NARRATOR: Two days later...
MURTAUGH: I'm here Commander. What is it you need me to see?
ELF: Not "see." Witness. We're having a trial.
ENNESBY: Councilor Niadi is suing to block the foil-melding of the librarian we found.
MURTAUGH: Her people are performing the operation!
Why is this our problem?
MASSEY: I tapped your company's legal counsel to argue in defense of the procedure.
MURTAUGH: Respectfully, Chief Justice Reynstein,
WHAT IN THE HABEUS HANDBASKET ARE YOU DOING?
MASSEY: Getting started. Shhh...
MASSEY: COURT IS NOW IN SESSION.
MASSEY: Opening statement, Councilor Niadi?
NIADI: The Council sues for cessation of the foil meld. It is immoral and unjust to create people without first securing for them protection under the law.
MASSEY: In defense, Ennesby?
ENNESBY: The person that emerges from the meld will have full protection under the law. Obviously.
MASSEY: Per the Liberty and Identity clause in section one of the EA-CC, the Court finds with the defense. The creature emerging from this meld will be considered a sophont, and granted full individual rights and liberties under the law.
Councilor, if there is existing legislation suggesting otherwise, the Court mandates that the legislative Council rewrite those laws to comply with this judgement.
MASSEY: Case closed.
Thank you for your participation in the legal process.
MURTAUGH: Did you just stage a trial to set a precedent?
MASSEY: The record will show that we set more than just one precedent.
ENNESBY: He wouldn't let me wear a wig.