The next day, Zunafets and Aitnys were determined to meet Peter. They arrived at the police station, their steps heavy with the weight of everything that had transpired.
Meanwhile, inside the dimly lit interrogation room, Peter sat quietly, his hands folded in his lap. The chaos of the past few days seemed to have frozen him in place. He couldn't shake the guilt of his father's death, nor the overwhelming burden of his actions.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a woman walked in. Peter's gaze lifted, and his eyes narrowed as he studied her. She was tall, with sharp features and an air of confidence that instantly caught his attention.
The woman smiled gently, offering a professional handshake. "I am Enimsya Reppan," she said, her voice calm yet firm. "I'm your lawyer."
Peter stared at her for a moment, trying to place her face. "You... I remember you from the apartment... when I went in to capture the minister," he said slowly, his memory clicking.
Enimsya nodded, her expression neutral. "Yes, we've met before. But now, I'm here to help you. I'm your legal representative."
Peter was surprised. He had never expected someone like her to be involved with his case, especially after everything that had happened. But for now, he was too tired to argue. "You're really going to help me?" he asked, his voice low, betraying the hopelessness he felt.
"I'll do everything I can," she replied calmly, her gaze unwavering. "But first, we need to work on your defense."
Not long after Enimsya started talking to Peter, the door to the interrogation room opened again. Heavy footsteps echoed in the small space.
Peter looked up and saw Zunafets standing in the doorway, his uniform crisp and neat. His face was stern, but there was a hint of relief when his eyes met his brother's.
"Are you okay?" Zunafets asked, his deep voice carrying a trace of concern.
Peter smirked slightly, though he looked exhausted. "As you can see, I'm still alive. But maybe not for long."
Zunafets sighed. He glanced at Enimsya, who remained calm and composed beside Peter.
"Who is she?"
Enimsya met his gaze without hesitation. "I'm Peter's lawyer. Enimsya Reppan."
Zunafets raised an eyebrow slightly but said nothing. He then pulled up a chair and sat across from Peter, leaning forward.
"Listen, Peter," he said seriously. "This situation is bad. The government wants to make you the scapegoat for all this chaos. I tried delaying your trial, but the pressure from above is too strong. They want this over quickly."
Peter took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. "So they're rushing my trial, huh? Great. Death penalty or life in prison?"
"They haven't decided yet," Zunafets replied. "But there's a chance they might use you for something bigger."
Peter narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
Zunafets glanced briefly at Enimsya before returning his gaze to Peter. "I've heard rumors that certain people are offering a deal… They want you to work for them. In return, your sentence would be reduced."
Peter let out a short, humorless laugh. "They think I'll just agree? After everything that happened?"
"It's just an option," Zunafets said. "The other option is you go to trial and get destroyed."
The room fell silent. Peter stared at the table in front of him, his mind racing.
Then, Enimsya spoke. "We'll fight this in court. I'll find a legal loophole to defend you."
Peter turned to her, a little surprised by her determination.
Zunafets sighed and stood up. "Whatever you decide, Peter, I'll support you. But you have to choose wisely. We don't have much time."
Peter stared at his brother for a long moment before lowering his gaze. The choices before him were anything but easy.
As the tense conversation continued, the door to the holding area suddenly burst open.
"PETER! WE BROUGHT YOU SOME BREAD!"
Odlan's loud voice echoed through the room as he and Optimus ran inside, each holding a bag of bread. But behind them, several police officers were in pursuit.
"HEY! STOP RIGHT THERE!" one officer shouted, drawing his baton.
Peter, Enimsya, and Zunafets all turned to look at the ridiculous scene unfolding before them.
Odlan quickly tossed the bread onto the table and raised his hands. "Okay, okay! No need to chase us! We just wanted to bring some food for our friend!"
Optimus, panting from the run, pointed at the guards. "We told them we had permission, but they didn't listen!"
Zunafets rubbed his temples, exhaling in frustration. "You two are unbelievable."
One of the officers, clearly out of breath, glared at them. "These guys just barged in like maniacs! Who let them in!?"
Before things escalated further, Enimsya stepped forward with an air of authority. "They're Peter's acquaintances. I'll take responsibility for them."
The officers hesitated, looking at Zunafets for confirmation.
Zunafets sighed and nodded. "Fine. Just let them be."
Reluctantly, the officers backed off, though they still eyed Odlan and Optimus suspiciously.
Meanwhile, Peter grabbed a piece of bread and smirked. "You guys really risked getting arrested… for bread?"
Odlan grinned. "Hey, man, you looked like you needed it!"
Optimus patted Peter's shoulder. "We're not letting you rot in here alone."
Peter shook his head with a small chuckle. Despite the chaos, he felt a bit of warmth inside. At least, he wasn't completely alone.
Meanwhile ,Government Office Inside a large, secured meeting room, several high-ranking government officials sat with tense expressions. The arrest of Peter Nimoowahc, also known as Teerces, had shaken the nation, but it wasn't enough to silence the growing unrest outside.
"We've captured him, so why are people still protesting!?" one minister snapped, slamming his fist on the table in frustration.
A man in a black suit, the National Security Secretary, crossed his arms. "Because they see him as a hero."
Another minister turned on the large screen in the room, displaying live news coverage and social media reactions. Massive demonstrations had erupted across several cities. Some groups demanded Teerces' release, while others condemned the government as corrupt.
"This is the result of all the classified data he leaked. The people no longer trust us."
The Prime Minister, seated at the center, let out a deep sigh. "We must take control of the situation before this country spirals into chaos."
The Justice Minister, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "Peter Nimoowahc's trial must be expedited. We need to make him look like a criminal in the public's eyes before things get out of hand."
An FTO agent, who had been quietly observing, smirked. "Or… we could make him disappear before the trial even happens."
The room fell silent.
The Prime Minister shot the agent a sharp look. "We can't be reckless. If he dies in custody, it will only fuel suspicion."
The National Security Secretary nodded. "We'll let the trial proceed, but under our full control. No surprises. No evidence that can be used against us."
They all agreed. Peter's fate had just been sealed in this secret meeting.
Inside a dimly lit warehouse, dozens of Peter's father's cartel members gathered, discussing their next move. The air was filled with the scent of spray paint as several of them used pilox to write slogans on their shirts, expressing their support for Peter.
"They want to silence him, but we won't let that happen," one of the cartel leaders said, tightening his fists.
A younger member, holding a spray can, looked up. "Are we really going to protest in front of the courthouse? Won't they arrest us too?"
Another man smirked. "Let them try. The government has been playing dirty for too long. If they think they can erase Peter like this, they're wrong."
The room fell silent for a moment before one of them spoke up. "Tomorrow, we make sure the whole world is watching."
As the night went on, more people joined them, from former allies of Peter's father to ordinary citizens who had lost faith in the government. By dawn, a large group was ready to take to the streets, prepared to make their voices heard in front of the courthouse.
Tomorrow would be a day of reckoning.
The Next Morning – The Trial Begins
The sound of cameras clicking filled the air, reporters spoke rapidly on live broadcasts, and security guards stood at every corner of the courthouse. Today was Peter Nimoowahc's trial.
Inside the courtroom, the judges entered with stern expressions, dressed in black robes. Peter walked in, escorted by two officers. His steps were steady, his expression calm—until he saw one of the judges at the main bench.
His half-brother.
The judge sat confidently, smirking at Peter, as if he already knew the outcome.
Peter refused to back down. He grinned widely, showing his teeth—but with a meaningful glare.
Outside the courthouse, tensions were rising.
The cartel members who had once followed Peter's father were now receiving praise from the public. A young man with a camera recorded live, speaking passionately. "Look at this! Even gangsters are standing up for Peter and demanding justice! Isn't that enough proof of how corrupt our government is?"
Suddenly, the camera shifted to the main road.
A massive crowd was marching toward the courthouse.
They carried banners, chanted slogans, and demanded justice. A full-scale protest had begun.
Inside the courtroom, Peter smirked.
He knew this fight was far from over.
The Trial Begins The gavel struck the judge's bench, silencing the murmurs in the courtroom.
"This trial will now begin. Defendant Peter Nimoowahc, you are accused of multiple cybercrimes, public disturbance, and conspiracy against the government. The prosecution may proceed."
Peter sat calmly, his hands resting on the table, as the prosecutor stood up with a confident smirk. "Your Honor, we will prove today that this man—known as Teerces—has endangered national security and must be punished accordingly."
The first witnesses were called: Odlan and Optimus.
Odlan, dressed in a casual blazer, stepped forward. He took a deep breath before speaking. "Peter is not a criminal. If anything, he exposed the real criminals."
The prosecutor scoffed. "Objection! That is not a legal argument."
The judge—Peter's half-brother—smirked and nodded. "Sustained. Keep your testimony relevant, Mr. Odlan."
Odlan clenched his jaw but continued. "Peter never harmed innocent people. He fought against corruption, against the same people who are now trying to silence him."
Next, Optimus took the stand. He leaned forward, his eyes sharp. "You're putting the wrong man on trial. If you want to punish someone, punish the real criminals—the ones in power."
The crowd outside the courtroom grew louder.
Chants of "Justice for Peter!" echoed through the streets. The protests were no longer just about Peter—they were about exposing the corrupt system he had fought against.
Peter watched his half-brother, the judge, closely. He could see it in his eyes—this wasn't a trial. It was a performance, and the verdict had already been decided.
But Peter wasn't done fighting.
Not yet.
After Odlan and Optimus gave their testimonies, the courtroom doors swung open. A confident woman strode in, carrying a stack of documents and a laptop. Enimsya Reppan, Peter's attorney, was ready to fight.
The judge struck the gavel. "Counsel for the defendant, you may begin your defense."
Enimsya fixed her sharp gaze on the judge. "Your Honor, before we proceed, I want to ensure that this trial is conducted fairly. How can a judge who shares blood ties with the defendant preside over this case?"
The room fell silent. Peter's half-brother, the judge, smirked. "I am a professional. The fact that the defendant and I are related will not influence my judgment."
Enimsya crossed her arms. "Very well. Then let's talk about facts."
She turned on a projector, displaying evidence of the government's involvement in the crimes Peter had exposed. Several video recordings of Teerces' hacking operations played on the large screen.
"Peter Nimoowahc is not a criminal. He is a whistleblower! Everything he did was to reveal the corruption of high-ranking officials!"
The prosecutor immediately stood up. "Objection! That is irrelevant to the charges against the defendant."
The judge nodded. "Sustained. Stick to your defense regarding the accusations."
Enimsya narrowed her eyes. "Fine. Then let's talk about the charges against Peter. Is there any concrete evidence that he caused riots? Is there proof that he endangered civilians?"
The prosecutor fell silent.
Enimsya continued, "All we have here is a government afraid of someone who dared to expose their corruption. This isn't about justice; this is about silencing someone who knows too much."
Outside the courthouse, the crowd grew louder. The protests were escalating.
Peter smirked slightly. "Looks like we're starting to make them nervous."
Enimsya stared sharply at the judge. "Let's examine the real facts."
She displayed more evidence on the projector screen—leaked government documents, recordings of corrupt officials' conversations, and secret transactions proving FTO's involvement in the New Order plan.
"Peter Nimoowahc is not a criminal. He is the only one brave enough to expose the truth."
The judge, who was also Peter's half-brother, banged the gavel. "Enough! This court is not a place for conspiracy theories."
Enimsya smirked. "Oh, of course, Your Honor. Because if we dig deeper, perhaps some of the names sitting in government seats will be dragged down with it, right?"
The officials in attendance began to shift uncomfortably. One of them whispered to the government's attorney, who then stood up.
"We request that this evidence be dismissed as it was obtained illegally!"
Enimsya confidently placed her hands on their table. "If this evidence proves the truth, then why are you afraid?"
Outside, the protests grew larger. The people chanted Peter's name, demanding justice.
The prosecutor stood up, slamming the table. "Peter Nimoowahc, explain yourself! Do you deny being the hacker 'Teerces' and a threat to national security?"
Peter leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Deny? No. But let's be honest—haven't I already provided all the evidence you need? Or are you just pretending not to see it?"
Murmurs spread throughout the courtroom. The judge sighed in frustration. "Answer properly, defendant."
Peter tilted his head. "Properly? Fine. I exposed government corruption. I stopped FTO's plans for a dictatorship. I revealed how your so-called leaders are just criminals in suits." He then pointed at the officials. "And now, you're all scrambling to silence me."
Enimsya crossed her arms, nodding. "My client has merely spoken the truth. The real criminals are the ones in power."
The prosecutor gritted his teeth. "Truth or not, hacking is illegal! Your actions caused chaos across the country!"
Peter chuckled. "Oh, please. Chaos? No, no. I simply turned the lights on and let the people see what was always there."
Outside, the protests intensified. The chants for Peter's freedom grew louder, and the judge's expression darkened.
This trial was no longer just about Peter—it was about the fate of the entire system.
Peter tapped the table calmly, then looked at the judge and prosecutor. "I have data and evidence that can turn this whole case around."
The courtroom buzzed with whispers. The prosecutor narrowed his eyes. "Evidence? What kind of evidence?"
Peter smirked and glanced at Odlan. "The first one, I will play now. It won't have a huge impact, but it will give everyone here a clear picture."
Odlan nodded and opened his laptop. Enimsya, Peter's lawyer, stood up and handed the device to the court staff to connect it to the big screen.
The screen lit up.
A video recording began playing. It showed a secret meeting between high-ranking officials and FTO members, discussing the approval of a new law that would restrict people's freedom. In the recording, a minister could be heard clearly saying, "Once this law is passed, we can arrest anyone who opposes us. The media? We'll silence them. The people? They will obey."
The courtroom erupted in chaos!
Journalists quickly took notes, and some members of parliament whispered to each other. The judge banged his gavel multiple times. "Order! Order in the court!"
Peter stared at the judge confidently. "That was just a small piece. Tomorrow, at the second hearing, I will reveal even more. Evidence that no one can deny."
Zunafets and Aitnys, sitting in the back row, exchanged glances. The tide was turning in Peter's favor.
The prosecutor swallowed hard, clearly unprepared for such a massive revelation. "We... we need time to analyze this evidence before the next hearing!"
The judge nodded. "Very well. The trial is adjourned until tomorrow. All parties must prepare accordingly."
Peter grinned. The first step was complete—now, he just needed to make sure that tomorrow's revelation would deliver the final blow to the corrupt system.