Shooting The Messenger

Grace heard the whooshing sound and small clink as the little vessel reached her portal. She checked the pneumatic tube and found a letter in an unfamiliar hand. She turned and sat at her desk before unrolling it slowly.

Miss Toussaint.

In further correspondence, please use term "person" in place of "human being," unless you actually wish to define a person who is a member of of the genus and species homo sapiens.

Your oversight is apalling. Your presumption has nearly caused an international incident and caused difficulties for our commerce interests abroad. Need I remind you of how fast news travels in the modern world?

Shame on you.

-Mosseveno Tenk

Clockwinder

P.s In the meanwhile, Mr. YoYo Underby may be released to house arrest. I trust a militia member will take up watch at the Bucket of Blood to ensure compliance.

Grace's face first drained of color, then red blood rushed to her cheeks as her anger rose. How dare he lay this at her feet? Was she not merely following the letter of the law as her solemn oath required?

She ripped open a desk drawer and withdrew a fresh sheet of paper. She took a moment to compose her thoughts and steady her hand, then put pen to paper.

Clockwinder,

I am appalled at your misguided and tardy response to the current situation. If there is any blame to be laid, other than on the killer of Pip Steamer, it must be at your feet. A statement from you may have settled the populace, and diplomatic issues are your concern, not mine.

I am simply an officer of the court. I must represent my client's interests to the best of my abilities. I read the law, in black and white, and applied the words there to the facts at hand. If people object to such a classification of "human beings" vs. "persons" it is not for me to bow to public opinion. It must be up to the civic leaders and lawmakers to improve the laws and protect all of our fair City's citizens.

Personally, I would like to see Pip's killer brought to justice. I have no doubt that all beings, be they human, clockwork, or other should be given rights and a safe harbour in the law. Should you or any other citizen of Babbage propose a law to that end I would be happy to lend my support.

I remain your humble servant of justice,

Grace Toussaint, Esq.

By the time she had poured her ire out on the paper Grace's angry tears had dried on her cheeks. She stood slowly, straightening her skirts and pulling on her gloves. She folded the letter carefully and slipped it into her bodice and strode to the door. She slowly crossed the street and warily looked both ways before hopping quickly over the trolley tracks. She was headed to the gilded City Hall, and then perhaps to see for herself that her client was indeed going to be released.