Environmental committee meeting in my courthouse? The judge’s tone drips with pure disbelief and thinly veiled hostility. Yes, sir. Room 302 at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Williams is expecting me and has confirmed the invitation.

The judge checks his expensive watch with exaggerated deliberation. We’ll see about that. Bring him to my courtroom first. The order is given without further discussion.

The guards escort Devon away immediately, one on each side, their grips firm on his arms.

His carefully constructed project now sits partially disassembled in Officer Briggs’s rough hands, sensors and circuit boards separated without care.

As they walk down the long corridor, Devon notices other visitors carrying briefcases, laptops, and various electronic devices passing through security without a single question or second glance.

A white student carrying a large science fair display board walks right through the same checkpoint with only a casual nod from the officers. Devon carefully texts his father while being led away. Delayed at security.

Might miss presentation time. His father replies almost instantly. What’s happening? Devon starts typing a detailed explanation, then stops himself. His father already carries enough pressure from his high-level responsibilities.

Just extra security checks. Nothing serious, he finally sends.

Judge Harmon walks several paces ahead of the group, his black robes flowing dramatically behind him like a cape of authority. Devon catches fragments of the judge’s low conversation with Briggs.

These people always have excuses ready. Teach him about real authority today. He’ll know his place after this is finished. Devon straightens his shoulders even further, refusing to let the words land. This is no longer simply about his science project. What does Judge Harmon really want with a high school student’s environmental research?

In Judge Harmon’s empty courtroom, Devon stands alone before the elevated bench. His project sits in scattered pieces across a side table, months of meticulous work reduced to disconnected components.

Explain again what this device does, Judge Harmon demands without looking up from the phone in his hands. It’s an air quality monitor that measures particulate matter concentrations in low-income neighborhoods, your honor.

Devon keeps his voice steady and factual. I’ve been collecting data for six months showing clear correlations between poor air quality and elevated respiratory illness rates.