Chapter 817
BRIDGE
USS WISCONSIN
The refit was finishing up. Everything was returning to normal on the ship. Lt Hornblower was manning Conn once again. It really was the best place to put a Junior Officer, as the department heads were supervising the closing up of the refit phase. The main viewer was on the hearing, and all were hearing Jameson's tirade. The shock of Jameson yelling and dropping all that filth on the Captain left everyone quiet.
Hornblower took a quick look at the stations. Looking at Jareau he ordered. "Commander Jareau please pause the viewer." She nodded compliance. Hornblower said, "Quickly, are we good for a five-minute pause in refit operations?"
Lt Anders on helm said, "We are still docked. Helm good."
Commander Santini said, "Nothing is floating loose, all workbees are in the hanger. Engineering good."
Lt Teal'c at Security said, "All Badgers are onboard and safe to stop operations."
Lt Cdr Grimm at Weapons said, "Phasers have been reassembled, only things crews have activated are calibration equipment. This is a good time."
Lt Maya at Science said, "I still have sensor upgrades in progress, crews are in position to take a five-minute break."
Commander Carter was at Ops. "We have no shuttles or inspection pods outside. No traffic inbound, and Medical and Damage control are good for a stand down."
Lt Cdr Jareau said, "Communications is fully operational. We're good."
Lt Hornblower nodded, "Commander Jareau, please rewind the hearing to the beginning of Senator Jameson's rant. I think this is the focal time. Be ready to display on all viewers."
Jareau smiled and nodded. The kid learns fast. He is not afraid to make a decision. Lt Hornblower pushed the PA button. "All hands, this is Lt Hornblower at CONN. We would like everyone to take a short break if it is safe for you to do so. If not, please inform your section leader and continue until it is safe to stand down."
Hornblower looked at Jareau who nodded and held up her index finger. "On your viewers, channel one is the hearing. A critical moment has come and we have backed up the recording to the beginning of the event. This is the critical point in the hearing, and I urge everyone to take the time to listen in if it is safe. Operations will commence on signal from the Bridge. Currently, we are two minutes thirty seconds behind real time. Lt Cdr Jareau, please start the recording."
All over the ship, viewers were turned on, or if someone was not next to a viewer, comm panels were activated. All watched the tirade by Jameson. All watched their Captain stand up and compose himself.
SENATE HEARING ROOM
FEDERATION CAPITAL
PARIS, EARTH
Jacobs remembered the verse Octavian quoted about being ready to give an answer. Jacobs suddenly felt a warm, relaxing feeling wash over him. He saw that this was the moment that was ordained. Gold saw a sudden change in Jacobs, a look that was beyond peaceful. Gold, during the attack of the Klingons, had witnessed this sudden look in Samuel Cogley, Admiral McGonagle, and others. The look of despite being in the perceived most desperate situation, they had a peace about them. A peace that only could come from God. A peace that had no understanding in its roots, for to have an understanding would be able to reason yourself into a comfort. This peace came from God to the hearts of men and there was nothing that a man could do to get it.
Gold saw that in his own turmoil, these people here had this peace. It was something that he desperately needed. His turmoil started with his fear of dying. What would happen to him after he died? He had always dodged that question in his life. Working with Jameson, he had worked to harass and destroy people who dealt with that question. People like Jacobs and the others. Now, in their worst moments, they had a peace. Jacobs was right about what has happened to him. Jacobs had faced death many times, yet there was a peace Jacobs had over the potential of his own death. Even one of Jacobs' own tormentors, Kor, was present and defended Jacobs. Jacobs had talked with Kor to the point now that Kor had that same look of peace. A Peaceful Klingon, an oxymoron, but there he was. And so too was Kang. Kor and Kang both had faced death many times too and now proclaimed the peace that God had given them. Ambassador Gorkon's past was largely unknown to Gold, just the presumption that being a Klingon meant he had fought battles and probably faced death. Gorkon too had a peace about him too.
A peace that Gold now saw that he desperately needed. He needed it badly. These people trusted in their God past the point of death. They had the answers and the peace that he needed. Gold's heart felt like it was in a giant clamp and was squeezing the very life out of him. Jameson asked the very question out of mockery, out of malice, out of manipulation that Gold wanted to ask out of desperation. The whole room grew deathly silent, it was a surreal moment and Gold was so intently focused on Jacobs that he forgot about the others in the room. The entire world to Gold now was Jacobs' answer. Time seemed to stretch out and it seemed like Gold could actually hear Jacobs breathe in.
Jacobs silently prayed briefly. 'Lord, this is yours. Please use the moment for your glory.' Jacobs looked at Jameson in the eye and stated, "I now invoke my right that was reserved at the beginning of the hearing to be heard fully, without interruption. The right of the opening statement."
"The question has been asked what is the hope that I have. The hope that I have is for the promises in my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, to be fulfilled to me. I look forward in the hope that his free gift of Salvation that I have accepted will save me from my sinful nature and I will one day be with him in Heaven. This is the hope of every person who has trusted Christ as his savior. This gift is free without payment or earning. The wages of my sin are death but the gift of God is in Christ Jesus. My nature is that of sin and will eternally separate me from Jesus and God. The only hope that I have is that God loved me so much that he sent his only son down to live a perfect life and die for my sin making the payment for my sin. Jesus then rose again proving that he defeated death itself and that anyone that accepts Jesus' offer to pay for their sins will be washed clean and live eternally with him."
"That is the essence of my hope. My hope continues that as I stand at this witness table witnessing of my hope, that the Word of God goes out and will do as He wills. God has used everything in my life to bring this moment to bear. Attention has been brought to this moment by the events in the life of myself, my ship, and others. As the stories of these adventures has been told, more have been drawn into learning more about what has gone on. I couldn't relate these stories in the detail that was needed to show the Glory of God, and his awesome power, and his love, so God has used the forum of these hearings to show himself to people. This forum has been transmitted in the media and no doubt will be written about as well. The hearings have drawn much attention and those that have seen and those that have read and those that will read will have the love of God witnessed to them.
"During my travels, God has spoken to others to now show everyone that He is capable of saving anyone, from people who have grown up in a church environment, to atheists, to bitter, brutal enemies." Jacobs motioned to Kang, Kor, Jackson, Adama, and others sitting next to him. "There is nobody that God cannot save. Salvation is freely available to all, and these hearings proclaim it, and those that read about what has happened this last year will learn about the free gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ."
Jameson's face was a deep shade of red, he was so incensed that it looked like he was driving himself to the point of death itself. Yet he could not think of a single word to say. He wanted to shut Jacobs up but could not. How dare he repurpose the hearings for this purpose! This is not what Jameson wanted at all! The hearings were meant to discredit Starfleet and destroy Jacobs in particular, but now Jacobs is claiming that it was all this mythical deity's plan. Nobody can steal a minute of a hearing away from Jameson, let alone a whole week. Jameson was so mad at Jacobs that words were beyond him.
Gold was standing behind Jameson listening to Jacobs. This went way beyond his complicity in trying to destroy a good man. What he was part of was evil. He had spent his whole life helping men like Jameson destroy others for the gain of power. How many innocent people were ruined? Gold saw his whole life would end in destruction. Not the destruction of prison, or jail, or disrepute, but now Gold saw that Hell was a very real place and why would God want to be around someone as despicable as him? Since God was righteous, only those that accepted this gift of salvation could enter into God's presense. There was no way, no payment whatsoever Gold could do to be able to even approach God. Gold was going to Hell, eternal separation from Christ. He needed this salvation; Gold was fighting back tears. How to get it if you cannot earn it?
Jacobs turned to face the committee, "And now anyone can claim this Salvation. It is a free gift. All you must do is ask God for this Salvation in Jesus. What words will you use? Do not worry about the words. We are to come as children, do not be afraid to pray as a child. Do not worry about what you will say. Just simply ask God to save you. The Bible says 'That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart one believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Jacobs looked quietly around. Kang and Kor were muttering something. Those two warriors were praying. Others with him at the table nodded encouragement. Jacobs looked back at Jameson. Gold saw the look on the face. Not of one of contempt, not of hate. Jacobs looked like he had the Love of God on him. Jacobs said, "Now is the time. My statement is complete."
Jameson rose out of his chair and said loudly, "Jacobs, your unseen god is just that, unseen! You expect this committee to believe all this hocus-pocus you spill out here? You are an idiot! Nogura, you're incompetent in not stopping idiots like this from getting into Starfleet! This unseen god of yours does not exist!" Jameson had an idea, one to finish all of them at once. "You all believe in this unseen god, I know he doesn't exist!"
Gold wasn't even hearing what Jameson was saying, he was struggling for his life. Gold did not even hear the next words Jameson said, "Jacobs, if your unseen god exists, may he strike me down here now!"
Gold never heard those words, just Jameson saying indistinct words. Gold knew he needed Christ, and Jacobs was the one to help him. Eli Gold wailed, "I need that salvation!" He was running behind the Senators around the committee tables, down the short steps and in front of the witness table. "Captain! I need the salvation of Christ!" Gold stopped in front of the table; he fell to his knees weeping.
The table was actually two tables pushed together, with the seam very near where Jacobs was standing. Kang and Kor on Jacobs' left pulled their end of the table away, Admiral Nogura and Admiral Adama was on Jacobs' right and pulled their table, creating a gap right in front of Jacobs. Jacobs took a step forward and knelt in front of Gold.
Jacobs asked, "What is it, Eli?"
"I need Christ! I'm going to Hell without him and I need him!"
Jameson said, "This is…"
Jacobs reflexively pointed at Jameson and said sternly and powerfully, "Senator Charles Edward Jameson, in the name of Jesus Christ, sit down and be silent!"
Jameson was so taken aback he fell back into his chair; he could not believe what just happened. He could not think of anything to say. This was so audacious as to be unbelievable. The rest of the people in the room were stunned not only in what Jacobs said, but that Jameson did it. The room was silent, and the video recorders picked up the slightest sound.
Jacobs felt a calm come around him, he said a quick silent prayer, 'Lord, help me.'
"Eli, just focus on Christ, what can I help you with?"
"Captain, I need Christ! I'm going to Hell! I'm desperate and I don't know the words to say! I'm a blithering idiot and I don't know what to say!"
"It's easy Eli. I'll help you. Christ has made it to where you can talk to him, just simply ask him."
Eli was weeping, "But I don't know how. I've never prayed before."
Jacobs smiled. "Just start by saying Dear Jesus…."
Eli looked up and said, "Lord Jesus!" He sobbed out loud and then said, "Dear Jesus! I don't know what to say Jesus, help me." Gold took a breath and the words just came out, "I am sorry God for my life, I am so sorry for what I am. I need your help. No, I need you!" Gold said louder, "God, I need you! I confess Jesus is Lord! I accept your gift! I know that there is nothing I can do to earn this gift but I thank you for giving me Jesus!" Gold opened his eyes and looked at Jacobs, with glee. He looked up. "I thank you God for saving me! Thank you for forgiving me! Of all that I am!" Gold now was crying tears of joy. "It's that simple!"
Jacobs was laughing with Gold, "He made it so simple, didn't He."
Gold reached over and gave Jacobs a big bear hug, "He really does forgive!" Gold looked at the people at the witness table. "Jacobs, you have surrounded yourself with Godly people."
Jacobs said, "I prefer to think God has brought them into my life. I had no choice in it. He has blessed me. He continues to bless me. He has blessed all of us with your salvation."
Cogley nodded, "Do you see how much God loves you, Eli?"
Gold was still crying and nodding said, "Yes Sam. Thank you for your friendship. I see what you all were doing for me." Gold looked at Jacobs, Cogley, McGonagle, and the others. "I've been on the wrong side this whole time."
Jacobs realized the time was over. He turned to Jameson, "Senator Jameson, you may speak."
Jameson blurted out, "Guards!"
The guards on the sides started moving, the first Guard on the left of the witness table came by Kang. Kang grabbed the guard's shirt in a powerful grasp stopping him cold. The others behind him ran into the first guard's back freezing in place. Kang glared at the guard he was holding and shook his head. The guard had stared into the face of the Klingon and saw resolve. The guard had frozen in place, Kang released him continuing the glare. The guard was transfixed and neither he nor the other guards moved an inch.
On the opposite side Admirals Nogura and Adama moved to block the guards moving toward Jacobs and Gold. They simply stood at attention with stern looks on their faces. The guards saw two highly decorated Starfleet Admirals standing in their way and stopped. The others at the table turned around to face the crowd in the gallery, forming another barrier.
The head guard, the one by Kang, looked at Jameson and shrugged. Jameson was now stark burning mad. The guard turned to face the committee. The room was calm now. Jameson was trying to get words out. Jameson pointed at Gold and said, "Eli, you are finished!"
Gold smiled and spoke. "Most certainly I am. But I am forgiven. It's not too late for you."
Jameson snapped back, "Never! I will never stoop down to the idiocy that you are in. You think you are forgiven? You can never be forgiven. I have protected you for so long! You are worthless scum!"
Jacobs could see where this was going. "Senator, I suggest.."
"SHUT UP! I AM IN CHARGE OF THIS ROOM! I AM SUPREME IN HERE! I WILL FINISH YOU OFF JACOBS, AND THE REST OF YOU TOO! THERE IS NOTHING ANY OF YOU CAN DO THAT CAN STOP THAT! I DARE YOU TO DO ANYTHING THAT CAN STOP ME FROM RUINING YOUR LIVES!"
There was silence in the room. Gold took out his communicator from his pocket and started typing. Jameson was dumbfounded. Gold typed for maybe ten seconds then closed the lid and slid the communicator back in his pocket. Jameson said, "Gold! What did you do?"
"You dared any of us to do anything to stop you. I just did." Soon, the reporters in the room started looking at their communicators. They started typing something in them.
Jameson looked around. "What is it? What just happened?"
"I sent them details about my life." Gold said.
Jameson blanched; Gold continued. "Only the unclassified material. There are secrecy laws after all." Jameson was shocked. Gold said, "The documents that are classified have been sent to the Intelligence Oversight committee." There was a murmer in the room. Gold continued, "Actually, Senator, I do agree with you, I am guilty. There is nothing I can do to repay the wrongs that I have done. That is the part you don't understand. My life is an open book now."
Jameson was white as a sheet. He said, "You will go to prison."
Gold nodded, "Probably, and for the rest of my life. But these people's reputations will be intact. These are honorable people. I have been complicit in your trying to destroy them, and I cannot allow that. There are others that deserve to have their name cleared. This information should help them restore their reputation."
Jameson sat back down in his chair, bewildered. Senator April said, "I move we adjourn."
Another seconded. Soon, all the senators said 'aye' without being called first. April picked up the gavel and gave one smack. "Meeting adjouned."
Jameson was in shock. Other members stood and started to file out. The reporters started shouting questions from across the gallery. It was total chaos. Jameson blinked and turned to sneak out the door at the rear of the room.
Jacobs turned to Gold and said, "Eli, you didn't…"
"I wanted to. It's not me trying to make up, I can't. I've ruined others' lives and there is no repayment. Maybe now some lives can be restored. Jameson will be powerless."
Kang walked up to the group centered around Jacobs. Kang looked at Eli. "That took courage. It impressed Ambassador Gorkon. Your life in the Federation is now ruined. The Ambassador offers asylum."
All eyes looked at Gold. Gold said, "Tell the Ambassador thank you very much, but I must refuse. I have done great injustice to many people. As you would understand it, I've stolen many people's honor and must help restore them. I need to be here to do that."
Kang nodded, "I understand. Kor and I will pray for you, brother. May Christ deliver you."
Gold nodded. "I do have one request."
Everyone looked at Gold. Gold asked, "Can Starfleet house me until the authorities come get me?"
Admiral Nogura gave a small smile. "We would be happy to. I suggest we all go to the Starfleet compound here. Kang and Kor?"
The two Klingons looked up. Nogura said, "Would you extend an invitation to Ambassador Gorkon for me? You are welcome also."
Kang nodded, "When?"
Nogura said, "One hour."
Kor said, "We will be there."
SENATOR JAMESON'S OFFICE
FEDERATION CAPITAL
PARIS, EARTH
Jameson made it past the throng of people and into his office. He forced the door closed. The throng was still audible on the other side of the door. Jameson thought how quiet it was. There was no Eli Gold for him to bark orders at. No secretaries around. Had all abandoned him? He walked to his desk and pushed a comm button. "Jameson to Oswald Welch."
Soon, Welch's voice came over the speaker, "Jameson! I'm ruined, I'm finished because of you!"
"Oswald, I need a transport out of here."
"Forget it! You know what was in that data dump by Gold? It looks like all our dealings! I've already seen where we paid those inspectors to test only certain crates. And that was in five minutes. My reputation is ruined, I'll be up on charges! All because of you."
"But I can't get out of here!" Jameson said.
"Buy a commercial transport like the normal man!" Welch cut the line.
What would he do now?
GNN News
"I've never seen anything like this in my life! Eli Gold did not dump notes, he dumped evidence. The documents that were dumped have the legitimate data id markers. It's going to take a long time to go over what is on this. Everywhere I turn I see laws broken, and I also see exculpatory evidence for people we have covered."
"How so?"
"I remember covering the drawdown of the Raptor program after the Klingon War. One of the big reasons was that the Raptors were no longer needed, expensive, and did not fit in the new Starfleet strategy. A Captain Katan, was a strong supporter of the program until his personal file were leaked to the press. The file showed multiple areas where he falsified data to make the program more appealing. This evidence shows that Jameson had Gold get a Lieutenant Allridge to change the data and make it look like Katan did it. Katan went to prison. That man needs his life back, he has been in prison for more than ten years!"
CHAMBER 15J
LUNAR PENAL COLONY
Katan was working a phaser scraper. They were expanding an underground chamber for water storage, scraping away Lunar Regolith bit by bit. It was disgusting work, the regolith was sharp, gritty, and stuck to everything. Two guards walked up to Katan and said, "Come with us, Captain."
It was so long since he was referred to by rank. Katan thought he imagined it. He laid the phaser scraper down and walked with the two guards. After cleaning up, he was led through security to the processing area. "What is going on?"
The warden came up and spoke. "Emergency order from the JAG office in San Francisco." The warden read from his pad. "Joseph Katan, evidence has been discovered which clearly shows that you were innocent of the charges made against you. By order of the Starfleet Judge Advocate General, you are released from your sentence to Lunar Penal and your record cleared. By Order of C-IN-C Starfleet Admiral Nogura, you are restored to your rank of Captain, with backpay, and have the choice of honorable retirement or continued service in Starfleet."
Katan blinked. This must be a dream. "I'm 60."
"You have time to figure it out. Starfleet is sending a VIP shuttle for you and the others."
"Others?"
"Yes, so far in this new evidence dump that happened, we've identified seven others. They are being released also. Congratulations, Captain. And I'm sorry too, for the lost time."
Katan could not believe it."
MOONFALL ENGINEERING CONSULTING
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
Orin Allridge was furiously packing in his office. As soon as he saw the data dump on the video, his face went pale. The heck of the matter was that since he was on Gold's contact list, he got a copy of everything unclassified that Gold dumped. It was too simple; the organization was fantastically easy. Allridge realized his only chance was to get to neutral territory. His secretary peeked her head in and said, "Your wife is on."
"Thank you." He hit the Comm button. "Sweetie?"
"What is going on Orin?"
"No time to talk, get the kids and grab a shuttle. Get the first transport to Jupiter Station you can. I've got passage booked to Vulcan."
"I don't understand."
Albert said frustratingly, "I don't have time to talk! Just do as I say." The door suddenly opened with badged agents coming in the room.
"Max Jethro, SCIS." Jethro flashed his credentials.
Albert said, "What is this?"
Jethro spun Allridge around and started cuffing him. "You're under arrest for falsifying data related to the Raptor program."
His wife heard everything, Over the speaker she yelped, "Orin? What's going on?"
Jethro replied, "Mrs Allridge?"
"Yes, who is this?"
"I'm Max Jethro, Starfleet Civil Investigative Service. We're arresting your husband. It turns out he framed a guy and that poor soul has been rotting on the moon for the last decade. I'm sorry to tell you that, you can have your lawyer contact SCIS San Francisco."
"Wait! He's innocent!"
"Ma'am, they all say that. Bye." And he hit the comm button. Grabbing Allridge he said, "Ok, scumbag, let's get going."
Allridge was too stunned to think. What happened?
STARFLEET COMPOUND
FEDERATION CAPITAL
PARIS, EARTH
NEXT DAY.
Gold woke up and got cleaned up. The guest quarters were comfortable, and they had some bland clothes for him to wear. That was one of the nicest sleeps he has ever had, and the bed is not that uncomfortable.
Looking at the clock, he saw that 'morning mess' was going to happen soon. The get together was quite loud last night. A lot of celebrating. Whoever would have thought of it, Starfleet brass, Klingons, and him. All having a grand time. Now, breakfast.
He went out of his quarters fully expecting a guard. None yet. Gold went to the turbolift and said, "C-IN-C's mess." Why does Starfleet call it a mess? No doubt it goes back to ancient naval stuff. But still, why?
Stepping off he walked to the room and was greeted by everybody. There was also Briggs, and Senators Douglas and Christopher from the Intelligence committee. There were some other faces he recognized as from the Ministry of Justice. Oh boy, this could be his last meal in freedom.
They had a nice meal together. Finally, Admiral Nogura said, "Mr. Gold, I know you recognize a few others here. FID, Intel committee, and MOJ."
Gold nodded. Douglas, chair of the intel committee said, "Eli, we have a proposal for you."
Gold was surprised, "What is it?"
"The unclassified material is staggering. But there is even more classified. There is too much material to cover. We need a guide to go through this with us."
"I'd be happy to. There will be a lot of time in prison…" Gold started.
Briggs said, "We can't have you handling sensitive documents in an unsecured area like a prison."
Gold blinked. MOJ added, "What we propose is this: You guide us through this material. Our priority is to seal up breaches in our security, then get innocent people exonerated, and also bring others to justice."
Gold could not believe it. "What about my culpability?"
MOJ said, "Immunity from anything you disclosed yesterday. I assume that was all?"
Gold shook his head. "No, there is more, a lot more. I was just beginning to organize the files into 'Sensitive' and 'Not Sensitive'."
The MOJ official asked bewilderingly, "How much more?"
"I'd guess that what I dropped yesterday was about a third."
The MOJ official looked at Senators Douglas and Christopher. "What do you think?"
Christopher said, "I know that my party is taking a beating over this, but I want it gone. This is a unique time in the Federation where we can wipe out corruption."
Douglas nodded, "My party too, it is not going to go well for anybody. But this is only going to show Jameson's corruption."
Briggs walked over. "Not so, in the area of politicians, as some are exposed, others will be implicated. No telling how much we uncover. I believe it will be worth it."
The head of the Ministry of Justice said, "Very well. I'll have the papers amended. There is one other item that I feel is important."
Gold looked sheepishly. "And that is?"
"To state the agreement completely, you will provide us with guidance through Jameson's empire. You will not be prosecuted for anything you did prior to today, as long as it's disclosed. Your time of disclosure will be for six months, and you will provide unrestricted guidance to everything disclosed yesterday, plus whatever is revealed in the next six months. After that, this agreement can be extended provided both parties agree. You will enjoy immunity from whatever is disclosed, and you will also surrender your law license."
Gold nodded, "I agree to that. What will I do after that?"
Cogley said, "Come work for me."
Gold smiled. "Without a law license?"
Cogley shrugged, "I know you can lay cable."
Gold chuckled, "I'd like that. A chance to start a new life."
ITN NEWS
"The representatives listed in Eli Gold's data release continue to grow. The Ministry of Justice has opened investigations to one more senator and three representatives bring the total to fifteen senators and forty-five representatives that are officially under investigation. The impact with the Federation will be devastating. President Bennet has come forward with evidence on how he was a participant, it is beyond gun-running to Maghreb. Bennet had this to say yesterday while returning from a meeting with the terraforming of Mars committee.
"My fellow citizens, as you well know, Senator Jameson has been implicated in a series of corrupting activities, and I'm involved with one of them. Long ago, I agreed with the Intelligence Committee to supply them with evidence and testimony concerning Jameson. I have done this to straighten the record and remove a corrupt influence within our government. As you know, I have only a few months left in my Presidency, and I intend to help rout the corruption from our government before I leave. Thank you."
The Majority Leaders in both the House and Senate stepped down in their leadership roles because of being implicated in Gold's documents. Both parties now have a fight on their hands to pick new leaders. The Senate Oversight Committee resumes today with its newly chosen chair, Senator Robert April. This will probably last only long enough for Jameson's party to choose a replacement, but in the meantime, Senator April will be the head."
SENATE HEARING ROOM
FEDERATION CAPITAL
PARIS, EARTH
Senator April gaveled the hearing to order. Present were the Starfleet contingent, the Klingon delegation, the subpoenaed witnesses, and the usual group of onlookers. April started, "Please sit down. Senator Bim Freshligm, please."
Bim Freshligm raised up a tablet. "As you all well know, Senator Jameson has been removed from this committee. We also have lost Senators Dregilk and Toofor as well. With that, my party is the minority in this committee. As a committee, Senator April has been selected as Committee chairman. I want to let it be known that we as a committee did this unanimously. We want to send a clear message to Starfleet and to the Federation and to those beyond." He motioned to the Klingons, "As to what us elected officials, responsible to the Federation laws and standards, consider conduct as worthy."
Bim Freshligm looked at April. April smiled and continued the speech. "This was not meant to be a trial; I think we all know what was going on here. Time will reveal what Jameson's intentions were in these hearings. For now, we have covered the Wisconsin's first year. From deployment through the battle of Starbase 5. We have covered the engagement with the Klingons over Starbase 5. We have also lightly covered Admiral Adama's choice to leave the assigned patrol point and engage where he thought the Klingon fleet was going to attack. We have briefly covered Admiral Adama's choice to chase the Klingons into Klingon space and attack their own base. That item has been discussed on another hearing. But to make sure we finish this completely; we will publish our findings. Senator Bim Freshligm will publish them now."
Bim Freshligm, "Captain Jacobs." Jacobs stood. He suddenly wondered why he stood. This wasn't a verdict of a trial, just publishing of findings. Still, this was very much a trial. A trial in the public forum, not a court of law. He straightened his Class A and stood at attention. "Thank you. Captain Jacobs, it is the unanimous decision of the committee that your actions display the best of Starfleet. We are indebted to your actions, to your decisions, and to your leadership of the Wisconsin. We acknowledge that you probably stopped a war with the Klingons a couple of times, upheld the spirit of the Prime Directive, helped the recovery of many lost Federation citizens including gathering intelligence on Federation citizens lost in the slave trade, and lastly endured a wrongful prosecution at this show-trial. It is with deep regret that we apologize for the actions of this committee, and thank you for your service. On a personal note, Captain, I dearly wish we had more like you. Speaking as a freighter Captain, it is good to know there are Captains out there that stop at nothing at protecting Federation citizens."
Bim Freshligm continued, "Admiral Adama." Adama stood also and gave Jacobs a wry look. "Your leadership of Starbase 5 and Fifth Fleet is admirable, thank you for the difficult choices you made. I'm sorry for Senator Jameson's interference and making your job more difficult. The Committee recognizes that your recommendation on where the attack was going to happen was right, that the President's order at the urging of Senator Jameson was wrong, and that it was correct to follow the Kah'less and destroy it in Klingon Space."
"Furthermore, we recognize Admiral Adama that your making many 'hand-shake' agreements with local businesses to help in the defense of Starbase 5 was done correctly. Thank you all for your service."
There went up a cheer in the gallery. Jacobs felt a huge burden lifted from him. He turned to Admiral Adama and shook his hand. Ambassador Gorkon stood and said, "With the Committee's permission the Klingon Empire would like to make a statement."
April nodded, "Please do, Ambassador."
"Thank you for inviting us to observe personally these proceedings. These proceedings have been illuminating and thank you for having us testify for our involvement in this past year. We are glad that honor has been served. The Klingon Empire views the members of Starfleet before you today as honorable. When we look at a government, if it is honorable, it is predictable. Dishonorable or corrupt governments are very unpredictable. What has happened this past day will be the equivalent to you of what Kang and Kor did to the High Council. We had a very sudden removal of a major source of corruption in the Klingon Empire. This corruption was responsible for the attack into Federation Space."
"Klingons do not forget the prediction of the Organians. We do not regard it as prophecy, but a prediction from a very intelligent viewpoint. The prediction that we will become fast friends is on our minds. It encourages some, and terrifies others. Your determination today makes a good first step at friendship. Friendship is based on trust, and there is much trust that needs to happen before we can be friends. I'm encouraged that the most honorable of the Empire have become friends with the most honorable of yours."
Gorkon sat down. April said, "Thank you Ambassador. I move that we end these proceedings."
Once the committee dismissed, the gallery turned into a crowd. Everybody was shaking each other's hands and congratulating each other. Jacobs made his way through the people. He made his way over to the Klingons and shook Kang and Kor's hands. "That was impressive."
Kang had a rare smile, it was small, but there. "Yes. Our two peoples may have a future after all."
Jacobs nodded, "What is in store for you?"
"We are taking Ambassador Gorkon back to the High Council. We leave soon."
Gorkon made his way to Jacobs. "Congratulations Jacobs."
"Thank you, Ambassador. Are you going to be ok? With all that you said?"
Gorkon had a knowing smile. "I will be fine. You will have to come visit us."
Jacobs nodded, "I'd like that very much."
