—
January 15. 2019.
District Court. Defendant's Lobby Nº2
14:30 AM.
—
— This will not end well… — Phoenix commented while revising all the evidence.
Maya frowned as she reminisced about the recent developments. She saw Phoenix reviewing everything as a thoughtful Masahiro stood at the conner of the room, pondering the actual situation. She held in her chest her frustration towards that moment as she simply tried to think of a way to help everyone out. The usual idea ran through her mind but seeing the consequences of that made her hold that for now.
"Sis… You don't know how much I wished you were here…"
— Well… We aren't into an advantageous position at all… — Masahiro affirmed.
Phoenix grunted in answer as he checked the files.
— Can't let this go south now. We went too far to just let this to end like this… — The defense attorney replied.
— Well… Unless a miracle happens… That's the end.
Phoenix glared at Masahiro, with determination.
— Not gonna lie; I'm still a rookie, and mostly time I rely too much on luck and bluffs. But that's something I can't pull off now. In this trial, never could be able do. Niijima-san will take down any attempt I do so. That said… Time to play differently from I was playing now.
Masahiro raised his eyes curiously at Phoenix's direction.
— Do you have a plan of action ready?
Phoenix frowned; a sober expression took over his face.
— I do, but I can't dance this tango alone with him.
— Care to be my partner, them?
Sae showed up as she placed on the display table her files and evidence.
— Unfortunately, we can't count on the judge of this case. We're on our own.
Phoenix let an angered growl escape from his lips.
— Dammit! When someone that don't go by his rules appears he's just cut it off? Is this serious!?
— I'm afraid so, Wright. Niijima.
Miles showed up alongside Margaret, both with the same frustrated expressions on their faces as well.
— Ms. Niijima.
— Edgeworth-san. And you are?
— Margaret. My name is Margaret.
Sae raised an eyebrow, as she inquired mentally about the mysterious woman, but she bowed in formality regardless.
— It is nice to meet you.
Margaret did the same, although she did like a European lady.
— Likewise, Ms. Sae Niijima. I've heard about you.
— Perhaps from the news, correct?
— Yes, also a relative of mine and my father told me a lot of a person of your friendship circle. Mr. Ren Amamiya.
Sae eyes widened as she looked at Margaret, then she smiled as she realized.
— He told me about your... little sister? If I recall correctly, her name is Lavenza.
Margaret smiled.
— My baby sister. Well, she's not a baby for years, but I always see her like that... Also, I love to mess with her.
Miles grunted.
— Miss Margaret, please... Don't do that with your own sister.
— Come on, Mr. Miles, you need to learn to let yourself have some fun, and messing with our siblings is so good! I always mess with my only brother, playing pranks on him. Once, I told him if you shake soda cans and open them that'll cast a hurricane to blow him away.
Margaret laughed as Miles and Phoenix sighed in disappointment.
— That's not nice, Ms. Margaret... — Miles said with dismay.
— You need to relax. Also, I always apologize, and she strikes back... But we often had our serious fights but that far from being a serious issue. We love each other and that is the only thing that matters.
Miles smiled.
— I'm glad. Still, you need to apologize and stop teasing out.
— Already done that, but no promises on that matter.
Margaret giggled and Miles groaned in despair. Phoenix tried his hardest to not let a laugh escape from his mouth.
"Guess the opposites always attract each other..."
— Mr. Edgeworth is struggling with a woman. I'll be damned. — Maya said.
— Seems like it. Any ideas? — Phoenix asked.
— Just one... Let me check it.
Margaret cleaned her throat and glared at Phoenix and Sae.
— Now, that matters aside... How do you two plans to deal with that... butler?
Phoenix and Sae frowned.
— Normal approaches won't work. Can't also bluff my way out...
Sae gave a wry smile.
— That wasn't an option to begin with. I wouldn't allow it.
Phoenix laughed.
— To think you're the only one who actually put me in shape...
— You're a rookie, can't go easy on you. Also, that'll be an insult to your intelligence.
Phoenix gave a sharp smirk.
— Glad you at least recognize I'm smart.
— Someone recognizing your intelligence? I'm relieved!
Phoenix and Sae snapped at Mia.
— Seems Maya channeled you again. — Phoenix said.
— Yes. Now...!
— What...?
Mia snapped at Margaret, who watched her with awestruck.
— A spirit medium... And she's... She...
— Margaret? — Miles called worriedly.
Margaret face twisted in fury as she glared at Mia. She approached her and grabbed her by her robes.
— I'll have a long talk with your sister later, but I have a few things to tell you as well. Ms. Fey, do you want to die?! That little bet of yours is pushing your physical body to the limit. Your spirit is almost permanently disconnected to your body! If you push a little further, you'll die. Are you perhaps daft to play with death!?
— Ms. Margaret—
— That said, I understand you have the need to look over your apprentice, but can you have a little more faith in him? He's capable and he'll ace this trial. That said, you shouldn't worry him further by trying to bet with Thanatos!? — She yelled interrupting Phoenix attempt. Mia glared shocked by the platinum-haired amber-eyes woman rage and Miles reached them with certain hesitation.
— Margaret... Please calm down. — He pleaded, fearing for both Mia and Maya life, even though she didn't seem to resort to violence.
Margaret anger with the same speed it appeared it was subdued, and she took a deep breath before glare at Mia again, now with genuine worry.
— Ms. Fey. I know you want to help, your sister too, but you can't risk your integrity for that. You are already recovering from your comatose. If you die throwing your life away like that…
Phoenix frowned as he processed the information.
— Mia… Why you didn't say to me you were that far to the edge… I knew from you and Maya there were dangers in channeling in your situation, but this…
Mia looked away in clear distress.
— I'm not going to lie. I thought I could handle it. At first everything was fine until...
— Edgeworth's judgement? — Phoenix asked as he reminisced about Maya struggling to channel her.
— No. Engarde versus the State.
Phoenix blood ran cold. That wasn't the answer he expected it. Worse, that was when everything made sense. He remembered that trial and how high the stakes are because of Maya's safety. Her life-or-death situation affected more than he could measure, and he wondered what's more Maya hid from him.
— Mia...
He gave a glare that no one expected. Phoenix wasn't furious, or mad, but rather that look. Mia sighed.
— Yeah, I know...
He sighed as he glared at Margaret.
— Miss Margaret, thank you for informing us. That was... very clarifying.
Margaret gave her a light smile.
— The pleasure is me.
Miles eyed her as she simply smiled at him as she silently said, "I'll explain later". Now Phoenix had a hard decision in his hands.
— Well... That's not an option, but I can't pressure you, Mia. You should warn Maya, though. I'm not telling her.
— Fair point.
— Want some advice on that matter?
Mia turned at Margaret, now calm.
— Margaret, right?
— Yes. First of all, my deepest apologies, Ms. Mia Fey. I... had overreacted, even though I had good intentions. It seems this... the situation of yours are quite trickly. But as long you didn't stress yourself or your sister, you will be fine.
— I see. Thank you very much for your advice. That said... You have an intriguing name.
— Frankenstein.
Mia snapped at Phoenix and gave an accusatory glare as a smirk formed.
— Seems you aren't that dumb at all. After all, you were majoring in art and law at Ivy U at the same time when I met you.
Phoenix laughed.
— Hey, I'm not a showoff. But he is though.
Pointing at Miles, Phoenix gave a sharp smirk, glaring into his eyes.
— Even though your style sense and choices aren't that great for a very refined man.
Miles brushed ashamed as Margaret giggled.
— Please, don't tease me.
— Sorry, but he has a valid point. That said we should take our leave. The court will reconvene at any moment. And... I'm thrilled to see the outcome of this trial. That said, I wish you both luck, and may Nike smile for you two.
Phoenix smiled at both as he walked towards Edgeworth, whispering in his ear to not let Margaret hear him.
— I like her. You should go for it, brother.
Miles blushed in embarrassment, but he smirked with venom, ready to bite back.
— Could same the same between you and your beloved one.
Phoenix smirked back.
— The difference is: I'm already did it, and we're happy.
Miles laughed.
— Fair point.
Miles left and Sae glared at him. Phoenix pulled close, whispering in her ear.
— He had found out. Though I'd doubt he knows everything about it.
Sae smirked.
— In that case, let's go with the flow. Now our focus needs to be directed at how we'll break Florence testimony.
— No need to say it twice. Though the Judge is on his paw already...
— In that case, we can't go with brute force either. We need more than tact and press.
— Hmm. I've a plan already, and I believe you know what it is.
Sae glared at Phoenix and smiled.
— Well, genius minds think alike. In that case… Let's play his game for now.
Phoenix smirked sharply with Sae statement.
— Glad you catch my idea. Let's see if he can control the game with us on the board now.
— I'll help you guys out. Someone needs to make sure you two don't get killed.
Phoenix and Sae looked at each other before turning at Mia.
— With our track record, maybe you need some help with that.
— *groan* Don't make me regret joining you at the defense bench, Phoenix. Sometimes, you are a tad too reckless for your own good.
— *chuckle* Relax, Mia. We need to keep our guards up in court. And taking a quick breath before returning to battle is necessary. We can't go with our minds clouded.
— That's what Florence wants and expects of us. We can't go blind. We can do this. — Sae assured.
— Alright then! It's showtime!
Sae giggled.
— What's funny? — Phoenix asked.
— Ren is the one who usually says that.
Phoenix only smiled before he asked.
— How's he doing?
— Great. He's marrying Tae, my friend.
Phoenix smiled.
— Glad that kid managed to get with someone he loves. Now, time to go. We need to end this. We must.
—
District Court. Courtroom Nº1
16:30 AM.
—
— The court has reconvened. I do hope both defense and prosecution were right. Otherwise, a major penalty is ready for both.
— Yes, your Honor. — Both Sae and Phoenix replied.
Mia frowned in anger as the Judge acted like a spoiled brat. She cleaned her throat as she glared at the man.
— Your Honor, if I may?
— Yes, Ms. Fey. It's a pleasure to see you once again.
— Likewise. May I ask… Why are you acting like a spoiled brat towards my protegee and Ms. Niijima?
— Not you too! — The Judge exclaimed in fear.
— Perhaps I can enlighten you, kitten.
Mia snapped at Godot, who gave a warm smile to her.
— The brat over there had an argument at both and lost. Now he's trying to get his payback.
Mia glared furious at the Judge.
— Is that so… huh?
The man flinched, as he gulped in terror.
— Perhaps I need to remind the board regarding that "misplaced incident" you did to the Board, no?
— No, Ms. Fey! There's no need for that!
— It seems that's not the case. I thought you had learned your lesson. I was wrong.
— Ms. Fey, please!
— I'll let this go if you behave properly and stop this. Otherwise, the board will know after I wake up.
— I'll behave, I'm promise.
— Good. But to make sure, I'll stay for a while. I think there's someone I need to meet, isn't that right, Mr. Hector Florence?
Florence blinked as he glared at Mia.
— You're… Ms. Fey?
— Yes and no. That's rather a complicated matter.
Florence grumbled.
— If you're saying.
The Judge cleaned his throat as he pounded his gavel.
— Now them, let's wait for the forensics to come with the results.
Fifteen minutes later, a member of the forensics team came into a run, panting heavily.
— Your Honor!
— What's happened?
— Mr. Condoll… He's…!
— Dead!?
— That's not the case! He's found out fainted. Someone had knocked him out! Also, they've found the files with him.
The audience commented nervously as the Judge banged his gavel.
— It seems there were some new developments on that matter. Mr. Wright, Ms. Niijima, if you please, I'll ask Mr. Florence to testify once again, so you two should be ready for this.
Sae clicked her tongue as she fixed her blazer.
— Seems like things didn't went as you expected Mr. Wright.
Phoenix clenched his fist and greeted his teeth as he glared at Florence.
— Now, if I may...
Florence fixed his notepad and cleaned his glasses.
— Now then. As I've said before... Mr. Masahiro is a very suspicious man. I've suspected him since the very beginning, he's quite the heinous individual, I might add. Being honest, I never doubted it was him. After all, those files about Masayoshi Shido are with Mr. Condoll. It's a shame how an operation regarding corruption can do. Guess you've misfired, Mr. Wright.
Phoenix stopped clenching his fist as he realized what Florence said. Sae stood still as well as she glared at Phoenix. Both smiled as Florence simply cleaned his glasses.
— Mr. Wright... Your cross-examination. If you waste our time, I'll give both you and Ms. Niijima a penalty.
Phoenix nodded as he simply gave Florence a blank stare.
— Mr. Florence... May I ask: How did you know about the investigation?
— !
Florence twisted his notepad as he started to sweat nervously.
— That is what has been said here in court, right?
— However, you weren't here earlier. — Sae replied while she smelled blood.
— !
— That was said earlier, the Court Transcript register can support our claims. That said… What you have to say, Mr. Florence.
Florence sweated more as he twisted his notebook furiously.
— You damned twisted—
— Lawyer? I've heard that before.
Florence gave a wild smirk as he tried to calm himself down. That smirk gave Phoenix chills.
— If you're so smart, then tell me something: Why has Condoll been found with the files regarding the weapons dealer?
Phoenix closed his eyes and thought for a moment, smirking after that.
— Unless the person didn't know about the files at all. Remember, this case was just uncovered recently. You're only incriminating yourself.
— Also, those files aren't physical. There was no chance to know where they were. — Sae concluded.
— What!? How... Then he's—
— I'm here. And I've finally found you.
Condoll appeared, showing a badge.
— Arthur Condoll. Interpol.
— So… You're not dead?
"Why would he think he's dead?" Phoenix thought in dismay.
— I'm glad you guys had asked for a search over the restroom. Honestly, never expected of all the things, two lawyers will help us out to end this case.
Phoenix and Sae glared at Masahiro who only smiled.
— I'm here to testify. I'll be brief.
— Y-Yes! If you may!
"He seems too shocked to react. Florence too."
Arthur took a deep breath before he started to testify.
— I'm an undercover agent from Interpol, assigned to help Mr. Masahiro and Hanamura. My job is not only to collect, but also to gather new leads at possible threats. At first, I was shocked to know that Hanamura died, but as I've found out later, that was someone else's doing. Never thought that person not only will works with me, but he's also tried to pin the crime on me.
Florence started to sweat nervously as he glared at Arthur.
— The evidence he tried to pin on me was almost too convincing. There was one problem though: He forgot to get rid of this.
Arthur showed a plastic bag full of powder.
— Peanut powder, he gathered from the kitchen. That powder was missing since that's not usually an ingredient at mostly of the menu recipes except for desserts. That said, I think you own us an explanation… Partner.
Florence drawn a gun and shot Arthur, who fell to the ground. Screams of terror echoed on the walls of the courtroom as Florence shot into the air.
— Shut up!
He glared deadly at Phoenix, pointing his gun at him. The same wild smirk plastered his face.
— An entire year. It took me an entire year to take that cretin down, and you two had blown it up. However, without motive that's useless. I didn't gather what I've been searching for, and I'm quite sure you don't know where it is also is.
Phoenix started to sweat nervously as the Judge glared at Florence nervously too.
— Mr. Florence…
— You all lawyers are all the same! Liars to archive a verdict. Like me, you two don't care at all at the other's lives. So... I'll make you a favor... I'll give you only one chance to show me those files. Or... I'll end you.
Phoenix felt his body becoming rigid as he feared for everyone's safety. He knew he needed to find a way to distract him.
— I'd know where the files are.
— What!? Phoenix! — Mia exclaimed, shocked.
Florence laughed maniacally as he glared at the blue-clad attorney.
— Is that so? I want to see it.
— I'll show to you. So, let me take it.
Florence lowered the gun.
— All right, lawyer. I'll let you. Show me!
Phoenix searched over his evidence and showed the fancy pen Maya found.
— Nick! That's—
— The files. They are in this pen drive disguised as a pen. Once you plug in, you'll have access to everything.
— Now bring it to me.
Phoenix approached Florence and the criminal picked up the pen. He opened it and smiled with satisfaction. He pointed at him as he gave the pen drive back.
— Now access those files. I know there is a computer nearby.
Phoenix did as he was ordered and plugged the pen drive into the computer. However, to Phoenix shock, the system asked for a password to access the files.
— The password. Input it!
— I don't know the password. — Phoenix replied.
— What?
— I'm saying I don't know the password. Mr. Masahiro never told me.
Florence laughed as he glared at Phoenix with a sick smile.
— For a bluffer buffoon like you, Mr. Wright, I have to say, you have your way with the words. However, that alone wouldn't be enough to save everyone.
Florence pointed at the gun at Mia.
— Especially the ones you love!
— MIA!
Florence pulled the trigger, but Phoenix jumped on him before the shot fired. A struggle started and Phoenix tried to disarm Florence without success, who simply kicked him away.
— Annoying attorney! Always trying to be a hero!
— Never say I'm one!
Florence pointed the gun at him.
— Any last words?
Phoenix stood still silent as Florence laughed.
— Are you trying to act tough?
— Dodge.
— Huh?
Unfortunately for Florence, a kick connected his face and he stubbled. Another one hit him, and he was knocked out. Except for Phoenix, everyone else was shocked to see Sae Niijima outcoming a hitman.
— Thanks for the distraction. That will take him.
Phoenix turned at Mia, who was paled. He felt another chill as he saw a red stain on her waist.
— MIA!
Phoenix rushed in her direction, and she simply glared at the blood stain. He checked desperately to see if she got hit only to find the bullet only grazed her, but deep enough to give a deep cut.
— Thank God, you're safe!
— Phoenix... I...
Then Mia fainted, leaving Maya's body.
— No, no, no! Your Honor, call an ambulance! — Phoenix said as he pressed the wound with both hands.
— But how—
— Now! — Sae yelled as she called the Bailiffs to cuff and restrain Florence. After ten minutes an ambulance arrived, and the paramedics proceeded to take Maya and went to the nearby hospital. Phoenix looked gloomy at the floor, but Sae held his shoulder, assuring him everything would be fine. An hour later, the paramedics came back, a professional expression took their faces.
— That was a major scare, however her blood pressure dropped drastically, making Ms. Fey faint due to the loss of blood. Her cut from the bullet is already stitched. I'd suggest keeping an eye on her, just in case.
— Yes, we will.
— Now then, we'll leave.
— I see. Thank you. Do I have to pay you guys, right?
— No need for that. That emergency was already paid.
Phoenix looked at Masahiro who just smiled.
— Regarding, Mr. Condoll...
— He's fine. He was wearing a bulletproof vest. That alone protected him. Fortunately, he'll recover soon.
Phoenix sighed in relief once again as everything appeared to turn back to normal. The Judge cleaned his throat, calling everyone attention.
— Now then, it seems we still have some questions to answer.
— Seems like it. — Phoenix said grumbling as he glared at Florence with silent anger. A loud hum was heard but Phoenix ignored it. He knew that wasn't worth it.
— Nick? — Sae called, her voice trembling with worry.
— Let's wait him to wake up. After that, he's all Mr. Condoll's problem.
Sae nodded as his cold tone of voice was enough to point out Phoenix wasn't happy to see Florence there cuffed down. The Judge pounded his gavel, calling everyone attention.
— Now, let's wait for him to wake up. We need some answers from him.
They nodded in affirmation as they waited for Florence to wake up. Once he woke up, Florence tried to free himself in vain.
— Unleash me, you simpletons! I cannot fathom this!
— Quiet!
Sae's voice echoed and Florence flinched after hearing the powerful command from the prosecutor.
— If you dare to say another word, I'll tear you apart!
Florence whined as he recoiled from Sae clear threat.
— Ms. Niijima... there is n-no need—
Unfortunately for the Judge, Phoenix glared at him, and he was the one who recoiled in fear. The usual happy-go-lucky man with puppy eyes has taken a deadly stance as he gave the stare of death at the Judge.
— Meddle your words and choose carefully what you are going to say, otherwise thwarting her will be your last mistake. — Phoenix warned.
The Judge gulped as he let Sae to proceed.
— That said. This pen drive will allow us to prove you had motive. I hereby accuse you of being the murder of Ahiko Hanamura, under the orders of the Antissocial Force!
The audience mumbled as Phoenix nodded.
— The defense shares the same accusation with the prosecution. Also, we want to add stealing confidential and murder attempt charges on Mr. Florence as well. That said, the defense demands to check the evidence now.
— The prosecution agrees with the defense request. — Sae said.
— Very well. Mr. Wright, please do the honors.
— If I could. I don't know the password.
— You're bluffing! — Florence yelled.
— He's not lying.
Florence turned at Masahiro with anger.
— You!
— I never have said the password, since I never knew it too. All I gave was just a hint. "A good glass of wine". That was Hanamura last words.
Florence laughed.
— 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. The most expensive wine in the world.
Phoenix typed the suggestion, but the access was denied. A message appeared on the screen.
WRONG PASSWORD. TWO MORE ATTEMPTS REMAINING.
— Oh no. That's a kill switch, right?
— Correct. If you fail, this pen drive will release a virus that'll destroy this computer. — Masahiro answered.
— But this is connected to all Intranet of the courthouse! — Sae exclaimed, shocked.
— I was afraid of that. — Masahiro admitted.
— Hanamura always took things to the last consequences. Dammit, even now... — Condoll complained.
— Mr. Wright. — The Judge said, fear was palpable in his voice.
— I know. Let me try once again.
Phoenix pondered once again, this time, he focused on Hanamura's tastes.
— What was Hanamura favorite wine? — Phoenix asked Masahiro.
— Château Cheval Blanc from 1947. We had a glass once during a party.
Phoenix typed and the same access denied message appeared followed by another one:
WRONG PASSWORD. ONE MORE ATTEMPT REMAINING.
— Dammit!
— Mr. Wright! Please do not make another mistake.
— Knowing him, he'll do.
— Please stop talking! — The Judge pleaded.
— Why? Afraid I might be right?
— P-Please... S-Shut up!
— Why would I shut up? It's obvious that imbecile cannot find the password. I'm more than capable of doing so.
— Please...
— Can someone shut that idiot up? — Phoenix begged ready to strike him.
Sae stood still as he took a fighting stance, ready to lay another kick at Florence who simply decided to stay quiet as he grunted in annoyance. Phoenix closed his eyes as he remembered the lesson Mia gave him.
"Think outside the box. Think crazy."
— Like a fool...
Phoenix inserted the hint Masahiro gave, alongside an addendum.
A good glass of wine, alongside my friends Ken and Arthur.
ACCESS GRANTED. KILL SWITCH DEACTIVATED.
Phoenix sighed in relief as Sae checked the data.
— All the files are here. Thank goodness.
Masahiro stayed quiet as he watched the scene unfold. Florence yelled in visceral anger as he saw his plans to fail.
— Mr. Florence. You knew it was a matter of time to find those files. However, Lady Luck didn't smile at you. That said... Only you had the motive to kill Hanamura. The files were just a part of your plan. Getting the password and then getting rid of Mr. Masahiro was the next step, since you needed a scapegoat to hide your involvement.
— Also, getting rid of him will tarnish his reputation and getting his investigation into an indefinite hiatus. That alone would be beneficial for the Antisocial Force and you.
— Lastly, you had a particular grunge against Mr. Hanamura for a very specific reason.
— Mostly likely he had figured out your identity. — Sae added.
— Moreover, you had to hasten your plans and get rid of the uncalled inconvenience. Unfortunately for you, several factors turned out against you. That also includes the ones standing before you.
Florence grunted in annoyance as he let an animalistic yell roar through the courtroom.
— You selves arrogant little twats! Do you think this is over?!
— Of course not. That's just the beginning of your downfall. I hope you enjoy your time at jail. I've heard people like you don't last too long, especially as you shoot at innocent people in a courthouse. — Sae said.
— Also, I'm fairly sure Mr. Florence, some of my associates in jail, would like to have a few words with you. After all, they don't like assassins at all. Especially the former Chief of Police and Chief Prosecutor. — Phoenix added.
Florence gritted his teeth as he glared daggers at both lawyers. The Judge gave a look that seemed almost sympathetic before pounding his gavel.
— Bailiffs, please arrest Mr. Florence.
The Bailiffs did as they had been ordered, as they took Florence away. Phoenix saw the files as he glared at Sae who just nodded, making a copy of them. Once it was done, both went back to their respective benches.
— Very well. It seems this case has reached a conclusion.
— Seems like it.
— Before I announce my verdict… I wish to apologize. My behavior wasn't… appropriate.
— Glad you had recognized. Still, a complain file will be filled. I cannot ignore what happened here these three days. — Sae announced.
— Fair. Thank you, Ms. Niijima, for helping us out.
— Likewise. It's an honor to be here. Especially facing a dear friend at court. Phoenix, thank you.
Phoenix gave a big genuine smile.
— I'm the one who should thank you… Sae.
The Judge looked confused at both, but he quickly dismissed as he simply rose his gavel, ready to strike.
— Now, this court finds the defendant, Ken Masahiro…
NOT GUILTY!
The court celebrated as Masahiro simply gave a serene smile in response.
— Court is adjourned, — The Judge announced, banging his gavel.