The Trial - Part Three
Posted on Fri Jun 26th, 2026 @ 9:34am by Lieutenant Commander Serenity Triannth & Petty Officer 1st Class Kara DeSotto & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Commander Rin & Commander Kyle Reece & Lieutenant Commander N'vok Holv & Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen [Taylor] & Lieutenant Heather De La Rosa {Kelea-Salik} & Captain David Tonelly [Reece] & Senior Chief Petty Officer Fernando De La Rosa [Taylor] & Lieutenant JG Caden Tharos & Lieutenant JG Calista Haelant & Cadet Junior Grade Elaria Carlyle
Mission:
Interlude
Location: Court Room- Deck 5
Timeline: MD9
3741 words - 7.5 OF Standard Post Measure
After a short recess Serenity called the Counselor who had done the review. Serenity rose from the prosecution table and turned toward the witness stand, her movements controlled, deliberate. “Lieutenant Haelant, for the record, please state your name and position.”
Calista straightened slightly. “Lieutenant Junior Grade Calista Haelant. Counselor, USS Elysium.”
“You were asked by command and JAG to evaluate Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen prior to these proceedings?”
“Yes.”
“And that evaluation took place in the brig?”
“It did.”
Serenity gave a small nod, pacing once before continuing.
“You are trained in psychological assessment?”
“Yes.”
“You had no involvement in the Deck Fifteen incident itself?”
“No.”
“Your role was purely evaluative.”
“Yes.”
Serenity paused just long enough for the foundation to settle. "Based on your assessment, was Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen suffering from any condition that impaired his ability to understand his actions?”
“No.”
“Was he coherent during your interview?”
“Yes.”
“Did he demonstrate clear reasoning?”
“He did.”
Serenity inclined her head slightly. “So he understood what happened… and the decisions he made?”
“Yes.”
A small shift in tone followed—subtle, but purposeful. “Lieutenant Haelant… did he express emotion during your evaluation?”
Calista hesitated only briefly. “Yes.”
“What did he report?”
“He described feeling shame, humiliation, anxiety… and concern for his family.”
Serenity let that sit for a moment before continuing. “So despite his Vulcan discipline, he was experiencing strong emotional responses?”
“Yes.”
She moved a step closer. “Did Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen express regret for entering the Jeffries tube?”
“No.”
“Did he indicate that he believed his actions were wrong?”
“No.”
“What did he say about the charges against him?”
Calista answered carefully. “He said he was mystified that charges had been brought… and that he believed he had been performing one of Starfleet’s highest duties—protecting another officer and her children.”
A quiet ripple passed through the room.
Serenity did not react. “Did he speak about the cadets he left in the corridor?”
“He did.”
“What did he say?”
“He stated he felt a sense of helplessness that he was unable to assist them.”
“Did he state that he should have acted differently toward them?”
“No.”
Serenity’s voice remained steady. “Did he describe what happened to those cadets as an injustice?”
Calista met her gaze. “No. He said it was not.”
The weight of that answer settled heavily across the chamber.
Serenity took another measured step. “Did Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen indicate that he knew help was coming for those cadets?”
“No. He said he believed patrols might be present, but did not know with certainty.”
“So at the moment he made his decision… he did not know they would be saved.”
“No.”
“Did he describe attempting to create a plan that would protect both the cadets and Lieutenant De La Rosa and her children?”
“He said he was unable to formulate one.”
“Did he describe taking any intermediate action? Giving orders, providing cover, directing movement?”
“No.”
Serenity let the silence stretch for just a beat. “Lieutenant Haelant… as of your evaluation, does Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen believe he failed in his duty?”
“No.”
“Does he believe he made the correct decision?”
“Yes.”
Serenity’s gaze did not waver. “In your professional opinion… was he unable to act differently… or did he choose the course he believed was right?”
Calista answered carefully, but clearly. “He chose the course of action he believed was correct.”
A quiet moment passed. Serenity inclined her head. “No further questions at this time.”
Caden Tharos rose from the defense table, taking a moment to button his jacket before stepping into the open floor. He offered a respectful nod toward the witness stand.
“Lieutenant Haelant.”
“Lieutenant.”
His tone was calm, measured—almost conversational. “I’d like to clarify a few points from your evaluation.” He paused briefly. “You testified that Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen was coherent, rational, and capable of reasoning during your interview.”
“Yes.”
“And that he understood the events that took place on Deck Fifteen.”
“Yes.”
Tharos nodded once. “You also stated that he expressed emotional responses—shame, anxiety, concern for his family.”
“Yes.”
“So despite his Vulcan discipline, he was not unaffected by what occurred.”
“No, he was not unaffected.”
He took a slow step to the side. “In fact… would it be fair to say he is still processing those events?”
Calista considered, then nodded. “Yes.”
Tharos let that settle. “You were asked about regret. You indicated he did not express regret for entering the Jeffries tube.”
“That is correct.”
“But he did express remorse—specifically that he was unable to help the cadets.”
“Yes, he did.”
“So he does not view the outcome as ideal.”
“No.”
“He wishes he had been able to save both groups.”
“Yes.”
Tharos inclined his head slightly. “Lieutenant Haelant… in your professional opinion, is that a normal response to a high-stress, no-win situation?”
“Yes.”
He paced one measured step. “You testified that he believed he was acting to protect Lieutenant De La Rosa and her children.”
“Yes.”
“And those children were unarmed… vulnerable… entirely dependent on the adults present?”
“Yes.”
Tharos turned slightly toward the panel, then back. “You were also asked whether he knew help would arrive for the cadets.”
“Yes.”
“And your answer was that he did not know with certainty.”
“That is correct.”
“So at the moment he made his decision… he did not have full situational awareness.”
“No.”
“He did not know reinforcements were seconds away.”
“No.”
Tharos paused, letting the implication form without stating it outright. “You were asked whether he formulated a plan to save everyone.”
“Yes.”
“And he stated he could not.”
“That is correct.”
Tharos’s voice remained steady. “In your experience as a counselor… is it uncommon, in extreme combat conditions, for an individual to be forced into immediate triage decisions?”
“No. It is not uncommon.”
“And those decisions are often made with incomplete information?”
“Yes.”
“And under emotional and physical stress?”
“Yes.”
He nodded once. “You were asked whether Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen believes he made the correct decision.”
“Yes.”
Tharos allowed a small pause before continuing. “Is it unusual for individuals, particularly in traumatic scenarios, to hold to a decision as a way of reconciling that trauma?”
Calista considered carefully. “No. That is not unusual.”
“Would you characterize that as denial… or as a coping mechanism?”
“It can be a coping mechanism.”
Another quiet beat. “Lieutenant Haelant… based on your evaluation, did you find Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen to be malicious in his intent?”
“No.”
“Did you find evidence that he acted with ill will toward the cadets?”
“No.”
“Did you find evidence that he intended harm?”
“No.”
Tharos stepped back slightly, giving the answer space. “One final question.” He met her gaze directly. “In your professional opinion… did Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen make a calculated choice between two groups… or did he act in a moment of extreme pressure, attempting to preserve the lives he believed were most immediately at risk?”
Calista answered carefully. “He made a choice under extreme pressure, based on what he believed at the time.”
Tharos inclined his head. “No further questions.”
Serenity rose once more, returning to the center of the courtroom with the same composed precision. “Just a few clarifications, Lieutenant.”
Calista inclined her head.
“Lieutenant Haelant, you’ve testified that Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen was under stress and acting with incomplete information.”
“Yes.”
“And that such conditions can influence decision-making.”
“Yes.”
Serenity gave a small nod. “Those conditions, however… do not prevent an officer from issuing verbal orders, do they?”
Calista answered evenly. “No.”
“Nor do they prevent an officer from providing even minimal direction to subordinates?”
“No.”
Serenity took one measured step. “And based on your evaluation, Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen did not report issuing any orders to the cadets in that corridor.”
“That is correct.”
A brief pause. “You also testified that he did not know whether assistance would arrive for those cadets.”
“Yes.”
“So at the moment he made his decision… he could not confirm they would survive.”
“No, he could not.”
Serenity let that settle. "One final point, Lieutenant.” She held Calista’s gaze, calm and steady. “Regardless of stress, uncertainty, or intent… Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen made a conscious decision about where his efforts would be directed in that moment, correct?”
Calista answered carefully. “Yes.”
Serenity inclined her head. “No further questions.”
"I have a question for the witness," Rin said. "You stated that the defendant felt he had performed one of Starfleet’s highest duties, which was protecting another officer and her children. Did he clarify why he his duty was to protect to that particular officer, rather than any of the cadets?"
"No Ma'am" Calista said calmly. "He did state that he knew that if he tried to save her, by her, he means cadet Henderson, as well as the Lieutenant and the children, that Lieutenant De La Rosa and her children would have died."
"Thank you, Lieutenant. No further questions," Rin said.
Calista nodded. She was then told she could step down.
===
"The next witness is Lieutenant Heather De La Rosa." The ensign called out.
This was the moment Heather had been dreading, her honest testimony could be taken either way and she was dreading it being used against Savar. Nonetheless she would be totally honest, Savar would expect nothing more. She stepped up waiting for the questions to begin.
Serenity moved and stopped before her. "Please state your full name, rank and position for the record."
“Lieutenant Heather De La Rosa, Head Nurse.”
"And will you please tell the court what happened to you from the moment the Alert was sounded on Deck 15?"
Heather nodded. “I was in my quarters with my children, I didn’t want to risk leaving quarters alone without protection for my children so I remained inside. I was hiding trying to keep my children quiet when I heard a knock at the door, it was the Commander.” She acknowledged Savar with a quick gaze before looking back at Serenity. “I had a phaser so I quickly moved to let Savar in. We remained inside briefly before we headed out, in all the commotion I must have left my phaser when I picked up my children as I don’t recall having it later on. We were in the corridor when the cadets appeared, they were being closely followed.” She paused. “I asked Savar to take my children to safety I wanted to stop and help the wounded, but he refused my request stating that my children needed their mother. I was the one who pointed out the Jeffries tube, I thought it would be a good point of escape for all of us, the Commander insisted that I get inside quickly and he followed me inside. I’ll admit I didn’t like leaving the cadets, but as Savar correctly stated I had to protect my children, and not closing that hatch when he did could have possibly left us all to die.”
Serenity gave a small nod, accepting the answer without challenge.
“Lieutenant De La Rosa, just so the record is clear — when you pointed out the Jeffries tube, was it your intention that only you, your children, and Lieutenant Commander Savar enter it, or did you believe it might provide a route of escape for everyone present?”
“To be honest I was thinking of my children” Heather paused. “When I saw the cadets, and that there were injured I asked the Commander to take my children to safety so I could help. He refused on the grounds that we didn’t know where Fernando was, and that my children needed their mother alive.”
"Did you argue with him? Attempt to get him to change his mind? Or did you, simply ignore the fact that there were others who may have needed help?" Serenity asked.
“I did state my worries about leaving the cadets, but Savar told me to keep going.” Heather sighed hating that she had to state anything against Savar.
"And did you ever follow up? Did you or the commander ever follow up on the cadets? Or did you and he just ignore it?" Serenity asked curiously. She was keeping her tone conversational.
Heather shook her head. “Once my children were safe, I returned to duty in Sickbay. I don’t know whether the Commander followed up.”
N'vok watched and took the occasional note on his datapad, his face expressionless.
Serenity studied Heather. "You protested to Commander Savar but you didn't follow up? Those cadets could be in the morgue and your concern for them lasted what? 40 seconds? 30? 10?"
“I didn’t have much choice” Heather frowned. “I had to get my children to safety, but if you want to add extra responsibility for abandoning them on me then do so! I’ll gladly accept responsibility, besides if I’d have gone running off to try and find the cadets, then someone would have had to come looking for me and more lives would be lost.”
Serenity nodded. "Thank you Lieutenant." she turned back to the table. "Your witness" She said to Caden
Caden rose from the defense table and approached the witness stand with a measured pace. "Lieutenant De La Rosa, I'd like to return briefly to the circumstances you found yourself in that corridor." He paused. "At the time you encountered those cadets, were you carrying two young children through an active combat zone?"
Heather nodded. “Yes I was.”
"And were those children capable of defending themselves in any meaningful way?"
“Not at all” Heather shook her head. “They were defenceless.”
"If Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen had simply left you to deal with that situation alone, what would have happened to you and your children?"
“We would be just as dead as everyone else” Heather added. “I couldn’t have fought off those things.”
"Lieutenant De La Rosa, throughout Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen's decision-making process, did he ever prioritize his own safety over yours or your children's?"
Heather shook her head. “No Sir, Savar put his own safety on the line to save our lives. We weren’t even armed.”
Caden kept his face calm. "Not even armed?"
“No Sir, I had a phaser in my quarters but in the rush to leave I misplaced it.” Heather added in confirmation.
"So in that case, how does one expect you and the Commander to save those cadets I wonder?" Caden asked his gaze sweeping to Serenity who narrowed her gaze at him.
“We couldn’t, even if we’d have stayed we wouldn’t have been any help to them.” Her gaze swept to the cadets. “If we could have, then I would have.”
Caden nodded. "Thank you, I have no further questions."
Serenity stood. "Does the Panel have questions?"
"I do," Rin replied. "Lieutenant, you have said repeatedly that you and your children only survived because of the Commander's intervention. What did he contribute to the incident that you were unable to address on your own?"
“Let’s see…” Heather paused. “I was in my quarters with two young children, and a phaser. Maybe I’d have been able to defend myself if I was alone, but carrying two children against those…creatures? We wouldn’t have stood a chance! If I’d have ventured out alone we would have been killed, the same if I’d have tried staying in my quarters. We’d have been cornered and killed.”
"Lieutenant, if you think being snide to a superior officer who is presiding over a court martial is going to go well, you should reconsider," said Rin. "And you didn't have a phaser, because you have now twice stated you lost it. Why you think that is a point in your favor leaves me confused, and we will address that later. The security footage shows multiple times when both children were being held by a single person. And you have testified that you asked the Commander to take the two children while you stayed behind, so clearly you do believe one person could have done it. You have also testified that when you asked that, he refused. Was his refusal the reason you left?"
Heather took a moment to calm herself before responding. “The reason I left was to protect my children. As the Commander stated, they needed their mother. May I ask Ma’am do you have children?”
Rin paused. For a moment, she just let the silence hang there. She met Heather's with the coldest stare some people had possibly ever witnessed. Not just witnessed from Rin, witnessed anywhere. It didn't give the sense that Rin was mad or personally offended. It didn't suggest that she felt put on the spot or was flustered. It did suggest, however, that in the nearly infinite number of potential answers to be given, Heather had managed to choose the most inappropriate and unwise option when speaking to the woman with the obvious Borg implants.
There were many answers Rin could have given, none of which would have worked in Heather's favor. But she didn't share them, because this was not a casual chat over coffee, and her personal life was not up for debate.
The silence hung for a second.
Two seconds.
Three seconds.
RIn calmly folded her hands and set them on her desk, never breaking eye contact.
Four seconds.
Five seconds.
She smiled ever-so-slightly, as if she understood that Heather clearly needed some basic guidance.
SIx seconds.
"I apologize that no one seems to have explained to you how this court works." Rin's voice remained calm. "The people in these chairs ..." Rin pointed to the judge panel. "....ask the questions. The person in that chair..." Rin pointed to Heather. "...answers the questions truthfully and to the best of their ability, even if the questions are uncomfortable. This is a trial. Things are likely to be uncomfortable. You are a Starfleet officer. You are expected to behave like one, because when the person in your chair does not follow that procedure, they end up in the brig for contempt of court and disrespecting senior officers. Do you understand, Lieutenant?"
Heather nodded giving Rin a completely unflustered look. “With all due respect Ma’am I have been truthfully answering your questions. As a mother I would protect my children with my life if that’s what it took to protect them, and if we’d have stayed where we were then I’m 100% positive we’d all be dead.”
"The answer to 'Do you understand, Lieutenant?' is "Yes, ma'am," or "No, ma'am." Those are your options. Do you understand how this is going to work, Lieutenant?"
“Yes, I understand perfectly Commander.” Heather nodded with a polite smile, not letting Rin’s attitude get to her at all.
"Excellent," Rin says. "I completely understand that you want to protect your children. I don't think anyone has suggested otherwise. But when asked for details as to what happened, you keep falling back on how much you love your children and how you couldn't possibly have survived without the Commander."
"You asked the Commander to save your children, and he said "no," I am trying to understand why you seem OK with that response, and why you think the court should accept that response. So I am asking again: did you go with him, did you change your mind about helping the cadets, because the Commander refused to take your children without you? Because that is called coersion, Lieutenant."
Heather paused. “I left with the Commander because I saw the sense in seeing my children were safe. I would have stayed to help the cadets, but Savar was right, under those circumstances my place was with my family.”
"Do you believe we should prioritize officers who are parents of young children over other crew members?"
“I don’t know what kind of question that is Commander, but certainly not.” Heather shook her head. “Are the members of this court out for blood because I think there’s been enough of that spilt already.” She looked around the court. “Would you all have preferred that we stayed? So that my innocent children could be slaughtered as well, and all our bodies could be found together?” She looked back at Rin. “I maybe out of order Commander, but I think this crew have lost enough from the Elysium family without dragging others through the proverbial mud.”
Rin looked to the Commodore. "Permission to have security escort her to the brig, ma'am."
Heather looked towards Phoenix to await her decision, it was obvious Rin had no empathy ex-Borg rarely understood the full scope of feelings. She’d said what awaited the verdict.
Phoenix wanted to slap her hand on her forehead. But instead she said. "Lieutenant De La Rosa, your attitude is a problem. I know most do not agree with this process however, we are following the proper process. If we were back home, I would not be sitting here and this would be done at a Federation Starbase. You are to be removed from the room. Brig for 10 hours. No visitors."
Rin looked to the security officers. "When you have her secured, please verify that all phasers are accounted for. And if you can notify me of the circumstances regarding the issuing of a phaser to Lieutenant De La Rosa. Thank you."
The two court officers paused in their movements when Rin started to give them orders, after the Commodore had already spoken. They looked questioningly to their department head, Commander Kyle Reece, for clarification.
From his place off to the side, Kyle simply nodded to his men, letting them know they should carry out the Commodore's orders.
Heather kept her opinion to herself, needless to say she wasn’t impressed.
Seated in the gallery was Fernando, Heather's husband. When Phoenix made her decree. He stood up and glared in her direction. His displeasure evident but he said nothing. He may not be able to visit Heather but nothing was stopping him from waiting for her.
Phoenix saw the glare and coldly added "If anyone disagrees they can join the Lieutenant in the brig." then she turned to the Defense and Prosecution. "Call the next witness."
OFF
