Deliberations

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It was the third day of deliberations between the different factions who wanted control of Abe Thousaucas' giant pearl. The participants filtered into the courtroom after a brief recess that had been granted to allow them to prepare closing arguments.

Representatives from the U.S. Navy maintained that the discovery should remain in Pearl Harbor where it can serve as the symbol of the famous Hawaiian naval base. Historians in Washington D.C. were intent on making the pearl into a new public sculpture set on a pedestal rising above the reflecting pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York requested the right to suspend the pearl within the nave of St. Patrick's Cathedral. A fourth group, the Search for the Existence of Extra-Terrestrials (SEET), proposed to quarantine the pearl for study related to its mathematical properties and biological origins.

Judge Lovett, who was mediating the proceedings, banged his gavel to call the courtroom to order. "Admiral Johnson, are you ready with your closing statements?"

"I am," said Admiral Johnson.

"I would like to ask you to please limit your comments to only the most important reasons why I should award control of the pearl to your organization," said Judge Lovett. "The details of the monument that you've discussed during the previous days shouldn't be rehashed. This guidance goes to all the subsequent presentations, as well. Now, Admiral Johnson, please proceed."

"It would be fitting for the pearl to make its permanent home at a location named Pearl Harbor. We think the grand nature of the pearl is emblematic of the Navy's global reach. The round shape epitomizes the concept of an ongoing effort that has neither a beginning, nor an end. This captures the tireless and continuous efforts by the Navy to make the world a better place. Finally, the origin of the pearl within the sea is represented by the Navy more than the any of the other organizations represented today." Admiral Johnson smiled up at the judge, "And that's why the Navy should get control of the pearl."

"Thank you," said Judge Lovett. Admiral Johnson took his seat as the Washington historian approached the podium. "Mr. Lombardi, would you now present the case for the Washington D.C. reflecting pool proposal?"

"Your honor and the people around the world watching these proceedings from their homes, bringing the pearl to our nation's capital would show the public how valuable we think this discovery is. Displaying the pearl in Washington D.C. would make it available for millions of tourists to see everyday. No other location offers that much exposure. As it says in the Book of Revelations, "That great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!" Washington D.C. is indeed a great city and it deserves to be awarded control of the great pearl. I'd like to offer a statement to address the Navy's tenuous argument to keep the pearl in Pearl Harbor because the name of the object matches the name of the location. This suggestion makes as much sense as giving the pearl to Eddie Vedder because he's the lead singer of Pearl Jam. Coincidences like that shouldn't be the basis for decisions like these. Thank you."

A subdued laugh echoed throughout the courtroom as Mr. Lombardi took his seat. "Quite, please," said Judge Lovett. "The next arguments will come from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. Cardinal O'Leary, it's your podium."

"Well, I was going to open up my statement by remarking the the giant pearl will remind people of the magnificence of the Pearly Gates but after Mr. Lombardi's stinging Pearl Jam comment I think I'll just hold my tongue. The real reason to bring the pearl to St. Patrick's Cathedral is to represent God. As you know, the circle is a symbol of God and something like the pearl is evidence of God's awesome power. Only God could create something so perfectly spherical and amazing, and the Catholic Church wants to display this symbol to the world. Also, it's worth noting that the Bible verse that Mr. Lombardi quoted refers to a city of sin and debauchery. Somehow, I doubt that's the imagery he was trying to evoke and he should make a personal note not to quote out-of-context from the Bible right before a Cardinal from the Roman Catholic Church is about to speak. That is all."

Cardinal O'Leary took his seat. Judge Lovett said, "Mr. Thomas of the SEET delegation has the floor next."

"Calling the pearl an act of God is the silliest thing I've ever heard. It's either a scientific marvel or an alien entity and we absolutely need to quarantine it for study so that we can understand its origins. I feel I should remind the court of the 1987 novel about a giant spherical object found on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean that drove half a dozen people mentally insane because it came from the future and was made of technology that nobody understood? This pearl is the same way, and if we don't study it to gain a better understanding of it then people are going to die. The number one reason not to put the pearl on display in Hawaii, Washington or New York is the most noble goal of preserving human life. That's all I have. Thank you."

Judge Lovett banged his gavel. "Thank you all for participating. We'll recess until tomorrow, and at that point I will make my ruling on the organization who will be entrusted to safeguard the pearl. We'll reconvene here tomorrow at ten in the morning. I look forward to seeing all of you then."

Original photograph has been released by the DoD to the general public. The image depicts the 4-million pound Sea-Based X-band Radar (Missile Defense Agency) being lowered into place aboard a converted offshore oil rig at the Kiewit Offshore Services in Corpus Christi, Texas, on April 3, 2005. The radar's mobility gives it the capability to be positioned on the ocean to support Missile Defense Agency tests and also operationally support defense of our homeland, deployed forces and allies and friends. The Sea-Based X-band Radar was first featured as the Imageless Story called The Pearl.

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