The Bargall Inquiry

[The Storyteller]

OOC​

High in one of the senatorial annexes, once a gubernatorial office complex since converted to an impromptu judicial nexus for military and senatorial practices after events that took place earlier in the year, a string of military police and senatorial guards complimented one another in a picturesque necklace, defending against enemies of the state, escaping defendants, assassins, and, most dangerously and Machiavellian, reporters. The tribunal was for an operation that took place aboard the Gegenschein. Only governmental feed was recording the tribunal, major networks barred from personal attendance as to not have the routine internal-affairs examination politicized by the 24-hour media cycle; Corporal Barrel, who was organizing the military police in attendance, a modest presence typical in these proceedings, had heard gossip that Dick John Dick had not been pleased about his journalistic skeleton-key impotent, though Barrel could have mixed it up with a different reporter.

Barrel scanned the room, eyes devouring the proceedings. The panel would begin very soon. The senatorial guard, a precaution due to the recent murder of Senator Serena Valtome. Still, the Dug captain doubted there would be any trouble from the defendant, Lt. Bretharr Bargall. The human lieutenant had come peacefully when approached by the military police after the events at the Gegenschein against rogue pirates; there were different threads of rumor regarding whether the pirates were affiliated with the recently war-declared-on Hutt Cartel or unaffiliated vagabonds, which nurtured parasites to latch conspiracy theories about how the tribunal would be serving as a launching point for the pro-war revels and the anti-war naysayers.

Barrel, who gesticulated command for a pair of Chevin guards to civilly escort Bargall to his seat, had faith in the justice system. The panel consisted of a senatorial triumvirate that hinted at civility and neutrality for the most part. Leading the tribunal was Senator Kaizer, joined by another neutral-leaning Senator Peyvand. Recently dejected from the pivotal congressional session that heralded the declaration of war against the Hutt Cartel and looking for an avenue in which to regain his pride harmed by the Chancellor's gall to banish him from the session, Senator Antilles had weeded himself a seat as the last triumvir due to the sudden loss of the throne's scheduled occupant, Senator Valtome, expiring before attendance could be made. Circling a couple conspiracy theories blinded by the Bargall ones were whispers that Antilles had neutralized Valtome to pave way for himself. Barrel had been appalled when he had heard that from the Chevin left of Bargall, and doubted it greatly. The captain did wonder if Kaizer or Peyvand held any such suspicions. With luck and more importantly the Force, such factors would not interfere with the tribunal and justice would be found. The tribunal focused on actions committed by Bargall during the Gegenschein operation, with the panel of Senators to determine if Bargall was to face consequences for what ultimately led to the untimely passing of a civilian hostage taken prisoner by the pirates.

 

[Trenton Kaizer]

Trenton had heard all sorts of conspiracy theories over the last short while, ever since the vote to declare war had happened. Some ideas had merit, some were completely outlandish, but none of them would have a place with him here in this inquiry. To fall prey to hearsay would be a travesty and would surely cause morale to drop within the ranks of the Grand Army. The charges were serious and if this soldier was guilty then he would feel the full force of Justice fall upon him. However, he would receive a fair hearing and he would be judged based on the facts, not emotion or shadowy words. He just hoped that his colleagues on the panel would be willing to adhere to that same levels of integrity and treat this with the gravity that it deserved.

"Now that we are all present, let us begin. I am Senator Trenton Kaizer of Chandrila, appointed head Inquisitor for this board. Joining me are Senators Primula Peyvand and Darwin Antilles, of Tanaab and Bestine, respectively. The concerns that have been brought before us are grave in nature. Soldiers dead, a civilian hostage dead, and we are to determine through testimony from various sources what should come of this event." He steepled his hands, leaning in slightly to look Bretharr in the eye, reading his reactions and general body language closely. "Before we bring in witnesses, though, I would like you to recount, in your own words, what happened on the Gegenschein. The floor is open to you, soldier. What exactly happened?" He would let the man speak his fill, not interrupting until he was sure Bretharr was finished. He wondered if his colleagues would do the same. He wasn't going to politicize this inquiry if he didn't have to, that would be a disservice to both the dead and the accused.

@Great Jamie

 

[Bretharr Bargall]

Bretharr was sat in his naval uniform, and wondered
“How on earth could such a simple mission turn out to be so... Painful. Great” he thought. He looked around the room, nothing too much to talk about really. No press which was good. He would speak first it seemed. He showed no emotion, sitting there as well as when he got up. He addressed the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen. This operation should’ve been a simple one. We had reports that pirates had attacked a ship, and so me as well as 6 marines were sent to deal with them. We expected the pirates to not put up too much of a fight, as they wouldn’t be too well equipped nor well armoured. However, as we landed, and the doors opened, we were attacked by 2 pirates, with pulse wave weapons. This managed to inflict wounds upon 2 marines, breaking one’s head armour, and one’s chest. We flashbanged the 2 pirates, and we made our way to attack them when we were ambushed by a third. This man killed one of our marines, through a side shot. We killed the 2 pirates which first fired upon us, and we flashbanged and killed the third. We were soon fired upon down the main hall way, forcing the 2 marines who first advanced to stay in cover. I moved 2 marines to suppress the pirates firing, and they did so. Myself and one other marine began advancing, but were attacked and forced to dive into cover. We were able to return fire and so suppress them. I moved my 2 marines in reserve forward and charge the 2 pirates closest to us. Both pirates died, but 1 marine died doing so. Then, I moved 2 marines into the side cargo hold in an attempt to rescue hostages there. There was a pirate, who was well dug in however, and killed a marine. However, the one other marine managed to kill the pirate and thus rescue the hostages there. The pirate had used a hostage as cover when firing. Soon, the pirate captain came out with a hostage, and fired at us. We demanded a surrender, he refused. I then took... A calculated risk, and attempted to kill the captain. I fired 2 shots. One hit the head of the pirate captain, but it seemed to only bounce off and did no damage. The other killed the hostage. I then set up a trap. The marine in the cargo hold was ordered to set up a firing position on the right, at the top of the flight of stairs leading to the cargo hold. I then, with one other marine, staged a fake retreat. The pirates came out, we sprung the trap, killing all the pirates. However, the 2 marines, one on the left and one at the top of the stairs were killed.” He paused a second to let everyone take in the events
“This is the full and unaltered account of the events of the operation. I take full responsibility for those actions.” He said, before sitting down

 

[Darwin Mortenson Antilles]

Senator Antilles did not like hearings, often long and dull affairs - and all to often used for the scoring of political points, and the detriment of the less fortunate, or at least the less politically capable. Passing through usual rigors of Security checks around such hearings, Darwin took his place at the hearings panel, placed his simple grey file on the table, and took out a stylus. Opening the file, he scanned through - for what must have been the hundredth time today - the profile of the defendant, and placed a pair of glasses on the table.

With a small nod to Guard Barrel, Darwin placed on his glasses, and smiled at the hastily crossed out name at the top of the front page of the file - Senator Valtome, whom had been scheduled to take Darwins seat today, was 'indisposed'. Bring reasonably well plugged into the old rumor mill, the Senator was very much aware that there had been suspicions that he had arranged for the Senators 'accident' - he had done little to play down such rumors, as he often found any such reaction to falsehoods would be interpreted anyway.

Plus, it was somewhat amusing to think that people thought him capable of such schemes.

He refocused his attentions on the matter at hand, and listened to to Senator Kaizer introduce himself as an 'Inquisitor' of all things, but Darwin kept absolute silence as both parties spoke - and would only begin his own question when the witness' stepped forward.

 

[Primula Peyvand]

Primula was quite used to this sort of proceedings from her days as a lawyer in the GAR. Not only that, but she was somewhat experienced and knowledgeable with everyone in the room, outside of the dug. She knew senator Antilles and Kaizer fairly well, and she had quite the eventful diplomatic mission over kuat with the junior officer they were here to interview.

After hearing him explain the reasons as to why the hostage was killed she leaned back in her chair and pursed her lips. The way he had phrased calculated risk was somewhat unsettling to her. She really didn't like the shooting first and askin questions later approach the man seemed to have. She leaned back forward and rested her elbows on the table as she addressed the lieutenant.

So then lieutenant Bargall, you proceeded to fire your weapon at a civilian and as a result killed him. This is not how you handle a hostage situation, but that is just my opinion on the matter. If you had not been so rash and had taken the time to think things out you may have avoided so many people being injured or killed. But again, that's just my opinion. I'm curious what the other witnesses have to say on the matter to be quite frank.

She said before leaning back in her chair again and grabbing her notebook and pen and began to write down a few of her thoughts about the inquiry thus far.

 

[Bretharr Bargall]

Bretharr would frown, before standing up to respond
“Fire at a civilian? Are you implying Senator I deliberately tried to kill a hostage, just for laughs and fun?” He asked, getting angrier for a few seconds
“Because I resent that thought and is a completely false allegation.”

 

[Trenton Kaizer]

"Please, let us not jump to any conclusions right at the outset. We are here to make sure Justice is done, so we should follow the proper protocol. Soldier, thank you for your testimony. We shall now bring out the first witness to give their side of the story. I would ask my colleagues to not render judgement until all the facts are presented and questioning has completed." He looked over at Primula, more of a calming look in his eye than one of anger. This was a delicate situation so they should all tread lightly through this situational minefield. He also glanced over at Darwin, a bit surprised the man hadn't spoken yet. Perhaps he was waiting for the witnesses. The Senator hoped the other man wouldn't upset the witnesses or try to derail the proceedings, though for now he was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt while still keeping a close eye on him. "This inquiry calls the first witness to the floor."

@Nefieslab

 

[Darwin Mortenson Antilles]

Senator Antilles had been silent, throughout Bretharr Bargalls statement, and through Senator Peyvands questioning, however he could not keep his silent when the defendant began to raise his temper, and his voice. Gently, Darwin coughed, indicating his willingness to speak - silence filling the room as the aged* Senator began speaking.

"Lieutenant, I draw the hearing to the statement made by you but moments ago. 'Soon, the Pirate Captain came out with a hostage and fired at us.'," he paused, taking a small drink of water "...you correctly demanded a surrender, the 'Pirate Captain' refused, and then, again from your statement: 'I then took a calculated risk.', one for which you, in your own words 'take full responsibility for those actions'."

Darwin paused again, looking directly at the defendant "You have, in your own opening statement, accepted full responsibility for these actions, ones that lead to the death of a civilian, a hostage no less. Your innocence is thus not up for discussion, rather the severity or leaniancy of this hearing, when it comes to your punishment, is."

The Senator turned to the other members of the hearing saying "I suggest we move directly to sentencing, he has already accepted responsibility."

*damn you Anzat

 

[Bretharr Bargall]

“It would’ve been foolish to say I didn’t shoot the hostage. Witnesses would confirm my guilt all too well on that action.” He said bluntly
“However, there was little other course of action. I would not have simply meekly surrendered, and laid down our arms. He was in cover, with no other angle to get a clean shot. Focusing on the other pirates and potentially killing them would simply force the captain into a deeper hole and more hostages could potentially die. The only option was to try and shoot the captain. That would break the pirates, and they could surrender.”

 

[Primula Peyvand]

Primula wasn't happy with the way the lieutenant was speaking to her, but at the same time she wasn't going to let them just jump straight to a judgement without fully examining the facts. She realized that she probably could have worded her last statement better, but of course it was a bit too late for that.

Instead she shook her head as the senator from Bestine spoke. She didn't agree with skipping a trial and going to a sentencing. They would be little less than authoritarians at that point. Instead she agreed with senator Kaizer and mostly ignored the lieutenant for the moment. She would address what he said after.

No, we should not skip the proceeding and go to a judgement without fully understanding what transpired. Instead we should call the first witness to the stand and hear what their side if the story is. If nothing else, let us be through enough that this won't be stuck in appeals court for the next 4 years.

With that she nodded at the witness that was first to testify about what happened on the ship.

@Nefieslab

 

[The Storyteller]

Private Tabel Zatar stepped in through the side doors, having been instructed that he was to come forward when called. As the last member of Bretharr's squad, the man was one of three witnesses and the only witness with military training. His walk was stiff, regimented, as he was marched to the witness stand under guard.

They didn't expect him to be any trouble, and he didn't intend to be, but there were rules and regulations to be adhered to.

Now standing at the witness stand, Tabel stood stiffly at attention for a few moments before he was instructed that he could sit. He did so with a nod towards Bretharr and the senators. He wanted to speak but he knew that he was not supposed to and there was enough discipline ingrained within him that he sat silently, waiting to be addressed, despite his growing anger.

As a career soldier, Tabel was a firm believer in punishments and rewards being dealt with internally. He respected the senators but he would have been much more comfortable with someone within the military actually passing judgement. Preferably someone who had actually seen combat, someone who knew how chaotic it could be.

@Great Jamie @Insalius @anzat17 @Nor'baal

 

[Primula Peyvand]

Primula decided after just a few moments of silence she would be the first one to start the questioning. As so far it seemed like No one wanted to be the first one to speak.

Just quickly, and in your own words, Mr. Zatar, could you describe the mission in question you were assigned to and your perspective of the questionable actions of Mr. Bargall?

She said rather cool before taking a quick sip of water and returning to writing her notes about the hearing.

 

[The Storyteller]

Private Zatar looked up at the senator who had spoken before nodding a little bit. Taking a deep breath, he man thought about how best to word it - how best to describe it all.

"First thing you have to understand... is that we were in close quarters against an unknown number of hostiles. We had to react quickly and if we didn't we died." he explained before closing his eyes, "There was a carefully placed ambush at a choke point near the entrance. We lost a man due to the ambush being sprung."

It hurt to think about it but he was told not to mention names.

"We pushed forwards but we were reaching stale mates - getting pinned down by enemy fire even as we were pinning them down. Two guys went down a side passage... I don't know what happened cus only one of them ever came back." he admitted, forcing himself to continue, "In the main area we pushed through - lost a man during a charge to get line of sight on enemies in cover."

Looking down at the stand itself, Tabel shook his head.

"The pirate captain comes up with a hostage in front of him and some serious armour on himself. Told us to surrender - the Lieutenant tells him he should surrender. That he's outgunned and outmatched."

He coughed slightly.

"The Lieutenant fired on the hostage without warning then uses the distraction to hit the pirate captain but all he did was damage his helmet since the Lieutenant was using a pistol at range." he shook his head slightly, "The... the Lieutenant poured on more fire after that, at the Captain. I think it was to suppress him? I don't know - all I know is the Captain didn't let go of that hostage. If they weren't dead from the first shot to the chest, they were from the second and third."

Pulling himself together, he finished his report.

"We faked a retreat to get them out of cover and it worked - they came out of cover. Unfortunately we were banged up and..." he stopped for a moment, "And only the Lieutenant and I came back from the mission."

@Great Jamie @Insalius @anzat17 @Nor'baal

 

[Trenton Kaizer]

Interesting. Trenton was already comparing the two accounts, though he hadn't decided on a verdict, yet. Now was the time to question, to try to delve to the heart of the matter. There were many facets to this situation, so the Senator from Chandrila decided to take a slightly different approach. He leaned forward a bit, waiting for the soldier to finish his account before he spoke. "Thank you for your account and my condolences for the loss of your comrades. I know you were just following orders, that this other man was the one in command, but I would like to inquire. What would you have done in his stead? Based on the situation, what orders or what actions would you have done differently? I ask only to get another perspective on the situation, nothing more." He hoped that the soldier didn't think he was trying to trap him or any other malicious action. He genuinely was just curious if there were other options that even the other soldiers could have seen.

@Nefieslab @Great Jamie @anzat17 @Nor'baal

 

[The Storyteller]

Private Zatar wasn't really happy to be here and it was beginning to show. He wasn't sure why his commanding officer was being asked to explain his actions to non-military personnel... but his was not to reason why. His was but to do and die - as the old saying went.

"What would I have done differently?"

He paused for a long moment.

"Well... if I was him, I would have come equipped for combat." he admitted with a frown, "He showed up in dress uniform with a pistol and no spare ammo. Where he got the clips to keep firing from, I'll never know but he was never more than one shot away from death, meaning he couldn't use himself as another member of the squad without great personal risk... or risking the men."

Running a hand through his hair he admitted,

"To get the captain away from the hostages... I'd do what actually happened. Not shooting the hostage - faking the retreat to pull them from cover." he grimaced, "I would have the men have moved up under the cover of flashbangs and, if we had them, smoke, to better create a kill zone, faked the retreat to draw them out, and have them gunned down."

@Great Jamie @Insalius @anzat17 @Nor'baal

 

[Primula Peyvand]

Primula sat in silence while the soldier spoke. She had respect for a man that didn't act like he had all the answers. Hard thing to find now a days to be honest. She had to completely agree with the man however, as the first thing she thought about was non lethal means. How the lieutenant had not considered that as an option was beyond her. Even her with her limited military knowledge knew one stun round might have been the difference between them having this hearing and not.

Thank you, Mr. Zatar. I appreciate your candidness on the matter. I one hundred percent agree with the private in that other options were available. I wonder if we would be having this hearing if just one of you thought to bring a stun grenade or rifle to the conflict. Especially considering as how dealing with hostages was a very likely scenario in this mission.

Do you have anything further to add Mr. Zatar? If not I would like to call the second witness, the one hostage who was closest to the incident to tell us his side of the story from his perspective.

She said, continuing her notes before looking up and tucking a blonde strand of hair behind her ear. With that she waved her hand to the other witness to come forward provided the private had nothing further to add.

 

[The Storyteller]

Private Zatar paused for a moment.

"Yes." he responded to Primula's last question, "I have something further to add... a question I would like answered, if you and the other senators would be so kind."

He wasn't much of a public speaker.

"What the kark is going on here?"

Hence, his last line.

"You have a military man standing trial for a kark up that happened on military time during a military mission... and not one of you is a standing military officer." he looked at them with narrowed eyes, "This right here? It's less of a trial and more of a show. So if you could let me know what the kark you think you're doing... that'd be great."

@Great Jamie @Insalius @anzat17 @Nor'baal

 

[Darwin Mortenson Antilles]

Darwin said nothing as the witness balked at the panels supposed lack of military experience. Having spent his twenties in the Alderaan Defence Force, as a serving Officer, he was not all that pleased.

Taking out his old commission book, proving his service record, he handed it to a guard, who in turn handed it to the witness. Darwin looked at the man coldly, and kept silent.

 

[The Storyteller]

Private Zatar was handed the old commission book by the guard. He raised an eyebrow and looked through the information presented there for a moment, before handing it back to the guard.

"I'm glad you did your duty to the Republic in more ways than your current one, Senator." he admitted with a small bow of his head, "And I have a great amount of respect for veterans."

He honestly did.

"However..."

But that wasn't what was in question here.

"My issue still not answered. The fact that you are a veteran means nothing here - unless I missed the part where veterans were able to administer discipline to serving military personnel? The part where I missed that being a veteran means you are part of the military chain of command?" he shook his head, "The problem I have with these proceedings has nothing to do with experience. The issue I have is that not one of you is an actively serving officer in the Grand Army of the Republic and, as such, not one of you is in the chain of command my Lieutenant must answer to."

He turned to the guards.

"One last thing before I leave?"

He stood at attention and gave a salute to Bretharr. Zatar didn't like the man. He didn't agree with the decisions and the mistakes he had made. But as his old drill instructor had taught him?

We salute the rank, not the man.

@Great Jamie @Insalius @anzat17 @Nor'baal

 

[Bretharr Bargall]

Bretharr stood up, and came to attention himself, before saluting back. He never wanted to make any mistakes. He didn't want to get people killed. Unfortunately, the military was difficult. If they didn't want to die, then they shouldn't have joined. He would then sit down, and wait for more questions.