Name: Anyu Manirak

In our cut-throat galaxy, giant conglomerates did everything they could to bully their ways into monopolies. Governments were bribed, and society at large had no defense against them. The only real challenges they faced came from other equally hungry corporations who also had their eyes on the entire pie. They sometimes battled it out on the streets, using shadowy criminal gangs to place hits on each other. A series of escalating attacks had been some of the prime contributors to starting the great wars of the Uprising Factions Period (year 3067-3091). With the exception of a few companies who made fast sums from selling the tools of war, global war was bad for business.

After the smoke settled, an unspoken agreement was made to avoid direct violence. These corporate conflicts didn’t disappear. Instead, they moved their battles from the streets to the courtroom. Now the soldier of choice was the lawyer. Anyu Manirak was one of the best of these lawyers. His legal team dealt the death blow of bankruptcy to many titans of industry, bringing him fame and wealth. At first, the rush of victory meant everything to him, but after dozens of high-profile wins, he came to realize how meaningless it was.

He dreamed of doing something that brought actual value to the world instead of helping the powerful multiply their power. His clients with infinite appetites always wanted more, and it was his job to help them get. For once, he wanted to give. He considered giving his wealth away, but it didn’t feel enough, and they were tainted with the greed of his corporate masters. He decided to give of himself. But how?

One day, the answer came to him watching the live trial of a group of political prisoners. They had no legal defense representing themselves. While they spoke passionately of their cause, they made countless legal errors, entrapping themselves in ways that any of even Anyu’s worst interns wouldn’t let happen. While it was obvious how clueless they were to the legal system, Anyu was still blown away by the reactions of the court. The prosecution was pushing for an immediate verdict, with a suggested penalty of death for all involved.

This was unheard of and followed none of the usual procedures. Unfortunately, the clueless defense knew not what rights were being trampled on and objected at the wrong times and for the wrong reasons. Anyu watched in helplessness as the defenseless defense walked into an obviously unconstitutional trap. Anyu yelled out objections and legal help in futility to the holographic representation of the court that was far out of his reach and his help.

It came time for the judge to deliver the verdict, and Anyu recognized the galaxy renowned Honourable Chamli Kumaranatunga. “Justice is impartial,” the judge said as Anyu looked on, wondering if this meant the just judge would make a choice based upon the one-sided farce that he’d just witnessed. To Anyu’s delight, the judge threw out the case and made a very compelling, if somewhat repetitive, argument against the devious workings of the prosecution. The broadcast cut out, leaving Anyu in silent darkness.

He didn’t waste a moment to pack or inform his bosses that he would be absent.

He had a gift that was needed.