TF_SPEEDWRITING - Prompt: Argument
[PG] Skills in Argument
Length: 426 words
Warnings: speedwriting -> unproofed.
For this Chapter;
Scene#: [ one] [ two] [three] [four] [YOU ARE HERE] [six]
“Er, well then, I open proceedings for the trial of the Seeker known as ‘Star Scream,’ time stamp is, er…”
Starscream almost had to remind himself to take the nervous speaker seriously, finding it was combatting the unsettling atmosphere of the room. After reminding himself that he was low on fuel, probably about to be sentenced to some horrible and lasting punishment, and that the death of the only mech who’d ever given a pit-spark for his well-being was the reason he was here--
“…has been found guilty of the following crimes- I have here… larceny, breaking and entering, development of unauthorised weaponry, providing false credentials…”
--one of the reasons that he was here, he was able to listen to the voice without being too tempted to smirk or interrupt with some snide comment pertaining to the other mech’s public speaking skills. Admittedly he was doing slightly better now he was in more familiar territory, but Starscream didn’t feel obligated to give him the benefit of the doubt, given the circumstances.
“…and the murder of second tier scientist, designation Skyfire - in this hearing the defendant is given the opportunity to present vindicating evidence or give argument to reduce the given charges.
“In the case that guilt is maintained, the plaintiff organisation for the latter charge - Iacon Science Academy - registered a preferred penalty of deactivation or extended hard labour. In the case of an inconclusive verdict from the jury, trial will be suspended under the Judicial Priority Act*, until policing resources become available to reopen the case, or new evidence is presented.”
*The JPA contained regulations on the suspension and delaying of trials and investigation, given the event of a state emergency or crisis that limited the ability of any division of law-enforcement services to handle proceedings in the usual manner. Traditionally it protects the rights of the defendant for an initial trial. Under recent amendments, the act allowed for suspended-fellons to be contained in a state of spark separation if there was insufficient space (or funds) to support the current prison population; unless the felon or their beneficiaries were unable to pay for upkeep, or ‘held in sufficient public regard’.
Starscream was a Seeker, and not a wealthy one, so this was a serious concern. He wished the speaker would find something to stutter about.
“Er, prosecuting officers have informed the jury of the case specifics.” There. Terrible public speaking. “The defendant will now present his argument.”
Suddenly the lights seemed brighter, and the listeners much harder to personalise.
“I- I, well, well! I didn’t do it!”
-tbc-
Length: 426 words
Warnings: speedwriting -> unproofed.
For this Chapter;
Scene#: [ one] [ two] [three] [four] [YOU ARE HERE] [six]
“Er, well then, I open proceedings for the trial of the Seeker known as ‘Star Scream,’ time stamp is, er…”
Starscream almost had to remind himself to take the nervous speaker seriously, finding it was combatting the unsettling atmosphere of the room. After reminding himself that he was low on fuel, probably about to be sentenced to some horrible and lasting punishment, and that the death of the only mech who’d ever given a pit-spark for his well-being was the reason he was here--
“…has been found guilty of the following crimes- I have here… larceny, breaking and entering, development of unauthorised weaponry, providing false credentials…”
--one of the reasons that he was here, he was able to listen to the voice without being too tempted to smirk or interrupt with some snide comment pertaining to the other mech’s public speaking skills. Admittedly he was doing slightly better now he was in more familiar territory, but Starscream didn’t feel obligated to give him the benefit of the doubt, given the circumstances.
“…and the murder of second tier scientist, designation Skyfire - in this hearing the defendant is given the opportunity to present vindicating evidence or give argument to reduce the given charges.
“In the case that guilt is maintained, the plaintiff organisation for the latter charge - Iacon Science Academy - registered a preferred penalty of deactivation or extended hard labour. In the case of an inconclusive verdict from the jury, trial will be suspended under the Judicial Priority Act*, until policing resources become available to reopen the case, or new evidence is presented.”
*The JPA contained regulations on the suspension and delaying of trials and investigation, given the event of a state emergency or crisis that limited the ability of any division of law-enforcement services to handle proceedings in the usual manner. Traditionally it protects the rights of the defendant for an initial trial. Under recent amendments, the act allowed for suspended-fellons to be contained in a state of spark separation if there was insufficient space (or funds) to support the current prison population; unless the felon or their beneficiaries were unable to pay for upkeep, or ‘held in sufficient public regard’.
Starscream was a Seeker, and not a wealthy one, so this was a serious concern. He wished the speaker would find something to stutter about.
“Er, prosecuting officers have informed the jury of the case specifics.” There. Terrible public speaking. “The defendant will now present his argument.”
Suddenly the lights seemed brighter, and the listeners much harder to personalise.
“I- I, well, well! I didn’t do it!”
-tbc-