Chapter 8 Nyota's Trial
"Lieutenant Uhura report to the auditorium immediately, " boomed the PA system. Uhura walked from Advanced Romulan class to the the auditorium. She was told to take a seat in front a a large table.
Uhura faced a panel of five judges. Admiral Pike was there. Captain James Kirk was there, Admiral Barnett was presiding over the trial. The Dean of Xenolinguistics, an Andorian Officer named Colonel
Schran was also present. Finally Doctor Thoren, the head of Starfleet Medical was also present.
Admiral Barnett spoke first.
"Lieutenant Uhura under Starfleet Regulation Two Ten, you have been accused of contact unbecoming to an officer. You have been engaged in petty arguments with your fellow officers. You have slapped a nurse and you have been accused of causing a young Ensign to commit suicide. Do you have anything to say in your own behalf?"
"Yes," Uhura replied," Let the records show that I did not compromise my duty to my ship and that I have an impeccable academic marks in my classes. I believe that two incidents should not ruin my career."
"Nevertheless, " Colonel Schran replied "we will hear from witnesses about these serious charges."
Nurse Chapel was called first. She related the incident in the cafeteria where she had been slapped. She also told about finding Pavel Chekhov on the floor of his room with the bottle of vodka and sleeping pills. She talked about his conversation with Spock. Spock also was called to testify. He admitted that he and Uhura had been involved in a serious relationship for the past year but had kept it discreet. He also added that her jealousy and unstable emotions caused the incident. He did add however that she was probably the best communications officer in the fleet. Her academic advisor showed copies of her transcripts and produced the award The Star fleet team had one at the Xenolinguistics compeitition in Oxford. The Chorale Director told of her talent and participation.
A videotape of Pavel Chekhov was shown. The young Ensign told about the incident in the cafeteria and the threats of court martial. He also gave a statement that the incident had helped caused the despair that had resulted in the attempted suicide. Dr. McCoy also testified. He talked about Chekhov's depression and Uhura'a emotional state.
Admiral Barnett finally called upon Captain Kirk, Commander Spock, and Dr. McCoy to evaluate an approriate consequence for this incident. Captain Kirk went first. He told the judges that he felt a week in the brig plus some community service would be sufficient. The communications officer was an asset to the ship and was too valuable to lose.
Spock suggested a more severe penalty. " Since the Lieutenant inadvertantly caused someone to take their own life. I think a month in the brig would be good. She should also have some counseling as well as 200 hours of community service helping suicidal patients. This will help her sympathesize with officers who have severe emotional issues. Finally I think she should be transferred to a remote Starfleet outpost possibly near the Romulan Neutral Zone. Out there maintaining interpersonal relationships would not be such an important part of the job."
Dr. McCoy was quite tart in his testimony. "Now just a damn minute, Commander Spock. Lieutenant Uhura is an asset to the Enterprise. These incidents with the crew have not interfered in any way with her professional duties. I think banishing her to a remote outpost would be a mistake. I think 2 weeks in the Brig plus counseling and community service would be a suitable penalty. The Counseling and Community Service would help Uhura improve her interpersonal relations with the crew. Because this is her first offense I think the time in the Brig should be suspended. I am also willing to take charge of her rehabilitation."
Admiral Barnett adjourned the court so the judges could render a decision. They met for an hour.
When the judges returned, Admiral Barnett asked Lieutenant Uhura to stand. He rendered their decision.
"Lieutenant Uhura, It has been decided that you are guilty of conduct unbecoming to an officer. You will be sentenced to counseling for a period of one year and you will do 200 hours of community service assiting mentally ill patients. You will be returned to the Enterprise. You will be placed under the charge of Doctor McCoy who will send reports of your progress to Starfleet Command. Should you refuse to undergo treatment you will be suspended from duty and sentended to one year of prison at a Starfleet Penal colony. Upon leaving this courtroom you will be placed under the care of Dr. McCoy and Starfleet Medical as an outpatient to begin your sentence. Do you understand these terms?"
"Yes sir," Uhura said solemnly.
"Then, you are dismissed."
Uhura hugged McCoy. Spock watched them with sadness. He had ended another relationship. He felt someone staring at him and looked into the soft blue eyes of Christine Chapel. He stared at her back He felt a connection with her. Was it possible to begin again?
