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.
##################################################################################
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.
It did not sit well with many, hence the 'starts and stops' with changing the laws. But after 1400 years the courts and the legislature had made great strides. One of the changes was the "Restitution" punishments.
In a criminal case or civil case, when the guilty party was determined, the punishment could be severe. No longer was "alimony, or spousal support" allowed as a matter of course. Adultery, if proven, was considered in divorce cases. Both ways. Many argued that this led to many cases of homicide rather than letting the convicted party argue the moral case.
With the preponderance of evidence generated, Major Lomer would make a good case for "Restitution" in his damages. And he could push for decent punishment, by law.
So Caleb needed to determine who was going to get what punishment. We settled on 100,000,000 Cr against Lorna and her father, based on her promiscuous behavior, the existence of the one-sided prenup agreement he had been forced to sign, and the wealth of the two individuals involved. There were also at least 14 individuals that they could document her carnal indiscretions. It was later determined that the number was 20, including her attorney.
The evidence was cast in stone. All of them were aware that she was married; 10 of them were married, and 8 with children. Her lawyer was violating several different ethical and legal statutes and thumbing his nose at Caleb both in bed and out of it. So they agreed to 10,000,000 Cr against 19 of them and offered legal representation to the aggrieved spouses in exchange for more damning testimony against Lorna et al. (If that was possible.) That left only Conrad Doughy. Caleb had special plans for him.
***********************************************************************************
The Larocyn achieved planetary orbit around Earth and docked at the Imperial Space station. The Major and his legal team disembarked and went planet side and got rooms in the BOQ quarters at the New Bethesda Space Port. Two days later they left for the Naval Headquarters facility at Washington Spaceport Naval Yard, got rooms at the BOQ there, and met up with Command Sergeant-Major Cwasir Taolid.
Both Marines were happy to see each other. Cwasir said he had taken leave and was there to support his friend. He was happily married, to one Yoin Glassu. They had been married, or 'joined' as Bassin culture referred to it, for 17 years. Not only that, they were the parents of 12 offspring. Caleb was the 'protector', as Bassin society referred to as the Godfather, of Cwasir's 11th child, a son, who was 6 years old.
Caleb often hoped that one day, his life would mirror his good friend's.
Cwasir stood 6' 6" tall, and was at least 270 lbs. His diminutive wife was only 4' 11 1/2" tall and weighed maybe 100 lbs., soaking wet. But she ruled the roost and was madly in love with Cwasir, and Cwasir adored her. She was the eldest daughter of one of the ruling houses of Bassin society.
They convened a lunchtime strategy session and worked until dinner time. Breaking for supper, they resumed until 2130 hours, and then called it a day. Tomorrow would be the first day in court.
***********************************************************************************
Day 1- Superior Imperial Court, Washington District
At 0900 hours, Vice-Admiral Matoocos, Roger Tremaine, Caleb Lomer, and Cwasir Taolid entered Courtroom 121-B, Superior Imperial Court for the Washington District. They made their way to the defense table, at the Judge's right. Cas sat behind me, put his left hand on my shoulder, and reached for my right hand, shaking it. Two Imperial Military Police investigators joined him.
"We got this, my brother. Don't worry."
Ten minutes later, Lorna Lomer, nee Golan, her father Reginald Golan, her attorney Conrad Doughy and the 'cast of thousands' hangers-on and assistant attorneys and paralegals, along with the two principal partners, the Honorable John McGregor, Esq., and the Honorable Richard Lewis, Esq. entered and made their way to the plaintiff's table, on the Judge's left. Trailing them was a team consisting of forensics experts, P/I's, and security people. (Cast of thousands.)
Caleb was slightly in awe and worried that they may have underestimated the enemy. The Vice-Admiral grinned, and Roger chuckled and said to Caleb, "We got them right where we want them."
