Part 71 - The Trial Of Dr. Kang (VII)

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Like all Martian courtrooms since time immemorial it was magnificent.

Dominating the wall behind the Judge's bench was a large and expensive rendering of the coat of arms of the Huxley Foundation. The shield was divided in five parts. The top four sections contained a bicolor pansy, a caduceus, a key, and the Eye of Horus. The largest section, at the bottom, was an image of the classic, near-mythological blue/green planet Earth of the ancient past, drawn in the style that the ancients themselves drew it. It was supported on both sides by Owls, one held the flag of unified Mars and the other a very old flag from the original Martian Republic meant to represent a unified humanity. Across the banner at the bottom read "Sun Supra Hominem."

Everything about the arms and the courtroom that housed it was designed by a team of psychologists to inspire awe in the authority of the court.

"All rise," commander the Clerk of the Court "The Honorable Judge Viana presiding."

The Judge was wizened and elderly but she stood up straight and strode confidently to her place at the bench.

"You may be seated," she said, and the room obeyed in unison "Could the lawyers please state your names for the record?"

"I am X. Gibson for the Prosecution, your honor," said Gibson after once again standing "G-I-B-S-O-N."

He sat as Mr. Diamond stood.

"K. Diamond for the Defence, your honor," and he spelled his name as well "And before we begin I have a preliminary motion I would like to make."

"You do do you?" said the Judge.

"I have it in writing, your honor," said Mr. Diamond "If I may approach the bench?"

He was holding a pad, obviously containing his motion.

"Come on over then," said the Judge "What have you got for me?"

Diamond approached the bench and handed the Judge his pad.

"I want the Prosecutor's spot," said Diamond.

"His spot?" asked the Judge.

"His table. His seat," said Diamond.

"I object, your honor," said Gibson, standing "The Prosecution always sits on the right side."

"That is a custom, not a rule," said Diamond "Being closer to the jury box makes it easier to develop a rapport with the jury. This is a strategic advantage and it is prejudicial to my client to be denied it."

The Judge had been reading the pad while Diamond spoke.

"He's right," she said "Do you have a counter argument, Mr. Gibson?"

Gibson sputtered. Of course he hadn't prepared a counter to such an absurd argument.

"Well then I'm inclined to grant Mr. Diamond his motion. So ruled. Both sides switch tables."

Gibson stood there, slack jawed, and didn't start to move until Diamond was already setting up his files at his new table.

Once they were settled, Dr. Kang leaned over and whispered to his lawyer.

"Is the right side really that advantageous?" he asked.

"No," admitted Diamond "I didn't even really care if we got it to be honest. The whole point was to throw the Prosecutor off his game right off the bat. Put him all up in his head."

Dr. Kang was quite pleased with his choice of lawyer at that moment.

In the gallery, now on the opposite side of Dr. Kang and his lawyer, sat Captain Littlecrow and Mitzner, side-by-side, in civilian clothes. Mitzner was a little miffed that they hadn't let her bring popcorn into the courtroom but she was determined not to let it ruin the best day of her life.

"Mr. Gibson," said the Judge "You may make your opening statement."

Gibson straightened himself. He would not allow this ambulance chaser and his cheap parlor tricks unsettle him.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury," he said confidently, beginning a recitation he had practiced exactly one hundred times "I am not one given to hyperbole. I do not come to court and unnecessarily vilify the men and women I prosecute. They are human, as are we all. But the Defendant, Dr. Heliodore Kang, has commitment one of the worst crimes one of our fellow humans can commit."

Gibson was walking back and forth in front of the jury box, fully in his element.

"Evidence will show that Dr. Heliodore Kang, after a campaign of harassment, killed Dr. Ursule Po in a psycho-sexual ritual. T-Net records will prove that Heliodore Kang was making threats on Ursule Po's life. Eye-witness testimony will not only put him at the scene, but will single him out as the murderer. And we will meticulously retrace his subsequent flight from justice, proving unequivocally his cognizance of his own guilt."

"Ladies and Gentlement of the jury, I apologize in advance for some of what you're going to have to see and hear over the coming days, but it is important for you to understand the full weight and extent of this crime before you will be able to render an informed verdict. The evidence will not be pretty but it will be undeniable. Thank you."

Gibson almost started heading back to the right side table but corrected himself fast enough to avoid major embarrassment. He sat back down on the left side.

"Mr. Diamond," said the Judge "Would you like to make an opening statement?"

"I would prefer to reserve my opening statement until after the prosecution rests, your honor," said Diamond, briefly standing.

"Very well," said the Judge "You may call your first witness Mr. Gibson."

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