The Defence
The following takes place following: The ‘People’ vs. Harris Travers
Court resumes the following day. The Judge notes the unexplained absence of co-defence counsel, Mr Worth, but chooses to proceed with Master Devlin as the sole defence representative.
Master Devlin calls his first witnesses: Hilda Zimmermann and Greta Müller, whom he has somehow had reimported.
Master Devlin adjusts his tie and approaches the witness stand, where Hilda and Greta sit side by side. The two German students exchange excited glances, seemingly unaware of the gravity of the proceedings. The jury watches with a mix of curiosity and disbelief.
Master Devlin: “Miss Zimmermann, Miss Müller, thank you for appearing today. Would you kindly confirm for the court how long you have known Mr. Harris Travers?”
Hilda: “Ah, ja, about six months, I zink?”
Master Devlin: “And what is your relationship with him?”
Greta: “Ve are friends.”
Hilda: “Ja. Also employees. He invited us to be models for his newspaper, und we thought, why not?”
Master Devlin: “And in that time, would you say Mr. Travers has treated you with respect and professionalism?”
Hilda: “Ja, he is very professional… und kind.”
Master Devlin: “Let us turn to the events of the sixteenth of November — your late Oktoberfest celebration and photoshoot at the Waldopolis Chronicle office. Can you describe what transpired that day?”
Greta: “Oh, it was wunderbar! Ve made it a party! Zer were musicians, und ve wore dirndls!”
Master Devlin: “I see. And what did Mr. Travers make of this… arrangement?”
Hilda: “He was very… how you say… distracted by our outfits.”
Greta: “Ja. He came to join ze party. Said he needed to ‘inspect ze talent.’”
Master Devlin: “And then what happened? Did he partake in your festivities?”
Hilda: “Oh, ja! We gave him some beer, schnapps... und a little pervitin.”
The courtroom erupts in murmurs. Devlin slams his hand on the podium, silencing the crowd.
Master Devlin: “You drugged him?”
Greta: “Only a little!”
Master Devlin: “Are you aware that pervitin — which is a methamphetamine, what you so casually call ‘speed’ — is an illegal stimulant in Waldonia?”
Hilda: “Nein! Ve had no idea. In Germany it is quite normal — keeps ze party going, you know?”
Master Devlin: “What happened after Mr. Travers ingested the pervitin?”
Greta: “Herr Travers vas having a good time. He even agreed to put on a Bavarian schoolboy outfit — he looked so cute…”
Hilda: “Zen he became very... energetic. Dancing on ze tables, singing with ze band. Everyone was clapping, ja?”
Master Devlin: “Yes. That was after you returned to his office, where I was present. Can you tell the court what happened moments later?”
Greta: “He became increasingly excited... und zen he ran outside.”
Master Devlin: “And proceeded to go on his ill-fated rampage through the streets?”
Greta: “Ja.”
Master Devlin: “If it pleases the court, allow me to summarise. You gave Mr. Travers an illegal stimulant without his knowledge or consent, encouraged him to don an absurd outfit, and watched as he descended into public indecency — actions for which he now stands trial. Did it ever occur to you that your ‘celebration’ might spiral out of control?”
Hilda: “Nein! Ve are very sorry. Ve had no idea he vould react zat vay to ze pervitin.”
Greta: “Had ve known ze damage it could do, of course ve vould have reconsidered.”
Master Devlin: “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, what you have heard today is not the story of a criminal mastermind, nor a hate-filled agitator. It is the story of a little goblin who, under the influence of narcotics administered without his knowledge, was thrust into a situation entirely beyond his control. He therefore cannot rightly be held responsible for his actions in the hours that followed.”
Devlin steps back, his gaze sweeping over the courtroom.
Master Devlin: “No further questions.”
Mr. Vexley approaches the witness stand holding a bundle of papers—the infamous vampirophobic articles penned by Harris Travers. He offers a polite, almost smug smile to the two German students.
Vexley: “Miss Zimmermann, Miss Müller, thank you for your testimony. It has been… illuminating. Now, you testified earlier that Mr. Travers’ behaviour during this ‘late Oktoberfest’ was the result of being spiked with alcohol and narcotics. Is that correct?”
Hilda: “Ja, he didn’t know about the Pervitin!”
Vexley: “Right. But tell me—was Mr. Travers under the influence when he published these articles?”
He dramatically holds up one of Travers’ vampirophobic headlines: “They Walk Among Us: Why Waldonia Must Reclaim Its Streets.” He begins flipping through other inflammatory headlines, such as “Vampires Are a Plague of Predators, Not Our Neighbours.”
The jury murmurs.
Vexley: “Were you there, slipping Pervitin into his coffee when Mr. Travers wrote these articles? Or perhaps lacing his ink with schnapps?”
Hilda: “Nein… no, we only gave him it zat one time—”
Vexley: “No, of course not. These headlines, Miss Zimmermann, are entirely his own creation, yes? No drugs, no alcohol, no excuses?”
Greta: “Vell… he does drink a lot of bourbon, but those are his opinions, ja.”
Vexley: “Opinions? Funny you should say that, Miss Müller. Because these ‘opinions’ are the very foundation of his behaviour. A man who publishes hate-filled rhetoric against vampires—dancing on tables and defiling lamp posts—isn’t exactly out of character, is it?”
Hilda: “But he had never done zat before—”
Vexley brings out another copy of the Chronicle and opens to page three, holding it up. The page shows a topless Hilda and Greta, each holding a banner reading: ‘Waldonia frei von Vampiren!’ and ‘Waldonia für die Lebenden!’
Vexley: “Ladies, is this you on the page I’m holding?”
Greta: “Ja.”
Vexley: “Very nice. Although I’m curious about the banners you’re holding. My German is a little rusty… ‘Waldonia frei von Vampiren!’ and ‘Waldonia für die Lebenden!’ Could you tell the court what that means?”
Hilda and Greta exchange nervous glances.
Vexley: “Come now, ladies—surely you can read your own language?”
Greta: “Waldonia free of vampires.”
Hilda: “Waldonia for the living.”
The audience gasps. The judge extends his hand; Vexley passes the newspaper to him. Judge Alaric studies the page keenly.
Vexley: “Sounds rather vampirophobic, doesn’t it? Perhaps instead of witnesses, these beautiful yet morally bankrupt ladies should be the ones on trial next?”
The girls visibly panic.
Master Devlin: “Objection. The witnesses aren’t on trial. Furthermore, they were paid to model for the newspaper—they didn’t choose the words on the banners.”
Judge Alaric: “And who did, Master Devlin?”
Master Devlin: “…”
Judge Alaric: “Ladies? Who instructed you to hold those signs up for the photograph?”
Hilda: “Herr Travers, Your Honour.”
Vexley: “Even so, Your Honour, it raises questions about the moral credibility of these witnesses, does it not?”
Judge Alaric: “Your objection is overruled, Master Devlin. Proceed, Mr. Vexley.”
Vexley changes tack, flipping through a different set of documents, this time clearly marked as legal records.
Vexley: “Miss Zimmermann, Miss Müller—you claim Mr. Travers is a professional. Tell me, are you aware of his prior legal troubles? Specifically, his alleged sexual misconduct charges?”
The gallery stirs. Judge Alaric glares but does not interrupt.
Hilda: “Sexual misconduct? Nein, we don’t know about zat… but Herr Travers has always been a gentleman with us.”
Vexley: “Did you know that two years ago Mr. Travers was in court, accused of sexual assault against a Waldonian Revenue Officer?”
Master Devlin: “Objection, Your Honour! That case—in which Mr. Travers was found not guilty—has no relevance to this trial.”
Judge Alaric: “Overruled. I wish to hear more, but make it quick, Mr. Vexley.”
Vexley: “Yes, Your Honour. Master Devlin is correct that the case was dismissed—on a technicality. Insufficient evidence, I believe. But the officer was so traumatised by the experience that she later had to be sectioned. Furthermore, Mr. Travers was convicted for failing to pay tax and received a considerable fine.”
Gasps ripple through the courtroom. Judge Alaric shakes his head disapprovingly at Travers.
Vexley: “And that is but one example of his character. Dozens of complaints of sexual assault and harassment have been lodged against him in the past three years alone. Yet curiously, before that, Harris Travers doesn’t even seem to exist—no birth certificate, no service record either here nor in the United States, despite his grandiose claims of having served in the Vietnam and Afghanistan wars.”
He turns to the jury, his tone sharp and cutting.
Vexley: “The defence previously claimed he was suffering from PTSD and having flashbacks to Vietnam during his violent rampage. Yet I can’t, for the life of me, find any evidence that he existed during that period—let alone ever set foot in Vietnam.”
He pauses for effect.
Vexley: “Is it not the case that Mr. Travers is not only a sleazy, hateful crook, but a habitual liar as well?”
An outraged Travers suddenly stands on his chair.
Travers: “OBJECTION! Those were black-op missions! They’re not on the books!”
Judge Alaric: (slamming his gavel) “Order! Order! Mr. Travers, sit down and remain silent, or I will hold you in contempt! Proceed, Mr. Vexley.”
Vexley: “So, this isn’t exactly a first for Mr. Travers. Public debauchery, questionable behaviour—these aren’t the hallmarks of an innocent man caught unawares, are they?” Vexley shifts gears, pulling out a printed piece of paper.
Vexley: “Now, Miss Zimmermann, Miss Müller, I’d like to return to how you first met Mr. Travers. I’m holding in my hand a printout of a blog: Tales of a National Treasure, written by Mr. Travers himself.”
Hilda and Greta exchange confused glances. Vexley taps the paper deliberately.
Vexley: “According to this blog, you met him at Devlin Manor. Shortly after, the three of you reunited at the Tower of Walgoth and joined forces with a certain individual named Angel to defeat a demon terrorising the monks living there. Isn’t that true?”
Greta’s face lights up.
Greta: “Oh, ja, das ist right… It was an amazing adventure! Zer vas a mischievous AI behind it all. Angel vas so brave! He fought ze demon, zen Mr. Travers killed it with an axe—”
Hilda: “Ja! Oh, and Angel is a vampire! Yet Herr Travers is his friend! That proves he has not the… vampire eh phobia?”
Vexley’s smile widens as he turns toward the jury.
Vexley: “Mr. Travers is friends with Angel the vampire? My, my, that’s quite a twist. Of course, it’s worth noting that this Angel—once known as the great Angelus—turned his back on vampiredom and became one of the most infamous vampires in history. A vampire… with a soul.”
The courtroom stirs, intrigued by the revelation.
Vexley: “Yes—a creature of unparalleled cruelty, responsible for the deaths of hundreds of his own kind. And if that weren’t enough, he even dared to court a Vampire Slayer at one point—consorting with the very people sworn to destroy his kind.”
He lets the implication hang before turning back to the witnesses.
Vexley: “And this is the person you and Mr. Travers call a friend? A companion on your so-called adventures? Yet we’re expected to believe that all of Mr. Travers’ vile behaviour—his vampirophobia, his hateful rhetoric—can be blamed on a single ‘spiked’ drink?”
Hilda and Greta hesitate, suddenly unsure how to answer.
Master Devlin: “Objection, Your Honour. Relevance. Mr. Travers is not on trial for his friendships, nor is guilt by association a recognised legal principle in Waldonia—eccentric though our laws may be.”
Judge Alaric: “Sustained. Mr. Vexley, this court is not a gossip column. Keep your questioning within the bounds of the charges.”
Vexley: “Of course, Your Honour. I merely wish to illuminate the context of Mr. Travers’ associations—since they seem to mirror his convictions so very neatly. But I’ll confine myself to the facts.”
He turns back to the jury.
Vexley: “Ladies and gentlemen, what we see here is a pattern. A man—or rather, a goblin—who despises vampires and publishes inflammatory rhetoric designed to stoke fear and hatred against them. The one vampire he does befriend is a confirmed self-hating, genocidal vampire. A goblin who willingly participates in wild, indecent behaviour and then blames it on others.”
He walks back to his table, smirking as he delivers his final line.
Vexley: “Drugs didn’t make Mr. Travers who he is. They merely amplified the truth. No further questions, Your Honour.”
Master Devlin rises and approaches the witness stand once more.
Master Devlin: "Miss Zimmermann, Miss Müller, you testified that Mr. Travers was unknowingly given pervitin during the Oktoberfest photoshoot, correct?"
Hilda: "Ja, zat’s correct."
Greta: "It was meant to be fun, only!"
Master Devlin: "Fun perhaps—but we’ve heard how he reacted: dancing on tables, wearing a schoolboy outfit, running through the streets—completely at odds with his usual behavior."
He turns to the jury, hand raised for emphasis.
Master Devlin: "The point is not whether Mr. Travers is brash or reckless. At the time, he was under the influence of a powerful, illegal drug—administered without his knowledge or consent."
Master Devlin: "Miss Zimmermann, Miss Müller, did you intend for him to act as he did?"
Hilda: "Nein! We did not!"
Greta: "Ja. We had no idea."
Master Devlin: "So the chaos—the hyperactivity, the indecent behavior—was not his intention, but the result of your actions and the drug?"
Hilda and Greta (in unison): "Ja."
Master Devlin: "Exactly. Ladies and gentlemen, this is diminished responsibility. Mr. Travers was not in control. That separates poor judgment from criminal intent."
He steps closer to the jury.
Master Devlin: "The prosecution wants to focus on his past, his articles, his friendships. None of that matters here. The question is whether he intended to commit terrorism or incite hatred while drugged without consent."
Master Devlin: "Harris Travers may be foolish. He may be reckless. He may offend. But on that day, he was not a terrorist. He was a man rendered incapable of rational action by others."
Devlin steps back.
Master Devlin: "No further questions, Your Honour."
Judge Alaric bangs the gavel.
Judge Alaric: "Miss Zimmerman. Miss Müller. You are excused. Court will reconvene after lunch to hear the prosecution’s next witness. Court is adjourned."
****
Court resumes. Master Devlin calls his next witness: Dr. Linda Shawn.
Master Devlin: “Dr. Shawn, thank you for being here today. As Principal Psychologist of the Masters Council and a leading expert in the rehabilitation of folklore creatures, your insights are invaluable to this court.”
Dr. Shawn: “It’s my pleasure.”
Master Devlin: “Now, Dr. Shawn, you’ve worked closely with Harris Travers over the years, haven’t you?”
Dr. Shawn: “Yes, I’ve been Mr. Travers’ clinical psychologist for over a year.”
Master Devlin: “Could you share your professional opinion on Mr. Travers’ personality and behaviour?”
Dr. Shawn: “Certainly. Mr. Travers exhibits traits of impulsivity, a heightened need for attention, and a tendency toward provocative behaviour. These traits often manifest in socially inappropriate or inflammatory actions, such as his articles in the Waldopolis Chronicle. However, these behaviours are symptomatic of underlying psychological struggles rather than inherent malice or intent to harm.”
Master Devlin: “So, would you say his actions—particularly those leading to the charges before us—are ‘in his nature’, as the prosecution implies?”
Dr. Shawn: “Not entirely. While his flamboyance and penchant for controversy are consistent with his personality, the specific events in question—his erratic, hyperactive behaviour during the alleged ‘terrorist’ incident—are entirely out of character. These actions are more indicative of external influence, such as intoxication or extreme stress. To put it simply, he wasn’t in his right mind.”
Master Devlin: “Dr. Shawn, the prosecution has questioned the absence of any record of Mr. Travers prior to three years ago. There’s a reason for that, isn’t there? Could you explain his psychological background—specifically, his… origins?”
Dr. Shawn: “Yes. Mr. Travers’ psychological background is highly unusual. He did not begin life as an independent being. For many years, he existed only as a secondary personality within another goblin—Widdle Frunkut—who suffers from profound dissociative identity disorder. The same Widdle Frunkut was, in fact, responsible for much of the violence and rhetoric attributed to inspiring the so-called ‘WF’ movement.
In essence, Harris Travers was once a fragment of another mind. That fragment grew so self-aware that, through a combination of psychological and—shall we say—metaphysical factors, he eventually separated into his own physical form.”
Master Devlin: “And now the two goblins exist separately?”
Dr. Shawn: “Correct.”
Master Devlin: “So when the prosecution questions why there are no records of Mr. Travers prior to three years ago—”
Dr. Shawn: “It’s because, quite literally, he didn’t exist as an individual before then. His ‘past’—from supposed sexual conquests to decorated war service—are confabulations. These are delusional constructs, consistent with identity formation following a traumatic psychological split. He built a history to anchor himself. It’s not deceit in the criminal sense; it’s self-preservation.”
Travers shakes his head.
Master Devlin: “And his PTSD from the Vietnam War?”
Dr. Shawn: “It’s quite genuine—from his point of view. To Mr. Travers, he truly believes he was there, despite not actually existing at the time.”
Travers: “Objection, Your Honour! The good doctor is very pretty and all, but she’s completely out of her mind!”
Master Devlin: “Shut up, Travers!”
Judge Alaric: “I recommend you heed your counsel, Mr. Travers. I won’t tell you again. Now sit down.”
Master Devlin: “Apologies, Doctor. You were saying?”
Dr. Shawn: “Actually, this outburst illustrates my point exactly. Whenever his elaborate constructed history is challenged, he becomes defensive. As we see here, he would apparently rather face criminal conviction than accept a defence that questions the authenticity of his backstory.”
Master Devlin: “Indeed. And how would you characterise his current state of mind more generally?”
Dr. Shawn: “He exhibits narcissism, impulsivity, and hypersexuality—but also moments of genuine empathy and loyalty. He’s fragile beneath the bravado.”
Master Devlin: “Dr. Shawn, let’s address the prosecution’s assertion that my client’s vampirophobic articles and rhetoric incite hatred and violence. Do you believe these writings are evidence of genuine hate, or is there another explanation?”
Dr. Shawn: “Some of Mr. Travers’ views are deeply problematic, I admit; however, they stem more from an inflated sense of self-importance and a desire to provoke than from actual hatred. His so-called ‘vampirophobia’ is rooted in cultural and historical folklore that paints vampires as predatory figures. While some may argue this is outdated and inflammatory, these views are not entirely unfounded from a psychological perspective.”
Master Devlin: “Could you elaborate on that point?”
Dr. Shawn: “Certainly. Vampires are unique among folklore creatures in that their mythology often overlaps with real-world concerns about exploitation, predation, and power dynamics. Research has shown that societies historically demonised vampires as symbols of oppression or disease. Mr. Travers’ rhetoric, while offensive, reflects these deep-seated cultural fears rather than personal animosity.”
Master Devlin: “So, in your expert opinion, is it reasonable to equate Mr. Travers’ vampirophobia with an intent to incite violence or commit terrorism?”
Dr. Shawn: “No, it is not. His writings are provocative, but they do not indicate a calculated attempt to incite harm. Mr. Travers thrives on attention—he stirs the pot to keep himself relevant, not to inspire violence.”
Master Devlin: “Thank you, Dr. Shawn. Based on your professional experience, do you believe Mr. Travers poses a genuine threat to society?”
Dr. Shawn: “No, I do not. Mr. Travers can be frustrating, unpredictable, and often difficult to manage, but he is not dangerous in the way the prosecution suggests. Unlike his goblin counterpart, Widdle Frunkut, he rejects violence entirely. As such, his behaviour would be better addressed through therapy and structured intervention, not criminalisation.”
Master Devlin: “Dr. Shawn, I expect the prosecution will bring this up, so I would like to give you the opportunity to get ahead of it. In addition to being a respected psychologist, you are also a model for the Waldopolis Chronicle, correct?”
Dr. Shawn: “That is correct.”
Master Devlin: “I appreciate this may be uncomfortable, but could you explain to the court what led you to begin that work?”
Dr. Shawn: “Yes... Some months ago, a pornographic deepfake was created using my likeness. It circulated widely, damaging both my career and personal life. For a time, many believed it to be genuine. It was a deeply violating experience.”
Master Devlin: “And your decision to model afterwards?”
Dr. Shawn: “It was my way of reclaiming control. By choosing to present myself publicly, I refused to be defined by that violation. Mr. Travers offered me the opportunity to write a psychology column for the Chronicle and to model on my own terms. It allowed me to confront the harm and move forward.”
The gallery murmurs as Devlin turns back to the jury.
Master Devlin: “Thank you, Dr. Shawn. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I ask you to note this: the man accused of exploitation is the same one who gave this witness a platform to rebuild her dignity.
Lastly, Dr. Shawn, as Principal Psychologist for the Masters Council and an expert in folklore physiology, I’d like to clarify something for the court. Do vampires need to consume human blood to survive?”
Dr. Shawn: “No, they do not. Physiologically, they can sustain themselves perfectly well on animal blood. Human blood may enhance their strength or healing, but it isn’t essential.”
Master Devlin: “And yet, they persist in feeding on humans. Why?”
Dr. Shawn: “Because it’s not about survival—it’s about power. Feeding on humans asserts dominance and control. It’s an act of subjugation, not sustenance.”
Master Devlin: “So this is not biology—it’s choice.”
Dr. Shawn: “Exactly. They choose to exploit and terrify. It’s a reflection of will, not need.”
Master Devlin: “Ladies and gentlemen, remember that. Mr. Travers may be brash, but his warnings stem from a genuine truth: vampires prey on humanity not out of hunger, but desire. No further questions, Your Honour.”
****
Vexley: "Dr. Shawn. Good afternoon."
Dr. Shawn: "Good afternoon."
Vexley: "You’ve been quite the centerpiece of today’s proceedings—the learned psychologist with all the answers. Let’s start simply. You’ve worked with Harris Travers as his therapist for over a year, and recently as an employee at his newspaper. Correct?"
Dr. Shawn: "That’s correct."
Vexley: "And in that time, has he ever behaved in a sexually inappropriate manner toward you?"
Dr. Shawn: "Yes, but—"
Vexley: "Yes? Please be specific. What exactly has Mr. Travers done? And remember, Doctor, you’re under oath."
Dr. Shawn: "Mr. Travers has made lewd comments. He has, on occasion, propositioned me to remove my top outside of my modelling work, and attempted to touch me in ways I consider inappropriate."
Vexley: "And yet you continued to associate with him. Why?"
Dr. Shawn: "Because I am a professional. I have the training to manage difficult behaviours."
Vexley: "Professional. A professional who allows her patient to treat her like... well, I’ll let the court imagine. Now, let’s discuss your other pursuits."
He retrieves a copy of the Waldopolis Chronicle and holds it up.
Vexley: "Your Honour, may I direct the court’s attention to this publication—pages sixteen and seventeen."
The judge nods. Vexley spreads the paper wide for all to see: a topless photo of Dr. Shawn on one page, her advice column on the other, headlined DEAR LINDA… Widdlington’s hottest agony aunt! The gallery murmurs.
Vexley: "Charming. Tell me, Doctor—how does this align with your image as a serious clinical psychologist? Giving advice in a tabloid while posing topless?"
Dr. Shawn: "Some may find it unconventional, but I’m not ashamed of my decisions. After being humiliated by a fabricated scandal, I chose to reclaim control of my image. My credentials speak for themselves."
Vexley: "Ah yes, control. All while working for a tabloid run by your patient—a goblin with questionable taste. And this, after nearly losing your career over a sex tape."
Dr. Shawn: "That tape was a deepfake."
Vexley: "So you claim. Has that been proven?"
Dr. Shawn: "No, but—"
Vexley: "No? You’ve had it analysed?"
Dr. Shawn: "I know it’s a fake because I never made such a tape."
Vexley: "Never? So your defence is that you don’t recall it?"
Dr. Shawn: "I have no memory of ever making such a recording."
Vexley: "No memory. How convenient. Your Honour, I move to play a segment of the tape for the court."
Master Devlin: "OBJECTION! Your Honour, the prosecution is attempting to humiliate my witness—"
Vexley: "The defence raised the issue, Your Honour. The court deserves clarity."
Judge Alaric: "Overruled. Proceed, Mr. Vexley."
The lights dim. Vexley projects a video onto the screen. A woman identical to Dr. Shawn appears in a compromising position. The courtroom falls silent; a few uneasy coughs ripple through the gallery. Dr. Shawn remains composed, knuckles white on the stand. After a moment, Vexley stops the playback.
Vexley: "I won’t make you watch the rest, Doctor. I’ve reviewed it many times—if it’s a fake, it’s the most convincing one I’ve ever seen. No signs of manipulation, and metadata analysis suggests authenticity. So, what’s your explanation?"
Dr. Shawn: "I don’t know. I have no recollection of making such a tape. Therefore, it must have been fabricated."
Vexley: "Fabricated—or perhaps you were drugged? It happens more often than one might think..."
Master Devlin: "Your Honour, I object. Mr. Vexley’s line of questioning is hostile and irrelevant."
Vexley: "Withdrawn."
He paces slowly, then glances at Dr. Shawn with a smirk.
Vexley: "Tell me, Doctor—do you eat meat? Ah, never mind. Of course you do. We’ve all seen the video."
Laughter ripples through the courtroom. Dr. Shawn’s expression hardens, but she remains steady.
Vexley: "Apologies, Your Honour. Now, Doctor—many humans eat meat because they’re higher on the food chain. So why shouldn’t vampires feed on humans? By your logic, aren’t they simply higher up the ladder?"
Dr. Shawn: "That’s an oversimplification. Vampires are sentient. Their feeding is a choice, not a necessity. They can survive on animal blood without harming humans."
Vexley: "Ah, choice. But isn’t it a choice when you, a sentient being, order steak instead of salad?"
Dr. Shawn: "It’s not the same—"
Vexley: "Oh, but it is. You justify killing animals because they’re beneath you. Vampires justify feeding on humans for the same reason. Are you saying they’re wrong, or just upset that, for once, you’re not at the top?"
Dr. Shawn: "Vampires feed not for survival but for domination. Their hunger is about control and subjugation, not sustenance."
Vexley: "So it’s the domination you object to? Would you say the same about lions and gazelles, wolves and deer? Is predation immoral, or only when it threatens you?"
Dr. Shawn: "Predatory animals act from instinct, not intent. Vampires act by choice."
Vexley: "There’s that word again—choice. If I choose steak over salad, does that make me a predator?"
Laughter again. Dr. Shawn meets his gaze, unflinching.
Dr. Shawn: "This is not about food preferences, Mr. Vexley. Vampires exploit and enslave. That is not comparable to dinner."
Vexley: "And yet, you paint them all the same—‘terrorists,’ ‘enslavers,’ ‘exploiters.’ Isn’t that a little... vampirophobic?"
Dr. Shawn: "I am not vampirophobic. My analysis is based on history and evidence, not prejudice."
Vexley: "And yet you defend a known vampirophobe—your patient and employer, Mr. Travers. You justify his hate speech and his impropriety because you’re ‘professional’? Or perhaps because you’re complicit?"
Dr. Shawn: "I treat patients without bias. My duty is to provide care, not judgment."
Vexley: "Care. Support. Pose topless for his tabloid. And then lecture this court on morality? Ladies and gentlemen, let’s be honest. Dr. Shawn is not impartial. She’s biased, compromised, and driven by her own prejudices..."
Master Devlin: "Objection, Your Honour. Mr. Vexley’s line of questioning is inflammatory and misleading. Comparing animal instinct to conscious predation is a false equivalence, and his attacks on Dr. Shawn’s morality are wholly inappropriate. The witness is not on trial here."
Judge Alaric: "Sustained."
Vexley: "Yes, Your Honour. Master Devlin is correct. Fortunately for Dr. Shawn, she is not the one on trial."
He turns to her, voice soft but cutting.
Vexley: "But if she were, the evidence speaks for itself. No further questions."
The Waldoverse continues in The Defence: Part Deux