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]

...it's okay. I'm sure she understands that we have to consider all the angles like that.

[Brett's still super not emoting about this, really, beyond a bit of concern for Forrest.]

I do see what you're saying. It's...circumstantial, though, so...you're right, we shouldn't just jump on it. We can...keep it in mind.

[visiblepattern]

...I hope it's nothing. I'm not trying to...

[We're all kind of upset today. He'll be all right, probably.]

[inaclearing]

...it's fine. That's...just what we have to do here.

[pairtner]

Forrest, do not be upset. In an investigation, all avenues must be investigated properly. You're not at fault.

[visiblepattern]

...All right.

[It feels a little better if Aiba is saying that too.]