Ian Lynn Malcolm (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
malcolmeffect) wrote2019-07-27 06:41 am
malcolmeffect) wrote2019-07-27 06:41 am
Trial, Session II
For coldsong, taking place after this thread
WARNING: contains commentary on addiction, child abuse, and custody battles.
Ian hated the courtroom. Between his ex wives and InGen, he felt like he was always in one. It wasn't true. The number could be counted on fingers but it felt like too many. This one was more important than all the others, maybe more important than most things he had done or looked forward to doing. Kelly was not in the courtroom. Given the allegations Ian had brought to the attention of the courts, Kelly was moved to a safer situation. Maya was openly hostile toward Ian for having Ellie and Grant show up to petition for interim guardianship. Even Grant seemed to be amused by the prospect of annoying her on Ian's behalf. Perhaps it was because Ellie, like Ian, seemed infuriated by what had happened.
If he won, Malcolm knew it might be a week or more before he was able to see his daughter. If he lost, he didn't want to speculate on what would happen. Ian glanced over at Gregory, Maya's new husband, afraid that he might kill the man if he lost this trial. He wasn't happy feeling this way, but Hammond and Grant had both told him that it was the reaction they would have to the situation.
The judge entered and everyone stood. Ian tugged at his tie a bit. He never wore one but Hammond's lawyers had coached him on how to be presentable without seeming to do so in a way the courts might see as a falsehood. Ian was well-known in many places and couldn't just pretend he was someone entirely different. They sat and the lump returned to Ian's chest. He felt panicked. It was on par with seeing the Rex break the fencing in his mind. As if he was on the verge of engaging in a life or death situation.
The judge began to speak and Ian listened though his mind was having a hard time staying focused. “The accusations against Gregory Edmunds are child abuse and negligence. A petition has been made to the courts by Ian Malcolm, biological father of Kelly Curtis-Malcolm, to gain sole custody of the child for her safety.”
Ian could not look at the other people in the room and waited for the questions, and really wanted to avoid having to make any statements at all. The lies to start but his mind was on Loki's promise. Maybe it would help.
As usual, the lawyer of the custodial parent spoke first. Ian focused on anything he could to ignore what was going to be said but it wouldn't work. It had never worked in one of these cases.
The opposing attorney stood and addressed the court. “The accusations are unsubstantiated by any medical reports or agency. Ian Malcolm has shown himself to be a fraud who is a known alcoholic and suffers from drug addiction. His home environment is unstable, having moved twice in the past year, travels frequently, and in his current health condition unable to provide proper care for a child. In addition, Malcolm's current relationships do not provide a stable two parent household.”
Ian felt the anxiety growing inside, and anger. He had never really hated anyone in his life, until now. He hated Gregory. He fantasized about the man dying. His own lawyer stood for counterpoints. “As requested by the courts 4 years ago, when Ian Malcolm requested visitation rights, my client has completed alcohol rehabilitation and has remained under medical observation with no further occurrence of issue. Dr. Malcolm has no current addiction problems and, as submitted to the courts, has refused high grade pain medications of the opiod family during his hospitalization and outpatient treatment. Though he does travel for work, his employment would accommodate his daughter traveling with him. Dr. Malcolm possesses an extensive network of supports to assist with care should he be unable to take his daughter with him during required business travel; including his family, friends, and close colleagues which are known to the child. In addition, as a respected educator in multiple fields, Ian Malcolm is equipped to ensure that Kelly would maintain academic excellence. His continued employment as a academic educator and researcher, as well as a consultant to the InGen corporation secures stable income to provide for the needs of a child.”
It wasn't a bad retort as far as Ian was concerned. He still didn't feel confident in the situation. It amused him that a place of debate, a court, was one of the places that drained his arrogant confidence. .. No, it was just this type of trial. He could be belligerently arrogant when speaking about the park or other issues. This was different. The third party to speak at these was the law guardian. The person was randomly chosen by the courts and spoke for the child's best interest.
Ian looked to see what lawyer stepped in to represent Kelly. It was Martin Ross one of the partners in a firm Hammond had on retainer. How had that happened? He instinctively covered his mouth with his hand to avoid saying anything. Ian felt suspicious and remembered Loki, “protections against liars and untruths.”. The man was a shrewd lawyer. Ian had listened to them hash out counterarguments for Hammond. Ross was ruthlessly efficient at what he did.
“Martin Ross, retained for law guardian of the courts.” He was curt and just a little arrogant, even for a lawyer. “I have reviewed the documents provided by both parties. Dr. Malcolm's health condition is irrelevant to his ability to provide for the child. It neither impairs his ability to work in his current field of employment nor effects his soundness of mind.”
Ian almost laughed in the court hearing someone say, outloud, that he wasn't crazy, for once. The lawyer went on. “I have found his alcohol rehabilitation to be satisfactory and should no longer be considered as a negative impact on his ability to be a competent parent. The results of Ian Malcolm's court appointed psychiatric evaluation, as requested by the current custodial party, revealed no signs of significant mental health concerns. His recent move to Cambridge, closer to family and friends, shows forethought about his current condition.”
That hadn't been the reason he had moved, not entirely. However, Ian wasn't going to reveal that now. He would agree if it helped. The guardian went on. “I have spoken with Kelly Curtis-Malcolm and the child expressed preference for living with her biological father. Extensive interviews with other professionals and friends of the child have revealed no circumstances of concern regarding the father but have provided additional concerns for the court. Concerns have arisen regarding the step-father Gregory Edmunds.”
Ross went on. “During my investigation into the safety of the child, medical reports with photographic evidence and statement of the child were discovered at...”
Ian was startled. He didn't know of any papers about the injuries that Kelly had sustained. A hand touched his shoulder and Ian was startled to see Hammond seated behind him smiling. What was John doing here? Ian wasn't listening to the courtroom any longer. His mind was rummaging though memories, calculating out what had happened. Hammond had pulled strings, he had to have but they weren't unwarranted and Loki never did specify what he meant by protection from liars.
“Mr. Malcolm.” The voice of the judge was unexpected for some reason. Ian looked up at the man behind the bench. “When did you become aware of the abuse?”
“Just like we coached.” Ian's lawyer whispered to him when he remained silent for too long. The struggle he normally had to stand was gone, because Malcolm refused to let the court see it. His arrogance and pride were enough to, momentarily at least, overcome the pain.
“When I was hospitalized after the accident.” He couldn't remember what the non-disclosure agreement listed as the reason for his injury. He hoped they didn't ask. “Uh.. John Hammond brought Kelly to visit the hospital. She said Mr. Edmunds...” Ian felt the anger freeze him in place, voiceless. Force of will alone let him speak. “... had grabbed her arm and hit her for breaking something while she was practicing for gymnastics.”
Ian felt like he was going to cry, hit someone, and be sick all at once. Every time he thought about the incident, in fact. The judge had further questions though. “Did you see the injuries?”
“Yes.”
“Can others vouch for the time you became aware of them?”
“Yes.” Ian answered again. It was getting easier. “Sarah Harding, John Hammond, and his two grandchildren were present.”
He was told to sit and all but fell into the chair. It felt exhausting. The court asked questions of Maya and her husband as well but Ian ignored them. His mind was too busy trying to track down what course of events had led to Ross showing up to represent Kelly. The next words he heard were the closing statements of the judge.
“The court is satisfied with the information provided. Until final ruling Kelly Curtis-Malcolm is to remain in the custody of Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler with no contact with either parties. Court will reconvene at the appointed time tomorrow morning to state amendments to the current custody documentation.”
Ian felt too weary to get up from the chair. People were clearing out of the room. By the time he stood the room was nearly empty. Except for Hammond who waited in the aisles. Ian joined him glad that he was there, that someone was.
“Those vipers won't get custody.” The certainty with which Hammond spoke and the self assured smile relieved some of Ian's tension. “You should rest. I booked a hotel for you and have a car waiting if you would rather not drive.”
For all of Hammond's annoy qualities, he really did try to take care of the people around him. John left to deal with other matters and let Ian to sort himself out.
coldsong, taking place after this threadWARNING: contains commentary on addiction, child abuse, and custody battles.
Ian hated the courtroom. Between his ex wives and InGen, he felt like he was always in one. It wasn't true. The number could be counted on fingers but it felt like too many. This one was more important than all the others, maybe more important than most things he had done or looked forward to doing. Kelly was not in the courtroom. Given the allegations Ian had brought to the attention of the courts, Kelly was moved to a safer situation. Maya was openly hostile toward Ian for having Ellie and Grant show up to petition for interim guardianship. Even Grant seemed to be amused by the prospect of annoying her on Ian's behalf. Perhaps it was because Ellie, like Ian, seemed infuriated by what had happened.
If he won, Malcolm knew it might be a week or more before he was able to see his daughter. If he lost, he didn't want to speculate on what would happen. Ian glanced over at Gregory, Maya's new husband, afraid that he might kill the man if he lost this trial. He wasn't happy feeling this way, but Hammond and Grant had both told him that it was the reaction they would have to the situation.
The judge entered and everyone stood. Ian tugged at his tie a bit. He never wore one but Hammond's lawyers had coached him on how to be presentable without seeming to do so in a way the courts might see as a falsehood. Ian was well-known in many places and couldn't just pretend he was someone entirely different. They sat and the lump returned to Ian's chest. He felt panicked. It was on par with seeing the Rex break the fencing in his mind. As if he was on the verge of engaging in a life or death situation.
The judge began to speak and Ian listened though his mind was having a hard time staying focused. “The accusations against Gregory Edmunds are child abuse and negligence. A petition has been made to the courts by Ian Malcolm, biological father of Kelly Curtis-Malcolm, to gain sole custody of the child for her safety.”
Ian could not look at the other people in the room and waited for the questions, and really wanted to avoid having to make any statements at all. The lies to start but his mind was on Loki's promise. Maybe it would help.
As usual, the lawyer of the custodial parent spoke first. Ian focused on anything he could to ignore what was going to be said but it wouldn't work. It had never worked in one of these cases.
The opposing attorney stood and addressed the court. “The accusations are unsubstantiated by any medical reports or agency. Ian Malcolm has shown himself to be a fraud who is a known alcoholic and suffers from drug addiction. His home environment is unstable, having moved twice in the past year, travels frequently, and in his current health condition unable to provide proper care for a child. In addition, Malcolm's current relationships do not provide a stable two parent household.”
Ian felt the anxiety growing inside, and anger. He had never really hated anyone in his life, until now. He hated Gregory. He fantasized about the man dying. His own lawyer stood for counterpoints. “As requested by the courts 4 years ago, when Ian Malcolm requested visitation rights, my client has completed alcohol rehabilitation and has remained under medical observation with no further occurrence of issue. Dr. Malcolm has no current addiction problems and, as submitted to the courts, has refused high grade pain medications of the opiod family during his hospitalization and outpatient treatment. Though he does travel for work, his employment would accommodate his daughter traveling with him. Dr. Malcolm possesses an extensive network of supports to assist with care should he be unable to take his daughter with him during required business travel; including his family, friends, and close colleagues which are known to the child. In addition, as a respected educator in multiple fields, Ian Malcolm is equipped to ensure that Kelly would maintain academic excellence. His continued employment as a academic educator and researcher, as well as a consultant to the InGen corporation secures stable income to provide for the needs of a child.”
It wasn't a bad retort as far as Ian was concerned. He still didn't feel confident in the situation. It amused him that a place of debate, a court, was one of the places that drained his arrogant confidence. .. No, it was just this type of trial. He could be belligerently arrogant when speaking about the park or other issues. This was different. The third party to speak at these was the law guardian. The person was randomly chosen by the courts and spoke for the child's best interest.
Ian looked to see what lawyer stepped in to represent Kelly. It was Martin Ross one of the partners in a firm Hammond had on retainer. How had that happened? He instinctively covered his mouth with his hand to avoid saying anything. Ian felt suspicious and remembered Loki, “protections against liars and untruths.”. The man was a shrewd lawyer. Ian had listened to them hash out counterarguments for Hammond. Ross was ruthlessly efficient at what he did.
“Martin Ross, retained for law guardian of the courts.” He was curt and just a little arrogant, even for a lawyer. “I have reviewed the documents provided by both parties. Dr. Malcolm's health condition is irrelevant to his ability to provide for the child. It neither impairs his ability to work in his current field of employment nor effects his soundness of mind.”
Ian almost laughed in the court hearing someone say, outloud, that he wasn't crazy, for once. The lawyer went on. “I have found his alcohol rehabilitation to be satisfactory and should no longer be considered as a negative impact on his ability to be a competent parent. The results of Ian Malcolm's court appointed psychiatric evaluation, as requested by the current custodial party, revealed no signs of significant mental health concerns. His recent move to Cambridge, closer to family and friends, shows forethought about his current condition.”
That hadn't been the reason he had moved, not entirely. However, Ian wasn't going to reveal that now. He would agree if it helped. The guardian went on. “I have spoken with Kelly Curtis-Malcolm and the child expressed preference for living with her biological father. Extensive interviews with other professionals and friends of the child have revealed no circumstances of concern regarding the father but have provided additional concerns for the court. Concerns have arisen regarding the step-father Gregory Edmunds.”
Ross went on. “During my investigation into the safety of the child, medical reports with photographic evidence and statement of the child were discovered at...”
Ian was startled. He didn't know of any papers about the injuries that Kelly had sustained. A hand touched his shoulder and Ian was startled to see Hammond seated behind him smiling. What was John doing here? Ian wasn't listening to the courtroom any longer. His mind was rummaging though memories, calculating out what had happened. Hammond had pulled strings, he had to have but they weren't unwarranted and Loki never did specify what he meant by protection from liars.
“Mr. Malcolm.” The voice of the judge was unexpected for some reason. Ian looked up at the man behind the bench. “When did you become aware of the abuse?”
“Just like we coached.” Ian's lawyer whispered to him when he remained silent for too long. The struggle he normally had to stand was gone, because Malcolm refused to let the court see it. His arrogance and pride were enough to, momentarily at least, overcome the pain.
“When I was hospitalized after the accident.” He couldn't remember what the non-disclosure agreement listed as the reason for his injury. He hoped they didn't ask. “Uh.. John Hammond brought Kelly to visit the hospital. She said Mr. Edmunds...” Ian felt the anger freeze him in place, voiceless. Force of will alone let him speak. “... had grabbed her arm and hit her for breaking something while she was practicing for gymnastics.”
Ian felt like he was going to cry, hit someone, and be sick all at once. Every time he thought about the incident, in fact. The judge had further questions though. “Did you see the injuries?”
“Yes.”
“Can others vouch for the time you became aware of them?”
“Yes.” Ian answered again. It was getting easier. “Sarah Harding, John Hammond, and his two grandchildren were present.”
He was told to sit and all but fell into the chair. It felt exhausting. The court asked questions of Maya and her husband as well but Ian ignored them. His mind was too busy trying to track down what course of events had led to Ross showing up to represent Kelly. The next words he heard were the closing statements of the judge.
“The court is satisfied with the information provided. Until final ruling Kelly Curtis-Malcolm is to remain in the custody of Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler with no contact with either parties. Court will reconvene at the appointed time tomorrow morning to state amendments to the current custody documentation.”
Ian felt too weary to get up from the chair. People were clearing out of the room. By the time he stood the room was nearly empty. Except for Hammond who waited in the aisles. Ian joined him glad that he was there, that someone was.
“Those vipers won't get custody.” The certainty with which Hammond spoke and the self assured smile relieved some of Ian's tension. “You should rest. I booked a hotel for you and have a car waiting if you would rather not drive.”
For all of Hammond's annoy qualities, he really did try to take care of the people around him. John left to deal with other matters and let Ian to sort himself out.
no subject
He's not the god of rage, though, fortunately for all concerned. Lies and mischief, though? Piece of cake. He did not specifically guide any event in or around the trial, but the strands of seiðr he pulled at, wove and braided together, may well have left Ian with a protective net--metaphorically speaking--that tugs silver-tongued allies closer while fending off enemies. Even Loki wasn't sure what shape it would take, but he was pleased as he listened, his presence attached to the business card in the man's pocket.
Because of course it's not a real business card. Loki doesn't go to a print shop to get cards to announce himself. The minute Ian doesn't need the number any longer, it will be gone.
In the meantime, if he happens to take it out to look at it, the little golden embossed snake that was on it has moved to a different position on the cardstock, and it's smiling.
no subject