Elias has just announced that Fiona Fox's trial has begun Via Video chat at backroom of the Floterna city Police Station. The room was filled with anticipation and suspense, however Sally couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Fiona, even though she knew how much she had hurt her and the other freedom fighters by Joining Scourge and the Destructix.
Sally: *Thinking* It seems there's something different about Fiona, ever since I saved her from drowning she isn't acting like her usual cocky self. Usually she would try to come up with some snarky remark or get violent. She didn't even try to pull any sneak attacks on us when she surrendered. Although I can't put my finger on it, there's something different about her.
Elias: Allright Let us begin!
At this point he got out a gavel and brought in the members of the council to join him, consisting of Rotor, Sir Charles, Rosemary Prower, Penelope, and Hamlin. They all arrived and took their seats while Sally and her group took their seats.
Clyde: I do these video court sessions a lot, so I'm usually the bailiff here. ALL RISE! COURT IS NOW IN SESSION!
Hershey: do you have to shout like that?
Larry: Yeah, go easy on the eardrums will ya?
Everyone rose from their seats
Chief Kowalski: Good job clyde, but no need to shout like that.
Clyde: Sorry Sir!
Elias: Please be seated!
Everyone took their seats for Fiona's trial was starting, the anticipation was stronger then ever for there was no telling what Fiona's fate will be.
Elias: Fiona Fox, you've been charged with theft, vandalism, and treason. How do you plea?
Sally took moment to observe Fiona who was looking with a depressed look on her face, She tried to get her attention but Fiona just ignored her.
Clyde: Excuse me, but the King has asked you how do you plea?
Fiona: *muttered* guilty...
Clyde: Come again?
Fiona: *muttered* I said guilty...
Chief Kowalski: Please speak up so everyone can hear you!
Fiona: GUILTY!
Larry: Wow! She shouts louder than you!
Clyde: No Kidding!
Elias: Order! Order! If you shout like that again, I will hold you in contempt! Now then Sally, when did you last see Fiona?
Sally: It was yesterday right here in town, she was causing trouble so I chased after her. Larry helped me but she escaped afterwards. And earlier today we saw her right when we exited the post office, she ran up to this area called the Hydro Stream. She attacked us while we were there but then she fell right into the river. I was able to rescue her, but strangely enough she surrendered without pulling any fast ones afterwards.
Clyde: *Whispering to Larry* by surrendering that easily, Fiona would be lucky if they gave her a light sentence.
Larry: Yeah...
Elias: I see...Now, Fiona, As I understand it you allied yourself with one Scourge the hedgehog and later joined the infamous group, the Destructix, am I right?
Fiona: Yes...but I have split up with the group so I'm my own now...
Elias: I see...
No one could really blame Elias for his skepticism, for they knew Fiona can be pretty crafty, but still hearing the news about how she decided to leave the group and Scourge was news to everyone even though Sally and her friends knew about it when Fiona told them earlier.
Fiona: But I don't know where Scourge and the group are now.
Larry: It's true, Your highness, when we encountered her at the stream, She was all by herself with no one else.
Hamlin: Excuse me if I can intrerupt for a moment!
Clyde: Oh, Geeze! Not him!
Sally: You know Hamlin?
Clyde: He's always been one of the more cynical ones.
Sally: I know how he can be...do continue.
Hamlin: Thank you! given the information that the Destructix was nowhere to be found by the stream, how can we be certain that this wasn't a trick. These mercenaries are Conniving as well as destructive.
Hershey: As much as I hate to admit it, he does raise a good point. We were all caught up in that battle we didn't see if there was anyone else around at the time.
Sally: So was it possible that she was bluffing?
Larry: As possible as it may be, during the time Fiona attacked us, Erma and I were up in the trees.
Erma: That's true! after Larry saved my life, we took a look around from above and saw no one else there.
Sir Charles: That's very good observation, and you say she didn't put up a fight after saving her from drowning?
Sally: That's right, at first I thought maybe she was going to have us fall into a false sense of security but it seems that it wasn't the case. it's like there's a whole new vibe to her.
Rotor: Are you feeling okay, Sal?
Rosemary: Excuse me, I also have one thing to say to Fiona here
Elias: Go on ahead!
Larry: *Whispers to Sally* who's she?
Sally: *Whispers to Larry* That's Rosemary Prower, Tails mother. Apparently she caught wind of what happened between Fiona and Tails at the time she joined Scourge, but I will explain that to you later.
Rosemary: I'm going to sum this in the best way possible...HOW COULD'VE YOU TREATED MY SON THIS WAY!?
Larry: Woah! I think we all know who the winner of the loudest voice is!
Clyde: No Kidding!
Rosemary: He has shown you nothing but kindness, and how did you repay him!? By Turning your back on him and the rest of the Freedom Fighters! And for what!? Just so you can gain Power! And add insult to injury, you had the audacity to Slap him!
Erma: Oh my!
Sally: Sonic told me about that, Tails was really devastated that day.
Sally took a moment to observe Fiona. She couldn't tell if she was listening or if she was just trying to tune her out.
Rosemary: And to Top it all off! Your actions almost caused the friendship between Sonic and Tails to fall apart! *Tears began to form* If it was up to me, I would see to it that you would be thrown in the deepest darkest dungeon in all of Mobius for eternity!
Elias: Alright Rosemary, That's enough!
Rosemary: *Sheds a tear* I'm sorry.
Larry: You must really care about your Son...
Rosemary: Believe me, I do with all my heart.
Penelope: You really went all in back there, Rosemary!
Clyde: That's the maternal instinct for you.
Rosemary: I'm sorry for my outburst, your majesty.
Elias: Quite alright...now then before I decide on a sentence, does anyone have anything to say.
At this point Clyde whispered something into Chief Kowalski's ear, Sally and friends observed this with curiosity, wondering what they are whispering about. After Clyde was done, the Chief turned his attention to the Screen.
Chief Kowalski: Excuse me, Your majesty! If I may, I do have a suggestion.
Elias: Very well, I'm listening!
Chief Kowalski: I understand your concern about Miss Fiona here with all the crimes she's done in the past, but I do have a solution. You see in this town we believe in giving people second chances. What I'm saying is, this town has a rehabilitation facility can help troubled people like her, and turn her into an outstanding citizen of society.
Rosemary: Sorry to sound so critical but how can a clinic help someone like her?
Elias: Let him speak!
Chief Kowalski: Thank you, and to answer that question, It's a three month program that provides all sorts of therapy and other activities that is run by the best doctors on Mobius. It has done many wonders for our community, and even people even more troubled then Miss Fiona here has managed to succeed, and I have confidence that she can succeed too.
Sally: There's a rehab center here?
Larry: Oh yes! It has done a lot to help, A lot of people who have gone there has achieved excellent results!
Elias: A rehab center huh? Now that you mention it, I remember Mother mentioning something about making a donation to a place like that.
Chief Kowalski: Oh yes, we had recently received a donation of 3,000 Mobiums from a Queen Alicia Acorn a few weeks ago!
Sally: *Thinking* I never knew Mom knew about this town, It was nice of her to make such a generous donation. I will have to talk to her about this.
At this point, Elias and the council had huddled into a group to discuss what the Chief had told him, while Sally and her friends looked over with anticipation.
Erma: This does sound interesting
Hershey: The only question is, will Fiona be able to go through with this?
Sally Couldn't help but wonder as well, It seems that whenever Fiona trusted someone, she always gets betrayed in the end. It has happened to her so many times, it gave Fiona the impression that Mobius was a cruel planet out to get her. After Elias and the Council were done discussing, he turned their attention back to the screen.
Elias: Fiona, after much discussion we find you guilty.
Fiona: Why does that not surprise me?
Elias: However, I'm willing to make you a proposition.
Fiona: *Skeptical* go on.
Elias: I will recommend you to the Rehab center in Floterna city for the 3 month program, and If you complete this program, I will offer you immunity for your crimes.
This sent the whole room into a shock,
Larry: *Whispers to Erma* This is surprisingly generous
Erma: *Whispers to Larry* You're telling me!
Hershey: *Whispers to Larry* Fiona would have be a complete fool to pass that up!
Even Sally couldn't help but be skeptical about this, however she knew her brother wouldn't be capable of turning on Fiona with a promise like that.
Fiona: And if I were to decline?
Elias: Then you may consider yourself permanently exiled from New Mobotropolis without any use of warp rings, and you'll be sent on a deserted island where you won't cause any more harm.
Clyde: *Whispers to Larry* That's kind of harsh don't you think?
Larry: *Whispers to Clyde* Well he is the king after all, so who are we to question his authority?
Clyde: *Whispers to Larry* Good Point!
Elias: So what's it going to be?
Fiona took a moment to think. She always believed that no matter what she did, she would be burned in the end. But then Fiona remembered how Sally saved her from drowning at the hydro stream. Sally and the group was looking over with a great feeling of nervousness. After a while Fiona was ready to make her decision.
Fiona: Fine...you win...I will join that program.
everyone in the room felt very relieved, especially Sally. Even though Fiona had given her and the Freedom Fighters a hard time in the past since her betrayal, the thought of her taking a rehab program might be able to do some good.
Chief Kowalski: You're making a good choice, young lady. You won't regret it!
Elias: Good choice, now let's put this to a vote. All in favor of Fiona joining the program raise their hand.
And Much to his surprise, Hamlin and Rosemary joined in with the other three.
Elias: Rosemary and Hamlin, you two decided to join in?
Rosemary: Yes, even though I won't forgive that Fiona for what she did to my son, I'm quite curious to see how far this will go. If she completes this program, I might change my mind...and I emphasize "Might."
Hamlin: I too am curious! Even though she'll probably fail!
Clyde: The nerve! We will show you wrong!
Larry: Easy there, buddy!
Elias: So it's settled! Fiona will take the 3 month rehab course. And until she completes it, she will be placed under town arrest and will be not be allowed to return to New Mobotropolis.
Chief Kowalski: Rest assured we have the very thing for that. We have this ankle brace that can emit an electric shock whenever someone who is under town arrest tries to leave town, and it also makes it so the person who wears this brace can't use any warp rings. Clyde, lift one of her legs so we put this on her.
Clyde: Right away sir! *Clyde tries to grab one of Fiona's Leg with Larry and Erma joining in to help*
Fiona: What are you doing!? Stop!
Chief Kowalski was able to put on the leg brace on Fiona's right leg, and then locks it with a key to ensure that it stays there until Fiona completes the program.
Chief Kowalski: Just to give you an idea, I will press this button.
At that moment when the Chief pressed the button Fiona felt an electric shock.
Fiona: Hey! That really hurt, you practically made my hair and Fur stand out!
Clyde: Well that's to be expected when you get shocked!
Larry: I will set up an appointment for you right away Fiona, but I do need to point out that the center doesn't have any rooms, so you're going to have to find a place to stay.
Hershey: How about she stays with Sally?
Sally: Me?
Erma: Yeah it seems to me and to the rest of us that you know her more then we do, plus you do have a caring side.
Sally: Yeah, but still I don't know if it's a good idea-
Clyde: Then why don't we put that to a vote?
Elias: *Chuckles* Very well, all in favor of Fiona being under Sally's Care?
At that moment the council raised their hands while Larry, Erma, Hershey, Nicole, Clyde, and Chief Kowalski raised their hands.
Clyde: Heh! So far it's unanimous!
Elias: It's settled, I place Fiona under your care Sally!
Sally: Alright, I will have her stay with me.
Larry: Good news, I was able to set up the appointment for Fiona! She will start first thing Saturday Morning.
Hershey: I'm certainly glad that's taken care off!
Elias: I couldn't agree more! Court is adjourned! *Hits the gavel on the table*
Rotor: By the way, Congratulations on the Teaching Job Sally!
Sir Charles: I know you'll do us proud!
Sally: Thank you, I will do my best!
And with that the screen cuts to black.
Sally: Thank you for your help, Chief!
Chief Kowalski: All in a day's work, you all have a good day now.
And so the group exited out of the police station.
Erma: That reminds me, Since I'm going to be here for a while, I'm going to need find someplace to stay.
Hershey: I do have an apartment not to far from here, but I have a lot of stuff it may be a bit to crowded.
Sally: I recently bought one too. I live in Apartment 1B.
Hershey: No kidding! I live in 1A! That's just across the hall, I can drop in and visit you if that's okay.
Sally: Of course it's okay! Erma, you can stay at mine if you want.
Erma: Well apartments aren't really for me, they can be pretty noisy which can be very difficult for my training.
Nicole: Then why don't stay with Emily? she is your niece after all.
Erma: Well me and my sister don't exactly get along well, so I don't want to put any of that stress on Emily.
Larry: I know, maybe you can stay at my place for a bit. I only live a few blocks from where Emily lives so she can come visit you whenever she wants. Plus my house does have a spare guest room you can use, it's quiet, it's got plenty of space, a swimming pool outback, plus an indoor air conditioning to help keep you cool during those hot days.
Erma: You do that for me? well, this is mighty generous of you...you know what, I will take you up on that offer.
Larry: Excellent, I will lead the way. I guess I will see you guys later.
Sally: Goodbye Larry!
Hershey: You've been a great help!
Larry: I'm always happy to help. And Fiona, I wish you the best of luck in the program.
Fiona: Yeah yeah...are we done here?
Sally: Don't be rude!
Larry: I wouldn't worry about that too much, a lot of people tend to feel that way when they start the program but rest assured it has helped a lot of people. She'll learn in good time.
Fiona: Whatever...
Erma: Well, we will see you later, and Sally thank you for helping Emily.
Sally You're welcome, Erma! I know she will be a great Freedom Fighter!
And so Larry left with Erma while Hershey, Sally, Nicole, and Fiona went back to the apartments, and by the time they got there the sun has started to set. they all headed inside.
Hershey: I will see you girls in the morning!
Sally: Same to you, Hersh! I'm really happy to see you again!
Hershey: *Hugs Sally* Right back at ya, Sal! And Nicole, it was nice meeting you in person!
Nicole: *Hugs Hershey* Indeed, it was nice meeting you as well!
Hershey: And Fiona...I wish you the best of luck
Fiona: Thanks...I guess...
and so they went to their respective apartment with Sally unloading her stuff onto the table. After she was done she took Fiona to the hallway to open one of the doors.
Sally: Okay, Fiona! This is where you'll be sleeping, it's not much but I hope you'll be able to adjust.
Fiona: Well it's a bit quaint, but I suppose it will do.
And so Fiona headed over to the bed and started laying down.
Sally: Goodnight Fiona...Well she's asleep, and on that note, I'm going to need some rest as well. Especially after the day we had.
Sally headed to her bedroom with Nicole reverting back to her handheld form.
Sally: Do you think we're doing the right thing for Fiona here, Nicole?
Nicole: It seems that this facility has hold a strong reputation for the citizens of Florterna.
Sally: yeah but still, do you think someone like Fiona is capable of rehabilitation?
Nicole: Only time will tell, Sally!
Sally: You're right, it's too early to tell, well I got a big day at the university tomorrow so I gotta get plenty of rest. Good night
Nicole: Goodnight, Sally
And So Sally drifted off to sleep so she can be well rested for what lies ahead at Freedom University the next day.
TO BE CONTINUED