Justice is Blind
Posted on Mon Nov 17th, 2025 @ 6:02am by Captain Marc Kidd & Lieutenant Commander Corin Layal & Lieutenant Jonathan Corwin & Commodore S'vRock
Edited on on Tue Nov 18th, 2025 @ 1:09am
3,092 words; about a 15 minute read
Mission:
Episode 2 - The Sins of History
Location: Courtroom Complex - Deck 6 - USS Artemis
Timeline: MD014 1000 hrs
The Courtroom Complex on Deck six of the USS Artemis was a state of the art facility. In fact it was the first and to date only area of its kind. The large sequence of rooms consisted of offices for courtroom personnel, holding areas for the accused, as well as conference areas for attorneys. But, the most technologically advanced area was the judges holo presence. There were simply too many cases to have a judge assigned to the ship. So, Commodore S'Vrock would adjudicate these cases from afar with the help of state of the art holograms.
At the moment the only person in the room was a young dark skinned human woman with long braids. She was Senior Chief Petty Officer Talia Quince a paralegal currently assigned to assist the judge in this new endeavour. Her normal offices were on Station Empok Nor and the JAG offices there. She placed PADD devices out on the tables for the prosecution and the defense. These explained how this unusual version of court would play out.
Jonathan arrived early to get a feel for the courtroom and arrived with his old fashioned leather briefcase in hand, He walked about the courtroom taking in the sight and scents until it felt familiar to him. Jonathan always enjoyed the the scent of well oiled woods used in traditional courtrooms and this was no different, He went to the defense table and saw the Court briefing PaDD on the table and sat down to read it.
Layal entered the courtroom at a brisk pace and walked directly to the prosecution's desk. Sbe smiled and nodded at the judicial clerk. "Good morning, Chief."
Layal then passed a sideways glance toward Jonathan, her greeting to him professional, but less friendly, "Counselor." She was still holding on to the comments he had made about Bajor's legal system, and would likely continue to keep that grudge until he came to her with a formal apology -- if he came to her with a formal apology.
Talia stepped down from a large boxed in area. Within this area was the holographic projectors that would project the judge into the courtroom. She smiled as she walked toward the two counselors. "Commander, Lieutenant I am Senior Chief Petty Officer Talia Quince. Up until recently I served as the paralegal to Lieutenant Commander Rachel Malbrooke. But when she was assigned as the Sector JAG and given offices in Empok Nor, I was assigned to double up as your Court Clerk. So, let me be the first to offer Commander Malbrooke's thanks. Do either of you have any questions about how these hearings will work? I know the idea of a holopresence is a new one."
"Nice to meet you, Talia. Feel free to call me Layal when we're not in proceedings and the defendant isn't around," Layal said, the smile returning to her face. "I think I'm good with the technology. My concerns are more on how we'll work with our Bajoran co-counsel. That concept is a bit more foreign to me than using a holopresence to be honest. We haven't had much time to work through the details of that, but I wouldn't be good at my job if I wasn't also good at winging it."
"I think for the moment we are all flying by the proverbial seats of our pants." Talia began by way of a response. "Bajor has given us full purview of this case. As such there will be no Bajoran counsel in the trial. However, within your files is the name and contact information for Bajoran legal counsel who will assist either of you with any questions about Bajoran law. This is going to be a trial for war crimes. So, we are being given most of the leeway to see justice done. Bajor has not held a war crimes trial in recent memory. The Commodore for his part has been briefed in Bajoran law, and legal proceedings. He has stated that he plans to conduct this trial in accordance with Bajoran legal procedure."
Jonathan closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. " So we're both getting Bajoran advisors to council us on the proper procedures for Bajoran law? For that I thank you. Ever since we got this case I've been doing nothing but a crash course in Bajoran law and trying to learn all of the in and outs of the system, An advisor will be a great help to me. " Jonathan lays his leather briefcase on the table and sits down in a chair. He reaches under the collar of his uniform and removes a patch from his skin and replaces it with another. His eyes brighten ad he stands up. "There, that is much better. So I am interested in doing this trial by holopresence, has it ever been done before?"
Layal watched curiously as Corwin replaced some sort of dermal patch that was concealed under his uniform collar. She wanted to know what it was that he was consuming transdermally and whether it would affect his ability to perform to standards as an officer, as an attorney. She wasn't technically his commanding officer, though the position had been more or less offered to her.
"No, it has not been done. The idea of holopresence was invented for this division. Commodore S'vRock accepted the posting to be honest because no other judge wanted to be a hologram. They still believe that there is something to be said for being in a courtroom in person and seeing everyone in the flesh as it were. The Commodore however, sees the logic in being a hologram for the ease and speed of trials. He will appear and all will rise as if he walked into the room and the trial will proceed from there. If signal is lost for any reason that is to be considered the court standing in recess until connection can be re-established." Talia smiled softly. She wondered what patch Corwin removed, but that was none of her business.
"That tracks," Layal quipped. "Jurisprudence has always been the one field that is the slowest to adopt new technology in almost every known society."
Jonathan shook his head. " It's about time we had something like this out on the frontier. I know our mission is to hunt down and remove the lawless element from the galaxy and help our allies bring justice. " Jonathan Lowered his head and spoke in a softer tone. " We're here to make sure to get the worst of the worst locked up and to protect the citizens from they're crimes and terror, and to make sure that the innocent are protected and not locked up on false charges. But there are also monsters out here as well, and those that don't believe that should come out and see what we deal with. "
Talia smiled. "You have about another half hour until court is convened. So feel free to do any preparations that you need. I will be here should you have any more questions or concerns." With that she turned and headed back toward the front of the room where there was a small desk with a few PADDS on it.
Layal smiled at the clerk as she left the room, and turned back to her work. She didn't have much to review at this point - she was just going over the list of the procedural matters she wanted to address so she didn't miss anything this morning, but the case she knew by heart despite her short time with it. The defense attorney's comment had been interesting. She was finding him nearly impossible to read.
About thirty minutes later or there abouts Vamcet was brought into the chamber by two prison guards. His cuffs were removed and the Cardassian took a seat next to Johnathan. "Morning Lieutenant. Fine day for a hearing."
"Good Morning Gul Vamcet." Jonathan replied, "I'll do the best I can do for you."
Talia stood behind her desk and cleared her throat. This was more to get everyone's attention than for anything else. "All Rise. The Fourth District Court of the Federation will now come to order. The Honorable Commodore S'vRock of Vulcan presiding." A swirl of light and photons congealed into the image of a dark skinned Vulcan with a goatee. His elbows rested on the desk before him and his fingers tented. An eyebrow raised as he glanced at the Cardassian that stood before him. "You may be seated. Counsel is there any reason that we cannot proceed with this trial as scheduled?"
Layal stood on reflex as the announcement was made to rise, sitting at the Judge's order, then quickly standing again in order to address the Court.
"Your Honor, the Prosecution is answering ready. Outside of a few preliminary matters regarding fitness, of which I believe the Court has been apprised, everything should proceed as scheduled."
Layal remained standing for a brief moment, waiting to see if there would be further inquiry before choosing to sit back down.
The Vulcan plucked up a PADD from out of view and read the data on it. Without any sign of emotion he placed it back where it came from. "Yes Ms Corin I have been made aware. I plan on delving into that very topic first. However, Mr Corwin, are you ready to proceed?"
Jonathan stood up at the announcement of the arrival of the Admiral. Then when asked to be seated he sat back down.
When addressed by the Admiral Jonathan rose once more. "Yes I am your honor, the defense is ready to proceed."
"Very well. Before we take opening statements I would like to address the matter of competency. I have read the report from Dr Canak of the USS Artemis. I have also read the statements of the Defendant. It seems that he would like to proceed without hesitation. Does either counsel have any motions in reference to competency?" S'vRock did not move since he appeared. The image of impartial stoicism.
Layal cast a sideways glance at Corwin as she stood. "Nothing from the the Prosecution, Your Honor. We believe the Defendant is fit to stand trial at this time."
S'vRock raised an eyebrow and turned toward Corwin. "Lieutenant Corwin. Have you any motions in reference to competency?"
Jonathan stood up. " Nothing from the defense Your Honor. With the courts approval we would like to proceed as per my clients wishes."
"Very well we will proceed without delay. Chief Quince please read the charges." The holographic Vulcan turned to where Talia sat at her desk. She in turn rose. "The people of Bajor have brought the following charges against Gul Vamcet of Cardassia. Genocide, Rights Violations, Mistreatment of Prisoners of War, Rape. These are the most heinous of charges there are numerous other lesser charges that will be entered into the official written record of these proceedings."
If the charges effected the Vulcan in any way no one could tell. He turned back toward the people before him. "Very well. Gul Vamcet how do you plea?"
Layal turned slightly, she wanted to watch the Cardassian's face when the Court's question was answered.
Vamcet stood next to his attorney. "Your honor I would plea not guilty."
Jonathan stood next to Vamcet and let out a soft sigh and then took a breath. " Your honor and ladies and gentlemen to the court and audience, as you have heard my client has pleaded that he is not guilty and we ask the courts indulgence to please proceed with the trial without any delays and would like to be able to prove his side of the facts and see that justice is served. I thank the court for it's wisdom and patience. " Jonathan Then took his seat next to Vamcet and leaned in to whisper to Vamcet. " Hang on tight, We're in for one hell of a ride."
Vamcet smiled and leaned back to Corwin. "You don't know the half of it Lieutenant. As it is said aboard a starship, brace... for... impact."
The Commodore had reviewed the case and thought it quite logical that the accused would plea guilty and he would be off enjoying plomeek soup in a matter of hours. However, the not guilty plea did catch the Vulcan slightly off guard. The only indication of this was a slightly raised left eyebrow. "Very well. Proceed with your opening statements. Lieutenant Commander Corin if you would."
Layal stood up, casting the defense table a measured look before stepping into the well of the courtroom.
“May it please the Court," she began addressing the courtroom at large, before looking directly into the camera, "Your Honor," she stated more seriously, giving the Judge a slight bow of her head as a sign of respect.
"Today we confront the weight of history, the scars of an entire people, and the consequences of power exercised without conscience. Gul Yorr Vamcet stands accused not of mistakes or misjudgement's, but of deliberate, systemic atrocities: genocide, rights violations, the mistreatment of prisoners of war, and acts of sexual violence.
“This trial is not merely about a Cardassian officer in uniform–it is about justice for thousands whose lives were shattered, the families torn apart, and a society left to heal from the Occupation’s cruelty. The evidence will show that these were not acts of circumstance, but acts of command. They were deliberate, coordinated, and executed with full knowledge of their consequences.
“We are not here to punish a symbol. We are here to hold an individual accountable for choices that caused immeasurable suffering. Gul Vamcet may sit before you appearing composed and measured, but the lives affected by his actions will testify louder than any façade he presents.
"The Prosecution will show, through witnesses, documents, and testimony, that the crimes of the Occupation were real, personal, and devastating–and that the defendant must answer for them under the law. Today, we seek not vengeance, but the administration of justice, the acknowledgment of truth, and the affirmation that crimes–such generational crimes–cannot, and will not, go unpunished.
"Which is why at the close of all evidence, this court must, through it's administration of justice find the Defendant Guilty."
Commander Corin turned to walk back to her table, making brief eye contact with with Lieutenant Corwin as she did so, staring harder at Vamcet, though just as briefly before sitting down.
Jonathan stood up and moved in front of the table. " Your Honor, Ladies and gentlemen of the jury and to all present. You have heard my client plead not guilty, You may ask yourself how could he say that? To answer that question we would have to delve into the Psyche of a Cardassian military officer. "
"As we all know that in Cardassia, the best way to provide for one's family is through service to the state. Regardless of species we all want to provide and to protect the ones we love. We want them to have food and shelter and all the items needed to have a comfortable life, Isn't that what we all strive for?"
" Here on Bajor your lives have been guided religion, your faith and the prophets. For centuries your lives have been peaceful and lived in harmony with nature and your beliefs, and your lives have been blessed in many ways because of it. Your cities and towns have existed in peace and cooperation."
" your people sent out solar sailing ship out amongst the stars, and several of them that we know of through recorded history landed on Cardassia, The Cardassians engaged with them and learned everything they could about them and nothing happened for two hundred years. "
" So now we come to the part where we learn about why the Cardassians are the way they are. Here you have your government and the Vedek Assembly that work together, On Cardassia you have Central Command. Central Command is the government, the military, it is in control of everything and is in every aspect of your life. Everything is duty to central command and to the good and promotion of society in general."
" If you happen to be in the military the standards are even more strict for you and your family, yes you have as much freedom as the government allows you. I will tell you that they do not tolerate failure in any way shape or form. for a slight infraction you might just be beaten or whipped, for a more serious infraction you might be given a less then desirable posting, have your family held hostage until your mistake is atoned for. For something serious enough that it get the attention of the central command, your family might disappear and never be seen again, or you just might receive a visit from the obsidian order and that ending would be most unpleasant. "
" Gul Vamcet was sent here on the orders of the central command and ordered to have the workforce be productive and to use the means to make the operation effective and reliable. He did his job to protect his family and career. I am not saying that is an excuse for anything that has happened in the past, but it does explain his mind set and why he acted the way he did and why he saw his actions as proper duty to his country and service to his government, And I would ask you to keep that in mind during this trial. But I also ask now, what you now know about the Cardassian mind set is would any of you done any different if you were in his shoes and trying to protect your own family? With that I shall end my opening statement."
"Commander please call your first witness." S'vRock asked as he folded his hands on his desk. This was going to be quite the ponderous case.
A Joint Post By
Commodore S'vRock
Fourth District Court Judge
Federation Unified Court System
Lieutenant Commander Corin Layal
Judge Advocate General, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Lieutenant Jonathan Corwin
Defense Council, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Captain Marc Kidd
Commanding Officer, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
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