Evaluating the Defense
Posted on Thu Oct 5th, 2023 @ 6:11pm by Lieutenant Jonathan Corwin & Lieutenant Claire Fisher
Edited on on Mon Oct 9th, 2023 @ 11:18pm
1,560 words; about a 8 minute read
Mission:
The Sins of History
Location: USS Artemis - JAG Officer's Office - Deck 6
Timeline: MD005 0900 hrs
Claire tossed the blush grey throw pillows on the beige couch. It didn’t do much, but it bring some warmth to the otherwise intimidating couch. She glanced around at the office. It still had a long way to go to be more inviting and comfortable. She’d have to figure out what to hang on the walls to hide the ugly grey durasteel walls, but she had plenty of time.
She moved back to her desk while she waited for Lieutenant Corwin for their formal introductions. She knew the man was assigned as defense council onboard. She wondered to herself how this will affect their conversation, given her own background in criminal proceedings and as a profiler.
Jonathan arrived at the counselor's office as requested and chimed the door, and entered as he heard permission to enter. He had his briefcase in hand as he sat down and pulled out a PaDD. " Alright I'll tell you up front, I don't do divorce cases or traffic tickets. So what type of legal help do you require? " He asked. A slow smile spread across his face. " All joking aside, what can I do for you today? "
Claire barely had time to stand before she was met with the whirlwind that was Lieutenant Corwin. It took her a moment to realize he was joking, and only when she saw the mischievous smile on his face. With a slightly confused laugh she offered her hand. “Lieutenant, Claire Fisher.” She said as an introduction and gestured to the couch. “Have a seat. Can I get you anything?” She asked, moving her own chair out from behind her desk to sit across from the couch. “I apologize if the message wasn’t clear. With the former JAG officer being recalled, I have been essentially drafted due to the fact I have a law degree and currently maintain my position with the bar.”
" Oh my! Is it time for my psych eval already? How time flies. " He stated with a smile. " And a large Raktajino would be lovely thank you. " As she went to get the raktajino he began talking. " Let's see, both my parents are still alive and I adore them both. I get along quite well with both my brother and sister who are both back on Earth. I have a pet named Buttercup and she is a descented north american skunk who loves to play and have plenty of attention. I always do my best to keep a positive attitude regardless where I'm at or what case I'm working on, Some cases are harder then others to maintain a positive attitude on , But I will say it is much better then stressing oneself out over and ruin ones health. I find meditation to be most useful. I imagine you have some other questions as well. "
Fisher couldn’t help the small smile of amusement on her face as the raktajino materialized and she went to hand it to the man. “Easy, Lieutenant. Take a breath. This isn’t a matter of checking the boxes. There is no test as far as I’m concerned. I tend to prefer to have a conversation and get to know each other.” She said with amusement at the man’s energy. “Don’t make me regret giving this to you.” She playfully joked about the intense Klingon equivalent of coffee.
Moving her chair out from behind her desk so she can be facing Corwin, Claire focused her attention on him. “Why don’t you start over, from the beginning, and tell me about yourself. Where did you live on Earth?”
" I was born on Earth in Salem Massachusetts, My father was in Starfleet and I finally met him when I was three years old when the family transferred to the Starbase where he was stationed at. From a very early age all I ever wanted to be was a lawyer and I dedicated myself to the study and pursuit of that ideal. " Sai9d Corwin as he adjusted himself on the couch.
Claire nodded as she listened. “And why do you think you were drawn towards a career in law?” She asked with genuine curiosity.
Jonathan rubbed his chin. " Well I kind of like thinking that I've always wanted to help people and want to see justice served. And from my earliest memory, I just knew I wanted to be a lawyer. My grandmother always said it was because the men of our family line was cursed by a witch during the Salem witch trails. But of course she always was a bit eccentric, and I never believed that nonsense. "
Claire gave a polite but amused smile. She got the sense the lieutenant’s grandmother wasn’t the only eccentric on. “It must to be reassuring to know you’re calling so early in your life. How your career turned out how you expected it to?”
" Has my career turned out how I expected? " He repeated back the question as he mulled it over in his mind. " Mostly yes. " He responded. " But there have been a number of unexpected twist and turns along the way. Some were unexpected blessings and there are some I could have done without, but that's life isn't it? One never knows what to expect along the journey that is life, but in the long run I am satisfied knowing that I'm helping people and that justice has been served. "
Claire nodded as she gave a small smile. “I am curious to ask, how do you feel about representing defendants? Many of the people you represent are accused of heinous crimes, some with little doubt they perpetrated the crime. What are your thoughts regarding that?”
Without hesitation Jonathon responded. " Yes the people I will represent are entitled to fair and adequate defense under the laws of the federation and I will conduct myself to do exactly that. I choose to become a defense lawyer, because it's not easy and I like a challenge. I agree that some of the clients I will represent will be called monsters and may have been accused of many heinous crimes, and if there is enough evidence to convict them than they will pay for their crimes. But if there isn't evidence and I can prove reasonable doubt, then the truth shall set them free and they can live in peace. I am here to help them prove they're innocence or guilt, plain pure and simple. " He said with conviction.
Claire smiled in response as she nodded in agreement. "That is certainly a commendable endeavor. I hope you and I can consider each other respectful colleagues and friends, even if we are opposing council.
Jonathan cocked his head to the side and looked at Claire. " I've got no problems being friends with you. When we're in the court room we both have a job to do and do our jobs we shall, but once the court day or trail is over then so is our role as lawyers until the start of the next day or case and we're just normal people again. I'm not going to hold anything personal against you for what is said in court, That and I don't make personal attacks to try to bring doubt upon the opposing council's reputation. I got my inspiration for being a defense council from and old earth lawyer named Oscar Goodman. He defended mafia bosses to the best of his ability, and they could never prove that he was corrupt. In fact he served as the mayor of Las Vegas for three terms and his wife for three terms after he did. A good man and a pillar of his community, That and it's required reading in the academy as well. " He said with a grin.
Claire smiled at Jonathan and nodded. “All we can hope to accomplish in our lives, I’d say.” She moved to stand up, leading him to the door. “My door is always open to you. Please, don’t hesitate to call at any point.”
" As is my door. " Responded Jonathan. " I am looking forward to working with you Lieutenant. " He paused briefly. " That doesn't feel right. May I call you Claire when we're by ourselves and not acting in a professional role? " He asked. " And yes, I have no objections to being respectful colleagues or even friends, in fact I'd prefer that to be honest. It would make both of our lives so much easier and the cases go smoother if we could. "
Claire smiled as she nodded. "I'd very much like that, Jonathan." She said sincerely as she offered her hand to him when they reached the door.
Jonathan accepted her hand and shook it gently. Perhaps we can set up a time and have lunch together and get to know each other better, If you'd like to that is. "
Claire nodded as she accepted the offer. “That sounds lovely. I look forward to it.” She said with genuinely warmth as she led the defense council to the door before getting back to work.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Jonathan Corwin
Defense Council, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Lieutenant Claire Fisher
JAG Officer, USS Artemis
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