Transformers Until one

Chapter Two - Part Five

[The Trial of Sentinel Prime – Day Three]

Three sharp strikes of the gavel echoed through the courtroom. Starscream announced, "Today marks the third day of this inquiry. The prosecution may begin its questioning."

Attorney Lesher stood, giving a brief nod to Optimus before turning back to the court.
"Before we proceed with today's topics, I'd like to revisit the matter of the defense witness, Swindle. How did you come to possess information regarding the Dark Energon trade between Sentinel and the Quintessons? Were you employed by Sentinel?"

Shockwave had anticipated that the prosecution would attempt to exploit any weak points, and merely turned to Swindle, who stood to testify.
"I know many of you must doubt me—and you'd be right to. I did work for Sentinel. I was a broker in some of his dealings, and yes, I was involved in illegal trade."

Lesher pressed, "Illegal trade, you say?"

Swindle nodded. "Just some minor illegal weapons sales. But... that's not what this court is here to decide. I obtained the audio files through hacking Sentinel's system.

At that point, I was already growing sick of working for him. And once he found out, my fellow Combaticons and I were thrown in prison on charges of treason."

Lesher turned his attention back to Optimus. "I believe the death of Sentinel Prime was no ordinary murder. I propose it was an assassination. According to the testimony of Optimus Prime, the victim's left arm was blown off, and he was shot in the abdomen, bleeding to death. Such wounds indicate a long-range ambush. And more importantly—not by a single shooter, but at least two. Does the defense dispute this?"

Shockwave turned his gaze slowly. "Your Honor, I request permission to submit the autopsy report as evidence."

Starscream gave a nod. "Permission granted. Submit the evidence."

The display screen showed Sentinel's body after his assassination by Megatron—mangled beyond recognition. Medical examiners Flatline and Ratchet took the stand.

Flatline began, "After the autopsy, we found the body too damaged to confirm the location of any bullet wounds. Furthermore, no bullet fragments were found inside the body."

Lesher interjected, "But surely, at the crime scene, there would be some bullets left behind. Your Honor, I request testimony from the investigation unit."

Justslide pulled up the report from Chief Investigator Prowl.
"Upon inspecting the scene—both the stage area and the hall behind—we discovered a long trail of blood. Forensics confirmed that it belonged to Sentinel.

The blood trail led directly to the site of the skirmish, and was scattered throughout the area. We did find bullets there."

The prosecution looked pleased—until Prowl continued,
"But the bullets we recovered were not from a sniper rifle. They were fired from a handgun."

Shockwave seized the opportunity.
"Not sniper bullets, you say? And during the incident, only Optimus and Megatron were present at the scene, correct?" He turned to Optimus.
"I ask the witness—Optimus Prime—were the bullets found at the scene yours?"

Optimus couldn't deny it. He only nodded slowly. "Yes... those were my handgun rounds. I fired in self-defense."

Shockwave continued drawing the thread.
"Chief Investigator, may I ask—was there any Dark Energon found in Sentinel Prime's bloodstream?"

Prowl glanced down at the document and exhaled. "Yes. And a large amount, at that."

The entire court gasped. A wave of whispers surged across the room. Some turned toward Optimus with disbelief, others jumped from their seats in shock. Starscream pounded the gavel furiously to restore order.

"Everyone remain calm! This court is not yet adjourned. If the disorder continues, I will suspend today's proceedings immediately!"

Gradually, the room returned to silence. The whispering faded as all eyes turned to the judge's bench. Starscream scanned the courtroom grimly, then nodded.

"The inquiry will proceed."

A soldier from the prosecution rose, his voice echoing with urgency.
"If there was Dark Energon in Sentinel Prime's bloodstream... does that mean he himself was being controlled by the Quintessons?"

Knock Out took the floor, seizing the moment to explain.
"Allow me to clarify the effects of Dark Energon. Inside Sentinel's body, we discovered a large shard of Dark Energon embedded within.

It acted as a central psychic conduit between Sentinel and any subjects who had ingested Dark Energon.

When someone is exposed to the substance, their nervous system and signals are linked directly to this control node—in this case, Sentinel. Those affected will tend to obey him subconsciously.

The more Dark Energon present in their system, the stronger the level of control."

As Optimus finished speaking, silence settled over the courtroom—only for it to explode again into uproar.

Cries of disbelief erupted from every direction. Some stood to protest, others debated the implications among themselves. Even the jury began exchanging concerned whispers.

Starscream struck his gavel again and again—but this time, he failed to bring the room under control. A flicker of hesitation passed through his optics—then, he made a final decision.

"This court cannot proceed under such chaos. I hereby suspend today's hearing!"

The final strike of the gavel rang out, silencing the room for a moment. Officials immediately began to move, guiding key figures out of the courtroom as the scene turned to containment and damage control.