"Thank you," said Judge Cavanaugh. "That will simplify matters a little bit–but even with fewer litigants, the court costs will remain the same. This means that the assessment will now have to be increased by 50 percent to seventy‑five hundred liters of water per claimant–" This time, six more people headed for the clerk's desk.
The judge smiled. "I like the way this is going. By the way, I should note that this fee will also apply to those filing briefs of amicus curiae. This court does not need any more friends. We already have the best friends money can buy. So if you intend to be our friend today, we will expect you to pay for your fair share of justice too. You can buy as much justice as you can afford on Luna. Cash payments only, please. We do not accept checks drawn on Earth banks. This will be your last opportunity to reconsider … " Four more people.
Judge Cavanaugh waited until the bustle in the courtroom died down. He studied some papers, some material on his display, and conferred with his clerk. Finally, he looked up again. "All right, that helped. Now let's see what kind of progress we can make. We're here, all of us, to decide what to do with these three young men. The issue revolves on whether or not Judge Griffith was justified in granting the divorce of Charles Dingillian from his parents and whether Douglas and Charles are fit custodians of Robert Dingillian." For the first time, Judge Cavanaugh looked at us. "Charles Dingillian, how are you feeling?"
My voice crackled like I was walking through a field of shredded wheat. "I never felt better in my life." I said it deadpan.
Judge Cavanaugh raised an eyebrow at me. "Are you feeling well enough to proceed?"
I nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Thank you." He turned his attention back to the rest of the court. "I want to mention here that Lunar Authority is a signatory to the Star‑side Covenant as well as the Covenant of Rights. As such, we give full faith and credit to the legal processes of all other signatories to these covenants. We recognize marriages, adoptions, divorces, and other legal contracts, entered into willingly by the participants. For those of you who are notlawyers, and I think there are only three of you in this room who are not"–he glanced at us when he said that–"this means that Luna will acknowledge and recognize all legal decisions of the Line Authority. We are not obligated to recognize the legal authority of some Earth courts because they are notsignatory. For the record, the Republic of Texas is a nonsignatory jurisdiction.
"I want to make this very clear at the outset, because it affects what this court has the authority to do. Those of you who are preparing to argue that Judge Griffith's decision has no weight in this courtroom are wrong, and this court will not entertain any claims based on that line of reasoning at all. You would be asking this court to create a conditional nullification of the articles of full faith and credit among covenant signatories. In plain old‑fashioned English, it ain't gonna happen. Not in this court.
"However … those of you who are asking me to set asideJudge Griffith's decision as a bad ruling, had better be prepared to argue that claim with facts and logic that demonstrate an overwhelming and compelling necessity. And please, remember the unofficial motto of this court. Bore me and die.
"Today's hearing is relatively informal, even for Luna. It is an evidentiary hearing–an inquiry into the facts–which may or may not resolve the matter. If we do not resolve the matter here, we will refer it for trial. If the investigation does not uncover a compelling interest on the part of the state–or on the part of any of the claimants, the whole thing will end here. And let me say again, everyone's cooperation in achieving a speedy resolution to this business will be particularly appreciated. I hope I make myself clear."
He turned back to his display for a moment, frowning. He clicked through several pages. Judge Cavanaugh looked like he was having a wonderful time. I decided to like him–at least until he pissed me off.
"Now, then … " He looked up again. "Let's get to the specifics. This court has spent several days reviewing the transcript of Judge Griffith's divorce hearing. It is very interesting reading, but I find nothing in it to justify a set‑aside. If there's anyone here who feels I've missed something,do feel free to point out any errors that Judge Griffith may have made in her ruling, or any mistakes I might have made in my review. I certainly won't be prejudiced against anyone who feels qualified to educate me in this matter. I might even thank you for the effort. But if there's no one here who wants to look for the light at the bottom of that particular tunnel … then let's just move on. Let's all stipulate in advance that any evidence that anyone has to present about the wisdom of thisruling must be based on circumstances that have developed in the last two weeks, sincethe ruling was made. You will have to demonstrate that Douglas, Charles, and Robert Dingillian have proven incapable of taking care of themselves. We will use thatas the deciding criterion in this chamber. Any questions? I thought not." He looked very pleased with himself. I wished I could see the expressions on the faces behind us; but I couldn't turn in my seat, and even if I could, it would all be a blur. But at least I wasn't coughing anymore.
"But before we can even deal with that, we have to deal with this othermatter first–which I consider an extremely minor and very annoying detail. So of course, that's why it will probably consume an inordinate amount of this court's time. But a number of you have aggressively argued that the property claim is an essential part of judging the Dingillians' behavior since they were granted independence, so there's no setting it aside. Is there? Bailiff, bring in the object,please."
While they were waiting for the bailiff, I leaned over to Douglas and managed to croak, "Don't we have a lawyer?"
Douglas shook his head. "Not yet."
"Why not?"
"The judge said we don't need one. Not unless we go to trial. He's acting as advocate on our behalf. No, that's not illegal here. Court costs are carried by the plaintiffs–unless they win. It's real different than on Earth. Plaintiffs have to prove they have a case just to get to trial."
The bailiff came back carrying a black box. He set it on a table in front of the room. He opened the box and removed the monkey. He placed it on the table and took the box away. The monkey looked lifeless. Bobby shouted, "That's my monkey! I want it back! It's mine!"
I tried to stifle a smile. There were times when I loved my brother becausehe was such a brat.
Judge Cavanaugh made a note on a pad. "So there we have the first claimant speaking up. Thank you. You are … Robert Dingillian, correct?"
"Yes! And I want my monkey back."
"And why do you say the monkey is yours?"
"Because my daddy gave it to me. And it's mine."
"All right, good." Judge Cavanaugh looked over the court. "Is there anyone who wants to contest this fact–that Max Dingillian gave this toy to his son? No? No one wants to argue that? Thank you. What a pleasant surprise. So we can all stipulate now that the toy was given to Robert Dingillian." He made a note on his pad.