by Michael Bray
“Mr Barl.” He began, his voice sharp and crisp and reaching every corner of the large courtroom. “Please tell the court what you do for a living.”
“I’m a zoologist and microbiologist.” He stammered, pulling at his collar.
“And could you tell the court what you have been doing for the last year?”
“I have been working with Sir Longborough and his team with regards to the parasite known as Longboroughvampirosis.”
“And for the court, please explain what Longboroughvampirosis is.”
“It’s a very aggressive parasite. It has only recently been discovered, but we think it has been active on earth since the early Jurassic period.”
“And how might somebody contract this parasite?”
“Well, it starts microscopic, and is very resilient. We have so far found it present in undercooked meats and water, so contracting it would have been easy.”
“You say would have been!” Winthorpe said, leading the questioning. “Why isn’t it now?”
“Well, general sanitation and hygiene awareness makes infection rare, but I think in Mr Greer’s time, Longboroughvampirosis would be fairly common.”
“And in your examination of this parasite, what were your findings, of its nature specifically?”
“Well.” Barl said, unable to hide his excitement. “It’s unlike anything we have ever seen before. It’s aggressive, and territorial, and resistant to every other virus or disease we have tried to combat it with.”
“I see.”
Winthorpe walked to the jury.
“Aggressive and territorial.” He turned back towards Barl. “Are these traits that would transfer from parasite to its chosen host?”
“Yes.”
“Could you tell the court a little of the process of infection?”
“Upon ingestion, the parasite would enter the bloodstream, and make its way to a position underneath the heart. From there it would begin to feed.”
“And what would it feed on Mr Barl?”
“Blood.”
“And then what happens?”
“The parasite grows, and connects to the central nervous system of its host. It then separates, and a secondary parasite attaches itself to the base of the brain, effectively taking control of the host.”
“I see.” Bernard said, watching the jury with sincerity. “And what traits would this parasite bestow on its chosen host?”
“Well, it’s actually quite remarkable. The host and its immune system don’t detect the parasite; it somehow remains invisible, mimicking red blood cells until it grows large enough to complete its bond. Once it is attached, the host will begin to change. The ageing process stops completely, and their immune system is boosted by three thousand per cent. Essentially the parasite grants its host immortality and immunity from infection.”
“I see. And what else?”
“Well, along with the immunity, the host gains great physical strength and speed, a direct consequence of the parasite’s attachment to the central nervous system.”
Winthorpe nodded, and turned to the jury.
“So, if I understand you correctly, this parasite is actually beneficial to the chosen host?”
“Actually, no.” Barl said. Winthorpe knew this of course, but acted surprised for the benefit of the panel of jurors.
“Oh? Please, do explain.”
“Well, the parasite has inherent traits burned into its DNA which have allowed it to survive for millions of years.”
“And could you tell the court what those traits are, Mr Barl?”
“Well, Longboroughvampirosis is a very aggressive parasite, and this is passed onto the host. Also, its desire to feed is never ending. It is always looking for sustenance.”
“And what would one feed such a parasite, Mr Barl?”
“The parasite feeds on blood.”
“So presumably, one could feed it animal blood in order to sustain its desire?”
“No.”
“Mr Barl, for the benefit of the court, could you clarify the kind of blood that this incredibly potent and aggressive parasite requires to sustain its existence?
“Human blood.”
A murmur rose in the court, which Winthorpe left to peter out naturally. Greer watched, and had to hand it to the lawyer. He was every bit as good as the newspapers and television had said.
“Human blood.” He said as the courtroom fell into silence. “ So, just to clarify that I understand you correctly Mr Barl, you are saying that this parasite, once attached to the host renders it immune to age, immune to disease, but also incredibly aggressive, violent and with a lust and need for constant sustenance of human blood?”
“Yes.”
Bernard was watching the jury now, and they were looking back, captivated by his charisma.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Edwyn Greer is such a host. These traits, these qualities passed down from the Longboroughvampirosis live within Edwyn Greer, and despite Mr Greer’s plea to question if he is victim or protagonist, remember the facts. Edwyn Greer is a monster, Edwyn Greer is a mass murderer on an almost unfathomable scale, and Edwyn Greer is guilty.”
He looked at Greer, then to the jury.
“Ladies and gentleman, Edwyn Greer deserves to pay for his crimes.”
Winthorpe looked to the Judge.
“No further questions.” He said, as he returned to his seat.
“Your witness Mr Greer.” Judge Jeffries said.
Greer stood and approached Barl, composing his thoughts.
“Mr Barl, you say the parasite which bonded with me is highly aggressive.”
“Yes.”
“Would it compare to any other known parasitic or viral infection?”
“I’m sorry; I don’t understand what you are asking me.”
“I mean, its potency or aggression. Does it compare to cancer or Ebola for instance?”
“Oh, this is much more aggressive. The Longboroughvampirosis is a highly intelligent organism. It’s part virus, part parasite. Not only does it bond to the host, but it assumes full control. It’s quite unlike anything that has ever been seen before.”
“So assuming this parasite is contracted, could the host do anything to stop the bond? For example by seeking medical attention?”
“Yes, but you would have to know you had it, and because there are no initial symptoms, that in itself is difficult.”
“And what about after symptoms begin to be felt?”
“Well, you would have around forty eight hours to seek medical attention, and even then, our treatments are still experimental. Survival rates are only at sixty five percent.”
“I see, and could you tell us what those symptoms might be, Mr Barl?”
“Well, you would feel loss of appetite, inability to sleep. You would also become tired and sensitive to harsh light.”
“Would these symptoms be incapacitating?”
“No, that’s the problem. They would be at worst, an inconvenience.”
“And the treatment you speak of, when was it deemed safe to administer?”
“Just last year.”
“So if, for example you or anyone else present in this courtroom today were to contract Longboroughvampirosis, would it be possible for them to guarantee treatment to fully cure them?”
“Yes, but only if they sought immediate medical assistance.”
“And after the forty eight hour period, if it isn’t reported, what then?”
“Then it’s too late. The organism will already be in place and bonded to the heart and has already made the initial symptoms fade.”
“So the victim, or host, feels well again?”
“Yes, until at least the traits of the parasite take hold, and by then, the host has no desire to seek help.”
“So, just to clarify, physical stature or mental capacity of the host is irrelevant? By that I mean a stronger or more intelligent person isn’t less susceptible to the organism than someone smaller of less intelligent?”
“Oh no. it makes no difference at all.”
“My final question to you, Mr Barl is this. You say a person contracting this disease would need to seek medical attention for treatment immediately, to be given a sixty percent chance of being cured?”
“Correct?”
“So, if a person was to have contracted this parasite in 1707, would I be right to suggest that any hope of treatment or cure would be impossible?”
“Yes, absolutely.”
A murmur rose in the crowd, and Greer slid his gaze to look at Longborough and Winthorpe, then back to Barl.
“Thank you Mr Barl. I have no further questions.”
The day’s proceedings came to a close following Edwyn Greer’s questions. He was led away back to his holding cells below the court, as Winthorpe and Longborough left the court, barely able to hide the way in which Greer had expertly questioned their witness. Outside the court was a frenzy of media and public, all vying for a look at the players in the case which had captured the imagination of the world. The two pushed past the symphony of photographers and the strobe flashes of hundreds of cameras, and ignored the questions of the crowd. It seemed there was an even mix of those in support of Greer, who were calling for his freedom, and those who were calling for his execution, complete with hand painted slogans and burning effigies drawn up to look like Dracula.
Longborough and Winthorpe pushed through to their waiting limousine, and closed out the frenzied chaos outside. The car set off, inching through the crowd who reluctantly parted in front of them.
“What the hell happened in there, Bernard?” Longborough asked, pouring himself a large scotch from the on-board bar.
“Relax Jonathan; this is all part of the game.”
“How the hell did he manage to turn our own witness? Hell even I started to feel sorry for him.”
“Did you really expect him to go down without a fight? He turned down his appointed legal counsel, you know.”
“I know that, but my point is that he was good. Why isn’t he flustered? Why isn’t he worried?”
“Come on Jonathan.” Bernard said, flashing a wry smile. “He’s been around for a long time. One thing he won’t lack is knowledge and experience.”
“And that’s why I hired you. I was told you were the best.”
“I am the best.” Bernard snapped, the flicker of anger in his face quickly dissolving. “But I need you to relax and let me do my job. Tomorrow is a new day, and our next witness will cast more than reasonable doubt on Mr Greer.”
“Knowing our luck so far, the girl will break down and forgive him.”
“I doubt it.” Bernard said with a smile. “He almost tore her face off. She only survived because he was disturbed. Don’t worry Jonathan, tomorrow we will show the court the level of brutality that this man possessed. Tomorrow will be our day.”
“It’s good to know you have a plan, but I still worry. We have to win this case Bernard; otherwise years of research and money are going down the toilet.”
“I still don’t understand why it’s so important to win, or why you even started proceedings.”
Longborough poured another drink, this time filling a glass for Bernard too. He took a long drink, and then turned towards the lawyer.
“If the courts decide that Greer is a victim, they will force the cure to be made available for free the world over. Do you know how much money we will lose if that happens?”
“Ten million, maybe twenty.”
Longborough smiled, and Bernard shuddered at its oozing quality. “Try three trillion.”
Bernard looked at Longborough with raised eyebrows as the scientist took a long drink of his whisky.
“That sounds like an improbably high figure.”
“The world is a big place Bernard, and our cure is the only one. We patented it. Everybody is waiting to buy it from us, but until we can prove that these things are monsters that need to be dealt with, we can’t distribute it. If we don’t win this, my company will go under, I will lose everything.”
“You really have gone all or nothing, haven’t you?”
“It’s how I do things. Just make sure we win. There’s a hefty bonus in it for you if you do.”
Bernard sipped his scotch, and offered a sly smile.
“With a three trillion potential income, there better be.”
Longborough said nothing as the car finally broke free of the crowds surrounding the court, and was lost in the citywide traffic.
Day two
Due to the televised events of the previous day, the court and surroundings were in even more of a frenzy than the day before. More television crew were on site, as were the number of supporters and protesters who were either for or against Greer. The courtroom doors were closed, and the crowds settled to watch the proceedings. Today, both Greer and Longborough would call one witness which they would have an opportunity to question. The court called the first witness, one chosen by Greer.
Jonas Hellier appeared live via camera from an undisclosed location. Along with his name, his voice had been altered, and his face was pixelated and blurred to mask his identity. He was dressed immaculately in a charcoal suit which looked every bit as expensive as the ones sported by Longborough’s lawyers. He was a picture of calm as he was sworn in, and Edwyn Greer began his questioning.
“Mr Hellier, can you tell the court what you do for a living?”
“I’m an executive director of a well-known global business.”
“Which is an import and export business, correct?”
“Yes.”
“How much does your company turn over, yearly?”
“Approximately seventeen million.”
“Would you consider yourself a high profile member of the community?”
“Yes.”
“Could you tell the court some of the people you regard as close personal friends?”
“I’d rather not state names, but I count several politicians, TV and movie stars and musicians amongst my friends, as well as world leaders from a dozen or more countries.
“I see,” Greer said, turning towards the jury to ensure they were paying attention to the video feed.
“Could you tell the court why you were called as a witness here today?”
“I have Longboroughvampirosis.”
The crowd murmured and order was restored.
“Mr Hellier, how long have you had Longboroughvampirosis?”
“Almost a hundred and twenty years.”
“And has it stopped you from becoming a valuable addition to society?”
“No.”
“Mr Winthorpe yesterday suggested that those contracted with the parasite would become mindless, blood thirsty animals. Would you say that is correct?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Could you explain for us how you managed to deal with the disease?”
“It’s like anything, it’s about control, discipline. I taught myself to deal with the anger and the aggression, and to make sure I contributed to the world.”
“But surely, if what Mr Bahl and Mr Winthorpe said yesterday, we have an urge for blood, a desire that only human blood would satisfy.”
“They were wrong.”
A murmur rose, and Winthorpe glared at Greer just as Longborough was glaring at him.
“Could you explain in more detail what you mean?”
“Animal blood will suffice. In fact, it actually makes the infection easier to manage, decreases its potency.”
“So, in essence, would I be correct in saying that the highly invasive, experimental and not to mention expensive cure may actually be an unnecessary expense?”
“That’s not for me to say, but all I can say is that this isn’t a death sentence. With some effort, it can be lived with.”
Greer turned to Longborough with raised eyebrows.
“Thank you, Mr Hellier, I have no further questions.”
Greer sat as Winthorpe stood and approached the television scree
n.
“Mr Hellier, you say you are able to live with your condition, that it allows you to live a normal life, just like the rest of us.”
“Yes.”
“Then, may I ask, why you chose not to appear here in court, but to remain hidden?”
“It could have an impact on my business.”
“I put it to you that the reason you remain hidden is because the people close to you will be afraid if they knew what you really are. You said yourself, it’s possible to control, but it must be a struggle to fight the desires of what is proved to be an incredibly powerful parasite.”
“It’s difficult, of that there is no doubt, but we are not monsters.”
“Then, Mr Hellier, turn on the lights! Let us hear your voice, let us see your face, and let us know who you are. If you are so certain that you have control of this disease, and then show us!”
“Mr Winthorpe, do not badger the witness.” Warned Judge Jeffries.
“My apologies, your honour. I was just trying to illustrate that the witnesses’ words contradict his appearance.”
“Then do it more carefully. Mr Greer is the one on trial here, not Mr Hellier.”
“Again, my apologies.”
Winthorpe paused to compose his thoughts, and then spoke quietly.
“Mr Hellier, apologies for my outburst. I was merely trying to establish why somebody of obvious social stature would prefer to remain hidden, when you state that you are fully in control of your disease.”
“I didn’t say I was fully in control. I said it’s manageable.”
“So, although you can feed on animals, you still have the desire for human blood. Is that correct?”
“I don’t see how that is relevant.”
“Please answer the question, Mr Hellier.”
“Yes, it’s always there, but the desire is manageable. We don’t have to feed on humans.”
Bernard grinned, it was a confident smile, and he turned his attention back to the jury.
“Thank you Mr Hellier, I have no further questions.”
Winthorpe returned to Longborough, who also looked smug. Greer grimaced, because although his witness had tried as best he could, his evasiveness had made him look weak. The court broke for lunch, and again, after everyone settled in, the next witness was prepared. Greer recognised her, and his stomach rolled slightly as he saw the way the jury looked at her as she sat down. Unlike his witness who was shrouded in secrecy, the girl was there for all to see. She looked to be in her early twenties, with long golden hair and blue eyes which would surely be seductive if not for the permanent fear which showed in them as she looked around the courtroom at everything but him.
