This story is dedicated to editors Geoff, Samuel Vincent, and Nelson T. whose hard work made me look good. Thanks guys, I couldn't have done it without you.
By Kelly Davidson
Edited by Geoff, Nelson T., Samuel Vincent
Copyright 2002
Flashback - 3 years ago
There were 20 of them crowded inside the small basement of the suburban home. Eighteen females and two males, although some would argue that wasn't really correct. Before coming to Peace River the numbers would've been reversed, and thus it would've been eighteen males and two females standing there. Each of them was young, beautiful, and most important, had a burning desire to leave Peace River. They called themselves the Freedom Fighters.
"A toast to our success!" Lori Dillon announced while lifting her glass high in the air. She was the unofficial leader of the group, and the one who had come up with this plan. The rest of them followed suit, looking sadly at each other as they did. Each one knew some of them would be dead by the time this was over. Who would die they didn't know, and as Judy Chunn took a drink she knew it could just as easily be her. In the next 24 hours one of three things would happen; she would be dead - she would be captured and brought before Judge Jasper - she would be a free man.
Judy frowned slightly. Almost two years of living in this new body and she still thought of herself as a man when clearly she wasn't. She was a young woman with an oriental face, and straight black hair that reached down to her waist. Judy was also short, standing about 5'3" and weighing 105 pounds if she were soaking wet. That was a far cry from the 275 pounds, 6'2" frame she had as a man.
"I just want you to know," one of the members spoke with tears in her eyes, "that I love each of you like a family member. I...I just hope we can still stay in touch after this is over."
Her words echo the sentiments of all of them in the room. They scrambled to hug the crying woman while wiping the tears out of their own eyes. Too much sad emotion could bring trouble, as their captors seemed to sense it in them.
"It's time," Lori told the group. "Good luck, everyone. I hope to see you on the outside. Remember don't take chances. If you can't make it to the other side turn back. Live to run another day."
The group left in single file, each of them taking their turn hugging Lori and her husband, Steve. Judy was the last to leave, only because Lori meant the world to her. If it hadn't been for Lori's support in the beginning, Judy most likely would've cut her wrists like so many had done before her. Their leader had saved Judy and given her a reason to live. When Judy approached her, tears began to fall freely from her eyes.
"It's okay, Judy," she whispered and hugged her tenderly. "I'll meet you on the outside as soon as the news breaks. We'll meet at the pre-arranged site we talked about. Just remember, not beforehand. If I do get captured, Judge Jasper will pull the information out of me and set a trap for you."
"I...I understand," Judy answered while wiping the tears from my eyes. "I just hope it happens soon. I'll miss you until then, Lori."
"And I'll miss you my friend," she said softly with loving emotion. "Now go, there isn't much time."
Judy grabbed her purse and headed to the designated point assigned to her. All things considered, her route was probably a little harder then most. The river was at least a 100 yards wider than the other crossing areas and was close to the main bridge. On the other hand, she had been told there was a road only a mile on the other side. With luck, the young woman might be able to catch a ride if someone was driving by.
Carefully Judy made her way down the riverbank to where her raft was hidden. It was a homemade raft, made of canvas, plywood, and milk jugs. It wasn't pretty, but she hadn't built it for looks. It was her ticket to freedom. Lori had helped her assemble it the day before, and Judy had carefully hidden it close to the river. The full moon made her job of finding it easier.
Lori had told the group that she had picked this night for two reasons. The first was because of the moon, which would give them some light to see in the darkness. The second was her contact, whoever that was, had informed her that most of their captors would be out of town tonight celebrating. Their celebration had something to do with a victory over their enemies thousands of years ago. All things considered, there would never be a better time to try this.
Judy picked up her backpack containing food, clothing, extra batteries for the flashlight, and a few other items she thought she might need. Then she stripped off her clothes and changed into a pair of dark jeans and sweatshirt. Once dressed, Judy stuffed everything into her backpack and pulled the raft down to the rivers edge. Then she waited.
As the deadline got closer the butterflies grew in her stomach. At midnight the first boaters would start their mission, and they had the most dangerous mission of all. Their job was to enter the waters first in hopes of distracting the mermaids and mermen away from the rest of them. To try and save themselves from literally being eaten alive, each one carried a case of steaks. Of course no one knew for sure if these creatures would turn down a live steak dinner for a dead one.
The young woman watched the minutes tick by until it was five after midnight, her time to leave. Just as Judy slid the raft into the water she heard a blood-curdling scream less than a mile away. A cold chill ran up her spine; one of her friends had just paid the ultimate price for failure. Judy tried not to think about it as she placed the motor of the raft; a modified house fan attached to a car battery, into the water. She attached the cable to the battery and gently started moving away from shore toward the other side; or Free America as it had come to be called. Looking to her right, she could see in the moonlight someone paddling across the river in a small kayak. That would be Penny Cavinee, a pretty young girl who had been forced to come here from her native land of Germany. It seemed that supplying the town with new residents was a worldwide effort, although about 85% of the people living in Peace River had come from the United States.
The motor hummed softly as Judy used an old paddle to steer the raft to its destination. The moon went behind a cloud temporarily and everything went dark, including the spot she was aiming for. The young woman heard a rippling sound behind her, and fought the urge to turn on her flashlight. If she did those creatures would spot her for sure. There was another scream in the darkness, someone crying out to God for them to stop. Then there was silence. Another one of her friends had paid the ultimate price for freedom.
Judy heard the ripple sound in the water again, and picked up a steak in case it was one of those creatures. The moon popped out from behind the cloud and the young freedom fighter scanned the surface of the river for monsters. She didn't see anything.
Another scream, this time much closer, caused her to look upstream. She watched in horror as Peggy's kayak flipped over as something grabbed her. There was a great deal of splashing in the water for several seconds but no more screaming. Then everything was still again. Peggy Cavinee never even made it back to the surface.
Judy's eyes went moist as she thought about Peggy's lovely smile and bubbling personality. Peggy was the type of person others were drawn to because of her easy nature and witty jokes. Now she was dead, along with at least two of her other friends.
The other side was getting closer. A few more minutes and she would be there. That's when she saw a head pop out of the water not far from her. It was a merman, and he was staring intensely at her raft. Judy could see his shining, white teeth as he smiled evilly at her.
The young woman picked up a raw steak and flung it as far away as she could in the hopes he would go after it. Unfortunately, another one of those creatures, this time a mermaid with dark hair, grabbed it. Judy reached for another steak, but the merman had already gone underneath the water.
"Shit," Judy cursed softly. She looked forward and noticed she was still at least a 100 yards from the shore. Judy could swim faster than her raft was going, but at this distance the young woman knew she would never make it. Suddenly the merman jumped out of the water and grabbed her leg with its slimly claw. Judy moved out of reaction, swinging her paddle and hitting him over the top of the head. It seemed to have little effect on him. She hit him again, this time in the face. The merman made a hissing noise and disappeared back into the water. Quickly Judy grabbed the remaining steaks and threw them into the water around the boat; hoping this would keep them off her. She noticed there were three of them out there grabbing for the steaks. Their fangs bit into the meat while their claws tore it to pieces. It was both fascinating and horrifying to watch.
There was a hard bump as her raft hit land. Judy grabbed her backpack and scrambled to shore. The other side of the riverbank was steep, but somehow she managed to climb up it in less than a minute. Her motivation came mostly out of her drive to get away from those creatures swimming around the sinking raft. When she reached the top she got down on her knees and rested for a minute. The freedom fighter looked around to see - no one. Well, that had been part of Lori's plan. Rather then meet up and leave as a group, they were supposed to go in different directions. It would be harder for them to capture twenty moving targets than two or three large groups.
It did surprise her a little that no one was moving about on the bridge. Perhaps their jailers were still investigating the screams and failed to notice others were leaving. Well, she wasn't going to wait for them to wise up. Judy stood and ran for the woods not far away.
Almost an hour went by as she struggled over the broken terrain and hidden branches that reached out to smack her in the face. Finally she stumbled out of the woods and onto a paved road, with a car speeding right at her. Judy ran out into the center of the road swinging her arms and begging for him to stop. The young man slammed on the brake and barely avoided hitting her.
"Please, I need a ride," she pleaded with the young man. "I'll do anything if you get me the hell out of here!"
He sat there for a moment gunning his motor before making a decision. "Anything?" he smiled while opening up the passenger door. "Hop in!"
"Does this car move?" Judy asked franticly as she practically dove into the passenger seat.
"Oh yeah," he replied confidently. "It's a special model, with an interceptor V-8 under the hood."
"I'll make you a deal," she told him. "I'll give you the best sex you've ever had if you can get me 70 miles away from this place in less then an hour!"
"Hang on then!" the young man smiled confidently. He slammed the car into gear and pealed off into the night. Judy looked back just to be sure there wasn't anyone following them. There wasn't.
"By the way, my names Robert Cardon, what's yours?" he asked.
"Judy...Judy Chunn. At least that's what I'm known as back there," she told him nervously. "Robert, have I got a story to tell you."
Fade out...
***
Voice of Judge Jasper: We are the Roman gods, who fell to the world long ago when your people were still learning how to crawl. We have guided you through the years, rewarded you for good deeds, and punished you when needed. With our leadership, we helped you defeat the Titans in a terrible but glorious war. Once your path was set, we went to sleep, waiting for the day you would reach for the stars and take us home. But the Titans interfered, and turned you away from your destiny. When we awoke, we found much work to do; so we established a base and called it Peace River.
The Titans, with our help, established their own base later on. It's a town where we can work together, a last ditch effort to avoid another war that may destroy the human race forever. Some would like to see the town and your people destroyed, others would like to see it work - to have peace at last. There is much hatred between our people, and the road ahead won't be easy but the rewards if we do are great. The name of this last chance for peace is called Andersonville.
***
Fade in...Present day
Apollo was driving down the street to his next appointment, a 19-year-old gay man dying of AIDS. While the threat of the Titans had passed for the moment, the threat of not having enough replacements for their town always seemed to be there. They had to keep a constant number of humans in Peace River otherwise his people would suffer.
There had been talk by the council of expanding the town, and bringing more of their people out of stasis. Apollo didn't see how that could be achieved when they were barely able to maintain a population of 15,000. For every one of his people brought out of stasis, they needed 150 humans more or less to support them.
Oh, there was more than enough land to increase the size of the town. Originally Peace River had been designed to hold 100,000 people; enough to bring everyone out of stasis and keep the human population healthy. The problem was, they could never seem to grow past that magic number of 15,000 - and that was the least of their worries. There were bigger problems to tackle first, like the town's food and water supply. Recently they had learned that the saltwater from the river was slowly creeping into the fresh water table and damaging their crops and livestock. What had seemed like such a good idea 80 years ago was now slowly destroying their town. Something had to be done, but no one could think of a way to stop it. For all their powers, they were still at the mercy of Mother Nature.
Apollo stopped at a traffic light and tried to clear his mind; he shouldn't worry about things like this. His job was to find new recruits, not figure out how to save the town. Then he sensed it, very faint but also very clear. He turned his head back and forth, trying to locate where it was coming from. There - to the north.
Apollo forgot about his appointment; that could wait. He turned left trying to follow what he felt; the same way a bloodhound follows a scent. A few miles down the road he noticed that it was coming from a grocery store on the left. He pulled into the parking lot and waited, trying to figure out where it was coming from. Then he spotted who he was looking for. A woman, thin, petite, and her hair cut short so it hung a full inch above her shoulder. It was Judy Chunn, looking as lovely as ever. Apollo frowned. The young woman was pushing a stroller. She had a baby now?
He pulled out his cell phone and dialed the private number to his father's phone. Judge Jasper answered right away.
"Father, I just found Judy Chunn. What do you want me to do?"
There was a moment as silence as Jupiter thought about it. "Follow her and find out as much as you can. When you locate where's she's living, come back here."
"Yes, father," Apollo replied obediently and hung up the phone. He watched the young lady buckle her baby into the car seat and sensed happiness. That troubled the god of truth greatly.
***
Apollo, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Minerva, and Neptune were seated in Judge Jasper's chambers. Jupiter sat behind his desk looking over the report Apollo had hastily typed up for them. He put it down on his desk with an angry frown. Venus saw the frown and spoke first.
"We can't bring her back," she stated firmly. "Judy has a husband now, and a child. It would be wrong to break them up."
"May I remind everyone," Mars countered, "that Judy knows exactly where Peace River is located. We can't risk leaving her out there."
"Then we reason with her," Venus almost pleaded. "Her silence in exchange for us not interfering with her life."
"And what happens when you make her that offer and she remembers her friends?" Mars pointed out. "She could demand that they be freed as well. I'm sure she hasn't forgotten about them."
"I have to agree with Mars," Neptune added in a salty voice. "Supposing our visit only brings back old memories? She could bring the news media right to our front door, and then everyone will know about us."
"Then we lay it on the line," interjected Apollo. "We tell her that if she does talk to anyone her family would be killed."
"Death threats and blackmail make a poor contract!" Neptune answered coldly. "That is what you're proposing, Apollo. No, the only way to eliminate this risk is to bring her back to Peace River where she can't tell anyone about our operation."
"What about her family?" Venus asked. "Do they come with her?"
"Her husband designs booster rockets for NASA," Minerva stated clearly. "He's very gifted in that field. Losing him would set our timetable back by at least five years."
Apollo looked around the room and decided it was time to stick his neck out. "I agree with Venus, we can't separate Judy from her family. It goes against every principle I've been brought up to believe in. We should leave Judy where she is. I can talk to her, reason with her; but I don't want to destroy the life she has built for herself."
"It's her own fault," Mars argued. "She shouldn't have escaped in the first place. Do I have to remind everyone about 'The Mailman', and all the trouble he's causing us? We can't risk having anyone else finding out about us."
"It's clear there are two sets of arguments," Jupiter spoke for the first time. "I suggest we vote on the matter and decide what to do about it. All in favor of bringing Judy Chunn back to Peace River raise your hand." Mars, Neptune, and Minerva did so; Mercury, Venus, and Apollo did not.
"I see, so it comes down to me to break this deadlock." Jupiter cleared his throat. "There is more to this situation then just the simple question of whether or not Judy Chunn should be returned. She is a symbol to everyone else who doesn't want to stay here. Since her escape more then three years ago, attempts have gone up by 73%. Clearly, we can't allow this to continue. Mars, I want you to work out a plan to bring her back here, safely. That is all."
Apollo looked around the room sadly and wishing he hadn't told anyone about finding her. Judy Chunn had a new life, why couldn't they just leave her alone? He noticed Mercury seemed to feel the same way, although the god of truth didn't know why. Mercury was committed to the survival of Peace River. Venus on the other hand was easy to understand. She didn't want to separate a mother from her child unless the parent was abusive. Apollo stood to leave when his father asked him to stay. When everyone had left he spoke.
"I know you don't agree with my decision son, but it has to be this way."
"But why, father?" Apollo tried to reason. "Why not just let her live out her life in peace? Why must we bring her back here?"
"Because we must make an example of her," Jupiter stated firmly. "I have to show all those who are thinking of leaving our town that they will never be free, that we will continue to search for them - forever! I want them to see that any attempt is useless on their part, and if they do manage to escape they will be brought back here. I want to break their spirit once and for all."
"How do you plan to do that?" Apollo asked a little horrified.
"By holding a trial that will be televised throughout the town."
"Father, that can also send the wrong message. Judy Chunn isn't a criminal! You even said it yourself; some people look up to her. Think of what she will say if she has the chance."
"We'll control what is heard," Jupiter said. "There'll be a 10 second delay in the broadcast, so Mercury can edit out what goes on the air. Stephanie Hall will defend her, and I'll have Judge Herns' son prosecute. Linda Anderson will watch over everything to record the event, so it can be shown back from time to time."
"How do you plan to deal with Judy's disappearance?" Apollo asked feeling slightly ill at what he heard.
"Leave that to me son. Now, step outside, I need to speak with your brother Mars for a moment."
Reluctantly Apollo got up and left. He wanted to protest, to plead with his father for her life but knew it was useless. The truth was, he could understand his father's motives and it made good sense. He just wished he wasn't so close to Judy, so he wouldn't feel her pain when they brought her in.
Apollo left the room and a moment later Mars entered. He stood stiffly as his father carefully gave him a small nod. His son could be ruthless when it was required, the sign of a good soldier.
"I want you to bring John Stillwell to my office right way," Jupiter ordered. "Tell him he is to be released."
"Released?" Mars answered perplexed.
"Yes," Jupiter answered while pouring himself a cup of decaf coffee. "I know he's not happy here in Peace River. I also know he's trying to organize a group of people to escape with him, like they did three years ago. He wants to return to being a girl, so I'll honor his request."
"But father, we both know he can't be trusted. He'll tell everyone about our town if we let him go."
"Only if he were given the chance," Jupiter said with almost no emotion. "I don't care how you do it, just make sure the baby isn't harmed."
"It will be done," Mars replying strongly and understanding fully what his father was asking. He didn't enjoy killing people, but he would do as he was told.
***
"Are you sure you don't mind taking care of Matthew while I'm gone?" Judy asked her husband.
"Of course not, honey" he replied back. "We'll have a great time. Now go get your shopping done." He reached over and kissed her on the cheek.
Judy smiled inward as she left. Years ago the thought of being kissed by a man would've disgusted her, now it made her happy. Maybe that was because she had a good life now, with a loving spouse, a beautiful child, and most importantly, her freedom. There were no rivers filled with flesh-eating mermaids surrounding the town of Belm, NM.
Thinking of Peace River always made Judy sad. She had often sat and wondered what had happened to her friends, especially Lori. All this time and there had been no word from her. It could only mean she had been captured or killed in the escape. If she had survived, Judy shuddered to think what Judge Jasper had done to her. Judy felt a little guilty knowing that she was free while her friends were still trapped in that hellhole where reality was shifted. Oh, those in charge made it pleasant enough to live there, as long as you didn't mind giving up your freedom and in most cases, your gender. Then it was HELL!
"Why wouldn't they believe me?" Judy asked myself. She had repeatedly tried to tell others - newspaper reporters and even the authorities. One cop wanted to lock her up after she was done telling him the story. He would have too if Judy hadn't escaped through the back door when he wasn't looking. That's when the young woman decided to give up trying. It was a selfish act, but Judy knew if she continued they would find her. There was no way she was going back to Peace River, not after what she went through to get away. So Judy changed her last name and hid among the masses, hoping to be lost forever. And in those masses of people she met Tom Hartford, her loving husband.
She was a waitress working at a second-rate dinner where the owner didn't ask a lot of questions, like what her social security number was. Why Tom would even walk into a dump like that still puzzled Judy. He was quiet and shy, unlike other men she had known. Judy ended up falling for him immediately. It was strange, but being with him the first time felt so natural. She had tried a few lesbian lovers, some rather beautiful, but they just didn't satisfy her like he did. Oh, how he satisfied her. It was the quiet ones who were the best lovers.
After dating for six months he asked her to marry him. They drove to Las Vegas and got married that night - the happiest day of her life since the 'night of the screams'. That was what Judy called the night she escaped from Peace River.
Judy played with the idea of telling Tom about Peace River but didn't. She didn't want to ruin the best thing in her life. A few months after they were married she became pregnant and everything fell into place. Her past was a thousand years away, and she rarely thought about it anymore except in her nightmares.
As Judy turned into the parking lot, she paid little attention to see if anyone was following her. The first year after her escape she used to watch every car in her rear view mirror. Paranoia ran deep that it may be Judge Jasper or one of his people following her. Those in charge had told them that they would never be free, that if someone did escape they would bring them back. However, after almost three years of living on her own, Judy felt it had been nothing more than an idle threat meant to keep them in line. If they did know where she was they would've come for her by now. So when a dark van pulled into the parking spot next to her car, she didn't pay it much attention. After all, what did she have to worry about? But that little feeling of security was about to cost her everything.
Judy stepped out of her car and walked past the side door of the van. Suddenly the door opened and someone pulled her inside. She tried to scream but a hand covered her mouth. She looked up into the sad eyes of Officer Merrick.
"Relax, and go to sleep, Judy," he told her gently. "I'm not going to hurt you."
The young woman struggled to get away. She kicked her feet into the empty air and tried to bite his hand. At the same time Judy found herself getting very sleepy, and fought to keep her eyes open. If she fell asleep, all would be lost. Judy tried to squirm and break Merrick's hold, but it was no use. Her eyes blinked once, twice, then they closed for good.
"She's under," Mercury told Apollo.
"Let me have her purse," Apollo said. Mercury handed it to him. "I'll be right back."
Apollo stepped out of the van just as Mars was pulling up. There was a girl in the car that could've been Judy Chunn/Hartford's twin. She was even dressed like her. Mars got out of his car and walked over to where Apollo was standing.
"Here's her purse." Apollo handed it over and sensed the person who was in the car. "Why is she Judy's replacement?"
"Never mind," Mars told him firmly. "Get Miss Chunn back to Peace River. I'll take care of everything else."
Apollo looked at Mars carefully; something wasn't right here. What were his father and brother thinking?
"What's going on?" Apollo demanded to know.
"It was father's idea, not mine" Mars said truthfully. "John was becoming too much of a liability to us, so Jupiter changed him into Judy Hartford and told me to deliver her here. I'm suppose to go over her new life with her."
"I see," Apollo answered puzzled. None of this made any sense. Why replace Judy Hartford with someone who couldn't be trusted?
"You better go. Father is expecting you"
Apollo nodded and got back in the van. He took one more look at the new Judy Hartford. Something definitely wasn't right here. Shaking his head he drove off.
Mars watched him leave, glad that it was Apollo driving the van and not Mercury. His other brother would've stayed and asked too many questions - questions Mars didn't want to answer. The god of war turned to the new Judy Hartford who was still sitting in the car as ordered. He opened the door and motioned for her to step out.
"Here's your purse, Judy," he said roughly. "Put on this watch and jewelry too. Remember what I told you. If you get into any trouble give us a call - and don't try to double cross us, Judy. You wouldn't like the results if you did."
"All I want to do is forget about my time in Peace River, Mr. Marshall," John Stillwell snared. "Once I leave this parking lot I'll never think about you and that hellhole again."
She smiled, but Mars could feel the deceit in his emotions. John/Judy couldn't wait to blow the whistle on their operation as soon as she got the chance. The god was going to warn her again more forcefully but stopped himself.
'It doesn't matter," Mars said to himself. 'In less then a minute she wouldn't be able to tell anyone anything.'
"You better get going, Mrs. Hartford."
Judy/John smiled as she backed the car out of the parking space and drove away. She was particularly pleased to see a cloud of dust rise and surround Mr. Marshall as she left.
"Wait until I find a newspaper reporter, you bastards," she spoke out loud. "I'll fix your wagon but good for locking me up as a man all these years."
As Judy/John turned onto the main road she didn't see the semi truck that had inadvertently ran the red light. The truck struck the driver's side door at nearly 50mph and spun her car into a nearby telephone pole.
***
Judy woke up in a small, dark room. The first thing she noticed was that her jewelry and clothes had been removed, leaving her naked underneath a thin sheet. She sat up and took a better look around. Her new home was a jail cell, complete with one of those steel sink and toilet sets. Judy wrapped the sheet around her body and walked over to the door. She tried the handle but it was locked.
"Let me out!" she yelled. Judy pounded on the door a few times but it only hurt her hand.
Feeling helpless, she sat back down on the bed and began to cry. Why couldn't they have left her alone? Suddenly the ceiling light went on and the door opened. Officer Deimos walked into the cell with some clothes in his hand.
"What have you done to me?" Judy screamed. She stood up to face the cop, but he was still several inches taller than she was. The young woman tried running around him, but he grabbed her arm and sat her back down on the bed. Even though he was wearing his usual mirror sunglasses, Judy could feel his intense stare on her.
"Let me GO!" she yelled.
"No," he replied firmly then added, "Your lawyer will be here soon. I suggest you get dressed in these clothes."
"You PIG!" Judy cursed as he turned to leave. Officer Deimos stopped and looked at her. For a moment she thought he was going to say something else, but he didn't. The cop left, closing and locking the door as he did.
Judy went through the clothes he had given her. A pair of slacks, a rather stylish blouse, a lacy bra, a pair of panties, and a pair of shoes. She put them on then sat on the bed and waited. She thought about her baby and dear husband, who had to be worried sick about her. What did he think had happen to her?
Half an hour later there was a knock on the door, and a man entered the room. Judy's blood boiled with anger. It was Mr. Cupler.
"Good afternoon, Judy," he said pleasantly.
"Go away! I don't need you," she said in a raised voice.
"I think you do," he said with his boyish grin. "You seem to be most unhappy here."
"WHO IN THE 'FUCK' WOULDN'T BE! " she shouted. "YOU PEOPLE ARE CRAZY. YOU CAN'T KEEP ME LOCKED UP AGAINST MY WILL!"
"Such language," he shook his head with amusement. "Not becoming of a young lady at all - not one bit. I want to help."
"Leave me alone, I don't want your help - at least not the kind you're offering. You...you'll make me feel...feel..."
"Happy," he finished for her. "Joyful, pleasant, cheerful. Why wouldn't you want to feel this way, Judy?"
"Because I'm human, you fucking bastard! Being sad is what makes me different from you. I want to feel sad! I miss my husband! I miss my baby! You kidnapped me and took me away from them."
"No, we brought you back to where you belong," he replied in a calm fashion. "Well, that's my opinion anyway. It's up to the court to decide where you belong."
"Court? What the FUCK are you taking about?" Judy demanded to know.
"Just what I said," he smiled. "There is to be a trial to decide if you should stay or be allowed to return to your current life outside Peace River. So you see Judy, we're not the 'bastards' you think we are."
"Don't sell yourself short, Mr. Cupler" the young woman told him curtly. "If that was the case I wouldn't be here in this cell, would I?"
"A matter of perspective," he answered. "Now, we can't have you meeting with your lawyer in this mood. My dear child, take my hand." He held his hand out toward her.
"No!" Judy shouted putting both of her hands behind her back. "Get the fuck out of here!"
He sighed slightly. "You know you can't fight me, dear." He stopped talking for a moment and his eyes got real big. "Your hand, Judy. Give it to me."
Judy's right hand started to move from behind her back on its own, as he stared intensely at the young woman with his big blue eyes. Judy tried to grab it with her left hand but it quickly dropped to her side.
"No!" she cried as her hand extended out to meet his. "Please, don't do this. Please, I don't want to feel that way again."
"There, there, my child," Mr. Cupler said in a comforting tone as he took it. "You know this will make you feel better." He began to stroke the top of her hand with his, and Judy felt a warm surge of energy move up her arm and invade her body.
"It's important that you're happy and think clearly when you see Ms. Hall. All I'm doing is changing your mood so you won't be nasty or say any of those foul, four-letter words to her my dear. Now, take a deep breath and relax - and think about how happy you are right now.
Judy did as he commanded, not really having a choice in the matter. Slowly her anger and sadness started to slip away.
"There, doesn't that feel better?" he smiled still rubbing my hand.
"I...I guess so."
"Of course it does," he reinforced the idea. "We want everyone to be happy here and live in peace. That's why we can't let anyone see you in your current condition. Do you feel the happiness, my dear?"
"Oh yes," she cooed back.
"Very good," he smiled and let go of her hand. "Now, Officer Deimos is going to take you to see Ms. Hall. I want you to be just as pleasant with her as you have been with me. She is here to help you, Judy."
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Cupler," she sniffed.
"You're welcome, Judy," he smiled gently. "Just so you know, I haven't really affected your thinking. You'll be able to think and react normally, only not in a harsh or crude way as you did earlier. Of course, if you do decide to stay, I may have to help you out a bit more at first. You understand, my dear."
"Yes, Mr. Cupler," Judy answered calmly, knowing that she should've felt frustrated by his control over her.
Cupid called for Officer Deimos, who walked into the room and took her arm. He led Judy silently to a small conference room down the hall and told her to take a seat. She sat there wondering what would happen next, and yet not bothered by it. Ten minutes later Stephanie Hall showed up and placed her briefcase on the table.
"Hello, Judy," she smiled while extending her hand. The young woman took it and managed to smile back. "I'm Stephanie Hall, your attorney. While you may not have a great deal of trust for those here, I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to make sure you're freed."
"Sure thing, Mrs. Hall," Judy grinned. "What happens will happen I guess.
The attorney gave her client an odd look. "Did Mr. Cupler see you this morning?" she asked.
"Just before I was brought here," Judy giggled happily. "I was feeling rather sad and he made me feel better."
Anger appeared on Stephanie's face, and she slammed her briefcase shut. "I'll be right back!" she snapped.
"I'll be here," Judy giggled again.
Stephanie stepped into the hallway where Officer Deimos was guarding the door. "Where is Mr. Cupler?" she demanded to know in a harsh tone.
"I think he's in the file room," Officer Deimos replied, a little taken back by her up-front tone. "He was working..."
"Thank you," Stephanie cut him off and walked away. She found Mr. Cupler sitting at a table looking over a file while drinking some tea.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" she asked angrily after closing the door.
"What do you mean?" Cupid replied. He was rather surprised to see Stephanie talking to him that way. Normally she was a rather laid back human.
"I'm talking about the magic you used on Judy Chunn - I mean Hartford. I told Judge Jasper that if I took this case it would be without any interference from others. You just interfered!"
"First of all, I wasn't aware of his agreement with you," he answered rather dryly. "Second of all, she was being rather unpleasant - just like you are I might add. I would think you would be pleased that you didn't have to deal with her in that condition."
"Anger is how I get to the root of the problem," Stephanie pointed out in a calmer tone. "I want you to remove whatever you did to her."
"She'll be out of control," he warned.
"I'll take my chances," Stephanie countered. "And don't see her again unless you ask me first."
"I don't need your permission, young lady," Cupid replied in a firmer tone.
Stephanie laid a piece of paper down in front of him. "This is an order signed by Judge Jasper, I'm sure you'll recognize his signature. If you read it you'll see it gives me complete control over my client, including who can and can't see her. As of right now you do need my permission. I don't want to make this an issue, Mr. Cupler, so please don't try my patience. I'm telling you not to see her unless you ask me first. Now please remove whatever you did to her."
"Very well." Cupid waved his hands in the air a few times. "It's done."
"Don't you need to see her to remove your love spell?"
"No," he smiled. "She's back to her normal, rude self. Good luck, Mrs. Hall."
"Thank you, Mr. Cupler," Stephanie answered politely but distantly.
Cupid cocked his head to one side. "You don't like me, do you?"
"I don't hate you," Stephanie replied.
"But you don't like me," he stated the obvious. "Why Stephanie? Have I done something to offend you?"
Stephanie sighed. The truth was, she didn't like Cupid. It wasn't so much his personality traits as the history they once shared.
"No, you haven't done anything to offend me," she explained. "I just remember our sessions when I first came here."
"But that was so long ago, and I didn't hurt you...did I?
"That depends," Stephanie explained. "I was very sad when I first got here. All I wanted to do was cry and feel sorry for myself. You thought that by taking away my misery it would make everything all right, but it didn't. All you did was take away something that was natural to my soul. I still had to deal with the pain inside but on your terms, not mine."
"I don't understand?" Cupid said. "I did this for your own good...really I did."
"Maybe, but I think we both know it benefited your people as well. Being sad isn't allowed in Peace River, Mr. Cupler. Don't tell me I don't know what I'm saying; I've defended enough clients to know the truth. Less then 24 hours after Judge Jasper converts them to their new lives, you or Vicki make a visit. I've noticed that she usually takes the male residents and you take care of those who become women."
"But I was doing it for your own good," he argued. "What does it benefit you to be in this state?"
"I guess you would have to have a good cry to understand, Mr. Cupler. Now if you will excuse me, I have a client to defend." With those parting words Stephanie left leaving Mr. Cupler to ponder what she had said.
***
"Can you help me," Judy asked.
"It won't be easy Judy, but I'll do my best," Stephanie told her. "From what I can see, there are two ways we can go here. One, we can claim the contract Judge Jasper made with you is illegal and you should be let go. The second is that we show you've proven you can live on the outside without their supervision. Frankly, I think defense number two is our best strategy, but I'll be meeting with the prosecutor this evening and decide after that."
"But will arguing this do any good?" she wanted to know.
"Judy." Stephanie looked directly into her eyes to show her sincerity. "Judge Jasper assured me that it will be a fair trial, which means I can win. Frankly, the fact that you have a family now should pull a lot of weight here. If you want odds, I would suggest you plan on having dinner with them tomorrow after the trial is over."
"I hope you're right, Stephanie. I miss my baby and husband so much."
"Don't worry about them, Judy. I'm going to find you a nice dress to wear for court, something feminine to show the Judge how well you've adjusted. However, I can't emphasis how important it is that you watch your temper and the four-letter words. In a nutshell, you have to show him how much of a woman you really are. Am I clear about that?"
"Yes, very much so."
"Good," she replied. "I've made arrangements to have you moved to the guest room here at the station. I hate the thought of you spending a night in a jail cell when you haven't done anything wrong. Listen to what the officers say and obey them. And do not, do not, do not try to leave Peace River. If you do than you might as well plan on spending the rest of your life here. Just behave and don't cause any trouble. Are we on the same page here?"
"Yes, I understand," Judy told her. "I won't do anything that might hurt my case."
"Good," Stephanie smiled. "Now, one more thing before I go. I know you had friends in Peace River before you left. Is there anyone you would like for me to arrange for you to see?"
"Lori Dillon," Judy asked in a shaky voice. "Do you know if...if she's..." Judy couldn't finish the question.
"She's alive," Stephanie informed her with some reservations. "In fact Lori is supposed to testify at your trial tomorrow for the people. If you like, I can arrange for a short visit."
"Yes, I would like that very much. I need to talk to her - to see if she's all right. Lori was like a sister to me."
"I'll set it up." Stephanie walked over to the door and knocked. Officer Deimos opened the door.
"Please take Mrs. Hartford to the guest room as we discussed, Officer Deimos." He nodded and led her away.
***
I was already waiting in the rather modest size room that served at the prosecutor's office when Stephanie showed up. Lawrence Galloway was there too, dressed in a brown suit with a military haircut. Judge Jasper had informed me that I was to be present at this meeting so I could keep a record of what was said and done, including any deals placed on the table. I didn't expect Stephanie to be taking any. From what I knew about Judy Hartford, I was pretty sure Stephanie's client would go for broke. Besides, Stephanie seemed rather confident about her case as she sat down.
"Good evening, Mrs. Hall," Lawrence said with a slight grin. "Can I get you anything to drink? Coffee or tea maybe?"
"No thank you," Stephanie replied politely while giving me a nod.
"Then I think we should get right to it," he suggested while presenting Stephanie with a seat. "Judge Jasper has instructed me to offer you the following deal. Judy Chunn pleads guilty to escaping from Peace River in exchange for not being reduced past the age of 17 years old. She also has to go on record and tell people she was wrong to leave."
"You have to be kidding me?" Stephanie chuckled. "First of all, lets get a few things straight here, Mr. Galloway. My client's last name is Hartford, not Chunn. She was married while on the outside, and had a baby to boot. Second, I wasn't aware that leaving Peace River was a crime. In fact I haven't run across any law on the books that says it is. I was led to believe that this was a simple breech of contract that we could, hopefully, easily resolve."
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Hall, but you're wrong on both counts," Lawrence Galloway explained. "First of all, you, as well as anyone else brought here is aware that trying to leave Peace River isn't allowed. True, it's not on the books, but it's kind of one of those unspoken rules you might say. Let's not be naíve here, Mrs. Hall. Why do you think Judge Jasper built a river around the town and punishes those who try to leave?
"Second, since her escape was an illegal act the marriage is not valid. It can therefore not be recognized in this courtroom."
"Wait a minute!" Stephanie said rising up from her seat. "This is all news to me. Even if her act was a crime it doesn't void her marriage or name change. I insist that she be referred to as Judy Hartford at this trial."
"You can insist all you want, Ms. Hall," Mr. Galloway answered while sliding a piece of paper towards her. "However, as you can see, Judge Jasper has already ruled on this matter. I met with him this morning."
"Why wasn't I there?" Stephanie demanded to know.
"That I can't answer," he replied honestly. "I was told to inform you of this discussion and the charges when we met."
"What else have I been kept in the dark on?"
"Nothing," he said with a slight grin. "My meeting with Judge Jasper lasted less then five minutes. I brought up these issues and he answered them for me."
"Mr. Galloway, this is highly irregular," Stephanie stated her case.
"I agree," the prosecutor responded. "However, unless you want to delay the trial I don't think there is much you can do about it. As Miss Anderson can verify, Judge Jasper left for the afternoon."
"How convenient," Stephanie answered very annoyed. "Getting back to your offer, no deal. We'll take our case to trial."
"I wish you would reconsider," Mr. Galloway said. "I won't lose this case."
"That's what you said about Peggy Wilson and you were wrong," Stephanie pointed out.
"Only partially wrong. Besides, this is different. I won't lose. Ms. Hall." Stephanie noticed the man seemed awful confident about that statement.
"What do you know?" she asked. "You understand you can't keep anything from me if this is to be a legitimate trial."
"Take the deal, Stephanie," he pleaded softly. "Trust me on this, I won't lose. Your client doesn't have to suffer any more than she already has."
"Are you telling me this trial is fixed?" Stephanie almost hissed.
"I'm telling you I won't lose, Mrs. Hall," Lawrence said in a formal tone. "I can't be any clearer than that."
"I'll see you in court, Mr. Galloway." Stephanie stood up and didn't bother to shake his hand as she left. Lawrence shook his head after she was gone.
"I tried, Linda. Why won't she listen to me?"
"Maybe you weren't clear enough, Mr. Galloway," I replied curtly. "I hope for your sake this is a clean trial." I grabbed my purse and left.
The prosecutor shook his head and sadly sat down in his chair. He would win tomorrow, but there would be no glory in what he did. Lawrence picked up the list of people to question tomorrow, Office Ganymede, Lori Dillon, a few others. He tossed the list back down on his desk in disgust. What did it really matter? He knew Judge Jasper would rule in his favor. The judge hadn't said so at their meeting, but somehow Lawrence knew. And when he did, Judy Hartford would pay the price.
***
There was a knock at the door, and Officer Deimos, Judy's personal babysitter, came in.
"You have a visitor," he said. Judy noticed a little girl, maybe 6 years old, standing behind him.
"I'll leave you two alone." He closed the door.
"Lori?" Judy asked with tears in her eyes. It was her friend, a much younger version of her. Judy went to hug the little girl but she stopped her.
"Don't even think about it," Lori stated coldly.
"Lori, I...I don't understand?"
"What don't you understand, TRAITOR?" she spatted out. "You were suppose to rescue us - all of us. Instead I helped you escape and you repaid my kindness by leaving me here to rot."
"No, it wasn't like that Lori...honest," Judy pleaded and getting down on her knees so she could make eye contact with her. Lori slapped her face hard, causing Judy to cry out in shock and pain.
"We had a deal, 'friend'! The ones who got away would send help. Where in the hell is our rescue, Judy? Three long years, you couldn't find anyone to help us? NOT ONE DAMN SOUL! I understand you settled down and got married. Well how nice for you."
"Lori, don't be mad at me," Judy begged. "I swear, I tried to tell people about Peace River but they wouldn't listen. I almost got sent to a mental institution because of it. Finally I realized that it was useless."
"I suppose you think that makes it all right," she retorted. "So while I had to grow up again, you were out living life to the max."
"Where...where's Steve?" she asked carefully.
"My husband is DEAD!" Lori cried out. "He gave up his life so you could escape. He did this believing you would come back and save the rest of us. What a joke! He died a meaningless death. After your trial I never want to see you again. Do you hear me, Judy? My friendship with you is OVER!"
"But...but you're like a sister to me, Lori. I...I love you."
"NEVER!" she pointed her finger at me. Lori slammed the door as she left. Judy fell to the floor and started crying.
***
Over 150 people were crammed into the courtroom waiting to see what happened. Stephanie was seated next to her client looking rather confident, which only boosted Judy's spirits. Win or lose, Judy knew she couldn't be in better hands. Mr. Lawrence was seated across from them, dressed rather nicely and also looking sure of himself. Judy hoped Stephanie had some plan to shake his confidence.
Over in the corner Judy spotted a new girl sitting down in front of a computer instead of Ashlee Gang. She wondered what had happened to Judge Jasper's old assistant. The door to the judge's chambers opened and Judge Jasper came strolling out in his black robe.
"All rise," Officer Merrick stated to the crowd. "This court is now in session. The honorable Judge Jasper is presiding."
"Be seated," he told the crowd. "It is my understanding that both counsels have agreed to forgo their opening statements. Therefore, Mr. Galloway, you can call your first witness.
"Thank you, Your Honor. I call Officer Ganymede to the stand."
The young officer with light sandy hair and a boyish grin came forward. Three long years and Officer Ganymede didn't look any different to Judy than the day she had left. Officer Merrick swore him in.
"Officer Ganymede, you were on patrol alone the night twenty of our residents tried to leave by crossing Peace River, isn't that correct?" Lawrence Galloway started out.
"Yes, that's correct," he stated. "Officer Phobos was suppose to be on duty with me, but he was called out of town on another matter."
"Can you tell us what happened that night shortly after midnight."
"I was making my rounds when I heard a scream coming from the river. I knew what had happened and rushed to see if I could help."
"And could you?"
"Sadly no. By the time I got there the mermaids had already killed her. I later found out it was Rosa Chase. As I was going back to my car to radio it in, I heard more screams in the distance. That's when I knew something was up and I called for backup. I later learned that five people died that night trying to cross Peace River."
'Five!' Judy felt her stomach turn inside out. Five of her friends had been killed that night - eaten alive by those horrible creatures.
"That's quite a tragedy," Mr. Galloway pointed out. "How did you feel about that?"
"Objection, Your Honor!" Stephanie stated loudly. "How Officer Ganymede feels doesn't have any bearing on this case."
"I disagree, Mrs. Hall," Judge Jasper said stiffly. "I want to hear what he has to say. Continue, officer." Stephanie sat down disappointed."
"I felt sad - and guilty," Officer Ganymede stated. "Five people, one of whom I had talked to that afternoon, were dead. It's my job to watch over the people in Peace River and protect them. You see, Mr. Galloway, I'm still mostly human and I can sympathize with what they're going through. I don't have any real powers, but I try my best to make everyone feel safe and happy here. That night I felt I had let them down."
"What happened after you called in, Officer Ganymede?"
"Backup arrived 20 minutes later and we started searching the other side of the river. That's when we discovered some of them had made it across. We eventually found 12 all together, but three were missing."
"One of them being Miss Chunn."
"Objection, Your Honor," Stephanie rose to challenge. "My client is married now. Her legal name is no longer Miss Chunn; it's Judy Hartford. I request that the court calls her by her legal name."
"Overruled," Judge Jasper said. "The court has already ruled on that matter, it does not recognize her marriage or her name change. Therefore your client will be referred to in this court as Miss Chunn, or Judy Chunn if you prefer."
"But Your Honor," Stephanie started to protest.
"I said overruled, Mrs. Hall," he stated firmly. "Now sit down, Mrs. Hall. Continue Mr. Galloway."
"I have no further questions, Your Honor," he smiled.
"Your witness," Judge Jasper said dryly to Stephanie. The female attorney rose and walked over to the bench.
"Officer Ganymede, you stated that you and your backup started searching the other side of the river. Why?"
"Well, Mrs. Hall, to make sure they were okay, and to bring them back to Peace River of course. Some of them were pretty beaten up after their trip."
"Let's focus on bringing them back. Why did you do that?"
"Because they weren't allowed to leave?"
"Why is that, officer?"
"Your Honor, I object," Mr. Galloway boomed. "The purpose of Peace River is not on trial here."
"Sustained!" Judge Jasper said with a glare at the female attorney. "Officer Ganymede, you will not answer the question."
"Your Honor," Stephanie protested. "The reason why Mrs. Hartford..."
Judge Jasper slammed his gavel down hard. "Mrs. Hall, do not test my patients here. I have already ruled on Miss Chunn's last name. You will refer to her as Miss Chunn or Judy Chunn - do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"Good!" the judge responded before she could say anything else. "I have also ruled on your question, now continue."
Stephanie looked discouraged but resumed her line of questioning. "Officer Ganymede, how long have you been a police officer?"
"Since 1947, Ms. Hall. The same year I was brought here."
"And has anyone ever explained to you why this law must be enforced?"
"YOUR HONOR!" Lawrence Galloway shouted.
"Sidebar in my office," Judge Jasper announced. Both attorneys and Linda Anderson followed him into his chambers. The Judge closed the door and pointed his finger at the female attorney.
"I don't know what you're trying to prove young lady, but you won't pull the wool over my eyes. The purpose of Peace River, or the number of people who have tried to leave, is not at issue here."
"Excuse me, Judge, but it is," Stephanie explained. "The reason why Judy Hartford cannot leave Peace River is the question in court today, not if she broke the law or not. For a law to be justified, you must know why it was created in the first place, isn't that correct Mr. Galloway?"
"Don't answer that," the Judge growled as he turned his full fury on Stephanie. "Let me give you fair warning, Mrs. Hall, that you're treading on very thin ice here. There is a reason why we have this law in place, and I think you know why."
"Then explain it," she replied. "Let everyone know what its purpose is."
"So you can debate it in front of an open court? We're not going there today, Mrs. Hall - or any other day. Nor are we going over the issue of Miss Chunn's last name, 'AGAIN'. If you mention the name 'Hartford' in my presence one more time I'll hold you in contempt of court! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR, MRS. HALL?" Judge Jasper was so angry he was practically spitting out the words.
"Your Honor..."
"ENOUGH, MRS. HALL," he intoned. "Not another word about any or this, is that CLEAR!"
"Yes, Your Honor," she replied curtly.
"Then let us continue." Judge Jasper opened the door.
***
The next witness was Lori Dillon. She looked at her friend with contemptible eyes, and Judy found herself unable to face her. Before the escape they had been like sisters; now it looked like Lori wanted to rip her head off. Mr. Galloway started his questioning.
"Miss Dillon, this was your idea, isn't that correct?"
"Yes. I thought the plan up about six months prior. It seemed like a good idea at the time."
"And now?"
"Objection, Your Honor," Stephanie protested.
"Overrule. The witness will answer the question."
"No, I wish we hadn't put it into action. Five of my friends are dead - the rest were punished. As for me, I have to go through my childhood again. It's not the easiest thing to do."
"Are those your only reasons?" Mr. Galloway asked.
"No," Lori answered a little hesitantly. "I've come to realize that trying to escape from here was wrong. Peace River is a wonderful gift when you think of everything that we are given. Anyone who wants to leave here is crazy."
"Objection!" Stephanie said in a frustrated tone.
"Overruled, Mrs. Hall," Judge Jasper replied in an equally frustrated tone. "Miss Dillon has a right to her opinion. Let her speak."
"Actually, Your Honor, I'm finished with this witness," Mr. Galloway said. He smiled politely and sat down. Stephanie stood and approached the little girl with disdain.
"So, you're happy living here, is that correct, Lori?"
"Objection," Lawrence Galloway announced while rising. "The witness has already answered that question."
"Let's move on, Ms. Hall," Judge Jasper encouraged.
"I just wanted to be sure, Your Honor," she replied with a smile. "Lori, can you tell me what happened to your husband the night of the escape?"
"Objection!"
"Overruled, Mr. Galloway," Judge Jasper ruled, perhaps trying to give the appearance of fairness to this trial. "The witness will answer the question."
Lori swallowed hard. "Steve and I were crossing the river on a homemade raft we had build. About halfway across the river five or six of these mermaids and mermen creatures popped out of the water. We tried throwing them steaks but...but they seemed more interested in us. They started jumping on the raft and grabbing for us. Steve and I kept fighting them off with our paddles, but they kept coming back. One of them, a merman, grabbed the paddle out of my hand. It was only a matter of time before they got me." Lori wiped a few tears out of her eyes and stared down at the ground.
"What happened next, Lori?" Stephanie asked.
"Steve...he...he threw me his paddle and jumped into the water. He told me he loved...loved me, and jumped in. That was the last time I saw him. He gave up his life to save mine. Oh GOD, I LOVED HIM!"
Lori burst into tears. Stephanie handed her a few tissues and waited. When Lori regained her composer Stephanie continued.
"Go on, Lori. What happened after Steve jumped into the water?"
"Somehow I got the raft to shore and took off running. I felt I owed it to Steve to get away, and warn others. I ran all night, but in the morning they surrounded me."
"You mean Judge Jasper's people."
"Yes, that's right," she sniffed. "I hid in the tall grass hoping they would leave. I guess they knew I was close by, they just couldn't find me. After about an hour they did find me and I was brought back to Peace River. That's when Judge Jasper turned me into a 3-year old little girl."
"I see. You must have been quite angry when Judge Jasper did that."
"At first, but I got over it. I realized what I had lost, and how happy I was to be here."
"Did Mr. Cupler ever visit you?"
"In the beginning, yes," Lori admitted. "But as you know, you come to these decisions on your own."
"I see, so you're happy now living in Peace River."
"As I said before, yes I am," Lori replied like an impatient little girl.
"Then why are you so mad at Judy Chunn?" she asked directly.
"What?"
"It's a simple question, Lori," Stephanie smiled as she sprung her trap. "If you're so happy here in Peace River, why are you so mad that Judy stopped trying to get help? I would think you would be relieved by that fact - knowing your world is safe. She wasn't planning on coming back here with the Cavalry, so why are you so mad at her?"
Lori got red, and looked at Lawrence Galloway for guidance, then over at Judge Jasper.
"Answer the question, Lori," Stephanie said softly.
"She...she let me down," Lori stuttered out.
"Yes, but that's a good thing, right? Now you don't have to worry about someone taking you away from here. Isn't that what you want?"
"Your Honor, Mrs. Hall is badgering the witness," Lawrence protested strongly.
Judge Jasper looked at Lori who was fidgeting on the witness stand and at Stephanie, who was standing there with her arms crossed over her chest. "Overruled. You will answer the question," he stated.
"I guess I wanted to blamed her for Steve's death," Lori whispered. "I didn't want to blame myself. Judy was a good scapegoat."
"And not because she escaped to start a new life while you were stuck here?"
"OBJECTION!" Lawrence Galloway yelled.
"NO!" Lori answer defensively at the same time, only it sounded like a lie.
"No further questions," Stephanie followed up before Judge Jasper had a chance to rule. She took her seat next to me.
Judge Jasper frowned. "At this time I'm going to call a recess until 1pm. Mr. Galloway and Ms. Hall, in my chambers. Linda, this doesn't include you."
Stephanie waited until Officer Deimos took her client away before leaving. She looked around the room during this time and saw a number of people muttering among themselves while staring at the Judge. There seemed to be a great deal of support for her case. If she could get Judge Jasper to feel their pressure, there was a good chance he would have to let Judy Hartford go free. The female attorney took a deep breath and followed the Judge into his chambers.
***
I watched Officer Deimos rush Judy Chunn out of the courtroom. From the mood of those in the courtroom, things didn't seem to be turning out the way Judge Jasper had counted on. Stephanie Hall was giving Mr. Galloway quite a battle, although I knew the real fireworks would begin when Judy took the stage. I spotted Pete Akins, the god Apollo, saying something to Mark Merrick. He looked upset, and in his hand he held a newspaper. He lifted it and pointed to something for Mark to look at. Whatever it was, it seemed to upset Mark as well, and both men left the room in a hurry.
"Would you like to have lunch with me, Linda?" Ashlee Gang asked with a warm smile.
"Thanks for the offer, Ashlee," I smile back. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to take a rain check. I have something I have to do right now."
"Good luck," she whispered as if she knew.
"Thanks," I replied.
I grabbed my purse and ran outside. I spotted the two gods walking down the sidewalk and followed them to Mark's communications store. I counted to ten then entered the shop and found them standing near the entrance having a heated discussion. Pete was clearly upset about whatever he had read, and stopped talking the moment I entered the store.
"What's up, guys?" I asked calmly.
"You need to go, Linda" Mark told me directly. "This isn't a good time."
"I just need to use the Internet for five minutes to check on a story I heard about," I told him. I noticed Pete was holding a Belm, NM newspaper in his hand. It was a good clue as to what their conversation was about.
"As I said, this isn't a good time, Linda," Mark repeated a little bit more forcefully. "You need to go."
"Wait," Pete interrupted. "What story are you wanting to look up?"
"The story that tells how Judy Hartford died," I told him. "Unless you're willing to let me read your paper."
Pete's face went pale. "How did you know she was dead?"
"She didn't know," Mark told him with a stolid stare. "Linda just guessed and you confirmed it for her."
"This trial is a farce," I told them point-blank. "Not only is it a 'farce', you murdered John Stillwell to clear up the loose ends. I saw Judge Jasper turn him into Judy Hartford before he left with Mr. Marshall. It should be you two on trial here, not Judy Chunn."
"YOU BITCH!" Pete yelled in a rage. He picked me up by the neck and slammed me hard against the wall. I felt pain rivet throughout my body from the impact as I gasped for air. Apollo held me there with little effort on his part.
"I never murdered anyone, DO YOU HEAR ME YOU BITCH!" he screamed with emotion.
"Apollo," Mercury said calmly as he put his hand on Apollo's shoulder. "I'll take care of this. Go get some fresh air and chill out."
Apollo didn't let go. Instead he stood there staring at me with rage. However, I could tell it wasn't me he was really angry at. He had been mislead just like everyone else who believed Judy was going to get a fair trial.
"Come on, Apollo," Mercury reasoned softly. "You don't really want to do this. Take your anger outside - not on her. Remember what you believe in. Hurting the innocent isn't it."
Apollo looked over at Mark and then back at me. There was fire in his eyes that I had never seen before. He dropped me and threw the newspaper down on the ground. Without saying another word, he stormed out of the store in a rage.
"Are you okay?" Mark asked in concern as he helped me up.
"I'll live," I answered hoarsely while rubbing my neck. "Aren't you going to tell me how stupid that was?"
"Why, you already know." Mark picked up the newspaper and handed it to me. "The answer you're looking for is on page 3." He left to get me a glass of water.
I opened the paper and read, "Local woman killed in truck/car accident." The story was 7 paragraphs long and told about a semi-truck that had run a red light and struck Mrs. Hartford's car. The paper said she had been killed instantly, only the paper was wrong. It had been John Stillwell who had been killed in that crash, not Judy Hartford.
"Why, Mark?" I asked when he returned with my water. "Why all this fuss if it's meaningless anyway?"
Mercury sighed. "Because, Linda, we had to send a message to those who come here. If you do manage to escape from Peace River we'll find you and bring you back. It's pointless to leave, so don't try."
"And for that you had to destroy Judy Hartford life, as well as her husband and young son, to send a crummy message. One person, Mark - couldn't you have compassion on her situation and let her go?"
"It's complicated, Linda. You wouldn't understand."
"You're wrong Mark, I understand more then you realize. I've been playing with an idea in my head for some time now concerning the purpose of Peace River and why you need us. Would you like to hear what I've come up with?"
"Sure, why not," he said distantly.
"My theory is you're not really immortal beings, you only seem to be. What makes you immortal is us, something about us anyway. My guess is that humans give off an energy force when we're happy. Your people feed off it, or maybe these feelings allow you to feed off something inside us. Angry or sad feelings close off that energy. So how am I doing so far?"
"It's an interesting theory," he answered in a neutral tone.
"Yes, but there's more, Mark. Not all humans are suited for your needs, so you have to be selective on whom you bring in. That's why Judge Jasper wasn't interested in Sally Johnston, she didn't fill your needs."
"Only 61% of your people meet our needs," Mark explained. "Unfortunately, most of them have supportive families. As you can see, we try to pick people who are loners, outcasts, those who will appreciate the situation we offer them. You don't know how much of a pain in the ass it is to stop someone from leaving, Linda."
"I wonder if these same outcasts would still appreciate their situation if they knew you were slowing killing them."
"What do you mean?" Mark asked cautiously.
"Oh, come on Mark, don't play that game with me. The people today live almost 30 years longer than the people from the 1850's. I looked at the gravestones and played with the numbers. As the population of Peace River grew, so did the life expectancy of those living here - except in the 1920's and 40's when more of your people showed up. I kept asking myself why? I mean, the people back then had the same type of body you supply the people with today - young, healthy, and free of disease. So why didn't they live as long? Then the answer hit me; there were fewer people for each one of you back then. This energy you pull drains us and makes our bodies weaker. But somehow being young causes us not to feel the effects until it's time to die."
"It's three years, Linda, no more."
"And that makes it right, Mark?" I questioned strongly. "You're not 'gods'; you're leaches that fell from the sky. You found a way to use our life force so you could live forever."
"A leach is something that takes and doesn't give anything back," Mark countered strongly. "Before you judge us so quickly, perhaps you should consider how your people treat each other. Almost 95% of the people we bring here are dying. We give them back their life - no, we do more than that; we take away pain and death that would've surely claimed them in a few months. Okay, so it's not what they were used to but what the hell, life is full of surprises and curveballs. We make sure the needs of everyone brought into our world is provided for - and then some. What do you promise those that come into your world, Linda? Huh? Don't get into a debate that you can't win. Say what you want about us, but we make sure our people are healthy and happy until they die. The price is three years of their life. In most cases they wouldn't have lived half that long if we hadn't intervened. It's a very small price considering the alternative they're facing. AIDS, cancer, heart and liver disease; we take that all away from them! In return we give them a body that is healthy and doesn't age. We give them a world where intolerance and hate against each other isn't allowed. Crime is almost non-existence, and everyone is safe! WHERE DOES SUCH A PLACE EXIST IN YOUR WORLD, LINDA?"
"Safe except for those who try to leave," I pointed out coldly. "How many residents have died trying to cross Peace River, Mark. Do you even know anymore?"
"It's unfortunate," he said with a frown, "but you know we can't let them leave to tell others. If they did our town would be polluted with your kind coming here on the promise of hope that we can't provide. It isn't possible. We have a delicate balance in Peace River, and even one person like 'The Mailman' threatens to ruin that balance. It's not like Andersonville, which uses different technology to provide for the Titan's needs. Unfortunately, your town is still years away from being suitable for our use. Our method has worked well for us since the beginning. Sure, our little town has problems, but it's a better place to live than the world your people have created. Your world is filled with pollution, crime, and very little compassion for those who are different through no fault of their own."
"If you believe your world is so much better, then why don't you tell them the price they'll be paying for coming here, Mark?" I pushed. "Tell them about the gender changes and the three years they'll be losing. More important, inform them of the fact that they'll never be able to go beyond the rivers edge. That's what makes my world more desirable Mark, because my world offers one thing your world can't - freedom! That's what makes it better living out there than in here!"
"That freedom could end your race," Mark pointed out. "Don't get me wrong, Linda, I'm not against individual freedom - that is until the person chooses to hate, murder, rape, and steal from his brother or sister. Then I object to your type of freedom - strongly!"
"You just don't get it, do you," I told him.
"I could say the same thing," Mercury replied. "I've had 10,000 years of dealing with your people, Linda. I know what they can do, and what they will do. Most of the time what they should do and what they end up doing is very, very different - and not in the best interest of everyone involved. Your kind will drop infectious garbage off a beach that will infect thousands of strangers to make a quick buck. And don't tell me that's not the norm, because we both know it is. People are mean, selfish, stupid, and you know it."
"You kidnap people and bring them here," I objected strongly. "You rip them away from their families to benefit your own needs."
"We save them from death, which would have ripped them away from their families anyway. In return we give them a slice of heaven," he argued. "Yes, we also happen to gain something out of the deal as well, that doesn't make it a crime!"
"Debating this with you is a waste of time I see."
He smiled slightly. "Now we agree on something. That's why you would never fit in here, Linda - you view Peace River as a jail cell."
"So what happens to me now, Mark? I know the grand secret of Peace River. Do you erase my memories of this conversation?"
"I could, but I won't," he said solemnly. "Not as long as you promise never to tell anyone about what you know."
"You would really trust me with this?" I asked in surprise.
"I have found that some people's words are stronger than iron chains," Mercury confessed. "If you promise that you won't say a word to anyone, I'll let you remember. It's as simple as that."
"Why did you tell me in the first place?" I asked.
"Your people have a word for what I did Linda; its called confession. Even we need to confess our doubts and feelings to others from time to time. This trial will leave a bad taste in our mouths for years to come. Apollo regrets deeply that he didn't make a deal with Judy in private like he wanted to. I feel the same way he does. This...this event has gotten out of control. One person is dead - another has her life destroyed. Who could be happy about that?"
"That's why Pete is so pissed off?"
"Yes," Mark answered strongly. "You owe him an apology for what you said to him, but I would wait until tomorrow to talk to him. Let the affects from this trial die down some. I think you'll see he will be just as sorry about his actions as you are about your words."
"Speaking of the trial, I have to tell Stephanie about Judy's accident. I can't let this joke go on. People have to know."
"Linda," he said softly, and I knew what he was going to say next. "Remember that favor you owe me in exchange for allowing Ashlee to see her mother for a day? I'm calling you on it. You can't tell anyone what has happened. You have to let the trial continue."
"To be a part of this 'LIE'!" I snapped. "Mark, I can't let this three-ring circus continue! What happens to Judy if I keep silent?"
"Nothing will change Judy's ending, even if the truth does come out," he explained sadly. "Judy Hartford is dead to the world and can't be returned. She will be stuck in Peace River no matter what you say or do. I wish I could change the outcome, but I can't. However, finding out the truth will damage our town, and I have to look out for my own interest. I'm asking you to keep quiet about this."
The last part almost sounded like a threat, and what he was asking me to do didn't sit right with me. I wanted to refuse, but what happened if I didn't agree to his threatening request? Then again, what purpose would it serve by telling Stephanie what I knew? Nothing would change.
"We'd be even?" I asked quietly, suddenly feeling dirty about what I was going to do next. Mark nodded. "Alright, I'll keep quiet about her death."
"And what we talked about concerning the town?" he inquired.
I nodded. "The town too. This conversation never took place."
He held out his arms. "Let's seal this with a hug." I did just that, although I didn't feel good about it. I was now a part of this lie - this farce. On top of that, I couldn't get rid of the feeling that something terrible was about to happen next.
***
"Miss Chunn," Mr. Galloway asked directly, "you were sick when Pete Atkins brought you to Peace River - isn't that correct?"
"Yes," she whispered.
"A liver disease, isn't that right?"
"Yes."
"Painful?"
"Yes."
"Incurable?"
"The doctor said I had less then six months to live," Judy answered slowly.
"So, by coming here, you've outlived what the doctor predicted by what, at least four and a half years?"
"Objection," Stephanie voiced while rising to her feet. "The witness is not a doctor. She can't comment on the different medical methods that would've extended her life."
"Overruled," Judge Jasper responded in a tiring tone. "It's clear that whatever method Miss Chunn would have tried, she would be dead by now. The question was that by coming to Peace River was her life extended? The court recognizes that the answer is yes. Continue, Mr. Galloway."
"Your Honor, you can't rule like..." Stephanie started to say. Judge Jasper pounded his gavel hard on the bench and pointed it at her.
"That's enough, Mrs. Hall," he told her sternly. "I'm the judge in this courtroom, I can rule anyway I see fit. Mr. Galloway asked a series of questions; questions I just explained to you along with the answer. I grow tired of these outbursts from you. You will let the prosecutor continue with his questioning - is that clear?"
"Yes, Your Honor," Stephanie answered reluctantly and sat down. Her turn with Judy Hartford was coming and she couldn't wait.
"Tell me, Miss Chunn, how much pain did this disease cause you after you came to live here?" Lawrence Galloway continued.
"There was none," she told him.
"Because they healed you, isn't that correct?"
"Because they made me into someone else," Judy shot back in an angry tone. "I was A MAN, DAMN IT! THEY CHANGED ME INTO A GIRL!"
There was a loud rap as Judge Jasper slammed his gavel on the bench.
"That's enough, young lady," he told her with a stern expression. "I won't tolerate another outburst with that kind of language. If you do it again, I'll remove you and your attorney won't get a chance to question you. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, Your Honor," she replied meekly.
There was a slight murmur among the crowd that Judge Jasper quickly ended with another pounding of his gavel. "Order in the court! Continue, Mr. Galloway."
"Yes, Your Honor. As I just got done stating, they healed your body and saved your life. I would say that was a pretty good deal, wouldn't you, Miss Chunn?"
"At the cost of my identity," Judy frowned while trying to remain in control of her emotions. "I don't think so."
"That's not what you thought before coming here!"
"What..." she started to stutter. "I...I don't know what you mean?"
"Then let me refresh your memory," Lawrence Galloway smiled. "Your Honor, I would like to bring in Ashlee Gang to show Miss Chunn what I mean." Stephanie started to stand up to object but Judge Jasper put his hand up.
"Don't even start, Mrs. Hall. I'm going to allow this evidence to be played so everyone can see that Miss Chunn came here under her own power. Mr. Galloway, please continue."
Ashlee Gang walked to the front of the room and several of the people didn't look too kindly at her. Working close to Judge Jasper made Ashlee something of an outcast among some circles of people.
"Ashlee, please go back to the date we talked about," Mr. Galloway said. The African-American woman nodded and closed her eyes. A 3-D image appeared above her head that was big enough for everyone to see. There was a man at the bar who was Judy Hartford before coming to Peace River. Sitting next to him was Pete Atkins, who had a sympathetic look on his face. Suddenly the images came to life.
"Six months ...six crummy months," the man repeated over and over again like a bad dream. "That's why I couldn't go to the ballgame with you a few night ago, Pete. I was in too much pain."
"I'm sorry to hear about this, Sam," Pete/Apollo nodded with compassion. "Perhaps I can help you somehow."
"Only if you have a cure for this disease," Sam replied sadly.
"Well, not a cure per se, but something just as good," he expanded. "Supposing I knew of a place where they would rid you of your illness. Would you be interested in going there?"
"Don't play games with me, Pete. My doctor already told me my illness is incurable. There isn't anything anyone can do for me."
"Well, maybe and maybe not," he said with a serious face. "Humor me for a moment, Sam. If such a place existed, would you go there?"
"Of course I would...who wouldn't."
"Then I'm making you an offer, Sam. If you accept, we'll leave right now. By the end of the day you'll be free of the pain you're in. If you refuse, you'll never see me again."
"What are you talking about, Pete?"
"I'm talking about your future, Sam. I'm talking about the rest of your life...whether that's a few months or many years to come. I'm talking about a release from the pain that is racking your body right now as we speak. Are you interested?"
"What's the catch...if I accept?" Sam asked.
"It's simple, Sam. Your body will be changed into that of another person. That's how the people in charge cure you, by changing you into someone else. And they'll give you a new life to live in that town. That's the price of going there Sam, you won't be allowed to leave once you get there. I wish I could tell you why, but I can't"
"It sounds like I'll end up being a prisoner if I went with you!" Sam stated rather bluntly.
"Not at all," Pete explained. "You'll live your life in this town the same as you would here, only you won't be able to leave unless the Judge in charge gives you permission to do so. And there will be some added bonuses if you do come with me."
"Like what?" Sam asked, now totally interested in what was being offered to him.
"A new body that won't get sick or age past 30. A place where there is no hatred or crime to speak of. A good job waiting for you. People in my town feel safe and secure, Sam."
"Your town!" Sam stated with raised eyebrows. "Our meeting, it wasn't an accident, was it?"
Pete smiled. "No Sam, it wasn't. I knew of your illness before we met. Because you have no family, I sought you out. You see, people who are well known and then disappear leave a lot of questions to be answered. You on the other hand, will simply disappear into the woodwork."
"Why not just grab me and take me there?
"I want you to be happy there, Sam," Pete emphasized. "That's why if you come, it has to be your own decision. Think of it as a second chance at living."
Sam sat there in silence for a long time. Even now he could feel the pain breaking through the barriers that the pain pills had put up. If he felt bad now, imagine how he would feel a month from now when his condition got even worse.
"I'll go with you," he said softly. "But you have to promise me that this is on the up and up."
"I swear it is, Sam," he said then frowned slightly. "Again, I want you to remember that your body will be transformed into someone else, and you will be expected to live their life."
"If they can save my life, it's a small price to pay," Sam said directly. "I just hope you're not playing a trick on me, Pete. I feel like I'm grasping at straws here."
"What I told you has been the truth," Pete smiled. "Let's go!"
The screen disappeared and Mr. Lawrence stood there with a smile on his face. "No more questions, Your Honor." He took a seat.
"You can step down now, Ashlee," Judge Jasper intoned. "Your witness, Mrs. Hall."
Stephanie stood and approached the young girl who was sitting there nervously. The previous testimony had been murderous on her defense, and the female attorney had to turn that around. Stephanie decided to ask the obvious question.
"Miss Chunn, how did you feel after Judge Jasper turned you into a girl?"
"I...I felt scared...a little angry. I had been expecting to be turned into another man, not a woman."
"And Pete Atkins didn't tell you that you would be turned into a girl, isn't that correct?"
"Objection, Your Honor," Mr. Galloway stated. "Mr. Atkins had no idea what type of life Miss Chunn would be given!"
"Mr. Atkins had to have a strong suspicion when he mentioned her body would be changed into someone else's," Stephanie countered strongly. "He knew the odds of Sam Welsh being turned into a girl were high, yet he didn't tell him. I would say that's a fair question to ask."
"The question has already been answered, Your Honor," Lawrence countered. "The display we just saw shows he didn't tell her. I can see where my colleague is going with this question, Judge. Let me say for the record, Mr. Atkins is not on trial today for what he said 'or' did not say."
"Objection sustained. Mrs. Hall, I suggest you hurry things along and ask questions that pertain to this case 'only'. Do I make myself clear here?"
"But Your Honor... " she started to protest.
Judge Jasper pounded his gavel down on the bench. "The motion has been SUSTAINED, Ms. Hall. NOW MOVE ON!"
Stephanie knew she had lost. Oh, not to the people in the courtroom, she could tell that by looking at their faces. But she knew Judge Jasper had made up his mind, perhaps even before the trial had started. No matter how many tricks she pulled out of her hat, it wouldn't be enough. Judge Jasper was going to rule against her. She stared sadly at the girl and felt guilty about the hope she had instilled in her. Judy looked back at her attorney and knew.
'I'm a prisoner here,' Judy said to herself. 'They aren't going to let me go."
The young woman looked at the others like her in the room, all of them with sympathetic expressions on their faces. Even Lori Dillon, who had testified against her, looked sad. It was over; she had lost. It wasn't fair.
"Judy," Stephanie said softly, bringing the woman's attention back to her attorney. "How do you feel about living in Peace River? Answer my question honestly."
Judy swallowed hard, and felt a pit growing in her stomach. Her attorney had just told her what she already knew. The last sentence was a signal that there was nothing else she could do for her.
"Outside I have a husband and son," Judy started out. "Here..." she paused for as for moment to give her words meaning. "Here I'm a prisoner of WAR! These people have declared 'war' on our people. They brought us here to serve their needs."
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Judge Jasper roared, but Judy wasn't done.
"They don't offer us freedom, they keep us trapped here like rats in a CAGE!" the young woman stood and cried out. "Look at me everyone! I'm a fucking P.O.W! My crime was that I wanted to live a long, healthy life! No matter how nice they make this place, it's wrong to keep us locked up here. It's wrong to...to..."
The words stopped coming as Judy started choking. Judge Jasper was standing over her with an enraged look on his face. Stephanie started to protest but she also found herself unable to speak.
"This trial is over," he pronounced sternly. "Miss Chunn, you have been found guilty of escaping from Peace River. I see you need more time to grow up and accept your situation - so you will appreciate all the things we do for you here."
With a movement of his hands Judy began shrinking and getting younger. The crowd started to mutter loudly in protest, and a few of them even stood up as if they were going to come to her aid. Judge Jasper looked over in their direction and stared them back down. Judy looked at her body that was now about 13 years old and started crying profusely. All in all, it was a pitiful sight to behold.
"Clear the courtroom," Judge Jasper bellowed out to his officers. The police force moved forward and the crowd started to slowly walk outside. A few did get up the courage to stand there defiantly until the officers pushed them toward the door.
"Officer Merrick, when you get things under control please escort Miss Chunn home. Ms. Hall, a word about your conduct in my office. Linda, wait for me in your office."
Judge Jasper rose and went into his chambers followed by a nervous, but still angry Stephanie. Judy continued to cry as Officer Merrick stepped beside her and grabbed her hand.
"Come on, Judy. I'll take you home," he told the crushed girl in a gentle voice.
"I want to go back home to my real family," she cried out painfully. "I want to see and hold my baby again!"
"I know you do," he said sadly while leading her away. "I know you do. I'm sorry."
***
Judy lay on her bed looking blankly up at the ceiling. She was totally depressed about her situation. Everything she had known, everything she had worked for was gone. Starting over in Peace River wasn't going to be hard, it would be impossible. Those she had once called family now saw her as a traitor, someone who had forgotten all about them so she could live her life in comfort and safety. The worse part about their assumption was that they were right. Judy hadn't thought about them very much once she made the decision to carve out the best life she could. Her mother, her new mother and not the one that had taken care of her when she first came here, looked at her new daughter with a worried stare.
"How about your blue dress, Judy? I'm sure you'll look nice in it."
Judy didn't answer. She continued to stare at the ceiling. Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought about her son crying for her. It wasn't fair. Judy's mother sat down next to her.
"Judy," she whispered. "I know you're upset, but you have to put this behind you. Mr. Cupler is going to see you this morning and make you feel better." She rubbed her hands smoothly through Judy's hair. "I want to help you dear. I know you're hurting. I just want you to know that we'll get past this together."
Judy still didn't answer, but didn't fight as her mother helped her get dressed. She knew what would happen when she saw Mr. Cupler. Yes, she would feel better - happy, maybe even giggle with joy. But inside her soul would be crying out to die. Judy wanted to die.
Her mother didn't bother trying to feed her; she knew her new daughter wouldn't eat in this condition. She planned to take her out to breakfast afterwards and bond with Judy with the help of Mr. Cupler's magic. That would make Judy much easier to deal with.
They got into the car and drove down Pleasant Way Avenue toward Mr. Cupler's office. The roads were rather busy since everyone was trying to get to work. Judy stared silently out the window at them - nothing had changed from her trial. Everyone here had been seduced into being good little citizens for their masters; like pets being taken care of and given treats when they were good. Behave well, you get a better car, or a better apartment, or even a house. Behave badly and you lose years off your life and have to start all over again. Peace River wasn't a slice of heaven - it was hell!
"I'm going to get a cup of coffee," Judy's mother said as she pulled up to the convenient store. "Do you want anything, Judy?" The young girl didn't respond.
"I'll be right back," she told her while pulling the keys out of the ignition. "Please don't go anywhere."
Judy watched her go. The woman checked once with a worried smile to make sure her new daughter didn't try to run off. Judy knew better, there wasn't anyplace to run. She was a prisoner again, a POW. Why hadn't she tried to help the others out more? Why had she given up trying to get help so quickly?
A loud rumble turned her attention to a one-ton pickup truck that had pulled up beside her. The burly driver got out and went inside the store, leaving the truck running.
"There's only one way out of here!" Judy said in a trance. She looked inside the store and saw her mother standing in line waiting to pay for her coffee. She would have to hurry.
Judy scrambled out of the car and into the heavy pickup truck. She quickly adjusted the seat for her stature and backed the truck up. Her mother saw what was going on and ran out to stop her, but Judy had already popped the truck into first gear and was leaving the parking lot. When she reached Vine Street, Judy turned left toward Main.
"Only one way out now," she muttered to herself once more.
***
I was checking over the reports from the previous week; looking to see which ones I could file and which ones I still needed for other reports. It was one long paper trail in Peace River. Judge Jasper was in his chambers, but hadn't come out to greet me like he normally did. I figured the trial yesterday had taken something out of him like it had me, only not in the same way. I looked carefully at the file in my hands that belonged to Judy Chunn. This was one report I could file, to be lost among the thousands of other files in my bin. Only it would be one file I would never forget.
"Good morning, Linda," Mark Merrick said with some reservation. He was wearing his Police uniform but wasn't scheduled to go on duty for another half-hour.
"Officer Merrick," I replied formally. He frowned at my response.
"Linda," he whispered, "don't hold this against me. If there was any way I could fix Judy's situation I would. There isn't anything I can do."
"I believe you," I answered but not smiling or looking up at him. "Judge Jasper is in his chambers if you want to see him.
"I didn't come to see him, I came to see you," he almost cursed. "I don't want what happened to ruin our friendship."
"A little late for that, don't you think, Officer Merrick? Forgive me if I don't see things your way officer, but I think Judy Hartford and John Stillwell both got a raw deal."
He looked at Judge Jasper's chambers door carefully and whispered softly, "So do I."
***
Judy really had the pickup truck going now. It was doing almost 70 mph, top speed for such a heavy vehicle. But it wasn't the speed she was interested in, it was the weight. She was going to take from Judge Jasper the same thing he had taken from her, his identity. In the distance she saw the courthouse standing there, with it's massive stone pillars supporting an equally massive stone overhang. She aimed the truck at the center post, and pressed down on the horn.
Everyone walking along the sidewalk stopped to see what the commotion was about. Some were shocked and horrified to see a full-size pickup truck hurdling down the road on a collision course with the courthouse.
When the wheels of the pickup hit the curve, the vehicle became airborne. The steering wheel veered to the left, but Judy straightened it in time to keep the truck on its path. The pickup bounced again as it hit the stone steps. Speed was lost when this happened, but the truck was still going almost 45 mph as it approached its final destiny. The last thing Judy saw was the massive white pillar in her windshield.
***
"What the hell is going on?" I asked Mark when I heard a truck horn blowing. "It sounds close."
Then there was a loud explosion and everything shook violently around me. The power went out, files fell to the floor, and I had to grab hold of Mark to keep from falling down.
"What was that, a bomb?" I yelled to Mark. But before I had even asked the question he was gone. I staggered into the hallway that was lit by a few emergency lights. I could see dust in the darkened hallway that got thicker as I made my way toward the front. When I got to the main doors I saw Officer Merrick looking grimly at something outside.
"What happened?" I inquired. I looked and almost vomited at what I saw. There was body of a teenager girl lying ten feet from the door covered in blood. Behind her was a demolished pickup truck with its windshield shattered. Scattered close by was the remains of the sheared off pillar. The truck must have hit with tremendous force to tear it apart like that. I started to step outside to render aid to the young girl when Mark pulled me violently back in.
"Don't go out there," he warned me sternly. "The foundation has been damaged and the roof could cave in at any moment."
"She'll die if I don't help her," I screamed in horror."
"She's already dead," Mark answered in a sick tone.
There were footsteps coming down the hallway, and it turned out to be Judge Jasper "What's going on?" he demanded to know.
"It's Judy Chunn," Mark told him. "She killed herself by stealing a truck and running it into the courthouse."
"I see," he said while peering out at her. "A pity, she had her whole life to live for."
He said the words with such indifference that it angered me. My anger quickly turned into rage and my rage quickly turned into recklessness. Despite my smaller size, I grabbed Judge Jasper by the collar and spun him around with force. Jupiter looked shocked that anyone would dare do that to him.
"Are you happy now!" I hissed getting within inches of his face. "You couldn't let her go, could you? No, you had to destroy her life you SON OF A BITCH! Well now she's dead and you can't touch her. She's free, do you hear me JUDGE JASPER! WHERE SHE'S GOING, YOU CAN'T FOLLOW!"
Mark quickly pulled me off him and wrapped his arms tightly around my chest. It appeared like he was trying to hold me back, but I suspected the real reason he did this was to protect me. Judge Jasper stared at me for a moment, then a thin, tight smile appeared across his lips.
"You think it's over, do you?" he spoke with great confidence. "Well watch and learn 'little girl'. I have more powers than you can dream of."
He moved his hand in the air and a display screen appeared overhead. I could see a plain room with a door, and Judy Hartford standing next to it. The door appeared to be locked because she couldn't get it open.
"She hasn't made it into the afterlife yet, so there is still time," he explained. "Officer Merrick, please retrieve my property."
Mark Merrick released his grip, but I turned and tackled him to the ground. I wrapped my arms around him and concentrated with all my might to keep my hands locked together.
"Let go of him," Judge yelled so loudly that part of the ceiling outside collapsed. Mark struggle valiantly to free himself but I held on for dear life. He tried to throw me off but I refused to let go. Finally he was able to break free, but only in time to see Judy Hartford open the door and walk through it. The picture quickly faded, leaving me, Officer Merrick, and a very angry Judge Jasper.
"Do you realize what you've done," he shouted as I stood up.
"We are NOT - YOUR - PROPERTY!" I told him clearly and defiantly.
Judge Jasper's face went pale and his eyes cold with rage. He lifted up his hand and pointed his finger at me. I could sense the danger. I had read that Jupiter had been known for throwing out thunderbolts of death. I prepared myself for the end. But for some reason death never came.
He lowered his hand and with a cold snarl commanded, "Officer Merrick, get this person out of my town!"
"Yes, Your Honor," Mark replied quickly. Before I could blink an eye I found myself at the back door of the courthouse. Mercury gave me a furious stare and in an irate tone uttered loudly, "That was a stupid thing to do back there, Linda. Do you realize how close you came to joining Judy?"
"Your actions weren't any smarter," I pointed out.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Come on Mark, there's no way I could've held onto you for that long. Suddenly you're a lot stronger than you were just a moment ago"
He twisted his jaw in anger and looked away. Then he whispered, "Judy would've been dead if we hadn't brought her here in the first place. I simply let nature take its course five years later. It was the only thing I could do that would allow me to still look at myself in the mirror."
Mark turned, and I noticed his eyes were filled with sorrow. "I suggest you go home and start packing, Linda. I'll make arrangements to fly you out of here tomorrow morning after... after Judy's funeral. We tend to bury our dead rather quickly in our town." Before I could respond he pushed me outside and locked the door.
***
It was close to midnight, and I was sitting on our porch swing looking up at the stars. Since my return I had been very tight-lipped about why I had returned home almost six-weeks early. As I rocked slowly back and forth I couldn't keep the events that happened in the past 24 hours from flooding my thoughts.
It had been a joyful return. My family had smothered me with hugs and even a few tears. I was home and happy about it, only my heart wasn't in a celebrating mood. I was alive, and Judy Hartford was dead. I always bitched and moaned about becoming Linda, but I was alive with my family; Judy Hartford was not. I heard someone walking up the path behind me.
"Mind if I sit down?" Steve asked.
I chuckled slightly. "I was wondering when you would join me out here."
He took a seat and put his arm around me. "It's great to have you back, sister."
"I feel the same way, brother." I placed my body against his and looked up at the burning dots in the sky. It was so beautiful and calming.
"What's on your mind, sis," he inquired. Steve knew some of what I told him about Judy Hartford, but not everything.
"I saw history being made Steve, the turning point of Peace River's existence. It's doomed, and I think some of Jupiter's people know it. You should've seen the anger in the people's eyes at Judy's funeral this morning - silent but raging. It may take five, ten, fifteen years, but their town is finished. Judy Hartford killed herself rather than live a fake life, and in the process she made herself a martyr. She showed the people in Peace River that a cage, no matter how comfortable, is still a cage."
Steve looked rather sadly up at the sky. "If that's so, then she's only the first of many who will die to win their freedom. Its tragic when you think of it."
"Yes, it is," I agreed. "But wouldn't it be something, Steve, to be a part of that struggle. To be there when the Roman Gods finally do fall and Peace River is liberated."
"Yes, I suppose it would be, Linda. But our destiny lies in Andersonville, not Peace River."
"You mean to start our own revolution?" I asked.
He shook his head slowly. "No, sister. To make sure Andersonville doesn't end up being another Peace River."
"I thought Andersonville already was."
"No, it's not," he told me.
I nodded knowing my brother was right. We sat back and looked up into the night sky together. Our future hadn't been written yet.
Fade out...
More stories coming soon...
