A Number of Questions

Posted on Thu Sep 17th, 2020 @ 5:40am by Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar

Mission: Season 3: Episode 4: Cause and Effect
Location: Brig
908 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Arrianna entered the brig and proceeded up to the cell containing Westin. She looked at him and then spoke. "Commander James Westin."

Westin was sitting on what passed for a bed in the brig it was more of a cot. When Arri entered he turned his head lazily and looked at her. "Yes. I'm Westin."

"I have a few question. I'm attempting to ascertain the nature of the historical alterations you may have already been responsible for." Arri mentioned.

"And just who might you be?" He questioned.

"Lt. Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar." She mentioned with her usual calmness. "Now I have some questions, and the exact nature of them are vital, as we plan on returning to the present soon; I must be able to guarantee that the nature of your cultural contamination has been minimal." Arri mentioned. "Suffice to say, you have caused a great deal of mischief, and I am hoping the Federation we're returning to has not been altered too drastically." She was sharp, intelligent, stoic, but still with a hint of serenity.

His time back on the Elysium, seemed to compose Westin, return him to who he was before this whole escapade started. "I don't seem to be going anywhere Commander Vantar. Ask your questions."

"Did you share any technologies with the indigenous inhabitants of this world?" Arrianna asked.

"No Commander. I did not." Westin replied simply.

Arrianna typed on the PADD. "Did you give knowledge of future events to the indigenous population?" She mentioned. She was professional, and had not made any accusations.

Westin shook his head, "No Commander, I did not." He repeated. "I was careful, very careful to keep knowledge of the future from as you say the indigenous population."

"Did you exert any undue influence upon the indigenous population." Finally the question came. The situation and the possible court-martial was not looking good. All they had was the officers logs and reports, but it they could not prove cultural contamination before the judge advocate general. The case would be thrown out.

At that, Westin stood up and walked to the front of the cell. He stood facing Arri, his eyes locked on hers. After several moments of silence he spoke. "I would have to say no I did not. I spoke to the King, I advised the King. I did not try to influence the King with any promises of fortune, power or glory. The King made his own mind up in all circumstances."

"Duly noted, Commander, as I am not here to make accusations. I am only here to ascertain facts for the possible legal proceedings in an impartial light, and to determine what future we will be returning to. Furthermore, my testimony will be based upon relevant facts according to the statues of the Federation legal system, Commander." Arri continued. If there was one thing to know about the Alindari. They were rational. If Westin had ever meet one of the race. "I cannot promise you will walk free, but I promise a fair hearing with all the facts presented."

"I appreciate that Commander. In regards to the future we are returning to. it should be the same one you left. Note I say the one you left. As changes would have occurred due to the natural advancement of technology and Lt. Carlyle and myself were stranded for two years before your arrival." He grew silent for several seconds. "A fair hearing is all I ask Commander. Thank you for coming here and listening to me."

Arrianna nodded and tucked her PADD under her arm. She looked at him and spoke. "Do not condemn yourself, James Westin. Some will say that you should have died for the prime directive, others will say you had no choice but to live. But those people were not there. It's so easy to cast judgement upon guilt without mercy, and it's easy to be a saint in paradise." She said calmly. "Instead learn from this. The road ahead will be difficult, but I believe that redemption is the crucible in which great men and people are forged. Take these moments and ponder who the person James Westin will be from this day forward."


Westin listened as Arri spoke. her ability to be nonjudgmental and look at the situation as a unbias observer impressed him a great deal. "I thank you for your words Commander and I shall indeed ponder them. I know there will be those who will never trust me or my decisions. I'm not looking for absolution Commander just understanding and perhaps some common decency when talking about my and Lt. Carlyle's situation and let me say right now for the record Josephine is an excellent officer and should not be held accountable in any way." He gave a humorless laugh. "Though I may be damning her by saying she is an excellent officer."

"I hope to meet you again, Commander, under more favorable circumstances. I believe we will meet again at the hearing. Farewell, Commander." Arri gave him a polite nod and moved to the doorway exiting the brig. She sighed and wrote some notes.

Westin watched her leave. After several moments he went back to the cot and laid done. "Well, that went well." He whispered to himself.

Commander James Westin
Note: He is either sincere about his desire for justice, or extremely manipulative. He has look in his eyes. A longing for power and authority.

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