JUSTICE REBORN (A Charlie Taylor Novel Book 1)

by Ivan Bering

  This could be a creepy meeting. Hope I’m not asked to report.

  The Judge is in control. He doesn’t waste any time with small talk. “I called this special meeting and requested other senior personnel attend because we have important issues to deal with this morning. First, I want to address the problem we encountered at the last meeting and will ask Dr. Kate to report on the situation. Kate, please proceed. And, for reasons which will become obvious I am declaring a Condition Confidential for this meeting.”

  “Thanks Judge, during the White Rock Prison project we encountered some cases of multiple memory pockets for the same event. The concern was: possibly the brain was not capturing the event as it occurred but was interpreting events and logging any number of different versions. Another theory was: when individuals relived or remembered the event, they unconsciously modified their memory. If either theory were correct, it would destroy the base of our reformed justice system.

  We have finished our analysis of all the White Rock data and confirmed for some events, or points in a person’s history, multiple copies of memory streams do exist. Comparisons were conducted to determine if the copies were duplicates or different versions of the same event. Fortunately, we discovered existing software to do the bulk of the comparisons but for a couple of brutal crimes we also conducted a manual frame by frame comparison. After an extensive review, I am pleased to announce that the multiples are true duplicates. By this I mean the sequence of events, the individuals, the action, in other words everything of significance, are the same in all the memory streams.

  The differences are entirely irrelevant; the differences are inconsequential, minor variations such as a switch to a black and white stream, some unusually lighting or shading or images morphed into sepia monochrome. We have no idea why this is happening or why there are duplicates. All questions for the future. More food for the next research project. Bottom line: S3 interrogation is a valid test of guilt or innocence.”

  I look at the Judge; he’s trying to suppress a smile. I’m sure she briefed him before the meeting, but with this announcement it is understandable he is having trouble with his composure. I wondered if he and Kate ever did get it on; there certainly seems to be something special between them, but then maybe I’m sex-deprived or beer-deprived or both, a case of faulty judgment.

  The Judge interrupts. “Kate since many people in the room aren’t scientists may be you could provide a short explanation of how the duplicates impacted the 45 minute limit of the memory scanning.”

  “Yes, I was about to get to the second problem. The duplicates were causing Sector 13 to exceed the 45 minute limit for a number of the convicts. In the problem cases, after a probe was repositioned a copy might appear on the monitors. The screen was displaying an event that Watchers had already viewed; both the Watchers and the Scanners were confused.

  The Scanners scrambled to make adjustments because they thought the scanning mechanisms had malfunctioned and the Watchers were confused, thinking they had provided the wrong instruction to the technician. It might not sound like much but when many of these duplicate packets were encountered it quickly added up. And 15 to 20 extra minutes are too much, particularly for a difficult search.

  These duplicate packets surface during the final stages of Dr. Armstrong’s pioneer work but were deemed an operator error or equipment limits. The solution: software to analyze each memory stream before it displayed. If any packet proved to be the same as a previous flow, it was discarded.

  When Sector 13 started at White Rock Prison, a redesigned scanner, which used a computer to control the movement and position of the probe, went into operation. Since operator error was eliminated, the software filter was not installed on the new scanners. And, of course, the duplicates started to reappear and cause all the confusion for Sector 13.

  Emma has been able to install the filtering software into the redesigned scanner. This means we will be using the software, which over the years has been maintained and upgraded, to stop the duplicates from appearing. We’ll still dump these memory pockets to archives in case there are ever any future challenges; however, I’m extremely pleased to say: Fort Green death row can be scheduled for interrogation.”

  A standing ovation from the crowd, except for those of us who were never aware of the problem existed. The Judge is in a hurry and pushing.

  “Thanks Kate, excellent and you know what a relief all this is for us. I’m going to ask the rest of you to hold any questions until the end of the meeting. We have to move on. I apologize for this abrupt shift. More drama is not what we need but there is no alternative. We have a situation which has the potential to explode on us. To repeat, this issue has the potential to severely shake the system.

  I will start this explanation, and Doug can finish as required. About a week ago, Dr. Grovernor, CEO of Allied Scientific, requested a meeting. I know Dr. Grovernor from various charities and similar event, but we are not friends. Given all our problems I was not anxious for a meeting, with no particular purpose; however, considering his position in the community, I decided to honor his request.

  A furious Dr. Grovernor demanded immediate action. The reason for his anger: his 15-year-old daughter’s relationship with a man. Grovernor claims the seduction occurred when she was 14 years old, and, therefore, is statutory rape. His high profile family will ensure this will dominate the news for weeks.

  He continued and the accusation exploded. The reason: Dr. Max Armstrong is the accused rapist, our Nobel Peace Prize winner, designer of the various interrogation drugs and protocols we are currently using.”

  There is shuffling and a variety of sounds coming from around the room, as people try to absorb the accusation. Jacob is the first to speak. “Judge, we can see this will be a bit of a nightmare, but we should acknowledge celebrities are always getting into trouble and within a few months the press is going after someone else. I don’t understand why this is an agenda item for an emergency meeting.

  Surely this will blow up and then die down and as long as Dr. Max expresses his regret and behaves, it should be out of the public mind rather quickly. The good Dr. Max already has a reputation of chasing many skirts at the same time.”

  The Judge looked over at Doug Brewster, head of the Legal Division, and Doug started. “Yes, I concur with your analysis; however, as we researched all the parties and their backgrounds, details surfaced which make this significantly more complicated.

  First, when Dr. Max was in Grade XII, and legally an adult, he connected with a 14-year-old girl, and they had sex on a regular basis. The girl didn’t complain, but her parents laid the charge. The presiding judge was very sympathetic. Max already had his university scholarship, without a doubt the best student in the district. The girl was very mature, in every sense, and was very much on Max’s side. The future Ph.D. got off with community service and a stern warning.

  Throughout his university career Max chased, and caught many girls. One summer when he was finishing up his Ph.D. thesis, he earned extra money by working for one the chemistry profs. The job included mostly lab work and that’s where Max was when the tour group arrived.

  The touring crop consisted of numerous graduated grade 12 students; the intent was to provide early orientation about life on the campus, the location of the parking lots, the use of various buildings, and all the rest. Love or lust discovered one tall blond prospective student and Max. And soon they were engaged in many sexual romps.

  It appears Max is unlucky in love. Although mature and sexy, the tall blond had never seen the inside of a grade 12 classroom. This girl, only a grade nine student, had been allowed to tag along with her sister. When Max found out, he backed away as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the young teenager loved and missed Max, the result a teary confession to her mother.

  A different judge heard this case. Fortunately, a man was known to be tolerant and lenient. Max already won almost every academic prize the university offered and apparently slated for a brill
iant career. The girl’s family admitted they allowed her to masquerade as a grade 12 graduate, and, again, the girl pleaded for Max and stressed her part in the romp. The legal system exercised its wisdom and Max returned to community service for statuary rape.”

  Most people in the room were beginning to understand where this was going and why a Condition Confidential had been declared at the beginning of the meeting.

  “Under our existing legislation you all know about the escalating punishment for repeat offenders, in particular, those dealing with sex and minors. All previous convictions, regardless of the penalty imposed and regardless of when they occurred, are counted. This means Dr. Max is a classified as a repeat offender of sex crimes with a minor. And, if found guilty of the statuary rape of the Grovernor girl, this will be his third conviction.

  He is not a routine repeat offender. Sex with minor means one less chance to rehabilitate. The death sentence is mandatory for the third offense. This is the reason Dr. Max was excluded from Kate’s research on the duplicates.”

  The entire room is in shock, too much to absorb, the implications profound. I’m aware of Dr. Max’s reputation with women but this one is hard to believe. My mind is spinning and I think: we are looking at the possibility of the death sentence for a Nobel Peace Prize winner, an international celebrity.

  Jesus Christ.

  CHAPTER 24: Dr. Grovernor

  A solitary figure slouched in a webbed lounge chair next to the pool.

  The sun, high and bright, created a glaring shimmer on the pool surface and heated the concrete surroundings. The remnants of breakfast lingered on the table. He was a heavy-set man, between 50 and 60 years old, dark stubble on his face, his hair disheveled; he was under the shade of the large beach type umbrella, oblivious to his surroundings.

  Weeks ago, his CFO announced the bad news. Dr. Vince Grovernor reviewed the numbers, again and again; nothing changed and no matter how he tried to twist and turn, the conclusion survived, the financial picture grim. A competitor drastically reduced production costs and flooded the market with comparable products at almost half the price. Grovernor’s sales volume plunged, and only loyal customers continued with his company, the results reflected in a disastrously small revenue stream.

  A few years ago when the trade journals first reported his chief competitor hired two top flight chemical engineers, he guessed they would tackle the production costs. At that time, Max was no longer with the company, but Grovernor turned to him. A four-year absence from the production process didn’t trump ego, and Max dove in with a multitude of suggestions. But, he refused to leave the University; he said, he was on to something new which Grovernor translated as: on to someone new.

  However, Max did spend time with the company’s scientists and technicians. Never shy to demonstrate his superior intelligence and obvious talent, he presented many ideas and alternative solutions. He provided his best arm’s length analysis.

  For a time Grovernor’s staff made progress, small but steady cost reductions. Unfortunately, his senior chemist died from a heart attack, and the rest of the crew floundered without strong technical leadership. The cost reduction program stumbled and flat lined.

  Again, Grovernor turned to Max, pleading for him to leave the University for two years so they could solve the problem and get into a revised production cycle. Max refused; his new research was too exciting, and he feared losing his advantage. It was at the University where Max’s career had skyrocketed and where he knew future glory resided. Grovernor literally begged.

  An unyielding Max couldn’t understand: Grovernor was a multimillionaire. Why not just walk away and sail around the world? Grovernor didn’t try and explain. Money was not the issue; he didn’t like to lose; damn it he was a competitor, and Max should have known.

  After the financial situation had become desperate, he told Max not to come around, the scientist no longer welcome at the house or any of their functions. All open invitations were canceled. Max, living in his own world, found this hard to believe and showed up at some parties where a brusque escort showed him the door. For some reason he still wanted to be part of the family and didn’t seem to be offended if a security guard lead him out through the front door.

  Grovernor’s daughter compounded his stress. He was not naïve and was not fooled by his daughter; in fact they were very close. Building a company from the ground level, organizing a group of sensitive academic young scientists, which had included Max, meant his time had always been a precious resource. But, Grovernor ensured he made time for his daughter and enjoyed her transition from toddler to beautiful teenager.

  Her academic record became a source of pride, and he was pleased to hear the drama club chose her to play the lead in the wind-up production later in the spring. She surprised everyone with this acting gift; the drama director labeled her a ‘natural’. Grovernor thought this would not be a wise career choice and already planned how he could curtail any moves in that direction.

  Today, he was second guessing himself. He had known about her attraction to Max. Damn it, the infatuation started early, at times embarrassing. If she knew he was coming, you could sense her excitement, and within minutes she would be up the stairs to find a better outfit to wear. She always attempted to sit next to him or at least be close. Grovernor knew Max understood the attraction; her interest was evident to all and Max didn’t need much to pick up the scent; the bastard was the master.

  Although Grovernor and his wife discussed the issue, he refused to intervene and decided to treat it as a school girl infatuation which would dissipate with time. The unspoken reason was: in those start-up years he needed Dr. Max and didn’t want to irritate him. Surprisingly, Max had developed a sensitive about his relationships with teenage girls, too much innuendo spilling onto his workbench.

  Grovernor spoke to his daughter many times and even told her about Max’s reputation. Hell, the revelation seemed to intensify her interest and make him more desirable. His wife tried to reason with Sally, but that was even a bigger failure.

  The situation, as his wife liked to call it, presented itself when they were forced to return early from a European trip. Within minutes of walking into the backyard he knew something had happened.

  The birthday party concluded a few days ago; everything should have been smiles and laughs. Instead, he found his daughter alone, no friends at the pool, furniture strewn around or broken. Sally upset. Damn it where did she get that swimsuit, might as well be naked. After he spied the empty bottle of Champagne and recognized the quality, he guessed the source. They started to talk, a brutally frank discussion. He would not let this slide. Grovernor resolved to put an end to the situation.

  That son of a bitch would not stop; once he focused on a girl, it appeared only a bullet would stop him.

  # # #

  Back at the Judge’s office, Ann and the Judge had a rare coffee break together.

  “Stephen, sometimes I can’t believe where we’ve arrived and how fast we got here. Do you think the pendulum will ever swing back?”

  Ann and the Judge had evolved into an indomitable team, each crisis another challenge to be resolved. She knew more about the nuances of his moods than he realized and understood the pending mass executions and the body counts would cost him many a sleepless night. He was guarded in his reply but did not adopt the didactic style he often used with the legal staff.

  “Abrogation may occur in the future, but I fear that the sun will roast the entire planet before that happens.”

  “It appears as if there is no mercy left in the system.”

  “We do provide for a first-time offense: a generous opportunity for the individual to prove this was one mistake which will not be repeated. But, as you know, the penalties escalate, and any incident which involves a serious injury or death is covered under the repeat offenders’ legislation. This law gives you three chances but on the fourth event it is unlikely you will avoid death by lethal injection. No excuse is accepted. Whether i
t is a motor vehicle accident or a bar fight, it is immaterial. You have exhibited a violent pattern of behavior.”

  While the Judge gathered his thoughts, Ann remembered the first time a woman was sentenced to death because her drunken driving killed a pedestrian. At first the public reacted, but after her record was published, sympathy disappeared and the prevailing mindset quickly accepted the sentence.

  “This extreme approach is balanced with the emphasis on rehabilitation, and we have invested a great deal of money into Farms and appropriate staff. The Farms have been a success, to the surprise of many of us.

  The Farms, at first glance, appear to be summer resort camps, but they operate like a six week Marine camp, emphasizing physical conditioning, proper diet, and an extensive outdoor work program. Also, they identify social skills which requiring upgrading: for example, someone who is illiterate is put into a reading program. The Farms can’t deal with all the issues in six weeks but do identify the major problems, and they provide the outside contacts for follow up.

  This emphasis on rehabilitation continues even for the second and third-time offender. The motivation to succeed is driven by the knowledge that the penalty for a rehabilitation failure is severe. When restoration fails, we basically have concluded it is best to remove the individual from society. What makes our situation unique is: there is no longer any doubt about guilt or innocence. Once established the rules are firm and clear.”

  “Does this make your job easier?”

  “In some ways but there is still an element of judgment and discretion. For major crimes and repeat offenders, my job is to review the offense, assess Legal’s recommendation and make a decision which will reflect society’s demands. I’m the final authority for our Sector.