Debates of DOOM

Chapter 1: Obb prepares for a trial

  "...In Spork's Superior Law Office, we strive to serve the Empire, by defending the innocent ones from imminent doom - underline that heavily - in our own ways...no, better take that out. It sounds a little unprofessional, wouldn't you say?" asked Spork.

  "Well sir, if you don't think about it, then no," said Obb, his hands hovered above the keyboard.

  Spork scratched his chin, shook his head, then scratch his chin again.

  "We need to be careful of our words, my dear assistant. Remember, we are not the only lawyers in the entire galaxy...Ah well, stop at 'doom'."

  Obb nodded. He looked Spork, who is pacing around the room in circles; Circles like the dots on Obb's PAK implanted on his back. His PAK was recently re-encoded during his promotion. It was when the new law was announce: All Irkens have the right for an attorney. No one asks any questions of this sudden rule, it was a blessing that now that Irkens can get professionals to defend for their lives. Before, any Irken can be put down without a word. If they can get someone to argue their worthy of living, why not?

  But they need lawyers. Obb was one of the few to be picked to become a defense attorney. He was then assigned to train under Chief Defense Attorney Spork.

  "Your first trial is in this evening, right?"

  Obb's antennas perked up.

  "Whuh?"

  "Your first trial?" Spork repeated.

  "Yes sir. I've been in a few practice trials so I'm ready for the real thing," Obb answered. "I also read and made notes on the case report and memorized them-"

  "So you're saying that you are confident?" Spork said, crossing his thin arms, bending his back down to Obb's short height.

  "Ye-Yeah. Absolutely. Without a doubt, sir," stammered Obb.

  Spork lifts a finger in the air. That's how you know he's saying something important: 

  "The biggest balloon pops the loudest."

  Obb doesn't know what that means, however, he knows how to nod his head. Spork seems to fall for it. They done this many times and they both seem satisfactory with the other's reaction.

  "Let's get back to work," Spork said. "Read me the last thing I dictate."

  Obb cleared his throat: "...In Spork's Superior Law Office, we strive to serve the Empire, by defending the innocent ones from imminent doom - with eleven underlines."

  "Make it twelve."

  "Yes sir."

  Suddenly, the holographic device rang. The two's antennas shot up.

  "It must be our client," Spork guessed. "Here. Put this on. I was given your measurements, hopefully they fit. If not, you have to lose or gain weight or height."

  Quickly, Obb put on a purple robe - the formal attire of an Irken attorney. The robe hugged his body and the sleeves slid down his green-skinned arms.

Obb felt important. As he looked into the mirror on the wall, a defense attorney was smiling back.

As he was dressed, Spork was talking to a holographic image of their client.

"Yes...yes...no...of course...See you there." The call ended as the image was absorbed back into the device. Spork turned to Obb.

"Our client is worried," he spoke.

Obb raised his brow. He was expecting "Looking Good!" or "Are you nervous?" or "I know you might be hungry so I packed doughnuts in your lunchbox".

"They want to see us before the trial," Spork continued. He reached into his pocket and tossed a coin. Obb catches it. Upon closer look, the coin is actually a badge; It has the Irken insignia in the middle and petals around its sides like a flower.

"Put me on your right collar," it whispered. So Obb did. He felt more important than ever.

"Come on then, assistant," said Spork, heading towards the door, with Obb following behind him, "and bring the briefcase along."