Veronica's true motivations were a layered combination. This was definitely a recruitment test. But it was also to determine their willingness to operate outside the system, to bend the rules, and to embrace a more ruthless, cynical approach. She wanted to see if they had what it took to confront the ruthlessness and power of old forces entrenched in the world they lived in. Perhaps Rebecca had a good idea of what that meant, but Veronica knew neither she nor Ganjo had a clue of what they would confront. With all their experience, Hadic would become the least of their worries. She needed to make sure they were the right people. The resources needed to support them were a risk to her leadership, and they were just as old and influential. This risk was undeniably clear with Olt. Veronica’s decision to allow this novice into the operation was because Ganjo was right about needing a clean face.

  But could he withstand this?

  Subtly, she was also using the mock trial as an intelligence gathering exercise, a way to probe Carl Winger and indirectly assess the Dasa Vech’s influence in Sector 1. The case itself, the choice of Winger, were all designed to gather information and send a message.

  "This is about building something new," Veronica said, her voice losing its playful edge and becoming serious. "A different kind of network. One that can operate where the official system won't. One that can challenge Hadic and his allies on their own terms."

  She gestured around the warehouse.

  "This is just the beginning. I need people who are smart, capable, and willing to get their hands dirty."

  …

  The trial was ready to commence. On opposite sides of the table located at the center of the space, stood Olt and Fiona. Sitting beside Fiona was Carl Winger. He was directly facing Rebecca, who sat across from him. By Rebecca’s side stood Olt. Olt skimmed through some documents that Veronica’s team had provided them with. He could feel his right eye twitch from the stress.

  I have no idea what the fuck I’m doing.

  Rebecca provided a gentle smile.

  “You’ll do fine. You might not have practiced it, but you studied and taught it.”

  Ganjo stood a few feet away with his arms crossed. Next to him was Mariah. She smiled nervously at Olt and gave him a thumbs up. Olt then looked at Ganjo expecting some type of encouragement. Ganjo frowned and shrugged.

  Damn it, I thought Rebecca was gonna litigate. Veronica did not keep her word. Olt…really? Fuck!

  Seeing as how Ganjo was less confident than him, Olt felt his heart pounding violently against his chest.

  Carl Winger was present, looking confident and perhaps slightly annoyed at being kidnapped for this process.

  “I swear all of you will be regretting this. What you are doing lands people in prison for life. Whoever this Veronica lady is, you will-“

  Carl went mute. Rebecca had taken advantage of the instant his eyes met her’s.

  “You may begin Phase 1 of the Trial,” Veronica said with a smile. “Mr. Bartholomew, the defense will take lead. You may begin.”

  Olt stood before the paralyzed Carl Winger, his voice clear but shaky.

  "Mr. Winger, we are here…uh…today because you seek to enforce a contract that, while perhaps legally worded, is morally and practically untenable. We intend to demonstrate that your offers for Parish relocation, while presented as ‘reasonable’, fail to meet the core requirement of 'mutually agreeable terms,' particularly when considering the unique and vital function of Magistrate-Spiritus Lyona's Parish within Sector 1, District 2."

  Whoa, did I actually say that? Ok, Olt, just keep bullshitting legalese. You can do this.

  Olt began his questioning.

  "Mr. Winger, you have repeatedly emphasized the 'generosity' of your financial stipend offer of 5,000 Synoran dollars. Could you please elaborate on how you arrived at this specific figure, and what factors you considered in determining its adequacy for relocating a long-standing community institution like Magistrate-Spiritus Lyona's Parish?"

  Carl Winger, though paralyzed, managed to convey annoyance with his eyes.

  “You may speak,” Rebecca commanded.

  “Carl’s voice, strained by the Aether's hold, was thick with indignation.

  "The stipend reflects the current market value for relocation assistance in areas designated for revitalization. It's a more than generous offer, allowing ample funds for necessary adjustments."

  Ok, this man is prepared. I have 3 questions left to ask. What do I say?

  Olt pressed on.

  "Mr. Winger, your primary offer for a replacement facility consists of a complex of abandoned warehouses at the southernmost tip of District 2. Can you describe for the court the typical character and current condition of these warehouse buildings, and how they are presently utilized within South Bonao's economic zones?"

  Carl avoided eye contact, attempting to downplay the reality.

  "The complex is situated in an up-and-coming area, ripe for revitalization. While currently underutilized, the buildings are structurally sound and offer significant potential for redevelopment into... adaptable spaces."

  Man, he’s good. No wonder he conned Lyona into this contract.

  Olt's next question highlighted the absurdity of the offer.

  "Mr. Winger, you have offered Warehouse Unit 7 as a replacement Sanctuary. Beyond the square footage, can you detail any specific architectural features or pre-existing elements within Warehouse Unit 7 that you believe are inherently conducive to spiritual worship or align with the established traditions and duties of Parishes?"

  Winger's brow furrowed, discomfort showing in his eyes.

  "Warehouse Unit 7 is a spacious and flexible structure. While it lacks traditional features, the stipend provided allows for extensive customization to meet the Parish's specific needs and preferences for worship."

  Olt moved to his final question in this phase.

  "Mr. Winger, in your understanding of 'mutually agreeable terms,' and considering the Parish's vital role as a community hub and local government institution within District 2, did you, at any point, consult with Magistrate-Spiritus Lyona or representatives of her Parish community to ascertain their specific needs and priorities for relocation before formulating your offers?"

  Carl Winger's face contorted. He groaned, a sharp sound of pain escaping him. A sharp headache gripped him. This was a visible reaction to his intended answer to the question.

  "Standard business practices were followed," Carl managed, his voice tight. "Our offers were deemed reasonable, negating the need for extensive prior consultation."

  Got’em. He’s withholding info.

  Olt noted the groan, a crucial clue in the forced answer, but he had to wait for Phase 2 to continue questioning.

  …

  Olt wanted to speak to Lyona and ask her what exactly landed her in this position, but there was no time. At best, he managed to console her and promise he would try his best. Lyona remained puzzled, remembering the fact that he confessed to being a professor. But never, did he say he practiced law. All of this seemed insane to her.

  Carl now sat by his original seat, arms crossed and frustrated. Olt wondered what prevented him from running away. His stocky physique seemed enough to take Veronica straight on, but perhaps Ganjo would have stopped him. Regardless, Olt knew he was missing a lot of context.

  Lyona was now at the table looking determined but also weary from the ordeal. Rebecca placed Lyona into paralysis. Fiona and Olt switched sides. It was Fiona who stood by Rebecca.

  Fiona began her opening statement.

  "Magistrate-Spiritus Lyona, we are here today because you are attempting to renege on a legally binding contract, causing significant financial harm to our client, Mr. Carl Winger. We intend to demonstrate that Mr. Winger has acted reasonably and in good faith, offering generous terms for Parish relocation. Your refusal to accept these terms is not based on legitimate contractual ambiguity, but on an unreasonable and ultimately unsustainable resistance to progress and economic development within Sector 1."

  Fiona began her questioning.

  "Magistrate-Spiritus, do you acknowledge that you did sign a contract with Mr. Winger for the sale of the Parish property, a contract that included the clause 'sale contingent upon mutually agreeable terms for Parish relocation'?"

  Lyona winced, a slight discomfort showing on her face from Rebecca's gaze.

  "Yes, I acknowledge signing the contract but that clause was not met," she replied, her voice steady despite the subtle pain.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  "Magistrate-Spiritus, I see you are in slight pain," Lyona noted, pressing on. "Did you or did you not know you were agreeing to the clause when you signed the agreement? Is it not true that your Parish has been facing significant financial difficulties for several years, struggling to maintain basic operations and provide essential services to your community?"

  Lyona’s discomfort increased, but she held the Prosecutor’s gaze.

  "Yes, I knew exactly what I was signing. And yes, the Parish has faced financial difficulties. But these are a result of systemic poverty and a lack of resources from the government to Sector 1, not mismanagement. The Parish is a vital lifeline in these circumstances."

  “Then, why has your discomfort increased?” Fiona added. “What are withholding?”

  “I object,” Olt interjected. “You are leading my client, and this could result in signs of discomfort from being under the gaze that can be mistaken as ill intentions.”

  I hoped that worked. If their answers aren’t genuine, the gaze will reveal it. This doesn’t look good.

  Fiona looked over at Veronica. Smiling at Olt’s statement, Veronica commanded Fiona.

  “The prosecution will be careful of how their questions are structured.”

  Fiona smiled and then proceeded to her next question. The next question aimed to undermine Lyona’s position.

  "Magistrate-Spiritus, Mr. Winger has offered a stipend of 5,000 Synoran dollars, and a rent-free warehouse space for one year. Do you consider these offers to be entirely without value, offering no assistance whatsoever to your Parish's relocation efforts?"

  Lyona took a breath, choosing her words carefully.

  "The offers exist, yes. They have some nominal value, but they are fundamentally inadequate and show a complete disrespect for the Parish's true needs and its role in the community. They are not a legitimate starting point for 'mutually agreeable terms'."

  Carl scuffed and frowned. Veronica turned her attention to him and demanded silence.

  Fiona proceeded with her final question.

  "Magistrate-Spiritus, despite Mr. Winger's offers, and despite the clear contractual language regarding relocation, have you, in fact, taken any concrete steps to explore relocation options within District 2, or are you simply refusing to consider any relocation whatsoever, regardless of the terms?"

  Lyona’s voice was firm.

  "I have not accepted Mr. Winger's offers or actively pursued relocation based on those terms because they are inadequate and disrespectful. I am open to genuine negotiation for a truly equivalent replacement facility within District 2."

  …

  Olt stood before the paralyzed Carl Winger, his voice calm but carrying a new weight of authority.

  "Mr. Winger, before we proceed, I believe the court, and indeed yourself, are aware that during my previous line of questioning, specifically in response to my fourth question regarding consultation with Magistrate-Spiritus Lyona, you experienced a… notable… physical reaction. This court recognizes such reactions as indicators of… untruthfulness. Perhaps, in this second phase, you will strive for greater candor."

  Carl Winger was now looking more nervous than confident. Rebecca maintained intense eye contact with him, a subtle but palpable pressure radiating from her.

  Olt began the second phase of questioning.

  "Mr. Winger, you stated you are offering a 'generous stipend' and a 'rent-free warehouse.' However, given the prime location of your planned commercial development on the Parish land in central District 2, and the blighted, remote location of the warehouse complex you are offering at the southernmost tip of District 2, isn't it clear that you stand to gain exponentially more in profit from this contract than the Parish could ever hope to gain in 'relocation assistance'?"

  Winger, still held by Rebecca's Aether, shifted uncomfortably.

  "The contract is legally sound," he insisted, his voice strained. "My offers are commercially sound and reflect a willingness to facilitate the transition, allowing the Parish to adapt and rebuild."

  The tension around him increased, but no overt reaction manifested.

  Olt nodded, the confidence radiating off his shoulders.

  Perfect. I got him right where I want him.

  …

  Flashback: Moments before

  The moment Veronica called for the transition between phases, the hushed tension in the warehouse spiked. Carl Winger, still pale and shaken from Olt's initial questioning, stumbled back towards his seat. He rubbed his temples. Lyona remained at the table, looking weary but resolute. Fiona, the prosecutor, gathered her notes with a professional air.

  Olt didn't hesitate. He grabbed Ganjo's arm, pulling him and Rebecca towards the makeshift velvet drapes hanging near a support column. Mariah followed, hovering close. Her eyes darted between the main area of the makeshift court and their huddled group.

  "Rebecca, Ganjo," Olt began, his voice urgent. "When I asked Carl about consulting Lyona, the way he reacted under Rebeeca’s Gaze... it wasn't just nerves. It felt like the question touched on something wrong. He’s obviously holding on to something. I just don’t know how to get it out of him. At this rate, he might prefer dealing with the pain."

  Rebecca nodded, as she looked at Winger across the room.

  "That aligns with what I saw too, Olt. He was resisting. But I don’t think it was about the terms; I think it was about how the deal was done."

  She shifted her weight, the worn leather of her bookbag creaking.

  "I’ve been doing some investigating, hoping we had something we could offer Veronica today. The SDRA law you brought to me, Olt-”

  Shock overcame Olt. He had but almost forgotten about that. So much had happened since then.

  Rebecca continued.

  “Seems like the SDRA might have led to some big time corruption involving Hadic…and even my sister.”

  Ganjo, Olt and Mariah stood quiet, sharply focused on Rebecca.

  “You see,” Rebecca continued, “the SDRA was part of an economic stimulus policy pushed by my father. But, as usual, it seems Hadic got his hands on it. Faulty loans were made, and defaults all across Sector 1 began to default.”

  “That’s odd, I never heard of it,” Olt said as curiosity showed in his eyes.

  “It wasn’t promoted,” Rebecca replied. “One day, banks across Sector 1 were just told to give away money. Letters were sent to homes with pre-approvals.”

  Rebecca sighed as she rubbed her temple. Then, she focused her attention on Olt.

  “That loan your family received, it was part of this program.”

  Olt blinked twice and shook his head. The situation was beginning to make sense.

  “Anyway, that’s not the worst of it. The program was bound to fail. It was planned. And the rewards would be reaped by powerful people. They’d buy all the collateral, saving the government millions, but giving Hadic and his cronies more power.”

  Ganjo smirked.

  “What else is new in this town?”

  “There was one major buyer,” Rebecca said, her tone cynical, “the Synoran Prosperity Initiative.”

  “What a name,” Ganjo added. “Sounds like something straight out of Hadic’s playbook.”

  “Yeah,” Olt agreed. “That’s what Rebecca’s getting at.”

  Rebecca nodded.

  “My research shows the Initiative's buyouts weren't standard business. They got properties dirt cheap. It reeks of coercion and using fronts."

  Olt's mention of Winger's "business"—distribution—and Rebecca's talk of "shady acquisitions" and "fronts" made something click for Ganjo. He looked over at Carl Winger again, his eyes narrowing. A muscle twitched in his jaw. He muttered, half to himself.

  "Shady acquisitions... fronts... Winger... Wait a minute... that Winger?"

  He turned back to Olt and Rebecca with a dawning, uncomfortable recognition on his face.

  "I can’t believe I didn’t recognize him.”Ganjo said, confirming the connection they hadn't made upon introduction. “I know Winger," he rubbed his chin, a slight frown creasing his brow. "Didn't place the face right away. I deal with guys like him all the time, but usually just a name or a brief interaction. I didn't expect to see one of those types here."

  Ganjo confirmed Winger was a known front within the Dasa Vech network.

  "He's one of the boys who runs operations for... someone important in the network. Runs a distribution outfit, mostly as a front for moving other things."

  Ganjo leaned closer, lowering his voice further.

  "Funny thing, just recently helped him out on orders from on top. Ves kept nagging me about it-since he had pressure from up high. So, I got Winger a sweet deal on a whole fleet of trucks. Guy's business is built on those shady connections, not 'commercial interests'."

  Ganjo's eyes widened as he connected this specific front to Freddy, realizing Winger was likely Freddy's front. It was speculation, but the location of these acquisitions tickled his suspicions.

  "That's it. Olt, I think Winger might be Freddy's man."

  Olt felt a surge of understanding.

  That's what felt wrong.

  Winger's entire premise of being a legitimate businessman pursuing standard interests was the lie. The discomfort under Rebecca’s Gaze was because the question about "consultation" implied a legitimate process, which directly contradicted the actual shady, Dasa Vech-backed process he was involved in. If orders to provide Winger with a new fleet came from members higher than Ves, then it was likely that Lupito Hanover had made the call. Then, there was the situation of wanting to buy the Parish, which was only a few blocks away from Olt’s apartment, and…

  Freddy.

  "Okay," Olt said, his voice firming with resolve. "In Phase 2, I hit him with this. Ask about Freddy Barnes, ask about the Synoran Prosperity Initiative, and ask about that fleet of trucks."

  Rebecca nodded, her expression grim but determined.

  "His reaction to those specific questions will prove he's lying about his business and his role in this scheme."

  The brief huddle broke. Olt took a deep breath. He glanced at Carl Winger, who was still rubbing his temples, oblivious to the trap being set. Olt walked back towards the table.

  Present

  Olt pressed, shifting the focus.

  "Mr. Winger, your primary business is in distribution, correct? Specifically, distribution of goods throughout South Bonao? You have no prior experience in real estate development, particularly not in acquiring and re-purposing Parish land. Given this, and considering your sudden, aggressive pursuit of this specific Parish property, can you honestly state that your interest in this acquisition is solely driven by 'legitimate commercial interests' in your distribution business, or is there another… influence… at play?"

  Winger visibly swallowed, a slight tremor in his hands.

  "I am expanding my business portfolio," he managed, trying to project confidence. "Real estate is a sound investment, a logical diversification strategy."

  His unease was evident, but he held the lie.

  Olt leaned forward, cutting directly to the heart of the matter.

  "Mr. Winger, let's be direct. Are you, or have you ever been, in any form of business association, partnership, or… agreement with Mr. Frederick Barnes, who operates several businesses in South Bonao, including properties in the very District we are discussing?"

  As Winger uttered the lie, a sudden, violent nosebleed erupted.

  "No!" he gasped in shock and pain. "I have no idea who you’re talking about!"

  Blood streamed from his nostrils, staining his face and clothes. His body spasmed from the combined shock of the nosebleed and the Aether's hold.

  Olt continued, amplified by the dramatic reveal.

  "Mr. Winger, considering all the evidence presented – your inadequate offers, your lack of genuine consultation, the questionable ethical basis of your acquisition, and now, your demonstrable untruthfulness regarding your potential connections to individuals like Mr. Frederick Barnes – can you honestly state, under the scrutiny of this court and Magistrate-Spiritus Lyona's community, that you believe you have acted in 'good faith' to achieve 'mutually agreeable terms' for Parish relocation? Or were your actions primarily driven by a desire to enforce a contract on your terms alone, regardless of the devastating consequences?"

  Winger, reeling from the nosebleed and completely discredited, could only stare. He felt broken and defeated. He mumbled a weak, barely audible denial.