2008-07-26 - Mon Cal Hearing (II)

The City's civic centre has been described as a national treasure. Occupying a whole square block, and leading into Meergin Park, it is a white fantasy of gracefully curved giant seashells whose openings lead into the various municipal offices and into the planetary seat of government in the government complex.
Broad walkways bordered by luxuriantly planted with all manner of local and foreign flora lead up to the sculpture garden at the front entrance. The sculpture garden was the inspiration of a local member of the Senate, Ren Mensai, an avid patron of the arts. The sculptures are set at various heights in relation to the ground and are all of stylized underwater scenes from the reefs close to the home islands. 
Upon entering the mouth of the trident shell visitors find themselves in a round reception area with muted lighting. The black and white floor tiles that completely cover this area echo the shell designs of the complex. The rather severe color scheme is relieved by a series of large colorful paintings depicting scenes from the city's history. In the centre of the room is a curving black counter marked 'Information'. Beyond this is a row of elevators leading to the offices above.
Meena Tills is at the scene of the sentencing hearing early, his retinue following him. they do a security sweep.
Bail enters the room with a flourish of cape and tap of cane.
Besk is sitting around with a protocol droid near him, and he's way in the back not doing much of anything interesting.
Tuil enters soon after and sits down in an unobtrusive spot.
Akurel has been here for a while, his feet kicked up on the table before him. At the moment, it does not seem as if he is taking any of this seriously.
Slipping into the courtroom, a blond headed fellow takes a seat in the very last row. Slipping in, he hopes, unnoticed he quickly checks over those present. Chas gives a glance around, checking the exits and once satisfied he crosses his arms over his chest.
Draven quietly slips in and drops into a seat toward the back, leaning forwrd with his elbows on his knees.
Nissa stand off the side, eyes looking over everything as she watches.
Naga Vao enters selecting a position as his protocol droid takes his side.
The King of Alderaan notices Tuil Lindo enter. Nodding here and there, Bail makes his way to the Jedi Master and takes a seat close by.
There is a hammering sound, as a wizened Mon Calamari official takes a sort of gavel ... is it made of the chitin of a rachnois, perhaps? ... and hammers for silence.
"Hear ye, hear ye. This is a continuation of the case, Mon Calamari and the Republic vs. Akurel, in the Matter of the Apparent Assassination of Doramon Palpatine. Silence in the court, for the reading of the statement of case, evidence, and any interested parties are requested to prepare for a call for Additional witnesses and Writs of Interest.
Meena Tills seats himself, near Nissa as it happens, and he leans toward her and says something softly.
Tuil waits patiently.
The blond haired fellow seems nearly board by the whole thing so far. But he has noticed Nissa and the Prime Minster. But the other faces present, he studies each for a time before a yawn that goes uncovered. Then he waits, for what may happen next.
Draven seems anxious to see the outcome of this proceeding. Though Draven has no personal stake in it, he is here as a representative of Euphemia Bellamy, he will be reporting back to his leader on the oputcome of the trial of the killer of her blood.
Nissa moves to sit instead of stand, now that things have started. She tilts her head as she listens to Meena, simply nodding as she turns her attention to the front.
Akurels ears might almost perk up at the reading but it seems more as if he is in a private study than an actual courtroom. If this is not to be taken seriously, he will not give it that due consideration. However, the Whiphid does wear his best suit, a black and imperial purple tie about his neck. Very softly, his lips move though there is no audible sound.
"Very well," the wizened official says after a suitable pause, as the crowd grows more silent. "I shall read into the record a recapitulation of testimony at previous hearing.
First, a tape recording, provided by the Central Command Intelligence Agency, provided to it by a witness at the scene, Senator Besk, which shows Akurel shooting a blaster at Doramon Palpatine, followed by two Jedi, among them Tuil Lindo, striking him with what appear to be light sabers.
Second, testimony by one Jai, also claiming to be present at the scene, essentially confirming the recording.
Third, testimony by Akurel himself, also confirming the sequence of events from the comlink recording.
The official pauses, then proceeds. "Akurel has pleaded 'guilty under protest' to the charge of Assault with Deadly Intent. The court stayed sentencing pending testimony from any interested parties, and to give the Jedi a chance to comment upon the legal issues if they so choose. This court is not competent, under current Republic law, to address the actions of the Jedi. Judge Aleen Ackbar will now take the bench and the floor shall be opened for statements from interested parties, under oath insofar as Republic law permits."
He retreats from the stand, and another equally ancient Mon Calamari takes the bench.
Chas listens, emotionless, as the court recites the previous testimony short version. He sits there, arms crossed over his chest, silently. Now and then he runs a hand through his blond hair but that would be it from the man.
Draven continues to sit with his head in his hands, supported by his knees. He looks a bit bored, but nevertheless he is paying close attention.
The King of Alderaan shows no emotion as the court's information is laid out. He grips his cane firmly and smooths his cape.
Nissa sits up a bit more, crossing one leg over the opposite knee as she listens, but otherwise shows only a calm expression.
Akurel looks up, as if waking up. He has said much of this before, but this is probably the best audience he will get. The power brokers may not like it, but those listening via Holonet, the ones in the dive bars and on their lunch breaks, that was who he spoke for. "Then I would ask that the Mon Calamari court recuse itself, on the grounds that it is incompetent to try Tuil Lindo and Anakin Skywalker for murder, or at the very least manslaughter, it has no right to try a private citizen. A Jedi is little more than a conjurer with a magic sword given unjustified prosecutorial immunity."
Naga Vao sat his hands perched atop his walking stick as he heard the trial commence.
LEGAL: Akurel introduces absolutely no good reasons (spanning 544 years) to support his point.
After Akurel offers his brief to the court, the King of Alderaan pulls a datapad from under his cape and begins to make notes.
Lindo listens with interest, his face otherwise expressionless as he waits to see what others will say.
Still sitting, his eyes are the only thing that moves, Chas seems totally bored with the whole thing, or at least disinterested. 
Draven rolls his eyes as Akurel states his case, the young man has always had a quiet respect for the Jedi, even if he has found himself on the otherside of the galaxy, so to speak.. from thier ideals.
No points. Of course, its a completely new argument, probably heretical to the Republic. Yet, they all seemed so bored, only the witch who had actually struck the blow betraying any interest. Yes, witch, for a Jedi could murder without accountability. "Of course I am not going to have a case to cite, because this is the case. I shot Palpatine, so I am a vigilante at best, an assassin at worst. A Jedi commits the same act, and society is sure he must have been justified. A truly enviable position to be in, where you can do whatever you want without responsibility to anyone."
Akurel says, "Therefore, as neither Knight is tried because of their so called infallibility, I shall proclaim my own and kindly insist that I be allowed to leave."
Meena Tills says, "Petition denied for lack of merit," the judge says with finality. "The court will now open the floor for those who wish to provide additional testimony with a bearing on the case, or who have relevant legal briefs.""
Tuil Lindo rises.
"The court recognizes Tuil Lindo.
Brows rise as Tuil Lindo rises, his attention now perhaps peeked, Chas watches the fellow dressed in brown with a keen eye.
Nissa tilts her head slightly, watching the one approaching the front.
Tuil Lindo steps forward and speaks, "May it please the Court, as to the thing that Akurel attacked and Knight Skywalker and I confronted, I would ask the Court to consider that positive proof that it was Supreme Justice Palpatine is lacking and therefore this Court has no jurisdiction over this matter that happened on Nar Shaddaa in Hutt space. It was a thing that appeared to be Palpatine, just as we have seen clones that appear to be the terrorist Amalfiel Daving or the former admirnal of the Navy. Therefore, I humbly request that Akurel at the very least be sentenced to time served if not cleared fully. Thank you."
Bail glances at Tuil and gives the Jedi hardly a nod.
Draven raises an Eyebrow, about to speak... However he thinks on it a moment and settles back... thinking to himself ++We created no Palpatine clones.. could Xibril.. no..+++
Nissa tilts her head a bit further at what she hears, but nothing more.
Naga Vao nodded as the jedi made his testimony. Leaning back a bit he thought on this point of a clone Palpatine and the possibility.
The judge looks at Tuil Lindo. "Knight Tuil, by Republic law you are exonomous, and therefore have no standing to make legal arguments in this courtroom. Are you offering to waive your exonomous status for this hearing, and to provide evidence affirmed by oath to this court?"
Meena Tills leans toward Nissa and speaks again to her softly
Tuil nods. "I do. Let right be done though the heavens may fall."
Chass still sits expressionless as he listens to the court's proceedings. 
Judge Aleen Ackbar nods. "Very well. You have introduced an argument. A first question: you made a speech to the Galaxy about this incident, reporting that 'an anarchist', presumably Akurel, had killed Doramon Palpatine. Was this public statement true or false?"
Akurel nods approvingly. A turn he had not entirely accounted for, but somehow it seemed very reaffirming. Akurel stands a little straighter, knowing that Lindo would not be joining him as a defendant, but at least it was a start for accountability. That the Jedi be beholden to those they served as well as to their mystical force.
The huntress moves past the security individuals of the civic center. She makes her way to an open spot in the room and takes a seat. The huntress appears to be unarmed at the moment but looks can be deceiving, her blue sinister eyes calmly watch the proceedings and her ears and senses are open to the discussions going on around her...
Tuil looks at the judge and replies honestly, "I believed it to be true when I made it."
Nissa nods slightly as she listens to Meena, whispering something as well.
"Very well," the judge replies. "Then did you omit the information that you had attempted to kill this being from your report, or do you affirm that whomever Akurel shot, you did not also attempt to kill?"
As the late comer enters, Chas watches her closely for a time. He tugs at his coat a bit, arms crossing over his chest once again...one hand unseen in the folds of his coat and the arms.
Meena Tills folds his arms, watching the edi knight like a Merseval peering down from the heavens.
Tuil shakes his head. "This event took place in a dark cavern beneath the slums of slums of Nar Shaddaa. I acted as I saw fit to disable the being due to the circumstances in which I found it."
The judge's eyes narrow. This Mon Calamari is one who, someone on the news is noting even as the event is broadcast across the galaxy, has often dealt with Quarren criminal cases, and is reputed to be a very hard case.
"I ... see. He says. At the time you struck this being, did you believe it to be Doramon Palpatine?"
Nashtah looks to Tuil and to Akurel, her thoughts reflect privately on the two individuals for a moment. She has a small bluetooth-like comlink present around her ear. She raises her finger to comlink and pressed slightly on the button and then sits back passively watching and listening to the words of the individuals at the front of the court.
Nashtah's eyes scan the room slowly looking at the group of people that has gathered for this hearing. Her long think metal antennae that protrudes from her head shifts slightly her and there uploading bio-info of her surrounding into the Rehm-Orm biocomputer in her brain...
"I did. The circumstances in which he appeared drew my concern for the safety of the civilians who found their way into the cavern." Tuil nods slowly.
Meena Tills says, "Do you affirm that the recording provided by Senator Besk is accurate in every particular? If you wish we can have Senator BBesk replay the recording for this court.""
From his vantage point at the very back of the room, Chas is able to keep an eye on all those before him. With his back to the wall, no one could be behind him. His expressionless gaze does watch the court but also keeps an eye on those that watch as well.
The King of Alderaan shows genuine concern as Tuil's testimony concerns. He continues to tap notes into his datapad.
Tuil shakes his head. "Replay it if you wish, but I will not vouch for the authenticity of a recording made in a low light environment and extraneous sounds from various attack droids."
"So noted," the judge says. "So it is my understanding that Akurel believed that it was Palpatine when he shot, that you testify as follows: you also believed it to be Doramon Palpatine, though you wish to offer different reasons for your actions than are uttered apparently in your voice in that recording, and that you only came to believe it was not Doramon Palpatine after the fact? Court recorder, please play the recording. Witness, respond to my question after the recordin ghas played.
Meena Tills listens again to the recording, and leans over, speaking to Nissa
The huntress listens to the audio played and some of the voices in there possibly could be identified but with all the laser fire and blasting droids through out the audio file, it is very difficult to be certain the source of each of those voices.
Nashtah leans back in her chair and tap the comlink attached around her ear again and her eyes scan around for a moment before eventually restiing on Tuil to listen to his words...
Naga Vao remains silent as proceedings continue quite interested in how things proceed.
Akurel too listens, noting how very much is lost without the visual...that chapel that he still sometimes sees in daydream and vision. That horrid place he can still visualize in his speeches when he talks of wickedness and oppression. Of that encroaching darkness. Yet it is the Jedi put to the question, not him. He must await the Courts pleasure before speaking again.
The King listens to the recording carefully and then starts a new line of thought in his note taking.
Nissa frowns slightly as she listens, nodding as she listens to Meena as well.
After listening to the recording, Tuil shrugs. "Without sight, is it practical to determine what actions I took and if they coincided with the cries of the one who claimed to be the supreme justice?"
"Very well," The judge says quietly to Tuil, "The recording has a voice which says this: "You coerced us into nothing. We have long suspected the Supreme Justice. I saw him myself, using his dark powers, on Tatooine. Republic law is with the Jedi, not the Supreme Justice. Our authority is absolute." Whether or not this is the voice of a member of the Jedi order? And does the Jedi Order stand by the claim it makes, that the Supreme Justice was an object of the Jedi's mandate under republic law?"
The slightest hint of a smirk falls on Chas as he listens to the audio, and a shake of his head. But otherwise the blond haired fellow does not move as he listens to the rest of the court.
"I'm sure the Court is aware of Republic Case 35601. However, it is well known that the Senate is the supreme governing body of the Republic and should it choose to revoke that law, it may do so as it pleases." Tuil glances at the senators present and nods to them in turn.
Finaly, after the long time sitting in one position, Chas shifts a bit in his seat. Yet he remains, listening and more importantly watching.
"You have waived your exonomy under case 35601 for this hearing," the judge replies. "Am I to interpret your failure to answer my last question directly as a decision to cease waiving your exonomous status?"
Draven also observes quietly for now.
The King of Alderaan glances at Tuil and frowns before going back to his note-taking.
Tuil smiles slightly. "I beg the Court's indulgence if I missed a clause of it's multifaceted question. Could it rephrase the question?"
Nissa moves a touch where she sits, crossing her arms as she quietly waits.
Raxan enters, obviously late for any appointment, which has been happening a heck of a lot lately. He finds a seat next to his fishy Calamarian CO and new friend, and whispers a few words to her, whispering to her... hopefully where her ear is. He hasn't taken a lot of course on Calamarian xenobiology.
The judge now sounds quite irritated. "Voices in the recording which some who have examined it identify with yourself and Anakin Skywalker are heard making claims which indicate that the Jedi considered Supreme Justice Palpatine to be a danger to the Republic.
Since you are choosing to be less than forthcoming in your responses to this court, I shall ask you two yes or no questions. Please restrict your answer to yes or no. Any answer other than yes or no shall be interpreted by this court as your choosing to cease waiving your exonomous status. First question: a voice on the recording says, "Be not deceived by his appearance, young one. I have been told and Skywalker here confirms that he is a Dark Lord of the Sith out of ancient legend, a practitioner of the Dark Side and must be destroyed ere he corruptions all that he touches". Did you say this?
The datapad on Chas's leg vibrates a bit and he picks it up and reads from it. Once it has been replaced, the man stands, shuffles by a few that has come in after him, and makes his way from the courtroom.
Tuil looks pained now. "In the interests of preserving Republic security, I will cease waiving my status."
Nissa, now flanked on one side by the Mon Calamari senator and the other by Raxan, shifts a little where she sits. She listens a bit longer, before leaning to whisper to Raxan.
A glance over his shoulder, then Chas is gone from the courtroom.
The King of Alderaan immediately stands up and hands his datapad to a bailiff to take to the judge. "Your Honor, I am Bail Organa of Alderaan. I offer this brief as a Friend of the Court, submitting that Master Lindo's testimony be stricken from any record on the grounds that he is unable to voluntarily waive his Autonomous status as a Jedi."
A pale man enters the courtroom, wearing a brown leather jacket. He has the collar turned up protectively over the sides of his face and quickly takes a seat in the back to watch the proceedings with marble yellow eyes.
The judge consults with several colleagues. A tall Mon Calamari rises, the prosecutor. "There are precedents which indicate the opposite," he notes, and enters a list into the record.
LEGAL: Meena Tills introduces twenty-six extremely convincing precedents (spanning 4697 years) to support his point.
The King indicates his datapad to the judge. "Your Honor, I believe there are adequate precedents."
LEGAL: Bail Organa introduces nineteen rather persuasive precedents (spanning 7368 years) to support his point.
It should have been expected. The Jedi's mediation may have helped, but his unwillingness to wade fully into the pool is a troubling concept. "Republic Security? What about justice? I confessed because it was the right thing and I had nothing to hide. It is a yes or no question. If he has nothing to hide, let him speak openly as I have done."
The King goes on. "Your Honor, I respecfully submit that Master Lindo's should now be readmitted on the grounds that the Jedi Knights are the willing cornerstones of the Repubic and their testimony must be admitted, Exonomousness waived or not."
LEGAL: Bail Organa introduces fifty extremely convincing precedents (spanning 2386 years) to support his point.
The judge considers the precedents carefully. "Very well. On the original question, the questions having to do with the Jedi order are stricken, questions having to do with fact are retained. Then, in accord with the additional precedents, this testimony is readmitted on the presumption of Jedi willingness to uphold Republic Law." He looks up at Tuil, and his expression is nonetheless ... less than friendly. "Nonetheless, the witness is dismissed. Are there any who wish to clarify questions of fact or law concerning Akurel's confession to Assault with Deadly Intent?"
Tuil steps down and nods to Bail slowly.
Meena Tills leans toward Nissa and whispers softly.
The King bows humbly to the Court and then takes his seat. As Tuil steps down, Bail returns the Jedi's nod.
Te judge waits, prepared to hear any additional information anyone may wish to make that will affect the court hearing.
Akurel takes down his own notes on the fair weather courage of a certain Jedi master, whether or not it provided benefit to himself. "Your honor, I have a question of fact, purely bearing in mind my sole fields of study are labor and humanitarian law. If any other witness were to do such, would they be held in contempt?"
The judge gturns and looks at Akurel. "Any witness who could not claim the benefit of Republic precedent concerning exonomy would in fact be guilty of contempt for refusing to answer a directd question from the presiding officer of the court."
Nissa whispers something more to Raxan. She tilts her head to listen to Meena on her other side, and then speaks quietly to him as well.
Akurel nods. "And if Republic precedent were wrong, or dare I say it, skewed to favor one faction or another? Would the court be unable to rule for itself that the witness did not have a right to step out from behind a shield, only to retreat when he did not like the waters?"
Meena Tills bangs his gavel. "Any further witnesses, statements of fact, or other legal briefs?" He pointedly ignores Akurel's second question.
The doors to the courtroom are open quietly. The soft tap of a cane is heard as the Sullust President finds his way inside the room. He glances toward the judge and those present and finds himself a seat inside the doorway. He puts his cane against the chair in front of him and watches the preceedings with a little bit of interest.
Akurel snorts, almosts trying to suppress a giggle comically high for one of his massive stature. "Thank you your honor, you have answered most honorably. Now Master Lindo, may I borrow your lightsaber? I have a broadcast to do on the inequities of the Republica Judicial system, and I seem to require a brown robe or a lightsaber to withdraw from this monkey trial with my good name intact."
The King listens for amoment to Akurel's questions to the Court. Realization has come to the King for the past minutes. Discomfort at watching the Whipid struggle finally overcomes his reserve and he stands and approaches Akurel quickly before things go too far.
A trio of Bith proclaiming themselves to be of the Commenor Trial Lawyers Guild present an amicus brief to the court calling for the execution of Akurel for his high crimes and misdemeanors committed in shooting their esteemed patron and benefactor Palpatine.
LEGAL: Tuil introduces absolutely no good reasons (spanning 531 years) to support his point.
Meena Tills nods with an oddly amiable expression. "Very well. Amicus brief noted. Are there fjurther motions?"
Besk rises and moves forwards. "Your honor, if I may address the court regarding sentencing."
Raxan frowns at the endless moving of briefs and responses and questions and addresses and shakes his head, tugging on his sleeves and whispering something else to the Mon Cal pilot. If only he'd been on time......
The judge turns to Besk. "You are also a witness," he observes. "Would you be willing to address issues of identity, since you were present at the scene?"
FORCE: You experience a calm feeling and receive a vision: Obi-Wan stands nearby.Telepathic message: "The cyborg, Cyrus, we must not let him escape."You think of Obi-Wan Kenobi ...FORCE: You reach out with the Force and feel nothing out of the ordinary about Cyrus.
Besk says, "Ah, I'm not really interested in that stuff, I just want to address the issue of sentencing. Since the CTLG are submitting stuff about what should happen to Akurel, I wanted to cite some stuff as well. If we're not actually to the point of sentencing him, then I'll wait."
The King of Alderaan finishes his hasty conversation with Akurel. Standing next to the Whipid, the King waits his turn address the Court again.
Akurel meanwhile, figures a King might be a good standin for a proper PLC lawyer. Of course, since he had distanced himself from his organization and had limited contact at best, the King of Alderaan would have to do. Yet he would probe the monarch later on just what made him turn his collar so quickly.
Tuil walks back from where he addressed the court and takes up a position beside the way leading out and he folds his arms in his sleeves as he waits for the proceedings to end.
Besk has no apparent psychic powers that allow him to deduct what Akurel is thinking.
FORCE: You experience a calm feeling and receive a vision: Obi-Wan, still nearby.Telepathic message: "He managed to nearly destroy the RG Defiant. Had I not been onboard, he would have succeeded. One of you, Lazlo or Tuil, kindly alert the Mon Calamari security to this threat."You think of Obi-Wan Kenobi ...
The judge nods. "Very well. I will issue the court's preliminary findings, which are still open to revision if additional evidence is provided. First, the court tentatively finds that the preponderance of the evidence suggests that in fact the person attacked was Doramon Palpatine, although evidence to the contrary will be entertained if such evidence is to be had. Second, the court tentatively finds that there is no proof positive that Doramon Palpatine is dead, though the evidence suggests it is probable, and therefore no charges of murder can be entertained. Akurel has confessed to assault with deadly intent, and the location of the crime is not relevant in the case of Republic citizens. Therefore, the court has snot seen adequate reason to set aside the confession, and will proceed to sentencing phase unless evidence is provided now to the contrary."
"Seems I have come a bit late in the trial," Pesiro speaks under his breath. The Sullust President sits up a bit as he listens to the judge speak.
The King steps forward. "If the Court will permit, I have a single for Akurel and Master Lindo each which I believe has bearing."
<FONT COLOR=#FBB917>COMSYS:</FONT> (single channel) Tuil pulls out his comlink and speaks into it in a low, barely audible voice. "If you could, please inform the prime minister that there is a fugitive in this courtroom."
Naga Vao remained quiet simiply studying up on the proceedings but having no bearing in this case. Mostly it was an attempt to just get out of the house so to say.
Nissa uncrosses her arms, letting them rest in her lap for now. She listens to Raxan once again, before beginning to whisper back, before she pauses a moment.
The judge looks to the King of Alderaan. "Does this concern the court's current findings, or the sentencing?"
Draven perks up out of a seemingly deep trance of sorts, so transfixed by the legal proceedings that as slight chirp from his pocket snaps him awake.
The King bows a touch in submissive respect to the Court. "It may have bearing on either. That is for the Court to decide in the interestes of Justice."
The judge nods. "Very well. Proceed."
Nissa reaching for her comlink, bring it to her ear as she does so, frowning. She then quickly leans towards Meena, whispering.
Something unfamiliar crosses Cyrus' features from the back rows, a creased brow. Worry, for an old friend. He does not notice the comsys request, nor could he care. His artificial pupils adjust and focus on Akurel.
The King nods and looks at Akurel and Tuil. "My question is to both of you. Did Akurel assault the being identified as His Honor Palpatine before or /after/ the Jedi present expressed hostile intent against said being?"
Meena Tills nods to Nissa and whispers back.
A man in a long coat moves into the courtroom, striding slowly. He glances over his shoulder, then moves down the aisle to Cyrus' side. There he sits, his attention focused on Akurel while his arm stretches out, pulling his coat back a little.
Akurel breathes heavily as he watches the King. "I am uncertain. The Jedi made accusations that he was familiar with arts of one form or another. Then, I came to my hypothesis that Palpatine, clone or no, had designs of a despotic nature. I fired the first shot, yes, but I did not act until there was an actual accusation of the alleged Palpatine by Master Lindo."
Tuil from where he stands in back nods once in the affirmative.
"It's strange, isn't it." Cyrus asides calmly and quietly to the man in the coat that settled beside him, as if they had known each other forever. "So much is decided here, and yet so little in ways. It's like another world to me, almost..."
Nashtah continues to sit in the back of the courtroom. The huntress taps her comlink that is bluetooth style and attached around her ear. She sits quietly and her perceptivie eyes and senses look about now and then to the beings are her. 
Nashtah seems to have a calm expression on her face and is alert at the moment..
The King nods to Akurel and Tuil and then turns back to the Court. "Your Honor, I submit Akurel assaulted the being in good faith after the Jedi had expressed their intent. There is precedent that those acting in concert with the Jedi have been give certain consideration. Apply this however you wish."
LEGAL: Bail Organa introduces ten convincing precedents (spanning 4074 years) to support his point.
Nissa nods slowly to Meena, before bringing her comlink up to speak into it in hushed tones.
Meena Tills rises slowly. "May I address this issue?" he says quietly.
The Bith of the Commenor Trial Lawyers Guild look daggers at Bail for his treason their profession.
Nashtah listens to Bail's statement and raises her eyebrow for a moment and wonders to yourself privately 'how does one assault someone in Good Faith'. The words seem strange to her but thats probably why she is not a lawyer
The man in the coat smirks slightly and continues to watch the trial for at least a minute before he makes another reply. "It proves one thing. That no action is without consequence." He turns slightly to face Cyrus. "My offer remains. Come quietly, and I will help you. Attempt to do otherwise and you may lose more than you expect."
<FONT COLOR=#FBB917>COMSYS:</FONT> (single channel) Nissa says, "He has been informed. Further action will be taken if necessary; whom is the fugitive?"
<FONT COLOR=#FBB917>COMSYS:</FONT> (single channel) A female voice says, "He has been informed. Further action will be taken if necessary; whom is the fugitive?"FORCE: You establish telepathic contact with Nissa and transmit an alert feeling and a vision: The cyborg sitting and being addressed by a man in a coat.
Pesiro chuckles and shakes his head. "Thousands of years of precedents only find contradictions... it seems foolish to have judges bound to such a convuleded. Seems the judges need for more leeway to make correct and accurate distinctions within each case." The Sullust President shakes his head and begins to stand.
Meena Tills says softly, "I believe that the relevant precedents require that the Jedi endorse the actions of the person as carrying out their intent, since otherwise, any individual could claim their actions were covered under Jedi exonomy."
Nashtah's comlink buzzes a little as it is in her ear. She turns her head and looks to Nissa who spoke into her comlink and then turns to see the person who is the object of Nissa's aquition. As Cyrus is spoken to, Nashtah simply looks on and privately has her own thoughts...
LEGAL: Meena Tills introduces nineteen rather persuasive precedents (spanning 266 years) to support his point.
The judge considers the precedents carefully, consulting several assistants. "This does seem to be correct," he says finally. "If the Jedi endorse Akurel's actions, this court shall be forced to dismiss the charges against him. If they refuse to endorse him, he must be sentenced independently on the basis of law."
Akurel is not quite so dim as to notice movement, a general shift in the atmosphere in the court room. Leaning in, he whispers to Bail even as his reflexes begin to slowly rouse from dormancy. His fingers tap against one another as his foot taps, trying to rouse the circulation.
Besk sits around in his hovering wheeless cripplecart.
"Is it that simple..." The upcollared pale man looks on while speaking, eyes searching the court and its judge. "What can you offer me that will rest what's left of my soul than taking bloody vengeance upon the evil that did this." Cyrus cants his head upon the man. "How can I turn my back on the oaths I have made to others so that I can claim it?"
Nashtah appears to have no weapons on her person, she walked in the courtroom wearing her trademark red bodysuit and brown leather gunslinger belt, but the two holsters at her hips are empty of her shooters. She does have a multipocketed leather jerkin vest wearing over her body suit. She watches from at the back of the courtroom at all the going ons...
Raxan gives Nissa a look... the usual, 'what the hell is going on' look that seems to be permanently enscribed in his face. In fact, he should just stamp: "Explain everything to me" on his forehead.
The King nods to Akurel and to the Court and then moves back to take his seat, keeping a wary eye on the Bith lawyers.
Tuil calls out for the court's benefit, "Please the Court, we suggest it rule on Akurel's state of mind and not the Jedi's view of his actions."
"I'm offering you your humanity and your life," the man in the coat replies, "or a jail cell and a court appearance. Imagine had it not been me you wronged, but a more vengeful man. Would he have lent you a helping hand, Cyrus? Would he have let you live after what you've done?" His eyebrow arches. "I know a physician that will restore your body. I will pay for the procedure myself. The choice is your's."
The man stands, letting the bench creek under him. "I will be outside." He turns and moves down the aisle.
"The judge pauses, consulting with his assistants. "The court will issue a judgement based upon the facts as presented. It will stay the sentence for three days to allow for relevant legal facts, such as an endorsement by the Jedi, or evidence concerning the identity of the person assaulted to be presented."
There is now a long pause, while the judge and his assistants consult precedents and carry on a discussion. The discussion grows quite animated.
Nissa's expression is thoughtful for a moment, before she blinks, and slowly looks to two figures at the back of the courtroom. She turns back, letting out a soft breath. She sets a hand on Raxan's shoulder, apology in her large eyes as she whispers something to him, and then slowly stands and makes her way unobtrusively to one of armored guards stands near the wall.
This is...ridiculous. For confessing to an act he commited, for actually letting the rule of law prevail, he was to be detained yet again. Akurel begins to grow tired of just how many ways one could sightsee on Mon Calamari. There were only so many things a proxy could commit. Slowly he looks about, wondering what is happening outside of his own Stygian sentencing.
Akurel says, "If I am to be detained further, your honor, is there a possiblity of bail?"
Nashtah keeps her finger on her comlink listening in on private conversations. Her eyes thought turn from Cyrus and monitors Nissa's movements. She watches the lady for a moment and then looks back into the courtroom and keeps herself alert to everything going on here....
The judge replies, "I fyou wish to waive appeal, sentence can be carried out immediately. SDo you wish to know the probable ruling, barring appeal to a higher court?"
Cyrus draws in a long breath, which is mostly just a rise of his chest from cybernetic pumps inside his body. Very little sound. "Obi-wan Kenobi." He attests, with a disbelieving mutter to himself. He rises, fixing the collar on his jacket, and heads for the exit.
Pesiro seems a bit confused by the actions of the hooded individual and Cyrus. However, curiousity being the dumber part of the Sullustan, he leaves ahead of the two to the foyer.
The man in the coat looks down at Besk and nods. "I support your reforms in the Senate, Senator. Good luck with your campaign for Treasurer." Familiar features focus on the Bothan before he departs, his goal the entrance.
"Your Honor, I have politely endured the court system of Mon Calamari. I am an upstanding member of the Republic and while I do have a starship and property offworld you have my word that I am not a flight risk. If I cannot get a definitive answer from the Jedi, I would ask that I at least be allowed to set my affairs in order prior to any drastic motion on the part of the court."
Besk glances at the nameless fellow and nods. "Thanks," he says, looking back over at the going-on's.
The judge nods. "If ther eis someone who will stand the bail, we will consider a motion to this effecdt."
Nashtah Sing sneaks out of the area towards Mon Calamari: Central Canal.
<FONT COLOR=#FBB917>COMSYS:</FONT> (all channels) A calm, soft male voice says, "This is Obi-Wan Kenobi. Mon Calamari security, please allow the cyborg Cyrus to depart the trial. All other troops, standby to respond to hostile action. Kenobi out."<FONT COLOR=#FBB917>COMSYS:</FONT> (all channels) A calm, soft male voice says, "And may the Force be with you, Akurel."
Nissa, in the midst of speaking with the guard, when the comlink in her hand beeps softly. She sighs, and raises in where her ear sould supposedly be, and listens. The guard looks ready to ask a question, but she raises her hand to stop him. She shakes her head to the guard, and then speaks into the comlink.
<FONT COLOR=#FBB917>COMSYS:</FONT> (single channel) Nissa says, "Mon Calamari security acknowledges the request; on standby if needed.""
Bail stands up and holds up his hand. "Your Honor. I will guarantee Akurel appears again before this Court."
The judg e nods. "Then final decision will be stayed until we learn whether the Jedi will endorse or there is evidence broght to bear. Staye dfor three days.
The King approaches with the Whipid with a stern expression on his face. "Don't disappoint us."
Category:July 2008 RP Logs