Chapter 147
A few days later at Amy's house.
"So..I bet you'd like to go back there ey?" Greg asked.
"The other dimension? Not really...I mean...it might be fun and all to be the big hero, but...I prefer here," Patterson said.
"Really? But you lead the perfect life over in the other dimension."
"I know, it can't last."
"Sure it can, you just have to think positively."
"Thinking positively is a good way to get yourself killed," Patterson said.
"Patterson, you're hopeless you know that?"
"Without hopes, one doesn't have to face disappointment," Patterson said.
"It was nice of you to help Amy with her biology."
"She asked, I couldn't refuse."
"Hah..like you wanted to say no."
"Well..there are some people I might not help with their biology."
"She isn't one of them heh heh," Greg said.
"Has something happened to you while I've been gone? You've changed."
"No, I'm just in a strange mood today."
"Too much exposure to the others I'd guess."
"Probably," Greg said.
"I really ought to be going. I've stayed long enough," Patterson said.
"Well aren't you going to see how Amy does on the practice test she's taking up there?" Greg said pointing at the second floor of the house.
"You can grade it."
"I think she'd appreciate it if you stayed."
"You're right," Patterson said and sighed. "I'm no good at this."
"That's okay, neither am I..." Greg said.
The doorbell rang.
"I'll go see who it is," Greg said. Patterson stood up and his eyes narrowed prepared for anything.
Greg opened the door. A man in a suit stood there.
"Is Miss Amy Anderson at home?" the man asked.
"Why?"
"Her family has been charged with a civil law suit and as the only member of the family not incarcerated, it is my duty to deliver this summons to her," the man said pulling a slip of paper out of his pocket.
"Oh..I see..." Greg said.
Minutes later.
"I can't believe this, they're suing my parents for punitive damages," Amy said.
"Can they do that?" Greg asked.
Patterson solemnly nodded.
"Will you two do something for me?" Amy asked.
The two nodded.
"Take care of this..please...I...just..can't.." Amy said and hurried up to her room.
"This isn't good at all," Greg said.
"No it isn't," Patterson said.
"Just how much money could they get from this?"
"Enough to destroy her," Patterson said.
"What do we do?"
"Everything we can."
"Well..this is when you thrive right..when Amy's in trouble you're always there to get her out of it," Greg said.
"Greg, I can't use my sword this time...." Patterson said.
"You'll still try."
"Of course. I'll get my uncle on the line, we'll find her a good lawyer. I think you should try and keep her calm."
"I don't think she wants to be calm."
The two heard a crash.
Greg dashed up the stairs, Patterson followed safely behind.
Greg hurried to the door.
"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to," Amy said looking at the shattered lamp on the ground. "I..."
"It's okay...Amy..we'll take care of it.." Greg said.
"Greg..I.." Amy said and sank to the ground sobbing. Greg made a split decision and hurried to her side.
"Amy..no matter what happens, we're going to make sure you're all right," Greg said. "Right Patterson?"
"Yes, we won't abandon you," Patterson said with every ounce of courage he could find.
"Oh..you two...I couldn't ask for anything else," Amy said.
Patterson slipped away and pulled out his communicator.
"Mike..you there?"
"Hey..Chief..whatdya need.."
"I need you to call the other Sailor Scouts, Amy needs them."
"Why?"
"It's not good news.."
"You can't call them yourself?"
"You know me."
"Yeah, I got ya, is it urgent?"
"Fraid so."
"Okay, I gotcha...I'm on it...so what do I tell them?"
"Amy's been sued, that's what?"
"Oh...that isn't good news."
"No it isn't."
"I don't understand the circumstances, why is Amy being sued for anything?" Michiru asked.
"It's not Amy per se, but her parents had a patient die on the operating table while they were doing an unauthorized procedure," Setsuna said. "They're wide open to a wrongful death suit."
"Those things could leave her in massive debt," Michiru said.
"Yes it could."
"Is there anything we can do?"
"She's getting as much help as she can," Setsuna said.
"It's too bad..she's the last person to deserve this," Michiru said.
"Those Shaw's haven't they done enough damage?" William Patterson said referring to the family that was suing Amy.
"Normally it would make sense for them to ask for punitive damages, but they're lawyer must know that only Amy's left to dish it out," D.V. said angrily."
"They want her house don't they?"
"House, car everything."
"We both know those Shaw's stand a good chance of winning."
"It's not a matter of them winning, it's how much they get."
"I know..it's up to Amy's lawyer to convince the judge that Amy will be adversely affected if she loses everything. Fortunately, someone like Raye might take her in right?"
"Sure, but she's already been disrupted enough," D.V. said.
"You really feel for her don't you?"
"Yeah, all right, I do, I'll admit it," D.V. snapped.
"You're angry aren't you?"
"Listen, I'm not an optimistic person, so I may regret saying this, but it's very important to me that Amy live a good life, I could care less what happens to me, but if she can't live a good life then no one can. And I can't let these Shaws take her life away from her. This is not a matter of an eye for an eye, they've already got two people in prison."
"It's odd that you can't sympathize the least with them."
"Isn't it? But...these Shaws didn't care, they hardly went to see their father, and why so long waiting for the wrongful death suit? I'll tell you, because they were finding out just how much money they could make those greedy.."
"D.V."
"Listen..no one should have to lose their parents, but if to achieve my vengeance I destroyed a young girl's life, I couldn't take it."
"Are you sure?"
"I think so."
"You should watch it D.V. you're losing you're edge...you might actually become human someday."
"What a happy thought," Patterson said. "Uncle..just how much money did we get from the insurance when Mercury blew up our house."
"We were two hundred percent covered..the insurance company didn't believe there was any chance of our fortress being knocked down..we made out."
"I was just wondering," Patterson said.
"What are you thinking?"
"Nothing..nothing at all."
"Of course seriously D.V., if she loses, she'll probably have to sell your apartment."
"I've already realized that....I'll have to figure something out."
"I guess you will."
The civil trial was two days later.
Amy sat solemnly at the defendant's table. Her lawyer, Mister Leslie sat beside her. Amy's friends lined the gallery behind her.
The Shaw's presented their evidence of wrong doing. Amy sat through it all staring at the table. The girls all watched her with concern. Patterson and Greg grimaced.
Mister Leslie knew their was little he could do. The evidence was there. He did his best to prove that the Anderson's were acting in the patient's interest.
Six days later final arguments were held.
The Shaw lawyer gave his speech.. Then Mister Leslie got up and made his arguments.
The judge made his pronouncement.
"I find that the defendant's Doctor Andrea and Doctor Anderson, tried in absentia, are guilty. We will now discuss sentence."
The Shaw lawyer stood up.
"We believe that the compensation caused by the selling of all capital the Anderson's own, namely their three cars, their apartment building in the city, and their house will be sufficient."
"Sufficient...sufficient..to do what!" D.V. Patterson snapped.
"Order..." the judge said. "What's it to you anyway?"
"Uh..well...I think it's wrong.."
"Do you not believe the Shaw's have suffered a loss?"
"I believe they have suffered a loss.. losing a parent is not easy. I lost two."
"So you understand....."
"I understand that being given a handful of money can never replace human life and that all this will do is cause an innocent person to be held accountable for a crime they didn't commit," Patterson snapped.
"Is that so? Well good for you. Now shut up Mister Patterson before I remove you. Mister Leslie your statement."
"I believe my friend in the gallery summed it up. It seems to me the Shaws are more interested in acquiring real estate then reparations, but.. I will refrain from further suggestions of that. Judge...perhaps they deserve compensation, but taken away Amy Anderson's home is not the way to do it. Why should she pay for her parent's crimes?"
"Unfortunately that's the way the law is," the judge said.
"I'm sure her loud friend can put her up for the night," Shaw snapped.
Patterson bolted up from his seat, but stopped.
"No...not here..." he said and sat back down.
"Wise choice," the judge said.
"Outside perhaps judge?" Patterson said.
"Hmm..watch it Mister Patterson it is only because of your service to this country that you have not already been fined for contempt," the judge said. "Mister Leslie do you have anything else?"
"Should I need to say anything else?"
The judge paused.
"I award the Shaw's the Apartment house and the three cars belonging to the Anderson family. However..the house will be sold by the Anderson family at a value deemed fair by myself and the money will then be given to the Shaw family."
"You're honor.." the Shaw lawyer said. "They have a right to sell that house any way they wish.:
"Amy Anderson has the right to chose who will have her house. Now...court adjourned," the judge said.
Amy sat their grim faced.
D.V. Patterson slipped out a side door. The girls all hung around their friend.
"We're sorry Amy," Serena said.
"Is there anything we can do?" Mina asked.
"I don't know.." Amy said still in disbelief.
Meanwhile the Shaw family was descending the steps of the courthouse. Reporters flocked around them.
"While it is not all we had hoped, it is a triumph for our justice system," The lawyer said.
"We're just glad this ordeal is over and our father knows that his killers were punished," one of the Shaw's said.
"Strong words aren't they?" a reporter said.
"We don't think so."
Seconds later a multicolored blast smashed into the Shaw family and their lawyer knocking them to the ground.
The crowd all looked around in surprise, but the assailant was gone.
"Hey..uh Judge.." Colonel Patterson said poking his head in the door to the judge's chambers.
"What is it?" the judge asked.
"I need to talk to you about something."
"Now?"
"It's urgent."
"Very well..have a seat. What is with your family anyway?"
"Well..we are kinda high strung," Patterson said and sat down.
"Guess I'll have to find a place to stay now," Amy said sitting in the back of the car Mister Leslie was driving.
"You're allowed to stay in the house for a while, until we sell it," Mister Leslie said. "Of course after the first good offer that comes along..it's sold."
"I understand," Amy said. "I guess life isn't always fair is it?"
"No...it isn't..but Amy...you're a very lucky girl..you've got a lot of friends and a spirit, that well isn't matched by many people. You'll get through this."
"I guess," Amy said.
When she got home her friends were waiting for her.
"Please..guys..don't go to all this trouble," Amy said.
"It's no trouble," the rest of them said.
"We're going to do everything we can to help you out," Serena said.
"That's what friends do," Raye said.
"No really...it's okay.." Amy said. "I can manage."
"Oh no you don't," Mina said. "We didn't do a very good job last time, but we're here to stay, you can't throw us out."
"That's right, we're going to stick with you," Lita said.
"Us too," the guys said.
"Uh..excuse me all...but could I talk to Amy a second," Colonel Patterson said walking in the door.
"What is it sir?" Amy asked.
"Uh....it's important."
"Oh...all right..." Amy said. The two headed into the kitchen.
They emerged a few minutes later.
"Don't worry all, Amy's not going anywhere," Colonel Patterson said.
"Why is that?" Serena asked.
"Because as authorized by Judge Hideki himself the sale of this house to one D.V. Patterson occurred a little under half an hour ago," Colonel Patterson said.
"Wait a minute..D.V. bought the house?" Greg asked.
"Yeah, he just doesn't know it yet."
"But...why?" Serena asked.
"Well..you see..I would have bought it for Amy here but there's a little requirement in the law that says whoever own the house has to live in it. And it wouldn't do any good for me to live here," Colonel Patterson said.
"But that means that..." Serena said.
The girls and guys all looked at each other.
"He doesn't know that part yet either does he?" they all asked.
"I'm sure when he's told it will cause an interesting reaction," Colonel Patterson.
"But it's only logical for him to stay here since he didn't have anywhere else to go," Amy said. "And...we've got plenty of room."
"Amy..you know that...having your two boyfriends living with you is going to do something.." Serena said.
"They aren't my boyfriends.." Amy snapped.
"No offense," She added.
"None taken," Greg added.
"Yeah right!" The others all said.
Forty two minutes later.
"You....did.....WHAT?" Patterson said hysterically.
"Sure...and the great news is she's got a basement we can fill with your computers.." Colonel Patterson said.
"You're going to ruin me..do you know that?" Patterson hissed.
"That was my goal yeah.." Colonel Patterson said.
"Ehh.." Patterson said.
The next afternoon. Patterson headed into school still feeling a bit anxious about seeing Amy...it wasn't everyday that he moved into a girl's house...moving into her apartment was bad enough. He passed through the door..a couple of guys standing by the door let out a chuckle. He winced and kept going.
"Hey...all right..hot stuff.." a third guy said slipping by.
"Buying a girl a house to get her to love ya...heck of a move nut boy."
"So...does this mean you'll be sharing a bed now?"
"Or maybe..with Greg too.."
"Amy's looking for variety."
"Heh heh."
The halls filled with laughter. Patterson stopped and sighed. Slowly he
turned and his eyes narrowed.
"You know..I've been thinking," Mina said as the five girls and four guys headed into school together.
"If anyone found out D.V. was living with Amy...."
"It might raise the same issues that happened when they found out Greg was living with Amy," Lita said.
"And we all know Greg's a nice guy and all...and he got through it..but.." Mina said and trailed off as they walked in the door. Boys were strewn across the hallway moaning or unconscious.
"Hey...it looks like you're worries all came to nothing," Steve said.
"Yeah, things are going to be fine," Mike said.
The girls all glanced at the guys.
"Patterson..." Oksua said.
Patterson sat in the chair silently.
"I can understand why you did it...I really can't blame you...I mean..they were being jerks and all...but...it was a little much.....I mean..sixty seven boys?
"I merely attacked everyone who insulted me..and more importantly Amy."
"Noble, but Patterson..I thought you were cured."
"I am cured."
"You beat up sixty seven people!"
"They deserved it. Sir...will you please get on with the punishment..we both know the circumstances."
"Would you do it again?"
"Yes."
"You may need to seek help."
"No...just get on with it."
"You're expelled to the next school year."
"I understand, can I go."
"Hopefully the time off will help you, I doubt it will."
"I'm sorry sir. I didn't want to make you doubt your decision," Patterson said honestly and walked out.
He passed through the inner office past several screaming parents and out the doors of the school.
At least I can defend her one way. He thought/
"My my, looks like you're going to have some free time on your hands," Came a voice.
He turned to see Setsuna Meio leaning against her car.
"Guess so," Patterson said. "How did you..."
"Know..Michiru called me told me about it...I figured as much..actually it's quite useful..I have a mission for you."
"Let me guess..on the other side?" Patterson asked.
"You're very smart D.V. That will be useful, besides, you'll get a chance to finish your freshman year over there," Setsuna said with a grin.
"Oh..wow. I'm so glad life is working out so well for everything and everybody."
"Come on D.V. I'll give you a ride home."
"I don't really have a home."
"We'll I'll take you somewhere..come on."
"Where's..."
"Hotaru?"
"She's busy discovering herself, but anyway...come along."
"But I'm supposed to live in Amy's house for the ownership to be valid."
"I'll take care of that, they'll never suspect a thing."
"Oh.."
"Sixty seven huh?" Setsuna asked.
"It got difficult when ten attacked at once."
"There's not a scratch on you..."
"It's always advantageous for an enemy not to your true strength."
Setsuna grinned.
Patterson got in the car.
"Before I leave there is something you should know though.." Patterson said. "I've analyzed the data and I have a pretty good idea of who might be running things with the negaverse."
"Do I know them?" Setsuna asked.
"Not personally, but I think you'll get the idea."
"I see."
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CHAPTER 146 CHAPTER 147 CHAPTER 148 CHAPTER 149 CHAPTER 150
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CHAPTER 156 CHAPTER 157 CHAPTER 158 CHAPTER 159 CHAPTER 160