Gah! I'm three weeks behind, I can't believe it, and I'm taking the advice of others and trying not to skip around as much as I do. It just doesn't leave as good an effect. I've also got to produce another Chapter for my FMA fic by tomorrow or call it dead in the water. Damn. Life is hard. School sucks, I hate assignments and summarising text book chapters because I've been too lazy to do them earlier. End of rant.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam SEED, however, I do own the two OC's I created in this Chapter, Gregory/Greg and George Bishop.
I hope you all enjoy this chapter and review it. Alert and don't review if you want, I don't mind. Show me you're here, and I'll try and do the same. More reviews definitely will = more frequent updates to the story.
Athrun's Trial – Chapter 7: Reality Is Harsh
Orb Consulate – Plant of Aprillius
Cagali was quietly walking down the hallways of the consulate heading for Athrun's room. She'd given Kisaka and others the slip and escaped her office. She was sick of her duties, for once, she wanted a day off. If she had to disappear from sight for that day off, so be it. She wanted to be next to the young boy she fell in love with at the end of the war. The boy who's mind was certain to be muddled right now, he needed comfort, Kira just wasn't going to be able to fix this situation alone. It would take both Athrun's best friend and his girlfriend to put him at ease.
Cagali looked up, she'd finally made it to Athrun's room undetected by Kisaka and her guards. She turned the handle and walked in. Cagali hadn't been prepared for what confronted her. Kisaka and Kira were just standing there with a smirk heavy on their faces, while Athrun who was sitting up on the edge of the bed had just burst out laughing at her dumbfounded expression.
"Running away from your duties?" Kisaka asked seriously.
"Shut it!" Cagali spat, "I want a day off, no one will give me one so I am declaring this my day off."
"Chief Representative's of nations don't get days off." Kisaka reminded, "It is there duty to work until discharged from office."
"I don't give a damn!" Cagali shouted, "My boyfriend is in the hospital, he needs my support, I am not going to just sit in an office all damn day for the rest of the time he's here and do nothing. This is my day off Kisaka, I'm having it."
"Ok, ok" Kisaka backed away from the agitated girl, "But you'll be returning to work tomorrow."
"Get out!" Cagali roared.
Cagali turned back to Athrun who was now coughing after laughing so hard. She relaxed a moment, it wasn't often anyone heard Athrun laugh, it was such a rare occasion in fact that she usually took the rest of the day off to enjoy his overly joyous mood before it disappeared again. And here she was again taking the day off to try and make the most of his happy mood.
"I'm sorry he had to come in here Athrun," Cagali smiled, "I just couldn't stand being stuck in my office any longer and not being allowed to come see you when you're stuck in this dull place."
"Dull?" Athrun asked amusedly, "Its white, its bright!"
"It doesn't matter anyway," Kira spoke cheerfully from the corner, "Athrun has been discharged from the hospital. We were going to head for your office, but since we're all together, why don't we go to my room instead?"
"That sounds good," Athrun spoke cheerily, "On one condition, it better not be white!"
"It's not, honestly." Kira chuckled, after that the whole group walked to Kira's room.
Kira's Room – Orb Consulate – Aprillius
Athrun, Kira and Cagali had taken seats around the coffee table in Kira's room, they all had a coffee in front of them and were discussing the current situation they were in.
"It's not a very easy defence," Athrun sighed, "She's had months to put together her research on me. She's probably got more on me than I remember about me."
"You mean the files?" Kira asked.
"Yeah," Athrun nodded, "Those damned files are going to be the death of me in court. If she knows everything, I'm screwed."
"Not just you," Kira moaned, "Those files have stuff about me in them too."
"Wait a minute!" Cagali exclaimed, "What files?"
"Experiment files," Athrun stated bluntly, "Detailing us growing up."
"Oh, you mean..." Cagali cut herself off.
"The files our fathers compiled after watching us grow up." Athrun moaned, "Every little surveillance report. To the files my father created on me after he tried to re-invent my personality."
"So, what do we do?" Cagali questioned, "We have every right to submit those files as evidence in court."
"We do, but..." Athrun went silent.
"But," Kira spoke coldly, "Those files are all in Patrick Zala's mansion. Only the Supreme Council has the right to retrieve files from it."
"Isn't there anyway to seize control of the entire Zala Estate?" Cagali wanted to know.
"Well..." Kira was cut off by a now bright-eyed Athrun.
"Its not impossible," Athrun mumbled, "PLANT Law states that the Supreme Council can only freeze assets due to war crimes for a period of 6 months, if they've not made a decision about what to do with them by then, they generally have to hand them to the rightful owner."
"How long have they been frozen?" Kira asked.
"7 Months," Athrun spoke quietly, "It'll take an application to the highest court in all of PLANT to get them unfrozen though, and that can take weeks."
"We'll see," Cagali announced, "I have a few connections who might be able to help escalate such a case. How long will you need to get all the application's filled out?"
"A week?" Athrun suggested.
"You've got two days." Cagali said, "I'll make the calls and book us a time in the highest court two days from now."
Cagali exited the room drawing out her mobile phone. Athrun groaned and Kira for the first time saw a hint of real depression in his eyes, apparently this was going to be one large amount of paperwork, not to mention a stressful court case. "Let's go," Athrun grumbled.
"Where are we going?" Kira enquired.
"To my lawyer's office." Athrun spoke calmly.
"You still have a lawyer in PLANT?" Kira was dumbfounded.
"I kept one, just in case it was necessary," Athrun sighed, "Plus, I never really came back to PLANT to get rid of unnecessary staff, I just left for Orb after the destruction of GENESIS."
With that, Kira followed Athrun to the car park at the consulate at which point Athrun's frown became a scowl. "They couldn't have one half decent car here could they?"
"I don't suppose they budget for luxury sports cars." Kira laughed.
"Yeah well, we're going to rent one. I won't be seen in one of these limousine's or sedans." Athrun spat.
"Ok, but you're paying for it." Kira chuckled.
"No I'm not," Athrun's eyes sparkled, "The PLANT Government is."
Kira stared at him dumbfounded. "How do you think that'll happen?"
"When we win," Athrun smirked, "I'm going to send Canaver the largest bill of false charges costs she's ever seen."
Kira's eyes widened, Athrun was going to make this quite the spectacle.
A while later... (some rental yard)
"Well, I don't suppose I could interest you boys in a high-tech sedan?" The owner asked.
"No, I want a sports car, powerful engine, convertible." Athrun spoke calmly, "Preferably no speed limiter."
"I have just the car," The man laughed point towards a sports car which resembled Athrun's car back in Orb.
"I'll take it," Athrun responded, "Here, this should cover how long I want it for."
Athrun then tossed a blank PLANT Treasury cheque at the man. He received the keys and hopped in the driver's seat. Kira, suitably was worried. Everyone knew Athrun drove like an absolute madman when he was depressed, it was a frequent occurrence. Not voicing his objections however, Kira joined Athrun and hopped into the passenger seat. He heard the roar of the engine and then heard rubber burn as Athrun raced out of the rental yard in the luxury sports car.
An hour later, they arrived at what Kira immediately knew had been a property belonging to Patrick Zala. It had the world 'Zala' clearly coming down the side of the building, Athrun didn't even bother to find a parking space out the front, Kira watched him guide the car toward the basement, Athrun punched in a security code at the gate and then roared inside and parked in the spot marked "Chief Executive Officer" right next to an elevator. Both Kira and Athrun walked into the elevator and Athrun pressed a button labelled "Legal Representation" before it began to hum.
"At least someone is still paying the bills," Athrun mumbled, "Otherwise the electricity would never still be on."
"What are we doing here?" Kira mumbled, "I thought they froze all of your father's assets, we can't exactly be caught here."
"They froze his assets," Athrun smirked, "They can't freeze what doesn't belong to him. I own this building, well, more correctly, Athrun Zala Corp. owns whatever my father decided to give to me before he died."
"So, I'm guessing your lawyer works out of here?" Kira asked.
"Yeah and a whole lot of other staff," Athrun smiled, "I might not be around, but this business is pretty self-sufficient."
"And this business is?" Kira asked.
"This business, does numerous things," Athrun spoke charismatically, "we supply lawyers at affordable rates, we finance motor vehicles and homes. We broker property, yachts and civilian aircraft as well as owning controlling shares in some of the PLANTS largest companies. Basically, we're a 'one-size fits all' Financier, Legal Representative, Broker and Holding Corporation. Or at least that what the pamphlets used to say, I've got no idea what the managers might have done since I left."
"Oh," Kira mumbled before adding suspiciously, "Wait a second. If you have all this money laying around, why are you not living in your own mansion in Orb?"
"Because this money is no good to me." Athrun groaned, "It's all locked away by the government. I can draw a small sum for living expenses, but otherwise, the Government has the business locked down tight. It has the largest cash reserve in PLANT because of it, as well as zero debt."
"So I take it," Kira thought aloud, "Your father owned the shares in trust when he died?"
"Yes," Athrun spoke flatly, "And in trust or not, the Government has refused to hand them over, yet. We're about to make it happen." *LOUD DING FROM BEHIND CONTROL PANEL*
They both stepped out into a beautifully finished marble hallway, Athrun didn't wait long for Kira before he strode toward the end, he then stood in confusion for a minute, the heads of department had moved around he noticed. Hoping to avoid confusion, he strode toward the office of the Head of Civil Representation. He didn't knock, didn't wait. It wasn't expected of the CEO to just wait, he would walk in whenever he wanted, which just happened to be right now.
Inside a Fancy Civil Lawyer's Office
"Mr. Zala," A surprised voice exclaimed, "What a surprise to see you here."
"Indeed, I suppose it is, I've been hiding for the better part of 7 months now haven't I?" Athrun chuckled.
"Who is the young gentleman behind you?" The man asked inquisitively.
"This is my good friend, Kira Yamato. Kira, this is Greg Bishop, the best Civil Lawyer in PLANT." Athrun answered, "He and his sister are helping setup my defence in the war crimes trial which I'm about to go see Claud about, but I want to speak to you first."
"Certainly, what can I help you with?" Greg asked.
"I want you to prepare all the documents you need to apply to the Councillor's Court to release the assets of my father from freeze, I've got a judge booked in two days." Athrun spoke with authority, "I also want you to prepare a document of my intention to execute my father's legal will upon our success in recovering his assets from freeze."
"Are we buying the judge or...?" Athrun cut him off.
"No, I can't even afford the cost of more than basic necessities, let alone buying judges." Athrun hissed.
"Ok, what about the Will? How does the distribution go?" Greg asked, "I've never seen a copy of it."
"My father left all of his assets to me," Athrun spoke hoarsely, "I basically want you to list our intention to put them into my name effective immediately on the date so I can deploy private security teams and take over the mansion again."
"What in the world are you doing all this for?" Greg asked, "You've never cared enough before to try."
"It's been over 7 months and no action," Athrun hissed, "All assets are only allowed to be held 6 months under PLANT law, they've had them 7 and made no decision. We now have every right to request them back. Secondly, I need access to the mansion to retrieve documents for my defence in the war crimes trial."
"Ok, I'll have the documents ready by Monday." Greg answered, "You're playing a dangerous game though kid."
Tell me about it, Athrun said quietly.
Out in the hall again...
Athrun and Kira were walking towards the other end where the Criminal Defence Lawyer's office was.
"Ok, so you think you'll win the assets?" Kira asked.
"Oh yeah, we'll win." Athrun said smugly, "There's never ever been a decision in the councillor's court where the applicant hasn't won, it's just generally that the Councillor's court is reserved for the Supreme Councillor's. If you are the relative of a former councillor however, you have the right to use it."
"Was it wise to tell him you wanted documents from the mansion though?" Kira asked, "He could be working for Canaver you know."
"I know that, it's why I told him." Athrun looked around, "He's always been loyal to the head of the Supreme Council, only, he'll tell her, she'll search the mansion, find nothing than die when I produce the documents needed."
"How do you know she won't find them?" Kira worried, those documents did include details on him as well.
"Because, they're in a self-destructing safe in the panic room which needs a 9 digit un-breakable code to get in," Athrun laughed, "It was designed and tested by me, you'd possibly be the only one capable of breaking the lock. Blow torching the door is no good, it'd just detonate, and besides all that, the panic room is hidden too well to be found."
Kira hadn't noticed but they entered another office, however this one was full of lawyers rushing about everywhere and talking with people. The whole room had gone quiet however upon Athrun's entry, no one here had seen him for 7 months. He'd become a ghost and was supposed to be in a high-security prison at this moment. A large man spotted them and lumbered over.
"It's been a while," He said, "I noticed your war crimes trial, I was wondering when you'd call me for help."
"I couldn't exactly call," Athrun mused, "I was in high-security isolation."
"So how did you get out?" The man wanted to know.
"Lets just say the Orb Government has a vested interest in keeping me alive." Athrun said.
"Alright, I gather you want to talk in my office?" The man asked.
"Well, I'd rather not share my problems with all my happy customers." Athrun said dryly.
"Fair enough, comeon." He said. They followed him to a large well fitted out office, you could tell the criminal lawyers did alright for themselves too.
"Ok, so first of all, who is this fellow?" He asked pointing at Kira.
"This is my childhood friend, Kira Yamato." Athrun spoke soothingly, "He and his sister are responsible for getting me out of jail. Kira this is George Bishop, Greg's twin brother."
"So thats why they're, sort of, similar?" Kira asked.
"Yep, while Greg specialises in Civil laws, George here is the specialist in Criminal matters, and he will be Cagali's advisor during court proceedings." Athrun said.
"So you want her as the main examiner then?" George asked, "I wouldn't usually advise doing so, but I can see why you would want to."
"Yes I want her as the main examiner for my defence," Athrun grumbled, "Eileen Canaver will be the prosecutor, so I'd rather Cagali did the defending. I welcome your input though of course."
"I get you," George sighed, "Let the politicians slug it out in the court room over laws?"
"Yes, two more things though." Athrun said, "One, will the fact I had to be given a psyche evaluation recently count for much in court?"
"It depends on the outcome." George said cautiously.
"He was declared sane," Kira spoke calmly, George looked hopeful, "But, it also stated he is badly depressed."
"On what basis was this psyche evaluation carried out?" George asked.
"Well, Eileen Canaver sent me some visitors in prison." Athrun said uneasily, before un-bandaging his left and right wrists, and throwing several photos onto George's desk "They did this."
"Good god!" George exclaimed.
"The first is how I was when the guards finally decided to check on me, the second is a message written in my blood on the wall," Athrun stopped for breath, "The third is my left hand covered in blood, showing that they used my left hand to write the message. The fourth is what my wrists looked like after they cleaned and sterilised the wounds in the hospital wing."
"So," George mused, "She used this as a reason to try frame you as insane, and thus kick you out of the court room?"
"I assume so." Athrun nodded, "I also assume she'll try again."
Kira's eyes went wide, Athrun hadn't said anything about believing his life could be in danger again if Eileen Canaver was to have her way.
"What is the second thing?" George asked.
"You know about the Zala-Hibiki Corporation don't you?" Athrun asked quietly.
"Yes, why?" George answered.
"Can I use proof of genetic tampering as part of my defence?" Athrun asked.
"You're kidding right? Expose the secret to the globe?" George hissed.
"No, I'll be requesting a closed Court Room for that one. If at all." Athrun growled, "Its the last resort measure but damn it, I will use it if I have to."
The proceeded to talk about legal problems for an hour more before Athrun decided it might be best for him to contact Cagali and inform her where they were. Kira and Athrun then hopped into their car and returned to the consulate, Athrun let Kira drive because he was beat. It'd been a distressing day.
Well, thats the end of one extraordinarily long chapter. It was totally unintentional, but I also figure since I took so long in producing it you all deserve a bit more. I'll start the next chapter after I kick my Fullmetal Alchemist - Hell's Awakening fic in the guts with a complete restructure, right after the first chapter, it just didn't attract enough reviewers, I think it needs more drama to make it successful. Anyway, remember to read and review dammit.
REVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEW
REVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEWREVIEW