Rewritten

Chapter 18

Daniel shivers as he enters the courtroom. There are people lined up behind long black glass tables, all people of this generation, the jury. A man in a straight black suit stands at the judge's podium, which is white metal. He is in his early thirties and has short black hair, trimmed neatly around his ears. There are two tables in front of the podium, shorter versions of the jury tables.

A dark man with brown hair, in a grey suit and glasses, stands behind the table to the left. He looks calm and relaxed, arms hung at his side, holding a simple grey briefcase.

Once Daniel and Reva get to the table on the right, the judge speaks. "Everyone, please sit"

The jury all sit and then Reva, Daniel and the other man sit. Then, people all watch the judge. "Welcome to Decide, I hope you're all comfortable, because today, we have a big matter to deal with. Daniel Adams will be committing a major crime in a few months. Let's see how the Lawyer's view the crime and any witnesses that we can pull. So, let's get started. Mr. Phillips, would you go first?"

"Certainly," he stood up and walked in front of the podium. He looked around at the jury and took a deep breath. "Jury, we all know that we would rather be at home right now, probably making toaster strudels or watching the next episode of your favourite show." The jury laughs.

"Being serious now though... Who thinks Harri is going to hook up with Kayda?" The jury laughs louder. Daniel looks confused; he doesn't understand what's so funny. It must be something from the future. Reva seems to think it's funny, she's smiling.

"Now that we have that over with, I call Daniel Adams to stand."

"Stand" The judge says. Daniel stands, still behind the table.

"Go up there!" Reva whispers and pushes him out from the table. Daniel walks up and stands across from Mr. Phillips.

"Please make an oath," the judge says.

"I swear upon my own heart that I will tell the truth."

"Is it true that you have feelings for Ms. Jaleen?" Reva looks a bit off.

"I don't know who she even is..." Daniel says.

"Reva Jaleen, do you have feelings for her?" He repeats.

"I object!" Reva screams. The jury looks at Reva with frightened eyes.

"Might I ask why?" The judge asks. "It's not often that we get an objection."

"He doesn't love me, he despises me!"

"You can't answer Mr. Adam's question for him, Ms. Jaleen."

She sits back down. The lawyer shakes his head. "Okay, now, please answer the question."

"No sir, I have no such affection for Ms. Jaleen."

"Okay, moving on. Who do you have feelings for?"

"Is this necessary?"

"Yes Mr. Adams, we need to make sure that you will not marry Ms. Jaleen."

"Why would I ever marry Ms. Jaleen?" Daniel asks defensively. The jury looks on and makes a brief note.

"News came from the future, the future sent information that indicates not only a marriage between a Ms. Reva Jaleen and a Daniel Adams but also two children registered under their names. If this is you two, you will both be imprisoned." Mr. Phillips explains.

Reva looks even worse but she keeps quiet. Daniel looks nervous too. "How can I testify for my future self?"

"You are testifying for yourself now, your future self will also be enduring a Decide if you are found innocent now."

"How could that be a crime?"

"No citizen under the Link are authorized to have relations with Historians."

"So, because I'm from the past?"

"Exactly"

"Well, she shot my arm!"

"Mr. Adams, I'm done with you. I call Reva Jaleen to stand."

She gets up anxiously and stands across from Mr. Phillips. "I swear that my answers will be honest. I will not tell a lie." She says and a single tear falls down her cheek. She keeps her eyes down as the jury makes note.

"Good, do you have feelings for Mr. Adams?"

There is a long silence. "...yes"