Fourth Trial

[bathymetric]

[ After the evidence (and what a large batch of evidence it is, this time) has been gathered up, after actually patiently waiting a longer time than usual to make sure everything's been grabbed, the speakers over New Rapture crackle to life. ]

Time's up, everyone. You know where to go.

[ The lower number of bathyspheres, as you descend, is starting to become really notable, isn't it? The descent is the same as ever, lower and lower into the sea. The bioluminescence of those slugs on the ocean floor is almost brighter today, somehow, and some of them have even crawled up the cliff face around you as you pass them.

The dome approaches, slowly as ever, gleaming red in the darkness. The bathyspheres land in a row, doors opening one by one to reveal the familiar sight of the trial room, three more podiums now darkened. ]

Take your places, ladies and gentlemen. You've got a doozy of a situation to discuss. Ass Man and Silver Fox are dead. You know what happens if you can't figure out whodunnit.

[ Welcome to your fourth trial. ]

Comments

[inaclearing]

[Brett shows up pretty much reeking of smoke, wearing a rather different outfit than usual. It probably has no relation to anything.

He takes a deep breath, in and out. He decided, last week, that he was going to hold it together from then on. Just push through the pain until it's over - that's the best he can do right now. So he'll keep on doing it. His tone is steady and absent, like someone narrating something that isn't quite real, and certainly not happening to them.]

Someone burned some clothes in the storage room. They doused them in gasoline first, so they were completely destroyed. No telling what they were or what they looked like - there was just some fiber remnants left. There was also this bag, and a matchbox.

[He'll put them both on the podium. The backpack is a generic one from the department store, slightly burnt and clearly empty, and the matchbook is...well, just a matchbook.]

[sastruga]

I'd assume that must've been the culprit burning their clothes after getting blood on them...

[Considering the last few cases, that sure would be the smart move.]

[pairtner]

There were no traces of gasoline or other fire starters in the area I investigated. You're most likely correct.

[In other words, any fire wasn't related to the murder itself, it's secondary. Hm!]

I heard noises of explosions, too. That might have been the culprit attempting to call attention to the murder they committed.

[...maybe?]

cw: breathing difficulties mention

[onemillion]

Either that, or they hoped the fireworks would last for long enough that we couldn't get in to investigate for very long, perhaps? It was difficult to breathe with all the smoke.

[inaclearing]

...and half of us smell like smoke now, between the fireworks and those of us who went in the garage. Couldn't use that to tell who started the fire.

[It might've been a good clue, but now it's so spread out that it could easily be explained away. Smart.]

[sastruga]

I suppose we could try to check those who didn't go there, but... even then, it might just be that it spread from someone standing next to them. Not exactly damning evidence.

[inaclearing]

[Brett nods, not really looking up. He hasn't been doing a great job of looking directly at anybody, to be honest.]

We could check, but it's nothing conclusive at this point. They might have even...investigated part of it themselves. [...] If we can't figure out anything else, maybe.

[sastruga]

What about the gasoline? How strong was that scent?

[onemillion]

Exactly. It might help to narrow things down... but they may have used that time to clean up to try to get rid of the smell of smoke.

[inaclearing]

Or else they were there with us, and we'd expect it.

[............]

Gas. We could try that. If they happened to get any on them and didn't clean it up enough...I don't know, they were thorough. [He's not sure that would've happened, but it might we worth a shot.]

[onemillion]

Oh, the smell of gasoline? Yes, that is rather distinctive, and it likely would only be on those of us who went into that area...

[So you, him, and Seo Dawon, right?]

[inaclearing]

[He nods.]

You two didn't even touch the cans. I only did a little, to make sure they were empty.

[onemillion]

Right, it would make sense that it would be strongest on the killer. Assuming they didn't attempt to clean up, of course.

[sastruga]

Then, should we go ahead and check if anyone smells of it? Worst case scenario, we find nothing and move on, so...

[buriedstar]

I think I'll pass running this check.

[ But he nods at her idea nonetheless. Not it. ]

[dullshooter]

I can do it, if you want.

[Baton pass?]

[buriedstar]

[ He blinks a little in surprise then smiles. ]

It's all yours.

SNIFF CHECK

[dullshooter]

You got it.

[Scavenger sniffer mode activated!!! Well he’s pretty familiar with being nose deep in oil and gasoline and what have you, actually…so maybe he’s actually adequately qualified for this?

Anyway get ready to get checked!]

[pairtner]

[There certainly is no scent of gasoline or oils on Aiba's real form!]

[fuckingguy]

[ Nandor smells as much like smoke and/or gunpowder as anyone else who investigated the theme park! No gasoline, though. ]

[hotpaprika]

[He smells like Victorian angst but there is nothing suspicious smelling about him!]

[specialyellthing]

[like smoke and blood! but no gasoline.]

[buriedstar]

[ Sniff checks aren't really a thing that's ever acceptable, but since it's Misfire it's less terrible than could be. Some things to note since Misfire has eyes, Seo Dawon is not in a suit today. He's in a long sleeve black shirt and cargo pants, rocking the casual look for once. Or more casual than a full suit at least. ]

I wasn't going to attend trial dirty after all that mess. [ Mostly he smells clean because he showered before trial (something Misfire probably saw himself). There's the faintest smell of smoke but no gasoline or oil smell. ]

[sastruga]

It's a good way to get rid of evidence. Even with the piece of fabric left, it isn't as if we can tell much from it. So then, unless we get any reason to assume otherwise, we probably won't solve this by inspecting people's clothes like last time.

...If they set up the fireworks, then... was the culprit at the scene shortly before everyone went to investigate...?

[daimakaicho]

That seems likely, doesn't it? No one found any kind of setup that would imply a remote start or something to that effect, right?