Cleveland Powers looked at the judge, "Side-Bar, your honor."
"Agreed.", the judge responded. T'Tan and Powers walked up to the stand.
"I would like to put Christine T'Nley on the stand. If Nicole Branson has violated the court order, I would like a mistrial to be declared.", Powers grandstanded.
Commander T'tan held up the picture, "Do you judge, conclusively see Nicole Branson in this image?"
Powers looked at the Vulcan, "You would have to be a fool not to see that it is Branson!"
The Vulcan looked at Powers, 'You would have to be a fool to suggest that the torpedo casing is not evidence. Oh wait, you did that."
Powers growled. The Judge looked at the Vulcan, "I will put Christine T'Nley on the stand. You will get to cross examine. If Nicole Branson was there, I will remove her from the panel."
Christine went up to the stand. This was going to be a very difficult call for her.
Cleveland Powers stood up, "Are you familiar with this picture?"
He handed her the image that had been making the rounds on sub-space making ONN once again the most popular viewing network.
Christine nodded. Powers looked at Christine, "Did you see Nicole Branson at the Commune?"
He thought he had her. Christine leaned ahead, "I saw Magenta Coren-Branson."
"Don't be a fool. Did you see Nicole Branson there?", Powers glared at Christine.
"I was whisked away by Mary-Lou Cole. I did not get a good look.", Christine was being truthful. It was the camera that snapped the image.
"Dammit.", Powers grumbled.
"I order the court to bring in Mary-Lou Cole.", Powers switched strategies.
"This was not agreed to in side-bar, your honor.", T'tan stood up.
"Look, this trial is a fiasco already.", Powers snapped.
The court adjourned for a few minutes until the fiesty Mary-Lou Cole came in with Captain Robert E. Leo. She was squirming around. Her squirming was contagious. Nicole felt horribly uncomfortable. Powers stared at her. He had her.
"Ms. Cole, did you host Magenta Coren-Branson and Nicole Branson for drinks in the Commune before opening the other day?", Powers asked outright.
"I enjoyed a drink with Magenta.", Mary-Lou responded.
Powers grabbed the PADD and shoved it under her nose.
"I will ask you again, "Did you host Magenta and Nicole for drinks?"", Powers grumbled.
"Magenta Coren-Branson is a very nice lady.", Mary-Lou winked.
Powers was furious.
"I move for mistrial based upon uncooperative witnesses. I cannot get a fair trial if people are not willing to tell the truth.", Powers grandstanded.
The judge could see the legitimacy of his argument.
Nicole stood up, "I was there for crying out loud. I formally step down from this tribunal. This is a joke. Cleveland Powers bombed the Omega Sands Factory to blame the Vulcans. Everyone knows it. I know it. The tribunal knows it. Commander T'tan should not have to prove it. Magenta is my spouse. I wanted to see her."
Nicole stormed from the courthouse. The judge looked over, "Ms. Branson is hereby in contempt and ordered to serve 30 days in custody."
Robert grabbed her arm. Nicole turned back, "How appropriate, we have the mad bomber in the house, and I get arrested."
The courtroom went silent. Mary Lou stood up. The judge looked over, "I find Mary Lou Cole in contempt and order her to serve 30 days."
Powers started laughing. He had won this round. Powers smiled, "On the grounds described, I move for a mistrial."
"I will not allow it.", the judge responded.
"I will however allow you to suggest an alternative member of the Tribunal.", the judge responded.
"I chose Dr. Skylight Greene. As a former governor, she has the authority and creditials.", Powers smiled, knowing that Dr. Greene had an axe to grind over her dismissal.
The judge looked at Commander T'tan who responded, "I have no objections, your honor. Despite what Mr. Powers and his circus has shown, in the end, the facts will show that he is the mad bomber."
The judge scolded T'tan for her language and then ordered everyone to reconvene tomorrow.
Posted by:
Commodore Vincent Viceroy
Star Fleet Commanding Officer
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Fleet
Vice Admiral Nicole Branson
Star Fleet Executive Officer
Imprisoned for Contempt of Court
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Fleet
Christine T'Nley
Omega News Network
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Fleet
