It had been four days since Richard Wallace had been locked up under his own acknowledgment to his own actions and inactions. He was lying on the holding cell's bunk which reminded him of an old bunk bed he slept on while en-route to a campaign back in the Mid Days of the Dominion War.
Opening the door to the holding cell caused a little bit of a stir to Richard as he heard footsteps as the person entered the holding cell. Then a female voice called out." Commander your being released early under Commodore Hunter's orders." The voice sounded like Lieutenant McGrady but Wallace was uncertain. He sat up slowly due to the fact his lower back was hurting from the bed he had been on the last four days.
Looking up he saw it was Lieutenant McGrady. " So now what Lieutenant?" Commander Wallace asked as he saw the Security guard drop the force field.
"It's time you go over the case that your father and myself have prepared." Lieutenant Erin McGrady was rather business like and very formal.
Richard rubbed his three and half day old beard and then scratched his head. In the last few days he had thought about what he said and the responsibility he took. In fact he didn't want a defense of his actions. "Very well then lets go then." Richard replied walking out of the holding cell.
"First sir, I suggest you clean up and then met me and your father in my office in an hour."
Richard didn't argue he just nodded and did as she requested and found himself in her JAG office an hour later sitting at a conference table across from both Argyle Wallace and Lieutenant McGrady. At first he was silent and sat emotionless.
"Ok, Richard here is the deal. Commodore Hunter said that you went on record for violating three rules of engagement. I was Reading the Uniform Code of Military Justice and it says that three charges must be filed with proper evidence before a panel to warrant a court martial.
"However with your distinguished record and service, I've struck a deal. Your to remain on probation for two years and if you violate the probation you are to serve 14 months in a Penal Colony.
"It is standard practice to Court Martial a Captain or in your case an Action Captain for destruction of the USS Benjamin Franklin.
"Now in a day and half you will defend your decision to initiate the auto destruct sequence on the ship. Tell me why." Argyle Wallace seemed so emotionless and so professional like his son that it was an eerie feeling to Commander Wallace.
This is hard to explain. Why should I. My report to Star Fleet explained why.
"Sir, Lieutenant McGrady was there. She can vouch for me and the situation. Ask her." Richard said folding his hands and placing them on the table.
"I did. She stated that the damage was extensive. That the power was limited and no word from SARs on there status." Argyle informed his son of her statement.
"Yes sir. I feared that giving her another day and half was preventing the inevitable. The good of the crew and injured out weighed the good of the ship." It was quite and Argyle was thinking hard and gave a smile.
"Good, that is what Lieutenant Myers stated in his report and too me. However the Government is going to try and disprove that theory. Our defense is going to be this your spotless record.." Argyle slid a PADD over containing Commander Wallace's service fill and countless decorations.
Lieutenant McGrady then put her input into what Mister Wallace said. " You are a living Hero sir. Your actions and opinions under fire are nothing short of Legend. I doubt the Federation Government will allow a insult on your character sir."
Richard thought hard and ran his hands through his hair and nodded his head in agreement but had one more thing to add. " I don't like talking about my past exploits and my so called heroics. I understand they might protect me. Just please don't play on it is all I ask."
"Very well then I respect your request. Lieutenant McGrady please excuse yourself so I may have a few words with my son alone." Argyle asked Erin and she agreed and left the two men alone.
Ok, I know Wallace men are proud and this is a time to swallow that pride. Argyle thought as he stood up.
"Son I know I caused allot of bad blood towards me. I didn't approve of this lifestyle and wanted to shield you best as I could. For that I am sorry. Reading over your records I can't begin to imagine the pain you have suffered and not have anyone to fall back onto for support.
"I want you to know I am very,very proud of your design and you most of all. I hope some day you will let me back into your life again."
Stunned Richard leaned back and replayed the words over again twice in his head. Damn, he truly has changed maybe so should I.
Standing up Richard cleared his throat and tried to the best ability to fight his true feeling of acceptance of his father's apology."Thank you sir. It'll just take some time to get over thought, so please be patient."
"I will son." Argyle extended his right which was greeted with a warm father and son hand shake.
back to TOC