THIRD TRIAL

[bathymetric]

If you have time for a grisly operation like that, I think you've had all the time you need to gather evidence. Please proceed to the door to the trial room elevator as quickly as possible.

[ Once you arrive, it's the same song and dance as the last two weeks. Angel helps you all get through the vault door and into the elevator, and watches as you all make the slow descent to the dome below. Standing in the elevator is more than a comfortable fit now, even for the largest among you. A few more of you lost and there'll be room enough to pace in here.

But maybe you don't want to think about that.

The dome of the trial room is the same as it's been, the only change the dull red glow coming from the two newly-unoccupied podiums. The screens above flick on, and lower down to make an address. ]

You know the score by now. Find Seteth's killer and you can all go free. Fool them all, killer, and you'll have your life and your reward. Other than that, whatever happens here is between all of you. Call for me if you need anything.

[ The screens rise again, leaving you here.

Welcome to your third trial. ]

Comments

[archboxer]

No. It did kill him. I am merely saying that the impact probably surprised them. They would have left the sword behind with the body or taken it back with them otherwise, would they not?

[emberserker]

Anything to try and trip up an investigation. They know how this works by now.

[archboxer]

What I am saying is that it is rather odd that they left the weapon behind. If they washed it and took it with them we would not be any the wiser

[bolderfell]

Unless they ran into someone. Getting caught with a sword would lead to questions. If not right then, then definitely at the trial.

[emberserker]

That's true. And like we heard before, some people do like to roam around at night often enough that it's a risk to anyone who doesn't want to be found.

[bolderfell]

...And maybe, even if the killer was skilled enough to best an improperly-armed Seteth, they thought they might not be able to beat someone like Jasper, for instance. After all, disposing of a witness or two is just one more way to hide evidence.

[archboxer]

[You know what, she's going to ask it.]

Therion, did you get one of those swords?

[bolderfell]

...If I say I did, are you going to accuse me?

[archboxer]

If we must be truthful then every one of must be. I will not strike anyone down.

[bolderfell]

...I did. But I'm not the one who killed him, Rhea.

[emberserker]

Of course you're not. You're the last person who would go for that motive. You say every day, you hate caring about anyone.

[She looks back to Zelos as she says this.]

[bolderfell]

[Oh. Therion blinks and looks taken aback by this sudden, uh. Glowing testimonial? ...Thanks?]

[pimpplan]

Wait, why are you looking at me when you say that!

[ rude????? ]

[emberserker]

Because you've been acting off since halfway through the trial. Ever since somebody mentioned that incentive.

[pimpplan]

So? I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who had a less-than-chill reaction to it. I mean, Birkin started screaming, didn't he?

[emberserker]

Yes, and I admit that's odd considering how little he normally cares for escape. But isn't it the same for you? You're always so casual about how important you are, but something got to you. And unlike me, it's someone's wish that you want to grant.

[fivestagegod]

Noncombatant, remember.

[Like, he's not even going to deny that his reaction was not great, but still.]

[archboxer]

[Guess who is also looking in his direction...

And she also has a sword. Did I mention that?]

Let me say this. Everyone who has gotten a blade and knows how to use it is a suspect. Even if they do not confess that does not mean they will leave this room alive.

[nothingcanstop]

[ Uh. Okay, that sure doesn't sound fun. ]

Rhea. Don't do anything hasty...

[archboxer]

[She's not blaming you Della. And the glance she gives her practically reads...

'I have a plan, trust me.']

[archboxer]

For now that is enough but my brother is dead.

[Then, louder to the entire room:]

I wonder if the coward is too ashamed to face that they made just created an orphan, as well! I think we all could guess that the sister he was talking about was not me.

[emberserker]

[is fe3h actually just a soap opera what]

[archboxer]

[you have no idea]