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Hot spring bars. Solis is so into that. So much so that she's reading the information in her waterproof datapad while only wearing a swimsuit and fully submerged, breathing with the use of her new gill implants.
I can see why Kitty-Kat likes doing this so much - maybe I should get a mermaid tail too she thinks. It's so nice and quiet and relaxing
She also sends a text message to Zo! Hey ... next time you want me for a photo-op, can we do it underwater?
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Solis texts back. POV? Point of view? But yeah I guess this is something we can discuss on the way back to the station. I'm also considering having a few words with Zo!. Get his side of the argument. Seems he established his trademark before Triaxus joined the Pact - at least according to Trober
Solis also sends Shari a selfie of herself lounging underwater in just a swimsuit.
Malaak gets to meet planetary celebrity lawyers Estrikkon and Raysel, who are professional and cordial Welcome to Triaxus Estrikkon says, I'm Estrikkon, and this is my partner Raysel. The dragonkin (Estrikkon) hands Malaak a business card - eggshell with Romalian type - and soon after Raysel, the ryphorian of the duo, hands a business card as well - bone with raised lettering, it even has a watermark. Let's see your business card
Solis just gets a terse response from Zo!: Shouldn't you preparing your case now?
Seldszar and Trober visit the mayor, who is more reserved than his lawyer duo Ace Mayor Sindeo. Welcome to Zo! he says with careful exclamation, ever so slightly pronouncing Zo! (referencing the city) from Zo! (referencing the undead). I hope you're enjoying the views of our authentic downtown experience. Have you met our new mascot yet? Here, have a tote bag. he says as he hands a tote bag imprinted with Zo's mascot, who looks nothing like Zo!
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On the day of the trial, the Zo!s motorcase rides in a parade to the courthouse with the Starfinders, Zo!, Ace Mayor Sindeo, the Triaxian lawyer duo, and Ace Judge Axiennex. Heavily armed troopers in Skyfire plate armor (mostly dragonkin and ryphorians) march at the edges of the formation, protecting the VIPs from the crowd.
A festival atmosphere pervades the city of Zo. The courthouse is packed with people curious about the trial, with many more waiting to hear the verdict outside. A mix of press (followed by camera drones), locals, and tourists fill the streets—all vehicle traffic has been blocked for the day, so the procession follows the main street to the courthouse. Zo!
fans wave homemade posters or project heartfelt holo-messages above the crowd.
The crowd also holds up a few banners with 'Shari', 'Seldszar', 'Trober'. There's a woman wearing a replica of Solis' trademark bathing suit, and somebody even made a cardboard cutout Malaak.
Everyone climbs the blue marble steps to the courthouse, enters the building, and finds their seats while being bombarded by camera flashes and cheers.
Ace Judge Axiennex presides over the courtroom from a thronelike dais overlooking the circular room. The starfinders and the defenders are seated on opposing sides of the dais, next to their respective clients.
The dragonkin judge towers over the courtroom from her perch atop a floating dais. The crowd below falls silent when she rises to her full height and spreads her great wings for attention. The judge speaks in a deep, melodious voice that buzzes somewhere deep in the blood.
“Today we gather to judge the arguments of Zo! Media and Ace Mayor Sindeo, on behalf of the city of Zo. Zo! Media challenges the city’s right to use the contested name. The city asserts their preordained right to use the name. Today, we decide who has the better claim. This trial shall be argued by champions chosen by the challengers and judged by this representative of justice. If a decision cannot be reached through presentation of evidence, the champions shall clash in trial by combat.”
Starmetal sings as Ace Judge Axiennex draws two long blades from sheaths concealed inside her polished wood podium. She raises the two swords overhead before clanging them together. The sound rings through the air like a steel bell.
“Begin the trial.”
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Shari greets the Judge and all the residents of the Zo, after which she begins her charming speech. She argues her position by the importance and significance of the Zo! brand for the society of the entire universe. In addition to the order of brand registration, which her colleagues will tell more about later, Shari puts pressure on the importance of the universal scale of such a large brand. Besides the formal side of the issue, there is always an essential, basic part, and it cannot be hidden behind any legal justification. Zo! is known to everyone and is already a part of every home and every family in all known Galaxies! Perhaps this is a slight exaggeration, but it's still fine for an introduction, Shari decides.
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Earlier ...
After receiving Zo!'s terse response, she sends one back. I'm WORKING on it. Consulting with our Lawyer atm. Frelling smeg! - he's grouchy today
At the courtroom, she's wearing her professional clothes, usually worn in her office in the physics department at the Science Academy on the station or on Qarabat University.
With the help of my learned colleagues, I have discovered that Zo!'s trademark on his name runs all the way back from before the Pact. May I present Exhibit B. I can only argue at this point now that, since Zo! was not aware of Zo at the time and vice-versa, that both names should stand.
((t-shirt reroll 4 novas)
She sits back down, scowling at the opposition.
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Malaak gives his card, a flashy yellow with two red borders. A "Better Call Malaak" inscribed in the middle.
Honorary Judge Ace Judge Axiennex,
Today, I present Exhibit C as evidence supporting my client, Zo!'s, claim to the exclusive trademark of the name "Zo!". This exhibit demonstrates that Zo! registered his name as a systemwide trademark before Triaxus signed the Pact, thereby substantiating his claim under interstellar trademark law.
Firstly, let us consider the timeline of events:
Zo! registered his name as a systemwide trademark on [Date]. This date is crucial as it predates the official signing of the Pact by Triaxus.
At the time of this registration, the interstellar trademark laws and regulations in effect governed the process, ensuring the legality and validity of the registration.
Your Honor, it is imperative to understand the legal standing of trademarks registered before significant treaties such as the Pact:
Under interstellar trademark law, a systemwide trademark registration grants the registrant exclusive commercial rights to the name. Zo!'s registration falls within this legal framework, providing him with these exclusive rights.
Established legal precedence affirms that trademarks registered prior to major agreements remain valid and enforceable, ensuring that pre-existing rights are protected against subsequent legal changes.
The Pact, Your Honor, explicitly recognizes and honors trademarks and other legal claims established before its enactment:
This continuity clause within the Pact ensures that Zo!'s trademark remains protected and enforceable despite the subsequent signing by Triaxus.
Additionally, the principles of non-retroactivity in interstellar law prevent the nullification of legally established rights due to later agreements. Hence, Zo!'s trademark, being pre-Pact, is safeguarded from retroactive challenges.
Your Honor, the commercial and legal implications of recognizing Zo!'s trademark are significant:
Zo!'s systemwide trademark registration grants him exclusive rights to the commercial use of the name "Zo!" across all covered systems. This exclusivity is critical for maintaining the integrity and commercial interests of my client.
Recognizing Zo!'s trademark prevents the misappropriation or unauthorized use of the name "Zo!" by other entities, including those on Triaxus. This protection is essential to uphold the principles of interstellar trademark law and to ensure fair commercial practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Your Honor, Exhibit A provides compelling evidence that Zo!'s systemwide trademark registration, established before Triaxus signed the Pact, is valid and enforceable under interstellar trademark law. The timing of this registration affirms Zo!'s exclusive rights to the name "Zo!" and supports his legal claim.
Therefore, I respectfully urge this court to recognize Zo!'s pre-Pact trademark and uphold his exclusive rights to the name "Zo!", as protected by interstellar trademark law.
Thank you, Your Honor.
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"One is a proper name, and the other is a brand. Zo the planet consists of two letters or characters, and Zo! the brand is three letters or characters. Further the affiliated marketing materials - I have them here your honour - could not possibly be confused"
Seldzar displays the merchandise he recovered earlier and the emails from the Mayor.
"This whole dispute seems to be an act of hostility where actually the two parties could happily co-exist. If the delightful tourists attraction of Zo wanted to further disambiguate I suggest #Zo would be prudent"
Corporate Professional
Reroll
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Trober nervously attaches his comm unit to a projector and begins presenting slides of a presentation he has prepared. He makes minimal eye contact with anyone in the crowd and in general is awkward and unconvincing.
It's full of technical terms and financial reports in order to establish the legitimacy of Zo!'s trademark.
One after the other, the group present their exhibits, with the judge nodding approvingly. until the presentation come to Trober, who just draws a menacing eyebrow raise.
Estrikkon and Raysel are smoothly competent, having spent weeks researching and preparing their case. Together, they make a strong argument for the city’s original claim to the name Zo based on historical records dated long before the Gap. Their argument relies on historical evidence and Triaxian legal precedents, as well as a sympathetic appeal to preserving Triaxian culture and traditions. Estrikkon and Raysel set up each other’s points and often finish each other’s statements as seamlessly as though they were communicating telepathically.
After the challengers have presented their arguments, the judge clangs her swords and calls for a recess while she deliberates.
While court is in recess, the group can spend some downtime inside a secure lounge on an upper floor of the courthouse. Like everything in the facility, this bland but luxuriously comfortable room is furnished with tax money collected from the many commercial enterprises in the surrounding city of Zo, putting the city’s wealth on subtle display
On the infosphere, the audition video of the team has been released, and there is also real-time commentary on the trial.
Estrikkon and Raysel stop by for a brief but friendly chat. Congratulations on that presentation. You're giving us a run for our money here.
I just want to remind you, we're just here on professional obligation. Nothing personal. Estrikkon grins, his friendly face cracking into a row of curved fangs. “Don’t go easy,” he says.
“Because we definitely won’t.” Raysel smoothly finishes his sentence. Then, the two walk out of the room.
The group is called back after recess. Ace Judge Axiennex starts by making a statement. Both sides have presented their arguments, and I have heard good arguments to claim of the name Zo. In order to reach a decision, I declare trial by combat!
Axiennex spreads her wings and dives toward the floor, wielding her twin swords of office. With a few graceful slashes, she etches a symbol into the stone. It blazes to light and a curtain of shimmering energy forms a translucent bubble around the open area below the judge’s podium.
---(Round 1)---
Trober
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Estrikkon
--
Shari
Seldszar
Malaak
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Raysel
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Solis
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Trober, always on the alert for danger, lets out a low moan that dromada use to alert the rest of their herd of danger.
"Why does every problem have to be solved by violence???"
Trober quickly takes off his backpack stacks it in front of him and tries to somehow get behind it and use it as cover. Without him even know a slight shimmer of energy surrounds his body and then recedes.
"Mistress Shari can I borrow your backpack?"
Trober moves into defensive position, while Estrikkon moves to the air.
---(Round 1)---
Shari
Seldszar
Malaak
Solis
---(Round 2)---
Trober
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Raysel
Estrikkon
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Shari's bright flash lights up the room, and the opposing team object to the blast by averting their eyes... too late.
Arachne uses the opening to hit Raysel with plasma, while Seldszar sets up a wall of steam.
Trober just barely misses the dragonkin. Malaak charges Solis' sword, who in turn stop before hitting the wall of steam.
The dup seems to remain mostly in place, only Raysel moves forward, to get out pf the heat.
---(Round 1)---
Shari
Seldszar
Malaak
Solis
---(Round 2)---
Trober
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Raysel (9, Blinded 1)
Estrikkon (Blinded 1)
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Seldszar chuckles and smiles at Shari's handiwork as he sees the opponents are blinded and let's rip with his laser rifle.
Raysel is the target!
corona laser rifle
Attack vs EAC
Damage F
Attack vs EAC
Damage F
+Burn
Arachne opens up with some red-hot plasma!
Red star conqueror
Attack vs EAC
Damage F
Seldszar is taking no prisoner with two brutal hits, though Arachne is a bit off-target.
---(Round 2)---
Shari
Seldszar
Malaak
Solis
---(Round 3)---
Trober
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Raysel (41 + 1d6 burn)
Estrikkon
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Solis goes toe-to-toe with the ryphorian, while Trober blasts loud whoomps of sound at the dragonkin.
---(Round 2)---
Shari
Seldszar
Malaak
Solis
---(Round 3)---
Trober
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Raysel (56 + 1d6 burn)
Estrikkon (17)
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Raysel takes another bad laser hit, this time from Shari.
---(Round 2)---
Shari
Seldszar
Malaak
Solis
---(Round 3)---
Trober
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Raysel (62 + 1d6 burn)
Estrikkon (17)
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Raysel manages to extinguish the flames, and strikes at Solis
Estrikkon flies forward and exhales a cone of pure fire
---(Round 2)---
Malaak
---(Round 3)---
Shari
Seldszar
Malaak
Solis
---(Round 4)---
Trober
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Raysel (64 )
Estrikkon (17)
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Arachne Ref
The mechanical spider gets blasted.
Seldzsar take aim at Raysel once more!
corona laser rifle
Attack vs EAC
Damage F
+ Burn.
After setting Raysel back on fire, Seldszar chuckles vindictively, then continues pulling the trigger.
Attack vs EAC
Damage F
Arachne opens up with some red-hot plasma!
Red star conqueror
Attack vs EAC
Damage F
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Trober gets singed by Estrikkon's breath weapon. His Reflecting Armor crackles, disappears from around his body, and a wave of force then arcs through the air back at Estrikkon.
Seeing the Dragonkin getting closer, Trober squeezes down on the trigger of his rifle hoping he can do enough damage to bring Estrikkon dwon.
"Help Mistress Shari, HELP!!!"
Solis slashes hard at Raysel, and just before the a blow connects that surely would have brought the ryphorian down, a shimmering shield deflects the attack. Estrikkon looks down and engulfs himself in a shimmering shield as well.
Seldszar blasts away at the shield surrounding Estrikkon, and it shimmer fades with every succesful attack. When Trober adds his own shots, the shield goes down, but behind it, Estrikkon is still muttering some sort of ritual.
When Shari throws a blinding, flashing grenade, both partners in law continue their ritual...
Estrikkon is blinded by the flash, and his ritual is interrupted. Raysel still continues the dark ritual, protected by the shimmering barrier.
---(Round 2)---
Malaak
---(Round 3)---
Shari
Seldszar
Malaak
Solis
---(Round 4)---
Trober
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Raysel (64/Shield 12 )
Estrikkon (17/Shield down)
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Raysel attempts to finish the ritual which Shari identifies as some sort of summoning. Whatever would come forth after finishing would be... problematic.
[ooc]Raysel finishes after Trober's action
---(Round 4)---
Shari
Seldszar
Malaak
Solis
---(Round 5)---
Trober
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Raysel (64/Shield 12 )
Estrikkon (17/Shield down)
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