<USS Avalon> Verdict

 
Verdict
After several hours of deliberation the panel returned to  the courtroom and 
took their seats. 
âHas the panel reached a verdict?â 
âWe haveâ, the foreperson replied. 
Speaking to Ketchum, âCaptain please  stand.â   
Keith, Dawson, and Jayden stood, as well as  Cardonas. 
Turning to the panel and foreperson, âWhat say  you?â 
âWe the panel overseeing the court-martial of Keith  Ketchum, Captain of the 
USS Avalon do find himâ, pausing for effect, âOn the  count of failure to 
follow the âRules of Engagementâ, we find him Not  Guilty.  The firing on 
the 
Ferengi  vessel is deemed as protective by Starfleet standards, based on issued 
reports  from the Romulans.â 
The judge nodded. 
âOn the count of destroying the Ferengi vessel without  provocation, we find 
him Not Guilty by reason of diminished mental  capacity.  Though this was  
excessive, the loss of a relative, even under these circumstances, could cause  
issues for command.â 
The judge nodded.  âI would like to thank the panelââ 
Suddenly Cardonas interrupted, âThis is absurd, a  farce.  Heâs guilty.  
You 
canât see that?â 
âYou are out of line, Commander, I find you in contempt,  you are to spend 
the night in the brig.  Get him out of my courtroom.â  The guards came and 
prepared to take Cardonas away. 
Cardonas muttered something under his breath. 
âWould you like to say that a little louder,  Commander?â 
âNo, Sirâ, as he was led from the room. 
Turning back to the panel, âAgain, I would like to thank  the panel for their 
assistance in this matter.â  Turning to Ketchum, âCaptain, I am sorry  for 
your loss.  This court-martial  is closed.â 
Jayden turned to Ketchum, âCongratulations, Captain.  I didn't think it would 
 happen.â She turned to Dawson,  âExcellent work, Ambassador.  You may be a 
little rusty, but I guess a  father can always protect his son.â  She smiled, 
glad this was behind  her.  Leaning forward, she placed a kiss on Keith's 
cheek.  âThat's  for pizza-fest and a less cynical view of the world.â  
Pulling 
away left a  smudge of lipstick on his cheek.  âNot that it'll stick with me 
or 
 anything.â  Looking down at the table to gather her things, Jayden Cross  
flashed them one more perfect smile before exiting the room 
âYes, indeedâ,  Dawson replied. 
âNow, Iâd like to put this behind me and get back to the  galaxyâ, Keith 
replied.. 
âBetter say goodbye to Tess, before we head back to Earth,  also Keith.â 
âNo problem with that.  Thank you both.â 
They nodded, as Keith walked out, head held  high.

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