THE FIRST TRIAL

[strangerpeople]

THE FIRST TRIAL
(~SK. 3-4)


[When the investigation wraps up, there is a low, rumbling <D O N G, which vibrates throughout the ship. This is followed by the sound of creaking doors opening on the D Deck-the locked doors at the end of the hall.

Zero's voice speaks through the ship once this happens.]

The Investigation has ended. It is time for the Trial. Please proceed into the theater.

I suggest you be quick about it.

[And when you do...you will find a completely empty theater. There is a higher level, but this is currently blocked off by ropes, as is the stage itself. Anyone who attempts to jump the ropes will find themselves knocked on their butts; it seems there's no choice but to go to the podiums, located in the orchestra area of the theater. Notably, the podiums for bunks 6 and 7 are empty, draped with black crinoline and adorned with a photo of the deceased. And in the center of the podiums is...a birthday cake with some confetti surrounding it, along with some drinks. No indication whose birthday it is, but that's pretty much all you'll see in this otherwise very bare, quiet place.



CW: animal death

Unless, of course, you're the Eye. If you're the Eye, you will see every seat filled, if not by a root or vine, then by a...thing with glowing red eyes. One of these...things tries to move towards Anya-and immediately, after suddenly glowing red, thunks over sideways, it's head popping off with an almost comical P O P. The majority of the other...things stare at it before resuming their...whatever they're doing, while one of the things sitting next to it looks over, then towards the stage, then slowly hops off the seat and out the door.

Oh, and he doesn't even get his own podium. Aoi and Makima, good luck to you-Roland's been squeezed in between you, forced to take podium 3. You get to also see what he sees.

Once everyone's in place, A large wide screen....screen schlllorps from the stage, and Zero's face pops in once it turns on.]


Welcome to the Trial. Please, enjoy the refreshments. You will be here until you have either convicted the correct culprit-or, the culprit successfully gets away with it. If you have not familiarized yourself with the guidelines, I suggest you do so now.

All evidence is also available for review on your watches, if need be. Take your time, but...do not delay. Justice must be served.

[Well? No reason to delay. Power is dead. Very dead. And now it is time to figure out who would kill her with explogurt for a cheeseburger-if that's even what happened.


The trial of Power, The Drop, has begun.]

Comments

[threwabone]

That's because I didn't do it and I'm not about to die here for a God Damn fucking cheeseburger!

[hatesdeerstalkers]

I never said that I thought you did it for a cheeseburger.

[Despite everything, he's...calm.]

But we are all Guilty until proven innocent here, Miss Anya. And though you are allowed to protest...have you truly given a thought to what will happen when time runs out?

[threwabone]

What-what's that supposed to mean?!

[hatesdeerstalkers]

You've seen the cruelty Zero can inflict, have you not? Surely, any mass execution he inflicts would be absolutely horrific, to say the least.

[He pauses, letting that sink in.]

I am not saying you did this on purpose. In fact...I suspected there would be another in your place, today.

[Is he talking about...?]

But, if we cannot come to a consensus...or if we falter at aiming our votes at the right person...

Then all of us, except the culprit, will die.

....Do you remember what I and Alastor told you? During our conversation about Heroes?

[He fixes her with an intense look, those eyes of his almost seeming to go right through her.]

You would have to make a choice...and see where your own Morals lie. And if you choose to stay silent, then I will accept it, perhaps even admire it.

But, I wonder.

Are you prepared to have everyone's blood on your hands?

[threwabone]

I...

[Everything else is coming together, crashing against every wall she set up.

She sobs.]

I don't wanna die.

[hatesdeerstalkers]

[And just like that, the look fades.]

....I know. In the end, no one does.

[You know what?

He'll offer a hug, if she'll accept it.]

[threwabone]

[Not exactly in a place to say no.]

[valkavian]

In the end we're all dead meat, kid.

Just pray it's not slow.

[hatesdeerstalkers]

Val.

[Holy shit, that practically comes out snarled. For the first time, he actually looks angry.]

[threwabone]

[Sobbing]

[superstylishsquid]

[Moriarty isn't the only one who looks angry. Alastor's eyes flare to a harsh brilliance as he glares at Val.]

I don't know if you think you're helping, but...

[unpossibilities]

[He equally gives a scathing glance to Val, then looks away.

Some of these people...he sighs and just remains behind his podium. He knows by now the inevitable can't be avoided.]