The accused stood silently, awaiting the jury's verdict. Their fate hung in the balance as Guzman and Professor Jenkins discussed the matter in hushed tones. Dr. Zhao patiently waited for them to get back to him, but they left him out of the discussion entirely.
Ten minutes passed in silent contemplation. The two teens: Emmanuel and Paul were already on the verge of breaking down. When they had taken the Credits as payment from the Raiders, they hadn't considered the consequences of their actions. But now that they were standing trial in a Resistance court, they could feel a sense of impending doom knocking at their hearts.
After fifteen minutes of intense discussion, Professor Jenkins and Guzman rejoined Dr. Zhao. They exchanged a few words among themselves, before turning to face the presiding judge.
"Are you ready with the verdict?" Crammer asked, looking in their direction.
Dr. Zhao stood up and answered, "We are."
