Demise

[Boss]

"...I find you: Of all Charges and Specifications: Guilty.

"I do not intend to call any witnesses. However, you may desire to call witnesses or to introduce other matters in extenuation or mitigation, that is, for the purpose of lessening the severity of the sentence. The names of Lt. Cmdr. Eric Mathers, Lt. Steven Johnson, and Chief Petty Officer Morton Goldthwait are listed on the charge sheet as being witnesses for you, and they have been notified to appear to testify for you."

Mason, weary with the trial, waved Captain Smith off. "No, sir. I do not wish to call for the witnesses."

"Very well. I will now receive information in order to decide on an appropriate sentence. Examine the information concerning you located on the front page of your copy of the charge sheet. Is your personal data, as shown, correct?"

"Yes, sir."

There was no further data to be had; every scrap of evidence already deliberated over and reviewed. All that remained was:

"This court–martial is closed for determination of the sentence. Wait outside the courtroom until I recall you."

Darryl stood and followed the bailiff from the room.