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

[buriedstar]

Oh, I don't care about the motive this week. I decided this last week, after the motive? But I wasn't going to let anyone think I actually wanted to kill for his pathetic excuse for power, so I waited ♥.

[dullshooter]

[Misfire's face just...falls. He's never been one to show pain, but it's unmissable now.]

...What changed?

[buriedstar]

Well, most of you were sure I was such a terrible person anyway? If that's the case, I'm happy to give you a reason~.

Oh, the hostages too. You all agree they were real, right? In that case, I did make a mistake. I should have snapped one of your necks weeks ago. No one is allowed to touch Choi Lee-kyung besides me.

[ ....he's not a tsun, but he's a yan. ]

[dullshooter]

[...]

I never thought you were.

[buriedstar]

I know.

[ He says this confidently and again with no emotion. ]

I'm pretty sure I could have you revived?

[dullshooter]

[Despite all of this, a laugh escapes him.]

You thought about that?

[buriedstar]

Of course I did. Who do you think I am?

cw: torture mention

[dullshooter]

I started to doubt for a second there.

[Let him, at least, have a last moment where they're friends.]

You know the torture thing won't help your reputation as a sadist, right?

cw; torture too

[buriedstar]

I've always had a reputation, Misfire-yah. It's how you use it that matters.

[dullshooter]

Guess so.

[And...this is goodbye, isn't it? He doesn't even have the time to work out how he feels. But what it is, is undeniable.]

...Well. See you later, loser.

[buriedstar]

[ He smiles in lieu of an actual goodbye. ]

Oh, you can have my notes. If you can figure them out. But you won't disappoint me, will you?

[dullshooter]

[...One last fingergun. For old time's sake.]

When have I ever?

[buriedstar]

[ It takes him a second, but he fingerguns back. ]

Just checking.

It better be mutual.

[ This is said exactly like a threat so. you know. but at least misfire won't need to deal with him anymore! ]