Page 71 of Alien Mercenary's Wife
Reese settled at the plaintiff's table with Hughes and Mason flanking her. The disparity in resources was obvious, but she'd fought worse odds in combat zones. At least here, no one was shooting at them. Yet.
"All rise for the Honorable Judge Patterson."
The judge was younger than expected. Maybe fifty, graying hair. He settled behind the bench, scanning documents while the courtroom found its rhythm.
"Be seated. Case number 4471-Alpha, preliminary hearing on motions to dismiss." The judge's gaze swept the courtroom, settling everyone into silence. "Counselor Meyer, you're representing the plaintiffs?"
A lone figure rose from their table—their court-appointed attorney. A woman in her forties who looked like she'd rather be anywhere else. Public defenders weren't equipped for corporate warfare, but she was all they'd got.
"Yes, Your Honor. Maria Meyer, representing Captain Reese Payne and fellow veterans in their action against Nexus Dynamics for damages related to defective neural interface technology."
"And for the defense?"
A silver-haired man in a suit that cost more than most annual salaries rose smoothly. "Jonathan Davidson, Your Honor,representing Nexus Dynamics. We're here to address frivolous claims made by individuals seeking to exploit the legal system for personal gain."
First salvo. Frame the veterans as opportunists rather than victims. Make them look greedy instead of screwed over.
"Counselor Meyer, present your opening statement."
Meyer rose, nervousness barely concealed. "Your Honor, the plaintiffs represent veterans who served with distinction, only to be systematically poisoned by defective equipment manufactured by Nexus Dynamics. The evidence will show?—"
"Objection." Davidson's interruption was smooth. "Plaintiff's counsel is making unsupported claims about manufacturing defects that have never been proven."
"Sustained. Counselor Meyer, confine your opening to established facts."
Reese felt the familiar tension of battle settling in her shoulders. They were going to have to fight for every inch.
Meyer regrouped, voice gaining strength. "The evidence will show that fifty-three veterans who received neural interface technology during the period in question developed identical neurological symptoms. Progressive paralysis. Motor control failure. Cognitive impairment. All from the same batch series manufactured by Nexus Dynamics."
"Your Honor," Davidson rose, looking concerned. "The plaintiff's claims about batch numbers are based on falsified documentation. Our investigation has revealed that the alleged batch numbers never existed in our manufacturing records."
"Do you have documentation to support that claim?" Judge Patterson asked.
"We do, Your Honor." Davidson gestured. Immediately, a junior associate began distributing folders. "Official manufacturing records from Nexus Dynamics clearly show thatthe batch numbers cited by the plaintiffs were never assigned to any production run."
The manufactured evidence blindsided them. Reese watched Meyer's face pale as she reviewed documents fabricated to destroy their case. The corporate machine had moved fast, creating false records while erasing real evidence.
"Furthermore," Davidson continued, "our investigation has revealed that the neural interface units referenced by the plaintiffs were never actually issued by military procurement. These veterans acquired enhancement technology through unofficial channels, then attempted to blame legitimate manufacturers when their illegal modifications failed."
Screw this.
"Your Honor," Reese said, standing despite Meyer's startled expression and flapping motion to sit down. "Request permission to address the court."
Davidson glared at her. "Your Honor, the plaintiff isn't qualified to represent herself in proceedings of this complexity."
"I'm not representing myself," Reese replied, keeping her voice level despite adrenaline flooding her system. "I'm requesting permission to present evidence as an expert witness."
Judge Patterson studied her with newfound interest. "What expertise qualifies you to provide expert testimony, Captain Payne?"
"Fifteen years as a Scorperio unit commander. Direct experience with the neural interface technology in question. Personal knowledge of the manufacturing and deployment processes that Nexus Dynamics claims never existed."
The courtroom fell silent. This wasn't how preliminary hearings usually proceeded, but sometimes you had to change the rules to survive impossible odds.
"I'll allow limited testimony," Judge Patterson said finally. "But keep it relevant to technical specifications and operational history."
"Thank you, Your Honor." She walked toward the witness stand, feeling every corporate lawyer's eyes tracking her.
Time to blow this thing wide fucking open.
