Courts and Cabals 2 G.S. D'Moore (the little red hen read aloud .txt) 📖

literally rip a man to pieces. Even an entire team of police officers would struggle to bring in a weak shifter. It took special training, equipment, and very brave humans to do that job.

Right after the Revelation, it became clear that the old way of doing business wasn’t working. Too many people were dying, and since supernaturals born in the US were recognized as citizens under the Fourteenth Amendment – you could thank the Supreme Court for their landmark 9-0 ruling on that one – the government couldn’t violate their rights. Instead, it took a smart approach; something government isn’t always known for.

Inside the supernatural community, which had been around just as long as humanity, there were existing power structures. Shifter packs, the most populous supernaturals in the US, already had an internal hierarchy with an Alpha at the top. Mages had councils and laws of magical use that predated the WRA, and in some cases, were even incorporated into the sweeping, international law. Vamps had their covens, elders, and kill teams. Even the dreaded cabals had head honchos with more power than most military forces. It only made sense for the government to include them as they redistributed power to fit their new citizens.

What that meant was that the supernatural court, unlike a good chunk of human courts, was federally operated. When creatures could open portals and travel thousands of miles in a heartbeat, it became necessary to address issues as one united front; not as fifty different laboratories of democracy. There weren’t supernatural courts in every town and hamlet, but there were a good number in each state, and when supernaturals were arrested, they were transported to the nearest court for arraignment, imprisonment, sentencing, or whatever else the judicial system required.

Alphas, mages, elders, but not any cabal elite – or at least as far as the government knew – now found themselves as federally appointed judges that wielded judicial discretion. The power wasn’t anything different than what they had before, but it was now official.

Humans and supernaturals still bitched up a storm, and brought lawsuits challenging its constitutionality. To this day, none had passed muster; and while the system was far from perfect, it did work.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Lilith thought about the old adage as she and Dani were marched to the courtroom.

Everything was cold, solid concrete until they were led through a nondescript door and suddenly surrounded by warm wood. Light spilled in from high windows as they found themselves surrounded by dozens of people. After hours in solitary, it was a little overwhelming; especially, when press with cameras blinded them with flashes and questions. Lilith tried to keep a smile on her face. Even in her confusion, she knew optics were big.

“Look like a young, innocent girl,” she told herself, and hoped Dani was at least trying to be civil.

“For fuck’s sake,” the dwarf grumbled as they were positioned behind chairs at the defense table.

A moment later, they were joined by Xamira and their lawyers. The half of the gallery behind them was also filled with their lawyers, staff, media, and local politicians. Lilith also spotted Aden, and a few other members of the cabal. Her mother was nowhere in sight, but she didn’t expect her to be present. There was no benefit to Venus Venitas being here.

“All rise,” the bailiff, announced in a booming voice that shut everyone up.

Lilith felt the surge of power that accompanied the voice. “Spirit Warrior,” she concluded.

The bailiff had weathered, leathery skin, deep-set eyes, and black hair pulled back in a braid that fell to his waist. He was the picture of calm strength; neither big nor small, but full of certainty. Native American spirit warriors were shifters, just known by a different name; but at the same time more. Belief gave things power in this world, and the native people believed in their ancestral spirit warriors. In a fight against the average shifter, that gave the bailiff an edge. By the look of him, Lilith could tell this man had honed that edge with experience.

The bailiff fixed his eyes on Lilith; assessing her innocence just as much as a jury of her peers. “The Honorable Judge Stands Tall presiding,” he concluded.

“Like that movie with The Rock?” Dani asked. Lilith glared at her, and the dwarf shut up.

The woman who took her seat on the raised bench had a no-nonsense, don’t-fuck-with-me attitude. Lilith made a mental note to reign Dani in.

“Everyone take your seats,” she announced, and it was a testament to her reputation that no one said a word as they waited for her to begin.

Lilith looked over at the prosecution’s table. She expected to see the UN agent who shot and arrested Cam, but he was absent. In his place were a half-dozen government lawyers. You could tell they worked for Uncle Sam by the reasonably-priced suits that concealed the sticks up their asses.

“Case Number 1298421, the United States of America versus Xamira Venitas. Case number . . .” Lilith didn’t pay much attention to the clerk reading the case information. Her eyes swept the room, read people, and tried to discern motivations. Half the battle was knowing who you were up against and why they were trying to kill you.

“Prosecution, you may present your charges,” the judge waved a hand to the government suits.

“The People are charging Ms. Xamira Venitas with one count of vehicular battery on a police officer, and one count of fleeing the scene of an accident,” the lawyer stated.

Lilith felt her niece stiffen beside her. The fleeing the scene of an accident was a felony, but one her lawyers were likely prepared for. They knew everything that had happened from soup to nuts after the death of Ser Fredrick. They had to if they were going to properly defend them. Vehicular Battery on a police officer was