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Jennifer was in shock. She repeated over and over "The billionaire Fernando Igspay, the secret identity of Boer Boar, is the villain to end all villains."
Plastique Gal continued to interrogate the villain School Marm "Why did Igspay focus on Jennifer? As Mother Hulker she's not the most powerful superhero after all."
In return, Jennifer quipped "Thanks for that, by the way."
"Plastique Gal is right though," said School Marm. "I wanted him to tell me why Mother Hulker was so important. In the typical supervillain, my-plan-is-so-full-proof-so-why-not manner, he proceeded to tell me why he was targeting you, Jennifer."
Jennifer said "What is it then?"
"Mr. Igspay said it has nothing to do with your strength, your invulnerability, or even your green skin. He said it has everything to do with your attorney identity, and your cosplayer case."
Plastique Gal addressed Jennifer. "School Marm has told us the 'What,' so tell me the 'Why.'"
"You're not going to like it."
"Try me. I'm a big girl, and not just figuratively."
Jennifer said, "Years ago, I represented individuals that had gained super powers, with those people adopting the names of established superhero characters. All of us were sued, though I successfully deflected the copyright suit by suggesting my clients drop these first names, and instead adopt similar-in-concept names. Subsequently, I advised them to claim parody as a legal defense for these even newer names. Like my boyfriend, a speedster, going by 'Quickie' as a change from the first choice he made."
She continued "With a bit of fame from that superhero parody case, I now represent a few cosplayers. A media company, the opposing party, is advocating for the application of a legal theory called 'Pay to Play'. If this theory is instituted, my clients would have to pay a fee to this company every time they dressed up like that company's superheroes and villains."
Jennifer finished up. "Cosplayers, satirists, fanfiction writers of this company's characters, would have to pay a minimal licensing fee to do so each time if I don't win. The fee wouldn't be crushing on any individual's part. Nevertheless, on the other side of the monetary ledger, the collected fees would be an enormous payout to an already influential billionaire."
School Marm stuttered "Th-th-that's just not right."
Gal dropped her tough vigilante facade, walked to Jennifer, and gave Jennifer a smothering hug.
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Jennifer's case was taken up on expedited appeal by the United States Supreme Court, the nation's highest court. She was trying to succeed against an adversary with a better litigation budget, and if being honest, a better legal argument. As bad as Jennifer's lofty superhero experiences had been, such as the nearly disastrous consequences from School Marm's attack, this down to earth legal dispute would be the ultimate test of her personal abilities.
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"Hey @decafsoda, this is sounding insurmountable. Can't we talk with opposing counsel and compromise on this cosplayer case? Yep... that's what I guessed... hearing lots of crickets."
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