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Isavet’s trial is coming along swimmingly. Her parents try to fight for her,
but the state adherent, Jericho Hagen is relentless. He argues that Isavet
grew up in a simulated environment, where she was raised to believe that
death was a matter of fact, and not a temporary setback. In fact, as she was
born in there, she was never one of these transhumanists they talk about.
Since she never consented to having her mind made immortal, she will die one
day too. Since Isavet thought that destroying Mayumi and Talus the
Elder’s bodies would result in permanent death, they categorize the crime as
attempted murder. It’s all about intent; not outcome. The only question now
is what to do with her, and this is where the delicate dance comes to a
satisfying conclusion.
Isavet spent years formulating this plan. She knew what she wanted; she just
didn’t always know how to achieve it. The way she has been acting is
carefully designed to set her on the right path. They want her to be sad and
remorseful, but she can’t do that. When she was with Caleb, she would
periodically ask him questions about the justice system. She knows what
happens if she asks to repent. They won’t send her where she needs to go. So
she leans into the horror. She talks about how much she enjoyed it, and she
warns the court that, if released, she will find a way to kill her victims
permanently. She pretends that she didn’t know they would come back.
The two of them look terrified of her, even though they’re safe in their
magical god bodies. It wasn’t entirely necessary for them to feel that way,
but it’s a nice bonus. She does blame them at least partially for everything
that happened to her family. According to Caleb’s teachings, there are two
major lifestyles that sprung out of the medical advancements that created
virtual immortality. Some people embrace it. Like him, they go on adventures
just for the thrill of it. They want it to hurt. They want it to be scary.
They want to feel alive. Isavet has respect for such people. They’re more
like her, even though death is just as impermanent as it is for the second
group. Others, like Mayumi and Talus the Elder, try to live safely. They
focus on the abundance of life-giving resources, which the true Norsemen
didn’t have. They don’t let themselves die, or even be scared. Their goal is
continuity. Isavet doesn’t disrespect these people completely. She knows
it’s a valid choice. But these two took it too far, and innocent people got
hurt.
Caleb is actually here, having taken a sabbatical from his Viking life to
support Isavet, and even argue on her behalf. Everyone argued on her
behalf. Even Mayumi and Talus the Elder seemed sympathetic. But Caleb’s
testimony was interesting, because he spoke more about her strength and
spirit than about her kind heart. Her family said that he was hurting her
case, but what they didn’t know is that he helped her more than anyone.
“Thank you, Caleb,” she tells him. “You are a good friend, and a great
leader.” She steps over to face Vith. “Thank you, big brother. You are a
strong fighter. But you’re more independent than you would like to admit.
Stay in touch with the family, but you should find your own way. Perhaps
leave this planet.” She steps over. “Take care of yourself kid.” She rubs
Leif’s hair, mussing it up. “Don’t let anyone tell you who you are. Advocate
for yourself and what you want to do with your life.” She steps over and
sighs at her crying mother. “Mother. I’m sorry you lost two of your
children. One day, you will have your revenge. I promise.”
“I don’t want revenge,” Gia argues.
“You will have it anyway.” Isavet steps over. “Thank you for everything you
taught me, Father.”
Ronan opens his mouth, but can’t seem to bring himself to speak. That’s
okay. He has already said everything he must. He will get his revenge on
Isavet too, whether he wants it or not. She broke up the family just as much
as Talus the Younger did, and she will pay for that. When she’s done.
Isavet turns around and walks back to the big chair in the center of the
room. She stands in front of it calmly, and faces the adjudicator, flanked
by the two arbitration panels. She was tried as an adult, so she got the
full complement, unlike her brother before. She waits patiently for the
adjudicator to go through the whole legal spiel.
Finally, it’s time for the sentencing. “For two counts of attempted
murder, Isavet Truett, you are hereby sentenced to indefinite virtual
quarantine, to be carried out on the Core World of Varkas Reflex.”
Isavet smiles. Her plan worked.
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