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| As I approached the area where everybody was, I heard a small explosion, followed by three loud bangs. I looked around a partition, and saw the Selbit box on fire. Arthur was lying on the floor, with three bloody holes in his back. Two of the thugs were trying to put out the fire, while the third, Amanda�s former boyfriend, was aiming his gun at Amanda. I threw my screwdriver at the third thug. I missed, but got his attention. I ducked around the corner as he fired a volley of shots at me. Amanda ran around a different partition, as his attention was on me. He tried to follow me, but there were many pieces of equipment to hide behind, as I evaded him. I approached the zig zag box, and carefully opened the midsection door. Then, I dropped a pair of pliers. He heard that, and approached, as I quickly closed the door. He said, �This is where you are hiding her. I�ll tell you what. Since you were so kind as to show me where she is, I will do a special show for you. I will do my own magic trick, which I invented. It will be called, �Three bullets in Amanda�s head.�� I began yelling, �Please, don�t hurt her. Kill me instead. I�m the one you want It�s my fault. She is innocent.� He gave me an evil grin, as I continued yelling. He opened the top door. Then, he began to open the middle door. As he did so, the motion of opening the door, caused the left side of the zig zag to push slightly to the left, touching the shelf and completing the circuit. He was immediately shocked into unconsciousness. The other two goons did not hear this, since I was screaming so much. I quickly checked his pulse, and found that he was still alive. Amanda came out of hiding, and I grabbed her hand, pulling her towards the rear exit. She said, �Wait, I have an idea.� She took out her makeup kit, and quickly applied some simple makeup to his face. In seconds, he had a somewhat feminine appearance. He would have trouble when the other goons saw him like that. We left the building, and arrived at our destination. I explained the situation to her, and she agreed to go. We arrived back at my home time. I felt bad for Arthur, and really missed him. He was my closest friend. It was probably his time to die, but at least he was able to die while saving lives and hurting the mob, than if he died by heart attack. We arrived at the court, and I asked to continue in the Assembly room, and have some time to prepare. We were permitted to do this, and I replicated several pieces of magic and illusion equipment. When the council arrived, they brought an engineer of their choosing, at my request. His job was to ensure that I was not using holo, or other techno equipment. He scanned me, and the room, and declared them to be clean. I then began my show. They were amazed as I made items appear and disappear, and change in unusual ways. Then we brought out the sawing box. They were curious as Amanda entered the box. Their eyes were transfixed on us, as I placed the stocks on her head and feet. As I held up the saw, I asked the engineer once again to confirm that I was not using any techo devices. He announced that he was continually scanning the room, and I was not using any devices. The Emperor and his council began sitting on the edge of their seats, leaning towards me, as I began sawing. They were shocked as her smile continued, as I inserted the blades, and separated the halves. I put her back together, and she exited the box, as we were given thunderous applause. I then explained to the council that this was a lost art, which I had learned. It has great entertainment value, which can not be duplicated by holo entertainment. The council adjourned to discuss my verdict. An hour later, we returned to court, and the verdict was announced. Arvald Kief, the spokesman for the council announced, �We have discussed your case, and have arrived at a unanimous decision. The verdict is guilty.� My heart sank as he said this. He then continued, �Your punishment is that you will lose all your wealth and property. You will lose all of your money, your house, your clinic, your luxury ship, and all other property. You will be given a small shuttle for traveling, and a few pieces of equipment.� I thought that this might not be as bad as I thought. I will be able to travel, and spend a lot of time entertaining. He continued, �Amanda, you may stay if you wish, or you may return home, with all memories of this event erased. It is your choice.� Amanda replied, �I wish to remain here. I have nothing back home. My grandfather is dead, and my boyfriend tried to kill me. I have no reason to want to return.� This was beginning to look better. Maybe someday, Amanda will love me, but until then, I must keep my feelings for her a secret. |
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