The Trial of John Predaetor, Part 4

Previously, on MinerBumping... Miner John Predaetor experienced a dizzying series of ups and downs when he went to trial for reimbursement of his Venture. Just when things were looking good for John, Agent Kalorned pulled a rabbit out of his hat. He argued that John's ability to see one corner of his screen while drinking proved he could see local chat, and had ignored an Agent of the New Order. Judge Quaker Oatmeal found this very persuasive.

As always, the court based everything on facts and evidence. Quaker experimented by drinking something while looking at his own computer screen. The evidence was damning. Now John Predaetor was in danger of being denied reimbursement.

John dismissed all simulations and recreations out of hand. He was as innocent as O.J. Simpson.

Quaker ignored the theatrics and stuck to the facts. John needed to come up with a convincing counterargument in a hurry. Or he'd need an entirely new argument for reimbursement. But would John crack under the pressure instead?

John took the cracking option. This is what distinguishes an experienced prosecutor like Kalorned, who never lost his cool.

Judge Oatmeal helpfully informed John where his thinking was at; it was time for John to move forward to another argument. But John dug in his heels. This signaled weakness; he was making his last stand on a point the judge had already decided. Future space lawyers, take notice!

Having invited the miner to make a new argument, and having seen the invitation rejected, Quaker Oatmeal began the process of wrapping up the case.

At the last moment, John condemned himself. He revealed that he'd never had faith. EVE never works out for carebears who lack faith.

John did not have an excuse for failing to respond to Kalorned's greeting in local. It was bot-aspirancy all the way.

As always, the tribunal reached the correct decision. This was confirmed by John's subsequent admission that he didn't even know the Code existed in the first place. How can a miner not know about the Code by now--unless he deliberately disengages from the highsec environment?

John's bot-aspirancy was a clear violation of the Code. Since John didn't own a permit, he could have been more easily charged with unlicensed mining. However, our Agents give the miners every opportunity to defend themselves. If the miner loses, it's his own fault.

The experience of going to trial was a positive one. John expressed an interest in acquiring his very own copy of the Code. 'Twas a worthwhile endeavor!

The impartial judge showed no ill will toward either party. Another job well done, Quaker was off to his next appointment.

In the end, the trial was a victory for the Code, the New Order, Agent Kalorned, and--most importantly--the system. The system works. We can trust in the process. Justice prevails in highsec today! What a comfort to all the PvE'ers who don't have anything to hide.