Sins Catch Up With Everyone
Posted on Wed Jun 11th, 2025 @ 9:14pm by Captain Marc Kidd & Commander Mariko Tao & Lieutenant Commander Corin Layal & Lieutenant Jonathan Corwin & Lieutenant Christopher Blake & Lieutenant Sarah Graesyn & Lieutenant Yvette Beauvoir & Lieutenant James Constantine & Lieutenant Siadra Molaur & Lieutenant Maya Canak & Lieutenant JG Lwaxana Myles & Lt JG Adalyn O'Rourke Ph.D. & Ensign Nala Rider & Captain Kiyoshi Shingoen
Edited on on Wed Jun 11th, 2025 @ 9:33pm
5,277 words; about a 26 minute read
Mission:
Episode 2 - The Sins of History
Location: Observation Lounge - Deck 3 - USS Artemis
Timeline: MD013 0800 hrs
Marc could not make this decision on his own, he would not. In truth he knew that the decision was not his to make. In fact, it had already been made and Vamcet said he wanted to die. Then why couldn't Marc accept that. He could guess what Layal's advice would be and he took no comfort in that. Marc decided that this would have to be one of those times a Captain made a decision with the help of their crew and so he tapped his comm badge. "All senior staff report to the Conference Room. Kidd out."
Layal had been waiting for this meeting and was quick to respond to the Conference Room. The answer seemed fairly simple to her, though the jurisdictional issues of the case made the outcome more uncertain than was typical. The meeting was a way for her to find out how this unique crew operates. She was an outsider, still uncertain about her thoughts on the concept of the Artemis altogether. As the Conference Room doors swished open for her she saw the Captain and nodded and gave him a smile.
"Good to see you again, Captain. I can't imagine this case is going to linger for too much longer after this." Layal had a PADD in her hand and started to walk down one side of the table. "Any seats typically taken, or anywhere special you want me to sit?"
Nala's ears perked up at the solemnness/sadness she heard in the Captain's voice, so she quickly changed out of her lab-coat and made a bee-line for the Conference Room.
"Hello, Captain, Lieutenant Commander Layal," The room felt a bit charged, so Nala gave a less silly than normal greeting.
Yvette entered the conference room. Acknowledging those present with a series of nods, she took a vacant seat.
Marc stared out the window at the space beyond the ship lost in thought as the staff began to file in. He almost did not acknowledge the question that Layal had asked. He turned to her and half smiled. "No Commander, sit where you would like. I do encourage everyone to make themselves comfortable. Something tells me this is going to be a long one."
Mariko and the captain had a brief conversation before this briefing was called. The reports from the doctors in medical and Vamcet's decision had been troubling. She had chosen not to say much on the subject at the time as he was calling people to the briefing room, a lot of people. Opinion would fly like confetti through the air at a celebration on main street. Entering the room, "Hello everyone, captain." she said before taking her seat by his side.
Constantine glanced around as he let himself into the chamber. It was his first staff meeting, a chance to see how all the cogs fit in and worked together. He had arrived at a strange time, he had picked that much up. At the tail end of a taxing mission. He wasn't entirely sure of the finer details yet, but he suspected he was about to find out. He nodded to those already gathered before taking his seat without delay.
Maya paused just inside the door and quietly assessed the others in the room. As a healer, she felt like her job here was to defend the Gul--even though she could not defend his actions. At least she trusted the senior staff she'd met so far. She found a seat and looked over her notes.
Sarah wasted no time reporting; she had been keeping abreast of the situation regarding their most recent mission and she was torn inside. When she entered the room she gave polite nods to everyone present and set her PaDD down at a seat before standing behind it and looking through the window herself.
Adalyn entered the room and made sure to acknowledge everyone with a smile or a nod before taking her seat. She saw some new faces and felt a bit guilty she hadn't met with them personally yet. She knew that would happen in time and tried to cut herself some slack. Her distraction was a testament to how torn she was over this case and her evaluation of Vamcet. While the conclusions drawn from psychological evaluations were never simple and straightforward, as after all, they were comprised of information more complex than what could be observed from a blood sample or physical examination, Adalyn was usually more comfortable with her conclusions after she had pieced the evidence together. She had reached a conclusion, of course, but it hadn’t been easy. She felt a particularly heavy weight on her shoulders because she knew her opinions would weigh heavily in the way this case was handled, and she was still getting to know everyone, and they were still getting to know and trust her.
Nala felt the tension thicken as each person entered, and started rubbing the scars on her face.
Siadra stepped inside the room, quietly taking a seat. She felt disturbed as to the whole proceedings with Vamcet being onboard. She glanced over towards Adalyn, then glanced around at those there.
Kiyoshi arrived next, PADD in hand. The issue seemed crystal clear to him. Vamcet had made a decision. Was it a cop out? Maybe, but he didn't think so. The choice he was making was, as far as he was concerned, rational. He wasn't sure that if he were in the man's place, if he would not be making the exact same choice. If he were asked he would express his opinion.
He took a seat in an empty chair his PADD out to take notes.
Chris walked in and immediately felt out of place. Part of him wanted to excuse himself and go back to the flight controls, but he also knew that with being chief flight control officer as well as their encounter with the explosive on the Leto, that this was where he was needed for a little while at least.
He glanced around at the empty seats and upon recognizing Nala, Chris took a seat next to her and leaned in to whisper. "I feel like I've been called to the principal’s office... "
Nala held back most of a snort. Chris' comment was just what she needed.
"True that! Glad I'm not the only one," Nala whispered back, feeling much better.
Jonathan walked in looking rather haggard and not at all pleased. He got himself a large raktajino and sat down without saying a word and pulled out his PaDD's to take notes.
"Senior staff?" Lax thought as she made her way down. She was a little puzzled, but she went anyway, getting some Iced tea as she took her own seat.
As the remainder of the staff arrived and it looked like most everyone was present Sarah finally turned from the window, taking her chosen seat and crossing her arms in what would seem to be a self-comforting manner. Her face was pensive and she was quiet as she looked around.
Marc looked around and could tell that some of the additional stress of this case had taken its toll on the crew. But, with any luck that would all be behind them shortly. "Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that we have arrived at quite the conundrum. As some of you may know Gul Vamcet has been diagnosed with a tumor in his brain. It is my understanding that this tumor effects his knowledge of right and wrong and is in fact causing him to be remorseful for his deeds of the past. However, with the tumor in place he cannot stand trial as he is not in his right mind. The Gul has expressed his wishes to not have the surgery to correct the tumor, and instead to allow it to kill him. The surgery is also not something we can force on Vamcet. So, that leaves a very simple question. What do we do?" Marc knew, and he believed his crew knew that this was the first real test of their unit, and what they could accomplish.
"As a doctor, I'm sure you know my thoughts." She smiled, sure they would also know she was going to voice them. "I feel that he should be allowed to live out what remains of his life comfortably. We have no idea how the tumor will affect him in the future, so he will need frequent medical attention."
Layal had intended to watch - listen more before speaking up, but the answers didn't seem complicated, but with the doctor starting off with her thoughts, the JAG officer felt it was important to point something out.
"He is still accountable. And he is still dangerous. There is a tumor on his brain that affects his ability to discern right from wrong, which could go any way at any time. And there are plenty of powerful people in Cardassian ranks who will go to great lengths to protect him. He needs to be held in a secure facility," Layal stated pointedly. "Humanely, access to medical care. I don't know that comfort should be a top priority."
“You will find that I harbor no love for the Cardassians; that being said I don’t believe that the inhumane option is the correct one. Medical care should be given to the Gul… I do think that we should see about asking him for information that could be helpful, however, as I am sure he has some. Perhaps he will be willing to do so in lieu of taking the stand.” Sarah rubbed her neck as she spoke, clearly finding it difficult to speak in favor of the Gul.
"The prisoner has rights, the Warden spoke up, "those rights have to be protected, otherwise we're no better than our enemies. I'm not saying he should be given champagne and caviar; that would be foolish. He is dangerous and should be treated as such."
"Still, he should be allowed medical treatment and pain meds."
Nala felt like she was gonna be sick. Being one of the youngest in the room, Nala wasn't quite sure how to voice her feelings.
"I don't think anyone in this room would deny him medical care that he chose to get," Layal interjected, taking the floor again. "I think we agree on that. And of course he would be afforded all Federation - and even Bajoran facilities provide humane treatment of prisoners. Even for Cardassians. I wasn't suggesting anything less. If I gave anyone the wrong impression I apologize. Healthcare is accessible to prisoners. If his mental health deteriorates more, there are secure nursing care facilities."
"The tumor will continue to grow until it is removed--which the gul has rejected--or he dies," Maya said, speaking up to clarify the point. "That is not in question. Ultimately, it will be up to the judge to decide his fate, based on the evidence presented. I only wish to remind all of you that both his mental and physical health will become a greater concern as the tumor grows."
"Ewboy," Nala muttered softly under her breath.
Marc sat with head in his hands as he contemplated everything that had been said thus far. After a time, he spoke. "The other factor that we are perhaps forgetting about is the Bajorans. They are not going to drop this simply because we or a Federation judge say so. That said we have to try to come up with an option that would appease them as well." He turned toward Layal. "Commander am I correct that if we were able to get Vamcet to plea. The status of his health would not become a factor."
"At this point you are accurate, Captain. I don't believe it would be," Layal stated candidly. "I don't think it should become a factor at all unless we get to a point where he doesn't know who he is, or why he's here. I've won harder hearings than this one on that issue."
Adalyn listened carefully and waited for an opportunity to speak. Kidd was correct in noting the Bajorans were going to demand Vamcet face accountability. It was also true that no matter what decision they made, he was still going to receive appropriate medical care as afforded all people, whether incarcerated or not.
“Vamcet’s brain tumor shouldn’t be dismissed, but I believe it shouldn’t be given unfair weight either. As I see it, there are two questions before us. The first is whether or not he is competent to stand trial. In other words, is he capable of understanding why he is on trial and is he capable of assisting in his own defense? I’d like to point out there is a difference between choosing not to defend oneself and being incapable of doing so. Vamcet views facing legal consequences for his actions as penance for them. He could choose to defend himself, but he is choosing not to, in my view, because he understands what he did is a crime. He still has that understanding in this moment, and in this time, which is all we can meaningfully assess. How his mental health will change in the future isn’t relevant to the discussion because the same could be said for any defendants we encounter. The second question concerns his ability to understand the difference between right and wrong at the time of his actions. Vamcet admitted to me that while his general dislike of Bajorans was not uncommon for his people, his methods in particular would, in his view, be seen as particularly heinous, even amongst his peers. In fact, he shared he was given particular favor for going further than other interrogators. These interrogator peers were allowed to keep their jobs even so, which suggests he knew he was violating his own people‘s standards and chose to do so for his own benefit.“
Nala swallowed hard as random scenes of horror flooded her mind.
"Can we tell how long he's had the tumor? Or if it's been affecting his judgement for a long time?" Chris spoke up. "I'm out of my element here, but any head injury can cause mental impairment to some degree." The pilot tapped the implant just below the optical sensor. "I had a hell of a time getting cleared for anything, let alone flying after my incident. And if he isn't cleared... is it possible to try him in absentia or whatever it's called? Lay out confirmed facts and just not call him to the stand?"
Mariko's thoughts remained in her head as the others offered theirs. The tumour, knowing right from wrong, denying surgery and wanting to die. All very negative points. "If the tumour is stopping him from realising right from wrong, does that impact his ethical decision making only, or can it impair more? Such as his ability to make the correct decision about his health, does he know what the right and wrong decision is regarding the tumour removal?" Mariko asked as she glanced across the table but more so to Maya. "Also knowing that he is going to die, him knowing that he is going to die, is that not a form of suicide? Slow, yes. Painful, probably, but we are essentially letting him kill himself by doing nothing."
"And I know it's probably been mentioned already, but what of the families of his victims? Will us allowing him to die his way give them closure?" Nala had been paying attention, but was unsure if this question had been addressed amidst all the other information she had absorbed.
Maya chose to ignore Nala's comment because there was no clear answer. Instead, she answered Mariko's. "I can only address his medical condition. Doctor O'Rourke can address his psychological one. I believe that, while his condition has altered his personality and he has shown signs of conflicting moral positions, he is competent enough to state his wishes at this time."
Layal turned her head sharply at the doctor's comment. Without meaning to, she had just given the prosecutor more fuel to win on the issue of fitness. Layal was certain it wouldn't make her popular among the crew here, but she had a job to do, and if that meant putting Dr Canak under rigorous cross-examination, then that is what she would do.
Constantine had no qualms in voicing his own contentious point of view though. "Surely if he's mentally competent enough to be allowed to refuse life saving treatment, then he's mentally competent enough to stand trial," his tone was as blunt as the words were as he sat back, his features set grimly. "And if he's allowed to choose death, then he's being allowed to opt out of the justice system. One criminal's right to choose to not be treated shouldn't outweigh the rights of all those people who deserve justice."
Sarah rubbed her temples; she had been listening and trying to stay as far out of it as she could. “Even him choosing death provides justice for those victims he has affected in life. It wouldn’t be the justice of a court of law but if I were one of those victims I personally would not care whether the court sentenced him to death or he died by other means. And death, in reality is also uncaring and is the ultimate justice.”
“I think the key question is where and under what circumstances he will be allowed to face his death,” Adalyn pointed out. “As I stated, I believe he is competent to stand trial and I don’t believe he was legally insane at the time of his crimes, even if we could prove the tumor has been with him for as long as he’s been alive. I also agree it is contradictory to assert the tumor‘s existence means he is incompetent to stand trial, but simultaneously competent enough to refuse medical treatment. I also don’t think we can completely dismiss the possibility that in refusing treatment, Vamcet knows he is increasing his chances of being sent to a medical facility rather than prison. If he can delay our decision making long enough for his cognitive capabilities to decline so that he becomes incapable of standing trial, he will legally avoid the very consequences he claims to want to face.“
"I do not believe he had the tumor when he committed his crimes, either," Maya said. "But I'm still uncertain we have enough information to say how the glioma will affect him from day to day or week to week as we haven't observed him long enough to monitor how the tumor is growing and if, like many conditions that may prove fatal, he will have good days and bad days. He has expressed both remorse and justification for his crimes, which is likely an indication of what we may expect."
"Logical." Lax began. "And i realize that I'm just an engineer. But this remorse could also be a red herring. Not saying it is. I'm just thinking out loud."
O’Rourke nodded. “That’s an entirely reasonable possibility. I realize it’s ultimately not my decision, but for what it’s worth, I believe we haven’t met the bar for proving incompetence in this moment, so we must proceed to trial.”
Marc held out his hand to indicate that the discussion should be sated for the time being. "Well, it seems that there really is not much we can do here. Report all the information to the Commodore and request a ruling. I will in turn have to report this to the Bajoran government and make sure that they are not caught off guard." He turned to Dr Canak. "I may need some headache medication on standby for that conversation. We will follow through with any request that the Gul makes. It is not my intention to force him to do anything. Even if that means disobeying orders." There was no need to beat around the bush here. May as well let the crew know where they stood.
"Understood, Captain," Layal stated as she gave the Captain a curt and serious nod. "I won't expect much to change on my end then. I'll continue preparations.
Maya nodded in response to the captain's comment about headache medicine. She might even put together a packet for him to use as needed.
Jonathan finally spoke up. " Gul Vamcet is competent enough to stand trial, since he's been aboard he has been lucid in his thought and reason. As the JAG defense council, it is my duty to see that my client gets a fair and impartial trial under the law. I have spent more time with him than anyone else on this ship. You wouldn't believe the things he has told me, some of which have made it hard for me to sleep at night. This case has been the hardest and most frustrating case of my career as a defense council, i am trying to see that justice is done and that the outcome is fair for all. But when your client refuses to get life saving surgery and states that he wants to die, then what is a defense council to do?"
Jonathan paused briefly. " The best I could hope for my client is that he be put into a federation mental health facility for the remainder of his days. It's humane, maybe not what he deserves but it is humane at least. Of course, he would then be an exiled Cardassian at that point, And we know that most Cardassian's would rather commit suicide then live a life of exile. His remorse isn't a red herring, it is genuine. I believe that someone here stated that the Cardassians would try to protect him? There is no chance of that. He has become an embarrassment to them and must be removed or be seen as weak. Nor would they want the Bajorans to execute him, They wouldn't want any of their people to be executed by a lesser race in their eyes. And then we come to the Bajorans. They would take him as soon as we found him guilty and broadcast their own circus trial and find him guilty and then execute him themselves and call it justice. Either way the Cardassians or the Bajorans are going to be pissed off at us regardless of the outcome. So, in the end all we have is one man dying and strained relationships with two species that will take time to repair. So, the only question that remains is was justice even served after all of this? I can honestly say I don't know. "
"Circus trial?" Layal repeated dryly. "Don't hold back, Lieutenant, tell us what you really think. Get it out now, so that your Bajoran co-counsel doesn't have to hear it when we go to trial. That might make things a little awkward." The Bajoran prosecutor glared at the defense attorney. "Let me remind you that the Bajorans have agreed to yield to Federation law in a number of areas in which they are not required to." She would have said more, but she was aware that there was an audience present.
"Ewboy," Nala whispered, swallowed as she tried not to shrink down in her chair at the venom that was flying around.
Jonathan took a healthy swig of his raktajino and rubbed his temples. My comment was not intended to be and insult to you or your people Corin. But you have to admit that the Bajoran government would most likely broadcast Gul Vamcet's execution even if it was to give the affected Bajorans closure. I know how much of a nightmare he has been on the Bajoran people, But if they do so it will only piss off the Cardassians who will be embarrassed in front of the whole galaxy and cause more bad blood. Do you see where I'm coming from on this matter? What good will it do if we do this and it festers amongst the Cardassians until they do something to right it in their mind?"
Jonathan applied a stim patch to the side of his neck. "What I'm about to say I am speaking off the record. Since Gul Vamcet is my client I cannot divulge what my client and I have spoken about while working on this case. I have spent more time with Gul Vamcet then anyone else on this ship. He has told me in great detail about the things he has done and had ordered while on Bajor. Due to that I have spent several hours emptying the contents of my stomach into the toilet and haven't slept more than two hours a night because I know what I'll see when I close my eyes, All of those descriptions of what he told me playing in my mind over and over again. Is he guilty? Yes he is. Does he deserve death? Indeed he does, and a thousand times over. When this case is done, I am going to get some serious sleep and then find a counselor and have a good long talk to work this out in my mind. "
“It is only loosely related; however, I suspect heavily that the Gul is in need of our protection at the moment regardless of what the end results of our work are. From what I have been able to gather from my team’s inspection of the Leto after we found the mysteriously planted explosive device upon her hull I personally believe that somebody wants him dead without legal proceedings and had they been successful the Artemis would be hanging on by bailing wire and duct tape at the best.” Sarah chimed in; a headache of her own growing. “I don’t harbor much good will for him but he and his safety are currently our responsibility.” She wasn’t entirely sure whether the information would lend itself toward any particular side; nor was that her intent. It was information that those present in the room needed to know.
(Hold it...there were BOMBS on that ship!?) Nala thought, her mind whirling as she started to get the same: "I knew I should have stayed home today," feeling that Arnold had whenever they had a field trip in the Ancient Earth show: "Magic School Bus".
"We are knee deep in the big muddy." Marc spoke softly and rubbed his temples briefly. "Alright then. Sarah you and Mariko work with ballistics on that explosive device. If possible I want to know who put it there. It does not make any sense in speculating who may have done such a thing..." Although Marc had a pretty good idea who it was. "In the meantime, as I have already said we are going to have to turn all of this information over to Commodore S'Vrock and allow him to decide how and when to proceed. Doctor, for the time being make the Gul comfortable and administer any treatment needed for his survival that he consents to. Finally, Lieutenant Blake set a course for Bajor at maximum warp. The sooner we can close this case the better. If there are no further questions you are dismissed."
Sarah nodded grimly; having her own suspicions about the device. “Of course, sir. I will block out some time.”
Layal had a discontented look as she stood up from her seat and slowly approached the Captain. "When you have a moment, Captain. At some point I'd like a word."
"Absolutely Commander. Join me in the Ready Room after we adjourn here." Marc wondered what she could want to chat about. He hoped that she was not about to recusive herself from this case. Marc was not sure he could handle that.
Yvette had listened to all that had been said. To her it wasn't her concern. Her job was to investigate crimes and apprehend criminals. Once that was done, her job was over.
"No questions sir." Chris said as he stood up. This was completely out of his wheelhouse, he just wanted to fly and leave the court stuff to the court people.
Maya nodded that she heard and understood. Her first priority was her patient. Her feelings about his guilt could not interfere with that.
Nala slowly stood, trying not to shake as she nodded to the room, then left, barely making it to her quarters before losing her last meal.
"Yyesh, Nala, what a wimp you are sometimes," Nala chided herself with a soft chuckle as she stared into the mirror after cleaning up. Apparently in some matters, Nala had a weak stomach.
Listening to all that was being said, Siadra didn't have anything to say about this situation. Emotions were high at this point, her own included. She quietly rose from the briefing table and left the room.
A Joint Post By
Captain Marc Kidd
Commanding Officer, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Commander Mariko Tao
Executive Officer, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Lieutenant Commander Corin Layal
Judge Advocate General, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Lieutenant Yvette Beauvoir
Tactical Officer, USS Artemis
Executive Officer, Emergency Services Unit
Starfleet criminal Investigations Unit
Ensign Nala Rider
Facial Reconstruction Specialist, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Lieutenant Christopher Blake
Chief Flight Control Officer, USS Artemis
Second Officer, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Lieutenant Maya Canak
Chief Medical Officer/Medical Examiner, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal INvestigations Unit
Lieutenant Sarah Graesyn
Chief Engineering Officer, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Lieutenant Junior Grade Lwaxana Myles
Forensic Engineering Officer, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Captain Kiyoshi Shingoen
Prison Warden, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Lieutenant James Constantine
Criminal Investigations Officer, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Lieutenant Siadra Molaur
Chief Forensic Science Officer, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
ieutenant Jonathan Corwin
Defense Council, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Lieutenant Vincent Zandrell
Criminal Apprehension Officer, USS Artemis
Commanding Officer, Emergency Services Unit
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Lieutenant Junior Grade Adalyn O'Rourke
Ship's Counselor/Profiler, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Cassandra Frost
Chief Security/Tactical Officer, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
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