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Chapter 33
In the interrogation centre on the Thallaxapod, Captain Jarrin Tarn spoke slowly. Mead still laying weakly on the leather couch was careful to follow her words, "Now, as I explained, the purpose of this session is to help you to prepare your defence or your appeal for leniency as appropriate. Can I ask which plea you intend to enter?"
"Well, innocent, of course." In spite of her feeble state Mead spoke defiantly, clutching the shirt that was all she had to cover her nakedness, around her body.
"Are you quite sure about that? I mean it's quite, well, unusual." Tarn looked concerned.
"Of course I am sure. Why is it so unusual? I know I did nothing wrong."
"Ah, I think I need to explain. How familiar are you with the processes of the Federation High Court in the matter of cases related to off-world security and our relations with our allies?" Tarn turned to pick up a folder of documents from her desk.
"Uh, not really," Mead shook her head, confused. She felt her confusion was only loosely related to her recent awakening from stasis.
"Well. Let me see. The court will recognise a number of pleas from 'guilty with a request for mercy' through 'guilty without responsibility', to 'guilty without premeditation', 'guilty without knowledge', and finally 'innocent'. Generally speaking the court will increase the sentence depending on their view of how realistic the defendant's plea is. An 'innocent' plea is only usual if the accused is convinced that they have a strong case."
"Well, I am. I know I have done nothing wrong."
"With respect Doctor Mead, many of those accused of treasonable offences feel the same way. The question is can you prove it?"
"Surely it is up to my accusers to demonstrate my guilt, not for me to show my innocence."
"Ah. I think I am starting to see the problem. The Off-World Security sessions of the High Court are administered according to a different code. I am afraid that the nature of offences tried there is such that the presumption is that the Federation has good cause for bringing its case. It is up to the defendant to show that there is reason to question it."
"And how do I know what the nature of the Federation's case is? Can I have access to their witnesses and to their evidence?"
"Oh, no that would be quite impossible. If the defendant turns out to have been a danger to Federation security – which is quite likely as a result of one of these cases – it would hardly be appropriate for them to have access to sensitive Federation intelligence and connections with witnesses would also be inappropriate – their could be a question of intimidation or collusion. Our experience shows that only a small proportion of those accused are found innocent – it is too great a risk to allow access to this material when most defendants are a danger to our society."
"But how can I brief my defence counsel if …."
"Defence counsel?"
"Yes, my lawyers. I am entitled to representation, aren't I?"
"Well yes, in theory. But you will find it difficult to get representation in the Off-World Security Court. It's partly because of the fees, I guess, especially since counsel are not allowed to benefit from defending those that are eventually found guilty. Mainly, though, it's because of the ruling that in the event of an innocent plea being adjudged invalid the defence counsel is required to serve the same sentence as the accused. It's a measure designed to reduce time-wasting by unscrupulous lawyers and, of course, to prevent criminal or politically disruptive elements subverting the legal profession."
"So what can I do?" Mead appealed in despair to the Captain.
"Well there are two things I would advise. Firstly I would reconsider your plea. Acceptance that the Federation has a case against you will certainly make it easier for the court to hear your views and will reduce the sentence when, sorry – if, they find against you. Secondly you can make use of the procedure for a defendant's deposition. That's really what I am here for."
"A 'Defendant's Deposition' – does that allow me to present my defence? To put my side of things to the court?"
"Well, yes and no. I'll ask you a series of questions provided by the prosecutor's office and your responses are presented to the court as both evidence of fact and of your willingness to assist the court in its search for truth."
"And that can help my case? Reduce the possible sentence?"
"Oh yes, very much so."
"Well, let's get on with it. Can we do it now?"
"Yes, yes we can, but…."
"No, let's start. I can show that there's no basis for these accusations."
"Well, if you are sure…."
"I'm sure."
"OK." Tarn reached forward and pressed a button on her desk. The two troopers reappeared. "Dr Mead has agreed to make a defendant's deposition, please get things ready while I fetch the prosecution question pack." She got up from her desk and turned towards the array of memory cartridges that lined one wall of her office. As she did so, Trooper Gallymede grabbed hold of Mead wrists and pulled them up over her head, dragging her back on the couch. His colleague, Fenson, strapped her wrists together and clipped the strap to a fastening on the couch. As Mead tried to protest Gallymede wedged a ring gag into her mouth and fastened its strap at the back of her neck. Further straps held her ankles spread to each corner of the foot of the couch. The two troopers stood up and made their way to stand by Mead's head as she cursed them through her distended mouth.
Tarn turned back from the cartridge rack. Seeing that Mead had been secured on the couch and ignoring the anthropologist's, groans and struggles, she spoke to the two troopers. "Thank you, troopers. That will be all for now. I estimate that the defendant's deposition will take an hour or so. You can stand down until then. When she has finished she can be returned to stasis until the trial."
"Very good, ma'am." Gallymede and Fenson saluted and left. Tarn remained with Mead as she struggled against the straps grunting protests through her gag.
"Now, Doctor Mead," Tarn began as the troopers departed. "I have to explain the procedure to you. Your deposition will take the form of either agreeing or disagreeing with a series of questions that I will read out to you. It will simply be sufficient for you to nod or shake your head. I am only allowed to record a agreeing or disagreeing response – hence the need for the silencer which will prevent you prejudicing your defence by any injudicious statement. Do you understand?"
Mead gave an infuriated groan through her gag and tried to shake herself free form the couch but without success.
"Fine, fine. Then we can begin." Tarn slipped the memory cartridge she was holding into the console in front of her. Tarn picked up a metal head band covered with electrodes and connected by cable to the console. Mead watched in frightened anticipation as Tarn approached her with the head band. In spite of her struggles, Tarn fitted the band in place around Mead's forehead. "Please don't be concerned. This is to ensure that the questions are put consistently and fairly. It removes any question that I might slant the questions against you."
Mead gave a strangled grunt as Tarn fastened the headband in place and checked the cables. Tarn pressed a button on the console and Mead stiffened as she heard the recorded announcement from the deposition system. "Thank you for agreeing to participate in this evidence collection process," Mead heard as from one corner of her eye she saw Tarn scribbling notes on a clip-board pad. "Your responses will be recorded by the representative of the intelligence services that has enabled your connection to this facility. You will have the opportunity to respond affirmatively or negatively by nodding or shaking your head. In order to ensure that each question is adequately understood if there is a discrepancy between your response and that indicated by the evidence available to the prosecution you will receive a contra-indication. This will provide you with the opportunity to reconsider your response. We are most anxious that your responses are accurate and correspond to the evidence available. Thank you for your cooperation. The system will now administer an example of the contra-indication for your reference."
Mead struggled and screamed silently as the electric shock arced across Mead's temple and her entire body bucked as the electrical energy surged through her. The recorded questions began.
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