Chapter 27

The Congressional meeting hall was full. All members of the ships Congress that were able to attend were there. There was a muted hum of general conversation. Everyone was aware of today’s purpose.

A door at the rear of the room opened, and two men entered. One tall, well-built, and muscular. The other several inches shorter and heavyset. As they were spotted, the hall grew quiet. The shorter man, who was carrying a 6-foot staff, rapped it heavily on the deck. The iron heel of the staff was clearly heard throughout the room. The hall grew silent.

“Mr. President, a family member has a matter of grave importance for the Congress.”

The grey-haired gentleman seated at the desk on the raised stage at the front of the room spoke. “Sergeant at arms, who brings this matter?”

The taller of the two stepped forward. “Mr. President, I am David Barth. I am the Provost Marshall for the Seward’s Folly.”

“And what is the matter of grave importance?”

“Mr. President, I bring charges of conspiracy to commit murder and mutiny to the Congress.”

“These are indeed serious charges. Who do you accuse of these crimes?

“Sir, I name Emily Johnson, a member of the Mother’s Council. And her assistant, Jessica Gibson. I accuse both of conspiracy to mutiny against the lawful leadership of the Seward’s Folly, and plotting the assassination of Grandmother Agnes Seward.”

“Are the accused present?”

David turned to the door guard, who pulled the door open. There was a gasp from the room. Emily and Jessica were standing there. Jessica was wearing a black ao-dai. A garment reserved for Mother’s Council members. This was a serious violation of custom. But not nearly on the same level as Emily. She was dressed in a spotless white kimono. This was a double insult. The kimono being reserved for the Grandmother. But also, the wearing of a white garment signifying grief and mourning.

Both came into the chamber and walked to the table to the left, facing the President. Emily was walking erect with her chin high. The very image of haughty superiority. Jessica however, while erect, was frightened by the proceedings. She seemed close to tears. Neither of them was restrained. But the four guards accompanying them were armed with shock batons.

Emily stood at her chair and glared defiantly at the President. “Madam Johnson,” the President asked, “Do you have an advocate to argue your case?”

“Mr. President,” she sneered “I am more than capable of defending myself. I do not need assistance.”

He then turned to Jessica, “Madam Gibson, do you have an advocate?”

Before Jessica could answer, Emily spoke up. “I’ll handle Jessica’s defense also.”

“Madam Johnson, I wasn’t speaking to you. I was asking Madam Gibson if she had an advocate. You are not allowed to make decisions for others.”

This seemed to anger Emily. “I’ll make the decisions here...” she stopped when a shock baton was placed on her shoulder.

“Madam Johnson, you will not interrupt these proceedings. If you cannot control yourself, you will be placed in restraints.”

He turned back to Jessica. “Madam Gibson, do you have an advocate? One will be provided, if needed.”

Jessica, clearly overwhelmed, looked at Emily, and then back to the President. “I’ll let Aunty Emily handle this, Sir.”

“Very well,” he raised his voice. “Is there an advocate for the ship? Who brings evidence of these charges?

From the right side of the room, a female voice spoke up. “Mr. President, Helen Frisk. I stand as council for the Seward’s Folly.” as she spoke, she stood. Ms. Frisk was a well-dressed lady, about 40 years old blond and fit. She stepped up the table to the right of the President.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, charges of conspiracy to commit murder and mutiny, have been made on Emily Johnson and Jessica Gibson. Both family members of the Seward’s Folly. The ship’s Congress is assembled, and a quorum is present. Advocates for the accused and the ship are present, Is the ships council ready?”

“I am Mr. President.”

“Madam Johnson, are you ready?”

“This trial is a farse. There is no evidence of these accusations, and I deny any association with anybody with that motivation. I demand an immediate end to this farse. I also demand that I be returned to my quarters with an apology from all persons involved.”

The President paused for a moment, staring at Emily. “Madam Johnson, I assume from this statement, that you deny the charges against you. These charges must be investigated. I ask again, are you prepared to proceed?”

Emily threw up her arms and dropped dramatically into her seat. “Fine, if you want to waste your time, go ahead. Yes, I’m ready.”

“Madam Frisk, please present your evidence.”

“Thank you, Mr. President. I call Provost Marshall David Barth to testify.”

Standing at the rear of the room, Marshall Barth walked forward and stood at the podium between the two desks.

“Marshall Barth, please give your evidence.”

For the next 45 minutes, David repeated the story of the capture, arrest, and interrogation of Clyde Kennedy, and his two partners.

“Marshall Barth, Jessica Gibson also stands accused. What evidence do you have of her participation in this plot?”

“During our investigation, we found that Ms. Gibson had purchased the housing pod the assassins were hiding in. Further, Mr. Kennedy stated that when they received their initial payment, it was delivered by Ms. Gibson. He also stated that when they received instructions, it was Ms. Gibson that delivered them.”

“Was testimony given as to a face to face meeting between any of the assassins and Madam Johnson?”

“Yes Ma’am, Mr. Kennedy stated that their initial contact was on Mars station That Madam Johnson hired him as a go-between to the station’s underworld. In later meetings, it came out that Madam Johnson was looking for a team to commit criminal acts.”

“Is there evidence of these meetings?”

“Yes Ma’am. Unknown to Madam Johnson, Mr. Kennedy recorded those meetings. For insurance, he said. But more likely for blackmail. We have those recordings in our possession and available for access to the Congress members. Additionally, the records of Madam Johnson’s travels to the station, and the surface are available. They correspond with Mr. Kennedy’s account.”

At this revelation, Emily jerked and turned towards Barth, staring at him.

“And these contracted murderers, are they available for testimony?”

“Yes Ma’am, for security reasons, they can be questioned by video. These are violent, dangerous men.”

“And why are these thugs on board the Seward?”

“We think that Madam Johnson was putting her scheme into action. As we are getting closer to our launch date, she was running out of time. Approximately 15 days ago, Madam Jessica ordered Mr. Kennedy and his crew to move into the pod they were captured in. They gained access to the ship as newly hired agricultural workers. It was after they had arrived that Madam Johnson informed Mr. Kennedy of his true mission. The assassination of Grandmother Seward.”

A low murmur started running through the Congress. The President tapped his gavel, and the room quieted.

“Thank you, Marshall Barth. I have nothing further, Mr. President.” Madam Frisk sat down.

“Madam defender, do you have questions for this witness?”