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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2005 12:31:05 GMT
Jatan held up his hand, stopping Shork short. "You will not be getting up just yet," he told the Treewood sternly. "I will have the commodore let your superiors know that you are alive."
Shork seemed to be frowning at that idea. "And just how would they believe I am alive then?" he querried, "Treewoods are either dead, or alive but nothing in between."
Now it was Jatan's turn to frown. "You've got a point there," he answered, then walked away. "Let's see what we can do about that, I'll be right back." He walked into his office and quietly spoke to Mark Harper who was on duty on the bridge. A few minutes later, he returned and activated a panel beside Shork's tank.
"I've arranged a video comm link to your colony," he explained, and activated the commlink. "Jatan to Sonak, I've got someone here who'd like to talk to you."
<Shork>
On the planet, Sonak regarded Fox with surprise. "Somehow, I doubt that the director would release Mr Jacobson into our custody," she said, and suppressed another series of coughs, "perhaps they are out on confusing us and framing us for something?"
<Fox>
However Just when Fox was halfway in his explanation, they were interrupted by a call from the Vesuvius. "Put it through doctor," Sonak replied, and was very surprised to hear Shork. "Subdirector, I am gratified and relieved to hear that you have recovered. Perhaps you could explain to Director Paranak that Mr Jacobson realizes his mistake, and that he regrets not having paid attention sooner? I have just been given word that Mr Jacobson has been released into our custody, but I rather doubt that they would do so, without dire concequences."
<Shork>
<paranak, perhaps you'd like to jump in here?>
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fox
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Post by fox on Aug 19, 2005 13:01:12 GMT
"perhaps they are out on confusing us and framing us for something?" Fox shook his head.. "I wouldn't know if they hid something from us. At least Caldwell made very clear that the atmosphere wasn't healthy for Commander Jacobson." He looked at Caldwell who agreed with him. "And...." Fox continued "He wouldn't really be in our custody, only in our brig. Paranak insisted only treewood guards would have access to the area...." quickly he added when Sonak was about to respond "and you ofcourse as his defence councellor." "So, in fact you are saying, they want to take complete control of our brigs." Sonak responded. "And if they are planning something...." Fox interrupted her "Sorry for interrupting you Ma'am, but it's the only option Paranak gave us..." Before Fox could continue they were interrupted by a call from the Vesuvius.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2005 14:12:46 GMT
Nika watched Enk leave, and wondered how she was supposed to talk about Parenk’s final moments when all she knew of them was the weapons-fire she had heard over Commodore Sonak’s open commlink. Nika admitted to herself that she probably knew more about Parenk’s final moments than most of the Treewood guards did, but she didn’t see how she could put a heroic slant on it. Besides, Nika was fairly certain that if she talked of Parenk heroically, that would be just what the Treewoods were expecting her to say, and thus there wasn’t any point in her saying it, she would merely be repeating information that all parties knew, or had guessed of.
Nika sighed, and decided that she should talk to the group of Guard of the Grove, because Enk had said it would help matters, and matters could use a lot of help. She walked over to the group and she knew exactly what she was going to say before she started to talk, since she didn’t speak much, she rarely said anything she didn’t mean, so she attempted to think of a version of what happened in the transporter room that was both heroic and followed at the least the basics of what had happened, or of what Nika had been able to tell had happened.
“You already know that Parenk died heroically,” Nika started to talk, not at all sure how the group would react to her intrusion, but knowing that she had to try. “From everything I have heard today, and from everything I know about his death, I agree with you. Parenk died. Whether it was a heroic death or not, he is still dead. But while it may not change the current situation, his final moments were not spent afraid of his death, but trying to insure that his team was able to safely return to the soil, a soil far richer than that we have on Starfleet ships. One Treewood died to save his entire group from death,” Nika finished. She looked at the Treewoods, trying to gauge their reaction, and trying to figure out if she should leave now or wait around to see if they had a response. Her words probably hadn’t been what Ambassador Enk had wanted her to say, but she hadn’t even heard of a ‘speech’ before she had joined Starfleet, the whole concept was still fairly unknown to her.
“One Treewood died?” one of the Treewood Guards of the Grove spoke skeptically. “What about Subdirector Shork?”
“Subdirector Shork is not dead, he is recovering,” replied Nika, a little surprised at the question. When the Treewoods had left Shork he had still been alive, and Nika placed a large amount of faith in the ability of the Chief Medical Officer to heal the subdirector.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2005 22:00:24 GMT
"Explain to me why exactly you chose to consume nuts," she then asked, irritation showing in her voice, "surely you have had some form of botany when you were in the academy? Surely you had read the information from the briefing?" she said, as the water came on again.
Nephi stepped to the middle of the cell. "Pleasant isn't it? I get slightly less wet here. If you notice, the other prisoners here are near the walls," he said, indicating the cell across from him. "But anyway. I had asked the Chef earlier that day about the possibility of him finding some walnuts for me, as I'm rather fond of them. He said he'd have to look in the ship's stores in order to find some real ones. And well, when he placed them in front of me, I forgot that piece of information from the briefing until it was too late."
"Indeed it's not doing me any good," Nephi said. "I'm having to keep the layers of the uniform to keep dry," he said, but paused to pull off the uniform jacket. "Although that's not doing much good. With the extra layers, it's even harder to withstand the temperature and humidity."
"I'm happy with the Brig," Nephi said. "It's more suitable than this climate, and I can get progress reports from Engineering. I miss it right now," he said, looking down and pacing around the cell somewhat.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2005 14:13:52 GMT
<ooc: I'm skipping ahead to Nephi's trial.....>
Once the chief engineer was transferred to the brig on the Vesuvius, and two Treewood guards were posted just outside his cell, Sonak found some time to spend with her children and husband, before she had to return back on duty.
She was relieved to get rid of the contact lenses, as they were starting to irritate her eyes, and get her natural hair colour back. ~blonde is just not me~ she thought, while checking her reflection in the mirror ~Vulcans are not suited for being a blonde~ She walked into the kitchen and picked up the bowl with vegetarian stew she had prepared for dinner.
Two hours later, she walked down to the brig area carrying a small platter. "The prisoner's dinner," she announced, "and I wish to have a word with him." Before she had walked down, however, she had asked the chief of security to come down also. When she walked in, Nika was already waiting. The two of them entered Nephi's cell, after which a Starfleet additional guard re-activated the force field.
"We need to devise a strategy to prove that you were unaware of the fact that Treewoods grow from nuts," Sonak started, "and that your error was just that, an error. Any suggestions?"
<Nika/Nephi>
Yet another several hours later, after heavy debate, Sonak left the brig area in search for Commanders Kanz and Fox, as well as lieutenant commander Jared. She found the trio in science lab three, working furiously on a cure for the Treewoods. "Have you found anything that could at least stop the disease from spreading to other Treewoods?" she enquired.
<Kanz/Fox/Reman>
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2005 15:54:13 GMT
"We need to devise a strategy to prove that you were unaware of the fact that Treewoods grow from nuts," Sonak started, "and that your error was just that, an error. Any suggestions?"
Nika thought. “Babies often look quite different from adults, especially close to their birth.” Nika paused. “But I’m not sure how that helps. Since all that might be taken to mean is that we should know that people’s young do not necessarily resemble themselves.” Nika went silent for a while, trying to think it over thoroughly.
“Could we try having a replicator replicate a nut of some sort?” Nika suggested, not giving a further explanation of her thought processes, partly because she wasn’t sure how well it would work, and also because it didn’t seem necessary.
"Lt. Jacobson, was the nut you ate replicated or real?” Nika asked, not sure if it would make a difference to the Treewoods, or if Commodore Reckus could prove it, but it would probably be useful to know.”
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jared
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Post by jared on Aug 22, 2005 17:22:47 GMT
OOC: backposting a little
'Subdirector, I am gratified and relieved to hear that you have recovered. Perhaps you could explain to Director Paranak that Mr Jacobson realizes his mistake, and that he regrets not having paid attention sooner? I have just been given word that Mr Jacobson has been released into our custody, but I rather doubt that they would do so, without dire concequences.' Sonak said
'Indeed I feel better, but I am not yet healthy. I am led to believe that I will have to remain in this tank for some time yet in order to fully recover. Your people have been most kind and as I informed Doctor Jatan Reckus, it was no fault of your Starfleet soldiers that I was harmed. A simple misunderstanding, a mistake and no more. Our guards meant well and did what they felt they should, as did yours. When you have guns, people are harmed and it is foolish to blame soldiers for doing what they are told to do. It is their purpose after all. Allow me to speak with Director Paranak through the communications link and I shall see what I can do'
'Thank you, Sub-Director, that is most kind of you' Sonak replied
The call was directed into Paranak's office. Finally, after what even a Treewood would consider a long time, Paranak came out the office and spoke to Sonak. He didn't look happy, but he wasn't quite so angry either. 'It appears, Commodore Sonak Reckus, that the fight on your starship was not quite how it appeared. It appears that your soldiers and crew were not guilty of crimes against the Treewoods, but nonetheless your crewman held in the colony is still to be tried for the crime he commited. I have been informed that the Treewood cells could cause adverse effects in humans, so I appear to have no choice but to allow him to return to the USS Vesuvius and a human environment. However, must insist that the brig and the deck it is on are given over to Treewood control' Sonak considered this, the main armoury was on that deck as well. The Treewoods would find it anyway if given the whole deck. 'I cannot agree to that, our main armoury is on that deck' 'Then you may maintain a guard around the armoury, but we shall have guards in equal numbers on the deck. Noone may enter or leave without the permission of the captain of the guard present. Those are my final terms to make sure you will not attempt anything foolish' Paranak was pushy, but it was their only chance. 'Very well, can he be transfered to our ship now?' Paranak simply nodded and quickly turned and went into the office.
Within a couple of hours, Jacobson was in the brig of the Vesuvius surrounded by Treewood guards. Sonak herself had brought down his dinner, accompanied by Cir'Kem.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2005 18:20:15 GMT
(OOC: By the way, we'll keep me a Lieutenant for now. You wouldn't promote an Officer who was being held for murder ) The door to Nephi's cell opened. Nephi looked up, and four tough-looking Treewoods were outside the door. "Come with us," the one in the forefront said. Nephi stood up, and picked up his socks, boots and uniform jacket. All of them were wet, so there was no point to putting them back on. Stepping out of the cell, he asked, "May I ask where we're going?" "You are being transferred back to your brig, under our supervision," the guard said, pulling him along. Excellent, Nephi thought. Comfortable conditions, dry uniform...food...They were beamed up, and he was escorted to the Brig, his jacket on his arm, boots and socks in hand. It was different walking these halls barefoot. Soon, he was in the cell, and dropped the wet clothing, and removed the somewhat wet gold shirt. The pants he couldn't remove, but he would have replacements soon, hopefully. Shortly thereafter, Commodore Sonak and Ensign Cir'Kem were there, with the Commodore carrying a tray of food. Dinner....The field lowered, they stepped in, and it reactivated. Sonak held up the tray "Hungry?" "Yes," Nephi said, with an unadded thought of Is that a trick question? "Thank you," he said, taking the tray, and placed it on the bench. Lifting the lid from a pot, he found stew inside, including carrots, beans, peas, and what looked like tofu. The Reckus family was vegetarian. Next to the pot was a ladle, bowl and spoon. He ignored the bowl and spoon, and placed the pot on his lap, eating directly from the pot with the ladle. "See what you can do about getting me a dry uniform," he said while eating, and nodded over to the cast-out parts of his uniform. "They're wet." Sonak nodded, then said, "We need to devise a strategy to prove that you were unaware of the fact that Treewoods grow from nuts, and that your error was just that, an error. Any suggestions?" He spoke between mouthfuls. "As far as I know they were real.....Well I asked for real ones anyway......You'd have to ask the Chef whether they really were. But anyway, we all know that I missed the part of the briefing that mentioned that fact about the Treewoods, and I didn't read the transcript thoroughly, though it could be argued that that was neglect on my part.....This is quite good, Commodore," he said after swallowing yet another mouthful.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2005 13:57:09 GMT
“Maybe if we show a holographic projection of a tree growing,” Nika pondered. “But that’s more likely to fail than to succeed.” Nika shrugged, and accompanied the simple shrug with additional body language that was meant to imply she couldn’t think of anything further, that she couldn’t understand them well enough to try to think up a way of convincing them.
“I can’t think of anything else,” Nika explained, frustrated with her inability to know the Treewoods. She had tried listening to them, but they had talked too much and were too hard to understand, since only about a quarter of the words they had said meant anything, and the overflow of words had been unnecessary and irritating. Nika had listened carefully at the funeral, but she was sure that she would have learned more about the Treewoods if she had tried harder to follow the conversation when the Treewoods were on the ship, it might have helped. Then again, Nika thought, it may not have, the Treewoods didn’t exactly seem easy to understand, at least, not for her.
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jared
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Post by jared on Aug 24, 2005 18:52:52 GMT
OOC: joint post with Commander Kanz.
‘Sorry, sorry, sorry’ Jason came running into the lab where he was supposed to be meeting with the other scientifically minded heads of departments. ‘Kat had to work, so I had to look after Louise, and things just got more complicated from there...’
L'Ola couldn't help laughing a little, ‘Relax, we're just throwing a few ideas around. So what's our resident botanist’s view on this?’ She asked, turning to Jared.
‘I'm more of a horticulturalist, I'm afraid’ Jared replied 'Think vegetables and garden plants. I've never had to deal with a dendroid before either. Do we have a sample of infected Treewood bark or leaves, or even better, a whole Treewood?'
‘Whole Treewood? Not a chance. But as for samples...’
Fox cut in, ‘I know how we can get some if we haven't already got them. I managed to get a contact down on the surface.’
‘Would that be Culturist Sark?’ Jared asked
‘Now you come to mention it...’
There was a moment's pause, after which Jason decided to take the lead ‘What are we going to do when we get these samples?’
‘How many scientists have you got free?’
Jason counted through a few and then gave up, ‘As many as you want.’
‘Good’ L'Ola decided, ‘Fox, your new priority is to get hold of the samples. Jason, get everyone setting up standard tests, I want them running as soon as the stuff comes in.’
'According to what data the Treewoods sent us, they believe this disease is spread by some sort of microbal fungus. Their own fungicides so far haven't been effective and they can't risk stronger ones in case it ends up a herbicide which could kill them. However, their medical knowledge is limited; when we have the samples, we should have a clearer idea' Jared said, hoping this to be the case.
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fox
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Post by fox on Aug 25, 2005 7:56:07 GMT
Fox nodded "I'll get onto it." he said and walked to a console to contact Culturist Sark. A little later Sark appeared on his screen. Fox greeted him and explained the reason for his call. After a long explanation at Sark's end on the fungus and what they had tried he agreed on giving some samples. The channel was closed again.
Fox turned to L'Ola "I'll be down on the planet." he said. "Culturist Sark agreed on providing me some samples of the fungus." L'Ola nodded and Fox walked out the science lab to the transporter room.
Entering it he stepped on the pad and ordered the transporter chief to energize. On the planets surface Fox materialized again. There a treewood was waiting for him. "Culturist Sark has send me to fetch you." he said. "If you will follow me? I will bring you to him." Fox nodded and followed the treewood.
Not much later Fox was being led in some sort of room. Culturist Sark was standing on the other side of it. "I don't understand how samples of it will help you find a cure." he started "We've tried everything we can already." he paused a second. "I hope you will find a cure." Sark handed Fox a case. "It contains the samples you asked for."
Sark called the treewood who led Fox there in again, asking him to lead Fox back. Not much later Fox stood again in the place where he had arrived. He tabbed his comm-badge. "One to beam up, make sure the bio filter doesn't filter the samples in the case i'm carrying." Fox said. "Aye, sir." the transporter chief responded. A blue glow appeared around Fox, a few seconds later he stood on the transporter pad again.
He left the tranporter room walking back to the science labs. When he entered it and looked around he noticed all kinds of instuments were set up. "Here are the samples." he said and put the case on the table in front of him. "Let's see what we can find about it."
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2005 20:55:22 GMT
ooc: jumping ahead to trial......everyone attends as everyone will be called to testify. You may each post your testimony yourself. I want this trial over by no later than tuesday. There will be two joint posts on this between myself and Prosecutor Berk <who will be named at the bottom of the second joint post next week:)> In addition, as I've been notified that this name means something bad in british, it is not intended as such but rather named after a tree species which is called "berk" in dutch, but "birch" in english
"I am pleased that you like it lieutenant," Sonak replied, "now.....I am sure that the Treewood prosecutor arrives soon. Guards, take him to briefingroom three, and make sure that he stays there while I go and welcome Prosecutor Berk aboard." She watched as the guards walked away with Nephi in their midst, then walked down to greet her new guest aboard.
"Mister Berk, welcome aboard the USS Vesuvius-A. I regret that we have to meet under these circumstances. If you do not mind, I would like to get this trial under way."
"Commodore," Berk replied stiffly, "I would like nothing better than to get this trial started, I presume you recieved the information from my assistant on the correct procedures for the trial?"
Sonak nodded. "Director Paranak has been so kind to brief us before he allowed Lieutenant Jacobson to be transferred to our brig. You will first state the reasons for the trial, and establish the grounds for the accusation, after which I receive the chance to dispute the charges. Next you are offered the chance to give proof of the accusations by calling onto Treewood witnesses. After that, the accused receives a chance to explain himself upon which my crew is called upon to testify. The trial will conclude with you and myself giving a closing statement, afterwhich you will serve as judge and give your verdict."
Berk nodded once, with his arms at his side, he followed the Commodore out of the room. The starship was decorted in the black and grey that Berk had been told was typical of this race, finally they entered another room where Berk recognised the accused.
"This is him?" he asked simply.
"That is the accused, Lieutenant Nephi Jacobson, Chief Engineer of this vessel," Sonak acknowledged, motioning for Nephi to stand up in acknowledgement of the arrival of his prosecutor. Then she motioned for Berk to assume his position behind a table. The senior staff of the Vesuvius, as well as various Treewoods they had met earlier, were gathered and waiting silently for the trial to start. "Please, the floor is yours sir," Sonak said, then sat down beside Nephi.
Standing tall, Berk looked around the room at the beings before him, he met eyes with a few of his own people, and then turned to face the accused.
“You are Lieutenant Nephi Jacobson?”
“Yes sir,” the Lieutenant answered.
“You, Lieutenant, have been accused of the most serious crime possible! That of infanticide,” as Berk spoke, his voice became louder and louder. “You knowingly committed this offence, which was witnessed by everyone in this room.”
Berk paused, allowing his words to impact on the audience, and then drawing a deep breath, he continued to speak.
“It is my intention to prove you guilty of this unforgivable act, and see you punished for your crime.”
As Berk stood aside, Sonak gracefully rose to his feet. "Ladies and gentlemen, disginguished guests," she started, nodding towards the Treewoods as she made mention of them, "Lieutenant Jacobson is guilty only of one crime, that he did not read the transcript of the mission briefing properly. If anyone is to blame for him missing that part, it is myself for I had him removed from the briefind on basis of conduct unbecoming an officer."
She paused for a few seconds to let her words sink in. "However, since he is not on trial for that, I shall focus on the charge of infanticide only. Mr Jacobson was unaware of the fact that Treewoods grow from nuts, therefore, his act is one of unthoughtfullness, rather than premeditated or even unconscious murder. I intend to prove that his act was not intended, and that it was merely a misunderstanding."
“I call forth Director Paranak,” Berk bellowed.
The director stood, and faced Berk.
“Director, upon receiving an invitation to visit this vessel, you were offered the opportunity to dine with the senior staff of this ship, is that correct?”
<paranak>
“Thank you Director, do you recall which officers were present?”
<tag Paranak>
“And then, Director, what unforgivable act did you witness take place?”
<paranak...and after that the other Treewoods>
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jared
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Post by jared on Aug 27, 2005 20:14:05 GMT
'Director, upon receiving an invitation to visit this vessel, you were offered the opportunity to dine with the senior staff of this ship, is that correct?'
'Indeed, I was offered the invitation to the vessel and the dinner. It was to be a full ambassadorial dinner so I brought with me Grove Speak, Ambassador Enk, Sub-Director Shork and of course Culturist Sark, the foremost expert on human behaviour.'
'Thank you Director, do you recall which officers were present?'
'I believe all of the senior crew was there. CNO Commander Fox, Commodore Sonak Reckus, CMO Doctor Jatan Reckus, CTSO Nikaila Cir'Kem, Executive Officer Commander Kanz and of course CEO Lieutenant Nephi Jacobson'
'And then, Director, what unforgivable act did you witness take place?'
'I witnessed CEO Lieutenant Nephi Jacobson order and devour a bowl of nuts. The seeds of life and he consumed them! Culturist Sark never mentioned anything about such barbarism from all the times he met with the first human ambassadors. We could scarcely have been prepared for such acts!'
'Thank you, Director Paranak. You may return to your seat. Next I call to the stand, Grove Speaker, Ambassador Enk'
'Grove Speaker, Ambassador Enk. You were invited by Director Paranak to the dinner. What was your role in such?'
'As the foremost Ambassador of the Treewoods, I was there both to honour the humans and to aid any diplomatic process that took place. I would also be able to speak for the Grove should the need arise to inform the humans on matters of Treewood governance or politics'
'Do you recall which officers were present?'
'I must admit that humans do look somewhat alike to me, but the names I remember are the same as those given by Director Paranak. The whole senior crew was present'
'And did you also witness the same act?'
'Unfortunately I did witness CEO Lieutenant Nephi Jacobson consume several nuts from a bowl that he requested, although he did cease as soon as he realised that Treewoods also grow from nuts.'
Paranak's speech had been damning, but Enk seemed to be more forgiving of the crime. If Berk was like Enk then there shouldn't be a great problem, but it was far from certain.
'Thank you, you may return to your seat. I call Culturist Sark to speak' Prosecutor Berk announced.
Culturist Sark moved to speak.
'Culturist Sark, what was your role on the diplomatic group at the dinner on the USS Vesuvius?'
'My role was as a human behavoiur advisor and analyser' Sark's voice had the sur-noise associated with usual Treewood speech for now, but he did not spend very long talking.
'And do you recall the people present and the events as being like described?'
'No, I do not' Sark replied, with no trace of dishonesty. Paranak shot him an angry glance, but he continued unabashed 'We know little of humans, they know equally little of us. Did you know that they often use only one name, which they choose based on preference? Sometimes it's not even a name that occurs in their full name. I recall Nephi eating nuts, yes. But in his mind he committed no murder.'
'Culturist Sark, I remind you that ignorance of the law in no defence. You admit you saw CEO Lieutenant Nephi Jacobson consume and therefore murder a bowl of nuts'
'I only saw him eat a bowl of nuts. They may have been killed beforehand or they may not even have been nuts as we know them. I can't say for sure either way'
Sark's testimony had hardly helped Berk's case. Whose side was Sark on anyway? Was he a traitor to his people? Those would be questions asked only if Sark were on trial, so Berk decided just to leave this witness alone.
'You may stand down. I now call Sub-Director Shork'
There were a few noises of surprise from the Treewoods who were not aware Shork had survived. He entered a few minutes after being called as he had only just been let out of sickbay to attend the trial as a witness.
'Sub-Director Shork, you can testify that humans are violent and barbaric can you not?'
'No, I cannot'
Again some surprise
'Explain that statement please when you were clearly injured in a firefight with them in which a fellow Treewood was felled.'
'They did not start the fight, neither did the Guards of the Grove. The human transporter officer was scared and made a mistake. He is not a solider and yet was in a room with eight fully armed weapons around him. I was injured by a Treewood weapon when I tried to stop the two sides fighting. I blame noone for the fight or for my injuries. In fact, Doctor Jatan Reckus was able and willing to heal me despite my apparent position as the enemy and, to him, alien physiology. I doubt I would have seen such courtesy from certain Treewoods.' He gave a meaningful glance at Director Paranak, who glared back
Berk was riled. He had based much of his case on the account given to him by Director Paranak before the trial. Shork was famous for his honesty, that's why he was Sub-Director at the mere age of 178.
'But since the entire senior crew was present, then they would have known that Treewoods grow from nuts. After all, they knew enough to treat you and knew of the requirement for lifewater at meals and for healing.'
'The entire senior crew was not there, Prosecutor Berk. The one I spoke to before the USS Vesuvius arrived was not there.'
'Are you disputing the testimony of the other witnesses?' Berk asked, hoping for any leeway against either Shork or Sark's testimony. If Shork disputed Sark's then he could choose the testimony that he liked better as truth and focus on that
'No, I am not' Shork stated. Berk tried to remain calm. Shork went on 'They probably didn't even know of his existence. I spoke to him on the communications channel before the USS Vesuvius arrived and he is listed on the ship's crew. He may not have been senior enough to have warranted inclusion at the dinner, or he may not have been the diplomatic type. Either way, COO Lieutenant Reman Jared was not present at the dinner'
Berk could see his case beginning to acquire more holes than a coriander at a target range. Had Director Paranak lied or was he just wrong? Time would show, but now justice had a new face to look at.
'Very well, you may take your seat, Sub-Director Shork. Defence counsel, you may begin the questionning'
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2005 20:26:26 GMT
"As protocol requires, I call Lieutenant Nephi Jacobson to the stand to relate the course of events from his point of view," Sonak stated, feeling somewhat out of the loop as Treewood justice system did not allow for the defense council to question the witnesses for the prosecution.
THe one thing that was on her side was that Treewood prosecution in turn was not allowed to question defense witnesses either.
"Lieutenant, please describe what happened during the dinner party in your own words, and as much as you remember. Please remember to hide nothing and speak the whole truth and nothing but the truth."
<Nephi>
ooc: I know real shorty......I won't be here to respond tomorrow you see. After Nephi's posted, every VES crewmember will be called to give their account of events. Please use my character as NPC to question them. I'd also ask you all to please post those responses before tuesday evening. many tnx.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2005 1:14:20 GMT
"Lieutenant, please describe what happened during the dinner party in your own words, and as much as you remember. Please remember to hide nothing and speak the whole truth and nothing but the truth."
"Well we were having a diplomatic dinner with the Treewoods, which included the entire Senior Staff excluding Lieutenant Jared. The Treewoods included all those that have given testimony, and others I'm not too familiar with," he began.
"Well anyway, I had asked previously if the Chef had any walnuts in the ship's stores, as I'm rather fond of them. On my homeworld, the trees that walnuts grow from are not sentient or intelligent in any way, so it's like eating any other fruit," he said, attempting to defend himself while explaining.
"Anyway, I had eaten a few when Culturist Sark asked me what I was eating. When I started explaining, I realized, despite not having read the Briefing, that the Treewoods would grow from nuts. I dropped the nuts, but it was too late. I was surrounded by Treewood Security and dragged off."
He now chose to reveal what the Commodore didn't know. "While they were dragging me away, I tried to explain, but the guards wouldn't listen. Although it probably wasn't the best idea, I kicked one of the guards in the side to release his grip, and then loosened the other's grip. They then knocked me out with some sort of medication, and I woke up in a Treewood prison."
"Did you realize beforehand that what you were doing would appear an atrocity to the Treewoods?" Sonak asked.
"No, I did not. I guess I overlooked that part of the Briefing transcript. I was unaware of the alleged crime I was about to commit."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2005 12:23:02 GMT
"Thank you lieutenant," Sonak said after her chief engineer was done with his testimony. "The defense counsel calls upon Commander first class L'Ola Kanz to give her recollection of the events that happened during the dinner party."
<Kanz>
After hearing the elaborate story of the first officer, Sonak found little reason to question this witness, as she knew she would not have to question the rest of her staff either.
"Ensign Cir'kem, what are your recollections?" She asked after dismissing her first officer. Ensign Cir'kem took the stand and slowly started telling her recollection of events.
<Cir'Kem, if you find time to write, as officially you're on LOA>
After Cir'Kem was done, Sonak called upon the chip's chief surgeon to give his testimony. "Doctor Reckus, in your opinion, could the incident have been avoided?" she asked, "and additionally, what are your findings towards Treewood medical knowledge, and their knowledge of other species?
"Thank you Commander, that was very helpful," Sonak replied, "I now call upon Commander first class Fox to give his testimony."
<Fox>
Fox too gave an elaborate account of what happened, even though he had arrived a little late at the party. "Thank you commander, you may resume your seat," Sonak told him. Next she called upon McVaye, and finally on Reman.
"Mr Jared, could you please tell us about your dealings with the Treewoods, and their society?" she asked him, as he hadn't been at the party, "and do you think that Lieutenant Jacobson has committed this horrendous act with premeditation, and deliberately?"
<Jared>
ooc: did I cover everyone? yup apparently I did......and I've edited now.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2005 17:26:49 GMT
L'Ola took a deep breath. She hadn't exactly been looking forward to testifying. Adding to that the fact that she hadn't really been listening to proceedings so far, it was going to be an experience she wouldn't want to remember.
*Think and relax, think and relax* she told herself, before taking another deep breath and starting to say what she remembered.
"The first thing that I remember about that party is nerves. To be honest, I think more people were nervous than would want to admit it, and that goes for people on both sides. For some unknown reason this meant I talked to a few less people than normal, so I got a bit of a different view of what was going on."
She paused for a moment, trying to decide what to say next. "I think at the time the trouble started I was in the middle of a discussion about Vulcan. The person I was talking to couldn't believe that anywhere could be that dry. And then suddenly something happened, a couple of people started shouting, and the next thing I knew the person I was talking to was escorting Nephi off the ship.
"It took a few minutes for the discussion of what was going on to reach me, which I must admit is quite unusual. The first thing I thought was that he'd missed half the briefing we'd had. And the second, slightly longer thought, was how quickly he'd been arrested and carted off when we were just trying to help everyone."
Looking round the room, she finally decided how to finish, "If you're looking for someone to give you a precise timeline of events, you're better asking someone else. But I really do believe that this whole thing was a misunderstanding that it may have been impossible to avoid."
<OOC: I should be back later to post something else, but that's all the testimony I could think up>
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fox
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Post by fox on Aug 30, 2005 7:49:32 GMT
Fox had listened to the testimonies of the others when Sonak called him to the stand. He stood up and walked forward.
"Can you give us your view on the events that happend?" Sonak asked and Fox nodded.
"That day.. I was on duty when you, Commodore Sonak, announced that the Treewoods had been invited for a party onboard the ship and that all senior staff should be present." Fox puased a little while. "The party would be held right after my duty shift. I attended the party a bit later than the others, because i still had to change in my dress uniform." Again Fox paused a bit.
"When i entered the Mess Hall where the party was held, i saw all senior officer were already there together with the treewoods." He pointed to Paranak, Sark and Shork "Paranak, Sark and Shork where there with some others of who i don't know their name. I joined a table and listened to a discussion about our technology and the treewood technology."
"I remember at some point the mess halls chef brought something to Lieutenant Jacobson from which he started to eat, i didn't pay much attention to that as i kept my focus on the discussion. Then suddenly something happend. I had no idea what was going on, but Lieutenant Jacobson was grabbed and being guided out the Mess Hall by two treewood being followed by all the others." Fox paused, thinking a bit.
"Thats what i remember about what happend that day." he said
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2005 18:33:13 GMT
Jatan walked up to the podium to take the witness stand. He'd been pondering just what to tell exactly as he hadn't really been paying much attention to the Treewoods at the dinner party, and especially not the chief engineer. He'd been glad to steal a few moments in private with his bondmate, and just spend some time with her rather than spend it on duty in sickbay, or in the presence of the children.
He wrung his hands nervously, then decided to wipe them on his pant legs as he sat down. "Ahem," he started, clearing his throat, sipping the water that was standing ready for him, then waited for Sonak to start firing the questions at him.
"Doctor Reckus, in your opinion, could the incident have been avoided?" she asked, "and additionally, what are your findings towards Treewood medical knowledge, and their knowledge of other species?"
Jatan nodded. "Yes ma'am, I do believe the incident could have been avoided if the lieutenant had minded his manners and had not gotten himself removed from the briefing. Aside from that, he could have read the transcript he'd been presented more closely, as all the necessary information about the Treewoods, as well as their means of procreation had been mentioned quite clearly."
He paused again, sipping more from the water to smear his dry throat. "My findings towards Treewood medicine? In my opinion it is quite backward to our standards, but for Treewood standard I have found it quite advanced and I found it very interesting at that. They know more about herbology, obviously, than we do, but it lacks the technology we use for diagnosis and treatment. I have also found that their knowledge of other species is rather limited, but I have found some of them interested in learning about other species."
Jatan gave a nod towards Shork, and smiled at the Treewood. "When Mr Shork had been brought in after being caught in friendly fire, the Treewoods obviously believed that he was dead, as for them you are either alive, or dead, but not something in between. I am very relieved that I was able to save his life, but I could not have done so without help from other Treewoods, who taught me a little about Treewood medicine, and Treewood healthcare. I believe that this whole incident is just that, an incident...one that sadly could have been avoided had the lieutenant paid more attention."
"Thank you doctor," Sonak said, "you may resume your seat." She then beckoned Jared. "Lieutenant Commander Jared, your experiences with the Treewoods please."
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jared
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Post by jared on Aug 30, 2005 19:07:32 GMT
'Mr Jared, could you please tell us about your dealings with the Treewoods, and their society?' she asked him, as he hadn't been at the party, 'and do you think that Lieutenant Jacobson has committed this horrendous act with premeditation, and deliberately?'
Jared had been thinking over his speech for a while beforehand. How to give it was easy; when in Rome and all that, it was the content that had to be minded.
'My first hand dealings with the Treewoods have been fairly limited since I was on the bridge for most of the events that transpired. However, I did speak with Sub-Director Shork and so my first impression of the Treewoods was of a pleasant, thoughtful people' Jared didn't say 'but a little slow', but he thought it. 'I did however spend a great deal of time reading through all available information on the Treewoods from the first human contact with them a few years ago. I was possibly the only one on the ship really aware that Treewoods grew from nuts, and it would not have mattered either way if Mr Jacobson had been at the briefing since it was not included in the mission briefing since it was not one of the more important facts for treating this illness that we were brought here for. I'm sure Culturist Sark can identify with the feeling of being the only one with certain important knowledge, such as exactly how many species are on the USS Vesuvius.' With this, Jared reached to his eyes and removed the contact lenses he habitually wore to hide his species. 'Culturist Sark can confirm this, since not all of the first humans here were indeed human. I am a Betazoid, Commodore Reckus is Vulcan. If Treewoods cannot see the inherent differences that make us differnet species, how are we supposed to know by instinct that Treewoods would grow from nuts. I knew because I had time to read all of the information available. A Treewood would have the time to read all the information available to humans, yet you did not. Not even Director Paranak knew all about us and he is your Governor. Mr Jacobson is an engineer; he did not expect to have to take part in the diplomatic or scientific proceedures, but just to make sure our ship was running. He could not have known what he was doing, he did not intend any appearance of murder and he certainly did not commit murder. Observe.' Jared pulled a nut out of his pocket. 'This is a horse chestnut I took from the Vesuvius. Also,' another nut 'a walnut, like Mr Jacobson ate. Both are native to his home planet of Earth, both grow into normal trees. Neither one could ever have grown into a Treewood despite what the appearance of the walnut may suggest. You may check the ship's database if you think me a liar, or better still ask Culturist Sark.'
Jared finished; it was a speech he hoped would go down well with the Treewoods. Now to let Sonak give her final speech and hope for the best.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2005 0:48:41 GMT
"Ensign Cir'kem, what are your recollections?" She asked after dismissing her first officer. Ensign Cir'kem took the stand and slowly started telling her recollection of events.
“I was standing, occasionally adding to the conversation between Lieutenant Jacobson, Ambassador Enk, and Cultirist Sark. But a little bit after the conversation, I took a couple of steps away." Nika decided that she wasn’t going to explain her behavior, it would take unnecessary words; it wasn’t important to the case. "I was, however, able to watch the body language, mainly of the Treewoods, since I couldn’t see Lieutenant Jacobson that well. And they definitely seemed to…freeze," Nika said, mentally adding ‘more so than normal,’ but she knew it would not help her testimony if she commented on the cultural differences, though there were many, between the Firont and the Treewoods. Her people did not talk much, which meant they relied all the more on non-verbal language.
“Lieutenant Jacobson, also seemed to freeze, as soon as he realized what he had done. His shoulders then dipped a little, which in humans, often indicates some remorse.” Nika realized she was interpreting Lieutenant Jacobson’s body language, and realized that she probably shouldn’t be doing this, and hurried up her own testimony. “He also dropped the nut.” Nika nodded, indicating she had said all she had thought was appropriate, and waited to see if there would be a response.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2005 7:18:00 GMT
"Okay, what about in this condition?"
"It's the same"
A worried look appeared on Jason's face. The results had been identical in every scenario they'd created. "What are the chances that it's just this samples?"
Katia looked through the data again, "Not exactly high. This is definitely the normal and not the exception."
"Not exactly high? I thought I was the vague one."
"Uh-huh, and tonight you can stay up." She smiled before immediately returning to work. "You're just going to have to accept this."
He looked at the data again, all the results from all the tests. Kat was right, he had to admit that this was the most likely outcome. "Computer, open a data link with Commander Kanz's tricorder, and download the results."
Down on the planet, L'Ola suddenly became aware of her tricorder suddenly going into overdrive. She read through the data that had been downloaded, and then read it again just to make sure.
Then she waited impatiently for Sonak to walk around. As soon as she came in ear range the information was relayed.
"They have the cure."
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2005 19:50:34 GMT
Now that everyone had testified, it was time for Sonak and Berk to seclude themselves for a while to debate on the outcome. Everyone was dismissed from the room and free to attend to their duties, except Nephi, who was escorted back to he brig by the Treewood guards.
"He is innocent of murder," Sonak said the instant they were alone.
"I disagree," Berk said, almost gruffily, "he has murdered a Treewood, even though it was accidental."
"Lieutenant Commander Jared has proven that a walnut would never grow into a Treewood," Sonak argued, though her voice never changed tone, nor did she raise it, "and Commander Reckus erred in testifying that it was said in the briefing about the nuts. All that Mr Jacobson is guilty of, is his conduct unbecoming an officer. That got him removed from the meeting, and that got him to misjudge Treewood society. Had he minded his mannders, he would have been more thoughtful."
Berk remained silent for what seemed an eternity. "Given the circumstances, would he undergo that same error again?"
"I very much doubt that," Sonak admitted, "and I doubt he will mind his manners more when speaking to a superior officer in the future also. This is the first time he has gotten into trouble. Mr Jacobson is a dedicated officer, who rarely sets senior staff against himself. I would not know what I would do without him as chief engineer, he knows this ship better than her designer."
Berk made a gesture that came close to resembling a nod. "Very well," he relented, "he will not be found guilty on the murder charge, but he will be on not paying closer attention, and the conduct unbecoming charge."
Sonak almost smiled. "Thank you," she said, "as Prosecutor and judge it is your task to announce it to him. However, I shall join you."
Together, Treewood and Vulcan walked down to the holding cell area.
"Lieutenant Commander Nephi Jacobson, Chief Engineer," Berk started, "on the charge of murdering a Treewood, you have been found not guilty. On the charge of conduct unbecoming an officer, you have been found guilty. Your commanding officer will decide on sentencing for that issue. My job is done here."
With that, Berk swept out of the holding cell area, leaving Sonak behind with Nephi.
<Nephi>
ooc: I would like to thank RA Drew for posting as Prosecutor Berk.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 1, 2005 1:54:02 GMT
Nephi's spirits had been low ever since he was forced to remain in that miserable Treewood prison cell, as if it were dampened by the humidity and mist suspended in the air, leaving it as wet as his uniform had been.
But when he was informed that he was found not guilty, it was as if a tremendous weight had been lifted from his shoulders. The heavy hand of the possible future had weighed down on him like a fully-grown seal.
His spirits rushed back into him like a flood-gate being opened, flowing and churning in every part of his body.
Coming back to reality, he turned to Sonak. "So, what's the punishment in conduct unbecoming an Officer? Should I just stay here a while longer?" he asked.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 1, 2005 14:50:52 GMT
Sonak deactivated the forcefield as she shook her head. "Since this is your first offense, I am going to let you off with a formal reprimand in your record," she said, "the next time there will be a hearing, where you shall have to account for your actions."
She stepped aside to let the chief engineer out. "Just be grateful that Commander Jared was able to prove that the nuts you consumed were never going to grow into Treewoods, otherwise you would be spending the rest of your life in a Treewood prison."
When the two of them walked out of the brig area, a junior officer came running up to hem, panting. "They've got a cure," he gasped.
"That is good news," Sonak replied, then turned to Nephi. "I will be in science lab two." With that, she walked down to the mentioned area. "Report!" she called, upon entrance.
<Kanz/Fox>
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