'Then I see no need for your security manager to testify to the same fact. Thank you, Captain.'
Lieutenant Kilgary had looked very briefly amused as Paul was singled out, but otherwise had watched Captain Hayes testify without visible emotion. Still, Paul was certain she had no doubts about his testimony. Kilgary had respected Hayes when she'd been on the Michaelson and could be expected to rebut any private challenges among the members over his testimony.
Captain Hayes left the court with a single nod to Paul.
Judge Campbell checked the time. 'I believe this is an appropriate point at which to break for lunch. This court-martial is closed and will reconvene at thirteen hundred in this court-room.'
'All rise,' the bailiff ordered as the judge and the members left the courtroom through their separate doors.
Paul stretched, realizing only now how stiff he was from sitting. He looked over toward the defense table, where both Lieutenant Owings and David Sinclair were speaking to Lieutenant Pullman. Brad Pullman appeared not in the least concerned about the morning's testimony, continuing to display a kind of cheerful confidence.
Paul shook his head and looked to where Commander Carr was just finishing stretching as well. 'That seemed to go pretty well,' Paul noted.
Carr glanced his way and smiled. 'Well enough. The only big hitch is that issue over the list of classified materials. I'd hoped it wouldn't be a problem, but expected it would be if your brother did his job defending Lieutenant Pullman.'
'You expected the defense to cause problems over that evidence?'
'Sure.' Carr sighed. 'It's a problem during every trial involving classified information. Somebody has to decide how many secrets we're willing to compromise in the name of protecting our secrets and punishing those who compromised secrets. It wouldn't make much sense to cause serious damage to our intelligence collection capabilities in the name of protecting them from espionage. Your brother knows that, so he's trying to hammer at that weak link and force the government to either disclose more or let that evidence drop.'
'I'm guessing you're not the one deciding how much to disclose.'
Carr gave a half-smile. 'Right. I push for disclosing as much as possible so we can ensure a conviction, the intelligence types push for disclosing as little as possible so they can protect their secrets, and someone higher then either of us decides where to draw the line between those two positions. Fortunately, I was granted enough slack to agree to things like this special briefing for the judge.'
'What'll happen there? Can you tell me?'
'I don't see why not. The briefers will give the judge as much information as they want to and see if the judge is satisfied. If the judge demands more, they'll try to provide just enough more. The problem will come if we reach a point where the judge still isn't satisfied and the briefers refuse to disclose any more. Then either someone higher up orders the briefers to give more or the judge rules the evidence inadmissible.'
'How bad will that be for the government's case?'
She shrugged. 'I can live with it. I'd rather not, but the coins we caught Pullman with constitute very strong evidence of espionage in and of themselves. The defense can chip away at the government's case, but they can't do much about the foundation of it except try to generate doubt at every possible point.' Carr smiled again. 'Not that I'm going to sit back and let them do that.' She checked the time again. 'I've got some things to run down. See you at thirteen hundred, Paul.'
Paul didn't feel very hungry, and feared eating too much would make him sleepy for the afternoon in court. He dreaded falling asleep and being publicly upbraided by the judge while David was in the same room. So he grabbed a snack and a big coffee from the nearest take out and sat on a convenient bench, eating slowly and watching the foot traffic go by. The outfits didn't vary that much. Almost everyone on Franklin was either in uniform or wearing an outfit associated with civilian contractors. Here and there, the clothing of ordinary civilians visiting the station made bright spots of color amid the crowds of workers, flitting in and out of sight like a few tropical birds racing through a forest of trees with bland trunks and foliage.
He'd pretty much stopped paying attention to the crowds some time ago, except as obstacles to his own movement and a possible source of superior officers he'd need to salute. Now he took a good look again, thinking that within a few more days he'd be gone from Franklin. I wonder how Mars looks compared to this?
Twenty minutes prior to 1300 he was back in his seat in the courtroom. 'Hey, bro.'
Paul glanced up at his brother. 'Hey.'
'Having fun?'
'It's interesting.'
'Yeah.' David Sinclair grinned. 'Very. I saw you talking to the trial counsel. Were you guys plotting strategy against me?'
Paul just smiled back. 'Maybe.'
David's smile faded. 'Seriously. You don't have to tell me, but I'm wondering. Are you convinced about Pullman or is the jury still out for you?'
I don't have to tell him. Maybe I shouldn't. But it's a reasonable question and I can't think of any reason not to be honest. 'I'm very aware of the evidence against him, but my jury hasn't quite made up its mind, yet.'
'Fair enough.' David nodded greetings at Commander Carr as she walked up to the trial counsel's table, then he headed for the defense head.
Carr gave David Sinclair a look then glanced at Paul. 'How's the family reunion going?'
'Not bad. But you know the big problem with family reunions.'
'No.'
'Lots of relatives always show up.'
She laughed, drawing looks from those entering the courtroom. 'That happens at my family reunions, too. Unfortunately, unlike family reunions this afternoon probably won't be too exciting, Paul. Except for the first witness.'
Precisely at 1300 the bailiff once again ordered, 'All rise,' and everyone waited as first the judge, then the members, reentered the courtroom. 'This court-martial is open,' Judge Campbell declared. 'Proceed with your case, Trial Counsel.'
'Thank you, Your Honor. The United States calls as its next witness Commander Angie Moraine.'
Paul tried not to flinch at the prospect of watching Commander Moraine watching him in the courtroom. He didn't look as Commander Moraine strode rapidly down the aisle, her eyes apparently fixed on the witness stand.
Commander Moraine sat so stiffly she seemed rigid, except for her hands which seemed to be always on the verge of tapping on the keys to a nonexistent data pad. Her face was pale, her eyes darting from point to point. Commander Carr walked toward with her with slow, gentle steps, as if approaching a horse liable to panic and bolt at any moment. 'Are you Commander Angie Moraine, United States Navy, currently assigned as Operations Department Head on the USS Michaelson?'
Moraine nodded rapidly. 'Yes. I am.'
'What was your command relationship with Lieutenant Pullman?'
'Lieutenant Pullman was, briefly, the ship's communications officer. In that capacity, he was one of my division officers.'
Carr smiled encouragingly. 'Then you were Lieutenant Pullman's immediate superior?'
'That's correct.'
'Did you ever in any way, shape or form, order or instruct Lieutenant Pullman to carry out downloads of classified material in defiance of regulations?'
'Objection.' David Sinclair gave Commander Carr a slightly sour look. 'The question is phrased in a prejudicial manner.'
'My apologies,' Commander Carr offered. 'I will rephrase the question. Commander Moraine, did you ever in any way, shape or form, order or instruct Lieutenant Pullman to carry out downloads of classified material contrary to regulations?'
Commander Moraine fixed a tight stare on Commander Carr, as if unsure whether or not she herself was being accused of wrongdoing. 'No. Certainly not. If Lieutenant Pullman said-'
Carr held up a restraining hand while still radiating reassurance. 'Please, Commander Moraine. Just answer the questions put to you. If I require elaboration, I'll ask for that. Now, to the best of your knowledge, did you ever
