Chapter 13: The court battle
"The Radiator Springs traffic court is now in session, all rise! The honorable Doc Hudson presiding." Said Sheriff.
The time had come, judgment day for the Autobots, proving their innocence to Doc would be hard, McQueen knew that from self experience. The court room was full with Autobots (who had stayed in robot mode, they kneeled on the floor or crossed their legs), residents, witnesses but the most dominating figure would be the sole judge and jury Doc Hudson.
"Order, order this court case is now in session. I Doc Hudson the plaintiff, Judge and Jury have put forward accusations of identity theft, mass vandalism, weapons offences and danger to public safety caused by these 'transformers' that are in this room with us today. Miss Carrera do you have your case ready?" asked Doc.
"I do sir."
"Right now let's get this under way, first off I would like to call the leader of these robots to the stand."
"That would be me" said Optimus.
"Fine just get up here if you can move but don't damage anything or I'll add that to your already massive list of offences!"
Optimus slowly and carefully crawled near Doc Hudson's stand and crossed his legs.
"First off you can start by telling us your name." said Doc.
"My name is Optimus Prime and I am very much indeed the leader of the Autobots."
"Could you explain to me what the Autobots are?" asked Doc.
"The Autobots are a peace force of sentient transformers that have vowed to fight the evil that is known as the Decepticons."
"I think we will need a better explanation than that Optimus, how about you go back to the very beginning and tell me everything that happened which led to your coming to Earth." Asked Doc.
"Very well I will, it all started eleven million years ago…" said Optimus as his memories replayed events in his head.
"We are natives of the planet Cybertron, a planet very different from this one, like us our home world is metal to its very core. How we came into creation is unknown, so far we have found only few traces of Silicon life compared to Carbon life, there are many theories but the most popular one is that the king spark Primus created Cybertron to counter his evil twin spark Unicron who was a malevolent force of destruction. To protect the universe from Unicron, Primus created Cybertron and beings to live on it, robots that would eventually evolve to become transformers and to aid in their fight against Unicron, Primus sacrificed a part of his own spark which would later be known as 'the creation matrix'."
Optimus opened his chest plates and out of his chest slid the Matrix, its gold and silver coating received many 'wows' from the audience.
"What is that?" asked McQueen.
"This is the Matrix, as beautiful it is now, it is now dead its power completely drained. As I was saying before it has went down in Cybertronian mythology that the Matrix contained the life-force of Primus himself and this weapon of light was passed down to the most noble and respected transformer Sentinel Maximus, my predecessor. We did enjoy many years of peace under Sentinel's rule, but one day a new evil rose from the Transformers race itself and that robots name was Megatron.
"Megatron grew jealous of the powerSentinel Maximus had gained from the Matrix and Megatron rallied a band of transformers who did not believe in the Transformers destiny of protecting the universe, these band of evil machines would later be known as 'Decepticons' at first the threat they posed was minimal but Megatron was dangerous and cunning, his raids drained our energy sources which he used to fund his war machine and later he gained help from scientists who helped Megatron build new soldiers and vast weaponry and technology until one day Megatron realized that he had the power to take over Cybertron.
"The Decepticons attacked cities and razed them to the ground, innocents were hurt and killed, traders from different worlds were also killed or hurt. In response to this threat Sentinel Maximus gathered up an army of freedom loving transformers and they would be named the Autobots. The first major battle at Kaon, the Decepticons main base on Cybertron where Maximus sought to crush the Decepticon army. It was a horrible battle both sides met heavy opposition and casualties but amidst the chaos and death, Maximus finally confronted Megatron.
"The two leaders rocked back and forth as they endured laser fire and fists, Maximus actually managed to maim Megatron by ripping his arm off, but the Decepticon leader proved to be a mighty foe, Maximus who was not prepared for this confrontation paid for that mistake with his life, from a shot from Megatron's arm gun right into his Spark. The injured Megatron later withdrew from the frontline to look after his injuries, I was at that very battle when I was a mere private known as Optronix, but I saw Maximus on the ground dying.
"I rushed to help but he said it was too late for him. I asked him what will happen without his leadership but he told me 'Optimus, it was never meant to be me that was to lead the Autobots to victory. Alpha Trion told me he saw a vision from Primus of the greatest Autobot who would destroy Megatron and bring peace back to Cybertron, an Autobot known as Optimus Prime.' And Maximus smiled at me and handed me the Matrix, as soon as I touched that sacred item I saw my destiny in front of my Optics, time stood still as the Matrix itself entered my body, I could feel my Spark and body change and before I knew what had happened I had been 'transformed' into Optimus Prime.
"I felt the power and the knowledge that was installed in me by the Matrix but when I looked down at Maximus he was dead. I instantly ordered a fighting withdrawal and we escaped back to Iacon city, we lost many men but so did the Decepticons. Many more years passed but the Autobot cause began to fail, Decepticon hordes advanced across the entire planet and quickly as the war started half of Cybertron were in the hands of the Decepticons. To make matters worse Decepticon expeditionary forces began searching for planets worthy of colonization, they had began their quest for Universal domination. To make matters worse the millions of years that passed sapped the energy of Cybertron, Energy needed to keep Cybertron alive but Megatron ignored these facts and continued to waste Energon for his armies. Eventually Cybertron was a dead planet, uninhabitable and was threatening to move out of its orbital path and fall from the universe iteself.
"Cybertron was on the verge of destruction. The only way to save the planet was to restore it's Energon reserves which in turn would also reactivate Cybertron's orbital machinery keeping it stable in its axis of orbital movement, but with all Energon depleted there was no hope, except for the Matrix. A Decepticon scientist and Megatron's personal chief tactician was thankfully not blind to the dangers Megatron's lust for power had caused to the ecological balance of Cybertron and while he was a die hard Decepticon, he valued his home planet more than anything and ignoring the risks of treachery which was punishable by termination, he came forward to me and explained that I was the only one who could save Cybertron."
"What was this Decepticons name?" asked Doc.
"His name was Shockwave." Replied Optimus.
Optimus' memory banks replayed the events in his head, it was planet Cybertron nine million years ago, and it was a dark planet which looked like it had been hit by the black plague. Somewhere in a wasteland on Cybertron, Optimus cautiously proceeded forward until he finally caught sight of Shockwave. About the same size as Optimus, the Purple Decepticon had a menacing look to him, only one hand on his right arm and a laser cannon in place of the left, but what was most striking about Shockwave was his emotionless face, his head was rectangular and at the flat end of the rectangle the only feature of his face was a round optic which flashed as he talked, this feature earned him the name 'Cyclops' among Autobots & Decepticons.
"Shockwave I didn't think you would have the ball bearings to show up here." Growled Prime.
"Do not take me for a coward Optimus Prime" said the Decepticon "but regardless of allegiances I come to you asking for your help on a most urgent matter."
"Spit it out Shockwave. I don't have time for your whining."
"Look around you Prime, I am sure you are more intelligent than Megatron not to be blind to the destruction we are causing to our planet, Cybertron once a crown jewel in the universe is now an ugly boil on the face of life itself. Years ago civilizations looked up at us as superiors, now they look at us as barbarians fighting a war which will no doubt destroy us all at one point."
Back in the courtroom Doc agreed at the latter part of the statement by what Shockwave meant by 'barbarians'.
"So tell me robot, why you were discussing with an enemy robot?" asked Doc.
"My Name is Optimus Prime and I will explain if you'll drop your pompous racism." Said Prime and he continued his story about the Autobots journey to Earth as he once again replayed scenes in his head.
"I have no time for your history lessons Shockwave, during your message to me you said you knew a way to save Cybertron but only I was the one who could save it. Tell me how"
"Very well Optimus, I may be a loyal Decepticon but my interests are in the safety of Cybertron, apart from Megatron I don't want to see our home world obliterated in its uncontrollable descent into oblivion. If you wish to save this planet you will do us all a favor by placing your trust in me and by following." And Shockwave with his only hand gestured Optimus to follow.
Hours passed as they journeyed through the wastelands of Cybertron until they both reached a hidden entrance.
"This Entrance is known to only a few, Myself, Alpha Trion, and Primus himself."
"Alpha Trion has met you?" asked Optimus.
"Yes, he may be an Autobot but he understands my wishes for Cybertron's safety and in exchange for secrecy of the entrances to Vector Sigma, Alpha Trion has given me access to great knowledge, something which I savor more than Energon."
"Where does this tunnel lead Shockwave?"
"To the very core of Cybertron where the Spark of Primus lays in his eternal slumber inside Vector Sigma."
The two former enemy transformers climbed down the perilous shaft until…
"My Optics can barely see through this darkness." Said Optimus.
"You now learn more and more the fuller extent of our dying planet."
"Yes, Megatron's greed has changed our planet forever, no wonder you're willing to face treachery charges…"
"Prime Look out!" shouted Shockwave as he pulled Optimus away from a highly concentrated beam of Energon fire erupting from below.
"Beware these corridors, they carry many traps, traps which I know are placed so maybe its best I lead from now on." Said Shockwave.
"You saved me, you could've killed me there and then and been granted a hero in Megatron's eyes."
"You do not understand the importance of your life Prime, I need you if I am to save Cybertron, please follow me the quicker we reach the core the better." Said Shockwave as he walked forward.
Many avoided traps later they reached a huge door. It was marked with ancient Cybertronian, bizarre symbols and pictures etched its edges. Shockwave approached and his single optic glowed green as he pronounced several words, presumably a password in ancient Cybertronian, it sounded like a bunch of synthesized gobeldy-gook but it worked, the doors opened fast like.
Beyond the doors was the core of Cybertron, filled with massive electronics and Energon storage facilities, from here the Energon pools of Cybertron were formed, but these containers contained much less Energy than they were able to hold. In the center of the room and its most dominating features was the giant spherical golden orb that was Vector Sigma and standing next to it was the wise old Autobot Alpha Trion.
"Ah Shockwave I see you have brought our guest finally." Said AT.
"Yes Alpha Trion, it was difficult trying to convince Megatron on my activities but I succeeded with my excuse." Replied Shockwave.
"Alpha Trion, long time no see, if you can trust Shockwave then I no longer hold any grievances, he saved my life as well from one of the traps down here." Said Optimus.
"Yes Optimus he may be a Decepticon but he is a Cybertronian at Spark (Heart) and with his help we found a way which could save Cybertron from the brink of destruction." AT silenced himself and he nodded to Shockwave letting him know to continue.
"You Optimus carry a powerful weapon of justice and light, the Creation Matrix as you already know can give life to Transformers both ones that have died in battle and those who are ready to be born. But that is only a small feature on what it can really do."
"What do you mean Shockwave?"
"What I mean Optimus is that you are a walking, living demi-God. You don't know it but within you and that matrix you carry the life force of Primus himself, you have the power to create planets, new life forms, entire galaxies the entire universe is in your body and at your control, the only thing that is holding you back is knowledge, unfortunately Primus did not pass on most of his godly knowledge to the Matrix and for that reason alone you can never unlock the true powers that lie within the Matrix."
"So what is it you want with the Matrix?" asked Optimus.
"The Matrix Optimus is the key to saving Cybertron, the energy within that item you carry is near infinite and it can reactivate the nearly dead Energon production chambers within this core, enough energy to re-stabilize Cybertron again and save it from doom." Replied Shockwave.
"This sounds promising but I presume that there is a catch?"
"Your fears are well placed Prime, while you may be able to save Cybertron, this process will however completely drain the matrix, making it a useless jewel."
Optimus nearly jumped out his armored plating.
"Are you mad? The Matrix is the only thing that has kept the Autobot cause alive against the Decepticons with it we were able to sustain our death toll by bringing back to life the dead, but without it our casualties will mount drastically…"
"Your fears are well placed Prime and I know you will be sacrificing a powerful tool against Megatron, but what is more important, the futile war we all fight or the billions of lives you could save as well as our home planet."
Optimus fell silent at Shockwave's words, his audio receptors still ringing about the need to sacrifice the power of the Matrix, without it he would no doubt lose this war but billions would die if he didn't it was a horrible decision to make.
"Perhaps you need time to think about it." Said Alpha Trion.
"No" said Optimus "I have made a decision, I'll do it, I will sacrifice the power of the Matrix to save Cybertron, just tell me what I have to do."
"Thank you Prime." Said Shockwave.
It was explained to Optimus what he should do. Wires connected to the Matrix via Vector Sigma were plentiful, Optimus held the Matrix above his head and ushered these words in ancient Cybertronian.
"When Cybertron is almost dead and into space it will fall, from the light of Primus use the Matrix to save us all."
The Matrix split in two, it was opening, its light filled the room with an almighty luminous blue light as the spark of the Matrix floated in the air, and it was then sucked down the wires into Vector Sigma. The super computer awakened as it once again flowed with energy.
The machinery that produced Energon sprang to life as the purple liquid oozed out of the machinery, and as a result the entire planet began to shake.
"What is happening?" asked Optimus.
"Cybertron is returning to its original orbital axis." Replied AT
The planet Cybertron once again sprang to life, it glowed a beautiful gold just like the old stories of the golden age of Cybertron. The three robots marveled at the resurrection of Cybertron, but Optimus sacrificed a great item in the Autobot cause.
"The Matrix is dead, now there is no hope for the Autobot cause, with Megatron fighting us in a war of attrition he will win with all the robot production and repair facilities under his control."
"Then again Optimus maybe not." Said Shockwave.
"What do you mean Shockwave?"
"What I am about to tell you Optimus is a closely guarded secret of mine, not even Megatron knows it but there is a way for you to reactivate the Matrix."
"Really? How!" Optimus demanded to know.
"Years ago when it was only I who saw the inevitable catastrophe that was developing, I initiated a backup plan that could possibly save Cybertron from doom I called it the 'regenesis project'. Roughly one hundred thousand years ago I discovered a planet in the solar system of the universe, it currently has no name but that is where the good news lies. It is a planet just newly born, it currently has no intelligent life on it so far but its constant evolving environment could one day lead to a superior species being born from its wake."
"What do you mean Shockwave?"
"I mean this planet is still in its infancy. It has many energy reserves which until I discovered it, no one knew about. Sensing that the rich energy this planet contained could be the key to saving Cybertron I launched a series of 'seeds' a group of three rockets which would plow into the planet and touch its very core, from here the 'seeds' mined the oil, gas, lava and other energy reserves over thousands of years. Now that Cybertron is reactivated thanks to your matrix, the purpose of the seeds is no longer necessary to me, however with any luck; the amount of energy the seeds have collected over the years might be enough to reawaken the Matrix and still some left over for you and the Autobots."
Optimus was stunned by this news.
"Enough energy to reawaken the Matrix? Incredible how long will it take to get to this unnamed planet?"
"With the fastest ship no longer than four months." Replied Shockwave, Optimus stared at him with a look of uncertainty.
"Why are you telling me this Shockwave?"
"Think of it as a, thank you gift. A consolation prize for your sacrifice of the Matrix and if you don't believe me than here is the map and co-ordinates." And Shockwave opened up a sphere which displayed Ancient Earth and the location of the seeds, Optimus downloaded and backed up the map quickly.
"I should warn you Prime, this map is not up to date. With the constant shifting surface and plates within the planet, it's highly likely the seeds have shifted location from their original positions so you will have to find them yourself I'm afraid."
"To bring the Matrix back, that will be a walk in the park for me Shockwave." Replied Optimus.
Back in the courtroom, Doc the Judge was getting to grip with the story Optimus just told him.
"So this 'Matrix' thing you've shown us, you sacrificed its power to save your home world?"
"That is correct" replied Optimus.
"And this unnamed planet this Shockwave person was talking about, was it Earth I presume?"
"Affirmative, once I heard this news I immediately formed an expeditionary group and headed for this planet, the journey was short we reached here in half the time. However we were followed by the Decepticons just when we were right next to Earth, a battle raged between our ships, we were so caught up in the fighting that we failed to realize the gravitational forces of Earth pulling both our ships down, our Ship the Ark crash landed into Earth and everyone on board was almost killed, we lay there for millions of years until by chance or by fate, we were awakened again and that is the whole story of how we came to Earth."
"I see, so you've been leading a war since the dawn of time which is still raging to this very day?" asked Doc.
"That is right your honor."
"Okay now let me ask you a few questions of your activity on Earth. When did you first come into contact with Cars?" asked Doc.
"I myself didn't meet any Cars until I came to this town, however one of my men Bumblebee did. That red helicopter over there I think Amy was her name, her life was saved by Bumblebee from the grip of Menasor, the giant robot you saw on television and one of the giant robots that attacked this town."
Doc looked over at Amy.
"Very well Optimus you may return to your seat, I call Amy Copter to the stand."
Optimus didn't know if Doc was joking about the whole seat thing but he kneeled back down near his men as Amy rolled near Doc's stand of Judgment.
"Miss Copter I understand you work for the news network ANN and it was you who caught the footage of the robots who transformed?" asked Doc.
"That is correct your honor."
"So tell me did you see any of these Autobots transform?"
"No your honor, I'm not sure why but they remained as Cars when they fought the giant robot."
"What did they do to fight this monster robot?"
"Well your honor there really wasn't much they could do but they tried their best."
"And did anything happen to nearby innocents as they fought?"
"Well your honor as you may have seen on TV the giant robot grabbed me but after that the footage went off. I was being crushed to death until the cute little robot there saved my life." Said Amy hinting at Bumblebee, the Autobots near 'Bee teased him with made up kisses and whistles.
"Very well Miss Copter you may leave the stand, you there the yellow robot get up here now." Said Doc with great irritation in his voice and Bumblebee didn't like it.
"Yeah yeah I'm coming."
As Bumblebee sat himself near Doc, the Judge was quick with his interrogation.
"First off you can tell us your name."
"Bumblebee sir."
"Bumblebee?!" said Doc almost laughing at that name but 'Bee was not amused.
"Oh right err first off tell us why you saved that girl's life? You didn't know her, her life shouldn't have been that important to her yet you risked everything to save her why?"
"Well in case you forgot what Optimus already told you we're the good guys. Menasor is a cold blooded killer much like all Decepticons, he would've killed that girl not because he's programmed too, heck not even because he wanted to but the Decpeticons have such a low opinion of your race they look at you all as inferiors to insects and drones, they think you're lives are not worth living and they do you the favor of terminating your lives.
"We the Autobots however are completely opposite to the Decepticons, where they see you as inferiors, we treat all life forms with equality and wherever innocents are threatened by Decepticons, we will be there to save them that is why I saved Amy's life, not because I had to but because I wanted to. You can ask other Autobots here, many lives were saved because of them."
"He's right Mr Hudson, don't you remember the help I gave you to help the injured in your private hospital?" said Ratchet trying to play off of their old short lived friendship.
"Yeah Doc homes, this big medic guy here saved me and Mater from dying nearly." Shouted Ramone with a nod of agreement from Mater.
The whole room erupted into chatter when Doc honked his loud horn to regain order.
"Order ORDER! Order in the courtroom, thank you. Ratchet I haven't forgotten about your services to me and others and I thank you and judging by the amount of eyewitness testimonies and the Autobots willingness to help others I declare them their innocence and find that the Decepticons are the Enemies, not Optimus and his men."
There were some cheers and surprised faces, that was easy some thought but it was too easy to be true:
"However that is not the only reason I bought these robots to court!" shouted Doc, everyone turned and looked at him stunned.
"But we proved to you that we have no intention of harming Earthlings. What else is it you want from us?" asked Ironhide.
"That is the reason why." Said Doc pointing to a window showing the still wrecked town of RS.
"You still took part in the destruction of our town and I have evidence to prove that you did." Doc then inserted a tape into a player machine and behind the audience a canvas projection screen rolled down as a projector displayed video footage of the battle fought previously.
"As you can see by the video footage I am presenting to you shows that Autobots were responsible for some if not most damage to our town."
The footage was from a security camera above the town hall, it zoomed in on Autobots who threw Decepticon warriors into buildings or them landing on buildings themselves, Ironhide was shown punching a building then using a large piece of debris to throw it at Shoundwave, not to mention the almighty Omega who flattened three buildings with one foot as he lunged at Devastator.
Even Optimus was caught in the act; he was shown grabbing Starscream by the head and pounding his head into Sarge's shop repeatedly.
"That's not all ladies and gentlecars, listen to this" said Doc.
The video highlighted Sideswipe and Sunstreaker taking cover behind the building with the painting of the two cars with the title 'Radiator Springs a happy place' as Decepticon fire laced into the structure.
"We're pinned down!" said 'Swipe.
"Here let's use this!" said 'Streaker ripping the roof right off of the building.
"What are you doing, that's direct vandalism to public property." Said 'Swipe.
"Who cares it's just a dumb little primitive buidling!" replied the yellow Lambor.
"Way to go 'Streaker." Snapped Sideswipe at his brother.
"Hey I didn't know we would get arrested!" said 'Streaker pleading his innocence.
"Objection" shouted Sally.
"Yes miss Carerra what is it?" asked Doc.
"My clients were acting instinctively upon the situation at hand, they were merely defending themselves and in this country everybody has a right to defend themselves."
"That may be true Sally, but the Autobots were not defending themselves, they were acting in a skirmish in their own personal war and law states that any armed skirmish on American soil is punishable without question, you should know how it goes for gangs and drug traffickers. Which also brings me to another point I'd like to raise, if you'll see here you can see Mater, badly injured obviously as a result of being caught in the firing line, therefore innocents were also in danger during the skirmish."
Doc's Obsession of proving the Autobots guilty made him blind to the fact that Mater wasn't hurt by the hands of the Autobots, however their war did result in the injuries of Ramone, McQueen and Mater.
"That is a lie" shouted Sally "Mater was not harmed by the Autobots and he can tell you too." Sally looked at Mater expecting him to say something.
"Well go on then Mater tell Doc it wasn't the Autobots fault." She said.
"Sorry Miss Sally, I can't remember a thing previous to that. Last thing I remember was waking up being all beat up and that." The Constructicons had bashed Mater so badly the poor thing couldn't even remember what happened five minutes before.
"But…Mater." Said Sally when she was interuppted by Doc.
"The witness' point is invalid Sally, he doesn't remember anything therefore he cannot prove anything, unless anyone else can prove that Mater wasn't harmed by either Autobot and Decepticon please speak now." The only reply Doc got was utter silence.
"I thought so" he gloated "But just one last thing before I rest my case, Optimus Prime, as leader I am trusting you to make the decision for the rest of your men, how do you plead to the charges, Guilty or Not Guilty?"
There was ranting and arguing among transformers and cars. Doc again honked his horn to regain order but to no avail, the people were still rioting with their tongues when Optimus finally gained their attention.
"ENOUGH!" he shouted, his commanding voice immediately gained everyone's attention.
"I have made my decision…." Said Optimus but Sally intervened and whispered.
"Just plead not guilty big guy, I can turn the tables around on the accusations if I get the chance…" but Optimus cut her off with the waving of his hand.
"There won't be any need Miss Sally, I thank you for your help and the help of the others but I have made my decision." He said and then he turned back to Doc.
"I plead guilty to the charges." Those few words activated a massive roar of surprise from the crowd. The Autobots were especially stunned.
"I plead guilty because I am afraid the point Doctor Hudson has made are completely true. Many races have been affected by our war, hundreds and thousands have perished in our battles with the Decepticons, entire cities have been razed and yesterday was no different. I cannot sit back and deny that because of us, cars have been harmed and the homes of these fine people have been demolished, we as much as the Decepticons are responsible. I therefore accept complete responsibility for my men's actions for what they have done to your town." Said Optimus looking at Sunstreaker especially on that last part of his statement.
Doc was surprised but happy he won the court case, thankfully Optimus' words touched him slightly, for a big superior robot being, his willingness to accept his responsibilities for the damage and to accept punishment for the wrong-doings of his men as leaders should do, Doc felt that these robots may not be so bad after all, but they still had to be punished for wrecking the town so Doc thought up a suitable punishment that would benefit the town greatly.
"Due to the defendant's plea of Guilty I hereby deem this case closed, I sentence Optimus Prime and his Autobots to rebuild the town they destroyed and to five months community service in Radiator Springs, doing odd jobs for the town's store keepers and maintaining the town, I also prohibit them from making contact with the rest of the outside world during that time, court dismissed!" and Doc's words ran coldly into the audio receptors of Optimus.
"You mean we're prisoners inside this town, never to leave it?" he asked Doc.
"Well yes, it is something like that but at least you're not behind bars so be thankful for that." Replied Doc.
"Now wait just a darn second!" shouted Ironhide "Why are you doing this Prime? You're as innocent as a baby, you don't have to take the fall for what the Decepticreeps did!"
"No Ironhide, I have made my decision, despite what you and the others may think we at least owe these people a favor for the damage done today."
"A favor yes, but not punishment, we shouldn't be treated like criminals." Said Jazz.
Once again the room erupted into bickering until Hot Rod finally quelled the rows.
"Quiet everyone quiet! Apart from Optimus I agree with my fellow Autobots that this court case is nothing but a complete farce, for crying out loud the plaintiff was also the Judge and Jury, this has got to be the most bias thing I have ever seen and you call this a court of law?" mocked Hot Rod.
"Watch your mouth sunny or I'll double your sentence." Replied Doc.
"I'm not looking to have my sentence doubled, I'm looking to reverse the decision."
"Sorry Kid, that was the sentence, now quiet down before I get annoyed."
"All I'm saying is that I want the decision reversed and to do so I am willing to do anything to do just that." Hot Rod thought for a second, then said:
"From what I understand from your culture, the most popular sport here is racing, as Cybertron's champion racer I put forth a racing challenge. If we lose 'which won't happen" said Hot Rod under his breath "then we will fulfill our sentence but if we win then the decision gets reversed and we walk away free."
Doc looked at Hot Rod with great fuming anger.
"That is the most stu…" Doc was going to say stupid but McQueen bumped in.
"…Pendous idea Hot Rod, one lap to settle it all and I as we agreed will be your opponent." Said Stickers, Hot Rod looked happy, his chance with Earth's best finally came.
"Its on McQueenski!" he said gleefully.
"What are you doing rookie?" Doc Said to Stickers.
"Relax Doc I know what I'm doing. Hey Hot Rod I guess seeming as you're from space and all how about I select the track, I know all the best places on Earth." Asked McQueen.
"Sure no problem that's ok with me." Replied the Autobot youngster.
"Okay how does Willy's Butte sound to you?" said Lightning with a wink to Doc.
"Oh brother, looks like the kid finally learned something" said Doc with a smile.
"Willy's Butte it is!" said Hot Rod with a smile.
"What do you think you're doing Kid, you should never allow your enemy to select the battleground he wants you to fight him on." Said the war experienced Ironhide.
"Relax old timer, I looked up how fast Earth cars can go and their fastest is like slow cruising speeds for us Cybertron cars. I have this race in the bag." Gloated Hot Rod.
"I dunno kid, I don't like the look of those two, they're plotting something." Replied Ironhide looking at Doc and Lightning nervously.
"What are you doing kid, I thought you were friends with those robots." Asked Doc.
"They are Doc, but between you and me we could use the extra hand in rebuilding the town, trust me I got this whole thing covered, I've been practicing that turn at Willy's Butte plentiful and if these Autobots can go as fast as they say they can…well you know what happens next."
"Haha yeah kid you and me both, now go show 'em!" said Doc.
"Hot Rod, that really wasn't necessary what you did, but I'd like to thank you for sticking your neck out for me like that." Said Optimus.
"Don't worry Prime, I have this race already won, that McQueen will be just starting when I reach the finish line and its only one lap, I'll finish in astro seconds!"
"Well Hot Rod, don't count the Earthlings out yet, they may be full of surprises. Just remember win or lose, your comrades will not think any less of you whatsoever." Said Optimus.
"Yeah Hot Rod you have our support all the way." Said Sideswipe.
"Yeah Show these Earthlings that Cybertronians are better, I don't want to be ruining my paint job by shifting rocks and running errands for these bozos for five months." Said 'Streaker.
Hot Rod walked up to Doc and McQueen.
"Well your honor is it a deal? We race to determine the outcome of the court's decision?" he asked.
"Certainly" replied Doc.
"Then it's official McQueen, in roughly one hour we'll race one lap at Willy's Butte, may the best robot…I mean car win!" mocked Hot Rod and he walked away to prepare for the race.
"Oh Don't worry Snot Rod you'll find yourself 'turning' to last place before you even know it!."
( Not to be confused with the DRH character, McQueen said that as a teasing statement to Hot Rod's name)
Sorry if the court battle wasn't too exciting, I didn't want to be spending any more than one chapter in the court room I want to get to the big part of the story as quick as I can but don't worry as you all voted the Autobots will still have some time to discover some activities around Radiator Springs and making more friends.
As for the next chapter, this is it. Cybertron vs Earth in a one lap race to determine the fate of the Autobots freedom, Lightning McQueen vs Hot Rod. As you may already know Cybertronian cars are much faster than Earth ones, but McQueen seems to have a trick right up his sleeve, a trick he learnt the hard way during his first visit to RS ;) (hint, hint.)