Chasing the Thought

Posted on Sat Oct 12th, 2024 @ 2:08pm by Commodore John Hughes RFD, OF, QC & Lieutenant Commander Grant Owens QC
Edited on on Sat Oct 12th, 2024 @ 2:10pm

1,891 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Boys of Summer
Location: JAG Courtrooms, Santiago Bay

ON:

Grant Owens pondered while stroking his beard, his gaze fixed straight ahead in the brightly lit courtroom of Santiago Bay, Courtroom One. As he contemplated the best course of action for his defendant, he mused, "Perhaps I should explore the potential for a plea deal. But that opportunity slipped away when I made the ill-advised decision to put the defendant on the stand. What other strategies can I employ? The truth remains undeniable: he was caught red-handed, highly intoxicated behind the controls of a transport craft, with his pants off, shamelessly propositioning the witness for a sexual act."

"What's on your mind, Grant?" a voice suddenly interrupted, startling the 38-year-old Lieutenant Commander. "Oh, it's you, Steve," Grant replied, recognizing the familiar voice. "I'm just contemplating the best strategies to proceed with this case. What are your thoughts?"

Lieutenant Commander Steven Gloucester smiled at his counterpart. "Honestly, mate, he's as guilty as they come. I'd probably be seeking a Judge's ruling to explore the possibility of a suspended sentence or something. Can you believe he asked the arresting Security Patrol to perform a lewd act on him asking them to grab the thing? I quote ‘Stroke it’ and ‘You might get a reward.’ The man's clearly mentally disturbed."

Grant let out a sigh as he responded to Steve's remark, "You're right, I was appointed as his counsel, more like ordered by Commander Fung from the other sector. Maybe I should have considered passing this case to someone else. By any chance, do you know if the judge is currently in his office?"

Steve flashed a smile as he confidently asserted, "I distinctly remember seeing him here just a few moments ago." He casually placed his PADD and folder on the desk where Grant had been seated. "It's probably a good idea for you to start packing up. This will be my seat for the next case."

Grant smiled as he reflected on Steve's claim. However, curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't help but inquire about the details of the upcoming case.

"Before I pack up, Steve," Grant interjected, his tone inquisitive, "can you give me a glimpse of what your case is about? I'm intrigued to know what lies ahead for you."

Steve leaned closer, his tone a mix of concern and frustration, as he delved into the details. "Remember that group of crewmen who were caught using the systems of the USS Hanwood to make a list of female crew members and junior officers they have slept with? It turns out they even designated one of the ambassador's rooms as 'under maintenance,' and the Chief Engineer was the mastermind behind it all." With a purposeful gesture, Steve placed a stack of PADDs in the corner of the desk, their significance weighing heavily on his mind. "The latest report from the Security Department reveals that they had amassed an astonishing five years' worth of data, ranging from thirty female crewmen to twenty female officers. It staggers me to see how many files these pricks thought they could compile, thinking they are men by doing this to them."
"That's utterly shameful," Grant replied, his voice filled with a mix of anger and disbelief. "To think that these crewmen would stoop so low, using ship systems to create such a degrading list. And the Chief Engineer being the mastermind behind it all... I hope you are throwing everything at them?”

"Oh, we definitely are," Steve responded sternly. "I'm aiming for at least 20 to 30 years for the ringleader. As for the others, we'll have to evaluate each case individually. There are approximately 10 individuals involved in this group. The youngest among them is a crewman named Crewman X, who has struck a deal to receive immunity. It appears he was coerced into the situation by the Chief Engineer."

"From the looks of it, this will be an open-and-shut case," Grant said with a confident smile.

"Hopefully, everything goes according to plan," Steve remarked with a smirk, taking a seat beside Grant.

"It's time for me to take my leave. Let's hope for a positive outcome for my client," Grant stated, getting up from the chair and collecting his belongings. He paused for a moment before continuing, "Although, to be honest, I have my doubts. Let's face it, he's a difficult individual to defend. He’s a moron, let’s face it."

Moments Later::

Grant clasped his vintage leather briefcase, its weight hanging from his shoulder as he approached the door of Circuit Judge Commodore Stevens. He knocked firmly, the sound echoing through the corridor, and a commanding voice boomed from behind the door, "Who dares to enter?"

"Excuse me, Sir. This is Lieutenant Commander Owens. I have a matter to discuss that was brought up in your court earlier," Grant stated respectfully, awaiting Commodore Stevens' response. "Would it be possible for me to join you in your chambers to provide more details and discuss it further?"

“You may come inside Commander,” bellowed Stevens.

Stepping into the room, Grant accurately observed his surroundings. The space projected an air of order and precision, mirroring the demeanour of the esteemed Judge. The room was impeccably organized, reflecting the Judge's preference for neatness and efficiency. Positioned near the tinted glass window, the desk commanded a commanding view of the vibrant city, stretching all the way to the nearby beach and the vast expanse of the ocean. Grant couldn't help but be momentarily captivated by the breathtaking clarity of the scene.

Just as he was lost in the view, Commodore Stevens turned away from the window, his gaze fixating on the young attorney. With his hands clasped before him on the desk, he displayed an air of authority, yet there was a hint of friendliness in his tone as he addressed Grant.

"Commander Owens, how may I assist you?" he inquired, his voice calm and composed.
"I am here about the McGuire matter, Your Honour," responded Owens, his gaze fixed on the ageing judge.

"Ah, yes, the McGuire matter. I see the Government's Attorneys really tore you apart," smirked Stevens, glancing over at his freshly poured cup of black coffee.

"Yes, Your Honour, she really tore apart my case. But I'm here today because I want to find a way we can reach a compromise," Grant stammered, hoping the Judge would understand his point of view.

The Judge, almost choking on his coffee, raised an eyebrow in response to the suggestion. He carefully placed the cup back onto the saucer before speaking. "Commander, we should ideally have the Government's Attorneys present when discussing the case. However, considering that this is my final case, and I will be transferred back to Earth tomorrow due to my heart condition requiring specialized care, I will overlook it."

“Sir that’s unfortunate. Who will be taking over your position?” asked a shocked Owens.

"Commodore John Hughes," responded Stevens, "He's a fine individual, akin to myself, as he upholds the values of truth and justice, considering all the information presented brilliant legal mind. In fact, I anticipated his arrival when I heard a knock at the door, but it turned out to be you. Please take a seat and have the opportunity to meet him since he will be assuming my position."

Owens took a seat, placing his briefcase beside him, as they patiently awaited Commodore Hughes to knock on the door. Moments later, a Scottish-accented voice could be heard instructing a young orderly, "Where in the world is Stevens' room?" Grant rose from his seat as the door swung open, revealing an elderly man entering the room.

"Ah, Commodore Stevens. How have you been?" greeted Hughes with a smile, strolling into the room until he came to a halt. Stevens, in turn, left his desk and approached Hughes, leaving it unoccupied. Extending his hand for a shake, Stevens replied, "I'm doing as well as can be expected, John. Please have a seat. I'll get you a cup of coffee; Brian's beans are exceptional. You might want to stock up on them once you're settled in. Currently, I'm discussing a case with a young JAG lawyer, Lieutenant Commander Grant Owens."

Walking over to Grant, Hughes looked him up and down and turned back to Stevens, “God these young pups these days. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Commander.” Spoke Hughes as he extended a handshake to Grant.

“It’s a pleasure, Your Honour,” replied Grant as he took his seat again.

“So you are here to talk about your case Commander,” spoke Stevens as he handed the cup of coffee to Hughes.

"Your Honour, as I was about to discuss, Crewman McGuire is not mentally fit to endure the full sentence in the stockade for the charges levelled against him," Grant asserted. "He faces one count of exposing himself to Federation officers, another count of conduct unbecoming, a charge for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and a final count of soliciting a registered sex worker. Based on the recordings and evidence already presented, it seems likely that he could receive a sentence of at least 5 years in one of the Penal Colonies. However, I was hoping we could work towards a reduced sentence of 2 years, with the stipulation that he undergoes rehabilitation, counselling, and regularly reports to a designated bail officer within Starfleet."

Sitting back at his desk, Stevens nodded in agreement with Grant's idea. "You're correct, he deserves to face the consequences. However, Owens, I'm a man who believes in fairness and not kicking someone while they're down. Here's my proposal to you: I will hold him accountable with a 5-year sentence. Additionally, acknowledging that he's not mentally well, he will still receive counselling and rehabilitation, but it will take place here on the base under the supervision of the Auxiliary Transport teams. They need manpower, so once his rehabilitation is complete, he can report and serve his time alongside Commander T'Kan, a no-nonsense Vulcan officer. Hughes, what are your thoughts? Can you approve this plan?"

Hughes wrinkled his brow as he contemplated the options presented to him. "If you're willing to accept it, Commander, and considering the exceptional terms being offered, I will sign off on it. In all honesty, were it up to me, he would be sent to a Penal Colony, likely back on Earth? However, given that this is Stevens' final case and out of respect for that, I will honour this agreement.”

Recognizing that this was his only viable option, Grant glanced at the two judges and nodded in agreement. "By the end of the day, you will receive a message with the agreement to this deal."

"Very well," Stevens responded briskly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, Commander, I have more pressing matters to attend to with Commodore Hughes."

Understanding that he had been dismissed, Grant rose from his chair, determined to present the deal to his defendant. "Thank you again, Your Honour," he expressed with gratitude. Turning towards Commodore Hughes, Grant extended his hand, a warm smile on his face. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Commodore Hughes."

Accepting the man's handshake once more, Commodore Hughes gazed at the young lawyer. "I hope to see you soon in the courtroom, Commander," he expressed with a hint of anticipation.

"Same here, Your Honour," Grant replied with a smile as he walked out.

OFF

 

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