Justice

Judge Juniper Hawthorne smoothed her silk blouse and adjusted her designer glasses, peering out the grimy bus window at the endless expanse of trees. This was not how she had envisioned spending her summer. The memory of her courtroom meltdown still made her cringe - who knew throwing a gavel at that smug defense attorney would land her in so much hot water? Now here she was, exiled to the middle of nowhere for a month of “character-building” community service. ...

Zara Nyx drummed her fingers on the armrest, her eyes fixed on the holographic display floating above the jury box. Twelve glowing orbs pulsed in sync, representing the neural patterns of her fellow jurors. All except one—her own remained stubbornly dark. “Ms. Nyx,” the AI Judge’s serene voice filled the courtroom, “your neural link appears to be inactive. Please authorize the connection so we may proceed.” Zara’s jaw clenched. She’d been dreading this moment since receiving the jury summons. “With all due respect, Your Honor, I’d prefer not to have my thoughts broadcast.” ...