“That’s a lie,” shouted the kid who tried to stab him. 

He read the kid’s thoughts and said, “Your honor, if I and Amma, the Furban girl, hadn’t been wearing a force field, the knife his father gave him which was used during the Pelangreve War would have penetrated my back and I’m sure he would have slashed the girl.”

The kid’s father angrily said, “You told me you lost it somewhere.  And how did this man know about it in the first place?”

“Sir, I know it was your buddy Greng’s knife which he took from an enemy soldier during the war.  I’m so sorry he died last year.”

“How can you read my mind?”

“Where I come from, most people can read minds.  I know your son described me as some sort of maniac with a couple pistols.  But they were for self-defense and to protect my friends from kids like the ones that are lying about me.”

“Are you going to take that from him?” asked the kid who had the knife.  “Who are you going to believe; me or some Furban-lover.”

“You said you were south of there last night and the night before.  And this man is a preacher.  Who do you think I’m going to believe?”

“But Dad–”

“Don’t but Dad me, young man.  You’re lucky he didn’t shoot you which I almost feel like doing.  I had a feeling you were on the north side of the city in Furbantown.   I’m ashamed to admit I used to go up there when I was your age and harass those poor people because it doesn’t matter what happens to Furbans.”

“Sir, I care what happens to Furbans.  I chose to minister to them.  I may spend the rest of my life in their neighborhoods sharing the Gospel with them.  Maybe someday they’ll be treated like everyone else.  I don’t know when that will happen.  But God-willing, I will see that day.  Maybe by then they will gain some backbone and try to seek justice for the wrongs that have been committed against them for centuries. 

The judge asked Menell, “So you take full responsibility for shooting at their vehicles?”

“Of course.  Who else would have shot at them?  I will even pay damages–”

“No, that won’t be neceasarry,” said another father.  “Our kids brought it onto themselves, so they will pay for the damages.  And if they protest too much, I suggest we yank their licenses for awhile.  At least then they won’t be raping Furban girls.”

“So you won’t press charges for property damage and punitive damages of $10 million?” the judge asked. 

“No, your honor,” said the fathers in unison. 

The judge rapped the gavel and dismissed the case.  Menell was free to go home and wouldn’t pay anything.  He also didn’t have another attack.  It helped that the police patrolled the neighborhood border to make sure Furbans weren’t disturbed.

It took over half a century for Furbans to finally receive some civil rights.  At least Menell saw that day and is still preaching only in a new church that can hold over 15,000 people; both Furban and normal.  Because when it comes down to it, God loves all mankind; even Furbans.