Revenge By Law's
ARTICLE 97

The press conference conducted by the Milky Way shortly after the incumbent proposed 2 Raperda was very big news. Various media discussed it continuously so that the urge from the public to investigate all allegations submitted by the former doctor.

The result was fatal, especially for the governor Theodore Francis. His confidence level dropped dramatically. There are even some parties who demand that he step down from his position as governor. His plan to get votes from parties who had not liked it because the reclamation project turned around to destroy it.

In the end, he completely resigned. His desire to extend his tenure must be buried. Registration for governor will begin next week. Not just impacting him. His deputy, Rustam Mediantara, was also affected. He succeeded Theodore Francis as governor at interim. But, he also had to resign because the party that previously carried his name to fight in the front election, too, he resigned because many believed he was involved in the crimes committed by Theodore Francis.

Meanwhile, the Milky Way still did not stop laughing. He was still enjoying his victory after successfully humiliating his heavy opponent. The strategy he got from Indira and Rinjani was a great success. Now its electability is skyrocketing, away from its other competitors. It could be said, he had already set one foot into the governor's seat.

Fortunately, he listened to Indira and Rinjani. If he were to announce about the casino building project before Theodore Francis proposed the two Raperda, he would only be considered a slanderer. It must not be difficult for the governor and Mr. Jireh to immediately cover up the project. But, he harnessed the momentum very well.

“I'm so grateful to you guys. You guys are amazing. I can already feel it when I first met you,” praise the Milky Way to Indira and Rinjani who are currently sitting in front of him. “You want what gift? I'll give it right now. No matter how expensive, I'll give it. A home? Car?”

Rinjani is tempted by the offer of the Milky Way. However, before he spoke, Indira first opened her voice.

“We don't need any gifts. It's just that, when you are already a governor, maybe occasionally we will ask for help.”

As Abi had said before, they did intend to utilize the ‘strength’ Milky Way later to fight lord Jireh. Abi aware, they need ‘strong’ people to fight ‘strongpeople’ too. To this extent, Abi was indeed still able to fight lord Jireh. But, he knew that master Jireh had not exerted his true strength. Still impressed just want to play around and just want to see Abi's ability.

“Well, you can ask me for help, anytime and anything. Most importantly, you helped me to become governor. And if possible, in a few years I will run for president. I also need your help.”

Rinjani was surprised by the Milky Way's plan to become president, while Indira had already guessed it from the beginning. Ambitious humans like the Milky Way won't stop if they get something. He will definitely pursue more.

They chatted for a few minutes, before Indira left. While Rinjani returned to the winning post. Indira's heart felt a little relieved because their plans so far had gone smoothly.

“Indira?”

A heavy voice called out his name. Indira turned her head and saw an old man holding a long paper cup filled with coffee.

“Pak Burhan? What are you doing here?”

The old man smiled then said, “Indeed, since I'm the judge, I can't go anywhere?”

                  *

Indira sat side by side with Mr. Burhan in the seat of the city park. Each of them holds a drink. Mr. Burhan with his coffee, Indira with his newly purchased isotonic drink at a nearby convenience store.

“So, are you a Milky Way legal consultant?” ask Mr. Burhan to Indira.

“Iya, Sir. Only until he sits in the governor's chair.”

“Great. I didn't expect you to be this successful,” said Mr. Burhan as he patted Indira on the shoulder. “No, I've expected you to be a successful lawyer. It's just, your career surge includes faster than I thought.”

“Ah, only legal consultant from the prospective governor. That's not an amazing feat, Mr.” Indira blushed in shame.

“But, the Milky Way is the strongest candidate to occupy the governor's seat after Theodore Francis resigned. If he succeeds in becoming governor, of course your name will shine even more, right? ”

“Ah, no. I was just running errands when the Milky Way sir asked for my help. I'm not chasing after the frills at all.”

“That's what I liked about you a long time ago. Your sincerity and integrity.” Back, Mr. Burhan threw a compliment that made Indira blush in shame. “By the way about Theodore Francis, did you propose that extraordinary press conference of the Milky Way?”

Indira hesitates to answer because in fact this is a secret. But, it's not too secret to tell the people closest to him like Mr. Burhan. It is possible that the man who works as a judge can provide input for him.

“That's it, Sir. Mr. Milky Way has a document about that casino. I just suggest he reveal it at the right time in order to make a good impact for him.”

Indira nodded. He saw this was a good time to ask Mr. Burhan something. “So, what should I do next, sir?”

“Means?”

“Of course, the press conference conducted by the Milky Way pack did not only have a bad impact on Theodore Francis alone, but like a war drum for the bastards who plotted with him in undermining the law to feast on reclaimed land built on brutal exploitation of nature and the happy lives of the surrounding communities.”

“So, like that you called them? The bastards.” Mr. Burhan gave a small nod, as if holding back anger because the call was also addressed to him. “Do you have strong evidence of corruption related to the two Raperda?”

“Hmm, not much.”

“You are too reckless to attack someone without having a powerful weapon. They could have attacked you with defamation charges. And if what you say about corruption and the casino is not true, you can also be charged with defamation.”

“Because of that, they have to prove if everything the Milky Way says is not true.”

“Means?”

Indira opened her phone and read something from there, “Ei incumbit probatio quidicit, nonqui negat - the burden of proof is given to the person who sued, not the defendant. That is why until now we have not filed any lawsuit against Theodore Francis and are waiting for those who are suing in relation to the accusation, that is, for those who show proof.”

Mr. Burhan stopped talking for a moment and just stared at Indira for a while.

“So, your strategy is to wait for those who first imprison you?”

“That's how it is,” replied Indira. “Until now, although the public has urged and Theodore Francis has resigned, police and corruption eradication agencies show no signs of probing the truth of the accusations of the Milky Way pack regarding possible corruption practices and casino building.”

“Maybe because the accusations are not true.”

“I'm sure it's true.” Indira brought her mouth closer to Mr. Burhan's ear to whisper, “This is a secret between us only. Actually, we believe that there is a big figure behind the reclamation.”

“Big figure?”

“The figure is so mysterious that only a handful of people know. The figure was so sinister that anyone who knew him and heard his name would be terrified. During this time he has committed many crimes by engineering laws for the benefit of the rich and powerful. Hence, many of them are free despite having committed many crimes. And this time, I'm not gonna let that happen. I'm going to fight that figure. Whatever happens, I will destroy it.”

Mr. Burhan just smiled at Indira's words. Sweat began to flow from his forehead, his teeth began to grind and the veins in his hands began to appear. Without Indira noticing, the old man was holding something big in his heart.

                  *

 “I once said, a true fighter only focuses on winning. No matter having to risk anything, including people he loves very much,”, Mr. Burhan a.k.a Mr. Jireh told his assistant.

“Ya, Sir is a true fighter.”

“But I just realized that it is easier to risk our loved ones than to see our loved ones attacking us,”, said Mr. Jireh with a grim face. “You know? Today he calls me a bastard, a law engineer and a servant to the rich and powerful. He was even determined to kill me.”

Jesse Arnold, his assistant who had always been well-dressed, could only remain silent without giving any response to the crybaby remark from his master. During his service, only this time did Jesse see his master behave this weak.

“All because of that bastard. Abhimanyu Alexander!”

Seeing the master in such a volatile emotional state, Jesse seemed to be seeing an opportunity he had been waiting for. Then he said, “Is it time we played dirty against the boy?”

Mr. Jireh did not answer directly. He tried to calm himself down and looked at his assistant.

“You can't wait to do it? Now, I give you permission to do it.”