Messengers of the Court

The Case of Stanbot: Episode 3

The following takes place immediately following: The Case of Stanbot Episode 2

The Master and Waldo return to the council chamber, where the elders are speaking with a well-dressed man in his 40s. He has a sharp, handsome face but a weary expression, and he holds his hat in both hands as he addresses the council. Behind him, two men stand in silence, both clad in black. One is tall and broad-shouldered, with a heavy build. The other, though shorter, carries a stocky frame and an imposing presence.

Man: …and so the preliminary hearing of Mr. Smith shall take place tomorrow afternoon. Not that we require anything from the council, you understand, but as his employer, I have been instructed by the senior advocate to inform you as a courtesy.

Master Dick: Oh, I see… Well, thank you for informing us… and if there is anything at all we can do to assist…

Man: That won’t be necessary. The trial will proceed as planned. Mr. Smith’s fate now depends on his cooperation.

Master Robert: Ah, Devlin! You’re just in time. This gentleman was just giving us an update on your robot.

Master Devlin: Finally, some answers.

The men turn. The lead man gives a polite nod to Devlin before eyeing Waldo.

Man: And who is this?

wF: Wiffuhuh! Goblin!

The man studies Waldo for a moment, his expression unreadable.

Man: Hmm. Curious…

wF: Ooh, is that so? And what might you be?

Man: A messenger for the advocate’s council.

Master Devlin: Did you say there’s a hearing for Stanbot?

Man: I did. As I was telling the council, Mr. Smith’s hearing is tomorrow afternoon.

Master Devlin: Where is he being held?

Man: I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to say.

Master Devlin: I’m responsible for him—his legal guardian. I must see him.

Man: I understand, but I can’t authorise that. The advocacy group is his appointed defense.

wF: Then how we gets authorisations? Appeal!?

Man: I’m not sure. No one ever has… I expect you’d need permission from one of the Seventh Circuit judges.

wF: And how do we contacts them?

Man: You don’t. Not as far as I know. In my experience, one of their representatives will contact you, if and only when you are required.

MD: This is outrageous. What kind of legal system is this… (sigh) Can you at least tell us where the hearing is held? Which court building?

Man: I wasn’t given that information.

wF: Dashitall! What do you know, man? What kind of representative are you??

One of the burly men finally speaks. The taller, stocky one.

Stocky Man: Now now, Master Goblin, no need for that. Man’s just doin’ the job appointed to ‘im, he is. Same as the rest of us. We don’t want no trouble. Been a long day, and we just want to get on with it.

wF: Hmm, I see. We do apologise. It’s been a long and confusing day for us too. And what are you men?

Other Man: Security.

Stocky Man: Precisely that. I’m Mr. Boothe, and this here’s Mr. Raymond. We’re just a bit of muscle to accompany the messenger, Mr. Konrad ‘ere. Not everyone’s too ‘appy with the messages they receive, see?

wF: Yes, quite… we can imagine 🧐

Konrad: I understand your frustration, I really do. I remember how I felt when I was first… arrested. Nine years ago now. I thought the whole business was absurd. A complete nonsensical farce. But eventually, I learned it was best not to fight it. Just cooperate.

He looks directly at Devlin.

Konrad: My advice? Don’t get involved. It’s too late for your friend, but should you receive a call to attend the hearing, you would do well not to go. Save yourselves. This is a spiderweb you do not wish to be caught in.

Boothe: Well, Mr. Konrad, shall we be off?

Konrad: Yes, of course.

They turn to leave, but Konrad stops, glancing back at Devlin, whose face is frozen in silent rage.

Konrad: What’s the matter with him?

wF: Rage and fugue state, I think.

Konrad: What’s that?

wF: Well, it’s um… I… I don’t know… 😕

Konrad: I see. Well, it smells and sounds like he’s about to void his bowels. We’ll take our leave then. Good day, gentlemen.

He puts on his hat, and the three exit.

****

Some time later, in the Masters Council dormitories…

Widdle Frunkut pushes the master’s wheelchair into the room after an evening stroll around the council grounds. Inside, a tall, well-dressed man stands by the window, arms crossed impatiently.

Man: You’re late!

wF: Ooh, is that so? And who the hell are you, stupid head?

Man: I am the assistant to the chief magistrate of the court. I’m here to see Master Devlin regarding an accused man—or in this case, an accused Stan, I suppose. (chuckles) I require a character witness for Mr. Smith. I understand you are associates of his? Your testimony could benefit his case… assuming you wish to help him. From what I hear, things aren’t going well. Especially after today’s hearing.

wF: Well, I’m afraid you can’t talk to the masta right now. He’s unavailable.

Assistant: But he’s right there. What’s wrong with him?

wF: Fugue state. Quite a long one this time. Almost as long as that one 500 years from now a few months ago, I’m told.

Assistant: What?

wF: Never mind.

Assistant: I will mind. What exactly is a fugue state?

wF: Well um…hehe... We don’t actually know…

Assistant: Hmm. There’s a lot of that going around.

wF: Oh yeah! We noticed that too!

Assistant: Well, then I suppose I shall settle for your statement instead… Mr…?

wF: Waldo! Basil Waldo at your service, sir.

Assistant: Mr. Basil… Waldo… Occupation?

wF: Goblin! I mean… janitor. ALSO entrepreneur!

Assistant: And how would you describe Mr. Stanbot Smith? His character?

wF: Oh, he’s awful! A total jerkoff. A belligerent brute. Completely useless at everything. He’s drunk all the time, and when you call him out, he gets foul-mouthed and violent.

Assistant: I see…

wF: A terrible disappointment, I tell ye. Frankly, I want to decommission him and use the parts to make a newer, better one.

Assistant: And what’s stopping you?

wF: This pizza man right here. Masta likes Stanbot for some reason. No idea why… 🤷🏻‍♂

Assistant: Well, thank you, Mr. Waldo, for your… frankness, I must sa—

wF: WHO TOLD YOU THAT NAME???

Assistant: Wh-what name?

wF: Oh. Um. Nothing. I don’t know.

Assistant: Yes, well… there’s a lot of that going around.

wF: A lot of what?

Assistant: I don’t knows!

wF: …I uh… I don’t know what you mean… you has a nose! A big one at that!

Assistant: Oh, never mind… I have all I need. Good day, Mr. Waldo… Mr. Devlin…

wF: Goodnight!

wF: Now, Saso. How about some dinner? Ah, what’s this?? Goblin Brand Tomato Sauce! How exciting. Now you wait here, and I’ll get you some bread for your sauce!

wF proceeds to feed the master a whole jar of GB Tomato Sauce and some stale bread he found left out for the birds.

The story continues in The Lawyer Man