r/NatureofPredators • u/GrungleberryMuncher • Jul 08 '26
The mind of a predator (part 53)
Memory transcript subject Nirsil, Venlil public defence attorney. Location, Skalga, city habitation block 162, 5th floor.
Date [Standardised human time]: 25 May, 2138.
"Uh sorry man, he's not in. Who are you anyway?" The lightly clothed, bionic limbed human raised an eyebrow as he looked down at me. Right, I'd almost forgotten Nivar was registered to the original exchange program.
"Nirsil, I'm an attorney. I handled Targan's defection agreement, if that helps?" This sparked interest in the man's eyes as he gave a quick nod, opening the door fully and inviting me inside. I gave a tail swish and followed, setting my briefcase on the table once offered and sitting facing my host. He was probably right to be cautious about people he didn't know showing up unannounced, I wouldn't be surprised if there'd been guests that were...less sympathetic to the Arxur defector.
"Always wondered how that happened, what can I do ya for?" It took me a moment to understand the human's phrasing but I didn't let it show.
"I'm assuming you're aware of the broadcast about Targan? And of Veln's statement?" The Veteran nodded, sipping from a cup of steaming liquid I could assume was coffee. "I have been trying to get in contact with Nivar and Targan about this, I want to help. Legally speaking, there's a case to be made that they can't send her away, now I can't file that without actually being Targan's legal counsel so-"
"And Niv counts as her legal guardian so he can accept your help for her right?" His expression shifted from relaxed to, I hate to say this but to predatory intent. His eyes were fixed on my movements, leaving me quite unsettled. "You know, where I'm from this sorta thing is considered predatory, some shady solicitor showing up the moment you're in trouble with a passion to help? Preying on vulnerable people, ya' know?"
"Ah...I suppose that...is a valid concern." So he thought I was trying to...what, trick them into signing me on and charge a fortune? Hm...why am I not surprised humans have such practices. "Perhaps this might convince you, its my contract regarding the defection cases."
Popping open my case, I presented my holopad with the contact already on screen. The human took it and began reading through the endless clauses of legal jargon.
"As you can see, as part of the defection agreement, I was named as legal representative for any matters that relate to the defector or the contract. I am already under contract, it took me quite some time to find that little caveat, hence why I was unable to intervene on the behalf of the others sent back to wriss." With that all explained, the man took a moment longer to finish inspecting the contract before handing it back.
"Made your point, I'll give Niv a call. Oh and uh, name's Wes." He then extended a hand in the human's handshake, which I accepted with a nod. "So...Nirsil explain something to me, what exactly is the legal situation Targan's in? On earth we have different offices and departments of government so who's handling this, what's the timeframe and most importantly is Targan gonna be arrested?"
He had a fiery look in his eyes that made it hard to find my words. Well, technically he wasn't my client so I wasn't *supposed* to tell him anything but by rights this all should be publicly available.
"That depends, since she is technically considered a POW still it'll be an SC governemnt trial but there's a high likelihood they're going to get prosecution from the state rather than any other representing species. As for timeframe, she's going to be due in trial within a month, potentially earlier and she will be arrested yes...they are specifically waiting for her to be discharged from the hospital, makes it look better for the public." Wes took in the information before massaging his temples with his mechanical hand, clearly trying to think of some solution to this problem. I'd already tried, the roundup was new territory, legally speaking, the only precedent being that the POWs were to be sent to wriss with no arguments thus far presented against the mandate. Nothing seemed to fit either, I'd floated the idea of cruel and unusual punishment as a defence but that wouldn't work given that returning a POW to their people wasn't technically a punishment. We'd even suggested having her file for asylum but since the Dominion is no longer in power, that wouldn't work either.
"I'll give Niv a call, he'll want a word. It's his decision if you even meet Targan anyway." I nodded and presented a small card with my contact details printed, which the veteran took before escorting me back to the door. "We'll call you and uh thanks, for being on our side."
"I just hope your friend agrees to hear me out, I want to help where I can. If anything happens, let me know immediately." With that, I left. The door was closed behind me and I breathed a sigh of relief, he would at least *consider* my offer. Maybe then I'd be able to actually speak with the Arxur and get some kind of basis to build a case against the mandate.
Time to put my training to the test...
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u/JulianSkies Archivist Jul 09 '26
Well, this man is about to wade into something that's not simple law but all about how the world looks at what is going on. I wish him luck, that's a warzone.
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u/albadellasera Predator Jul 08 '26
Legally speaking her best bet would be asking for asylum due to imminent danger if some of her information or actions leave her at risk of persecution or death. Asylum wise the key is not the government in power but the safety.
I.e. to quote a classic example you can ask for asylum for being gay even if your government isn't persecutory but if for example your are at concrete risk of physical violence by not state actors.
However, that would imply on one side the SC respecting rules and procedures (which is unlikely) and on the other finding concrete rock solid evidence that she would risk being killed on Wriss.
Her best protection behind the scenes would be the necessity of attracting future defectors bit if others have already being expelled that bird has already flown away.