Thanks for reading. Again, my first Sci-Fi submission.
There is some background, a little explanation, and some history. I rewrote history as it is Sci-Fi and my story. I also tried to make the legal stuff sound good, and be correct- for my world. Maybe it should be like that in the real world. Hope it all works for you folks. The Bear thanks you. Very, very little sex. Next part, I promise.
Volume 2, Chapter 1- Back Story
The Larocyn broke out of hyperspace on the coordinates of the old planet Saturn's orbit. The planet had been destroyed by the combined efforts of the old Russian Federation's Space Fleet and the Chinese Celestial Navy. They had been warring for almost seventy-five years over the minerals and chemicals found on Saturn when one or the other's fleet hit enormous pockets of chemical gasses on the surface. The resulting cataclysm destroyed the planet and wiped out 95% of both countries' space forces gathered for the fight over the planet.
Thankfully, the gas giant Jupiter shielded the inner planets from the vast majority of the destruction. The United States Space Force was busy patrolling and protecting the U.S.'s interests on the Earth's moon, and the asteroid belt, so they were not engaged at Saturn.
But it took more than 400 years for the planet to recover. China and Russia both fell into economic ruin, and social turmoil that they did not recover from, and slipped to 3rd and 4th rate world powers status respectively. The American government prospered, but soon was caught up in a world 'lack' of politics and was soon replaced by the existing Monarchy-with a democratic bent.
The laws of the time were replaced, by a peaceful revolution, with a much more sensible and logical group. Everything from tax rates to divorce and custody regulations, due process of law, voting laws, and citizenship regulations. While still governed by the Constitution of 1776, a much more sensible and equitable face emerged in society. The exploding economy and the expanding presence in outer space greatly enhanced the stability of the Earth and Moon-based populations. The 'Empire', as they came to be known, started immense terraforming projects on Mars, and built large military space stations out in the Saturn orbit area, as protection.
Then, the Lomaxxes arrived, looking for slaves and plunder. The attacking fleet deployed around the home planet but neglected to account for the moon. When they sprung their attack, they were hit by the United Nations Space Force (formerly The United States Space Command). The Lomaxxes were severely outnumbered, but their weapons were superior. As the battle raged, Earth took more and more hits from space, further annihilating the mainland Asian countries.
Just when it looked like Earth could handle no more destruction, and was looking to sue for peace, the Bassin battle fleet arrived. It was small, compared to both the other two, but they were loaded for bear, having chased the Lomaxxes across four star systems.
The Bassins were basically a peaceful race, although they were a warrior civilization. And they were relentless. They were tracking the Lomaxxes after the destruction of three of the Bassin's home planets. They were consumed with revenge and went about ship-to-ship combat as well as hand-to-hand. Immediately the United Nations Space Forces sided with the newcomers and tipped the scales decidedly.
There were no prisoners.
It was merciless and bloody. Atrocities were the rule, and it was over quickly.
But when it was over, two small space fairing races were fast friends and allies. The Earth was extremely grateful and made room on several Lunar colonies, vast areas of Earth itself, and Terra-formed areas of Mars. For their part, the Bassins gave the Earth -- faster than light travel. The expansion into deep space began with a bang. It was also when the United Nation's Space Forces became the Imperial Trionian Empire's Navy.
Earth felt that given they were not the only intelligent species out there, they needed to get out and make their mark. AND QUICKLY!!
This took place approximately 750 years after the explosion of the Planet Saturn. History rolled along, not without its bumps and wiggles, but steadily and methodically. 1400 more years passed, and here we are.
VOLUME 2, CHAPTER 2 - Divorce and Romance- Trionian Style
Year of the Empire, 4572 Actual
So, the Larocyn broke out of warp on the far side of Jupiter. They were met by the Home Fleet of the Trionian Empire-- all 350 of them.
Also, because of freedom of the press, Newsies were vying to be the first to cover the arrival and broadcast-- they didn't know what to the expanding kingdom. (Typical newsies!)
The Larocyn was met by an Imperial Cruiser- Class ship, the IMS Shepherdess. Sleek, fast, and formidable, she was the fastest of the newest class of Naval craft. She rendezvoused with the Larocyn and several individuals boarded the Dreadnought. Two returned and the Shepherdess departed for deep space, mission Ultra Top Secret.
A bit of info- Faldavian class Dreadnoughts were the older ships of the line. They had been replaced by Morrison Class Dreadnoughts. They were huge, longer, and more massive than 20th-century aircraft carriers.
Six of the ships were kept for use by the Imperial Branch of the Government- the Larocyn, the Noriss, the Bellplaine, the Androw, the Yamato, and the Enterprise. The Larocyn had been accompanied on the cruise by the Bellplaine and the Enterprise, as well as several Destroyer Class warships.
Security was tight, and as soon as Shepherdess left, Task Force Imperial 1 (as it was now known) left for the inner solar system.
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The Shepherdess had left on board the Larocyn Vice-Admiral James Matoocos, from the Navy JAG Bureau and attorney Roger Tremaine. They met up with Major Caleb Lomer and began to construct his divorce challenge countercase. They were not too concerned with the divorce petition and were more interested in the 'other' case. They intended to slide into the case against the traitorous military and civilian concerns that had precipitated the attack at Folsom, resulting in the deaths of more than 5000 personnel, including the Emperor and the Crown Prince.
The Major was relieved of his guardianship of the Crown Princess and again 1st Lieutenant Sanchez was her guardian. Captain Alvin Dowss was moved to the Empress's detail and put in charge, being sworn to secrecy. He was also fiercely loyal to the Major and the rest of the unit.
The two lawyers sequestered themselves with the Major and grilled him mercilessly about the attack and the ensuing mop-up. They wanted any details and they went over and over the stories, looking for tie-ins.
Caleb was a little concerned about the path the inquiry was taking.
"Major, we have enough evidence to have this action thrown out before they have the time to address the court. But we need it to start the ball rolling as they say. It will let us get the court involved in the action at Folson," explained the Admiral.
"We know you have a vested interest in the out-come of the action against the Crown, and we appreciate this fact," said the Vice-Admiral with a small grin. "We want to make the biggest impact on the public when we drop the bomb on them. With your help, we can do this."
James Tremaine started then. "Caleb, we've got the goods on your current wife. There will be enough testimony against her, and for you, that it will make you a hero, and the object of a lot of compassion for your situation. We are going to take them to the cleaners. You know about the legal principle of "Restitution" in divorce and civil actions. We are set to file on the grounds of adultery, and perjury, and we feel confident that the judge will rule favorably for us.
Now, as far as Restitution is concerned, here is what we are thinking. If you would like something different, just let us know."
Now, the Restitution the lawyers were referring to was an outgrowth of the legal reforms from the last 1400 years. People were tired of many of the inequities of civil law, and society took the opportunity to right some wrongs. There were many 'starts and stops, as it was, along the way, but it was done legally and fairly. (Isn't THAT something?)
The rule of law was implemented fairly in many civil and criminal cases. The premise was that it was unfairly biased against mainly the male population, but, many times, against females. The instituted changes tried to be gender and color-blind, and as civilization expanded, species blind.
