“Listen, even speaking scientifically, It is a human,” Mangle reasoned to the prosecutor. “Because of recent leaps in genetics, the average human has on average 7% genetic variation in their DNA from someone in a different country. 8% in the same one! It only has a 5% difference because of her wings. That’s well within the acceptable range. Saying that It is not a human is saying that a majority of the population is not human, a majority that shifts from person to person. She was birthed by a human, learns like a human, behaves like a human.”
“So do primates,” the defense muttered.
“Objection!” the prosecution exclaimed.
“Sustained,” the judges agreed.
Mangle bit their lip. Everyone was looking bored and shocked that they weren’t using another pathos appeal. “You must understand, that from a scientific perspective, It is completely human.”
The prosecution nodded.
“The defense has no questions, Your Honors,” the defense said.
“The prosecution calls Bethany Mangle to the stand,” the prosecution announced.
The defense grinned as if victory had been handed to them. It walked up slowly and hopped up to the chair. She was sworn in, and she took a deep breath. The prosecutor smiled at her. “Now, It, you were there when the police officers said you weren’t a human.”
“Yeah, um, I mean, yes. I was,” It said.
“Can you explain how them saying you weren’t a human made you feel?”
“Objection!” the defense exclaimed.
“The whole point of this is to see if Bethany is human. We have to understand how she perceived these events to make that judgement.”
“Objection dismissed,” the court said. “You may proceed, prosecutor.”
The prosecutor turned to It expectantly. “I...felt...sad. Angry. Confused. There were a lot of emotions at once in my head. I...was sad because everyone was refusing to call me a human, after all of the work I had done to set myself in that supposedly unattainable place. Angry because the police wouldn't even consider changing their minds. Pity because they wouldn’t, confusion at the pity. The list goes on.” She shrugged. “I’m afraid I don’t have a simple answer for you on that one.”
The prosecutor nodded and said, “No more questions.”
The defense likewise passed on questioning It and the court turned riotous as the supposedly lost opportunity to give It the rights she deserved. The court took a recess to find the verdict. Again, a surprisingly speedy case all things considered. Mangle and It went out for lunch. Mangle eat heartily but It poked at her food. “They only asked me the one question, why?” It asked.
“It, do you know what the most human response is to being attacked?”
It shook her head.
Mangle smiled. “What you described to everyone in the courtroom. There was no need for any other arguments because you set in stone that you were indeed human.”
It looked up with hopeful eyes. “You think so, Dad?”
Mangle laughed. “I know so. Now eat up. We could be called back at any time.”
It ate half her lunch before they had to bag it and go back inside. They took their seats, and saw the judges nodding to each other and smiling, shaking hands. The entire audience was tense with the idea of what the judges could have decided on. “Ladies and gentlepeople, we have decided to repeal the state of Delaware’s decision to deny Bethany Mangle the rights of a human US citizen. Bethany, and any people like her, are considered human and anyone who infringes on their rights will be punished. Dr. Aaron Milbridge will be charged with double attempted homicide. That is all.”
The court was in an uproar of cheers the second the judge finished talking. People were all around Mangle and It, congratulating them, giving hugs, handshakes, kisses. It flew up in the air and did a loop-de-loop in pure joy. Everyone was excited. A few people yelled their protests but they were drowned out. It and Mangle were practically carried out of the courthouse, where protesters were waiting. It saw Dr. James, and walked right up to her. “Guess what, Mom? I won my rights today!”
Dr. James sneered. “You’re not related to me, you abomination.”
Mangle sauntered up behind It. “Watch your language, Doc. That right there is a hate crime now. Though, when you think about it, you won’t be free much longer based on the experiments you still have ongoing, so you may as well enjoy your freedom to break the law while it lasts. You shouldn’t have taken me being aromantic so close to heart. Then maybe we wouldn’t be in this situation, you on the other side.”
Dr. James started to say something but was interrupted by a police officer. “Excuse me, ma’am, I’m afraid you and I are going to have to go down to the station.”
“But--!”
“No buts. It appears you’ve harmed children like this little lady before, and orchestrated many unethical tests. You’ll have to speak with the commissioner and the FBI. Please come with me.”
Dr. James was dragged off screaming and protesting, and the few protesters who rallied behind Dr. James left before they likewise could get in trouble. It grinned up at Mangle. “Freedom for all!” she declared.
“Freedom for all,” Mangle agreed. "Ready to go home?"
It nodded. "Always."
ns 15.158.61.18da2
