A Brand New Beginning

Trial and Error

The Texas flag flew outside the San Antonio court. The courtroom was completely silent when the judge walked in. "Court is in session for the trial of Miss Yolanda Rodriguez," she announced. Akko knew it was going to be a long day as she sat down between Diana and Andrew. Her eyes were fixed on Daisy, sitting on the prosecutor's desk. She eyed Yolanda's defense attorney--he looked like a very good lawyer. "Miss Rodriguez, how do you plead?" asked the judge. "Not guilty, Your Honor," Yolanda replied. "You are accused of kidnapping and holding hostage of Miss Daisy Eaglenest," the judge said, "do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth?"

--"I swear," Yolanda responded. "The prosecution calls to the stand Miss Daisy Eaglenest," Daisy's lawyer said. She stood up and walked towards the stand. "Miss Eaglenest, Miss Rodriguez argues that she did not kidnap you, you broke into her apartment," the judge read from a paper, "Is that true?"

--"Yes, Your Honor," Daisy answered, "I broke into my aunt's apartment, but I had a reason why. I knew she was plotting something--"

"--Objection!" Yolanda's defense shouted, "She broke into my client's house which is an invasion of privacy!"

"--Objection, Your Honor!" The prosecutor shouted, "Miss Eaglenest had a good reason to do so! She feared for her family's safety!"

The judge then slammed the mallet, asking for order in the courtroom. "Continue with your testimony, Miss Eaglenest," she commanded. Daisy continued with her testimony obediently, making sure she didn't forget any details, especially when she mentioned how Yolanda tortured her. When she finished her testimony, she left the stand. "The prosecution calls to the stand the first witness," Daisy's lawyer call. Akko raised her head to see Sergeant Ramirez walk to the stand. "Please state your name and profession," the judge said. "My name is Nancy Ramirez," the sergeant said, "I'm a sergeant of the San Antonio Fire Department, and I was there when I rescued Miss Eaglenest. I was the one who pulled her out of the water."

--"Please describe to the jury the conditions in which you found Miss Eaglenest," the judge commanded. "Well, we found her in the basement of Miss Rodriguez's apartment complex," Sergeant Ramirez said, "Miss Eaglenest was about to drown when I pulled her out. The water was so cold I had to use special gear to get her out."

After she gave her testimony, the prosecutor called in the paramedic that had attended Daisy that night. "State your name and profession," ordered the judge, fixing her spectacles, which Akko noticed were similar to Headmistress Holbrooke. Now and then, the snap of the news cameras would bring her back from daydreaming. "My name is Dr. Pamela Gonzalez," said the paramedic, "I'm a paramedic from the UT-San Antonio medical unit."

--"Please explain to the court Miss Eaglenest's medical analysis," the prosecutor ordered. "Well, Miss Eaglenest's body temperature was very low," she explained, "it dropped drastically and she was close to contracting hypothermia. We had to warm her up gradually."

Testimony after testimony, Akko noticed how Yolanda seemed tense. The clicking of the cameras seemed to add to her discomfort. "The jury will take a recess, then will come up with a final verdict," the judge announced before slamming the mallet once. The courtroom then emptied. Daisy and her prosecutor headed out. She waited for her friends to follow her out of the courtroom.

Meanwhile, back in Luna Nova, Rogelio entered his dormitory to see part of the room covered by a giant plant. "Whoa! What happened here?" Frank asked when he walked in. "The beans I planted suddenly grew!" Rogelio replied. "I think we should probably take it outside," Frank suggested. They took the plant and headed outside. On their way there, Klaus spotted them carrying the large plant. "What on Earth do you zink you're doing?" he asked. "None of your business, Klaus!" Rogelio shouted aggressively, "Keep moving!"