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The court session was held inside a big airplane hangar. Sir Topham Hatt
was led it by two policemen. The controller was sporting a bright orange jumpsuit with the words 'Sodor Correctional Facility' written on the back. The man took a seat at a table, as the judge approached
a bench. The hangar was silent.
"The court is now in session" said the Bailiff, "The defendant, Sir Topham Hatt of Sodor railway
vs. the Island of Sodor Plaintiff you may proceed."
A short man in a tan suit stood up and straigtened his tie.
"Ladies
and Gentlemen of the jury; Sodor Railways has been in operation for well over 50 years now. However, as you will see
today, through testimonials, financial reports, and other documentations will show you evidence that Mr. Hatt here is responsible
for a great deal of money stolen from the railway's bank account. This is what we are set out to do today, here, in this room."
The
man took his seat.
Papers were brought out, showing all of the funding used to run the railroad. 34% of the funds had been
used to assemble and ship over unessential and redundant amounts of railway engines, and vehicles. Another 5% had been used
for oil, coal, and fuel products. 54% of the funds, alone, were used for maintenance, repairs, and salvage/rescues. The question
was, where was the other 7% of the money going?
Thomas the tank engine was the first witness. He recalled having had many
accidents in the past. In fact, arriving to the hangar Thomas slipped on a randomly placed patch of oil, and without the use
of physics, careened through the parking lot, destroying a paddywagon, a mailvan, and the judge's personal car. The judge
was not pleased.
Thomas has no recollection of where the other 7% of the money went, and that the Fat Controller had been
really kind to his engines, despite always blaming them for accidents, and telling them meaningless information about what
he was doing with his wife, he did reward them with bright and yet, dull coats of paint.
The next witness to be called
forth was Daisy, the diesel railcar that had replaced Thomas during an accident he once had. Daisy, apparently, had not been
available to contact. The next few witnesses; Boco, Duke, and Sir Handel all were unable to attend the court session. The
rumors of Sir Topham scrapping the engines because "they knew too much" seemed to lessen its margin of disbelief.
Pretty
soon some citizens of the island were called forward. These citizens all lived by certain stations, but a lot of
the stations were removed, or remodeled, tearing down their homes, leaving them with no place to stay. One of the witnesses
attempted to choke the controller and had to be escorted out by the bailiff.
The judge rapped his mallet upon his desk
and called for a 20-minute recess. Outside the hangar, Sir Topham Hatt and his attorney scolded some nearby engines for their
negating testimonials. The court resumed and the judge approached his desk.
"It has come to my attention," he said, "That
most of this court case against Sir Topham Hatt is built up against the grounds of personal injury at work. State your case,
defendant."
Sir Topham whispered something to his lawyer, whom nodded in agreement. The skinny man got up, holding a shiny
top hat by the brim. "My client, Mr. Topham Hatt," he went on, "Holds a record that on his railway there has only been one
accident that brought about injury. Aside from that, with all past accidents, the records show that no one had been hurt."
The
judge placed his hand against his chin. "Then it appears that we have no case. Court adjourned," and he wrapped his mallet.
Sir
Topham and his lawyer hugged. The hardest part of the case was over. Tomorrow's meeting in court about Rusty's reversed liposuction,
followed by Harvey's harassment case all seemed like cake walks to this one.
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