I do not own Cars or any of its characters, just the OC
READING ENJOYMENT ONLY
Rated M for language and sex.
Two weeks later, Lightning and Doc were still not talking to one another. Lightning won his next race without any injuries, and left the track directly after the race to spend two days in Radiator Springs with Sally. A few months later, Lightning was tied with Doc's record of most season wins. Once again, when Mack lowered the ramp to Lightning's trailer, Lightning rolled down it revving his engine. 'Showtime' he thought. Lightning sank down on his front left tire. "Ka Chow!" he exclaimed. The crowd erupted around him. Lightning grinned and drove down the ramp, surrounded by the media. "Lightning!" called one reporter. "Do you think you'll break The Fabulous Hudson Hornet's record for most season wins today?" Lightning shrugged. "There's no way to know," he said. "But I think the odds are in my favor." Lightning and Doc were still not talking other than during a race. Lightning wanted to break Doc's record badly to prove he was the better racecar. No more questions please Lightning said to the reporters. He drove into the restricted area and saw Sally talking to Doc. Neither car looked happy. When Sally drove up to Lightning, he kissed her briefly. "Hey" he said happily surprised. "I didn't know you were coming today" "I can't see you anymore," Sally said, tears streaming down her hood. She sobbed and sped away, leaving Lightning in the middle of the parking lot with a shocked expression on his face.
"All racecars, make your way to the track!" the loudspeaker called. Lightning sped up to Doc. "You told her to dump me!" he raged "Get on the fucking track," Doc said gruffly. He turned and got on his crew chief stand, he saw Lightning just standing there. "NOW" Lightning got on the track and lined up in his assigned spot. He felt tears gather in his windshield, but he desperately tried to shake it off; he needed to concentrate on the race. "Lightning" he heard Sapphire say "Are you ok?" He turned to see her looking directly at him. "Yeah, it's nothing" he said. "It doesn't look like nothing to me" Sapphire said, she knew that Lightning and Doc were not talking to each other. It was not that uncommon for racecars and crew chiefs to have grievances with each other. She knew all to well how a strained relationship between a racecar and their crew chief could be disastrous. Her wreck last season was caused by not talking to her crew chief during a race. "If you want to talk about it after the race, you know where my pit is." "Thanks, Sapphire, I'll think about it" Lightning said. Two hundred laps later, Lightning was in tenth place. There were fifty laps left in the race, but his mind was else where. "Get your fucking hood in the race!" Doc raged over Lightning's intercom. Out of anger, frustration, and feeling that he needed to break Doc's record, Lightning sped past nine cars and ended up behind Chick.
Lightning stayed there until there were five laps left in the race. He then floored his engine attempting to pass Chick on the outside. There was an incredibly narrow space between Chick and the wall that Lightning thought he could fit through. "Kid, don't do it!" Doc exclaimed. "I don't listen to your advice anymore," Lightning said coldly. He sped up and entered the space between Chick and the wall. Doc knew this was not going to end well. He closed his eyes and waited for the enviable outcome. "No you don't, McQueen! This fucking race belongs to me!" Chick exclaimed. He slammed up against Lightning, knocking him against the wall. All the paint was stripped from Lightning's side. His front left tire blew out causing Lightning to roll three times. Once he quit rolling, Lightning attempted to get back onto his tires, but Hollister, a fellow racecar came out of nowhere, smashing into his under side. The collision catapulted Lightning into the air, and he landed heavily on his other side. Lighting heard shattering of glass and was in extreme pain. Before he could react, Lightning was hit by two more racecars each one going over one hundred miles per hour. Then one last car hit Lightning hood on and everything went black.
Doc watched in horror as Lightning rolled three times then being hit again and again by racecars. He just tore off out along pit lane and around the track, instinctively knowing it would be the fastest way to get to him. Doc slowed when he reached Lightning. "Lightning, Kid talk to me" Doc said. There was no response from Lightning. Doc tried to keep from panicking as he watched Lightning lay on the ground, giving out short, ragged breaths. Doc pulled out his stethoscope and monitored Lightning's vials. There was little else he could do until the ambulance got there. As the medics began to arrive, Doc quickly looked around the infield; he could not see his engine lying out in the field, which would have been a sure sign of death. He looked along Lightning's side, with a chill; he realized Lightning's frame was bent, meaning that he had internal injuries. The medics were arriving now, Doc allowed them to provide the medical care that Lightning needed. One of the medics tried to prevent Doc from monitoring Lightning's vials. "I'm sorry sir," the medic said, "You can't come any closer right now." "I'm his doctor," Doc replied with a determined calm, "And his crew chief." The medic obediently moved aside. As medics were getting Lightning onto a mobile lift. Doc could see they knew what they were doing, and tried to help any way he could.
The medics were attaching diagnostic cords to Lightning. Doc could now hear a steady beeping. "Sir, we need to get him to the hospital," a medic beside Doc informed him. He is critical, but stable enough for transport. "I'll follow you to the hospital" he said. Doc now saw the rest of their crew, gathering around beyond the cordon of security cars. Doc drove over to them "Lightning survived the wreck; we're off to the hospital. Take care of things here, and then join us as soon as you can. I'll call Mack on his truck phone if anything changes." Doc said. As Lightning's battered form was placed in an ambulance for transport, the entire stadium remained silent. Due to the severity of Lightning's wreck, the racing officials had stopped the race, ordered all the other racecars to return to their pit era. Doc took this in as he briefly looked around, realizing how much every car around them cared about Lightning. A surprising cheer went up from the assembled crowd as the ambulance drove past the grandstand.
As they traveled to the hospital, everything was a blur to Doc, except Lightning in the ambulance in front of him. The medical center had been informed that Lightning was on his way. They had a full medical team standing by. As they arrived at the hospital, Lightning was rushed on a mobile lift, and into surgery. Reporters and camera vans immediately surrounded Doc before he could enter the hospital "Okay, everyone!" he said loudly. "I will give you a brief statement now, telling you what I know. Later I will have a follow-up press conference as soon as we know more about Lightning's condition" The press quieted down as they gathered around Doc. "Thank you," Doc gave a quick press conference. "I never thought this would happen to Lightning, no matter what, I am not giving up on him. Lightning and I will return. Thank you." Doc said. The press then respectfully parted in silence, allowing Doc to enter the hospital. One car spoke up as Doc passed by. "Doc," Sofia Cruiser a reporter and long time friend of Doc. Sofia said, "If there's anything I can personally do for you, let me know." "Sofia, thank you" briefly stopping and turning towards the dark green Mercedes sports car Doc knew very well. "Please see if you can get the press to work together. I can't organize them, and take care of Lightning." Doc said, "Do you want me to quit my job and become your press agent?" Sofia offered. "I couldn't ask you to do that," Doc replied gratefully. "This is just a brief crisis, you have a career still, and we couldn't keep you busy for very long." "No matter what," Sofia replied, "You have a friend in me." "I know. Thank you, Sofia," Doc said as they briefly nudged before parting. Doc then entered the hospital.
"Doc Hudson! We need to talk" Lightning's doctor said. "I'm Doctor Jack Pantera, Lightning's attending physician. "Would you come with me to my office?" "Not before I see my friend" Doc calmly responded. "That will not be possible, Lightning is in surgery right now" Dr. Pantera said. "The surgeon said that it would be a few hours before they are done with the operation." "Then I'll wait to see him" Doc said. Dr. Pantera got a staffer to escort Doc to the surgical waiting room. Three very long hours later: "Doc" Dr. Pantera said "They have just taken Lightning to his room, if you would follow me." He led Doc to the intensive care ward. "Even you're a doctor, I must warn you" Dr. Pantera said "Lightning is in very bad shape and you might not like what you see." Doc just nodded in understanding. Dr. Pantera waited outside as Doc entered the room where Lightning had been brought. A web of tubes and electronic cords surrounded Lightning. His roof and windshield were hidden by bandaging. Doc could hear gentle beeping of one of the monitors. Doc could tell by the rhythmic beeping that Lightning's vials were weak, but regular. Summoning his strength Doc drove up to Lightning. "Hey Kiddo, how are you doing" Doc said stroking one of Lightning's finders. Tears came to Doc's eyes, "I know that the doctors will want to take you off life support. I don't want to do that. I have faith in you Kid. I believe that together, we can bring you back. It'll be hard, you may want to give up at times, but I know that we can do it. So what do you say?" Lightning suddenly took a single deep breath on his respirator. "Thanks, kiddo," Doc warmly said to Lightning. "I'll take that as a yes. Well, I don't know how long they'll keep you here," he continued, "I'll get you back to Radiator Springs soon as possible. Hey, at least you're finally going to get the time off at home that you've been wanting. Now, if you'll excuse me" Doc said, straightening himself up and he rolled out of the room.
Doc didn't have to go looking for Dr. Pantera. The intensive care doctor was waiting for him right outside Lightning's room. Dr. Pantera had ushered Doc over to his office. They entered the plush office and Dr. Pantera closed the door behind them. "Doctor Hudson, I'll get right to the point. As you've seen Lightning has stabilized, but his condition remains very critical and his prospects of returning to a normal life are not good at this point. Ordinarily, cars in his condition would be taken off life support" "No!" Doc responded. "I knew you'd say that" Dr. Pantera said. "Bringing Lightning back to any decent quality of life will be very difficult, if it's possible at all. We have already had to replace his engine because it was crushed, and it was dieing. The engine that we put in is a just a normal engine and I don't know if Lightning's body will accept it, his systems are used to a racing engine. At some point in the next few months he'll have to have a racing engine put in, or he might not survive. On top of that he's suffered internal injures, been blinded, has a crushed right axle, there's extensive damage to his aluminum skin, a severe concussion, and we're not sure how damaged his brain is. Lightning's in a coma right now, and we're not sure when he'll wake up, if ever. He may not remember you, his life, anything. Even if he overcomes all of that, there will likely be a long period of therapy and rehabilitation. We will care for him here, for as long as you wish. But it may be best to consider letting Lightning go, and end any suffering he may be in, even now." "Thank you, Doctor Pantera," Doc said evenly. "I can appreciate your position, and your need to maintain objectivity. I understand the situation that you are in and how the odds are stacked, but I'm not willing to give up on him. Once Lightning wakes up, I will be taking him home and give him the one on one care he'll need. If you'd prefer not to continue caring for him here, I'm sure I can arrange for his transport home, and for him to be cared for there, for no matter how long it takes." "That of course is your decision, Doctor Hudson" Dr. Pantera replied. "We can certainly perform the necessary reconstructive surgeries, but you know that not much can be done until Lightning emerges from the coma. It's just too risky." "I understand," Doc responded. "Let's allow him to rest for tonight. I'll talk with you again tomorrow morning." "Thank you, Doc Hudson" Doctor Pantera said. "Don't worry; we will do our best for Lightning"
Doc proceeded to cross the lobby from the hospital's administrative offices back towards
the intensive care wing where Lightning was. Sofia was there to meet him. "You ready to rethink my offer?" Sofia asked. "Actually, I have," Doc responded, taking a breath. "I think that I will need your help. "Good" Sofia replied. "I've talked with my boss. He agreed that I have three weeks of vacation coming and I'm taking it, now. I'm yours for whatever you need me to do." "Thank you, Sofia," Doc replied gratefully. "You know, you don't have to do this." "Yes, Old Friend, actually I do, and you can't talk me out of it" Sofia responded, Doc could only smile with a tear of gratitude in his eye. "I just have to cover your press statement," Sofia continued, "Then I'm all yours. Shall we go out and make the press statement you promised?" Doc was surrounded by not only the press gathered outside the hospital, but by a throng of well-wishers and fans. A collection of flowers and mementos was also growing on the hospital's plaza. Doc rolled up to a cluster of microphones, Sapphire came up beside him. "The racing community would like to make a statement as well, if you wouldn't mind" she said to Doc. "Of course" Doc gratefully acknowledged "Do you want to go first?" "No," Sapphire replied, "I think we all want to hear how Lightning's doing first." Doc nodded and motored up to the microphones. "Thank you all for coming" he began. "I want to just briefly inform you that Lightning has stabilized and seems to be resting comfortably. He's in a coma; we don't know when he'll wake up." A soft gasp arose from the crowd. "I want to thank all of you on behalf of both Lightning and the Radiator Springs Racing Team," Doc continued, "For the concern all of you have expressed, and for your tremendous show of support. This is frankly the beginning of an uncertain phase for Lightning. We intend if possible to return to the track. Thank you, that's all I have to say for now."
Sapphire allowed Doc to step back as she stepped forward. "We in the racing community would just like to say that we're here for Lightning, Doc and their whole racing team" Sapphire continued. "In their two years with us, they have changed the face of racing, and showed us all what being real champions are like, on and off the track. We are not going to forget them, or allow them to be forgotten in their hour of need. So Doc, we just want you to know that we've got your back here, and you can count on us. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask!" A cheer arose among the assembled crowd around them. Doc was surrounded by not only their racing team, but also a number of other racing teams. "Thank you, Sapphire," Doc said into the microphones "All questions now, are going to be handed by our Press Agent, Sofia Cruiser. Any questions are to be submitted to her. Again thank you everybody" Doc headed back to Lightning's room.
Doc and Sofia, returned to lightning's room, where there was no change in his condition. Doc picked up his phone and called Sally. "I need to be there Doc," Sally demanded. "Sally, the hospital won't let you see him, only family is allowed. I promise I will call a few times every day and keep you informed" Doc said. He could her Sally crying on the other end. "Ok" Sally sobbed and hung up the phone. The medical staff had given up on trying to get Doc out of the room at the end of visiting hours. The hospital had a mat and some blankets brought in for Doc to sleep on. They encouraged him to talk to Lightning… call his name, anything that might encourage him to wake up. They even suggested playing his favorite music around him, or let the television run on Lightning's favorite TV shows. Doc grabbed a blanket and settled down next to Lightning for the night. Sofia said she would be back in the morning. To Doc's surprise, he was asleep with in moments of settling down.
The next morning: Doc woke up with a satisfying yawn and then he checked on Lightning. His condition had not changed at all overnight and he seemed to be comfortable at the moment. Doc sighed as he started to let the weight of what happened settle over him. Sofia arrived and made a morning report. "Anything else," Doc said once Sofia was done with her report. "Mr. Tex Dinoco asked me to tell you that he's prepared to do whatever's necessary to get Lightning home and settled when he's is well enough for travel. Also the team didn't want to disturb you, but wants to know if they can visit. Do you want them to go home or stick around?" "Unfortunately only family is permitted on this ward," Doc replied. "So we might as well tell the team to go home. I'll meet again with the doctor here shortly, and I'll talk to them later. Take care of the other details, would you?" "Ok, Doc, I'll take care of them," Sofia assured. "You want any breakfast?" I suppose I'd better have some," Doc admitted with a sigh. During the day Doc continued his vigil at Lightning's bedside. Late in the afternoon, Doc found he was getting tired "It's probably a good idea to rest with you." Doc laid down his mat and allowed himself to finally relax, and let sleep overtake him, as the monitor emitted a soft, steady, almost hypnotic beep.
Later that evening: "Doc, wake up" he heard a voice say. "Lightning" Doc called out gently in his sleep. "No, Doc it's me, Sofia," the voice repeated. "What? Oh, Sofia," Doc said, now opening his eyes. "I hate to wake you but I just have a few press statements for you look over. If you approve them, I will release them to the press. I also have your dinner tray. Then I'm going back to the hotel for the night." Sofia reported "I've booked you a room as well. You need your rest as well and don't even think about arguing with me Doc," Doc let out with a small chuckle and said. "I know that when you use that tone of voice, it is pointless in trying to get you to change your mind about something. I promise I'll look over the press statements and then we'll head to the hotel" Doc looked over the press releases and approved them. Doc tried to talk to Lightning again "So how you doing, Rookie?" Doc said turning to him. There was no response from Lightning. Doc paused now, trying to fight off tears and despair, "Lightning needs to wake up, So that I can take care of him." Doc said, "Maybe the smell of good food will do something for Lightning, entice him to work a little bit harder to wake up. You said that he's always hungry." Sofia said as she set Doc's dinner tray down in front of him. "Thanks Sofia, your right, Lightning is always 'starving'. There are some days he eats enough to feed a small army. I have no idea where he puts it all" Doc said gratefully as he leaned against her. "Anytime old friend" She said. Soon Doc found himself being revitalized with the food Sofia had brought. Doc even found his sense of humor returning. "Rookie, trust me," Doc said to him. "You really shouldn't be missing out on this good stuff. Even for hospital food, it tastes a lot better than that I.V. fluid, you're hooked up to." After spending a quiet evening with Lightning, Doc realized it was time to go to the hotel. Doc and Sofia were confronted the waiting press as they passed out of the hospital lobby. "I'll take care of the reporters," Sofia offered. "No," Doc responded as he moved towards them. "I'll say a few words, Ladies and gentle cars," Doc addressed them. "I'm afraid I have no news at the moment. Lightning's condition remains unchanged." He and Sofia headed to the hotel.