The information Data presented was all circumstantial. Andrea had been in the restricted computer area. Unfortunately, date and time stamps and video coverage proved that. It could not, however, prove the treason charge. The crux of the issue was an old data bank that had been discovered missing. The information, though interesting, didn't amount to state secrets being passed. At least, it didn't until Commissioner Legat made his appearance. Upon his entrance to the tribunal chamber, Andy cringed. Riker saw the reaction and leaned into his client.
"Is this going to be a problem, Lieutenant?" he whispered.
Andy looked at him, replying, "It's certainly going to seem like it, Commander."
Will raised his brow at the cryptic remark but waited for the testimony to begin.
After he was sworn in, Commissioner Legat began his testimony.
"How do you know the Lieutenant?" Data asked.
"She is the daughter of a close friend."
"Who is this friend?"
"Her mother, Constance Thoreau. We were colleagues."
"So, you're a doctor?" Data continued.
"I was until I gave that up to devote my life to the political welfare of my people."
"So what was your contact with the Lieutenant?"
"I asked her to provide copies of historical documents."
Will stood, "Admiral, I don't see how the access to historical documents that anyone could get from a library constitutes treason?"
Data faced the Commander, "It's which historical documents that were provided, Commander." And he turned back to the Admiral, "If you will allow it, ma'am, it will all become very clear."
"A little latitude, Mr. Data." Was the Admiral's reply.
"So, what historical documents, Commissioner?"
"Documents relating to cryogenics."
Will glanced at Andy who refused to return the look. She stared straight ahead waiting for the rest of the damning information to be presented.
"As the Commander pointed out, Commissioner, this is information you can get from any library. Why did the Lieutenant need to provide it to you?"
"Because it was information that she helped develop; information that was proprietary back during the early space race of the United States. Our planet is very similar. I thought if Andrea could help with the information, especially since it was really hers to begin with, we might be able to get to the next level of our development."
Will whispered, "What does he mean, Andy?" But Andrea shook her head as the commissioner continued to speak.
"She, Andrea, was instrumental in the development of the cryogenics process. Her mother said so. Lieutenant Thoreau agreed to provide the information in return for me not telling anyone about her involvement."
"Thank you, Commissioner. I have no further questions."
The Admiral looked at Commander Riker. Will was somewhat flustered by the revelations of the commissioner. "Do you have questions, Commander Riker?"
"Not at this time, Admiral, but I would reserve the right to recall the commissioner."
The Admiral nodded her consent and dismissed the commissioner.
Andy still refused to look at Will. The recess was going to be ugly.
Lt. Commander Data now began to nail the door shut on Andy's prosecution. "If it pleases the court, I would like to admit the following information. They are primarily searches that have been done in the process of gathering information for this case. There is no record of an Andrea Thoreau prior to ten years ago. There is no record of an adoption by Doctor and Mrs. Thoreau. There is one birth certificate, but it was to a baby boy Thoreau still born twenty-five years ago to Doctor Walden and Constance Thoreau. In light of the information presented and the lack of supporting information, it is our conjecture that Andrea Thoreau is indeed a fraud; a spy who with the help of Walden and Constance Thoreau, gathered information of historical processes in direct violation of the Prime Directive to help Commissioner Legat's home land achieve strategic advantage."
"No!" Andrea jumped up from her seat, shouting, "No! You will not involve Doctor or Connie in your allegations!" She pointed across at Data. "You will keep the focus on me and me alone."
Will stood, wrapping a restraining arm against his client.
"Commander Riker." The Admiral's voice was firm, "You will get your client under control or she will no longer be allowed in this Tribunal."
Will nodded, "Yes, Admiral," Then to Andy who was still straining against his hold, he whispered, "Behave yourself now, Lieutenant. That's an order, damn it."
Andy looked into Will's dark eyes and knew she had gone too far. She nodded her understanding as he released her. She then turned to the Admiral and replied, "My apologies, Admiral Kim. It won't happen again." And Andy slumped down in her seat, defeated.
Seemingly satisfied with her response, the Admiral nodded. Then, "Do you have anything else to present, Lt. Commander Data?"
"No, Admiral. The prosecution rests."
"Very well. We will adjourn for lunch. This tribunal will reconvene at 1400." And she banged the gavel, dismissing the parties involved.
Andy remained at her seat at the table. Will did as well. He received a warning look from Captain Picard that he knew all too well. He had better get his young ward under control and a handle on this case or it was going to be very bad.
After everyone had left, Will stood and walked up to the witness chair. He turned around and faced Andy.
"I need the truth, Lieutenant. Everything or it's over - Treason is still a crime punishable by execution, Andy."
Andy looked at her commanding officer, "You don't know, do you?" She asked incredulously.
"Know what?"
"Doctor didn't tell you about me, did he?"
"Tell me what?" he walked back and leaned on the table, "Tell me what, Andy?"
"I'm not his. I'm not legally adopted."
"I think that point's been made, Lieutenant."
"I'm…I'm an artifact, for lack of a better term."
Will was confused, "Andy…"
Andrea stood and shook her head. "I can't believe…I thought you knew. Of all people, I thought you knew."
"Andrea, you are not making any sense at all."
She reached across and took Will's hand. "I need a favor."
"Let's hear it first."
"Instead of a traditional question and answer, I need to be able to give a narrative on the stand. It can be under oath and I can clear up everything… the charges…the doubt…the innuendo…but I need to be able to say it without a bunch of interruptions.
"Andy, I don't know…"
"Please, Will, please? This is my life we're talking about here, in more ways than one. Please, Will? Do this for me?"
Will knew Andy was desperate. Hell, the situation was desperate. If this could save her, he had to do it. That was his primary responsibility – keeping Andy out of the gallows.
"I'll do it, but when this is over, we're going to have a long talk."
"When this is over, you may never want to speak to me again."
Will didn't like the sound of that but he didn't have time to question her further. He had to go convince the tribunal and Data that the unorthodox presentation of the Defense's case was the only way it would make sense. He hoped he could do it!
