They walked back into the court room, and most of the audience was already seated. Barra and his defense team was already at their table, even the judge was already seated. Everyone was waiting for them, the stars of the day. As they found their way to their table, Tyler turned and for a brief moment, he saw his father amidst the crowd. Their eyes met, and he removed his immediately, it's been ages since he saw them, he wondered how they were doing. He did what he had to do, take a life of an asshole to save the life of an innocent man, the only regret he had was that he didn't do it in a way that wouldn't have hurt them like he did. They say to do it, then apologize later, if he gets that life imprisonment, he will spend the rest of that life saying sorry.
The courtroom fell into an unnatural silence as the bailiff called the next witness.
"The People call Vice President JD Vance."
The doors opened, and a tall, silver-haired man in a dark suit strode inside with the kind of confidence that you only have when you own the place. Cameras clicked furiously as he took the stand. Even Judge Graff's granite expression shifted, just slightly, as the oath was administered.
Tyler's almost let out a laugh. The Vice President. They'd brought the Vice President of the United States to testify against him. Was that how big he's become…
Rafael Barra wasted no time.
"Mr. Vice President, thank you for appearing today. Could you tell the court your relationship to Charlie Kuck?"
"Charlie was not only a colleague. He was my friend. A man of integrity, a rising leader who had devoted his life to service. His death wasn't just a tragedy for his family, it was a tragedy for this nation."
Barra nodded, "How has his loss impacted the administration?"
"It's left a scar. Charlie was young, brilliant, and fearless. He was the kind of leader who inspired hope in a time when people desperately need it. His murder, carried out so publicly, wasn't just an attack on a man. It was an attack on democracy itself. A message that no one is safe. Not our leaders. Not our citizens. Not even our children, who were in the crowd that day."
Reporters scribbled furiously and Barra let the silence hang for a moment, then he stepped closer.
"Mr. Vice President, in your position, you've undoubtedly seen many tragedies. Why, in your view, does this case demand the harshest possible sentence?"
JD Vance leaned forward slightly, his eyes burning into Tyler, "Because when a man murders a public servant in cold blood, in front of thousands, in front of children, with no regard for life or order, that is not just a crime. It is terrorism. It is a declaration of war against the fabric of our society. And if we do not respond with the full force of justice, then we invite chaos."
The words landed like a hammer. Some spectators in the gallery nodded.
"Thank you, Mr. Vice President. No further questions.", The room buzzed with low murmurs as Barra returned to his seat, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.
Judge Graff turned toward the defense table, "Mr. Goodman, your witness."
Paul Goodman rose slowly, buttoning his jacket. He gave a respectful nod toward the witness stand before speaking.
"Mr. Vice President, first let me say, thank you for your service to this nation, and for being here under such difficult circumstances."
VP Vance nods once, solemn "Of course."
"Sir, your testimony today was powerful. But if I may, I want to clarify something. You are here as a friend of Mr. Charlie Kuck, correct?"
"Yes."
"And as the Vice President of the United States, the words you speak carry great weight. Perhaps more weight than any other voice in this courtroom, except the judge's."
"…That may be true."
Paul clasped his hands loosely behind his back, pacing gently, his tone steady, "But you were not present at the rooftop, were you? You did not witness the shooting firsthand?"
"No, I did not."
"And you have not personally reviewed the forensic evidence or crime scene reports?"
"No. That is for the investigators."
Paul gave a polite nod, "So when you tell this court that this act was 'terrorism' or a 'war on democracy'… you are speaking not as a witness of fact, but as a statesman. A leader. Is that fair to say?"
JD Vance pauses, then carefully* "…Yes. That is fair."
Paul's tone softened even further, his voice almost weary, "Mr. Vice President, none of us can deny this crime was horrific. None of us can deny Mr. Charlie Kuck's loss is a wound to this country. But respectfully, sir, this courtroom is not Congress. It is not a campaign stage. Here, the law requires evidence… and justice requires fairness, not politics."
"Objection!" Barra thundered
"Overruled. Proceed, Mr. Goodman." Was the Judge's reply
Paul inclined his head toward the bench, then turned back to the witness, "One last question, Mr. Vice President. You said that failing to give the harshest sentence invites chaos. But if the defendant is not executed, if instead he is imprisoned for life… is democracy truly in danger?"
The Vice President's jaw tightened. Silence weighed heavy over the courtroom, "When we reward acts like this with life, then yes, not just our democracy, the very fabric that binds our nation together will be in great danger. What becomes of us, when we cannot even come out and have debates over things we disagree on because you fear that lunatics like Tyler Robson will kill you for having a different opinion."
"What becomes of our society when we undermine the Judiciary, and the sanctity of the law court? I believe our democracy will be in greater danger when Politicians hand out sentences instead of the honorable judges in our country." Paul bows his head slightly, "Thank you, sir. No further questions."