Sarek and Dansk
Chapter Ten
Sarek approached the witness and said,
"Please state your name and your tribal affiliation."
The tall bronzed male, dressed in full regalia replied
"I am a Pomo, of the moose clan the translation of my native name is "One With a Study Hand. My standard name is Steve Wetson."
"Could you, by using the map created by the government of the United States of America show us where your ancestral lands are located?"
With that question a map appeared on a screen and a laser pointer was supplied to the witness who zeroed in on the lands that now encompassing San Francisco and lands due north to the then Canadian boarder.*
"Were your people in agreement with your tribe's removal from your ancestral lands?"
"No Osu Sarek, we were not. It was a forced removal."
"Did the persons who decided to take your land apply for permission, similar to what we have now designated as permanent resident status offered to off-worlders."
"No Sir, they did not."
"So how do you and your people view the individuals who have taken your land?"
"As illegals, squatters."
"Were treaties made?"
"Yes, and my tribe commemorated these great events with the construction of or additions to our totem. In the case of continuing recognition of said treaties these totems would stand for time immemorial revered by our people, but since these treaties were all broken, the depictions of those events on the totems were defaced."
"Thank you _"
When asked if he wished to cross-examine Sarek's first witness the defense attorney declined.
Two other Native American witnesses gave similar testimony with the exception that their tribal lands were in different locations. There was no effort to cross examine these witnesses either.
Sarek then made a dramatic move, he picked up a trash basket that was under the table where his group was seated and walked over to face the jury. Placing the basket in front of each one, he asked them to take out something from its contents. He then asked them to examine the objects retrived carefully and advise him if any of them thought what was in their hand was valuable. None answered in the affirmative. He then asked them to replace the paper back into the basket and then returned the basket to its original place and then asked,
"Did any of you detect within yourself any sign of remorse when discarding the object that you returned to the waste paper basket?
The joint answer was,
"No."
Sarek continued,
Was there any feeling that your integrity was compromised, that any injustice had been committed when you performed that act?
Again, a joint,
"No."
Sarek continued,
"Members of the jury those who discarded or broke the treaties entered into with good conscious by the native people did not experience any of those mind-sets that you have just described as NOT experiencing. In regards to any treaties made with the indigenous people that lived on any land that the government desired, which finally included the entire country, these invaders, the 'squatters determined they had all become their own, by 'right of discovery'. As I understand the word 'discovery' is defined as 'something new that has been found. While it might have been new for them. the right of discovery' could not apply in instance. It would be the equivalent of an individual making their first trip to an off-world location and by reason that it their first trip, a new location for them, they then proclaiming it as their new 'home world.
Of course what balanced the outcome in the government's favor was bigger and faster weapons—some of them could be described by said native population as 'weapons of mass destruction'. While the native could employ stealth and knowledge of their territory in their favor, that advantage could not outweigh the success perpetuated by the repeat rifle, cannon, or the Gatling gun."
Sarek closed his argument with the thought that any nation that had colonized lands that originally had inhabitants as evidenced by ruins of cities, or when the government made their "discovery" already had inhabitants, could not qualify for becoming a colony.
Based on this Sarek's revelation about each defendant and no doubt one hundred percent of the membership of that organization, the demands outlined by 'United Terrans for Terra' dogma were legal or acceptable. Thus Zaa'in and the Native American tribes of California, the state of the organization's registration could receive the startling amount of twelve million credits. Since that amount was not available, partial payment would be gained by the sale of all the organization's property in the state of California.
(*This was one of the rules that would allow colonization as outlined by Roades, which was broken and thus allowed for colonization and thus the establishment of North and South Rhodesia on the continent of Africa.)
After advising that the prosecution would rest. He waited for the defendants to be called to the witness chair. After each one's testimony Sarek approached each one and asked them to verify information documented on ancient census records. Standing in front of each one he asked the same question he had asked the Native Americans,
"Where are your ancestral lands?"
They all answered with a location within the confines of what had been The United States of America. But Sarek corrects them with information that revealed their family's entry from what had been Europe through New York or other cities on the eastern coast. Then with a map of Europe displayed, Sarek pointed out the 'ancestral homes' of each defendant.
Sarek then said,
"My original witness, when asked that same question showed us a location in California that we could readily identify."
To each one that was corrected Sarek said,
"Your ancestral lands are not here, you are a squatter, your acts of aggression against persons who have arrived on this planet with legal papers, educational goals or talents beneficial to the many is in stark contrast to your family's history."
There was no doubt that the defense had prepared what they were to present to the jury. What happened, however, proved that they had not prepared themselves to face Sarek of Vulcan, a Federation Representative
The end result of this trial was the total acquisition by the victim of all assets of the said organization and its officers. Amazingly on the day of the judge's ruling Zaa'in was present in a wheelchair in the courtroom dressed in his Star Fleet uniform surrounded by many classmates of various species. An observer might have noted that although his face displayed no different in its' general appearance, when the judgment was rendered, if questioned he would have indicated that he was indeed satisfied with the end results of the trial.
The press went hog-wild for the case, Sarek's arguments, the judgment and of course the featured a before and after picture of the victim, and the question that persisted was, 'Who was the beautiful assistant that had been at Sarek's side?'
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After finalization the defense attorney approached Sarek and at first put out his hand, with the appearance of Sarek's raised eyebrow and Dansk comment,
"Vulcans are touch telepaths, they do not shake hands," he withdrew it.
Sarek gestured for Dansk to stand by his side and introduced her,
"This is she who is to become my wife, Dansk."
Then the attorney nodded and said,
"I think that you two compliment each other perfectly.
He then continued,
" Sir, I feel honored to have been in the same courtroom with you. Your arguments were flawless and although I have heard that Vulcans do not express emotions, your pleas were impassioned and convincing. Thank you sir for this extremely gratifying experience."
Sarek answered sympathetically,
"At times our consciences hold us back from our constructing convincing arguments.
I think that might have been the case with you."
That attorney's eyes met Sarek's and sent a message that they both understood that had to do with attorney/client privilege.
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When they were at last alone Sarek took Dansk into his arms and said,
"I must return to Vulcan to argue the case of the children before the High Counsel and Committee. I must also announce to them my decision to bond with you, Dansk of Terra. I will return in four days. At that time my mother will accompany me and has mentioned her desire to meet you. You must not allow yourself to be intimidated by her stare or commanding voice, she has sided with me.
I now wish your decision on another matter, do you wish a Terran ceremony also?"
Dansk replied,
"A small civil ceremony before the bonding will be acceptable. I have no family to invite, just work mates."
Sarek then said,
"Dansk of Terra In two week you will be mine and I will teach you the depth of my devotion to you. In the meantime, If you wish any furnishings moved to the Embassy, from your apartment, please let me know. Tonight I wish you to sleep in the guest quarters at the Embassy so we tomrrow may enjoy First Meal together and I might give you a tour of your new home on Terra. Everything you require is already supplied."
Sarek took Dansk shoulders in his hand as they walked to his vehicle and he felt a deep peace and satisfaction for more than one reason.