Ultimately, Tamara would rely on everything she had learned as an attorney defending the good, the bad and the ugly; and this all had to be done with compassion.
Tamara was feeling fortunate that she was able to talk with judge Cranford. He had always been reasonable and fair, and she certainly needed that in this particular instance.
After listening and talking at length with Tamara, Judge Cranford decided to release Silva and Olive on their own recognizance and allowed them to take Mindy home while awaiting their day in court.
The next morning Ms. Freeman contacted Samuel Wait and explained the situation to him. Samuel took the next flight out to meet with her for a conference before her appearance in court. He was ready and willing to take the stand on behalf of the women and in defense of the Tearth. He had long waited this day, and he would face it now with a gleeful heart. It might not be exactly where he would like to begin, but at least it was a start.
Ms. Freeman knew that most of these cases were handled in much the same way. The perpetrators were jailed until they could be brought before a judge, charged a stiff penalty, and then released.
The story of Mindy Rose and her adopted family made headlines across the land, and the people of Tuva were now taking sides. But for once, the issue was discussed at length making it possible for Mr. Wait and others like him to explain in detail what was at stake for a species that had been treated so badly that they were near extinction. The news media took on the fight for Mindy Rose, and by the time court day arrived, people from around the country showed up at the courthouse. In lieu of new evidence, others felt brave enough to come forward with similar stories about the Tearth, and were ready to take to the witness stand. They were convinced that a law wrongfully imposed on a harmless species had to be corrected, and they were here to do their part in changing it. The clamor created by the throng of Tuvans trying to enter the courtroom didn’t go unnoticed either.
Samuel was flabbergasted. Where had these people been hiding all this time, and why had they waited until now to come forward? Were they so frightened by the prospect of being politically incorrect that they were unwilling to speak out? Or, was it fear alone that held them back? He decided the answer was unimportant. These people had come here in defense of Mindy Rose and her species. Samuel’s tired and aching soul had suddenly taken on a radiant glow. Even with the knowledge that life could suddenly become a long and bitter battle, not just to remain in their homes, but also to remain on their world, the Tuvans had decided to help an innocent species of human-like beings that had been hammered almost to extinction, and for that, he was a very happy man.
The Outcome
It was the decision of the court that the Tearth were intelligent beings. The original ruling would be disregarded and new laws established as soon as possible. From henceforth the species would be fully protected by the government, and anyone convicted of doing harm to a Tearth would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Every effort to communicate with the Tearth and promote an empathetic recognition of their plight would be at the top of the list.
Silvia, Olive, Ruth, Karen and Tamara decided that this was one of the happiest days of their lives. And for the first time ever, Mindy Rose walked downtown with all five of her foster mothers. They took her everywhere, even to a fine restaurant. After Mindy ate her fruit and vegetables, they ordered an ice cream cone, which she tried and then refused to eat another bite. They all laughed at the frown of distaste on Mindy’s face, and Dr. Karen commented, “You truly are an intelligent young lady, Mindy Rose.”
And for what it’s worth: This is not the end of the beautiful little Tearth, Mindy Rose. Her creator plans to bring into being a fantastic journey that will take her into exciting and terrifying places as new discoveries are made almost daily about the Tearth in general and Mindy Rose in particular.
All who wish to tag along will witness Mindy’s stunning intellect and physical ability as it grows to astounding proportions. Most will be mystified at her uncanny ability to deal with problems and resolve issues that were apparently irresolvable.
Until then…Happy trails.
Author’s Notes
I have been considering the world of Tuva and the Tearth for quite some time now, and in the process have explored numerous different story lines about Tuva and the Tearth. Also over the past couple of years, I have attempted to get Ethel Halstead and recently Sally Williamson to collaborate with me on a story. I thought that Tuva would be a good place to start such collaboration. What you have read so far is not engraved in stone and it is my ardent wish that the story will be richer and more vivid in scope and depth as it evolves.
With that in mind, call the above story a very rough draft and open to many possibilities. More than likely before the world of Tuva and the Tearth can come to life there are going to be some monumental debates, not only Tuva and its citizens, but also our writing styles. I have already seen where my writing and those of Sally and Ethel differ greatly. I believe this is because both Ethel and Sally come from a more genteel time; their edges are rounded and have fewer barbs while I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and in the process have produced many thorns and hard edges. Merging our styles together is not going to be simple or easy, in the end it may be impossible, still I believe it is more than worth the effort.
I calculate this will turn out one of several ways. One: The book will be a success and we will all be happy and content with our efforts. Two: The book will be a success, Sally and Ethel will have become so infuriated with my constant interference they will conspire to murder me and bury my bones somewhere in the New Mexico desert.
As for anyone else that finds the concept of Tuva to be fertile ground for writing, be my guest. The only thing I ask is that you maintain continuity with the story line as it has been written so far, and at the moment, that leaves a lot of room for exploration and creativity. If you have tried writing in the past and had your story fall on deaf ears, this might be your chance to be read and published. For those that show interest, and want to explore writing this might be the place to start. If you think it will be a shoo-in, think again, you will have to work at the story, and when you believe it is perfect it will be pulled apart and sent back to you for re-write.
For the time being, I am considering limiting the number of writers that will be involved because we are few and writers are many. Your stories will be yours and yours alone. Credits will go to you; any profits you make from the story will be yours. However, the world of Tuva and the Tearth, and anything that adds to that world will become property of the story line. The reason for this is so others who wish to write about Tuva can do so freely while keeping the continuity of the overall story line intact and not be in jeopardy of infringing on each other’s writing. Also, keep in mind, this does not give you license to steal from each other.
It is my desire that Tuva and the Tearth will be the platform for yet unknown writers to venture into the world of writing and then produce many fantastic and lasting adventures for generations to come.
Even if you choose not to join in bringing this about, it is my fervent wish that as new writers you are successful in your writing endeavors. Good luck to you, and never give up on your dreams.
Thomas H. Reed
A Root from Infertile Ground:
When heartless mercenaries stab Jodie and then throw her into a river to die, she decides to take revenge on those who had tried to kill her. After blowing up a compound filled with drugs and explosives, she makes some powerful enemies who are determined to destroy her. In return, Jodie turns combatant and becomes their worst nightmare.
Tramp:
Sara and Joey live in a small town near Roswell, New Mexico. On the surface, Raybem looks like the perfect place to raise a family and live happily ever after. Nevertheless, Sara and Joey find out the hard way that people can be cruel, even family members. How does a young girl face the unfounded lies and gossip that come her way? Can she survive when it seems everyone is
bent on destroying her?
To Jump or Not to Jump:
After much contemplation, Jack and Millie concluded that life was no longer worth living. They meet each other for the first time after both show up at an old abandoned railroad bridge to end it all. This sounds very sad doesn’t it? Well, get ready to laugh out loud (Lol) because this story will keep you in stitches.
Billie’s World:
Dan found the young girl huddled in an alley between two trashcans. She had pulled a piece of heavily stained cardboard around her to ward off the chill. Her clothes were ragged and covered with several days of filth and grime. She peeked at him through squinted eyelids as she threw her arms up in a protective gesture while still trying to push further away from him.......
Desperate Flight:
Jason Wade is madly in love with a girl named Jana. However, there are obstacles to be resolved before they can be together. Jana lives on another planet on the other side of the Milky Way. How did he meet her? How will he get there?
Read this unusual love story as it reveals all of this and more.
Checkmate!
As Irma moved to the rhythm of the music, once again she wondered if anyone would ever love or want her. Countless times, she had sold her body and soul one piece at a time for a few coins each. What man would take a whore into his heart much less his home?
Turning Fourteen:
This story is so hilarious that it will keep you laughing from start to finish. Read about this young man’s adventures and experiences as he goes through the transition from childhood to manhood, if you’ve ever wondered what goes on in the brain of a teenage boy this might give you some insight.
The Tearth of Tuva
The Earth like planet of Tuva was discovered and then colonized by earthlings. However, in doing this, they were breaking a Galactic law which stated that a planet could not be colonized if it had a sentient population. So Tuva’s inhabits, the Tearth, were declared worthless beast; subsequently, almost destroying this gentle, intelligent species.
Winds of Fate Page 25