Chapter 806

SENATE HEARING ROOM

PARIS, EARTH

Senator Jameson announced, "We are going to move on. After reporting to Starbase 5, the Wisconsin was involved with a wargame. Admiral Clayborne was the one who commissioned the wargame. Admiral Adama, why did you perform the wargame?"

Adama said in his quiet, raspy voice. "I did not perform the wargame. I was an observer."

"But it happened between two of your Captains at your Starbase."

Adama nodded, "Per orders of Admiral Clayborne. He was the one who set up the scenario."

"I have his notes here that Admiral Clayborne said you set it up."

Adama sighed. "If you check the official logs, not his personal correspondence, he set it up. I was opposed to it from the beginning."

Jameson suddenly had a concerned look. "Why? Aren't wargames useful? Starfleet seems to be doing them all the time."

Adama nodded. "Wargames can be useful. They are useful in validation of tactics, useful in large fleet communications practice, exposing unknown problems we may have with large fleets. This scenario was not realistic."

Jameson said, "Well, Admiral Clayborne wanted to test something. So, Admiral…"

Adama interrupted, "Admiral Clayborne was interested in discrediting the Wisconsin."

Jameson was quiet for a second. "Now Admiral…"

"Admiral Clayborne was second in command of Starfleet, and was probably going to be the next CINC of Starfleet. He did not like the Wisconsin any more than you did." Adama held the gaze of Senator Jameson for a second. Enough time for Jameson to know that Adama knew the real purpose of the wargame was to personally discredit Captain Jacobs.

"It doesn't really matter, because the Wisconsin cheated…"

Adama shook his head. "No, they did not cheat. I was there to observe. So was Commander Straker, and Captain Reynolds."

"They used unauthorized tactics…"

Adama shook his head, "No, they did not. They did not break any rules. The only thing they did not do is follow what you thought they would do."

Jameson said loudly, "They are supposed to fight the fight with Phasers and Torpedoes, not boarding actions with a couple of old Raptors! Not with that special device of theirs!"

Adama nodded quietly. "And you underestimated what they could do."

Jameson was about to argue more but caught himself. Adama just got a major admission out of him. Jameson had to get back on track. "The parameter was to cause no damage that couldn't be fixed in 24 hours."

"They didn't do that."

Jameson looked at a datapad. "They contaminated a warp core, they cut an airlock door open. They also hacked into a ship's mainframe. What do you have to say for yourself, Captain Jacobs?"

Jacobs said, "All those were fixed within the 24-hour timeframe, except the cleaning the warp core, that was a little bit longer."

"The parameters were within a 24-hour period…"

"The deadline was missed by a couple of hours. It was perfectly reasonable at the time to assume the task could have been fixed in 24 hours." Jacobs insisted.

"But if anything went wrong…"

Jacobs looked evenly, "Something can always go wrong. The risk was warranted."

Jameson asked, "Please let Captain Shoron in."

One of the freighter captains came walking in from the back and sat down at the witness table. Shoron looked at Jacobs and nodded. Jameson asked, "Captain, can you please tell us who you are?"

The Andorian said, "I am Shoron, Captain of one of the cargo ships used in the wargame."

Jameson asked, "What was your task?"

Shoron said, "The Wisconsin was tasked to escort eight cargo ships and four shuttles simulating cargo ships to the edge of the system where we would then go to warp. If we made it with no more than six losses, we would win. Being off our routes was expensive for us. Jacobs offered us a quick way out."

"And that was?"

Shoron said, "Before I get to that, there is something else you need to know. Jacobs was keenly aware what we thought of these exercises."

Jameson was about to wave that as irrelevant, but April asked, "How so?"

"Captain Jacobs knew how well he did would be related throughout the freighter community. He wanted to be sure to let us know that Starfleet was going to protect them. He thought that the loss of even one freighter was unacceptable. He wanted to let us know that he had a plan that we would have zero losses, and be on our way a day early. He also wanted to help us out in the real world."

April looked at his pad, "The logs said he put several Badgers on each cargo ship."

"It was only three. But they made the most of the time aboard."

"What did they do?"

Shoron chuckled, "They started by teaching us some basic hand-to-hand combat. They also took our hand phasers and serviced them, made sure they were in top condition. Then they started working with us on how to properly use them defending the ship."

April nodded as he was reading. "How would you rate them?"

Shoron's antennae popped up and wide. "Simply the best I have ever seen. Very nice, well-mannered people. A credit to Starfleet. I've been through a few wargames. It's always the same. Because it is a game, and the definition of the game usually has a few cargo ships listed as acceptable losses, we usually lose a few. I've never had security on board before. No one has bothered. We just end up being floating targets."

Shoron looked at Captain Jacobs. "Jacobs had a plan that sounded audacious and incredible. I've been on winning sides but have been 'administratively eliminated'. That does not feel good. Jacobs' plan was for us all to live, as it should be." Addressing Jacobs, "Captain, I'll fly with you anywhere. If you come up with a plan, I'll follow it."

April asked, "So what was the plan?"

Shoron smiled. "We capture the Excalibur."

There were gasps in the room. Captain Jackson shook his head. This was going to be tough.

Jameson's time started. He saw the uncomfortableness in Jackson. "What did you think of that?"

Jackson snapped back loudly, "He won, square and fair. Whooped my butt."

Jameson said, "But he cheated."

Jackson shook his head, "He stayed within the rules that were set up. Your boy, Clayborne tried to force me to lodge a complaint…"

"Admiral Clayborne is not 'my boy'."

Jackson scoffed. "Let's play it your way. I can't prove it, but just after the ship and Captain you hated sailed on its maiden voyage, an Admiral that has had your support for his advancement suddenly creates an unrealistic wargame that will discredit Captain Jacobs. Who do you think he was taking orders from?"

Jameson looked around, for some reason he could not read the faces of people around him anymore. That was always a talent he had in the past. It was good for politics, it was good for poker, it was good for negotiations. Now he couldn't read a single one. Jackson seemed madder at him than at Jacobs. "He wasn't taking orders from me."

Jackson continued, "Funny thing was this; even if Jacobs lost, he was expected to lose, so no harm done. I, however had the Federation's first battleship. I should win. I had everything to lose. I could not see that at the time because I was currying favor of a senior Admiral, and got my lunch handed to me."

Jameson was about to say something but Jackson continued, "Captain Jacobs didn't do what I expected. He came from a completely different way. I thought I laid the ambush, but he was the one that ambushed me. He specializes in attacks from directions you do not expect. He uses tactics you cannot even imagine."

Jameson was looking bored. Jackson had a sudden urge of inspiration. "I'm proud to call him a friend. If I were you, I would be careful, Senator." Jameson blinked. He was about to say something when Jackson finished. "Senator, it's obvious you're making this personal between you and him. If I were you, I'd watch out. You are going to hear many times of where Jacobs was able to outwit his opponents. It's going to come like this, Senator. Just when you think you got him pinned down and there is no way he can win, you will get blindsided and taken down. Or you will end up a friend of his. One of the two."

Gold was sitting behind Jameson, and he thought of the recent history that has happened. Captain Jackson was right; Jacobs had that pattern about him. He personally was alive because Jacobs intervened and saved the whole Starbase. Him and the people around him were saved because a couple of the Wisconsin's officers came down and significantly helped the defenses out. Infantry units that defeated Klingon Warriors. With projectile weapons. Other times he defeated people when he should not have been able to win.

Jameson asked, "Are you threatening me, Captain?"

Jackson laughed, "Believe me, Senator, if I was threatening you, you'd know it. I'm making a prediction. Just when you think you are going to succeed in ruining Captain Jacobs, you'll get blindsided. Mark my words."

Jameson started laughing. "Well, that's certainly entertaining. Let's go on to more matters. I want to focus on how you failed to win the wargame. How did Captain Jacobs sneak up on you?"

Jackson thought for a bit. "He came from a direction I was not expecting. He also hacked my brain…"

Jameson started laughing again, mocking Jacobs, "He hacked your brain?"

Jackson nodded, "Yes sir, he did. He said a few things to make sure that my objectives would be manageable by him. What I should have done is blown up a few cargo ships. He got me angry and focused on him. In that time, I got too close to his ship and he activated that electric field jammer- thing of his. When we were blacked out, he hacked our computer and when our power was restored, the crew thought the warp core was going to blow up, and so escaped the ship. The ship was never in danger, but there we were, outside looking in and he had control of my ship."

Jameson asked, "Weren't you on the bridge?"

"I was. I was still outside of control watching a lieutenant Conn my ship. Those Badgers were fearsome. In no time at all, I was 'administratively eliminated' along with my bridge crew." Jackson could not help himself. He smiled in recollection, "Ok, last warning, it will be from a direction you don't expect. It will be swift, and very final." Jackson said.

Jameson squinted, "Is that a threat, Captain?"

Jackson squinted back, "No sir, it is not. As I said before, I'm predicting what will happen based on what has happened to me and others." Jackson pointed at Jacobs, "If you continue to go after that man, you will either see the error of your ways, or just when you think you got him, destruction will come your way."

The time was not right according to the planning, but Jameson decided to take advantage of Captain Jackson's rhetoric. Jackson was getting a bit belligerent, and he needed to be taken down right now. Slap him back and he will not be a problem later. Jameson asked slyly, "Is that what happened to you in system NGC-1789?"

Jackson shot out of his seat and was about to shout a retort when Admiral Nogura gently put his hand on Jackson's arm. Jackson stood silent for a few seconds with an angry scowl then finally sat back down and Nogura whispered something to Jackson. Jackson nodded with a scowl on his face. "Committee, please excuse my outburst. Senator Jameson, your assumption of what happened in NGC-1789 is incorrect. Captain Jacobs defeated me at Starbase 5 in the wargame. I was destroyed in NGC-1789 because of my pride. My pride that I have had my whole life was destroyed when I nearly lost my ship and lost over half my crew. Captain Jacobs was the one who came to rescue me."

Jameson, puzzled that Jackson didn't finish his outburst, was not sure how to go from this point. He wanted to go over the wargame at Starbase 5, but now he had brought the hearing to the rescue of the Excalibur. The wargame did not come out the way he wanted. Again, he wanted to show an out-of-control Starfleet Captain stretching rules of the wargame. Does he go back or just proceed into this area? To buy a little time he asked, "Which was more humiliating for you?"

Jackson angrily said, "Senator, what kind of dumb question is that?"

There was a stir in the room at Jackson's outburst. Jameson wanted Jackson to simply babble about something, but now he had to deal with this insolence. Jameson took in a breath, only to be interrupted by Jackson again. "The injury to my reputation because of a botched wargame does not compare to losing half of my crew. As I said before, I was destroyed at NGC-1789."

"You are here now. Evidently you were not destroyed completely." Jameson said accusingly.

"Do you want my complete story?" Jackson asked.

Jameson smiled. "Please."

Jackson looked at Nogura. Nogura smiled an almost imperceptible smile.

"Senator Jameson, Committee members, the wargame was humiliating to me. When I was 'administratively eliminated' by the Badgers, I was mad. It was a good thing the referees were on the bridge. I was going to have to be physically restrained, except the Badgers came prepared not only to take over my ship, but to have the necessary paperwork to assure me that it was legal."

"The wargame humiliated me and my ship. Captain Jacobs and the Wisconsin outwitted me in a fashion that nobody ever dreamed of. They came in from the bridge airlock, shot everyone with firearms that have not been used in space in over a hundred years. By the way, those simulated munitions sting like a hornet and leave a welt on your skin for a few days. I was seriously mad about the whole thing. When we were in Admiral Adama's office for the after-wargame debriefing, I saw what was really going on. Admiral Clayborne had it out for Jacobs, and was going to try to ruin him however he could. When Admiral Clayborne declared me the winner, I just knew that I could not go with that. It was not remotely honorable. However, Captain Jacobs remained consistently honorable with me."

"Going forward to NGC-1789, I cannot talk about the specifics, but basically it was my fault that we lost half the crew and a severely damaged ship. When Captain Jacobs showed up, he had no attitude on him at all, was eager to help, very humble, and very respectful of my status as senior Captain. His attitude completely blew me away. The old Captain Hank Jackson died in NGC-1789 and a new one was born, that is all to Captain Jacobs' credit."

Senator April asked, "First, my condolences, Captain." Jackson nodded. April continued. "You speak very highly of Captain Jacobs in rescuing you and your crew. Is that all?"

"No Senator, it is not. Captain Jacobs and his crew helped my crew with the aftermath of the event."

"How so?"

Jackson was quiet, the whole room turned quiet. Jackson looked at Jacobs, who looked back. Jacobs nodded slightly. Jackson looked down; it looked like he was fighting back tears. "Senator April, Committee, my crew and I just lost half of our crewmates. I personally did not know how to deal with that. We were still stunned by grief. Jacobs knew exactly how to handle this. He had Pastor Octavian organize up a memorial service for our lost shipmates. The Wisconsin lost people too."

"How did you react to the service?"

Jackson looked over to Octavian. Octavian gave a knowing wink. Jackson said, "The grief and regret was pouring over me. I failed my crew. I was not able to protect them. They died because of my decisions. It was overwhelming. Then I started remembering the regrets over my life, many things I've done that I haven't been proud of."

"To make it blunt, I saw that I'm a wretched sinner. My Dad was a Baptist Preacher from Mississippi, he preached the word while I was growing up and I rebelled. My old man and I never made up before he died and I still carry that regret. He was right about me and now I saw it. Octavian preached the word and not only did I see that I was a sinner going to Hell, but I also saw the saving grace of Jesus Christ, just like my old man preached when I was a kid. I had a simple choice to make."

Jackson let the quiet permeate the room. Eli Gold was listening intently. Gold thought his heart was going to explode. He was thinking the same things, he was going through the same process, feeling the same things, and his heart was going to explode. Is this how a heart attack develops? Jackson continued, "I either accept Christ as my Savior or hang on to my regret and go to Hell."

April asked, "That's it?"

Jackson said quietly, "Yes sir, that is it. That simple. I got saved that day and Christ has turned my life around. Ian Octavian has been a wonderful teacher. Josh has been a good friend."

Senator Jameson jumped in, "That's fine and dandy, Captain Jackson, but not relevant to these hearings. I'm sorry about your loss, but we are here to assess the Wisconsin. While your story is touching it is also irrelevant."

Jackson shook his head, "I do not think so Senator, it is very relevant. That is part of Captain Jacobs' character. You cannot take one thing without the other. He has a strong sense of duty and protection to those who he is in his charge. Of me and the Excalibur, of you when you were captured by the Norsicans."

"Jacobs isn't in charge of me!" Jameson said.

Jackson saw an opportunity. "Yes, he was. He was directly ordered by Starfleet to rescue you. Could you get yourself out of your predicament?"

Jameson said, "It is not my job to answer your questions! The committee will disregard the testimony of Captain Jackson!" Jameson hit the gavel.

Senator April laughed, "You are not a judge in a trial, you have said as much. We will regard all testimony that is said to us, and evaluate it as necessary. We can even evaluate the person asking questions."

"I am not under scrutiny here!" Jameson retorted.

April said, "No, but the relevance of your questions and your outbursts does cast a shadow on the hearings. We cannot help but be affected by them."

Jameson angrily pointed at Captain Jackson, "I am asking the questions, and right now I'm evaluating the events of Captain Jackson."

April said, "The hearings were originally focusing on the Wisconsin. Are you calling into question Captain Jackson as well? Or of Starfleet Command?"

"If you stop interrupting me, I'll get on to it!"

"We still have a little bit of my time according to the clock, but right now, please start your time. I cannot wait." April said with a smirk.

Jameson angrily turned back to his pads in front of him. "Now where was I?"

Jackson chimed in, "You were calling my testimony irrelevant." A few chuckles sounded throughout the room. "However, I believe you were talking about the memorial service was irrelevant."

Jameson could not hide his scorn. "Captain Jackson, you were bested in a wargame against a convoy, you failed to destroy even a single vessel, add to that you were against an inferior force…"

Jackson snapped, "So you admit it was not a fair fight. You set Jacobs up to lose…"

Jameson snapped back, "Be silent! After that you got ambushed by the Klingons, lost half your crew and severely damaged your ship." The room fell silent. Jackson did not have a retort.

"It's a wonder that you retained your command. I have called into question Starfleet's decision. Captain Jackson, do you believe you deserve to retain command given what happened in NGC-1789?" Jameson asked.

Eli Gold recognized what Jameson was doing, he had done it many times. Jameson would ask questions that either pinned Starfleet officers in a position where they could not answer because of secrecy or outright lie and the officers could not rebut because of secrecy issues. A list of names that Jameson destroyed over the years suddenly came to mind. Gold started typing the names down in the CONFIDENTIAL folder and started moving files around.

Jackson answered, "Senator, you know I can't talk about what happened there, and since I can't talk about that I defer to the ultimate decision to keep me in position as Captain."

"Well, since you don't want to answer, I guess…."

Jackson said forcefully, "Cannot answer. Not 'don't want to answer'. There is a big difference, Senator."

Jameson said, "Whatever. I think that we need a different perspective. We need to get a perspective that is not restricted by Starfleet confidentiality rules. Please escort the visitors in."

All heads turned to the back of the room. The doors opened and in strode the new guests. There were many gasps as three Klingons walked in. Jameson said, "Ambassador, welcome to the Starfleet Oversight Committee. Please take a seat at the witness table to your left."

Jacobs and everybody looked at the Klingons. Jacobs made eye contact with Kang and Kor. Neither smiled, in fact Kang was looking sterner than normal. The Klingons sat down at the table. Jameson asked, "Ambassador, would you please introduce yourselves?"

Gorkon smiled warmly, clearly his time on Earth he had a chance to practice that move. "I'm Klingon Ambassador to the Federation Gorkon. To my right is Kang and Kor, Dahar Masters."

"Thank you very much for attending, Ambassador." Gorkon nodded graciously. Jameson continued, "Captain Kang, you first came across Captain Jacobs in system NGC-1789…"

Kang had a scowl on and wanted to correct Senator Jameson. Gorkon had told him this was probably going to happen and forbid any interference. After a short, awkward silence, Captain Jacobs said, "Just call him Kang."

Heads turned to Jacobs. Jacobs explained, "In Klingon society, it is important to recognize the honorable contribution individuals have made to the Empire. Kang is a Dahar Master. Senator Jameson, do you realize what a Dahar Master is?"

Another awkward silence, Jameson finally said, "I know who the Dahar Masters are!"

Jacobs pressed, "For the others on the Committee, you may not know. The Dahar Masters are an order specifically created by their greatest leader, Kah'less. One must distinguish themselves in honorable service and have an honorable history for seven generations. When one has been accepted into the Dahar Master Order, you simply address them by their name. Their name is their honor and their title."

Jameson waived off the interruption. "Captain Kang, I'd like for you to talk about your interactions with Captain Jacobs." Kang nodded slowly. "I'd like your perspective on him, and your assessment in his overall character." Kang nodded again.

"Before we start into that, are you aware that we suspect that Captain Jacobs was responsible for your son's death?"

The room filled with gasps. There was a murmuring in the background. Kang sat in his usual impassive, stern look. "Go on."

Jameson said, "I've been able to put together that Captain Jacobs was responsible for your son's death. Unfortunately, I cannot be specific, you will just have to trust what I say."

Kang sat silent. Once again, Jameson could not read Kang. There was an awkward silence. Jameson finally said, "Now that you know who Captain Jacobs is, I'd like to ask a few questions…"

Kang said, "I require more."

"What do you mean?" Jameson asked with a little bit of irritation.

"I require more."

Jameson said, "We have documentation that Captain Jacobs was present when your son died."

Kang kept gazing at Jameson. Jameson could not read him but was distinctly uncomfortable. It seemed like Kang's gaze went right through him. Jameson asked, "I'm afraid I can't tell you much more. What do you 'require'?"

"I want to know how my son died."

Jameson said, "He died at the hands of Captain Jacobs. That is how he died."

Jacobs leaned over to Cogley. "Jameson won't press the matter, it's classified."

Cogley asked, "Would it benefit us if it got declassified?"

"It would benefit the Federation."

Cogley nodded. He looked at Nogura and Briggs. Nogura was already thinking the same thing. Cogley said, "Senator, you have leveled a charge at my client. It's clear you want to sway Kang's statement your way."

"I'm not trying to sway him one way or another, I just want Captain Kang to know who Jacobs is." Jameson said irritatingly.

Cogley nodded, "Then let Captain Jacobs testify as to what happened."

Jameson snapped in panic. "He can't, it's classified."

Admiral Nogura chimed in, "Committee, it has already been a long day. I request us to recess until tomorrow morning. That way we can all try to tell as much of this story as possible. In the interests of relations with the Klingon Empire, a charge has been leveled at a Starfleet Officer concerning conduct of a Klingon's family. We need to be very careful how we answer this."

Ambassador Gorkon stood up and said, "This subject is very dangerous. The Klingon Empire demands total disclosure over whatever incident Senator Jameson is talking about. I am not aware of a time that Kang and Captain Jacobs have encountered each other before the events of System NGC-1789."

Jameson said, "It wasn't Captain Jacobs and Captain Kang, it was Kang's son."

Ambassador Gorkon said simply, "The warrior is his family, and the family is the warrior."

"What do you mean by that?"

"If you slander the son of Kang, you slander the house of Kang. The entire house will take offense. If there has been a crime committed, the Klingon Empire will demand retribution." Gorkon said.

"Ambassador…." Jameson started.

Admiral Nogura saw an opportunity and judged Ambassador Gorkon quickly. Nogura stood up, "Senator Jameson, you cannot unsay words that have been said. Committee, please pay attention to my next question carefully." Turning to Gorkon, "Ambassador Gorkon, what is the position of the Klingon Empire on this matter?"

Gorkon, already knowing what the connection was and knowing how this tied into the Black fleet, knew what Nogura was really asking. The fool Jameson did not know what he had just opened. "The Klingon Empire needs to know how the son of Kang died. This is a matter of honor of the Empire and we require total disclosure."

Admiral Nogura turned to Briggs and nodded. Briggs was already tapping on his communicator. Nogura stated to the committee. "Senator, you now have opened a matter that pertains to the entire Klingon Empire. In my estimation, you were trying to manipulate Kang's testimony against Captain Jacobs for your own agenda. By not understanding Klingons, you now have blundered and put the Federation in a matter of Honor of the Klingon Empire. I agree with Ambassador Gorkon, we need to disclose fully this incident." Jameson blanched at that. "And considering that the disclosure needs to be done with the greatest care to the truth, I request two things: First, the Stardate or the location of this confrontation, and second, that we adjourn for the day. Thank you."

Before Jameson could say anything, Senator April said, "I agree. Senator Jameson? What incident are you referring to?"

Jameson was suddenly trapped. "I can't remember exactly where or when this occurred."

"You should be more careful before opening your mouth!" April said.

Kang stood up and said loudly, "Enough! I did not come here to hear a bunch of politicians squabble!" Turning to Jacobs with his customary scowl. "My son died in system PXK-2671 on Stardate 6629."

Jacobs looked at Kang and nodded. He knew exactly what had happened. Senator April said, "I make a motion to adjourn until tomorrow morning."

"I head the committee! My party controls this committee!" Jameson snapped.

"Seconded." By Senator Girk bim Freshligm, from Tellar.

Jameson looked angrily at bim Freshligm, the human-sized pig. "bim Freshligm! We are continuing!"

"Only if the committee decides. Committee, as you well know but for the others present. I was a freighter Captain for a long time. I did my trade successfully, but at the hand of Pirates, enemies of the Federation, made my trade hazardous. We do not need to make our trade lanes more hazardous by antagonizing the Klingons. I want full disclosure also. I think it best we wait until tomorrow."

April said, "All in favor?"

It was unanimous except for Jameson. "All opposed?"

Jameson said, "Opposed." He looked at Jacobs, "You better be careful what you say Captain. Remember your oath of secrecy."

Jacobs did not show any reaction. The committee stood up and everyone started to leave. The Starfleet table politely waited for the Klingons to leave. Gorkon was smiling and making small talk with the gallery as they were leaving. Kang had his typical stern look. Jacobs nodded at Kang. Kang did not return the nod. Jacobs saw Kang turn and leave. Briggs turned to Nogura and held out his communicator. Nogura looked at Cogley and Jacobs, "Follow me."

Cogley asked, "Where are we going?"

"To the President."

Oh boy, Jacobs thought.

JUST OUTSIDE SENATE HEARING ROOM

PARIS, EARTH

Jameson turned to Eli Gold, "Get a hold of our contacts in the media. Spin this that Jacobs wronged Kang's son somehow."

Gold felt that distaste in his mouth. "How? We both know the truth."

"We can't let the truth get out. Besides, what can they say? The whole event is classified. Starfleet cannot say anything. Bennet will not declassify the event, there is no reason to declassify the event. We can do all we want by spin and innuendo. Crank up our spin team." Jameson said. The press was making its way down the hall toward Jameson and the others. "Tell the spin team to watch my interview here and take similar positions." Jameson turned toward the reporters who all were either wearing cameras on their heads or had 3D sensors being carried by helpers. Jameson smiled and started answering questions.

Gold felt the strong distaste. He quickly typed in the orders into the communicator. Then he had more ideas specifically how Jameson wronged Jacobs over the Wisconsin. This he put in a special folder. Gold did not like what he was doing. Jacobs had done so much to save Starbase 5, the Federation, and Gold himself. Jameson had hung Gold out to dry when the time came. Why was he still serving Jameson?

Hmmm. That is a good question. Gold put that thought aside to get the task at hand done.

ITV NEWS

"Now reporting from the Starfleet Oversight committee. We have Senator Charles Jameson with us, head of the Committee. Thank you for talking, Senator."

"Thank you, George." Jameson smiled.

"How did the hearings go for you today? It seemed like Mr. Cogley had you on defense."

Jameson shook off the allegation. "Mr. Cogley was quibbling over small, inconsequential items. We are now addressing a main point."

"Captain Jacobs' behavior?"

Jameson nodded, "Yes, of course. I have had my misgivings about him specifically for a long time."

"What can you tell us about what you said at the end, of Jacobs' killing Kang's son?"

Jameson put his serious look on his face. "I'm deeply worried that Starfleet is fanning the fires of war. They can't seem to keep us out of conflict. I've come across information that Captain Kang would want to know about the honor of Captain Jacobs."

"Why would you be concerned about that?"

"The two have been rather chummy this past year. I doubt if Captain Kang knows the truth about Jacobs."

"What is the truth?"

Jameson said, "I'm hoping to expose some of who he is during these hearings. As far as Captain Kang goes, I wanted him to know that he does not have the correct perspective on Jacobs."

"This incident where Jacobs is responsible for Kang's son's death?"

"Yes, he is responsible. I'm not alleging that Jacobs did any wrongdoing, but…"

"Are you saying Jacobs killed Kang's son wrongfully?"

Jameson put on an extra concerned face. "I can't confirm or deny that. Captain Kang needs to know that Jacobs is involved in how his son died. And as you heard, Jacobs' actions could affect the peace between the Klingon Empire and the Federation. I'm loathed to think that Starfleet allowed a loose cannon like Jacobs to continue as Captain and jeopardize the peace between us and the Klingons. Starfleet has his history classified."

Sensing that Jameson needed to talk to others, the reporter said, "Thank you Senator." Turning to the video recorder, "And that's a first on ITV, Captain Jacobs possibly caused the death of Captain Kang's son wrongfully."

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

A ship in drydock does not have much to do. The engineering staff was busy, but the rest not much else. The watch cycles remained, and as such the bridge was fully staffed. When Kang mentioned system PXK-2671 Lt Maya noted Lt Cdr Grimm blanch. "Commander Grimm, do you recognize the system?"

Lt Cdr. Grimm looked at Maya, Maya recalled that Grimm was on Jacobs' previous ship. "From the days of the Wolverine?"

Grimm said, "Maya, I can't say anything."

Maya sat back in her chair and thought. "How can we help them?" She started tapping on her computer.

"You won't find what you're looking for." Grimm said sheepishly.

"You are right. There is a block of time from Stardate 6615 to 6629 blocked out."

"That is not unusual for a ship. You need a special security clearance to access it." Grimm said.

Maya shook her head. "I understand that. Is there anything I can access that is declassified?"

Grimm thought a bit. "Try the repair and spare parts logs."

Maya shook her head again. "It's blacked out."

Grimm thought. "Do you think that the captain will be allowed to testify?"

Maya gave her 'I should know better than that look.' "Ben, you know that I tend to be a bit naïve when it comes to human interaction. It should be obvious to tell all or enough to satisfy Klingon Honor."

"So, they would have to have a presentation to do this. How can we prepare for the presentation?"

Maya looked to the communications officer on duty, Lt Reeves. "Robin, do we have the equipment here on the Bridge to work on a presentation?"

"Mostly. A table with some screens would be nice. The bridge would work well. Mr. Hornblower? You have the conn. What do you say?"

Lt Jg Hornblower thought of the irony. He was getting more Conn time, in drydock, and now was making a decision, possibly a big one. He thought aloud looking around. "We are already moored; therefore, we are not going anywhere. The most critical action going on now is the repair, and Lt Knabe is monitoring that nicely." Knabe smiled at the engineering console. "If we need to cast off and exit drydock, we can do that easily without the main screen. Go ahead and setup on the landing in front of the main screen. Miss Reeves, if you choose to assist, call your replacement. All stations except Engineering, Comms, and Helm can be used for the project." Everyone was smiling at the decision. Hornblower smirked, "Ok, I suggest Ensign Washburn start working the navigation database and building a proper simulation on system PXK-2671. From there, I'll step back and monitor the bridge as Conn is supposed to do. Make it so." They all started their tasks.

GNN

EARTH

"A surprisingly explosive hearing today at the Starfleet Oversight committee in the Senate Building. It was a contentious hearing with the Committee going over the USS Wisconsin's first year in space. For the viewer to remember, the Committee had hearings on the unorthodox construction of the USS Wisconsin. Senator Jameson, who is running for President, called these hearings because he is concerned that Starfleet may not be exercising proper oversight on the Wisconsin."

"The hearings turned explosive when Senator Jameson asked Klingon Captain Kang to give his assessment on an encounter with the Captain of the Wisconsin, Captain Joshua Jacobs. Before Captain Kang could start, Senator Jameson informed Captain Kang that Jacobs had killed Kang's son. That is where the hearing became extra heated. The hearing was adjourned until tomorrow to allow Starfleet to prepare. For commentary, we have former Starfleet Commander Thiel."

The Andorian nodded, "Mr. Thiel, what is your take?"

"I don't understand what the secrecy is. They know when and where, why not simply answer the question on how Jacobs killed Kang's son?"

"What do you know about the system in question?"

"PXK-2671? Not much. An unremarkable system. No life, no planets that can sustain life."

"What about the question of wrongful death? Is that another way of saying this is about murder? The Klingons alluded to a possible honor issue."

Thiel shifted himself in the seat. Part of being a talking head was to give fuel for the hosts to chew on. "Possibly, we do not know what happened. Ships would be involved, as there are no planets to support life. Either that or a space station. The question of murder would entail premeditation, and the killing of someone helpless, however that may be. Either murder or an act of war."

"But we were under the Organian Treaty at the time."

"Yes, we were. That is what is puzzling. The Organians would have stopped any aggressive acts by either the Federation or the Klingons. When the treaty was imposed on both governments, the way the Organians enforced it was to make the controls of the ship too hot to touch. It had to be up close and personal, hand to hand, because the Organians would have stopped anything else."

"Thank you very much Mr. Theil. That is the report from the Starfleet oversight committee today. Please watch tomorrow for more possible fireworks."

ADMIRAL NOGURA'S SHUTTLECRAFT

HOPPING TO THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

On board the shuttlecraft were the pilots, Admiral Nogura, Director Briggs, Captain Jacobs, and Samuel Cogley.

Nogura sat down. "The pilot says it will be about five minutes. We have clearance already. Thank you, Michael, in arranging this meeting."

Jacobs asked, "Where are we going, Admiral?"

"To the President's Office. We are going to get PEANUTBUTTER declassified."

The enormity hung in the air. Cogley asked, "How do you plan on doing that?"

Nogura said plainly, "The President will have no choice. Captain Jacobs."

"Yes, Admiral?"

"I want you to tell him your story. It is time that this file gets declassified, completely." Nogura said.

Jacobs nodded. "I assume the short story?"

"That will be enough." The shuttle touched down softly. "Ok, let's go."

The group exited the shuttle and were ushered into the Presidential office by the security force. Once in the large office they were standing around when in walked Senators Douglass and Marshall from the intelligence committee. Introductions were made. Briggs' communicator went beep and Briggs read the message on it. He showed it discretely to Nogura.

In walked President Bennet along with Security Advisor Tibev and Secretary of State Harold Vance. President Bennet sat down at the large conference table in the center of the room and motioned others to sit down. "Admiral Nogura, what is the urgency of the meeting?"

Nogura said, "The hearing today. Senator Jameson involved the Klingons and Captain Jacobs."

"Are you Captain Jacobs?" Jacobs nodded. "As I understand it, you're already involved with them. You are friends with them, aren't you?"

Jacobs said plainly, "Yes, Mr. President."

Nogura took his pad out and tapped on it to replay the last portion of the hearing. "This is what Senator Jameson said."

After listening to the brief outlay. Bennet asked, "So what is the big deal? Tell the story."

Nogura said, "He can't. It's classified. You classified it."

Bennet exclaimed, "I did?"

"Years ago, it was classified under the code word PEANUTBUTTER."

Bennet looked at Jacobs. "That was you?"

Jacobs answered, "Yes sir."

"It can't be that simple."

Jacobs said, "In short, I was involved in an extended ship-to-ship confrontation with the Klingons, and no Organian intervention happened. The action was classified almost immediately."

Secretary of State Vance and Tibev perked up at that statement. President Bennet asked, "Why?"

Admiral Nogura tapped his pad again and said, "According to my notes, Senator Jameson pleaded with you to classify it because he didn't want information that the Organians weren't all powerful."

Bennet grimaced, "I'll never be free of him, will I."

Senator Douglas said, "George, we on the intelligence committee are working with you to do just that. Charles is a stain to our party. Listen to Admiral Nogura's proposal."

Bennet looked at Nogura, who detailed his proposal. Bennet said, "You've got to be kidding me."

"It has the benefit of getting the truth out." Nogura said.

Briggs added, "To understand this, I've suspected Jameson has sunk the careers of many Starfleet officers in similar ways. He makes allegations they cannot defend themselves due to classification, and then starts spreading rumors to firm up his base. Judging by the last half hour, he is pulling all the strings he can."

"How so?"

Briggs looked at his communicator. "He personally has raised up the possibility of wrongdoing by Jacobs in that 'incident'. His operatives have started using words like 'murder' and 'acts of war' in questioning. This is just the last half hour. By tomorrow morning the narrative will be such that it will take a tremendous force to turn it back."

"And you need me."

Briggs nodded and said uncharacteristicly softly. "It's the only way. As Senator Douglas has said, you've cooperated with the investigation against him, you've limited yourself on his access. Now is the time to finish this off."

"But he will start slinging mud against me!" Bennet said.

Briggs snapped back forcefully. "All the more reason to cut the ties now! Completely! Any response from him will look exactly like what it is, petty mudslinging."

Bennet sat thinking on it. All was quiet. Senator Marshall said, "Mr President, as you know I'm relatively junior in politics. It seems like to me that we at the Intelligence committee, Starfleet, and Federation Intelligence Directorate have done all we can with the information you've given us. We have our case prepared. Senator Jameson's lies need to finally be revealed and the truth needs to get out. If you are worried about yourself, only you can now start the process to get justice dealt to Jameson. You need to allow truth to come out."

It was so quiet in the office while Bennet thought deeply. He could tell they were right. Corruption being exposed always starts with one person. One person willing to simply speak the truth.

"Let's do it." Bennet said.

BRIDGE

USS WISCONSIN

Lt Cdr Jareau came off the turbolift to see a Bridge much more crowded than normal. The table ahead of the Nav-Helm console was filled with screens and a few people were working and talking. Lt Jg Hornblower turned around in the Captain's seat and said, "Welcome back, Commander."

Jareau smiled nicely, "Lieutenant, what is going on?"

"They are working on a project to help the Captain." Hornblower said. "It seemed a good place since we were watching the hearings anyway."

Jareau nodded. "How much did you see?"

"We've seen all of it. Plus more. Miss Reeves?"

Jareau walked down to the table and Lt Reeves said, "JJ, here is some excerpts of the news agencies since the hearing ended." She started playing them on one of the screens.

Ensign Kinchloe was working the Communications console. He turned around and said, "Mr. Hornblower, the Captain for you."

Hornblower pushed the comm button on the armrest. "Lt Jg Hornblower, sitting at Conn. What can I do for you, Captain?"

"I'm transporting up shortly with Cdr Leonaidas. Get JJ and Ben together along with the department heads."

"They are already here on the bridge, Captain." Hornblower said.

"Good, Tell JJ and Ben we can now talk freely about PEANUTBUTTER. We have a presentation to work up for tomorrow. They can start getting everyone spooled up on what happened so we can tell it properly." Jacobs said.

"PEANUTBUTTER? Sir?" Hornblower said.

Grimm had a fiendish smile on his face. Jareau walked over to the Captain's chair and looked at Hornblower for permission. Hornblower nodded. "Captain, It's JJ. PEANUTBUTTER understood. We'll start working on it."

"Good, Jacobs out."

Hornblower pushed the comm panel, "What is PEANUTBUTTER?"

Grimm looked at Maya. "Miss Maya, now I can answer your question."

Maya looked at the faces of Grimm and Jareau. They were eager to tell. Somehow, Maya always had the right presence to her. She was a princess, but of a dead world. Last of her kind. She was kind, very intelligent, cheerful, and humble too. One word to describe Maya was regal. The kind of regal of where royalty understood their good fortune and were eager to serve.

"Where do we start?" Maya asked with a small smile on her face. She knew this was going to be work.