With the second bit of drama involving Julie Stovall being blessedly short; both the Knight’s and Anderson’s say goodbye to their children as they watch them munch on tuna melt sandwiches that the caterer provided for them.
“Will talk some more when you get home Frieda,” Benton placing a paw on her head; “And your mother and I will try to be better parents for you, just be patient with us.”
“You think we can stop at my parents’ house on the way back to yours Mr. Knight,” Spencer asking; “there is something I want to pick up.”
“And what would that be,” Benton asking.
“A video game console and a few games,” Spencer grinning; “I got one you’ll find particularly interesting, great for relieving stress and anger.”
“Okay,” Benton looking interested; “I’ll bite, what is it?”
“And spoil the surprise,” Spencer grinning; bits of tuna could be seen from her toothy maw.
“Okay,” Benton shaking his head; “if it will keep you three doing something other than sex, then will make a brief pit stop back to my estate."
Eric and Frieda watch as their parents leave, leaving them alone with spencer who is also with them. Eric finishing his tuna melt comments, “I never liked tuna much; but since becoming a were-panther, it tastes sooooooo good.”
“A lot of the feline based were’s are mad for fish,” Frieda enjoying her tuna melt; “But if you liked salmon and trout before you became a were-panther, then watch out.” Frieda chuckling; “you’ll find out you can’t get enough of it.”
“Oh stop it you two,” Spencer sighing; “your making me want more fish.”
“Okay,” Eric chuckling; “is the game you want to get what I think it is?”
Spencer grins; “it is, and I’ll let you be Raiden this time.”
“Oh no,” Eric smiling; “I want Goro.”
“What are you two talking about,” Frieda looking confused.
“Mortal Kombat X ,” Spencer smiling; “a bloody good video game to play for an hour or two. Can be a bit tricky to play what with all the various and unique moves for each character; does have a learning curve.”
“But in the meantime,” Eric stretching; “I wonder if there is a library or a room for us to keep ourselves occupied until we are needed?”
******
Leon Talbot pulls into the parking spot reserved for him and other council members; with his daughter Jean Talbot, who will one day take her father’s place as the were-lion rep, both walk into the front entrance. Each quickly removing their clothes and shifting into their fursonas; both Talbot's hand their clothes to the female werewolf attendant that assisted Eric and Frieda earlier.
“So while I have to suffer through what seems like and endless session,” Leon groans; “I want you to head to the archives and look up past statue 1A trials. Familiarize yourself with what takes transpires. God forbid you would have to deal with this when you are in my place.”
“But it’s better to be prepared,” Jean finishing; “than to be caught with your claws unbarred.”
“Exactly,” Leon responding; “now let’s head inside. I’m sure this is going to be one stressful day for all.”
******
Rachael Gaudet the were-otter rep was helping Andrew Curtis the were-mer rep get Martin up to speed with some of the procedures and formalities for when he would eventually take over as the wer-mer rep for the council. Having a difficult time focusing; Martin’s mind was on his daughter Julie. After the morning altercation with his daughter and two were-panthers who have Julie’s fate resting in their paws, Martin was wondering if this would be the last he would ever see his daughter after her statue 1A trial has come to what he dreads is its inevitable conclusion.
“Martin,” Andrew asking; “are you paying attention?”
“Andrew,” Martin sighing; “any other day I would be focusing on what needs to be done. But today, with my daughter?”
“I understand,” Andrew placing a webbed hand on Martins shoulder; both mer’s in their stage two form and wearing white robes, “I forgot that you had to go through all this drama with your daughter.”
“But you mustn’t forget,” Rachael speaking in her thick French accent; “Julie has no one to blame for her troubles but herself.”
“Try telling that to her,” Martin answers; “because Melissa and I have tried many times to tell Julie, that actions have consequences. Julie just stubbornly refuses to accept that bit of logic.”
“Ah,” Rachael shaking her head; “it sounds like Julie has the mindset of a princess.”
“Spoiled princess,” Martin grouses; “I know I was unfaithful during my marriage, but I never raised Julie to be the lying, rude angry teen she is now.”
******
Brett Smithson was reviewing her notes for what she knows will be an uphill battle for her client. After Tachibana sternly informing her that this is not a standard court of law; as such the usual tactics a lawyer employs to delay and obfuscate will not work. Nor will interrupting testimony with objections. Already feeling one paw tied behind her back; Brett hopes she could at least paint the evidence against her client as attempted violation of Statue 1A.
Hearing a soft gong sound; Brett knew the council members had all arrived and it was time to begin the session. Getting up from the small room provided for her; Brett in her were-badger fursona walks towards the council chamber; seeing the other were reps ahead of her; she notices Martin Stovall sitting off in a corner. Despite being the next wer-mer rep in waiting; he was not allowed to view the proceedings. Instead he was being made to wait in the common area like all the other non-council members while session was active.