CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
Captains Log Star Date 10205.24. We are now docked at Star Base 185 and I am tomeet with a panel to determine whether or not that I am to be held for court martial. Apparently, I am being accused of giving the order fire upon the Horian ship that was destroyed by an unknown cloaked ship. I have recently found out, Cmdr. Teasley and Ensign T'Rel, my FCO and CTO, will be my lawyers.  This is going to be one of the darkest days on my career and in my life. I am scared...

XO_Somak says:
Acting-CO's log. We've returned to the starbase to await the Captain's hearing. Indeed, many of the crew are wondering if the evidence we have is enough, or if more needs to be collected... I hope that the panel for the Captain will sustain justice.

Host SM_Sergio says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Begin Third Party, part 8>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

CSO_Sozorstennaj says:
::sitting in his cabin, downloading his evidence to an encrypted isolinear chip::

FCO_Teasley says:
::in the visitors area waiting for Mrs. T'Rel::

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::pacing back n forth in his quarters, nervously::

XO_Somak says:
::pacing, checking on the crew's progress::

CEO_Russel says:
::In the visitors area, waiting.::

CTO_TRel says:
::enters the visitors’ area carrying a PADD::

FCO_Teasley says:
CTO: Did you find it?

CTO_TRel says:
FCO: Yes. ::hands him the PADD::

CSO_Sozorstennaj says:
::fusses with the tight collar of his dress uniform and physically extracts the chip putting it in his pocket and hurrying off to the hearing::

FCO_Teasley says:
::takes the PADD and looks at it::

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::collects his tea from the replicator, nervously drinks it. When finished, he sits down the saucer and heads for the nearest turbolift to take him to the airlock::

CNS_Farrel says:
::Walks up to the XO's quarters and rings the chime::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::sitting in the prosecution's chair, reading a PADD::

FCO_Teasley says:
CTO: Let's go

XO_Somak says:
CNS: Uh, counselor, over here. ::walks towards his quarters, not being in it::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::locates the Opposing councils, seeming agitated..::

FCO_Teasley says:
::walks into the courtroom::

CTO_TRel says:
::enters the courtroom with the FCO::

CNS_Farrel says:
XO: Ah commander... ::paces over, walking stiffly in her dress uniform::  walk me to the hearing?

EO_KTor says:
::in the visitors' area, sitting with no expression on face at all::

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::He finally reaches the waiting area of the James T. Kirk Lounge. Capt. Kirk is an idol of Ewan::

XO_Somak says:
::nods to the CNS and sets the pace:: CNS: How have you decided to proceed?

CSO_Sozorstennaj says:
::finally manages to thunder past folks and into the waiting area, taking a seat::

Admiral_McCloud says:
::enters the room, a tall, thin, upright woman with steel gray hair pulled back in a tight bun, her black eyes snapping with barely concealed impatience::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
<Bailiff> All : All rise...

EO_KTor says:
::stands from chair::

FCO_Teasley says:
::walks to the defense table::

CSO_Sozorstennaj says:
::snaps to attention::

CEO_Russel says:
::rises.::

CNS_Farrel says:
XO: Well, I did some research upon arriving at port.  It seems the Horians won't let any federation ships in the systemuntil the outcome of this hearing is decided...which means if we went back to collect more evidence for the Captain, or try to capture Jurisek, we'd be fired on...

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::rises::

FCO_Teasley says:
::attn::

CTO_TRel says:
::stands @ defense table with FCO::

Admiral_McCloud says:
::strides to her chair, sits down and looks around the room::

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::rises along with Teasley and T'Rel::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
<Bailiff> All : Be seated

CEO_Russel says:
::sits::

EO_KTor says:
::sits down::
XO_Somak says:
CNS: We'd need a stealthier approach... do the Klingons have any interest here? ::begins talking quiet as they enter the viewing area::

FCO_Teasley says:
::sits down::

CTO_TRel says:
::takes a seat::

Admiral_McCloud says:
::pulls a PADD forward and frowns::

CSO_Sozorstennaj says:
::sits back down and watches the proceedings with avid interest, ears and whiskers perked forward::

CNS_Farrel says:
XO: ...  and Starfleet would attempt to stop us as well...  I think our best bet for now is to see how the hearing unfolds, hopefully it will go in the captain's favor...if not we can take action later...

XO_Somak says:
CNS: Agreed. ::finds a seat::

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::looks around the room and notices his father, Adm. Richard MacPherson sitting in the row of chairs behind him::

CNS_Farrel says:
XO:...Klingons?  Interesting idea....there were stolen Klingon weapons in the system...maybe they'd be interested in sending a scout to investigate? ::sitting beside him::

Admiral_McCloud says:
CO: Captain McPherson-Quest, please rise. : Bailiff: Read the charges.

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::rises::

CTO_TRel says:
::runs through evidence once more in her head and glances at the FCO who is sitting 1st chair::

Admiral_McCloud says:
::notices the admiral in the audience and her lips tighten...she never did like that old windbag::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
<Bailiff> Captain McPherson Quest, this hearing will determine if the charges against you are worthy of a court-martial.

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
<Bailiff> All : These charges are : Attacking an alien starship without Just Cause

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
<Bailiff> All : Abuse of Force

CNS_Farrel says:
::Sighs as the charges are read out::

XO_Somak says:
::glad the charges are the ones they expected::

Admiral_McCloud says:
::nods tightly::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
<Bailiff> All : And unlawful destruction of Horian 2 property, under the Horian law...

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::Ewan hasn't been this nervous since he asked Jerni to be his wife::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
<Bailiff> ::sits down::

Admiral_McCloud says:
CO: Captain, do you understand the charges against you?

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
Admiral McCloud: Yes, sir, I do

Admiral_McCloud says:
All: Who represents the accused?

FCO_Teasley says:
::stands up::  Adm. McCloud: I do, sir.  Lieutenant Cmdr. Joseph Teasley

CNS_Farrel says:
::Can't help but sit stiffly upright, her dress uniform not having enough give to allow anything less but perfect posture::

CTO_TRel says:
::stands::  and myself Lieutenant junior grade T'Rel.

Admiral_McCloud says:
::raises a brow, but nods::

Admiral_McCloud says:
All: And the prosecution?

CSO_Sozorstennaj says:
::flicks his tail’s tip back and forth as he watches, never having actually seen one of these hearings before::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::stands:: Admiral : Lt. Commander Thomas Laredo, Sir.

Admiral_McCloud says:
CO: Please be seated.

FCO_Teasley says:
::sits down::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::sits down::

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::nervously takes his seat::

CNS_Farrel says:
::looks around the court room...the familiar setting reminds her at once of Zaer and his hearing years ago.  She looks over at Matt...::

Admiral_McCloud says:
CMD: You may make your opening statement.

Admiral_McCloud says:
::fixes a beady eye on the Lt. Commander::

CTO_TRel says:
::sits down::

FCO_Teasley says:
::looks at the prosecutor::

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::his father gives a comforting pat on Ewan's left shoulder::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::nods, and gets up, coming from behind the table to the area between the tables and the judge::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::clears his throat::

Admiral_McCloud says:
::steeples her fingers::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
Admiral : Sir... Evidence will clearly show that the Artemis, under the command of Captain McPherson-Quest, ...

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
Admiral : ... escalated an already dangerous situation by firing on an Alien vessel on its sovereign space.

CNS_Farrel says:
::...she hopes the outcome of this hearing is better then the one that eventually befell Zaer...::

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::nervously whispers into Teasley's ear:: FCO: You hold my career in your hands, I have every faith in you and Lt. T'Rel

Admiral_McCloud says:
::nods and waits to see if he is done::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
Admiral : The Artemis also brought an entire system to the brink of Civil war, when she was sent to prepares talks for a cease fire agreement.

FCO_Teasley says:
::whispers back::  CO: Don't worry sir, we will not see you burn for something you didn't do

Admiral_McCloud says:
::looks at the captain and raises a brow as she glares at him::

CNS_Farrel says:
:: What!?!? Narrows her eyes at Laredo as he accuses the Artemis of provoking a war::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
Admiral : In this day and time, Starfleet cannot allow such acts to be unpunished. So we present this case before you.

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::moves to sit down on his chair::

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::he can feel the piercing look of the Adm.::

FCO_Teasley says:
::sees that Laredo is down and stands up::

CEO_Russel says:
::shakes his head at Laredo's "speech".  How could he know anything, he wasn't there.::

Admiral_McCloud says:
::looks at defense:: Defense: You may refute.

CTO_TRel says:
::makes notes on a PADD and raises an eyebrow then drops it again::

FCO_Teasley says:
::walks out between the Admiral and the tables::

FCO_Teasley says:
Admiral: Every person that has had the privilege of being the commanding officer of the Artemis has a set new standard

CSO_Sozorstennaj says:
::eyes the reactions of his shipmates and rrrrrr's, cocking his head in puzzlement of the additional charge::

Admiral_McCloud says:
::scoffs under her breath::

CNS_Farrel says:
::She continues looking for Matt, her eyes finally finding him in the crowd, she notices his head shake::

FCO_Teasley says:
Admiral: The predecessor of the commanding officer knows that he or she is expected to live up to that standard and surpass it

EO_KTor says:
::sits absolutely still and silent, merely watching the proceedings::

CTO_TRel says:
::eyes follow the FCO as he speaks::

Admiral_McCloud says:
::makes a note on her PADD::

FCO_Teasley says:
Admiral: Captain MacPherson Quest has surpassed the standards and set his own for whoever follows him

Admiral_McCloud says:
::raises a hand slightly::

Admiral_McCloud says:
FCO: If I may.....

Admiral_McCloud says:
FCO: You are stating that the Captain is setting a standard of firing upon unarmed ships?

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::feels a little comfort knowing that his father is there supporting him::

FCO_Teasley says:
Admiral: No sir, if I may continue I will get to my point

Admiral_McCloud says:
::nods:: FCO: Please do. I look forward to it.

FCO_Teasley says:
Admiral: Captain MacPherson-Quest has followed the laws of the Prime directive as intensely as those who have preceded him

FCO_Teasley says:
Admiral: And he would never break those laws over anything

FCO_Teasley says:
Admiral: That is all

Admiral_McCloud says:
:nods:: FCO: Thank you.

Admiral_McCloud says:
::looks around the room::

FCO_Teasley says:
::heads back to his seat::

Admiral_McCloud says:
PRO: Begin your case, Commander.

FCO_Teasley says:
::sits down in his chair::

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::pats Teasley on his shoulder::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::stands up:: All : The prosecution calls.. Lieutenant Commander Hali Farrel

CTO_TRel says:
::types a message into a PADD and hands it to the FCO::

CSO_Sozorstennaj says:
::blinks in surprise at the CNS being called::

CNS_Farrel says:
::Is pulled from her thoughts, startled.  She looks at Somak beside her, and stands::

CEO_Russel says:
::turns and watches the CNS make her way to the stand.::

XO_Somak says:
::looks up to the ascending counselor, giving her a look of "better judgement"::

CNS_Farrel says:
::She approaches the stand::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::moves to the front of the court, looking at  the CNS as she heads for the witness chair::

Admiral_McCloud says:
::watches as she walks up to her seat, assessing her worth::

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::watches Hali take the stand and gives her a little smile::

FCO_Teasley says:
::looks at the message::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : Commander... You are currently the Counselor aboard the USS Artemis, correct?

FCO_Teasley says:
::types a message back to the CTO::

CNS_Farrel says:
::Sees all the crew before her and sits, folding her hands across her lap:: Laredo: yes, and 2nd officer, commander.

Admiral_McCloud says:
::notes that information on her PADD::

CNS_Farrel says:
::correcting him, with some satisfaction::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : I stand corrected.. ::smiles:: Tell me, It is your duty aboard a ship to assess the state of mind and general mental health of the entire crew, correct?

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::paces in front of the witness chair::

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::sits nervously watching the proceedings::

CNS_Farrel says:
Cmdr.: Correct.

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::turns to the CO, and back at the CNS:: CNS : You where present on the bridge  during the battle that occurred between the Artemis and several Horian ships, correct?

CNS_Farrel says:
Cmdr.: Yes, commander.

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : How would you assess the state of mind of the crew at that moment?

CSO_Sozorstennaj says:
::eyes the pacing human, assessing his abilities unconsciously as a competitive predator, then shakes his head when he realizes what he's doing and looks furtively at those near him, embarrassed::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : Specifically, Captain McPherson's state of mind..

Admiral_McCloud says:
::looks at the CNS curiously::

CNS_Farrel says:
Cmdr.:  We were all startled and shocked at what had occurred...  I assume the captain felt the same.

Admiral_McCloud says:
::holds up a hand:::

Admiral_McCloud says:
CNS: For the record, are you a telepath?

CNS_Farrel says:
ADM: Yes, admiral.

Admiral_McCloud says:
::nods:: CNS: Then I would ask that you not make assumptions but state facts.

Admiral_McCloud says:
::looks at Laredo:: Pros: Continue.

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::smiles, as he was about to make the same point::

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : Again.. Captain McPherson's state of mind?

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : To the best that your abilities allowed you to judge it.

CNS_Farrel says:
Cmdr.: I'll have to ask you to be more specific...you mean what I sensed telepathically?

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : Yes.

CNS_Farrel says:
Cmdr.: Well, I did not focus my abilities solely on the captain, all I have is the general feeling at the time.
CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::wonders what the Prosecution is getting at::
Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : And that feeling was of surprise and startlement?

CNS_Farrel says:
::nodding:: Cmdr.: yes

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : And what did the Captain do to take control of the situation?

CNS_Farrel says:
Cmdr.: Ordered a withdrawal.

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : Immediately after the fist shots where fired?

CNS_Farrel says:
Cmdr.: As I remember, yes.

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::looks at a PADD:: CNS : You left the area on impulse power correct?

CNS_Farrel says:
Cmdr.: yes at first.  Then to warp.

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : The Horian ships where in pursuit, and firing on the Artemis, correct?

CNS_Farrel says:
Cmdr.: yes.

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::shakes his head and thinks to himself in Gaelic::  Oidhche mhath!

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : Counselor. When the ship was under fire, do you recall the Captain's orders?

CNS_Farrel says:
Cmdr.: yes

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : What where those orders?

CNS_Farrel says:
Cmdr.: to retreat

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::shakes head:: CNS : Commander.. There was a specific order that the captain issued, one which you did not agree with.. What was it?

CNS_Farrel says:
::not liking where this is going:: Cmdr.: To return fire with torpedoes...

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
CNS : Can you tell me why you didn't agree with that order?

CNS_Farrel says:
Cmdr.: I felt the torpedoes were likely to cause significant damage...that Horians could die...

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::nods:: All : Horians could die.... No further questions

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
::moves to his seat::

CO_MacPherson-Quest says:
::whispers to Teasley:: FCO: I didn't give those orders, not until we were being pursued when looking for a suitable place to hide and make repairs

CNS_Farrel says:
::Gives an apologetic look to the captain and returns to her seat::

Admiral_McCloud says:
::frowns::

CTO_TRel says:
::works out possible cross-examination questions::

Admiral_McCloud says:
All: We will adjourn for a thirty-minute recess.

Host Cmdr_Laredo says:
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<end Third Party, Part 7>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>