Thursday. 23:00 John’s Dorm

John had sent the prosecutor’s office the evidence he had and his plans to recall the captain for questioning. He also prepared several motions that he planned to file at trial in the morning. John was feeling confident for the first time in over a week. John figured the bullshit legal saga should be over by tomorrow.

Alice called him just before midnight. “Evening, I didn’t see you tonight.”

“Fuck, I am so sorry, when I got home, I went straight to the library to work on a few things.”

“I’m just giving you a hard time. You look in better spirits now.”

“I’ve been reluctant to say anything until now but barring any bullshit this should be wrapped up tomorrow.” John breathed out. “I hope anyways. How were your finals today?”

“That’s so good. I cannot wait to see you again. I’m kind of pent up.”

John laughed. “Oh man I needed that. I love you and I’m sorry I made you worry.”

“Love you too, well I’m off to bed, I just wanted to hear your voice before I went to sleep.”

Alice disconnected the call. Now John was even more pissed, this shadow group made her worry over him. The nerve those assholes had to rope him into a conspiracy and then invented some bullshit claim that he was the one creating a criminal conspiracy. John began simmering in anger before he decided to turn in for the night.

Friday. 09:00. Tribunal Room 1

The trial had been going on for an hour. John was surprised to see former Director Aspern sitting in attendance. Aaron Robertson was there as well. He shook both of their hands before the justices gaveled the case into session.

The first hour was effectively back and forth between John and Commander Veen about dismissing the conspiracy charge. All three justices were amused and even curious about the justification John presented in his defense of the dismissal.

“So, with all that said my motion is to dismiss the criminal conspiracy charge. The evidence the prosecution has submitted doesn’t fit with the conspiracy charge. In fact, it clearly proves there was no conspiracy.”

“Commander, your response?” Justice Stephano asked.

Commander Veen looked perplex. “But it’s a conspiracy. The charge must stand.”

“Commander perhaps you have some case law to back that up. You wanting that doesn’t satisfy the court.” Justice Olson said.

“I have nothing to add your honor, I’m at a loss to follow the logic the cadet has presented.” Veen was clearly in over his head.

“I can explain it again, slower this time, if it would help the court.” John smirked as he said that.

“Sarcasm aside cadet, that is not necessary. The conspiracy charge is thrown out with prejudice. I suspect that is now two areas the Navy needs to review the verbiage used in their statutes.” Justice Olson concluded that motion.

Commander Veen just sank in his seat. The cadet had out maneuvered him once again. Only two charges remained, and neither were the career killer he was told this case would be. Perhaps they should have offered a better plea bargain to entice him to admit guilt to the case.

“Your honors, I’d like to recall Captain Hamilton to the stand.” John stated

“Captain, I will remind you that you are still under oath.” Justice Winston stated.

“Thank you once again Captain. I would like to confirm a couple things that you’ve previously testified too if the court would allow it.” John paused, noticed the justices all nod their head. “To confirm, you’ve never met this woman before, and you never had any communications with her before.”

“That is correct.”

“And you are married, correct?”

“Yes I am.”

“What is the date of your marriage?” John asked.

“Objection, relevance.” Commander Veen asked.

“I’ll be getting to that momentarily.”

“Overruled. Answer the question Captain.” Justice Winston said.

“March 13, 2240.”

“Thank you, captain. Defense exhibits 25A and 25B. These images were taken of you last year on May 15th, 2257. Now the first picture is relatively harmless, but it shows that you did in fact know this woman ahead of time contradicting your testimony. The second picture though shows you committing an act of adultery. Which unless I’m mistaken is a violation of the Uniform Code of Conduct for Officers in the Navy.”

John handed pictures to the captain, justices and prosecutors.

“Captain, would you like to adjust your testimony under oath?” John asked.

“This is not the same woman.”

“Here are defense exhibits 25 C-E. These are pictures of the same woman. If you notice the birthmarks and scars on her right arm, they are the same. These pictures are all taken on different dates as well. And they match the location on her body perfectly with the woman sitting in the red dress behind the prosecutor’s desk. Again Captain, would you like to change your testimony.”

“No.”

“I’m done with this witness.” John moved back to his table and sat down.

Commander Veen stood up. “Who is the woman in these images?”

“My wife.”

“Thank you, no further questions your honors.”

“Redirect.” John grabbed a picture and walked up to the captain. “Captain you state the woman in these pictures is your wife. Defense exhibit 26 A-D. This is your marriage license, your wife’s passport, social security card and picture from last week. Your wife is of African American descent. The woman in exhibits 25 is clearly Caucasian and her name doesn’t match these documents. Are you lying about who your wife is Captain?”

“I am not.”

“Your honors, I move to strike all testimony given by the captain as he is clearly lying on the stand.”

“Request is denied, but his responses today bring into question the validity of what he had testified too. Given the testimony the captain made just now he may need to retain legal counsel himself.” Justice Winston state. “Captain you can step down, but you are not to leave this courtroom.”

“No farther questions. I would like to introduce recently acquired video evidence that comports with Cadet Jacob Andern’s and my order of events.”

“Objection. This wasn’t in original discovery.”

“This evidence was just acquired last night. I immediately sent the prosecutors a notice at 23:00 yesterday evening that I’d present the evidence at the trial today. They don’t have standing to deny this evidence, especially since they haven’t shared several items ahead of time with me, despite me complying with the spirit of the court’s orders.” John couldn’t help but sound desperate to get this evidence introduced.

Judge Winston shook his head. “You don’t get to determine what does or doesn’t get presented at trial cadet. We do.”

“With respect sir, this court previously set a precedent in this trial earlier this week by allowing video of the supposed unprovoked attack. The video came from only one camera and wasn’t independently confirmed through any of the other cameras. There’s no case law that allows the denial of this evidence.”

“Justice Winston, the cadet is right. You and Justice Olson allowed single source video into the trial. The cadet is offering another camera view of the attack. This can either corroborate the prosecution’s evidence or prove the defense’s view of the events.” Judge Stephano stated.

“I agree with Justice Stephano. The evidence will be admitted.” Judge Olson stated gruffly.

John pulled up the video and played it. The audience was stunned, it matched up to John’s recollection of events perfectly. It gave the appearance that the JAG prosecutors were attempting to railroad the cadet. He then showed another video outline that shows how the prosecution’s video was edited and what parts it missed.

“Move to dismiss this case with prejudice your honors. Pursuant to the Naval Regulations Article 34.6A I would request an official inquiry be made into Captain Hamilton and Commander Veen for the crimes of perjury, suborning perjury, evidence tampering, withholding evidence, criminal conspiracy and prosecutorial misconduct amongst others. I would ask that the Marine JAGs be assigned to handle this inquiry.”

The justices placed hands over their microphones and discussed the request.

Justice Stephano spoke. “Cadet, we are disturbed with how the prosecution moved forward with a case that had virtually no evidence, then continued to add additional charges out of seemingly nowhere.” He took a sip of water. “Charges will be dismissed with prejudice in their entirety. I’m also going to make a note that you were innocent of all charges that JAG brought against you. Captain Hamilton and Commander Veen, you will be detained until the Marine JAGs submit charges to this tribunal. I have never seen perjury at the level displayed here today much less the appalling lack of review the prosecutor’s office did in regarding the merits of this case. I recommend you both retain attorneys immediately. The level of contempt the two of you have shown this court is appalling.” Justice Stephano banged the gavel.

John sat back in his seat and let out a deep breath. He stood up and turned around and saw Andern and Alice front and center. He shook his friend’s hand for standing up to the pressure he received and being truthful in his testimony. John told Andern that he will make sure no one comes after him for telling the truth. He kissed Alice and hugged her. Aaron Robertson was there too and shook his hand congratulating him on the excellent comeback victory.

Emotions were high for John, he stayed in the courtroom as everyone filed out. He told Alice and Aaron he’d catch up to them. Ten minutes later he had finally composed himself enough to stand up and begin to leave the room. Former Director Aspern was there smiling at his onetime protégé.

“Well done son. I knew you would come out ahead.” Director Aspern was smiling.

“Thank you, sir, but I feel like this is when you’re going to tell me to reign in my actions.”

“Normally I would, but you saw a woman be assaulted and rushed in to help her. That the captains and admirals working in the shadows would go to this extent to attempt to crush and destroy your career means you’re on their radar already.”

“Is intelligence going to be more proactive now?”

“Director LeCroix asked me to talk to you about that. He and I have differing views on what we should do.”

“Mind if I take a guess what those actions are sir?

Aspern laughed. “By all means.”

“LeCroix wants to carpet bomb the whole damn organization. You want to do a precision strike.”

Aspern gave him the smile a grandfather would when witnessing a grandchild exceed expectations.

“Part of me wants to agree with LeCroix but that wouldn’t be effective. Besides a surgical strike eliminating a specific member could result in causing more damage in the long run. Target is First Fleet Admiral Vandeberg right?”

A rich baritone laugh echoed in the room. “You were always a step ahead of everyone else. That is both your biggest asset and largest weakness. It has often led you to acting overly impetuous. I hope with age some wisdom you attain can temper that impetuousness within you.”

“I told my friends that I need to raise my political game. I didn’t expect I had to do it so soon though.”

“I have faith in your ability to exceed in this environment. This kangaroo court will show to the others that they aren’t going to be able to eliminate you by engineering false scenarios. A captain likely will be going to end up going to jail and a prosecutor is going to lose his law license. While the shadow group commands a great amount of loyalty, they won’t be able to command others to throw their careers and livelihoods away. Not after today anyways.”

Aspern turned around and started to walk towards the exit. He stopped and turned around and asked. “How much did that footage cost?”

“Low nine figures and change.” John just shrugged. “Mafia had a camera there. Turns out they were running a scam in the bar and that camera wasn’t on the network. They got the camera before the admiral’s men were able to clean things up.”

“So, your kleptomania saves the day again?” He smiled.

“My bloody investment plan for the year is in the shitter. Worst part about this hot mess is I need to pay taxes on the gains I made by selling all that stock next year.” John smiled though. “I’ll figure out a way to turn that loss into a gain somehow.”

Aspern put his arm around John and laughed. “I wouldn’t bet against you son.”

“Here’s to hoping for that kind of luck. Thank you, sir, I better get going.”

John shook his mentor’s hand and headed out of the room. Aspern pulled out his tablet and called the Marine JAG commanding officer.

“Good evening general. I’m presuming you have the dossier?”

“Yes, my best JAG is reviewing it now.”

“Offer the prosecutor and Captain an other than honorable discharge, demotion to ensign and no jail time should they flip on the conspirators. Then put the nails to the conspirators. Also, the First Fleet’s admiral is to not receive any deals.”

“Understood, I’ll keep LeCroix and yourself updated on our Progress. We’ve already detained him on his flagship. He’ll be heading to Earth on a Marine transport in the morning.”

John spent some time with Aaron outside the courtroom. He thanked him for his assistance and support. Aaron was happy to see the suitor of his only daughter in better spirits than when he talked to him earlier in the week. He told John to get back to his friends and that if he needed anything he’d be there for him.

Eventually John got back to the dorms and headed to the lounge. His friends were there and cheered when they saw him. Everyone rushed over to hug him or shake his hand. John was physically and mentally spent. He was angry but he’d just have to bury that and get his revenge later. For now, he was going to enjoy the company and camaraderie.

20:00 John’s Dorm Room

Alice whispered to John that she needed him. The blunt truth was that feeling was mutual. They hadn’t been together in nearly two weeks. They both got up and said their goodbyes to their friends at the same time. There was some childish giggling their friends gave off that stayed behind. They knew exactly what was happening. John swore he heard Andern say he felt bad for John’s neighbors.

When the elevator doors opened on John’s floor the couple sprinted down the hall to his room. John stumbled to get the door opened. They were tearing at each other’s clothes before the door closed behind them. They were excited to be together and fumbled around in that excitement. Eventually they slowed down and were able to get the parts to fit together like they knew they did.

Alice and John kept going that night until the curfew call was made almost two hours later. Alice didn’t want to leave but rules were rules. Both of them would eventually fall asleep with giant smiles on their faces.

Saturday. 08:00 Cafeteria

Everyone was done with finals. They were mentally spent and ready for a break.

“So, you aren’t going home?” Jessica asked.

“I haven’t seen my adopted family in like two years. They moved to Terra Nova last year apparently. Dad got a new position. But it’s three days out and three days back. Probably won’t see them until next summer, if at all. It’s all good though.”

“When’s your flight?” Alice asked.

“Noon. After we’re done here, I’m going to pack then head out. I fly back Tuesday evening.”

“Nathan and Thomas, you guys going home?” Kevin asked.

“Yup, our flights are later this afternoon.” Thomas said.

“Same time as Thomas, just different flight.” Nathan answered.

“Theresa was going to go home, but her folks had something going on so we’re heading home after summer school is done.”

“Andern and I are staying too. My folks are on vacation this week so going home would be a waste of time and money.” Kristin said as she was sitting down.

“Well, at least it won’t be super quiet and boring here.” John cleaned his plate by eating the last piece of toast. “Oh Kevin. I owe you a watch tour.”

“You owe me that too honey.” Alice smirked.

John had a deer in headlights look. The whole table noticed that and started laughing at him.

“That is the look of a really guilty man.” Kristin laughed.

The spring term was now over. The cadets had precious few days off but would enjoy the time off to rest and relax. Some were heading home; the rest would stay behind and find ways to unwind and get their minds off work.

Saturday. 10:00 1st Bank and Loan

John took Alice and Kevin to the bank and showed them his watch collection, or technically just a part of his watch collection. He did make a single condition that they never talk about it with anyone. Kevin agreed immediately, Alice on the other hand was less willing to agree to that term. She relented when John was insistent on it.

Kevin was basically drooling over everything. He couldn’t believe the number of watches he had. He had over one hundred fifty Richard Mille watches that were anywhere from two hundred years old to brand new. Alice had quite astutely figured that he used his watch collection as a means of cleaning some money. A theory John shrugged off and effectively confirmed. John gave Kevin a Rolex GMT-Master 8 that he accidently had multiples of. Alice was quick to remind John that just because he got rid of a watch didn’t mean he had to replace it.

John countered that it did in fact open a space in that specific box and that it needed to be filled. John was already trying to figure out what watch he should buy next. Kevin was not helping Alice’s case at all. She just laughed uncomfortably and was happy that he could at the very least afford everything in there.

During the rest of their short time off before the summer term started, Andern and Kristin’s relationship continue to grow. Alice still didn’t like seeing them as a couple but even she was having a hard time holding it against him anymore since Andern was the one that got dumped. She couldn’t stop feeling for Jessica though because she always looked hurt when she saw the new couple together. John was quick to remind Alice that decisions have consequences, and that if Jessica did accept Andern’s advances there’s nothing saying they’d still be together.

The weekend did eventually come to an end. It wouldn’t be long until they were back in class for the summer term. This wasn’t something anyone was prepared for mentally, but they’d get back into the swing of things quickly. They would also have more wargames to compete in. Something John was especially looking forward too. More than anything though, John was still thankful he had emerged from the tribunal largely unscathed.