FINAL TRIAL

[bathymetric]

Eventually, the investigation ends. You have time to move your supplies (and Jimmy Buffetts) off the ship, but it's a hike up to the lighthouse. You're only going to be able to bring what you need.

All that's left is to hope that you have that, after all of this.

The jungle that stretches out into the distance is eerily quiet as you make your way up to the lighthouse - enough time to wonder, certainly, what awaits you in there. Will The Captain finally show you his true face? Can he? There's only one way to find out... time to make your way inside.

Unless you're Magica, the lobby (so to speak) of the lighthouse might be a little overwhelming: piles and piles of pirate treasure to the sides of the room, with a raised, dark glass cylinder in the center. Around that cylinder are a series of makeshift podiums, ready for you all to stand together one last time.

Standing in front of that cylinder is The Captain. Not to get too into details, but though natural processes are slowed, Jack's body isn't exactly in perfect shape, and still moves in that unnerving puppet-y way he has each time you've seen him.

"Welcome... to your-!"

Is what he manages before there's a pair of very loud noises behind you - the first a massive blast of water that draws your attention just before a massive explosion on the side of the SS Swift detonates moments later, sending a blast of energy outwards - which pauses, for a moment, before almost reversing into an implosion that sees all traces of the ship sucked into the aether. A pirate ship you've never seen before sails behind it, visible for just a moment before the doors slam closed.

"... I'll be with you in a moment. Don't go anywhere."

And The Captain leaves the room fast. So fast, in fact, that he... leaves Jack's body behind, though it's too quick to get any kind of good look at him. Ignoring... that, looks like you guys have some time to talk things over! Better make it count.

Comments

[gangrenousgut]

Of standing on trial in pirate court.

The 'why's' hardly matter. It's a sacrifice that needs to be made here.... And you lot will be the ones to make that sacrifice!

[cethflayn]

...

[???]

That does not make any sense.

[ltcommandroid]

Why do you believe that? If it is down to a vote, you are outnumbered.

[gangrenousgut]

Am I, really?

[ltcommandroid]

Are you not?

[gangrenousgut]

Maybe. I believe that's something worth considerin'.

[cethflayn]

...[Slowly pulls Emily back up from the floor.] Emily is not going to vote in your favor.

[jibunwo]

I'm sure you believe that. You're beginning to sound like my worthless father.

Just like him, the only trial here is you--one to be overcome and left behind when we leave this place.

[gangrenousgut]

Ye may leave, but in what way? How will ye get home? How will ye reclaim your many powers?

[He sweeps an arm out, at Lelouch, at everyone.]

Sail with me. Join my crew, and all of this can be settled simply! Then, sail this universe, and EVERY universe with me and my hordes of the undead!

[cethflayn]

No.

[After all the shit they've been through, does he really think they'll trust him to just let them be pirates under his flag and they'll get all they want out of the deal? Fat fuckin' chance.]

[gangrenousgut]

So quick to refuse?

As though your previous captain has offered anything half as truthful and what I'm offerin' ye now.

[sivard]

I already live on a pirate ship. I don't need a new one.

[gangrenousgut]

Aye, but your dear captain has already passed, hasn't he?

Surely you be in need of a new course.

[ltcommandroid]

I am essentially a naval officer.

[so, like, obviously no?]

[jibunwo]

...Excuse me?

[Lelouch made a quiet sound...and then burst out laughing.]

You think--you actually think--?! You actually, honestly believe anything you have to offer would sway me, now or ever? I can reclaim my power by destroying you and returning home. To sell out the Black Knights, to forsake my vengeance on Britannia, you would have me serve under you?

If this effort means I should die today, that's fine. I have been prepared to die since I was seven years old, and I would sooner die as I am than live a coward like you.

The universe can burn for all I care, and you with it.

[ahelpingpaw]

No!

[He'd have rejected right from the start of the murdercruise, but after everything they have gone through? Yeah, absolutely no]

[scythegun]

Absolutely not. I have plenty of things I'd much rather be doing - I'll take my chances here.

[magycks]

Oh, we've reached the bargaining stage of grief, have we? I would, truly, rather sign on for the rest of my unnatural life with the air pirates who sing and dance.

[magycks]

'Kay, and what about the other 19 losers? Are their souls swept out of cold storage and into the fire as well?

[gangrenousgut]

Those fools are dead and done with! It hardly matters to me now what they do with their afterlives.

[ahelpingpaw]

And what's the catch?

[There must be a catch, no?]

[gangrenousgut]

The catch is that it's a sacrifice. Meaning... Death.

[sivard]

That makes as much sense as the damn poem you use to find all of us.

[magycks]

Honestly, what are the chances the poem itself is just a bit someone else made up? Maybe they thought "oh, this is a laugh, they'll never get all these people together in one place!" and called it a day.

[scythegun]

That seems far more likely! Imagine being stupid enough to fall for something like that...