A/N: Wow. This ended up being a lot longer than I expected, and most of it is politics. I hope this is a novelty for you guys, or you'll all hate me for putting politics in a story. And wow, 10,828 words is a long chapter. This comes out as 23 pages in my word editor.
Chapter 12- Another Trial
Percy's POV
"The Senate recognizes Censor Carmen." The presiding Consul today was my old "friend" Macintyre, who was looking at me strangely.
"I must urge the Senate to be cautious. Fauns are afforded the same rights as you or I, so they must be given the same opportunities. Fauns must be given to opportunity to create unions." Freethinker to the last, eh?
The Censor took a seat again as Macintyre spoke, "The Senate recognizes Quaestor Ouroboros."
I stood, facing all the Senators alone. The Senate Chamber was basically a gigantic U, with a podium in the opening. The Honorary Praetors sat behind and lower then the Consuls on the podium. Frank looked like he was sleeping while Reyna was barely paying attention.
I gathered my thoughts before I spoke, "Censor Carmen, the Faunus Working Commission isn't ridiculous because the fauns aren't human. In fact, I resent the implication that I might be so bigoted as to refuse those with human intelligence human rights. No, it is simply a waste of resources to have a Commission with a staff that has simply nothing to do! No unions to organize, no benefits to wrangle, and not even a goat hair in sight!"
I sat down again as Macintyre spoke again, "The Senate recognizes Pro-Censor Scott."
Miranda's patron stood, "Quaestor Ouroboros, you talk of dissolving the Commission and yet, you do not propose any plan at all once it is dissolved. Are you planning for the money to go straight into your pocket?"
After Scott sat, Macityre spoke yet again, "The Senate recognizes Quaestor Ouroboros."
"As it seems most of the chamber is set out to insult me and my good name, I will say this: Let us dissolve the Commission and lower the taxes of the people, to encourage growth and prosperity. I have no need to siphon off money from the Treasury's pockets, Jupiter knows they are thin enough already." I smiled as most of the chamber turned, glaring at the nearest Freethinker, "Nothing is more important than the people's prosperity, and perhaps a slightly smaller government is the way to accomplish that."
I sat again, among some Freethinker shouting before the gavel came down again with a bang.
To my surprise, what I said wasn't dismissed out of hand, instead being taken up by the NRLC, the Centrists that were tired of the Freethinker's ways, and the Fundamentalists who wanted to get on the NRLC's good side.
The debates lasted well into the afternoon and a tentative act was formed, the gist of it being this: Kill the Commission and shove their budget into the Workplace Safety Commission. All the while, notes were being scribbled by the Times New Roman, the only newspaper in New Rome
The Senate closed at six o' clock PM, having convened at nine o' clock AM. Nine hours a day locked in that chamber . . .
Fortunately, as I was actively part of the government, I could bring my work in with me. Basically meaning charts tracking the economy, the budgets of all the Commissions and Departments in the bureaucracy, and other assorted ding-dongs.
As soon as the Senate day was over -if it ever was- I was approached by an NRLC low-ranker. He was about thirty-four, with brown hair, brown eyes and strong features. He was good-looking enough, but definitely not handsome or hot. Not especially strong, either.
"Hello, Pro-Tribune." I said. All Senators had a little pin of office, along with whether they were currently holding that office, "What can I do for you?"
"You can tell me your affiliation."
"I thought I made it clear in the convening." I replied, keeping my voice level.
"You made it clear you didn't approve of the Freethinker's radicalism." The man snorted, "That is not an affiliation; that is good sense."
"I am libertarian, and will vote with the NRLC." I held his gaze steadily, black eyes meeting brown ones.
"Nice to have you with us." The man smiled, "Jonas Brunofsky."
He held out his hand, which I shook, "Perseus Ouroboros."
"Yeah, I know. Did my research: One of the richest people in New Rome with no stigma, no family, no attachments." Jonas looked me over with a critical eye, "Which makes you either useful or dangerous, and definitely a loose cannon."
"I think I'm all three. My money's useful, and I didn't get three medals in the Greco-Roman Games by being pretty." My grin changed, becoming shark-like, "As for the loose cannon, we'll just have to see, won't we?"
By then, three Senators who were listening in reached three very different people. The heads of the parties updated their lists for the ten new elected today, with Macintyre raising a wine glass in a salute to the person who very neatly played him. Macintyre leaned back in his chair, far from the Senate Chamber, his mind whirring with a dozen plans to show the uppity new quaestor who's boss.
Percy's POV
I groaned as I got up the next day, a few motions on my IPhone sending the rest of the three million to Octavian as promised. An issue of the Times New Roman was shoved under the door by an unseen hand. I picked it up, flipping to the politics section, eating breakfast as I read it.
4/12/2017: New Blood?
Yesterday, a newly elected quaestor, Perseus Ouroboros, pointed out several laughable oversights in the Bureaucracy, namely the Faunus Working Commission -when there are no working fauns! Macintyre and the rest of the Freethinker party was quick to try to refute his claims, but by the end of the day, there was the tentative skeleton of a bill to dissolve the laughable Commission and instead invest the money in workplace safety.
When asked about this outside of the Senate Chamber, Quaestor Ouroboros said these words:
"The Faunus Working Commission is a flaw in a recent Freethinker act, something I believe was brought on by the Bureaucracy being bloated with dozens of unnecessary employees. I believe that a smaller, stronger government can best fit the needs of the people by being adaptable and quick to respond, where a large government that the Freethinkers support would topple under it's own weight while we all pay the price. The welfare of the people is the supreme law, and I am eager to serve them in any way I can. Currently, we are in a recession that has been only made worse from the Freethinker's higher taxes. As a quaestor, it is my duty to help right the financial state in the only effective way: Lowering taxes and minimizing unnecessary funding."
Bold words indeed from a young man in a Freethinker-dominated government. When asked of how the Freethinkers will react, he says this:
"If I'm painting a target on my back, that means the words I say go in the newspaper, where the people of New Rome may see a politician that is working for them. If I get discredited in a Freethinker-engineered scandal, then so be it. I'm out for the people, and no amount of money will change that."
Someone -Miranda- had circled the "dissolve the laughable Commission" and wrote her congratulations next to it. Smiling, I tucked it away before preparing myself for the day ahead: Getting the latest charts, seeing the latest news and combing it for ammunition against the Freethinkers, Centrists, or Fundamentalists. I had purchased a copy of the Register a few weeks ago; That went with me, along with a digital copy of every single thing mentioned in the Register, so everything. Lastly, I started putting on the toga, checking it in the mirror to make sure it was perfect.
Finally ready, I headed for the Senate Chamber which was in the center of the city. The next hours were filled with point and counterpoint. Some of the Freethinker Senators seemed to have it out for me, but the NRLC -while small- was just as adept at politicking as the Freethinkers. Some of the Centrists also defended me, to my surprise.
One of the best parts came a few hours in, "Quaestor Ouroboros, you speak of being for the people, but what have you ever done for them?"
It wasn't Macintyre but some big-shot Fundamentalist businessman, one of the party bosses. Tuft, isn't it? Steven Tuft?
"The Senate recognizes Quaestor Ouroboros."
"Not much, but at least I haven't passed laws and acts that let me fake giving money to orphanages and the homeless for a bit of philanthropy. Oh, look here 'donations to various causes can be demanded to be routed through the Treasury to make sure of it's security. In this time, the donations will be held in the donator's name.' Like it? You should, you passed a few years ago, when the Fundamentalists were in power."
I pretended to keep looking, then pretended to be surprised, "Oh, and this is even better 'Money titled to a Senator that is held by the Treasury can be demanded to be removed with a small holder's fee. This transaction would be protected by confidentiality agreements, and thus not regulated or surveyed' That was passed around the same time, and since then, you have made several very large donations to some very poor orphanages and homeless shelters to get a few deductibles off of your income taxes. And yet, it's a matter of public record to see that the only denarii that made it to it's final destination, and a small amount at that, went to one headed by one of your former colleagues. Look at this: One-hundred thousand denarii, donated to Simpson Housing Homeless Shelters. Oh, it went into the Treasury . . . . and disappeared. And here's another, twenty thousand denarii. Here's fifty. Man, those places must be rolling in to dough. Wait, they aren't. How odd."
I sat down, content with Tuft's face turning twenty shades of purple in rage. Like that? You see, I can bring this in. You can't.
A few agonizing hours later, the session ended with Jonas walking over again.
"That took balls. He's the big-shot in business here."
"So? I have much more money as he does, and I can always go out into the mortal world if me makes trouble. Besides, now the public'll tear him apart. Another good hit could dissolve the entire party." I bared me teeth, "And leave us to pick up the pieces."
"Possibly." It was a new voice, from right behind me. I spun on a dime, only to see the head of the NRLC facing me: Jacqueline White.
Jacqueline White was a sixty-something women with severely-cut silvery hair and sharp green eyes. Her high cheeks hinted at the beauty she was in her youth, but her mind was as sharp as a pugio. Her eyes were cold and calculating, the same eyes that I had seen in Macintyre, Miranda, and myself.
"Pro-Consul White." I said, bowing my head in respect, "What leads you to grace me with your presence?"
"Save the flattery, Perseus, I don't have time for it." White's eyes seemed to pierce mine, "What you did today took spirit. Everyone in the chamber knew what Tuft was doing, and yet no one spoke. Do you know why?"
"Yes. Tuft is a major shareholder in quite a few big companies here. A few words and some bribes, then those companies start putting pressure on wherever your own funding's coming from, freezing it." I smiled, "But I have my own funding."
"Correct. You have no loyalties, no history, and no one can pressure you. You do not even have a significant other. This makes you a perfect vehicle for exposing uncomfortable truths, and what you have said today will make it onto the front page. I have made sure of that." The corners of her mouth twitched upward in what might have been a smile, "But you must not draw that much attention again for the near future. Yesterday was a shocking entry speech that should be commended. Today should not give you too much trouble, as Tuft is not held in a high regard. However, If you continue in this trend all those with dirty secrets will start trying to get you away, discredit you. Tomorrow, counter points yourself only if absolutely necessary. The rest of the NRLC will do the heavy lifting."
"Of course, Mrs. White."
"As long as you say "Of course, Mrs. White." everything's fine. Don't change." This time, she actually smiled, then turned and walked away, her shoes clinking on the cold stone floor.
"Not many NRLC get personal visits from Mrs. White on their second day." Jonas commented as we walked away, "A piece of advice? You'd better have a very good reason for disobeying her orders, if your ever do. Anything less, and you're toast."
Anything less, and I kill her. "Personal experience?"
Jonas nodded, "Yeah, same year I got my first quaestorship. A pro-tribune tried to seize control of the party, and a few days later, all he had left were the clothes on his back."
I winced, "Ouch."
"Ouch is right. You step on her toes, she'll cut off your feet. Before cutting your throat."
Percy's POV
I was ambushed by the press right outside of the Senate Chamber, which kept me tied up for close to an hour before I broke soon as I got home, I checked my Hunt-tracing map. Good, still in Nevada. No news is most definitely good news.
I finished my "work" while having a peanut-butter sandwich for dinner, forging what I thought would happen in the economy and starting on suggestions on next year's budget. Those suggestions would have to refined and changed endlessly throughout the year, but one always needed something to do.
After that, I shadow-traveled down to the Underworld, using the training room to practice with a sword that was a near-perfect copy of Shadow, just without the powers.
A few hours after that, now soaked in sweat and panting, I showered off before falling asleep.
"Declan, get on duty! I have to do something tonight." Artemis called as the rest of the Hunters started filing into their respective tents.
Declan shrugged, bringing a chair out of a tent and whistling. A few seconds later, a small drakon ran into the camp, small meaning about half the size of an eighteen-wheeler.
"Hey, Dracul. How are you?" To my surprise, Declan patted the drakon on the head before scratching it on the neck, "Like that? Yeah, bet you do."
The drakon made a hiss that sounded suspiciously like purring before racing off into the woods.
Meanwhile, Declan stood up and unsheathed Light, twirling it in his hands. A beam shot from it's tip and into the sky, illuminating the night. Then, it disappeared. Declan dropped the sword, holding out his hand and concentrating. As I watched, a whip of light formed in his clenched fist, then it changed into a longsword, then a flail. He let go, and rather than falling, the flail hung in the air. Picking up Light, he swung it as if attacking an imaginary opponent, and as he did, the flail attacked as well.
"Declan?" It was Elysia, the empousa.
"Hey, Ellie." Declan turned, the flail disappearing, "Couldn't sleep."
"No. Declan, why haven't you shown yourself to the camps?" Elysia asked, "Only Tristan knows what I am, outside the Hunt at least."
"I'd rather those Ares idiots not know." Declan sighed, "But know it feels like I'm running from the past, hiding from it. One person knows who I am outside the Hunt as well. The Proctor."
Elysia gasped, "Him? The quest never found him, but you did? Is he gone?"
"No, and I didn't find him. The Proctor snuck into Cabin Eight the first night of the Greco-Roman Games, and stole Light before I even woke up." Declan looked fondly at the blade in his hand, "Then he interrogated Artemis and I about the whole "Guardian" thing."
"Did you tell him about . . . . about C-Chaos?" Elysia stuttered a little at the last word.
"Can't, remember?" Declan smiled, "Arty is the only reason you girls know, and she wasn't in any hurry to tell that Proctor guy."
Elysia started shivering as the night got colder. Declan, noticing this, took off his leather jacket and handed it to her. There was a flash of fire, then a mug of hot chocolate appeared as well, "Here you go, Ellie."
"Thanks." They sat together as the night wore on, Elysia sipping at the hot choclate and leaning against Declan.
When it was about three o' clock, a Cyclops' death-scream ripped through the camp. Elysia, shocked, gave a little jump before Declan put an arm around her, "Good ole' Dracul."
My alarm went off, waking me up and informing me it was four o' clock. Getting up, I grabbed the first piece of paper I saw, part of last year's budget. Snatching a pencil from my bedside, I started writing the important parts of my dream so I wouldn't forget. Chaos – Declan -Dracul (drakon, small) – Ellie (Elysia) – Running from past – Summons food in a flash of fire.
I stood, going to my laptop and opening a text document.
Chaos: Female, original Primordial, supposedly created the universe from scratch. Thought faded, the last the Judges saw of her was over two hundred million years ago. Supposed to be all-powerful, but created the Ancient Laws to govern over herself as well. (Other Primordials?)
Declan: Wields Light; skilled. Summons food with fire (Hestia?). Son of Hecate, veteran camper. Not especially popular, but trusted before he went beserk. Sleeps with Artemis (still maiden?) most nights to keep himself from going insane (Light). Close ties with Elysia (empousa), calls her "Ellie." Suspected ties with Aria (former Legionnaire (Three years), daughter of Mercury). Popular with the gods, Aphrodite drools over him.
I started writing out different ways Chaos might've been involved in Declan's becoming the Guardian, but my instincts were telling me Chaos had taken an interest in his life. Not good. Chaos could throw my plan into . . . chaos. Well, this is unexpected development.
My thoughts were disturbed as a newspaper was shoved under the door.
4/13/2017: Steven Tuft: Philanthropist or Fraud?
At yesterday's Senate meeting, the intrepid young Quaestor, Perseus Ouroboros, exposed horrible activities in the Senate. Steven Tuft, big businessman and millionaire has been stealing funds from the Treasury that were meant to go to orphanages and the homeless.
The Fundamentalists, when they were the ruling party, passed a pair of laws that allowed them to "donate" money anywhere, through the Treasury, then remove the funds, stealing needed money for those who lost parents during the two recent wars. When asked, Pro-Aedile Tuft said this:
"These accusations are preposterous slander on the good Tuft name! I demand proof of these fraudulent claims, so I may refute them in the clearest manner possible. As any Roman would, instead of making unfounded accusations against a fellow Senator!"
We confronted the Quaestor while he left the Senate Chambers, after he had a face-to-face meeting with Pro-Consul White -head of the NRLC. When asked of Tuft's earlier statements, he replied with this:
"There are two laws and dozens of papers as proof. As a Quaestor, I am required to form budget suggestions, which includes any capital to be shared with any establishment that desperately needs it. I chanced across Treasury forms detailing Tuft's and several other notable Fundamentalist's "donations." Imagine my surprise when I connected the dots and saw the amoral acts that they committed. Both of those laws are public record, but obscure. If any of you have a digital copy of the Register, simply look back eleven months ago, on May Eighth, then a month before, on April Twelfth. That Tuft was so arrogant and sure of his bribery that this is public is just sickening. Thankfully, the good members of the NRLC will not rest as such fraud exists in the Senate. It is a crime, all but in name, to harm the young and homeless like this."
Article continued on page 3
I smiled before folding it and sliding it next to yesterday's addition. Look's like the Times' on my side for now, given that I've exposed a scandal against such an important person. Shame I have to lay low for a while, although White had a good point. If the Centrists or Freethinkers get with the Fundamentalists to remove me, I won't last long. Still, the media helps.
Glancing up, I saw the Hunt had now moved to North Carolina. How long was that in Nevada? Thirty-one days, I think. Making a quick note of that on a different document, one that I used to create a history of where the Hunt was and for how long, to see if it would establish a pattern. Scientia potentia est, and the more I know the better.
I gathered everything I'd need for another day in the Senate, throwing it all into a messenger bag before throwing on my toga and looping the bag around my shoulder.
That day in the Senate, the Fundamentalists took every opportunity to attack me as the four parties and the Independents debated on the bill that would dissolve the Faunus Working Commission and the extension to the budget for whatever commission or department that made sure companies complied with the rules on a safe working environment.
The other members of the NRLC responded to each point with tact and skill, fending off the party they used to be a part of while still shaping the bill. Of course, the Freethinkers had by far the most votes and thus the most influence on the bill, so they did most of the talking.
It was hammered out by the end of the Senate day, to be voted on tomorrow. This time, no press ambushed me as I left the chamber, but I did catch a few Freethinkers eyeing me intently as I left with my messenger bag once more over my shoulder.
4/14/2017: Faunus Working Commission Dissolved!
Yesterday's Senate meeting passed a bill that disbanded the useless and embarrassing Faunus Working Commission. It was an idea brought up by Quaestor Ouroboros, and championed by the NRLC. After a pitched battle of negotiation and debate, the Commission was dissolved. It's budget, several hundred thousand denarii, will be routed into the Department of Security and Safety. When asked about this, Consul Macintyre said this:
"It is true; Quaestor Ouroboros did expose some very laughable errors in our legislation. But I am certain situations like this are a rarity; After all, Rome has lived for millenia, and we are very good at our jobs. In addition, only two days after we discovered the problem, I solved it with the support of my party. The Freethinker party, my party, has managed to pass much of it's agenda in the past year-and-a-half, and no one can deny the good it has brought to the old, the young, and the disabled. Perhaps now it is time to rest on our plentiful laurels and refine the legislation we have already passed. Nothing is more important to the Freethinkers then the advancement of the peoples, and for that to happen, we must have a large government that runs like clockwork. Oversights like this will be found and eliminated with all due speed."
However, head of the NRLC Pro-Consul Jacqueline White had something else to say:
"This errant Commission was a clear example of the folly it is to support a behemoth of a Bureaucracy. I have no doubt in my mind that the Freethinker's legislation is riddled with mistakes that needlessly waste taxpayer's money. The NRLC is fortunate that such an intelligent young man as Quaestor Perseus Ouroboros has chosen to be a part of our party. Such men willing and brave enough to speak the truth of the government are rare, and those intelligent enough to present such a reasoned debate are even rarer. On a different point, I believe that passing this bill in three days is far too slow for this government. A smaller, stronger, and more effective government would pass this legislation in one day, at most. A large government is a jammed clock, and object that is expensive to fix and will only last a day before it jams again. Whereas a small government is sword: sharp, efficient, and solid."
4/18/2017: Donation Fraud Laws Repealed!
Six days ago, Quaestor Ouroboros accused Pro-Aedile Steven Tuft, a famous businessman, of being the major force of passing laws that allowed him to appear to donate to various beneficial organizations, while actually taking the money back into his pocket. These laws, passed eleven months ago, have been voted to be repealed in the Senate today, with overwhelming Freethinker, Centrist, NRLC, and Independent support. When the votes were tallied, Pro-Aedile Tuft stormed out of the Senate Chamber, saying that he would not stand for a government that does not allow for it's citizen's hard-earned money to be protected by law. In response, Consul Stewart, head of the Centrist party, said this:
"Pro-Aedile Tuft's scheming had roots buried deep in the Senate. Those deplorable pieces of legislation were hidden inside of other laws, and the entire Fundamentalist party supported their inclusion. As a moderate, I kept an unbiased view of the legislation at that time, and I could see no fault in it's reasoning . . . . at the time. Now, those pieces of legislation were exposed for what they were: Loopholes created to deprive those in need of what they need. My entire party condemns those pieces of paper that have caused so much harm, and will not stand for other pieces of legislation that are so blatantly conservative that they hurt New Rome and all it stands for. Pro-Aedile Tuft was not a man who was looking out for Rome, but a man focused on his own money."
After she said those words, the head of the Centrist party asked for a meeting with Pro-Consul White, the head of the NRLC, to discuss perhaps presenting a united front on such despicable matters. Will this signal a new era of Centrist and NRLC dominance, and Fundamentalist divide?
4/20/2017: Senators Leave the Fundamentalists!
Only two days after Pro-Aedile Tuft ran out of the Senate in disgrace, six Senators of the Fundamentalist party changed idealisms, instead flocking to the NRLC banner. Pro-Quaestor William Schmidt said this:
"I don't want to be part of a party that knowingly -and regularly- performs such distasteful actions. I was never a kingpin in the Fundamentalist party, but I always trusted the party leaders -Tuft being one of them- not to lead me wrong. Their recent actions show me I cannot trust them to act in the interests of New Rome, and so I cannot follow their leadership. However, I knew Pro-Consul White back when the Fundamentalist party was in power, before Tuft became a leader and the NRLC split off, and I know her to be wise and a good leader. I cannot condone the actions of my former party, and I know that no party under Pro-Consul White would commit such a despicable action. I regret whatever part I had to play in the creation of those two laws, but perhaps as part of the NRLC, I can move past it to a new family."
When we approached Pro-Consul Jacqueline about the recent additions to her party, she replied with this:
"The NRLC will always welcome new members. These former Fundamentalists have seen the errors of their party's ways, and that alone redeems them in my eyes. So long as they act in the party's -and New Rome's- best interest, they need not fear me or anyone member of my party. But be warned, any Fundamentalists seeking to punish your former colleagues: The NRLC and I will not stand for any vengeance you try to exact. We will fight you with tooth and nail should you attack us."
Strong words from the leader of the smallest party in the Senate. We will soon see whether such bold words were justified, and what the fury of the Fundamentalists will bring.
4/20/2017: Percy's POV
I put the newspaper down, looking at Jonas, "Well, I didn't expect this."
Jonas shrugged, "Neither did I. That thing with Tuft sparked a media circus, and a wave of public opinion."
"What's White planning to use it for?" I asked. Since I had only been a part of the NRLC for a little more than a week, no one had taken me into their council. Anything White thought I should know what passed through Jonas, which forced me to use a little more. . . . shady measures to get information.
"Tribune elections, I think." Jonas shrugged, as if he didn't know. Yeah, White told you that, didn't she? "The plebs are all up-in-arms about the whole Tuft thing."
"They would be. What d'you think our chances are?"
"We'll get one, easy. Two'll probably be Freethinker, then one apiece Centrist and Fundamentalist." Jonas looked at me shrewdly, "Why do you identify as patrician? It'll lose you some popularity."
I shrugged, "It's who I am, who the last Ouroboros here was. Besides, about three-fourths of this party's patrician. Now I'm just waiting for the Fundies to make their next move. Tribune elections are what, a week away?"
"Nine days."
4/21/2017: Senator Accused of Theft!
In today's Senate meeting, several Fundamentalists accused the charming Quaestor Ouroboros of siphoning funds from the Treasury! Has the "politician for the people" been stealing from them all along?
When asked about these claims, the Quaestor replied with this:
"These claims are a ridiculous attack on my character; Their obvious purpose is to put the NRLC in bad light just before the Tribune elections to ensure no Tribunes are elected from my party. I will be going into court with the support of my party, so I may prove to all Romans that those accusations are slanderous. The Fundamentalists are clearly twisting the Bureaucracy in a purely political attack as revenge for the truths I spoke of a week ago. Neither I nor the NRLC will stand by and let the Fundamentalists do such a thing. I look forward to seeing them in court."
Pro-Aedile Steven Tuft, the driving force behind the accusations, said this:
"I knew the Ouroboros fellow was bad business, and he attacked me by bending laws I had helped write! I have never seen such a hypocrite, accusing me of withdrawing funds meant for orphanages, while all along routing hundreds of thousands of dollars from it's rightful place in the Treasury to his own pockets! Mark my words, good Roman citizens, this is a man not out for the people, but for his wallet and his ill-gotten fame!"
After certain evidence was presented to the Praetors, the case was accepted. The starting day of the trial is tentatively scheduled as the twenty-second, and we at the Times New Roman look forward to seeing the "politician for the people" get shown his true colors.
4/21/2017: Percy's POV
"Shit." I slammed the paper on the table. Damn media vultures.
A mile away, the head of the NRLC was doing the same thing and debating whether to cut her losses and withdraw. Instead, a quick motion sent Jonas away with a message.
I stood as if nothing was wrong, heading for the Treasury building. I didn't frequent the place, but I had been there quite a few times over the past week and a half -comes with the job.
"Back to steal more money, Quaestor?" The fifty-something clerk, who was normally very polite and courteous, held a sting of hurt in her voice.
I sighed, "Can't prove the bastards wrong without some evidence, Molly. For what it's worth, I swear on the Styx I didn't steal anything from the Treasury. In any method of stealing."
Molly just snorted. Since oaths on the Styx weren't accepted as proof for more than a millenium, it just didn't count for that much. Even if it's unbreakable to everyone non-werewolf.
I navigated the building with ease, until I got to a a room with rows upon rows upon rows of filing cabinets, all containing copies of budgets, budget suggestions, proposed budgets, budget breakdowns, and budget explanations. After poking around for a few minutes, I found the 2017 budget, then copied a little number at the top. That number, if entered into the right website, would take me to the budget. I did the same for everything related to that budget, which amounted to a dozen more numbers before leaving the room and heading next door.
In here was expenses of one of the various commissions, departments, and agencies, updated daily. Sighing, I started copying down all the expense report's numbers for the past two weeks, then did the same for the rest of the Bureaucracy. As I was currently accused of a crime by the government, I couldn't actually go to the Senate. All the more time to build up evidence.
Going back to my apartment, I opened my laptop and started going on the websites of the Roman Bureaucracy. I can just imagine a random mortal finding this and thinking there's some secret organization controlling the US. Especially with all the triangles. . .
Taking out a lined notebook, I started marking down points and doing mental math, comparing budget reports to the allotted budget, as passed by the Senate three months ago. Then I started copying down names and sub-departments mentioned in the reports, all with a dastardly plan in my mind: Start calling every single worker in the government up to the witness bench to see if they made each individual expense -if that's what it took to clear my name.
I debated calling Miranda for her help before ultimately deciding against it. Whatever short-term gains blowing her cover would bring, long-term could see a Consul thrown out.
I filled up one sheet, front and back, then moved on to the next, and the next, and the next.
This went on for hours, my mind locking into a pattern. Every once and a while, I would switch to another department, agency, or commission just to break the monotony and give myself more rounded points. An alarm alerted me that the Senate day had just ended, meaning I needed to get to Jonas to pass a message to Pro-Consul White.
Not bothering with the toga, I ran out of the apartment with a piece of paper detailing what I was planning, all typed. When I got there, White was long gone, but Jonas was there.
"Hey, Jonas. I need you to pass this on to Pro-Consul White." I said, giving him the paper.
Jonas nodded, looking it over, "Mrs. White told me that the moment the trial starts looking hairy, you're on your own."
"So little faith." I grinned, "Think that'd work?"
"Maybe, if you can keep the trial going long enough." Jonas shrugged, "The other Tribunes could overrule this, but if they're as bored as you're trying to get them . . . it has a chance. And it's clever."
"It is a criminal trial or a civil trial?" I asked, needing the info.
"Criminal."
I groaned. Civil would be a lot easier to win, but criminal trial's good if they mess up. "I don't suppose you could issue enough subpoenas for everyone in the Bureaucracy?"
Jonas chuckled, "Nah. Besides, the more time it takes to fetch the guys and gals, the more time the whole thing'll take."
"Good point." I acknowledged, "What happened today?"
"The usual, you know how it is. The Faun Registration Act got shot down again, by the way."
I sighed, "The actual politics, please."
Politics in the Senate were separated into two parts: On the surface, it was endless debates on bills, acts, reforms, and whatnot. In those debates, though, was where the daggers came out. Senators insulting other Senators, threatening to expose scandals, and in general trying to make their party look good in the eyes of the ever-present Times New Roman reporters.
"Ah." Jonas nodded, "The Fundies were attacking you, the same claims over and over. The Frees and Cents are staying neutral, but the Fundies still outnumber us by quite a bit. Oh, and we lost one of the recent turnovers."
"Not too bad, all things considered."
"You're still just a newbie quaestor, Percy. You aren't important in the grand scheme of things, not yet, so don't think you're more important than you are." Jonas replied, "Word to wise, there."
"Yeah, you're right." I nodded thoughtfully before checking my watch and finding I had wasted far too much time here, "Gotta run."
Jonas nodded back, "I'll give her the paper."
I was ambushed by the press as soon as I left the Senate Chamber, but managed to brush them off, saying I had to work for the trial. I also said they'd want to be there.
After getting back into my apartment, I sat down in front of my computer again, my mind focused and ready. By the time I absolutely had to sleep, I had over three dozens sheets of paper and hundreds of names.
4/22/2017: Percy's POV
Groaning as I rolled out of bed, I hurriedly made some crappy coffee to wake myself up before gathering my papers and shoving them in the messenger bag, reviewing my points, my position, my lists, and everything else.
A letter had been delivered in person yesterday the time of the trial today, and it was in an hour, in the Curia. Everything ready? Good, now I wait.
Thirty minutes later, two uniformed members of the New Roman Police Force -the NRPF- knocked on my door.
I walked over with the messenger bag over my shoulder, opening the door, "Hello, gentleman. I assume you are here to take me to my trial?"
"Put your hands in front of yourself." One of them ordered, a thirty-something skinhead.
I did as he asked, and my hands were cuffed with Imperial Gold chains.
"Now, give me the bag." It was the other police officer, and twenty-something women who was obviously junior.
"I'm sorry, but these cuffs make that somewhat impossible." I slid the bag down my shoulder, stopping when the strap met my cuffs, "And that bag contains evidence for the trial, which means you can't confiscate it for fear of falsifying the evidence in any way. In fact, you couldn't have legally handcuffed me, as you cannot cuff a Senator without suspected crimes of treason or other high crimes and misdemeanors."
Scowling, the senior policeman led me to the Curia, or courthouse. Stepping inside, I walked over to the area for the accused. Luckily, the presiding Praetor over the trial was a Centrist.
With my hands still cuffed, I started taking out my papers and spreading them over the table, lists of names and expenses. Once that was all done, I sat back and waited. Maybe fifteen minutes after that, people started coming in to sit down, Pro-Consul White and Jonas among them. A few minutes after that, the Praetor struck the gavel.
"This court has been assembled to put Quaestor Perseus Ouroboros on trial for theft and embezzlement of government funds." the Praetor announced, "Will you be represented by an attorney, Quaestor Ouroboros?"
"No, your Honor, I am defending myself." I nodded to him, "And I have an objection, your Honor."
"What?"
"Unless I am accused of high crimes, such as high thievery, high sedition, or high treason, these cuffs cannot be put on me." I said, raising the Imperial Gold cuffs to his eyes.
The Praetor nodded to the senior policeman, "Uncuff him, Jon."
Still scowling, the senior policeman -Jon- grabbed the cuff for a few seconds, then they unlatched.
"Your Honor, I would like to submit the following papers as evidence." It was a lawyer, sitting at the plantiff's table, "They are all public record and detail an inconsistency between the annual budget and weekly budget reports, with Ouroboros the probable cause of the inconsistency."
"Do you have any evidence you wish to submit, Quaestor Ouroboros?"
"Yes, your Honor. I would like to submit the 2017 annual budget, along with the daily budget reports from every organization within the government from 4/1/2017 to 4/22/2017." I said, "Understandably, you Honor, I could not bring them all here, your Honor, as daily budget reports are confidential to those not with Treasury-related jobs such as Quaestors or Censors. In fact, the weekly expense reports are not public record, despite what the plantiff says. Which leads me to be suspicious of how Pro-Aedile Tuft managed to steal classified information from the Treasury building and submit it as evidence. I suspect either he stole password that gives him access to Treasury papers online, or broke into the Treasury building itself, your Honor. I therefore state that the evidence submitted by Pro-Aedile Tuft's lawyer, excepting the budget, cannot be treated as evidence, and if it is shown to be legitimate, I will accuse Pro-Aedile Tuft of High Thievery and Theft of Confidential Government Files."
The Praetor considered this for a minute, then nodded, "Remove the confidential evidence from the Curiae, Jon, and test if it legitimate. Plantiff, would you like to call witnesses to the bench?"
Tuft's lawyer looked shocked as his well-planned and reputation-building case was ripped to shreds in front of him. All the same, he stood, "Yes, your Honor. I would call Molly Green up to the bench. On questions of Quaestor Ouroboros' visits to the Treasury Building, and her experiences with the criminal."
"Objection, your Honor." I stood, "As this court is in the process of deciding whether Quaestor Ouroboros is a criminal, he cannot be called one before the court's decision."
"Granted. Plaintiff, please refrain from calling the Defendant a criminal, crook, thief, or similar word."
The clerk from earlier walked up and sat on the bench, "I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
"Mrs. Green, you work as a receptionist at the Treasury building?" The Praetor asked, looking intently at the kind-hearted lady.
"Yes, Praetor Taylor."
"Do you see everyone who enters and leaves the building?"
"Yes, sir."
"How many times has Quaestor Ouroboros visited the Treasury building?"
"In the last eleven days, he has entered and left the building twelve times, although the last three were today and yesterday."
"What of the other current Quaestors?"
"They have all visited the Treasury building once, as to register themselves in our systems. And one of the new Freethinkers did as well, to take that document. Only that one, though." Molly pointed to a thin folder on the table.
Tuft's lawyer seized on the opportunity, "As it has been proven by eyewitness account that this file was withdrawn from a member of the Treasury, you Honor, I would like to re-submit it as evidence."
"Granted." The Praetor replied, and that file was returned to the table, before he turned back to the clerk, "How would describe Quaestor Ouroboros' visits?"
"Energetic in a way, sir. Not hurried, but . . . .driven. Like he had plenty of things to do, and nothing could take too much time out of anything else, sir. He also carried that messenger bag everywhere he went, but it could never be searched 'cause it might hold confidential information."
"Has he ever let you search the bag voluntarily? As to prove it did not carry confidential information or incriminating evidence?"
"Yes, sir. Four days ago, I began to get suspicious of what he might be carrying, and rather rudely asked him if I could search it. To my surprise, he smiled and handed it to me. Such a handsome smile, too. . ."
"Mrs. Green, please focus on the topic's actions, not his appearance."
"Oh, sorry sir. His bag contained a copy of the Register, a laptop, one spiral-bound notebook, a bag of mechanical pencils and pens, an IPhone Eight, a deck of playing cards, and a book. The Prince, I think it was called. Oh, and a journal." Molly said, and I was suddenly glad I was in a good mood that day.
"What about in the journal, Mrs. Green?"
"I leafed through it, your Honor, all that I found were references to pages in The Prince and his interpretation of various paragraphs. Odd, but not particularly suspicious. I understand that The Prince was popular around Senators some twenty years ago, sir."
"Would either of you like to cross-examine the witness?" The Praetor asked.
"I would, your Honor." I said.
"Granted."
I stood, walking over to the witness bench, "Mrs. Green, would you describe any of the Quaestor's actions as suspicious?"
"No, Quaestor Ouroboros. You took your job very seriously, from what I could see. I've seen a lot of money-siphoners in my years, and I can always pick one out in a crowd. Slightly hunched shoulders, won't meet your eyes, nervous like they have something to hide."
"Objection, your Honor." Tuft's lawyer stood up. "On the grounds that unsupported opinion cannot be excepted as proof from an eye-witness."
"Granted. Quaestor Ouroboros, return to your seat."
I bowed respectfully to the Praetor before returning returning to my seat.
"Defendant, would you like to call witnesses to the bench?" Praetor Taylor asked.
"Yes, your Honor. I call Jonathan Wright, on questions involving his daily budget reports." I said. To my surprise, he was among the crowd and stepped up. Jonathan Wright was a man of forty years, with orange hair that was just starting to gray.
"I solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
The Praetor looked the minor government employee over, "You are Jonathan Wright, part of the Legionary Weaponry Commission?"
"Yes, sir."
"Is this the budget report you submitted twenty-one days ago?" The Praetor asked, handing him a budget report from before I entered office.
"Yes, sir. It is the very same."
"Was it altered in any significant way since you submitted it? Is anything different?" Praetor Taylor asked.
Jonathan took the report, "The commissioning of ten new gladiis to replace the ones that broke or need replacement. Refurbishing armor. . . . . .dismantling the last of those onagers . . . . . recycling more of the ammunition . . . . . new Scorpion bolts. . . . . some new water cannons . . . . . more scruta and pilum . . . . . Yes, Praetor, this document is not fraudulent."
"And this one?" It was the next report, the day after the one Jonathan had in his hands.
Jonathan spoke affirmative at every document after painstakingly looking them over for inconsistencies, proving that they were not fake. All in all, just one employee took over an hour. For this employee, out ogf hundreds.
"You are dismissed, Mr. Wright." The Praetor turned to me, "Would you like to call any more witnesses?"
"Yes, your Honor." I consulted my list, "Kristen Springfield, also part of the Legionary Weaponry Commission, on question of her daily budget reports."
"Send a runner."
Kristen Springfield, an attractive young women in her late twenties, took a seat as soon as the runner came back, leading her, "I solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
"You are Kristen Springfield, part of the Legionary Weaponry Commission?"
"Yes, sir."
"Is this document correct?" The Praetor questioned.
Kristen looked it over intently, with none of the muttering that Jonathan had. Instead, she was coolly competent, probably a much better employee than Jonathan, despite their difference in age. Several minutes later, Kristen looked up, relieved, "This document in correct in it's entirety, sir."
"Good." Praetor Taylor replied, before withdrawing another packet from my list of documents, which had been taken from the Treasury a good while ago. "And this document, Ms. Springfield? Is it also correct?"
Kristen took this document as well, comparing it with the previous as well as looking it over intently. After a while, she looked up and shook her head, "This second document is correct except for one item and it's order, your Honor."
"Which is the item, and what do you mean by "order", Ms. Springfield?"
"I arrange my expenses in several ways, your Honor. Categories and sub-categories. For instance, swords are always at the top of the report as a category, then gladiis as a sub-category, and specific lengths and widths after that, if they need specifications. Once I have filed the gladiis, the next sub-category would be a spatha or other sword. Following that are bows, spears, artillery, construction materials for barricades, forts, and others." Kristen pointed to the document, "Nothing is in it's proper place, as if a buffoon was copying the report without any knowledge of how I worked. As you can see, the first item is a quantity of diorite gniess, for construction of a fort for War Games later that week. A few items later is the first gladius, a severe irregularity in my work, which I am certain never happened, your Honor."
"Objection, your Honor." Tuft's lawyer stood, "On the grounds that many things can change the order of a list."
Kristen looked ready to attack him for that, but Praetor Taylor spoke again, "Denied. And what of the item, Ms. Springfield?"
"It was a purchase of acid, horse excrement, and flammable liquids for a Death-Ball match." Kristen pointed at a specific row, "For one, the bill is far too high. I have been working this job for the past four years, and I have never seen the price be even close to that. Secondly, I do not remember ever adding that item. Third, the Death-Ball Match was to be held to days later. My report on 4/13/17 shows the requisition of the very same materials for a game the day after -one which was confirmed to take place."
So someone was siphoning money, just not me.
Kristen slowly and carefully looked over the remaining reports that she filed, comparing them to the detailed and annotated annual budget as well, for anything that didn't add up. A full hour and a half later, she looked up again, "These documents have not been falsified, other than the 4/2/17 report, your Honor."
"Thank you, Ms. Springfield. You are dismissed." Praetor Taylor turned to me, "So you wish to build upon the witness' statements, Quaestor Ouroboros? If you wish to, the plaintiff may refute your claims."
"I would like to, your Honor." I stood, addressing the jury, "I was not a Quaestor on the second of April. In fact, I was not even in New Rome. This clearly shows that there was someone siphoning money, but not one currently a Quaestor unless he or she was re-elected."
Tuft's lawyer stood, "I wish to say that Ms. Springfield's account cannot be taken as the truth. Perhaps she was hungover as she filed the report, and not exhibiting usual sense?"
I shook my head in response, "All Treasury employees are breathalyzed in the morning and submitted to a test to ascertain that they are not under the influence of any sources that would impair them from their job; That would include an excessive hangover."
Defeated, the lawyer sat again.
"Defendant, do you wish to summon another witness?" Praetor Taylor asked.
I nodded, "Jeffery Kalupa, part of the Legionary Weaponry Commission."
The Praetor sighed, "Send a runner. And how many more, Defendant?"
"As many as it takes to prove that the Plaintiff's claims against me are false, your Honor." I replied, "I currently have a list of names, and quite a long one at that. If every bureaucrat must be questioned, then it will happen. I take this as a purely political attack on my person and the party I affiliate with. And so, I will not make it an easy victory, your Honor."
"Objection, your Honor." Tuft's lawyer stood, "This is criminal trial, not involving political maneuvering in any-"
"Denied." Praetor Taylor cut him off, obviously annoyed that Tuft's side was trying to deny what was happening in the open.
Meanwhile, the runner came back with Jeffery in tow, who took the witness bench, "I solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
This time, Praetor Taylor simply tossed the stack of documents at him, "Mr. Kalupa, please read these and tell us of any irregularities between what you know to have done and what is shown here."
This continued until the court closed for the day, but we didn't even get through an eight of the witnesses I planned to call up.
But, unknown to the Quaestor, there was another pair of eyes assessing the situation. Macintyre sat in the back, thinking of how wrong this went from a rigged trial designed to tear down the rising star and his party.
4/23/2017: Illegal Evidence at Quaestor's Trial!
At yesterday's trial of Quaestor Perseus Ouroboros, the Senator accused of theft startled the audience by showing that all but one of the pieces of evidence to be used against him had to have been acquired illegally. Whereas the Quaestor's own evidence is completely legal, as he is a current Treasury worker and thus has access to those files. When asked about the use of the evidence, the accused Quaestor said this:
"As I have said before, this is a clear attack on the NRLC. This use of fake evidence and constant objections only shows that. Pro-Aedile Tuft obviously took offense that I stopped his amoral practices, but I never expected a Roman citizen -and a Senator, no less- to stoop to this level of deception and crime. What is next on the Fundamentalist agenda? A knife in the back or a poisoned cup?"
Pro-Aedile Tuft, the Plaintiff, had this to say:
"Quaestor Ouroboros' accusations of this evidence being illegally gotten is preposterous; He simply wants to win, and has bribed Praetor Taylor into accepting whatever he says. That man is a curse on New Rome, and this trial must be an exorcism to rid this city of his taint. How can my evidence be illegal, when he is legal? It simply makes no rational and unbiased sense, so the answer must lie in bias and bribes, two of the most terrible blights upon civilized people. Quaestor Ouroboros is quite obviously using this trial to call the Fundamentalists evil and hide his own dark soul behind a thin veneer of good will. Mark my words, Romans: This man is evil and must be purged."
Brave words from a man who is not even facing Quaestor Ouroboros in court, instead hiding behind a lawyer of the Berkeley&Burns Firm. On the flip side, Quaestor Ouroboros defended himself as he promised, facing his accusers without quailing. In addition, his witnesses -in particular, Kristen Springfield- showed someone has been siphoning money since before Quaestor Ouroboros was elected.
4/23/2017: Percy's POV
"This is good." I commented to Jonas, who was next to me, "I thought the media vultures would still be casting me as the villain."
"Yeah, me too. It looks like they've cast their lot on our side, though." Jonas replied, "See? They're tearing down Tuft and his lawyer."
"Our side?" I asked, "I still have Mrs. White's blessing?"
"Not blessing." Jonas shifted uncomfortably, "Tacit support, more like."
Jonas was sitting in front of a holding cell, where I was staying while I was on trial. I knew I couldn't protest this treatment last night as I was brought under the Curia, so I instead lauded the sense in not allowing a criminal out while he's on trial, and earning a little more positivist from the public. Even Jon, the senior cop stopped scowling.
"At least she's not kicking me out." I checked my watch, "And . . . . . now."
Two cops approached, the same two that escorted me from my apartment yesterday.
"Please come with us, Quaestor Ouroboros." Jon commanded.
"Of course, Deputy First Class." I stepped out of the cell, pleased that they weren't trying to cuff me again.
"Follow me, sir." Jon ordered, turning away. I followed him, with the junior policewoman taking up the rear. We walked up the stairs and into the courtroom again, Jonas claiming a seat next to Mrs. White, who was sitting in the audience as well.
The pound of the gavel quieted the crowd, "I, Praetor Macreides Taylor, call this court into session. Mr. Kalupa, continue your work."
Wait, why didn't he do it at night? Oh, idiot. Of course they wouldn't let evidence out of the courtroom, so Jeffery couldn't see any of it.
A half hour later, Jeffery looked up at the Praetor, "I clearly remember most of it, and I'm a little fuzzy on some of it, but there's one thing I know I didn't file. This order for serpentine and peridotite as building material is defiantly false. First, serpentine is the California State Rock, and is too expensive to waste like that. Second, it's a terrible material to use for constructing a fort. Like making a table entirely out of stained glass, legs and all. Sure, it might last a little bit, but it's not the right material, at all. If I remember right, there weren't War Games that week. Oh, and that was 4/5/17, by the way."
"You are dismissed, Mr. Kalupa." Praetor Taylor said, making a shooing motion with his hand. Then, there was a disturbance in the crowd as a figure pushed it's way to the front. Miranda? What the hell are you doing?
"Jon, take this young woman out, we don't have the time." Taylor ordered, and Jon started walking forward. I could tell she was attracting more stares from more than just her entrance, and she looked as beautiful and composed as she always did.
"I have new evidence concerning the trial of Quaestor Ouroboros." Miranda announced, her voice frosty.
"Objection, your Honor." Tuft's lawyer stood, "Evidence can only be submitted by the court, the plaintiff, and the defendant."
"I appoint her as my attorney, your Honor." I spoke quickly. Whatever you're doing here, it'd better be good.
"Objection, your Honor. Attorneys cannot be added in the middle of a case."
"Except if the defendant was never informed as to his right to an attorney." I shot back, "Was I ever informed of my rights, Jon?"
Jon looked down, embarrassed, "No."
"Then, under these special circumstances set by New Rome v. Rowle, I hereby appoint this-," My eyes made a show of looking at the little metal plate that all Treasury bureaucrats had to wear, which had their name, "-Miranda Lytvyn as my attorney."
"Granted." Praetor Taylor replied, looking interestedly at Miranda.
"I would like to submit the following as evidence." Miranda stated, her voice reaching across the room, "The actual report of expenses on 4/5/17 and 4/13/17 for Jeffery Kalupa and Kristen Springfield."
She placed a slim file on the evidence table, "I have been escorted, since the minute I explained my intentions to the clerk to my arrival here, by another Treasury employee -Molly Green- to ensure that these documents are legitimate and have not been tampered with ever since I removed them from Treasury filing cabinets. Those on the table were printed, correct?"
Taylor nodded, "Correct."
"Objection, your Honor." It was Tuft's lawyer, right on time, "These documents must have been acquired illegally. If the court accepts them as evidence, they must also-"
"Miranda Lytvyn is a member of the Treasury, and so long as she was escorted by another Treasury employee -Molly Green- since she removed the file -which she has been- this evidence is legally gotten and thus valid in this court." Praetor Taylor cut him off again, "What were you saying again, Ms. Lytvyn?"
"These are the originals, not prints." Miranda said, "Along with other relevant information. Such as who transferred them to a digital copy: Fundamentalist Pro-Quaestor Donald Jenkins."
The room exploded into shouts, with the Times New Roman reporter eagerly scribbling notes down.
"ORDER! ORDER!" Praetor Taylor shouted, banging the gavel down. Each strike sounding like a thunderclap and gradually quieting the crowd. "Continue, Ms. Lytvyn."
"If the court would allow me to submit a list of reports and documentation Pro-Quaestor Jenkins took manually as evidence, there could quite possible be other inconsistencies; Inconsistencies that show a curious disappearance of taxpayer money from involvement with a Fundamentalist Senator. I therefore state that it is not Quaestor Ouroboros that is guilty, but Pro-Quaestor Donald Jenkins of the Fundamentalists."
The court again descended into chaos. Over fifteen minutes later -and after much banging of the gavel- Praetor Taylor again returned the court to a mostly quiet state.
"I believe the jury wishes to convene?" Praetor Taylor suggested. The jury, four women and three men, went into a small side room to discuss.
Only fifteen minutes later, they emerged again, "Are you ready to cast your vote?"
"Not guilty."
"Not guilty."
"Not guilty."
"Not guilty."
"Guilty."
"Not guilty."
"Not guilty."
"The opinions have been gather; In a six to one decision, Quaestor Perseus Ouroboros is not guilty of Thievery and Embezzlement of Government Funds." Praetor Taylor announced, "This session is closed."
4/24/2017: Quaestor Ouroboros Innocent!
In a six to one decision, the accused Quaestor is innocent of the charges pressed by Fundamentalist William Tuft. They were looking at a long trial of calling an endless number of witnesses up to the bench to look at an equally endless list of reports when Miranda Lytvyn, a Treasury employee, broke through the crowd. In a startling and seemingly blind move, Quaestor Ouroboros hired her as his attorney for this case. Using her new position, Ms. Lytvyn submitted pieces of evidence that clearly show Quaestor Ouroboros as innocent of all crimes, and places certain suspicion on Pro-Quaestor Donald Jenkins, a Fundamentalist.
When asked, Quaestor Ouroboros said this:
"I am very thankful that Ms. Lytvyn came when she did. I don't think I could have handled another day of obviously false accusations against my person and party. I am especially glad that Ms. Lytvyn managed to point a finger at the real culprits, in the Fundamentalist part, who tried to blame the crimes of their own party members at me. Her speedy and flawless argument quickly brought the jury to convene, and created a even quicker decision. I am glad that they ruled with the truth -that I am innocent- instead of going against it for the Fundamentalists that seek to discredit me and my party. In a more material showing of my thanks, I am inviting Ms. Lytvyn to dinner at Domus Pretiosarum Epularum in the next few days."
Ms. Lytvyn accepted with invitation with a sly smile, and the two of them left the courthouse together. Has the rising star found a love interest?
A/N: Anyone who can read Latin (i.e. me) is probably laughing right now. As the Google Translate sucks with Latin, I'll put the translation here: The House of Expensive Foods.
Please review, it makes my day.