During lunch period, Devon’s phone buzzes with an unexpected text from an unknown number. Your project has been marked for disposal tomorrow morning under security protocol. Sorry. Friend inside the courthouse. Devon’s heart begins racing. Months of irreplaceable air quality data are about to be permanently destroyed. He tries calling his father again and reaches only voicemail.
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.
