The Elders transformed what was once Staten Island into their tribunal quarters, the seven circled a bench holding Antag, Protag, Le-Thario, KVXIV and Hugh Mann, all held in glowing green plasma chains.
ELDER #7
The Quarum calls Hugh Mann to the stand!
Hugh wobbled to the podium.
HUGH
If you forgive me I might be slow in speech, I haven’t eaten anything in quite awhile.
ELDER #6
YOU WILL SPEAK WHEN SPOKEN TOO!
The plasma chain ignited, stinging Hugh Man, he gripped the sides of the podium to keep from collapsing.
ELDER #7
Doctor Hugh Mann, you stand accused of consorting with the killers of the human race. How do you plead?
HUGH MANN
Not…guilty.
ELDER #5
You were married to one of the accused were you not?
HUGH MANN
I was.
ELDER #6
Going as far to spawn an abomination?
HUGH MANN
My son…is not an abomination!
Another surge of plasma energy rang up Hugh Mann’s spine.
ELDER #6
Facts only, no opinions!
HUGH MANN
I wish to counter, with a representative remark.
ELDER #1
You may.
HUGH MANN
The council of Elders were formed by the ancient civilization that pre-dates recorded history correct?
ELDERS
Correct?
HUGH MANN
Formed from the Earth to shepherd whoever controlled it correct?
ELDERS
Correct.
HUGH MANN
Then where were you when the humans created the atom bomb, when the polluted the water and air, when eco systems collapsed and the earth heated up in every direction?
ELDER #1
Question is irrelevant the Quorum is not on trial.
HUGH MANN
You’re all hypocrites, sleeping when the world needed you only to emerge long after your relevance.
ELDER #6
THE QUORUM IS NOT ON TRIAL!
HUGH MANN
THIS ISN’T A TRIAL IT’S A JOKE!
This plasma shock was heavier than any before it, leaving Hugh’s body smoking all over including his mouth adding intensity to the anger and insufferable pain to his words.
HUGH MAN
Neither I…the Archy’s, or their parents are to blame for your invented crimes. You are computers with out dated programming!
ELDERS
ORDER, ORDER!!!
HUGH MANN
This planet you failed to protect thrives on, the Archy’s have saved it countless times from other robots, from mutants, Neander-Squashes and even themselves!
ELDER #7
This does not excuse the slaughter of the entire human race.
HUGH MANN
The human race thrives on, in the centaurs-
ELDER #4
Abominations.
HUGH MANN
Doctor Victoria Viscus.
ELDER #3
The coward who refuses to stand trial beside you.
HUGH MANN
Doctor Viscos and myself have countless frozen embryos ready to repopulate the globe, you are delaying the rebirth of the human race.
ELDER #2
This Quorum seeks justice, not concessions.
Hugh Mann swayed away from the podium with his head low.
ELDER #1
The Quoroum calls Le-Thario Archy.
Le-Thario stood up strutting to the podium.
LE-THARIO
How long is this gonna be? I got bowling championships tonight.
A massive does of plasma energy shocked Le-Thario and had him smoking from inside out.
LE-THARIO
AHHH YEAH! Thank you very much! I’ve been four years sober so I’ll take the hits however I can get em’.
Or-I-On’s metal tentacles morphed into their massive metallic falcon wings, he flew next to his grandfather as they soared the skies of Ultra City heading into the Central Park Forest.
OR-I-ON
Something has occurred to me grandfather?
PAT-REE
I’m listening.
OR-I-ON
If there is a chance the Elders know about these power sources then shutting them down may prove disastrous to our captured family?
PAT-REE
Way to bring this up so close to the endgame.
OR-I-ON
We need Lu-Na.
PAT-REE
You think you can get her to help!?
OR-I-ON
I have to try.
PAT-REE
Then be quick about it, I’ll set off the charges.
Or-I-On pushed his wings forward into a sharp glide backwards; Pat-Ree sped downward towards the ominous spiraling chasm of bark below.
The Drewniverse 44 