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

[howveryglib]

…

I see. I… suppose I understand. It is a difficult thing to witness, and I imagine it would be even more difficult for you, given your design.

[He imagines it’s…

No. It’s not easy. But there’s nothing compelling him to go back and fix anything beyond guilt.]

[pairtner]

Perhaps I should have questioned why the secrets. I have been with him for five years. At some point I should have asked questions instead of following orders, especially when it was about Date.

[She regrets just obeying, that's for sure]

[howveryglib]

I understand the impulse to simply obey, at least. Surely there must be some reason for it.