S4: E13 - Justice Be Done

[Tekin Nevir]

[Senior Officer Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

The Andorian smiled and replied. "Mr. Th'avythrath is the formal manner. However, Sir, you are welcome to call me thyhr." On his introduction to Dillon, he added. "You have a hansom animal. If you need anything, please contact Ops and they will see what they can do to accommodate your needs. I will see you once we are ready to convene the tribunal. Good day to you Captain."

Th'avythrath departed leaving Kirok to tour his suite which consisted of three rooms. A bedroom with attached refresher, a living/meeting room, and a smaller office. The suite was large by starship standards and larger than his own quarters on Katra, which was not exactly surprising on a Sentinal-Class Starbase.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Promenade - Starbase 84]

After their long stroll, Ian and Jess had returned to outside the Thai restaurant they'd started from.

"Well, as therapeutic as this time as been Jess, I have some things ta do related ta the court martial. Catch up with you later?"

"You better."

Ian chuckled. "And with that sort of incentive, you can ensure I'll do just that."

They shared a quick kiss and went in different directions. Ian stopped at one of the many location displays on the station and after asking for directions, he found his destination and headed for the nearest turbolift. On arrival. Ian tugged his uniform into proper position and when the door chimed he waited to be acknowledged by the room's occupant, Captain Kirok.

[Senior Officer Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

Ian looked up at the familiar voice and beamed in pleasure as he gave his former captain a firm handshake.

"Good ta see you Sir, Aye, the reason could be better, but it does my heart good ta have time ta spend together again. Just waitin' ta meet with Captain Kirok, do you know the man?"

[Senior Officer's Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

It was only after he spoke with Ian did he realize he had wandered into the habitats.  Subconsciously his mind had decided to take him to his quarters.  It was no matter.

"And at least we don't have to deal with any Gamma assaults or family issues.  Speaking of, how has your close contacts been?" he asked as Ian chimed the door they were in front of.

"Aye, I knew Captain Kirok.  A long time ago.  One of the last people I served under as an XO.  In fact, I think he was the last before I was promoted.  I haven't seen him since, feels like its been years.  I can tell you he is a man of few words.  He is straight and to the point as it where." he stated, waiting with Ian in front of the door.

[Ian Galloway]

[Senior Officer's Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

It was only after he spoke with Ian did he realize he had wandered into the habitats.  Subconsciously his mind had decided to take him to his quarters.  It was no matter.

"And at least we don't have to deal with any Gamma assaults or family issues.  Speaking of, how has your close contacts been?" he asked as Ian chimed the door they were in front of.

"Aye, I knew Captain Kirok.  A long time ago.  One of the last people I served under as an XO.  In fact, I think he was the last before I was promoted.  I haven't seen him since, feels like its been years.  I can tell you he is a man of few words.  He is straight and to the point as it where." he stated, waiting with Ian in front of the door.

[Senior Officer's Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

Ian listened as Tekin spoke. His former captain was right, while this was an unpleasant situation, it wasn't a life or death confrontation with the Dosi, or Borg, or True Dominion, so, there was that.

"Aye Sir, I suppose it's fair ta say that things could always be worse. As for the crew of the Challenger, with the exception of one ensign, I'd say everyone is doin' well. Ruth is at a linguistics confab of some sort on DS9. Doctor Fellows is still as amazin' as the day I met her. Oh... please give my thanks ta that Chief Engineer of yours. Those point of impact shields and the ability ta use both warp cores at the same time have saved our arses more times than I care ta count."

"However, as for the reason we are here. I will make sure you have the sensor, security, and communications logs of the events on the Heidi Schwebach, they speak for themselves, so there should be little reason for Captain Kirok ta have much ta say."

[Kirok]

[Senior Officer Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

The Andorian smiled and replied. "Mr. Th'avythrath is the formal manner. However, Sir, you are welcome to call me thyhr." On his introduction to Dillon, he added. "You have a hansom animal. If you need anything, please contact Ops and they will see what they can do to accommodate your needs. I will see you once we are ready to convene the tribunal. Good day to you Captain."

Th'avythrath departed leaving Kirok to tour his suite which consisted of three rooms. A bedroom with attached refresher, a living/meeting room, and a smaller office. The suite was large by starship standards and larger than his own quarters on Katra, which was not exactly surprising on a Sentinal-Class Starbase.

[Senior Officer Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

"Mr. Th'avythrath it is then.  Only because it is my standard when first meeting new people.  If we come to serve together for awhile then I will call you thyhr.  As for me, Kirok will do.  Unless you are required to call me Captain of course" Kirok decided.

"Thank you.  I am told that he is a boxer, but likely a mix of some type.  Still I agree, he is a handsome dog.

I just need to get Dillion settled.  Eat something and meditate.  I should be ready in 37 minutes, good day Mr. Th'avythrath" the half vulcan said before offerring the man a slight bow.

Then set about competing the tasks he had mentioned.  "Logic, Structure, Function, Control" he muttered during meditation.  Once done, the called Ops and let them know that he was ready for the tribunal.

[Senior Officer's Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

It was only after he spoke with Ian did he realize he had wandered into the habitats.  Subconsciously his mind had decided to take him to his quarters.  It was no matter.

"And at least we don't have to deal with any Gamma assaults or family issues.  Speaking of, how has your close contacts been?" he asked as Ian chimed the door they were in front of.

"Aye, I knew Captain Kirok.  A long time ago.  One of the last people I served under as an XO.  In fact, I think he was the last before I was promoted.  I haven't seen him since, feels like its been years.  I can tell you he is a man of few words.  He is straight and to the point as it where." he stated, waiting with Ian in front of the door.

[Senior Officer's Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

Ian listened as Tekin spoke. His former captain was right, while this was an unpleasant situation, it wasn't a life or death confrontation with the Dosi, or Borg, or True Dominion, so, there was that.

"Aye Sir, I suppose it's fair ta say that things could always be worse. As for the crew of the Challenger, with the exception of one ensign, I'd say everyone is doin' well. Ruth is at a linguistics confab of some sort on DS9. Doctor Fellows is still as amazin' as the day I met her. Oh... please give my thanks ta that Chief Engineer of yours. Those point of impact shields and the ability ta use both warp cores at the same time have saved our arses more times than I care ta count."

"However, as for the reason we are here. I will make sure you have the sensor, security, and communications logs of the events on the Heidi Schwebach, they speak for themselves, so there should be little reason for Captain Kirok ta have much ta say."

[Senior Officer's Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

Moment later his door chime sounded.  He walked to the door and opened it, expecting to see thyhr.  His right eyebrow arched in surpise.

"Nevir.  Mr. Galloway"  Kirok said and offered a bow.  "It is acceptable to see you both here.  Are we walking together to the meeting?" he asked before stepping out of the room.

[Richard James Litt]

[USS Challenger · Litt's quarters]
As Litt and Sammy

Richard had finalized and reviewed all of the challenger's flight logs and reports and ended up handing over a report on the damage to the shuttles to the team in charge of the starbase. After that he had been free so he could enjoy it a little, or at least try it, given the circumstances.

"What's up, Ricky... How's it going over there?" said Sammy through the hologram

"They're not the best, we're in a court-martial situation here and I don't know how things are going to go, but I suspect it's not going to be good..."

"What happened?"

"An ensign took an action that ended up with some deaths because of it..."

"I'm sorry to here it"¦ But what are you going to do now?"

"œWell"¦I have nothing to do with court martial, so I'm using my free time to stay at the holodeck and do flying drills with the captain's program"¦"

"Flying Tigers?" She asked with a little smile.

"This one... I think I'm getting better... But I still haven't been able to complete an emergency landing simulation without destroying half the plane." He commented in response to her.

[Multiple Locations - Starbase 84]
"Lieutenant Richard Litt..."

"Chief Petty Officer Rhymus Cleroux..."

"Lieutenant Jettis Jyur..."

"Lieutenant Vasilia Belmont..."

"This is starbase 84 Operations, Commander Ethala Zh'thennath speaking, please report to docking bay 45 on Deck 83 for duty on the USS Tigris."

At that moment, Litt heard a summons that had his name there. Which was not very usual.

"Sammy"¦ I need to hang up, duty calls"¦" He said goodbye.

Richard thought a little about that situation, he wasn't expected to serve on another ship, but apparently it was an urgent need, and even if he wasn't, when he was called, Litt would respond, he donned his service uniform as quickly as he could, and he moved to the place, arriving there a few minutes after being called.

"Lt. Litt reporting for duty". He said, introducing himself as soon as he arrived at the location.

[Ruth Sigurdsdottir]

[Mjolnir - somewhere between SB84 and DS9]

Ruth was a mess of emotions, but her mind was fixed and clear for flying, besides she'd laid in the course and the autopilot was on, she didn't envision any problems but had set all proximity alerts and such as standard then tried to settle with a Ratkajino and work on her speech for the conference.

For some reason her heart wasn't in it.  She was worrying too much about Challenger.  Not the metal and the ship so much as she was docked at Starbase 84 and unless that was attacked, relatively safe.  But for the wellbeing of the crew.  As XO more than when she was Captain, she was a bit of a 'mother hen' in her own way about the crew, she didn't fuss over them the way her friend Hrafn Falleg-Tekin would, but she made sure they knew they could come to her about anything, least she hoped they did.

Lahr was going to be on his own, not that he couldn't handle himself and he could have some fun with the boys Burke and co, she worried about Hanir, there was more going on there than met the eye, and Silverback...

Somewhere deep in the pit of her stomach she felt she'd failed somehow that it was her fault in some way.  And indirectly felt sorry for Ian, Nevir and Kirok having to deal with the mess and her getting out of Dodge going to the language conference.

She was pretty sure that Ensign Silverback wouldn't be allowed direct messages, but she knew that Counsellor Shazam and Lt. j.g. Lagar would be with him.  To soothe her troubled mind she sent a message.

TO: Counsellor Shazam, Lt. j.g. Lagar
FROM: Commander Sigurdsdottir
RE: Ensign Silverback

I'm aware this is irregular, hence the way I'm sending it.  I just want you all, especially Ensign Silverback, to know that I'm thinking of you.  I'm sorry that the conference leave was agreed before the date for the hearing, or I'd be there with you.  If the counsellor checks my counselling files I think he'll agree that the conference will be a good break for me however.

Just know that I have faith that justice will be done, and I hope that for Silverback's sake something can be worked out that he can remain as part of our crew, since everyone deserves a second chance... I've had more than a few myself.  If that is not the outcome, then I'd like to use this opportunity to wish you well for the future Mr. Silverback, I don't know your religion if you have one but I'll ask my Gods to watch over you.

If any of you see Lahr... tell him to perk up those antennae!!

Best Regards, Ruth Sigurdsdottir, XO

~ END MESSAGE ~

With that she hit the send button and let the message go.  It was out of her hands and she would enjoy the language conference as best she could, letting out a momentary audible giggle, hoping that none of the guys she'd sent the message to knew of the human convention to use X as kisses and O as hugs... it wouldn't be the done thing for the First Officer to be sending non personal letters e.g. to Lahr with hugs and kisses to the recipients!

[Tekin Nevir]

[Senior Officer's Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

Ian listened as Tekin spoke. His former captain was right, while this was an unpleasant situation, it wasn't a life or death confrontation with the Dosi, or Borg, or True Dominion, so, there was that.

"Aye Sir, I suppose it's fair ta say that things could always be worse. As for the crew of the Challenger, with the exception of one ensign, I'd say everyone is doin' well. Ruth is at a linguistics confab of some sort on DS9. Doctor Fellows is still as amazin' as the day I met her. Oh... please give my thanks ta that Chief Engineer of yours. Those point of impact shields and the ability ta use both warp cores at the same time have saved our arses more times than I care ta count."

"However, as for the reason we are here. I will make sure you have the sensor, security, and communications logs of the events on the Heidi Schwebach, they speak for themselves, so there should be little reason for Captain Kirok ta have much ta say."

[Senior Officer Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

"Mr. Th'avythrath it is then.  Only because it is my standard when first meeting new people.  If we come to serve together for awhile then I will call you thyhr.  As for me, Kirok will do.  Unless you are required to call me Captain of course" Kirok decided.

"Thank you.  I am told that he is a boxer, but likely a mix of some type.  Still I agree, he is a handsome dog.

I just need to get Dillion settled.  Eat something and meditate.  I should be ready in 37 minutes, good day Mr. Th'avythrath" the half vulcan said before offerring the man a slight bow.

Then set about competing the tasks he had mentioned.  "Logic, Structure, Function, Control" he muttered during meditation.  Once done, the called Ops and let them know that he was ready for the tribunal.

[Senior Officer's Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

Ian listened as Tekin spoke. His former captain was right, while this was an unpleasant situation, it wasn't a life or death confrontation with the Dosi, or Borg, or True Dominion, so, there was that.

"Aye Sir, I suppose it's fair ta say that things could always be worse. As for the crew of the Challenger, with the exception of one ensign, I'd say everyone is doin' well. Ruth is at a linguistics confab of some sort on DS9. Doctor Fellows is still as amazin' as the day I met her. Oh... please give my thanks ta that Chief Engineer of yours. Those point of impact shields and the ability ta use both warp cores at the same time have saved our arses more times than I care ta count."

"However, as for the reason we are here. I will make sure you have the sensor, security, and communications logs of the events on the Heidi Schwebach, they speak for themselves, so there should be little reason for Captain Kirok ta have much ta say."

[Senior Officer's Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

Moment later his door chime sounded.  He walked to the door and opened it, expecting to see thyhr.  His right eyebrow arched in surpise.

"Nevir.  Mr. Galloway"  Kirok said and offered a bow.  "It is acceptable to see you both here.  Are we walking together to the meeting?" he asked before stepping out of the room.

[Senior Officer's Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

Nevir allowed himself a small grin to Ian as he nodded.  "Chief Lek has been an absolute asset to the ship.  If I had any complaint, its that he is hardly on the bridge.  But from my experience, that is most Chief Engineering Officers... they rather be near the Core than the Captain." he said, looking down at the PADD as Ian summarized.

"Yes, I've looked over the mission reports so far.  We court-martial for one death but double digits?  This is already turning out to be-"

He didn't finish when Kirok opened the door, and for the first time in years, Nevir saw his former Captain.  He couldn't help himself and gave a smile at the third Captain, nodding.

"Its good to see you again, Kirok.  I wish it were under better circumstances.  I only just bumped into Ian myself.  Didn't even realize these were your quarters.  I'm just a door or two down." he stated, looking back at Ian.

"I guess it is time, isn't it?  We'll have to start this damned process." he said with a grimace, turning and ready to walk with the other two.

"I don't think we decided which one of us will lead the proceedings..."

[Ian Galloway]

[Senior Officer Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

Moment later his door chime sounded.  He walked to the door and opened it, expecting to see thyhr.  His right eyebrow arched in surpise.

"Nevir.  Mr. Galloway"  Kirok said and offered a bow.  "It is acceptable to see you both here.  Are we walking together to the meeting?" he asked before stepping out of the room.

[Senior Officer Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

Ian inclined his head in Kirok's direction in response to his bow before adding.

"It is nice to meet you Captain. I believe it would be best for us ta arrive at the tribunal together ta provide a united, stoic front. I hope you have had time ta read through the after action reports and the view the security and communications logs of the incident. I believe the court martial should be a straight forward process."

Entering the turbolift, they soon found themselves in a well appointed courtroom. Lieutenant Commander Th'avythrath was present with three enlisted personnel who would provide any administrative assistance the court needed. Shortly after taking their seats, Ensign Silverback was led in by four security officers. Behind him ambled Lagar. Once they were in position, Kirok, as senior captain, double tapped a bell three times and Th'avythrath began to speak.

"These proceedings are to determine the guilt or innocence of Ensign Silverback, Starfleet regarding the charge of wanton dereliction of duty resulting in the loss of life. In that, on Stardate 76450.5 while conducting counterboarding operations aboard the Federation Registered freighter SS Heidi Schwebach took actions contrary to regulations that directly resulted in the deaths of 18 members of the freighters crew. Your precipitous actions, while reinforcements were on the way and against the advice of the four senior non-commissioned officers were the direct cause of those 18 deaths. Against these charges, how to you plead?"

Ian listened attentively as the charges were read and wondered if Silverback would admit his guilt or would try to justify his actions with some twisted interpretation of the events in question.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Starbase 84, Promenade]

Rhymus frowned. Duty? On U.S.S. Tigris? That seemed irregular. Rhymus was already assigned to a ship, and not only that, they were on leave. The concept of working during vacation was well known to the man, but new duties aboard a separate ship? Maybe the Starbase was shorthanded, or a clerical error had seen him assigned. Either way, he would only know by doing as he was instructed.

Regardless of his feelings on the situation, Rhymus stood up and began making his way to the nearest turbolift. At the end of the day, Rhymus's feelings on the matter were irrelevant. If someone needed help, it was his duty to assist. The wheres, whats, and hows, could wait for the time being.

As Rhymus entered the turbolift, entering the code for Deck 83, he was suddenly reminded of an ancient poem from Earth's past.

"œForward, the Light Brigade!"
Was there a man dismayed?
Not though the soldier knew
Someone had blundered.
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die.
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.

The thought did not fill him with great confidence.

Richard thought a little about that situation, he wasn't expected to serve on another ship, but apparently it was an urgent need, and even if he wasn't, when he was called, Litt would respond, he donned his service uniform as quickly as he could, and he moved to the place, arriving there a few minutes after being called.

"Lt. Litt reporting for duty". He said, introducing himself as soon as he arrived at the location.

[Docking Bay 45 - Deck 83 - Starbase 84]

When Ricky and Rhymus arrived in the docking bay, they quickly discovered that the USS Tigris was a Danube-Class runabout. Standing next to the Tigris was a tall and powerfully built human. He detached himself from the hull and met the two men a few meters from the runabout.

"I am Lieutenant Commander Flynn Johnson. You've been assigned to the Tigris for a very important, classified mission. I cannot tell you more until we have departed the starbase. If you have any questions, hold onto them. For now, Lieutenant Litt, prepare the runabout for departure. Chief Cleroux, conduct an inventory of the ship's stores."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Maintenance Corridor 27-B - Starbase 84]

The two cloaked figures were meeting again in the little used area of the starbase. Having already established their identities during their first meeting. This time they got immediately to their business.

"All targets have arrived."

"All assets are in place."

"We act in three hours."

"We are ready."

[Jettis Jyur]

[Starbase 84 - Food Court]

"Daddy, come on!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming." Jettis chuckled, as Theresa dragged him around the starbase. It was Theresa's first time being back on a starbase in awhile, and she eagerly wanted to see the sights. He'd gotten out of work just in time to take her for some lunch. A dog walked in front of them, Ida following them obediently around the area.

They found a nice sit in restaurant that hosted a variety of different cuisines. Theresa happily chose something Klingon in origin, while Jettis opted for an Andorian classic. They had barely finished the meal, when Jettis heard his commbadge ping.

[Multiple Locations - Starbase 84]

As the members of the Challenger's crew started their shore leave, they'd scattered to make the most of their free time and individual interests. However, for several members, their fun was interrupted by a chirp from their combadges and the same unknown voice.

"Lieutenant Richard Litt..."

"Chief Petty Officer Rhymus Cleroux..."

"Lieutenant Jettis Jyur..."

"Lieutenant Vasilia Belmont..."

"This is starbase 84 Operations, Commander Ethala Zh'thennath speaking, please report to docking bay 45 on Deck 83 for duty on the USS Tigris."

Jettis couldn't help but elicit a very audible sigh. Eyes rolling to the back of his head, he took a moment before tapping his commbadge to confirm he was indeed coming. Glancing at Theresa, his eyes softened at her disappointed look. She had her head down, clearly trying to avoid his gaze. She never wanted to make him feel bad for work.

"I'm sorry lieblingsmensch..." He trailed off, and she nodded glumly. "No, I understand." Standing, Jettis hesitated. He needed to find a safe place to drop off both Ida and Theresa. She was getting older, but he was still wary. Looking up the nearest daycare, he tried to shuffle her off quickly, before finding where he had been ordered to report into.

Stepping into the docking bay, he spotted a familiar face, along with an unfamiliar one. Approaching slowly, he shot the man an appraising gaze. "Lieutenant Jettis Jyur, Chief Science Officer." He didn't report in - this man wasn't his Captain. He didn't know what he wanted, but he was certainly eager to find out.

[Silverback]

[Senior Officer Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

Ian inclined his head in Kirok's direction in response to his bow before adding.

"It is nice to meet you Captain. I believe it would be best for us to arrive at the tribunal together to provide a united, stoic front. I hope you have had time to read through the after action reports and the view the security and communications logs of the incident. I believe the court martial should be a straight forward process."

Entering the turbolift, they soon found themselves in a well appointed courtroom. Lieutenant Commander Th'avythrath was present with three enlisted personnel who would provide any administrative assistance the court needed. Shortly after taking their seats, Ensign Silverback was led in by four security officers. Behind him ambled Lagar. Once they were in position, Kirok, as senior captain, double tapped a bell three times and Th'avythrath began to speak.

"These proceedings are to determine the guilt of innocence of Ensign Silverback, Starfleet regarding the charge of wanton dereliction of duty resulting in the loss of life. In that, on Stardate 76450.5 while conducting counterboarding operations aboard the Federation Registered freighter SS Heidi Schwebach take actions contrary to regulations that directly resulted in the deaths of 18 members of the freighters crew. Your precipitous actions, while reinforcements were on the way and against the advice of the four senior non-commissioned officers were the direct cause of those 18 deaths. Against these charges, how to you plead?"

Ian listened attentively as the charges were read and wondered if Silverback would admit his guilt or would try to justify his actions with some twisted interpretation of the events in question.

"I plead not guilty." Silverback simply answered as he believed he reacted the best way he could have under the circumstances and the outright lie that four NCOs told him to hold when no such advice came.

[Lagar]

"These proceedings are to determine the guilt of innocence of Ensign Silverback, Starfleet regarding the charge of wanton dereliction of duty resulting in the loss of life. In that, on Stardate 76450.5 while conducting counterboarding operations aboard the Federation Registered freighter SS Heidi Schwebach take actions contrary to regulations that directly resulted in the deaths of 18 members of the freighters crew. Your precipitous actions, while reinforcements were on the way and against the advice of the four senior non-commissioned officers were the direct cause of those 18 deaths. Against these charges, how to you plead?"

Ian listened attentively as the charges were read and wondered if Silverback would admit his guilt or would try to justify his actions with some twisted interpretation of the events in question.

"I plead not guilty." Silverback simply answered as he believed he reacted the best way he could have under the circumstances and the outright lie that four NCOs told him to hold when no such advice came.

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

The Phylosian entered behind his guarded fellow crewmember, his bristled head dipping slightly as he passed through the doorway. While every other occupant of the room moved in their usual bipedal, jointed fashion, the Phylosian's movements were immediately different. Four trunk-like legs, each a rich, dark green, twisted and curled without joints or bones, propelling the being forward into the room. His Starfleet dress uniform, a modified thing made to fit his upper 'torso' structure, was colored in the blue of sciences and medical. The pips at the thing's neck indicated he was a Lieutenant junior grade. Six of its seven tendrils hung at rest, each of them attached to its upper body in a half-ring around its front; the seventh tendril held a PADD, likely there to allow Lagar to cast relevant data or reports to the large screen in the room.

Lagar took up a position near his mugato client, standing in the space reserved for legal defense. The positioning made his role in the coming proceedings clear; the entirely inhuman sentient plant was the defense for the nearly inhuman white-furred gorilla. Lagar was unsurprised by the statement of 'not guilty'; he had not asked his client which path he would take, believing that it was Silverback's choice to take one road or the other. Lagar had volunteere in this capacity to support hsi crewmate, no matter the other's guilt or innocence, and he would perform his duties here to the best of his ability, even if it meant suffering the criticism or judgment of his Captain, or the rest of the crew of the Challenger.

The Lieutenant believed that the next step in the proceedings would involve opening statements, now that the choice was made, but largely, the three Captains could manage the event in any way they deemed necessary. The twin golden eyepots on Lagar's head briefly observed the two unknown Captains... Tekin Nevir, and Kirok. Lagar did not know them, or their reputations. If they had never seen one of his kind before, he would be giving them their first impression of his race. If this trial became more known, more infamous than it already was, his role could affect public perception of Phylosians deeply.

If that is how it will be... Lagar thought to himself. ...then that is how it will be. Let them know that Phylosians leave no living being to stand alone and accused without help and compassion.

[Vasilisa Belmont]

[Senior Officer Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

The Andorian smiled and replied. "Mr. Th'avythrath is the formal manner. However, Sir, you are welcome to call me thyhr." On his introduction to Dillon, he added. "You have a hansom animal. If you need anything, please contact Ops and they will see what they can do to accommodate your needs. I will see you once we are ready to convene the tribunal. Good day to you Captain."

Th'avythrath departed leaving Kirok to tour his suite which consisted of three rooms. A bedroom with attached refresher, a living/meeting room, and a smaller office. The suite was large by starship standards and larger than his own quarters on Katra, which was not exactly surprising on a Sentinal-Class Starbase.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Promenade - Starbase 84]

After their long stroll, Ian and Jess had returned to outside the Thai restaurant they'd started from.

"Well, as therapeutic as this time as been Jess, I have some things ta do related ta the court martial. Catch up with you later?"

"You better."

Ian chuckled. "And with that sort of incentive, you can ensure I'll do just that."

They shared a quick kiss and went in different directions. Ian stopped at one of the many location displays on the station and after asking for directions, he found his destination and headed for the nearest turbolift. On arrival. Ian tugged his uniform into proper position and when the door chimed he waited to be acknowledged by the room's occupant, Captain Kirok.

[Senior Officer Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

Ian looked up at the familiar voice and beamed in pleasure as he gave his former captain a firm handshake.

"Good ta see you Sir, Aye, the reason could be better, but it does my heart good ta have time ta spend together again. Just waitin' ta meet with Captain Kirok, do you know the man?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Multiple Locations - Starbase 84]

As the members of the Challenger's crew started their shore leave, they'd scattered to make the most of their free time and individual interests. However, for several members, their fun was interrupted by a chirp from their combadges and the same unknown voice.

"Lieutenant Richard Litt..."

"Chief Petty Officer Rhymus Cleroux..."

"Lieutenant Jettis Jyur..."

"Lieutenant Vasilia Belmont..."

"This is starbase 84 Operations, Commander Ethala Zh'thennath speaking, please report to docking bay 45 on Deck 83 for duty on the USS Tigris."

[Starbase 84]

After several promptings from her team Lisa finally took some shore leave, putting herself in one of the last groups so she could delay it as much as possible. She hadn't been able to make plans with Kyle, since Kirok was busy with the trial he had his hands full with being temporarily in charge of the station. She knew going to the starbase would just encourage her bad mood, but she tried to push past that and be optimistic as best she could. She had just found a produce market when she got the comm and blinked in confusion. The voice sounded credible enough, but it wasn't her captain speaking. Even so, the uniform she wore linked her to Starfleet as a whole, not just her ship. She sighed and turned from the cart, locating the map display so she could find the docking bay.

"What could they possibly need me for?" she thought to herself as she walked. The message also hadn't included anything about the supplies she would need, so she hoped it would be provided.

After several moments and a turbolift ride later, she stepped out and joined her crewmates, her face once again appearing puzzled.

"Lieutenant Belmont, Chief Medical Officer. Reporting for duty, sir," she rattled off, then crossed her arms and waited for an explanation.

[Richard James Litt]

[Starbase 84 · Deck 83 · Docking Bay 45]

[Docking Bay 45 - Deck 83 - Starbase 84]
"I am Lieutenant Commander Flynn Johnson. You've been assigned to the Tigris for a very important, classified mission. have any questions, hold onto them. For now, Lieutenant Litt, prepare the runabout for departure. Chief Cleroux, conduct an inventory of the ship's stores."

A secret mission? During a court martial? It didn't seem as quiet as Richard had initially thought as he headed for the designated spot. As soon as he received orders to prepare the runabout for the flight he gave a quick salute.

"Aye sir!" He said moving from where he was and starting to check all the flight systems and all the auxiliary systems needed for the ship's departure.

[Rhymus Cleroux]

[Docking Bay 45 - Deck 83 - Starbase 84]

When Ricky and Rhymus arrived in the docking bay, they quickly discovered that the USS Tigris was a Danube-Class runabout. Standing next to the Tigris was a tall and powerfully built human. He detached himself from the hull and met the two men a few meters from the runabout.

"I am Lieutenant Commander Flynn Johnson. You've been assigned to the Tigris for a very important, classified mission. I cannot tell you more until we have departed the starbase. If you have any questions, hold onto them. For now, Lieutenant Litt, prepare the runabout for departure. Chief Cleroux, conduct an inventory of the ship's stores."

Rhymus saluted the officer upon receiving orders and set to work. Walking into the Runabout, he downloaded the shuttle's cargo manifest to a PADD and set to work, tapping off items as he confirmed their loading.

Internally, his conscience was screaming. A classified mission, under the Captains' noses, not even briefed until they were already en route? It reeked of suspicion. Probably Starfleet Intelligence work. Nonetheless, Rhymus was nothing if not a dutiful member of the crew. He would do as the Commander needed, but Rhymus would be sure to send his complaints about such extravagant disregard for the chain of command upon their return.

[Ian Galloway]

[Starbase 84 - Food Court]

"Daddy, come on!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming." Jettis chuckled, as Theresa dragged him around the starbase. It was Theresa's first time being back on a starbase in awhile, and she eagerly wanted to see the sights. He'd gotten out of work just in time to take her for some lunch. A dog walked in front of them, Ida following them obediently around the area.

They found a nice sit in restaurant that hosted a variety of different cuisines. Theresa happily chose something Klingon in origin, while Jettis opted for an Andorian classic. They had barely finished the meal, when Jettis heard his commbadge ping.

Jettis couldn't help but elicit a very audible sigh. Eyes rolling to the back of his head, he took a moment before tapping his commbadge to confirm he was indeed coming. Glancing at Theresa, his eyes softened at her disappointed look. She had her head down, clearly trying to avoid his gaze. She never wanted to make him feel bad for work.

"I'm sorry lieblingsmensch..." He trailed off, and she nodded glumly. "No, I understand." Standing, Jettis hesitated. He needed to find a safe place to drop off both Ida and Theresa. She was getting older, but he was still wary. Looking up the nearest daycare, he tried to shuffle her off quickly, before finding where he had been ordered to report into.

Stepping into the docking bay, he spotted a familiar face, along with an unfamiliar one. Approaching slowly, he shot the man an appraising gaze. "Lieutenant Jettis Jyur, Chief Science Officer." He didn't report in - this man wasn't his Captain. He didn't know what he wanted, but he was certainly eager to find out.

[Starbase 84]

After several promptings from her team Lisa finally took some shore leave, putting herself in one of the last groups so she could delay it as much as possible. She hadn't been able to make plans with Kyle, since Kirok was busy with the trial he had his hands full with being temporarily in charge of the station. She knew going to the starbase would just encourage her bad mood, but she tried to push past that and be optimistic as best she could. She had just found a produce market when she got the comm and blinked in confusion. The voice sounded credible enough, but it wasn't her captain speaking. Even so, the uniform she wore linked her to Starfleet as a whole, not just her ship. She sighed and turned from the cart, locating the map display so she could find the docking bay.

"What could they possibly need me for?" she thought to herself as she walked. The message also hadn't included anything about the supplies she would need, so she hoped it would be provided.

After several moments and a turbolift ride later, she stepped out and joined her crewmates, her face once again appearing puzzled.

"Lieutenant Belmont, Chief Medical Officer. Reporting for duty, sir," she rattled off, then crossed her arms and waited for an explanation.

[Starbase 84 · Deck 83 · Docking Bay 45]

A secret mission? During a court martial? It didn't seem as quiet as Richard had initially thought as he headed for the designated spot. As soon as he received orders to prepare the runabout for the flight he gave a quick salute.

"Aye sir!" He said moving from where he was and starting to check all the flight systems and all the auxiliary systems needed for the ship's departure.

[Docking Bay 45 - Deck 83 - Starbase 84]

The human male in the uniform of a Lieutenant Commander with a red undertunic looked at Lisa and Jettis with some annoyance and spoke without preamble.

"I'm Flynn Johnson, as I've told the others, you've been assigned to the Tigris for a very important, classified mission. You'll learn more once we depart. Get aboard and we'll get underway."

Johnson didn't wait for questions and hustled Jettis and Lisa aboard. Once the airlock was sealed, he tapped on a PADD and without acknowledgement from the starbase's flight operations center, the doors to the docking bay opened and he said.

"Lieutenant Litt. Take us out."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I plead not guilty." Silverback simply answered as he believed he reacted the best way he could have under the circumstances and the outright lie that four NCOs told him to hold when no such advice came.

Lieutenant jg Lagar
[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

The Phylosian entered behind his guarded fellow crewmember, his bristled head dipping slightly as he passed through the doorway. While every other occupant of the room moved in their usual bipedal, jointed fashion, the Phylosian's movements were immediately different. Four trunk-like legs, each a rich, dark green, twisted and curled without joints or bones, propelling the being forward into the room. His Starfleet dress uniform, a modified thing made to fit his upper 'torso' structure, was colored in the blue of sciences and medical. The pips at the thing's neck indicated he was a Lieutenant junior grade. Six of its seven tendrils hung at rest, each of them attached to its upper body in a half-ring around its front; the seventh tendril held a PADD, likely there to allow Lagar to cast relevant data or reports to the large screen in the room.

Lagar took up a position near his mugato client, standing in the space reserved for legal defense. The positioning made his role in the coming proceedings clear; the entirely inhuman sentient plant was the defense for the nearly inhuman white-furred gorilla. Lagar was unsurprised by the statement of 'not guilty'; he had not asked his client which path he would take, believing that it was Silverback's choice to take one road or the other. Lagar had volunteere in this capacity to support hsi crewmate, no matter the other's guilt or innocence, and he would perform his duties here to the best of his ability, even if it meant suffering the criticism or judgment of his Captain, or the rest of the crew of the Challenger.

The Lieutenant believed that the next step in the proceedings would involve opening statements, now that the choice was made, but largely, the three Captains could manage the event in any way they deemed necessary. The twin golden eyepots on Lagar's head briefly observed the two unknown Captains... Tekin Nevir, and Kirok. Lagar did not know them, or their reputations. If they had never seen one of his kind before, he would be giving them their first impression of his race. If this trial became more known, more infamous than it already was, his role could affect public perception of Phylosians deeply.

If that is how it will be... Lagar thought to himself. ...then that is how it will be. Let them know that Phylosians leave no living being to stand alone and accused without help and compassion.

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

Th'avythrath made a notation on his PADD and continued.

"The defendant has entered a plea of not guilty. The prosecution will begin. If it pleases the court, I wish to submit the aggregate security and communications logs from the freighter Heidi Schwebach and the Challenger from Stardate 76450.5 as people's exhibit one."

There was a pause as the computer began to display the events of boarding action. The initial arrival of Silverback's and Blackfeather's team by shuttle and a few minutes later of CPO Fisk's and CPO Cleroux by transporter. The screen split into four sections and when the ambush of Cleroux's team occurred, the view concentrated on that section until the arrival of Fisk's team and how it drove off the ambushers. The image then shifted to that of Silverback's team. The beginning of the negotiations with the pirates and the execution of the first hostage. The communications traffic highlighted Cleroux challenging Silverback's tactics. The fact that Fisk's, Cleroux,'s and Blackfeather's teams were en route and very close to Silverback's position, and most damning of all, the traffic between the teams and the Challenger that additional support was on the way. To include requests for access to the freighter's security feed and transporters to provide additional options.

The log showed Silverback fake his surrender, throwing a grenade, and his charge directly at the pirate that was doing the talking. The up close images of how Silverback brutally killed the Nausicaan negotiator and the eruption of disruptors from the other pirates. It was impossible to see everything, but the screams of terror and pain were horrifically graphic in their stark reality.

When the log ended, the entire courtroom sat in silence, overwhelmed by the brutal images presented. Th'avythrath waited for several seconds before continuing.

"Given the totality that these actions show, the defendant ignored the basics of hostage negotiations, or proper Starfleet tactics and procedures, as well as a wanton disregard for the safety of the crew of the Schwebach. Had the defendant simply waited for the reinforcements, he knew to be on the way, the outcome of his one being frontal assault would have been completely different.

"The defendant accused the others in the boarding team of cowardice and refused to wait for additional support despite receiving a caution that his tactics were faulty from a far more experienced non-commissioned officer. The recklessness of the defendant is undeniable and the results of his poor decisions are also undeniable, 18 dead and 10 others injured. The actions of the defendant are so egregious, so beyond the scope of his duties that he simply cannot be allowed to continue to serve in Starfleet in any capacity."

Th'avythrath paused and turned to Lagar, if the fact that the Andorian was put off by the Phylosian, it was not apparent as he said.

"The defense may now offer rebuttal."

[Kirok]

[Senior Officer's Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

Nevir allowed himself a small grin to Ian as he nodded.  "Chief Lek has been an absolute asset to the ship.  If I had any complaint, its that he is hardly on the bridge.  But from my experience, that is most Chief Engineering Officers... they rather be near the Core than the Captain." he said, looking down at the PADD as Ian summarized.

"Yes, I've looked over the mission reports so far.  We court-martial for one death but double digits?  This is already turning out to be-"

He didn't finish when Kirok opened the door, and for the first time in years, Nevir saw his former Captain.  He couldn't help himself and gave a smile at the third Captain, nodding.

"Its good to see you again, Kirok.  I wish it were under better circumstances.  I only just bumped into Ian myself.  Didn't even realize these were your quarters.  I'm just a door or two down." he stated, looking back at Ian.

"I guess it is time, isn't it?  We'll have to start this damned process." he said with a grimace, turning and ready to walk with the other two.

"I don't think we decided which one of us will lead the proceedings..."

[Senior Officer Quarters - Habitat Section - Deck 42 - Starbase 84]

"That is quite fortuitous" Kirok replied in response to Tekin being 2 doors down.  "But you are correct as always.  There are more pleasant ways to be spending our time.

Yes, I did read up on everything.  I am ready, lead on" he said to Ian.  Then he followed the men to the tribunal.

[Docking Bay 45 - Deck 83 - Starbase 84]

The human male in the uniform of a Lieutenant Commander with a red undertunic looked at Lisa and Jettis with some annoyance and spoke without preamble.

"I'm Flynn Johnson, as I've told the others, you've been assigned to the Tigris for a very important, classified mission. You'll learn more once we depart. Get aboard and we'll get underway."

Johnson didn't wait for questions and hustled Jettis and Lisa aboard. Once the airlock was sealed, he tapped on a PADD and without acknowledgement from the starbase's flight operations center, the doors to the docking bay opened and he said.

"Lieutenant Litt. Take us out."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

Th'avythrath made a notation on his PADD and continued.

"The defendant has entered a plea of not guilty. The prosecution will begin. If it pleases the court, I wish to submit the aggregate security and communications logs from the freighter Heidi Schwebach and the Challenger from Stardate 76450.5 as people's exhibit one."

There was a pause as the computer began to display the events of boarding action. The initial arrival of Silverback's and Blackfeather's team by shuttle and a few minutes later of CPO Fisk's and CPO Cleroux by transporter. The screen split into four sections and when the ambush of Cleroux's team occurred, the view concentrated on that section until the arrival of Fisk's team and how it drove off the ambushers. The image then shifted to that of Silverback's team. The beginning of the negotiations with the pirates and the execution of the first hostage. The communications traffic highlighted Cleroux challenging Silverback's tactics. The fact that Fisk's, Cleroux,'s and Blackfeather's teams were en route and very close to Silverback's position, and most damning of all, the traffic between the teams and the Challenger that additional support was on the way. To include requests for access to the freighter's security feed and transporters to provide additional options.

The log showed Silverback fake his surrender, throwing a grenade, and his charge directly at the pirate that was doing the talking. The up close images of how Silverback brutally killed the Nausicaan negotiator and the eruption of disruptors from the other pirates. It was impossible to see everything, but the screams of terror and pain were horrifically graphic in their stark reality.

When the log ended, the entire courtroom sat in silence, overwhelmed by the brutal images presented. Th'avythrath waited for several seconds before continuing.

"Given the totality that these actions show, the defendant ignored the basics of hostage negotiations, or proper Starfleet tactics and procedures, as well as a wanton disregard for the safety of the crew of the Schwebach. Had the defendant simply waited for the reinforcements, he knew to be on the way, the outcome of his one being frontal assault would have been completely different.

"The defendant accused the others in the boarding team of cowardice and refused to wait for additional support despite receiving a caution that his tactics were faulty from a far more experienced non-commissioned officer. The recklessness of the defendant is undeniable and the results of his poor decisions are also undeniable, 18 dead and 10 others injured. The actions of the defendant are so egregious, so beyond the scope of his duties that he simply cannot be allowed to continue to serve in Starfleet in any capacity."

Th'avythrath paused and turned to Lagar, if the fact that the Andorian was put off by the Phylosian, it was not apparent as he said.

"The defense may now offer rebuttal."

[Courtroom - Starbase 84]

After ringing the bell, Kirok watched in silence.  Not only because he was a man of few words.   But because he wanted to watch Silverback for signs of guilt as well as innocence.

Kirok cleared his throat.  Drawing attention to himself, no doubt.   So after eyes turned to him, he spoke.

"Before you start, I do wish to remind you that you are allowed to have legal counsel.  If you have not requested one as of yet and wish to do so now, I believe a holo lawyer could be activated.  As well, you are welcome to call witnesses who can speak on your behalf.  The senior officer who oversaw the operation, perhaps" Kirok said.