"Alright it's late so let's start" Rodimus sighed, this meeting was very early in the morning and everyone was tired. No one wanted to be here. Not for Cyclonus. And not for the trial just to wake up early. Technically you could usually never tell when it was dark or day. The only difference was the dimness of lighting. And right now the dimness was very dark.

Prowl stood up slowly. He winced at his injuries as they felt like they were breaking again. "The subject of today is one no one would rather talk about"

"Cyclonus" Rodimus yawned. "None Of us agree with his decisions so why are we discussing this?"

"There are two Cyclonus your honor, one the original, the other a clone that was meant to replace him" Prowl explained as he presented the offlined clone. "Where is the original?" Rodimus grew suddenly interested. "In a stasis cell ready for either release, or disposal"

There was a shift in the crowed. They were no longer tired. But they were interested. "Under what law is this action of replacement legal?" Rodimus asked as he stepped down from his chair to take a closer look at the clone. It looked exactly like the original. But it had different optics. "Under section 3-E, code 5" Prowl continued. "Former decepticons shall be treated as friends if not trusted and has committed a crime the decepticon is to be taken and replaced until further judgment"

"And these are the new rules?"

"Correct"

"So, we have a choice here" Rodimus sighed. "And I think I speak for everyone when I say we just replace the guy, it would be better for the community anyway" There was a murmur Of agreement.

"Your honor if I may interrupt" Sideswipe stood. "What gives us the right to choose their death? We aren't gods and we certainly won't get approval from Primus"

"It's all necessary to keep this parent safe" Rodimus replied as his voice grew stern. "Religion aside it's best if we chose to replace Cyclonus" Sideswipe walked to the front. "Your honor I understand that and trust me everyone knows I'd rather kill him with my own servos." Everyone nodded. "But to choose to kill him? Yes he killed our brothers in battle and yes he has committed a crime of underaged fragging but replacing decepticons will start putting more and more mistrust among our kind, it could start a revolt and lead to another war"

"It could create anarchy" Prowl agreed. "Well What do you suggest we do?" Rodimus crosses his arms as he sat at his chair again. "I don't have suggestions but I believe we think of a plan B before we dive head first into deep end" Sideswipe took his seat again. "The letter here is not just for the future of a family but for the future of millions" he said lastly.

Rodimus nodded. "I see your concerns and I agree, but we cannot let Cyclonus free everyone knows that, it's our duty to explore our world without a weapon at ready-" "your honor he was not suggesting freedom to a criminal" Prowl interrupted. "I believe he was suggesting a life sentence without replacement"

Rodimus looked to Sideswipe questionably. Sideswipe only nodded in response. "Well that leaves the clone" all eyes turned to the stasis pod. "We cannot Jill it and we cannot auction it off to the highest bidder"

"That would be pure slavery" Prowl sighed. He was hoping that could just kill it and forget Cyclonus ever existed. "I'll take him in until you can decide a plan" Whirl chuckled. He was joking, but it was hard to tell when he was joking. "Great idea" Rodimus smiled as officers took the stasis pod outside. "The clone will be under Whirl's custody until further notice"

The small hammer once more hit it's resting place and the court was dismissed. "Tomorrow we'll cover your accusation Prowl" Rodimus chuckled.

Prowl simply nodded and left.

Nothing else was said.