I'm not sure where you are getting that.
Just as likely something along these lines:
Me: Judge, we want to mediate to see if we can get this off your docket.
You: I'm willing to mediate if he gets me the documents I want.
Me: Judge, we can either try to work this out or put this on your trial calendar.
Judge: I'll set this for a status hearing in 90 days. Let me know if it settles before then. (OR) I order you all to mediate this by x date. If you can't agree on a mediator, I'll appoint one.
I don't know how it works there, but here federal courts routinely order mediation as a matter of course, or a settlement hearing in front of a magistrate judge. State courts may vary.
Here is more detail on the case.
Mann refused to provide data in fraudulent lawsuit, and then asked that the fraudulent lawsuit be delayed.
Dr. Tim Ball told colleagues at Principia Scientific International (PSI):
“What my lawyers did was demand a series of concessions, all of which were agreed. I can’t discuss the details but, under the circumstances, it is a good outcome.”