Trial and Error: Eggman vs. Jonas

"More like pissed off," Jonas said. He had discarded his usual mechnic's jumpsuit for a slightly ragged looking suit. Though in truth he was a little nervous, thinking about what could happen if Eggman really won this travesty. May stood off a little behind him, her expression unreadble, if only because she couldn't make expressions.

Metal Sonic trailed along behind the doctor, his meticulously well polished armor gleaming flawlessly in the room's light. He stood there silently, looking rather intimidating as the doctor spoke with the opposition. Casually he eyed them over.

And that was when they locked onto the metallic pink figure behind Jonas. One of his eyes flickered in simulation of an eye twitch, widening with a mixture of emotion - none of which were good. As Eggman left to sit down he remained behind, gawking with sheer surprise. Finally one of his arms shot out and he pointed at the object of his interest.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!"

Wright shook Eggman's hand, though mostly out of courtesy, and remained silent as the doctor left to take a seat. A 300 IQ really is something to be worried about... Sometimes I wonder if my IQ even has 3 digits in it.

The phoenix cleared his throat. "Genius or not, the law is the law," Wright announced, apparently to nobody in particular. "Clever sweet-talking has no place in a courtroom. I'm sure when this is all finished, one truth will prevail!"

Eggman glanced up from his book as Metal shouted, narrowing his eyes with an unamused look at the Metal Amy. "Is this some kind of mockery?" he muttered under his breath, turning his attention back to the book.

"You really shouldn't encourage him," Wright said lowly to Jonas.

"Hey!" Eggman stood up, shouting. "How dare you?! Implying that Metal does nothing but commit acts of terrorism! I should add slander to the char-" and then he heard the news reporter's words. Running to the door and sticking his head out, he shouted, "I'M NOT A TERRORIST! I'm a revolutionary! Hey!! Listen to me!"

"Save it for the courtroom, Ivo," Wright said as he again adjusted his tie.

Amidst all of the bickering of those present in the courtroom lobby, a voice could be heard booming from the chambers of the courtroom itself...

"I am ready to see to the case of one Dr. Eggman v. Jonas Lans. All who are involved with the case at hand, please take the appropriate seating within the courtroom. Make haste! We are almost running behind!"

Time to fry some eggs. Or hunt some squirrels. You know, whichever won.

Metal just rolled his eyes into his head when the judge made his announcement, trailing along behind Eggman, shooting dirty glares at Jonas and May the entire time.

Wright took his place behind the defendant's table, his face as firm and unmoving as his beak. "The defense is ready, your honor!"

Then, turning to Jonas, he gave the squirrel a subtle smile. "Don't worry, we should be out of here in no time. His best evidence is just a set of photographs, and it can't be proved from those photos that you acted first. It'll be his word against yours."

"You mean, why would I, the illustrious and brilliant Dr. Eggman, bother to spend my precious time on something like this, while I could be putting my intelligence to some greater goal?" Eggman leaned forward, slamming his desk. "Simple, Your Honor. Because I am the victim!"

After some murmuring from the spectators, Eggman continued speaking. "The culprit, Jonas Lans, invaded my private property, along with his partner E-123 Omega, and Shadow the Hedgehog, who has failed to appear in this case. Their intent was nothing less than to cause damage to my property, and even attempt murder on myself! As evidence, I have filed, as you can see, witness testimony, photographs, video evidence, and actual damaged materials from the scene of the crime!"

"As you are well-aware, I am sure, it is not unusual for me to be involved in scuffles which cause damage to my materials, so I'm sure you're wondering why this case in particular is any different. The reason? Also simple!" Eggman slammed his desk again. "Because this attack was entirely unprovoked! Sonic the Hedgehog may stand in my way if he disagrees with my plans, but this Jonas had absolutely no justification for his attack." Eggman shrugged. "Not that it matters in any LEGAL context of course, but I just thought you would be curious as to my reasons for filing charges this time."

Looking back up at the judge, he continued. "I expect this to be a fairly open and shut case, and I do not wish to waste my time or yours, Your Honor," he said with a dignified bow. "The prosecution calls the defendant, Jonas Lans, to the stand."

Glancing across the courtroom, Eggman smirked. "Don't think you can turn this trial around just because you're a phoenix, Wright."

Eggman shrugged, shaking his head. "Mr. Wright, I think you should pay more attention to the Court Record. All procedures were followed, to the letter. Surely, it's not the prosecution's fault if the defense isn't thorough in their research."

Eggman leaned forward, a smirk crossing his face. "Besides which, I find it rather... revealing that the defense is reaching to get evidence deemed inadmissable... before the trial even begins outright, at that!"

Murmuring began to fill the courtroom.

The phoenix smirked victoriously to himself, casting a smug glance in Eggman's direction. He didn't say a word of retort; he knew he didn't need to.

Turning quickly to Jonas, Wright gave an assuring nod. "Well, that's one hurdle jumped!"

The judge simply looked back at Eggman with his beady little eyes, in a most determined stare. "If you are that confident in the remaining evidence that you possess, Mr. Eggman, then please, let us continue the trial so that you may show us this 'conclusive evidence'..." He cleared his throat, and leaned forward slightly in his seat, his hands clasped together and set on top of his desk. "Enlighten us. We're all listening, Mr. Eggman."