Farewell Peter

Your Honour, I REQUEST THE FINAL FIRING - Peter

Farewell Peter is the 9th Episode of Rise Of Starscream, it marks both the final Appearance of Peter (though his Ghost Appears in the Short Remembrance) and the First appearances of Both Lawrence Douglas and Billy.

## Plot

Edward, Diesel, Adam and Peter at Brendam, where Adam is certain that the next Energon Battle won't start in Europe, but in Asia, because of Korea. Edward explains to Diesel about the history of Korea, and now it's divided; The North is communist while the South isn't, which proves Adam's point. Edward, convinced that is the case, decides he won't be fighting in it, as well as Adam and Peter. Suddenly, Joey, Eliza and Lenny arrive for official business and an arrest warrant for war crimes. Adam is certain they have come for him as Joey relays the charges: Violation of the Geneva Convention, destruction of vital civilian infrastructure, deliberate targeting and mass murder of non-combatants and tell the engine to uncouple at once and come with the police, which is Peter, much to the shock of Edward, Diesel and Adam.

That evening, Edward tells Thomas, Henry, Gordon and Douglas about what had happened. Everyone is confused and outraged about it. Henry wonders if Joey has going crazy, while both Gordon and Douglas agree that the idea of Peter committing a war crime is ridiculous. Edward mentions he doesn't know where Peter is since they took him away without saying where they were taking him. Edward also points out there are now laws that can punish non-faceless vehicles for war crimes introduced from the Geneva Convention; as well as mentioning that it could've been Adam's actions were why they decided to apply the laws for engines. Douglas then wonders when Peter could've done this war crime or had the opportunity to do so, as there was hardly a moment where the Platoon's members weren't apart from each other in Europe or Africa. Throughout the discussion, Thomas had been unusually quiet. Edward notices and asks the blue tank engine if he knows something. Thomas tries to pass it off as being worried about Peter. But under Edward's stern questioning, Thomas reluctantly admits he might know the time frame in which Peter committed the crime: A few days after Lily was killed, Thomas had been instructed to assemble a goods train for delivery to an American regiment, which Peter did and he didn't return until the following morning, and he was very upset. Thomas recalls asking him what was wrong but Peter didn't want to talk about it. He believed he was still sad about Lily. Henry points out the one thing they're overlooking: If there wasn't sufficient evidence of a war crime, such a charge wouldn't have been brought up against Peter in the first place. Gordon is now convinced of Peter's guilt, while Douglas decides to put his faith in Peter and the judicial system and refuses to believe he did a war crime until he hears otherwise. However, both Henry and Edward have their doubts.

We then get a flashback to Western Germany in 2016. Peter has arrived at the American regiment and meets up with Porter and Clocker. Peter is surprised since he didn't expect to see a non-faceless engine and they introduce themselves to each other. Peter remarks "There's something oddly satisfying about revenge." Presently, a soldier informs Peter that they need his help because a company of marines had launched an attack on an occupied village an hour earlier and they need artillery support, and Peter is to go to the observation post to direct the attack and to take a big gun with him. Soon, Peter is ready to fire, but the lieutenant informs him they lost contact with the marines. A Jeep arrives with a Corporal who explains to the Lieutenant that the Germans have garrisoned the town hospital, which has civilians inside. The Lieutenant decides to establish a perimeter around the hospital and wait, and informs Peter that they can't move any further until they take the town, which is crucial if to move on Berlin. Both Peter and his driver are frustrated by the Nazis' decision. Enraged, Peter impulsively and recklessly goes ahead and fires the artillery shell into the hospital.

During a Subplot in the Episode, Excellion was having a fight with Thundercracker and looses, but Bumblebee Insures him to Never give up and keep doing ti, He is fighting for more to keep fighting well and finally gets it right and goes after Thundercracker

The screen fades to black, to reveal Peter alone in police custody in Barrow. Sir Topham Hatt arrives with Andrew Hodges who will be his defense attorney. Peter is about to ask if it was he who leaked Sir Topham Hatt's plans for BR to the press, but he sternly hushes Peter. Hodges reveals that he had worked for the legal department at the DoT and before, he served in the navy as a criminal attorney. Sir Topham leaves and wishes Peter the best of luck. Hodges assures the 8F that he had nothing to do with the incident and doesn't know who was responsible. He also tells him as in order for them to work together, they will have to trust each another. Peter decides to trust him, since he really doesn't have any other choices. Hodges then gets down to business explaining that the charges against Peter are quite severe; If Peter is found guilty, it could be life in prison or execution, which is only the worst case scenario and they're far from there. Hodges tells Peter they can be able to dismiss the charges against him, but not to get his hopes up. Hodges tells him he has lengthily reviewed the Geneva Conventions and that there are some technicalities they can exploit to dismiss at least two of the charges. The charge of killing the civilians in the hospital will be the most difficult to refute, revealing that there are 19 counts linked to the charge. Hodges also says the prosecution has lined up several survivors as witnesses and he has read their dispositions, which are very damaging. If Peter is to plead guilty, he could get up to 20 years in Rail Gate; He and Peter agree to fight the charges, as a soldier, Peter deserves his day in court. Peter decides to fight the charges, since he didn't survive the battlefield just to give up in a courtroom. Hodges and Peter then go over the evidence against him.

Fortunately, Peter and Hodges had plenty of time to prepare their defense as it took weeks for every arrangement to be made. As this trial was to be a world-first, many details had to be organised beforehand. The trial's location was picked to be Barrow, in an unused siding next to the station. Around this area, barricades and platforms were built to accommodate the public, attorneys and international panel of judges who would preside over the case. Unfortunately, none of the engines on Sodor could attend, even though their friend was going through such a hardship, they still had a railway to run. However, this trial was going to be broadcast via radio. When the broadcast started on September 11, the Sodor engines tried their best to listen in at yards and stations, which was all that the engines could do.

Gustav takes the stand as prosecutor, and Hodges as Peter's defense for the trial: The United Nations v. Peter of the United Kingdom. The judge calls the trial to order, and before Gustav makes his statement. Peter pleads as not guilty and Hodges moves to dismiss the charge of destruction of vital civilian infrastructure, as he finds that proceedings are redundant. Hodges cites the fact that the German army occupied the hospital and turned it into a military target, stating that the Geneva convention makes this prone to the pitfalls of battle. The judges deliberate, and with no evidence to refute this fact, the charge is dropped. Hodges then tries to dismiss the entire case against Peter, but the prosecution objects and he fails to get the other charges dropped, due to the fact that civilian casualties were incurred. Gustav then presents his arguments as Hodges goes over to Peter. He apologises to Peter, but he's relieved since it softened the blow and now more confident since they have a chance.

Later, Dr. Eichmann, a doctor at the hospital, makes his testimony. He recalls that he was a part of a small staff that remained with the patients who couldn't be moved and on that day, the soldiers told them that they were going to take over the entire building for defensive purposes and that they were to evacuate. Most did, but the patients who couldn't be moved were taken down to the basement. That night, the Americans attacked and nineteen people were killed. Hodges then asks Eichmann if he was aware of the Germans storing weapons and munitions on the grounds of the hospital several days prior, and the doctor knows he was aware, but uneasy with the dangerous material close to his hospital and patients. He tried to object but it was no good. He also objected when the Germans set up sandbags around the hospital though they were there to protect them. Next is another testimony by Mrs. Fischer, a patient whose son was killed in the blast. Mrs. Fischer's testimony cuts deep as she explains how her husband had been taken away by the SS for protesting the treatment of the Jews, and expresses how she sees no difference between them, and Peter who caused her son's death.

That night, Peter remarks how bad it was hearing Mrs. Fischer's testimony and didn't think it would cut so deep and remarks that Mrs. Fischer's testimony and how she sees him as being no different than the SS. Hodges assures him that there is a difference: he feels shame for killing the civilians, and Hodges reminds him to say so when he is on the stand. Peter is skeptical over Hodges' strategy, in the fear that it would make him sound like a war criminal. Hodges tells Peter they've already been over it and explains that they must address his actions on their terms, otherwise they will have no control over the line of questioning and if Hodges doesn't ask the difficult questions, the prosecution will and they won't have any control over anything. Hodges tells Peter they will rehearse his testimony tomorrow night after Mr. Zorro has given his. Peter also objects to using his former director as a witness as he is still sick from cancer and thinks Hodges is exploiting him, but Hodges assures him that Mr. Zorro is aware that they're using his condition to benefit their case and reminds him that he approached them to give testimony. Peter still feels uncomfortable about it. Hodges replies it means he has a conscience, which they will highlight it in his testimony the day after tomorrow.

The next day, Mr. Zorro gives his statement at the court. He confesses to his shady character during the days of the Big Four and that he was so devoted to thwarting the competition that it made him numerous stupid things as well as his influence corrupting some of his engines and that Peter always stayed above this and never stooped to his level. He also denies thinking that Peter was capable of a war crime, but as a soldier, he can understand the impulse, after what he went through in World War I. With no redirect, the court recesses until 9 A.M. the next morning. The court clears out and Mr. Zorro walks away without saying a word to Peter, but gives him a knowing smile. The 8F then asks Hodges why the prosecution didn't ask him any questions. Hodges explains that since he owned up to his wrongful past, it robbed them of the chance to do so. Peter wonders if that will happen to him tomorrow, and Hodges assures him it might, advising him to be confident, but not overly so.

The next morning, it is Peter's turn to take the stand. Hodges asks him directly if he fired a shell at Eisenmar hospital, and Peter admits he did, because he was angry because the Germans were using the hospital as a military target, using it to shoot off Britain's allies, and that after everything they had done they had the audacity to use sick people as human shields. However, he admits he was also angry at the Germans for the deaths of Colin and Lily; The former being destroyed in the Blitz, and the latter was blown up by an unexplored shell to sacrifice herself for Henry. He admits he wanted revenge and to make the enemy suffer, and now realises that would've been the exact same thing they would've done. He also cites the horrors of Bulbrick as further motivation for his decision, stating that their only wrongdoing was not fitting the Nazi's "perverted image for humanity". When asked why he fired upon the hospital while giving little regard for the welfare of the people inside, Peter cannot say, only that he wanted to take it back as soon as he fired, and is very regretful over what he did.

Gustav now takes the stand, confirming that Peter had fired on the hospital and killed the civilians. He then asks him who Adam is. Hodges objects but is overruled by the judge, stating that Peter needs to introduce his platoon. Gustav's questioning gets more intense, with him asking about Adam and that after they were transferred to rear guard, with Adam drowning the POWs. Sensing Peter's growing discomfort, Hodges objects but to no avail. Gustav continues questioning with Mr. Zorro instructing his engines to kill innocent people, the latter of which Peter firmly denies. Gustav then becomes harsher in questioning Peter, pressing him about his actions leading up to his crime, over Hodges' objection. Finally, he insinuates that Peter cared less about how many civilians were in the hospital when he shelled it, and that they were all "faceless Nazis" to him, who may have helped with the German war effort, and were all "unfit to live" in his eyes. At this, Peter's demeanor changes and he goes into a tirade against Germany, chiding its people for their blind devotion to Hitler, and accuses the civilians of having aided in the German war effort, before cursing out Germany and all of its people. At this, the court goes silent. Hodges and Gustav both look at him in shock before walking away, as Peter realises what he said. Back home, the engines are dismayed at Peter's words.

The next day, the court reconvenes. Peter has agreed to a plea deal. He pleads guilty, and is found as such, on all charges. In mitigation and aggravation of sentence, Hodges asks for the court to recognise Peter's acceptance of responsibility and admittance of wrong-doing, the prosecution then says that the court should be reminded of the defendant's clear contempt for the German peoples. The court then rules that Peter shall be sentenced to 15 years in Rail Gate Prison but Peter has decided to have the final firing, shocking not only the Court but also Joey, Lenny, Eliza, His Defendant and Gustav.

Edward is also in shock upon hearing this, and Joey says he had tried to talk Peter out of it for Six hours, but to no avail and that a non-faceless vehicle's right to end their life is absolute. Joey also reveals that Dark Energon fell in his Fiunnel, explaining why he requested the Final Firing.

The engines were very divided on their opinions. Some newer engines wanted him to go to Railgate, while others, practically LMS Engines who had known Peter well, respected his right to die. However, the engines all agreed on wanting to see him, but they couldn't because the works does not have visiting hours. They were all anxious about what Peter was thinking and Joey, Eliza and Lenny were not allowed to tell them.

cutting back to the Subplot, Excellion was having his battle with Thundercracker and the battle begins, Excellion seems to have the upper and but Thundercracker shoot near his sparks and refers to His Fallen friend Six-Speed by "Your always a failure, Just like Six-Speed was!", Pissed off by this, shoots Thundercracker multiple times and finally ends the Decepticon.

That Thursday, Edward, Thomas, Swerve, Deep Dive, Joey and Sir Topham are at the works, ready for Peter's final firing. Joey says he was going to try to talk Peter out of the final firing but it would be too much like begging, which Adam scoffs at, saying it isn't like a Midi. Just then, Lawrence from the court walks out of Joey's cab. He says he is not fond of Peter's decision, but he respects it, though Deep Dive is reluctant to do so. Peter tells Deep Dive he never did owe him anything, being happy to have Him as a a friend. He tells Sir Topham it was a pleasure to work for them, Says he knew Thomas in a good way and told him He's the Leader and the Number 1 of Sodor and Finally tells Edward how honourable it was for him to serve under his command and Finally tells Lawrence that he Knew Him for Short time but great time. Peter is now ready for the final firing. Sir Topham gives the order for the workmen to pour the black water into Peter and they do so. Peter says goodbye to his friends and His Face Disintegrates, with a Smokebox Door replacing his Face, behind, Edward, Thomas, Joey, Lawrence, Topham, Swerve and Deep Dive was Timothy, looking sad, with Tears coming out of His eyes, then disappears

That night, at Brendam, Edward, Diesel, Adam, Thomas, Nick, Alfred and Eric mourn over the loss of their friend. The latter chuckles, remembering when he and Peter were at Wellsworth to keep a watch on the train with the flare during the Web world incident. Diesel remarks Peter had liked Eric the most out of the engine since he always meant well, similar to Engine 92 and Barry. Alfred points out all three Wellsworth, Knapford & Tidmouth Railway engines are gone. At that moment, Sir Topham and lawrenve arrive, saying that while the WKTR is gone, there will still be those who remember it. The others were sad, and Sir Topham and Lawrence told them that if they need help they can talk to them or Mickey and he gives the engines the assurance as well. Sir Topham feels downcast about the matter himself, Lawrence also mentioned he has seen hundeds final firings before, but it doesn't get easier. Due to the expected increase in workload and the vacancy left in Peter's passing, Sir Topham has decided to bring a New Engine, with Lawrence Being the Driver to Honour Peter, Edward Asks who the Engine is, and he He and the Other engines were shocked about Peter's replacement, it then cuts to Lawrence Smiling and Shows the Engine (buffer Beams, front of Boiler and lower part of the Face only) grinning showing Bucked Teeth.

## Characters

* Thomas
* Edward
* Henry
* Gordon
* Douglas
* Diesel
* Bumblebee
* Excellion
* Thundercracker
* Lawrence Douglas *(First Appearance)*
* Billy *(First Appearance; Not Named, Does Not Speak)*
* Adam
* Peter
* Joey
* Porter
* Mr. Zorro
* The Fat Controller
* Peter's Driver
* Andrew Hodges
* 3 Judges
* Mr Gustav
* Dr Eichmann
* Mrs Fisher
* U.S Army Leutenant
* U.S Army Corporal
* Eliza *(Last Appearance)*
* Lenny *(Last Appearance)*
* James *(cameo)*
* Percy *(cameo)*
* Toby *(cameo)*
* Donald *(cameo)*
* Eric *(cameo)*
* Whiff *(cameo)*
* Peckett *(cameo)*
* Colin *(mentioned)*
* Lily *(mentioned)*

## Trivia

* Hasbro Stated that the Subplot was added in so to show more Excellion's character arc.
* This is The First Episode to be Directed By Victor Tanzig.
* This is the last episode narrated by Edward
* It is inspired by the Stories of Sodor episodes Trial and Diagnosis.
* The First Appearance of Lawrence.
* The First Appearance of Billy.
* The First (and last) Appearance of Mr Gustav.
* The First (and last) Appearance of Porter.
* The First (and last) Appearance of Dr Eichmann.
* The First (and last) Appearance of Mrs Fisher.
* The First (and last) Appearance of the U.S Army Leutenant.
* The First (and last) Appearance of the U.S Army Corporal.
* The Last Appearance of Lenny.
* The Last Appearance of Eliza.
* The Last Appearance of Peter.