Cherry On Top

Posted on Mon Aug 5th, 2024 @ 6:03am by Meilin Jiang & Shinobi Shaw & Emma Frost
Edited on on Mon Aug 5th, 2024 @ 6:55am

2,332 words; about a 12 minute read

Mission: Episode 5: Days of Fortune Past
Location: Federal Courthouse | New York City
Timeline: October 11th, 1990

The marble halls of the federal courthouse in New York City were abuzz with the hushed activity of a small multitude going about their business. Lawyers, reporters, and curious onlookers filled the space, their whispers echoing off the high ceilings. In the gallery, several notable figures could be seen: a tall man with a stark white suit and a diamond-tipped cane, another with silver hair slicked back, and yet another with a crimson scarf draped around his neck. Jace could recognize Miss Frost from their meeting. The air was thick with anticipation, as business magnates and moguls, both subtle and infamous, awaited the outcome of a case that had captured the attention of the corporate world.

Jeryn Hogarth, a seasoned attorney and Jace's legal representation this mattter, stood in the lobby, glancing at his watch. His nervous energy was escaping him with anxious taps of his Italian leather shoe. Court was already in session and the judge had heard from a number of defense attorneys arguing in favor of the legitimate acquisition of Jace's inheritace. Fortunately he had been granted a recess while waiting for Jace to finally get there and make an appearance.

Jace had a few new purchases related to clothing since he had arrived in New York City. They were things that would be more befitting him and his name as well as things that would make the statement that he needed to make. Getting used to the the public transportation in the city was difficult for him, but not something he would have to worry about too much longer he hoped. Jace jogged down the marble halls to where Hogarth was standing.

“Remember, Jace,” Hogarth said, placing a reassuring hand on the young man’s shoulder, “you belong here. Ignore them all. Today is about justice for you and your father’s legacy. And tomorrow, if the judge rules as I expect he will, they will all be beneath you.”

Jace nodded and stood up a little straighter. He took on an air of confidence and superiority that bordered on arrogance. Maybe He was overdoing it. Maybe Emma could help him with that. Or Even Kennedy, eventually. "I understand," he said. His mind went back to some of Magneto's words in his Citadel. "I will be their superior. I will have cast off the shackles of slavery and become the master. I will no longer beg like a cowering dog. Greatness is within my grasp and I will seize it."

The courtroom doors opened, and Hogarth led Jace inside. The room fell silent as they entered and took their seats at the plaintiffs table. Hogarth dismissed the second chair attorney now that he had returned.

At the bench sat Judge Leonard Elkhart, a formidable figure known for his tough backbone. He adjusted his glasses and looked down at the gathered parties. He waved at the bailiff to come forward.

Jace had walked in and taken his seat with that air of superiority he had learned from the Master of Magnetism. He had noticed Emma as he walked in, but never gave a nod or acknowledgment. He followed Hogarth to the table and sat down to watch the rest of the proceedings.

Emma sat comfortably in a snow white pants suit of exquisite tailoring. She said chatting quietly with her aide, a Eurasian woman whose beauty rivaled her mistress.

“Court is now in session,” the bailiff announced.

The defense table had overflow spilled out into a row of chairs, a cadre of sharp-dressed attorneys, prepared their case. Among them was Meilin Jiang of Hodge & Associates, a striking Chinese woman with an air of unshakable confidence. She represented Roxxon Corporation, a major player in the corporate world known for its ruthless business practices. Her presence in place of Cameron Hodge showed just how little faith Roxxon held in winning this actual case. For Hodge & Associates, they just needed a body to go through the motions. For a first year associate like Meilin, no case was too small or hopeless.

Jace glanced over at what looked to him like a mess. Attorneys, paperwork, files, and who knows what else tucked away where he couldn't see. It seemed as though it had been quite the battles so far.

“Mr. Hogarth, you may proceed with your closing argument,” Judge Elkhart instructed.

Hogarth stood, buttoning his jacket before addressing the court. “Your Honor, I won't belabor today's proceedings any longer than necessary. Today we seek not just the return of what right belongs to my client but the restoration of his father’s legacy. A legacy stolen by the greed of corporations who saw an opportunity to exploit a tragedy without performing their due diligence.”

As Hogarth spoke, several familiar faces in the gallery. Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin of Crime, sat alongside Norman Osborn, the former CEO of Oscorp. A few seats down, Justin Hammer of Hammer Industries watched intently, his eyes cold and calculating. One by one, their attorneys had been defeated. Now they sat their like a trophy case, waiting to see if anyone else would come out on top of this monumental upset. Seated near them but with a boastful smirk in place of a frustrated frown was Emma Frost who sat looking quite pleased.

Meilin Jiang rose to deliver her defense. “Your Honor," she said, her voice smooth and articulate, "while we sympathize with the plaintiff's loss, the evidence will show that the acquisition of these assets by Roxxon was conducted within the bounds of the law. Furthermore, I must object that any due diligence was required by my client whatsoever. The sale of assets was overseen by lawful agencies that registered title and deed changes as required by the state of New York. If there was a failure, Your Honor, it was on the part of the estate and the governing authorities. My client should not be made to suffer damages as a result.”

While she wasn't wrong, it was a bold argument to cast shade on the entire legal system and the government itself.

"Are you through?" The judge peered at Meilin over the rims of his glasses.

"Yes, Your Honor." Meilin straightened the hem of her skirt. It took strength of will not to wilt under that withering stare.

Hogarth quietly chuckled to himself before he whispered to Jace. "She slit her own throat. Wait and see."

"If both parties have completed their closing arguments, I will give the plaintiff an opportunity to address the court before I render my decision." Judge Elkhart turned his attention fully onto Jace.

That was unexpected. But Jace belonged there. Hogarth's other words, justice for him and his father's legacy, rolled through his mind. This was his chance to prove all of those...to prove who he was. So he leaned forward, steepled his fingers, and channeled everything he'd read about his father.

"Thank you, Your Honor, for this opportunity. I am here today not only as the son of my father, but as the rightful heir to the legacy he built. His business, despite its complexities, was founded on vision, strength, and an unyielding will to persevere. It is my duty and my right to honor that legacy, to lead with the same tenacity, and to safeguard the future of what he created.

This court's decision is not merely about the distribution of assets; it is about the future of an enduring legacy. To honor my father's memory and his life's work, I am committed to preserving and expanding what he built. I ask the court to recognize my rightful place as the heir, not just to a business and assets, but to a legacy of vision, strength, and perseverance. Allow me to continue his legacy with the respect and responsibility it so rightly deserves. Thank you."

"Duly noted," said the judge without looking up from his stack of briefs.

As Jace sat down, Hogarth tapped his shoulder. "Don't sweat it," he whispered. "Looks like he made his decision already and is just keeping up appearances."

"I am prepared to render my decision," Judge Elkhart said after a moment's scribbling. "After hearing the arguments from both the defendant and the plaintiff, as well as the personal statement of the man in question who finally deigned to grace us with his presence, I hereby award damages in the full mount requested by plaintiff, less the compensatory damages incurred through the replevin process. Since no cause was shown that the defendant was in regulatory violation, the plaintiff shall be responsible for his own costs." He banged the gavel. "It is so ordered."

"All rise," the bailiff said as the judge rushed back to his chambers.

Hogarth let out a deep sigh of relief. "That was pretty much what I expected, but there was always a chance. Congratulations, son!"

Ms Frost appeared at the banister with a pleasant smile for the pair of them.
"Congratulations, darling. Your father would be quite pleased. Should you require anything in your future plans, don't hesitate to reach out to me. Mr. Hogarth, I recommend you watch your mail for a bonus. You performed your role with exceptional ability. For that I thank you."

"Yes, Miss Frost," Hogarth said, dipping his head while his hand fluttered back and forth in his conflicting impulse to shake her hand. Ultimately he reached for his brief case and let that occupy his hands.

One by one, the assortment of businessmen and crime bosses who had been bested in court lined up to kiss Jace's proverbial ring. Whatever their original plans may have entailed, each one kept their comments clipped with Emma present.

Emma stood back from the people as they passed, wearing a Cheshire cat smile. She studied her white walking stick, the large artificial diamond at the crown glittering in the light of the courtroom. Her manner showed that she had no concerns or worries about the parade of criminals and bad actors walking past her. They were completely beneath her notice. Telepathically she was tapping each one of them for interesting facts, such as future crimes and evil plans.

Jace stood behind the banister still and looked at the men approaching him. He had nodded to Hogarth's and Emma's comments earlier, acknowledging them and tucking them away for later.

Wilson Fisk was the first to walk up, his massive frame towering over Jace. "Congratulations, young man, on securing your father's legacy and all that it entails. If there is ever anything..." He extended his hand for a shake, despite his current court loss. His internal turmoil was a different story.

Jace looked at the massive paw that he thought could wrap around his forearm and remembered something Hogarth had told him in their very first meeting. Be careful who you shake hands with. So instead, he ignored the handshake and clasped his hands behind his back. He looked Fisk in the eyes and said, "Thank you. And we'll just have to see what the future holds."

A slight sneer curled the very edge of Wilson Fisk's mouth as he worked hard to smile and then withdrew his hand. "Very well then, young sir." Fisk turned and bullied his way between Hammer and Osborn, leaving the courtroom.

With Fisk out of the way, Hammer and Osborn came forward, sleazy as hell.

"Hello, sir," Osborn said, his grin as slick as his gelled hair. "And might I say congratulations on your recent windfalls. They were well deserved, if I may be so blunt."

Hammer could only agree. "Indeed, it will be an honor to be working with an illustrious dynasty such as yours." He spared only the briefest of glances for Emma. "Miz Frost-Stark." There was no love lost between them and their feud over the dissolution of Stark Enterprises in recent years.

Emma smiled sweetly as she leaned on her walking stick. She was relishing the moment of Hammer's comeuppance in this latest battle.
"Always a singular joy to see you in a courtroom, Mr Hammer. Once the sting of this latest defeat has faded into a dull throb, do call me. I'll buy you lunch."

"With money from ventures that should've been mine," Hammer muttered under his breath. "Yes, let's do that," he said louder with no intention of following through.

Jace, hands still clasped behind his back, chuckled on the inside at Emma's retort. He hoped that one day his wit would grow to that level. He turned to Osborn. "Hello and thank you for your congratulations," said Jace. "And yes, you may. Be so blunt, that is." He looked over to Justin Hammer and continued. "Indeed it will, I'm sure."

As the two magnates walked away, the defense counsel for Roxxon approached. "Mr. Hogarth, I wanted to say well done. Although my client did not see this as a winnable case, I had hoped differently."

Hogarth raised his brow at the young and forward yet mousy little attorney. "Miss Jiang, right? Don't beat yourself up. You represented your client well. Always helps when the law is clearly on my side."

"You won, sir, fair and square." Meilin dipped her head to Hogarth, Jace, and then Emma. "福生無量大天尊," she said. ("Fuk Sung Mo Leung Daai Tin Juen.") Her empty hand pressed against her chest while she bowed lower to them all.

Emma returned the simple gesture.
"Xièxiè."

Turning to Emma with a curious look in her almond eyes, Meilin was unsure if Emma was pretentious , ignorant, or both. That would depend whether she caught the nuances behind Meilin's formal statement. In the end, Meilin offered a demure smile and said nothing. ~鬼佬~ she thought.

"Your fiduciary responsibility is not to win or lose but to represent the best interests of your client," Hogarth said to Meilin. "You spared them our full ask. They'll be pleased with that. If you ever hit that glass ceiling at Hodge's, you give me a call."

Meilin's demure smile shifted to a smirk. "You are too kind, Mr. Hogarth. Until next time."

END

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