Josiah Trenchard - Wargame: Space Navy Series Book 10 by Jonathon Fletcher

Author:Jonathon Fletcher [Fletcher, Jonathon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jonathon Fletcher
Published: 2023-12-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18 “Defence”

The inquisition into Admiral Fife’s alleged plot against Adisa reconvened after taskforce LV-426 had left orbit of Cairn. Admiral of the Fleet Adisa entered the court-martial chamber. Everyone took their seats once more. Fife’s defence lawyer, Lieutenant Shoebridge, leaned over and whispered confidentially to the Admiral.

‘I’m going to do my best for you, Admiral. I’ve never seen such an obvious show trial. This whole hearing is a farce. I’m baffled as to how this is being allowed to proceed.’

Fife grunted and smiled half-heartedly at her.

‘Politics, Lieutenant. Do what you can. I think that the decision has already been made. I’m scuppered and the sharks are circling.’

Fife glared at Adisa and Mahmood. Just then, Adisa’s gavel went down with a resounding crack.

‘This hearing is re-convened. The defence will now present their case,’ Adisa ordered.

Lieutenant Shoebridge stood and faced the court. She put on her bravest face, but Fife could tell that she was nervous.

‘Before this hearing continues, I have a number of grievances to be considered,’ she announced.

Adisa looked mildly annoyed. The prosecutor, Admiral Mahmood, made a big show out of snorting in derision and folding her arms indignantly.

‘The court will hear your grievances,’ Adisa said with a weary sigh. ‘But do it quickly. I should be at the dockyards for the launch of the Miracle.’

Shoebridge took a deep breath.

‘Firstly, it is unconstitutional that Admiral Fife should be tried by the very man that he is accused of plotting against.’

Adisa grunted.

‘I am the highest-ranking officer in the Space Navy and on that basis,’ he said. ‘I sit on every court-martial of officers. This one shall be no different.’

‘Then I would ask the court to consider the injustice of this proceeding carrying on without the main witness. Captain Trenchard is part of the wargame simulation that has just left for the Ma-no-umi nebula. He is therefore not present for cross-examination.’

Mahmood stood and reverentially bowed towards Adisa.

‘May I, Sir?’

Adisa made a non-committal gesture of agreement. Mahmood turned towards Shoebridge and stared hard at her.

‘Trenchard’s evidence and testimony has already been presented. We both had the opportunity to cross-examine Captain Trenchard in detail. Your objections are ridiculous. If it pleases the court, I would suggest that you are held in contempt for wasting the court’s time.’

Mahmood glared at Shoebridge as if daring her to protest. Adisa grunted as he considered the motion.

‘I don’t think it is necessary to hold the defence in contempt, but I would advise her to get the hell on with her case.’

Lieutenant Shoebridge blushed and looked down at her notes.

‘Then, if it pleases the court, as most of the evidence presented thus far against Admiral Fife has been circumstantial or wild conjecture, I plan to study the one piece of hard evidence that the prosecution has provided. I intend to dissect the video of Fife and Trenchard’s meeting, a video which was obtained without a warrant or any legal right to invade my client’s privacy.’

‘The court has already accepted the video evidence as admissible,’ Adisa warned. ‘Don’t make me have to caution you again, Lieutenant.

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