THE THIRD INVESTIGATION

[strangerpeople]

THE THIRD INVESTIGATION

[As Friday dawns, all seems peaceful. No screaming. No electricity. Nothing in the bathrooms. All is quiet. However, it is a Friday, so there's no guarantee anymore that someone hasn't taken up Marie's offer. Even if they haven't, it's clear time is running out for a guaranteed means of escape. At least, if what Marie claims is true.

It's probably a good idea to look around and check up on people and places before going about one's normal day, regardless. Better safe than sorry, right?]

Comments

[backuphero]

Thanks. I... but he's dead, I should be helping.

[Dammit why can't he do the thinks right now -]

[losergod]

No, you should be resting. Doctor's orders. You're hurt.

[ Please listen to him he begs you. ]

[backuphero]

Were you mad at me?

[It's an important question, but he has the worst timing. He isn't struggling or anything, though, he can be a good patient, honest!]

[losergod]

... About what?

[ He's so confused. ]

No, I'm not mad at you. I will be mad if you hurt yourself worse, though.

[backuphero]

The trial. Naoya. You said I knew what you meant and I didn't. I don't.

[Keeping his breathing even and shallow helps to keep the nausea at a level he can manage, but it's hard when even C is worried for him.]

[losergod]

... Oh. That. You were innocent. I still believe in your innocence now. Besides, you're not a bad person, Mister Morris. Someone who tries so hard to help others to their own detriment can't be.

[ And he will pause. ]

You need hydration.

[backuphero]

Can it wait until... not here. I don't want to... not in here. Please.

[It's a little much to break down, all the fancy stuff C said before that last bit. But he believes in him. He wasn't angry, he was... him. God. He was him.]

...thanks. For saying all that.

[losergod]

... Don't worry about it. But--all right, fine. You really need fluids, though. Especially if you're feeling nauseated.

That is likely the concussion. As is your dazed state. Are you hearing any ringing in your ears?

[backuphero]

[Jonathan pauses before answering.]

So... There's not something like a muffled buzzsaw in here anyplace?

[And then something awful strikes him - ]

C? Where's "here?"

[losergod]

The area they repair the robots, I think.

[ He frowns. ]

Mister Morris, you're definitely concussed. You're displaying most of the symptoms. I can't properly check your eyes, but the vomiting and nausea, the dazed state, the ringing in your ears, these all mean you took a nasty blow to the head, and that it left some damage.

Please try to calm down. If you get worked up, it will make it worse.

[backuphero]

But I want to help. I cain't just sit here, I -

[oh Hell, what is his voice doing, he must be hurt if it's slipping into the voice he uses to make people laugh when he's sick and afraid.]

'msorry I've been out of the room nights and stuff. I thought you were mad, I'm really sorry....

[losergod]

... I apologize if I made you think that way, but you'd know if I was angry with you...

[ He sighs. ]

Please, you have to rest. We still have to drag you to the trial. What do I need to do to get you to rest? Sit on you? Tie you down?

[backuphero]

[He stares at C, and very carefully nods. He wants to get up and search the place, damn it, but...]

Find the whip. I can't rest easy with that missing, it's... and I can't remember why I don't have it.