(Meanwhile, the massive courtroom glistens in the afternoon sun. Small patches of fog have still to burn off. The vast rotunda is buzzing with chatter. Will Powers, the Supreme Chancellor's right-hand, tries to quiet things down as Ghetsis confers with an aide, Godot, riding a small one-man floating scooter.)

Will Powers: Order! We shall have order! The motion for Team Justice to commission an army takes precedent, and that is what we will vote on at this time.

(Everything quiets down. Godot disperses, and Ghetsis steps to the podium.)

Ghetsis: ...My esteemed colleagues, excuse me... I have just received some tragic and disturbing news. Susie of the Floralia system... Has been assassinated!

(There is a shock silence in the vast arena.)

Ghetsis: (continued) This grievous blow is especially personal to me. Before I became Chancellor, I served Madame Haltmann when she was the ruler. She was a great leader who fought for justice, not only in this honorable assembly, but also on her home planet. She was so loved she could have been elected queen for life. She believed in public service, and she fervently believed in democracy. Her death is a great loss to us all. We will all mourn her as a relentless champion of freedom... and as a dear friend.

(There is a moment of silence. Count Bleck, the senator of Halfmoon, moves his pod into the center of the arena.)

Count Bleck: Bleck says Count Bleck! How many more senators will die before this civil strife ends?! We must confront these rebels now, and they need an army to do it.

(A second pod moves into the center of the area with Lady Lima, the ambassador of Beanbean.)

Lady Lima: Why weren't the Nova Knights able to stop this assassination? We are no longer safe, under their protection.

(Senator Lance from the Indigo League swings forward in his pod.)

Lance: Team Justice needs more security now, before it comes to war!

Ghetsis: Must I remind the Senator from the Indigo League that negotiations are continuing with Robotnik Industries. Peace is our objective here... Not war.

(The rest of the senators yell pro and con. Will Powers tries to calm things down. Erika Celadon, with Miles Edgeworth, Palpitoad, and Cynthia, maneuver her pod into the center of the vast arena.)

Erika: My noble colleagues, I concur with the Supreme Chancellor. At all costs, we do not want war!

(Team Justice goes quiet, then there is an outburst of cheering and applause.)

Ghetsis: It is with great surprise and joy the chair recognizes the Senator from Floralia, Erika Celadon.

Erika: Less than an hour ago, an assassination attempt was made against my life. One of my bodyguards and six others were ruthlessly and senselessly murdered. I was the target but, more importantly, I believe this security measure before you, was the target. I have led the opposition to build an army... but there is someone in this body who will stop at nothing to assure its passage...

(Many of the senators jeer and yell at Erika.)

Erika: (continuing) I warn you, if you vote to create this army, war will follow. I have experienced the misery of war first-hand, and I do not wish to do it again.

(There is sporadic yelling for and against her statements.)

Erika: (continuing) Wake up, Senators... you must wake up! If you offer Robotnik Industries violence, they can only show us violence in return! Many will lose their lives. All will lose their freedom. This decision could very well destroy the very foundation of Team Justice. I pray you do not let fear push you into a disastrous decision. Vote down this security measure, which is nothing less than a declaration of war! Does anyone here want that? I cannot believe they do.

(There is an undercurrent of jeering... and groaning. Senator Lance moves his pod next to Erika.)

Lance: My motion to defer the vote must be dealt with first. That is the rule of law.

(Erika looks angry and frustrated. Ghetsis gives her a sympathetic look.)

Ghetsis: Due to the lateness of the hour and the seriousness of this motion, we will take up these matters tomorrow. Until then, Team Justice stands adjourned.