068 [Locked to Edgeworth; Hackable]

[attorneyatlol]

[The following was meant to be posted privately, but was deleted on second thought to avoid hackers. :|]

I thought I’d be okay for another month, but like an idiot, I completely forgot about the hospital bill from July, and now I’m getting phone calls from a collection agency. On top of that, I’m past due on my rent, Maraich and Matthias are here, and I think I’m about to max out another credit card. Then, of course, there are the regular bills…

…I need to take more cases. I can’t keep doing this.

[/deleted]

[Locked to Edgeworth; Hackable]

Hey, Edgeworth? What’s the word on the law committee?

Comments

[samuraiprosecutor]

'The word' is that I'll be moving on the committee as soon as I'm able. You're prepared for it?

[attorneyatlol]

As prepared as I'll ever be, I think.

Sorry. I know you're busy, but I wanted to make sure we had a firm handle on this. I might not be as available in the future as I thought I'd be.

[samuraiprosecutor]

How reassuring. I believe I neglected to mention that Jordan has also agreed to submit his credentials once the post is made.

...You're going to be otherwise occupied?

[attorneyatlol]

Good. The more help we have, the smoother it should go. And it's not like I've ever done anything like this before, you know.

I'll probably be taking on a few clients within the next couple months. I don't know how much I'll be around.

[samuraiprosecutor]

Assuming the old adage of 'too many cooks' doesn't apply to this situation, of course. You say it as if I have. Inexperience is no excuse for unpreparedness, Wright. Even with no prior examples to compare the situation to, there will always be research and planning one can do beforehand.

Business has picked up, then? To what do you owe the sudden windfall?

[attorneyatlol]

...I don't think I've heard that one. I didn't say I was unprepared. I said I was as prepared as I'll ever be. There's a difference.

A bill that's five months past due.

[samuraiprosecutor]

No? I'm afraid it could be quite appropriate in this situation. And the difference is accuracy. One can always be more prepared.

Only one?

[attorneyatlol]

...'Too many cooks spoil the broth'? I don't know about that... I'm more inclined to go with 'many hands make light work'. We're only supposed to be organizing this, after all, not running it. Fine, I'll be sure to check out Inter-dimensional Law Systems for Dummies next time I'm at the library, then.

I could do without the sarcasm, if you don't mind.

[samuraiprosecutor]

An optimistic proverb, how surprising. Once the 'cooks' are determined, I imagine we'll find out which adage is more accurate. No need. I'd be willing to lend you my copy of Intergalactic Law for Dummies if I could have your assurance you'd actually make use of it.

I do mind, but I suppose I can oblige. You'll be taking steps to attract a broader client base?

[attorneyatlol]

I'm not saying there won't be conflicts, but you can't have two people running the law. It just doesn't work that way. ...Very funny. You could've at least made it sound more convincing.

Thanks. I'll be going down to the detention center, if that's what you mean.

[samuraiprosecutor]

I'm well aware that it doesn't. However, given some of the attention the proposition has already drawn, I question the team we may end up with. I intend for this committee to be successful, regardless of the obstacles we may face...but the members we'll be working with will have an immense impact on just how difficult it will be to attain that goal. We can't be completely certain that that impact will be for the better. My sentiments exactly, when I first read the title.

You're very welcome. I was referring to advertising, actually, but approaching potential clients is at least one step above lounging around your office and idly watching the front door.

[attorneyatlol]

I'm sorry... what? Is that what you think I do all day?

[samuraiprosecutor]

Wright, I don't doubt that running your office involves tasks beyond the work your individual cases require. You are, however, a defense attorney, and in the past three years you've actually served in that capacity rather...infrequently.

[attorneyatlol]

...I didn't know you had such little faith in my work ethic, Edgeworth. Are you sure you want me to be a part of your law committee? I might spoil the broth by lounging around the kitchen, you know.

[samuraiprosecutor]

As I've already admitted, my preferences as to who I want on the committee mean very little, but I believe I've already made my opinion clear.

Wright, where trials are concerned I've seen first-hand the evidence of your work ethic. Outside of trials, the only evidence I have of either your studiousness or your lack thereof is a great deal of open time between cases. Taking into consideration the work you do preparing for and closing out a case, that still leaves you with quite some time to fill. Unlike my position, where work is always readily available, regardless of the frequency of my trials, in your occupation you're dependent on attracting the attention of your potential clientele. You have only a limited amount of control over whether work comes to you or not. The only way that reflects on your work ethic is in regards to your enthusiasm for engaging in activities which may attract said clients.

[attorneyatlol]

I know all that, it's just... You seem to be making a lot of assumptions based on observations without any real proof, and I just...

Look, I know I have a lot of time to make up for, but I'm trying, okay? I don't need a lecture right now.

[samuraiprosecutor]

And I have no intention of giving you something you don't need.

...If you're interested in taking on more clients, I may be able to offer a few suggestions for increasing your visibility. Spending additional time at the detention center will be a good start.

[attorneyatlol]

I'm fine.

...Sorry. I got a little off-topic, didn't I?

[samuraiprosecutor]

A little, but in this instance I suppose you can be forgiven.

I planned to make a post to the committee within the next few days, to open the floor to volunteers. You'll be able to participate?

[attorneyatlol]

Yeah...

Do you really have a book on intergalactic law?

[samuraiprosecutor]

I do, actually. The Doctor apparently thought it would make an amusing gift. While the title doesn't inspire confidence, it's proven to be a rather informative resource.

[attorneyatlol]

Were you going to tell me about it?

[samuraiprosecutor]

I hadn't realized you'd be interested.

[attorneyatlol]

You haven't realized a lot of things.

[samuraiprosecutor]

...Namely?

[attorneyatlol]

How about the fact that you keep making plans without telling me? I know you've been a lawyer for a lot longer than I have, Edgeworth, and I was more than willing to let you organize this thing on your own, but you wanted my help. It just seems like my involvement has been practically inconsequential so far.

[samuraiprosecutor]

Wright, I engaged in some private study on the subject and planned to post a call for volunteers--a post I informed you of, and which I did request your participation in. I hardly think it's accurate to accuse me of keeping you out of the loop when I've made only minor steps so far, some of which you've been involved with.

[attorneyatlol]

A post I found out about because you told someone else! Everything I know has come from either second hand sources or questions I've asked you. They may be minor steps, but it's those steps that serve as the building blocks for something like this.

And you engaged in private study using a book that was practically designed for this sort of thing, then got on my case for being unprepared. I hardly think that's fair.

[samuraiprosecutor]

You would have been informed long before I posted the call for volunteers, but Marquise's query forced my hand. The mention was made with the assurance that you'd also read it, and the assumption that we'd discuss it if you needed further details.

As for the book, I re-read it when you first broached the subject of the committee again, and since there have been other concerns occupying my mind. The possibility that you'd wish to borrow it hadn't occurred to me. Regardless, one doesn't need a book on intergalactic law to make a study of foreign law. Even on our own world, the array of judicial systems is widely varied, and basic information on the laws of most countries is readily available.

[attorneyatlol]

And, of course, I haven't taken the time to look into any of those, right?

[samuraiprosecutor]

My argument wasn't that you hadn't, but that there would always be more ways in which you could prepare for your work on the committee--an argument that admittedly amounts to little more than semantics, yet you seem to be quite impassioned over it.

[attorneyatlol]

I'm 'impassioned' over being accused of unpreparedness and what amounts to poor work ethic. Or am I just supposed to take that in stride?

[samuraiprosecutor]

If the alternative is to harp on the issue after I've already explained my statements and conceded the point, perhaps so. Taking it in stride may be a less satisfying course of action, but in the end it would also be a more productive one.

[attorneyatlol]

I'm not harping, I'm just... tired of you constantly implying that I don't do any work. I'm unmotivated sometimes, sure, but that doesn't mean I don't do anything.

[samuraiprosecutor]

Wright, I'm well aware of your dedication, and I've accepted your explanation. If this continues to be an issue, I won't be the one perpetuating it.

[attorneyatlol]

Fine. I'm done.

...I'll look for your post.

[samuraiprosecutor]

You're sure?

I should be making it within the week...unless your new efforts prove fruitful and you suddenly find yourself with an overabundance of work, in which case I suppose I'll have to postpone it yet again.

[attorneyatlol]

I'll make time.

[samuraiprosecutor]

If you can. If you can't...it will be postponed.

[attorneyatlol]

I said I'll make time.

[samuraiprosecutor]

Of course.