22

Jason Kollars

Instantly as the vessel was presented to the group, there was an unspoken consensus

that the vessel was unworthy of any recognition above a piece of trash. The group gathers tri-

weekly, attendance varies, and this day of the vessel's judgment, 22 were present. Of the 22,

one stood as the mediator, and presented the vessel to the group (judges as the like of vessels

call them). It was asked of the mediator for each judge to examine the vessel, but not for too

long, as if the mediator also shared the same bias. One by one, the judges held the vessel in

their hands, passing it to the next with faces of disinterest. Passing through eight pairs of eyes

with repeated, tedious glances, judge number nine took a different perspective. The vessel was

indeed a vessel, with the purpose of holding or carrying. While all previous eight only

momentarily viewed the surface, number nine decided to take a look inside. To nine's surprise,

the vessel was without damage and pure. For a vessel of this type, one without holes is indeed

holy. Without saying a word, and ignoring the whispers and soft laughter around, the judge

closed the vessel and passed it, to which the previous pattern of outer observation continued.

Four passes later, a more shocking event occurred! Judge number 14, apparently with a more

impulsive and rash view towards lesser life, opened the vessel with unforeseen brutality. Time

slowed as the room anxiously observed the pause in conformity, and with a swift motion, 14

defiled the vessel's purity. Number nine's heart was in anguish as only two eyes had seen the

beauty with good intent. The room was silent; an interdiction from the moderator could have

been appropriate. With a confident grin, 14 passed the vessel to a reluctant 15; the task still

had to be completed. Today the judges were seemingly quick to forgive such trespasses, as it

was only a vessel, as this particular group was known to have violent brawls spill into the halls

over catering menus. Six more passes to go, with the unknown contents still within the vessel

haunting nine's mind with curiosity. The vessel had a new weight to it, one that judges 13 and

before would never have the experience to feel. 21 surrendered the vessel and the moderator

carried it to the front of the room for display. The examination portion of the judgment was

complete, the verdict was to come.