After the final school bell, Devon returns directly to the courthouse. A different security guard stops him at the entrance. I need to speak with Judge Harmon immediately, Devon says firmly. Judge left for the day already. Come back tomorrow during regular hours. This cannot wait. My property is scheduled for destruction first thing in the morning. The guard only shrugs. Nothing I can do about that. Devon spots Officer Briggs further down the main hallway. Officer Briggs, may I have a moment of your time, please? Briggs approaches with clear reluctance. What is it now, kid?
My project is scheduled for disposal tomorrow morning. It contains irreplaceable research data collected over six months. Judge’s orders, Briggs replies with a smirk. Maybe you’ll think twice next time before bringing suspicious devices into this building. Could I at least recover the primary data drive? It’s the small blue component attached to the main board. No unauthorized access to any secured items is permitted. Briggs turns away without another word. Learn your lesson and just move on with your life. Devon walks back outside, fighting hard against rising frustration. He calls his uncle again immediately. They’re planning to destroy my project tomorrow. I still can’t reach Dad. Document every single detail, his uncle advises calmly. Names, exact times, every word that was said. I’m already making calls on my end.
That evening, Devon works furiously in the family garage, attempting to recreate the core functions of his project from pure memory and whatever spare electronic parts he can find. His mother watches quietly from the doorway for a long time. Devon… sometimes fighting these kinds of battles simply isn’t worth the cost. This one is, Mom. Devon does not look up from the delicate work of connecting two fine wires. This stopped being only about my project the moment Judge Harmon confiscated it. What is it about then? Devon carefully solders a new connection. When he took my device, he didn’t just take a science project. He tried to silence hard data showing that his own courthouse sits in a neighborhood with some of the worst documented air quality violations in the entire city.
His mother’s eyes widen with sudden understanding. You honestly think this was deliberate? I don’t know yet for certain, but I’m going to find out the truth. What specific calls is Uncle James making right now, and will any of them arrive in time to stop the destruction? Early the next morning, Devon arrives at the courthouse well before the doors officially open. He carries a thick folder of documentation carefully prepared overnight with his uncle’s guidance, proving clear ownership of the project and detailing its legitimate scientific purpose. He waits on the cold stone steps, reviewing every page one final time. Judge Harmon arrives shortly afterward. Surprise flashes briefly across his face when he spots Devon already waiting. Mr. Taylor. Persistent, aren’t you? Yes, sir. I have complete documentation proving my project’s legitimacy and formally requesting its immediate return before any destruction occurs.
