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Date: Sat, 05 Jun 2004 18:56:02 -0400
Subject: [ASC] NEW:VOY "In Pursuit of Justice" 9/13 J [PG-13]
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Forwarded by the ASC-VSO 
Posted: 3 Jun 2004 13:32:25 -0700  
In: alt.startrek.creative 
From: roq@iname.com (Rocky) 
 

Title: In Pursuit Of Justice
Author: Rocky
Contact: roq@iname.com
Web page: http://www.angelfire.com/yt/rockyroad
Series: VOY
Part: 9/13
Codes: J
Rating: PG-13
Date first posted: 6/3/04
Archive: ASC yes, all others please ask

Summary & Disclaimer: see part 1

"I'm very sorry, Kathryn," Owen Paris said, pouring himself a brandy.
"My meetings at HQ ran much longer than I'd anticipated."

It had been much longer than the promised half hour, but Janeway
forced herself to smile. "That's all right, sir. I had a lovely dinner
with your wife and daughter-in-law."

"Good, good," Owen said, rubbing his hands together. He seemed in no
hurry to get to the point of her visit. "I have to say, I'm still
getting used to the idea of Tom married and a father. But it's good to
see. He's grown up a lot over the past several years, and I have you
to thank for much of that."

Janeway met his eyes squarely. "I'm guessing this is more than a
social call, Admiral. Perhaps something you'd prefer to speak about
off the record."

Owen smiled. "You were always very perceptive, Kathryn--that's what
made you such a fine officer in both science and command. It's stood
you in good stead over the years."

Janeway didn't rise to the flattery. "Apparently, my instincts have
failed me on at least one occasion, or I wouldn't be in my current
position," she said dryly.

Owen looked pensive at the reminder. "How are you holding up?"

"I'd be a lot better if people didn't keep asking me that," Janeway
said, shifting slightly in her seat and giving him an apologetic
smile. "I'm sorry, I'm just sick of hearing the same question over and
over. I'm not an invalid or dying of a terminal disease, I'm just on
trial for attempted murder, among other things."

"You're right, it is a stupid question." Owen fell silent for a
moment. "But seriously, Kathryn, how is it going?"

"It's not going well," Janeway said flatly. "Gaines won't say it in so
many words, but I don't think he expects a favorable verdict. Nor do
I."

 "As I said, you've always been very perceptive." Owen's brief smile
faded. "I won't sugar coat it for you, Kathryn. I've been sounding out
a few people and…" his voice trailed off.

"And?"

"Mendez has succeeded in making you look like a monster," Owen said
bluntly. "This court-martial--it's not doing you any good personally,
nor is it doing the 'Fleet any good."

"You didn't bring me all the way out here to point out what we both
already know," Janeway said, rising from her seat and coming to stand
before him. "What's on your mind, Owen?"

"I was wondering how you felt about a quiet resignation."

"You're asking me to resign my commission?" she said, surprised.
"Leave Starfleet? Even if I were to consider such a thing, what
difference would it make? That wouldn't change anything as far as the
court-martial is concerned."

"Actually, it would," Owen said. "Certain parties have indicated they
would be amenable to dropping the charges under the right
circumstances."

"This is unbelievable," Janeway said.

Obviously taking her attitude for acquiescence, Owen said, "So you
would be willing?"

"No," Janeway said, with a quick shake of her head. "Absolutely not."

"Kathryn, you're not being reasonable," Owen said, a hint of
exasperation in his tone. "We can make this whole thing go away. I
don't know why you won't consider it."

"Because it wouldn't 'make this go away,'" she said, allowing her own
irritation to rise. "I'd have resigned under a cloud, my career,
everything I've accomplished in over twenty years in Starfleet gone.
Everything positive cancelled out, just like that."

"Unfortunately, that's already happened, Kathryn. And short of a
miracle, it's only going to get worse. You were a damn fine officer,
one of the best. You're right, it's not fair that it should end this
way. But by resigning now, you can still retain *something*. Your
freedom, yes. But not your career. That's over and done with. I'm
sorry."

"No," Janeway said. "Owen, I appreciate what you're trying to do for
me, really. But I can't. I'd rather go down fighting. Even for a lost
cause."

"Even for an 'unjust' cause?" Owen's eyes met hers challengingly.
"Tell me, Kathryn. Do you really feel your actions toward Lessing were
justified?"

"I don't know," Janeway said, looking away. "I…I was wrong, I realize
that. In hindsight, I would have approached Lessing differently."

"Hindsight." Owen shook his head. "You want to talk about what might
have happened instead? Would you have crossed that final line into
committing murder?"

"I'm not sure." Janeway closed her eyes. "I--it was very close." She
saw the darkness of the cargo bay, heard Lessing's defiant refusal,
then her own voice calmly giving the order. "Yes," she whispered. "I
would have probably done it, if I hadn't been stopped in time."

It was the first time she had admitted it out loud. She opened her
eyes to see Owen staring at her. He didn't say anything further. He
didn't need to.

End part 9

--
Forwarded to ASCL by:
Stephen Ratliff
ASC Stories Only Forwarding

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