Miss Ethyl was next. "While I applaud Miss Jamie for being forward-thinking, I tend to lean towards a longer sentence. Our greatest ability as women is to increase the population. In that way, our sex is the most powerful of all life forms. Now... fate has given us this vessel to do just that." she thought for a moment as the group patiently waited to hear her wisdom. "Let this girl be an example to all who come hereafter. No one is above the law!" Applause came from a few girls in the stands. This startled me, as all the spectators had done well to remain quiet up to now.
Miss Ethyl finished her thought "I suggest five to ten live births, and then we reconvene to discuss her progress. If additional incidents occur, or if she becomes psychologically unable to join society, we can extend sentencing at that time."
The bickering over my fate went on for some time. There were times where members of the panel leaned towards exonerating me, and times when they came down on me with insults and treated me as a non-human. Three things became evident though... One: some of the women who had likely been coerced into lying or exaggerating their testimony offered me the most leniency. Two: Miss Urma, the woman who knew the issue was with the faulty door, and knew I had not attacked her mute colleague, was willing to lock me away in solitary for the rest of my life rather than accept a stitch of responsibility. And three: the panel had zero interest in hearing my position.
Miss Cleo stood behind Miss Nell with her hand on the back of her chair and watched the women debate. Finally, she wrapped up the session. "I have examined all of the facts in this case and have the utmost respect for this panel's time and viewpoints. I have considered what is best for the accused and what is best for society and I am prepared to make my verdict..."
She released the chair and was about to commence her usual pacing as she spoke when something caught her eye. She leaned in, taking a closer look at Miss Nell's screen, then took two steps back. She stood frozen with her eyes wide and distant. A minute passed. Then two. Spectators murmured.
"Miss Cleo?" Miss Nell said.
No change.
"Miss Cleo? Are you okay?" Miss Urma asked with concern.
"Uh.. yes... I apologize." Miss Cleo said. She cleared her throat and took another moment to gather her thoughts. "Um... Lexi Meridian... is accused of theft, but as we can all see, nothing has been stolen. Both the vessel and the property within have at no time been removed from The Breeding Center campus. Furthermore, I do not believe the accused was trying to escape her responsibility, merely her former lover. Therefore I order the removal of her security cuff. And in the matter of The State versus Lexi of House Meridian, for the charge of treason by way of theft of government property, I find the accused not guilty."
An uproar stirred the room and Miss Cleo waited until the noise settled back down.
"Lexi is accused of personal injury to Miss Elaine, however, Miss Elaine has reported many similar injuries over the years. I am not convinced Lexi directly caused the current injury, but more than likely Miss Elaine aggravated an old injury in the line of duty. Therefore in the matter of The State versus Lexi of House Meridian, for the charge of personal injury, the accused is found not guilty."
There was another pause while she let the spectators process the announcement. Some of the panel members nodded in agreement with the decision.
"And Lastly, Lexi is accused of property damage. This includes seed wasted in her first insemination, the elevator door, the elevator button, the kitchen window and some minor spillage caused in the kitchen. There is significant evidence by way of her lies and her unauthorized roaming of campus property that this did occur as reported. Therefore in the matter of The State versus Lexi of House Meridian, for the charge of property damage, the accused is found guilty."
I got a terrible lump in my throat as I worried about what such a declaration would mean for my life. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait long.
"Lexi of House Meridian is hereby sentenced to time in solitary already served, plus one additional live birth. In addition, during her entire stay, she will receive intense therapy as directed by Miss Laura and will train to become a mentor to new recruits so they may learn from her mistakes. Thirty days prior to the fulfillment of her sentence, this panel will reconvene and may present evidence regarding a possible extension. This hearing is adjourned." Miss Cleo proclaimed before making a brisk exit.
Scattered applause was heard from the stands.
I couldn't believe it. I absolutely could not believe it! I should have been horrified at having to remain detained long enough to give up at least three babies, but I was so relieved I didn't get a life sentence, I didn't even care! What's more, a not guilty verdict for treason freed me from unnecessary shame and cruelty for all the days of my life. To say I was grateful for Miss Cleo's decision was an understatement!
My hearing was a thing of the past, Andi was out of the picture, Riley clearly still cared for me and had forgiven me following our argument, and I had begun to embrace the idea of growing her pledge in my belly. I took a deep breath of relief as I beamed in high spirits. Things were about to get a whole lot better... If only Riley had been present to hear the good news first hand...
*****
