Quit.odt



The Hearing



-1-



The Thauran Commodore stood at the window of his office and looked over the Pacific Ocean far below. It took him a while to understand that the locals meant that orange steel construct spanning the San Francisco Bay when they talked about the bridgeand not the Union bridge across the trans galactic void to the Andromeda galaxy.

Of course, after sixteen years stationed here, and having a beautiful home not far from here in the Nappa Valley he felt like a local too, even started to wear sun glasses.

He then turned and paid once more attention to his visitor, a rather unpleasant Pan Saran Rear Admiral lower half Marcus Augustus. Unlike the majority of Pan Sarans, he was not muscular or tall, but on the contrary quite short and despite all medical choices and body fitness options overweight in a flabby ungainly way.

Commodore Rabyr wondered how this man could ever passed the Academy or graduated looking that way.

The admiral repeated his request, that made the Commodore to get up and look out the window in the first place.”Look Commodore Rabyr, I don't care if he would even know the Admiral of the fleet himself. I want a hearing to determine a court martial. In all my life I have never noticed so many direct violations of regulations of one single captain.

And I had access only to a part of the log book. I want full access to all records and I want him before a Commission and conduct a full hearing.”

“He does know the Admiral of the Fleet and more so the Admiral knows him. Quite well I might add.”

The fat Pan Saran glared angrily .”So what, that does not give him the right to violate regulations. This entire culture of hero worship has gone way to far. Not that I believe even 10 percent of what he supposedly have done.”

“He has done that and much more, the Eternal Warrior has confirmed it.”

“That is exactly what I mean by hero worship. All these legends and myths. Don't tell me you believe that careful maintained legend of immortal admirals. We all know it is mere propaganda for the enemies. Most likely a clever Avatar controlled by NAVINT.”

Rabyr looked at the Admiral as if he was insane.”Stahl, a myth? Are you really a Union fleet officer? “

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Of course, and I am sick and tired of anyone telling me the same propaganda. Evenour own Emperor insists of having talked to the real Stahl. However it matters not that everyone is so gullible or perhaps not brave enough to say the truth. What matters is,that according to Fleet regulation I have the right,the very duty to demand that this Captain Olafson is brought before a committee of senior officers where he is confronted with his numerous offenses. Especially since I found out that he is acting captain and has never even served as an XO or spend one minute in command school. I checked his personal record at least of what was not classified beyond my clearance, he was never fully commissioned. Do I have to order you to arrest him or must I do that myself?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Thauran gasped.”You want him arrested? Oh you better do that yourself!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You are the head of Fleet Security in this sector. It is your duty to arrest him.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Then I want a signed order to do so,before witnesses and with all charges clearly spelled out.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“How can I spell out all his charges. The logs are still classified and so is most of his personal records. I have requested the declassification or the adjustment of my clearance to see it all. It is just a formality of course and will be granted any moment. In the mean time I hereby order you to arrest Acting Captain, Ensign Eric Olafson.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Thauran used his intercom to call for two officers and then tied in the Comutronic and said. “For the record please repeat your order.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Ridiculous of course, but I am not afraid of simulated legends and long dead admirals conjured up to impress the simple masses and the gulible enemies. I, Admiral Augustus of the regulations committee and record keeping division hereby request that Ensign Eric Olafson, acting captain of the USS Tigershark is arrested and but under full restrain until a hearing for his court martial can be convened.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">That the two officers looked like someone told them space wasn't black was not unexpected but that the computronic, which was one of the most advanced systems in the known universe said.”Admiral Augustus do you feel unwell or are you using official Fleet resources to make joke?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The admiral glared towards the ceiling.”It appears the GalCom connection to Nelson II is faulty or this machine needs to be assessed for malfunctions. I issued a clear and precise order. I am of good health and I am an Officer. I will not be questioned by a mere machine.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Your order has been recorded. However I might add that the Galcom connection is perfectly fine and one functions well within all parameters.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The admiral did not listen and said to the Thauran.”See that it is done, before this imposter tries to escape. As I understand he is on Earth and visits Norway.” He left without anyone having a chance to say anything.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Thauran said to the closing door. “You could teach us Thaurans what self importance really is. Even the Grand Wizard of the Kermac has nothing on you.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">To Nelson II he added.”Never mind him, everyone knows you are certainly not a mere machine.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Commodore Rabyr. One is not capable of being insulted, however if I would have human emotions I would feel sorry for him.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">One of the officers present was a Dai. “Yes I agree.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Saresii Lt.Commander that has also been called to witness asked.” Why would you feel sorry for him? He most likely finds himself on the civilian side of life.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Dai shook his head. “He most likely finds himself on the other side of life. He is an officer after all.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Saresii still didn't get it.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Dai said .”If Olafson feels insulted he might challenge the man to a gentleman's affair and I doubt he survives that one for more than a second. My tribe lords first son is Olafson's best friend.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Computronic actually laughed.”One has not computed that possibility, but it is true. One was contemplating what will happen if that Admiral was actually meeting what he believes is a insubstantial, conjured legend. If one would be curious one would wish to be present when that happens.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Rabyr grinned.”Nelson, if I can I make it happen.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“One would be very grateful.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Dai said. “I think Nelson II has a hidden but very fine sense of humor.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“One finds the prospect of relaying such an event to Mothermachine quite stimulating. One is pleased the concept of humor is correctly processed.”

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">==

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Admiral McElligott could not believe the report, considered it a joke or hoax and was angry at first that someone even dared to make a joke like that. After Nelson II however confirmed that it was quite real, he paled. “Sweet mother of God. Quick let us clear the incident before Stahl hears of it and before they have a chance to actually try to arrest Olafson. It could end in .a cathastrophy.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“One must apologize, Admiral. I am simultaneous informing the Eternal Warrior.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott cursed like a true highlander and then paused in his anger. “Connect me with Stahl.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Admiral of the Fleet looked into the face of the other immortal admiral. Stahl was wearing a heavy destroyer suit sans helmet standing before a background of smoldering ruins and a deep red sky. Elligott rolled his eyes.”You can't stay away from the frontlines. You are not a marine grunt, your an admiral.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I have always been a marine first and foremost and I have never ceased to be a grunt. It is the frontlines where the war happens, not in some cozy super secure command center light years away from the action. Now we had a rough time taking this system. The Warog are as tough as they come and they don't give up easily, but that battle we just fought is nothing compared to the shit storm your personal inquistor, that sorry excuse of a Union officer is about to raise. You know what I said when you promoted that pile of flabby dough to admiral rank.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I resented what you said then as I do now. He did a very thruough job in enforcing our regulations. Only by strict adherence to regulations can we hope to run the Navy as it must be run.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl snorted disgusted. “You don't even buy that line. What about regulation 74075-PF? How did that sack of fat manage to get past the physical fitness requirement?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Officers of admiral rank are exempt from this regulation. You are the only Admiral insisting training with boot camp marines.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“So you tell me that thing you call an admiral was a picture of fitness until he became an admiral? Well I am done hearing your sad excuses for questionable personnel decisions.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I am still your superior and I resent being ridiculed by you. Now how we are going to deal with the situation? I want you to call Captain Olafson and make sure he is not reacting the wrong way, while I try to stop Admiral Augustus before it even comes to that.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now Stahl grinned. “Oh we are doing it exactly by the book. You told me just a month ago that this so called Admiral was empowered by you to scrutinize command officers and make sure they followed all rules and regulations. You also ordered me to stay out of it, Admiral Sir. Besides I already received a priority one summon from said Admiral to appear at said hearing.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott swallowed hard.”I will of course order him to disregard that and remove him from office. Now you need to help. Olafson could summon his alter ego and that could very well cause some damage before we can contain him. He is on Earth!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Contain him? Have you not heard the Narth Supreme. There is no force in the Universe that could stop him. However he gave me his word that he is still an Officer and Union citizen and that is all I need to know. Oh and if you stop that summon you need the Assembly to do that as it was you who gave him federal investigative authority. Doing it without it is not just a breach of regulations and I will be the first summoning you to the Assembly so you can explain to them.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott never really liked Stahl, but he knew if he summoned him to the Assembly not even the Grey Ghosts could save him. There was no denying it, Stahl was easily the most beloved and respected person in all Union history.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">While he was the Admiral of the Fleet and had the highest military command authority, he had no illusions that ninety percent of the fleet would follow Stahl if he asked them to and of course every marine active, reserve or retired and most of the Union would cheer him doing it. Luckily Stahl was integrity incarnate and would never do that. He angrily terminated the connection.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">After a moment staring at the blank field screen he barked at the computronic. ”Nelson II, why are you addressing me correctly and call Stahl by this ridiculous nickname? You are a machine for christ's sake”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“One has access to the entire service history of Admiral Stahl and one finds this a very befitting title.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“It's not a title. He is an admiral nothing more.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Bellebee research concluded that this epithet was first used by editors of the Galactic Chronicle after the successful defeat of the Y'All invasion. The term was also used by Mothermachine and made into an official title by request of Queen T'Snikk before the Assembly in 3912. It might interest you that this request was passed within ten minutes of standing ovation and with a rare one hundred percent approval. It could be argued that this is neither a nickname nor ridiculous.”

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was perhaps the strangest arrest in Union history, after six heavy armed flyers deposited an entire platoon of Marines at the Atlantic beach near Hammerfest where Captain Olafson in swimming trunks only exited the ice cold water and the rows of marines stood in attention while the Marine Commander saluted him. “Sir, I am proud it is me who has the honor of arresting you!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Neo Viking fleet officer looked completely baffled.”You are proud to do what?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Sir Admiral Augustus has ordered you to be arrested and brought before a hearing so you may be charged with commanding a space ship without propper comission and infractions against several fleet regulations. Not to worry ,Sir.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Still confused the captain said.”I am arrested by an entire Marine platoon in full battle dress, a full regiment of Cerberus on charges that make no sense and I should not be worried?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Sir, the Admiral of the Fleet is on it's way from Arsenal furious about what happened, he wanted to order your immideate release and deal with the affair a different way, but the Eternal Warrior currently at the very front in the Killgor system is summoned to this very same hearing and to be arrested if he does not appear.” The marine was quite angry as he said that. “Admiral Stahl said he will comply and he assured us you will too.” Then he pointed to the robots and armed flyers. “Admiral McElligott was not so sure and wanted us to take precautions. On a personal note, my marines and I are here to have the honor to meet you.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Eric raised an eyebrow. Admiral Stahl was threatened to be arrested? Summoned from the front during a war?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“As a marine I am not allowed to criticize command.” He took off his rank insignia and then said. “As a citizen however I can. McElligott wanted to enforce the rules and set an example by scrutinizing a few high ranking or famous officers. To show the Assembly that he is in command and not Stahl. It backfired and I personally can't wait for that hearing.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Eric rolled his eyes and held out his hands. “Handcuffs or prisoner suit?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Neither one,Sir. You are not judged yet and your word is as good to me as that of Admiral Stahl.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You just used the only restraints that could hold me, Commander. Can I get dressed?”

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">;;

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Admiral Augustus was not sure if he liked the way the affair developed. He wanted the hearing done with hand picked Officers and inside a military court room. While he still had the officer he selected chair the hearing with him; and while it still was inside the impressive and imposing central court room of fleet command Earth. It was simulcast to the Assembly and thus to the general public.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He specifically ordered the computronic to issue gag orders to all involved. What he had overlooked is that he did not include the cursed Computronic.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Nelson II, I specifically requested gag orders. This proceedings were to be held in military fashion and not become a public circus. What do the simple civilians know of military proceedings? This order was including you!” He fumed and added .”You are disobeying direct orders given! I will therefore order your deactivation and have you replaced with a machine that obeys.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Admiral Augustus was certain he detected the amused tone in the AIs voice.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You requested that any person and member of the Union spatial navy associated with this case is to be gagged of discussing any details with non spatial fleet personnel. One, as you pointed out is a machine. One is not a member of the Union spatial navy and neither are the United Stars marines, the Union Army members or the thirty four thousand seventy three civilian clerks that are aware of this case. Furthermore you were appointed by recommendation of the Admiral of the Fleet to be a special investigator and prosecutor in cases of gross misconduct and violation of Navy rules and regulations by Navy personnel. I am by definition technical equipment and you have no authority to order my deactivation. I my add this is a violation of regulation 17221 and could be considered an act of attempted sabotage of Navy equipment essential to the war effort.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus paled and hastily added.” This was no order just a test and is to be ignored and deleted.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Nelson happily chirped. “On March 5th,5052 at 0922 hrs Admiral M. Augustus conducted an unauthorized test on Fleet Main Computronic and then ordered the results of the test to be ignored and deleted. Test results deleted.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus was now satisfied that this episode was erased. He who prosecuted others for misconduct could not be accused of breaking the rules himself. Thankfully when a Computronic deleted something, it was gone.

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">–

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The court room was indeed impressive and usually used in the very rare times when a star ship captain was accused of very serious matters. In the almost 3000 years of Union fleet history only a very small number was ever convicted stripped of their rank and command and their names placed in the hall of shame.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Admiral Augustus planned to fill that place with many names and foremost this ensign impostor who commanded a star ship, had the audacity of conscriping non Union aliens without the proper authority and even hanging a man. Only a fully commissioned Captain was allowed to do all these things. Not a midshipman who never even had the rank of ensign and was made acting captain for three days and then disappeared only to reappear in 5048 still as acting Captain. No acting rank was viable for that many years.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He had the personnel file of Olafson and log book of the USS Tigershark before him. Both documents were filled with much data. Yet he was only able to access perhaps ten percent at most.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Finally his priority call to the Admiral of the Fleet was answered. “Admiral McEligott you had the wisdom to appoint me to this task. Now how can I do my job, if I can't access all evidence to this most appaling case of misconduct in all Union Fleet history?

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">How did this criminal Midshipman manage to have his files classified Blue-Blue-Red and sections of it are even sealed Red-Red-Red. I did not even know this level existed?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I intended for you to find a few of those commanding officers that tend to command by the ill example set by Admiral Stahl, to set the record straight that this Navy is run orderly and by rules. I never thought you would find Olafson. You could not have picked a more dangerous and problematic case.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“It was the most read log book in the entire record department. Despite that most of it was classified how could I not take notice. Besides I take my task very serious. I waited for decades that someone would notice my unwavering devotion to rules and order. You have, but make no mistake, it was your recommendation but it was the military council of the Assembly who appointed me. Now I request you clear my access and once I am done burring this midshipman and unmask this phony propaganda projection called Stahl. I intend to ask why you find it acceptable to prance around in a skirt while on duty. I checked, you never made the formal request to wear a non official issue of garment while on duty. Furthermore you have not logged your office hours. This is a clear violation of regulation 877705-4.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Prance around in a skirt?” Was all the old Admiral could say. His plan to clip Stahl's wing a little was born out of an old grudge McElligott had against the other immortal admiral. It had taken him almost a decade to even find an officer who wasn't impressed by Stahl. He found Augustus, one of the last graduates of the old Newport Academy while it was still under Dent. He had him investigated and found no links to the worm. Augustus was even disliked by most of his cadets there and failed every specialization except administrative tasks and there in the regulations department he excelled and was described as a rules fanatic who could remember and quote thousands of regulations down to the coma.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">When he first met him in his office, he had even the visitor chairs placed exactly as the Navy recommended.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He disregarded the psych report that strongly advised Agustus never to be in any command position. Several evaluators even suggested him to be expelled from the Navy. He was accepted by exactly one point over the refusal threshold.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now in retrospect, it was the most regrettable decision he made in his life. He of all beings should have known that personal feelings and misgivings had no place in any professional matters.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It all culminated only a few month ago. The Nul of all were now not only allies but Union members. The Karthanian First Engineer had applied for Union membership in the name of all Karthanians. All but one Oghr kingdom was either Union or in the process of becoming Union. The new White Queen of Togar appeared nine month ago before the Assembly. She apologized for any harm and grief her kind caused and asked for Union membership. It all of course happened by the direct actions of Captain Olafson. When he discovered the Y'All foundry in the Leo II galaxy and indisputable proof that it was the Kermac who called them each time,the Assembly called for war. It also became known that the Kermac used the remaining Dai and the Shiss to attack the Union. On these revelations the Assembly overwhelmingly called for war.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It took all of Elligotts influence to not declare Total war. For it would make Stahl the Commander in Chief over all Union military. Making him obsolete in the process. That Stahl would win the war, there was no doubt, would he use his position to remain the Commander in Chief even after the war was over? While deep down he knew Stahl had no political ambitions at all; he was almost certain the Assembly would offer it to him. Most of the Assembly and almost everyone in the Union worshipped the man.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">There was a public poll not so long ago, conducted by a very popular GalNet channel to name ten things every Union citizen is proud of and

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Number one was citizenship. Number two the Assembly;three was the Fleet and trillions of votes elevated the Eternal Warrior solid on spot four. Even the Devi was much higher up than McElligott who found his name at rank 4755 even far below Rex Schwartz and just one ranking above Ultra Kling Klang. He wasn't surprised that Mothermachine was among the top ten, but to find himself below the Gray Nul monarch and even the just recently admitted First Engineer was a blow to his ego and made him take steps to realize the plan he never really intended to initiate.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">His usual meticulous planning was hampered by hurt pride.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The events of the awakening of an entity called the Dark One diverted his attention and he missed seeing some serious flaws of his plan.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Not that he really understood what it was. The Narth Supreme, Mothermachine,the Coven and other members of the Gray Ghosts spoke of the most significant and potential galaxy shattering event. Captain Olafson again was at the very center. Stahl told him that Eric and Erica were now two completely different persons. He spoke about the reincarnation of an entity with the power to change the very fabric of reality.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth Supreme said the Decision was made and it was made for the Third Way. Elligott had no idea what this meant but he was no fool. He instinctively knew this was the very reason he and the other immortals were preparing for. The Narth Supreme also said that the age of entities had ended. The Universe was once more in balance and the indigenous life of this universe would eventually evolve into its own new entities and ring in the next universe.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now robbed of his part in whatever universe shaking event, the purpose of his task as immortal fulfilled without him having much to do with its culmination. He felt cheated and angry.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The final blow to his ego came as he asked the Narth Supreme if he thinks that his task had been completed and the shrouded super intellect simply said: Yes.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">When he asked if Stahl's task was also done, the Narth said.”No, the Eternal Warrior is the only force that can contain the Dark One. In essence Admiral Stahl is the most powerful being alive. With a word alone he could ask the Dark One to rip galaxies asunder and there is no doubt the Dark One would obey.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This was to much. He set his plan in motion. He promoted Augustus to Admiral rank and asked the Assembly military council to activate an old almost forgotten council decission to appoint am inspector general in order to inspect the Union fleet personnel and find command officers who broke rules and circumvented regulations. The council approved his request and made Augustus that inspector. He instructed the Admiral to check the log book archive and search for commanders that were selected by Stahl especially.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">That the uncorked the bottle and let the proverbial evil genie out of the bottle was of course not part of the plan.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus still glared at him and then said.”I am still waiting for the clearance.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You are hereby granted to begin the clearing process that will give you access.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“The full clearing process for Blue-Blue-Red will take six month. I request emergency clearance outlined in general order 666 and regulation 53840 which grants high clearance in cases of emergency.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Then you also know that you must state that emergency to the Assembly security council.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I already tried twice. They laughed at me. You or the Commandant of the NAVINT have the same emergency power. I repeat my demand!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Admiral Augustus since you can not provide me with a emergency reason why you should be granted access. I again refer you to the standard clearing process.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus became angrier by the minute. “I need to prepare for the case and the files are sealed.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“There is no time frame or date you must meet to prosecute Olafson.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes there is. I already arrested Olafson and must prosecute and commence the hearing within 48 hours.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“That was a premature decission of yours and does not constitute to a matter of Union security which is the only requirement I need to grant you your request.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Admiral McElligott you wanted me to produce results. My Assembly mandate ends in 6 month.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Exactly.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus terminated the call and asked the system to connect him with the commandant of NAVINT.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I am sorry Sir, your security clearance is not sufficient to obtain that information. Please contact your superior officer or file for clearance procedures according to ...”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He actually hit the terminal to end the call and said to the picture of Captain Olafson that was on top of the file display. “No matter. I have enough information here to have you hanged.”

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<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">–

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Admiral Augustus entered the court room after he had the system announce him as special high commisioner to the Assembly Military council and walked behind the center of the raised desk. A huge field screen to the side displayed the images the cam bots recorded and transmitted to the Assembly. One of the bots focused on his ribbon display. It was glaringly empty with the exception of the Plebes Dot.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The bot then turned and focused on Olafson's display. While only fellow officers recognized some of the decorations. Almost everyone ,even civilians recognized the three Medals of Honor. There were maybe a handful of beings watching the proceedings on Galnet that could identify the strange metal object in a leather holster under his left arm. Behind Olafson sat a tall handsome Dai with Commander rank on his collar. Highly decorated as well with two swords added to his dress uniform.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A stunning blonde Lt.Cmdr with the platinium symbol of the Hive of Minds chief among her decorations. She too wore a sword across her back.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Almost every Saran recognized Princess Elfirata and were surprised and proud at the same time to see her wear fleet uniform and also being a Lt. Cmdr.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The shrouded Narth also sitting behind Olafson wore rank insignia of a Lt.Cmdr and a ribbon display attached. That the Narth had become an active member of the Union was no longer news, to see one on active Union fleet duty however was.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Many light years distant the immense Assembly became quiet. More and more representatives paid close attention. A stocky massive looking human with intricate tribal tattoos and a very tall black man next to him, appeared normal and tiny compared to the gigantic Saturnian. He was big even compared to his own kind.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A whisper of surprise rose from the watching audience as the camera panned on a terrifying Y'All warrior. The Y'All was talking quietly to a X101.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Next to the centmac also a Lt.Cmdr was big empty gap. The cam bot pulled back to focus on an Archa scurrying down the isle holding a tray with icecream cones.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Even the now quiet Assembly on Pluribus was erupting in laughter as the huge spider being made an appologizing gesture and meekly said.”Sorry for being late, but there was an ice cream vendor outside.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Archa found his place and the camera panned to a stern looking woman with short hair in the Uniform of a fleet medical officer. Almost everyone recognized the All white new Queen of the Togar. To see her also wearing Fleet medical uniform created a murmured buzz. The same buzz increased to see a gray Nul in Navy black. The Nul representative at the Assembly bowed deeply and so did the Nul in attendance.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Almost everyone recognized the bronze skinned bald headed dwarf like humanoid. It was Sodoby the Golden, retired leader of his people and second in personal wealth only to Rex Schwartz. That he wore Navy black and displayed the rank of Lt became instant news.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">As the camera focused on a Holdian sitting on the shoulders of a gigantic dark brown golem like being no one could identify the species, the Holdian members of the attending audience chirped and chattered excited, especially as the furry Luitenant talked unihibted to the largest male Togar anyone had seen. This cat like being very much looked like a lion with an impressive mane.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">No one could explain why a black uniform was sitting all by itself as if worn by an invisible person was aparently in some kind of conversation with a whisp of green vapor.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The onlookers were unsure if the female shaped chromed being with long tinsel like hair was a X101 of a series no one knew or a modified Stellaris.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The second row behind this even for the diverse Union unusual collection of beings was no less amazing.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A spotted Attikan in Marine uniform. Two Pertharians also Marine officers. A Non Corp leaning forward talking to the Nul. There were two Mini Terrans floating on a hover disc above the chair. A humanoid being without a head. A huge maggot like creature riding on it between the shoulders. Disturbingly the thing had eyes where the nipples of a human would be. A young girl with huge eyes and a petite red head seemed almost out of place in this collection of strange beings.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Admiral Augustus reached his seat without anyone paying any attention to him. He banged his gavel while he was still standing. “This hearing is now in session. I will not tolerate this event to become a circus and I fail to see the reason why this assortment of creatures is sitting behind the accused. I requested the crew of the Tigershark to be in attendance and all I see is fr.. I mean beings in uniform.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Marine commander responsible for the seating arrangement said. “Admiral Sir, this is the crew of the USS Tigershark.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A new voice powerful and full of authority came from the entrance door.”Am I to understand you disapprove of certain beings wearing uniform?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Everybody turned. Admiral Stahl and a silver haired woman wearing a black cat suit with only a small pin in the shape of a brain on her collar, had entered the room. He wore a black uniform with out any decorations except five golden stars on each side of his collar and Admiral's Gold on his sleeves.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus stood and pointed his gavel at the man. “I will hold you in contempt, Mister. You can't simply come in here and interrupt important meetings. Who are you anyway?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I am Admiral Richard Stahl. It was you who summoned me here. I was busy fighting a war so I hope you excuse me for being a few minutes late.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You can't be. According to my information the Officer acting under that propaganda name received my summons over 4000 light years away. Not even the fastest ship could make it. Impersonating a fleet officer is bad enough, wearing some sort of costume that is not even close to any fleet regulation uniform is an insult. Marines arrest this man and remove him from the room, so we may finally get started.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott who was present wished for a hole he could hide in.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Even Stahl was obviously surprised by that response.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Historians commonly agree that this was the moment you could hear a pin drop at the Assembly.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">From Pluribus the Speaker of the Assembly spoke into the silence. “Admiral Augustus this is Admiral Stahl. There is no propaganda, no officer acting. “

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus was not as self assure anymore.”How can he be? He is supposedly 4000 light years away?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">completely ignoring Augustus, Stahl looked directly at McElligott. You picked this idiot to prosecute me? To think I respected you once seems foolish now.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I am still in charge by Assembly mandate. I demand you address me and provide proof that you are indeed Admiral Stahl.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl raised his voice. “System identify and verify my identity.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Implant and dna scan complete. Individual identifies as Stahl, Richard. Service number 02-S-01. Birthday October 18th, 2054. Rank Admiral,curr..”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus interrupted the machine.”I accept this. It does not explain how you can be here, unless there are more than one of you. It also does not explain why you did not adhere to regulation 9874-43 where it clearly states that officers on duty must wear fleet approved attire. Neither your boots nor your sun glasses are, but this is the least of your infractions. I will deal with you later so find a seat and witness what happens to a vile impostor and reflect on your own failings.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“That's why I came. I would not want to miss this for the world. The only thing I regret that I won't have a chance dealing with you.” Stahl grinned towards McElligott, but there is someone else I will express my deepest gratitude before this is over.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The audience started to giggle, McElligott started to wonder if suicide was perhaps not such a bad alternative and Augustus needed several gavel bangs to silence the room.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He then held a PDD and pointed with it towards Olafson.”In my hand I hold the logbook of the USS Tigershark and a copy of this man's service record. I have never read a bigger collection of lies and contradictions. This man has never graduated the academy. He sits there displaying more citations than 100 officers could not accumulate in five live times. For some unexplainable reason he was made acting captain of a ship that did not even have a hull number. It can only be explained that he was perhaps tested or evaluated. Instead of returning to be a midshipman he falsified his personal records and simply signed as Captain Erica Olafson. It appears he confused the system with this rather crude change of his name. I might add that there are no records of a Erica Olafson ever to graduate from the Academy. No such person has ever served as an XO or went to command school. No Eric or Erica Olafson was ever presented to the fleet commission to be tested and grilled by real captains. While I was denied to access the classified section of this log book, most likely to protect the names of officers in the personnel department for overlooking this grave error. I can give you plenty of examples of the criminal activity of this man. He managed to remain at this command for nearly thirty years. Let me remind you that you can't be an acting captain for even a year. All an acting captain can do is steer to the next fleet base and be relieved of command, face a hearing why he became acting captain in the first place and hope his conduct was good enough that he might get invited to command school.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He stared at Olafson .”Answer me with the truth if you have even one shred of dignity left. Did you ever go to command school?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Have you ever been an ensign?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“No.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What was your rank before you decided to be an acting Captain?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Midshipman.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus glared with a triumphant expression into the cam bot optics.”He is caught. Exposed! He can't even try to spin some lies! All this is grounds enough for a court martial with a life sentence to the harshest stockade we have, but this despicapble individual killed many times and even hanged a real officer. He ordered the destruction of a Barracuda destroyer and authorized the use of a P Bomb. All this he did while operating the ship in Free Space. Spatial navigation data confirms he violated a treaty and could have caused war!

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He committed acts of piracy and it appears he was in direct contact with the wanted pirate Black Velvet. There are hundreds of log book recordings mentioning her name.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He paused for effect.”I hereby demand that the Assembly orders the declassification of both documents and further request that no court martial but an assembly decission to put him to death is to be the outcome of this hearing. I now open the hearing for examination. “

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“The unseen speaker of the Assembly said.”Trillions of citizens are now following this hearing and we have many thousand citizen requests regarding this. If all is indeed the case I must fully agree with you. The accused has so far confirmed all your allegations. I hereby request that this hearing is now a direct Assembly investigation and we will discuss and vote appropiate actions at its conclusion.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">All objections he had for the Assembly to listen in had evaporated. At this moment he was at the very focus of the entire Union. No one was more important than him, this was what he was born for. Yes after this,he would become Admiral of the Fleet there was no doubt.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He thanked the Assembly for making the right decision and repeated his demand to unseal the documents.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Before the speaker could ask the Assembly by vote to do exactly that. The Saresii reprsentative asked to speak.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Members of the Assembly, citizens of the Union. I am Alegar Moansti and chairperson of the security council. I know the full content of both documents.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Alegar bowed gracefully and then began to address the Assembly and through it every citizen that listened. At this point historians again agree, over eighty percent of all Union citizens followed the events unfolding. It was later declared to be one of the most watched Assembly sessions of all times.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“The United Stars of the Galaxies is an open and free community where every citizen has fundamentally rights and where the Citizen are the government. Where the power comes from the people and where representatives are employees of Citizens and not rulers or leaders.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This simple yet powerful frame work, this very foundation of our society was put into place by four civilizations and has been adopted and accepted by almost five thousand civilizations today.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This very Assembly is a direct expression of that.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">In order to create a safe and free society it was also recognized that a society must have secrets that needed to be protected from outside forces that do not share our values.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was agreed by this very Assembly that it is imperative to maintain an intelligence and counter intelligence force and organizations.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This was a dilemma right from the start. Posed by the necessity of keeping secrets. The fundamental rule that the Union must always adhere to higher moral standards and be accountable to its citizens has been debated for a very long time during the creation of this Union.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The second amendment to the Union Constitution clearly states that: No one and nothing is above the laws ratified by the Body of all Assembly members.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Yet in order to function and keep the wolfs at bay. Secret services cannot always adhere to laws and morals.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Secrets were kept by the military and an intelligence committee attached to the state department and high ranking officials such as the president and members of the Conference,

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">However the Peace Hawk incident and the Kermac president chaos showed that this system was very flawed. The office of the president was stripped of all military connections and has since then completely eliminated.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Since the Assembly is an open affair that is accessible to all Citizens and therefore also for potential spies, it was decided to have certain issues pertaining military and secret services discussed by a selected panel of Assembly representatives.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">To address this issue a simple solution was found. Not experts should decide but you the citizens. A Union wide discussion was held and the Assembly called for a general vote.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The result of this vote was the creation of a Union security council that would have access to all secrets, evaluate them and then representing the results of their findings without the classified details to the Assembly to vote on.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">To make sure this Security Council was not becoming an unlawful elite, it was decreed that the members of this council could serve no longer than three years. That a random process picks new members out of a pool of suitable candidates. That any citizen representative or not could apply to be part of this pool. Only three requirements are needed to become a suitable member. Full citizenship, a minimum level of cognitive comprehension and a very detailed background check for the neccesary security clearance.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">After becoming a member of the Security Council a code name and number was added to the CITI. The new council member receives two month of schooling,is checked by the PSI corps and must complete a psycho evaluation. No security council member knows the identity of another member to prevent intimidation or voting by peer pressure.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This council selects 180 of them,once every week and form the The Covered committee It is done so there is always an active committee present.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">They discuss sensitive Fleet, Intel and military issues discuss sensitive information with members of the intelligence community,vote on issues and then as you all know advise the Assembly without going into specifics.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Still there are issues that require even a higher level of security and secrecy. Like the secret of our Translocator cannons.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Covered Committee suggested the creation of a small group of individuals that are beyond reproach. The Assembly agreed with this and authorized the formation of this group that became known as the Gray Ghosts.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Everyone in the Assembly knows they exist and the lawfulness of that group has been ratified last only a week ago. Who the Gray Ghosts are is perhaps the most guarded secret of the Union.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Alegar paused. “I am, or better I was one of them and authorized to reveal this fact as I am now officially retire from this group. “

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He paused but there was not a single sound in the entire Assembly.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">However Admiral Augustus was neither impressed nor very interested.”It is all quite fascinating to a few, I am sure. However I fail to see the connection to this case. This is not some Assembly session where certain members waste the time of others with insubstantial stories. We are here to find the accused criminal guilty and hang him. So I can continue my important task to clean our fleet from this accumulated filth, punish all guilty and show you how a fleet is supposed to be led. Speaker of the Assembly I repeat my request and call for an decision to expose these documents or even better a guilty vote.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Speaker of the Assembly said.”While it is rude and impolite, the Admiral has a point. Please make your point to the issue at hand or I must call for the requested vote.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Alegar said .”Captain Olafson acted under direct orders of Fleet command. His appointment and course of actions was recommended by the Gray Ghost, discussed and voted on by the Covered committee and presented as Operation Fish to the Assembly. The Assembly approved the operation.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus puffed his fat cheeks. “That means nothing. The fact remains that a Midshipman acted almost 30 years as Captain, committed crimes, conducted piracy, conspired with criminals chiefly the never caught pirate Black Velvet. Wanted for murder, piracy and slave trafficking. He operated in a Union Ship in Freespace. He killed and murdered, sabotaged and destroyed Fleet equipment. He conspires with known enemies. Page 6674 of his log book states that he allowed a Nul aboard his ship, and not as prisoner. The Nul were our enemies back then just to remind you.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He even has a Y'All among his crew. There are no Y'All Union citizens.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Olafson signs most of his log book entries as Erica, clearly he is not female. Falsifying names in log books is a serious offense.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">But perhaps the most heinous secret of his is that he is the actual owner of Alvor's Cove. He writes in the log to be the Local Lord of this notorious slave planet. It has only been cleansed by the fleet a year ago.” The Pan Saran Representative, got up. Unlike Augustus he looked every inch like a Pan Saran and that he wore mirror polished breastplate was a clear sign he had served in the military. “Admiral Augustus. These are indeed the most serious allegations I have ever heard, but allegations they are until exposed as facts or dismissed as false.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus interrupted the Pan Saran representative.”No wonder we get nowhere, when civilians keep interrupting just to state already known facts. I want you to open these records so I can show you the extend of his crimes.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Pan Saran Representative stemmed his fists into his hips. “And you must have slept while they discussed the Assembly at Union School. You made a request and we will vote on it, after we asked all questions. Also I am a Civilian now, but I am Captain Gaius Brutus and served the Union and the Fleet for sixty eight years. Further you interrupted me before I was able to complete my question.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“So you are a retired Captain. Sixty Eight years and not promoted, maybe you symphatize with this impostor and consider that so called Eternal Warrior a role model. Perhaps I need to call your service record too after I am done with this one. I am only 48 and thanks to my adherence to rules and strict adherence to regulations I was recognized and made Admiral, think about that before you interrupt and try to stall the declassification of these documents.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Brutus gasped and then said to the assembly.”He must have taken lessons from the Kermac, he certainly is not acting like a Pan Saran.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus snapped angrily. “Sit down, your observations and insults are not substantial. Speaker call for the Vote.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Brutus did not sit down.”There won't be a vote until all, including my question is answered. I am asking why have you arrested Captain Olafson. If you do not have all the facts your investigation is not complete. Since it clearly shows you have enough evidence to order his arrest and thus this hearing enough you do not need to have unrestricted access in my oppinion. The fleet does not classify documents without a reason. I vote to deny you access.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Brutus smiled as he saw the many nodding heads and the angry face of Augustus.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Speaker said. “This is a valid question and no vote can be called as long as it remains open.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">His tone became even angrier.”I arrested this man because I had reason to believe he would try to escape. Yes I have more than enough to prosecute but I want all his crimes exposed.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Blue representative said.”Logic then dictates that you prosecute with what you have and once he is found guilty he can be held until the rest is properly investigated and added to his charges. You then have the needed time to file for the neccesary clearances. I too find it to risky to expose potential military secrets so highly classified to everyone. I too recommend denying the request.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Boloth representative asked.”You asked for the defendants death,so you must have enough already to convince us this is indeed the fitting punishment. You can not ask for a more severe punishment even if he committed more crimes so what difference does it make. You convict him, he receives the most severe punishment there is and pays for all his crimes and military secrets stay save. I too recommend to decline this request.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">When Mothermachine spoke everyone fell silent. “I know the full document and I can not find any crimes, but I do not ask you to simply take my word for it. Have the Security Council read the classified part and have them decide if we can indeed declassify them in public or not. At the same time they can scrutinize them for any crimes.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Unacceptable, who knows how long this committee needs to read these big documents. It could take month.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Then by your own argument it will take you time to read them and analyze them. Certainly more than 48 hours. Opening the documents will end this hearing as you must scrutinize it all. You argued that you want to expose all his crimes,correct?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Mothermachine' s logic cornered him and now if he got his wish granted. Eric would go free as he arrested him and already called for a hearing. Normally he could still ask for a court martial but that would take month and he was no longer sure they extended his mandate, but all this was mood as he called for an Assembly verdict and nothing but death was more final than that.”No I do not need to have the documents declassified. I indeed have enough.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He focused his attention back on the accused and found Olafson sleeping. “Midshipman Olafson, attention!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Neo Viking streched his arms and lazily crossed his legs.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I called you to attention and expect you to comply. Even a Midshipman knows that.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“And I expected you to salute me when I came in, even an Admiral knows that.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Salute you, a midshipman about to be stripped of all ranks and convicted? Don't make it worse than it already is. Making me angry is not adviseable.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Making it worse than being threatened with the death penalty? But let me educate you Admiral April. According to regulation 1412. General Orders. Medal of Honor recipients are to be greeted with full military honor, regardless of rank. I got three of these, my XO has one and so does almost every member of my crew. Yet you ignored them. One could think that you are best buddies with us and we all asked you to forgo this regulation mandated courtesy, but then I am pretty sure no one following this is under that particular impression. I think you convinced even the Camogi that you and I are not exactly friends and they are still somewhat confused when it comes to human interaction. So one could almost think you disregarded a very straight forward and quite important regulation?

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Narth leaned forward.”I am certain he ignored it. The possibility he has any positive sentiment towards you is rather astronomic and sensing your feelings towards him makes me dismiss the first possibility altogether.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Har Hi kept his arms crossed. “He probably never seen a real medal in the first place. I bet our Shail could outpace him without his hover sled.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The accused Neo Viking casually conversed with his friends, while most of te Union was listening in.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus fumed. “I am the one who conducts the investigation and asks questions. I am not going to greet an Impostor with decorations he obtained under false pretense.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Are my shipmates accused?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Not yet!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Then you failed to greet them. Now to accuse me of obtaining any military decoration under false pretense is a serious insult but declaring that the Medal of Honors were so obtained is an attack on my honor and once this is over I will challenge you to a duel and you better be there because I assure you you would not see me real angry!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“You have no honor!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“All I heard are accusations. I give you ten more minutes to back your claims with proof or I am leaving.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus laughed.”You are leaving nowhere but to the gallows. Move and I have the marines restrain or shoot you.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl gave Eric a pleading look and Eric relaxed.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Who made you Acting Captain?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“For what ship?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“What ship? Are there more?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Yes, the USS Devastator and the Tigershark”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus laughed.”You don't help your case if you ridicule me. Everyone knows Captain Harris was her Captain at that time. Nelson access Devastator log book files and check if Olafson was ever even near that ship.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl could barely contain his snickering. McElligott had lost all hope.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Nelson II chirped happily.”Captain Eric Olafson served his Midshipman year aboard the USS Devastator and was her Acting Captain as part of the rare but Fleet Command approved Command ability test.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus and quite a few observers dropped their chins.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Admiral Stahl, were you aware of this? The ship is in your fleet!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“I ordered the big test and Captain Olafson uncovered a munition theft ring, prevented a Kermac PSI Spore attack and defeated a full Dai Tribe while he commanded her. Earning him the Orion Cross for doing it.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“That this Navy needs serious restructuring and a purge of senile leadership becomes very apparent. The Assembly will be grateful to me exposing this lunacy, but that is subject to another hearing I am going to demand. How do you explain giving a Midshipman command over our largest ship,putting thousands of lives at risk?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl was no longer amused, McElligott disliked Stahl but he knew him for a very long time and actually wondered when he would finally erupt. He prayed to all saints he knew that there was at least a light year distance between him and Stahl. From the looks of it only the direct intervention of God could make that happen and not very likely.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl took a very deep breath and said. “Only my devotion to law and order restrains me from doing what I want to do know. It is the first time in my life I actually considering breaking it and your neck right after it. The Assembly gave you the power to summon me and that is the reason I am here. If the Assembly comes to the conclusion that I am not fit to do my job, I will hand in my immediate resignation. For now I will answer your questions. Testing the command ability of a young officer is part of the process to find Captains. Every commanding officer will have to make life and death decisions. Not just for him but for every soul under his or her command. To this day there is no known method to teach that. It has to be there from the start. The Academy process uses constant tests, from the very first day to the last to filter out those who are not meant to command. It uses thousands of scenarios and tests. To expose an untested young officer to a very real unexpected situation where real decisions must be made is a time tested and approved method to do so. My decision to test Midshipman Olafson and others before him is actually part of Command school. Hands on field experience in real situations are far superior to any simulated tests.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Like others before him, Olafson showed to have this natural command ability and was groomed to become a Star ship captain from the start. Since you failed in every single test and your instructors and evaluators strongly recommended that you are never in any command position, I will explain it to you, but more so to the Assembly. Command ability is not giving a person an order and expect it to be carried out. It is the ability to give the right order at the right moment each and every time without thinking of rules and regulations yet adhering to them. It is the ability to make the right decision no matter what sacrifice and hardship it might cause including the death of every single person under his or her command. Including ones best friends, family and ultimate self sacrifice without a moment of hesitation. It is the ability to lead others without the need for ranks by inspiring others to follow orders given out of conviction and the desire to do their very best and sacrifice everything to achieve the objective. It can not be thought, or quantified. It must be there and be at the core of a being. The single most important task of our fleet is to find those individuals and hone their skills and ability.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl had talked facing Augustus but now he spoke into the Cam bot and thus to the Assembly and the Union. There is no Command specialization at the Academy for that very reason. Command school is not there to teach something that cannot be taught. It only gives the future Captain the tools to do the day to day job. Not a single word or class is taught on what it means to command.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Everyone admitted knows it already.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Serving as an XO is a time tested method to add experience, to develop his or her command style. Neither Command school nor being an XO is required or codified in any regulation. The only requirement becoming a Captain is demonstrating the ability to command a Union ship to the satisfaction of five senior command officers who in turn recommend the Captains commission to fleet command.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Captain Brutus who was ridiculed before the entire Union only moments ago. Was the Captain of the USS R'Tisis.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">A sudden swell of voices confirmed that many remembered the R'Tisis.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus used the pause to interrupt,”Well you did answer the question. A ...”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now Admiral Augustus was interrupted by the Vordirian representative.”I put forth the motion to let Admiral Stahl finish. Usually all we get to hear is the short reports of Stahl's successes and deeds. We never really hear him talk. Now he revealed the identity of the hero of Voridia. I received 45 million requests of my people in the last minute to laud Captain Brutus and I will do so later,but now I call for a vote to let Stahl talk as much as he wants. We might never get the chance to hear him that long again.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Every one who could stand did, and the Speakers voting panel lit up in a bright green while the Assembly cheered and chanted the name Stahl.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The speaker said.”That was the fastest 100 percent vote in Assembly history! In my position as speaker I must stay neutral. As representative of the Garbini I cheerfully agree and as private person I actually wish you would object, Admiral Augustus.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augutus grunted.”How can I object. This hearing has turned into a public spectacle without respect for the process or the law.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Garbini said. “The Union public opinion is the law. Now Admiral Stahl please continue, the Assembly and the Union would be very grateful.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott was certain if Stahl would have asked to be the new Emperor of the Union and declare them his Empire, he would have been confirmed as such within the hour.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl said. “It is not me who deserves this credit. It is representative Brutus indeed. The Voridian is quite right, Captain Brutus defended the Voridian planet against an overwhelming force of Shiss. The details of this fight is known to many and public record. Over two thousand Fleet personnel lost their lives, the ship a burning wreck. Captain Brutus not only defeated the space fleet of the Shiss. He personally led a ground assault with what crew he had left and freed the Voridian council and saved the lives of every Voridian child in the communal hatchery by preventing the Shiss massacre already commencing. He organized the Voridians and secured the city. He was shot and most of his body burned. His suit kept him alive until he was found by Union Marines a few days later.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Once he was restored, he wanted us to keep his deeds secret. He said that he only did what any Union officer would do and refused special or public recognition. He also refused the promotion to Admiral several times so he could stay Captain of his ship.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He asked to retire as he didn't want to command another ship. He received the Assembly Medal of Honor, again asking to keep his name secret. The Pan Saran emperor however heard about it and appointed him to be the Representative of Pan Saran.” Stahl stood in attention and saluted to the cam bot and in turn to the Pan Saran.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The former Captain also stood and a tear pearled down his face.”Receiving your salute Admiral Stahl is the highest honor possible,Sir.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Assembly was eerie quiet.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Not even Augustus dared to interrupt this moment, even he knew they would call for his immideate execution if he said something now.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">To the Voridian representative Brutus said.”Please celebrate your freedom and not a man. I am thankful I was part of your liberation. If you want to show your gratitude, remember the beings who made the ultimate sacrifice. The members of my crew and the Voridians who fought with us to secure your freedom.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He then saluted and sat back down.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl waited a few moments and then gestured to Augustus. “Why don't you continue your inquest so we may get on with our lives and I can return to the front, the war isn't over you know.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It took Augustus every bit of self control not to scold Stahl and squeezed a thank you between his clenched teeth.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">But his confidence returned as he once more focused on Olafson. “Let us then be more specific. Who gave you command over the USS Tigershark and while you add it. What kind of ship is this anyway? I could not find a hull number or class. Long range large capacity freight shuttle with a price tag of nearly nine trillion credits. You could order two battle ships fully equipped with that!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Eric seemed fascinated with his fingernails, looked up. “Admiral McElligott did. The Tigershark is a space ship. You know the kind that flies, not the wet keel type. Even you should have seen one. I only commanded her, I didn't buy her so for the price tag you need to discuss that with procurment. We sort of did shuttle all kinds of stuff around and covered rather long distances.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus turned to McElligott and said. “Since this did turn into an open spectacle, I demand you explain why you decided to make a Midshipman acting Captain of a totally overpriced shuttle. That it was armed is evident in this log book and even carried a P Bomb.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott rose from his seat and faced Olafson,not the Admiral. “I am truly sorry for causing this. It was never meant to involve you. After this is over, I will take responsibility for the events.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus blinked. “I asked you a question.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott sighed. “Alright. I am the fool who started this mess. I will do my part to end it. As the Security council chairman and former member of the Gray Ghosts said. Some of the reasons for secrecy has ended. For whatever mistakes I made in the past and of course quite recently I also did a few things right. Giving Captain Olafson command over the USS Tigershark is without doubt my proudest achievement and via this venue I can tell you the Assembly and all of the Union, the facts and the truth. It is not a criminal or impostor that sits before you, but quite possibly the greatest hero our Union has ever seen. Second only to the Eternal Warrior.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus hissed.”Cease this meaningless monologue and come to the point. Stop calling this Midshipman Captain. It is clear you try to whitewash your own quite possible criminal involvement in this scandal. Ordering a shuttle for trillions of credits. I wonder how much of that money ended up in your pockets. Now answer the question! Be aware you are the focus of Poly scanners and while in Uniform or at least that fantasy version you came up with, you are to tell the truth.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott shouted.”Shut up. Not a word out of you, or by God I make you shut up forever.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus wanted to respond but he swallowed whatever he wanted to say as he saw the expression in McElligott's face.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Klack representative said.”Thank you for that. Now before we hear your response is it not exaggerated to call this Officer in the same sentence as Stahl? He is accused of a number of serious crimes. They were exposed by a rather obnoxious individual but they where valid enough for us to agree with this hearing taking place.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl answered instead.”The word hero is often used quite casual. I do not see myself at one. I do what I do out of the necessity to do it. Captain Olafson and his crew however have earned this title many times over and in this I fully agree with McElligott.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This statement caused quite a stir.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott left his seat, the camera showed Olafson now visibly embarrassed and said to the Assembly. “I created this mess indeed but I also too steps to rectify it. To verify that I speak the truth, I asked for a few witnesses to be present. These witnesses know the full extend of the events, know the details and can verify every part. I am calling for the Narth Supreme, Mothermachine, the Saran Queen, the Pan Saran Emperor, Alycia Lichfangh Commandant of the PSI corps, Nuygih Avigh and Plobyr the Leedei Tribune, the Klack Queen, The Nul Monarch, Alegar of the Saresii, Egil Skallagrimmson, the First Engineer, Cherubim never before public seen, The Commandant of NAVINT, Admiral Stahl, Tar Ka-Hi of the Dai and Yuttry of the new Y'All who had planned to ask for his kinds membership today.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl still standing by the door walked down into the center of the court room

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Speaker of the Assembly. Citizens of the Union. The need for secrecy in this case has ceased for the most part. The Freespace treaty is history and I actually welcome this event. Not to prosecute Captain Olafson but to give you the chance to learn what he and his crew have done. After I am done, I too will ask you the Assembly to come to a verdict.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus slammed his gavel on the table. “What mockery is this. These are orderly proceedings. I have not given you the permission to speak. You are in no position to demand anything and besides the testimony will be nothing but worthless propaganda to hide your own flaws. I say it now open and to the public. You are a carefully created myth to keep our enemies at bay, no real admiral fights with ground troops. I am convinced that the Devastator isn't some mythical space ship you brought back. It was secretly developed by us and you have been cloned or taken out of suspended animation to ralley the troops. Maybe I do need to destroy that phony myth before we continue with this hearing in an orderly fashion. The assembly gave me the power to investigate all officers no matter who it might be. I noticed the original Stahl has been found guilty of this very Assembly, sent to a military stockade. According to all reports I could find he escaped and therefore is still a fugitive. So if he is the same Stahl, he is a convicted criminal. If he is not then I will accuse him of impersonating someone he is not.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl crossed his arms and looked into the cam bot.”That I would love to twist the fat head of his non existent neck is one thing, but to admit he made a valid point is even worse. I give a hoot about this clown but I have taken our laws always very serious. Has my conviction been reversed. I am not taking about a pardon. I am asking you all, have I not been exonerated?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">In the shocked silence, the projection of the Bellebee reprsentative said.”No, Admiral Stahl you have not been exonerated and the Assembly did not reverse your conviction.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The fat admiral could not supress his triumphant laughter. “Arrest him!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Bellebee scolded Augustus. “Interrupting someone while speaking is quite rude. Neither a reversal nor an exoneration was necessary as all decissions made by the Assembly made during that time were declared null and void. The majority of the representatives were under the psionic control of a Kermac Will Bender and therefore invalid. Your research is quite faulty.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">There was an audible sigh of relief going through the Assembly, the audience of the hearing and reporters later claimed. The entire Union was breathing a sigh of relief in that moment.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Of course there was Augustus who didn't share the same sentiment. However it did not take him long to recover from this setback.”The fact remains that he interrupted this hearing and that he insulted me and threatened me with violence. Both serious offenses.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl was no longer amused and what he found entertaining and funny until now evaporated. McElligott disliked Stahl, but after almost 3000 years knowing Stahl he knew the signs the Immortal was about to explode. The cursed chair simply would not allow him to sink deeper into it.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The eternal warrior took a deep breath, his hand cramped into rock hard fists.”I am Richard Stahl. I have fought and bleed in every conflict and war since this Union started. That costume I am wearing is the same Uniform I was issued the day this fleet was founded. It is every bit regulation. Even the freaking sunglasses. Do you know why I do not wear a ribbon display. There isn't one big enough to show them all. I refuse to walk around like a christmas tree. If you are the ideal example of what an Admiral supposed to be then I am going to quit today and leave. I am sure that comission who empowered you or that fool that promoted you will be glad you, real Admirals direct our fleets and troops into battle. “

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He turned to the Assembly.” Till now I never asked for anything, today I am asking you as Union Citizen to vote and vote now. If you want me to remain Admiral or if you indeed agree with that..man. Now that does not mean I want to be above the law. I want and must be held accountable but if I am treated like a school boy without respect then what chance does an Ensign or Star man have against pea counting bureaucrats and paper pushers like those specimen.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I am also not against rules. I am a soldier for all my long life. I eat and sleep regulations and follow them as diligent as a third year cadet, but if you want unthinking automatons then you do not need beings but non sentinent machines. That we have thinking beings that show initiative and get things done, even if bending the rules a little; that we have officers that do not follow orders blindly but evaluate them against moral and law is the only reason we are persevere and winning the wars, not Cannons and ships.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I applaud and agree with the idea of an independent commission, but it must indeed be independent and unbiased and should collect all facts present it as a report and act on it in a professional, respectful way and not give one delusional psychopath the power to dispense judgement on his own whim. Picked by a 3000 year old fool for personal reasons. Now its up to you.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus was starting to respond, but he was cut of by the Speaker.”Silence Admiral Augustus. The Eternal Warrior has earned all our graditude a thousandfold. But in this hour he did not ask us as Admiral but as Citizen and there is no request more important no process or event more pressing than to decide and vote on his or any citizen that has been heard by the Assembly.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">To the Assembly he said.”You have heard the request and words of Citizen Stahl. In accordance to our laws you may speak or vote now.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Assembly voted.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Speaker said. “This affair has caused all representatives to be present, for only the ninth time we have a 100 percent vote and no vote was faster completed than this. Admiral Stahl, the Assembly of the United Stars of the Galaxies agrees with you. Confirms you as Admiral.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Assembly errupted in a frenzy of applause and cheers. The Speaker this period was a Garbini and he held up his tentacles. “Now I want to put forth a proposal myself. Not as the Speaker and not for the Garbini but I too address you as a private Citizen. I bugs me all my life and even long before this event I planned to make this proposal. I want Admiral Stahl no longer play second instrument. He is the Eternal Warrior and has never wavered. Let McElligott be the Administrator but there should be no one but the Assembly above Stahl. No commission,no committes but all of us. All else is under his command.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl actually wanted to object, but the Pertharian representative yelled.”I second that and I want to add the Marine Corps. I was the Commandant of the Marines for twenty years and I would be the proudest Marine if he would honor all past,present and future Marines.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus and Stahl had the same problem they were not heard, as every Marine in the Courtroom screamed a thundering Ohh-Raah and then chanted his name.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl finally was heard.”This is too much power for one man.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Pertharian said with deep pride in his voice.”To late for that Sir, we have been your Marines for the last 3000 years. There isn't a grunt who would not follow you to hell and back.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“And that is why I must refuse. Your duty is to the Union first,to the Corps second and to the law.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“And this is exactly why there is no one better,Sir!”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Despite Stahl's objections it was voted and history was made as another 100 percent vote was cast. The speaker said.”This actually took care of about 8 trillion requests to make that happen anyway.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Augustus refrained from using his gavel and no longer sounded as secure and self important.”What about the hearing? The accused is still there,still wearing uniform. My request of revealing his records have still not been decided upon. So I too make this request as Union Citizen. Maybe that gets things moving. I want that criminal convicted.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Pan Saran representative spoke.”How can you arrest and accuse a man before you have all facts. Asking us to unseal

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">