“Thank you for coming,” Penn said, before ushering her to the witness stand. Penn addressed the Court. “Your Honor, I’m ready to proceed.”
“I object,” shouted Walker, who nearly knocked over his chair in his hurry to stand. “This woman is not a relative nor does she know the minor.”
“Your Honor, ‘this woman’ as Mr. Walker calls her is Oracle, the voice of the Fates on earth and has knowledge pertaining to this matter. As you, yourself said, ‘Any and all evidence will be considered today’. Oracle has received special permission from the Fates to testify here today.”
Fionn watched the judge stare at his uncle before finally overruling Walker’s objection, giving Penn the green light to proceed.
“Oracle, for the record, please tell the Court who you are,” Penn stated.
“I am the voice of the Fates on earth.”
“So, the Fates speak directly to you. What do you do with that information?” asked Penn.
“That depends on what the Fates tell me to do.”
“Can you give the Court some examples of the kinds of information the Fates tell you?” asked Penn.
“No, not unless I have been given prior permission.”
“Have you received permission to speak about the date of birth of Fionn MacDùghlas who is present in courttoday and is the subject of this custody hearing?” asked Penn.
“Yes, I have.”
Penn handed her the midwife certificate he had entered into evidence. “Does this contain the correct birth date of Fionn MacDùghlas?”
“Yes, it is accurate.”
“Just to be sure, please point out who you are speaking about.”
Oracle pointed at Fionn, then said, “This midwife certificate belongs to that young man.”
“Let the record show Oracle identified the minor Fionn MacDùghlas,” said Penn. Then he continued, “You are also testifying, then, that Fionn MacDùghlas is of legal age and is no longer in need of a guardian?”
“Yes.”
Jumping up, Fionn’s uncle shouted. “She’s lying!”
“Mr. Walker, control your client,” ordered the judge banging his gavel several times.
Fionn’s eyes widened at the unexpected drama of Walker pulling his client back down to his seat, then leaning over and whispering furiously in his ear.
Continuing after the outburst had been quelled, Penn asked Oracle, “Just to confirm…the source of your knowledge comes directly from the Fates, is that correct?”
“Yes, it is,” replied Oracle.
“No further questions, Your Honor.” Walking back to his seat, Penn smiled at Fionn.
“Mr. Walker, your witness,” the judge said.
Rising, Walker buttoned his suit jacket, then strolled over to Oracle. “You claim to be an Oracle, but how do we know you are telling the truth?” Walker smirked.
“The chairman of the Universal Paranormal High Council will vouch for me, but if that is not enough, Mr. Walker, the Fates gave me another piece of information about you that should confirm my credentials.”
“Really? And pray tell, what is it?” Walker asked, but then held up his hand, stopping Oracle. “But then, you should know my life is an open book and well documented.”
“I can assure you, Mr. Walker, there is only one other person who knows this about you,” replied Oracle.
“I doubt it, but by all means, go ahead,” smirked Walker.
