SEIA24

=Chapter 24=
==Silent enim inter arma: Tribunals==
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Unity City
North America, Terra
Sol Star System
Republic of the Sphere
3079
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[....Presentation of the Evidence: The Prosecution]
"Prosecution's Exhibit A, the battle plan for the Liberation of Terra." Haskins announced, "Which defines the military forces and targets detailed under Devlin Stone's battle plan."
"Are you certain you want this entered into the public record, Colonel?" Khan McKenna asked.
"I am.  The contention of the prosecution is that Commander Ngo's attack on Geneva was unwarranted, and that suitable assets had been detailed to take the city, and the bunkers, intact."
"Defense counsel?" President asked
"We'll accept the evidence as it exists unchallenged, if it is, indeed, complete, Your Honor."  Seether answered.  <"You're sure about this?"> she asked Liz in Kowloonese Viet.
<Very.>  Liz said, <Assuming it's complete and matches the version we were given.>
"The Defense would like to submit a copy of the battle plan given to LCN and LCAF units of the same battle plan. To give the Trial board the opportunity to match the two, as Defense Exhibit A, appended for comparison?" Seether added.
"No objections from the Prosecution, your Honor." Haskins said.
<"Who is this guy??"> Seether asked.
<"Demiprecentor Haskins, Jerry Trayvon, former instructor on military law at Sanglamore."> Liz whispered, <"Lost that job when they had to evacuate in 3058.">
<"That's why I feel like I'm in a class then...shit.  We're screwed.">
"Keep letting them think that, Seether." Liz whispered.
"Is there something, Colonel, Commander?"  Lynn McKenna demanded crossly.
"No ma'am." Liz said clearly.
"Then, for the convenience of the court, Stick to English...before I have to make it an order."
"Ayeh, Mum." Liz slurred in Belta-english.
McKenna gave her a sour look, but didn't press it.
"The court will have a short recess to review the two submitted copies of the battle plan for discrepancies."  McKenna continued, "Also for lunch.  We will reconvene at fifteen hundred hours.  Attention!"
Everyone rose.
"Dismissed." she said.
Guards showed to escort Liz to a holding cell, while Seether gathered her materials.
"That was a good deflection, Colonel."  Seether looked up, and found her opponent standing close by, appraising her like a professor.  "The bit where you let your client speak up.  Well done."
"Congratulate her, Sir." she said, "I was given this job because I was available, not because I'm the best."
"Really?" he asked
"Really. My usual beat is prosecution of perverts and deviants who prey on women and children." she said, "Family law and abuse cases, serial killers and rapists.  This is my first time at bat for the defense, and my first political case."
He shuddered a little, "Your specialty-god. I always hated those, mind having lunch with the opposition?"
She sized him up, "You're buying." she said.
"That sounds fair." he said
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