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Now since Ian was blamed for burning down the Gambino mansion, Gaians all had the chance to decide if he stayed in jail or not.So we got to go to the trial in Durem.
And this was the trial:




Cindy Donovinh here at the Durem Courthouse.

Today is the day. Ian, the shop owner of Barton Boutique is on trial for premeditated arson at the Gambino mansion on October 30th, 2005. It was quite shocking news when we all found out that Ian may have been responsible for this horrible act!

Today, the residing judge is none other than JudgeBot 502X. He has a long history of unbiased decision making most likey due to his extensive programming.

The prosecution is represented by ProsecutionBot 508Z. He has a longtime conviction rate of 97%. I hear he was programmed with human-like emotions giving himself insight into how humans will react to testimonies.

As for the defense, that role will be taken by DefenseBot 513A. This is DefenseBot 513A's first trial. In fact, DefenseBot 513A just rolled off of the assembly line this morning. It will be interesting to see how he fairs against the PBot 508Z.

The trial is just beginning, let's now go live to the opening statements!

We now begin the trial of Ian. Will the prosecution please start his opening statement.

Thank you, your honor.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury...

Imagine that you have been invited to the biggest party in all of the world. Everyone who's anyone is going to be there. It is going to be the biggest party ever celebrated in your lifetime.

You arrive and everything is great until you notice the smoke. There is a fire engulfing the roof of the mansion. Everyone scatters. People are trapped inside. It is a nightmare. However, in this case, this is a reality.

For on the night of October 30th, 2005, the defendant IAN set fire to the Gambino mansion in a premeditated crime of hate that had festering inside of his sick mind for years.

Throughout the course of this trial, we will establish that Ian has a long history of resentment and jealousy against the Gambino family. In particular, Ian had a clear motive of jealousy against Gino Gambino. We will also show you ironclad evidence that there was no mistake that Ian was, in fact, on the premises at the time of the arson. We will also show that Ian is a man who is prone to acts of violence.

At the end of this trial, there will be no doubt that IAN was responsible for the act of arson at the Gambino mansion.

Thank you, PBot 508Z. Will the defense please start his opening statement.

Humanoid females and males assigned to the jury... *clang clang*

If you have two objects of mass m 1 and m 2 at a distance d, then these two objects will attract each other with a force F.

Conversely, if we were to ... *clang clang* Pardon me. Let me provide a situational context that will more closely apply to the humanoid species.

Have you ever been situated in an incorrect space at an undesignated timeframe? *clang clang*

This is exactly what the defendant currently finds himself in.

For, you see, Ian is a simple man who runs the most reliable shop in Barton Town. In this trial, we will establish that Ian is a good humanoid who is incapable of the acts that he is being accused of. He was," simply at the wrong place at the wrong time." This is typical of humanoids.

Thank you. *clang clang*

The prosecution may call its first witness.

The prosecution calls Ruby to the stand.

Please state your name and occupation for the court record.

My name is Ruby and I run the Gambino Hat Rack with my son, Peyo.

The Gambino Hat Rack. I see. That's a very successful business you have there wouldn't you say?

Why yes, the Gambino Hat Rack has the widest assortment of headgear and hats in all of Gaia. We are very fortunate to have gotten such prime real estate in the heart of the Marketplace in the Isle De Gambino.

Yes, that IS very fortunate. And exactly how did you get such a prime location.

It was actually given to me as a present. It used to be the location of the Gambino Boutique.

The Gambino Boutique? You mean the shop now known as the Barton Boutique?

Yes, the very same.

Doesn't Ian run the Barton Boutique?

Yes, he does. Well, not now, that is... his cat Rufus is running the store while he is in jail.

Do you know Ian well?

Why, yes, I grew up with Ian.

Then you would know how Ian felt about losing his store on Gambino Isle?

Yes. Ian was very upset by this. His family had entrusted the store to him only a month before it was taken away by the Island authorities.

I see. And why was it that the store was taken away from him?

I'm not too sure of the specifics, but apparently when the deed was signed over, some incongruities in the paperwork exposed that the plot of land belonged to the Island and not an individual.

And who was in charge of this acquisition?

Johnny K. Gambino.

THE Johnny K. Gambino? Of the Gambino family? Of the Isle De Gambino?

Yes.

And you say that Ian was upset by this?

Yes.

Would you say that Ian resented the Gambino family for taking his store away from him?
OBJECTION! *clang clang* The witness cannot speculate on this matter.

Let me rephrase the question. In your opinion, is it possible that Ian held some resentment against the Gambino family because of this incident?

I suppose he could have. Ian's always been pretty quiet about the Gambino's ever since then. Especially when I mention Johnny. God bless his soul.

Thank you, Ruby. I have no further questions.

The defense may begin the cross examination.

Your designation is Ruby. You claim that you have recollection of the humanoid Ian for most of your bio organic existance? Is this correct?

Why yes, I grew up with Ian.

How would you assign verbal descriptions to the humanoid Ian?

Excuse me?

Pardon me. Let me rephrase. How would you "describe Ian?"

Well, Ian is a nice guy. And I can depend on him when Peyo needs babysitting. Peyo gets along very well with Ian.

Would Ian ever harm a humanoid such as Peyo?

Never. Ian may be a little spastic at times, but he wouldn't hurt anyone.

End sequence of questions. Thank you, Ruby.

Thank you, Ruby. You may step down now.The prosecution may call its next witness.

The prosecution calls Meredith of the Bank of Gambino. Please state your name and occupation for the court.

My name is Meredith and I am the manager of the Bank of Gambino.

.It is my understanding that you keep records of every transaction in Gaia, is that correct?

Yes. At the Bank of Gambino, every transaction is logged at the time of the transaction so that we can keep records in case of hacking, scamming or other situations that a record would be useful.

Do you have records of the transaction that occurred when the Gambino Boutique was reclaimed by the Island?

Of course, I handled that transaction personally.

Can you please describe how you became involved in that transaction?

Yes, I remember it very vividly. This was many years ago, I was just starting out at the Bank and this was my first time brokering a transaction like this. Johnny K. Gambino recruited me right out of college when I was 15 specifically for this transaction.

You are a very intelligent young lady aren't you? Especially for having graduated from Durem University at such a young age.

You might say that. I graduated with top honors and first in my class.

OBJECTION! *clang clang* What is the relevance of this line of questioning?

I am merely establishing the credibility of this witness.

Overruled. You may continue Pbot508Z, but please get to the point.

.Yes, your honor. Meredith, please describe what happened during the transaction in question?

Well, that day I had prepared all of the paperwork and both Ian and Mr. Gambino had come by in order to sign and notarize the agreement.

I see, how did the defendant react in this situation? Did he seem agitated or upset?

He seemed a little agitated, definitely upset. I would be upset too if my family business was being taken away from me a mere month after it was entrusted to me.

OBJECTION! *clang clang*

The witness will refrain from speculating on what the defendant would be feeling.

In your opinion, would you say that Ian was not happy with signing over his store to Johnny K. Gambino?

Yes. He was not happy about it.

Thank you, Meredith. I have no further questions.

The defense may begin the cross examination.

The defense has no questions at this time.

Very well. Meredith, you may step down. The prosecution may call its next witness.

The prosecution calls Sasha of Gambino Outfitters to the stand. Please state your name and occupation for the court record.

My name's Sasha and I run Gambino Outfitters which sells the hippest clothes on Gambino Isle.

.How do you know the defendant?

I've been friends with Ian for the past few years. We met in the Marketplace when we were both shopping for deals. Ian is very savvy when it comes to deals.

I see. So you're saying that Ian is good at deceiving people?

That's not exactly what I said.

It's ok. I'll take your word for it. Now then, it is my understanding that Ian did not want you to go to the mansion that night, is this correct?

Yes, I don't think Ian likes Gino very much. But I have no idea why. He's just so negative sometimes. Especially when I'm happy about something.

Do you think perhaps that Ian could have been jealous of Gino?

Huh? What do you mean?

Because of your relationship with Gino Gambino!

What about Gino Gambino? Isn't he a dream? *sigh*

.No no, that's not what I meant. Nevermind. Sasha, what do you think of Ian?

What about him?

Do you have feelings for Ian?

What do you mean?

Ahem. Let me rephrase the question. What is Ian to you?

Ian's my friend. What else would he be?

Nevermind. Ok, so, on the day of the fire at the mansion, Ian explicitly told you not to go to the mansion that night did he not?

Yes. He told me that I shouldn't go to the mansion that night.

Did he explain why?

No, he just seemed very angry with me about it. I still have no idea why.

Do you think it's possible that Ian knew what was about to happen that night and therefore wanted you to stay away? Let me remind you that you are under oath.

Well, no, I don't think...

IS IT POSSIBLE that he may have known about what was going to happen?

I ...I guess it's possible...

Thank you, Sasha. No further questions.

The defense may begin the cross examination.

Your designation is Sasha. Am I correct in believing that it was both you and the defendant who found Gino Gambino when he washed up on shore after he went missing?

Yes. We took care of him until Gino got better.

AHA! *clang clang* Well, then, if Ian had ill feelings towards the Gambino's, why would he allow you to bring Gino home?

Well, actually, he didn't, he didn't want me to bring Gino home. But I insisted. I couldn't leave a helpless person to die.

But Ian did help did he not?

Yes, he helped me prepare food for Gino from time to time.

End sequence of questioning. Thank you, Sasha.

Sasha, you may step down.

Your honor, if I may, I would like to reexamine the witness.

Proceed.

Sasha. You mentioned that Ian did not want you to bring Gino home. What were his exact words?

Well, it's been quite a while since then, but I think he said something like, are you sure that's a good idea? And he's a Gambino afterall. I got upset at him for saying that actually.

I see. Would you say that Ian holds some kind of grudge against the Gambino family to say such a statement like that?

Well, Ian's never said anything good about the Gambino's. I think he's had some issues with them in the past. But Ian would never do anything to hurt anyone.

That will be enough, Sasha. Thank you. No further questions.

Sasha, you may step down. That concludes today's proceedings. We will continue this bright and early tomorrow morning. Court is adjourned.

Cindy Donovinh here live from the Durem Courthouse.

Yesterday we finally saw some forensic evidence placing the defendant at the crime scene! It seemed quite damaging to Ian's case. In retaliation, the inside word is that Ian himself will take the stand to clear his name... but we'll just have to see about that now won't we?

Let's go to the courtroom, the trial is about to continue!


Defensebot, please call your first witness of the day.

The defense calls Gino Gambino to the witness stand. Please verbally state your designation and occupation for entry into the court record database.

My name is Gino Gambino. I am the son of the most powerful man in all of Gaia, Johnny K. Gambino.

Gino, is it true that Ian helped save you when you washed up on the beach several months ago?

Well, I was unconscious during that time, but when I came to at Sasha's house, Ian was there. He helped Sasha get me better.

Then Ian did, in fact, play a role in helping you get better?

Yes, yes he did.

Do you believe that Ian has any illwill or bad intentions towards you or your family?

I don't see why he would. I have no beef with him nor his family. Why should he be any different towards me and mine?

Has Ian ever threatened or harassed you?

No.

Has Ian ever so much as laid a finger on you?

No. Never.

Thank you, Gino. End sequence of questioning.

ProsecutionBot, you may cross examine the witness.

Mr. Gambino--

Please, call me Gino.

Pardon me, Gino. You say that Ian never laid a finger on you is that right

Yes sir. That is correct.

I believe you. Of course he didn't touch you. Did you know that Ian wanted to leave you on the shore to die that day?

I ... had no idea.

Come now, Gino. When you were caught in the burning mansion, Ian left you there to die as well didn't he?

But he had to save Sasha... In fact, I told him to--

Please answer the question, Gino. Did he or did he not leave you to die in the burning mansion on the night in question.

...

Please answer the question.

He ... he did.

Did you also know, Gino, that Ian has long resented your family and your father especially?

But what does that have to do with me?

It has everything to do with you Gino. Even now, don't you feel responsible for the actions of your father?

I ...

I don't think I need to remind you that you are under oath here.

... yes, I do feel responsible for my father's actions...

Well, Ian feels the same way as you do! He blames YOU for the actions of your family. And it angered him when you stole Sasha away from him--

OBJECTION! Speculation and badgering the witness--

--adding one more betrayal to the list of offenses that the Gambino family has done to him!

That will be enough counsel!!

I ... really had no idea ... I would never hurt anyone.

I'm done with this witness your honor.

Indeed you are. Gino, you may step down. Defensebot, please call your next witness.

The defense calls the defendant, Ian, to the witness stand. Please verbally state your designation and occupation for entry into the court record database.

Ian. I own and run the Barton Boutique. Well, at least I used to run it before all of this happened.

Is that your full designation?

Yes, it is.

How long have you been running the Barton Boutique?

Well, including my time when it was in Gambino, since I was a little boy really. It is my family business and was handed down to me by my father before me.

Would you say that the people of Barton have come to depend on you for all of their discount purchases?

Of course. For the cheapest clothing and accessories, there no place cheaper than Barton Boutique. Many people all around Gaia depend on me for that. Everyone trusts me.

OBJECTION!

The defendant will please refrain from making claims about his own character.

I see no reason to delay this question any longer. Ian, did you commit arson at the Gambino mansion on the night of October, 30?

I did NOT, sir. I would never do such a thing! I am not a violent person and I would never harm a living thing.

Thank you, Ian. End sequence of questioning.

ProsecutionBot, your witness.

Ian, is it?

Yes... *gulp*

Is that your full name? That is, do you have a last name?

Of course, it's--

OBJECTION! Relevance?

I'm sure many people would like to know.

The law does not require last names to be announced. Everyone here knows who the defendant is here. And this is totally irrelevant to the case at hand.

Withdrawn. Ian, how is it that you know the Gambino family?

Well, who doesn't know the Gambino family? They are only the wealthiest and most influential family in all of Gaia!

Do you know them personally?

No, not really.

But you have dealt with Johnny K. Gambino in the past?

Well, sure, I helped pass out gifts at the Anniversary Ball a couple years back...

Is that all?

Well, sure it is.

You run the Barton Boutique, formally known as the Gambino Boutique, did you not?

... yes.

AHA! Earlier, both Ruby and Meredith testified that you had prior dealings with Johnny K. Gambino when your Gambino Boutique was taken from you! Why did you hide that fact, Ian?!

NO! I didn't ... I mean ... well, I don't like to think about that.

Why did you LIE, Ian?

I didn't mean to ... it's just ... it was a hard time in my life. I had a lot of pressure on me ... to make the boutique succeed. My family entrusted it to me. The "boutique" has long since been a family trademark, a business passed down from generation to generation. Every owner of a "boutique" ran his business with a talking cat. It was tradition. And a good business gimmick as well... When Rufus became the last in his line of talking cats, I knew I would be the last of the "boutique" owners... there was a lot riding on me to succeed... I ...

Well then, how did you feel when the shop's prime real estate was taken from you by the Gambino family?

I ... well, at first I was upset... I didn't know how I felt really. I went through a bunch of phases... anger, denial, depression, etc...

You were angered?

Of course, I hated myself... I hated that I couldn't step up to the plate and succeed. My father had succeeded before me, and his father before him, and his father before him...

Success was very important to you.

Yes... it was. I didn't want to let everyone down.

So, then, you would do ANYTHING to succeed?

Yes... erm... no.... that's not what I--

What did you do after you lost the Gambino Boutique?

I, well, went away for a little while. Ended up in Barton Town. I worked really hard for the past few years to get the Boutique where it is today.

But your sales have never amounted to much compared to what you were making on the Isle de Gambino?

No, but I'm ok with that. I've learned that I don't want to be in charge of so much pressure and responsibility... I... I just want to be happy. I just want to be lo--

Sasha.

S-s-sasha...

How do you feel about Sasha?

Sasha?!

Yes. Sasha. And let me remind you that you are under oath here.

I ... *gulp* erm ... I ... I love her.

But she doesn't love you, Ian.

...

In fact, from all of the media coverage we've seen from New Year's, it's quite obvious her heart belongs to another man ... a GAMBINO, in fact!

...

Does it anger you to know that the woman you love was taken from you by the same blood that took your family business from you?

I ...

YES or NO, Ian? Does it anger you to know that all of your hopes and dreams were dashed away by the GAMBINO's?!

...yes. *sob*

And you would do ANYTHING to get back what you lost, wouldn't you? WOULDN'T YOU?!

... I ... yes. *sob* *sob*

No further questions your honor.

You may step down, Ian. I believe that is the final witness of the trial. We will now take a recess while the prosecution and the defense are finalizing their closing statements. We will reconvene with the closing statements tomorrow at which time the jury will be able to decide the defendant's fate. Court is adjourned!

So that was the trial, and Gaians got to vote for the next 5 days. While Ian was in jail, Rufus the cat was taking care of the boutique:

And then the results came in:
It was unanimous. He was innocent. So here is what we saw when he got out:

I know, I accidentally posted it in the wrong forum. Too many tabs on my browser, I thought I was somewhere else. rofl