15strangers | THE FIRST TRIAL

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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[oh that'll get Brain's attention again, and he's turning bodily this time, actually stepping close to Hermes, something of a touch of anger in his expression]

I have never thought of Heart as a weakness. Just because that doll said so doesn't make it true.

[there's a tightness to his jaw]

I am going to survive this place, because I need to be at Heart's side to help him. This is a diversion and a waste of time, and one I must weather, but Heart is not and has never been my weakness.

Edited 2023-06-24 22:41 (UTC)

[Hermes is... a little surprised at this reaction. Huh...]

...Oh... Okay. Good. Keep thinking that. Hold your head up high, cuz I'mDefinitelyGoingTo PutThisOnMyShippingWall.

----wait, what? [huh??????]

It'll be cute~!

[slkdfhs]

Wait--what is a shipping wall? Why is it cute? [he is so confusion???] What do you mean---what will be cute?!

[ =] ]

[He doesn't say anything but he is sagely nodding in approval]

[Brain catches that out of the corner of his eye and looks almost perplexed for a moment, before he just...inclines his head, slightly]

Edited 2023-06-24 22:47 (UTC)

I can understand devotion better than some.

[hhhh okay that's putting it plainly and Brain just

clears his throat maybe just

straightening a bit]

...I see.

Then I suppose you're as determined as I am to survive this place.