"Crack! Crack! Crack!"
With three cracks of Presiding Judge Gaspol's whip, the six consecutive days of sentencing, each devoted to one of the six bishops, finally drew to a close.
Perhaps the last respect shown to these six bishops was that they had not all been lumped together and sentenced in a single day.
Kallen had not sat at the Judgment Seat, but in the observer's seats behind it. Now that he was a minister, he had no need to show his face on such occasions anymore. He could simply sit back and watch Alfred, Vic, and the others perform.
During this time, they had also taken turns slipping other people in to enjoy playing "prosecutor." On the day Richard appeared in court, for example, the entire Guman Family had come to watch, as though attending their own child's graduation ceremony.
Alfred and Vic had even thoughtfully left him a few extra lines, rather than making him sit there the entire time as a recording clerk.
Kallen rose and went through the small door at the front first. Presiding Judge Gaspol was waiting for him there.
"Come to Dinge District when you have time someday. I'll buy you coffee."
"Of course, Presiding Judge."
"Keep doing good work. Things can always turn around. After all, who can say for certain what the future holds?"
"Thank you for your encouragement."
"Of course. I like outstanding, ambitious young people."
"May I invite you to stay for dinner? If you're willing, it would be my honor."
In fact, Kallen would soon be leaving York City on a business trip.
"What a shame. Next time, then. The next time you find another job for me, we can enjoy dinner together while discussing the details of the case."
After these brief pleasantries, Gaspol left with her