Duel of the Counsels

[Cmdr Ayers 0]

Nick is one of the last to leave the courtroom/holodeck after the recess by the Captain.  He finds Muon consulting a data padd just on the other side of the doors.  He clears his throat and waits for her to notice.  When she does so he says "Lieutenant, if we can have a discussion in private, I think perhaps we can settle this with a deal, a plea agreement."

 

      Muon nods, wary.  "Of course Sir.  Shall we return to the courtroom?  It should be empty by now." 

 

      Nick nods and indicates that she should lead the way.  They head back into the court room and sit at the prosecution table.

 

      "So what's on your mind, sir?  Afraid you're going to lose?"  Muon grins a little to show she is just teasing a little, to help lighten the mood.

 

      Nick smiles briefly, appreciating the humor.  He shakes his head "No, not worried about that.  Just thought I might explore a possible means of ending this now before it goes any further.  According to the regulations and Federation law, the punishment that your client is facing if convicted is a dishonorable discharge, confinement for a period of time and loss of all pension.  Considering that your client is young and hasn't had time to accrue much pension that last part isn't much of a loss.  However, he still violated the Dominion treaty, disobeyed orders, possibly endangered this Station and violated Station regulations.  This is not a slap on the wrist sort of thing.  So here's the offer.  He resigns from Starfleet, he agrees to give up his pension and he is confined for a period between three to five years.  That last one is negotiable on the exact length of time but the dismissal or resigning from Starfleet isn't on the negotiating table.  I would add that psychiatric counseling can be made available to him during the period of confinement.  I would point out that if he doesn't take the offer and he is dishonorably discharged that will be on his record permanently in the Federation.  Since most Ferengi engage in commercial activities you can imagine that will do to his chances of making a new life for himself outside of Starfleet."

 

      Nick shrugs and says "Honestly and personally speaking, your client picked the wrong time to let his obsession override his judgment.  And now he has to pay the price.  Just like I would have to pay the price if I let my hatred of the Borg and what they did to my people override my duty and judgment as an officer in Starfleet."  

 

      Muon, her eyes hardening as she listened to Ayers, called upon her Ferengi negotiating skills.  "You call that a deal Commander?  I call it  massacre.  I meant what I said earlier Sir.  I will prove that Zog Gabrel provoked the situation and that Ens Mogg had no choice but to react the way he did.  I also will prove that counseling will help Mogg deal with that part of his life.  I'm not so eager to end this young Ferengi's career." 

 

      Muon leans over the table.  "I'll make you a counter offer.  Reduction in rate, suspended, to be imposed should he get into any trouble over the next six months.  During those six months, he will undergo counseling to deal with his issues.  I also want a reprimand on record for Zog Gabrel's behavior in all this."  Muon pauses a sec to let her offer sink in.  "He's young with a troubled past Commander.  Are you so sure you

want to give up on him?"  She sits back and awaits his reply....

 

      Nick narrows his eyes as he regards the female Ferengi.  "Evidently chutzpah isn't only a good definition for the male of their species," he thinks to himself.  In a measured controlled voice he replies "No, the massacre will be when he is convicted and dishonorably discharged.  I'm offering a way to keep that from happening.  And it doesn't matter whether Mr. Gabrel or a huge blue elephant with pink polka dots provoked Mr. Mogg...he still reacted how he did and he has to be held to account for his own deeds.  We are all responsible for our own actions and reactions, Ms. Quark.  Not only is that part of being in Starfleet but that is part of life as well.  As for Mr. Gabrel, he will be reprimanded in an appropriate manner.  He is not part of this deal.  This court martial is entirely about what Mr. Mogg did.  Your client disobeyed orders, intefered with the operations of this station and violated the treaty.  This is not slap on the wrist charges, Ms. Quark and yet all you want him to get is a slap on the wrist."

 

      "As for him being young with a troubled past, that may be his excuse but it doesn't condone what he did.  And as for giving up on him, the reality of the situation is that he gave up on himself.  Just imagine what this universe would look like if Starfleet let it's officers exercise personal vendetta's with impunity.  He's already proven once that he can't be trusted to obey his responsibilities to Starfleet and to this Station.  He's already proven that he is on this station for all the wrong reasons.  And I see no reason to give him a second chance when he has yet to even display the smallest shred of sincere remorse for what he did nor has he taken responsibility for himself."

 

      "If you want me to discuss with Command the possibility of letting him remain in Starfleet but somewhere else then I will do so.  However, unless Command acquiesces to that..request if he is convicted he will be gone and his record in the Federation will be tarnished permamently.  I suggest you go discuss the offer with your client.  Let me know what you decide.  However, don't tarry long because it will take some time to get someone in the Admiralty on the line."

 

      With that, Nick turns and exits the Courtroom.  As he steps through the door he remembers something that a rather cynical El Aurian told him once that had angered him at the time.  That most of the Universe was populated by beings who had yet to grow up.