"No, sir. Just providing information." Judge Harmon stands and circles the bench, looming over Devon. "Listen carefully. I've been on this bench for 20 years. I've seen every excuse, every story, every scheme."
His hand slams the table. Pieces of Devon's project scatter. A sensor crashes to the floor. "This equipment could interfere with courthouse systems."
Devon watches months of work break apart. "Sir, that's months of research." "Research?" Judge Harmon laughs. "Is that what they call it now? Where did you get these parts? Who really built this?"
"I designed and built it myself. The parts were purchased with grant money from the State Science Foundation." Judge Harmon's jaw tightens. "A likely story. Let me be clear. This courthouse isn't your science fair."
He picks up a circuit board, examining it with exaggerated suspicion. "We'll hold this device for security inspection. You can wait in the hallway until the committee meeting. And my presentation?"
"If they confirm your story, you'll get your property back." Judge Harmon's smile doesn't reach his eyes. "Maybe... eventually."
Devon stares at his broken project. Data collected from his own neighborhood. Evidence of environmental injustice now treated like contraband.
"May I have a receipt for my property, your honor?" The judge's smile falters. "Getting legal advice from somewhere, are we?"
Devon waits in the hallway, watching the minutes tick by. His presentation time approaches, but security won't let him near room 302 without Judge Harmon's approval. Dr. Williams spots Devon.
"There you are. Why aren't you setting up? We start in 15 minutes." "Judge Harmon confiscated my project. Says it's suspicious." Dr. Williams's eyebrows shoot up. "That's absurd. You're our keynote student presenter."
They return to Judge Harmon's courtroom together. The judge is on a call, holding up one finger to make them wait. Devon notices how the judge's posture changes when he sees Dr. Williams.
"Judge Harmon," Dr. Williams begins when the call ends. "There's been a misunderstanding. Devon Taylor is our invited presenter today." The judge barely glances at him.
"This young man brought unauthorized electronic equipment into a federal building. That requires proper investigation." "It's a science project that I personally vetted." "Did you run background checks on him and his family?" Judge Harmon asks sharply.
"Do you know where he's from?" Devon feels heat rising in his face. Dr. Williams shifts uncomfortably. "He's one of our brightest students."
"That doesn't answer my question." Judge Harmon turns to Devon. "Where exactly are you from, Mr. Taylor?" "I was born in Chicago, sir. We moved here 3 years ago."
"And before Chicago?" Devon blinks, confused. "My family has been in Chicago for generations." Judge Harmon makes a dismissive noise.
"Your project will remain confiscated until proper authorities can inspect it." However, he nods to Dr. Williams. "You can take responsibility for him attending the meeting without his device."
Dr. Williams protests, but the judge cuts him off. "Should have thought of that before bringing unauthorized devices into a federal building." The judge's voice rises.
Devon follows Dr. Williams to the meeting room. His heart pounds as they enter. Twelve committee members sit around a conference table. Several observers line the walls.
"I apologize for the delay," Dr. Williams announces. "We've had an unexpected situation." Devon steps forward. Every eye in the room turns to him.