Star Trek: A Call To Duty
USS Kraken NCC 75712
SD 11304.25 - Mission 34 

Starring: 
Andrew James 		as Ship Manager (SM)
			and [NPC] Lt Cmdr Aviero (JAG)
			and [NPC] Ushuaia (Judge)
			and [NPC] Court Officer

Rob Wright 		as [CO] Captain A'an Selzah
Aoibhe Ní 		as [XO] Commander Kesh' Suder

Einar Sigurðsson 	as [NPC] Admiral Pryce (Judge)
Sophie Wakeling 	as [OPS] Ensign Torel Alena
CJ Short 		as [NPC ] Commander JeVor (Defence)
Gina Toye 		as [TO] Ensign Shabella Koraz
Lilia Perfeito 		as [CSO] Ensign Arya Ix

Absent: 
Rob Wright 		as [CO] Captain A'an Selzah
Gina Toye 		as [TO] Ensign Shabella Koraz

<<<<<<<<<<Begin>>>>>>>>>>

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Is standing at the entrance of the court, looking nervously at the doors, waiting to be asked to enter::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::stands near the door, dressed in whites, going over a PADD::

CSO_Ens_Ix says:
::walks down the star base corridors, towards the court room. She tried to stay away but realized she couldn't.::

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::tugs her dress whites to settle them as she paces up to the door, her medals pinned to her chest, her hair in a simple braid around her head. Looks crisp and neat. Like a good SF officer:: OPS: Ensign... ::steps over to OPS::

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
<Court Officer> ::opens the doors and gestures for people to enter::

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Pulls a little on her dress whites, in a fashion similar to Suder, smiling tentatively::  XO: Commander...

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Looks over at the court officer, then to Suder, before making her way into the court room::

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::gives OPS a half smile:: OPS: Remember, just tell the truth, Ensign. There is nothing to fear from this process. ::doesn’t sound like she believes her own words::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::moves with Torel and Suder:: OPS/XO: Torel Alena and Kesh Suder?

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Nods mutely at JeVor::

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::turns at the mention of her name:: JeVor: Yes?

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::checks the standing timepiece in his office and finishes his lukewarm tea before standing up and gathering his fellows::

CSO_Ens_Ix says:
::enters the room through the audience entrance and takes a seat towards the front::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
OPS/XO: I am Commander JeVor. I will be your representation at this hearing. I've gone over your sworn statements; is there anything you need to add before we begin?

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::thinks for a second:: JeVor: It's all in there.

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
ACTION: Three judges enter the room from a side door and take their seats: Admiral Pryce, Admiral Fuego, and Admiral Ushuaia.

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Shakes her head at the Commander::  JeVor: My statement is accurate

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Sees the judges enter, and stands to attention::

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
::stood at his place::

CSO_Ens_Ix says:
::stands as the judges enter, glancing at the Kraken crew::

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::stands up, reaching out telepathically, reading the room::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::stands behind the centre seat while his fellow Admirals take their seats, then nods at those assembled and sits down::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::stands at attention as the Admirals enter, then whispers as they move to their seats:: XO: If at any time you wish to speak to the court, let me know first.

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Feels the tickle in her mind of Suder::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
All: This court is now in session.

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
Officer: Please mark the time.

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::raises an eyebrow at JeVor, unaccustomed to being censored like that, but nods without a word::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::looks to his left:: JAG: Is the Judge Advocate General's party present?

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
<Court Officer> ::marks the time::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::sets his PADDs down and makes sure everything is in order, before picking one back up in anticipation::

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
Adm: It is, your honour.

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::nods then looks to the defence table:: Defence: Is the defence party present?

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::hops on the balls of her feet, the nerves starting to get to her a little. Keeps her face placid, but knows any telepath within 1 km will  know how she's feeling right now::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
Adm: Commander JeVor for the Defence, your honour. All are present save for the Captain, who is ill. I have a Doctor's brief explaining the situation.

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::raises an eyebrow:: Cmdr: This is highly irregular at the last minute, Commander. ::motions for him to hand it over::

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Can feel the tension radiating from Suder, but does her best to ignore it::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::approaches the bench and hands over the PADD:: Adm: We apologize, your honour. If Captain A'an were physically capable, he'd be here.

CSO_Ens_Ix says:
::studies Pryce's face, wondering what his deal is::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::Takes the PADD and skims the report, before handing it to another judge:: Cmdr: We understand. Please try and keep any other surprises at a minimum.

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::rather thinks A'an should have dragged himself here today with his last fingernail...::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::nods:: Adm: Absolutely, your honour. ::returns to the defence table::

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
::thinks that A'an better be close to death, or it'll only work for the prosecution::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::has no opinion on the Captain's absence::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::stands up:: All: This court is convened to ascertain whether the command staff of the USS Kraken violated Starfleet General Order 29, which states that The primary responsibility of the commander of any Starfleet vessel or installation is the welfare and safety of his crew, including any civilian members. No action may be taken that creates an unwarranted threat to the safety of those individuals under the officer's charge, except in the line of duty and when otherwise unavoidable

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
All: As stated in the defence's brief, the Command staff stands by that the actions which led to the tragic death of engineering officers, was unavoidable. The court will first hear from the JAG on Ensign Torel's involvement.

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::motions for the JAG officer to present his case::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::sits quietly, paying close attention to the JAG's words::

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Stills as she hears her name, and that it is her case to be looked at first::

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::sits, back straight, eyes front. Feels like she's back having an ethics lesson as SF Academy.::

CSO_Ens_Ix says:
::moves uncomfortably in her chair. Being a spectator is harder than she thought::

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Waits to hear how JeVor represents her::

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
Adm: Your honor, Ensign Torel was the officer responsible for exposing the USS Kraken's engineering area to space, the action that directly led to the death of Lieutenant Jeremiah Jackson. There are no records of any such order being given via comm systems, in person, or via message.

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::nods as he reads over the transcripts from that day::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::looks to the defence:: Cmdr: Does the defence have something to add?

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::glances sideways at OPS, wondering how she looked like she was coping::

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Is pale, and very still, but is holding herself together under the JAG's representation of the circumstances::

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::is proud of the young Ensign. Would be in a far worse state if this had happened so early in her own career. As it is, she's having to remind herself to breath::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::stands and looks briefly over a PADD:: Adm: Your honor, both Commander Suder and Ensign Torel have given sworn statements regarding the nature of the order. Given the sensitive nature of the situation, the Commander felt a telepathic command would be most prudent.

CSO_Ens_Ix says:
::expects it will be easy to prove Torel was just following orders. The people who gave those orders on the other hand ...::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::sighs as he reads the statements::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
Cmdr: All right, please take your seat

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::nods and sits, going over another PADD::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
All: Starfleet Procedural orders are quite clear on the subject of orders. However there is precedence and normal occurrence that such orders might be given in hushed tones, or even....telepathically. However when dealing with dire matters, it is prudent that officers have a clear and transparent command structure.

CSO_Ens_Ix says:
::doesn't quite follow what Pryce is trying to get at::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::looks to Torel:: Torel: Ensign, it has been decided by this court and in concurrence with the Judge Advocate General that despite the mishandling of this situation, that General Order 26 will apply. You are not to be held responsible for the orders given to you by a superior.

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
All: All charges against Ensign Torel have therefore been dismissed.

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::sighs, glad the Ensign isn't being dragged down::

CSO_Ens_Ix says:
::takes a deep breath and smiles::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::shows no emotion at the partial verdict::

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Takes a deep breath, and lets it out slowly, looking around at Suder::

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
::expected that decision, and is pleased with it::

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::gives OPS a slight nod of approval, before remembering who is next on the chopping block::

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Tries to give the XO a reassuring smile::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
All: The matter of the order in question remains. Commander Suder has been charged with violating General Order 29.

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
JAG: Commander Aveiro?

CSO_Ens_Ix says:
::the smile disappears from her lips as she listens to Pryce again::

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Waits to hear the next statement from Pryce regarding Suder, desperately wanting the charge to go the same way as hers::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::confers with his co-judges silently::

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
Adm: Commander Suder gave the order to expose engineering to space. Reports show, however, that the intruder on board was not posing an immediate threat and had entered some sort of negotiations with the crew. It is our opinion that this action was avoidable and led to an unnecessary loss of life.

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::wrings her hands together, a hint of worry overcoming her features as she sits silently::

CSO_Ens_Ix says:
::wonders whether any of them ever "negotiated" with a Vroa. That was no negotiation, it was just a buying of time::

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Subtly reaches over, and places one hand over Suder's to stop her from wringing them, before quickly putting her hands back on her lap::

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
Adm: Additionally, Commander Suder reports that Captain A'an telepathically transmitted the order to her - Captain A'an, a Bajoran, a species that are not telepathic. ::holds up a padd:: If you'll see item 6-1A, you'll see a written testimony from Chief Engineer Lieutenant Adalberto stating that in his professional opinion Commander Suder's focus was on saving Captain A'an rather than keeping the welfare of the entire crew in mind.

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::turns her head sharply in OPS's direction, but softens her face as she senses Torel's emotions. Tries to relax her hands on her lap before turning back to the discussion::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::checks his PADD for the item and nods::

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::face falls. Looks down, hiding her face from most of the court. Remembers her discussion with Adalberto not yesterday on the holodeck, and wonders if he'd already submitted that report at that stage::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::looks over at Admiral Ushuaia, the Betazoid judge::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::doesn't seem fazed by the revelation::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::leans in as Ushuaia speaks to him in hushed tones, their eyes falling on Commander Suder::

CSO_Ens_Ix says:
::listens to Aveiro, surprised by Adalberto's statement but understanding why he did it::

OPS_Ens_Torel says:
::Looks over at the XO, knowing on some level about the bond with the Captain, but this being the first time it has been confirmed::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
Cmdr: Does the defence have something to add?

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::knows she's in the spot light, looks back at the judges unflinchingly::

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
<Admiral_Ushuaia> ::quietly to Pryce:: Adm: Betazoids are able to telepathically pick up thoughts of others, however usually in the case of a... very close... relationship. Otherwise, other people's thoughts are kept private and are not intruded upon.

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::frowns::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::nods at Ushuaia::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::rises and picks up a PADD:: Adm: Your Honour, the record shows no prior indications of any inappropriate relationship between Captain A'an and Commander Suder. Telepathic communication can occur between Betazoids and non-Betazoids in what is called an "Imzadi" relationship. The Defence would like to note that the Imzadi bond does not require an inappropriate relationship. The Defence sees no merit in Lieutenant Adalberto's accusation. In regards to the situation in question, the record shows that all attempts to contain the Vroa, posing as the creature Armus, failed, and the Vroa had previously killed two engineers. With the Vroa in complete control of the engineering section and the crew at its mercy, the Defence argues that extraordinary measures were needed to ensure the safety of ship and crew. Crewman Jackson's death was an unfortunate accident, of course. Given the situation, however, the Defence argues that the command crew had few other readily available options.

CSO_Ens_Ix says:
::had noticed something between Suder and A'an but finds it unfortunate it is the subject of a public discussion that will go on both their records::

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::looks uncomfortable. This is getting very close to lies...::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::takes a sip of water while he listens to the defence::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::nods:: JAG: Commander Aveiro, do you have a response?

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
Adm: Your honour, it is common knowledge that the term Imzadi is roughly translated as "beloved" and is used between, as the name suggests, two lovers. The prosecution does not posit that such a relationship is inappropriate. However, it does support Lieutenant Adalberto's written testament. Any person, no matter their training, would struggle to act impartially when their loved one is in danger.

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::looks to the defence once more:: Cmdr: Commander, your final response?

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
JeVor: A moment.

CSO_Ens_Ix says:
::looks expectantly towards Suder::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
::starts to speak, but looks to Suder::

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::regrets speaking instantly but stands up:: JeVor: I need clarification on a point. ::turns to the judges:: Judges: My conduct with Captain A'an appears to be much in discussion right now, so I would like to clarify a few details before the court.

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::raises an eyebrow:: Suder: I allow it. Be brief.

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
Judges: Since assuming the Executive Officer position on the Kraken, under direct command of Captain A'an, nothing "inappropriate" has transpired between us, but I have known the Captain for years, served with him a long time ago on the USS Seleya, and back then, yes, we became very close. ::eyes the betazoid judge::

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
Judges: Close enough to establish the telepathic connection we are now discussing.

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
<Adm_Ushuaia> ::nods::

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::takes a deep breath:: Judges: I wanted to get that point clarified before we continued. ::sits down a little shakily:: Judges: That's all... ::eyes JeVor::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::sighs and looks over at Ushuaia::

Host JAG_LtCmdr_Aveiro says:
::says something quietly to Pryce::

Cmdr_JeVor says:
Adm: "Rough translation" and "common knowledge" are well and good, your honour, but Starfleet medical has studied this phenomenon extensively. There is nothing to indicate that the relationship between Imzadi is inherently compromising. We reiterate that Lieutenant Adalberto's complaint is without merit. Thank you. ::sits::

Host Admiral_Pryce says:
::stands up:: All: It is clear that we have a lot to review. This session is adjourned and we will reconvene at 1100 hours tomorrow for a ruling.

Host XO_Cmdr_Suder says:
::shoulders sag, knows she's probably just signed her exit papers::

<<<<<<<<<<Pause  Mission>>>>>>>>>>

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