37.Court Battle

Howard attends the court hearing on Omicron 2 Eridani to determine the disposition of Bridget Brodeur's remains. Judge Katz rules in Howard's favor, upholding Bridget's right to decide her own destiny. However, Howard realizes Rosie sabotaged the stasis pod during the trial, prompting Bill to send a drone that discovers and repairs the damage, and Howard confronts Rosie about her crime.

Howard sits in the courtroom with his lawyer Ms. Benning, observing Bridget's children—Rosie, Lianne, and Howard—with their lawyer Gus Kistler on the opposing side. Ms. Benning explains the case is straightforward: Bridget's will is legitimate, the 'undue influence' claim is weak, and the children are pursuing a delaying action hoping something will happen or they'll tire of fighting. Howard notes that Rosie and Lianne appear confident despite Ms. Benning's prediction of victory, while the third Howard looks nervous. When Rosie turns and gives Howard a look of malicious triumph, his concern deepens. He recalls Dr. Onagi's suspicions and quickly texts Will, Bill, and Bob; Bill responds that he'll handle it. Judge Katz delivers a lengthy summary before ruling that he must uphold the decedent's right to decide her own destiny. As Rosie immediately texts something upon hearing the decision, Howard realizes Dr. Onagi was correct about a threat. After the hearing, Rosie confronts Howard in the hallway, insisting he won't get their mother. Howard accuses her of sabotaging the stasis pod at the hospital. Rosie goes white. Howard reveals that Bill deployed a drone scanner during the trial and found a sabotage device embedded in the pod, which Bill disabled—circumventing the court's decision despite respecting it. Howard warns Rosie that hospital equipment sabotage is likely a crime and that he respected both her parents, making her actions inexplicable. He then walks away, leaving Rosie unable to respond.