The Court Martial of Alexandra Vance (part 3)

Posted on Fri Aug 29th, 2014 @ 10:39am by Admiral Kathryn Burke & Commodore Samantha York & Commander Alexandra Vance & Lieutenant Ignatz Jones

893 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Deadly Diplomacy
Location: VIP Conference Room

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

"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..."

[NEW]


"Which regulation, Commander Shanks," Burke asked quietly, deciding it was time to interject. "The one that says a Commanding Officer should remain on the ship? That one has been broken from the beginning when warranted. Or that the Executive Officer must stay on board if the Commander is away? That, too, has been broken multiple times. Are you going to go back to Archer? Kirk? Picard? Rimmereaux?"

"ENOUGH!" Yelled Blackcat. "This is not an argument. My decisions are not up for debate by the likes of you Mr. Shanks. You don't get to limit the authority of a JAG Officer, you among all of the people in this courtroom are specifically trained as an advocate. I do not answer to the command chain in this, I answer to THE JAG and the Code of Justice. The Code of Justice clearly states that it is the presiding officer's right to refer a case back to the chain of command, it also is written in the CoJ that "Discipline is the right of the Chain of Command in the first instance." Blackcat found himself enjoying the reddening of Shank's face.

Shanks was not surprised by this ambush. The trial was fixed from the start but lucky for him Burke had gone all in on these proceedings. The next would not be so easily to tilt. He smiled as he looked once again to Blackcat but not speaking.

Blackcat continued, "I am NOT out to make a name for myself by hearing a case when it has not gone through the chain of command. I believe Miss York to be fully competent and capable of establishing and maintaining discipline on her ship. I remand the accused into her custody." In a near whisper, "Do something, Miss York, if nothing else make her tithe to an Orion Slave Recovery Mission Fund."

"Yes, sir," Sam said, also quietly.

Continuing at a normal level, "I further am disgusted by the actions of Admiral Barrington in calling for this trial. I hereby issue orders for contempt of court for filing frivilous charges against an officer, intervening in a chain of command that the individual has no direct place in. He will be held in a secure facility for no less than 30 days, and he himself, not his office or starfleet, will reimburse all parties involved for their travel expenses if applicable, as well as any lost time or pay."

Admiral Burke nodded.

"Congratulations Admiral. You've just given this ship immunity. No FA will ever attempt to touch Commander Vance after this no matter her crime. Commodore York is spineless, yes I said it in court throw me in a brig if you wish, she will simply let this go. I'll leave it at that but I'll give you one thing Admiral, this court martial was a complete farce." he said turning to Alexandra. "Just as much as your leadership is."

Shanks returned to his table, grabbed his PADDs and made to leave the room.

"Bailiff!" Growled Blackcat, pointing at Shanks, "Thirty days Mr. Shanks. As a learned officer of the court yourself, you know better than to call into question the dignity of the JAG. I have never fallen prey to playing favorites, even when my career was at stake."

"Whatever makes you sleep better at night." Shanks replied before being escorted out of the room.

Alexandra followed him with her eyes. She smiled smugly as he passed her, her smile hid what she knew.

This isn't over...

Sam caught the expression on Vance's face. "Let it go, Commander. That's an order -- unless you want to be bused down to Lieutenant."

Alexandra smiled at Samantha. "From where I'm sitting Commodore, I've already won." Alexandra hid the fact that she knew better. Thomas Shanks was not done yet nor was his master.

"If he tries anything, let the Admiralty deal with him," Sam said, nodding towards Blackcat, Burke and Hunter. "Right now, we have other matters to deal with. I, for one, am glad to have you back."

____
OFF

Commander Thomas Shanks
Prosecution
Starfleet Command

Admiral Kathryn Burke
Defense Team
Theta Fleet Command

Rear Admiral Blackcat Panthera
Judge
Inti Colony

Admiral Maximilian Hunter
Defense
Starfleet Intelligence

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Calypso

Commander Alexandra Vance
Executive Officer
USS Calypso

 

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