Author's note: Thanks to everyone who reviewed last time. It's nice to know I'm not the only one reading this. Sorry again for the delay. I put up chapters26 and 27 this time. This story is getting close to the end. I'm not quite finished playing with my fav. characters yet, though…

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Parsons marched briskly at the room and nodded at the cadets who stood assembled before him. "Sit down. Let's get this over with, shall we?" It seemed as though all the school had caught wind of the trial and had gathered to rally for their chosen champion. Mina'' group, he noticed, was dwindling and seemed homogeneously composed of vanity stricken human males. "As you all know, we have gathered here today to decide upon the guilt or innocence of one first year student, Cadet Beverly Howard. Ms. Howard was accused of cheating on an examination in her Advanced Comprehensive Terran Anatomy class, taught by Professor Jarcock. How do you plead, Ms. Howard?"

Howard rose briskly, her shoulders straight with confidence. "Not guilty, Sir."

"Let it state for the record that not only does Cadet Howard plead not guilty, she wishes to impress the charges which were brought against her upon Cadet Mina Coldwell. How do you plead, Ms. Coldwell?"

Mina flashed Parsons her best man-killing smile, cocked her head slightly, and purred. "Not guilty, Admiral."

"That said, let us begin." Parsons nodded to Cadet Keel and Cadet Data, Beverly's chosen counsels. He noticed with a slight frown that Coldwell would be defending herself. He wondered briefly if this was by choice or necessity, but then pushed his musings aside. This was no time to be partial.

'Sir, we ask that you first take into account Cadet Howard's academic record both preceding and following the incident." Keel pressed a button on the table before him, and Beverly's complete records appeared in holographic suspension in the midst of the courtroom. "we would like to point out that the Cadet has always been an exemplary student. As you can see, Cadet Howard is currently the highest marked first year Cadet in the Medical Program."

Parsons glanced perfunctorily at the hologram. He had already known as much.

Keel continued. "We would now like to call forward our first signatory, Cadet Korbin Hessful. Hessful is a first year Academy Cadet on the Medical track. She is a member of the Advance Terran Comprehensive Anatomy class in which the alleged incident took place."

Parsons nodded at a mousy looking blond girl. A Chous, he knew. He had prepared for this trial more thoroughly than the cadets on either side would ever fully realize.

"Sir, the Cadet would like permission to speak, Sir." Parsons nodded. "Sir, the Cadet became aquatinted with Cadet Howard shortly after the test in question took place." The girl's face twitched slightly, and Parsons though he saw a hint of pride. "The Cadet was having difficulty mastering the material as it was presented in class and required additional help. Cadet Howard has supplemented my classroom lessons in the time since the test in question, and the Cadet has been greatly assisted by Cadet Howard's depth of knowledge. The Cadet's records indicate as much." A new set of records appeared before Parsons, and he could see that what Hessful said was indeed true. Her marks had improved drastically. "Sir, the Cadet would like to add the she spoke with Cadet Howard on the night of the test in question. Cadet Howard told the Cadet the same story that she has continued to tell ever since then. Cadet Howard has never wavered in her reiteration of the events which took place. The Cadet would go on record to say she solidly believes in Cadet Howard's innocence, and is convinced the Cadet Howard will one day become a fine Doctor and Officer." Parsons nodded his dismissal, and Hessful returned to her seat, the tension melting away from her face. Keel gave the girl a brief nod.

"Thank you, Cadet. It seems you are not the only one willing to stand up for Cadet Howard. I have received countless letters in support of Ms. Howard's character. It seems there are many who believe her incapable of such an act." He would address the signed testimony for Captain Picard later. To Parsons, it held tremendous weight. Jean Luc Picard was an honorable man of distinction and principle. The Admiral knew Picard well enough to understand he would have never supported Howard's position if he did not believe in it with unwavering solidity. First, though, he wanted to see what the others had to say. Even great men made errors in their judgement, especially when it concerned beautiful young women. "Would Cadet Coldwell like to add anything?"

Coldwell stood up and gave him another fantastic smile. "The Cadet would let it be known that nothing is as it first seems."

"The Admiral would let it be known that the Cadet shall not speak with shadows on her tongue. Be relevant and forthright when you speak, or sit down."

Coldwell frowned slightly. Parsons had overseen enough trials to know that her brain was now rewording a carefully rehearsed speech full of figurative language, idioms and metaphors. Parsons had no patience for these tactics of distraction. He wanted the facts, not a lavish anthology of vernacular. "The Cadet would then say that Cadet Howard is of poor character. The Cadet overheard various conversations in which Cadet Howard divulged various indiscretions which she had committed to her friends. For example…"

Parsons cut her off. "Cadet Coldwell, I will not have this hearing made into a mockery. This is not a session for gossip and tidbits of 'he said, she said.' Unless you have something immediately relevant to report, such as a confession to the professed crime, I suggest you sit down rather than disclosing even the juiciest secrets which you have procured through your eavesdropping." He said this with a finality that let everyone in the room know his words were in deadly earnest.

"Not at this time, Sir," Mina sulked. "But the cadet wold request to be allowed to reopen this discussion should relevance arise."

"Permission granted. Cadet Keel. You have testified in favor of Cadet Howard's scholastic aptitude. You have provided us with a witness that would attest not only t that aptitude but to the cadets character as well. I have received countless pieces of correspondence in favor of Cadet Howard, one of which I lent considerable weight, considering the origin which I will disclose shortly. I have received nothing of relevance in favor of Cadet Coldwell's character. Despite this evidence, however, there are certain facts which I cannot overlook. The times displayed and the answers provided seem to contradict everything we know about the Cadet who sits before us. Though there is no readily discernable motive, I cannot deny the Cadet's past history of disregard for the policies and rules of this institution. Can you provide anything that is proof of your claims, beyond a reasonable doubt?"

"We would present Cadet Tafton Hosgerb, Sir."

"Sir, the Cadet would like to briefly relate an incident involving Cadet Howard and cadet Coldwell. On the night of the Stargazer reception…"

"Cadet," Parsons interjected, "We have just recently established how I feel about frivolous gossip which wastes my time. I don't care who said what or did what to whom that embarrassed them in front of the Officers. Say something pertinent or sit down."

"Sir, the Cadet would like to play for the Admiral a recording of a conversation between Cadet Mina Coldwell and Cadet Beverly Howard taken on the night of the Stargazer reception. The Cadet would ask the Admiral to note the date imprinted on the chip, and would also ask the Admiral to note that the chip was sealed in this cargo box with an encryption code the following day by Professor Frakes to protect it against tampering. The Cadet would ask the aforementioned professor to come forward to verify her testimony and open the cargo box."

A frail looking Vulcan stepped forward. "The cadet speaks the truth. This chip is unmolested. Frakes Alpha Alpha Tango." The box opened and Frakes handed the chip to Parsons, who popped it in a slot on the table before him. Almost immediately, audio came streaming out with perfect clarity.

In all the years Parsons had been listening to testimony he had never before heard anything more indisputable. "Cadet Coldwell, did you have this conversation with Cadet Howard on the night in question?" He needn't have asked, he could tell by looking in her eyes.

"The Cadet would prefer not to answer, Sir."

Parsons sighed. "I have only one more point to discuss before adjourning to come to my final decision. Cadet Howard, what is your relationship with Captain Jean Luc Picard?"

Howard rose before him, seeming rejuvenated. "The Cadet is friends with Captain Picard."

"How did this friendship develop?" Parsons was somewhat dubious, though he would not doubt Picard's word. It was simply unusual for a Cadet to befriend a Captain, especially that Captain.

"The cadet was introduced to Captain Picard on the night of the Stargazer reception. The Cadet's current romantic interest, fourth year Cadet Jack Crusher, and the Cadet's friend Cadet Walker Keel were interested in procuring postings on the Stargazer. The Cadets spent some time chatting with Captain Picard, and were invited to dinner with the Captain on a later date. The Cadet and Captain Picard share many mutual ideals and think in similar patters, Sir. A friendship was natural between us."

"Especially after she slept with him!"

All heads turned to stare at Mina who had gone from looking crushed to looking empowered. A malevolent gleam was bright in her eyes. "That's right, Sir, I have found something relevant to say. That lying falsity that would like us all to believe she is the persona of perfection is nothing more than a two-timing salacious wanton. She talks of the thoughts and ideals she and the Captain shared, but the all centered around one thing…"

"SILENCE!" Parsons roared. "You will speak in a formal tongue at this hearing, or you will not speak at all. And as for your 'relevant comment', it is nothing more than young people's gossip. I will not stand to have this hearing made a mockery of. What you are saying, Cadet, is no more relevant than anything you have said thus far. Kindly hold your tongue." Parsons couldn't believe such an action of his friend, and yet he wondered if it were true. He forced the thought from his mind. Even if the accusation had merit it held no bearing on his decision. The tape he had listened to was sufficient evidence not only to overturn his earlier punishment, but to ban Mina Coldwell from Starfleet for the rest of her days. His adjournment was merely a formality. His mind was all ready made up. "We will reconvene in two hour's time. Dismissed."

* * *

"That Mina," Jack shook his head, "What a character. Who'd of thought she would have come up with a whopper like that to save her sorry behind." Crusher chuckled to himself, unmindful of the wary glances passing between the others. He was too blinded by his love to have any doubts about his view of the truth. He turned to Beverly and smiled, "What's the matter, Bev? You look upset. Cheer up, there's no way she can win this thing now, not after Tafton's performance. Let me get you some hot tea. Does anyone else want anything?" The others chimed in their drink orders and Jack trotted off happily to get them.

"So, Beverly, is it true what Mina said? Did you really have an affair with Captain Picard." Scott whistled under his breath. Walker glared menacingly, but Scott only shrugged. "Sorry man, but you've got to give her credit for cracking the old burrhog even if what she did was wrong." He smiled slyly and added "Besides, she may be the only reason you and Crusher have jobs."

"I thought she was lying." Korbin looked as though Beverly's indiscretion had been against her. "That day, when we were heading for class and she cut you off…I would have never thought to believe anything that came out of that monster's mouth. I guess I should have."

"Beverly, you have to tell Jack. It just isn't right. If you don't, I will." Lennie's resolve was evident in his firm timbre. Walker sensed impending doom. He knew Lennie's heart was in the right place, but the other boy didn't know Crusher the way Keel did. He was just about to elicit damage control when Tafton stepped in.

"Oh come off of it, all of you. While Mina was eavesdropping she failed to understand the most important part of the conversation. I was the person Beverly was talking to."

"Yeah, so?" Lennie's scowl deepened to include both girls, as though he now counted Tafton as a traitor as well.

"Don't you get it? It was me, not Beverly that had the little fling with Picard. I was discussing it with her because I felt so terrible and guilty over what I had done. The Captain and I just got carried away. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but later I realized I hardly even knew the poor lonely man." Tafton curled her lip out in a pout and sniffed.

"SO Tafton got you and Crusher your jobs, Keel. Way to go, Taft," Scott thumped the brunette amiably on the shoulder. "If you don't mind, I'd like to be posted to the Ellipse after I graduate." He gave her an exaggerated wink, and she smiled wanly back.

Beverly looked around at the faces before her, noticing they had grown measurably less chilly. Walker looked relieved. She nodded ever so slightly to Tafton, who smiled warmly in return. Beverly had a new definition for friendship and loyalty.

Jack returned momentarily, carrying their beverages. "Well, what did I miss? You all look so cheery all of the sudden."

"Oh, Tafton just revealed the secret of the universe to us," Walker said casually.

"Really," Jack tilted his head slightly. "Are you going to fill me in?"

"Let's just say you and I owe her a drink in honor of our new commissions. She helped, erm, procure them for us."

"So Mina's not as big a liar as we thought," Jack smiled knowingly at Tafton, who shrugged.

"No, Jack," Beverly said ruefully, though Crusher missed the subtlety, "She's not."