Ignorant
of the Ignorance
My
first day in law school was also my last. In one dramatic moment, my
aspirations of becoming a lawyer vanished. Gone were my dreams of a lucrative
career. Gone were the mansion, the spaceship, and the sexy, blonde-haired wife
from Venus. Vanished was the reward for all my hard work. My sleepless nights
of studying were brought to naught. How did this tragedy occur? I asked a
question.
'Just
asking a question?' Surely you are
jesting or at least talking hyperbole. What kind of institution would throw
somebody out for simply inquiring? Let me tell you, there is a good reason that
lawyers are rich. That is because we are ignorant of the ignorance. That
statement sounds like a paradox or even a line from a poem. What do you mean by
that?
"Who
can tell me the most important axiom of law?" asked Professor Snyder. I
was sitting eagerly in the front row. I was a zealot for the cause already. It
was not my desire to achieve but to rise to the top. I wanted to be the
Alexander the Great of law and conquer the whole dominion. Instead, I became a
thief crucified. The one at the left hand of Christ, for there was certainly no
resurrection in my career. Huh, that's funny, to call something a career that
never even began.
My
hand shot up instantly. I had gotten my textbooks early, and I had already
devoured them. In fact, I was confident that I could have passed the final exam
most satisfactorily. A smiling Professor Snyder saw my outstretched hand and
motioned towards me, "I see you have an answer."
"Ignorance
of the law is no excuse," was my steadfast answer.
"Very
good," complimented the teacher.
"So,
how does one know the law?" I asked. Perhaps that seems like a very mild
question. After all, it was law school.
All
eyes drew their attention to Professor Snyder. There was a sense of silent
anticipation lingering in the air. Lawyers, mind you, are creatures of deceit.
There is no honesty in their bones at all. If you are a defense lawyer, you
sway the jury to find your client innocent. As a prosecutor, you do all you can
to make the individual guilty. The truth of the matter is inconsequential. There
is no honesty at all. It is all just a matter of twisting the truth. That's how
it is on planet Earth.
Professor
Snyder was dressed grandly for the first day of class. He was wearing a fine
suit as if he were going to appear before the Supreme Court of the galaxy. This
was his domain. He had the control. He set the rules. He was the absolute
arbitrator. And I, well, I was a thorn in his side. "Sir," he said in
cold cruelty, "I will have a word with you after class."
There
was a collective sigh in the classroom as the answer was adverted. At that
time, my question seemed innocent and most appropriate. After all, we were law
school students and were here to learn law. At least that was my supposition. Even
now, as I rehash the events, it seems logical. But I have discovered that law
has nothing to do with logic whatsoever. As you shall see, it is much more
devious than it appears.
After
class, Professor Snyder called me to the front privately. He beckoned me with
his claw-like, shriveled hand. "Yes, sir," I addressed him. I was
playing feigned attraction to the man. I knew that flattery was an effective
and influential force.
`I'll
have a word with you in a moment, ` he said. Then he turned his attention to erasing
the blackboard in the classroom as the students walked out. One by one, they
exited the door, and the clamoring chatter quieted to a hushed still.
"You
are, of course, Michael Rogers," asked the law teacher.
"Why,
how do you know that?" I asked, perplexed.
"I
have had some dealings with your father. Now, tell me, do you desire to learn
about law?" came his question.
"Why
of course," I said, incredibly stunned. After all, I was enrolled in law
school. For what other purpose was there?
"Well,
let's give you a good lesson in swaying the jury to your side," Professor
Snyder said with a grand grin.
My
face lit up. This was grander than I could have dreamed. The intergalactic
lawyer of great renown would be taking me under his wing. "My testimony is
above impunity," he declared boldly. "And you, good sir, have zero
reputation."
To
be honest, I was crushed. It was a cruel verbal jab. I felt like a flea at the
feet of an itching king. I could not hide my feelings, and a frown came across
my face.
"Furthermore,
if we were to testify about the events occurring as we speak, the jury would
have to believe either your story or mine. For you see the room is absent of any
third party or neutral witnesses and there are no cameras or listening devices."
I
was too stupid and naive to see where this was going. Like a lamb before the butcher,
I stood silent.
"So,
when I go before the dean and tell them how rudely and disrespectfully you
talked to me, he will have no recourse but to expel you from school."
My
tongue protruded from my mouth like a thirsty dog. Surely this was some rude
jest.
"Good
day, sir," Professor Snyder said. Enjoy the rest of your life. Please tell
your father I said hello." I was dismissed. Subsequently, the threat was
enforced. I was indeed expelled from law school.
***
My
life was ruined, I was thrown out of law school, my lifetime dreams were
smashed, and all my hard work was down the drain. I did the next best thing.
That was to go out and get as drunk as I possibly could. I left that night with
no care for tomorrow. If the sun refused to shine, I would applaud the more
hours I could devote to getting hammered. There was only one difficulty I
encountered. Please do not laugh when I say I lacked the proper knowledge of
such activity. Not only had I never gotten drunk, but I had never even set foot
in a bar. It was something that I had no knowledge of, only hearsay
information.
I
wanted to drown my misery and avoid contact with anybody I was remotely
associated with. So, I called a driver service for a ride to the spaceport. I
understood that if I were caught intoxicated and driving, there were serious
repercussions. I wanted to avoid illegalities. I am a creature who likes to
live in the comfort of a box. There are parameters, and I walk inside them.
I
watched the scenery change as I traveled in my ride. My parents' suburban home
is quite an impressive structure. It is located on a local high spot with a
spectacular view of the surrounding area. As I left my residence, I saw the
lights scattered in the valley below at night. These bright points, like
faraway candles, came from various homes nearby. In the far-off distance, glowed
the dense collections of shining buildings. It was to that unknown I was
destined for, to Grand City, particularly the adjacent spaceport.
As
the hover limousine sailed through my local area, I saw the various abodes of
my neighbors, the homes of doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other
professionals, their identities known by reputation and whispering rumors. Each
building was large in size, complete with a spacious plot of grass. Much more
space than was really utilized. Slowly, as we descended to the bottom of the
mountain, the house sizes diminished. These abodes were much more practical in
size.
The
hover limousine then drove through a highway area. The scenery on either side
was quite aghast. A technical definition of these badlands would be the slums.
There, in crowded multi-unit apartments, dwelt the undesirable elements of
society. Or at least those perceived by the company I was accustomed to
keeping. These were those who worked in factories or similar low-skilled jobs.
Most of these professions were entirely performed by robots. The majority of
the hierarchy viewed the lower class as carbon-based automatons. Others in
these neighborhoods had no employment and subsisted on government subsidies. I
had never ventured into this domain. Rather, I had only passed through it,
fearfully observing the boarded-up buildings speckled about.
After
traveling through this decrepit neighborhood, we came to an industrial area.
Grand factories and giant warehouses were prominent in this domain. The
warehouses were, of course, staging areas for goods either leaving or coming to
the planet. From here, commerce would spread across hundreds of miles. The
manufacturing building still spewed obnoxious gases into the immediate
vicinity. Ironically, the poor community was downwind. Of course, these gas
contents were regulated to the level deemed safe for humanity. However, some
purport that massive amounts of toxins pollute the air, especially the ghetto.
If so, they are breaking the law. But exactly what is the law? Indeed, rules
and regulations are only good if enforced.
Once
again, the terrain transformed into a suburb of residences. Though identical to
the ones located close to my hometown, the prices of these were astronomical in
comparison, the reason being that these were on the edge of the spaceport area.
As such, the local commute was diminished, and even public transportation to
the city was available. Finally, we crossed into Grand City
itself. Here, tall buildings half a mile high towered in the air. Lights glowed
glistening. My hovercraft limousine took us on the cross-town express,
bypassing local traffic jams. My destination was not in Grand City.
Instead, we were heading through it into the spaceport. There, I would be
certain not to see a soul that had a clue as to who I was. I was anonymous
tonight. At least that was my plan.
Upon
reaching the spaceport, we reached a checkpoint. I was unaware that such things
existed. I was and still am somewhat naive about the way of life. It was my
understanding that such things were illegal. Looking through the tinted glass
of my windows, I observed two pig-faced creatures dressed in black. Upon their
chests were golden badges, most likely indicating membership in a galactic
police force. The two rifle weapons dangled on their shoulders were most
alarming to me. I was sure they were not for show.
I
grew very uneasy at this point as the seconds ticked away. The spaceport was
technically part of the greater galaxy. Therefore, according to the written
code of Earth, it was an area of joint domain. However, the reality of such
jurisdiction is truly a paper tiger. Any court cases that happen to arise would
be in the jurisdiction of the galaxy's government. And thus, the judge and jury
would be provided by the galaxy representatives. This is not a slight thing, but
changes the whole interpretation of the law.
The
pig creatures didn't like the paperwork presented and questioned my driver once
again about the purpose of my visit. "Come on," pleaded the driver,
"he's just a young man looking for some cervix."
When
the two guards heard this, they burst into snorting laughter and waved us
through the gate. It troubled me when the gate closed behind us. I was, in
fact, legally off the Earth.
Traveling
through the spaceport area was fascinating to the utmost degree. This area was
well thought out and planned. It was an architect's dream come true. It was
certain that no cost was spared. The roads were wide and spacious. In the
middle, there was a divider where tall trees grew. On either side of the roads
were walking areas. Between the sidewalks and the road were grassy areas with
various flowers in bloom. Cities on Earth were established long ago and updated
as technology progressed. The spaceport area was built up from scratch with
modern technology already developed. Thus, the designers had a significant
advantage over their Earthly counterparts. They took full advantage of it most
tremendously.
The
buildings were eclectic in design. Some were massive, towering structures whose
height could not be fathomed. Others were ornate with cleverly carved stone and
intricate metallic designs. Whatever the makeup, they combined efficiency with
beauty. My favorite was a many-tiered building the size of a football stadium.
It rose from top to bottom with a bulge in the midst of it. On the edge of each
level were various bushes and other flora. Beauty had not been sacrificed for
efficiency. Truly, just making the journey was worth the trip. It was as if I
had taken a journey into the future.
The
limousine pulled in front of someplace. The establishment was sixty feet in the
air, with a ledge used by hovercrafts to pick up or drop off patrons. As the
doorman opened the back door to the limousine, the driver called out,
"Buzz me when you want a pick-up." I gave him a wave and then exited
the vehicle. He zoomed off into the night. I didn't stop to wonder where.
I
walked to the large door. There stood a grand creature. He was gray and
immense, with muscles bulging out of his uniform. "I.D.," said a
small, squeaky voice. It was so out of character that I laughed out loud.
Realizing
it was such an inappropriate reaction, I quickly apologized. "Please
forgive me."
The
big creature laughed a hearty, squeaky laugh for a good minute. "Please,
sir," he said, continuing in a squeal. “Your gravity is so much lighter
than where I come from. Every time I speak, I sound like a sighing cat."
"Sure,"
I said, immensely relieved.
"But
sir," he interjected, "I must insist on seeing your ID."
I
reached into my wallet and pulled out my ID.
"Thank
you," said the bouncer, "you may proceed."
"But
you didn't even look at it," I objected.
"Law
stipulates that I must ask every entrant to present their ID. Failure to
present an ID makes entering illegal. Presenting one allows entrance."
"But
you don't even know if it's legitimate or that I am of legal age," I
objected. This regulation didn't seem proper.
"Please
don't tell me how to do my job, sir." With those words, he pulled forward
the massive door that was the entrance to my destination. As the portal opened,
a massive flood of music struck my ears. It was accompanied by a Babel of chatter. Also,
there was a sweet perfume odor that tantalized my nose. As I entered the
gargantuan, he spoke a final time, "Have a good time, HU-man." I walked in, and the door closed behind me.
The
scene wasn't what I expected. I didn't know exactly what I had anticipated, but
it was undoubtedly not this. What I saw was something from another world. I can
scarcely describe the diversity of life. The majority of the beings were
humanoid. These were not disturbing to me for the most part. There was one
creature that had six arms. Another that struck me was one indistinguishable
from a human except for a gigantic eye in the center of his forehead. There was
a plant that was an extreme oddity. A walking, lobster-like creature fascinated
me. I stood there gawking as my eyes examined alien after alien.
"HU-man,"
called out a voice. "Are you not aware that it is rude to stare?"
I
suddenly gathered my senses together. After all, I was in a bar and not a zoo.
I turned to see the speaker. Standing before me was a diminutive creature about
four feet tall. The being was very near to human in form. His skin was a
powdery white. His head had straight blue hair with two antennas sticking
upwards. "I am sorry."
"There
is no need to apologize, HU-man," said the creature. "We are well
aware that you are from a primitive society and lack the social skills needed
to navigate in a galactic setting."
I
was perturbed at this statement.
"Do
my observations disturb you, HU-man?"
"No,"
I said.
"You
are, of course, lying to me, HU-man," said the small alien in a
matter-of-fact way. I would have gotten angry, but the creature was right. He
had greatly offended me in his analysis of my behavior, mostly because I was
ostensibly rude.
"Ah,
so you are silent HU-man," the creature continued. "But allow me to
introduce myself to you. My name is Gregax, and I come from the planet Xertoal.
I know that you are an ignorant creature and have no clue as to where I come
from or what my people are like. Is that not true?"
The
experience was truly out of this world. "Yes," I admitted, "I
have never left Earth."
"Well,
I, Gregax, am delighted, HU-man, that you have ceased your lying ways. All of
us from Xertoal can determine when a sentient being is not speaking the
truth." The creature then paused and started to laugh bizarrely.
"Nark, nark, nark," came a subdued chuckle.
"My
name is Michael," I said.
"Ah,"
said Gregax, "MI-chael. It is very glad of me to meet you."
"Thank
you, Gregax, it is nice to meet you as well."
"Is
this your first time here?" inquired the alien.
"Yes,
it is," I said.
"Well,
please allow me to introduce you to some of the regulars," Gregax
volunteered. "This is our home away from home."
"Why,
that is most kind of you," I said.
"And
what kind of LAW-yer are you?" asked the dwarf.
I
was tempted to lie, but I knew I would be caught and that it would offend my
new friend. So, I decided to use strategy. "What makes you think I am a
lawyer?" I asked.
"Hmm,"
said Gregax. "I assume that anyone coming in here has the profession of a LAW-yer,
as this establishment is primarily dedicated to those who pursue such a
profession. You are not a lawyer, then?"
"I
didn't say that, did I?" I was starting to enjoy the conversation and feel
at ease.
"Hmm,"
the alien hummed. "You talk very much like a LAW-yer, don't you? I could
suppose you were a judge, but you are far too young for that. Are you then a
law student?"
"As
a matter of fact, today was my first day in law school," I confessed.
"Well,
then, excellent," Gregax said with delight. “Shall we not get ourselves a
drink and enjoy some conversation?"
Gregax
tugged at my sleeve, and we walked from the entrance towards a larger area. On
one side, there was a bar with stools. These tall chairs were occupied by an
assortment of creatures. On the other side of the bar was a large, continuous
mirror. Bottles full of liquids of various shades filled shelves in front of
the mirror. There was a large room full of tables and chairs. Groups of people
occupied the area. It was very crowded, yet there was room to maneuver about. I
did my best not to gawk and stare at the various aliens. Bizarre, unearthly
music was played through speakers, creating a backdrop to the noise of
conversation.
Gregax
led me towards the back of the room. We skillfully navigated the floor,
avoiding others. I began to speculate on how I wound up in a bar frequented by
lawyers. It was my dad who recommended the limousine company to me. I knew that
the driver didn't let me out here by coincidence; the odds against that were
too overwhelming. It was my father's doing. But what had he hoped to
accomplish?
Gregax
arrived at a table and motioned for me to take a seat. There were two beings
already sitting at the table. One was green and reptilian-like. If indeed she
was, she had two heads. In one of the mouths dangled a cigarette attached to a
long black holder. The creature inhaled and rudely blew the blue smoke into my
face. I started to gag. "This is MI-chael," said Gregax, introducing
me.
"Charmed,"
said the alien, extending a thin hand covered with a silky blue glove. "My
name is Beetrius, but you may call me B."
"Nice to meet you," I said. Gregax
raised an eyebrow as he looked at me. I had fibbed again.
"And
this," said Gregax to a creature that looked identical to a chimpanzee
except larger, "is Luis."
The
primate being said, "I am utterly delighted to make your acquaintance, MI-chael.
On behalf of this chapter of galactic lawyers, allow me the good pleasure to
welcome you to our most humble abode."
"Why,
thanks," I said, beginning to feel comfortable.
"Now
tell us exactly why you are here, MI-chael," said Gregax. I noticed that
when he asked the question, the other two at the table leaned forward to listen
intently. I was beginning to feel a setup going on. Perhaps good old Dad was
using his political influence here.
"Well,"
I said slowly and deliberately, “I am looking to have a good time."
"For
what purpose?" Gregax queried.
"Gregax,"
I began, trying to divert the river of questioning to a different channel. “Is
it possible for you to lie?"
"Ah,
how perceptive," said the alien, "I would like to say yes, but I must
say no."
"And
so," I began triumphantly, "have you any foreknowledge of me coming
to this establishment?"
"WAITRESS,"
cried Gregax, "waitress, we need some drinks here!"
"Now
MI-chael," began the talking Chimp, "As duly elected and dutifully
sworn in grand marshal of this chapter of galactic lawyers, I would like to
extend to you membership in our organization."
"Really?"
I was quite shocked. I almost fell off my chair.
"Let
me assure you," said one of B's heads, "we are most serious in our
offer."
The
other head continued, "I have to admire a HU-man who does not stare at me.
You are truly a credit to your species."
"Thanks,"
I said, "I guess."
Meanwhile,
the waitress came over. She was a golden-skinned woman with flowing red hair
and a black uniform. "Can I get you anything?"
Gregax
spoke up, "Yes, I will have my usual, and for the HU-man, I believe he
would like a traitrhax, straight up."
"Are
you certain?" asked the servant with hesitation.
Gregax
raised his voice, "We have given you, our orders; now your duty is to
perform them." Obediently, the waitress turned around and left the table.
"What
did you order for me?" I asked with curious concern.
"Ah,"
said Gregax, "it is a most wonderful mixture which will lighten your
spirit and put you at ease."
"I
was just hoping for a beer or perhaps a glass of wine," I said.
"Beer
or wine?" Luis said with contempt. "Why is it that you HU-mans insist
on drinking the residue of rotted vegetables? I am confident that your
traitrhax will make you feel finer, with no lingering after effects, such as a
hangover."
One
of B's heads turned towards me and said, "Now, MI-chael, we have a
business proposal for you."
"But
you don't even know me," I objected.
"That
is not true," Gregax chimed in. “Your father is one of the HU-mans with
whom we prefer to have business dealings."
Again,
a reference to my dad: Would I ever be able to walk away from his shadow? It
was very logical that he would be known in these parts. The spaceport fell into
the territory for which he was a state representative. I was beginning to feel
like the whole evening was a setup. I would have to simply ride the waves until
I knew exactly where at sea I was.
"Now,
MI-chael," began the large chimpanzee alien. "We are an organization
that is a firm believer in honor. Law is but the articulation of honor. It is
just detailed written terms expounding on social agreements and
contracts."
"It
explains the rules of life," B added.
"Ah,
Miss B," Luis countered. "Please give this young HU-man some credit.
After all, he is very well educated at their university."
The
two-headed creatures' both heads spoke simultaneously, "The same
intelligent HU-mans who negotiated the terms of this spaceport." As soon
as the words were uttered, a burst of laughter rang out from my three
associates. I felt outside an inside joke.
"Well, regardless of the primitive nature
of their society and their ignorance in their affairs, we cannot condemn an
entire race on the actions of a select few, can we?"
Luis asked.
"I
would," stated Gregax, "These creatures are very materialistic, you
see how their laws are focused around material possessions."
I
gave a wry smile. Gregax was referring to the statement that possession was
nine-tenths of the law. The correct interpretation of this was that ninety
percent of the laws on the books were related to possessions. All other areas
constituted the other ten percent. Still, I wanted to defend humanity.
"Why do we have a whole history of leaders who have risen up against
materialism?" I cried out in defense of mankind.
"Yes,"
that is true said Luis softly, "and you have had them murdered long before
their time, didn't you?"
The
waitress returned with our drinks. I was delighted for the distraction. The
golden-skinned woman placed a drink in front of me. It was a tall glass with
red liquid that had a frothy head. Bubbles rose up in the drink, much like a
soda. A small glass with a clear liquid was placed on the table of Gregax. I
grabbed my drink and raised it high. "Let's have a toast," I called
out, "to better times."
All
the aliens smiled and then, in unison, repeated my call, "To better
times," they said. We then put forward the glasses and clinked them
together. Afterwards, we all took a small sip from our respective beverages. My
drink tasted very sweet with a hint of bitterness. It went down smoothly, but
then my stomach began to burn. I felt a strong urge to vomit and put my hand
over my mouth.
"Ah,"
said Gregax in a snicker, "I see the traitrhax is very potent."
"Now,
we are so delighted to have you working with us," said B.
"What
do you mean?" I cried in objection. "I never made any
agreement."
"Allow
me to present the facts," Luis began. "We were discussing the notion
of employment, were we not?"
"Yes,"
I said.
"Well,
after said discussion, you made a toast to, and I quote, 'to better days', did
you not?"
"Yes,"
I declared, "but I didn't mean-"
"What
you meant would be interpreted by those who were witnesses," threw in B's
first head.
"I
for one assumed that it was in regard to that," said the second head,
blowing out a puff of smoke.
"What
say ye, Gregax?" asked Luis.
"Allow
me to say this: Luis and Beetrius would account for sixty percent of our group.
Therefore, with the majority being decided, any interpretation on my behalf is
inconsequential."
My
mind started fluttering in disbelief. What I mean by this is that I was
experiencing some effects from my beverage. I was grateful that I only took a
small sip from the glass. "B, b, but," I began.
"Ah,
this matter has already been decided," said Luis.
"Well,
you got shortchanged," I said boldly, "because I am not even a
lawyer."
"Ah,"
said B, "we find blatant honesty from a HU-man most refreshing."
The
second head asked, "We have done extensive studies on your planet's legal
history, you know?"
"True,"
said Luis, "how your own people interpret their own laws has a great
effect on how the galactic law is administered unto them."
"And,"
chimed in Gregax, with a broad smile, "we consider treaties, the
relationship between two countries or groups of people, the most binding of
contracts."
My
mind went over the history of Earth. I knew collectively we as a race were in
grave trouble. Every treaty mankind made was broken, most of them fragrantly.
Our despicable history would come to haunt us. I sat as my mind felt like it
was rising in an elevator with no upper limit.
"I
understand you want to know how you know the law?" asked Gregax.
"Did
my dad tell you that?" My words were slurred together. I pointed at the
dwarf alien with my finger. My finger seemed to grow. I sat stunned, focusing
on my protruding finger. I felt like Pinocchio, except it wasn't my nose
growing.
"Yes,"
said Gregax, "he did. And might I say we admire that question."
"Really!?!"
I was stunned.
"Truly,
your laws are laws of convenience," said Luis as if he were about to give
a dissertation. It struck me extremely funny that a talking chimpanzee would
educate me in law.
I
began to scratch under my arms and cry "eee, eee, eee", mimicking
chimpanzees on Earth.
"Law
is very complex," said B, ignoring my antics. "The society that I
came from has strived for clarity. That is, we felt that if ambiguity were
dismissed, then there would be no contention or feelings of prejudice when
verdicts were decided."
The
second head of Beetrius spoke, "Your laws, however, are nothing but
ambiguous. For example, in sentencing, your judges are given leeway in terms of
jail time. Also, sometimes parole is a possibility to further reduce or extend
the prison sentences."
"But
that's to have the punishment fit the crime and to help rehabilitation," I
called out.
Both
the heads of B laughed in a snicker. "Really dear MI-chael," sneered
one of the heads. "We have made statistical studies incorporating all
factors. Your sentencing is biased both by racial orientation and economic
status. Basically, if you are part of the establishment, you can commit murder
and get away with it."
"That's
a lie," I shouted.
"Really?"
said Luis. "And what happens to your prohibitory laws against murder when
'war' is declared? Why then mass murder is conducted, in violation of
appropriate treaties and bypassing local jurisdiction."
I
sat silent. Mankind's future was being thwarted, reaping the bitter fruits of
its hypocritical sowing of wickedness. "But that's different," I
objected.
Gregax
looked at me. "I know you don't believe that yourself, MI-chael."
I
sat silently in reflective quietness. It is hard to argue with a person who
knows when you are lying. The drink was now mellowing me out. I reached out and
took a second sip. I focused on why I had ventured out in the first place. It
was, in fact, to drown away my sorrows. I had indeed found a great distraction.
"In
my society," Gregax commented, "our law system is based on honor. We
look at the intent of what an individual was trying to do. We only use judges
in the most extreme of circumstances. Rather, we have parties with contention
work things out between them. That way, any bitterness or loss of brotherhood
is avoided."
I
sat there stunned as I reflected on the law system of Earth. Truly, if I were
called as a witness, my testimony would hold no weight. Subdued, I asked,
"What do you want me to do?"
"We
like you, MI-chael," said Luis.
"Yes,
even though you are a HU-man," B added.
"Allow
us to explain your law system," said Gregax. "Your law system is
ambiguous. Your system of jury is subject to extreme manipulation in selection.
Judges are corrupt. The statutes that you apply are very subjective. It is, in
fact, an exercise in ignorance."
"And
most unjust," Luis added.
"Now,
as decent and fair creatures of a greater galactic coalition, we are going to
rectify the situation. As such, we need somebody to interpret humanity to us.
You are as good a choice as anybody else." Those words spoken by Gregax
made sense to me.
"Come
now," said Luis. "We are fair creatures. We leave the final decision
to you. Our jesting over the toast was an extreme and unfair ruling we would
never abide by. Only a corrupt society such as Earth would conduct itself in
such a manner."
I
reached out to my drink. The bitterness in my stomach had fled. I was flying
high. I had made new friends and apparently found a job, if I wanted. I
wouldn't be a lawyer, but rather work with alien lawyers to understand our
culture. The possibilities seemed endless. Most of all, I had received the
answer to my question. How does one know the law? Yes, there are rules written
on a piece of paper. Society is supposed to adhere to them. But often they are
dismissed. Many times, they are convoluted and contradictory. Things are made
up as they go along. It is just that the commoner is ignorant of the ignorance.
I know it was true of me and is still true in many ways. I had much to learn,
but the journey had begun in earnest.
From Chaos To Cosmos
Words For The Future
