Friday July 28, 2028

Captain Weber believes Sigurd, and goes to the Fortress of Wienerschnitzel. As he approaches, he finds the restaurant empty, closed with a health code violation notice on the door.

When he gets back to the station, the front desk dispatcher tells him that a local man has come forward saying he saw a group of American Negro males in the festival area just before the tourists were murdered.

Coluvis tells Garrett,

“Same as in the US. The court will not allow the use of my surveillance of the Socialists as evidence, because it was obtained surreptitiously.”

“We’ll prove the truth somehow” replies Garrett

He gets on the Internet and phone. With a joint effort, he and Coluvis soon have plenty of documentation that identifies the suspects as a radical Socialist group whose members all have long criminal records including two convictions for falsifying evidence.

August 4, 2028. Municipal Court Building

Captain Weber and his men lead Sigurd and the other band members into the cherry paneled courtroom for a preliminary hearing.

Judge Umbasa Stapleton is presiding.

The new evidence is given. Judge Stapleton listens with a very pompous expression, and then in a falsely superior tone, addresses the musicians as a group.

“In Africa we do not have these problems with our people. We all know about white American bigotry. I do not trust any of this. The evidence against these Socialists, as you call them, is purely circumstantial. It is my impartial and considered judgement that you all be bound over for trial. Next case, please.”

August 5, 2028 Waken Police Headquarters

Garrett says to Captain Webber,

“These men are innocent. You should have heard the judge. I think if it were possible, he would have had them all hung on the spot. I just know that if this matter is investigated more deeply somehow they will be exonerated.

Captain Weber says,

“I have some ideas and will get back to you the minute there is anything to tell.”

Late Afternoon.

Captain Weber to Garrett by phone,

“It has come to light that the forensic report showed that on one body of a nineteen-year-old girl there was also a small piece of another type of hair that we have now identified as male Negroid in origin. My men and I are on the way to arrest the Socialists. I will tell you more later.”

Captain Weber and the police unit arrive at the hotel. Weber to the clerk,

“You have a number of American Negro men staying with you. We are here to arrest them on suspicion of murder. The element of surprise is important, so please to not call to notify them…”

Upstairs Weber knocks on the door. Inside, Henry is nearest the door and looks through the peep hole. “Oh shit man, it’s the heat with their guns out.”

Jerry looks around wildly for a way to escape.

Ernie says, “It’s too late. Just be cool. Don’t say anything. I’ll do the talking.”

Ernie opens the door and says,

“Good morning, how can I help you?”

Weber says, “Our sources tell us that you fellows are a group of Socialists from America.”

Ernie pauses a second and says,

“Yes, and great admirers of your countryman Karl Marx. We are not here in any political capacity, however. Just five hard workers with a little time off. Actually we’re here for the music.”

Weber looks almost embarrassed for Ernie, due to the blatant unlikelihood of his remark and says.

“I’m sorry, but you are all under arrest as suspects in the murder of eleven American tourists. We hope you will come along quietly.”

Henry mutters, “Motherfucker” under his breath

The Captain hears, and says,

“What’s that? Say again please.”

Henry pouts and says,

“I didn’t murder nobody, man.”

“You were seen by several tourists, and will have your chance to explain in court. We are going to handcuff you all as a precaution.”

Weber’s lieutenant and another officer remain to search the premises. When the lieutenant comes across several rap DVDs he scoffs,

“Here for the music, indeed.”

Now the Socialists are transported to police headquarters and indicted.

Pre-Trial Holding Cell Area. Late Afternoon

Captain Weber enters with a smile for Sigurd,

“I bring you very good news. A family of witnesses have come forth corroborating your story, saying that they saw all the members of Liberator dining at the Fortress of Wiener Schnitzel during the time of the murders. You are exonerated and will be freed within the hour. Paperwork time lag is all.”

Back outdoors, Liberator grabs a quick dinner and head to the music venue.

Everyone looks puzzled, they are announced, and Sigurd addresses the audience,

“Sorry we’re late. Flat tire on the way up.”

A few people who know what’s been happening chuckle, and the music begins.