Regan's Reach 2: Orbital Envy

by Mark G Brewer

  "Commander Merryl, it is our custom to swear an oath on testifying, however as this is a preliminary hearing and the defense have accepted your integrity I will simply ask you to confirm, do you swear to tell the truth."

  Merryl stretched up to his full height. "Of course, is there any other possibility?"

  Marcus stood and proceeded toward the dock. "Commander Merryl, you have come a long way, your commitment is admirable. My concern is to establish the veracity of the evidence you have brought with you as it appears to be the only evidence against my client. Secondly to establish the validity of Coran jurisdiction . . ."

  "Objection your Honor!" The Prosecutor general interrupted. "Does Mr. Jackson have a question for the Commander or is this just an opportunity . . ."

  "I apologize Your Honor," Marcus interjected. "I was merely attempting to put our esteemed visitor at ease. May I proceed?"

  "Yes Mr. Jackson, but please keep to your questions."

  "Of course Your Honor," He turned back to Merryl. "Commander Merryl, you are a Senior Commander of the Coran Space Command are you not."

  "That is correct." Merryl looked confident and assured.

  "Commander, were you present on Dahlia at the time these alleged murders occurred?"

  "No, I was not. I was serving in the Coran Command, out of system."

  "Commander you have journeyed light years with this evidence apparently in pursuit of justice. How can you be sure that the visuals presented represent the actual events if you were not present at that time?"

  "The visuals are taken straight from the orbital computers. They are an accurate record of events as they happened."

  "But surely Commander, the visuals could have been changed, adjusted, we would say doctored. How can we be certain of their veracity?"

  "Orbital computer systems are monitored and operated by AI. They are one hundred percent accurate. No one would question their veracity."

  "But couldn't the AI make a mistake, or be persuaded to change the record?"

  "Mr. Jackson, you are talking about machines, they are programmed to be accurate observers and recorders of data and to interpret then apply the data in the management of an orbital. It is all data to an AI; they simply present things as they were."

  "Commander Merryl, do you talk to your AI's?"

  "Talk?" He hesitated, "We exchange data verbally. I would not call it a conversation as you and I might. Talk is just another means of input."

  "And you would expect an accurate response?"

  "Of course," He sounded irritated. "And in this case it clearly shows the brutal considered murder of these citizens by your client."

  Marcus ignored the statement. "Therefore you accept the evidence of AI's in cases such as this, in your home system."

  "Definitely, in many cases they offer the only evidence of note and in this case it clearly shows . . ."

  "Thank you Commander." Marcus looked at the bench. "I have no further questions for the Commander at this time however we reserve the right to recall him at a later time."

  "Mr. Gargarin, do you have any questions for the Commander?"

  "Not at this time your Honor."

  "Then Mr. Jackson you may precede."

  We would like to call the AI formerly known as Dahlia to testify. Dahlia was the orbital AI at the time of the events presented against my client."

  Already stepping down from the dock Merryl halted, protesting. "This is impossible. The AI cannot be here!"

  There was a buzz around the court room. "Mr. Jackson, are you sure of your position here? The court will not entertain being misled in any way." The Judge sounded grave yet intrigued.

  "Your Honor, the AI Dahlia came to our system on the Commanders vessel. On arrival in system she transferred to The Hillary Station. Confirmation of this fact can be obtained from the Commanders own vessel records should he be prepared to make that opportunity available. In any case the veracity of her testimony will be established as we proceed and the Commander himself has agreed that the evidence of an AI is beyond challenge."

  "I am intrigued Mr. Jackson, are you suggesting this AI Dahlia is present, is that the right term? In the court today?"

  "Yes your Honor."

  "Then welcome Dahlia" He looked around blankly.

  "Thank you Your Honor. It is my pleasure to be here." The warm female voice filled the courtroom.

  The Judge continued. "It seems your integrity has been established and accepted by our Coran Visitor, provided of course we can confirm your identity."

  "Your Honor, your visitor has only the visuals they have presented as evidence. My own much more extensive recordings of all events surrounding the deaths provide not just an accurate picture but valuable context. My visuals include those shown by the visitors as they too are my own."

  For the next hour Dahlia's summary held those present spellbound. Gently prompted by Marcus she revealed the assault on Regan, the rape, the threats on Sindali and the children. Different angles on the conference room killings, even conversations between members of Beria's guard clearly detailing their intention of harm to the children. All were presented in chilling detail.

  On conclusion of Dahlia's evidence the Prosecutor rose to question the witness. He seemed uncomfortable but nevertheless approached the process professionally. "May I refer to you as Dahlia."

  "That was my name, it shall suffice."

  "Thank you Dahlia. I appreciate the extra evidence you have presented and the context it has given to the proceedings. I'd like to ask you about one specific part of the evidence."

  "Of course, which part?"

  "You have admitted that the visuals provided by the Coran Commander are your own recordings."

  "That is correct."

  "The recording of Regan Stein entering the conference chamber, do you recall that specifically?"

  "As an AI I cannot forget. The information is stored as data. I recall it perfectly."

  "Can you confirm how long after the alleged rape this meeting in the conference chamber was held?"

  "The rape and for the record, it was rape, occurred the day before."

  "So when Regan entered the chamber it was a day later?"

  "That is correct."

  "From your recording of Ms Stein's entrance it appears that she proceeded straight toward the Premier Beria, and Sarin stepped in front of his mother, presumably to protect her."

  "Ms Stein proceeded toward the group yes, it is impossible to say if she was proceeding toward Beria. As to presumptions on Sarin's intentions, I cannot say."

  "Did Sarin present any weapon?"

  "No."

  "Did Ms Stein give any warning she was going to attack?"

  There was a pause.

  "Dahlia, do I need to repeat the question."

  "No, Ms Stein gave no warning to the rapist."

  "I will disregard that final comment," The Judge interrupted. "Dahlia, please keep to the questions as asked."

  "I apologize your Honor, as the Commander pointed out, I can only report the facts."

  "Yesss." The Judge sounded skeptical.

  "Your Honor," the Prosecutor General addressed the bench. "Putting aside all the other evidence, on this point alone there are grounds for trial. Regan Stein with clear intent of revenge took matters into her own hands and took the life of the Premiers son.

  Marcus stood and waited to be recognized by the bench.

  "Mr. Jackson, you have something to add?"

  "Your Honor, The Prosecutor has raised an important issue. I have more questions for the witness, if the Prosecutor General has finished?"

  "I have no further questions at this time Your Honor. Our argument still stands."

  "Dahli, How long have you been the AI for the Dahlia Orbital?"

  "Thirty three of your years."

  "How is a Premier appointed in Dahlia?"

  "The people acknowledge them. Mariner was the first Premier by popular acclaim."

  "How did Beria become Premier?"


  "She didn't."

  "Could you please explain?"

  "On Mariners death Beria simply assumed control and maintained it by force. The people never supported her."

  "Thank you Dahlia." Marcus looked up at the bench. "Your Honor, having established the context of these charges I would request the courts indulgence to address the second matter of concern to us, the matter of jurisdiction . . ."

  "Your Honor," Gagarin interrupted. "Before we move on, Regan Stein is present. We wish to question the accused."

  "Mr. Jackson?" The Judge looked to him as if expecting an objection. Marcus looked back to see Regan was already standing. "We have no objection your honor."

  As she gave the oath Regan's mind slipped back, to an earlier occasion in a US Congressional Hearing room. Looking around at the Supreme Court decor there seemed no comparison. This was more daunting.

  Vasily Popov watched closely. She wore no headgear, no microphone or earpiece, yet her Russian was perfect. He shook his head in amazement and looked around, has no one else noticed?

  "Ms Stein," Gargarin began, "Your council has already accepted that you killed the three men and take responsibility for it, is that correct."

  "Largely yes."

  "Largely? Please explain for the court."

  "I am responsible for their deaths but that was not my intention when I entered that room. I simply acted in defense of myself and in support of my friend Sindali and her children."

  "Ms Stein, the first man was killed by a skilled martial arts kick to the head, the second by a spear thrown by you, a skilled exponent of javelin, and the third by a brutal act causing a soldier to be impaled. Do you really expect us to believe there was no intent in your acts?"

  "Sir I do not deny there was intent. That the result was death could be put down largely to the differences in gravity." She raised both hands in an innocent gesture.

  The prosecutor looked confused. "Gravity? . . . seriously Ms Stein?"

  "Yes," Regan explained. "The gravity on Dahlia is eighty five percent Earths. This you could confirm with Dahlia or Ham. I had only been on the Orbital a few days, less in fact. The effect of my actions far exceeded my expectations. I didn't know my own strength there." She shrugged her shoulders and smiled.

  Gargarin looked flustered. "But you do not deny you intended to make the kick on Sarin?"

  "It wasn't planned, simply an opportunity, but I meant to do it yes."

  "And you meant to throw the spear that took Brun's life."

  "Again, it was done in the moment to protect Sindali, he had a knife, but yes I threw the spear."

  "And the soldier on the balcony?"

  "I was protecting the children."

  "I have nothing further at this time your Honor."

  As Regan stood down from the dock Marcus returned to the floor. Your Honor, having established the context of these charges I would request the courts indulgence to address the second matter of concern to us, the matter of jurisdiction. We will argue the Coran's as more recent invaders of Dahlia have neither rights nor Jurisdiction over an internal Dahlian matter. I wish to call my second witness, the AI known as Ham.

  "And why not Mr. Jackson, this is becoming the experience of a lifetime. Thank you Ms Stein, you may step down. I take it Mr . . . . Ham, is here?"

  "Just Ham your Honor, and yes, He is present also."

  "Then welcome Ham."

  "Thank you your Honor." Ham's voice radiated helpfulness.

  "Once again, it seems your integrity as an AI has been established by Commander Merryl's testimony. You understand you are expected to tell the truth."

  "I can only report the facts as I know them your Honor."

  "Thank you, you may continue Mr. Jackson."

  "Thank you your Honor. Ham, could you please identify yourself for the court."

  "I am AI of The STEIN Traveler, formerly the vessel of the Dahlian Regent Mariner and more latterly his son Marin."

  "And how long have you functioned in that role?"

  "Forty three years, two hundred and thirty seven days of your time."

  "Therefore you predate the AI Dahlia?"

  "I am older yes."

  "Would it be fair to say you are one of the oldest AI's in your region?"

  "I am the longest lasting AI in the Gliese 667 system. There are much older AI's in some of the other Galactic civilizations." At this revelation there were gasps around the chamber.

  "Then it seems you are in a unique position to bring context to the subject of legitimacy. Can you tell the court, who was Mariner in the context of Dahlia the orbital?"

  "Mariner was the founder of the orbital, well respected amongst all the tribes, Regent of Dahlia, loved by his people."

  "And what happened to Mariner?"

  "He was killed, by accident, here on Earth." Again gasps circulated the chamber.

  "Ham, and this is important, who became regent after Mariner?"

  "Beria, his wife assumed the position. She was never the legitimate leader. She is hated by the people and without respect among the Orbital community."

  "How is this possible, if she was hated by the people, how did she manage to assume Premiership?"

  "She obtained premiership under the guise of it being an interim measure until the legitimate transition of Regency could occur. She maintained control by fear, imprisonments, in some cases torture and murder. Her secret service was headed by her bastard sons."

  "So she was not the legitimate leader at the time of these deaths, Sindali was."

  "No, Sindali was not the Regent as of right, not by birth nor election."

  "She wasn't?" Marcus voice cracked in surprise.

  "No."

  "Then who was the legitimate authority at that time."

  "The only legitimate authority on Dahlia is the regent by birth, Mariners eldest son Marin. He chose to endow Sindali with Leadership responsibility for the orbital and he as the legitimate Regent pardoned Regan Stein for any responsibility in the deaths of his half brothers Brun and Sarin."

  Steve looked sideways at the Prosecutor General. His head was in his hands. He glanced behind. Merryl and his offsider were slipping from the room. He could see Vasily Popov desperately trying to slide out from his seat. The man stumbled over two people and walked quickly to the exit.

  Marcus was already turning to face the three Judges. "Your Honor. We respectfully request that this matter be dismissed. The legitimate authority on Dahlia has brought no charges against my client and indeed as we have already determined Regan Stein's efforts have been recognized by that leadership as acts in support of that legitimate leadership. There is therefore no charge to answer."

  There followed a short pause as the three Judges conferred. Then the Senior Judge addressed the court. "We will consider the matter and you will be advised. The outcome of our deliberations can be expected in three weeks."

  "All rise!" The voice rang out around the chamber. The three senior Judges made their way in silence from the benches.

  Vasily Popov scurried after the Coran Commander. Their long strides had carried them quickly down the corridor and they waited now by the lifts. Their shuttle rested on the roof of the building and Popov wanted desperately to speak with them before they departed.

  Sighting them entering the lift with his own aide guiding them he yelled in frustration. "Merryl! Speak with me first please."

  The aide fortunately responded, holding the lift in spite of the Coran's glare. Popov joined them and the doors closed behind him. He was about to speak when Merryl slammed him back against the wall, his hand at the Prime Ministers throat.

  "You think we don't have the power to wipe you from the planet! Far from helping your strategy has proved an abject failure. I will return to my ship and consider what I will do with you. Make no mistake, this is not over. Either you will get me Stein or we will take her, and if it is the latter I make no promises as to what will remain of your precious Hillary Station or your planet." He released Popov'
s throat and turned away from him just as the doors opened. The terrified aide gestured for them to follow and led them to the stairway that would take them to the roof.

  Popov remained where he stood, trembling with rage and fear. The doors closed and he immediately punched the emergency button, holding the lift. He slid down the wall until sitting on the floor. What do I say to Andrei?

  Marcus and Steve settled into the Pod still a little shaken by the rock star status the crowd outside afforded them. It had been a battle to reach the Pod door and avoid questions. The legal battle wasn't over yet and they saw no point in offending authorities here anymore than necessary by stirring up the media.

  Within moments they were soaring over the Moscow skyline heading skyward. Mig fighters paced them for a few minutes then Ham in irritation accelerated away leaving them well in the Pod's wake.

  On the screen Ham placed a visual of the square. Regan and Leah were still there, shaking hands and posing with fans for selfies.

  Steve shuffled back in his seat. "So . . . Ham, your testimony, was Mariner really the Regent."

  "He was a prince among men, a truly great man, certainly a king to his people. What makes a Regent after all?" Ham conceded nothing.

  "You had me there for a moment," Marcus added, "When you said Sindali wasn't the legitimate authority."

  "I didn't say that she had no authority, only that Marin was the legitimate Regent by birth being the eldest son. That is still the case and a truth Sindali would defer to should Marin decide to take the role. One thing is certain; the witch was never a legitimate authority"

  "And did Marin pardon Regan?" Steve asked.

  "You need to ask? What do your eyes tell you? As the precious Russian President is want to say, this is self evident. So then gentlemen, is it Hillary, or California, or Wellington?"

  "I think Hillary first Ham," Marcus noted the nod from Steve, "we should talk with Regan, this isn't over yet."