Posted by Captain Kelly Bordeaux (Commanding Officer) in Court Martial of Gravel Mardusk

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Gravel Mardusk (Chief of Security) in Court Martial of Gravel Mardusk

Posted by Captain Kelly Bordeaux (Commanding Officer) in Court Martial of Gravel Mardusk
Posted by… suppressed (32) by the Post Ghost! 👻
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.

Mardusk sat next to a Klingon dressed in the formal attire of the Klingon High Council. It had caused no small stir when the imposing and venerable Klingon had presented himself as the attorney for the accused. Regent Drekn Noggra was not only a direct descendant of the founder of the Klingon Nobel House Noggra, but was the former Klingon Ambassador to the Federation and Romulan Empire (not simultaneously). When asked to enter the plea, he entered the plea of ‘Not Guilty’ to all charges and then, on Mardusk’s behalf, challenged all the assembled Star Fleet JAG officers and Admirals to Trial by Combat. That particular motion had to actually be considered by an Appellant Court as Mardusk was a bonafide member of a Klingon Nobel House and that was his right under Klingon law. And official decision stated that since the charges concerned actions taken by the accused were done during performance of his duties as a Star Fleet officer, the Klingon Code of Resolution was not applicable. To say that the prosecutors sighed in relief at the decision would be a massive understatement.

So it was that Mardusk and Regent Noggra sat at the accused’s table in a room that Mardusk had personally secured numerous times for events that were far more festive… and far less infuriating… than the current one.

“Lieutenant Commander Gravel Mardusk, stand and verify your identity.” said one of the Admirals. Gravel stood up and walked to the center of the room and set his hand on the scanner. “Verify Lieutenant Commander Gravel Mardusk. Current Assignment: USS Atlantis Chief of Security. Currently Under Suspension. Star Fleet Command Decorations: Distinguished Service Medal. Star Fleet Award of Valor. Karagite Order of Heroism - Member of Karagite Order. Star Fleet Citation for Conspicuous Gallantry. Klingon Empire Decorations: Order of the Bat’leth - one of seven non-Klingons ever awarded the honor.” Noggra stood and said through gritted teeth “And the only non-Klingon ever elected to the order by unanimous vote of the High Council.” The Admirals nodded in acknowledgement and one even inclined their head slightly at Mardusk.

“So Lt. Commander Mardusk, how long have you been a part of the crew of the USS Atlantis,” Hudson asked the man.

JAG lawyers

Mardusk looked him and said “Four years, ten months, two weeks, two days. And never once in that time have I been charged with such a pile of targ-shit as this.” and he crossed his arms on his chest. The Lead Admiral banged a gavel and said “The accused will refrain from making spurious comments about the nature of these proceedings.” Mardusk looked at them, but before he could speak the Regent stood and said “Respectfully, your honors, my client was speaking as a duly recognized expert in the field of law enforcement and judicial matters. The comment was not directed at the illustrious assembly presiding over the current proceedings.” Mardusk looked at him and, with the hand that was hidden from the view of the Board, rocked his hand back and forth in a Mmm… kind-of-sort-of fashion. The Regent bit his tongue to keep the smile from his face and he took his seat.

Mardusk, CoS (Suspended)

“Tell your client to be mindful of his words and I will be mindful of the contempt charge for use of foul language in my courtroom,” Judge Marshall commented. This case was going to be contentious. The officers on trials were highly decorated officers. It seemed odd that they would just go off the pasture as his grandpappy would say however that did not mean it would not happen. Marshall’s job was to listen to the facts being presented and make a judgment on the man’s guilt or innocence.

Hudson looked at Marshall when he was speaking and already had a plan. Mardusk was angry and seemed to be easily pushed to angry replies. That would be his wedge. If he could get the Orion upset enough, the man could create reasonable doubt on half the charges against him. “So on the day in question did you use language like this when addressing the individual Rogan on the promenade during what essentially was a first contact situation? Unless I am wrong in that this Elder had experience with the Federation?” At times context was better left out when stating a fact. Was it a fact that the Elder claimed he had never heard of the Federation? Yes. Was it a friendly first contact situation? No but that was not Hudson’s question. He was interested in seeing how the Orion answered it.

Hudson

Gravel’s gaze fell on Hudson and didn’t flinch. “I’m sorry, Counselor… language like what, exactly?” he asked with an obviously overly dramatic look of confusion on his face. “I didn’t see the vid of the interaction you are referring to. Would you please play it for the court, as that is within my rights to request at any time?” Gravel was a big guy. Muscular. And yeah… really pissed. But Hudson made the mistake of thinking he was stupid… and Captain Kelly Bordeaux didn’t have stupid people on her Command Staff.

Mardusk, CoS (Suspended)

Hudson felt a flash of anger not having the video to back up his next statement. The security chief had access to all the security footage of the event. It was a redundant system where copies could be erased but there was always a master file. Hudson’s problem was that there was no master file. The video footage showed people milling about the promenade five minutes before the attack and the damage afterward. It did not show the forty-nine minutes between these two events. Those forty-nine minutes should have shown the Elders attacking and the crews response; and yet any reference to this time had evaporated without a trace.

Hudson’s first instinct was to blame the security chief for tampering with evidence. Forensics had poured over the discrepancy and could not find any reason as to why it was gone or the how. That left the legal team to corroborate their claims with living people and there were a lot of living people that day on the promenade. According to eye witness accounts, you stated and I quote ‘And we’re goddamn family. And nobody f^<ks with our family’ in the presence of no less than fifteen minors during the incident on the promenade. Do you deny you stated this?”

Hudson JAG

Mardusk’s Razzy-level look of innocent confusion didn’t falter. “Oh… that? Yes, I said that.” and his look changed from play-acting innocent confusion to serious amusement; like he knew something that Hudson should know about that statement… but he apparently didn’t. Mardusk smiled at him… the cat had found the canary. Regent Noggra leaned back in his chair, an aura of relaxation surrounding him and a smile on his face. He looked at Hudson and shook his head. He looked like a friendly but terribly disappointed teacher listening to a favorite student give a report they had obviously put together as they were walking into class.

Mardusk

“So you agree and admit to this charge?” The term win was loose. Even if he was found guilty on the charge, the judges could negate any punishment related to it. The maximum penalty was a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of allowances and pay, and 2 years of confinement. Even as the prosecutor, Hudson knew this punishment would not be utilized. It was not as if Mardsk walked into the Kindergarten class and instructed them using only colorful metaphors.

Hudson

Mardusk smiled at him. “I agree that I said it, yes. I do not agree with the charge in any way. And for good reason. But I am sure we’ll get to that under cross examination, now won’t we?”

Mardusk, CoS (Suspended)

Hudson looked at the security chief with a neutral expression. Gravel was correct in that the charge was flimsy. It was on record that Mardusk was guilty of the charge yet it was unreasonable to think men went into combat situations armed with church-appropriate verbiage. “No further questions,” Hudson stated. His only job was to prove a charge. The jury would determine what punishment would be allocated to the offense. Taking a seat, he waited for Mardusk’s lawyer to cross-examine his client. With any luck, there would be an objection to be voiced.

Hudson.

The Regeant stood, but did not leave the table. “Commander Mardusk. Please tell the court where and in what condition the children the charge is based on were in when you spoke your… colorful… words?” Mardusk grinned. “Oh sure. They were all encased in some kind of stasis pods that the subject I was engaged with kept threatening to shut down and kill the kids inside.” The Regeant then said “Could they hear what you said?” “Nope.” “Were you aware of that at the time?” “Yessir.” The Regeant looked at the judges and said “No further questions.”

Mardusk

Hudson glared at Mardusk. He did want that fact coming to light but was not unsurprised it did. At least it would allow him to transition into the next charge. “Since you brought up the children. We will get to your association with one of the Elders later but lets talk about your association with Jessa Novar. You spent a long time showing her around the ship. Taking her into secure areas. Heck maybe even showing her the quickest way to the Promenade.” Hudson let his voice trail slightly without going farther. The charge was about disloyalty statements. The security chief had spent a large amount of time with Miss Novar. It was time to prove he had drunk the kool-aid and in a roundabout way gave the enemy the knowledge of the ship she needed to try and overthrow it. Hudson would just do it slowly. “What did the two of you talk about?”

Hudson

Mardusk chuckled. “Yeah… ‘cause I just became a Security Chief this morning.” and he shook his head. He took a breath and then looked at the judges, not Hudson. “Per First Contact Security Protocols and Star Fleet Regulations concerning Dissemination of Technological Information To Non-Federation Parties Section Three parts twelve-dot-six through twelve-dot-twenty nine: “As a shared technological basis aids in communication and social interactions, Non-Federation entities may be taken on a guided and escorted tour through Star Fleet vessels provided such tours do not divulge Secret, Confidential, or Experimental matters or knowledge. Recording is not permitted, nor are any non-authorized personnel allowed to interact with any designated critical or protection system controls.” He looked at Hudson and said “Save for two places, which we did not go, no space on the Atlantis is Secret, Confidential, or Experimental. As for what we talked about? We talked about her. I was conducting an investigation and the minor at the time held what I believed, and was proven to be correct in doing so, pertinent information to the case. And before you ask, the results of my investigation and my After-Action Report have already been requested and submitted into evidence… by you.”

Mardusk, CoS (Suspended)

“So you spoke to her about her. You learned about her culture.” Hudson repeated back Mardusk’s words in the most simplistic way possible.”

“Not really, but i gleaned a few facts here and there… as one does when doing an investigation.” Mardusk said flatly.

“Commander you consider yourself an open-minded individual do you not,” Hudson asked.

“I consider myself mostly impartial. Open-minded is a matter of the perspective of others.” Mradusk said in answer to the obvious set-up.

“So what is positive about the culture of Miss Novar? I mean there has to be a single positive thing you learned about them?” Hudson left the question wide open. Depending on Mardusk’s response, he had an avenue to pursue.

Hudson JAG

bump

“I don’t know anything positive or negative about her culture. From my questioning, I learned the name of their society. I learned a bit about it’s social and political and religious structure… as all of those things seemed to be wrapped up together. I learned names of her and the others with her. And I could ascertain that she exhibited a lot of the same behaviours and thought patterns associated with long-term indoctrination. That means it seemed like she was in a cult. But that is an outside perspective… I cannot judge another culture’s societal norms. That’s not my job.”

Mardusk, CoS (Suspended)

“So you don’t have a problem with a society that seems to be polar opposite of the Federation. I have quotes from crew stating that Jessa has shared they participate in something called Indoctrination where they land on a planet and…take over…by force… and any dissidents are sent to re-education planets.” He paused long enough to let his words sink in. “And just as you said the theological based government separates people into two groups with one in giving the orders and the rest into forced agreement with this…Galactic Union, but you have no opinion on them either way. Is that because you have secretly drank the Kool-aid and are helping Jessa Novar? You conveniently got yourself suspended so that you could not thwart the attack on the promenade. Tell me Lt. Commander Mardusk, when did you decide to passively support the Galactic Union.”

Hudson JAG

Mardusk looked at Hudson for a long moment…

And then burst out laughing.

Long and loud he laughed to the point that the Judge banged his gavel and said “Commander Mardusk! You will compose yourself and act with decorum in this courtroom!” Mardusk held up his hand as he wiped golden tears from his eyes and took a deep breath… and then another. He finally looked at Hudson and chuckled before saying “Careful there, Counselor… you’ll pull something reaching like that.” He then gave Hudson a look that no one could mistake; a look that made Regent Noggra grin with anticipated bloodshed. But Mardusk didn’t move, he just looked at Hudson. “First off, I did stop the attack on the Promenade… and not a single child was harmed in the process. In fact, the only injury was one of my shipmates who tried to help me… and got tossed into a bulkhead for her efforts. And the one that did that? The one that threatened to kill those kids in front of their parents? The one who threatened to destroy the Atlantis? The one who I let beat on me for ten f&<king minutes so I kept his attention on me and not the Security Team I had assembled to draw people out through the Jeffries Tube access? The one who was spouting off how he was going to destroy every sentient being on the ship simply because NONE of us were ‘pure’ enough?” Mardusk leaned forward, his height allowing him to get far too close for comfort to Hudson. “That guy I killed with a knife through the eye.” and he leaned back very slowly. “So you tell me, Hudson… would someone ‘passively supporting the Galactic Union’ or whatever the F&<k you just said do any of that? And if I was… why would the leader of that little circus of psychos want to kill me very slowly? As he said MULTIPLE times he wanted to do. Seriously… you need to do better than that. Even with one eye and dead, that jackass could see through your shit.”

Mardusk, CoS (Suspended)

Hudson clenched his jaw and fumed. The way Mardusk framed his response made it a ‘he said he said’ argument. The facts were correct but the way Mardusk stated them could sway the men on the jury. “Yes, but you lived. So it could have been an elaborate plan for us to believe you…one of our own giving the Union a way into our ranks. Who would possibly believe the security chief was not innocent of these charges like you said…until you let them back on board to slit our throats in our sleep. I mean the older female is has magically disappeared and the rest of you are treating the younger female like she is a honored guest.”

“Objection,” McDevitt stood up unable to keep quiet. Noggra was an excellent lawyer but Lucky had about as much as he could take. He did not mind taking a second seat to the Klingon counselor but Hudson was being an idiot. “This is a moot point that is circular and without basis. The security chief is guilty because he did not die in the attack?” Looking at Noggra he waited for the first chair to back him up.

Hudson and McDevitt

Noggra didn’t stand, he just looked at the judges. “Even in the Federation, there is a multitude of precedence for those who survive contact with the enemy. You even give medals for such actions. For the esteemed counselor to suggest that Commander Mardusk is guilty of these ludicrous charges simply because he is a better warrior is blatantly preposterous and wholly outside of any rational argument. I move that the last statement from Mr.. Hudson be stricken from the record and humbly request that the prosecutor be directed to make an actual argument as to the charges… not the continued attack on my client’s character; which, last I checked, was not on trial.” He then looked at Hudson and said “Unless you want to add to your ridiculous charges? Accusing the Commander of having low character would make as much sense as any of the rest of the travesty.” and then the Klingon crossed his arms on his chest; almost daring Hudson to speak.

Mardusk, CoS (suspended)

“Unless there are any more charges I think we need to move to closing arguments, unless either of you have something to add” Judge Marshall stated crisply. This trial had been a farce although he had to at least appear to have some objectivity.

Judge Marshall

Mardusk looked at the judges and held up a hand to McDevitt and Noggra to halt them from trying to stop him from speaking. “Yes, sir… I wanna add something.” The big green head swiveled and looked at Hudson. “This whole process is a joke. Unfortunately, it isn’t funny. Calling out respected… loyal… capable… decorated Star Fleet officers because some hard-ass thought it was a way to give my ship and crew a black eye is not just a waste of this court’s time and energy; it gives Star Fleet Command a bad name. Now, I can understand why you, Counselor, are here. You’re trying to make a name for yourself by sucking up to your boss.” Mardusk then looked at the judges, and Noggra smiled. He knew his client was about to say some things he probably shouldn’t say… but that needed to be said. And said on the record.

“Careful…Sir,” Judge Marshall stated paying Mardusk the respect of his rank but also reminding him they were in a courtroom. His outburst was not unexpected. In fact Marshall was surprised it had not happened sooner but he needed to keep his courtroom in check.

“But what I don’t understand-” Mardusk began, “- is how any of you allowed this farce to play out this far. These charges are the worst attempt at pulp fiction. They carry no legal weight whatsoever…” and he looked at Perkins directly, “… but you, Admiral, have a hard-on for the Atlantis and her crew for some fu<&ed up reason.”

Admiral McLaren stood up and began to clap loudly. “Hell yes,” he responded. Unfortunately for Gravel at the moment this response was only in his mind. McLaren could not publicly agree with Mardusk until after the trial. McLaren had been Kelly’s mentor since she stepped foot in the academy. He kept a watchful eye on her and her crew which had never performed in anything but an exemplary manner. The second these charges were issued, he fought tooth and nail to get on the court martial trial. Almost as hard as Perkins fought to get on it. He wished he could play out the drama in his head but just let Mardusk continue.

” And you are using your authority as an Admiral in Star Fleet to try and make our lives a living hell. You are acting like a spoiled child who didn’t get his way… and rather than commending the crew for what they did- which, by the way, was stopping an unknown species from compromising a Star Fleet vessel and attempting to murder it’s entire crew- you decided to play political games for personal reasons” Mardusk stood up slowly and put his hands behind his back, standing at that very moment as the physical embodiment of a true Star Fleet Officer. “You are a disgrace, Admiral Perkins. You bring shame and dishonor to this court… this Command… and that uniform you throw on like lounge-wear in a Betazoid pleasure house. You are the epitome of everything a Star Fleet officer shouldn’t be… lazy. Dishonest. Petty. Selfish. And wholly undisciplined. I don’t care if these words take my rank. My uniform. My career… my freedom. You, Admiral, are worse than a traitor. Worse than a tyrant. Worse than an incompetent boob. You, sir… are a small little man with no sense of duty or honor. I’ve seen Ferengi pirates with more character than you possess; and it will be my great pleasure to do everything in my power to ensure that everyone knows just how small you really are.” He then looked at the judges and nodded once before turning and walking out the door.

“Commander Mardusk you have not been dismissed,” Admiral Perkins belted out standing up but his words only feel on the ears of those still in the courtroom. Mardusk had left the room and his fate to the lawyers.

Noggra stood and watched Mardusk leave, a look of pride on his face. He then looked at the judges- and Perkins in particular- and said “Ladies and gentlemen. My client speaks with all due respect… to those that deserve such. In closing, I will only say that Commander Mardusk- by all standards of Federation and Star Fleet rule and regulation- is not only a fine officer… but one who deserves commendation; not condemnation. His actions on board the Atlantis saved lives. Many, many lives. And he did so at great personal danger and sacrifice. These…” and he scoffed audibly, “… ‘charges’… are a slap in the face to a true hero of Star Fleet. All of us here would be better served convening to give Commander Mardusk a medal, not a court martial. I sincerely trust that you will come to a just and rational decision… far opposite the motivations for these proceedings in their entirety. The defense rests.” and he took his seat.

Mardusk / Noggra

“I protest,” Hudson stood up displaying moral outrage.

“I am sure you do,” Judge Marshall stated but everyone has rested their case. I suggest you follow the Commander out of the courtroom and wait for our verdict.”

Judge Marshall JAG judge

Mardusk was across the hall from the door to the courtroom, leaning against the wall and staring laser beams at the door. He was angry. And he was insulted. Not about the charges, no… about the children. To think he, of all people, would have to try and defend himself for actions taken to save children. The thought made his stomach churn.

Mardusk, CoS (Suspended)

Kelly walked up to Gravel and leaned against the wall next to him. She didn’t say anything for a long time. The court was in the deliberations stage. The charges against them all were outlandish with little to no basis. The only real fact in the charges was that her crew were on the Atlantis when the aliens attacked. The rest was trumped up charges. This still did not mean her officers would be acquitted of the charges. It was stressful and would continue to be so until the verdict cleared them.

“How are you holding up,” Kelly asked. It was a dumb question but she needed something to break the ice. “I assume they are in deliberations?”

Kelly Bordeaux

“I let Perkins have it. On record.”Gravel said with a grin; his eyes still burning holes in the courtroom door. “Whatever else happens ..” and he blinked and then looked down at Kelly, “totally worth it.” and he smiled. He then looked back at the door and chuckled. “You remember the first time we met, Skipper?”

Mardusk, CoS

“When I took the nose dive off the ladder hanging my ex’s Jackie Robinson’s jersey on the wall.” She took a breath and held up a hand mocking the same gesture they all performed during the trial. “I still stand by the claim I have never seen it.” It was a pure lie and if she was on trial having to answer it, perjury would be the only real charge in her trial she would be accountable for. “If you are referring to me falling into your arms bridal style as at our first meeting then yes.”

Kelly Bordeaux CO

Mardusk chuckled. “Never grabbed a new CO’s ass before. But it seems to have been a good omen. If I ever transfer, I may have to see if that is the trick to a good assignment.” He looked away from Kelly and glared at the door as it opened and he was beckoned inside. He took a deep breath and then said “Not like it’ll get me in any more trouble than this, anyway.” and he pushed off the wall and started to walk towards the ‘courtroom’.

Mardusk, CoS

The room was solemn, with both Perkins and McLaren looking grim. Perkins, looking dismayed, should have signaled an immediate sigh of relief. The wormy Admiral was the bane of the Atlantis’ existence. His disapproval was generally a victory. Admiral McLaren was the exact opposite of Perkins. He was Kelly’s mentor through the academy and by extension, had taken the crew of the Atlantis under his wing. McLaren had staked his career and reputation on most of the crew from one time or another to help them out. McDevitt finished up his conversation with Noggra and watched Gravel moving towards them. McDevitt extended his hand to Mardusk.

“Sir whatever the outcome it has been an honor to be part of your defense.” Lucky McDevitt was a good lawyer but this case was a bit out of his league. The private counselor sent by the Klingon high command had been a wealth of knowledge to him and if by chance they made it out of this trial, the reason for the Lieutenant Commander’s not guilty verdict.

Moving to his left, McDevitt stood next to Noggra as second seat waiting for the Judge to begin speaking.

Judge Marshall took a deep breath before speaking to Gravel. “Lieutenant Commander. Your career until this moment had been untarnished.” It was a platitude of sorts. Gravel hadn’t always played by the rules however, in Judge Marshall’s opinion the blips here and there were marks born of tactical brilliance, a keen eye for detail, and a mind that worked like a chess game. Everything the large Orion had done was altruistic and in the name of the Federation which made the charges so unbelievable. Judge Marshall was devoted to the law and prided himself on being as unbiased as possible letting the facts and laws dictate his decision. “Before I read the verdict, do you have anything you wish to say to the courts?”

Judge Marshall

Mardusk pulled himself up straight and clasped his hands behind his back, staring straight ahead. “I know that my actions were right. Regardless of what happens here, Your Honor, nothing will change my mind on that. And if I had to do it over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you, sir.” he said flatly and without any hint of emotion.

Mardusk, CoS