3rd October 2013 Thursday

Day 276

89 days and counting until New Year's Eve; wow, this year really has gone quickly. I'll be on holidays soon so hopefully updates will come early (or very late) and activity on Deviantart may actually become…existent. Perhaps, if people are still interested, I'll do a weekly journal entry on Deviantart next year as my New Year's resolution. In all honesty, I don't know what I'm going to do next year without this.

Disclaimer: I'll never know the true meaning of this…oh right, I don't own the show!

"Parties have been sworn in," the policeman addresses at the front of the room. "Everyone, please take your seats."

Murmurs are heard around the room as the crowd shifts in to their seats and await the trial to begin. An aged man takes his position behind the podium, staring between the two parties.

"Doctor Monogan," the judge begins, glancing over at the older man. Zap and Jenny look over too, worry evident at his use of a lawyer. Dex sits behind his employees, muffling quietly to his wristcom.

"I'm sorry Hamilton, but once the community becomes passionate about a certain case, it's out of my hands," the mayor declares in a sad tone. Dex slams his communicator shut, frustration evident on his features.

"You are claiming ownership of your child; which is currently in the custody of his birth mother and her boyfriend-"

"I'm not her boyfriend," Zap shouts in response, startling a few members of the jury. "I'm her husband and the father of Max."

"Young man, raising your voice will not benefit your case," the judge says casually, entwining his fingers and placing them on the desk. "Now, what evidence do you have, Doctor Monogan, that proves this couple unfit of raising this child?"

"Your Honour, I have police reports demonstrating Zap's unstable behaviour," he claims, handing over a pile of papers. Jenny's hand slowly begins to tighten its grip on Zap's arm. "He has an uncontrollable temper and once went rampant through the city, dressed as a large green insect in order to scare people."

"I wasn't dressed as -" Jenny's grip tightens, ceasing Zap's interruption. Whatever happens, the clone is determined not to reveal any further "unique genetic qualities."

"From news reports, I understand that…Zap," the judge glances up to look at the pilot, as though unsure whether or not it is his real name. "…is a human/insect hybrid."

The crowd whispers again, looking shocked at the confirmation of the rumour.

"If this, uh, habit is out of your control, it hardly seems as though you're providing a suitable environment for…for Max," the judges gaze falls to the child sitting on the table in front of the couple. Jenny is smiling sadly at him; this is the first time he's ever sat up before. "I'm also curious to know how your unplanned child has survived this long."

"Actually, Your Honour, that would be me," Jenny intervenes with a heavy sigh. If Zap's unique gift has already been revealed, why keep hers to herself? "I'm a clone with perfected DNA; he inherited my good genes which ensured his survival. But I swear to you, he has not brought any new or contagious diseases in to our world."

The judge leans back in his chair, nodding at her explanation. "I have to say; your situation of a temperamental husband, an…'experiment' of a mother and an environment surrounded by dangerous alien insects is not looking promising," Jenny and Zap both nod their heads sadly, staring down at the sad-looking Max.

"The DNA test also proved that Max is the offspring of Dr Monogan," the couple shoot glares to the other man who is smirking in his seat. "And his mature age seems more fit to care for a six month old, instead of two sixteen year olds. Is there anything else you would like mention?"

Jenny shakes her head sadly, scooping up Max in to her arms. "Please don't take him from us. He may seem a bit odd but he's the product of us."

The judge finishes whispering something to the police officer, who in turn relays the message to a member of the jury. "Very well, the jury will now make their decision. We'll have a ten minute intermission."

Next chapter is the result, and I think you'll find it funny, at least I will, authors always find their own jokes funny. R&R!