"He crushed my origami, told me to apologise for being in his way, and said I was lucky he wasn't breaking my kneecaps," Kubo says, scowling, then breathing deep to school his features. "That made me angry, so I made fun of him." He paused, before going on - "I did it because I decided if he was going to be violent, he should be violent against a Legionnaire first, not one of the people who work here."

So yes, he'd baited the judge, knowing violence was likely the outcome, trusting that he'd be able to avoid the violence, or that he and his father would be about to handle it together. The motivation wasn't hugely honorable, not much short of entrapment.

... but he hadn't even had to make much fun before his plan worked. And now Archangel is bleeding in his defense.

He looks briefly, shamefaced, at Garrus. He owed Archangel a serious apology.