The Trial

On the turbolift, Fleet Captain Samji made his way from Operations down the almost complete height of the massive Starbase 10 to deck 297. The man he was escorting was Judge Advocate General in the Hromi Cluster (JAGIHC), Rear Admiral Harold Pierson. He was also accompanied by the attorney for the defense, Commander Torva Prestin. Perhaps unfortunately for Sorripto, it so happened that this only attorney available was a Bajoran.

Upon entering the Brig, Fleet Captain Samji asked the JAG to step aside and he and the defense attorney approached the cell where Sorripto was being held. "Mister Sorripto, you caused quite a stir. I believe you have a lot of good officers who will be speaking on your behalf, including me, however."

He waved to the admiral, and said, "The admiral will be overseeing your court martial. I believe you will have a challenge ahead of you as he is a stickler for the rules. I will leave you in the capable hands of Commander Torva Prestin until you two are ready to commence the proceedings."

Commander Torva approached the cell as Samji walked away and said, in a detached tone of voice, "Mister Sorripto, a pleasure. Please tell me your version of the events so I can better understand the nature of what you are accused of."

Sorripto looked through the force field at the young and physically small Bajoran that sat on the other side.  The irony was not lost on Sorripto as a young Bajoran, who was clearly born after the end of the Dominion war, was defending a Cardassian on trial for crimes committed while saving the grandson of the emissary.  A smile crossed Sorripto's face as he leaned in to answer the question.

"Word travels fast in this galaxy so I will spare you the details and give you the short version."

Cracking his knuckles Sorripto continued.

"About a year ago a representative from Section 31 contacted me with a small mission under the promise of revealing some information about my mother that I did not know.  The mission was simple and surprisingly not illegal so when I was done this agent Jameson showed me some pictures of women he claimed were my sisters.  I did some research on my own and confirmed that my mother had three children before her and my father married this was kept a secret because my father was using his position in the Cardassian military to aid the resistance against the Dominion.

To make a long story short this information quickly became a threat when Jameson revealed to me that my sisters were being held prisoner and would only be released after I did one final mission for Section 31.  They revealed to me that there was a traitor aboard the McKenzie and I was to get into his graces, sabotage the McKenzie, and in the delay secure the Prophecy and kill Sisko."

Commander Torva reviewed his notes while Sorripto told the story from his side.

"But that is not what happened at all..."

Cutting off the young lawyer Sorripto continued.

"Not even close.  After undoing a lot of Chief Reichman's sabotage making sure no one aboard the McKenzie was hurt, I made sure that no part of Section 31's plan came true.  I saved Sisko, destroyed the Prophecy taking out the Children's fleet, then escaped to capture their high ranking officials.  After that I turned over the information I had gathered on Section 31 to Captain Crist and turned myself in for my role in whole affair."

Commander Torva furiously made notes on his PADD while Sorripto was talking and finally looked up with the usual analytical stare he tried to present, and said, "Was it necessary to destroy the Prophecy? From what I see here it was already disabled..."

"Destroying the Prophecy was not easy but it had to be done.  I had discovered a communication that there was a large fleet of ships loyal to the children en route to the Prophecy's location.  There were thirty ships and even at full strength, with many Children ships remodified for speed, they would have destroyed the McKenzie.  I only had a few minutes to act, so I got the McKenzie crew off the Prophecy got to the engineering console on the bridge and sent the Prophecy into breach.  The explosion destoryed the fleet as they dropped out of warp since none of them had their shields up yet."

"A friend of mine once told me there is always another way whether you ever figure it out or not there is always another way.  I wish there was another way, and I will have to live with what I did, but I destroyed thirty one ships including the Prophecy of a fanatical terrorist organization and chose to save the crew of the McKenzie.  I still see faces when I close my eyes, but if I lived ten thousand lifetimes I would save the McKenzie ten thousand times."

Torva nodded with respect to the Cardassian and said, "Very well, I just have one more question before we proceed to the trial. Why did you not tell your Captain what you were doing?"

As the true weight of the question sank in Sorripto sat back slightly in his chair.  This was the question that was the hardest and easiest to answer at the same time.

"The fact is I wanted to I really did, no matter how much I wanted to and no matter how much Crist deserved to know the truth I could not tell him.  Section 31 had my family and I was not done putting all the information on who was with them together yet.  I have served under Captain Crist since right after the battle with the Borg at Starbase 10 I know him very well.  I know that he would have done everything he could to both stop and help me at the same time, and that would put him and the entire crew in jeopardy.  

Captain Crist is a good man and a better leader and I owed him my life more times than I can count.  Section 31 would have gotten to his family and friends like they did with mine we know that they are not above that.  The truth is the only way to keep him and the crew safe was to keep them in the dark."

<i>The Cardassian didn't need the help of his friends, huh? Typical Cardassian arrogance</i>, Torva Prestin initially thought, and then caught himself. This was no time for the prejudice of his parents to come through and disturb his own thought process. It was only honorable for him to consider his client as completely innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and no matter what race of being sat before him that is what he would do. "That will be hard to defend against, I think, but we will do our best," he said, hopefully. "Everyone who will speak for you is already present in the conference room where the proceedings will be held. Are you ready?"

Sorripto looked over at the young Bajoran as his eyes turned from interest to anger.  Sorripto knew that look he had seen it many times and could only wonder what terrible thoughts towards Cardassians were going through the young Bajoran's head.  Smiling and nodding Sorripto could only shake his head.

"I am ready, are you?"

"As I'll ever be. I must tell you, this is the most high-profile case I've ever taken. Usually it's the ocassional smuggler or thief you see out here in the edges of Federation space." Commander Torva waved the guard on duty over who unlocked Sorripto's cell and placed shackles on his hands. The pair joined Samji and Rear Admiral Pierson who had been talking out of earshot and they made their way back up almost the whole way to Deck 1 where the proceedings would take place.

As Sorripto followed Prestin to their designated seats at the front of the auditorium, he noticed Captain Crist, Joseph Sisko, and Ensign Summers in their seats waiting to be called on. Fleet Captain Samji took a seat among them. On the stage in front on either side of the seat designated for Rear Admiral Pierson, were four other JAG officers who would be added to the final tally taken on Sorripto's fate. Facing them, at attention, was Commander Sh'meel, the Saurian who would be making the case for the prosecution.

Pierson took his seat and with a tap of his finger on the desk in front of him, the crowd was silenced with the surround sound system triggering the striking sound of a gavel.

"We will commence the proceeding of the Court Martial of Lieutenant Commander Sorripto. How does the defense plead?"

Standing respectfully, Torva said with clarity and confedence. "Not guilty, your honor."

"Very well. We will proceed with opening statements," Pierson responded, and nodded to Sh'meel, who would begin. The prosecutor listed off the expected counts of disobeying orders, murder in the first degree, treason, sabotage, deriliction of duty, and a few other minor offences that would not really add to the severity of the charges.

When it was Torva's turn, out of respect, he turned to the Cardassian and with a look and slight nod of his head, it was clear he was asking the Cardassian if he would have an interest in making his own opening statement.

Glancing to the young lawyer Sorripto nodded and stood up behind the desk as Torva gestured for him to step forward.  Sorripto cleared his throat as the Bajoran lawyer sat down.  Gesturing to the Saurian who had just spoken Sorripto began to speak.  The emotion and conviction in his voice echoed through the chamber and was missed on no one in attendance.

"Wow.  Those were some strong words were they not?  Treason, murder, sabotage but you know what word stuck out the most what word struck me the most?  That word was duty.  That one word is why we are here not just why I stand before you but duty is what drives and more importantly allows a Cardassian to wear this uniform.  It is what allows a young Bajoran to defend a man that the galaxy tells him he should hate.  Duty is what set every man and woman in this room on the path that lead them here.  Duty is a strong word and is what we are actually here to talk about.  

However strong of an idea and a feeling duty is there is one word that was missing from his statement that should echo through every ear as well.  That word more then any other is truth.  Truth is the universal law of the galaxy.  Truth shows no bias, does not and cannot lie, and more then anything else truth and the pursuit of truth is the reason the Federation exists.  I am a Starfleet Officer and my first duty and the first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth, whether it's scientific truth or historical truth or personal truth!  Truth is the guiding principle on which Starfleet is based and if we cannot find it within ourselves to seek the truth, no matter how much any of us does not want to believe it,  then we do not deserve to wear the uniforms of our forefathers.

Do I stand before you an innocent man?  No I do not and I will attempt no lie to convince you otherwise.  I committed acts many will question, and some will even argue are against the rules.  They will tell you it is their duty and yours to condemn me and send me away forever, but the issue here is why.  Starfleet was founded on principles of gains and means and the belief in the good of the whole.  With that comes the truth about consequences and the truth about what drives a man to do anything.  The truth is the great equalizer of any bias or duty and the truth will show you not just the story of how and who, but the more important question... the truth will show you why."

After a slight pause to let the varying statements sink in, the JAG, Rear Admiral Pierson, said, "It is indeed the duty of this court to seek the truth, but to also establish the rules and if any of those rules were broken, we must adhere to the punishment established for those violations."

Guesturing to the prosecution, he then said, "Commander, please call your first witness."

In a hissing voice, the prosecutor said, "Starfleet Command calls Captain Crist to the stand."

Captain Crist made his way up to the podium beside the JAG officers and sat at the seat provided for him.

"Captain Crist, what is your opinion of Sorripto's actions in the operation?"

Crist thought a moment before responding, simply, "I believe he got the job done and I am safe and here to prove that."

"But what of the accusation of disobeying orders? Of deriliction of duty? Does that not incense you, that he would skirt your orders so?"

"I found it a little difficult at first to understand why he was doing it... I did feel angry. But mostly confused. When I later found out why he did it, I understood."

"And why was that?" the Saurian hissed.

"Because his family was in danger," responded the Captain.

"A family he only found out about thanks to the very man he accuses of soliciting him into the henious acts he performed in this operation."

Crist simply nodded.

"Interesting... I find it more likely that he was on a mission to kill as many people as he deemed worthy to die for the sake of Starfleet, without the benefit of due process. No further questions."

"Your witness, Commander," the JAG said to Torva.

Torva looked over at Sorripto with a confused look leaning in he spoke.

"Well they obviously want to paint you as a murderer that kills the defense I was working on."

Smiling Sorripto looked up at Captain Crist who sat on the stand with a pale and emotionless expression.  Sorripto thought for a moment and then remembered an old lesson Crist actually taught him.  Leaning in Sorripto whispered his suggestion.

"Crist recruited me after our fight with the borg ask him about my time against the borg."

Nodding Torva stood up and addressed the Captain.  

"Captain Crist the records show that you asked for Commander Sorripto personally during the encounters with the borg at Starbase 10."

"I did" Crist responded

"How many Borg died at Sorripto's hands during those battles?"  Torva asked to a slight gasp from some in the crowd.

Nodding Crist almost cracked a smile.

"None."

"None?  Not a single one?  This senseless murder could not bring himself to kill a single borg drone?" Torva asked.

"Not a one.  Actually it was Commander Sorripto who designed the independent link in the nanites.  Him and Sisko specifically developed the nano technology to free the drones instead of killing them.  I chose Sorripto because any man who can show that kind of compassion for his enemy is a man I wanted on my crew."

"Interesting so Sorripto chose to save the lives of borg drones at the risk of what just..."

Torva was cut off as Crist continued.

"Actually there is more."

"Oh?"  Torva leaned in to hear the rest.

"Sorripto programmed the nanites with a secondary cutoff design it blocked the borg implants in the frontal lobe."

"And what did that do?"  Torva asked.

"It made it impossible for the converted drones to remember any of their acts while they were drones.  He gave them all a fresh start."

Looking back at Sorripto Torva was confused this fact was not in any of the records and he had studied the battle many times.  Crist sensing the confusion explained.

"There is no record of that because Sorripto did not want anyone to know or risk the liberated borg from having to suffer."

"So he spared their lives, then spared their conscious as well?  That does not sound like a senseless killer at all does it Captain?"  Asked Torva as he walked back to the desk

"No it does not. Because as I said before Commander Sorripto would only kill if he felt it was the last resort. I also can only imagine how much he is hurting from the death he caused during his acts saving the McKenzie no matter how necessary they were."

"No further questions for this witness," Torva said as he nodded to Captain Crist and then to the presiding panel.

The prosecution next called Ensign Simmons to the stand since he was the one to see Sorripto's actions before he left and after he returned.

"Enssign Simmonsss," the prosecutor began, his Saurian accent holding out the end of the name. "What is the last phrase of the oath you took when you joined Starfleet?"

"To defend the Federation and its principles, Sir," Simmons replied.

"And could anything at all compel you to abandon those very principlesss?" he asked, again holding out the last word for effect.

"I am sure there is sir." Simmons said with a slow nod.

"Is that truly the case?" the prosecutor asked, "or are you just saying that to make Sorripto's actions seem justified? If they are so easy to abandon, what are we even fighting for?"

"I never said they were easy to abandon if you want me to answer that then you can ask that question instead.  You asked me if I can think of anything that could cause me to abandon my Starfleet Oath and I said I could not think of nothing, but I am smart enough to know that just because I cannot think of anything does not mean no reasons exist."

"Then you don't understand that there are NO reasons to abandon the Federation's principles, do you?"

Torva stood up and raised his voice, saying, "Objection, the witness is not on trial here."

"Withdrawn," the prosecutor said, knowing immediately the objection was valid. It did not matter to him, it was in the minds of the people in that room already. He turned away from the witness to make it clear he was no longer going to badger him about it, and stated, "Perhaps all Starfleet officers need to be on trial. It seems there is a fundamental misunderstanding of the oath we took rampant throughout our ranks. Perhaps it is due to all the war and struggles we have faced in the last couple years. The bottom line is if you ever abandon the Federation's principles, for any reason, then there is no point to defend them is there?"

He turned back toward the witness. "Very well, Ensign Simmons, I will be very clear about my question this time. Would you ever abandon Federation principles to save the life of three family members?"

Simmons cleared his throat and fought back a slow emotion.  This man just said that every Starfleet Officer should be on trial because they are willing to stand up for what they believe in if given the right reason.  As emotions and memories stirred in his mind Simmons could not tell whether he was angry or annoyed by what he believed to be a blantant and obviously stupid comment.  Fighting to get his mind back to the question at hand Simmons wanted to but could not answer it.

"I mean no disrespect Sir but I cannot answer your question.  At no point in my life have I ever had three family members at the same time, so I am afraid I am not familiar with the emotions that protecting your family would bring out in someone."

The prosecutor shot a frustrated look at his legal team sitting on the opposite side of the room from Sorripto and Torva Prestin at the obvious oversight of missing Simmons' family situation.

"My apologies, I meant no disrespect either. No further questions."

He turned and for a moment caught the hopeful look on Torva's face at the glaring mistake that was so emotionally charged it had the potential to sway the whole trial. When the JAG offered the floor to Torva he simply shook his head. He was in the lead and didn't want to risk making a similar mistake.

The trial took a short recess and Torva and Sorripto were able to confer in private.

"I think it's going quite well, don't you?" the defense attorney asked him.

"Agreed, but you know what the strangest part is?"

Torva leaned forward, intrigued. "What is that?" he asked.

"Captain Crist, Sisko, Simmons, and I lost count of how many faces in the crowd I recognized.  These are people who could have just as easily turned their back on me for what I did, but instead they sit and many of them even speak for me.  I did what I thought was right, but seeing these people who I respect here for me I have a moment in my life with no regret."

Torva nodded. "I just hope that character witnesses will be enough to counter-balance the serious charges put forth."

Smiling Sorripto nudged the Bajoran on the shoulder.  "If my character stays intact most of these charges cannot exist."

"Personal opinions can't override fact," Torva warned. He glanced at his chronometer. "Nevertheless, it is time to return." The pair went back into the courtroom where the prosecution was already waiting, anxious to call their next witness.

The JAG officer, Rear Admiral Harry Pierson recommenced the proceedings and allowed the Prosecution to call the next witness.

"The Prosecution calls Captain Kheren to the stand," said the Saurian Commander Sh'meel, and as the doors to the room slid open with a woosh everyone turned to see the Andorian Captain enter. He passed between Sorripto and the Bajoran defense attorney on his left and the prosecutor on his right to take his place in the designated seat on the stage at the front.

After agreeing to say the truth, he turned to await the opening question.

However, he was interrupted by the defense attorney Commander Torva. "Admiral, I fail to see how this witness is relevant to the case at hand. As far as I know he was not even a witness to the events in question."

"He is not a witness, but rather an impartial consultant to answer questions about Starfleet oaths and codes of ethics," the Saurian countered.

"Please continue," Pierson said, motioning for Kheren to be ready for the first question.

"Captain Kheren. You have served the Federation for how many years?"

"Four years as a Starfleet officer. Twenty years as an officer in the Andorian Imperial Guard."

The Saurian nodded, and continued on. "And in all your years as a Starfleet officer, have you faithfully and consistently defended the Federation and its principles? Which, as you of course know, is the final portion of the oath every Starfleet officer takes when he or she is given a comission."

"Yes, Sir, I have."

"Do you believe that it is always the case that we must defend those principles, or would certain situations give someone the right to break them?"

"Sir... it is my firm belief that, if you can not stick to your principles, especially when they are being tested, then they are not principles; they are hobbies."

Some in the crowd chuckled at that statement and with a hard stare to remind them of the seriousness of what they were speaking of, the JAG tapped again on the console in front of him to mimic the sound of a gavel that echoed through the courtroom and called for complete silence.

The prosecutor nodded to the JAG with respect and proceeded. "Not even to save the lives of innocent people? You wouldn't, say... disobey orders or commit acts of treason so that those innocent people might live?"

"No, Sir. There would be no need to do so."

"No need?" the prosecutor asked, slightly taken aback and confused. "And why is that, Sir?"

"Because, Sir, the fundamental basis of all principles of the Federation, and all directives, rules and regulations of Starfleet, and all orders that must come from them are based on one thing: the sanctity of life, especially sentient life."

"All those rules and regulations, directives and principles, have been tought out, tried and tested over hundreds of years; some that back from earlier laws and rights thousands of years old. I simply can not imagine a situation where you would need to go outside those principles to  save lives. They are all designed to do so."

"What if you were forced, under duress by someone who held innocent lives in their hands, to disobey orders, abandon your post, kill, and commit acts of treason? What if the choice to stick to your principles meant that this person would immediately kill those people? Would that not be a situation where you would have to make a defined choice between the lives of innocent people and your principles?"

"Are you asking me personally, Sir, or as a general attitude one might expect of a Starfleet officer?"

"You are a Starfleet Officer... one who said that our principles must be adhered to. So the answer, I would think, would be both."

"Yes, Sir... The result would be the same... but the reasons would be different."

Kheren followed up, explaining, "In both cases, I would answer you as I did the previous question. I would not compromise on those principles because those principles are the very tools to resolve the situation."

The Saurian struggled to understand his meaning. The closed-off Andorian was making it difficult for him to make a point and seemed to be going in circles. But he persisted, knowing that if he did manage to get the point out, the status of his case would be greatly improved.

"Maybe I'm missing something then. I made it clear that in this hypothetical scenario, if you stuck to your principles, then this person would kill the innocent people. Imagine that he is watching your every move."

"How do you propse you would save them then?" Commander Sh'meel asked, challenging the Captain with a ferocity almost as if he was cross-examining the defense and not his own witness.

"Sir, the basic attitude of the predator is to strike at the weakest prey. If someone chooses to threaten people in exchange for your cooperation, it is because he knows that you will falter in your belief. If it is known that you will never compromise, no matter what, then the threat becomes meaningless."

Kheren leaned forward a bit, made full eye contact with the prosecutor and continued on. "But if I accept the hypothetical situation you describe as happening still, it is already well known from thousands of years of such crimes on dozens of worlds that abductors never release their hostages alive unless forced to. Therefore, obeying them to save lives is as pointless as refusing them. The result is the same: they will die. So the only way to save them is to outwit the abductor; and for that, you have centuries of cumulated experience, your fellow officers, your captain, the whole of Starfleet to help you. And there are many many ways to get that help without arousing suspicion and to use that help to succeed in saving those lives. It is a question of ressourcefulness and resolve. And if you nevertheless fail to save them.. then you can sure make certain the culprit is brought to pay for his crime."

Leaning back, he finished with the striking blow the prosecutor was hoping for, "Comprominsing on your principles to satisfy the culprit in the hope of him sparing those lives is simply a foolish wish."

If the Saurian was able to smile at all, he was doing so right now. With that final statement ringing in the ears of the five person panel of the JAG that would make the conviction, he knew he had what he needed and could relax a bit and let the defense question the Captain.

"No further questions from the prosecution," he said and allowed Torva Prestin to continue the quesitoning.

Torva stood composed himself slightly and approached the witness stand.  The Saurian had a smug look about him but Torva knew he had what he needed.  Clearing his throat he prepared to ask the first question.

"Captain Kheren are you aware of the current fate of Section thirty one?"

The silver eyes of the Andorian narrowed as his antennae pointed forward; a sure sign that his anger was suddenly flaring up at the mere mention of the occult agency. His voice nevertheless remained calm and composed.

"I do not have any interest in Section 31."

Sensing the clear anger in the Andorian before him Torva saw that he liked where this was going.

"Well I do, Sir, as should you. You stated a moment ago that logic, fairness and regulation would dictate that one in the situation which was described would outwit the kidnapper, correct?"

"That is your opinion, Mister... one I do not share. And to answer your question, yes, among other things."

"Opinion yes good choice of words.  Now speaking to my point a moment ago are you aware that dozens of agents, sleepers, sympathizers and hired guns for Section thirty one are already in custody and hundreds more are being chased and hunted down throughout the galaxy?  Are you aware that section thirty one is no more and before this trial is over that ruthless band will be but a stain on our memory?  Did you know that?"

"No I did not. As I said,I have no interest. But now that you mention it, I am glad that, finally, the United Federation of Planets found the courage of its own convictions and the true light of its own values to guide and guard itself. Thank you for validating my beliefs, Sir."

"We agree on that Captain.  Section thirty one should not be allowed to exist.  Now since you are not aware of the news of this organization I take it that you are not aware that the intelligence that Starfleet is acting on was singlehandidly provided by Commander Sorripto?  The truth is that no matter what happens at this trial history will remember what Sorripto did.  Even as someone not responsible for writing the history books I know they will tell the tale of the man who, to steal your words, outwited section thirty one and brought about its downfall.  Would you call outwitting your attackers and bringing them to justice?"

The Andorian frowned at that statement; something of a feat considering the few facial muscles an Andorian's face had.

"Are you asking ME to pass judgment here?"

"Not at all Captain.  I am just asking you to compare your point.  You stated that logic, fairness, and regulation would dictate for the ransom victim to outwit the kidnappper and bring them to justice.  Would you say give the, for lack of a better word, best of the situation at hand that Commander Sorripto did just that?"

"Objection," the Saurian prosecutor hissed, "Captain Kheren is not a witness to the related events."

"Sustained," Harry Pierson responded, and directed his attention to Torva. "The defense will please frame your questions in the generic sense in relation to Starfleet principles and regulations. We can't expect the witness to know specific details about the events leading to this trial."

Nodding to the judge Torva continued "Aye I will rephrase".

"Captain would you say that in order to best preserve Starfleet regulations and the code that makes the Federation what it is an organization like section thirty one must not be allowed to exist and more importantly then that must not be allowed a hand in starfleet missions and protocol?"

"I would."

"And given undue duress would you, as an expert in regulations and the importance of Starfleet's missions, be grateful to whomever removed section thirty one from history?"

The Andorian sat back, nodding respectfully to the Admiral and looking directly at him with his four oculars.

"Sir... I do not know the particulars of this present case, so I can not give any comment about it. However, the line of questionning I was submitted to from both the prosecution and the defense seems to point out to me one very simple but crucial question: do the ends justify the means? Do good consequences exonerates one for bad actions?"

He made a pause as if to let everyone think for themselves about it before giving his own answer.

"Morally, Sir, this is certainly debatable... at least for some. But, in my opinion as a Starfleet captain... as far as Starfleet is concerned, it is not; if Starfleet allows it's own officers to do whatever they beleive is right when they fancy it, regardless of the demands and the discipline of the service, Starfleet simply can not function. By approving the wrong actions of an officer, whatever the good reasons behind those actions or the good consequences coming out of them, it would send a clear message; rules are meant to be broken. Chaos rules."

With a conviction that made his voice all the more vibrant, Captain Kheren spoke directly to the bench; but the light in his eyes seemed to go as far away as where laid the Azimuth Horizon.

"When an officer breaks the rules because he feels that he must follow his own convictions, he should be respected for standing up to his beliefs... but he can only earn this respect by accepting the consequences of his transgressions. When Admiral Kirk stole the Enterprise and acted against orders to save his friend Captain Spock, he acted according to his own conscience... and accepted demotion without flinching. I stand by such integrity, Sir."

Leaning in Sorripto whispered something to Torva and looking back at the Cardassian Torva nodded and stood.  "Your honor request permission for a recross statement?"

Pierson nodded, "By all means."

Standing and looking straight at Captain Kheren Torva motioned towards Sorripto.

"Captain before you step down konw that we are here today because Commander Sorripto is standing for his actions as well as submitting for justice.  He said you worked together and he wanted you to know that much.  No matter what happens here take that message back with you."

Clearing his throat Torva continued,

"Your anaology of Captain Kirk was fitting.  He was demoted and then assigned command of the Enterprise.  Those willing to submit to justice and those whose consequences are deemed worth the actions, as was the case with Kirk, do you believe there is room in Starfleet regulations for punishment and forgiveness at the same time?"

The Andorian turned to face the attorney. His tone was very serious.

"Yes, Sir, I do."

He took a breath before continuing.

"I am Andorian, Sir. Forgiveness is not something that comes easily to my people. But this is not the Imperial Guard. If anything, Starfleet taught me this: dead men learn nothing. If we are to be the enlightened instrument of an evolved society among the stars, then we must never forget or let forget... but always we must try, at least try, to forgive."

"As a Bajoran defending a Cardassian Captain I could not agree with you more."

Sensing the followup questioning was complete, Rear Admiral Pierson stepped in, saying, "Are there any witnesses for the defense?"

He nodded to Captain Kheren indicating that he would be permitted to leave the witness stand.

The Andorian stood up, saluting the Admiral and stepped down to exit the chamber.

Turning to the panel Torva looked back at Sorripto and the two nodded at each other.  Looking towards the audience and then back to the panel of judges Torva gestured towards the crowd

"For my final witness the defense calls Joseph Sisko."

A murmur went up amongst the crowd when the name was mentioned. Some present were aware of the story of the brainwashed Starfleet officer who was made to be prophet to the fanatical Horizon's Children cult, but they were not aware of the full connection to Sorripto. Many also noted with surprise how another Bajoran happened to be so closely tied to the Cardassian.

Sisko approached the stand, trying to avoid direct eye contact with those in the audience. He was still not sure how some would react to him. He knew he caused some there some pain, whether directly or not, whether it was his fault or not, and it hurt him to think about. He needed to stay strong for the coming questions and to help his friend.

He sat and waited for the questions to be presented by the fellow Bajoran officer, Torva Prestin.

Torva approached the stand and nodded to Sisko.

"Thank you for being here today Mister Sisko I know this must be hard for you."

Sisko simply folded his hands in front of him and nodded in response.

"I will keep this as interjection free as possible for the sake of narrative Mister Sisko.  Can you please in your own words explain what happened on the day Sorripto brought you back to the McKenzie."

"Honestly, I don't remember much. I could tell you what most people here already know from reports, but I don't believe you would want to hear that, as it is not my report."

"When I first arrived on the McKenzie, I woke up in their makeshift medical area where they had been keeping me in stasis until they could return to Starbase 10."

He looked over at Sorripto and nodded, "My friend Sorripto was there when I awoke, and he informed me about what I did... what he did... and that he had rescued me from my mental and physical improsnment in the Horizon's Children cult."

"At the time, I had forgotten everything from the time I was taken into the Azimuth Horizon to when I woke up there... except for a very intense and personal dream."

"Over the past couple days, I have begun to piece together some memories of my time on the Prohpecy. I remember being in the Gul's ready room beside the bridge. Then Sorripto came in and attacked me, presumably to knock me out. That little bit is coming back, along with some of the... awful things I had to do," he choked up on the last phrase, and then was silent.

"Take your time Mister Sisko. You said you remember little flashes of memory?  How much of the tactical side of the children do you remember?  As in ships, strengths, weapon capabilities and those kind of details?"

"No real details come to mind. I remember there was a core group of Horizon's Children ships. I remember the Cardassian one I was on quite clearly. A modified Galor-class with a cloaking device," he struggled to think back, but couldn't piece together the last bit until finally he realized what was missing.

"N'Eligahn! He knew all the details," Sisko exclaimed. "He was running the show tactically."

Unfortunately the Rethian who had shown to have countered the brainwashing just as Sisko had done and could've possibly filled in the details was still in a medical stasis. His wounds were so severe that Doctor Michaels had to call in a specialist from his home world who wouldn't be arriving for a few weeks.

Understanding the importance of what was just said Torva decided drastic measures were in order. Turning to the adress the judges Torva spoke.

"Your honor I believe that N'Eligahn can still be a witness to the facts at hand here.  With the courts permission I would like to suggest a mind meld to put clarity on the facts at hand"

At this request, the Saurian prosecutor's head jerked up and he immediately sprung to his full height shouting, "Objection! The witnesses testimony would be under suspicion if he is in a... coma!" The judge turned and looked to Torva Prestin for a counter.

Understanding the importance of the issue Torva knew he must get the mind meld approved by the courts.  Looking up at the judge he countered with his argument.

"Your honor all medical tests conducted as well as basic stasis data shows that N'Eligahn, while in a coma, still maintains total brain activity.  The idea that his testimony would be in question is a moot point because as Vulcans have proven for centuries the mind meld works with a direct link to the brain and not to the physical body.  I have personally been involved in trials where mind melds were used as evidence when taken from people in a much worse state then we would find N'Eligahn."

Taking a deep breath Torva continued.

"The fact is your honor that the only way to assertain with absolute certainty the details of the Children and their tactical stand, which would lead to directly adress the murder chargers against my client, would be with some form of testimony from N'Eligahn."

Harry Pierson thought about this for a moment, realizing that he was indeed correct that the previously banned and misunderstood Vulcan practice had indeed enjoyed over 200 years of better understanding and common use. Additionally, the Vulcan people have been known for their honesty and it would be a rare thing for a Vulcan, especially one chosen at random from all those on Starbase 10, to lie.

With a nod from the other four officers on the bench, the JAG officer said, "Objection overruled." He further elaborated, explaining his thought process and then said, "Let us see what memories the Rethian has tucked away."

"Your honor, I object then on the grounds that it could endanger the Vulcan. It is well-known now that part of this Horizon's Children cult was brought about due to a bio-engineered virus, the source of which is still unknown."

The JAG didn't even require a response from Torva that time and turned to look directly to Sh'meel, the Saurian prosecutor. "From what I understand, Commander, the Vulcans are one of the few races that Lotus Fleet has determined to be completely immune."

"Yes, but that is while their logical barriers are in place. A mind meld removes all trace of these."

The JAG said, "Very well," and turned to an Ensign who was serving as a bailiff. Please consult Doctor Michaels to determine if he believes this process will be safe. Then ask for a Vulcan volunteer," he stressed the word heavily, "from the Starbase who will be willing to administer the mind meld."

Finally he turned back to Torva and said, "Commander, while those resources are pursued, if you have any additional questions for the witness that will not rely on testimony from N'Eligahn, please proceed."

Nodding graciously to the panel Torva turned back towards Sisko and continued his questions.

"Mister Sisko the stories of your friendship with Commander Sorripto are almost something of legend through the fleet.  I mean the first Cardassian to wear the uniform and the grandson of the Emissary as best friends it is qutie a tale.  The one thing that no one disputes is you two know eachother better then most anyone."

Looking back to Sorripto Torva turned back to Sisko.

"With that being said one of the charges here today has to do with treason.  Is it possible that Sorripto is a traitor who decided to change sides mid act as has been accused?"

Joey shook his head. "I don't believe that for a second. I haven't known Sorripto for very long, but I can tell you one thing. He is dedicated to his friends and the Federation, and to protecting both at all costs... even if it means sacrificing his own life."

"He may have committed treasonous acts, but if he did so, there had to be a reason other than actual treason for doing so, and it would have had to have been under extreme duress."

Agreeing with Sisko Torva continued. "So we agree then that calling Commander Sorripto a traitor is both incorrect and fails to state the true nature of the facts at hand.  This is clearly not a black and white issue. Continuing on with the idea of duress how difficutl would you say it would be to get to you while you were aboard the Prophecy?"

Joey thought for a moment and realized that the answer he wanted to give differed a bit from what he honestly thought. The computers in the room would immediately read his intentions if he was even bending the truth as he personally saw it, so he answered honestly.

"I believe that Starfleet is made up of the best and the brightest and that hasn't changed for hundreds of years, nor will change for years to come. I believe that a well-trained, well-equipped group of security officers would have been able to breach the security on the ship I was on to retrieve me, or kill me if the direst of needs to do so would have arisen. I think they would have had trouble... it certainly would not have been easy in the least bit... but it could have been done."

"Would there have been casualties?"

"There's no way to know that, Sir," Sisko answered simply and honestly.

"Allow me to rephrase. During the entire operation in which Sorripto committed the crimes he stands here there was not a single casualty. Well one if you count Sorripto killing the traitor Chief Reichman during his rescue of you. Think about that... not a single casualty. So let that be the question instead then. In all your time with the Children, knowing what you know about them, would all that was accomplished from your rescue to the destruction of their fleet have happened with zero casualties?"

Sighing, Sisko responded, knowing what Torva was looking for and wanting to satisfy him, but wanting to also give the honest answer.

"Again, Sir, I can't answer that for sure. If you're asking if I guess there would be casualties? I am no Vulcan, but I would guess that the probability would be fairly high that there would be. But none of us can know what could have happened in circumstances that didn't occur."

He added, "As we all know, Starfleet security officers are highly trained to avoid casualties, to both sides, whenever possible."

Looking around the courtroom Torva saw the debate in everyone's eyes.  Sisko could not give him the answer he was hoping for no matter how much Sisko might have believed it, but the thoughts were there.  Torva knew that everyone was now asking themselves if his murderer of a client did not in fact save lives.

At that point, the bailiff re-entered the court room and signalled to the JAG, Rear Admiral Pierson, that they were ready to bring in N'Eligahn and the Vulcan who volunteered to do the mind meld.

"Are there any more questions for this witness, defense?"

"Not at the moment your honor."

"Very well." The bailiff walked forward and handed him a PADD. "We will now accept testimony from the former Lieutenant Commander N'Eligahn, former general of the Horizon's Children cult, through the proxy, Master Chief Petty Officer Sularak."

A gravlifted biobed was pushed from the back of the courtroom to the front, containing the prostrate body of Mister N'Eligahn. The Vulcan beside him received a nod from the JAG and Doctor Michaels and proceeded, reaching his hand through a defined opening in the medical forcefield to allow contact with the Rethian below him.

He placed the fingers of the hand on one side of the green face and changed, "My mind to your mind; your thoughts to my thoughts. I am the General in charge of the Horizon's Children forces."

Eventually his eyes rolled back slightly and his eyelids flickered and the JAG turned and nodded to Torva to begin his questioning.

Torva began his questioning without hesitation and with one of the most pointed questions. "Mister N'Eligahn, do you believe that a Defiant-class starship had a chance to stand up as a match against the Prophecy and the first strike force that supported it?"

"So with minimal power drops to the shields, no weapons for a few moments, and full armor still in tact with your knowledge of the Children's capabilities was the McKenzie in any danger in the intial battle?"

"Yes, Sir," N'Eligahn replied through Torva. "The McKenzie was in danger, with shields being down for a short time. But the crew evened the odds by disabling the Prophecy's weapons somehow."

"The McKenzie survived the first wave, but tell me about the second fleet of ships. Tell me about the ones that Sisko called to the aid of the Prophecy."

The Vulcan winced in pain and said, "Sisko didn't call them. I did. Sisko was acting... strange. I couldn't think of anything else except destroying the McKenzie... I needed to do it to rid myself of my past. I called in all our remaining ships... at least two-dozen... to finally end it."

The pain on Sulurak's face became more pronounced. "I can see now, Sisko was slowly breaking the brainwashing... overcoming the... disease. I... did too and was shot by my love... oh my..."

Sulurak gasped in pain and quickly withdrew his hand. The unusual pained look on a Vulcan's face betrayed an intense feeling of loss and dispair and he fell to his knees, causing gasps to echo out through the courtroom.

Doctor Michaels rushed over and began scanning him with a medical tricorder.

"I'm sorry," Sulurak said. "I can... continue," and he struggled to get up.

"You absolutely will not," the Doctor protested and shaking his head in apology to Rear Admiral Pierson, he helped the Vulcan exit the room, followed by the bailiff pushing the antigrav biobed containing the Rethian who unknowingly helped his old comrade more than he could've known.

Watching the scene unfold Torva stepped backwards as the Vulcan was escorted from the room.  Medical tended to N'Eligahn as they took him out of the room as well.  Torva rubbed his brow and stepped back forward.

"That was intense. I appologize to anyone who that may have upset."

Looking at the judges Torva continued.

"The point is made however your honor.  The McKenzie would have been destoryed by the Children's fleet and there would have been casualties in rescuing Sisko and N'Eligahn."

"Once again it comes down to truth... and the truth is that while costly, the destruction of the Prophecy and the Children's fleet was the only way to save the McKenzie."

Motioning to Sisko, Torva finished his thoughts. "I can imagine there is nothing more that Mister Sisko could add that has not already been made clear.  The defense has no further witnesses your honor; the defense rests."

"Very well, Mister Torva, Mister Sh'meel," he said nodding to each in turn. "The court will hear closing arguments, starting with the defense. No rebuttals will be heard. Commander?"

Motioning toward Sisko, Torva began his final remarks.

"That man is alive today because of Commander Sorripto."

Gesturing to the crewmembers from the McKenzie who were in attendence Torva's passion flared as he continued.

"Those men and women are alive today because of Commander Sorripto."

Clearing his throat and adjusting his collar Torva rolled into his next thoughts.

"The charges before my client today are treason, murder, disobeying a direct order, and leaving his post during red alert.

"Let me adress each of those once.  First we have treason.  Everyone who has spoken today, even some who came to speak against Commander Sorripto, have told the story of a loyal and honest man.  A man loyal to the Federation and proud of his uniform.  Commander Sorripto followed the orders of corrupt intelligence agents and got strong armed by an evil organization who was holding his family hostage.  All the while he protected life and fought for the core values of the Federation.  This man is no traitor, never was, and never will be.

"Second we have murder.  The case was pleaded that the Prophecy was disabled and did not need to be destroyed therefore doing so was murder.  As you have heard from the leaders of the Children there was a fleet inbound, the McKenzie was reeling from a fight, and Commander Sorripto had to act fast.  He used the crown jewel of the Children's fleet to destory their ships.  In one action he stopped a ruthless and well equiped terrorist organization and single-handedly saved the lives of every single person on the McKenzie.  Was there death? Yes. But it was in no legal or ethical way murder.

"Finally we come to orders and leaving his post.  Commander Sorripto took an oath to serve the Federation to the best of his abilities.  The truth is his abilites were best served by leaving his post.  Commander Sorripto left his post to follow a traitor and in that act saved the lives of Sisko, N'Eligahn, and every single person serving aboard the McKenzie."

Taking a deep breath Torva continued.

"Section 31 had taken Sorripto's family hostage and recruited him into a mission of deceit and lies.  Commander Sorripto used this as his chance to stop evil once and for all.  Not only did he single-handedly take down the Children but he took down Section 31.  The black eye and stain on Starfleet's history for almost a century is now gone forever because of the actions of one man.  As I stated when this trial started no matter what happens here, history will remember the good and heroic things that Commander Sorripto did.

We are not looking at a murderer, or a traitor, or a bad officer.  We are not looking at a villan or a thief or even a liar.  That man that sits before you that is here because he wanted judgement and did what he had to do to make the lives of his friends, his ship, the Federation, and the whole galaxy a better place.

Is Sorripto blameless or innocent? No, I dont believe that and neither does anyone else. But I challenge any man here to tell me he has no skeletons or shadows in his past.  The question before us is whether the ends justified the means, and the truth... the greatest principle of Starfleet... is that Commander Sorripto did the right thing at the right time and for the right reasons."

Torva took his seat and the floor was given to Commander Sh'meel.

He stood up and began by addressing the bench. "Ladies and gentlemen, the case here is not a case of whether Sorripto is a good man. The case has to do specifically with the choices that that man made.

"I think what needs to be noted is how many times the defense mentioned how Sorripto did things, and I quote, 'single-handedly'. I have not always been a prosecutor. I served for plenty of years on a ship, and it is in fact how I came to be at the rank of Commander. I can tell you that in all my years of service, I have never once felt that I was forced to do things 'single-handedly'.

"The defense wants you to believe that Sorripto had no other choice, but as Captain Kheren so eloquently put it... by following the Starfleet guidelines and principles, anything can be achieved... and it can be done the right way, with your fellow officers to have your back.

"Starfleet does not need, if I may use an old Earth term, 'cowboys'. Cowboys are those that take matters into their own hands and do what they feel they need to do... and damn the consequences. Starfleet works best when officers work together, and it has been proven time and time again that this is how we solve problems in the best way possible.

"Sorripto may have planned his whole operation with the skill of a master strategist and executed it with perfect precision... or he may have gotten lucky. Either way, the end result was that, yes, lives were saved... but lives were also lost. Who is he to make those decisions, though?

"On his own initiative, and after disobeying orders and abandoning his post, he took the resources of a ship, performed treasones and derlict acts, and took it upon himself to perform the operation his own way, without any support from his fellow officers or, more importantly, his Captain. Perhaps his Captain may have allowed him to go on that ship by himself to rescue Sisko and destroy those other ships. We'll never know, but it was not his decision to make, it was his Captain's.

"In Starfleet, we do not, and should not, set a precedent that incorrect actions can be taken without consequences, just because the ends happened to be a positive result. It is up to you, of the panel, to avoid setting that precedent, right here, and right now. Thank you."

"Very well, Mister Torva, Mister Sh'meel," he said nodding to each in turn. "This hearing will adjourn while we make a decision."

The JAG officer and the four other senior officers who would make the decision departed through the rear doors into an antechamber where the fate of Sorripto would be decided.

As the courtroom stirred Sorripto, even with his weaker Cardassian ears, could hear the talks and the discussions throughout the room.  Sorripto knew he broke some rules, he submitted himself for judgement, but he still could not believe how divided the room was.  While the clear majority were people who thought as his crew and lawyer did Sorripto could see dissapointment and sadness in the eyes of many.

"No matter what happens here there will be a long road to recovery," Sorripto thought to himself.

As Torva looked around the room Sorripto patted him on the back.

"You know you did alright.  Really I mean that.  No matter what happens here I want you to know that I appreciate everything you have done for me.  It is almost funny how often my life overlaps with Bajorans helping me.  Maybe one day I can return the favor"

Laughing Torva retorted, "Just try not to kill off an entire terrorist group when you repay my favor."

As Sorripto smiled he nodded to Torva, "Of course... but no promises."

Torva started to laugh but then looked back at Sorripto to see if he was serious to which the Cardassian only winked.