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

[pairtner]

You would?

[Aiba seems surprised!]

[onemillion]

Of course I would. He's very important to you, and this is something I can do.

[We're friends, Aiba, and friends help each other out even if one commits a murder!! Wait, no, that's not quite right—]

[pairtner]

.....

[Aiba nods]

Please do.

[By the way...]

After everything is over please go to the jukebox in the ice cream parlor. Track 1921. It's...I doubt it's the time or place for me to say such a personal message from me to whoever concerns, so I won't.

[Yeah, for after the trial, yup. A last word from her, apparently]

[onemillion]

Of course. I won't forget.

[He'll do that during the afterparty then, for those who want to hear it.]

Again, thank you for telling us, Aiba.

[Even though it required some work to get here, Aiba did guide us to it! Assisting us even in her own demise.............]