[SCENE] [FLASHBACK] Edgeworth and Lana in: "Meet Your New Boss"
Lana: *it's mid March 2015, and newly promoted Chief Prosecutor Lana Skye is in her office on the 12th floor of the Prosecutor's Office. It's her first day and she's still unpacking her boxes, but the nature of her position requires her to start managing the actions of her new subordinates right away -- she's already spoken at length with no less than five individuals this morning*
Lana: *placing aside another empty box, Lana opens the lid to the next one. It's full of office decorations-- she keeps a minimalistic workspace, but still enjoys displaying a few treasured items. The one she reaches for immediately and removes out of the bubble wrap is a simple photo frame, displaying a picture of her smiling fourteen year old sister. She stares at it for a long moment, brushing a speck of dust off of the glass before setting it down on her desktop*
Edgeworth: *there are two decisive raps at the door*
Lana: *glances up and turns to the entrance* Come in.
Edgeworth: *opens the door and strides stiffly in. His pose is proper, crisp, and military, almost to excess. He gives a sharp nod to Lana* Ms. Skye. I have come to speak with you about my court schedule for next week. *speaks precisely but respectfully; there is no room for small talk in his tone*
Lana: Mr. Edgeworth. Yes, of course. *gives him a slight smile, gesturing to the chairs in front of her desk. She rounds the table and takes a seat herself, opening a large file drawer to the left of her chair, sifting through the folder tabs till she reaches his name*
Lana: I've seen to it that you've been assigned two cases. One to go to court on the Monday, and a larger one on the Thursday. Is that alright, load-wise? *pulls out the folders and offers them forward*
Edgeworth: *walks up to the table and settles his fingertips on the two case files, glaring at them* Monday's case is better suited for Payne. I am accustomed to three large cases per week. *he does not sit*
Lana: Ah. *she glances to him and then to the side* I'm aware you're capable of handling more complex trials. Before he left, Mr. Collins informed me you were one of the office's most productive workers. This is a slow week however, and I've divided the workload we have evenly, to gain a better understanding of each prosecutor's capabilities.
Edgeworth: Hn. *begrudgingly, his expression softens, just slightly* I see. Perhaps that's wise, given that we have had so short a time to redistribute the workload sufficiently.
Lana: I'm glad you approve. *gestures to the chair again* ... Have a seat, Mr. Edgeworth. *this time, by the tone of her voice, it's not a request*
Edgeworth: *sits without any change in expression* Of course. *he looks over the cases, and then sweeps his gaze around the half-assembled office*
Lana: *places a hand on the table, smoothing it out against the surface and leaning slightly towards him* I'm well aware of the talk that's gone on in the office--across the entire judicial system, really--of my promotion. *glances off to the side again as she speaks* It's... an unprecedented move, to say the least.
Lana: I know that many are doubting my ability to run this office when I haven't yet taken a single case as a prosecutor myself. However, I assure you--I'm doing all that I can to familiarize myself with this work. *her eyes shift back to him; they're level, and her expression is serious but not unkind* I understand the importance of trust and honesty in a workplace, though-- and however uncomfortable you are made by my presence, I would like to ask you for suggestions on how I can help make this transition move more smoothly for you, and for others within the building.
Edgeworth: *as she speaks, he keeps steady eye contact, and his expression remains stony* I've heard no such talk and would never permit myself to say anything of the sort. For that matter all you need to do to ensure a smooth transition is to perform your job, if not perfectly, at least exceptionally. A feat of which I'm sure you are capable.
Lana: *nods, seeming undaunted by his stony behavior* Very well. *musingly, after a moment's pause* 'If not perfectly, at least exceptionally...' I've heard of your reputation, Mr. Edgeworth, and I'm aware of your record of course. But I know very little of you, beyond that.
Edgeworth: *crosses his arms* Beyond that, there's nothing to know that would be beneficial for cultivating a working relationship.
Lana: *her features are stoic, but her voice is insistent* That's not true. if we can understand where each of us is coming from, what sort of beliefs, goals, interests--peeves--we've cultivated, we will be able to work more effectively together. *studies his features carefully* Do you have any siblings?
Edgeworth: *the wrinkles around his eyes slacken somewhat* Franziska von Karma is my adoptive sister. You may have heard of her. She's a prodigy attorney in Germany. *his voice deepens with a hint of pride*
Lana: *notes the slight change in his expression; her voice lightens somewhat as a result* von Karma... no, I haven't, but I'll make a point in looking into her. I know of her father, of course--your... mentor?
Edgeworth: Yes... *he grits his teeth very slightly*
Lana: *observes this, as well* He doesn't seem like an easy individual to study or work with--from my experience, at least. I haven't spoken to him yet, today.
Edgeworth: *taps his fingers on the surface of the table* He is not. *magnanimously* However, I would not be the lawyer I am today without his guidance.
Lana: *nods, smiling slightly* I understand. ...You see--I'm learning a lot about you, Edgeworth.
Edgeworth: *looks off to the side, resentfully* Hn. It would be inappropriate if I refused to answer your questions.
Lana: Indeed it would. But I'm grateful--for your propriety, or whatever it is that caused you to answer me so truthfully.
Edgeworth: I dislike lies and prevarication. *hoods his eyes bitterly but then his expression strives towards neutral again and he meets her eyes* Regardless of my reputation.
Lana: *falls silent for a moment--her eyes shift from his, glancing to the photograph sitting on her desk. Finally--* Yes... I learned that much, during the trial last month. I haven't been able to thank you properly yet, for your work there.
Edgeworth: *his lips thin, and he speaks with no small hint of sarcasm* I've gotten my thanks for that. *more seriously* Besides that, it had become personal, at least as far as the office is concerned.
Lana: *there's a strained note in her voice--her expression turns completely neutral* Yes. I'll... be assisting you however I can, in regards to re-bolstering your reputation. Your reputation is mine, and reflects on the state of the Prosecutor's Office overall.
Edgeworth: *pauses and stares at her for a moment* Yes. I... suppose. Although, frankly, I should have expected it. I was able to ignore the implications of wrongdoing present in my reputation beforehand, because I knew my record spoke for itself. However... *he trails off* At this point things have become a bit more muddied to the general public. The fact that I am a ruthless man makes it difficult to convey that my ruthlessness has its limits.
Lana: *nods--she still hasn't met his eyes yet, since the start of this talk of his reputation* Then let me speak for you.
Edgeworth: *frowns* Would that not make it seem as though I have something to hide?
Lana: I'm not saying that you shouldn't speak up for yourself as well. Merely that, as your superior and one connected to the case that began it all-I would like to do my best to set the record straight.
Edgeworth: *he has been giving her his full attention since this discussion started, as if trying to draw her gaze out. Finally,* I would... appreciate that. *he glances at the photo* A relative of yours? *he gestures to it*
Lana: *speaks softly, almost flatly* Yes... my sister, Ema. The one who was unable to testify for Joe Darke's trial. *finally, she looks up at him*
Edgeworth: *his gaze is a bit rueful* I see. How unfortunate. *there's an awkward silence; he glances around the room*
Lana: *she breaks it* Is there anything else you came to speak to me about, or that I can help you with?
Edgeworth: Nothing else. *rises swiftly to his feet* I am perfectly capable. Thank you for your concern.
Lana: *nods* Good afternoon then, Mr. Edgeworth.
Edgeworth: Good afternoon, Ms. Skye. *walks decisively to the door and leaves*
Lana: *after he leaves, she remains seated at her desk. She looks to the photograph of her sister again, adjusts its position on the desktop... then stands, to finish unpacking the rest of her things*
Lana: *placing aside another empty box, Lana opens the lid to the next one. It's full of office decorations-- she keeps a minimalistic workspace, but still enjoys displaying a few treasured items. The one she reaches for immediately and removes out of the bubble wrap is a simple photo frame, displaying a picture of her smiling fourteen year old sister. She stares at it for a long moment, brushing a speck of dust off of the glass before setting it down on her desktop*
Edgeworth: *there are two decisive raps at the door*
Lana: *glances up and turns to the entrance* Come in.
Edgeworth: *opens the door and strides stiffly in. His pose is proper, crisp, and military, almost to excess. He gives a sharp nod to Lana* Ms. Skye. I have come to speak with you about my court schedule for next week. *speaks precisely but respectfully; there is no room for small talk in his tone*
Lana: Mr. Edgeworth. Yes, of course. *gives him a slight smile, gesturing to the chairs in front of her desk. She rounds the table and takes a seat herself, opening a large file drawer to the left of her chair, sifting through the folder tabs till she reaches his name*
Lana: I've seen to it that you've been assigned two cases. One to go to court on the Monday, and a larger one on the Thursday. Is that alright, load-wise? *pulls out the folders and offers them forward*
Edgeworth: *walks up to the table and settles his fingertips on the two case files, glaring at them* Monday's case is better suited for Payne. I am accustomed to three large cases per week. *he does not sit*
Lana: Ah. *she glances to him and then to the side* I'm aware you're capable of handling more complex trials. Before he left, Mr. Collins informed me you were one of the office's most productive workers. This is a slow week however, and I've divided the workload we have evenly, to gain a better understanding of each prosecutor's capabilities.
Edgeworth: Hn. *begrudgingly, his expression softens, just slightly* I see. Perhaps that's wise, given that we have had so short a time to redistribute the workload sufficiently.
Lana: I'm glad you approve. *gestures to the chair again* ... Have a seat, Mr. Edgeworth. *this time, by the tone of her voice, it's not a request*
Edgeworth: *sits without any change in expression* Of course. *he looks over the cases, and then sweeps his gaze around the half-assembled office*
Lana: *places a hand on the table, smoothing it out against the surface and leaning slightly towards him* I'm well aware of the talk that's gone on in the office--across the entire judicial system, really--of my promotion. *glances off to the side again as she speaks* It's... an unprecedented move, to say the least.
Lana: I know that many are doubting my ability to run this office when I haven't yet taken a single case as a prosecutor myself. However, I assure you--I'm doing all that I can to familiarize myself with this work. *her eyes shift back to him; they're level, and her expression is serious but not unkind* I understand the importance of trust and honesty in a workplace, though-- and however uncomfortable you are made by my presence, I would like to ask you for suggestions on how I can help make this transition move more smoothly for you, and for others within the building.
Edgeworth: *as she speaks, he keeps steady eye contact, and his expression remains stony* I've heard no such talk and would never permit myself to say anything of the sort. For that matter all you need to do to ensure a smooth transition is to perform your job, if not perfectly, at least exceptionally. A feat of which I'm sure you are capable.
Lana: *nods, seeming undaunted by his stony behavior* Very well. *musingly, after a moment's pause* 'If not perfectly, at least exceptionally...' I've heard of your reputation, Mr. Edgeworth, and I'm aware of your record of course. But I know very little of you, beyond that.
Edgeworth: *crosses his arms* Beyond that, there's nothing to know that would be beneficial for cultivating a working relationship.
Lana: *her features are stoic, but her voice is insistent* That's not true. if we can understand where each of us is coming from, what sort of beliefs, goals, interests--peeves--we've cultivated, we will be able to work more effectively together. *studies his features carefully* Do you have any siblings?
Edgeworth: *the wrinkles around his eyes slacken somewhat* Franziska von Karma is my adoptive sister. You may have heard of her. She's a prodigy attorney in Germany. *his voice deepens with a hint of pride*
Lana: *notes the slight change in his expression; her voice lightens somewhat as a result* von Karma... no, I haven't, but I'll make a point in looking into her. I know of her father, of course--your... mentor?
Edgeworth: Yes... *he grits his teeth very slightly*
Lana: *observes this, as well* He doesn't seem like an easy individual to study or work with--from my experience, at least. I haven't spoken to him yet, today.
Edgeworth: *taps his fingers on the surface of the table* He is not. *magnanimously* However, I would not be the lawyer I am today without his guidance.
Lana: *nods, smiling slightly* I understand. ...You see--I'm learning a lot about you, Edgeworth.
Edgeworth: *looks off to the side, resentfully* Hn. It would be inappropriate if I refused to answer your questions.
Lana: Indeed it would. But I'm grateful--for your propriety, or whatever it is that caused you to answer me so truthfully.
Edgeworth: I dislike lies and prevarication. *hoods his eyes bitterly but then his expression strives towards neutral again and he meets her eyes* Regardless of my reputation.
Lana: *falls silent for a moment--her eyes shift from his, glancing to the photograph sitting on her desk. Finally--* Yes... I learned that much, during the trial last month. I haven't been able to thank you properly yet, for your work there.
Edgeworth: *his lips thin, and he speaks with no small hint of sarcasm* I've gotten my thanks for that. *more seriously* Besides that, it had become personal, at least as far as the office is concerned.
Lana: *there's a strained note in her voice--her expression turns completely neutral* Yes. I'll... be assisting you however I can, in regards to re-bolstering your reputation. Your reputation is mine, and reflects on the state of the Prosecutor's Office overall.
Edgeworth: *pauses and stares at her for a moment* Yes. I... suppose. Although, frankly, I should have expected it. I was able to ignore the implications of wrongdoing present in my reputation beforehand, because I knew my record spoke for itself. However... *he trails off* At this point things have become a bit more muddied to the general public. The fact that I am a ruthless man makes it difficult to convey that my ruthlessness has its limits.
Lana: *nods--she still hasn't met his eyes yet, since the start of this talk of his reputation* Then let me speak for you.
Edgeworth: *frowns* Would that not make it seem as though I have something to hide?
Lana: I'm not saying that you shouldn't speak up for yourself as well. Merely that, as your superior and one connected to the case that began it all-I would like to do my best to set the record straight.
Edgeworth: *he has been giving her his full attention since this discussion started, as if trying to draw her gaze out. Finally,* I would... appreciate that. *he glances at the photo* A relative of yours? *he gestures to it*
Lana: *speaks softly, almost flatly* Yes... my sister, Ema. The one who was unable to testify for Joe Darke's trial. *finally, she looks up at him*
Edgeworth: *his gaze is a bit rueful* I see. How unfortunate. *there's an awkward silence; he glances around the room*
Lana: *she breaks it* Is there anything else you came to speak to me about, or that I can help you with?
Edgeworth: Nothing else. *rises swiftly to his feet* I am perfectly capable. Thank you for your concern.
Lana: *nods* Good afternoon then, Mr. Edgeworth.
Edgeworth: Good afternoon, Ms. Skye. *walks decisively to the door and leaves*
Lana: *after he leaves, she remains seated at her desk. She looks to the photograph of her sister again, adjusts its position on the desktop... then stands, to finish unpacking the rest of her things*