J. B. Tilton/Page 4
EIGHT
"Admiral," said Archer when the hearing had been reconvened, "I would like to enter into evidence a recording from the Polaris."
"Objection," said Commander Jacobs. "The decision has already been rendered. The defense can't just simply present new evidence now."
"Commander, this is a hearing," said De Haan, "not a trial. As you stated earlier, our objective is reaching the truth in this matter. You may play the recording, Captain."
Archer walked over to a small device on a table. He knew Jacobs had only objected because it was the appropriate thing to do. He was as curious about the recording as everyone else was. Archer turned on the recorder. A mans' voice resounded from the recording.
"Captains log, supplemental, Captain Gerrald Humphreys recording. Many of my crew have already abandoned ship on my orders. The escape pod ejector systems just shorted out and my chief engineer informs me that a core breach is imminent.
"I wish to state for the record that my crew has performed exemplary during this mission. I would especially like to record special recommendations for the following individuals. Lieutenant Commander Hank Morrow, my first officer, Lieutenants Bailey Michaels and Carroll Baker, and Ensigns Ericka Stubbings, Malcolm Reed, and Jasper Rawlings. These individuals went well beyond anything that could have been asked of them.
"I also want it understood that any actions of the Polaris or her crew is my sole responsibility. I take full and total responsibility for all of the actions performed by my crew. Every officer and crewman has performed their duties in the highest tradition of Star Fleet service. It has been my distinct honor and privilege to have served with all of them."
Archer walked over and shut the recording off. No one spoke for a moment. Finally, Commander Jacobs spoke up.
"Admiral," he said, "I fail to see where this recording has any relevance here. So Captain Humphreys assumed responsibility for the actions of his crew. As Captain Archer is well aware, all ships captains bear the same responsibility simply by virtue of being in command. But each crewman is also responsible, and accountable, for their own actions as well."
"Admiral," said Archer, "I believe Captain Humphreys meant something different when he took responsibility for the actions of his crew. Commander Jacobs is right. Every captain knows they are responsible for the actions of his crew. It would not have been necessary for Captain Humphreys to make such a deliberate statement. If you'll give me just a few more minutes, I believe I can show the relevance."
"That appears to be difficult, Captain," said De Haan. "The only one here who was present at the time is Lieutenant Reed. And so far he has refused to answer any pertinent questions regarding it. Unless the Lieutenant has reconsidered answering such questions."
"I have, sir," said Malcolm.
"Very well," said De Haan. "You are still under oath, Lieutenant."
"Understood, sir," said Malcolm.
"Malcolm," said Archer, "you heard the recording. Was that Captain Humphreys?
"Yes, sir," said Malcolm. "I recognized his voice."
"He was a good commander, wasn't he?" asked Archer.
"Yes, sir," said Malcolm, "he was."
"Malcolm, you've been less than candid in this matter, isn't that true?" asked Archer.
"I suppose that would depend on your point of view, sir," said Malcolm. "If you're asking if I lied, no sir, I haven't. Every answer I've given has been the truth."
"But only part of the truth, right?" asked Archer.
"Yes, sir," said Malcolm.
"You did send that transmission, didn't you?" asked Archer.
"I've never denied that, sir," said Malcolm. "Yes, I did send that transmission."
"Why?" asked Archer. "Why would you do something like that?"
Malcolm looked around the room and took a deep breath before he answered.
"I sent the transmission," he said finally, "because Captain Humphreys ordered me to."