FOURTH TRIAL

[bathymetric]

[ Well! That's sure something, isn't it? There may or may not be a lot of you excited to get down to business, but Jones does eventually move to collect you all and bring you to the theatre. It's a familiar routine by now, perhaps even comfortingly so given the irregularities of this particular killing.

Two of you gone this week. The elevator is started to feel downright spacious, don't you think?

A shanty, as usual, echoes from the crew of the Dutchman as you enter. The room is the same as it has ever been before you as the elevator settles into position. ]

To yer positions, passengers. Chins up.

[ Three more podiums claimed by the rust and wear.

You have your evidence, and you're going to need it before long. The music outside dies down.

Welcome to your fourth trial. ]

Comments

More Bones To Sort

[bonesorter]

[There's a long moment, where Lorna has gone rather quiet after certain questions were asked, and after Data had pointed his scanner at her. She does nothing as the people that had been standing hear her slowly back away, except take a few steps back away from her own podium, hands over her own mouth as if fighting the urge to be sick.

But then, at Data's words, her hands fall away from her mouth. She still hasn't looked up, but now she speaks.]

... I know. I've... known for a long time... after all...

[Suddenly her words elongate in pitch, overlapping as if two people are speaking at once. And then... it turns into almost laughter in it's tone...]

After all... I've been here this whole time... since the very first day...!

[Hey, for those of you profile savvy... just how exactly did the profiles mention Lorna's illness? Because it looks like the "curse" mentioned in it is now making itself known, as Lorna's hands begin to shake, nails elongating in length and sharpness, teeth jagged and eyes sunk into her skull that everyone will see when she finally lifts her head up to look at everyone.

Oh dear, look at what you've all done. You've caused her to become wicked again, as Auntie Whispers would say if she were here right now. However, unlike the case with Allenby, the... thing here doesn't move to strike. It instead regards the courtroom with something close to amusement.]

But now... now I can finally say hello... or maybe goodbye, at long last...

[... What does it mean by that?]

[jibunwo]

[Yeah, fuck it, this is how today's going to be.]

What are you?

[cethflayn]

Lorna!!

[WHAT THE FUCK]

What...what has happened...?

1/2, woo oo

[magycks]

[ oh boy this sure is happening ]

[magycks]

[ annnnnnnnd she's immediately back to normal and fine with it! ]

Well, there we are. While you're still on this plane, just wondering — did Lorna's auntie do this to her, or was it more of a fun coincidence?

[bonesorter]

[... The spirit likes you, Magica.]

Coincidence. They are... funny that way, aren't they?

[paucipan]

[OH WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS THIS??? Yeah, Plumeria's reaching into those sleeve pockets for her knives now, just. Very taken aback by this.]

What is that supposed to mean?

[That thing may not be ready to strike quite yet but Plumeria is taking no chances.]

[scythegun]

[...Well, at least she doesn't want to throw down just yet?? Not that Yeager's letting go of the sword or anything, he's going to take a few steps closer so he's in front of Plumeria.]

I would say it's nice to meet you, but I'm sure we'd all prefer different circumstances. Who are you, if I may ask?

[bonesorter]

Why, I'm Lorna, aren't I?

[... Said in the most sarcastic tone possible.]

[scythegun]

I have a hard time believing that, honestly...

We are going to have to vote for you - and Lorna - one way or another. Will you at least tell us what happened to your two victims? How exactly did Albedo end up crushed by that machine?

[thisaroma]

[ y i k e s

uh

iron maiden is on hand just in case?? ]

[ltcommandroid]

...I believe we can call for a vote now.

[what, like he wants to just stand around and see what the fuck this thing's gonna do?]

[jibunwo]

That does quite seem to settle it, any other lingering questions aside.

[bonesorter]

[Instead of being threatened by that... the spirit actually grins. It seems she was actually waiting for someone to mention this specifically.]

And condemn this poor girl for a murder she didn't commit? How deliciously cruel...

[hellahighwater]

You damn fucking coward!!

[jibunwo]

I don't really care, and neither does the Captain.

Her body, her crime. Same as with Allenby.

[ltcommandroid]

You were aware that would happen when you took the actions you did. It is regrettable, but I do not believe Lorna would prefer that the rest of the group be sacrificed on her behalf.

[ahelpingpaw]

[Filbo's paw emerges from behind his podium]

Seconded!

[sivard]

[Oh, what the absolute fuck.]

[scouserer]

[Constantine instinctively jumps back, reaching into his coat. His hand meets nothing but empty air, and he scowls.]

Get out, you bloody coward! Using an innocent girl for a host--hiding behind her like a spineless--spineless--!

[He bites his tongue.]

[leaveittomother]

[Reika doesn't really care as much as last time but this makes her turn to him. She actually looks insulted. She doesn't yell and her words are probably not audible to him:]

Spirits can't help their nature. There's no point in trying to moralize them.

[leaveittomother]

Well, well. I suppose you did know about evil spirits after all. That was rather messy.

[ahelpingpaw]

[Filbo just...is going to sink behind his podium. This is once again the kind of situation he should get out of the way of -- everyone else can handle the thing that ate Sara and crushed Albedo under a bowling machine thing.

Sorry guys, he knows what are his limits and this is way over them, haha]

[dokkalfheimr]

Filbo, come here.

[just...come a couple podiums down with her and chloe, okay...]

[silentscout]

[Lalli is right next to Lorna, so luckily he's close enough to take a defensive position. He can only cover one side of the circle, but it's like he's trying to put himself between that curse and everyone behind him.]

Don't try anything. I won't let you.

[It's easier to face down something that at least kind of resembles the monsters he's familiar with. Even if he lacks the power to do anything right now.]