Part 3:

The courtroom was a large room for a battleship, and normally served as the mess hall. Today the kitchen had been closed temporarily, and the normal tables stripped out. On the dais was a series of desks, set side-by side to form one large desk. Behind them sat the nine members of the court, with the president of the court in the center. The president was a lieutenant commander on other days, but today she was the president of the court. With that title came rights and responsibilities. Some of those rights were ones an admiral would kill for, and some of the responsibilities were so harsh that all hated them-and most refused them. By military law until she was done the president was nameless. She was faceless, and until she had reached a verdict she had no opinion. She began the opening ceremonies, using the script prepared for her by law.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this field court martial is now in session. As we are at a state of effective war, as defined by Article 5442 of the Naval Regulations, we have all powers normally assigned such a court during a time of war. The purpose of this court martial is to evaluate the evidence against one Commander A.S." The president started to giggle and turned it into a cough, as she realized what she was spelling out. It didn't help that calling him an ass was accurate, either. "Excuse me. Commander Alfred Simon Samuel Kirk. Born during the month of Yeval, day twelve, 112 AL by local reckoning. Stardate 433654.12.01 as commonly reckoned, on the planet Yevon IV. Joined service stardate 433668.12.01, as soon as eligible to join the academy, graduated 12,495 in his class out of 12,495. Requested and received commission as a star fighter pilot, first assignment anti-piracy patrols in the Centauri system. Received commendation for capture of an enemy spy, as well as the Scarlet Ribbon for the quality of his judgment during these actions. Promotion out of the zone followed, bumping him to lieutenant commander. Promotion to commander also followed shortly thereafter. Commander Kirk has been assigned only to the Potemkin, a Heavy System Carrier in Centauri system, CO Captain Blackjack, and Orbital Space Yard One, New Earth, CO Commander Kane. The court notes the irregularity of the situation that has placed Captain Kane in direct command of the accused not once, but three times, as he was the flight operations officer in charge of the squadron the accused commanded. Does the record read accurately describe your career to date, Commander Kirk?"

Pale faced, Commander Kirk had to swallow three times before he could speak. "Yes, it does."

"Excuse me commander?" snapped Captain Kane.

Before Kirk could respond, the President of the Court swiftly leaped up, snapped her head to face Kane, and snapped at him, voice filled with authority, and her eyes with surprise at her own daring. This was an action she normally wouldn't dream of, but her responsibilities in this matter were clear. "You may not interrupt the commander, the accused alone may say whether or not the record is accurate. You are not allowed to interfere, either as captain of this vessel or the officer bringing charges. His speech, while technically irregular, is excused due to the severity of the charges! Attempts to interfere in this court are a court- martial offense, and you will be charged! Do I make myself clear...sir?" The captain didn't miss the pause, or the threat, but barged on despite both. She was senior to him-for the moment-and she could charge him, but he had his duty.

"I refer the court to secured file CDFS3666EKIRK-"

"No!" Commander Kirk shouted, jumping to his feet, knowing exactly what that was, but the Captain continued.

"Centauri (system) Discipline File Secured, number 3666, Ensign Kirk. Unlock code 'enigma'." Kane looked at Kirk, with a smile almost showing on his lips.

"The court will examine the file publicly, despite the outburst of the accused." The president sounded thoughtful, as she had never heard of "discipline file secured" as a file designator.

"I must ask the court to reconsider that decision." Kane now sounded perfectly calm, and neutral.

"The court will hear the request."

"Due to the secure nature of the contents, I request that the court hold a closed session, consisting only of itself, the accused, and those that already know of its contents."

"Such as yourself?"

"Yes...ma'am."

"Your request will be considered. Do my fellow board members wish to discuss?" A silence followed. "Then we shall vote. Do any dissuade?" Another silence. "Then we shall adopt this measure by acclamation. Corporal of the Guard, clear the room. We shall recess for one half of an hour while you clear the room of non-cleared personnel and do a security sweep. Will you have sufficient time?"

The grizzled, large noncom looked around, and promptly replied, "It will take my teams 15 minutes to clear the room, but a thorough security scan will take about one and a half hours. A mid level scan could be done in 15 minutes and still meet your deadline, but I couldn't guarantee the secure room required by regulations for the viewing of secured material."

"The court shall recess for two hours. This court is now in recess."

The corporal's men swiftly began motioning for everyone to leave, first the observers in the very rear of the room, then the witnesses, then the people in the forefront of the room, finally followed by the court members except for the president, who would remain behind her desk until court was adjourned for the night, and would return immediately after her sleep. She ate in the courtroom, and could use only the head just past the hatchway behind the dais. Her responsibility didn't include insuring the security of the room, only to insure the ability of the guards to do so. Soon they were done, exactly on time. The Corporal, who's position during the trial was similar to hers, motioned his men to leave, telling them to rest while they could. He took up position at the only unsealed door, and waited. Soon, he allowed in the board members, the accused, and Kane. No others were allowed in, not even his security team. He drew his weapon and approached the middle of the floor.