Case #802120 - Part 6

Convicted

"Will the defendant please stand," Judge Walters said.

I was so deeply shocked by his guilty verdict that I could barely find the strength to rise to my feet.

"Ingrid Hawthorne, you have been found guilty of violating sections 49.02 and 38.03 of the State Penal Code, specifically, for being intoxicated in a public place and for resisting arrest. These are two serious offenses for which severe penalties can apply. In considering this matter I have noted for the record that you have no prior convictions and that you have previously been an upstanding and respectable member of this community," he said. The judge took a moment to look up from his papers and, I think, he even smiled faintly.

I sensed a slight hope that mercy might be shown. "Please God!" a voice in my head whispered a prayer.

"However --"

My heart sank.

"In making my decision I am obliged to refer to the White Slave Act of 2000 and its 2003 amendment as it applies to this jurisdiction which states a court may, at its discretion, enslave women as punishment for selected crimes. I hereby sentence you to be enslaved as a Person of Limited Rights and henceforward to be known as slave 802120. You will be taken into custody by and remain the property of the Public Slave Office for a period of seven days. During this time you will be allowed the opportunity to divest yourself of all your financial and property interests, either by transfer to a partner or other family member, or by sale at public auction with all proceeds being split equally between the Federal Treasury and Eastlake County."

He continued talking in a steady monotone while the word 'enslaved' resounded loudly in my thoughts.

"During the next seven days the Public Slave Office will invite White Slavers to inspect you and make tender bids for your purchase. Family members or any other person nominated by you may also make bids on your behalf however, they must be in possession of a current Federal Warrant, otherwise known as a White Slavers License, and register their expression of interest with the Public Slave Office. The Public Slave Office reserves the right to accept or reject any bid during this seven-day period. If you are not sold within seven days, you will be taken to the Eastlake County Slave Market and publicly auctioned. Case closed."

The sudden, loud bang of the judge's gavel snapped me back to reality.