Mission 93.0828-Court Martial: They Made Me Do It!

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Zhukarak returned to the Jefferson. He had been the only one with permission to leave after his interview with Colonel Stone, with an escort of two guards of course. A few Admirals had quite an interest in the destruction of those experimental fighters and they wanted a debriefing as soon as possible. It had felt more like an interrogation.

Upon his dismissal Zhukarak had been advised that court martial proceedings would be taking place on board the USS Jefferson. The ship would still be on lock down until the trial was over. Everyone looked at Zhukarak as he entered the bridge and he once more simply walked into his ready room.

Zhukarak looked over the preliminaries for the trial. The main targets, at least Zhuk viewed them as targets, were going to be Cyle and Megan. Zhukarak felt sorry for Megan as she had just arrived on the Jefferson prior to that mission and her career was already in jeapordy. It didn’t seem like the others of the senior staff were going to be targets, but they all would be put through the ringer.

Zhuk sent out a reservation for the main conference room as it would be used for the trial. He tapped another key on his terminal calling for his FO, Matt. Matt, who had already been on the bridge, came promptly. “Sir?” There was more to that question than just the one word. He wanted to know what all Zhuk knew, what was next, who was in trouble?

Zhukarak did not get into details at the moment. “Get everyone assembled in the conference room. We are to have court martial proceedings there…as soon as the lawyers and the judge show up. So let’s get everyone assembled for a briefing. Oh, one more thing…Raleva has been relieved of duty. She is to be transferred off the ship due to medical reasons. I’m afraid that last mission was just too much for her.!”


<Matt>

[Matthew Reynolds]

As Zhukarak walked across the bridge the bridge fell to a complete silence. No one dared speak fearing they would miss something. Matt knew better as he followed his commanding officer into the ready room.

"Sir?" Matt asked knowing full well that not even he could answer all his questions.

“Get everyone assembled in the conference room. We are to have court martial proceedings there…as soon as the lawyers and the judge show up. So let’s get everyone assembled for a briefing. Oh, one more thing…Raleva has been relieved of duty. She is to be transferred off the ship due to medical reasons. I’m afraid that last mission was just too much for her.!”

"Understood," Matt replied surprised and also saddened at the news. Raleva was a good officer, but more importantly a great friend. "Sir... how bad is it going to get?"

Matt had asked the question that he feared the most. He was well aware that their careers were in jeopardy, but so were their personal freedoms. His knew that his question registered with the Andorian marine officer and it fully dawned on him how angry Command was at the lost of the fighters.

No longer requiring a verbal response, Matt did as he was ordered to do and prepare everyone for what was to come.

=^=Attention all senior staff, report to the Conference Room in ten minutes. All senior staff report to the Conference Room in ten minutes=^=

(All)

[Deleted]

Cyle saw with his legs crossed in front of him, his hands placed on his knees, and his eyes closed with his head tilted slightly backwards. His eyes were rolled back, and the lids fluttered as Cyle hummed a soft tune to help with his meditation. He wore a simple white karate gi, with a black belt wrapped around. Although he did not know any actual form of martial arts, he enjoyed the freedom the gi gave him while he did his own version of training. He had been meditating for hours before now, and slowly he allowed his eyes to readjust and return to normal, before taking a deep breath and standing up. In front of him hung a punching bag used in 21st century sports of boxing. Grabbing a pair of gloves from the ground he put them on and tied them. Taking another breath, he started to punch the bag.

After an hour of exercise Cyle stopped, letting the sweat drip from his wet hair and arms. Grabbing a towel, Cyle placed it on top of his head while he took the gloves off, and then dried his face and arms. Letting the towel drop, he walked towards the door to the gym, "computer, end program" he said as he stepped out of the holodeck archway, heading towards his room. heading towards his shower room, Cyle stripped off his clothes and stood in the sonic shower, letting the pulses run over him, cleansing his body. When he stepped out he heard the call from commander Reynolds. =^=Attention all senior staff, report to the Conference Room in ten minutes. All senior staff report to the Conference Room in ten minutes=^=

Getting dressed in 5 minutes, Cyle stood in front of his door, half expecting someone to be waiting for him on the other side. After another 2 minutes of standing and waiting, he left, knowing he would one of the last to enter, if he wasnt late. Quickly walking towards the conference room, he entered and looked around noticing that he was the last one to enter, and that everyone else was looking at him. "Major, would you care to take a seat?" he heard the Colonel say, bringing Cyle back to the here and now. With a nod he walked over to an empty chair, seeing the doctor and lt. Garret on the opposite end of the table.

<tag ALL>

[Deleted]

=^=Attention all senior staff, report to the Conference Room in ten minutes. All senior staff report to the Conference Room in ten minutes=^=

The Caitian sighed. He was finally able to get to back to standard engineering after some rest, and now he had to move on to this? Not exactly the best way to please him. Never the less, he moved up, out of his seat, and grabbed a PADD that was conveniently near to him.

Moving over to the library console in main engineering, he docked the PADD into it, smiling a little. He had some material that was ready to be presented at the case when it came time for him to testify. Firstly, it made clear the exact specifics of the entity. The fact that it was now able to be spoken to itself, regardless of what level of sentience could be afforded to it. T'Ress went on in the document to argue that this entity was the cause of actions of certain crew members that were beyond their control.

Nextly, he presented the fact that the case regarding the loss of the shuttles should be thrown out on a legal technicality - the shuttles were under Federation registry, yet carried cloaking devices aboard.

This was a clear violation of the Treaty of Algeron.

He smirked rather self-righteously to himself as he boarded the turbolift, purring a bit as he asked for the deck bearing the conference room. He sighed slowly, walking out and into the conference room with a bit of a lopsided smirk to match his now self-righteous attitude. He did not intend to allow anyone on whom's behalf he was to testify, to be convicted of any charge.

He saw the entire Jefferson as innocent.

[Deleted]

Rankin's Arrival
Rankin had received his orders at the last minute, he was enjoying some shore leave and under short notice he had been recalled to active duty his assignment was unbeknownst to him as yet. Rankin never asked what the case was before he took it on, he was a workaholic and the shore leave had been uninteresting to him so the chance to get back to work was a welcome one. His life had taken a desperate turn in recent weeks, he had lost a string of cases – so when he was asked by the Judge Advocate General’s Office from Starfleet Command to act as defence attorney in a high profile court martial it had come as a surprise.

Rankin arrived on Starbase Assailant by shuttlecraft, not his preferred method of transport but it had to do. Reaching Assailant, he was greeted by the Investigator a Colonel Marshall Stone. Rankin knew little of Colonel Stone, he was not someone he had come across before in his time as a Defence Attorney.

“Colonel.” Rankin stood to attention, “I am still unaware of the specifics of the case or who is on trial.”

The tall marine took a deep breathe and from his expression, Rankin knew this was not going to be good. “Commander, if you follow me I shall lead you to your quarters on the base. It would be best if we discussed the specifics in private.”

Rankin followed the marine to his assigned quarters, they were nothing special, he had become accustomed to StarFleet quarters whether it was on a starbase or a starship. Following the Colonel in, he made himself comfortable in a seat across from the marine.

Case Briefing
Stone cleared his throat and then looked at Rankin.
“The court martial concerns the USS Jefferson’s last mission, StarFleet lost some prototype fighters. My investigation found Colonel Hrisvalar and his crew acted without cause…”

Rankin frowned and decided to interrupt his superior. “Did you say Colonel Hrisvalar?” Rankin knew the Andorian Colonel by reputation only, but from what he had been told Hrisvalar was an accomplished Captain and had been commended by StarFleet on numerous occasions.

Stone did not appreciate the interruption, “You know the Colonel?” he scowled.

“Only by reputation, please continue…” Rankin answered, as the investigator handed Rankin a padd and continued… “This contains my investigation and a detailed account of the crew’s statements with reference to their previous mission.”

Rankin briefly nodded acknowledging the padd before him, “Who is the prosecutor?”

The Lieutenant Colonel took a breathe, “Major Dunn Bridgeton.”

Rankin put his hand on his head and rubbed his brow. “This case just got ten times more difficult, If you would excuse me Colonel. I will need to prepare.” Something inside Rankin was niggling at him, how had he been assigned to this, surely StarFleet would have assigned someone more experienced or high profile to oppose Bridgeton.

Stone clearly knew what Rankin was thinking about as he spoke. “Rankin, I need not stress to you what is at stake here. Good luck.” He offered an outstretched hand, Rankin shook it firmly and led the Colonel to the door.

After Stone had departed, Rankin approached the replicator and ordered a cup of earth tea, sat down at his desk and began to unpack his things. He did not carry many personal effects and his desk was sparsely littered with some trinkets from his previous cases. Rankin sat into the small hours of the night and mulled over his padds, this was going to be the toughest case of his career. He stepped to his room window and stared at the docked Jefferson, he would board the Jefferson tomorrow. For now her Captain and crew deserved their privacy, Rankin had already decided he would be based on the Starbase, he did not wish to impose himself more than he had to.

[Deleted]

Nathan had spent most of his time either in his quarters or in sickbay. He had said his farewells to Raleva and knew just then that he would genuinely miss her. She had been his only friend aboard the Jefferson and he'd be alone again now she was gone.

The doctor found that he couldn't quite concentrate on his work and even Hannah was starting to get crouchy. "Go home," she would snap at him from time to time, "there's an investigation going on, this is the last place you ought to be. D'Amato can take over from you."

"D'Amato isn't taking over," Nathan had retorted, but in the end he'd relented and had gone back to his quarters. At least Freddy seemed happier with seeing more of his father over the last few days. He started from his reading when the boy dumped a cat on his lap. "Tibbe's looking funny," the boy whined.

"She's not looking funny," Nathan retorted after examining the grey feline. "She's just been walking through the arboretum again. Go give her a bath and be careful for her claws." He sneezed in response as he handed the pet back to his son. "And get me my allergy medications please. You know full well I cannot tolerate pollen."

Freddy nodded and got his father his medications, just as the call came through to report to the conference room. Still sneezing, Nathan grabbed his labcoat, stuffed his meds into the left pocket and checked to see whether his hypospray was still in his right, along with spare vials. Ten minutes later, he took a seat at the long table and took a moment to regain his breath and take his medication. A little bleary-eyed, he glanced around the table, wondering what was going on.

[Deleted]

=^=Attention all senior staff, report to the Conference Room in ten minutes. All senior staff report to the Conference Room in ten minutes=^=

Slumping into her chair and sighing deeply, Megan realized that this was finally it. After waiting in suspense, they would finally reveal what was going on and what would happen. It had been frustrating, simply waiting, trying to stay busy, with no word from anyone. The Colonel had been the only one to ask for her side of the story, and even then, his questions had been vague as a result of the earlier incident between the two of them. The investigator hadn’t said a word to her.

No one knew Megan’s side of the story, and no one knew what she thought about any of it. Even she wasn’t entirely sure of what to say. Not on person had asked “what happened” or “what did you do.” The subject had been avoided completely. The only person who had said anything about what had happened was Cyle, and what he’d said hadn’t been particularly helpful, kind but not helpful.

Megan appreciated that the Major had been trying to offer some comfort, but there was no way she was just going to sit back and allow the Marine to take the blame for everything. Above all, Megan was a Starfleet officer, and she would not circumvent the truth to keep herself out of trouble. It just wasn’t in her nature, no matter how much Cyle or anyone else wanted to protect her.

Shutting down the computer screen in front of her, Megan finally stood to make her way to the conference room, as ordered. Facing the music was never fun, but running and quitting was not an option. Whatever had been on the screen had been an unimportant diversion, for as soon as the screen went black its contents were forgotten in a blur much the same as the Lieutenants short trip to Deck 1.

Arriving five minutes early, Megan was slightly relieved, thought not entirely surprised, to find herself first to arrive, as was usual. After picking one of the identical chairs somewhere in the middle, not too close to show any eagerness for what was coming nor too far away to show fear, Lieutenant Garrett sat perfectly still, back straight, legs crossed, hands folded, as she watched one officer after another arrive and select their seats.

Megan looked directly at and nodded to each person to walk through the doors but kept her expression carefully blank. She spoke to no one unless spoken to, and used as few words as possible. Finally, after what felt like ages, the Colonel arrived with Commander Reynolds and they each took their seats. Hrisvalar wasn’t looking directly at anyone, and Megan knew this was a bad sign as she steeled herself as best as possible for what he was about to say.

[Deleted]

The temporary office on the StarBase was buzzing with activity. Major Bridgeton's team was milling about the two small adjoining rooms like bees in a hive. Giulia, the only female in the office, prepared the deposition forms.

"Do you think eight will be enough?" There were a set of PADDs in her hand, each containing the same data. StarFleet required all of the deposition reports to be placed on their own PADD, to avoid confusion.

She had never actually been in an actual trial. The Andorian was quite proud of the fact too. The Major was a kind, sensitive, caring man. He also was a slave driver. Giulia could remember the last eight cases that she had been on board with. He had only lost one. It was an impeccable record, and the Andorian knew he would be attempting to improve upon it. She made it her goal to help.

The others poked in and out, either placing PADDs or memory chips onto the transporter pad.

"Is this the pile ready to be sent up?" Giulia asked. She generally took the role of personal assistant since Major Bridgeton did not have one. Jennah, Bridgeton's wife, was so adamantly against the idea, she had threatened to leave when he hired Giulia. It wasn't until she showed some of her paralegal skills that Jennah became less jealous to the point she could remain on staff.

Dunn flung his index finger into a point toward the transport pad as an indication that he was ready. "Secret override is needed, sir."

Everyone turned their backs, as was the custom at this juncture. Giulia assumed he was typing in some sort of code. John, the law student doing residency with Dunn, swore that he saw him getting a retinal scan. Others have said that there was voice recognition technology. The latter, of course, being the least likely. Bridgeton was silent the whole process.

After a hum of a transport, the legal team turned around. Major Bridgeton and the PADDs had dematerialized, and were in route.

****************

The encryption algorithm used in the mobile transporter pad changed daily. Only Dunn knew how to decode it. This prevented it from being intercepted while traveling through subspace to its destination.

The chaotic fractal algorithm decoded the PADDs, memory chips, and most importantly Major Bridgeton in the main conference room of the USS Jefferson. There were already suspects in the room, Dunn had memorized the faces a few nights before. He hadn't introduced himself as the prosecutor yet.

Pulling a table across the room, he placed it behind a larger table. He put a chair between the two, spread out the PADDs on the small table in back, and sat down. Pulling out a nail file he filed his nails. The preliminary depositions would begin in 10 minutes. Relaxing was his best mental preparation.

[Deleted]

Rankin awoke to find himself to have fallen asleep at his desk, it was not the first time it had happened and it wouldn’t be the last. Raising his head from the padd he had been using as a pillow he pulled himself up to his feet and ordered a cup of tea from the replicator. He slouched himself down on the couch and unbuttoned his collar and picked up the padd he had been making notes on. It was only 6am, but he knew he had to prepare for the case, he had no team of staff around him, he had often seemed eccentric to the modern day attorney’s preferring to keep his own company and counsel.

From the padd, Rankin had determined who he believed would be the prosecution’s main targets. Lieutenant Megan Garrett and Major Cyle Johnson were an obvious choice, Colonel Hrisvalar would also be implicated. The prosecution would have to prove that he had acted negligently and his mismanagement of the situation was the ultimate factor in the loss of the fighters. Rankin was happy with that arrangement, the prosecution had to prove that, Rankin just had to disproof or dismiss whatever the prosecution could come up with. Leaning back to yawn and then drinking some tea, he couldn’t help thinking that some fact was eluding him. Propping his feet up on the table, Rankin decided that he would change into a clean uniform.

Rankin quickly showered and changed into a fresh uniform, he planned on spending some time on the Jefferson before the court martial proceedings began. He would just be in the mess but it may help him get his bearings and perhaps even observe some of the senior staff without revealing who he was. As Rankin approached the bay in which the Jefferson was docked at approximately 0700 he had to show his clearance to gain entry past the security detail keeping the ship under lockdown.

Making his way to the mess with surprising ease, he had picked up on the fact that the senior staff were to have a briefing before the proceedings began, for a second – Rankin considered introducing himself but instead he had a seat in the corner at a solitary table and began reviewing his notes. He noticed some glances from members of the Jefferson crew but he was safe in the assurance that they would just assume him to be another duty officer.

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Zhukarak watched everyone as they slowly entered the conference room one by one. Lieutenant Garrett was the first to arrive, besides Zhukarak and Matt, and her face betrayed nothing at all. Of course she was worried, but she kept control of her emotions. Somehow Zhuk wasn’t sure if he was…whenever he looked at her lately.

Nathan seemed un-phased as well, bringing along a PADD which Zhukarak was sure it was full of medical data for the proceedings. Although when he looked over at Zhuk, his eyes quickly averted to another direction. Then the Caitian arrived. Zhuk knew that his emotions would be read through the use of his tail, and it stood high and proud as ever. If Zhuk didn’t know any better he would have sworn this feline had a smile upon its face.

Cyle was the last to show, the last of the senior staff that was more or less directly involved with the last mission. He was truly worried about the whole incident and it showed by his tardiness. Zhukarak reflected how lucky Raleva possibly was in having been reassigned, although she had suffered a great ordeal from all of this.

Three other members appeared as well, one they already knew as the investigating officer, Colonel Marshall Stone. Most of the senior staff had a curious look about who the others could be, but it didn’t take a brain surgeon to really figure that out. One was the prosecuting attorney, Major Dunn Bridgeton. The other was the defense attorney, Commander Rankin Fitch. The judge was due to arrive shortly. As soon as Zhuk was done with his briefing, he was sure.

“I shall get straight to the point, we are to have court martial proceedings right here in this conference room. These two officers are Major Bridgeton, prosecutor, and Lieutenant Commander Fitch. He will be serving on our behalf as defense attorney.” The senior staff looked at the two newcomers with reluctance and suspicion.

“As you know, Lieutenant Colonel Stone here is the investigating officer, but what you didn’t know…until now…Is that he is our resident expert on the experimental fighters.” Everyone’s mouth opened a little in surprise. It now only made sense why he was sent as the investigator. He was also here to collect data and make an after-action report for Starfleet. “He will sit in on the trials for whatever information he can give, depending on how classified the material is.”

Zhukarak let the silence in the room go on, allowing everyone to catch their thoughts at this new information before he continued. “A judge is due to arrive any moment now, and these proceedings will begin immediately upon his arrival. The proceedings will consist of the judge, the two lawyers, one witness as called upon by the lawyers, Colonel Stone for the reasons I have just stated, and myself. I have been allowed to sit in as courtesy given to a CO when his crew is on trial.”

“We are still on lockdown. Regular duties are to be assumed when you are not on the witness stand. You may speak to each other, but head my warning…anyone who conspires against these proceedings will be prosecuted to the maximum punishment as is possible. I can guarantee that you will not be serving Starfleet, or even the federation in any capacity if you are found guilty of this.”

Zhuk let those words linger for a bit. He would personally turn his back on anyone who did not behave in the full capacity of a proper Starfleet officer. Zhukarak turned to the two lawyers present. “Sirs, the floor is open to you if you wish.”

<Rankin/Dunn>

[Deleted]

A PADD materialized on the desk behind him. It was Commander Fitch's biography, complete with typical defense tactics and soft points. The beginning of a trial always worked the same, and his staff back at the office had only to wait for the transmission carrying the name they were to quickly research.

It became awkward in the room before the judge arrived. Major Bridgeton had been exposed as the prosecutor. The crew members did not make eye contact with him, perhaps to try to conceal any guilt. From the look of Stone's report, they were all guilty.

Commander Fitch, on the contrary, made eye contact often. The art of sizing up your opponent while trying to demean and demoralize was clearly playing out in the pre-trial paper shuffle.

An interesting surprise was Colonel Stone's presence at the trail. To Major Bridgeton, it was a welcomed addition. They had been friends in the past. He would be impartial, true, but he Dunn also knew his weaknesses, and also knew how to extract only the information he needed. This was a practiced ability; one you learn after years of prosecuting.

Zhukarak Hrisvalar was conferring with the crew that was in the room. They would all be present for the opening proceedings, but would be excused until it was their turn for questioning. It was quite clear, of all of them, of which of them thought they were in trouble. Lieutenant Garrett sat quietly, staring at the ground. Major Johnson, the same, in the seat next to hers. Even Colonel Hrisvalar himself was on edge more than the standard indited member. The others, a Caitian, the First Officer, some unranked type recognized as the new chief doctor aboard: they acted as if this was just an everyday proceeding. Dunn noted this in his files. He knew where his targets lie before this, but now they were confirmed.

While waiting a bit longer, the prosecutor thought about the words Zhukarek Hrisvalar spoke: "I can guarantee that you will not be serving StarFleet, or even the federation in any capacity if you are found guilty of this.”

Although that may be an outcome, it certainly wasn't always the outcome. Nor was sentencing in Dunn's department. That would be left up to the judge. It seemed to Dunn that the Colonel was being overly cynical. Noting this on a PADD, Major attributed this to a possible guilty conscience. When questioning came around, he would wedge into the topic of punishment a little deeper. It seemed to be a nerve with the guy.

Throughout the wait for the judge, Bridgeton felt it was not his place to speak. What would he say? "Hi - I'm here to prove you are guilty!" No. He found sitting quietly at his desk, reading through PADDs that were continually being updated, revised, and added to the stack, to be most relaxing. The real work at this point was being ran by his staff on the StarBase. He would be working hard in short time, though. For now, he let things be what they were.

[Deleted]

After around 2 hours spent in the mess, observing some of the Jefferson’s crew Rankin had gone over the Investigator’s report with a fine tooth comb. From his perspective it seemed that the Colonel’s investigation was carried out purposely for a court martial of the Jefferson’s crew. It seemed StarFleet deemed someone must pay for the loss of the fighters, but not this way Rankin thought to himself. He was not going to allow the Jefferson’s senior staff or Colonel Hrisvalar be made scapegoats. Rankin checked the time on his old fashioned earth wristwatch it was his only connection to his birth parents. Picking up his padds he made his way to the main conference room where the court martial proceedings would take place. Entering Rankin found himself one of the last to arrive, Rankin spied Major Bridgeton sitting at a desk on his own, the Jefferson crew was gathered at the opposite side of the room. As Rankin approached his desk opposite that of Bridgeton’s he nodded in acknowledgement to the various members of the Jefferson’s crew.

“Sirs, the floor is open to you if you wish.”

Rankin’s eyes almost fell out of his head, as Colonel Hrisvalar spoke those words. The current situation was very unorthodox, to have the investigator, the lawyers and the accused all in the same place awaiting the Judge. Usually, they would all come from their respective camps, with little interaction between them before the proceedings were to begin. Rankin gazed across at Bridgeton, by now his team would be looking through Rankin’s history, his previous cases – looking for a weakness in his character. Their search would ultimately be fruitless he mused. With Bridgeton not taking the opportunity to speak, Rankin took it upon himself and stood up to address the various officers in the room.

“My name is Rankin Fitch, I am the Defense Attorney from the Judge Advocate General’s office. I will do my utmost to ensure that the truth comes out and I address this to everyone in the room. I am here to defend the USS Jefferson and the actions of her crew on your last mission and I will defend you as I would myself.”

Rankin glanced across to the Jefferson crew and smiled, he hoped that his statement of intent would reassure them that someone was on their side. With Colonel Stone having led the investigation and now Bridgeton prosecuting, they may have felt like their fate had been sealed. Rankin quickly exchanged a look to Major Bridgeton, he had noted something on a padd - or maybe Rankin was just being paranoid. He wasn't quite sure anymore.

(Tag All)

[Deleted]

Nathan sat reviewing the data on his PADD even as Colonel Hrisvalar stated the order of proceedings. The doctor quickly opened up a new program on his PADD to make quick notes of the colonel's words. ~conspire?~ he thought with a hint of wonder ~who'd dare to conspire in court martial proceedings. What is the use in that?~

He looked up and regarded each of the newcomers, wondering if they had thought about observing starship protocol. Protocol clearly stated that newcomers had to be checked by a doctor, especially if they didn't arrive by transporter. As he'd seen none in sickbay, nor heard from his staff that any had come by for a quick check-up, he assumed the three officers hadn't thought about it.

Clearing his throat, he rose to his feet. "Gentlemen, I have to remind you that, before you remain on Jefferson for these proceedings, protocol clearly states that you have to submit to a medical examination. These are standard procedures all three of you may have, conveniently or not, forgotten about. It is a simple matter of verifying who you are, and whether you may be carrying any diseases that may not have shown up on the scanners earlier. I promise you, it will not take long."

He ignored the cold stares he was receiving from his command team, and fellow officers. He was a civillian and while serving on a starship, technically he didn't fall under the chain of command. Or so, he was led to believe when he signed on. "I expect the three of you in sickbay as soon as possible." He sat back down again and made another few notes on his PADD, before reaching for his medication. He was still feeling the effects of the pollen on his airways and he would need a new dosage of his medication again, when he returned to sickbay. At times like these, he hated it that he was allergy-prone, especially when his son loved to spend his free time in the ship's arboretum with his cats and his friends.

Nathan himself, if he could help it, stayed well away from the pollen-rich area of the ship.

[Deleted]

"Gentlemen, I have to remind you that, before you remain on Jefferson for these proceedings, protocol clearly states that you have to submit to a medical examination. These are standard procedures all three of you may have, conveniently or not, forgotten about. It is a simple matter of verifying who you are, and whether you may be carrying any diseases that may not have shown up on the scanners earlier. I promise you, it will not take long."

Rankin smiled, this was the last thing he had been expecting to hear. The civilian doctor almost seemed to be oblivious to what was going on around him concentrating on protocol but maybe it was just a guise to conceal his true feelings. Whatever it was it had cleared fallen upon deaf ears, Rankin was not averse to medicals but he did them find them a nuisance when he was working on his job. He decided just to take it in a jovial manner, perhaps the doctor had said it to break the noticeable tension in the room.

“I’m sorry doctor, protocol must have slipped my mind. I’ll make sure I report to sickbay this evening for my check-up before returning to my quarters. Just now I think we all have more pressing matters to attend to, wouldn’t you agree?” Rankin smirked and then quickly turned to his notes.

(Nathan)

Noting the Doctor’s adherence to protocol – it may come in useful in the trial upon questioning. He was sure that Major Bridgeton would be thinking the exact same thing and working out some way to play it to his advantage. The Major had not spoken yet he had just observed and continued to review and add to his ever increasing stack of padds.

Rankin again turned to his wrist-watch, by the standards of the 24th century it was a crude timekeeping device but it had great sentimental value to him. Where is the judge and who is the judge? Rankin was thinking, In his trial experience the Judge was never late he arrived exactly when he meant to…

Rankin began to carefully observe the crew, Major Johnson was beginning to perspire Lieutenant Garret still had her eyes glued to the floor in Rankin’s mind their demeanor and body language was making them look guilty. Major Bridgeton would like seeing his prey squirming in their seats, by contrast Colonel Hrisvalar seemed confident and assured. Rankin decided to approach Lieutenant Garret and sat in the seat next to her, she still left her eyes transfixed on the floor.

Rankin spoke quietly next to her,
“I understand you must be nervous Lieutenant and questioning your decisions on the last mission. Wondering how it has come to this a court martial in the infancy of what I am sure will be a long and distinguished career. However, do not worry if you are honest and true you will be fine.” Rankin patted her on the back gently to try and comfort her, he hoped now she could at least keep her head up.

(Megan)

[Matthew Reynolds]

Commodore Henry S. Parker
Senior Judge
Judge Advocate General's Office

It wasn't often that Parker was asked to leave Earth to rule over a trial, but here he was on the USS Jefferson. He wasn't given much information to go on but he had been assured that it was highly classified.

"Crewmen where is Colonel Hrisvalar?" Parker asked as he entered an almost deserted bridge.

"He alongside the rest of the senior staff are in the conference room," the crewmen answered.

"Thank you crewmen," Parker replied as he walked towards the conference room and entered.

"Colonel Hrisvalar, I presume," Parker said as he approached the Andorian," I'm Commodore Henry Parker, I'll be presiding over this trial."

(Zhuk)

"Major, Commander I expect this to be a fair trial and all rights of the accused to be upheld," Parker said as he surveryed the room. A few of them were visably shaken and worried, but he wouldn't make any judgements now. "Colonel, I'd like to being as soon as possible."

(Tag All)

[Deleted]

At first, Megan had kept her head held high and her eyes met each person who looked at her, but as soon as Major Bridgeton had entered, and had missed meeting her gaze a few times, she began to panic and slip back into previous training. Do not make eye contact with the enemy. Do not make any unnecessary movement. Do not react. Keep eyes fixed firmly away. Remain perfectly calm. Always be aware of your surroundings, yet focus on something else. You cannot control what others do, but you can control your responses.

Remaining perfectly still, legs crossed, hands folded in lap, head looking straight ahead, eyes on the floor, and a blank expression planted firmly on her face, Megan repeated these instructions over and over to herself while slowing her breathing as much as possible. If she could only pull herself out of this room, out of her body, out of the moment, it wouldn’t hurt. She wouldn’t feel a thing when…

A hand on her back yanked her back to the present and in spite of her training, Megan flinched. Glancing around the room, it became apparent that everyone was looking at her. Had she made a sound? Unable to remember, Megan glanced back at Fitch who had moved his hand and leaned away slightly, perhaps appearing a bit concerned. Silently reprimanding herself for slipping back into training unnecessarily and for not even following through with it correctly, she decided to take advantage of the opportunity of having everyone’s attention.

“I assure you, Commander, I am more than capable of handling myself in whatever situation arises from these proceedings. However, I find myself somewhat…confused as to why I haven’t even been spoken to yet. As I was never questioned during the investigation, I fail to see how the truth could be known without all the pieces in place. That would make jumping to conclusions a serious possibility, and I’m sure no one wants that.”

Making a point to look directly at both Major Bridgeton and Colonel Stone, Megan calmly glanced back at Fitch and awaited his response. The Lieutenant was all too aware that she’d made a mistake in the previous mission and could easily be in serious trouble but knew enough not to advertise that fact to those present. She was also aware that her slip into the past could have easily caused more trouble and that staying focused on what was going on would be vital if she were to stay out of further trouble.

<Tag Fitch, All>

[Deleted]

“I assure you, Commander, I am more than capable of handling myself in whatever situation arises from these proceedings. However, I find myself somewhat…confused as to why I haven’t even been spoken to yet. As I was never questioned during the investigation, I fail to see how the truth could be known without all the pieces in place. That would make jumping to conclusions a serious possibility, and I’m sure no one wants that.”

Rankin paused, the young Lieutenant’s response had taken him by surprise. He had misjudged her character thinking she was scared but in actual fact she had some real inner strength. Rankin hoped Bridgeton had misjudged her too and it would come back to bite the purposeful Major. Rankin watched as Megan made a point of making eye contact with both Bridgeton and Stone, to their credit neither man looked away. Rankin turned back to Megan and with a reassuring smile said:

“I understand your concern over the investigation, I believe it to be highly contradictory that an expert on the fighters could carry out the investigation. However you will get your opportunity to set the record straight when the proceedings begin and you are called to give testimony.” He replied quiet enough for no-one else to hear but loud enough for Megan.

(Megan)

As Rankin had finished speaking, he made his way back to his desk at the front of the makeshift court room. Just as he had sat himself down the doors to the room swished open to reveal a Commodore entered approaching Colonel Hrisvalar first before addressing the room.

The Commodore approached the front of the room and then cast Rankin and Bridgeton a quick look. “Major, Commander I expect this to be a fair trial and all rights of the accused to be upheld”

Rankin nodded as did Major Bridgeton, before the Commodore addressed Colonel Hrisvalar once more. “Colonel, I'd like to begin as soon as possible." he announced, Rankin checked his watch as the Commodore took his seat at the front of the room. It would not be long now, soon the battle of minds between himself and Bridgeton would begin and the fate of the Jefferson and her crew would be decided.

(Tag All)

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

Zhuk heard Megan's pointed comment about the lack of interviews when he spoke up. "Ensign Garrett, you are correct about your perspective. However, as Colonel Stone was called away for more pressing issues it had been decided that the facts from the Jefferson's various recorders would be presented, and the rest during cross examinations of these proceedings. I am sure that everyone here would undoubtedly be repeating themselves in this courtroom if they had been interviewed previously." Zhukarak sat as he let the implication sit that he trusted no one to be changing any of their stories, but present themselves as the Starfleet officers they were.

The doors swished open and Zhukarak immediately recognized the rank of Commodore as he jumped to attention. "COMMODORE ON DECK!" Everyone quickly rose giving their respect to the ranking officer.

"Take a seat please. Colonel Hrisvalar, I presume," Parker said as he approached, " I'm Commodore Henry Parker, I'll be presiding over this trial."

"Aye sir. We were just awaiting your arrival, Commodore."

"Major, Commander I expect this to be a fair trial and all rights of the accused to be upheld," Parker said as he surveryed the room. A few of them were visably shaken and worried, but he wouldn't make any judgements now. "Colonel, I'd like to begin as soon as possible."

"Aye sir!" The Commodore sat in his appointed seat at the front of the room as Zhuk began addressing everyone else. "This is it, the moment everyone has been waiting for. As I mentioned before I expect each and every one to behave as proper Starfleet officers and respectable people in good standing." That was a reference to the good doctor as he wasn't a Starfleet officer.

"Now I believe Major bridgeton will begin with opening statments, followed by Commander Fitch. Then we shall take a fifteen minute recess if it pleases the court, " Zhuk looked over at the judge who nodded in agreement, "I have a few formalities that need to be taken care of, after which everyone will be interviewed in the courtroom. Major..." Zhuk relinquished the floor to the prosecuting attorney.

<Dunn>

[Deleted]

Bridgeton stood to face those accused of destroying the fighters, those accused of aiding those accused of destroying the fighters, and those who conveniently looked the other way while the fighters were destroyed. As far as he was concerned, this was an open and shut case.

The only glitch, and it could be just a minor oversight by such a large bureaucracy as StarFleet is, that Hrisvalar had oddly received a promotion to Brigadier just minutes before the trial began. Was this StarFleet's way of saying that they had confidence in him? Was Major Bridgeton expected to take a hint and go easy on the Brigadier? He didn't have time to think about this now. Perphaps in the recess period he would send the information down to his staff on the StarBase and see what they think.

"Commodore, Brigadier, senior staff of the USS Jefferson: We are here today because," He waved a PADD in the air. A few more materialized onto the desk behind him, along with a memory stick.

"MAJOR DUNN," Judge Parker barked. "I will have no transporter transmissions during this trial. Tell your associates that there is to be no transfer of matter or data in or out of this room."

"Sorry, Commodore." he said. Tapping his PADD, he sent a signal to end the incoming and outgoing stream of information. It was standard procedure. Dunn made it his own standard procedure to allow it until told otherwise.

"As I was saying, we are here today because members of the USS Jefferson crew behaved maliciously, under the command of Brigadier Hrisvalar - then Colonel Hrisvalar - in a matter that was not only unbecoming an officer, but detrimental to StarFleet's secret operations program."

The court was silent. Either they were enthralled by the stern sounding voice flowing out of prosecutor's mouth, or the tension in the room was too great for expression.

Dunn continued. "I will show the court the following." Hovering above the desk, a screen-like projection appeared. Bulleted points appeared as he spoke. "One, Brigadier Hrisvalar - then a Colonel - acted without concern for the safety of his ship, his crew, and the experimental fighters. He is also charged with setting up a sequence of events, whether through action or inaction, which led to this disaster." He paused for dramatic effect. "Two," pacing back and forth, looking at the ground, he made sure he formulated his words perfectly, "Major Cyle Johnson, and Lieutenant Megan Garrett both disobeyed command orders, breached the security of a secret operation, and are directly responsible for the destruction of the experimental fighters." Dunn expected some show of emotion, but this seemed to not come as a surprise to those present. "And third, I will show that the whole of the USS Jefferson senior staff worked in collusion to allow this disaster to happen." The projection enlarged for all to see better before disappearing.

"Throughout this case, Judge Parker, I shall show you evidence supporting my claims. I will show you that the Artificial Intelligence claims of the defendants are not substantial; claims that are their only line of defense. I will lay forth a chain of events that were set forth by the Brigadier, continued blindly by the crew, and through the illegal actions of a few, led to the destruction of the fighters."

He paced back and forth a few more steps before finally sitting down. "That is all, thank you."

He turned to Rankin Fitch and smiled.

[Deleted]

Rankin listened intently to Major Bridgeton lay out his case, it was as he expected the Major was going for the jugular. No-one had been spared from his opening statement in which he laid out his case against the Jefferson’s senior staff and in particular Colonel Hrisvalar, Major Johnson and Lieutenant Garret. Bridgeton’s conviction to his argument surprised Rankin, he had laid out his case well and no doubt his arguments would be compelling. As the Major finished he cast Rankin a smile and then sat back down in his seat.

Rankin pulled at his collar nervously and then stood up and addressed the room;
“Major Bridgeton did get one thing right there and that was that the experimental fighters were indeed lost on the Jefferson’s last mission. However, Commodore unless he knows something I don't I believe Colonel Hrisvalar is in fact a Colonel”

(Tag Bridgeton)

Rankin turned and smirked at Major Bridgeton, perhaps he had gotten wind of the Andorian being in line for a promotion but he was in fact still a Colonel. Rankin continued...

“The prosecution claims that the Jefferson’s senior staff acted maliciously, in truth the senior staff were under the influence of an AI with the power to influence their actions. This I shall prove to you through detailed testimony and the research carried out by Ensign J'Varr T'ress after the destruction of the fighters.”

Rankin paused for dramatic effect before continuing, clearing his throat and sipping from his glass of water on his table.

“Furthermore, I intend to prove that ever since the Jefferson’s crew encountered the experimental fighters their characters were significantly affected. Resulting in the crew of the Jefferson having several altercations across the ship.”

“I will prove this to you all and in doing so will show that the actions of the Jefferson’s crew were not that of their own. Therefore they cannot be held accountable for following orders in testing the fighters and the adverse reactions which followed and in the end led to the destruction of the fighters."

"In stopping the AI before it go do even more damage to the Jefferson and its crew, it was the brave actions of two officers: Major Johnson and Lieutenant Garret in destroying the fighters and freeing the crew from the AI’s grasp. These officers should be heralded as heros not standing for court martial.”

Rankin pointed to Major Johnson and Lieutenant Garret as he was illustrating his point and thumped his fist on the desk in closing , as Commodore Parker cast him a glare. Rankin wrapped up his opening statement in time for the recess.

“That will be all, thank you.”
He finished and sat back down at his table, avoiding the urge to turn to Major Bridgeton. They had both played their opening gambits now they entered the middlegame, both were trying to prove different things so from here on in it would be a war to convince the judge.

“I believe we will now be having a 15 minute recess…” Rankin said turning to Commodore Parker

(Tag Commodore Parker)

[Matthew Reynolds]

Commodore Henry S. Parker
Senior Judge
Judge Advocate General's Office

“I believe we will now be having a 15 minute recess…” Rankin said turning to Commodore Parker.

"Yes, a fifteen minute recess which will be followed by the prosecution's first witness," Parker said as he used his gavel to announce to all that they could leave. "Major I would like a word. Colonel, could I use your ready room?"

"Of course, Commodore," Colonel Hrisvalar replied.

"Fitch, you come to," Parker said as he walked out of the conference room and headed towards the office on the opposite side of the bridge.

"Major, please be advised that I will not allow any nonsense in my courtroom," Parker said before both men could get anymore comfortable," your evidence will need to be on hand and inspected by my office."

(Major)

"Commander Fitch, if you are going to try an insanity defense, I suggest you have a bullet proof witness to interpret the data," Parker said as he stood up," as you both should know by now I have put a gag order on this trial. Do not speak to anyone about this trial especially Assailant's troublesome reporters. Dismissed."

(Major, Lt. Cmdr)

[Deleted]

Cyle sat in his chair, alone in his own mind as he gathered his thoughts about what was going to be happening. He looked up at the defending attorney, and then the prosecuter as they entered the conference room. Cyle watched as Rankin constintly made eye contact with the senior staff, while Major Bridgeton hardly moved his eyes, both of which were forms of sizing up your oppenents. Cyle made mental notes about both men as he sized them up his own way.

The inside of Cyle wanted nothing more then to burst out and start screaming in anticipation, but Cyle kpet his composure, as well as his mask. He was a little surprised to see Megan jump at the touch of Fitch, who attempted to comfort her. Cyle smiled on the inside as he watched her rebuttle to the Lt. Commander. 'good girl' Cyle thought.

“My name is Rankin Fitch, I am the Defense Attorney from the Judge Advocate General’s office. I will do my utmost to ensure that the truth comes out and I address this to everyone in the room. I am here to defend the USS Jefferson and the actions of her crew on your last mission and I will defend you as I would myself.” Cyle knew he couldnt trust this man, he had probably lost quite a few cases in the last months, and StarFleet probably had little to no confidence in him to put him on this case, where he was sure to lose anyway. To Cyle, he didnt seem like the type to be able to accomplish much on his own.

Cyle just kept watching the room, looking for reactions from the members of the staff, and knowing full well that attention had been brought to him numerous times, from the prosecuter more than anyone. He seemed to be looking for weakness, which Cyle showed none of, he had grown up to fast to show any form of weakness. Although Cyle had continued to reprimand himself for looking at Megan throughout the procedings, he hoped no one had noticed.

Cyle had been looking at Megan when he heard the door woosh open, and then heard the Colonel call out, "COMMODORE ON DECK!" Cyle stood quickly and waited at attention until he was told to sit down.

As I was saying, we are here today because members of the USS Jefferson crew behaved maliciously, under the command of Brigadier Hrisvalar - then Colonel Hrisvalar - in a matter that was not only unbecoming an officer, but detrimental to StarFleet's secret operations program."

The court was silent. Either they were enthralled by the stern sounding voice flowing out of prosecutor's mouth, or the tension in the room was too great for expression.

Dunn continued. "I will show the court the following." Hovering above the desk, a screen-like projection appeared. Bulleted points appeared as he spoke. "One, Brigadier Hrisvalar - then a Colonel - acted without concern for the safety of his ship, his crew, and the experimental fighters. He is also charged with setting up a sequence of events, whether through action or inaction, which led to this disaster." He paused for dramatic effect. "Two," pacing back and forth, looking at the ground, he made sure he formulated his words perfectly, "Major Cyle Johnson, and Lieutenant Megan Garrett both disobeyed command orders, breached the security of a secret operation, and are directly responsible for the destruction of the experimental fighters." Dunn expected some show of emotion, but this seemed to not come as a surprise to those present. "And third, I will show that the whole of the USS Jefferson senior staff worked in collusion to allow this disaster to happen." The projection enlarged for all to see better before disappearing.

"Throughout this case, Judge Parker, I shall show you evidence supporting my claims. I will show you that the Artificial Intelligence claims of the defendants are not substantial; claims that are their only line of defense. I will lay forth a chain of events that were set forth by the Brigadier, continued blindly by the crew, and through the illegal actions of a few, led to the destruction of the fighters."

He paced back and forth a few more steps before finally sitting down. "That is all, thank you." Cyle was fuming behind his mask, this man knew nothing of what had happened, and he didnt care. Cyle knew this type of person very well, he had grown up with it, Major Bridgeton wanted nothing more then to win this case, and he didnt care how. He only wanted what was best for him, what ever would make him look better.

“The prosecution claims that the Jefferson’s senior staff acted maliciously, in truth the senior staff were under the influence of an AI with the power to influence their actions. This I shall prove to you through detailed testimony and the research carried out by Ensign J'Varr T'ress after the destruction of the fighters.”

Rankin paused for dramatic effect before continuing, clearing his throat and sipping from his glass of water on his table.

“Furthermore, I intend to prove that ever since the Jefferson’s crew encountered the experimental fighters their characters were significantly affected. Resulting in the crew of the Jefferson having several altercations across the ship.”

“I will prove this to you all and in doing so will show that the actions of the Jefferson’s crew were not that of their own. Therefore they cannot be held accountable for following orders in testing the fighters and the adverse reactions which followed and in the end led to the destruction of the fighters."

"In stopping the AI before it go do even more damage to the Jefferson and its crew, it was the brave actions of two officers: Major Johnson and Lieutenant Garret in destroying the fighters and freeing the crew from the AI’s grasp. These officers should be heralded as heros not standing for court martial.”

Rankin pointed to Major Johnson and Lieutenant Garret as he was illustrating his point and thumped his fist on the desk in closing , as Commodore Parker cast him a glare. Rankin wrapped up his opening statement in time for the recess.

“That will be all, thank you.”
He finished and sat back down at his table, avoiding the urge to turn to Major Bridgeton. They had both played their opening gambits now they entered the middlegame, both were trying to prove different things so from here on in it would be a war to convince the judge. Cyle was actually pleasently surprised to hear this mans statements, 'maybe he can actually do his job

[Zhukarak Hrisvalar]

It was going to be an interesting trial between a prosecutor who was going to be out for blood, not necessarily justice, and a defense attorney who had heart but possibly lacked conviction in his own faith.

Zhukarak shook the thoughts from his head as they were dismissed. The mention of his promotion to Brigadier did intrigue him, but that too he was going to have to shelve for now. There was another promotion he had too worry about first. "Everyone, join me on the bridge."

As the senior staff followed, Zhuk retrieved a small PADD from a side port of his command chair and began reading it. "Attention to orders!" Everyone on the bridge ceased what they were doing and stood still at attention. "Acting Ensign J'Varr T'Ress has proven his abilities as a Starfleet officer since his arrival to the USS Jefferson. He is therby given permission to become a full officer and is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade. Everyone, stand at ease. Congratulations Lieutenant T'Ress." Matt came over with the new set of pips for the Caitian to wear which Zhuk proudly pinned on his collar.

T'Ress said a few words of gratitude and everyone on the bridge clapped their hands together. Now they were just waiting to see who was first to be up on the witness stand.

[Deleted]

Nathan joined everyone else on the bridge, even if that place held most unpleasant memories for him lately. He never liked being on the bridge anyway, not unless he absolutely needed to be there. However, he was pleased to find that the colonel was promoting the Caitian chief engineer, who had done a marvelous job last mission at saving the ship and with that it's crew.

After Hrisvalar and Reynolds had extended their congratulations, the civillian doctor walked up to the feline. "Congratulations lieutenant, and well deserved," he said, smiling brightly. "Please excuse me if I don't stay around but I have a few legal people to get down to sickbay. Their argument about starbase physicals doesn't sit well with me. Not that I don't trust their medics...I don't trust them really. Never liked lawyers, especially Starfleet lawyers."

He shook the Caitian's paw in congratulations one more time then disappeared off the bridge. He would at least expect their defense attorney in sickbay as he had agreed to come by. But he doubted Stone, Dunn and indeed, Parker, would come on their own accord. And he would summon them, if necessary, under the threat of having them removed from their positions. As chief medic, he did hold that authority...to some level at any rate.

"Colonel Stone, Major Dunn and Commodore Parker, please report to sickbay at your earliest convenience. And please bring your medical files if you have them on hand."

[Deleted]

"Yes, a fifteen minute recess which will be followed by the prosecution's first witness," Answered Commodore Parker, Rankin stood up from his chair and was prepared to have a break from the courtroom and perhaps spend some more time in the mess or get to that physical that the civilian doctor seemed so eager to conduct.

"Major I would like a word. Colonel, could I use your ready room?" Colonel Hrisvalar nodded and answered then guided the Commodore and Major Bridgeton to his ready room when Parker turned to Rankin; "Fitch, you come to," The three men entered the ready room and Rankin prepared himself for a ticking off for his emotive behavior during his opening statement. As Commodore Parker began to speak;

"Major, please be advised that I will not allow any nonsense in my courtroom," Rankin was tempted to smile, it was like being before his headmaster at school all over again and watching someone else get into trouble. " your evidence will need to be on hand and inspected by my office." Both Bridgeton and Rankin nodded as the judge continued…

"Commander Fitch, if you are going to try an insanity defense, I suggest you have a bullet proof witness to interpret the data," Parker said as he stood up," as you both should know by now I have put a gag order on this trial. Do not speak to anyone about this trial especially Assailant's troublesome reporters. Dismissed." Rankin nodded and replied, “Thank you for the advice Commodore, as for the reporters – more trouble than they are worth, I’m always being misquoted.” Rankin laughed but Commodore Parker just stared as each officer’s comm. badge beeped with a message from the Doctor:

=^= Colonel Stone, Major Dunn and Commodore Parker, please report to sickbay at your earliest convenience. And please bring your medical files if you have them on hand. =^=

Fitch turned to the two officers, “It seems this civilian doctor isn’t going to give us a minute’s peace.” Rankin said as he left the ready room and stepped out onto the Bridge. Rankin found the Bridge filled with members of the Jefferson’s crew and senior staff more than usual and they seemed to be celebrating something. Taking the opportunity to speak to the caitian engineer, “Ensign T'ress” Rankin said as he approached the caitian as he turned he noticed the engineer had 2 new shiny pips. “Apologies Lieutenant, congratulations.” Rankin said, guiding Lieutenant T’Ress away from the group of officers gathered.

“I need you to prepare all your evidence concerning your study of the fighter’s AI. You are my star witness and you’ll need to present your evidence and the conclusion in reference to the existence that the AI could influence the crew. Are you up to it?”

(Tag Lieutenant T’Ress – Congrats)

After he finished his conversation with the newly promoted Lieutenant, Rankin took the turbolift down to Sickbay. “Dr van Breughel, I am here for my medical – here are my medical files.” Rankin said passing the Doctor a padd and propping himself up onto a biobed.

(Tag Dr. van Breughel)