For trials.

All around the courthouse are people standing with signs varying from "What a cop should be" to "Do what he did to them" Strike team alpha is standing at the edge of the court providing security. Any heroes who want to show up in costume are allowed to do so.

Jared stayed in strike team alphas transport hovering above city hall the thing looked like something out of star wars and he was keeping the team notified of what was going on as well as providing back up

A van pulled up and the crowd parted as Donald Derring makes his wauy up the steps followed by armed gaurds and a man in a millitary uniform whos right arm seems coverd in soem strange pink rock.

  Meg had shown up, dressed casually in dark jade green with soft gold accents, a form fitting catsuit of the green, and silkscreened electrical patterns on it.  She was watching the events with a seemingly serene expression.

Both Oswald the Elder and Ozzy the Younger were there, and both were dressed in their finest clothes. Mr. Gysbourne looked quite comfortable in his usual attire, and though Ozzy was rather handsome with his hair nice and neat and his dark green three piece suit, he gave off the impression as if he felt he'd been wrapped in that itchy pink insulation and forced to stand still. The only comforting thing were his glasses, which were re-fitted with lenses that didn't modify vision, only changed from clear to black when hit by UV radiation, just like his old ones.

In Ozzy's mind, his conversation with his grandfather while they'd been en route was still reverberating between his ears.

"Grandpa, why am I going again?"

"Because you know Mr. Derring, and are going to show your support."

"Uh-huh. And why am I wearing THIS?"

"I told you, it would look suspicious if you just stopped wearing glasses altogether. After all, that 'oh I lost them' cover story of yours was only going to hold so long at school."

"Grandpa, you know what I mean. The suit. Why in the world did you have to make me wear a f... flamin' suit?"

"Because, boy, you are the heir to the Gysbourne name. I'll not have you appearing at such a serious occasion while looking like you just shuffled in off the streets."


Ozzy sighed again, hoping some sort of trouble would call him away. He'd give ANYTHING to get out of here. Fortunately, Grandpa had let him keep his mp3 player on him, as well as the headphones, which luckily folded up and more or less fit in one of the coat's pockets. The only thing that he'd had to change was the location of the button, which was now hidden beneath his coat.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:55, Wed 05 May 2010.

  Meg glided over when she saw Ozzy, and said quietly "Hey there, Ozzy.  I thought I might want to show some support for my poor landlord.  How are you doing?"  She didn't mention the coffee date she was supposed to have gone on, and hadn't, yet.

There was more shouting as Hunter made his way into the courtroom The crowd stayed outside as the door closed behind the accused vigilantie anyone who needed to be in there was already in there
Outside not far from the collected New Age Defenders a reporter woman and Camera man are reporting on the events.
"And here we are at the historic trial of Donald Derring former Army Special Forces Sergeant who is rumored to have brutally killed dozens of people in a one man war on crime which has wreaked a toll on our fair city. As you can see here there is a large crowd gathered some in support and others in condemnation of his acts. We'll spend some time talking to a few of the m to get their opinions."

"I'll live, but I swear, I'd be more comfortable if I was naked. I hate dressing up. I'd say take a picture for proof, but knowing Grandpa here, I'll be in this thing a lot. What's up with you, Meg? How've you been?" he said, managing a smile despite a discomfort.

Oswald the Elder sighed and shook his head. "I do apologize for his rudeness, Miss Kattakara, but it seems the boy has forgotten his manners. He tends to do that a lot."

Ozzy rolled his eyes and muttered, "Sweet Zombie Jesus, not this again..."

This was met with a quick, sharp rap on the shoulder with the head of Grandpa's cane.

"Mind your tongue, young man! There's a lady in our presence!"

  Meg shook her head, and said "It's okay.  Trust me, I've heard a lot worse!  My ears are very good, as Ozzy may or may not have mentioned.  And I can speak 'french' in four languages."  Her wry smile was a clear invitation to relax.

Dragon Fist had spent most of the last week searching for the whereabouts of his brother (presumably with no success). It appeared that The Dark Champion had stooped to a new low...this battle had usually been between just the two of them, but now...

But...the trial of Hunter was in commencement...and Dragon Fist knew that Hunter would need all the help and support he could get...even if he himself wasn't going to admit it.

Nodding at Meg and Ozzy, he took a seat not far from them as the trial made ready to begin...

The trial began with very convincing opening statements from both parties though the court seemed more interested in the Prosecution's. A few anonymous witnesses are called behind a screen. The Defense then calls their first witness Dragon Fist.

Dragon Fist then made his way to the witness stand. Looking around the courtroom, and seeing who was present...

Dragon Fist sees Captain JOrdan and a few members of the SCU some of Derring Incorporated's staff, a few members of the outlying hero community including Rocket, the head of Mask Co. the corporate superheroes and New Yorks most popular hero, The Leather Avenger. When DF makes it to the witnesss stand a mman stands before him with a bible and does the usual swearing in. The defense Lawyer moves over to the stand. "For those of us unfamiliar, could the witness identify himself to the court?"

Dragon Fist sits down at the witness stand.

"I am Dragon Fist...member of the Legacy of Weston..."

"Alright Dragon FIst, Please state your relationship to the defendant."

Oswald the senior gets a phone call from Virgil the head of Weston's antiques and Pawnshop most of what he deals with is your normal antiques but VIrgil is also throughly connected in the occult underground adn had a way of aquiring even the rarest of items.

In reply to Justice (msg #16):


Dragon Fist replied, "The defendant and I have worked together on numerous occassions, and he has proven himself to be a worthy ally and friend."

Rodger had come to the courthouse, dressed in a conservative navy business suit and striped tie, with a heavier overcoat and an old fedora as protection from the cold.

Unless someone knew about him, he showed no outward sign of being anything more than a middle-aged man in the crowd, although if asked why he was here he readily admitted to being one of Derring's tenants, and concerned over whether or not his family would still have a place to live after this trial.

A figure wearing boots, jeans and a black hoodie with his hood up was right behind Rodger. It was the height of a young teenager and appeared to be male. "This is the courthouse, eh? Well then..." The figure sounded like a young teen as well. He looked around as he followed Rodger to the courthouse.

That voice behind him sounded familiar. Half turning, Rodger looked to see who it was. And did a double take. Yes, it was a familiar voice, although encountering the young man in such a fashion took the teacher by surprise.

"Hello again," he greeted Draco softly.

The young man stopped when Rodger half-turned, and was surprised to see Rodger. "Hey, you the guy from that registration office? Here for that trial I heard from some peds, huh? I'm here to check it out, too. By the way, what's your name? I'm Jason, but my nick's Draco. Feel free to call me either, since I won't mind." Draco seemed cheerful after seeing Rodger; he didn't extend his hand for a handshake, however, as if he was hiding it for some reason.

"Yes, that is where we met before," Rodger agreed, his tone dull and leaden. His opinion of the entire supers registration idea had taken an enormous nosedive after seeing the waking nightmare of his own registration card, and had yet to recover from that hit. His tone was more friendly and normal when he introduced himself. "I'm Rodger."

Oswald the Elder, whose phone had been on vibrate, excused himself quietly before heading outside to answer the phone call.

Ozzy the Younger wondered what was up, but decided that it was best to remain where he was. Those who poked their noses into Grandpa's business uninvited often got said noses shut in a door.

Don's Lawyer asks a few more questions about DOn's activities as Hunter and the good he's done for the city. He then turns to the prosecution, "Your witness"

Dragon Fist fills in Don's lawyer about how Hunter assisted the Legacy on numerous occasions, including saving the world from the madman known as Brain.

As the prosecutor gets ready to start his cross-examination, Dragon Fist observes him closely.

The prosecutor is a well dressed man who appears to be in his early to mid thirties. He stpes forwqard. "Dragon Fist, when did and where did you meet Donald Derring, under the alias Hunter?"

Dragon Fist replied, "We met during an incident with the criminal known as Flamethrower. He was on a rampage, and Hunter helped us stop him."

This was difficult to go into however. Flamethrower did die by Dragon Fist's hands later on...

"And at the time, how much did you know of his one man war on crime?"

"Very little....all I knew was that there was a war on crime in the city...and then Hunter arrived on the scene to help us with Flamethrower...and he had been helping us ever since that time..."

"At what point did you learn of his way of dealing with criminals? "

Dragon Fist replied, "He really never talked much about the method. It may have been mentioned in passing, but I really didn't get an inkling of the method until we fought with the villain known as Paragon. Might I add that in that instance though...if Hunter had not dealt with him...Paragon would surely have killed all of us that were present near the Mayor's office..."

"So you had no idea of his use of Lethal Force until he executed an alleged "Parahuman Terrorist" in front of you. NOw by this point he was fully integrated into your group?"

Dragon Fist nodded. "Might I add...AGAIN...Mr. Prosecutor...that it was self-defense, as well as defense of everyone else around, and it was NOT an execution...but no, in all the other times we worked with Hunter...he never killed anyone...and when this happened...yes he was part of our group..."

So before you found that he was acting as judge jury and executioner he had already fully joined your group formed camraderie with you and learned your secrets. No further questions your honor."

Inside, Dragon Fist had inwardly cursed himself. He was doing what he could to try to plead Hunter's case. Had he somehow damaged it? He had never killed anyone up until the fight with Paragon....what proof did they have that he did kill? Hunter had mentioned it but he hadn't killed anyone while part of the Legacy.

He then waited to see if he could step down or if there might be anything else asked of him.

Dragon Fist is now allowed to stand down. "The Prosecution calls their next witness Ethan Sharpe Assistant Director of the Department of paranormal activities."

Dragon Fist then sat down close to Ozzy and Meg were sitting. He really hoped that his testimony helped Hunter, and not hurt him.

A well groomed man in a stylishly cut suit steps up to the witness stand. He speaks in a cultured british accent. "Ethan Sharpe, assistant Director for the DPA, and somewhat an expert on magical trinkets."

Outside, Rodger observed the reporters, and the protestors. And any visible superheroes (such as Strike Team Alpha members) who were keeping order out here.

Ethan speaks to the Defense and explains how the amulet works much as he did to the N.A.D.s and the Legacy, he compares the amulet to something which would induce temporary mental illness and that it would cause Hunter to act irrationally bbelieving his acts to be justified. Two D.P.A. agents bring the amulet in in a sealed case for the court to see.

Meanwhile outside the people were waiting in anxious anticipation The reporter woman is making hewr way round the crowd and by random happenstance makes her way to Rodger. "Excuse me sir, do you have any thoughts on the trial, Mr. Derring, and the use of Letahl force by superheroes?"

"Well, as far as the trial itself, I would favor leaving it in the hands of the judicial system and professional law enforcement, rather than politicians or the media. As far as Mr. Derring... well, as one of his tenants, I'm concerned over what impact this trial will have on living conditions, or even if I'll have to find a new place for my family to live on short notice."

His expression and tone visibly darkened answering the last part. "Lethal force should be left in the hands of the military or police, when absolutely necessary. There are far too many people who use lethal or potentially lethal force in crimes, and if superheroes are going to be sanctioned, even sponsored by the government, they really ought to be held to a higher moral and ethical standard than the troublemakers they are stopping."

The Prosecutor has very little to combat the argumetns put down by Ethan but he still seems somewhat smug. The court ends after Ethan haws finished and they Lead Hunter out back into the armored car.

Outside, Rodger fingers his beard thoughtfully as he watches Hunter be led back away. Seemed like an awfully short day in court, to him, but perhaps there were witnesses and arguments that couldn't be presented today for whatever reasons. Amazing that jury selection would have gone by so fast with a prominent case, however, he mused to himself.

An idea suddenly crossed his mind, wondering if somewhere in his mess of spells was a means to talk to Don, suit-to-suit, or even to eavesdrop through his senses while he was in the courtroom. But if there was, he didn't know which spell or how to use it, so it remained just an idea.

  Meg shook her head, and headed out of the courtroom once the day was considered done, and looked up thoughtfully.  Grinning, she headed off down the sidewalk, dialing her phone as she walked.

---->> Streets

Dragon Fist exited the courtroom. Ignoring any reporters that might try to come his way, he then took to the air, and to the streets.

The Dark Champion was still out there, and his brother was still missing. He HAD to find him...

>>>>>>>>>>>>To Rooftops>>>>>>>>>>>>

Draco was about to leave, but noticed Dragon Fist flying away. I would follow him, but I would free my secret. I'll just have to go, then. "Rodger, I'll see ya later. Gonna go now." Draco simply walked away, ignoring the crowd and reporters.

>>Streets>>

Seeing Dragon Fist flying away, Rodger sighed, turned, and started to make his way back towards where he'd parked.

Getting in the car, the teacher carefully backed out of his parking space and headed for the streets. His next destination? The law offices of Dastardly, Borgia, and Booth, to see if he could have a few words with his lawyer.

--->to the streets

Ozzy nearly jumped for joy when the court hearing was over. He walked outside quite quickly, heading to the car, where his grandfather's driver was waiting. The man popped the trunk, giving Ozzy access to his backpack. Ozzy grabbed his bag, shut the trunk, and found the nearest public restroom. In a few minutes, he was in his normal clothes, boots and all.

When Grandpa hadn't come back, though, he was a bit worried. Either it was an important client, or something bad had happened. Ozzy went out looking for his Grandfather, wondering what was going on.

A red and gold blur streaked throught he weston skies slowing down once it reached the courthouse. Hovering above the courthouse he used his enhanced vision to search out Ozzy.

Ozzy, after getting off of the commlink, dashed out of the coffee shop and into an alleyway a few buildings down. He came out the other side as Painter, one of the New Age Defenders, ready to kick some criminal ass.

Excelsior noticed Painter come out of an alleyway and flew over to him. "did someone order an airlift?" He said witha  grin.

"Damn, dude, you're fast! I didn't see you coming! Let's roll!" said Painter, clearly excited. He dashed towards Ex, not putting his skates out just yet.

"When we get there, drop me just outside the prison walls proper, but inside the gates. I'll put up a little somethin' somethin' to make damn sure they can't get out the front door, and then I'll join you guys inside."

Ex nods picking up painter easily and flying off making sure to keep his speed at a reasonable level.

>>TO Penetentiary."

"Dude, step on it! My armor should protect me, let's get there ASAP!" he said, gritting his teeth.

>>>>> To the Penitentiary >>>>>>

Ozzy landed outside the courthouse, saying, "First place I know of to look. Shall we, love?"

  She seized him in a hug, and said "Yes PLEASE love!  I am so happy.  Words really DON'T cover it."  And he could feel her happiness, like the little fizzy bubbles in champaigne.

Ozzy chuckled happily as he carried her into the courthouse, ducking if need be to account for the ceilings. He looked around, wondering where he would find a justice of the peace.

"And just think, all the happiness with none of the stress or anxiety of actually PLANNING a wedding. The others may just take after us, hehe. They may even straight-up elope!" he said with a grin.

  Clarissa laughed, and one of the court secretaries asked him hesitantly "Ah  ..  can I, ah, help you?  Sir?  Ma'am?"

  Clarissa fished in her purse, and waved the legal document as she said "We need a justice of the peace, please?  Ozzy, you know anything else we need?"

Ozzy chuckled and said, "Well, technically, we need an actual marriage license, too. But we can get that here, too. And don't worry, I don't bite. Or smash stuff. Well, I *do* smash stuff, but only when it's stuff that belongs to evil people and it needs smashing to stop them."

  The clerk nodded, and pulled out a form, asking "Could you give me the social security numbers for both parties, as well as full names?  Then I'll need five dollars for the notary fee."

  Clarissa giggled, and said "Ozzy, I am SO happy!!  Here's a real cause to celebrate tonight."

Ozzy nodded and said, "Oswald Michael Gysbourne, and my social is *number*. And here's the five bucks."

He then grinned down at Clarissa and said, "Indeed we do! How should we celebrate, love?"

  Clarissa rattled off her social, and said "Clarissa Elizabeth Amalthea Ariana Clemmons."  He heard in his head {{Gak.  I forgot they asked for that.}}

Ozzy chuckled and thought, {{Love, my initials are OMG. At least yours didn't make your name chatspeak!}}

  The clerk finished filling it out, and notarized it, then handed it to Ozzy.  "I think Judge Reams is about done with court, would you like me to have one of the bailiffs show you to his chambers?"

  Clarissa replied {{Love, OMG fits.  Because oh my GOD are you mind blowingly good!!}}

Ozzy smiled and asked, "Actually, her mom's in the hospital, and we were wondering if he could come down there? You know, so she could be present. She got hurt in a parahuman incident last night. Er, not me I swear. I don't hurt people who don't want to hurt other people."

  Clarissa nodded, and said "Please?  He saved my Mom from mutation, by taking the shot himself."

  The clerk nodded, and said "I'll ask him for you.  Now you two kids go get ready for what I hope is the happiest day of your life."

Ozzy grinned and handed the clerk his registration card, saying, "If you think that'll help convince him, feel free to use it. I know the picture's a bit old, but that's me. Like she said, I got mutated in the line of duty."

  She looked at it, then held it up beside him and snapped a polaroid.  Then she handed it back, and said "Here you go.  Now go get ready, kids."

Ozzy grinned and, once the clerk was out of earshot, said, "What, do they have a Giant-Size Tux Rental place here?"

  Clarissa giggled, and said "I don't know, but you sure are sexy.  And your initials SO fit you.  Oh.  My.  GOD, you blow me away good!"

Ozzy blushed and hugged her as he said, "Well, we'll see if that holds up, love. I'll definitely give it my best shot tonight. It IS our wedding night, after all."

  She giggled, and kissed him, whispering "And you STILL look so damn sexy when you blush.  My flexible anarchist in battered skates!"  She gestured toward the door, and asked "To the hospital?"

Ozzy shrugged and said, "Sure. I kinda wanted to wait for the judge, but meh. I figured we could at least give the poor guy a ride, so he wouldn't burn any gas. Stuff's expensive!"

  A few minutes later, a late middle aged man who looked almost emaciatedly thin in long black robes came down the hall toward them.  He called "Are you the two wanting to be married?"

  Clarissa tilted her head, and said "Bet he's a light weight!"

Ozzy chuckled and said, "Be nice, honey. Yeah, we are, sir. Would you please come to the hospital? I can fly you, if you like. I'd hate to make you burn your gas to accomodate us."

  Judge Reams smiled, and said "I would be delighted.  I only ask that you give me a photograph of you in your wedding clothes after all is said and done.  I firmly believe that civic minded, respectable young parahumans like yourselves, who are being responsible, registered, and doing the right thing should be given all the support they can get."

  Clarissa smiled, and said "That sounds more than fair to me."

Ozzy grinned and said, "Thanks! It's good to hear you say that. You hear so much about anti-para activity that you forget there are people who actually appreciate what we do."

He then kneeled and held Clarissa against his chest with one hand, while he made a step for the judge to climb on his back if he wished with the other, saying, "Shall we?"

  Clarissa held tight, as the Judge carefully climbed onto his back.  He said quietly "I am indeed.  I want to see a pair of SMILES today!"

Ozzy stepped outside and said, "Hold on tight, and don't be afraid to use the horns for handlebars! I'll go a little slow, okay?"

Once the judge was good and situated, Ozzy took to the air, headed for the hospital!

>>Hospital>>

  Clarissa laughed, and kissed his chest, and said "I'm SO excited!!"

  The Judge did, indeed, hold onto his horns.