All That Glitters Ch. 04

"In addition, all military communications will be passed through Folden Naval Base," he said looking at Capt. Clark who gave him a nod.

"Any requests you have for ships or manpower you, as Local Authority, can address directly to me. Your request for a second ship is noted and will be given high priority considering the situation here. You can expect that ship within two months. I will make sure of that.

"Unfortunately, we do not have dedicated science ships available, as they are all on the edges of human space looking outward at the moment. If we can work the resources, we'll see about providing a third ship for security so that we can dedicate one ship to the science team.

"Once the Court Martial is completed, I would like to board the Wimple and see the alien station myself, if that is possible. I do not want to disrupt routine. As you have stated, it has been disrupted enough."

"I'm sure that can be arranged, sir," Clark stated matter of factly to the request. 'Requests' from four-star admirals usually carried the weight of an order.

Main Assembly Deck, B-114 NS Dewfall, Piscium Star System

The solemn rights of the Navy Court Martial began with the ringing of a small Court Bell eight times, in four paired couplets, bringing the court to order, Vice Admiral Judge Hittu presiding. Fleet Admiral Thenton and Captain Pickering sat as part of the Tribunal, all three wearing their red cloaks of office signifying that they held the power of capital punishment. The four scientists and their appointed lawyers sat at individual desks in front of the Tribunal.

The Court heard of the events from the perspective of each of those directly involved, from Capt. Whatt, Cdr. Bright, Major Pureland and his Marines, Ensign Brollow and his maintenance team, Dr. Hitron and from each of the four accused scientists.

It took a full two days of hearings to get through all of the statements and visual evidence, including the recorded discussion between Capt. Whatt and Ms. Marsh. The court then heard rebuttals and commentary from the accused's lawyers, which took a further full day.

The Court then stood down to deliberate what it had heard. The members of the Tribunal determined that the four accused were culpable of the offenses, identified the specific offences they were guilty of, and identified the options for punishment.

On the fifth day of the Court Martial, the court was reconvened for Findings.

The Court Bell was chimed eight times once more and the Tribunal sat. The accused were ordered to rise and the charges against each of the accused were read out in full. Vice Admiral Hittu began immediately afterwards.

"In the case of the Terran Union Space Navy against H-117773-558 Dr. Emma Altec, Science Corps, we find the accused guilty on all charges," he intoned flatly.

"In the case of the Terran Union Space Navy against G-559834-334 Dr. Brian Lansing, Science Corps, we find the accused guilty on all charges," he repeated.

"In the case of the Terran Union Space Navy against B-333345-114 Dr. William King, Science Corps, we find the accused guilty on all charges," he continued.

"And in the case of the Terran Union Space Navy against B-173456-662 Dr. Hilda Webam, Science Corps, we find the accused guilty on all charges," he finalized.

"This court has several options for punishment at its disposal. First, due to the seriousness of the threat that you imposed on the NS Wimple and its crew, the Death Penalty is available to this court," he intoned with a stern voice.

The four scientists almost had heart attacks when the words "Death Penalty" were spoken. Dr. Lansing fainted and had to be held up by his lawyer and the Marine guard. The scientists held their combined breath as they waited.

"Fortunately, no one on the NS Wimple was sickened or died from this experience. Therefore, leniency in this case will be applied and the Death Penalty will NOT be used," he said with a harsh look at all four of the accused.

The four accused began to breath again looking a little more relieved until the Admiral began to speak once more.

"Second," the Admiral continued, "jail time of no less than two years and no more than forty years is applicable.

"Third, dismissal in disgrace from the Terran Union Space Navy Science Corps.

"Fourth, a fine in the form of restitution for the event in question. In this case, the cost of four days of lost time for the NS Wimple and her crew in whole or in part. A rather hefty sum if applied to the four of you.

"Fifth, a fine of no less that C5,000 and no more than C100,000.

"Sixth, loss of rank and station within the Science Corps IF, you are retained.

"Seventh, Severe Reprimand in your files, which would be available to your next potential employer.

"Lastly, IF you are retained within the Science Corps, you will receive indoctrination in cultural awareness.

"These are the options to be used by this court in your sentencing. These options can be applied alone or in combination depending on the severity of your transgression, and, in this case, that transgression IS severe.

"This Court will recess for one full day to determine your sentence based on those options," he finished.

The Court Bell was rung eight more times and the court was adjourned.

The Court was in recess for one full day before being called to order again.

When the Court Bell had been rung, the court was seated, and the accused stood, Vice Admiral Hittu began his sentencing.

"As the accused are all found guilty of the same offences, and are of the same rank in the Scientific Corps, I will read the sentence out once, noting that it will be applied to all four of you," he began.

"You the accused, are to be taken from this place and remanded to the Naval Penal Colony at Reinhold Bay, where you will remain for the next twenty years. You may petition for release from said institution after having completed three/fourths of your term, or fifteen years, IF you have conducted yourselves in an exemplary manner.

"In addition, you are summarily stripped of your rank and status within the Terran Union Space Navy Science Corps and released from the Corps in disgrace. All medals and commendations that you may have received will be removed from your person and from your record and all compensations you would be entitled to, as in a pension, medical or otherwise, are rescinded.

"And finally, a Severe Reprimand will be placed on your individual files to follow you in whatever career you may seek after your sentence is completed," he finished.

"Your actions are an affront to the level of rank and station that you had attained within the Science Corps. Your total disregard for the law, for good scientific practices and procedures, and for the health and safety of your fellow science officers and the crews of the NS Wimple and Liramor-23 are inexcusable for people of your rank and experience level."

Vice Admiral Hittu nodded his head to the court attendant who ordered the guilty to be removed from the court. The court sat and watched as the guilty were led away in tears.

"Finally," Hittu continued, "this court is also responsible to ascertain what actions may or may not have been taken by the appropriate authorities involved in this issue, to wit, Captain Bouyé Whatt of the NS Wimple, and Director of Operations Liramor-23 Mining Platform, Ms. Fiona Marsh. In the case of Ms. Marsh, this court does not have the jurisdiction to do anything more than make recommendations as to her actions.

"Captain Whatt, please stand," the Vice Admiral ordered.

"F-171649-554 Captain Bouyé Alexander Whatt, commanding NS Wimple, you are hereby formally extended the thanks of the Terran Union Space Navy for your quick actions placing the crew of the NS Wimple in quarantine to prevent the spread of possible infection from an unknown source.

"While you are responsible for allowing the body onto your ship, it is noted that the scientists involved deliberately deceived you and other members of the crew of the NS Wimple and their own science team members to bring the body onboard in an uncontained manner.

"Your immediate action is indicative of your training and experience given the situation. You managed to retain control and maintain discipline of your personnel, the Marine contingent, and the members of the science team during an extremely stressful event to all. A Sector Commander's Commendation for this incident will be placed in your files. You may be seated.

"Dr. Hitron, please stand," he intoned.

"B-776939-845 Dr. Silvia Hitron, Science Corps, Head of the Piscium Scientific Investigation Team, you were responsible for the actions of the scientific team on the NS Wimple assigned to this investigation. It is noted that you, and other scientists on board, were kept in the dark in regard to the actions of the four accused, and that you DID act immediately to rally your fellow scientists once this was discovered, and get them to cooperate fully with the medical staff and crew of the NS Wimple. We also note that you have received a reprimand and fined for your actions in regard to having struck Capt. Whatt, your superior officer.

"After a review, it is determined that the reprimand and fine will stand. You will retain your position as Head of the Piscium Scientific Investigation Team. We expect you to cooperate fully with the Local Authority and with Capt. Whatt or any other authority figure imposed by the Terran Union Space Navy in regard to this investigation. We expect you to maintain full control over the scientific team and its members and to ensure that the proper procedures are followed under ALL circumstances. And we expect you, as the head of the team, to charge those members of your team who break local law, navy law, or scientific protocols and not leave this to the Local or Naval Authority. Is this understood?" Hittu asked.

"Yes, sir, this is very clearly understood," she replied contritely.

"You may sit down," Hittu droned.

"Doctor Fillion and Doctor Attalan, please stand."

The two doctors stood, looking nervous before the Court.

"J-776138-345 Commander Dr. Maurice Fillion, Chief Medical Officer of NS Wimple, and K-553662-887 Dr. Anastasia Attalan, Senior Pathologist of the Piscium Scientific Investigation Team, the two of you were responsible for the autopsy of the alien body that was illegally brought aboard the NS Wimple. It is due to your competent, thorough, and expedited work in this autopsy that determined there was no threat from the body that was brought aboard, thus mitigating the necessity for quarantine aboard the NS Wimple.

"I have seen the autopsy report submitted by the two of you and, while I am no expert on medicine, after years of work in the JAG office, I have learned a thing or two about such reports. What you did, in the extremely limited time that you accomplished it, allowed the NS Wimple to return to normal routine and return to Liromar-23. The autopsy is also a flawless piece of scientific work. As such, and considering that you determined that the body was interned 3000 years ago, I declare that there is no relevant family to oppose the consideration and order that the autopsy be released for general review by the scientific community with both of your names attached as Subject Matter Experts," he concluded.

Fleet Admiral Thenton took over. "You both shall receive a Sector Commander's Commendation on your files with my personal thanks. Your may be seated."

Two very pleased doctors sat and shook hands with those around them.

"Captain Clark, please stand." Fleet Admiral Thenton snapped.

"Did you really capture a Fairling Class Frigate without firing a shot?" a stunned Admiral Thenton asked.

"Ah, yes, sir." Clark admitted hesitantly.

"How the hell did you manage to capture a frigate commanded by Capt. Whatt, an officer with war experience?" Thenton demanded.

"Well, sir, I used Limpet mines that were hidden within a casing of debris from the mine work. I reasoned, that if I wanted to take the platform, I would have to jump right on top of the platform or mask my FTL entry into the system within the ionosphere of the nearby gas giant. I did a reasonable calculation of where a ship might arrive and place my disguised mines close by.

"I figured that the ship would be looking for other ships, and to determine if their FTL wave front had dissipated before it was seen, rather than looking for mines. I only had to wait till the ship came close enough to where the mines where to activate them.

"It's been more than ten years since the War ended, and many ship commanders are starting to get lax. Had the ship's crew made a more extensive local search, they probably would have seen the mines before they activated and escaped capture," he finished.

"Yes, that is exactly what Capt. Whatt said in his report on the incident," Thenton smiled. "My God, man, I need an officer like you in my command, and now that I have the Piscium sector in my command sphere, I do.

"Capt. Clark, your actions reminded this admiral of the value of due diligence from all levels of command within the Navy. As such, I have sent out a general report on the 'capture' of the NS Wimple with an order to all ship's officers in my sector, and a strong suggestion to other sector commanders to follow-up, that they must adhere to standard war practice and not peace time practice. War can come at any time and if we train wrong, we will not be prepared when it hits us again.

"G-787625-348 Captain (brevet) Raymond Clark, you will receive a Sector Commander's Commendation to go along with the other commendations you have. In addition, I hereby make your rank of Captain Navy, substantive, dated as of the day you 'captured' the NS Wimple, which I believe was in December of last year. That would bring your seniority to the beginning of the year 2482. Congratulations, 'Captain' Clark. You may be seated."

Clark sat down looking somewhat surprised.

"Director of Operations, Mining Platform Liramor-23, Ms. Fiona Marsh, please stand." Fleet Admiral Thenton said.

Fiona stood, surprised, but having expected the call from earlier comments.

"Director Fiona Marsh, the Navy rarely finds outside of its ranks a person of supreme confidence to work with who is of your somewhat tender age. Your actions and suggestions to Capt. Whatt during the incident that this trail centered around is exceptional and completely unexpected. You came to an immediate decision in regard to the situation and advised the captain of options that he had not immediately considered though I am sure he would have eventually. Your suggestions led Capt. Whatt to the actions that resulted in his commendation today. We can do no less than that for you.

"I sent a note to the Liramor Mining Company a few days ago reference your actions and received this reply early this morning:

"The Liramor Mining Company is pleased to note your high praise of Director of Operations, Mining Platform Liramor-23, Ms. Fiona Marsh, for her actions during the recent incident. That the actions of one of our own have been brought to the attention of a person of your esteemed rank and position is a noteworthy commendation of that individual. I attach a letter from the CEO Liramor Holdings, Antoine Liramor, that I would like you to read out in court. Thank-you for your very thoughtful and insightful note. This is signed by François Liramor, CEO of Liramor Mining Company. A copy of this will be made available to you.

"I will read into court the letter from Antione Liramor: Dear Admiral Thenton. It is with great pride that I read your words of praise to one of our own specifically, the Director of Operations, Mining Platform Liramor-23, Ms. Fiona Marsh. Liramor Holdings has had their eyes on Ms. Marsh for several years now. Please note that she was the youngest director of a mining platform in Liramor history that was not a direct member of the Liramor family.

"We would like to state that we will retain Ms. Marsh in her position as Director Liramor-23 for the next three years as a point of contact known to the Terran Union Space Navy. We will not be able to retain her beyond that point as she will be brought back to Liramor Prime and seconded to Liramor Holdings as a senior level functionary. Our intent was to bring her back this year and have her work at senior levels in the Liramor Mining Company, before moving her to Liramor Holdings. But her experience and actions in this ongoing event and the support that she has engendered and received from the Terran Union Space Navy makes her a key person that must be retained in the Piscium system. She has our full support as I hope that she has yours.

"This is signed Antoine Liramor, CEO Liramor Holdings. Again, a copy of this letter will be made available for you. VAdm. Hittu, do you have anything to add?" He asked. Hittu declined to speak.

"I would like to say," Thenton continued, "that its unusual to find a person in Local Authority that does not want to impose their authority over the Navy presence in their back yard. You have let the Navy be the Navy, and not a pretty parade float for you. Your requests to the navy have been direct, intelligent, and very business like. I would like to see more of this from other Local Authorities around Union Space.

"You will be receiving a Sector Commander's Commendation with a personal letter from me that will go on your files. It also comes with a pin for your 'uniform' or equivalent mess dress. If, and when, a medal is made for this event, you and select members of your staff will receive that medal as well. Of all the medals that I have given out to Local Authorities, yours will be one of the few that has truly been earned.

"In addition, the Terran Union Space Navy would like to recognize your position as a civilian equivalent rank. As you 'command' a mining platform with close to eight thousand workers, and you have ordered and directed the NS Wimple, a navy ship, in support of the protection of this system, your rank would be civilian equivalent to that of a one-star admiral, a Commodore." Thenton nodded to his aid, who subsequently pulled a black navy undress jumpsuit from a bag and brought it forward.

The jumpsuit had the Sector Forty-Two patch on its right shoulder and the Liramor-23 Mining Platform Patch on the right breast over the name 'Marsh'. High on the left breast, was the gold Star of Command below which was the bronze 'CV' pin of the civilian volunteer, indicating that Fiona had volunteered on Liramor Prime during the War. Below sat the new Sector Commendation pin over the ribbon for the Liramor Campaign Medal, vice Campaign Star as Fiona had not been in action during her volunteer time.

On the left shoulder was the red and gold Command Patch indicating that Marsh was in the command structure of the station.

But the true surprise was on the collar. Navy rank on the collar was silver or gold dependant on the rank. A Commodore normally sported a single gold star on each collar. On this jumpsuit, a single black star - fractionally bordered in gold - was on either collar, indicating civilian equivalent status.

"Just to let you know," Thenton said by way of explanation, "civilian equivalent would not normally be in a command position, so the patch on your left shoulder is significant. You will have to go through an online Senior Command Course, which needs to be completed within the next year. It can be done in less that three months if you dedicate yourself totally to it. However, you have responsibilities on the platform, so I do not expect you to finish it in less than six months.

"I'm sure that Capt. Clark will help you with that as he too has to complete the course. You will receive pay once you have completed the program, so that is your incentive to complete the work within the time frame given.