“Your Honor,” she said, her voice calm but edged with triumph, “the defense has exhausted all reasonable accommodations. We request the court to proceed immediately.”

Lucas tried to speak, but the judge raised a hand before he could form a sentence. “Mr Whitman,” the judge said firmly, “you have five minutes to present legal representation. After that, we move forward.”

A wave of whispers rolled through the benches. Then, from the back of the courtroom, a voice broke the tension. It was soft at first, almost hesitant, yet strong enough to cut through the noise.

“I can speak for him.”