Ch 21 Stan's Plan
The next morning, instead of going to therapy and the barn, they walked into the Tribunal Courtroom.
"I don't like this place," Jeff observed, "it reminds me of Drake, and how they almost believed his lies and banished you."
Stan Fuller entered from the side door and the three judges entered from the rear. "I have a feeling we'll find out what this is about very soon," Bogg answered him as he exchanged a glance with Stan, who stood at the opposing table.
Professor Garth rapped the gavel twice, "this hearing is in session," he announced. "We are convened here because we have a petition from Voyager Fuller that involves you both," he said, addressing himself to Phineas and Jeff. A side door opened quietly and Phineas watched as Tom took a seat in the back as a spectator.
"Petition for what?" Bogg asked Garth.
"A transfer of guardianship for Jeffrey Jones."
"What?" Bogg shouted.
The gavel came down repeatedly, "Order in this court," Garth said.
"On what grounds?" Bogg asked.
"This petition makes the argument that since Voyager Bogg is experienced in Voyaging with children, it makes more sense that he should take on the training of our newly identified child voyager. Voyager Fuller is willing to take over with Jeffrey Jones."
"No way," Bogg responded immediately.
"Voyager Bogg, it does seem to be a logical solution to our dilemma about what to do with the newly identified child voyager. It may be a bit uncomfortable at first, but for the overall mission of Voyagers, it would be beneficial to have the new child begin training as soon as possible, instead of living in an orphanage until he's 17."
"No! It wouldn't be beneficial for Jeff, you made me Jeff's guardian, and I should have final say about what happens to him." Bogg stood up and spoke in a loud voice.
"I'm prepared to take over guardianship, Jeffrey likes me. He even said we are a lot alike," Stan said.
Bogg turned to him, "I heard you picked up this new kid, start traveling with him yourself," he shouted and Stan took several menacing steps toward him.
"I wouldn't know the first thing about it," Stan insisted.
"If he's destined to be a voyager, he'll teach you what you have to know," Phineas yelled back, taking a step forward himself.
"I'm not suited to it," Stan yelled, and began moving more quickly toward Phineas.
Jeff stepped in front of Bogg and pointed at Fuller, "stop right there," he said loudly.
"Your omni put you with him for a reason," Bogg yelled from behind Jeffrey. Even though he was angry and upset, he knew that Jeff was trying to protect him, and he again marveled at Jeff's quick thinking and concern for him. He was as devoted to Phineas as Phineas was to him.
"Oh come on," Stan ignored the remark and addressed his comment to Jeff, "what did you think I was gonna do, attack him?"
"I don't know, but his shoulder's not healed yet so just back off," Jeff said in an even voice.
The gavel pounded several times, "order in this court," Garth said loudly.
Stan backed away from them and turned around to face the Tribunal, "your honors, Jeffrey and I are very compatible, we've spent time together and have many similar interests."
"The answer's no. I'm not leaving Jeff with anyone else," Phineas shouted.
The gavel banged several times, "Voyager Bogg, you are being insubordinate, you have not even considered this request," Garth's voice could be heard above the noise.
"Insubordinate?" Phineas yelled, "you want to take Jeff away from me? You haven't seen insubordinate!"
"Stop.."
"If you think I'm gonna calmly discuss this, you don't have a clue about what you're asking."
"The Tribunal has given you guardianship Voyager Bogg, and we can take it away."
A sudden silence followed this pronouncement, and Jeff backed up until he stood beside Phineas. He reached up and grasped his arm tightly, it didn't take a genius to know he was afraid.
Suddenly the silence was broken by a deep voice, "Why does it have to be Fuller?" Jeff and Phineas turned around as one and watched as Tom Paine walked up to the gate before the Tribunal.
"Explain yourself," Garth asked.
"I'm sorry Your Honors, but if someone else wanted to train the boy, would you let them?"
"Who would want to take an inexperienced child into the field?" Stan said, "well, besides Bogg here."
Tom paused and took a deep breath, "I'd give it a try," he said in a clear voice.
Jeff took his hand off Bogg's arm and slipped it around his back as they watched.
"Why would you do this?" Professor Garth asked, eyeing him over the tops of his glasses.
Tom looked at Phineas and smiled, "two reasons, one is that it's just plain wrong to split them up. And somebody has to stop you from doing that or you'll force Phineas to take Jeff underground."
"He wouldn't be able to hide forever," Kane responded.
"He could elude you for 4 years, easy," Tom answered.
"What does 4 years have to do with it?"
"In four years, Jeff will be an adult. He'll bring the kid back for school, and throw himself on the mercy of the court, hoping that you'll need him back in the field."
There was silence. "That's a fanciful story, but it isn't fact," Kane said. Bogg however was staring in shock at Tom because he had been thinking that if it came right down to it, he would do that very thing.
"The second reason I'd take a shot training the new kid is that I think I'd be happier."
Bogg's jaw dropped in surprise.
"What do you mean?" Garth asked.
"Look at them Professor, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to see what they've got. Phineas is happier than he's ever been. And the kid's great. I'm not letting you split them up if I can help it. And anyway, what Phineas said earlier is probably true."
"What was that?" Garth asked.
"If the kid's meant to be a voyager, he's probably pretty special. Maybe he can tell me what he needs."
There was silence again in the courtroom. The judges leaned close together and spoke in hushed whispers. Finally, they all returned to an upright position.
"We see no reason that a motivated third party couldn't take on the child. We will review your file and let you know if we approve of you for the task," Garth said to Tom and then let the gavel fall.
As the courtroom cleared, Tom moved toward Phineas and Jeffrey.
Bogg stared at his friend. "I had the impression you thought I was crazy," he said.
Tom smiled, "I do," he paused, "but happy too."
"How'd you know I was considering going underground if things got bad enough?" Bogg asked.
Tom laughed, "because I can read you like a book," he said. "And speaking of books, did you give Jeff the other books yet?"
"What other books?" Jeff asked quickly. He had finished The Call of the Wild in a week and had thought about it almost constantly since.
Bogg stared at Tom in annoyance, "not yet, thanks," he answered sarcastically.