SD 06/25/05 - "You're Under Arrest" - Just when you think things are finally going your way ... wham!
My reward for risking life and limb: a warrant for my arrest. Same with Lera, Lynx, and Ben Dover.
The Bridge crew and I, along with Dover, arrived at the room we were asked by Admiral S'Cowl to show up in. While we were waiting, a Caitian reporter, M'Urrow of the New Caitian News Network, showed up, wanting to ask some questions. With that trenchcoat and hat, looks like he was trying to emulate 20th century American reporters. He went around, pointing his michrophone at people, with a tiny camera lens in his hat barely visible. Some of us were less enthusiastic about him than others.
For some reason, he seemed to think M'Rander was still in charge. When we told him she'd been missing for some time, he didn't seem to hear us clearly, asking if this was confirming rumors she was among the few still missing from the raid on the cube. I'm not sure exactly what Lynx was feeling with her late mother being mentioned, but I'llbet she was thinking more than she spoke.
Then a couple Security, both Vulcans, showed up with a familar-looking Borg - Ironbottom. He was surprised to see us, and when questioned by M'Urrow, proclaimed his innocence and branded us criminals that he had been trying to arrest. Then the door opened once again, and several more Vulcans entered, including Admiral S'Cowl. Ironbottom once again claimed we were the real criminals and that he had only broken away from the assimulation when the cube began to blow up. But S'Cowl had already seen enough evidence to the contrary, that he was fully in control of himself and the Borg, and announced he was under arrest for high treason. Livid, Ironbottom was quite literally dragged off kicking and screaming.
My teammates all but cheered. I noticed Lynx and Lott giving Lera a hug. I couldn't help but grin. Our old pain in the ... bottom was getting his just deserts.
He then took out a PADD, and began pronoucning crewmembers cleared of all charges, Orlan, Lott, Tarra, Cosmo, Half. Then he got to Lera. All charges dropped, except for that incident on Risa, and ordered her arrest for Assault and Battery. I told him we did a thourough investigation, but his response was that she could use it for her defense. Lynx then offered to update her psychological profile of Lera. S'Cowl approved it, though noted the obvious, that it would be on the record she was the recipient of Lera's blows.
S'Cowl then made a statement that if Dammers was ever found, he was to be questioned about the malfunction in Lera's quarters shortly after the incident on Risa. Dammers attacking Lera? How could that be? Dammers was naturally furious, but trying to harm Lera? Ridiculous.
He then announced Benjamin Dover was being charged on two counts. For the commission Ironbottom gave him on shady grounds, he was charged with Impersonating an Officer of Starfleet. For the drug he says he was ordered to slip into Demian and Dem's breaking out and drugging M'Rander and Dammers, three counts of assault. It's highly likely they could be changed into much more severe charges as they're still missing.
Then S'Cowl announced although Lynx was cleared of all charges by Ironbottom, after going through the recordings from the escape pods, S'Cowl ordered her arrest under the charge of assault and battery. I of course mentioned Cosmo's medical report. Lynx seemed to relax upon hearing it, though was naturally a bit miffed when the cuffs were put on her. Lott offered to be her advocate at the trial, and S'Cowl approved. He also approved her contacting the services of a "Dewey, Cheetum, & Howel." I thought Tarra would say something, but she wasn't arround. Come to think of it, neither was that reporter.
Then the axe fell on me. Two charges. One was the charge I had expected would fall through: Impersonating an Officer of Starfleet with my absence of records. Then came the unexpected blow. For my actions on the Alternate Earth we got Melvin Orlan from: Violation of the Prime Directive.
We were then led away to our cells. Hardly comparable to Captains' quarters, especially the toilet out in the open. At least I was able to keep this PADD.
So now what? I requested access to the databanks for legal information, but was turned down, saying that was reserved for legal advocates. So far, no one has offered to represent me. Perhaps the shock of what's happened hasn't worn away yet.
I haven't heard of anyone offering to represent Lera. Perhaps I should do so. If nothing else, I can get some records that can help me out as well as getting Lera out of her own jam. For me, I have a carreer at stake. She's in danger of loosing her kids to the foster care system. Lynx, I'm sure her relationship with Tarra will keep her kids in familar hands. Benjamin Dover ... what to say.
What will happen to us? With these charges, Starfleet may not bother commisioning another ship for us. Those not facing charges could very well end up split apart and transfered to other vessels.
This could truly be the end of the Freedom.