Judgement – Just who is playing whom?
by Commander Isha t'Vaurek & Cardassian Vi'kar Gul Tharek Getal
Post Details
Very few people really knew what it was like to stand up before a courtroom and face questions. Some of them thought they did, but the reality was usually different to what they expected. Lawyers, particurly those who worked in litigation, were trained to trip up witnesses, to twist their words and to manipulate them into saying things damaging to the opposite side.
Isha had spent time with every person she planned to call as a witness, explaining the approach that she and that the defence would take, advising on what not to say, and what phrases to use, even telling them how to present themselves to strengthen the case ... every person but one.
But Isha knew that without proper preparation, when Getal took the witness stand he risked damaging the entire murder case by turning both judge and jury hostile. One word delivered with his usual overbearing arrogance would be enough to prejudice the entire room and make them favour Gabriel. That was why she had invited him to her office - the one in her embassy, not the one at the court - the one where she had proper security if she required it. How she was going to make him listen to her she did not know.
---
Getal halted his massive frame in the reception area of the Romulan Embassy, a long time since he had used this entrance to meet Isha. "I'm here for t'Khellian." He said, as if she was a cargo package he had to haul.
"Oh, you're expected," Nahir i-Orinwen said as she rose. The ambassador had given quite precise instructions. She was following them, though she was not quite sure why the precautions were necessary - the doors were to remain open though the field that muted sound was to be used, and the guards had instructions to enter if Isha left their sight for more than a few seconds. "Come this way."
He hulked forward as instructed. Soon enough, he was standing face to face with the person he assumed would surely never invite him back into her space. The space he conquered.
"Thank you, i-Orinwen," Isha said as she met Getal's gaze just for a moment. "Take a seat, Getal," she said with a wave to the seating area near the door. She turned away and once she had replicated herself some tea she took a seat on the sofa opposite, fully in view of the guards outside, and the one within a few paces of the stand that behind its DNA coded force-field held her ancestral weapons. She did not offer him any refreshment.
Tharek watched the receptionist leave, and turned to face his nemesis. This was odd, but not entirely unexpected. He flicked a small smile at the corner of his mouth before he took a seat.
Isha knew what she was doing - having realised that direct opposition was only going to get her hurt Isha had changed her tactics entirely. It was part of an involved and complex manipulation of his vanity and sense of superiority. Her apparent acquiesence would only reinforce his delusions of superiority but that would work in Isha’s favour, if he thought that she had finally acknowledged his supremacy then he would be less on his guard. She did expect him to ask why she had changed but Isha was prepared for that question when it came.
"What do you want now t'Khellian? I'm busy. I do have things to do you know." He said in an obiviously pedantic tone.
"I wish to call a truce," she said with a humble sincerity. It was not hard for Isha to appear subdued in front of Getal; every time she looked him in the eye a corner of her brain that refused to supress the memory reminded her of the pain he had caused as he forcably penetrated her unprepared body. "I have concluded that we must put our differences aside in order to persue a common goal. I yield," she said, a seemingly simple statement, but in her native tongue the context and the phrase she used would have shown this not to be a surrender, but a temporary gift - fortunately Getal did not speak Rihannsu.
"You yield?" He repeated, he knew this day would come sooner or later, he just assumed he would be standing over her with a dagger while she said it.
Isha hesitated for just a second before she replied. Getal was on her soil and Isha could have t'Merek and her people here in seconds and him incarcerated but her principles would not allow her to do it. Kidnapping a foreign diplomat who was here by her invitation, even one as foul as Getal went against mhnei'sahe.
Isha folded her hands in her lap. "I don't see that I have any other choice," she explained as she examined her fingernails. "Should I fight and fight and fight until I am dead?" she asked, knowing that in the eyes of many the answer was yes. "I don't want to fight anymore ... I have already seen how it will end."
Tharek smiled. He knew somewhere deep down this was too good to be true, and he should gut her entire embassy staff along with her right now. But the great t'Khellian yielding to Getal, to a Cardassian, was too good to pass up. "I accept your surrender."
"I was not sure that you would," Isha said, still not raising her gaze. She couldn't even if she wanted to because the light in her eyes would be just a little too triumphal right now; Getal believed her ... more or less. But her next layer was enough to diminish it in a few seconds, Isha would sooner treat Rianni's mother as a respected guest than Getal, but if her deception was to stick and to grow she had to.
"How rude of me," she said glancing at her own tea. "I didn't offer you anything." Now Isha looked up, albeit uneasily as she tilted her head slightly to one side.
"I'll pass on the tea." He stated. "I'm in the mood for celebrating!" Tharek exclaimed. "Differences settled and people recognised for what they are, Gabriel's extradition and the rebuilding of the Cardassian Union!" Getal sounded truly excited. Sick bastard.
"It will happen," Isha said, not responding to his enthusiasm, "and that is the other thing that I wished to speak to you about. You and I are arguably the two most powerful individuals aboard this facility, and if Gabriel's defence Counsel has any experience, and if we do not plan our approach, it will be spun as a personal and vengeful attack by a pair of hostile aliens whose toes he has trampled on in the line of his legitimate business." Isha paused, giving him a chance to respond to that before she continued.
"Hm. You're right." He admitted.
"Do you know anything of the Federation's civillian legal system?" she asked. Isha had no wish to be provocative, but what she had to say was almost certain to cause offence, so she invited him to show his lack of understanding first, and to cause him be the one to ask her to explain.
"Only that they no longer kill anyone." Getal said, as if disgusted.
Isha shook her head slowly, "No, they don't. Whilst under the law of the Empire and of your own society there are some offences that can only be mitigated by blood," she observed without elaborating as to what those offences might be as she took a sip of her tea. "So, rather than him having to prove his innocence as would be the case in a Rihannsu court, I have to prove that he Gabriel is guilty beyond 'reasonable doubt. Aside from the evidence against him, which in my opinion is quite enough to convict, it is key that that evidence is presented in a particular manner. Federation courts are something of a circus, and the lawyers, witnesses and defendants performers for a select audience - the judge and the jury."
"Jury. Who needs one of them? If they let me bring in my Chief Archon Gabriel wouldn't leave this station whole!"
"And if I had him extracted and put before a tribunal he'd be dead by sunset," Isha said, "but we have agreed to do it this way. There is a much bigger goal here, and how we approach this case will have a direct effect on Rh'vaurek's chances of achieving it." Isha changed her arguement a fraction alluding to the idea that approaching the case this way had some bearing on the outcome of Rh'vaurek's venture - she thought that would carry more weight with Getal than the alternative arguement.
"So. My listening to your expertise legal advice, and directions, would ease the burden on Rh'vaurek, my embassy and yours?" He asked, changing his tone now the promise of Rh'vaurek's return would be easier met with co-operation.
"Indeed," Isha agreed. "We let the Federation see just how co-operative we are, and the we might just all be on the same side. It is a trust that can be established perfectly through their legal procedure. Then if Garbiel should 'disappear' after his trial, who is to think that you or I are in any way involved?" the question was rhetorical but Isha paused all the same. I aim to win the case and I will use every method I can to do so ... and if that includes presenting a persona, then I will do it."
Isha was not wearing one of her usual elaborate hairstyles, nor were her fingers encrusted with jewels. Her hair was in a large knot at the nape of her neck, and her often flambouyant gowns had remained in the wardrobe in favour of a rather plain grey dress. "When that courtroom looks at me they will not see a powerful Romulan lady out to cause trouble for a misguided security officer. Their first impression will be something far more familiar, something that they will trust. I will be half way through my introduction before they realise that I am probably not Vulcan, but by then a favourable opinion will have been implanted. Do you understand?" she asked aware that the next part of the conversation was going to be more difficult.
"Yes... " He said clearly. "So, I sit back, let you do the talking, and speak when spoken to?" Getal asked, hating the idea of having a Human talk down to him.
"Not entirely," Isha replied. "It will benefit the case if you consent to follow my guidance and give the court the answers it requires," she said, "but I would not believe it if you simply sit by and nor would the court." Isha placed her cup on it's saucer and straightened, her gaze making a critical appraisal of Getal's appearance. "I can let you have your voice if we can do something else to give the court a favourable impression ... we do not know the composition of the jury ... regardless of that they will be Federation and when they see you their minds will snap back to the Dominion War." Isha paused again, and tilted her head to one side, "Could you perhaps do something to look a little less ... Cardassian?" she asked eyeing the uniform he habitually wore.
"My armour is my heritage. Are you asking me to disregard it to wear a Human suit?"
"No," Isha said. "As well as being a member of the Cardassian Military you are an Ambasador, Getal. If you take the witness stand dressed as you are now you will be judged on it by the room - they will remember who your military sided with, and you will make our job much more difficult. I am sure, Vikar'Gul that you do not require a uniform to remind yourself who you are, so I ask you to put it aside and present yourself to the court as Ambassador Getal."
"Fine... " He said, uneasily.
"Choose civilian dress, when you speak sound progressive - as one who always opposed the alliance with the Dominion, as a reformer who looks to the future. It should amuse you greatly that they will believe the lies you project," she added.
Tharek knew she was playing him. But, he would have to wait for the moment to strike back for her insolence. For now, she had what he wanted, and he wanted it badly. "Civillian dress it is."
Isha did not think that Getal was stupid, she thought that he probably had a good idea about what she was doing; that he accepted her advice so readily confirmed that for her.
"Thank you for being so reasonable," she said with a glance at her fingernails then for the first time since he had arrived in her office Isha met his gaze and held it.
"You're welcome," he replied. The words that came out of his mouth almost made him heave. He stood his ground perfectly still though. Sweat forming on his brow as he held in the sick forcing its way up.
Isha had enough self control not to smirk at his obvious discomfort. Getal was hating this, as well he should.
It amused Isha that he was sittng in the same seat that Darson had occupied when she and the marine had discussed how they would bring about the Cardassian's downfall, and between now and then she hoped to bring as much discomfort to Getal as she could without getting her own hands dirty.
"I will introduce your charges against Gabriel immediately after I have made my own," she said, "I ought to inform the judge first, but that would risk the lesser charges being put aside, if they are introduced in open court they cannot be rejected," Isha explained, she would not reveal now that she had enlisted one of the victims of Gabriel's assault as a witness, that would be a surprise for later.
"Right. Dress like a civillian, act civil. Be "un-Cardassian" in the justice respect. Anything else?"
"If the defence addresses you by an incorrect military title, and they will, I ask you not to correct them to address you as Vikar'Gul." Isha was asking a lot from him as a witness, but then he had taken a lot from her. "please emphasise that you prefer to be known as Ambassador, and to leave the past in the past."
It was all that Isha could do not to laugh at the idea of Getal showing such restraint but she managed it, "I would not ask this if it was not essential," she said, her expression impassive.
"Ambassador... Getal... " He said with difficulty. Tharek walked up to her another time, and gently caressed the side of her cheek. "This will be a very... Intimate. Experience. We will be working very closely t'Khellian."
"I don't doubt it," Isha replied digging her fingernails into her palm, the last thing she wanted was further knowledge of Getal's particular brand of 'intimacy'. "You should take your seat," she suggested as she resisted the urge to back away from his touch, though with him looming so close the only place she could go was further back in her own seat.
Getal smiled, a mixture between a sick laugh and agreement. "Of course." He said, retreating slightly.
"Do you want me to win this case, or do you want me to fail?" Isha countered, "If you insist on distracting me, how do you expect me to concentrate?"
"I want you to win. And you will win, whether I distract you or not. Gabriel's extradition rests solely on your shoulders. If, the case comes off in his favour, then so shall your head," he said. Getal knew she might not be frightened or threatened, but this wasn't a threat. This was a promise.
"Is that what passes for a motivational talk on Cardassia?" she asked pulling back slightly.
"Oh no. I save the motivation for grunts, the stupid ones. The ones that need to be kept in line are the ones that recieve promises."
Isha dropped her gaze. "I told you that I will do it," she said twisting her fingers together in her lap.
"I know you will." He said, turning to leave. "Just be aware of the consequences should you lose me this case."
How she was going to perform in court with this reptile sitting beside her on the bench, the palpable undercurrent of threat in the air that divided them, Isha had no idea, "I'll not lose," she said.
"Then nothing is to be feared." Getal said, adding in a sickening smile before he turned around with his entire body, then left, leaving behind the stench of threat, and the reek of the promise of violence.
OFF:
Ambassador Isha t'Khellian
&
'Ambassador' Tharek Getal
by Commander Isha t'Vaurek & Cardassian Vi'kar Gul Tharek Getal
Post Details
| Title | Just who is playing whom? | |
| Mission | Judgement | |
| Author(s) | Commander Isha t'Vaurek & Cardassian Vi'kar Gul Tharek Getal | |
| Posted | Tue Jan 04, 2011 @ 11:54am | |
| Location | Romulan Consulate, Ambassador's Office | |
| Timeline | SD36, 08:00 |
Isha had spent time with every person she planned to call as a witness, explaining the approach that she and that the defence would take, advising on what not to say, and what phrases to use, even telling them how to present themselves to strengthen the case ... every person but one.
But Isha knew that without proper preparation, when Getal took the witness stand he risked damaging the entire murder case by turning both judge and jury hostile. One word delivered with his usual overbearing arrogance would be enough to prejudice the entire room and make them favour Gabriel. That was why she had invited him to her office - the one in her embassy, not the one at the court - the one where she had proper security if she required it. How she was going to make him listen to her she did not know.
---
Getal halted his massive frame in the reception area of the Romulan Embassy, a long time since he had used this entrance to meet Isha. "I'm here for t'Khellian." He said, as if she was a cargo package he had to haul.
"Oh, you're expected," Nahir i-Orinwen said as she rose. The ambassador had given quite precise instructions. She was following them, though she was not quite sure why the precautions were necessary - the doors were to remain open though the field that muted sound was to be used, and the guards had instructions to enter if Isha left their sight for more than a few seconds. "Come this way."
He hulked forward as instructed. Soon enough, he was standing face to face with the person he assumed would surely never invite him back into her space. The space he conquered.
"Thank you, i-Orinwen," Isha said as she met Getal's gaze just for a moment. "Take a seat, Getal," she said with a wave to the seating area near the door. She turned away and once she had replicated herself some tea she took a seat on the sofa opposite, fully in view of the guards outside, and the one within a few paces of the stand that behind its DNA coded force-field held her ancestral weapons. She did not offer him any refreshment.
Tharek watched the receptionist leave, and turned to face his nemesis. This was odd, but not entirely unexpected. He flicked a small smile at the corner of his mouth before he took a seat.
Isha knew what she was doing - having realised that direct opposition was only going to get her hurt Isha had changed her tactics entirely. It was part of an involved and complex manipulation of his vanity and sense of superiority. Her apparent acquiesence would only reinforce his delusions of superiority but that would work in Isha’s favour, if he thought that she had finally acknowledged his supremacy then he would be less on his guard. She did expect him to ask why she had changed but Isha was prepared for that question when it came.
"What do you want now t'Khellian? I'm busy. I do have things to do you know." He said in an obiviously pedantic tone.
"I wish to call a truce," she said with a humble sincerity. It was not hard for Isha to appear subdued in front of Getal; every time she looked him in the eye a corner of her brain that refused to supress the memory reminded her of the pain he had caused as he forcably penetrated her unprepared body. "I have concluded that we must put our differences aside in order to persue a common goal. I yield," she said, a seemingly simple statement, but in her native tongue the context and the phrase she used would have shown this not to be a surrender, but a temporary gift - fortunately Getal did not speak Rihannsu.
"You yield?" He repeated, he knew this day would come sooner or later, he just assumed he would be standing over her with a dagger while she said it.
Isha hesitated for just a second before she replied. Getal was on her soil and Isha could have t'Merek and her people here in seconds and him incarcerated but her principles would not allow her to do it. Kidnapping a foreign diplomat who was here by her invitation, even one as foul as Getal went against mhnei'sahe.
Isha folded her hands in her lap. "I don't see that I have any other choice," she explained as she examined her fingernails. "Should I fight and fight and fight until I am dead?" she asked, knowing that in the eyes of many the answer was yes. "I don't want to fight anymore ... I have already seen how it will end."
Tharek smiled. He knew somewhere deep down this was too good to be true, and he should gut her entire embassy staff along with her right now. But the great t'Khellian yielding to Getal, to a Cardassian, was too good to pass up. "I accept your surrender."
"I was not sure that you would," Isha said, still not raising her gaze. She couldn't even if she wanted to because the light in her eyes would be just a little too triumphal right now; Getal believed her ... more or less. But her next layer was enough to diminish it in a few seconds, Isha would sooner treat Rianni's mother as a respected guest than Getal, but if her deception was to stick and to grow she had to.
"How rude of me," she said glancing at her own tea. "I didn't offer you anything." Now Isha looked up, albeit uneasily as she tilted her head slightly to one side.
"I'll pass on the tea." He stated. "I'm in the mood for celebrating!" Tharek exclaimed. "Differences settled and people recognised for what they are, Gabriel's extradition and the rebuilding of the Cardassian Union!" Getal sounded truly excited. Sick bastard.
"It will happen," Isha said, not responding to his enthusiasm, "and that is the other thing that I wished to speak to you about. You and I are arguably the two most powerful individuals aboard this facility, and if Gabriel's defence Counsel has any experience, and if we do not plan our approach, it will be spun as a personal and vengeful attack by a pair of hostile aliens whose toes he has trampled on in the line of his legitimate business." Isha paused, giving him a chance to respond to that before she continued.
"Hm. You're right." He admitted.
"Do you know anything of the Federation's civillian legal system?" she asked. Isha had no wish to be provocative, but what she had to say was almost certain to cause offence, so she invited him to show his lack of understanding first, and to cause him be the one to ask her to explain.
"Only that they no longer kill anyone." Getal said, as if disgusted.
Isha shook her head slowly, "No, they don't. Whilst under the law of the Empire and of your own society there are some offences that can only be mitigated by blood," she observed without elaborating as to what those offences might be as she took a sip of her tea. "So, rather than him having to prove his innocence as would be the case in a Rihannsu court, I have to prove that he Gabriel is guilty beyond 'reasonable doubt. Aside from the evidence against him, which in my opinion is quite enough to convict, it is key that that evidence is presented in a particular manner. Federation courts are something of a circus, and the lawyers, witnesses and defendants performers for a select audience - the judge and the jury."
"Jury. Who needs one of them? If they let me bring in my Chief Archon Gabriel wouldn't leave this station whole!"
"And if I had him extracted and put before a tribunal he'd be dead by sunset," Isha said, "but we have agreed to do it this way. There is a much bigger goal here, and how we approach this case will have a direct effect on Rh'vaurek's chances of achieving it." Isha changed her arguement a fraction alluding to the idea that approaching the case this way had some bearing on the outcome of Rh'vaurek's venture - she thought that would carry more weight with Getal than the alternative arguement.
"So. My listening to your expertise legal advice, and directions, would ease the burden on Rh'vaurek, my embassy and yours?" He asked, changing his tone now the promise of Rh'vaurek's return would be easier met with co-operation.
"Indeed," Isha agreed. "We let the Federation see just how co-operative we are, and the we might just all be on the same side. It is a trust that can be established perfectly through their legal procedure. Then if Garbiel should 'disappear' after his trial, who is to think that you or I are in any way involved?" the question was rhetorical but Isha paused all the same. I aim to win the case and I will use every method I can to do so ... and if that includes presenting a persona, then I will do it."
Isha was not wearing one of her usual elaborate hairstyles, nor were her fingers encrusted with jewels. Her hair was in a large knot at the nape of her neck, and her often flambouyant gowns had remained in the wardrobe in favour of a rather plain grey dress. "When that courtroom looks at me they will not see a powerful Romulan lady out to cause trouble for a misguided security officer. Their first impression will be something far more familiar, something that they will trust. I will be half way through my introduction before they realise that I am probably not Vulcan, but by then a favourable opinion will have been implanted. Do you understand?" she asked aware that the next part of the conversation was going to be more difficult.
"Yes... " He said clearly. "So, I sit back, let you do the talking, and speak when spoken to?" Getal asked, hating the idea of having a Human talk down to him.
"Not entirely," Isha replied. "It will benefit the case if you consent to follow my guidance and give the court the answers it requires," she said, "but I would not believe it if you simply sit by and nor would the court." Isha placed her cup on it's saucer and straightened, her gaze making a critical appraisal of Getal's appearance. "I can let you have your voice if we can do something else to give the court a favourable impression ... we do not know the composition of the jury ... regardless of that they will be Federation and when they see you their minds will snap back to the Dominion War." Isha paused again, and tilted her head to one side, "Could you perhaps do something to look a little less ... Cardassian?" she asked eyeing the uniform he habitually wore.
"My armour is my heritage. Are you asking me to disregard it to wear a Human suit?"
"No," Isha said. "As well as being a member of the Cardassian Military you are an Ambasador, Getal. If you take the witness stand dressed as you are now you will be judged on it by the room - they will remember who your military sided with, and you will make our job much more difficult. I am sure, Vikar'Gul that you do not require a uniform to remind yourself who you are, so I ask you to put it aside and present yourself to the court as Ambassador Getal."
"Fine... " He said, uneasily.
"Choose civilian dress, when you speak sound progressive - as one who always opposed the alliance with the Dominion, as a reformer who looks to the future. It should amuse you greatly that they will believe the lies you project," she added.
Tharek knew she was playing him. But, he would have to wait for the moment to strike back for her insolence. For now, she had what he wanted, and he wanted it badly. "Civillian dress it is."
Isha did not think that Getal was stupid, she thought that he probably had a good idea about what she was doing; that he accepted her advice so readily confirmed that for her.
"Thank you for being so reasonable," she said with a glance at her fingernails then for the first time since he had arrived in her office Isha met his gaze and held it.
"You're welcome," he replied. The words that came out of his mouth almost made him heave. He stood his ground perfectly still though. Sweat forming on his brow as he held in the sick forcing its way up.
Isha had enough self control not to smirk at his obvious discomfort. Getal was hating this, as well he should.
It amused Isha that he was sittng in the same seat that Darson had occupied when she and the marine had discussed how they would bring about the Cardassian's downfall, and between now and then she hoped to bring as much discomfort to Getal as she could without getting her own hands dirty.
"I will introduce your charges against Gabriel immediately after I have made my own," she said, "I ought to inform the judge first, but that would risk the lesser charges being put aside, if they are introduced in open court they cannot be rejected," Isha explained, she would not reveal now that she had enlisted one of the victims of Gabriel's assault as a witness, that would be a surprise for later.
"Right. Dress like a civillian, act civil. Be "un-Cardassian" in the justice respect. Anything else?"
"If the defence addresses you by an incorrect military title, and they will, I ask you not to correct them to address you as Vikar'Gul." Isha was asking a lot from him as a witness, but then he had taken a lot from her. "please emphasise that you prefer to be known as Ambassador, and to leave the past in the past."
It was all that Isha could do not to laugh at the idea of Getal showing such restraint but she managed it, "I would not ask this if it was not essential," she said, her expression impassive.
"Ambassador... Getal... " He said with difficulty. Tharek walked up to her another time, and gently caressed the side of her cheek. "This will be a very... Intimate. Experience. We will be working very closely t'Khellian."
"I don't doubt it," Isha replied digging her fingernails into her palm, the last thing she wanted was further knowledge of Getal's particular brand of 'intimacy'. "You should take your seat," she suggested as she resisted the urge to back away from his touch, though with him looming so close the only place she could go was further back in her own seat.
Getal smiled, a mixture between a sick laugh and agreement. "Of course." He said, retreating slightly.
"Do you want me to win this case, or do you want me to fail?" Isha countered, "If you insist on distracting me, how do you expect me to concentrate?"
"I want you to win. And you will win, whether I distract you or not. Gabriel's extradition rests solely on your shoulders. If, the case comes off in his favour, then so shall your head," he said. Getal knew she might not be frightened or threatened, but this wasn't a threat. This was a promise.
"Is that what passes for a motivational talk on Cardassia?" she asked pulling back slightly.
"Oh no. I save the motivation for grunts, the stupid ones. The ones that need to be kept in line are the ones that recieve promises."
Isha dropped her gaze. "I told you that I will do it," she said twisting her fingers together in her lap.
"I know you will." He said, turning to leave. "Just be aware of the consequences should you lose me this case."
How she was going to perform in court with this reptile sitting beside her on the bench, the palpable undercurrent of threat in the air that divided them, Isha had no idea, "I'll not lose," she said.
"Then nothing is to be feared." Getal said, adding in a sickening smile before he turned around with his entire body, then left, leaving behind the stench of threat, and the reek of the promise of violence.
OFF:
Ambassador Isha t'Khellian
&
'Ambassador' Tharek Getal