Apollo stood at his post as straight as he could, but he still felt restless. His eyes caught Athena, who was standing in the corner of the room, trying very hard to not be noticeable. It was a futile gesture, of course, since, Detective Kay Faraday was not five feet away from her potential new suspect.
The young lawyer felt he did all he could, and yet knew it was insufficient. Athena was haunted by the events of seven years past, and the day had torn open her wounds anew.
The Judge spoke up hesitantly.
"Court resumes for the trial of..."
"Clay Terran, yes." Aura cut in. She gave the Judge a bop on the head. "No need to be so formal." Her eyes narrowed. "And it seems our trial might extend to the young lady in the back."
After a long pause, Athena raised her head, glaring defiantly towards the TV. "I guess I'm a little old to be called a 'princess' anymore, huh?"
"Do whatever you want." Aura shook her head. "Act tough. Glower. Scream. Plead. Cry. One way or another, I'll see this trial to the end."
"If I might interject..."
Blackquil tapped his forehead.
"I think, Aura, that both you and I agree that new information must lead to new testimonies." He nodded at Detective Fulbright, who promptly saluted.
"Yes, sir!"
In another moment, Athena was brought to the center of the room, and all eyes were trained on her. As if using Apollo as an example, she stood up straight and looked directly at Blackquill.
The prosecutor opened his mouth, but Athena beat him to it.
"My name is Athena Cykes. I work at the Cosmos Space Center." She lowered her voice. "Although I do not know if I will remain so after this trial ends...one way or another."
From behind the television screen, Aura chuckled. "Duly noted. I can't imagine you having any sort of future anywhere."
Athena glared at the screen. "I could say the same for you."
"Now, then," Blackquill's voice had lost the thin veneer of geniality he had adopted. "I hope you understand the seriousness of your situation, witness. You testified before us before. Fulbright?"
"Yes, sir!"
The detective seemed a little more forced in his usual enthusiasm, but he did his best to look cheerful as he produced a slip of paper from his suit pocket.
"Athena Cykes' testiimony was as follows: 'I was late to work on the day of the murder. I ran over when I saw Director Cosmos on the doorstep of the space station. He did not say or do anything when I called out. I knew without getting closer that he was dead. I got my phone out and called for help immediately.'"
Blackquill kept his eyes trained on Athena. "You said that you happened upon the victim's body."
"And I did..."
"But yet!" Blackquill's voice rose. "You come before me now to offer information you could have offered before. Some would call that...witholding. Some, such as myself, might call it perjury. And I do not care what position his honor is in, that is one charge I can tack on...amongst others."
From behind the television screen, The Judge uneasily opened his mouth. "I-I suppose that the lighter is another factor to consider..."
"That is is." Aura cut in. "Prosecutor, if you please."
"I don't require your permission." Blackquill snorted. "Witness, your testimony."
Apollo tightened his hands into fists. Clay squinted his eyes in Blackquill's direction. Athena sighed.
"I was late that day by one hour. I went to the appliance office to pick up my toolkit. But then, I...I suddenly remembered how I lost my mother in that very station. I could not take it...I left the building with my toolkit. I stayed outside as the Hope capsule came down to the station. When I finally regained my senses, I found Director Cosmos. I left behind my toolkit."
Apollo tensed.
It's a bit different from her first testimony, but not by much. She was late, but only by a bit. And she says she came back after Director Cosmos was killed...
"As it is, ladies and gentlemen present..." Blackquill smirked. "There is a piece of evidence I would like to share. Fulbright?"
The detective struggled, but he nodded and raced past a concerned looking Kay Faraday and into the lobby. He returned a few moments later, carrying a case. It was a small bleck wedge with a yellow crescent moon in it.
"OBJECTION!"
Apollo pointed at the prosecutor. "Sir, are you sure you're in a position to charge Ms. Cykes with 'withholding?'" You are just bringing that in now..."
"OBJECTION!"
Blackquill looked back at Fulbright. "Report, Fool Bright!"
As Kay looked at Fulbright in confusion, the list of contents was rattled.
"This was found near the loading dock of the center. Every kit is supposed to contain a knife, a lighter, a wrench, and wirecutters."
He opened the case. Everyone present could witness that the knife and lighter were missing.
-A multi-chapter story; Chapter 49; story idea by CRed1988 and writing by Jerviss.
