I do not own the Ben Ten franchise.
This takes place during the episode Universe v. Tennyson. Direct dialogue is in italics.
Trial of Benjamin Kirby Tennyson
When Azmuth descended to the lobby of Galvan Prime's central tower, it was to see a massive collection of his workers (including his assistant Myaxx) gathered in front of the large screen that hung in front of the security check-in station.
"Apparently, I'm not giving out enough work to do," he drawled, though he was more bewildered than mad. He'd never really had much of a problem with those under his direct employ, save for the disaster that was Albedo.
Myaxx turned at the sound of his voice and could not stop the grin that curled across her lips. Azmuth narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "What?"
"You really know how to pick 'em, boss."
It was the vaguest comment he had perhaps ever received, but he instantly knew who she was referring to. Onyx eyes shot up to the screen, which he now realized displayed a bright and all-too clear picture of his wielder standing trial in Galactic Court. "No," he moaned, pressing a hand against his forehead.
"Yes," confirmed Myaxx. "The trial is dominating the intergalactic airwaves. Trillions upon trillions are no doubt tuning in."
"What did he do?" Azmuth demanded.
"I guess we'll find out." Myaxx crossed her arms and returned her attention to the screen.
"Intergalactic High Court case #1016-058, Universe vs. Tennyson is now in session!" Starbeard, one of the highest-ranked Celestialsapiens, boomed. He sat in a hovering booth that loomed high above the sixteen-year-old.
"Ben Tennyson, the prosecution states that you did willfully and deliberately alter the fabric of reality in violation of the Multiverse Preservation Act," Judge Domstol stated, his metallic digits locked together as he surveyed the boy. "How do you plead?"
"He recreated the entire universe?" Myaxx asked, impressed.
"Apparently so." Azmuth scowled. "Something he should have told me. At least that way I could have warned him of the consequences. We're going to have a talk after this debacle."
"You're not going to help him?"
"His violation, his problem." Azmuth crossed his arms stubbornly. "I'm not going to run in and save him every time he gets in trouble. He knows it. He'll only expect me if the situation goes south quickly and drastically."
"So…basically if the Celestialsapiens declare a punishment that will result in his destruction."
"Precisely."
"Innocent!" the determined voice rang out. Ben wore a stubborn expression, lips pursed.
"Lying in court. He's not off to a good start," drawled Myaxx.
"He does believe he is innocent," Azmuth corrected. He had known Ben long enough to know how his mind worked. "He would only recreate the universe with his Celestialsapien form if he believed it was the only option. He does not enjoy taking the form he has deemed Alien X. He does not think he's done anything wrong. And in all honesty, he hasn't."
"I mean," the boy continued, "come on, you remember me, don't you Judge Domstol?"
"How many times has this child been in court?" Azmuth asked in bafflement. "And how have I been kept in the dark?"
"You scare him." Myaxx grinned. "He's not going to tell you something if he believes you'll tear him a new one."
"Right. A long conversation then."
"Dom! Wielder of the Omnitrix!" Ben thrust up his left wrist, the white and green watch standing out against pale skin. "Savior of the universe…ring a bell?"
"Did he just refer to the most experienced and honourable judge in the universe as Dom?" Azmuth asked, hardly daring to believe the ignorance displayed by Ben.
"Yup," Myaxx said cheerfully. She was enjoying herself immensely. She knew that despite the First Thinker's refusal to run to Ben's rescue, he was greatly worried about the result the trial would have. He could be gruff and dismissive and as cool as he wanted. He wasn't fooling Myaxx. But she wasn't as concerned. Ben had a habit of being the luckiest kid in the world. He'd pull through, just like always.
"I do indeed remember and admire the great Ben Tennyson. However, since this is a massive class action lawsuit, involving no less than the entire universe and everyone in it…your fate is not just up to me," admitted Domstol with a heavy sigh.
"Hey, Judge Domstol wants Ben to get off scot-free. He's got to have at least a bit of a pull."
"Not enough." Azmuth frowned and crossed his arms. It didn't surprise him that Ben was friends with the respected judge, as the boy could really charm just about anybody if he wanted to.
"This trial is being broadcast to quadrillions of beings who will vote on your guilt or innocence. But wait, there's more! Bailiff."
A golden scale appeared instantly at the bottom of the judge's stand, balanced neatly. "This device is capable of keeping a one-hundred percent accurate tally of every single vote in the universe in real time," the Highbreed bailiff explained.
Ben's green eyes grew wide, and Azmuth could practically read his thoughts. He was calculating just how much of a chance he had at receiving a not guilty verdict. While he certainly had enemies by the buckets, he also had numerous allies, plus trillions and trillions of those who were neutral.
"Anybody here who votes that kid to be guilty is gonna face me!" Myaxx boomed, echoing the thoughts that Azmuth held but did not voice.
"And one lucky voter will win a fabulous prize!" Domstol added. He returned his attention to Ben, who was looking as if he could not believe this was happening. "Is your lawyer present or are you defending yourself?"
"He better not be defending himself!" Azmuth snapped aloud. Yes, the boy could be charming and quick-witted, but he also had a mouth that often got him in trouble. "I don't care who you get, Tennyson, but you better get a lawyer."
"He can't hear you," Myaxx said in amusement.
"He'll feel my fury," deadpanned Azmuth. "This is no time for pride. I'll foot the bill if I have too."
"How am I supposed to find a lawyer?" Ben protested, hand fumbling to snag his phone from his pocket.
"He's totally going to call you," Myaxx predicted. "Know any good lawyers?"
"None of which that are cheap," returned Azmuth, though he was already creating a mental list to relay if Ben should call.
But something fell out of his pocket as he yanked out a slim green cell phone. Ben hastily grabbed the business card out of the air, staring at it with an almost anguished expression. Slowly, the phone went back into his pocket.
"Aw, man!"
Azmuth arched an eyebrow at the dismayed tone. He watched as Ben reluctantly pulled on the card, which activated a holographic image of none other than the Galvan lawyer Chadzmuth.
"Not the worst lawyer in the world," stated Myaxx.
"Not the best one either. He's slippery and not exactly the most moral of the lot. To top it off, he doesn't have much experience in the Galactic High Court."
"Look," the boy grumbled under his breath, resignation on his boyish face. "I'm sorry I called you a sleazebag, okay?"
Myaxx burst into laughter and Azmuth managed to keep his grin under control. Sometimes he didn't mind when Tennyson was blunt with others, and Chadzmuth was not really one to turn down a case, so he wasn't worried about refusal.
"I need your help," Ben admitted, a pained expression on his face. Aware of what he needed to say next, he pressed his hand against his forehead and begged, "Please?"
Barely a second passed and the Galvan lawyer was there, sitting in the seat beside his new client. "I'll take the case!" He declared, shooting the boy a sly smile that no doubt hurt his pride. "Lucky for you, I never lose."
With a quick press of a button, his briefcase transformed into a hovering platform. Ben eyed Chadzmuth dubiously. "So…how many cases have you argued before the Galactic High Court?"
"Including this one? One."
Azmuth shook his head as unease crossed his wielder's face. "This will…be interesting."
"It'll be a walk in the park," dismissed Chadzmuth. "All they have are character witnesses. Nothing to worry about."
"He looks like he's going to throw up," observed Myaxx.
Indeed, the sixteen-year-old did not look too well. "He's nervous, as he should be." Azmuth shrugged, not wanting to admit that he wasn't entirely confident himself.
"The universe calls to the witness stand one Ignacius Baumann to the stand!" the Highbreed bailiff bellowed.
Bellwood's local shop keeper was immediately transported to the witness stand. Eyes wide, the elderly man snapped his head back and forth. "What's going on? Where am I?"
"Huuuugghhh!" Ben gasped in panic and hunkered down in his booth, so that only his bright green eyes were peering nervously out.
"He's very brave," teased Myaxx. "What's the story with those two?"
"Tennyson is destruction personified and he's run into that poor man a few too many times," informed Azmuth, stirrings of unease twisting in his stomach.
"Ben?" Baumann exclaimed before annoyance took over. "I might have known."
"Please, just do your best to remember any personal interactions you've had with the accused," Domstol ordered.
"I'm doomed!"
That you are, Ben. That you are, thought Azmuth heavily.
Baumann's head was soon encased by a mind-reader, which would pick up and display all memories the man would have of the teenager-and it all involved destruction. "That boy!" Baumann scowled. "He's been driving me crazy with his antics all my life!"
"Let's see what our home viewers have to say about that," Domstol decided.
Both Ben and Azmuth watched as the guilty meter grew, heavily outweighing the innocent votes, which the Highbreed bailiff voiced.
"Save me!" Ben squeaked, fingers woven tightly into his brown locks.
Chadzmuth went to hover directly in front of the witness stand. "Mr. Baumann, do you honestly think that my client is capable of creating a duplicate of the entire universe and everything in it?"
"Ben Tennyson isn't capable of creating anything other than destruction to my personal property!" Mr. Baumann snapped.
Chadzmuth smiled. "No further questions, your Honour."
He went back to Ben, who was now regarding the Galvan lawyer with newfound respect. "Huh. That could have gone so much worse."
"You're not out of the woods yet, Ben," Azmuth muttered softly.
Starbeard stood. "The prosecution would like to call its own witness."
Rook Blonko took the witness stand next. Ben brightened. "Rook!"
"Ben," greeted his partner. "I voted for you earlier! Did I win the grand prize?"
"Rook Blonko, would you summarize your partner Ben Tennyson as someone who flagrantly disregards regulation and procedure?" Starbeard questioned.
"Absolutely not," Rook said instantly.
Ben grinned. But Azmuth knew that more was coming, and sure enough, Rook continued. "To disregard something, one must first be aware of its existence. Ben has frequently demonstrated his ignorance of procedure as well as a countless host of other topics."
The smile slid from Ben's face as the guilty poll grew. Azmuth could not blame the Revonnahgander, as he was telling the truth. Many situations the teen landed himself could have been avoided if he took the time to learn the different procedures and regulations that dominated the galaxy. But of course, Ben was much too lazy for such a project.
"No further questions, your Honour," Starbeard said in satisfaction.
Chadzmuth hovered up to Rook. "The defense would like to cross-examine this witness. Now then, please focus your thoughts and describe to the court the alleged crime you allegedly witnessed."
The memory when Rhomboid Vreedle dropped the Anihilaarg flashed onto the screen. But there was no universe-shattering kaboom. "The Anihilaarg turned out to be a dud," explained Rook. "So the universe and everything in it was not destroyed."
"If he was with Ben, how does he have no recollection of him saving the universe?" Myaxx wondered.
"Because when Tennyson reset the universe, he also reset the situation," informed Azmuth. "The moment when that infernal device went off did not happen. Instead, he created a situation where it merely did not work. Rather clever, I must admit."
"The universe and everything in it was not destroyed," Chadzmuth repeated. "Your Honour, the prosecution has utterly failed to prove not only has my client committed the crime of which he is being accused but that any crime was even committed."
The innocent poll went up and the sixteen-year old pumped his fists in delight. "Yes! Innocent! Thank you universe!"
"The prosecution would like to call one last witness to the stand. Benjamin Kirby Tennyson," Starbeard declared.
The glee quickly fell from the boy's face. Ben was transported to the witness stand, while Rook was transported to the space Ben previously occupied.
"This is not going to end well," Azmuth said heavily.
Celestialsapiens weren't stupid. They were among the most enlightened and smartest beings in the galaxy. They knew that the only way to prove Ben was guilty was to use him as a witness. After all, the child was the one who committed the act of recreating the universe.
"I enter for the record Exhibit A," Starbeard said. "A Mr. Smoothie's grape smoothie."
Instantly, a white Mr. Smoothy cup materialized in front of Ben. He stared at it, unease clear in his green gaze.
"Mr. Tennyson, would you please sample Exhibit A for the court?"
Ben squirmed. "I'm actually not very thirsty."
"Drink the smoothie, Mr. Tennyson," ordered Judge Domstol.
Sweating, Ben snagged the cup and placed the striped straw between his lips. He took a few slurps, the grape sensation hitting his tongue and setting his taste buds into a frenzy.
"Do you notice anything about this smoothie?" Starbeard asked.
Green eyes swept across the court nervously, lips still fastened to the straw. Azmuth saw his panic and closed his eyes. "He messed up the smoothie recipe," he realized.
The child was about to be undone by a change in grape smoothie flavours.
He really needed to talk to that boy about his smoothie addiction.
"Alright!" Ben wailed, unable to take it anymore. "I admit it! It doesn't taste the same! I was too late to save the universe and everything in it from being destroyed, so I used Alien X to make an exact duplicate. But I just couldn't get the grape flavour right! I couldn't!"
He sagged against the booth with a sob of despair.
"Your Honour, I rest my case," Starbeard said in satisfaction.
Ben was transported back to the prosecution stand, his head buried in his hand. Rook patted his shoulder and Chadzmuth said, "Don't worry kid. Worst case scenario, you'll have to make restitution."
"Restitution?" Ben exclaimed, looking up. "But that means the universe and everything in it will be destroyed…again!"
"Relax," soothed Chadzmuth. "I still have my summation. That's where I always win them over."
The plump Galvan lawyer floated up to the middle of the court. "Your Honour, and indeterminate beings throughout the universe. We all know Celestialsapiens change the universe as often as my client changes his shirt."
"Not the best comparison," Myaxx drawled, watching in amusement as Ben pulled gingerly at his favourite green jersey, which indeed looked to be rather dirt-worn.
Chadzmuth, too, realized this. "Okay, bad example. But my point-and I do have one-is that Celestialsapiens change the universe all the time. Why, even First Thinker Azmuth's voice and appearance have changed on at least three occasions."
"Hey, he's got a point," Myaxx said. "What's with you, anyway?"
"You ought to study up on the Galvan life cycle," said Azmuth dryly. "It is something not often known, and Chadzmuth is using this to his advantage."
"For all we know, Celestialsapiens are out there changing the universe at this very moment. I put it to you ladies and gentle-aliens…and not so gentle-aliens…is it right to hold one, scrawny little human responsible for the misdeeds of an entire species of omnipotent beings? I say nay! Nay I say!"
Rook gave an enthusiastic clap.
"Has the universe reached a verdict?" Judge Domstol asked.
The innocent poll went up again, and a hopeful smile crossed Ben's expression. But it was immediately dashed as the guilty poll filled up and sagged downwards, clearly displaying what the majority of the universe thought.
A scream of horror tore from Ben's throat, and Azmuth's fingers clenched together. "Come on, Chadzmuth," he growled softly. "Get him out of this alive."
"The universe has spoken!" Judge Domstol declared with a heavy voice. "And it finds you, Benjamin Kirby Tennyson, as guilty as you can possibly be!"
"No fair!" Ben cried.
"Clear the courtroom!" The Highbreed bailiff bellowed.
Chadzmuth and Ben got into a hushed conversation, with one looking rather smug and the other aggravated. The lawyer soon floated up and said loudly, "If it pleases the court, my client chooses to invoke the Tetramand Trial of Combat."
"That should turn this case around," Myaxx observed.
Azmuth shook his head, watching as Chadzmuth and Ben got into a whispered bickering match. "If he manages to successfully transform into the alien he calls Fourarms, then yes. But Tennyson never quite grasped just how much force he should use when smacking down the dial. More often than not, he gets the opposite alien than what he wants."
"Is there a problem, gentlemen?" Domstol asked.
"No!" Chadzmuth snapped, speaking louder than Ben's yelp of "yes!"
Exasperated, Ben glared at him for a moment before reluctantly turning to his Omnitrix. With a quick breath, he selected the desired alien from the holographic wheel and slapped his palm down. In an instant, the sixteen-year old human turned into the muscle-bound Tetramand.
"I mean no," Fourarms quickly corrected. "No problem. I'm all Tetramand up and ready to-"He faltered and turned to Chadzmuth. "What do I have to do exactly?"
"As Ben, you had your day in court and lost. But Tetramand defendants get to fight their accusers in the battle arena. The winner wins."
"The prosecution summons Galactic Gladiator!" Starbeard declared.
A brief flash of white lightning later, and a tall, armoured Celestialsapien appeared. Judge Domstol stood up and spread his hands. "Let the Tetramand Trial of Combat commence!"
Fourarms was transported into the middle of the court, where he faced off against the Galactic Gladiator. "Awesome! Easy enough to hit a non-moving target. By the time I knock him out, the two voices in his head will still be arguing over which way to fall!"
"What?" Myaxx asked in confusion as Fourarms went in for a punch.
"There are only a few occasions where he was turned into Alien X," explained Azmuth, watching with a frown as the Gladiator easily gained the upper hand over his wielder. "Every Celestialsapien has two personalities, and most often they are polar opposites. The personalities need to agree in order for an action to be performed."
"I'm guessing Ben knows this?"
"First-hand. When he turns into Alien X, he becomes a personality, resulting in three. He gets to speak with Alien X's two personalities, and is involved in the decision-making. He understands how difficult it is to get them to agree on one simple action. He believes the same goes for all Celestialsapiens."
"But it isn't."
"No. The older a Celestialsapien is, the wiser the personalities become, and the bickering lessons. Sometimes Celestialsapiens are blessed with personalities that do not contradict each other. The Galactic Gladiator is one of them."
Fourarms was thrown into the prosecution stand. After a quick conversation with Chadzmuth, Ben turned into Eye Guy. "Can he do that?" Myaxx wondered.
"Chadzmuth built his career on loopholes. If there is nothing in the Tetramand Trial rulebook that states that Ben has to stay a Tetramand, he will no doubt exploit it."
But the Opticoid did not have much luck either. The Omnitrix quickly timed out due to the force of the hits, leaving a scrawny sixteen-year-old floating in the middle of the court. "Not cool Galactic Gladiator!"
"Now would be a very good time for you to turn into Alien X!" Rook called.
"Don't you think I know that?!" Ben snapped. "I would if I could, but I can't, so I-"He slapped the dial on the Omnitrix, and as cruel fate would have it, turned into Alien X.
Rook brightened at the transformation, but grew puzzled when his partner did not move a muscle. "Ben?" he called hesitantly.
"So, if he doesn't get the other personalities to agree with him, what happens?" Myaxx asked, a hint on unease in her voice.
"He will be pummelled," voiced Azmuth gravelly.
After a tense moment, the Gladiator sprang into action. With one punch, he knocked the defenseless Alien X straight out of the court and high into the stars above. The Gladiator flew after him, and Rook watched with wide eyes. "Why isn't he defending himself?"
"Because he can't!" Azmuth snapped, anxiety twisting his gut. The fight was now being displayed on the screen above the judge's stand. Watching his still body getting beaten upon made him feel sick. "Foolish boy! I keep telling him not to be so hard on the Omnitrix!"
"This is not a fair fight, your Honour!" Rook protested. "Ben cannot even move!"
Domstol could only give a helpless shrug. The trial had been enacted, and he could not interfere. "Maybe he should have stayed a Tetramand."
As the Galactic Gladiator went for the final blow, Alien X suddenly got to its feet and created a shield to protect itself from the blow. "Surprise!"
A relieved smile curled across Azmuth's lips as Ben easily defended himself against the Gladiator. Now that they were on even footing, he was no longer struggling against the omnipotent being.
Thatta boy.
Alien X returned to the court with a defeated Gladiator in hand. "Alien X is awesome!" Rook cheered.
The Omnitrix finally timed out, and an exhausted Ben Tennyson grinned. "Told ya!"
The boy was returned to the prosecution stand, and the Gladiator went to rest beside Starbeard. Judge Domstol rapped his gavel against his booth. "Order in the court! The victor in the Tetramand Trial of Combat is Ben Tennyson!"
"Yes!" the boy whooped.
"In addition to the accounts of the witnesses, it is abundantly clear that Ben Tennyson was not in control of Alien X at the time of the alleged crime. The court therefore finds Bellicus and Serena guilty of unauthorized use of universe altering and sentences them to pay restitution of five pieces of Taydenite each. Court adjourned."
Azmuth was too overcome with relief to listen to Ben's indigent outburst. The other Galvans let out a supportive cheer at Ben's victory before filing off to continue their work. The First Thinker went back to his lab, shaking his head wearily.
He would give the boy a few hours to rest and recover.
Then they would have a talk.
