The Power of Hope
Chapter Seven
By: Lily Handle
Author's Note: I came so close to finishing this chapter, then my computer crashed. Evil computer. So, I had to start all over again, writing it on school computers and those we can only use for a certain amount of time. I sent my computer to get fixed, but god knows when it'll get back. glare glare
"So, he's hidin'," Logan mused, sitting comfortably in Charles' office. Between running the search through the MPD's file, waiting for Fury to call and taking care of the squirts he hadn't been able to talk with Charles alone like he wanted to. This morning they had finally been able to get together and talk. First order of business on Logan's list was finding out why Michael Chandler's scent had been in the office before he'd black mailed his father into taking him to the meeting. Charles had just finished explaining that the records had been destroyed.
"Michael Chandler won't be the only one who refuses to register. A large majority of mutants are unknown to the government and they were nervous about registering. They won't be registering now that Dr. Chandler's case has been so highly publicized."
"Yeah, well I can see his point. From lookin' through the files the MPD is planin' a serious round up of mutants. They've got plans for three more jails, they're waiting to move on funding after the trial's over. They're lookin' for a system that'll track mutants too."
"Hmmm, I take it you're setting aside that information for me and monitoring it?"
"Thought you'd like to look it over," Logan reached into his pocket and passed a disc to Charles, "Looks like everythin' is just in the plannin' stages, but they're itchin' to move on it."
"But Dr. Chandler's case is still priority?"
"Only one they have good solid evidence against, but they've got other ones. I don't have to tell you they're trying to look into the Institute."
"We're prepared for that if it happens, and you can make any improvements you think we need. Until then I think it's best you and Kitty focus on the files pertaining to Dr. Chandler."
"You talk with Murdock about his meetin' with Stryker?" Logan asked, moving onto his second nagging question.
"Yes, according to him Stryker plans to testify about Trask's plans."
"Huh," Logan frowned, "We looked through those after we found the Doc, how can that help McKenna's case?"
"Apparently the plans we looked at were decoys. Trask wrote them down just in case he was capture it would look like he never planned to kill Dr. Chandler, just make his point that mutants were evil."
"Bull, I saw the tape, he threatened her life multiple times," Logan growled, "Murdock will take him apart on the stand."
"You have a good amount of faith in Mr. Murdock," Charles said, clearly surprised.
"Worked with him before, guy's got a good head on his shoulders," Logan shrugged, "Got more faith in this third party deal."
"No word from Fury?"
"Nothin', Ricko and I agreed we'll give it another two days before contactin' Fury ourselves. They should have met at least once before the trial started, but they didn't, I don't like it."
"Could the meetings have nothing to do with Dr. Chandler's case?" Charles wondered, "They could have been meeting for an entirely different reason."
"If Fury thought that he wouldn't have mentioned it. He's up to somethin' though."
"Oh?" Charles raised his eyebrows at Logan.
"He doesn't do this much work for nothin' no matter how suspicious he is. He'll call in a favor, even if the Doc doesn't get off," Logan muttered. Something was off. His instincts were telling him there was something he was missing. He couldn't place what wasn't sitting well with him, though. He'd been over all the information, multiple times, but nothing changed. Nothing jumped at him. All he needed was one more piece and everything would fall into place, he knew it, felt it in his gut, but he didn't know where to look for the missing piece.
"Logan, I know you're worried about Hope, but please, you're crushing the armrest," Charles said, breaking into his thoughts. Logan instantly loosed his grip and muttered an apology. Charles smiled at him, "You've taken quite a shine to her haven't you?"
"I don't poke in your personal business, don't poke into mine."
Charles chuckled, "Forgive me, old friend, but I've never seen you in quite this state."
"Yeah, well, it's not a habit I have," Logan grumbled, looking towards the window to watch the sunrise, "Woman who get close to me don't stay there long."
"I don't know much about your personal affairs, past and present, but I don't see Hope walking away from you," Charles said reassuringly.
Logan rose from his chair, "I'm not worried about her walkin' away, Chuck, I'm worried about someone draggin' her."
Dawn broke all too soon for Hope's liking. From where she lay in bed she watched it creep over the Institute's stone walls. Her only thought was: it's time. Today was the day. She would arrive at the Federal Courthouse at ten, opening statements would start at ten thirty and by five the first day of court would be over. This morning she was expected to rolled out of bed, dress respectively and sit there listening to a man try to convince twelve people her life was worth less than a dead man's. She'd face her judgment today. How dramatic was that? She rolled over and groaned into her pillow. If there ever was a day when she wanted to just stay in bed today was that day. Of course she couldn't and even if she could, she wouldn't. Honor was an evil, nasty thing sometimes. She took out a little of her frustration on her pillow and then sighed. Well, no time like the present to watch your life slip through your fingers she thought, dragged herself out of bed and into the shower. It would be a long day where she needed to look in charge. After the shower she put on the suit she used when making television appearances. Probably it was just like every other suit out there, but in it Hope felt like she could climb a mountain. She felt getting through court would be just like an attempt on Everest.
"Be there in a minute," She called when a knock came at her door. She put the last twist into her hair and pinned it in place before she strode across the room and opened the door.
"Checkin' to see how you're holdin' up, Doc," Logan said before she could ask.
"Oh, well," Hope held one hand out and watched it shake slightly, "Guess that's about the size of it."
Logan took her hand in his and held it against his chest, "You'll make it through, take a couple of deep breaths, remember your training."
"Training? You mean the meditation stuff Ororo's been teaching me?" Hope gave a weak chuckle, "I'm sure my powers are under control, it's my blood pressure and heart rate that are running rampant."
"But the meditation helped before, didn't it?" Logan tugged her forward so their hands were pinned between them.
"Uh…" Hope blinked looking up at him. She desperately wanted to lean her head against his chest and just breathe him in. For one moment she wanted to lean on him and make the world go away, but if she did that she'd crack. She was barely keeping herself together as it was. One more thing and she'd crack, again. She didn't need that right now. "I guess it couldn't hurt me, right?"
Logan leaned forward until his forehead rested against hers, "You're goin' to fight back right Doc? Don't go down without a fight, you hear me?"
"It's hard, Logan," She whispered, closing her eyes. She wasn't leaning, she told herself, she was just taking a break.
"You'll make it, you're strong," He told her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer, "You got everyone here rootin' for you."
Hope chuckled at that, "Will you be sitting in the back of the courtroom with a sign saying "Go Doc" big, bold letters?"
"I'm not goin' to court today," Logan sighed, "I've got work to do here."
"Oh." Hope told herself not to be disappointed. It didn't matter that he wasn't there, she'd have her family to lean on. She didn't need Logan.
"I'd come if I could, Doc," Logan said sincerely and Hope nodded.
"I know, Hank told me yesterday that he was coming with the Professor to watch the case. I guess I just…" Hope shrugged and Logan kissed her softly. He was about to pull away, but Hope kissed him harder. Just a moment for myself, Hope thought, reveling when Logan dragged her closer.
"You know, if you plan on doing that you might want to close the door next time." Logan growled and pulled away while Hope buried her face against Logan's chest so she wouldn't die of embarrassment.
"Ricko, you gotta death wish?" Hope dared to peek at Maverick who was leaning against the doorframe, grinning widely.
"Just trying to keep you from messing up Fräulein Doktor when she's worked so hard on her appearance," Maverick said. Logan held up a fist and brandished his middle claw at Maverick.
"Logan!" Hope carefully pulled his hand down and glared at him, "No need to be rude."
"If he keeps interrupting, there will be." Hope smiled at him, somewhat charmed by his actions.
"Is there something you need, Maverick?"
"Your family has arrived," Maverick stopped leaning, but kept grinning, "Good thing I went instead of your brother."
"Oh god," Hope groaned, "Please don't tell me I look like I've been thoroughly kissed."
"Thoroughly, huh?" Logan now joined in grinning and Hope glared at him, "You look fine, Doc."
"Great, great," Hope muttered, but she dashed back to her mirror to check. Okay, so she might be a little flustered looking, but her lipstick wasn't smudged too badly and her hair could be fixed. After quickly scrambling to make repairs she dashed back to see Logan holding Maverick in a headlock.
"Do you two ever stop?" She asked, grabbing her purse.
"Be down in a minute, Doc, gotta deal with this joker first," Logan said, while Maverick struggled.
"Ja, only a minute, Doktor." Hope rolled her eyes once, dashed out of her room and headed for the stairs. Her parents stood talking with the Professor while Michael shifted uncomfortably while Thea tried to sooth him.
"Sorry, sorry," Hope called as she raced down the stairs, "I forgot you were coming."
"Don't worry dear," Her mother said, hugging her tightly, "You've got a lot on your mind." Hope kissed her mother on the cheek then allowed herself to be passed to her father.
"There's my little scrapper," He said and tapped her on the chin, "Ready to tear 'em apart in court?"
"Of course, Papa," Hope smiled.
"Oh, oh, me next, me next!" Thea grabbed her and tried to squeeze the air out of her.
"Hello Thea, please stop, I need to breathe," Hope gasped, but return her sister's hug just as tightly.
"Oh, sorry, guess I'm nervous huh? I mean it's a rather big day and all. What with it…"
"Thea, you're rambling," Michael interrupted and picked Hope up to swing her around in a hug. She laughed and clutched him tighter. Thank god for her family. When Michael set her back down she stayed tucked under his arm, he big-brother way of protecting her.
"Good morning Professor," Hope said, "Did my family interrupt anything important?"
"I was just inviting your family to come have breakfast with us in the dinning room," Charles said, smiling at her.
"Well, since I haven't had my breakfast yet, I'm sure they'll agree to a cup of coffee and an interesting experience," Hope glanced up at her brother, "That is, if they're up to it."
"I survived breakfast with you three for more years than any sane parent should have to," Her father snorted, "I can't see how this will be different."
"Mr. Chandler, you're in for a treat," Charles said, sharing a look with Hope, "Why don't you follow me?" From the top of the stairs Logan stood, shoulder-to-shoulder with Maverick, watching as Hope led her family towards the dinning room.
"She's no Silver Fox," Maverick said, and Logan glanced at him out of the corner of his eye.
"What are you getting at, Ricko?"
Maverick shrugged, "You seem serious about this one, and she seems rather serious about you. I want you to be careful, blutsbruder."
"Careful," Logan gave a snort, "I'm tired of being careful, Viking, she's somethin' special and I wanna take hold of it before she slips away. Why don't you go down to breakfast, and get outta my business?"
"Das mag wohl stimmer, trotz alledem auch nicht eins für uns werde immer ergeben in frieden." With that Maverick headed down the stairs, leaving Logan alone with his thoughts, not what he needed right now.
"Ain't that the truth," He muttered under his breath, thinking about Maverick's word as he turned and headed to the elevator to spend the day with computers instead of thoughts of a woman who haunted his past, and one that was haunting his present.
"Come on, I found an empty classroom," Kurt said, leaning in between Jean and Scott as they ate lunch, "The opening statements should be starting soon."
"Kurt, we can't just leave in the middle of lunch," Scott said, glaring at Rogue and Evan when they rose from the table.
"Sure we can," Kurt brandished a little yellow hall pass at them, "Come on, you honestly want to miss this?"
"Yeah, Scott, this trial is going to effect all of us," Jean laid her hand on top of his, "We should watch."
Scott sighed, but he rose from the table and started to follow Kurt, "How are we going to get into the classroom?"
"Duh, the blue fuzzy dude has that covered," Kurt rolled his eyes, and led the group through the halls. The classroom was usually used for a science class, luckily it was empty during this period and teachers didn't bother to come down this hallway. It was perfect for sneaking in to use the television. Dr. Chandler's trial would be broadcast all over the nation, it was being studied by law classes and would be the most watched trial ever when the days ratings results were in. All the students wanted was a chance to see how it would play out. Each had the fear they would be the government's next targets.
"Here's the room," Kurt said, stopping outside the door, before vanishing in the poof of smoke. Seconds later Kurt opened the door and everyone filed in.
"What channel?" Rogue asked, standing on a chair to reach the TV.
"Pick a network, Auntie O said it would be on any channel," Evan said, swinging a chair around and straddling it to watch.
"We're going to get in so much trouble if we're caught," Scott muttered, pacing back and forth in the back of the room.
"They can't expel us for watching TV when we should be eating lunch," Kurt sighed, "Relax, Scott."
"Sush, they're about to start," Rogue said, turning the volume up.
An attractive woman with black hair stared the camera down without a flicker of emotion on her face, "Patricia Tilby with channel seven news. I stand on the steps of the federal courthouse, waiting for a glimpse inside and possibly the most tense courtroom ever. Today, is the first day in the case of Dr. Hope Chandler. Charged with murder in the first degree, Dr. Chandler is known for her work in mutant genetics and humanitarian efforts and many are not surprised by the government's action." The camera panned left, showing a huge crowd of anti-mutant protestors holding signs that read "Fry the Doctor!" and "Mutants should burn!". Other signs were blurred out for content. Jean drew up next to Scott and placed her hand in his. He tightened his fingers around hers.
"While the public is calling for a execution, other's question the ethics of the law and the purposes of the trial. Is the government just trying to find a sacrificial lamb to offer up? Or are they really doing what they believe is best? Only the verdict of the jury will tell. We go now live to Rick Johansson, inside the court house with the opening statements."
The court was packed. The media crowded into the gallery, pressed against the walls and hovered around the doors. Getting into the court had been like wading through a mob. Thank God for Maverick, Hope thought. He had cleared a sizeable pathway with a single look. Maverick's tree trunk arms effectively pushed those reporters who had tried to get closer to her back and if that didn't work a terse command did the trick. She now sat next to Murdock, nervously wringing her hands under the table as she kept her face politely interested, but blank. Any second now opening statements would get underway and officially she would be on trial for her life. Little black dots danced around her eyes at the thought, but she concentrated on her training and found the dots faded. When McKenna rose from the table across the isle from where she sat the little dots came back. He looked towards the judge once, then turned to the jury.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you are part of what the media calls the case of the century. The first trial ever of a mutant under the new Mutant acts. Your decision will ring through the halls of courtrooms for years to come, but the importance of this case can not over ride the facts. The defendant is blatantly responsible for the death of Wilson Trask. Expert witnesses in the fields of forensic pathology and mutant genetics will explain to you how only the defendant's abilities are the logical answer for Mr. Trask death," McKenna spoke smoothly, his eyes never staring at one spot for too long, and making sure he made eye contact with each juror at least once.
"Now, the defense will try to cloud the issue here by telling you how the defendant is an upstanding citizen, how she's never committed a crime and never harmed anyone, but we're not here to argue the defendant's character. She may be a good person, and she may be a well respected doctor, but she's alive and Wilson Trask is not." McKenna paused, passing a sweeping look over the jury before sitting down. Hope swallowed. He was good. The statement was short, simple and completely factual. She could see it struck a cord with the jury. She nervously wrung her hands together as Murdock rose from next to her and carefully made his way to stand before the jury.
"Mr. McKenna's is correct. This is case will be based in fact. Facts that show that Wilson Trask meant to kill Dr. Chandler. Facts will show that she was left in a box, no bigger than an arm chair for days. Facts will show that she was left in a shed, in the middle of winter for days with nothing more than the clothes on her back to protect her from the elements. This case is very simple, ladies and gentlemen, Dr. Chandler's actions were to save her life. You will hear from the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents involved in the rescue operation about threats Trask made about the Doctor's life and the torture she endured. We will not be arguing that Wilson Trask isn't dead at the hands of Dr. Chandler, but at that moment in time, it was her life or his. Which choice would you make?" Murdock was good, Hope thought bolstered by his statement. Much more powerful and dramatic, but the jury didn't seem that impressed.
When Murdock sat back down, the judge looked up, "Is the prosecution ready to call its first witness?"
"Yes your honor, we will be calling…"
Author's Note: Ha! There's a cliffhanger if I've ever written one! Sorry, feeling evil and had to do it. Excuse me I have the urge to laugh evilly.