<USS Avalon> "Where We Go From Here"

Where We Go From Here
Captain Keith Ketchum and 
Lieutenant First Class Jayden Cross


Jayden threw the PADD onto her desk. Sickening. "Well, fuck," she said to 
herself, looking up at the picture on the wall. She then picked up another PADD 
off the desk and began ticking things off the list. Finished the interview with 
Monroe. And the the final series of questions for Ketchum had been asked by her 
and Quinn days ago. There wasn't much to do after that but process all the 
evidence. Now finished, she shook her head. There is no way that we can make 
this an airtight case in Ketchum?s favour. He fired on those Marauders first 
and ordered the destruction of one after the loss of his son. Even the bridge 
recordings... It?s all there. I wish I was prosecuting this case. It?s airtight 
against him. 

She called up something on the PADD. Ketchum?s voice filled their small office, 
"Mr. Manson, blow that Marauder out of space. And try to take out the other?s 
engines. Time they pay." 

"And that's that. Goddammit, I hate losing." Gathering up all her information, 
she walked to Ketchum's office. They'd set up a time to meet to discuss how 
everything would proceed. He, at least, seemed to understand that she was 
trying to help him, even if it did look totally opposite.

Ketchum was expecting her, and she glided into the room effortlessly, hair, 
make-up, and lips perfect. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Captain," she 
smiled. "I'm sorry, but Lt. Quinn will not be joining us, as he's fallen ill 
and taken a small medical leave of absense." 

"I understand, what can I do for you? I believe that you have all the 
information that is necessary. So, why am I here?" He looked at her 
expectantly, knowing this was just a formality to what was going to happen from 
here on in.

 

"We are to convene at Starbase 12, there has been a time set for the formal 
inquiry, at which time you will be charged and a trial will be put underway, 
with a jury of your peers. Fully routine."

 

"I see." See what you got yourself into now? "I will want my father there as my 
council. I figure the court will allow the Ambassador to serve in that 
capacity."

 

Surprised, Jayden replied, "I'm sure they would, though technically Lt. Quinn 
and I are to be your attorneys. I will relay your wishes to Captain Scott and 
arrange everything. Of course, I will remain there as your legal council during 
the trial. That is unavoidable, but as you request, I won't be your attorney." 
Jayden was relieved that she wouldn't be defending the case. Another loss for 
her at this stage wouldn't bode well for her career. Though she'd had some 
brilliant wins in the past, she had recently lost a big name case and was 
pretty sure it's why she was sent to the Avalon to begin with. "One of our 
commanding officers, Commander Sal Cardonas will be the prosecutor.  Just to 
let you know, he's tough. And I believe that the judge will be Commodore 
Lindsey Patronas, who is also very by the book on ethics." 

 

Visibly slumping in the chair, "I guess with the information that from just the 
fire-fight, is enough to convict me, correct?"

 

"There is a lot of information that will harm you and could cost your career, 
just to be blunt.  The Ferengi aren't happy about it and are pressing Starfleet 
for your head, so to speak. And you know what this will come down to, right? A 
battle of ethics and behavior. What is appropriate for a Starfleet Captain to 
decide."

 

He nodded. "Well, I will take it as it comes. Thank you for your investigation 
into the matter; you were only doing your job."

 

"I'm glad someone sees that, sir," she smiled. "Truly, we were trying to find 
no fault in this matter, but..."

 

He nodded, understanding.

 

"There is a slim chance, but it doesn't look good. And considering that things 
were complicated by Forester being your son... The involvement with Petty 
Officer Davis didn't help your case, either," Jayden added matter-of-factly.

 

"I'm aware of that," Ketchum responded coldly.

 

"Yes, I can imagine you are." A tense silence followed.  Jayden found herself 
actually feeling sorry for the man. What is it about you that generates such 
sympathy? she wondered.  Setting aside her thoughts, she smiled, "I suppose 
I'll be leaving your ship along with my aide, Alexander, at Starbase 12, to the 
relief of many.  Captain Scott has also approved Ms. Davis' resignation and she 
will be reassigned to your command." Which you shouldn't have asked for until 
after the trial, but what's done is done. And of course, after the trial you 
many not have power to do anything. Jayden stood. "I hate to have been the 
bearer of such bad news, Captain. Are you sure you won't reconsider your choice 
of council?" She winced inwardly with the question, but she had to ask it.  
Professionalism demanded it.

 

"Yes, but I am sure that he would appreciate a co-council, as he is a little 
rusty, but I would still like him to run things. I'm sure things around here 
will be a little calmer, once everything is taken care of. It's starting to get 
back to that now, and once the court-martial is done, it'll be peace again." He 
nodded absently, thinking that Avalon would probably have a new captain. "So, I 
guess that is it. We should be at Starbase 12 by tomorrow."

Jayden nodded. "I suppose, situation aside that we will be spending a great 
deal of time together in the near future, Captain." Suddenly the prospect 
didn't seem so unappealing.

"That it seems. Would you care for dinner? I know the replicators can be ok, 
but I do have a chef on board that can make the most delicious pizza, with just 
about any fresh toppings that you could imagine. I haven?t had one in a long 
time, and tonight it seems like a gorge-fest."

Jayden actually laughed, her perfect smile cracking into a large grin. "You've 
been doing your research as well, Captain, to know that it's my favorite. Do I 
choose the list of toppings?" Seeing him didn't exactly matter anymore since 
her part of the investigation was over and she was only offering legal counsel 
now.

"Anything your heart desires, well, except for anchovies," he shuddered. "Those 
do not even please me or my chef, Emeril." It didn?t matter to him anymore 
where his career was going. Up or down, he was going to enjoy himself.

"Cheese. Lots and lots of cheese and mushrooms and sausage," she laughed. "I'm 
not a girly girl when I eat, Captain." He'd broken her facade and it felt nice 
to laugh.

"Then meet me at my quarters, in oh, an hour? That should be enough time to 
warn Emeril of the pizzafest." He smiled also for the first time since this 
mission began. "If that is suitable, then I shall see you then. I?ll also get a 
letter off to Dawson so that he has time to make it to Starbase 12." He stood 
and walked out of the office, to make the preparation, leaving her to her 
thoughts.

Jayden smiled to herself and twisted a lock of hair around her finger. 
"Interesting, very, very interesting," she said, as she stepped out of his 
office, mind wondering at the turn of events.

 


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