Chapter 7: The news.
"Oh dear Guido, business today is not-a-so good eh?" Luigi's Cassa Della Tyres or anywhere in RS had not seen any good business that day, but they were all about to find out soon enough.
There was frantic shouting from Flo's Café.
"Hey guys, GUYS! Come look at this!" shouted Sally who was hanging around Flo's.
Luigi & Guido rushed over to see what the fuss was about. They were soon about to find out. Doc saw everyone rushing over to Flo's and at first he thought Flo was giving out free drinks, but judging by the serious look on everyone, that was not the case. He had no patients or law suits to sort out so he decided to take a look for himself. As soon as he arrived he saw Ramone, Flo, Sheriff, Luigi, Guido & Mater crowding around a television at Flo's.
"What's happening Sheriff?" asked Doc.
"Doc you're not going to believe what's on the news" replied the police car.
Doc made his way to the front of the crowd to get a better view of the TV, he saw that the ANN news was on with 'Breaking news' displayed all over the screen.
"They are among us" said the female Ford Ka reporter, her colleague, a male Peugeot 206 continued.
"They are the robots in disguise, giant mechanical terrors with the amazing ability to disguise themselves as us and no one knows how long they've been hiding under our bonnets."
"Hi I'm Cindy Webster" said the female reporter.
"And I'm Daniel Simpson" said the male car.
"Our main headline tonight, which has got the whole country in shock and awe, Terror hit the Carburetor County highway today as eyewitness reports say two groups of menacing vehicles charged up and down the highway at incredible speed, some say as fast as a plane, barging and smashing any innocent Cars that got in the way." Said Cindy.
"As we dispatched Amy our reliable news helicopter to report on the scene, she filmed a Police car and a group of good willed Samaritans that had managed to corner what is believed to be one of the groups responsible for today's devastation, however Amy filmed these shocking images." Said Dan and the TV showed footage of the Stunticons changing and then turning into robots.
The crowd at Flo's were in shock, Doc especially as he muttered "Oh my God!"
"However that was not all, as these images show the robots then seemed to 'combine' to form one giant mechanical monster, this monster than proceeded to injure one of the Samaritans helping the police car, by punching him nearly a mile away. The rest of the group was also ambushed by two further smaller robots who proceeded to injure a Land Rover."
"Unfortunately Amy our brave news chopper got a little too curious when she tried to get a close up on the giant combined robot." The news then showed footage of Amy getting closer to Menasor, when she got close enough Menasor grabbed the chopper and the Camera went dead.
"We have word that Amy was soon afterwards found by medical services with heavy injuries, but thankfully alive and she is now recuperating in hospital, we here at ANN pray for her health and safe return to ANN where she is being sorely missed."
"Police say that once they arrived the robots were gone and the Police car and his civilian comrades that confronted the monsters were missing and unfortunately Police presume the worst for those brave Cars. But once Police arrived along with our ground news crews, they already found a small group of emergency service vehicles aiding the injured, but once we tried to interview them, they suddenly sped off for no apparent reason."
The Camera zoomed in to view the emergency vehicles drive away, as you might've guessed these were the Protectobots trying to avoid any spotlight from news crews. The camera showed the back of Hot Spot's fire truck mode and Doc noticed a strange symbol on the back of the fire truck, it looked like some sort of blocky red face. While Doc grew more curious about the mysterious symbol, the news report continued.
"The President of the United States himself has taken this incident on Carburetor County Highway very seriously; here is what he had to say:"
"My fellow American Cars" said the President, "Today saw a terrible tragedy, with many innocents injured but thankfully no fatalities. I would also like to comment on the shape shifting robots that caused a lot of panic today as well, they have been among us completely undetected. They look like us, they talk like us, they Act like us, but they are not us."
"We have reason to believe that due to the incredible technology they used to change, these mechanical monstrosities, these 'Transformers', may not be of this world and while it may not be what we expected, I think we may have just had contact with life from another world. As the disturbing images showed these robots are highly dangerous, our military and our allies across the globe are working round the clock to hunt these elusive creatures down and bring them to justice before any more innocent lives are threatened."
"Local Police departments across the country are also assisting in the search for 'them', myself and the Police ask that you report any unusual activity immediately, I have been asked by the CIA & FBI to tell you to look out for Cars which act in an non-normal manner, or speak suspiciously. May we the people, under the protection and watchful eye of Christ find these monsters quickly before more danger is bought upon us and this planet, thank you."
"There you have it folks, from the mouth of the President, 'TRANSFOMERS' I think that is definitely a good term to describe these would be aliens, don't you agree Dan?"
"I certainly do Christy"
The news continued but it had finally sunk into the residents of RS.
"Wow, Cars that turn into Rhubarbs? That's the dang craziest thing I ever heard" said the mistaken Mater.
"This is serious you guys, this incident only happened a couple of miles away from here, do you think we're in any immediate danger?" asked a worried Sally, then she remembered McQueen had gone out into the desert near Willy's Butte.
"Oh my gosh, Lightning! He's in the desert, I must warn him!" she said and sped off while Flo shouted 'be careful' to her.
Ramone however seemed somewhat amazed and intrigued.
"Did you guys check out those bad boys? Did you see that? MAN! I gotta get me a custom job like that homes! That is the most amazing thing I have ever seen!" he said with glee.
"Now now Hun' didn't you hear the president? He said they might not even be from this planet." Replied Flo.
"Ah what did the president ever know man?" Ramone said back.
Ramone turned around to ask Doc what he thought, but Doc's face was motionless, just a blank expression as everyone around him tried to wonder what he was thinking. Finally Doc broke his silence.
"Sheriff, can I have word please? In Private?"
"Uh sure thing Doc" and Sheriff joined up with Doc near Doc's Hospital.
"Sheriff I want you to interview everybody in this town both new residents and old, ask them questions of what they did when they were younger, ask them about the history of Radiator Springs, ask them about what they know about the residents here…"
"Woah woah Doc slow down, I can't just go and interrogate everybody in the whole dang town, it's rude and….." Sheriff was cut off by Doc.
"And nothing Sheriff, you saw the news, those mechanical monsters that injured hundreds of Cars along the nearby highway was only about two miles from here. Who's not to say that they've already passed through here today? We must do everything we can to protect our town and who knows, maybe those things have already assumed the identities, of our friends and close ones? And who's to say that those were the only robots on this planet?"
"Doc what are you saying, that everyone is guilty until proven innocent?"
"If it comes to that Sheriff then yes, even you and I could be 'one of them' if we are to protect ourselves and our friends, we must 'keep our friends close & our enemies closer'. From now on we keep a watchful eye on everyone here and any strangers that come into our town!"
"Actually Doc I have something you may want to hear."
"Oh?" asked Doc.
"Today, a couple of hours ago, me, Lightning and the Mazda twins saw a group of vehicles going at an incredible speed. I think there was a police car and some others following a black car and a white car, but they were going so fast it was one huge blur. I tell ya nothing on Earth could go THAT fast on ground!" Doc's eye lit up.
"Tell me more Sheriff…"
Meanwhile near Willy's Butte, Lightning was in a huff. He could not believe what he had seen. Cars that actually went faster than him? It was a complete disgrace!
"There's no way that could've happened, I must've been daydreaming or it was a trick of the sun. But it was so real, no other cars can go that fast!"
Sally had finally caught up with him.
"Stickers, STICKERS!" shouted Sally "Come quickly!"
"Wait Sally what's wrong?"
"Stickers, we must go now!" puffed Sally.
"Why?"
"The news, something major has happened!" Sally continued to tell the whole story in thorough detail.
"Cars that turn into robots? Get outta here Sally and you laughed at my story of Cars going 300mph!" laughed McQueen.
"I'm telling the truth Stickers, the President himself addressed the nation. This is something beyond our understanding; we must get back to RS before we might end up facing those shape shifters."
"Jeez Sally let the joke go, I know you're lying." But Sally then got cross.
"Listen big boy, unless you don't want to face me or those beasts you'll come back home and if you don't believe me then here I want to show you something.
Sally bumped McQueen up a small hill that was high enough to look over the highway. Sure enough McQueen saw dozens if not hundreds of injured Cars lying up and down the highway with several emergency service vehicles and helicopters aiding the wounded.
"What the heck happened here?" asked McQueen.
"All that devastation you see down there, was caused by those robots, Cars were hurt, nearly killed. Soon afterwards the robots suddenly disappeared without a trace and are still at large. Please Lightning you must understand the complex danger of this situation."
Said Sally.
McQueen felt disgusted in himself for not realizing the danger that other Cars had went through, he understood that he needed to get home before everybody else got too worried about him.
"You're right sally, let's burn rubber!" and the two cars drove back to RS. Once they arrived, McQueen was greeted by Doc Hudson.
"Where have you been Lightning?" asked Doc.
"Just at Willy's Butte, why?" replied Lightning.
"Have you heard the news?"
"Yeah I did not long ago Sally told me all about it but I still find it hard to believe."
"How many Piston Cups do I have Lightning?"
"What?"
"Answer the question rookie"
"Three."
"What years did I win them?" the paranoid Doc kept dishing out questions, obviously trying to catch out McQueen in case he was one of 'them'.
"Doc you paranoid rust bucket, you think Stickers is one of 'them'?"
"Wait you think I'm a robot? Doc are you going senile in old age? I thought you knew me better than that." Said McQueen obviously insulted. Doc stared Sally and McQueen down for what seemed like an eternity until he eventually sighed.
"Sorry kid, it was just a standard security question" he said.
"Security question for what?" asked McQueen.
"Of course you know that whole incident with the robots just happened a few miles from here right? Chances are maybe those disguised robots already passed through here today." Suddenly Lightning clicked on.
"Wait, those cars today…." He said.
"Those Cars that seemed to be driving at 300mph?" asked Doc.
"Err yeah how did you know about that?" asked McQueen.
"Sheriff told me all about it kid. Cars that go that fast without taking off, are definitely not of this world, just like those 'Transformers' and somehow I think the two events are linked"
"Transformers?" asked McQueen.
"It's what the news stations are saying as a gimmick." Answered Sally.
"Yep, isn't it amazing? Cars that turn into Rhubarbs now I bet that would go lovely with some milk!" Mater gave everyone a shock as he just sneaked up on them and gave them all a shock.
"You hear the news too Mater" asked McQueen.
"Ah sure did Lightning, pretty scary stuff huh? But not as scary as the ghostlight" said Mater with a shiver down his tow line.
"Hey look, there are some cars coming this way" said Sally. Everyone turned to see a group of eight cars heading slowly down the street towards RS.
Doc looked as best he could. He could eventually make out that some of the cars were severly hurt.
"Those vehicles are hurt, they must be from the highway incident, Mater follow me I'll need your help."
"Yesiree" replied Mater and he with Doc sped to help the injured.
Down the road that group of eight cars as you might've guessed, were the Autobots. They had finally made their way to RS.
"Is that the town ahead Hound?" asked Bumblebee.
"It must be, that's what the sign said earlier on and this is the only inhabited site in miles." Replied the army Jeep Hound.
"Keep your eyes peeled Autobots" grunted Prowl in pain, "We must find any sort of medical center where Mirage and Brawn can get help, I fear they may be losing their sparks"
(A spark is a TF's equivalent of a 'soul')
"What about you and Ironhide chief?" asked Jazz.
"We may be in pain but we can wait, it's them two that need help" said Prowl in a sort of angry but noble tone. As commander he put his troops before him (not in battle).
"Hey look there are two cars heading this way" said Ratchet.
"Decepticons?" asked Bumblebee.
"No, they don't smell like Decepticons, they must be Earthlings who saw we're in distress." Replied Hound.
Ten seconds later Doc and Mater finally met the Autobots.
"Good grief what happened to you?" asked Doc.
"We just come from the highway, we had an unfortunate accident" replied Prowl.
Doc then looked deep into the faces of the Autobots.
"Wait, I recognize you all." Said Doc, Prowl looked shocked and nervous.
"I'm sorry I think you're talking about the wrong vehicles" he said.
"No I do, you're those Cars the confronted those robots." Said Doc.
The group of Autobots looked surprised, but not the nice surprise looking face.
"How did you know about that?" asked Prowl.
"We saw it on the teevee!" replied Mater.
"TV?" Prowl whispered to himself.
"Hey Jazz, what on Cybertron is a Teevee?" Bumblebee whispered to Jazz.
"I'm not sure what a TV is bug buddy, but my guess is it's similar to a Nebulan Motion Image Viewer."
"What's that?" whispered 'Bee again.
"It's a type of entertainment device that shows programs, films and news information channels, and judging by the amount of electronic types of equipment on Earth, a TV is similar to an MIV."
"You mean we were caught on film along with the Stunticons in robot mode?" said a beleaguered Bumblebee.
"It looks like it, and by now the whole world probably knows it too." Said Jazz.
Prowl had obviously heard what the two 'Bots had said and he was not happy that the whole world knew about the Decepticons. He thought back to how it might have happened, the whole motorway had been evacuated by the time they met the Stunticons. Then he remembered the helicopter, no wonder it was getting a little too nosey and it was the only vehicle around st the time that the Stunticons transformed.
But then again there was some good news. Menasor had injured and grounded the news chopper and the Autobots were stuck in vehicle mode because of the sneak attack by Runabout & Runamuck's transfixation rays. So therefore by the time the Protectobots arrived, they were not caught on film as they arrived after the news chopper got injured, so in reality, it was the Decepticons everybody knew about and not the Autobots, so chances are no one expects anything suspicious from Prowl and his group.
"Err yes, we were those cars you saw on 'teevee' facing those evil robots." Said Prowl, Doc smiled.
"Well I'm not sure where those robots went, but I'm glad to see you and your brave friend's safe officer, you must've had a lot of guts to stand up to those monstrosities and I congratulate you"
"Err thank you" replied Prowl "But right now I and some of my friends need medical attention, do you know anywhere where they can receive treatment?"
"Of course, I'm a doctor my ward is only down the road, please come with me. You there." Doc said in Ratchet's direction.
"Who me?" asked Ratchet.
"Yes, will you be able to give me a hand with these patients?" asked Doc.
"Of course, anything that will help my friends." Replied Ratchet.
"Excellent, now Mater, tow one of those badly injured cars, I'll get the other" and Mater towed Mirage while Doc towed Brawn with Jazz pushing Brawn from behind to help Doc.
Ironhide went to speak to Prowl.
"I hope you're doing the right thing Prowl." He said.
"What do you mean Ironhide?" asked Prowl.
"Prime specifically told us not to interact with any Earthlings and we were already caught on their TV's along with the Stunticons, they might suspect something." Said Ironhide.
"Correction Ironhide, they know about the Decepticons, not about us, when we were caught on film, we were still in vehicle mode thanks to Runabout & Runamuck. If we play it safe, they shouldn't get suspicious of us. Plus it's too far from HQ and Mirage and Brawn are running out of time, I'm sure that doctor and Ratchet can help them get back on their wheels."
Meanwhile in the desert, Lizzie, RS oldest resident was a very old type of car (one that dated back to before the First World War) and was incredibly senile.
"Oh my it's so nice to be back in France……..err where am I again?" she said to herself.
"One of these days I'm going to go back to France, what a nice country………it's so nice to be back in France again, just look at the Eiffel Tower!" she said to a large cactus plant.
Then she noticed something shine in the sand, she went over for a closer look. It looked like some type of small cassette player, it was blue and had a slight hint of silver.
"Oh look it's one of them new fangled voice box things. Who could have left this here? What am I doing here?" she said but then turned back to the tape player.
"Of well, Finders weepers, Losers seekers, or however it goes" and she picked the tape player up with her wheel, threw it into the air, opened her right hand door and caught it. She eventually tried to get back home.
"Oh my now where was home again…..oh it's nice to be back in France……what the heck does France mean?"
As Lizzie drove home, the tape player was sitting on the seat inside Lizzie. The tape inside began to play.
"Infiltration, success, phase two beginning."