//------------------------------// // Trials and Complications Pt. 1 // Story: Family 101 // by Kail //------------------------------// The morning of the trial was a tense one for Scootaloo’s family. Lightning and Quicksilver sat off to one side of their living room while Berry, who’d come over early to go over their strategy, was explaining things to Scootaloo for what they thought was the first the filly had heard of the trial. “So basically we might need you to be a character witness for your parents. You think you can do that?” Scootaloo nodded with a grin. “You bet. I’ll tell everyone how awesome mom and dad are.” Berry laughed and ruffled the fillies mane. “That’s the spirit. Now let’s head down to the courthouse. While we’re in the main chamber Scootaloo will be in a waiting area if or when we need her.” Getting nods of confirmation, Berry led the family outside and toward the Ponyville justice building. ================================== In the private office of Poky and Pierce, Filthy Rich was pacing anxiously. “You’re sure this’ll work? I’ve put a lot of bits into this.” Pierce sighed as he arranged papers into his briefcase. “Yes Mr. Rich I’m sure. What I plan to do is backed by law both solid and old enough that there’s no way to contest or dismiss it. Have no fear that by weeks end this changeling problem will be delt with.” Filthy scoffed. “That’s something to look forward to. Honestly, I respect the princess but this is too much. Being allied with the griffons is trying enough but integrating the changelings into Equestria?” Pierce chuckled. “Well that’s what ponies like us and our associates are for. To protect our fellow ponies in the light of royal oversight. Now let’s head out. Wouldn’t want to be late would we?” Closing his briefcase Pierce and Filthy left the office, and trotted off to what they were sure was a trial already won in their favor. ========================================== Twilight was going over the last of her notes before she placed them in her saddlebags. Humming in satisfaction at her work she turned to the kitchen and called for Spike. “I’m headed out now Spike. Keep an eye on the library while I’m gone.” The baby dragon walked into the main room to see Twilight off. “Sure thing Twi, but why’re you going again?” “I told you Spike, Celestia put me in charge of the integration of the changelings into pony society in Ponyville. I need to see what this trial will mean for that. Also I’ve been called as an expert witness.” Shrugging, Spike held the door as Twilight walked out. “Well either way, good luck.” As Twilight trotted down the rode to the courthouse she smiled. “I don’t need luck. I’ve got research.” ================================= Inside the courtroom Berry was sorting through her papers when Pierce walked in followed closely by Filthy Rich. As Pierce sat his case on his table he turned and smirked at Berry. “Good to see you Berry. You ready for the trial or are you nursing yet another hangover?” Berry returned the smirk. “Not today, I wanted to be at the top of my game for this. Although seeing as it’s you I’m up against I could be drunk and win this.” Pierce scoffed. “How you got a license to practice law I’ll never know.” Berry laughed. “It’s called hard work Pierce. Not all of us had daddy pay our way through law school.” Pierce growled and turned away from Berry who’s smirk widened at winning their little bout of words. Turning back to her own table Berry noticed Quicksilver and Lightning looking at her. Quicksilver rose a brow. “Friend of yours?” Berry chuckled. “I know Pierce from Baltimare law. He’s a rich boy who takes upperclass cases from other rich boys and girls. He was also my rival in law school.” Lighting looked over at Pierce, who was talking to Filthy, before turning to Berry. “Is he any good?” Berry nodded. “He’s a good lawyer in that he knows what he’s doing, the problem with him is he’s arrogant. I’ve delt with him before, we only have to worry that he’s found some vague and obscure law that I might have missed.” Before Lightning or Quicksilver could ask anything else the bailiff stomped his hoof loudly and called to the room. “All rise for the honorable judge Mercy of Ponyville.” As the bailiff said this a dappled orange and cream coated earth pony with a stark black mane came from a door behind the judges bench. She wore a pair of round wire rim glasses and a black jacket that was held closed with a belt that had the seal of Equestria as it’s buckle. As judge Mercy sat, her bright yellow eyes scanned the court while her face held a neutral expression. Nodding once she rose a hoof then brought it down on the bench. “All be seated.” When the shuffling of the ponies in attendance retaking their seats died, the judge continued. “We are here today to witness the accusations brought by Mr. Rich against the defendants, Lightning and Quicksilver, on the counts of foalnapping.” Turning to look at Pierce, Mercy continued. “Mr. Pierce you may begin.” Pierce stood and trotted to the center of the court. “Thank you judge. Before we begin however I’d like to add to the charges by invoking the act of duality en masse.” Judge Mercy rose a brow. “I’m not aware of this act or what bearing it has on this case Mr. Pierce. You’d better explain yourself and quickly.” Pierce nodded. “Of course. The act I mentioned is a rather old but valid piece of Equestrian law whereby we can take the actions of a high standing member of a group and hold them accountable for the others of their kind. So I will restate, in addition to the charges of foalnapping I would like to make this case be a reflection on the changelings and use what is presented here to have them expunged from Ponyville if not all of Equestria.” Berry rose to her hind legs and pointed a hoof at Pierce. “Objection! Judge I need not remind you or Mr. Pierce that this case was only brought to you on the pretense of my clients being charged with foalnapping. I would also think Mr. Pierce would have brought this case to a higher court if he wished to pursue this course of action. I motion that he be denied to railroad my clients and this court in such a way.” Judge Mercy nodded. “Quite so Mrs. Punch. I agree that should Mr. Pierce want to continue his case it should be brought to a higher court. What say you Mr. Pierce?” Pierce smiled. “Actually judge a higher court is not required. This act was put into effect during the Steel Hoof age. At the time there were many issues brought to court that needed a higher ruling and instead of going to a higher court the higher court was brought to the issue. As such I’ve taken the liberty of calling a Royal Magister to sit in on the proceedings and validify the outcome in this court.” Giving a nod to the bailiff at the door, the pony opened it to reveal a deep blue unicorn stallion with an electric green mane. The stallion also wore a black jacket but it was embroidered with gold and silver lining, and the Equestrian seal on his belt was more stylized than the one judge Mercy wore. The stallion walked into the courtroom and stood in front of the judges bench before bowing. “Hello judge Mercy. I am Magister Justice, here to oversee these proceedings.” For a few seconds the room was silent before Berry leaned over to Lighting and Quicksilver, whispering. “Remember when I said we only had to worry about vague obscure laws? Well start worrying cuz I’ve never even read of this one.” As Berry finished giving her clients that little warning she turned to the judge. “Your honor, sidebar.” Mercy waved the lawyers forward. As they approached Berry’s brow knit in frustration as she spoke in a hushed, agitated tone. “Judge you can’t honestly believe or condone this can you? Pierce is blatantly trying to railroad my clients! How do we even know this “act” of his is even true?” Pierce smiled and lit his horn. A paper flew from his briefcase and hovered before the judge. “As you can see judge, This act bears the Royal seals of Celestia and Luna. This particular act was authorized by both sisters in a time when they had separate marks. It can’t be faked.” As judge Mercy looked over the paper she turned to Berry with an apologetic look. “I’m sorry Mrs. Punch but he’s right. The mark here was made magically, if it was fake the seal or paper wouldn’t be as crisp as it is.” His smile widening Pierce took the paper and floated it back to his case before addressing the judge. “So judge, may we continue with the trial?” Mercy rubbed her temple with a hoof before fixing Pierce with a stern look. “Yes Mr. Pierce but if you bring in any more surprises I’m postponing the trial. Is that clear?” Pierce nodded. “Crystal.” Cursing silently Berry went back to her table and motioned a bailiff over to her. “Check if Twilight Sparkle’s in the waiting area for witnesses. If she is tell her to get everything she has on changelings and get back here quick.” The bailiff nodded then trotted away to do as he was asked. As Pierce went into his opening statement Berry turned to Lightning and Quicksilver. Putting on a reassuring smile she whispered. “Don’t worry. This might have been a sucker punch on Pierces part but you’ve still got Berry Punch on your side. We’ll find a way around this.” Seeing her clients ease some Berry turned her attention to Pierce. Well played Pierce. But the ball’s in my court now and I’m gonna spike it. ================================= In the waiting area Scootaloo was sitting on a bench with other ponies when the door opened and a bailiff walked in. At the same time Diamond Tiara darted in and ran up to Scootaloo looking frantic. “Scootaloo, we’ve got a problem.” Scootaloo tilted her head. “What kind of problem?” Diamond leant in and spoke in a rushed whisper. “My dad’s lawyer had a copy of that folder I gave you. We didn’t do a thing to stop the trial!” Scootaloos eyes widened. “What?! Then what can we do?” Diamond looked over at the bailiff talking to Twilight then turned back to Scootaloo. “I’ve got an idea.” Before Scootaloo could question what Diamond was going to do the pink filly rushed over to the bailiff and spoke to him briefly. After the bailiff nodded Diamond went back to Scootaloo and took a seat beside her. Scootaloo rose a brow at Diamond. “So what was that about?” Diamond smirked. “You’ll see.” Giving a shrug Scootaloo sat back and began thinking about this new development. Well horse apples! This couldn’t possibly get any...... I’d better not think that. Anyway I hope we can still win. Otherwise it’s goodbye parents, hello orphanage. Sighing at the fact she was powerless to really do anything Scootaloo sat and waited to be called. Maybe what she said in the courtroom would help. That’s really all she could do now. ================================== Back in the courtroom, Pierce and Berry had given their opening statements and were now going through their less important pieces of evidence and character witnesses. When Pierces current witness, a clerk at the orphanage Scootaloo was from, was dismissed the judge turned to Berry. “Mrs. Punch, you may call your next witness.” Berry stood on her hind legs and walked to the center of the court. “I’d like to call a surprise witness your honor.” Receiving a nod from the judge Berry continued. “I call Diamond Tiara to the stand.” Filthy Rich’s jaw dropped and Pierce sood quickly. “Your honor I object. Calling my clients daughter, a little filly, to the stand is absurd. She’s not involved in this case.” Mercy gave Pierce a bored look. “You had no objections when Mrs. Punch wanted her clients daughter to be put on her witness list. Why not let Mr. Rich’s filly speak.” Pierce continued, trying to keep Filthy calm. “Diamond Tiara has nothing to offer. She’s not affiliated with this case.” Mercy turned to Berry. “Well Mrs. Punch? What is the reason for calling this filly? Berry turned to look at Pierce and Filthy as she responded with a smirk. “Diamond Tiara is a friend of Scootaloo and asked to speak on her family's behalf.” Mercy smiled. “Then I believe she does have something to offer. Objection overruled Mr. Pierce.” As the argument was settled Diamond was led into the courtroom and took her place in the witness box. Berry walked, still on her hind legs, and used a forehoof to gesture to the court. “Daimond, would you please tell us why you wanted to speak here today?” Diamond nodded. “I wanted to help Scootaloo and her parents.” Berry smiled. “That’s very nice of you, to want to help a friend like that. Now what exactly did you want to tell us?” Diamond glanced at her father before taking a breath to continue. “My dad wants to get rid of the changelings and I don’t think that’s right.” Berry rose a brow. “So you mean he has something against changelings?” Diamond shook her head. “I don’t think so. He’s afraid of them. He thinks they’ll try to hurt us again.” “And you don’t agree?” Diamonds head shook again. “No. Scootaloo’s been happy with her parents and I’ve seen other changelings working in town. I don’t think they’re bad, just a bit weird.” Berry chuckled. “Yes I guess they are. No further questions.” Mercy looked at Pierce and the stallion sighed. “No questions for this witness.” Mercy nodded. “Fine then. Diamond you may step down. I’m calling a one hour recess for lunch. We will reassemble after that time.” As Ponies began to file out of the courtroom Lightning turned toward Berry. “Did you plan that?” Berry chuckled and smoothed the lapels on her blue suit. “Nope. That little filly just volunteered to speak for us. Scootaloo’s got some good friends.” Quicksilver and Lightning gave each other confused looks. As far as they knew, Diamond and Scootaloo were at odds but maybe they’d been wrong. Either way it looked like things were starting to go their way. For now.