Sane // A Winter Soldier Story

chapter nineteen // trial

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"I saw you late, last night, come to harm...I saw you dance in the devil's arms." -Monster by Mumford and Sons

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《Athena》

"Today we are hearing criminal court case number 893, with the defendant being James Barnes. Would the prosecution like to provide an opening statement?"

It was finally the day of the trial, and Athena wanted to throw up. The next few hours would determine literally everything, and she was terrified that it wouldn't go the way it should. She couldn't imagine a life without James anymore. Today couldn't go wrong. It just couldn't.

She thought back to the breakfast her and Steve had had with Bucky this morning, prior to arriving at the court house. She wondered if that memory was going to turn into her last good memory of James. She prayed that that breakfast hadn't been it for them -- that they would be able to have a future after this, no matter how dim.

Athena's hands were clammy and her throat was dry as she watched the prosecution's lawyer rise, holding a piece of paper in his hands. He looked like he was in his thirties, his suit was immaculate, and his chin was pointed up in a way that made him look like he thought he was better than everyone else. Athena immediately disliked him.

"Yes, your honor," he began, and then he turned away from the judge and faced the jury. The petit jury sat stone faced on their benches, and Athena could tell right away how many of them probably felt about this case. She hoped to God that many of their opinions would change by the end of the hearing.

"I will be representing the United States and the citizens of Virginia. We will be presenting several pieces of evidence, such as video footage, to prove that James Barnes is guilty of committing these crimes while fully himself, and without a doubt," the man announced, and Athena's veins promptly turned to fire. She was sitting in the first row of benches in the galley, and James, Steve, and their lawyer sat in front of her, separated only by a waist-high divider resting in front of her feet. Athena saw James' muscles tense up as he sat in chains beside two armed guards.

The man then sat down, and there was a second of silence before the judge turned to the table with James, Steve, and their lawyer, Mr. Forsberg.

"Would the defense like to provide an opening statement?" The judge asked. She looked tired. Mr. Forsberg stood.

"Yes, your honor," he replied, and then, much like the other lawyer, he faced the jury before speaking.

"I am representing James Barnes. We will be providing several pieces of evidence in order to prove that Mr. Barnes is simply the victim of a much larger crime, and as such, punishing him for the sufferings he was forced to endure would be not only morally and ethically wrong, but also would condemn an innocent man to life in prison, or worse," Mr. Forsberg said. Athena thought what he said was perfect, and she was thankful that such a well spoken man had become their lawyer.

The judge nodded, and looked down at her papers.

"James Barnes is charged with several counts of murder in the first degree, and has been accused of committing crimes against humanity. We will hear the prosecution's evidence first," she said, and Athena felt a sense of dread rise up in her stomach. She didn't want to listen to these people accuse James of things he wasn't responsible for. It was just wrong.

The lawyer for the prosecution rose again. "The prosecution calls Nancy White to the stand."

An older woman dressed in a blue blazer and pencil skirt stood from the galley, walking quietly over to the stand. The only thing that could be heard in the room was the clicking of her heels. Athena couldn't discern any emotions from her face.