electrical charges, so this might be something a little different, but it’s in the same area. Rangin instructs the computer to start looking for possibilities of discharges that could do both, while he tunes back into the Hutchinson hearing.

    Slightly surprised about the way it is going and the haste with which the defendant is acting, Rangin wonders if there is something else going on. Perhaps an extra deadline that has not been considered. Of course, Rangin knew he himself would think that Hutchinson had a biological timer. Knowing the Orion Syndicate, an identity change like that would have a catch, something to keep the customer in line, perhaps drugs to ensure the change worked or something like that.

    And there goes his curiosity again, and despite the fact he should continue working on the communicator, he can’t help but start digging to see if his hunch is true.

    It’s a way to pass the time at least.

  9. #409
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    How does Rangin wish to begin digging?

  10. #410
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    Kylah listens intently, wondering how she would stand up to such questions. Then she hears Velir's name, and Lt. Graham's of course, and all too belatedly recognizes that this is the mission to which she had originally been assigned. The one she refused, blatantly disobeying Lt. Graham's order for her own secret purpose. She had prioritized ensuring the safety of her stowaways over... this.

    Her lips part slightly and she switches her gaze to find Lt. Graham. So if she had been along, she might have noticed something unusual about Ms. Hutchinson. From what she has heard thus far, it does not seem that there was any grave danger; Lt. Onn just said Ms. Hutchinson had been disarmed. Still, the thought of Lt. Graham, her colleagues--Velir--being so near a possible murderer sickens her.

    What if the defendant had not surrendered so easily? Kylah might have been useful... somehow. Exactly how she cannot articulate even to herself.

    She knows, deep down, that the circumstances under which she could have helped this mission were almost fantastical. Lt. Graham is the ablest Security officer on the ship, Lt. Onn is a... well, Kylah does not actually know how good Lt. Onn is as a Helm officer, although she seems quite a confident commander when on Bridge duty.

    Dr. Bennett had apparently seen something on a scan, if she understands correctly. And Velir--she knows he suspected the guard was Hutchinson, both from his own intelligent deductive reasoning and the results of his own scans as a xenobiologist.

    No, Kylah had not been necessary, either with the skills Starfleet knows of or the powers she has successfully kept to herself. But the thought nags at her. She should have been there, serving with them. For the first time, Kylah truly feels the shame of her dereliction of duty.

  11. #411
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    "How did the defendant initially come to your attention?" the prosecutor asks.

    Frowning, Nia tries to glean the meaning. "Come to my attention? If you mean... I suppose the first time was...." She shakes her head in annoyance at herself. "We hadn’t expected four people, and we wanted to know just who’d be meeting us. I asked the Yorktown for a comm link with Dr. Vasilyev - the head of the museum, he was one of the four - for the details.”

    "Why? Is that normal procedure?"

    “Not specifically, but these circumstances were very abnormal. There were only a few hours left before the planet would be destroyed, and more than 75% of the population were... not going to survive. So I was concerned about safety. Our shuttle represented a prime opportunity, the only real opportunity, for some desperate person to try to escape, perhaps by force.”

    Nia takes a deep breath. She'd really prefer to leave this day far, far behind, where it could disappear like the planet itself. If Hutchinson weren’t a family-annihilating monster I’d have felt plenty of sympathy.

    "Please go on, Lieutenant. Did you receive a response from Dr. Vasilyev?"

    “Yes, sir. He identified two of the others as civilians, and described the defendant as a museum guard. So that was essentially my first 'introduction,' so to speak. Once we had landed and secured the docking portal, three of our officers went to receive the crate with the painting inside. I couldn’t see much, the hatch was too narrow and everyone was bunched up. But I heard bits and snatches of the conversation. And then I asked Dr. Bennett to monitor the guard’s lifesigns with his tricorder.”

    "At what point did you learn of her true identity?"

    Nia hesitates. “I don’t… I’m not sure how to answer that.”

    "And why is that, Lieutenant?"

    “To be frank, I didn’t know the defendant’s true identity until it was confirmed back on the Yorktown. But if you mean when did I first hear the defendant’s claim...?"

    Again the prosecutor nods. "Yes, please."

    "I didn't hear it firsthand, sir, not immediately. While I was waiting, it seemed to be taking a long time for our crew to pick up the container with the painting and bring it aboard. So I asked one of the officers near me what the holdup was, and he told me. I then left the shuttle to see for myself. The defendant was kneeling and disarmed, and Lt. Graham explained the situation to me.”
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 25 Jan 2022 at 12:19 PM. Reason: Usual writing credits.

  12. #412
    Ape must not kill ape! general_urko's avatar
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    Graham listens attentively while trying to avoid staring too obviously and intently at Nia.

    Composed. Professional. And beautiful. She deserved better than me when we were together, and better now that we're apart.

    And then there's Hutchinson. Waste of oxygen that could have been used for another evacuee.

    He blinks and takes a deep breath. Well, this POS isn't going to be spaced, Marala and Nikolai are safe, and there's little I can do to make anything better with or for Nia. So suck it up and soldier on, Booker.

  13. #413
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    Lt. Cmdr. Emmett Baird asks, "What happened next?"

    Onn replies, “We discussed what the correct procedure should be, and spoke to Capt. Singh, who ordered us to convey the prisoner to the ship. There was a brief discussion as to how to do that, but... we didn’t really have a chance for a lengthy debate.” Nia's glance darts to Booker for an instant. She elides over some of the interaction because… well, did it matter, in the end? No. “Anyway, a crowd developed and was heading for us, and none of us would’ve been safe from the mob of... wait, no, I don’t....”

    "What is it, Lieutenant?" the JAG officer says after a pause.

    Atypically flustered, Nia looks down at her hands for a few seconds before clearing her throat. She focuses on the JAG and Starfleet officers, including her captain. “I'm sorry. I misspoke. For the record, they were not a ‘mob.’ I don’t blame any of the victims for what they endured. They were just people who wanted to live and had no other option.” She inhales and, gathering herself, faces the prosecutor. “The crowd were heading toward us, and Lt. Graham suggested, and I think I came to the same conclusion, that if we didn’t get out of there soon everyone, including the two civilians and the museum director, would be trampled. So we took the defendant into custody and… the Kaku lifted off.”

    Nia falls silent. No, the Kaku didn't just lift itself off. I did that: my actions left all those people behind, and may Sid'Os forgive me for that abandonment. But then, I'm always leaving dying planets, abandoning those who were dying with them....
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 27 Jan 2022 at 02:49 PM. Reason: Usual writing credits

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    Kylah has been dividing her attention, but the break in Lt. Onn's voice is unexpected, and she peers at the older woman. It must have been agonizing to see people doomed to perish in a matter of hours. Especially knowing you were their only hope.

    Regret at having missed the mission swiftly changes to gratitude--guilt-tinged, but gratitude nonetheless. Many would call this selfish and weak, but... Kylah knows she could not have borne the empathic emotions she might have felt on that shuttle, so close to a mass of desperate, terrified people. If someone as seemingly unflappable as Lt. Onn was so distressed by their plight, Kylah cannot fathom how insensible she herself would have been.

    How did Lt. Graham feel? Or Velir? Of course, the former was highly focused on the job at hand and the need to save his now-wife. Kylah has seen him compartmentalize his feelings, turning into a near android with duties to perform, one that could not be swayed from its programmed mission objective. Would he have perceived everyone on Novy Rostov as enemies, other than Mrs. Gromov and her son? Expendable? No, that seems too far.

    But... Kylah glances back at Lt. Graham. He once nearly tore Velir apart when he believed Velir was responsible for Kylah's injuries. Not in a roaring fury, but an icy, tightly-coiled manner that was even more frightening.

    Violence takes so many forms, as she knows too well. She looks at the defendant. Brutally enraged or coldly dispassionate: Which had been Ms. Hutchinson's demeanor, when committing her ghastly crimes? If, Kylah reminds herself. If she committed them.
    Last edited by choie; 28 Jan 2022 at 06:31 PM. Reason: I want credit for finding that confrontation from six years ago!

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    "Thank you, Lieutenant," the prosecutor says. "Is there anything else you'd like to add to your testimony?"

  16. #416
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    Nia takes a moment, apparently to ponder the question--although she's actually just extending what little time she has to prepare herself for the defense. She's on edge and doesn't like it, or even really understand why. Her testimony presents little value to either side, as far as she can figure.

    "No, sir," she says at last. "Not that I can think of. I believe I've said all I know."

  17. #417
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    Rangin starts digging in a couple of ways. He checks his records to see if there are any scans of Hutchinson on it, chances are not, but he can’t remember if had them or if they had been deleted. Even if, like all good scientists, you record and archive everything.

    Then he starts looking at this process and what examples there are in the deeper medical literature. Gene manipulation on this level is not simple or cheap otherwise everyone would be doing it for fun on their downtime.

    What would be close enough to be able to completely reconstruct a human male into a human female and be invisible to a standard scan. Even just changing the muscle and bone structure and density, rearranging of internal organs and so on, is no mean feat to do it that well. But obviously not impossible, unless Hutchinson is also lying of course and there was no change, just someone using the name to make sure they could escape.

    There is also the issue of trying to prevent the body rejecting such a change, though this is more a medical area than xenobiology. But there are several species that can and will change gender depending on the situation and ecology they find themselves in. One of them might provide a clue?

    Hmm, perhaps some rogue shipments into the colony of interesting substances. Some of those records may be of interest, although if the Orion Syndicate is behind it, they are more likely illegal than not. Would anything have been picked up in transit by the local law enforcement.

    So, three things to follow, all just to while away some time.

    Oh and the fourth, of course, the voltages for the Hum--Elasian body and communicators.

    Rangin gets to work.

  18. #418
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    Rangin does still have his tricorder scans of the defendant from their brief time together at Novy Rostov. In his research he now learns that, with enough time and resources, the Federation and most major interstellar governments, and any person or group with very deep pockets (including the Orion Syndicate) could change a person as Hutchinson was changed. Rangin had, aboard the shuttlecraft Kaku, earlier noted the obvious sex change (including both external and internal genitalia, and breast augmentation), as well as a chondrolaryngoplasty or Adam's apple reduction. There were changes to Hutchinson's facial structure, ear shape and eye color (from gray to brown), and he (or rather, she) has a slightly now-darker skin pigmentation. The hips were widened, but the fugitive's bone structure is otherwise largely unchanged. She is the same height as Hutchinson but weighs almost five kilos less than his last-reported weight, he sees in his earlier notes. Although some of the DNA, RNA and cellular resonance readings are still puzzling, Rangin saw then, and sees now, no indication of any non-Human additions to Hutchinson's genetic code or gross physical capabilities.

    The xenobiologist also sees no record of any rogue shipments or unauthorized cargo coming into NR for at least the past year, and no reports of the Federation Marshals Service or any other law-enforcement agency seizing anything of the kind in this sector. Given his security clearance, Rangin knows there may be, and very likely are, records that are now inaccessible to him.

    The electrical capacities of Human and Elasian bodies, as well as of Starfleet's and other communicators, are easily found in public Federation records.



    "Thank you, Lieutenant," Baird says to Onn with a gracious smile. "No further questions."

    Capt. Singh says, "The defense may cross-examine, if it wishes."

    "No questions, thank you, Madame President," the defense lawyer says, bobbing to her feet and then down again.

    "Very well. Thank you, Mr. Onn. You may step down. The Federation may call its next witness."

    The younger JAG officer stands. "The Federation calls Lt. JG Booker Graham to the stand."
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 31 Jan 2022 at 06:12 PM.

  19. #419
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    Now biting her tongue, literally, Kylah stares at the defense. No opening statement, no attempt to question Lt. Onn. Kylah cannot think what Lt. Onn could have said that would have been useful to the defendant, but she would have expected the counsel to try... something. Perhaps to show Ms. Hutchinson to be peaceful and cooperative?

    Curiosity tears away at her better judgment. While the Helm Officer rises from the witness chair, Kylah quickly examines the room to see if there is a seat closer to the defense. If so, she will move as unobtrusively as possible. Regardless, she will concentrate on Ms. Hutchinson's face as best she can from wherever she sits. She is not doing anything wrong, she tells herself. Anyone might try to see if they can determine how an alleged criminal is feeling.

  20. #420
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    Relieved, Nia stands and crosses back to take a seat. She gives a slight nod to Booker. Things are moving briskly and this will hopefully be over soon. The murderer can be turned over to the authorities, and the Yorktown can get the hell out of here on its way to... wherever they're next headed.

  21. #421
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    Still at the hearing, Bizhi notices Kylah, whom he met before, among the spectators, fidgeting. What might have drawn her here?

    He looks professionally at Hutchinson to see if he can suss out some of the dynamics here. They say the falsely accused tend to act angry and dismayed, ironically damning themselves in the eyes of the audience, while the guilty remain calm. But you can only tell so much from looking on the surface.

  22. #422
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    Kylah could get a seat closer to the defendant, but in a room this size, and in her red Communications uniform, she will hardly be unobtrusive. Her sense of Hutchinson's mood is a mix of unease, anxiety and guilt.

    Bizhi can only see that Hutchinson appears grimly stoic.

  23. #423
    Ape must not kill ape! general_urko's avatar
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    Graham's surprised by Nia's acknowledgment...surprised and glad to see it.

    It's not that I expected her to...what? Hate me? No, move on without a need to look back, I guess... But of course she's a professional, Booker.

    He returns it instinctively, then slowly rises in response to being called to the stand.

    He avoids looking at Hutchinson or her counsel on this way up, staying aloof, casual, and focused on taking his seat.

    He glances at the JAG and straightens his uniform before sitting down.

  24. #424
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    Kylah darts her gaze from Ms. Hutchinson. So far it does not seem that anything is amiss with the defendant--or, at least, nothing that would be unexpected. Through habit alone, she keeps a little focus on the other woman. Still, when she sees Lt. Graham is next, she sits up a little, hands clasped on her lap, and--though he will be concentrating on the questions--shows him a small, encouraging expression. Of course, given his profession, he has probably testified hundreds of times. But anyone would want to know they have friends in the audience.

  25. #425
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    Graham has to clear his throat to stifle a smile as he catches a glance at what he takes to be an expression of encouragement from Ens. Kylah.

    It's--heartwarming. Literally heartwarming, he reflects.

    After all she's been through--fair enough, some of which might have been avoidable-- to be encouraging me, on what ought to be my "home turf."

    He reminds himself to thank her later.

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    Graham takes his seat, and Lt. Sarah Foley, the young JAG officer, smiles at him and says, "Hello, Mr. Graham. Please state your name, rank and current duty assignment for the record."

    He clears his throat. “Lt. J.G. Booker Graham, Assistant Chief of Security, USS Yorktown.”

    "Did you, in the past few weeks, have occasion to go to the Novy Rostov colony?"

    “Yes, ma'am,” he replies simply. He waits for a followup question.

    The prosecutor seems slightly nonplussed, then asks, "Why, Lieutenant?"

    "We were under orders to take some miners and supplies there." Graham’s brow furrows as he plays back the wild ride of the recent past. “I was initially directed by the Captain to lead a landing party to meet with the colony’s governor, Gov. Sergey Voronko – a courtesy call, if you will.” He can’t help but frown slightly. “We beamed down to the surface – uh, I’d recommend checking the record for the precise composition of the landing party. Ens. St Croix, Security, Ens. Kylah, Comms, as I recall. Several others. Uh, Dr. Bennett was one.”

    "Did that go well?"

    “I would say so, yes, ma'am. Subsequently, we were ordered to beam back to the ship on the double, but without alarming anyone. That was when we learned about the, uh – threat of a fatal radiation surge.” He rubs his chin. “After that, I was ordered by Cmdr. Vargas, our First Officer and Chief of Security, to take a landing party to the surface by shuttlecraft to retrieve a historically significant painting, for retrieval to the ship."

    "Who was with you then?"

    "Lt. Onn, and Russell, Rangin, Serowe, Garcia and Dr. Bennett were on the shuttle with me, the Kaku, if I recall correctly, ma'am.”
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 03 Feb 2022 at 04:22 PM. Reason: Graham's dialogue by general_urko; Lt. Foley's by EH

  27. #427
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    While Booker testifies, Nia wonders if it would've been better to take the opportunity to leave. Her job is done, and his story won't divert much from hers; they were only apart for a minute or two.

    She crosses her ankles, a little impatient. How much longer will the witnesses take? Rangin isn't here to testify; maybe they'll call Dr. Bennett? She sends a quick glance to see if he's nearby. He was the one who identified the anomaly in Hutchinson's biology. Only because I asked him to check, Nia recalls. Lucky neither side followed up on that while she was on the stand.

    But she supposes why she wanted the scan doesn't really matter. The identity isn't being disputed, and Nia's pretty sure this whole thing's just a formality before the real trial, whenever that will be.

    Booker's voice brings her attention back to him. A week ago she'd've been cheering him on, or anxious for him, or proud of him, or... something. But she's learning to protect her heart as if creating a shield of scales around it. He cares nothing for her; thinking of him in any other way but as a fellow crewmate is unproductive.

    So, with disinterest she hardly recognizes in herself, she listens politely to her colleague.

  28. #428
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    Rangin drums his fingers on the table in front of him and the various sources of data that are appearing in front of them,

    For Kylah, Rangin realises he doesn’t have all the information he could have. She once mentioned that Ens. Delaney had already looked at it,* so instead of going over old ground, asking Delaney for any info he had might be a better idea. It’s not like anyone on the ship was doing that much other than shore leave, which is by far the most sensible option. He sends off a message asking Delaney for any information he might have on Kylah’s fried communicator and see if he wants to try out a few experiments to see if they can break one. That usually got an Engineer interested.

    Security-wise, regarding Hutchinson, Rangin leaves it as a bust. He’s not going to find more information in that direction, so he’s not going to bother. While it would be of interest to see if anything had been reported, he isn’t going to do anything illegal or stupid in trying to justify his hunches.

    Finally, he takes the tricorder readings and starts to run the more puzzling readings through the ships computer, which will have far greater access to resources and computing power than Rangin making guesses on his own.

    Time to see if any of those changes have ever been noticed before or if there is anything similar that the computer can point him at.



    * - Note that this is a retcon: Delaney did look at the device, but Kylah didn't share that w/Rangin. More in the setup thread.

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    Ens. James "Jim" Delaney soon responds to Rangin's text and responds with all the information he'd already provided to Kylah herself as to her damaged communicator. His other Engineering duties permitting, he's certainly willing to help with any experiments the Coridanite has in mind.

    There are hundreds of examples of past identity swaps in Federation records, Rangin sees, some but by no means all of which included a sex change as well. Many of the swaps were carried out by criminal organizations such as the Orion Syndicate for illegal purposes such as infiltrating targeted organizations, con games, criminal deception and concealing fugitives. There are at least nine known medical and surgical methods of humanoid identity swaps, and the "Ytiil method," named after the Orion surgeon who developed it, appears, from Rangin's tricorder readings, to be probably most likely to be the one Hutchinson underwent.



    Onn doesn't see Dr. Bennett in the hearing room, but Dr. Villa, the CMO, is there.

    Lt. Foley asks Booker, "What did you find on the surface?"

    Graham takes a second to compose his thoughts. An old sweetheart. A new wife. A new family. Off topic, Booker. So he says, “At the designated landing spot, we were met by Dr. Vasilyev, from the museum, who had the payload – ah, the painting, as planned.”

    "Did you see the defendant there?"

    “Yes, ma’am. H–she was accompanying the doctor, ostensibly as a museum guard named ‘Annette White.’ When she learned she was to be left behind, as we had no orders to bring her back to the ship with us, the defendant was insistent about claiming to be Hutchinson. Our doctor had already also detected anomalous readings of male genetic markers during a precautionary scan of the people meeting us upon our landing.”
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 08 Feb 2022 at 02:59 PM. Reason: Usual writing credits.

  30. #430
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    Rangin nods approvingly at the results coming back to him and the fact he has an engineer ready to help with some “experimentation”.

    He starts with cross-referencing the data he has on Hutchinson with the “Ytiil” method, especially any drawbacks or known side effects that may occur over a period of time. He also adds in how long Hutchinson has been on the run for as a change factor. Regardless of whether Rangin finds anything, he is certainly enjoying the chase down the rabbit hole as they would say on Earth. On Coridan, there were usually bigger things with sharper teeth waiting down a mine if you decided to wander around in the dark.

    As for Delaney's information about Kylah's communicator. Well, it was both different to what he was thinking of and yet still among the same lines. A short burst of something, ultra-high frequency soundwaves depending on the Kuehnle modulation. Sounded like the kind of thing that did hide in a cave after all.

    Rangin shakes his head at himself, a wry grin flickering across his face. He is still trying to assume facts he doesn’t know and that is a bad practice, which is the bane of many a science project. So, Rangin starts looking at what would be needed to fry a communicator.

    Rangin reckons on finding the impact of what it would then do to an Elasian and then asking her outright. Delaney had said that Kylah had said she did not know if she was holding it or not. Knowing Kylah’s capacity for dissembling, it might be worth finding out what could cause this, get the effect on Elasian physiology and then see if it bought back any memories.

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    The Ytiil method has not been extensively studied, although Rangin is able to find a short Federation Journal of Xenomedicine article from three years ago. It states that while there are no known side effects, it's also too soon to say for sure, as there are only eleven individuals known to have been through the procedure, and the first case was only five years ago.

    Rangin learns that there are lots of ways that a communicator might be shorted out, damaged or destroyed, but few that would have exactly the effect as he understands it here, and that would not also injure (probably by burning or electrical shock) or kill any nearby person.



    The young prosecutor asks, "What happened next, Mr. Graham?"

    He replies, “I contacted the Yorktown for guidance on how to handle the issue of evacuating someone with an outstanding warrant but who nevertheless was not on the evacuation list. Provided we were able to verify her – his or her – identity, I was ordered to return with the defendant in custody. Using the limited means at our disposal, that is, a Medical tricorder scan, we confirmed Hutchinson’s story... or at least, we were pretty sure we had.”

    “Did you believe that was sufficient, under the circumstances?”

    “Yes, ma’am. We were pressed for time, and I decided we needed to make an emergency dust-off because a – well, frankly, a mob – of angry, maybe desperate, colonists was approaching, and I believed I could not guarantee the safety of the landing party and the painting any longer. If we'd left the person claiming to be Hutchinson behind, she would have been lost with the rest of the colony. There would be no do-over.” He pauses. “At that time, our doctor’s best judgment, given the scanning equipment and very limited time available, was that the defendant was Hutchinson.”

    "I see. Did you then return to the USS Yorktown with the defendant in custody?"

    “Yes, ma’am, we did."

    "Do you see the person you arrested here in court today?"

    "Yes, ma'am. The person seated next to defense counsel over there," he points, "is the person we took into custody on the surface.”

    Lt. Foley turns to Capt. Singh. “May the record reflect that the witness has identified the defendant?”

    “The record will so reflect,” she says.

    "Thank you, Madame President, and thank you, Mr. Graham. No further questions," the prosecutor says.

    Singh nods. "The defense may cross-examine."

  32. #432
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    Kylah offers another quick encouraging smile to Lt. Graham, but then her gaze shifts to the defense side of the room. Will this woman finally stand up for her client, literally and figuratively? And if so... Kylah glances back to the ACOS. She has no doubt her friend will acquit himself well, but nevertheless she does not like the prospect of someone being antagonistic toward him--if that is the strategy chosen by the attorney.

  33. #433
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    He did well, for what he had to do, Nia thinks, still feeling remote from the proceedings. Too remote. Her attention is not easily coralled to stay focused on the testimony. She's noticing the air that seems stuffy, and the dress uniform that had been perfectly comfortable for the wedding is now hot and confining. Her mood turns from distant to irritated.

    She uncrosses her legs and tries to will herself to get back in the game--even if she's now just an observer instead of a participant. Pretty good description of my life all of a sudden.

    Her hands grip the edge of her chair on either side of her, squeezing hard enough for the wooden corners to be painful beneath her fingers. Nia is not liking this side of her. She remembers her discussion with Ajay about how much her emotions have been letting her down lately, and grasps at the excuse she pulled out of thin air--her birth control hyposprays needing adjustment. Yeah, maybe something hormonal, or at least medical, is responsible for her mood. At least then she'd have an easy solution.

    All right, lady. Off to Sickbay once we finally get out of here. Curious, Nia takes a swift look to see which if any medical personnel might be around. Villa, she sees. And that new guy with the long last name she's forgotten already. She hasn't met him yet. And what a way to introduce myself. 'Hi, I'm not having enough sex to justify my birth control, can you help me out?'

    The ambiguity of her invented question puts a slight smile on her face. 'Help her out' could be taken one or two different ways. Amused, Nia looks over at him again, now speculatively. Might be worth trying out, if only because his reaction to a straight line like that could reveal a little about his personality...

  34. #434
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    Emily Martin, the defense lawyer, is talking quietly but intensely with her client. She gestures towards Graham, still talking to Hutchinson, but the defendant shakes her head curtly, decisively. The lawyer says something else and the defendant bangs the table with her clenched fist and says, in a voice which carries, "No! That's enough. I told you."

    Martin, looking grim, rises and says, "No questions, thank you, Madame President." She thinks. "Could we take a brief recess so that I can talk to my client privately?"

    Singh looks at her. "Very well. The witness may step down. Let's take a ten-minute recess. If you need more time, counsel, let the guards know." She says to them, "Please remove the prisoner to the adjoining compartment."

    Graham leaves his seat, "All rise for the court," another redshirt calls, and everyone stands. The prisoner is removed, Martin tagging along behind, and then the court-martial panel leaves, as well. Those left in the room sit back down, or stretch and/or begin to talk. Several people leave. Onn notices that the prosecutors are leaning close enough to one another so as not to be overheard; Foley, the younger, looks puzzled as they talk.

  35. #435
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    Lips parting in surprise, Kylah stares at the exiting participants--but mainly Ms. Hutchinson.

    I was wrong: She does not wish a defense, Kylah thinks with a tiny shake of her head. It was not her attorney refusing to give one. But then why--why not simply admit that she is guilty?

    Her inexperience of legal processes in Starfleet and the Federation, or whatever entity has jurisdiction over this, hinders her significantly. She bites absently on a thumbnail while trying to remember something, anything, from the few examples of law-related vids, plays or novels she consumed back at the Academy. Pure entertainment was rarely how she spent her free time, and when she did indulge, the activities almost always involved playing or listening to music. But she saw some fictional depictions of trials.

    Kylah runs through what seems to be only the sketchiest of recollections. After a moment she straightens and lets her hand drop into her lap. Why... Hutchinson was never asked to say whether she was guilty or innocent. Not guilty, she corrects, remembering at least that much of the dramas. The trials--hearings, perhaps that was what these were called--usually started with that question. 'State your plea,' the judges would ask... or something to that effect. The wording escapes her, and she doubts it is important.

    Perhaps that part of the procedure is no longer accurate, if it ever was. Those were only fictional depictions, after all. And maybe this sort of hearing has different rules. Still, it seems unfair that Ms. Hutchinson should go through this if she does not wish to. Or indeed, that the time and effort of the witnesses, attorneys, and panel members themselves should be wasted. And are there any other family members of the victims? If so, they too are waiting for justice.

    Oh, how very much Kylah would love to be able to talk to the defendant! She never will, she knows, but it would be fascinating nevertheless, understanding why Hutchinson is letting things go this far when she could presumably end it all with a confession.

    Something else might be going on. And the trial does not exist to feed one ensign's curiosity. But she longs to know the truth behind the crimes. For the first time she has a better sense of how the journalists must have felt after the murder on OCIII, or even her own attack on Anubis. They simply wanted to know.

    The true journalists, anyway. The vermin from that You Know You Want It rag were no better than bottom-feeding parasites. They are bottom-feeding parasites.

    Frustrated, Kylah leans forward, arms crossed, and wonders how all this will play out. At least Mr. Graham will not be subject to anything unpleasant. She looks over at him to see if he is as relieved as she is, for his sake.

  36. #436
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    Once he's properly off the stand, Graham takes a cleansing breath.

    He seeks out Kylah and gives her a friendly, appreciative nod.

    He tries to...not avoid, but not, also, look at, Nia...

    He almost laughs at the expression "time heals all wounds." He has enough that left scars and cause pain that has never gone away to know that's mostly bullshit.

    Well, anyway - the situation seems weird. Certainly with the defense. But Graham relies on a deeply ingrained reflex: not my fucking problem.

    I'm Security--and was, for a while, law enforcement--but prosecution and defense? I can't cure diseases either.

    If my involvement here wraps up, maybe that clears some time for Marala and Nikolai...

  37. #437
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    The abrupt end of Booker's role in the testimony, and the departure of the defense participants, turns Nia's head in surprise. She sees him suddenly nearby, standing somewhere between the well of the makeshift courtroom and the surrounding seating. Barely over a week ago she'd've shifted over to encourage him to take the seat beside her--where he'd probably have been in the first place. They would have commiserated over the shared experience, their likely shared curiosity over what the hell is going on.

    Now, it's not her role to share with Booker. Another woman's got that job. Nia again turns to the rest of the observers, wondering if Marala is here to support her husband. Husband. Still surreal. She ignores the tug of the morose that's threatening to revive itself, though can't help an indignant, Why wouldn't she be here? Even if I didn't have to testify, damn straight I'd've been in that audience.

    Then she scoffs at herself. Um, yeah, easy to say, 'cause you don't have a little boy to take care of, do you? What, was Mrs. Gromov-Graham gonna drag Nikolai here to root for his new stepfather's testimony against a killer who slaughtered a child and its mom?

    So she just sighs and forces herself to empty her brain of all these warring thoughts. And with a supreme mustering of her self-control, Nia murmurs to... well, it could be anyone in a two-meter radius, but it's basically to Booker. "Wonder if the rest of the prosecution witnesses are going to be called. If there are any."

  38. #438
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    Graham can't tell if the question he heard was meant for him, or something he just happened to overhear, but he did hear it, and the thought of walking away and in fact ignoring something Nia may have meant for him is stomach-turning.

    He turns toward her, reflexively cleating his throat, then rubbing his chin. "Ahh...I've always never tried to second-guess prosecutors." He shrugs and offers a slight smile. "Bring 'em in, and Security's job is done, so to speak. But..." He pauses a moment, and replies quietly, in words intended for her. "Never introduce more than you need to get the verdict you want. Any more is needlessly muddying the waters, potentially creating something to attack or object to."

    "You did well up there,...ah, Lieutenant. Not that I'm surprised, but by the numbers," he adds, nodding.

  39. #439
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    Bizhi gets up to stretch his legs for a minute, even though it has not been long at all since the start of the proceedings. Thanks to the brief testimony so far, he at least knows the bare facts of how the defendant got here, and what the hearing is all about, but is not sure yet what to make of it---except that the defendant, whoever she really be, is in all wise better off on the Yorktown right now than on Novy Rostov. He listens to see if he can catch anything the prosecution are discussing.

    He gives a nod of recognition to Kylah, who, apparently, is not the only one in the room looking perplexed, and to Dr Villa.

  40. #440
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    She can't help it. She can't control it. And a split second after it happens, Nia knows she's fucked up her plan, her strategy to maintain her dignity throughout this utter embarrassment of a situation.

    But when Booker calls her by her rank--not 'Nia,' not even his invariable and kind of adorably awkward attempts at formality with the fumbled 'Ni...uh, Lieutenant'--she winces. Worse than that: her head jerks back slightly, as if anticipating a backhand slap.

    Which is what it felt like. But damn it, how could she have been so insanely unguarded to have let that show?

    He probably didn't notice, he isn't even really looking at me, or at least not seeing me; he doesn't anymore. Even if he did there's nothing I can do now.

    Still, she tries. She brushes her fingertips across her face as if an errant invisible coiling lock of hair sprang loose from her clip and annoyed her, then waves the hand and his compliment away. "Well, thanks," she says lightly. "Not exactly commendation-worthy, remembering some major events that happened only seven days ago." With a smile and a shrug she looks over to the prosecutors. "Foley asked us to tell the truth, so we did. What else were we gonna do? We follow through on stuff."
    Last edited by SidonianGal; 17 Feb 2022 at 01:08 AM.

  41. #441
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    The recess stretches from ten minutes to almost half an hour, and then the court-martial panel returns. Several people in the room continue to talk in low tones before the captains take their seats.

  42. #442
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    Rangin considers the info in front of him. When it comes to Hutchinson, his inquisitive side is coming out and the fact he could be that rare entity: a living study material of the procedure. Then again, it is more likely to be of interest to the Medical staff, while he would have a passing interest in the changes and how closely they match up to a species with a more natural change.

    As for the second puzzle, all that it is telling him is that Kylah had to have been injured if she was holding the communicator when it fried. Or left a big smoking hole if it wasn’t. Either way, there is more data that Rangin is going to need before he can make any further. But it doesn’t mean he cannot narrow down what he is looking for.

    He puts together a sample of the possibilities where the device could be damaged but that would be non-fatal to someone holding it, whether it would leave a mark of not and…and, of course, another assumption. Most people do not carry their communicators around in hand all the time but are holstered in some way. Something that would discharge through it, having passed through Kylah is an option also to be considered. Kylah would be able to say for sure and somehow this is only going to annoy Rangin further until he gets some answers.

    By asking politely, of course. This is a favour he owes her.

  43. #443
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    Just as the break began, Kylah spotted Dr. Mäkeläinen's pleasant smile, and returned it. At the time she wondered if she might find a seat near him and learn how he was settling in, but was a little self-conscious at being seen with yet another male companion. It should not matter, but it likely has not escaped others' notice that she has few women friends... actually, none, as her relationship with Dr. T'Var is probably best described as "on good terms" at most. Which is better than expected given how often Kylah has imposed herself on the Vulcan.

    So she has stayed in her seat throughout the recess, occupying herself with planning ways to make better connections with her fellow female officers. The Lyceum, perhaps? Kylah has been meaning to participate more, and her brief performance at the wedding yesterday reminded her of the joy of music. For too long it has been associated with secret codes, betrayal and mourning. Now she is determined to recapture the pleasure it once held for her.

    But with the panel back, Kylah's attention returns to the serious matter at hand. She clasps her hands in her lap and waits expectantly.

  44. #444
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    "This court will come back to order," Capt. Singh says, after taking her seat between Capts. Potter and Norita. "Please bring in the defendant."

    Hutchinson soon returns from the adjoining compartment with her guards, and Atty. Emily Martin in tow. They take their seats.

    Singh clears her throat and says to the prosecutors, "Does the Federation have any other...."

    Martin, still looking unhappy, stands and says, "Madame President, pardon me, but my client has told me that she now wishes to plead guilty as charged. Under the circumstances, the Federation need not call any other witnesses."

    A buzz of discussion rises around the courtroom.

  45. #445
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    Graham can't help but cock an eyebrow. He silently chastises himself for having a visible reaction--not the perp is likely paying any attention to him.

    He has to resist rubbing his chin.

    This sex change was an Orion Syndicate job, he reflects. Life in Federation detention is better than what's going to happen to you if something has gone wrong in that deal... Hmmm...

  46. #446
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    Nia's eyebrows rise in disbelief. Really? This defendant--can we change that to 'convict' yet? Or better yet, prisoner?--wasted hours of their time?

    With an almost inaudible hmph and crossing her arms over her chest, Nia sends a cool glance over to the defense counsel. After all, she's the one who seemed determined to go through this farce. Maybe Foley ought to charge Martin with killing off the better part of the day. The idea amuses her and she leans over to pass it to Booker.

    She catches herself and pretends she didn't just move toward him. Instead she inhales and smooths her dress uniform jacket over her abdomen, feeling the cool buttons beneath her fingers. Her thoughts are more productively utilized by planning the rest of her afternoon and evening. First, make an appointment to see the doc for a quick check of that birth control hormone stuff.

    Then, if there's any shore time left, she'll head straight down to the planet. Nia doesn't need a doctor for this prescription: Fresh air and sunlight on her face, cool dewy grass under her bare feet. She sighs in anticipation of getting back to solid ground.

  47. #447
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    As the hearing seems to lurch to an abrupt conclusion, Mäkeläinen continues to sit impassively for a moment, thinking. Did he learn anything? Was coming here simply a pure waste of time? Dr. Villa thought it was worth her time, though, or else her presence was requested. If the hearing simply ends, if possible he asks her plainly whether it was a purely criminal matter, albeit one with highly unusual circumstances, or are there remaining issues for the medical staff and if so can he assist in any way?

  48. #448
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    Capt. Singh seems taken aback, too. She asks, "Did you say she wishes to plead guilty, Ms. Martin? Would that be to all three charges?"

    "Yes, ma'am," the civilian lawyer says. "I believe she's been thinking for some time that she might wish to do so, but I was able to convince her to go forward with these proceedings, to protect her rights and hold the Federation to its burden of proof. However, as the hearing has gone on today, she's become more and more insistent that she wished to plead guilty. During the recess we just had, she told me, very clearly and very emphatically, that she wished to do so."

    "I see. Is that so, Ms. Hutchinson? Is it your wish to plead guilty to two counts of homicide in the first degree, and one count of obstruction of justice, as charged?"

    "Yes, Madame President," the defendant says, with an odd mix of defiance and what might be sorrow. "I've had enough. I've been running for too long. I did some horrible things, and it's... it's time I take responsibility for what I've done."

    Singh considers this, then turns to the lead prosecutor. "Mr. Baird, this panel was formed for the purpose of holding only a preliminary hearing, as I said at the outset, to advise the defendant of the charges against her, to answer any questions she might have, and to enter her plea - which presumably would have been, as in most such cases, 'not guilty' - on the record. Do we have the authority to now accept a plea of guilty?"

    Lt. Cmdr. Baird rises. "Yes, Madame President. Under Starfleet Regulations, Regulation 10, Paragraph 17, a panel such as this, duly convened, may accept a guilty plea upon advising a defendant of the rights she would be waiving by such a plea."

    "And sentencing?" Capt. Potter asks, speaking up for the first time.

    "Sentencing as well, yes, sir, under Paragraph 18."
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 25 Feb 2022 at 10:35 PM. Reason: Name fixed.

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    Fingers now clasping her knees, Kylah leans forward to hear every word, captivated by the proceedings. She stares at each speaker in turn, interrupted by quick, piercing looks at Ms. Hutchinson.

    Sentencing. Kylah shakes her head in wonder. Then it will all end today? Or tonight? Surely the panel will have to consider...

    Consider what? They know the crimes. Presumably the laws have guidelines for how long one must serve for them. But the circumstances might mitigate things.

    She scowls at her own thoughts. What could possibly mitigate poisoning one's family? A spouse, a child? Mental illness, perhaps, but certainly not self-defense. It does not seem Ms. Hutchinson wishes to excuse anything--nothing could excuse it--but there must be something that could at least explain why.

    Her focus rests on the defendant once more. "Yes, why? Why did you do this?" she wonders, before realizing in alarm that she spoke the words aloud. Whispered, thank goodness, but still she jerks her hand up to press against her lips lest she blurt anything more loudly. Kylah's scant understanding of the legal system is still vexing, but she does believe that the panel acting as judges will probably require some statement. They must want to know Hutchinson's reasons as much as she--and likely everyone else in the room.

  50. #450
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    A few people near Kylah glance around at her, but then turn their attention back to the proceedings.

    Singh talks quietly with her fellow panelists for a minute or so. She then clears her throat and says to the whole room, "Very well, we will proceed with a plea in this case, as requested by the defense. You are charged, Ms. Hutchinson, with two counts of murder and one count of obstruction of justice. The murder counts may each be punished, if convicted, by a sentence of life imprisonment. Do you understand?"

    "Yes, ma'am."

    "A conviction for obstruction of justice may punished by a prison term of one to six years. Do you understand?"

    "Yes."

    "You are, of course, presumed innocent of these charges under Federation law. That means it's not up to you to convince a court you didn't commit these offenses; it would be to the prosecution to prove, by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, that you did commit them. Do you understand?"

    "I do."

    "Are you under the influence of any mind-altering substances at this time?"

    "No."

    "Do you suffer from any mental disorder or disease that affects your ability to understand these proceedings?"

    "No, ma'am."

    "Do you fully understand the charges against you, and the possible penalties?"

    "I do."

    "Have you had enough time to consult with your lawyer?"

    "Yes."

    "Do you fully understand what's going on here today, Ms. Hutchinson?"

    "Yes."

    "Have you been threatened by anyone in order to get you to plead guilty?"

    "No, ma'am."

    "Have any promises been made to get you to enter this plea?"

    "No, ma'am."

    "You understand that a guilty plea is a complete admission of the truth of the facts alleged in the complaint, and an admission of your actual guilt?"

    "I do."

    "You understand, by pleading guilty, that you are waiving your right to a court-martial under the Federation Constitution, Federation law and Starfleet regulations?"

    "I do."

    Singh then leads Hutchinson through a litany of all the rights she will be waiving by entering a guilty plea: to cross-examine the Federation's witnesses, to call witnesses of her own, to compel their attendance by subpoena if necessary, to require the Federation to prove her guilt by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, the right not to testify and to have both the court and the prosecution refrain from any comment upon any such decision, and many others.

    Hutchinson calmly states her understanding of each point.
    Last edited by Elendil's Heir; 28 Feb 2022 at 02:52 PM.

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