Nicole had been in the court room listening to Cleveland Powers spin a tale about the brilliance of command, the amazement of his followers and the abilities of Admiral Bruce Montgomery. Powers was so incredible that even Branson was beginning to believe his amazing story.
Nicole walked into the Federation Complex almost in awe as to the amazing silver tongued Antican. She walked in to find Private Jorel Enranet in there virtually in tears as he informed Vincent that Captain S'Nii of Vulcan would be leaving the colony to take command of the Federation Service Vessel, the USS Paul Revere.
Nicole was at first pleased. The last valedictorian was now Provisional Commander and the projected graduate student and current valedictorian was being named a Captain straight out of the Omega Academy. The Vulcan had already submitted a written letter of resignation from graduate studies and prepared to take command of the service vessel. Nicole tried to explain it away as she informed Jorel that this was a tremendous opportunity.
Vincent could take no more, "Nicole, you fool. S'Nii spent the weekend with Montgomery. He used his power and influence to get her the position. He has done it again."
Nicole was shocked. She remembered her first weekend with Montgomery when she went from lowly Cadet Branson to Lieutenant Nicole Branson. Her lust for power blinded her to the fact that this was a dirty, filthy old man. In truth, she would have done anything for rank. She now could see Jorel's pain. S'Nii was his true love and she sacrificed that for the pleasure of the hedonistic Montgomery. Captain S'Nii would soon be leaving.
Nicole, Jorel and Vincent were leaving the complex when Captain S'Nii appeared in her brilliant command red uniform. She looked at Nicole, "I made the logical choice. I have shortened my career path by as much as 10 years in becoming a Captain in only a weekend. No matter what you think of me, it was worth it."
Nicole could not help but agree with her inside. She was only 40 and already a serving Vice Admiral. Montgomery however was a disgrace. S'Nii was young, impressionable and incredibly beautiful. Montgomery did this for his own pleasure. He was scum.
Vincent was stunned when Commander T'tan, the teaching professor at Venice came walking down the street. She was walking with Erica Lavigne, the attorney. Commander T'tan walked up to Captain S'Nii, "Congratulations."
"Thank you, Commander.", S'Nii smiled at the Vulcan Academy Commandant.
"Federation rank is critical to serve on a Federation Colony. I know that. I would have done anything for Federation rank. I spoke to Montgomery in finding out where to place the Vulcan Academy. I wanted to command the school. Montgomery said that the Federation would not respect me without Federation rank. I was blinded. I was illogical. I would have done anything for Federation rank and Federation respect. I did do anything.", T'Tan bowed her head in shame.
"You are the accuser?", Nicole shrieked.
"I am embarrassed.", T'tan responded, "but yes. And I am not prepared to let it happen to anyone else. I understand your wants and needs, Captain S'Nii. I wish you the very best but someday, you will look back on the events and wonder what you did for your rank and what it means to who you are."
The words cut like a knife into Nicole's heart. She felt almost sick to her stomach. This was a dark, dark time.
S'Nii looked at Jorel, "What have I done?"
Jorel hugged her. Nicole slumped to the floor at their feet. T'tan sat next to her and rested her head on Nicole's shoulder. This is a dark place for everyone.
Montgomery must be stopped. This cannot be who we are.
Posted by:
Vice Admiral Nicole Branson
Witness for the Prosecution
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Fleet
Commodore Vincent Viceroy
Governor - Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Fleet
And revealing the Accuser, Commander T'Tan of Venice
