Posted by Lieutenant Cara Esmé O’Farrell (Counselor / Education Specialist) in Court Martial of Cara Esmé O’Farrell

Posted by Captain Kelly Bordeaux (Commanding Officer) in Court Martial of Cara Esmé O’Farrell
The courtroom felt pristine and clinical but also familiar and safe. The cases were being tried in one of the small diplomatic rooms on the ship. This made it feel familiar to those from the USS Atlantis with its familiar furniture and decor. What made it feel antiseptic was the arrangement of the room. A large table sat along the left wall with five chairs filled with five Admirals occupying the spot a jury normally sat. The accused sat in a chair perpendicular to the Admirals and facing McDevitt along with the opposing counsel James Hudson. There were no other seats in the makeshift courtroom which was by design. This was not going to be a spectacle. Starfleet wanted the trials over and done with minimal disruptions.

When Cara was called to the stand her lawyer, a very large and imposing Klingon simply grunted, and she stood and walked to the center chair. She placed her hand on the scanner, and the computer intoned loudly. “Verify Lieutenant Cara O’Farrell. Current Assignment: USS Atlantis. Star Fleet Command Decorations: Archer Ribbon for Conspicuous Bravery. Federation Council Decorations: Federation Star for Distinguished Service.”

Lt. Hudson inwardly held back his eye roll. People on trial always thought that their prior good deeds meant they would never be beyond reproach. It was as if a past action would exonerate any future wrongdoings. Hudson had no doubt the woman was an expert in her field and earned those merits in the past. The keywords in Hudson’s mind were past. It would be up to the judges to determine if the current charges would be erased or a blot on the officer’s record from today forward. Standing up he moved to the center of the room looking at Cara.

“So Lt. O’Farrell, how long have you been a part of the crew of the USS Atlantis,” Hudson asked the woman.

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The counselor smiled politely at Hudson as if they were having a friendly conversation. “I arrived on the Atlantis on Star Date 2398070.7 So two years, nine months, and six days.”

Lt. O’Farrell, counselor

“Has Captain Bordeaux been your commanding officer during your time here or have you served under another commanding officer on the USS Atlantis during that time,” James asked matching the friendly tone being exhibited by the officer on trial.

“And how would you describe overall your career experience on the Atlantis over that time generally speaking? Has it been fulfilling, stagnating,” Hudson let his voice trail off waiting for her to respond.

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