FINAL TRIAL

[strangerpeople]

FINAL TRIAL


[Once everyone has managed to gather every piece of evidence they can get their hands on, there is, at last, a sense that they can go up to the top on the elevator that works. Granted, with access now granted, they probably could have gone up at any time, but it they would have been ill-prepared for what might be up there.

In any case, they might not have needed to worry.]



[Barbara will no doubt recognize this place as where Marie brought her just the previous week. It is a master control room, filled with buttons and levers that line the walls. However, the dome also allows for a view of what's outside - of the skies, the stars, the planets. The alpine valley the Base is situated, with its bubbling waterfall, and the crystal-clear blue lake it empties into, surrounded by flowers below the Base's base. The lake itself empties into a crystal clear river that looks to be narrow, but deep and rapid.

In the center of the room, near where the elevator rises out of the floor, is a chair, with a giant plush of that cheeky raccoon snuggled into it. Once everyone has come into the room, the elevator melts into the floor with a slurping sound. Now, everyone is here - and there's only one seat, meaning almost everyone will be standing for the duration of this discussion. There's no food or drink here, either - the Titled will have to make do with whatever they brought with them.

There's is a rumble below, as the Titled, together with Bottson and their menagerie of animals - gather together for one last trial. Everyone and everything in this universe may be at stake, and ultimately, either they all go home - or no one will.]


[It's time! The objectives are simple in this trial. It's time to finally answer the questions the Titled have about why they are here - and face the Mastermind of the Base.

Most importantly, though - who's got dibs on that chair? It's the only one in the room!

In any case, good luck, Titled!]

Comments

[beguiledcard]

[ He won't tell her that "okay" is probably a strong word, but... he gets what she means. Being alive is a huge deal, considering... what they all witness in some way. He knows he asked some people not to look... but... ]

You didn't just manage to try. You are smart.

[ There's a small smile as he closes his eyes a moment. ]

I'm really proud of you.

[earietale]

[She's still crying, but she smiles. They're all back. They're all alive and she can hug them and laugh with them and appreciate and...

She lets out a small chuckle.]

Yeah, I guess...I guess I am.

But...I have to say...I think you did great too.

[beguiledcard]

Nope. Definitely are.

[ Don't give him any of that guess stuff!!! But, also, he's slowly pulling back just far enough to look at her. ]

Ah... You think so?

[ Unfortunately, it's moment's like this that the "[x] doubt" meme was made for. ]

[earietale]

Okay, okay, I am!

[Only because it's hard for her to say no to you.]

Akira, not only did you manage to come back from the dead, you got back here with a giant robot thing that looks like it could get us all out of here no problem. I think that deserves at least a little praise.

[Don't sell yourself short on this stuff, dude.]

[beguiledcard]

[ That first part gets a laugh out of him! ... But, then the next part has him falling quiet for a while. Something sheepish enters his expression. ]

It was a team effort, and there even being- a chance I could get back to you and the others...

[ Hmmmm is that a hint of tears? ... Yep. ]

... gave me strength.

[ Just reaching up, twisting a strand of bangs for a moment. ]

But... okay. I won't argue. I'm too happy to see you again to do that, so... You win.

[earietale]

Whatever works is fine with me. I'm just...so happy to see all of you again.

[She let's out a laugh again. At this point, she doesn't think there's anything that could bring down her mood. Everything is finally going right and she loves it.]

I just...wonder what's going to happen next.

[beguiledcard]

[ That gets a small grin (even if it doesn't quite reach his eyes, yet) and a nod. ]

Same...

[ And then he's glancing around the room. ]

I guess that's for us to figure out next... as a group.

[earietale]

Yeah, I'm sure...I'm sure we'll be able to think of something. Together.

[She sounds a bit more confident as she says that. Like she's finally feeling hopeful for the first time in a while.]

But...can you promise we'll stay together through this? Even if it's gets terrible, or just...insanely weird? You'll still be there?

[A lot has happened while they've been stuck here. She's not sure she can take anything else going wrong.]

[beguiledcard]

[ He's able to give her a genuine smile - a soft one that reaches his eyes, this time. ]

Absolutely. I'm... [ ah, that sure is a small, painful lump now ] Not going to let you down, this time.

[ There's a pause as he takes a deep breath. With that, he's taking one of her hands and then moving a step back. Just like at the trial, he's gently, briefly kissing the knuckles. But, this time...? It's with a small bow, more of what feels, to him, like the gentleman thief to the lovely young lady. It's to give her a memory of a hand kiss that doesn't involve him... about to die? ]

This gentleman thief is here by your side, for good, ma'am.