Lt. Cmdr Robin Hopper: Procedural Proceedings
Robin Hopper
((Examination of Robin Hopper - Tribunal Room, Military Headquarters, Paak))
After explaining, in great detail, the exact process by which they had coincidentally found themselves crash landing on the Paak airfield in question, Robin turned to Paakmi – the Paak “accuser” – with a malicious smile.
Hopper: As for the other question as to whether or not that seems convenient, I would say “yes”. In fact, I’d even say it’s highly suspicious.
There was a titter of uncertain excitement amongst the assembled crowd.
Pai’Lak: A suspicion that the Paak have latched onto. A suspicion that Paak has let guide these proceedings into the Paak that it has become.
Robin glanced at Pa’akia once more, the scientists face giving away her intrigue. oO What was it she said before? That these people needed our help? Oo She recalled, also, what had been said before of PAAK, as they called it. The pulsar had ‘stopped wars’, ‘destroyed bombs’, and generally kept the progression of the Paak people on a singular and slow track.
Maybe instead of impersonating these peoples’ religious figures, it was time to help the local scientific community dispel some of the misbeliefs that had been holding them back.
Hopper: However I don’t think it’s us you should be suspicious of. I think you should be suspicious of that so-called “pulsar” up there. I’d suggest that it disabled our ship deliberately, and therefore somebody is wielding it in order to do the same to you – ::she looked up for a moment:: keeping you trapped down here.
The excited whispering grew louder as the Paak around the room started to engage in a more spirited discussion. A slight smile developed on Robin’s face as she saw Pa’akia arguing spiritedly with one of the military representatives. In addition to taking some pride in helping the scientist demystify the pulsar, she also felt a slight guilty pleasure in having the Paak on their back foot for once, instead of the other way around. She bet nobody in the room had expected that.
Delegate Pai’Lak stood and raised his hands to silence the dull roar.
Pai’Lak: If I am understanding right, this “Pulsar” that you are referring to, is what members of our scientific community refer to as PAAK. You attest that it is what forced you to land on our Paak.
She turned to the Delegate and nodded.
Pai’Lak: Answer me this, if you will Lieutenant Commander. As we have learned, your “Federation’s” ritual of “First Contact” begins with studying and preparing to contact a civilization after they have achieved “Warped Travel”. Am I correct in this?
Robin once again tucked her hands behind her back and watched as the Delegate began circling the room.
Hopper: That’s right – more-or-less. Warp technology is a signifier that a civilization has achieved a sufficient level of technological and cultural development to begin to connect with the wider galaxy. Not to mention that, once they start traveling at warp, it’s just a matter of time before they start meeting others. We try to provide a friendly ‘welcome’.
Pai’Lak: In this first contact scenario, in the first days of discovery there is to be no contact with the species until enough information is gathered for a proper introduction. Correct?
Hopper: Well, there is some situational nuance – but in cases like this one, yes, we typically prefer to take a little time to ‘get to know the locals’ from a safe distance, maybe perform some undercover observation, before introducing ourselves. ::Holding up a hand, clarifying:: Oh, uh, I mean just to learn about the local customs, make sure contact will go smoothly.
She sighed, rolling her eyes.
Hopper: As we are all seeing firsthand, unplanned first contacts can get… messy.
Pai’Lak: So there was no absolutely no intention of coming down to the planet in any form? This would have been left to the “Federation Diplomatic Corps” that is led by Ambassador Vataix?
Robin’s eyes shifted briefly to The Magistrate, then to Paakmi, before returning to Pai’Lak.
Hopper: Ideally, yes. Starfleet occasionally makes first contacts, when they have to – but usually, we’re just along to support the operations of the FDC.
Pai’Lak: And you say that PAAK forced your Paak and you found yourself in this predicament without the proper preparations and guidance?
Robin gestured at the old Delegate enthusiastically. Thank Paak at least someone seemed to understand the situation.
Hopper: Yes. Exactly. At first we just thought it was an accident caused by the unique natural properties of Pa– Ahem… The Pulsar. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case at all. Its actions are directed, if your own history is to be believed. I think it was trying to destroy our ship and prevent us from contacting you.
Pai’Lak looked to the Magistrate and Robin followed his gaze.
Pai’Lak: I believe fact will be more beneficial in this Paak as opposed to the wild speculation from others. We want this tribunal to be an example for our people, not a mockery of Paak.
Paakmi: Magistrate, I *object* to this whole line of questioning. PAAK? Mythical beliefs of Paak past, is now the basis of Pai’Laks argument, and suddenly *accepted* by scientists? Only a minority of the population accept the concept of PAAK, magistrate. I ask that all question regarding PAAK be removed from the transcript, and disregarded by the advisors.
Robin turned and scoffed. Having her own deductions dismissed as ‘mythical beliefs’ felt practically like a slap in the face.
Paak(Magistrate): Pai’Lak is free to use any line of questioning as they deem fit, provided evidence and relevance can be established. I will allow it.
She briefly enjoyed the reprimand to Paakmi, even letting out a triumphant little snicker, before the Magistrate turned to her.
Paak(Magistrate): And I *remind* Lieutenant Commander Hopper that you are *not* to inform me of procedural matters of this tribunal. You are not a qualified Paak. Given you are not even from this Paak, I would say you are far from qualified. Do not protest questions. Do not inform me of the number or type of questions answered. Do I make myself clear as Paak?
She scowled.
Hopper: Yeah, well, maybe if someone had given me a proper briefing on your legal proceedings, I might have been able to–
Paak(Magistrate): If you do so again, you will share the same contempt accusation as Commander Ukinix. “”Turning to Paakmi:: Are you finished, Paakmi?
Paakmi: ::Concerned expression, quick bow:: I yield, magistrate Paak.
Paak(Magistrate): Very well. Pai’Lak, anything further?
Pai’Lak looked over to Robin, giving her a small smile and a nod. She did not feel the confidence which he seemed to be trying to send her way. She wasn’t sure what to feel. The Magistrate had made it clear that her ‘speech’ had been a breach of conduct (how was she supposed to know?) but Paakmi had also been reluctant to chime in any further. How the trial was going was anyone’s guess as far as she could tell.
Pai’Lak: Lieutenant Commander Hopper, do you attest to this tribunal and Paak that the information that you have given regarding PAAK and this “pulsar” in the stars, to your knowledge, is based in scientific fact and is in no way some rouse or Paak to mislead this Paak?
Hopper: It’s a logical deduction based on our scientific observations and the historical context provided by your own experts. I’m a scientist, not a theologian. I have no desire to mislead you. Any of you. ::Sigh:: But I have to admit it’s just a hypothesis.
Pai’Lak nodded once more before turning to the Magistrate.
Pai’Lak: ::Slight bow:: Nothing further.
Hopper: So… What comes next?
Paakmi: Response?
