Trial: The first shots.

Posted on Sat Apr 15th, 2023 @ 9:31pm by Commodore Mikhail Babanin & Commodore S'vRock & Commander Firestorm to Ennien & Lieutenant Alexis Ryan

Mission: Wrath of the People
Location: Starfleet Judicial Centre//USS Athena
Timeline: MD6
1220 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

As it had happened, the scheduled time for her testimony had almost caught Alexis off-guard. Layers of ingrained efficiency had gifted her the precognition to add it in bright, bold letters to her daily schedule but it had still taken the diligence of the administration staff to remind her with enough time to wrangle a degree of respectability from her harried preoccupation. The upcoming mission was involving a lot of aspects of Science that called upon her to manage people rather than focus on her specialisation and that was definitely proving interesting amongst a staff who, until recently, wasn't very used to being lead in anything other than circles.

By the time she slipped into the chair to survey the room beyond the viewscreen, the Lieutenant had mustered a more familiar composure and managed a measured appraisal of the assembled faces without lingering on any particular one for too long. Not staring at the Captain proved the biggest challenge, though the compulsion to want to reach through the screen and pick his brains on the unfolding events was illogical enough in its intensity for Ryan to quickly avert direct eye contact. It wasn't, as it happened, the first time she'd been called to testify, having been dragged through court proceedings over the incident that had damaged her sight. Even now, her mother's professional advice still rang loud and clear as a vivid recollection. Be factual, be precise and don't elaborate unless asked to.

As the Chief concluded the swearing in, Babanin took his que from Commodore S'vRock and rose to address the Science Officer; he'd have to be as careful with this one as S'vRock himself; a scientist, she was likely to be all facts and logic and intellectual enough to not be led down any particularly desired pathway. Still, her background was deeply interesting and may be able to be used, he pondered. "Leftenant Ryan..." he began "...you're a terrorist aren't you...?" he accused, just waiting for the objection after the anticipated wave of people shifting in their seats and murmuring amongst themselves. He didn't break his intense gaze at Lieutenant Ryan, not even for a nanosecond, as he referenced her early life.

It was not, Alex admitted, exactly the opening line she'd expected. Once upon a time, she'd have fallen for the bait instantly, but it was exactly that prior penchant for overreaction that swung the pendulum so fiercely in the other direction these days. The only palpable demonstration of shock lay in the brief silence before a very succinct, "No, sir, I am not."

"Ah" Babanin replied softly. "Apologies Comrade, I must be mistaken..." he continued with just a hint of sarcasm. "Perhaps you can correct me. How would you describe your background with the Maquis terrorist group?". He was goading her for sure, but with a purpose; he knew the Vulcan Commodore might just have a slight bias towards the testimony of a logical scientist. If he could get Ryan to where he wanted her, it could be the victory he needed.

"Objection," Firestorm called out, "the lieutenant's past is not relevant to this case."

Babanin wheeled around on his heels to face Commodore S'vRock immediately; "The Leftenant's background is entirely relewant to this case. We must understand not just what our witnesses wiews are, but indeed why they are. Understanding the witness elucidates the understanding of the testimony", he countered rapidly. He knew the Commodore would only tolerate so much in a counter view, so he ensured he delivered his argument at what must have been double the speed of his normal speech. Both he and Commander Ennien looked to the Vulcan for his decision.

"Objection over ruled. Most humanoids are emotional creatures, and as such are governed by their emotions and emotional connections. That said the Lieutenant's history is pertinent to her testimony. Her history governs her emotions which govern her testimony. Please answer the question, Lieutenant Ryan." S'vRock turned toward the witness stand when he spoke. He could tell that emotions began to run high, and he would not have emotions in his court.

Out of sight, Alex's hands had curled into fists. A slow breath through her nose was enough to override the impulse to return the man's sarcasm, finding no benefit to anyone in allowing him to get the better of her. Character assassination was a diversionary tactic and, if she'd watched her own mother at work often enough, the Lieutenant could recognise a courtroom bully when she had the unpleasant privilege of being forced to deal with one. Discrediting her testimony was a tad overkill; she had hardly known Kane long enough to be the most informed witness in the defense's lineup.

"I resided within a cell for the duration of the war." It was factual and honest. "Being 10 years old at the declaration of hostilities made it one of very few options at the time." Breathe out. "That residency terminated three years later, at the end of the war." For those who might struggle with basic mathematics, let alone the justifiable logic of implying the circumstances of a child had more relevance than more recent service history, Alex added, "I was thirteen."

"Da thank you Leftenant" Babanin smiled. "You must have learned great deal, spending so much of your dewelopmental years as a terrorist." He flicked a slight - ever so slight - smirk up the corner of his lips, goading her. "You are aware of the facts of this case. How would you assess the efficacy of this attack?"

This time, Ryan failed to resist the urge to raise an eyebrow. "I wasn't present." This seemed obvious but perhaps needed to be restated for those listening. "Nor have I had access to security assessment of the event. I'm afraid you've been misinformed, sir; I am not aware of the facts of this case."

The Vulcan judge raised an eyebrow. He found it hard to believe that a member of the accused's crew was not aware of all that had happened, and why the Captain was on trial. However, it was not his place to speculate so he remained silent and continued his observation of all that transpired.

"Move to strike last statements," Firestorm said firmly, "counsel should refrain from addressing the witness as a terrorist. She is a recommended Starfleet Officer, her past is of no relevance."

S'vRock turned to face Brabanin his face showing no signs of anything. "Motion granted. The record will not show anything referencing any terrorist actions or anything of the sort." He turned toward the court recorder who nodded that she had understood his directions. "Now Commodore Brabanin I would choose my questions carefully from this point on. Steer off course and I will have to dismiss this witness and strike all testimony from the record."

Firestorm gave a satisfied flick of his long tail and sat back down.

Babanin groaned internally. This wasn't working. "No further questions sir" he replied, offering again a long nod to the Commodore before resuming his seat.

"Commander Firestorm the witness and the floor is yours." S'vRock directed as he leaned back in his chair and tented his fingers. He was curious to see how the Sivoan would fair.