Let's Make A Deal

Posted on Sun Jan 24th, 2016 @ 12:34am by Lieutenant Raymond Benson & Lieutenant Raj Amani & Niro & Lieutenant Bajun Julisa & Chief Petty Officer Siri & Tog

Mission: Further Challenges
Location: JAG Offices / The Brig

* JAG Offices *

Ray was in a good mood and was whistling as he passed from his office to the conference room. “Hello ladies,” he said as he passed Chelsea and Siri. “When Raj and Admiral Ch’lis arrive, please bring them to the conference room.” He resumed his whistle and passed on by and out of sight.

Chelsea looked across at Siri, her brow furrowed. “Is it just me or do you get suspicious when he’s whistling?”

“Carter had the night off last night,” Siri whispered. “Surely you’ve caught the pattern, haven’t you? She has a night off, next day, he’s whistlin’ Dixie. She doesn’t have the night, next day, he’s not whistlin’ Dixie.”

Chelsea shook her head. “I did not need to know that. I’ll tell you though, he’s pretty happy about this case. What he said he wanted to do to ‘that scum’ came couched in language I can’t repeat.”

“Eh, we all have a preference for how Niro goes off this Station,” Siri said. She looked attentive as a short, stout female entered the office. “Ch’lis!” She rocketed from her chair and went around to hug the Admiral. “It’s good to see you; it’s been forever since we’ve been on the same Station.”

Stoically, the Admiral returned Siri’s hug. “Hello, dear. Is Jules in?”

“Not yet. She’s at home with Solis, of course,” Siri imparted a touch of well-known gossip. “Ray said to show you to the conference room. It’s this way,” she turned to take Ch’lis back.

Moments later, Raj entered the reception area and smiled at Chelsea. “Long time no see, Chel. How are you?”


“I’m doing well.” She returned his smile. Something about Raj always seemed to lighten her mood. “Ray is in the conference room and Siri is showing the admiral in now. If you hurry, you’ll catch up.”

“Thanks.” He crossed to the hall and quickly reached Siri and Ch’lis. “Hello Admiral Ch’lis. It’s a pleasure to see you. You as well, Siri.”

The admiral, short as she was, didn’t walk very fast, ever. She turned, made a grimace that might have been a smile, and said, “Hello young man. You are Counselor Amani?”

Siri confirmed that, “Yes, Admiral, this is Lt. Amani.” As they entered the room, Siri asked Ch’lis, “Do you have enough water, ma’am?” Ch’lis’ kind was amphibious and she dried out easily.

Ch’lis pulled out a small towel and felt it. “Hm. This is getting dry, but there is water on the table, I see.” She went over and dipped the towel in the glass as she took her seat. “Lt. Benson, are we ready to proceed?”

“We are and welcome Admiral. Raj, hello.” Ray had risen as the admiral entered. Now he nodded to Siri. “Thank you. We are not to be disturbed unless it’s Lt. Bajun.”

Raj held Ch’lis’ chair, and once she was settled he sat next to her. He pulled out his padd and placed it before him.

“I have the full report here,” Raj began. “I’ll give you my complete analysis, since it will likely come up with his attorney as I understand it.”

“His attorney is a Ferengi, correct? Jules told me about him,” she said. “Lt. Amani, go ahead, please.” She patted the wet towel against her cheeks and lips.

“I visited with Niro at Lt. Benson’s request. It was a standard assessment of Niro’s mental state and his fitness to stand trial. The visit was not a pleasant one, I will say that.”

“No surprise there,” Ray quipped.

“Niro wasted no time in slinging insults and picking through my head for his own entertainment. I’ll spare you the exact conversation but the video log is available and I’ll see that you get it. Ray’s seen it.”

“I will view it later, after we have talked with the victims and witnesses. Is Niro on neural inhibitors now? Is he safe to have around us?”

“He is now, yes. I ordered both a neural inhibitor and a mood stabilizer since he’s been having some rage issues since his incarceration. As for my assessment, I won’t mince words. Niro exhibits the classic signs of what is popularly known as psychopathy. He presents as a charmer, smooth manners, always the perfect words to flatter whoever is his intended target. I use the word target here specifically. He appears to have no true empathy for anyone and the evidence bears this out. His interest in others appears to be only to satisfy his own needs and desires. With males, it seems to be amusement in eavesdropping on their thoughts and gaining information or using them as tools. With females, it’s sexual conquest. He is in search of the perfect woman and those who attract him become victims of his quest to remake them into what he thinks he wants. Once he’s done it, he is never satisfied.”

Raj paused and reached for a glass of water. “Any questions so far?”

Ch’lis paused for a long moment, thinking about Niro. She had put Bajun Julisa in his path, possibly all of SB900 in his path; a fleeting flash of guilt hit her but she swept it away. No one was to blame except Niro. “How many people has he twisted for his pleasure?”

“Here?” Raj asked. “Three...that we know of. One of them had significant memory blockage as a result of his intrusions. He was, basically, attempting to remove the memories of her current life and implant his own desires, which included removing her from this station.” He glanced down at his notes and continued. “Add in the complete lack of urge control, as we saw with Six, use of cruelty to gain power over his victims which occurred with Falasin, extreme narcissism and aggression, which ultimately led to his male victim to sell Ensign Madhava to a slaver ….basically you are looking at a healthy dose of Psychoticism added into the mix.”

“Aggression and hostility towards others,” Ch’lis nodded and consulted the padd in front of her. “Three? That would be Six of Ten, Falasin and Ensign Madhava? Oh, I see the notes now about minor interference with others: Owain, Seyla... seems like a long list of civilians. Are all of them appearing as witnesses?”

“All are prepared except Owain, who is convinced Niro will invade his mind and render him brain-dead. He will be ready, however.” Ray’s tone was firm. “I’ll make sure of it.”

“What it all boils down to is that while he may be seriously disturbed, there is no question that he is fit to stand trial. He knows exactly what he did and understands the illegality of it. He simply chose to do everything simply because he wanted to. He didn’t hesitate to rub my nose in it either,” Raj informed them.

“What of his brother? Is he here to attend these hearings? Is he going to testify on his behalf?” The admiral was curious whether anyone was standing up for Niro, besides Niro. “If you are so certain of what he has done, his knowledge of what he’s done and his lack of remorse, could we dispense with the formalities and skip to the sentencing?” Sometimes, she had the same patience Julisa: little to none.

“Lt. Commander Nicolao is on an away mission and his return date is uncertain,” Ray answered. “However, when we consulted prior to his departure, he was not inclined to speak on Niro’s behalf. He was deposed before he left and that has been included in your documents as well.” Ray considered her question. “I would like to but his attorney has demanded a conference before we move forward. I suspect he will try to bargain this down to almost nothing.”

“By nothing, he better mean a lifetime stay at Elba II,” Ch’lis muttered. “Shall we bring him in, then?”

“Elba II would be my recommendation,” Raj agreed. “However, given the recent successful escape that took place there, I will recommend solitary confinement. We don’t want a repeat.”

“Suresh, from this Station as well. If this one escapes as well, then I’d look to Elba II personnel, see who has a grudge against this place.” Ch’lis’ tone sounded neither sarcastic nor humorous, but, since her voice was often nearly a croak, it was hard to tell whether she was joking or not.

“His crew would be the most likely but one is dead and the rest scattered, no doubt to avoid the same fate as Niro. I think Raj’s suggestion is a good one.” Ray pressed the desk panel and asked that Tog be called in.

Raj picked up his padd. “I think my part here is done for now. Admiral, it’s been a pleasure. If there’s anything you need from me, just call.”

“Same for you, Lieutenant Amani.” Ch’lis dismissed him and turned towards Ray to chit chat while they waited for Tog to arrive.

After several minutes, a loud voice could be heard approaching the conference room, “...and when we’re done, my little Bolian dumpling, join me for a toast or four.”

Siri’s response was inaudible, though Tog’s response made it obvious how she’d answered: “You wound me, my bouncing blue beauty, I assure you I hang out only with the best of people.” He entered the conference only a step behind Siri, “Like these people here. Ray,” he nodded at the prosecutor, “and Admiral Ch’lis,” he smiled at the woman with the mottled green skin, showing the points of his teeth.

Ch’lis grimaced. He reminded her of the slimy snakes that once fed upon her ancestors. “Attorney Tog, I see that you are single-handedly maintaining attorneys’ reputations out here at the far reaches of the Federation’s sprawl.”

His smile faltered as he both sat and tried to figure out whether that was an insult or not. He was betting it was.

“Tog.” Ray’s tone was not welcoming. “How do you plan to amuse us today?”

“Ah, I have the floor!” Tog rubbed his hands together and stood up, the better to make gestures as he orated at the two. Only, he realized, he didn’t have much to orate upon. “Like any zealous representative of an accused, I could dishonestly profess my client’s innocence and claim that he had absolutely nothing to do with these accusations. I, however, am not dishonest,” he tossed the evil eye at Ray as the man seemed to suddenly choke on his breathing. “Therefore, I’ll tell you that Niro is entering a ‘not guilty by reason of mental illness’ plea. He’ll go off and spend time on Elba II, be rehabilitated and released. Let’s say five years.”

“Five years,” Ray repeated, disbelief evident in his voice. “Have you actually spoken to your client?”

“Counselor, did you read the list of charges against your client?” Ch’lis, too, was disbelieving her ears. “What you are proposing is that he serve only a few days for each charge.”

“Not quite, Madame Admiral,” he managed to sound, just barely, not condescending, “I propose that we drop certain charges such as ...these,” Tog highlighted a number of the charges on his padd; both Ray’s and Ch’lis’ padds mirrored that highlighting. He had highlighted more than half of the charges. “For lack of evidence, of course. The medical records are not admissible as evidence because Piper Medical did not have prior recent records on two of the alleged victims. Both of those women came through the wormhole and have had exposure to other anomalies here in the Delta Quadrant, rendering their medical records suspect and any comparison invalid. Therefore, these charges will fail against my client.” He paused.

Ray glanced at Ch’lis and managed to hold in his laughter with a herculean effort. “You’re kidding,” he said. “Both of those women are Starfleet officers, or a former officer in one case. Both have been seen several times here at the station and likely have more complete records than any of the residents on this station. Besides,” Ray’s flashed Tog a smug smile, “your client has said very clearly what he did and why in both cases.”

“Yes, yes, with the very pretty and very willing part-Orion, Ensign Madhava, but she isn’t who I was referring to. You’re right: she had been in and out of Piper quite often, never once complaining of memory issues. But the Andorian, Falasin, she had not been seen in Piper prior to complaining of mental issues; considering all of the random anomalies on this Station, her brain could simply be swiss cheese due to those, or her own natural state of mind, rather than Niro’s interference.” Tog shrugged. “Like I said, the evidence is flawed.”

Ch’lis stared at the man like he was a bug on a leaf. “You’re confusing the issues,” she stated simply. “I see what you’re doing, Counselor. Stop it.”

He grinned at her. “I do what I can, my lady. Fine, Ray, what offer do you have on the table?”

“We have just spoken with Counselor Amani and you have his report. Having read that, do you really want to pursue an insanity plea?” Ray asked.

“Have you read that report, Ray?” Tog turned the question back on the man. “Niro admits doing these things, practically brags about having screwed around in other people’s heads? What part of that isn’t insane? He’s as crazy as... as a Vulcan during Pon Farr!”

“I think I’ll take the Counselor’s opinion over yours, Tog. Niro may be a reprehensible slimeball but he isn’t crazy. He was even sent in to assist a Fleet rescue mission a year ago. He simply has no restraint and doesn’t give a damn about anyone. He’d have you for breakfast if you weren’t looking,” Ray stated. “He’s lucky he is still breathing, given the people he has crossed here and what he’s done. You know who I mean.”

“Those are my other clients,” Tog nodded then sighed. “We could go around and around on semantics, Ray. You say he’s guilty; I say he’s guilty but insane. Either way, he ends up getting rehabilitated in prison - I’d prefer Elba II - and then he gets released.”

“The Admiral and I do agree that Elba II is where he needs to be with the provision that he is in solitary. Given his abilities, he could twist the minds of every prisoner in the place and we’d have an uprising and mass escape in no time. He’ll also be on telepathic inhibitors, injected not oral. First dose will be before he leaves here so there’s no chance of him messing with the crew on the transport or the guards at the prison.” Ray looked to Ch’lis now, leaving the discussion of the length of sentence to her.

“Putting him on inhibitors is akin to cutting off a limb!” Tog played indignant, but had the feeling that argument wasn’t going to fly. He hadn’t found a single Federation criminal case that agreed with that stance. The judges all reasoned that humans and other non-telepaths survived just fine in the world without telepathy; telepaths could just suffer for a bit. Besides, the inhibitors weren’t permanent.

Ch’lis reminded Tog of just that line of legal holdings. “Assuming Niro will waive his right to a full and complete hearing on all of the facts, then fifteen years in Elba II, with mandatory rehabilitation, inhibitor medication and mood stabilizers. By then, perhaps he’ll have learned his lesson or been rehabilitated or be too old to go chasing after women.”

“Fifteen? He’ll never agree to that,” Tog shook his head, “but I’ll take it to him as an offer.”

“She is being far nicer than I would be,” Ray snarled. “As an alternative, I could give Suresh the code to his cell. Would he prefer that?” Ray glanced at Ch’lis and flashed her a hint of a smile.

Tog frowned. “Possibly. Niro isn’t concerned about Suresh. Just keep Six away from him.”

Ch’lis glanced at Ray and wondered what had happened there. “Go talk to your client, present the offer. We’ll talk later.”

“Very well,” Tog nodded, mock-saluted Ray and headed out.

“Any chance Niro will take that?” Ch’lis asked.

“Not without a fight,” Ray admitted. “I don’t think Niro wants any sentence. As far as Six goes? She’s the former Borg. I gather she told him what she thought of what he did and threatened to assimilate him to get even. Thus, the fear of Six you were curious about. Maybe we should let her.”

“It would prevent him from doing this in the future,” she agreed. “But the courts would howl about that. Besides, who wants to be in a hive mind with a psychopath?”

“Yeah, there is that.” Ray shook his head. “If Niro has one speck of sense, he’ll take the offer. A trial proper could result in something longer and I could make a case for that.”

“Yes, you can. And it would stick. The whole point of a plea agreement is to gain a shorter sentence in exchange for avoiding the hassle of trial. I’m going to collect Jules and make her take me to lunch. If Tog returns, call her.” Ch’lis stood and started for the door.

“I will Admiral. We’ll see how it goes.” Ray watched as she left, then picked up his pad and began to review his notes.

* The Brig *

Niro should have been in a foul mood. His undeclared hunger strike to avoid the drug-laced food had been a flop. Somehow, the idiot brig officers had noticed he wasn’t eating and had notified the Counselor, who had promptly remedied the situation. So, Niro reflected on the fact that he had become a temporary blockhead with no real rancor. He was surprised by Counselor Amani, however. What he’d first seen of the man gave Niro the impression he was too easy going to be a threat. He’d been proven so wrong on that score. Now, he lay on his bunk, letting his mind wander over nothing in particular, though he wondered why Nico hadn’t been to see him. The sound of approaching footsteps only caused mild curiosity and he turned his head to face the forcefield.

Tog approached and stopped to stand looking at his client. “Usually, when I approach, my clients get to their feet and are eager to see me. Often, they yell at me to get them out of wherever they are. Huh. I take it they’ve successfully dosed you with some sort of stabilizer?”

“So it seems,” Niro answered and tapped the side of his head. “No telepathy either.” He got up and approached the forcefield slowly. “So, Tog. What’s up?”

“Not that you can read me anyway,” Tog smiled his toothy smile and rocked on his toes. “The Admiral has offered a sentence of mandatory rehab, fifteen years of it. Yea or nay?”

“Fifteen years?” The thought of that was anathema to Niro but he registered little more than annoyance. “Will it be here? Can it be? This place isn’t much but at least there are people here who will come see me.”

“Seriously? Who’s going to come see you?”

“My brother, to start with.” He left it at that for now. He suspected that the others would come too but he didn’t want to publicize it.

“Don’t count on that. Rumor has it he’s been assimilated,” Tog said casually.

“He’s been..what?” Niro came closer to the forcefield. “No….did Six do it just to spite me?”

“Ah... no,” he shook his head. “So, fifteen years if you can serve it here?”

“If here, then I will agree. Wait. Are there any other conditions I need to know about?” Niro crossed his arms as he looked back at Tog.

“Mandatory rehab,” Tog shrugged. “Nothing terrible. Oh, and, of course, neural inhibitors and mood stabilizers.”

Niro frowned. “Full time? No breaks from that? I would need one on occasion so that there’s no damage after fifteen years. Get that from them and I’ll sign. I assume they’d want me down here alone as I am now? As a precaution?”

“Most likely, yeah. I’ll take this back to them and see what they say. Anything else before I go?”

“Let’s start with that. If I’m good, we can request more later, huh?” Niro smiled. “It’s always empty down here anyway. Tell them I am more than willing to do the whole rehab thing if it’s Counselor Amani. Tell them I’m comfortable with him. He understands me.”

Tog grunted. “I’ll be in touch.” He turned and left, doubting that Ray would go for letting him serve his sentence on the Station.

***************
Lt. Ray Benson
Admiral Ch’lis
CPO Siri
Lt. Raj Amani
Tog
Niro