Justice Served, Part One

Clio was half-asleep on the couch in her office when the comm unit on her desk suddenly went off, startling her so that her panicked flailing dumped her right on the deck. Scowling, she picked herself up and brushed off her uniform before sitting at the desk to answer the call.

"Colonel Eneas?"

"Yeah, that's me." Clio subconsciously swiped at her hair, trying to calm it down. "Who are you?"

"Commander Hutchins with JAG. We're looking at your case against Lieutenant Junior Grade George McKinley, and we're going to need you to come to Earth to testify."

Clio sighed. "Yeah, I expected that. When's his trial date? I have to give Captain Harrison fair warning and make sure the Intelligence center is properly secured."

"I'm afraid this is short notice as McKinley is already here, waiting for trial. We can give you a few days, but not more than a week. Otherwise we'll be denying him a prompt trial since he's waiting for discharge according to this."

Great. Clio smiled tightly. "I think I can manage that. Should I call you before I leave or when I get there?"

"When you arrive is fine. We're a bit busy around here."

"All right. Well, I need to go talk to my commander then. I'll see you in a few days." It was rude, but Clio cut the comm line herself, leaning back in her chair for a moment and rolling her eyes. Why didn't we court-martial the bastard on board? she groused to herself as she got up and left her office.

The trip to the bridge was a short one, and Clio waited impatiently after ringing the chime to Danny's ready room. It seemed like forever until Danny finally said, "Come in."

Biting her lip, Clio went inside and stopped in front of Danny's desk. "Well, JAG just called me. They need me to come to Earth to testify against McKinley, and I only have a week to get there, apparently. Makes me wish we did the court-martial here, but it's too late to change the plans." She watched as Danny sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, his usual reaction to her lately. "Yeah, I know it's a hassle, but it's not my fault."

"I know it's not your fault. You don't have a choice, so go."

"Yes, sir." Knowing better than to stick around and chatter about it, Clio made her way back out of the ready room and back down to the 'Cave', which she painstakingly set to only open for Intelligence officers' unlock codes before going home to pack a bag and explain to Michael just where she was going and why.