Mercy and Justice

[Akirapryde]

Mercy and Justice
Hanger Deck (Public Hearing)
Republic Vengeance
Flagship, 10th Division
Outer Rim World of Fray (Landed)
Date: 2919 AOK (One months, BEFORE Auro’s Birthday)
(Lord Sembla's speech ONLY)

The trip from Olivan had been uneventful for both the Vengeance as well as the shuttle. The week-long trip for both ships allow everyone a vital chance to recover for a nightmare operation on Olivan. For some it was a trip spent in solace while others spent the time celebrating life. But for a very select few, the trip was spent hard at work gathering information for two very important hearing.

Once the two ships arrived on Fray, the Vengeance landed in the maintenance yards. While Republic maintenance crews started to effect repairs, the entire 2nd Battalion as well as the crew of the Vengeance were called to the flight deck to bear witness to two very important hearings. The Hanger Bay had been transformed in to a massive gallery so that it could be used for the two hearings. And this was something that Jedi Master Demaya regarded as very important. She personally oversaw the preparations.

Before either hearing were called to order, Jedi Master Demaya had given a speech regarding the importance of the observes during these hearings. To allow the evidence to speak in terms of guilt or innocent. For the observe to set aside all preconceived notions in regards to the defendants. Regardless of their past actions, that everyone deserved to be judged based on their actions.

The first hearing was Cookie’s hearing before a three-member panel. Demaya personally handled Cookies defense. However, despite placing up an admirable defense, Cookie was found guilty of forging Lord Sembla’s signature. Freeing a person who was ordered to be held. Taking an LAAT without authorization. The panel’s verdict was a two-one split. Based on the Uniformed Code of Military Justice, the panel recommended Cookie face a dishonorable discharge from the Republic Navy, after serving no less than five years on Korriban.

The second hearing lasted three weeks and was the most important. Three members of the Vengeance’s crew, and five members of the 2nd Battalion were brought before a five-member panel. They were charged with assault with the intent to commit murder (Unna), assault with the intent to commit murder (Amelia), Conspiracy to commit murder, Conspiracy to commit assault, Conspiracy to conceal a crime, interfering with an official investigation, and destruction of evidence. At the end of three-week trail, all of the defendants were found guilty. The panel’s recommendation was that all the defendants shall be publicly hung on the flight deck until dead.

Now it fell on Lord Sembla to decide what the defendants shall face in terms of punishments for their crimes. The entire ship seat as he took his place before them. Once he had taken his place, the defendants all rose for their chairs and waited in silence for Lord Sembla to render his verdict upon them.

[Auro Syrdash]

Taking to his feet, Auro squared his shoulders and scanned the faces of the men and women assembled before him. It was indeed sobering to see those here to observe the final proceedings of these tribunals. Auro knew that they were scrutinizing him and, in a way, that he was being judged. Auro faced the players involved with the first case. His eyes met those of the three officers who comprised the panel that had heard it, rendered their verdict, and recommended punishment. Next, he looked to the officer who had served as lead prosecutor. His gaze then fell upon Knight Kali Demaya standing stoically at the side of Cookie, the chief warrant officer who she had so selflessly defended. Auro had come to expect nothing less of the woman who had proven her dedication and loyalty to the men and women under her command time and again. He looked up to her. She had been a sterling example to Auro, in many ways defining to him what it meant to be a commander. Finally, Auro's eyes met those of Cookie before returning to the faces of the observers.

"Today, I will be rendering a final verdict in two cases submitted to me for final review, having been heard and adjudicated in accordance with the Grand Army of the Republic's military law. The first of these cases is that of the officer best known as 'Cookie.' I gave the order to hold the civilian detainee who was subsequently released by Cookie without authorization and by use of a forged signature. Taking into consideration the arguments of the defense, I've come to the realization that this entire situation could have been handled better by me as a commanding officer. For this reason, I claim responsibility for any and all mistakes made. Though his actions were unlawful, Cookie ultimately saved multiple lives that day. With respect to the panel, although the verdict shall stand, Cookie's sentence will be reduced. His punishment is hereby time served, and he will continue to represent the Republic Navy as a man of principle and with the reduced rank of warrant officer. The chain of command is to be respected, not circumvented. Grievances are to be addressed through proper channels."

Auro turned to the other side of the aisle, more aware than ever that in comparison with what he must do next, Cookie's case seemed almost uncomplicated. Present was the panel of five officers who had heard the second case, rendered their verdict, and recommended punishment, along with the prosecution, the defense, and the accused. Auro looked each of them in the eye, his heart heavy with the weight of the words he was about to speak.

"The second case which was my duty to review and pass a final verdict on comes down to matters of life and death. I've carefully researched cases throughout the history of the Grand Army of the Republic for precedent and found this panel's ruling to be consistent with military law. I am in agreement that these men are guilty of the crimes of which they stand accused.

"Because he was acting under the influence of and pressure from senior officers, I've made the decision to reduce the punishment of the guilty private to a life sentence on Korriban with the possibility of parole after no less than thirty years. Let it be known that murderous intent will not be tolerated within our ranks. As recommended by this tribunal, the remaining conspirators and would-be murderers are to be hung by the neck on this very flight deck until dead."

After the official conclusion of the tribunal, Auro returned to his quarters. He held his faithful albek in his lap and Nines, his trusty droid, rolled up to his side and whistled a comforting little tune. Auro sighed heavily, clearing his mind and seeking solace within the Force.