Walking once more into the Colony's Commanding Officer's office under certain circumstances would be fine to Commander Wallace but today was different. It was the date before the big day and it was late in the day too. Richard stood in front of Commodore Rick Hunter and knew what he had to saw was rather important.
"Commander, I forwarded your request to Command for early retirement. However I urged them to strongly not accept it. Under the grounds of the fact your too valuable as a officer and that I felt you were abandoning your duties to me and every citizen on this planet and sector.
Admiral Pike agreed and denied your request for retirement and possible request for transfer if you so desired to do so.
After yesterdays bomb blast you know the importance of having a secure and safe environment.
Now tomorrow is your official hearing into the loss of the USS Benjamin Franklin. I spoke with your lead attorney and he only said that he has a very strong case. I hope that to be true.
The dress is formal and you will wear that and all your ribbons. If can't tell commander I am hoping and praying that your found not guilty of destroying a Federation Vessel with out cause. " Hunter paused and stood up and turned and looked out his window which showed the country side rather well.
"I will do as ordered sir. Perhaps I didn't think things clearly regarding my request a few days ago. I will do my duty to my best abilities sir." Richard said standing firm and tall.
"Good, cause I expect nothing but the best Commander. Your dismissed, oh and good luck." Hunter took a deep breath. For some reason he couldn't be angry with the Commander but also was disappointed with his request.
Leaving the CO's office Richard went for a work out to take some frustrations out. Upon entering the gym he saw it was set up for tomorrow's hearing. Two tables facing a chair in front of it with a ships bell. Damn if this isn't the shock of reality to the system. Richard turned and around and headed for his quarters.
That night was hard to sleep. It had been well over 10 years since he has lost any real sleep. He lay in bed and stared at the ceiling think of how tomorrow would go. Finally after 4 hours he nodded off and awoke at 7 in the morning.
Oh there it is. Wallace thought to himself aloud trying to remember where he had placed his formal uniform. It had been well over 6 years since he had worn it. The jacket still had his chief rank on the left collar. Richard gave a chuckle as pulled it off and replaced it with his three gold pips.
After dressing himself he looked in the mirror and stared at the two knew rows of ribbons he had acquired since he became an officer. His thoughts drifted back to Virgo and Xenon III and how Captain Maruu had award him for his actions there. Then he saw the first and only Outstanding Discovery of Great Credit to the Federation citation ribbon. It was blue and purple. Out of all his awards that was his favorite and nearly only no combat ribbon.
In the makeshift courtroom Wallace was greeted by Lieutenant Erin McGrady and his father Argyle Wallace. The three took a seat at the left table. Which was the defendant's table.
To the right was the Government's table where two Star fleet officers where sitting. The lead prosecutor was a female human Lieutenant Commander no older then 32 years. To her right was a Vulcan male that was ensign.
A Marine MP announced the entrance of the ruling judge. "All rise. Take your seats. All those who have anything to deal with the Government's case or defendant step forward and you shall be herd. Rear Admiral Borik presiding." Admiral Borik was Vulcan Female she appeared to be in her mid thirties but it was clear she was more then less 70sh.
The prosecutor cleared her throat then stood up. " Your honor. We are here today to bring evidence that Commander Richard Wallace unlawfully and through irresponsibility needlessly destroyed the USS Benjamin Franklin." She paused for a minute and looked over at Commander Wallace.
"Proof is in the matter which Commander Wallace already plead guilty to."
Argyle stood up and blurted. "Objection your honor. Commander Wallace has already plead guilty to violating rules of engagement this hearing is determine why and if the desecration of the for mention vessel was acceptable."
"Sustained," Judge Borik informed the Prosecuting attorney.
"Very well then. Allow me to enter into record SARs reply to the distress call of 23862608. They sent a message to the Franklin stating 10-12 hours before they could arrive. The ship had enough power to sustain life for 32 hours, according the ships engineer.
The recovered Logs showed that nearly 7 hours after the distress call was sent the ship was ordered to self destruct under it's temporary commanding officer Richard Wallace. I have nothing further at this time your honor." Commander Hays took a seat after handing a PADD to the judge.
Argyle was quite for a few minutes and then spoke. "Your honor Defense calls Commander Richard Wallace to testify on his own behalf."
"Very well." Judge Borik agreed as Wallace took a seat next to the judge. "Commander Wallace how long have you been in Star fleet?"
"22 years and 9 months." Wallace replied.
"In all that time how many vessels have you served on?"
"I believe it to be six sir. Two of which I was the Commanding officer."
Argyle picked a PADD up and replied." Very impressive. So is it true that some Captains regard their ships well being higher more so then their officers serving aboard them?" Hearing that question Hays quickly stood up.
"I object is the defense implying that the Commander can speak for thousands of ships Commander's personal feelings?"
The Judge was quite and then looked at Defense Counsel Wallace. "Counselor where are you going with this?"
"Your Honor the defendant is the only one with the exception of you who has had some real fleet time. So I know and you know he has very knowledge insight into this matter."
"Very well over ruled. Court will note that Commander Wallace is the most experienced fleet officer other then myself who hasn't served on a ship in 34 years."
"Thank you. Now Commander please answer the question." Argyle said leaning against the table.
Richard was quite and didn't like what his father was asking him to do but he knew his answer would help out. "Yes I have seen on a few occasions Captains regard their ship more as a person then their crew."
"Do you Commander?" Argyle asked not knowing what his son would say.
"No. Life real life that is has more value then materiel goods. A ship can be replaced sir. A real person can't." Richard answered just as his father had hoped he would.
It was time now for the big question as to the whole subject of this Court inquiry. "Commander Richard Wallace why did you initiate the Auto destruct?"
Just tell how you came to that design.
"The communication array aboard the ship could send messages but couldn't receive them. We had no idea if our message had even been received. I had lost four crew members already. The ship was dying and I believed in doing so she was draining the crew as well. Energy to survive. So I order an abandon ship and put the ship in auto destruct mode.
I did that under advisement from Serenity's JAG Liaison officer and agreement between the ships XO." Richard then looked over at Erin who gave a look of approval.
"I have no further questions." Argyle took a seat. Commander Hays stood up and then cross examined Wallace.
"Commander Wallace do you have any regrets in your 22 years service?"
"Yes we all do. It is however what we do with those regrets that makes us wiser Commander. How would you know that while you were in school I was forced to make life and death designs. I stand by my decision. If you were in my head and seen the stuff I've seen and been in Command that day you too would possibly make the same move I did."
It was quite for a few minutes as Commander Hays tried to come up with something else but was unable to. "I have nothing further Government rest."
"You may step down Commander. Counselor do you have anything further?"
Lieutenant McGrady stood up with three PADDs and spoke for the first time in the past 20 minutes. "Sir we have three written statements from the bridge officers present we would like you to go over them. Also too please note that Commander Wallace was and is a Retired Rear Admiral and stepped aside Command to accept his present assignment. We ask your honor to take in to account Commander Wallace's 23 Citations for valor and heroism. Make a note that Commodore Rick Hunter has also put in Commander Wallace for a Citation for his handling the Pirate skirmish."
It was silent after a few minutes then judge left to make her decision.
back to TOC