(no subject)

*They're exhausted and filthy when the judge calls...Zero is to appear before him /now/...they won't have time to clean up...*

*Frag . . . well, TC at least makes sure he has fuel in him before cuffing him again and driving the transport back to the precinct. Also...LONG before this - actually back before Twin even first came into the bullpen - TC had Warp relay everything to Sun about possibly scraping together what they could on the hopes of buying Zero, and having them talk to Laser and, frag for the Pit of it, even Highrise . . . he's adept at burying his anxiety as he brings Zero to the judge, bowing as he does so*

Zero: *He...hides his anxiety well.  He steps in behind TC and goes to his knees before folding submission before the judge.*

Judge: *looks up and studies the two* You're both a mess.  What happened, Captain?

TC: We've been out helping at the bomb site, Your Honor.

Judge: *the edge leaves his voice* I see.  You're work is appreciated. I have reviewed your file, Subzero, and I have taken into consideration the word Chief Inspector Turboslide has put in on you behalf.  Do you have anything to add, Captain Thundercracker?

TC: Yes, sir, at the risk of repeating the chief inspector since I don't know what all he has said. The detainee has been in my custody since the night before last, the day of the incident. In all of that time, he has been nothing but respectful and complacent, accepting his position and the authority of all appropriate people around him. And before that, at the time of the incident, an eyewitness attests that he attempted to stop the culprit once he realized what was happening, that he had apparently not known before then and therefore had not been party to the impending crime. When the culprit finally decided to go through with his plan and took action to do so, the detainee acted to shield the witness from the blast, aiming to save his life if possible. Once the blast was over, the detainee not only dug himself out but drew the witness with him, again intending to save his life if possible. Once free of the rubble, he stated to me that he found himself on the far side of the rubble, where the witness, injured and unconscious, would not likely be found in time to survive if left there. Forgoing what others would consider the perfect opportunity to flee for freedom without risk of a hunt, the detainee instead turned toward base camp carrying the witness, walking back into the scraplets' nest as it were, to make sure the witness got the medical attention he needed. Even when faced with approach by a police officer and the likelihood of being beaten on accusation of having harmed the witness himself, the detainee made no move to defend himself, only surrendered the witness for medical attention. *a pause, then dares to say (as is his right as an officer, if not as a slave)* Your Honor, in light of the detainee's actions, his bearing, and his concern for another over his own many times over, I humbly request that judgment be favorable for the detainee. *bows as he says it*

Judge: ...In light of his history, I’m afraid there isn’t much I can do.  However, if you know someone willing and able to take him in, then I can at least allow that, otherwise he will go to market for (amount). *It’s...less than Turbo was figuring!  Still a lot, but definitely doable.

*And Sun /has/ said he’ll definitely do whatever needed to take Zero...he deserves a good home...*