NOTE the world and everything non-star trek is part of a novel/series of books I've been writing for years and characters that have been developed over the best part of two decades. The first few descriptive chapters are taken from that. Everything not borrowed from Star Trek is my own work. I've often taken TNG and VOY crews to my world and thought I would put some ideas out there and see how this whole writing lark works. Hope that makes sense. Basically, anything overly descriptive about the orb has been taken from my book and edited slightly to save re-writing. Also upgraded to M as it's going to get nastier and more detailed than originally planned. Sorry, ran away with me a bit. If any of the topics brought up in this chapter will deliver undue distress. Please do not read on afterwards.
Chapter Fifteen
A large library towers over Bramble's town square. Situated across from the Smokey Bramble tavern, its high exterior dominates the skyline. The third storey consists only of a vaulted window, octagonal in shape that supports a lead roof. In the heart of winter, when ice forms on the glass and the morning sun begins to shine through, a beautiful prism pattern envelopes the square.
The library houses the majority of the orbs widely known cultural and historical material. Myriads of books, musical scores, artworks and artefacts are stored within its elegant, fan vaulted interior. The open vestibule contains a welcome desk, rarely manned, and situated far behind the desk is a large, hand carved wooden door, adorned with lines of poetry and imagery of ancient battles. This door leads to a cavernous wine cellar, as wide and long as the building above. Pillars embellished with precious stone form a firm foundation and a first edition of every wine found in the diapason is stored within.
Hidden within the stone walls of the cellar is a door that leads down into the crypt. This holds more precious and detailed historic information, and forms part of an ancient, underground network of tunnels and natural caverns. These tunnels and caverns link almost everything above ground together – thereabouts.
"This is our largest town. A good several hundred folk call this home." Guss was clearly proud of his hometown. "I pretty much man the library, I may as well live there. When it comes to culture, we will happily share ours with you Captain and I would love to learn more about how you write, your history and what music you produce too."
"That I can agree too straight away; this is a beautiful town, ironically it looks like something you would find in our literature, not so much more on our world now, though there a few heritage sites that try and preserve pockets of our history to keep it alive." The archaeologist in Picard was brimming with excitement about studying this world further. In a way it was like a living time capsule.
"You world sounds fascinating, I would love to be able to see it one day?" Replied Guss.
"That too can easily be arranged, should any of you wish to visit our world. We would very much like to build a relationship with your Orb."
"You say that now Captain," interjected Starnel, "tell me, how are you intending this trial take place?"
"I am going to need a list of reasons as to why you exiled him. We will need to have a hearing in a public place, whereby anyone is welcome to watch. Anyone around who was a victim to a particular crime being trialled will need to testify."
"In front of everyone?" Said Guss.
"I'm afraid so."
"They are not going to like this. I tell you now; there will be some folk who would just prefer you take him... What then, what will happen once his crimes have been stated?" Asked Guss.
"He will get to refute them."
"Are you saying that after someone has shared their story, or whatever, he will get to question them?" Starnel seemed almost angry at the thought.
"Essentially, yes."
"Captain, I have to say that sounds barbaric. Having to ask people to relive hideous traumas and then having the one who caused them, slander them." Guss had sensed Starnel's anguish and spoke to affirm his stance.
"You're assuming he is guilty," suggested Picard.
"I know he is guilty." Replied Guss
"How?"
"Our population is very small Captain, people have seen what he has done and we don't lie. I myself have seen him commit several atrocities. I can't think of anyone who hasn't."
"Hmm, your world is very different. On mine, very often, it is one person's word against another and the burden of proof lies with the individual and the evidence provided. We also have a problem in that people lie, especially those prone to criminal behaviour. Having said that, you effectively don't have a deterrent system, so perhaps there's little need to lie."
"We've never needed one." Said Starnel.
"Indeed, I'm not saying your system is wrong, just different. If your orb does one day open up to the wider universe again, you may want to look at that or your world and species may be easily exploited."
"That is one of the reasons we decided to close ourselves off again, we had come to realise that and didn't want to have to change our ways. Even though they now appear to have caught up with us. What Tarya says is true. Our technology is old and our shield is bound to fail soon, or someone will discover us. It was a secondary concern of the Caucus, but at the time we had more pressing needs, Tarya is only a bit ahead of us really, it was next on the agenda," sighed Guss.
"That is a huge part of the reason we reached out to you. When and if you choose to reveal yourselves, we can help you, should you wish. Help you keep the essence of who you are whilst offering a certain level of protection and help you adapt. Please believe this is all subject to should and when you choose."
"Captain," Data stepped into the conversation, "on our journey here I listed all of the major crimes to Lyden that he could be guilty of committing based on our legal system, he says he has committed, well, all of them," Data declared.
"If he pleads guilty can we just let it be?" Said Guss.
"Perhaps," said Picard. "Does he Data?"
"No he states diminished capacity and coercion. He wants to fight for his innocence."
"Of every crime he has committed!? No offence Captain, but your lifespan is short. Even we'd find it tedious." Declared a stunned Guss.
"Look, in theory, he only has to be declared guilty of one serious crime in order to be declared dangerous. Why don't we take the rest of today to decide which crimes are best to try and successfully hold a conviction? I'm thinking three or four of his worst and most unquestionable ones." Offered Picard.
"But don't we will also need the accusers to be willing to testify. You know Captain, this isn't necessarily a win situation for anyone. If the victims lose, there is a potential you will remove him from our Orb and they will be free of him, but no-one will get justice, If they win, they have to keep him around. What incentive is that to anyone?"
"Tarya said that you do have a few laws, but they don't really have any consequences?"
"Yes, for example, Aygor, who is the man who set himself up as king to reign over us, enacted laws, such as, a man owns his wife, he is permitted to do anything to her without consequence, she must obey him and the crown has absolute power, amongst several others along those lines. We basically ripped his rules up, but to ensure it was clear, we made a small list of laws declaring our position. For example, every person was free and equal, and no-one was permitted to cause intentional physical harm and so on. It was assumed life would go back to what it was, more or less, and that is what happened. We never thought to write down consequences for breaking these rules. On the very rare occasion in our history someone has harmed another; we throw them in the gaol cell for a few nights, that's basically it." Explained Guss.
"What would stop us writing a consequence now," offered Starnel. "For example, anyone found breaking our laws on multiple occasions will be subject to a consequence… You could have it that a small transgression leads to a night in the cell, greater ones a longer period… what would be the worst thing we could think of to do to someone. I'm thinking in particular Lyden." They all thought for a moment.
"Banishment to the north!" Starnel suddenly shouted. "No-one would want that. Least of all Lyden, he came from there originally with Aygor, and if he wanted to return, he could have easily done so already."
"You know Starnel, I think that may actually work," considered Guss.
"Would it take you long to be able to write up a law to that effect?" Enquired Picard.
"No, we only need half of the caucus here, which they are. We could effectively do it now."
"Do so, then if he loses you can legally banish him."
"It may work, but we'll still need to convince his victims to talk," mused Guss. "Starnel, come and help us write these laws, tell us your thoughts." Starnel nodded to Guss.
"Hmm, but if you are going to be tied up with that, it will stall the trial; we need to be able to establish what crimes he is going to be tried for," queried Picard.
"Can't you just ask him?" Picard laughed at Starnel's frank suggestion.
"What! Ask the accused what he thinks are his, I don't now three or five worst crimes, and then ask him what he wants to be convicted of."
"Sure, he will know what they are as they will likely be the ones he most wants to relive. He really is a twisted man Captain."
"Will that not give him control? Do you think that is wise?" Picard still couldn't fathom this logic.
"Oh yes, in fact, it may be our only option. He is a clever man Captain. The need for control has always been his downfall. We will have to hope it is again and he takes it too far."
"Intriguing… okay, why don't you enshrine the consequences in law and I will get together with my people to discuss how this is going to work. You say we've a few hours before teatime?" They looked a bit blank. After a moment Guss looked to the sun.
"It is roughly half way between lunchtime and teatime – is that of any help?" Picard smiled.
"Yes, that's perfect, thank you Guss."
Evenings were always busy at the Smokey Bramble tavern. Though pleasingly rustic, it was not a modest building. In keeping with the rest of the town, it possessed a medieval feel with gothic overtones. The tavern offered hearty, homemade food and plenty of choice drinks. It was a gabled, two storey building with a timber frame and its walls were made of clom and crowned with a thatched roof. The front door led to a large, communal, open-plan gathering area, and the only constant light provided was via daylight or candle lit wall sconces, but a great fire built into the left wall could provide more illumination, and was the main source of heat during the cold, harsh winters that would all too often last half a year.
Around the walls of the tavern were booths and smaller tables provided an inner circle. Interspersed amongst these tables were octagonal gaming tables of varying sizes. Many a mind had been honed over a game of Prysm or Feathers.
To the right of the bar was a partially hidden, darker recess. This provided more privacy for urgent meetings or simply deliberation of a more clandestine nature. A large room on the other side of the bar was often used for celebrations, public hearings and just about anything else they so desired, but it was behind the bar where the treasures were stored. There were jugs of Morrow Ale of varying flavours, from fruity, to very dark and rich. There was also wine, limited in variety, but each exceptional. A lot of time and effort was invested into its body and flavour, and sometimes, thousands of years could pass before a new one was accepted into the diapason. Housed in wall display cabinets, the wine shimmered in unique, glass blown bottles. Each was ornately decorated by etchings of the vines contained therein, and a measure was served in a wooden goblet and protected by an ancient enchantment to best nurture the flavours.
Doone had utilised the recess for their tea and Lyden had been sent to spend the night in the town gaol cell, of which there was only one and it was more akin to a small, but cosy hotel room.
"Right one and all," shrilled an excited Doone. "Try this – Hollowbark - one of my milder recipies, but thought by many to help relax and calm a weary soul. A few of the villagers are being kind enough to rustle up some grub too. It will be basic, I'm afraid, due to the spontaneity of this gathering, but none the less nutritious. The guest rooms are also being checked. You will have to decide who shares with whom, but there are two rooms at your disposal."
"Thank you Doone, that is very kind." Said Picard as he sipped the Hollowbark. "Hmm, this is delicious. Tell me, will any of your recipes be up for a potential trade."
"Ooo, now that is an interesting thought. Certainly not all of them, as we have to have some secrets, though I am sure we can come to some arrangement. Take heed though Captain, I guarantee it will be one of your toughest negotiations yet." He said with a belly laugh.
"I like a challenge Doone." He said taking another sip. "Talking about challenge, we really should discuss tomorrow. Tell me, did you manage to amend your law?"
Tarya pulled a scroll out of her necklace.
"This is our original hand written law. We each have a copy and the library stores the public copy which we've already updated. Essentially, if he is found guilty of even one crime, we can banish him to the north." Tarya turned to Starnel. "That really was a great idea… Tell me Captain, if found not guilty, will you really take him with you?" Her stomach knotted at the thought.
"We may have no choice Tarya. If he is found guilty of any of the crimes that will make it easier, if not, we will then have to assess if he is eligible for asylum. In other words, are you guilty of his accusations?"
"You mean effectively ostracising a foreigner?" Spat Guss through his ale.
"Effectively," stated Data, matter of fact. As they were talking, several townsfolk appeared with plates of bread, cheese and fruits from all over the Orb and a large selection of small diced fish.
"This smells and looks delicious," said Beverly. "Thank you." They all echoed her sentiment and began to tuck in.
"Hit us with it then, what crimes does he want to be tried for?" Starnel eventually asked the dreaded question.
"He has chosen three, which was the minimum required. If you can think of another one or two tonight that you could distinguish a different defence for, that you perhaps could not do with these; it, or they, will need to be added to the list of accusations by midnight tonight, so Lyden can have time to prepare his defence. On that note, he wants to defend himself."
"Of course he does. What are they then?" Said Starnel.
"I have taken the liberty of preparing files on each of the crimes. I do not think it a coincidence he has chosen three crimes he personally committed on or around three members of the caucus, or their families."
"Do you think you know why it's not a coincidence Mr Data?" Asked Starnel.
"I cannot be completely certain as I am not familiar enough with him as a person and have not had time to statistically analyse his behavioural patterns, therefore, I cannot sufficiently determine what his intent could be based on observed statistical possibilities."
"Right… okay!" responded Guss.
"Captain, if he wants to question his victims, may I be allowed to question him?" Asked Starnel.
"Do you believe you know his intent Starnel?" Queried a very intrigued Data.
"Well, I've a better idea than you, having had sufficient time to observe his intent based on observed statistical possibilities of course… The way I see it it's threefold. Firstly, he wants control and secondly, he will have picked scenarios he will enjoy reliving, which could be our best weapon and three, I think he wants to use the opportunity to discredit, or try to discredit the caucus in one way or another. Not only that, and I appreciate there's not a huge choice, but I wager he's picked a crime against Tarya, Doone and Christoph."
"Why would you suggest those three Starnel?" Queried Deanna.
"No offence to any of you, but you are going to have to get used to dealing with hard questions and truths. Christoph, you are young, he may think you are an easy picking and folk hold you as a true, virtuous warrior, who selflessly saved many lives. To discredit and blemish your record would be an ancillary win. Doone, you have anger issues – though…" he added quickly before Doone could interject… "you've done an incredible job overcoming them, but, let's face it, nothing would give him greater pleasure than pushing your buttons, and what a bonus if he can get you break in front of all." Everyone could tell Doone was seething. They couldn't see him clench his fists so hard his nails broke his skin. He remained silent for everyone's good, none the less his own.
"Then there's you Tarya. Everyone's beloved, hero, mother figure, saviour and friend, but someone who is also known to be painfully private. Someone who's past eludes most, even to a certain extent you. If he can bring out a vulnerability and claim victory over you, well, in his eyes that will be a job well done. Honestly, I'm not even sure he's bothered whether he is convicted or not of any of his crimes. It's the thrill that drives him."
"Well Starnel, it sounds like you would be a very good council. Assuming you are right, and you're not one of his declared victims, I think you'd be ideal," said Deanna. Picard Concurred. "May I also request to any of the participants, if you wish and are able, that you open your mind to me, even just a bit. I would like to help you prepare for the trial and being able to feel your emotions will help me do that," though right now she didn't need them to open their minds to read their emotions. "It will be all the more important if he is planning to use any perceived weaknesses against you." She added.
"Though," added Data thoughfully, "remember that he does not yet know that there is a new consequence for him. It may change or add to his intentions."
"You make a good point Mr Data, but I think it will only add to his desperation and need… So go on then, put everyone out of, or into, their misery, who are the unfortunate souls?" Asked Starnel and all eyes burned into Data expectantly and anxiously.
"I will state the crime and hand it to the relevant person. I will not go into details as that wouldn't be fair. Counsellor Troi has explained you will need time to go through the charges first. Though you will all find out eventually… and you were right in your assessment Mr Starnel." Data held three PADDS in his hand.
"He is bringing against himself, the charge of torture and murder against Christoph." He handed Christoph a PADD to read.
"But he didn't murder me?"
"No, but I think you should read the charges first."
"Doone, you were witness to the crime of multiple murders by his hand." Doone had opened up his mind and Deanna was beginning to regret her request. Would she be strong enough to do this? The level of grief and anger that swelled from him was almost overpowering, a tear slid down her cheek. He locked eyes completely with her. When he saw her tear, he tried to tone down the level of openness he allowed. She nodded to him understandingly and appreciatively and was desperately hoping she could think of a way to use his compassion and kindness to help him through this.
"Finally," Data said, "an account of rape against Tarya."
"What!" She exclaimed grabbing the PADD from Data. Deanna sensed this was going to be as much a shock to her as it was everyone else. Then she sensed revulsion and the look on her face gave the impression she was trying not to throw up, concentrating really hard. Deanna sensed her mind on overdrive, racing and racing as though searching for an incident that could be applicable. She wasn't even bothering to read the PADD.
"Okay," said Deanna far to cheerfully whilst springing to her feet. "I think we need to split and contemplate the charges. You three especially have a lot to digest and quickly. Beverly, why don't you go and speak with Tarya, I will take Doone and perhaps, Captain, you and Wesley could go with Christoph."
"I suggest Data comes with you Deanna," was all Doone said. Deanna instantly knew he was afraid, perhaps afraid of losing his temper and he knew Data could hold him back, should he be needed.
This left Starnel and Guss alone to prepare the following day's events. It was going to be a very long night.