I thought for a minute, and asked, “None of us has a clue about how Commonwealth law applies in this situation, correct?”
Topper and Nikki both said, “No, we don’t.”
“I think we could make a pretty good case that since we’re an Earth-based company, Earth law should apply, don’t you?”
Topper stayed quiet, but Nikki said, “I suppose you could make that argument, yes. Actually, that sounds like it might be the best answer, since that would be the kind of justice Bill and Jennie would be expecting.”
“Can you show me how to call an Earth phone from here?”
“Yes, Caveman.” She showed me what to do, and I called Mr. Watley’s office. A voice I didn’t recognize answered. “Mr. Watley’s office, how may I help you?”
“I’d like to speak with Mr. Watley if I could? Tell him it’s Bob Wilson calling.”
“I thought Julie said you were out of town, Mr. Wilson?”
“I am. I just have a quick question for Mr. Watley.”
“Right away, Mr. Wilson. And thanks for helping get me this job.”
“You’re welcome.”
Mr. Watley came on the line. “Mr. Wilson, good to talk to you. Whose applecart are we going to turn over today?”
“Sorry to disappoint, but I don’t have anything quite that fun today. Just to be sure, you don’t have any expertise in maritime law, do you?”
“No, I sure don’t.”
“Could you recommend someone who likes money better than telling stories?”
“I had a classmate in law school who specialized in maritime law. Would you like his information?”
“Sure would. What do I owe you?”
“You have me on retainer, that covers this, not to mention I still owe you for helping find my new receptionist. She’s so much better than Emily ever thought about. I’m thinking I really don’t want to know what this is concerning?”
“I think you would like it better that way.” He gave me his friend’s contact info, and we said our goodbyes.
I called the other lawyer. “Mr. Otis’ office, how may I help you?”
“Good morning. Mr. Watley recommended I call, as he didn’t have the experience I needed.”
“That would be Mr. Watley from Cleveland?”
“No, Ma’am. The only Mr. Watley I know is from Springfield, Missouri.”
I heard a man’s voice. “Is that Mr. Wilson? Put him through, please.”
“Mr. Wilson, this is Henry Otis. How might I help you?”
“I’m guessing Mr. Watley told you to expect my call?”
“He did.”
“First things first. Do you have an account where I can deposit a retainer?”
He read me off the information, and I took it down. Nikki had anticipated my needs, and provided me with paper and pencil. Then she handed me her comm, which was already on my bank’s transfer page. I put in the account data, and sent Mr. Otis a nice retainer. I heard some fuss on the other end of the line, and asked, “If that isn’t enough, I can send more.”
“No, Mr. Wilson, that’s plenty. I’m just wondering how ethical this job might be, if you’re willing to pay that kind of retainer.”
“If it bothers you, feel free to return part of it, but I assure you, I’m not going to ask you to do anything unethical.”
“I’ll take your word for it, I suppose. Jimmy wouldn’t recommend you if you weren’t kosher.”
“Glad to hear it. Here’s my problem. I know that mutiny on a military vessel is punishable by death, and mutiny on a commercial vessel is generally handled by the government whose flag the vessel flies, with whatever punishment that government deems appropriate. What I need to find out, is what is the custom, in the case of a vessel not sailing under the flag of any country?”
“Is this research for a story, or how are you going to use the information?”
“Is it necessary for you to know that in order to answer the question?”
“No, I don’t suppose it is. You’re implying the more I know, the more I might be responsible for?”
“I suppose you could put it like that. I was just trying to keep certain things out of the discussion, that might make it harder for you to concentrate on the legal issues.”
“I should tell you that any stateless vessel operating in U.S. waters is considered to be under U.S. jurisdiction.”
“That’s nice to be aware of, but doesn’t apply in this case.”
“Well, in general, in the absence of any other authority, the ship’s owner would be considered the lawful authority.”
“That puts me back where I started, Sir. Is there precedent that I could follow?”
“You are saying that you are the Master of a stateless ship, and you have had mutiny attempted against you?”
“Yes, Sir, I am. I am seeking guidance as to how to proceed with punishment.”
“You and your vessel are not now in the territorial waters of the United States?”
“No, Sir, we are not, nor have we ever been.”
“You are seeking guidance on how to punish your mutineers, correct?”
“I am. Will you be able to offer me any help?”
“Very little, I’m afraid. Most mutineers on ships such as yours wind up shark bait, with no records kept.”
“I had hoped to be a bit more civilized than that, if it was possible.”
“May I ask why?”
“One of the mutineers has two minor dependents. They have been through quite a bit of hardship already, and I don’t want to add to it.”
“So, your main concern is the children?”
“Yes, Sir, it is. If I execute their Uncle, they will have no family left to depend on. If I put them ashore in a strange place, they will have even more turmoil in their lives. I’m at my wit’s end, trying to come up with a solution that doesn’t put an unfair burden on the kids.”
