The Court Martial of Alexandra Vance (part 2)

Posted on Wed Aug 27th, 2014 @ 11:45am by Admiral Kathryn Burke & Commodore Samantha York & Commander Alexandra Vance & Lieutenant Ignatz Jones & Admiral Maximilian 'Max' Hunter

979 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Deadly Diplomacy

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

"Very tempting, Mr. Hunter, but I have no desire to put an entire branch of Starfleet on trial, deserving as some twigs may be." Blackcat surveyed the courtroom. The trial was a farce, someone had pissed someone else off, and somebody was putting pressure on the JAG department. That he had to leave a tropical paradise to be a tool of some jackanape... Counsels approach the bench, Miss York as well."

[NEW]


Thomas looked around the room surveying the room. While he may not have been an intelligence officer or hold any 'field time' his time in the dog eat dog winner take all leagues of Starfleet politicians taught him when he was backed into a corner. Something wasn't right, suddenly this was feeling more like a setup.

Sam was surprised at the request, but stood and walked up to the judge.

Blackcat held up a pen in front of York, "Follow it." He moved the pen, left, right, in a circle while Sam followed it with her eyes. He wrote something down. He tapped something on the console built into the bench. "Passed your last physical and psych reviews as well."

Sam inclined her head once, although it wasn't a question from the Admiral, more a statement.

"Excuse me your honor what does any of this have to do with Commander Vance? Commodore York isn't on trial.

"Oh, but she seems to be. Someone higher-up in the chain of command seems to feel that Miss York is either incompetent, or simply incapable of administrating discipline within her command." Blackcat paused to let that sink in. "I am going somewhere with all this, just not where anyone might normally would have expected. Now, then, are there extenuating circumstances that are preventing you from meting out discipline in a fair and just manner to Miss Vance?"

"Oh no no no. I think not your honour." Thomas said waving his finger. "With all due respect this has nothing to do with Commodore York's abilities as a Commanding Officer, although there are some questionable decisions that could bring it into question we are not here for her. Commander Vance is on trial as her actions are not only of gross misconduct but also a pattern of behaviour. Too long has she been shielded by her superiors but this is where the line is drawn. One way or another your honour this court martial must be conducted as it was intended in a manner that satisfies both parties, even if the decision does not favour them."

"If the court will enlighten me, Your honor." Max said as he walked back to his table and picked up a PADD. "The only pattern I see is from the Prosecution. Commander Shanks has been involved and provoked several cases in regards to Commander Vance." He said sternly as he walked back over to Blackcat's table and placed the PADD in front of him. "I recommend that the only pattern that should be of interest is that this is nothing more but a modern day witch hunt. I would suggest, His Honor, ask why Commander Shanks is continuing his pursuit to burn a good officer at the stake."

"Your honor," Sam said, addressing Blackcat when she could get a word in. "The first time Commander Shanks came to me with his charges against Commander Vance, I informed him that he was misinformed and that his facts were in error," she said, answering his question to her. "Commander Vance acted according to what she felt was best. She left the ship in capable hands and her decision saved the lives of many on the planet. I did not discipline her because I felt she did nothing to warrant discipline. Commander Shanks went over my head to file these charges."

Shanks placed his face in his palm. "So are we going to wait until she actually kills someone before her actions are taken seriously?

"She hasn't killed anyone!" Max raised his voice slightly before taking a moment to calm down. "Your Honor, this case is a farce. He is trying to court martial Commander Vance on the grounds of something she hasn't done yet. Something she may never do, due to the style of training she was given. Commander Shanks is grasping at straws."

Kathryn stayed in the background. She didn't need to say anything at this point. The evidence was flimsy at best and Shanks was his own worst enemy. She trusted Blackcat, which was why she'd pulled strings to get him called in as the judge in this case.

"No Admiral, you were not listening but instead trying to put words in my mouth. I did not say nor insinuate in anyway shape or form that Commander Vance has committed murder. I was simply pointing to the fact that she has both in past and present violated numerous regulations which would have led to discipline of most officers myself included. My question is where is the line drawn? How many laws can she break before someone says enough is enough." Thomas said looking back to Blackcat. "Your honour the Admiral is correct I have attempted prosecution of Miss Vance before, but there is no precedence against such an action. While it is your opinion that I am on a witch hunt, it is mine and of those I represent that we are seeking justice. If you allow Commander Vance to continue her string of delinquency then you are setting a bad precedent. Think of it, next time a Commanding Officer leaves her ship they can quote this case. The regulation becomes moot..."

(To be continued...)

Rear Admiral Blackcat Panthera
Judge
Inti Colony

Commander Thomas Sparks
Prosecution
Starfleet Command

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Calypso

Admiral Maximilian Hunter
Defense
Starfleet Intelligence

Admiral Kathryn Burke
Defense Team
Commander, Theta Fleet

 

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