What if: The Hearing Pt III











-3-

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.”

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?”

“No.”

“Have you ever been an ensign?”

“No.”

“What was your rank before you decided to be an acting Captain?”

“Midshipman.”

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!

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.”

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">What started as military hearing to expose and convict a midshipman for misconduct and crimes, evolved first into a special session of the Assembly to witness the hearing conducted by an Assembly appointed inspector and then saw testimonials of Admiral Stahl; who revealed the identity of a real Union hero had now become a truly historic special session with almost every citizen glued to their GalNet terminal watching the events unfold.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was later called the day the Union stood still.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Every representative was present either in person or via Avatar.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott called this unprecedented group of witnesses. Most of them known to every citizen, and beyond approach.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Some of the beings now assembling in that court room, were in essence living deities of the Union. Officially the Union had no leaders. The beings there were by their own admission nothing more than Union citizens. However when they spoke the Union listened.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was them who really shaped and directed the Union, there was no doubt.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Historians and scholars also usually agree that the Narth Supreme was in essence the Union's leader.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He made no laws, commanded nothing, enforced no rules but whenever he spoke or suggested something it was followed without hesitation or the slightest reservation.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He wasn't officially worshiped as he resented that as illogical, irrelevant and pointless exercise and advised that a being should instead seek out factual truth by thinking for themselves utilizing logic, serve his fellow beings. Defend the society and find joy in life according to its own goals. Not dictated by a codified religion telling what is acceptable or not. Narth Supreme expressed this in his only official interview and added that he too is nothing more than a Union Citizen equal to everyone else under the common expressed law.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was this interview however that cemented his status as unofficial but quite real leader of the Union.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Speaker of the Assembly called for a special session. Suspending all standard Assembly business. It was approved.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott thanked them, and begun.”To begin my tale, I must go back far before Eric Olafson was even born, yet is necessary for you to understand it all. What I am telling you know has been classified Blue-Blue-Red for the longest time. It is the second highest security level we have.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It started during the end of the 4th Intergalactic war. When the known civilizations of our Galaxy came together to discuss peace and end of war and fighting. To accomplish that a buffer zone was proposed, a region of space that could not be violated or conquered by anyone. A zone where only civilian traffic and interaction was permitted. The proposal was accepted. The Big Four, that were the Shiss, the Nul, the Kermac led Galactic Council and us the United Stars. Signatory to the so called Freespace treaty were also about eighty smaller civilizations not associated to any of the Big Four. Prime clause was that no official ship of any of the Big Four was permitted to cross into Freespace. A condition when broken would instantly cause war, a condition very closely policed by everyone. It was hoped this zone encouraged civilian trade, cultural interaction and lasting peace.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He looked around and a Marine brought him a chair. He thanked the man and continued. “It did not work out that way. It became a lawless zone, a safe haven for the criminal scum of the entire galaxy. A place where pirates could operate with impunity. They could raid,kill and enslave and only had to flee across the Freespace border to be safe from any pursuit.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Now most of you call me an old fool and recent events proofed that you were quite right with that assessment. However I am an Immortal and I have been around for a while. I knew Freespace would develop exactly as it did and not become the utopian place of peace as it was intended.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This was not something our eternal warrior could prevent or rectify. Even the mighty Devastator was unable to cross into Freespace without causing war. Stahl's hands were tied by your ratification of the Freespace treaty. He is many things indeed but he would not break the law of the Union to save his life.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">So, with the director of the UNB, and a small team we conceived Project FISH to gather intelligence, monitor the clandestine activities of the others, free slaves as much as we could and bring as many criminals to justice as possible.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The project was outlined in details, presented to the Assembly security council and approved under Assembly decision 49 on April 2nd 3601.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He paused for a moment, padding his Sporran. Looking for his pipe but decided against it and continued.”The project was to develop assets, methods and means to do all this in utmost secrecy, chiefly of course not to start a war.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Gathering intelligence in space means we had to have ships that could operate in Freespace. We used civilian ships, ships of non union manufacture. However none of these ships was suitable to engage pirate ships or conduct long term missions. We decided to develop a ship suitable for this task. Equipped with the best technology and systems specifically suited. It of course could not be recognized as being of Union design either. We had to design and built this ship in complete secrecy. In 5020 that ship, officially designated a long range freight shuttle has been completed.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">It was the new core component of the Project FISH and thus christened USS Tigershark. A name suggested by me, as it was the name of the pre astro atomic submarine I commanded. Silent, unseen but potentially deadly.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He then looked towards Olafson and his crew. “What good is the best ship without a crew? We wanted the crew to be as secret and unknown as possible. Established officers and crews have friends, colleagues. If we pull a Captain of his ship or promote an experienced Commander away from his ship. Questions will be asked, by friends, colleagues, academy mates. Making someone disappear is more difficult as you may think and to do that for the entire crew of a ship is bound to cause problems as the devil is in the details as you know.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">But as we were about to launch the Tigershark we were also looking to solve this problem.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I revealed the project and the intend to Admiral Richard Stahl. We not often see eye to eye but on a professional level we always depended on each other. Among his many unexplainable talents is to spot cadets that have this special command ability he was telling you about. No one, not even him can explain what he sees. I developed the theory that he somehow recognizes those who have the same ability he has in spades. Anyhow together we pre selected about twenty potential groups to be closley monitored and nudged into the right direction, when we received a report that a teenage Neo Viking, defeated an armed space bus with a submarine.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl chuckled at that and Nelson II who was of course listening displayed the old news report of the Nilfeheim incident.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott continued. “Richard was instantly interested and we found out said teenager was about to apply at the Academy. His name as you can see in the news report was Eric Olafson. On a side note I would want to point out that this young man prevented terrorists from detonating a spore bomb on Twilight moon.” Again Nelson displayed the news footage.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“At that time you may know some of the Dai decided to join the Union and that caused the big Union/ Dai battle near the Prometheus nebula that subsequently led to the Union Nogoll war. Eric Olafson was aboard a civilian yacht as guest of Axel Enroe and on its way to Corri Door. The yacht was attacked by a stray Dai Battleship. Now for any other yacht this would be the end of the story. Eric took command as the yachts captain was incapacitated and yes you guessed it, defeated the Dai Battleship.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This caused a surprised buzz among the Assembly representatives and everyone watched the visual recordings of that event.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">After the recording was complete, McElligott said.”Richard and I knew it then this young man would make history, and boy we had no idea how right we were.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Eric applied shortly after at the academy and we kept close watch on him.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">At that time the Elly wanted us to invite the Yokuda into the Union. They had just been freed from the Nogoll yoke, but did not trust us. To make their decision they asked us to visit them during their Freedom celebrations with a delegation of young people. It is their tradition to ask young for their opinion because they had no time to become experienced liars. So I gathered a group of green as can be cadets. Not even ten days at the Academy. Yes one of them was Cadet Eric Olafson.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">To cut the story short. He saved my life and that of the Yokuda elders preventing an asassination attempt. If that wasn't enough he uncovered a Kermac plot, prevented the detonation of PSI spore bombs and pretty much saved the entire planet.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Yokuda representative got up.”It is very true, this is why Captain Olafson received the highest citation we could bestow and we renamed our Spaceport the Olafson Port in his honor. You can see the entire event on the dedication screen below his statue.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Eric coughed.”I have a statue?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Yokuda representative tooted proudly.”Yes Captain.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Nelson promptly displayed an image and Shea giggled much to Eric's embarassment. While Har Hi grinned devilishly. “Well maybe the next statue shows you with clothing.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl tried very hard to hide his grin behind his hand.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Yokuda explained. “It is our tradition to show honored heroes this way so nothing distracts from the essence.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elfi also giggled.”I think some human females will certainly be distracted. At least the Yokuda birds have nice long perch.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Elligott tried to ignore it and picked up where had stopped.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">“Anyway Cadet Olafson went to basic training and became the first human to befriend a Narth. His first year was as quite eventful but this part must remain secret for now. However during that time he bested one of the most talented sword fighters in a private duel and saved the Narth's life. The Narth Supreme wanted me to mention that so you all know Narth are not immortal, advanced yes but not gods.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Eric was made the High Representative of the Narth and he still holds this honorable but quite real title to this day.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">In his second year he was present when two Y'All warriors in suspended animation were found. The Y'All were reanimated by Kermac agents and controlled by them.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Eric defeated both Y'All in hand to hand combat and saved the lives of many.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Pertharian representative voiced what others where thinking. “Admiral McElligott we know you are telling the truth and the panel of witnesses is beyond approach, but maybe the report was embellished. No human would stand a chance against one Y'All and you want to tell us he defeated two?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Pertharians behind Eric stood up like one being and thundered.”We sat quiet while our Captain was insulted because the ones making the accusations are so insignificant that it does not count. You however are our Representative and I rip your arms off, all off them if you ever question our Captain again. I am Kuthar master of the ninth level and a trained Marine. I would not dare to go against the Captain.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">That outburst of Pertharian anger silenced the disbelieving murmur. Elligott however said.”I have been authorized to show you the fight. I can not tell you where it happened or why but here it is.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Nelson displayed the old footage of Eric's epic battle against the lumbering giants.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The footage ended after the visuals showed the Marines entering the lab.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">TheOther now got up.”I was one of them and I am not ashamed he defeated me. He is my friend and will be my captain as long as God lets me live.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Pertharian representative stretched out all four arms. “I apologize for doubting. I offer my arms.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott waved.”No need representative, I had a hard time believing it when I saw that recording a little over thirty years ago.” He then cleared his throat and went on.”When the Security Council saw this footage back then, it was decided to recommend him for the Medal of Honor. It was to recognize his actions on the Yokuta planet and his heroic acts to defeating the Y'All. You the Assembly granted him this first Medal of Honor without knowing the details. Now you do.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I could go on and tell you about many more events but we need to eventually come to an end. I will mention that he served his third year aboard the USS Hyperion at the OPS position and received the

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">the highest marks on this difficult posting that is usually manned by officers earmarked as Command Officers and one step away from XO. It too is considered part of Command school by the way.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He completed his final year aboard the USS Devastator where he met some of his crew. Har-Hi the very first Dai to join the Union Fleet. Without question the best fighter pilot there is. Shea Schwartz, with an IQ of 433.Shaka Nebele, son of the Zulu king the first Virtu Helmsman reaching a rating of 1000. Krabbel the Archa navigator and Mao Mao Vouza, tactical together they introduced ice cream to the Archa as most of you all know. Circuit the X101 engineer and perhaps the Unions foremost authority on nanites. Hans Neugruber, Saturnian six times galactic champion of the Ultra Iron man contest and the second daughter of the current queen of Saran, princess Elfirata. They became known as the Midshipman group Olafson's Gang and never before or since then has there been a Midshipman group like them. I will ask for the declassification of their records and the events they were involved in, till then I must ask you to take my word that they were special indeed.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I am again mentioning this to make a point. Because at this point we made the decision that these individuals would be the core of the crew for the new ship. Young maybe, new and inexperienced yes but I challenge anyone to show me a more resourceful and talented group of officers.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">They were sent to participate in the last Reagan trophy event held at the now closed Newport Elite academy. Sent by Captain Harris in their own Barracuda destroyer partially to test if they could indeed command a ship and partially out of pride to show that he trusted his Midshipman with a ship. On their way to Newport they defeated a Techlevel 11 ship piloted by a reanimated real Seenian. Rescued a Hospital ship and cured a planet wide plaque. “ He held up both hands to silence the storm of comments as he revealed the existence of a Seenian alive.”We will brief you on that during a separate Assembly session. Now bear with me the tale has not even begun to be fantastic. Realize also what I just said. A group of Midshipmen destroyed a ship technologically far advanced, towed a full sized hospital ship over many light years using a Barracuda destroyer and found a cure to an airborne disease that was the intended destination for the hospital ship. They did all this on their own and still made it to Newport in time. The events on Newport are a chapter by itself but they were instrumental in uncovering criminal activities, won the Reagan trophy and saved the live of Richard Stahl,mine and that of everyone else on Newport. Again details on these events are classified but we are preparing a report that can be divulged.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Long story short, I believe I illustrated to everyone why we had no problems no hesitation to give Eric Olafson the command over the USS Tigershark and have him appoint his senior crew. He graduated that day, but we could not file his promotion officially in the system, because filing a promotion from Midshipman to Captain would have caused every alarm bell going off at Fleet personnel. Of course we could justify our decision and well within regulations but drawing attention to this crew was exactly what we wanted to avoid. So Admiral Stahl, the Admiral of NAVINT, General Lichfangh, Commandant Cherubim and I signed the promotion the old fashioned way on a real document and filed it sealed and classified with Fleet Central Archives. Officially we promoted him to Acting Captain because no personnel record changes must be filed. We also originally intended to sent Olafson to command school after his first mission ended. His first mission lasted far longer than we intended. When it finally did, sending Captain Olafson to command school would frankly be a joke. It would be the same as if sending Michelangelo to an Art class for beginners.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Finally he gave in to his urge and produced his pipe.”I am sorry, but this is takes a little longer than I anticipated. So I hope you excuse me for lighting a pipe. I simply can talk better when I do.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">After a few moments he produced a blue cloud of smoke and resumed his tale.”The Tigershark was to be disguised as pirate ship and its crew as pirates. Under this guise they could enter Freespace, reconnoiter their hide outs and so forth. The mission gained urgency as the the first Narth, many Leedei and members of the then new and very secretive member of the Coven begun their active service with the PSI corps. This and the completion of Nelson II almost immediatley produced results. You see the fleet is a truly gigantic organization. While it is a lawful organization with trillions of honest members. There is a very small percentage that is not. There is petty theft, bribery and diversion of supplies and munitions for personal gain. While our CID does a marvelous job in solving the occasional murder. Small thefts and crimes of individuals. It was never able to eliminate the organized crime element called the Worm. Now I am not revealing a secret, the criminal activities report within the Navy is part of the Council report every month and featured in the State of the fleet report delivered every Union Week. We estimated about 0.2 percent to be involved with the Worm. That is a miniscule number on its own but 0.2 percent of a Trillion beings is still a lot of individuals. While I will not be able to prevent theft and murder or other crimes of chance, I have made it my goal to eliminate organized crime from the Navy.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">This was the main reason to upgrade from Nelson to Nelson II and the main task of the PSI Corps.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">As it became known the Narth strengthened the ranks of the PSI Corps, those with dark secrets suddenly became very nervous and for good reasons. Anyone convicted of being member of a secret fraternity or criminal organization faces the death penalty. Regardless if you just been a door man for five minutes or the leader of that group. So many of those gangsters deserted and fled before they could be exposed. They escaped into Freespace, unfortunatly some did not leave empty handed and took restricted or even secret equipment, munitions and weapons along.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Part of the Tigershark's mission was to find such leaks, recover or destroy Union tech before it reached the wrong hands and in case a Class X weapon eliminate anyone and anything that could have knowledge of it.” He paused. “Not the most moral or ethical correct solution, but the only logical one. This need to keep our Translocator technology and associated systems out of the hands of others was openly discussed and Mil-tech protection Act of 3591 and the Translocator Secret protection Act also of 3591 and ratified every year since then. This act requires in open non secret language to do exactly what we ordered Olafson to do.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The small secretive X fleet operating inside Freespace was under the control of NAVINT. For two reasons. Fleet members serving NAVINT are authorized by the Assembly to engage in all clandestine activity deemed necessary to protect the Union from forces hostile to the Union and without spatial restrictions and thus granting their operation even inside Freespace; and to keep their command structure small manageable and out of the Fleet activity report given to the General Assembly.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">But we went a step further to ensure the legality of Olafson's orders and mission. We informed the Covered Committee and requested their final blessing with a security council vote. It was granted and approved.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Back to Olafson and the Tigershark. While pirates have no real names, everyone remembers and knows the name of the pirate captain. At that time Eric Olafson changed his gender legally to female. Why he did this is highly classified manly due to personal choice reasons.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">So we decided to give Olafson the identity of a mysterious female render captain named Black Velvet. Black Velvet has always been a NAVINT created identity. We spread the rumors of Velvet's crimes and deeds. If you will take the time to check. None of the Union ships she supposed to have captured have ever existed. The survivors giving testimony in hysterical manners on GalNet shows were actors and actresses. Again if you investigate their names you find they have never existed and were survivors of ships that never flew.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">So naturally Olafson signed as Erica and mentioned the name Black Velvet.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">As for his mission. He found the Mini Terrans, is responsible that the Golden are Union members. Yes this is really Sodoby the Golden and yes he really is part of the Tigershark crew and for nearly thirty years. He rescued the gray Nul. The result is the Nul are members instead of enemies and Xon the Nul prince is also part of his crew. He freed the Stick and sent their delegation to Pluribus, ending the hell hole that was known as Sin 4. He purchased Alvor's Cove from the Local Lord and his so called planet manger Igisir the horrible is in reality Commander Plensir of NAVINT bying thousands of slaves and secretly freeing them. Over 800,000 Union citizens, 2 million Union Non Cits and almost 3 million slaves of non union slaves were saved by this alone.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He shut down the Smelter moons of Karthania. Reactivated the First Engineer and ended the reign of the Hull builders guild. The First Engineer is with us here, the Karthanians are members. He rescued the All White Togar, dethroned the former Queen and installed the rightful Queen who as you can see a member of his crew. He helped the Dolbran to defeat the Kermac overlords without them knowing until the Dolbran informed them they are Union members now. He prevented the Xandrao to become a Kermac thrall species and we gained our first Downward sector member.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">All the while he discovered a living stellar dust cloud. Lt Dusty the huge Golem who of course immideatly joined the Tigershark crew. His crew also includes a Living Seenian Battle suit and the next best thing to a real ghost. He discovered a Seenian depot and gifted the Union with the USS Dominator and a whole fleet of Devastator type ships. So I guess we made a good bargain spending a few trillions on his ship.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl said.”You forgot the Living mountain, the planet sized living blanket. Curing the Furze outcasts from a sentinent disease. The sentinent parasite rides on top of that nightmarish fleshbot goes by the name of Zzzzzt and of course ended up in Olafson's crew. That are the more memorable highlights of just the first mission and I can personally attest the other missions are just as incredible. He has managed to suprise me and McElligott every time he delivered a report and to surprise an Immortal isn't all that easy.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">McElligott cleaned his now cold pipe.”I guess that will do for today and dispel all accusations,right Admiral Augustus?”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The fat admiral could only nod. Then he said.”Speaker please call for a vote. I have nothing to more.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The Assembly voted with 99.9 to dismiss all charges as groundless. The single vote for guilty came from the representative of Nilfeheim who shouted down from her Alcove.”I hate you,Eric.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Egill who was still among the called witnesses grinned.”She can't make up her mind.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">The speaker thanked the Assembly and declared the special session to be concluded and normal Assembly business to commence and terminated the connection.”

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">Stahl with both his fists stemmed against his sides gave Augustus a stern look.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm"> ”I am Richard Stahl. That costume I am wearing is the same Uniform I wore the day this fleet was founded. It conforms down to the last seam to the very first 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 and 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 commission who empowered you or that fool that promoted you will be glad real Admirals like you direct our fleets and troops into battle. “

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">He turned to McElligott.”If you find any reason in my professional conduct that causes you dissatisfaction. All you have to do is say it open and straight forward. I live by the rules and you are my superior officer. You can dismiss me, even ask me to quit and I do it without hesitation.

<p lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom:0cm">I want and must be held accountable for all I do, but if I am treated like a school boy without respect by a specimen that makes me wonder how he and I could possibly serve the same fleet then what chance does an Ensign or Star man have against the self rightgeous witch hunting pea counting bureaucrats and paper pushers like that specimen. As bad as he is. He is not alone there is an army of officers just like him. They are all alike, bitter at life, jealous of others and vengeful abusing power when given to them.

<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 .Do you think a non sentient machine would have done what Captain Brutus did. Do you want the likes of Augustus commanding our ships. Following regulations Brutus should have retreated and waited for reinforcements. He even abandoned his ship and fought on the ground. Everything against regulations I might add. Why not have Augustus prosecute him? And don't get me started on Eric. He broke, bend circumvented and ignored pretty much every rule. Yet you spend half a day just to outline a percentage of his deeds.

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