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

[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.

[cethflayn]

You have made it very clear whom it is you prioritize, and that is yourself above all else. What would cause me to believe you would have my best interests at heart were I to join you?

[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.

[sivard]

Why would I? They've already chosen a new Captain. The crew is like a family.

[ltcommandroid]

I am essentially a naval officer.

[so, like, obviously no?]

[gangrenousgut]

Not here, ye ain't!

I saw how ye took that fireball. You would make an excellent crew member. Even a first mate!

[ltcommandroid]

[Data, despite his typical perfect posture, still manages to draw himself up a little at that.]

My dimensional positioning is irrelevant. I am the second officer of the Starfleet ship Enterprise. Even if I were not, I would prefer to serve as an ensign under Captain Jean-Luc Picard than a first officer under you. You are not his equal.

[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.

[magycks]

[ Lelouch, this is the coolest you've ever been, definitely lean into this energy. ]

[jibunwo]

[sometimes he hits the 'char aznable crazy' spot]

[cethflayn]

[I mean

wrong route, but

Lelouch, dis you?]

[jibunwo]

[more megalomaniac, less feral]

[gangrenousgut]

So dramatic.

But it wouldn't be just one universe. Try... All universes. Countless worlds, countless, unknown seas, all for the taking! More kingdoms to pillage and more power to gain than you could possibly imagine.

You can't deny the thought being the least bit enticing, eh?

And death would hardly be an issue, for any of you.

[jibunwo]

You're pathetic, LeChuck.

[The laugh fading away, Lelouch just looked disgusted now.]

To make an offer like this now? You're cornered. Desperately scraping for any way out you can see. 'We can rule together', really? How cliche and worthless, even if it is a genuine offer.

You're afraid to lose, and you know you're on the defensive.

[ahelpingpaw]

No!

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

[gangrenousgut]

[Somehow, this might be the worst refusal.]

[ahelpingpaw]

[Filbo chuckles nervously]

Look, I'm not saying it's not tempting? Like many of the offers from before were. But you're not any more trustworthy than Jack was, anyway. I mean, you set him to be killed! Even if anyone accepted, you probably would throw them away someday.

[Just saying]

[scythegun]

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

[gangrenousgut]

What if you could do everything you wanted... and more?

[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.

[gangrenousgut]

Are we not parleying? And as far as I'm aware, I'm the only one offering to bring something to this negotiation.

[...]

"Air pirates" just sounds absurd, if ye ask me.