Four Friends – Chapter Four
The judge's gavel rapped on the wooden pedestal. "This court will come to order."
Kim slid her hand over to Ron's as they both sat with Matt at the defense table. The trial had lasted a number of days with the prosecution and defense both presenting their cases. The jury had been instructed and they had left to deliberate. That had been yesterday, they had only met less than one day. Now the jury had returned to the court room.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, have you reached a verdict?" The judge asked.
A tall dark haired gentleman stood. "Yes your honor."
"Give the verdict to the bailiff." The judge instructed.
The gentleman handed a folded sheet of paper to the bailiff, who walked over to the judge and handed it to him. The judge opened the paper, read it, and then handed it back to the bailiff who returned it to the jury foreman.
"Will the defendants stand for the verdict?" The judge instructed.
Kim, Ron and Matt stood. The two teens held hands as they stood waiting.
"On the count of assault with the intent to commit bodily injury, how to do you find the defendants, guilty or not guilty?" The judge asked.
"We find the defendants, guilty." The foreman answered.
Kim's heart exploded and her knees grew weak. Ron had to turn and steady her. They could hear cries from their families.
"The sentence for this offense is 4 to 6 years in a state correctional facility. Will the bailiffs remove the prisoners?" The judge ordered.
Kim felt her arms being pulled behind her and handcuffs being placed on her wrists. She turned to look back at the audience. Bonnie Rockwaller sat there with a grin across her face. Her mouth forming two silent words "GOT YOU!"
Kim gasped as she awoke in her room. Her hand clutched at her sweat soaked tank top. She rolled over to look at the clock in her darkened room. 5'o clock it read. She glanced over at her dress hanging outside of the closet. Their trial started today. She threw back her damp sheets and sat on the edge of the bed. The light from the streetlight outside her attic room played across the floor. Newspaper cut outs lay piled on her desk. The screen to her computer glowed with announcements of many emails waiting to be read. Kim ran her hand through her damp hair. That had been the third dream like that this week. She stood and headed for her bath as she started to get ready for the coming day.
Trial day one
Kim and Ron sat at the table in the crowded courtroom. Matt was at their side. Kim was wearing a green dress; Ron was in a dark suit. The Stoppables and the Possibles sat in the courtroom behind their children. Norman Atkinson, the District Attorney, sat with his team at the next table whispering to his team as the morning sun shone in the windows of the courtroom. Kim and Ron had to fight through waves of reporters and camera crews to get into the courthouse. Middleton had become a media circus. News crews from around the world were in town covering the trial.
The door to the judge's chamber opened and the bailiff called
"All rise, this court is now in session. The Honorable Edward Franklin presiding."
The judge entered the room and sat behind his desk. The bailiff continued.
"All may be seated. The case of the State of Colorado vs. Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable in now in session."
He picked up his gavel and rapped it. Kim jumped at the harsh knocking sound of wood on wood. The same sound as she remembered from her dreams.
"This courtroom will come to order"
"Is the Defense ready"
"Yes your honor." Matt answered as he stood.
"Is the Prosecution ready?"
"Yes, your honor" The District Attorney answered as he stood.
"Read the charges at this time." The judge asked.
Mr. Atkinson turned and picked a sheet of paper from one of his assistants.
"Your honor we bring before court, Ronald Adrian Stoppable and Kimberly Ann Possible with assault with intent to commit bodily injury. We also charge both with conspiracy to commit assault. We additionally charge Mr. Stoppable and Miss Possible with assault with a deadly weapon and reckless endangerment."
"Is the defense ready to plead?" The judge asked.
"Yes your honor." Matt answered.
The judge looked at Kim and Ron as they stood.
"How do you plead?"
Kim and Ron stood hand in hand and spoke in unison. "Not guilty."
The judge nodded as Kim and Ron sat down.
"Enter into the record that the defendants plead not guilty."
Mr. Atkinson stood.
"Your Honor the Prosecution wishes to set bond at $250,000 apiece."
"Objection" said Matt. "Your Honor, the bond is excessive."
"Sustained, bond will remain at $10,000 each." The judge announced.
The District Attorney shouted his voice reverberating around the room.
"YOUR HONOR, the prosecution objects to the low amount of bail. Miss Possible and Mr. Stoppable are well known for their ability to travel around the world. What will keep them from disappearing to some foreign country?"
Matt stood and spoke calmly.
"Your honor, Miss Possible, and Mr. Stoppable have already voluntarily surrendered their passports and their identification papers to the court. The Global Justice Organization has placed them on suspension pending the outcome of the trial. Although Miss Possible and Mr. Stoppable are well known around the world as crime fighters, they are teenagers and will need the support of their families. Also, because of their notoriety as officers of justice their security in any correctional facility would be questionable without placing them in solitary."
The judge rapped the gavel again.
"The bond stands at $10,000, unless there are further motions at this time. This court will reconvene at 9:00 am tomorrow morning. This court is adjourned."
Trial part two – The prosecution
Kim and Ron sat at the defense table with Matt. Both of the teens had arrived that morning with their families. The area around the courthouse was filled with media vans with their satellite towers extended. Hundreds of people filled the town square. Some were residents of Middleton; others had come into town just to be there for the trial of the two teens. The sheriff department had to assign deputies to help the two teens and their families get into the courthouse. Matt had explained the evening before that today would be the time for the prosecution to start presenting its case.
Kim had asked. "Matt, if the worst happens and we are convicted. What will happen?"
Matt sighed and waited a moment.
Ron spoke. "Please Matt, we would like to know." He clutched Tara's hand as all of them sat in the living room at the Stoppables. Josh sat next to Kim.
"You would be looking at 4 to 6 years in a state prison. Considering you put more than your share of people in prison and the fact that you are both only 17 could go in your favor. You may get a little help there and be in solitary at least for the first few years, and then you would be moved to the general population. You would also be sent to separate facilities with little chance of any communication. But let's not talk of losing and speak of winning."
The rest of the evening had been Matt telling them what to expect. Now they sat waiting for the judge. The DA sat at the other table with a huge grin on his face. He had been all over the TV telling the world about how the two teens of Team Possible were just vigilantes out for glory. In his opinion, they were just two very dangerous people who needed to be behind bars.
The door to the courtroom opened and the judge walked in. The bailiff called
"All rise, this court is now in session. The Honorable Edward Franklin presiding."
The judge sat behind the bench. The bailiff continued.
"All may be seated. The case of State of Colorado vs. Kimberly Ann Possible and Ronald Adrian Stoppable in now in session."
The judge rapped his gavel. "This court will to order. Is the prosecution ready?"
The DA rose. "We are your honor."
"Proceed" the judge ordered.
"Thank you your honor, if the court will lend its attention to the screen I will start my opening statement.
"Ladies and gentleman of the jury, this trial is not about just about Kimberly Anne Possible and Ronald Adrian Stoppable, Well known Global Justice agents and their actions in the past up to the date in question."
A number of slides displayed on the screen showed Kim and Ron in the parade in Tara's hometown. The next slides showed them in a fight with Monkeyfist and Shego. Kim was using a power staff to fight Shego and Ron had the Lotus Blade. The next slide showed Kim and Ron in the gym with Kim on top of Barkin with Ron standing behind her with the Lotus Blade.
"This trial is also about the lack of judgment shown by both the Possibles and the Stoppables in allowing their teenaged children to be turned into dangerous agents of destruction capable of using lethal weapons."
The slides on the screen then were of Ron using the Lotus Blade and Kim decking several goons. There were also slides of Kim and Ron wearing the battle suits in Brazil using the laser weapons.
"They allowed their children to be in school, with other students creating a hazard just by their attendance to the school."
The screen showed slides made from the school pictures of the fight Kim and Ron had with Monkey Fist and Duff Killagan.
"These pictures show that they bring their fights into our very schools. Who knows how many students could have been injured if the villains did not leave when they did. The last straw is this last incident where they nearly killed another student and assaulted a school official."
The slides from the video showed Kim and Ron in their mission mode stance in the gym, the destroyed seat next to where Bonnie was sitting, and the remains of the basketball destroyed by Kim.
"These two so called agents have been using their notoriety as heroes to get their way in school and in this city. They have special privileges not given other students. Their hatred of Bonnie Rockwaller is common knowledge within the school, especially by Miss Possible who has done everything in her power to make Miss Rockwaller's life miserable. We intend to prove that not only are Miss Possible and Mr. Stoppable guilty of assault but are also guilty of gross negligent conduct in their attendance at Middleton High School."
"The prosecution calls Miss Bonnie Rockwaller as our first witness."
Bonnie stood and walked forward to the witness chair. The bailiff stood with her and held out a Bible.
"Raise your right hand and place your left hand on the Bible."
Bonnie complied with his orders.
"Do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?"
Bonnie nodded. "I swear."
"Have a seat and state your name." The bailiff asked.
Bonnie sat in the witness chair behind the microphone; she leaned forward and told the room.
"I am Bonnie Renee Rockwaller."
She waited a moment as she glanced over at Kim and Ron sitting at the other table. Kim had seen hatred in Bonnie's eyes before but now she wasn't sure what she was seeing; hatred, pity, fear or a combination of all of them. The DA approached Bonnie and cleared his throat to get her attention.
"Miss Rockwaller, would you tell us of the events of the day in question." He asked.
"It started as another normal day for most of us. Of course all of the talk was about the mission that Kim and Ron had just been on. Kim and Ron just walked right into school with their friends hanging all over them. Our first class of the day was Latin and I remember it well as we had a test. The teacher called Kim and Ron up to the desk and asked them something about what they were doing. I don't know if she had caught them cheating but I know that she talked to them some after the test. But that seems to be the thing with those two. They always get the benefit of the doubt or outright help. They get preferential treatment all the time. It makes the kids at school sick. They go all over the world supposedly fighting all these people then they come back to school and expect special treatment."
"Objection" Matt said standing. "That is an opinion not a fact"
"Sustained" the judge ordered. "Miss Rockwaller, keep your comments to the facts please."
Bonnie bit her lip and continued.
"After Latin we had gym. Kim and Ron were late because of talking with the teacher. They dressed out and were waiting for the drill to end. I was sitting in the bleachers as because I had twisted my ankle at home and had a medical excuse. I saw Kim and Ron standing there waiting to join the class. I thought I would play a little trick. I mean it was just a joke. I picked up my book and dropped it behind them. I didn't know that it would make as big a bang as it did but WOW! Well, Kim and Ron jumped and yelled. The next thing I knew they were standing in the middle of the gym floor. Ron had that freaky sword of his out. That is about the second time I have seen him pull that out on school grounds."
"So Mr. Stoppable had a deadly weapon on school grounds. Does he hide it on his person?" The DA asked.
"No, that the funny thing, there is no way he could hide something like that. He seems to produce it out of the air." Bonnie answered.
"Produce it out of the air, you mean like magic?"
The DA laughed but his laughed ended when Bonnie answered.
"Yeah, just like that, there was a flash of blue light and there it was in his hand."
"Continue, Miss Rockwaller." The DA asked.
"Well, it was so funny to see those two jump like that, so I was laughing. That was when I saw Ron look at me. It scared me. His eyes were like glowing blue. Then the sword in his hand changed into a spear and he threw it at me. I was lucky to get out of the way. It just missed me and busted the chair next to me. Then he raised his hand and it flew back to him. That was when Barkin ran up to them yelling. Kim had him on the floor in a split second. She was going really pound him when she stopped. Mr. Barkin was yelling something. That was when both of them stopped. Ron was right behind Kim then, that sword of his still out. Everything calmed down then and Ron made that sword disappear."
"Disappear, you mean he hid it in his clothes?" The DA asked.
"No, all he had on was a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. He just made it disappear into the air."
The DA looked at Bonnie grimly "What happened then?"
"I don't know, I ran." Bonnie answered.
"Thank you, Miss Rockwaller. Your witness." The DA turned at sat at his table.
Matt stood and approached the witness stand.
"Miss Rockwaller, statements have been made that Miss Possible and Mr. Stoppable hate you. There was an incident at school where Miss Possible and Mr. Stoppable were injured due to your negligence. They admitted to sharing in the blame for the incident. They received suspensions from the team and spent some time in the hospital because of that accident. When they returned to school, they found you were being ostracized by the school body. From what I know from statements from other students, they supported you and forgave you for the incident. I don't know about you but that doesn't sound like they hate you."
"That was just one time for them to make a big statement, it was all show with Kim and Ron. They did it to take the heat off that they made a mistake." Bonnie hissed.
Matt turned to the defense table, picked up a file and handed it to the judge.
"Your Honor, I would like to admit this into evidence. These files are the disciplinary files of Miss Kim Possible, Mr. Ronald Stoppable, and Miss Bonnie Rockwaller. I believe they will show just who was the instigator of most the incidents at the high school."
Matt turned back to Bonnie.
"Miss Rockwaller, you said it was a joke dropping that book. You were a close to Miss Possible and Mr. Stoppable as anyone being on the cheer team. You knew of the mission where they nearly died. You were at the Dinner where they were awarded the highest honor for bravery the second time. Interviews from other students at the school everyone seemed to know but you that Kim and Ron had been having problems recovering from the last mission."
Bonnie started to answer but Matt help up his hand.
"You are excused Miss Rockwaller. Your Honor I wish to retain the right to recall Miss Rockwaller."
"So noted, you are excused Miss. Rockwaller." The judge stated.
Bonnie got up and returned to her seat with her sisters. They patted her on the back and smiled.
Mr. Atkinson stood.
"Your honor the prosecution would like to enter into evidence People's exhibit #1. This is the security tape of the gym of Middleton High School the day in question. I would like to play it for the court at this time."
The judge nodded. "Proceed."
The DA crossed the courtroom and loaded a tape into the player. An image came up on the large screen in the room. The image had no sound yet clearly showed the gym. The images went into motion showing students running an exercise.
"This tape shows the gym that morning if you will watch closely at this point you will see the defendants come into the gym."
The image on the screen played until two figures appeared out of a hall. The image froze at that point.
"The defendants have just entered on the floor of the gym and paused as they waited for the exercise to end. Please note the position of Miss Rockwaller at this point on the bleachers."
The tape started again and the court watched as Bonnie appeared to drop an object. The result was instant and surprising. Kim and Ron leaped in the air, spun and landed in the middle of the gym. Students ran from the area. There was a blue flash on the screen and the image froze.
"Here ladies and gentleman of the jury is the instant that Mr. Stoppable obtained the weapon in question."
The image started again. The picture showed Ron appearing to concentrate on something. The sword morphed into the shape of a spear. The image froze again.
"Here Mr. Stoppable has somehow obtained a spear."
The image moved again and Ron was seen hurling the spear across the gym. The image continued as the spear struck the seat shattering one near a figure that was seen to be Bonnie. The image started looping at that point repeating over and over the image of Ron shaping the sword into a spear and throwing it at Bonnie. Kim was seen back to back with Ron appearing to cover his back."
This is the moment ladies and gentleman. Excuses can be made, statements taken, reasons given, but the fact still remains. That Mr. Ronald Stoppable did throw a lethal weapon at Miss Rockwaller. Miss Possible was at his side supporting those actions.
The tape continued as Kim destroyed the ball as it rolled to them. Then image showed Mr. Barkin running up to the two teens. The audience was surprised to see Kim literally throw the much larger man to the floor with little effort. The tape froze at this point.
"You have also just seen Miss Possible commit two extremely violent acts with Mr. Stoppable backing her up. As you can see both of the defendants did commit multiple acts of aggression against a number of persons." The DA turned and turned off the screen.
"Miss Possible and Mr. Stoppable have been out of control for a long time. They travel the world unchaperoned to fight persons better handled by professional agents. These two are little more than vigilantes. It is a wonder that no one has been hurt or killed up to this point. But it stops here. NO MORE. They appear to be so perfect yet I wonder if we checked out any medical facilities along the way of their missions to see if Miss Possible had to visit one."
"OBJECTION" yelled Matt. "THIS IS INEXCUSEABLE, move to strike."
"SUSTAINED, stike those comments from the record and counsel approach the bench." The judge stated his face livid with rage.
When the DA and Matt got to the bench the Judge glared at the District Attorney.
"YOU sir are about 3 seconds away from major trouble. This trial is on the actions of a single date. Your comments just then in no way have relevance to this case. Quit showboating Mr. Norman Atkinson, or I will have you in front of a review board so fast it will make your head swim."
The DA nodded and they returned to their seats.
"Does the defense have any questions about the video tape?" The judge asked.
"No your honor, the defense does not." Matt answered.
"Your honor the prosecution rests." The DA stated.
"Is the defense ready?" The judge asked.
"Yes your honor." Matt said standing. "The defense calls Dr. Betty Director of Global Justice."
Dr, Director stood and approached the bench. The bailiff presented the Bible to her as she placed her left hand on it and raised her right hand.
The bailiff asked. "Do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God."
"I swear." Betty answered.
"Take your seat and state your name and occupation." asked the bailiff.
Dr. Director took the witness seat. "I am Dr. Betty Director, executive Director of Global Justice."
Matt approached her.
"Dr. Director, you were one who gave the orders to send Team Possible against Dr. Drakken and Shego on that date last summer did you not."
"That is correct." She answered.
"Could you give the court a summation of Team Possible and the results of the mission?" Matt asked.
Dr. Director sighed and turned her face to the jury. "Team Possible was and is one of the most effective teams I have the honor to work with. They were sent in as it was my assessment that they were the best for the job. They completed the mission successfully, yet they were badly injured. Sensors registered the explosion of the base but that is a common occurrence. The distress beacon that started soon after the explosion was not a common occurrence."
"Dr. Director, this distress beacon. Is it a common for an agent to activate it?" Matt questioned.
"No." Dr. Director stated shaking her head. "That beacon is to be used only in the most extreme emergencies. When it was activated, all Global Justice assets were sent to the location under top priority. As it was we were barely in time."
"Dr. Director, I know this next part will be difficult for you, but as I display the following slides and videos I would like you to explain them to the court." Matt asked.
Dr. Director nodded.
Matt continued. "Your honor, the defense would like to enter into evidence exhibits 2 – 11. These are photographs of the intensive care ward after the first mission in question, medical records of both defendants of that same time. Video tapes that obtained from the remains of the lair after its destruction and video of the mission as it occurred in Brazil. Dr. Director will explain each one."
"Photo exhibit # 2 is a picture of Miss Kimberly Ann Possible in the ICU at the Global Justice Hospital." Dr. Director started.
Kim turned her head as she saw the picture. Josh closed his eyes and swallowed, trying to force the image he had just seen from his mind. Kim's mother turned her head and buried it into her husband's neck. Mr. Possible sat silently with tears sliding down his face.
On the screen was a picture of Kim. The picture had been censored to protect her privacy, but the picture clearly showed Kim lying on a hospital bed with tubes and lines running in and out of her. Her face was mottled red and one eye was blacked shut. Her hair had been shaved in places and reddened bandages covered the areas. One leg was set in a traction device with pins entering her skin and holding her leg straight. Her arms were full of IV lines. A tube red with blood exited from her left side to a container on the floor. Above her head hung numerous bags of fluid and a bag of blood. Her stomach was covered in a number of red lines covered in surgical tape.
"Miss Kimberly Ann Possible was admitted to the GJ Intensive Care Unit after being rushed to the trauma center for emergency surgery. Miss Possible suffered numerous bruises and lacerations, but also suffered a severe concussion, a collapsed lung, her liver was cracked, several broken ribs, her leg was shattered and had to be pieced together. She also suffered for second and third degree burns from laser blasts. She was kept in a drug induced coma for several days till her body recovered enough so that she could wake up."
"Photo exhibit #3 is a picture of Ronald Adrian Stoppable in the same unit."
Tara whimpered and clutched a tissue to her face. Josh put is arm around her. Mrs. Stoppable closed her eyes as Mr. Stoppable reached over and took her hand. Ron sat mute and unmoving as he stared at a picture of himself. Kim looked at the picture and began rubbing her hands.
The picture showed Ron lying on a similar table. Again the photo had been censored but it clearly showed him lying on the table covered in tubes and lines. His head was covered in bandages. His chest and stomach were a crosshatch of surgical incisions. A tube also reddened in blood ran from his chest to a container on the floor. One arm was covered in bandages, as was one leg.
"Mr. Ronald Adrian Stoppable was admitted to the GJ Intensive Care Unit after surgery in the trauma unit. Mr. Stoppable suffered a skull fracture, a collapsed lung, a ruptured spleen, a shattered arm, a broken leg and numerous second and third degree burns. He also was kept in a drug induced coma for a period of time."
"Both of these young people lay on the edge of death for three days. Only the skill and knowledge of the medical staff at the GJ hospital was able to save them. The two teens slowly recovered over the weeks and by using advanced and top secret medical techniques were they able to return to school in time."
"Thank you, Dr. Director." Matt said.
Matt turned to the judge.
"Your honor, the defense would like to request a recess. I believe the defendants, their families and the court could use a break."
The judge turned to the DA. "Any objection?"
The DA stood his own face a pasty white. "None your honor."
The judge rapped his gavel. "We will recess until tomorrow morning."
"All rise." The bailiff called.
The judge stood and left the room. The jury followed. Many in tears, others sniffing.
Kim and Ron stood shakily as their families joined them at the table. Tara buried herself in Ron's arms and kissed his neck gently and rubbed his back.
"You okay?" she asked.
Ron nodded. "Yeah, just first time seeing that picture."
Josh stood with his arm around Kim, her head on his shoulder. "Same here, we have never seen them. They were actually just declassified."
"Ronald, Kimmie, let's go." Mr. Possible called. "The deputies have arranged for us to get in the van in the basement. That way we will not have to fight all those reporters."
"Okay, daddy." Kim called. "Let's do guys." She reached for Ron's hand and the four of them left that courtroom together. The parents turned to see the four of them: Tara, Ron, Kim and Josh walking up the hall toward them. The two couples arm in arm with Kim and Ron holding hands.
Next morning.
"This court will come to order." The judge called as the rapped his gavel.
"Is the defense ready to continue." He asked.
Matt stood at the defense table.
"Yes your honor, the defense recalls Dr. Betty Director. Your honor, we would now like to admit into evidence defense exhibit 12. A video tape of the mission as it occurred in Sao Paulo. Dr. Director will explain what we will be seeing."
"Ladies and gentleman. What you are about to see is a recording of Team Possible in Brazil. Let's watch and I will summarize at the end. I will stop the tape and certain points. I would like to point out that there is no sound to these tapes. But the expolsions were heard for miles."
The tape started with Kim and Ron entering an area of buildings. They both appeared to be wearing black formfitting jumpsuits.
"The jumpsuits Team Possible are wearing are updated prototypes of those that nearly caused their deaths the year before. These suits have laser weaponary.and shields."
Kim and Ron split on the screen and ran in different directions.
"Team Possible split up at this point. Miss Possible tracking down Dr. Drakken and Shego while Mr. Stoppable led the residents and workers in the area to safety. They later will switch these responsibilities back and forth."
The screen showed Kim and Ron together approaching another pair of figures. One in a blue lab coat and another in a green jumpsuit.
Shego fired a blast at the two of them. Ron fashioned the Lotus Blade into a shield and deflected the blast. The remains of the blast struck a building and leveled it.
"You have just witnessed Mr. Stoppable stopping and redirecting a blast equivalent to nearly 500 lbs of explosives. Although the plasma blast did not hit them they were injured by the shock wave of the blast and from debris."
The tape restarted and continued the fight for a period of nearly an hour. Sometimes Kim would fight and sometimes Ron. Dr. Drakken held on to a large case as Shego attempted to stop Kim and Ron from following. Ron disappeared only to reappear behind Dr. Drakken taking him down and retrieving the bag. Shego spun and leveled a blast at Ron that he partial blocked but the concussion knocked him off the roof. Kim using her grapple gun swung and grabbed Ron as he fell. Shego turned in retreat and fired a final blast that severed the line to the grapple gun. Both Kim and Ron were near the ground when the line severed, the occupants of the jury room saw Kim and Ron hit the ground hard enough that they both bounced. They lay still for a few moments then began slowly moving. The tape ended at that point.
"Team Possible received minor injuries from this altercation. However, neither one was completely able to recount the events of that day later at debriefing. The staff assumed that it was pure exhaustion. It was only later that we found that Team Possible was showing the first signs of PTSD."
Matt stood. "Thank you Dr. Director. Your witness."
The DA stood. "Dr. Director. What the average age of your main agents?"
"I believe that age is approximately 24 to 25 years old." Dr. Director answered.
"Then why sent two teenagers into a situation when older more experienced agents are available?" The DA asked.
"Team Possible are not your average teenagers. They have teamwork and natural abilities that augment each other that none of my other teams have ever been able to achieve. Team Possible can move almost without thinking where the other will be. They work together and they have absolute trust in one another. We did some research on them awhile back and even paired them with other agents hoping that they could use those abilities with other agents. Their performance fell off the longer they were apart. That research revealed that Team Possible has achieved a unity of thought and action that no amount of training can build. They are one of the finest teams available to Global Justice, and I would not hesitate to send them in again."
The DA asked quickly. "Oh, and what were your feelings when you heard the emergency beacon that day and when you were notified about incident at the school. Surely, you knew they may have been some of your best agents but maybe you believed your own hype a little too much and you almost got them killed when they have barely started their lives."
Dr. Director paused. "Yes, I have thought of that. But I know and trust Kim and Ron completely. I hope they trust me not to send them into a situation that they could not handle. It is part of my job and part of theirs. They have paid a price for what they do and will continue to for the future. Were they pushed too far? No one will ever be able to tell. But I will tell you this, even to this day, I would trust my life to those two young people and more than that, I would trust them with the lives of my family."
The DA nodded. "That is all, the witness is excused."
Dr. Director stood and took a seat back in the courtroom. As she passed the table where Kim and Ron sat she stopped a moment, her single eye shining at them, she winked and proceeded to take her seat.
Matt stood again.
"The defense calls Dr. Jonathon Decker to the stand."
Dr. Decker stood in the audience and made his way to the witness stand. The bailiff swore him in and he took his seat. He stated his name and occupation and waited for Matt to start.
"Dr. Decker, you are a state certified psychiatrist who specializes in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is that correct?" Matt asked.
"That is correct." The doctor answered.
"Will you tell us what you found in your examination of Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable?"
The doctor took a breath and started speaking.
"After reviewing their files, I conducted individual and joint interviews with Ms. Kimberly Possible and Mr. Ronald Stoppable. It is my professional opinion that both individuals are mentally stable and well adjusted, and the incident in question is a clear example of posttraumatic stress disorder."
"Like many in this field, the constant exposure to situations involving physical injury to oneself or others takes its toll upon the mind. What must be understood with this disorder is that there are three factors that contribute to its onset: fear of bodily harm to oneself or others, coping strategies, and emotional support. With most of the missions these individuals undertake, they have the confidence in themselves to succeed. Because of this confidence, they do not truly fear for their safety or of those around them. That is to say they trust in their skills. It was not until they nearly died that they were forced to face their own limitations. They could have very easily developed this condition during the mission in Brazil, but I believe there is a key difference between that mission and the previous one. With the first mission, both were given the time to cope with the trauma of the experience with the help of each other and their friends and family. With the Brazil mission, they had not yet been allowed to resolve their experiences and were fatigued when the stimulus triggered the regression to the stressful event."
"The added stress of their arrest has also hindered their healing progress. Ms. Possible had developed an obsessive-compulsive disorder because of this. Her positive hero complex has integrated with the trauma so that she now tries to clean her hands of the fingerprint ink and Mr. Stoppable's blood."
"Mr. Stoppable possesses an inferiority complex, and he has suffered the least from the ordeals. He has developed selaphobia, the fear of light flashes, most likely reminiscent of laser blasts. The anxiety attacks associated with this phobia are more debilitating than with his other phobias and have adversely affected his daily life."
"Is your diagnosis that they had any knowledge of what they were doing that day in the gym?" Matt asked.
Dr. Decker shook his head. "No, they had regressed into what can be termed by them as "mission mode". They had moved into full battle stances and were quite capable of combating any danger that they perceived to be a danger to them. The normal surroundings of the gym became unfamiliar. Known and trusted friends became dangerous specters. They would and did attack anything they perceived to be a danger or problem to themselves."
"Did they remember the incident at all?" Matt asked.
"They remember the incident, but were not completely aware of their actions. During that time, they were acting on pure instinct and adrenaline. Although Miss Rockwaller did not attack them, she was evaluated to be a hazard and was treated as such." Dr. Decker stated.
"So in your professional opinion, they did not actually know they were attacking other students and school staff." Matt stated.
"No, they did not." The doctor answered.
"Thank you, doctor. Your witness." Matt turned and sat down.
"Dr. Decker, you stated that they did remember the incident, yet were unaware of their actions. I ask you now, did they or did they not know that they were attacking someone?" The DA asked.
"They knew they were attacking someone, …" Dr. Decker started to say.
"Thank you, Doctor that will be all. You are excused." The DA said interrupting him.
Matt stood. "Dr. Decker, did Team Possible know that they were attacking friends."
"No, they did not." The doctor answered.
"Thank you doctor, you are excused. Your honor the defense rests." Matt stated.
"This court is recessed for lunch. You will make your final arguments after lunch."
The judge ordered. "This court is adjourned until 2'oclock."
The afternoon.
"The prosecution may make its closing statement." The judge ordered.
"Thank you your honor. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we have seen many pictures and videos, we have heard the testimony of all the witnesses. I will admit I was moved when I saw what happened to those two young people. But, they willingly entered into that base and faced the consequences. They willingly went on that mission to Brazil also. It is a proven fact on that video that Kimberly Ann Possible and Ronald Adrian Stoppable did commit acts of assault on that day in the gym. They are not heroes but vigilantes. They need to be taken off the streets for the general safety of the public if not for their own safety. Now things are not going their way and they are crying Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. All the testimony and excuses here can not change the fact that Ron Stoppable nearly killed Bonnie Rockwaller and Kim Possible attacked Steve Barkin a teacher at that school. I ask you to take these two dangerous people off of our streets and out of our schools. They cannot be allowed to continue to walk the streets of this city and state. Miss Kimberly Ann Possible may appear to be the perfect daughter, cheerleader and all around girl. But she is in reality a woman with lethal combat skills. Her own hands and feet should be classified as lethal weapons. They should be kept in chains instead of pompoms and tennis shoes. Mr. Stoppable, the young man who appears to be so calm and playful in reality a viscous man with the ability to use a special lethal weapon in what ever deadly form that he wishes. Both of these young people believe their hero status should exclude them from the rules the rest of us have to live by. I say no more, we need to send a clear message to these two that they committed a crime and they should pay for that crime. I ask you to find them guilty of the crimes that were committed."
The DA returned to his seat and before he sat down he spoke to the judge.
"Your honor the state rests."
The judge turned to Matt.
"Is the defense ready for closing statements?"
"Yes, your honor." Matt said standing.
"Proceed" said the judge.
Matt walked in front of the jury and began to speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, many things have been said about Kim and Ron over the last number of days. We have seen many sides of these two young people. But I ask you to remember the pictures of them lying in ICU. Then I ask you to remember the video of the mission to Brazil and put yourself in their place. These two young people have laid down their lives time and time again for each of us and for each other. They are teenagers living the lives of seasoned operatives and doing a fine job. Yet they have paid a price for that job. They are suffering. Their lives have been filled with explosions, laser blasts, fights, long trips, little sleep, pressure in school, pressure in life. They made a mistake; they made a mistake in being human beings that have limits. That incident at school broke that limit. After mission after mission they appeared to be attacked in one place they thought they were safe. They were among friends and classmates. A prank was played. I will admit to anyone else this would have been a harmless prank, but to Kim and Ron it was the beginning of a lethal attack and they responded in the only way they knew how. They responded on pure instinct, they moved before their own minds had registered that they needed to move. Did they intend to hurt anyone, NO, they were only reacting a situation that had been presented to them. When they realized they were not in a combat situation they immediately dropped their defensive postures and surrendered. They did not intentionally attack those in the gym but were acting on their training and experience. The prosecution has failed to show in any way that Kim or Ron with malice and intention attacked anyone. I ask you to find them not guilty."
Matt returned to his seat. "Your Honor the defense rests."
The judge turned to the jury.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you now have the task before you of deliberating this case as presented to you. There are several charges before you. You must consider them in order. The first charge is assault with intent to commit bodily injury. This charge requires that there be intentional and deliberate actions on the parts of the defendants to be found guilty of those charges. The conspiracy charge has the same requirement. The same is true for the charge of assault with a deadly weapon. The final charge of reckless endangerment requires that their actions endangered those present at the time of the incident. You may find them guilty or not guilty on each charge or any lesser charges. This court is adjourned while you deliberate."
The jury stood and filed out.
The next afternoon.
Kim and Ron sat with Matt at the defense table. They had been told the jury had reached a decision. The two teens came to court today wearing their trademark mission gear.
"This court will come to order." The judge ordered.
He turned to face the jury.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict."
"Yes your honor."
"Is the vote unanimous?"
"Yes your honor it was"
"Please hand the verdict to the bailiff"
The jury forewoman handed the slip of paper to the bailiff who handed to the judge in turn. The judge made some notes then handed the paper back to the bailiff. The bailiff returned the sheet of paper to the forewoman as she remained standing.
"Will the defendants rise?"
Kim and Ron stood side by side. Their families joined hands with Josh and Tara. Mr. Barkin was seen bowing his head in the rear of the courtroom. Bonnie sat emotionless as her two sisters appeared to lean forward to hear the verdict. Their faces were almost gleeful. Dr. Director sat in the audience her one eye closed, her hands clasped in front of her.
"How to you find on the first charge of assault with intent to commit bodily injury." The judge asked.
"We find the defendants not guilty."
Kim and Ron gave a relived sigh.
"On the second charge of conspiracy to commit assault , how do you find the defendants?"
The forewoman spoke. "We find the defendants, not guilty."
"On the third charge of assault with a deadly weapon, how do you find?" The judge continued.
The forewoman paused. "We find the defendants not guilty."
Kim and Ron were now standing with their eyes closed, breathing slowly, listening to each word being said. There was a general murmuring in the court. Mrs. Possible and Mrs. Stoppable were silently crying. Connie and Lonnie were visibly angry while Bonnie still sat with no expression on her face.
"This court will come to order." The judge asked rapping his gavel.
"On the final charge of reckless endangerment how do you find?" The judge asked finally.
The forewoman turned and looked directly at Kim and Ron.
"We find the defendants, guilty."
Kim and Ron opened their eyes to glance over at the jury, then at each other. Kim's emerald eyes started to tear as she raised her arms around Ron. They both held each other. The mothers of the teens started to cry as the father's tried to console them. Some of the reporters who had been in the room rushed to leave. Connie and Lonnie gave each other a high five. Bonnie only smiled a little as her sisters praised and cooed over her.
The judge rapped the gavel. "This room will come to order."
The courtroom became silent as the judge began to speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I thank you for a job well done. I have no doubt that this had to have been some of the hardest decisions that you have ever made. Madam Foreman, please take a seat."
The judge turned to Kim and Ron.
"Miss Possible, Mr. Stoppable, please I need your attention as I pronounce sentence. A guilty charge for reckless endangerment carries a variety of penalties of up to a year in the county jail and a penalty of $5,000. However, this is your first offense. There is no doubt that you may have not been in full control of your actions that day. I also have on my desk letters from the Governor of this State, several Senators, the President of Brazil, and the mayor of Sao Paulo all asking for leniency in your case. I tend to agree with them. This was an unfortunate event. So, Kimberly Ann Possible and Ronald Adrian Stoppable having been found guilty of the charge of reckless endangerment I am suspending any time in the county jail, the fine will be $1,000 each, you will undergo court order care to help you combat the disorder you are fighting and finally and this will be the heaviest penalty. I sentence you both to 500 hours of community service, said service being the same service the two of you having provided this state and this country for so long. This court is adjourned."
Ron looked at Kim with a confused look on his face.
"Did he just sentence us to keep doing what we already are doing?"
Kim just smiled and nodded; she reached up and straightened his tie. "Badical isn't it."
"Ohh, so not the drama, KP." Ron laughed and the two teens fell into each other's arms laughing.
Their families came to them in a myriad of hugs and kisses. Tara and Josh were enveloped in hugs. Kim and Ron watched as Connie and Lonnie stalked out of the room dragging Bonnie with them.
"Kimmie, I think you and Ron need to make a statement to the press." Mr. Possible suggested.
"Yeah dad, Ron and I want to. Let's go Ron." Kim said grabbing his arm.
The two teens went out the front door to the tumultuous clamor of dozens of reporters. They stood up to the podium and waited for the yelling to stop.
Kim started to speak. "Ron and I wish to thank all the friends who have stood behind us during these past few weeks. Your support has made this time so much easier to handle. Ron and I had spoken of what might happen today and we have a statement prepared. We will not be appealing the finding against us. We made mistake, and because of that, some people we care about nearly got hurt. We feel that we should face what we did and learn from it. Ron and I are not above the law; we will obey the law and will face the consequences of our own actions. The fine is to be paid, we will undergo the care that we need to better prepare ourselves for our future. The part we look forward to the most is the community service. We will by order of the court continue to serve this state, this nation and this community of nations as we have in the past."
At that moment, Kim's Kimmunicator went off. Kim glanced around and saw the judge and Dr. Director standing behind them. They both nodded at her. Kim reached into her pocket and activated the device. Wade's face appeared on the screen. The microphones picked up his voice.
"Kim, if you are through making speeches how about starting on your community service. Motor Ed just stole some top-secret engine parts from a government lab. Your ride is on the way."
Kim glanced over to Ron who was beaming. "This is so badical, seriously, Kim , badical."
Kim giggled. "We are ready Wade."
A Global Justice hovercraft appeared from over the rear of the courthouse. Two ropes dropped down. Kim and Ron turned to Josh and Tara, giving each of their loves a kiss to the roaring approval of the group. They then turned ran to the ropes attached the clips to their utility belts and gave the up signal. The two teens lifted into the air as the hovercraft spun in the air and flew off over the city.
Matt stood with Dr. Director. She turned and asked.
"Did you tell them about your little trip to the Rockwaller's"
Matt smiled. "Oh yeah, don't think I have ever heard Kim use such language, Ron too. I think they have plans for Miss Shego next time. Funny I know she is a villain and all, but I sort of pity her. Cause the next time they met, Kim and Ron will have more than a little score to settle."
Dr. Director nodded as she watched the craft disappear over the horizon. "Thanks you two, and good luck."
Ladies and gentlemen, this has been the most complex and difficult chapter that I have ever attempted. I have tried to make it as realistic as possible with research and with my own experiences inside a courtroom. I would like to thank JonathonWolf for his help in writing the doctors testimony. I really appreciated that help. This was a long chapter. I could have split it up, but I wanted to tell the whole story in one sitting. I hope that you will forgive me for actually convicting them on one of the charges. However, I felt Kim and Ron would acknowledge that something went wrong that day and they did attack some people. They would step up and say, we made a mistake and we obey the law. Kim and Ron will meet up with Shego next chappie. It's going to be interesting. As always I don't own Kim or any of her friends.