Commander T'tan looked at Vincent, "I know that Captain Warren fired on the city of Kalama at the request of Governor Zek Ishka and I know its a violation of the protection act for the role of Governor but there is no evidence that he acted without good faith in sending a message about the Klingon Productivity. You need to have evidence that his actions are an act of treason against his own people."
"Are you an idiot?", Vincent shouted at the Vulcan and former Governor.
"Zek has been raising the quotas to unreasonable levels.", Vincent looked at Nicole.
"Say something. For God's Sake, you are the Vice President.", Vincent was growing more impatient.
"I cannot interfere in the Governance of the Colony. It is a rule to prevent Hunt and myself from taking over the place without the support of the people.", Nicole looked like a deer in the headlights.
Vincent actually grabbed her, "This is what you built and you are gonna let that Ferengi walk away with it. Selling the very heart from the colony back to the Federation."
Nicole looked at Vincent, "I cannot."
Vincent turned to Commander T'tan, "You are the Judge Advocate General. You have the authority to bring this down as an act of treason."
T'tan turned to Vincent, "I will not."
"What about an act of extortion?", Cleveland Powers entered the room. Vincent looked at the Dogfather.
"What the hell are you doing here?", Vincent glared at the Antican.
"Look, human. We have a common enemy. I used to be the big cheese here until Ishka started honing in on my business.", Cleveland looked at T'tan.
"Here's the deal, I will provide evidence that Zek Ishka has been using his role as Governor to extort not only production but also wealth from the Mayors of the City States but only if I am made Governor of the Phoenix Colony.", Powers looked at Vincent and Nicole.
"Not on your life.", Vincent stepped in front of the Antican.
Nicole looked at Vincent, "Powers is a lot things but at least he is Phoenix."
"Nicole, don't be fooled. He tried to bury you twice. Twice, Nicole.", Vincent snapped.
"We have to get rid of Ishka.", Nicole looked at Vincent.
"I thought you did not care.", Vincent snapped back.
"What guarantees do we have that you won't continue to extort Dilithium from the cities?", Nicole looked at Cleveland.
"I will still trade with the Federation but they are gonna pay.", Cleveland winked.
Vincent looked at T'tan, "Would you charge Ishka if you had the evidence?"
"I would be duty bound to honor the laws of the Phoenix Colony. Extortion would be seen as a significant crime and would result in the need to remove the person from political office.", The Vulcan responded.
Nicole shook her head. She hated the Vulcans. This was all their fault. The Rise of the Empire of V'Ros led to the Phoenix Liberation Wars. She could not understand how T'tan could remain so unemotional.
"Take him down, Mr. Powers.", Vincent looked at Cleveland.
"That's Governor Powers, Commodore.", Cleveland opened up the PADD and handed it to the Judge.
Commander T'tan looked as the details of the Ishka - Paige Arrangement were laid out in ful details. Nicole looked at T'tan, "How will we make the announcement of Powers as Governor."
"Mr. Powers has served as interim Governor before. We will state that he is the interim governor until a formal election can be held. Powers will not call an election until he is ready.", T'tan explained.
Nicole could feel the ugly stench of underground politics. This was what she had sought to avoid and now here she was...
She and the Commodore had saved the Colony but at what cost...
It takes a lifetime to build integrity but only a single act to destroy it.
Posted by:
Nicole Branson
Vice President
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
Commodore Vincent Viceroy
Military Commander In Chief
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
