15strangers | THE SECOND TRIAL

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THE SECOND TRIAL

THE SECOND TRIAL
(~SK. 10-11)

[Once the investigation wraps up, Zero's voice emanates once more throughout the Gigantic. The doors to the theater on both the C Deck and D Deck open as he speaks. And yes, when people come in through the C Deck Doors, they will find they can access the lower level from the stairs.

Yay?]

It is time. Come to the theater.

I wouldn't worry about bringing blankets.

[And indeed, when the Strangers come into the theater, they will find that the room is considerably warmer compared to the rest of the ship. There are also changes to the podiums-John, Anya and Kaito's places are all draped in black.

The screens schlllorrrp back in, with Zero's face appearing after a moment of static.]

Of course I am here for any questions. But I believe you know how this goes, so I suggest you begin. Justice delayed is...justice denied.

[The trial for Kaito Momota, The High King, has begun.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Akane-chan probably knows best what Momota-kun would have wanted. Because of her presence, there are some types of favors I don't believe Momota-kun would have put on the table.

[Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.]

Perhaps it was something else, like the truth about the "fabricator", as they referred to it.

Are you suggesting that the outcome of the game lead to the death?

[He's not accusing, just curious.]

Well, if it was as simple an agreement as that, the struggle does seem a bit too dramatic. Perhaps the outcome of the game inspired the other player to conduct an enhanced interrogation.

What do you think of a scenario where Momota-kun and the culprit did not play? Why would something so elaborate be set up and undisturbed?

For the same reasons we're pondering this at the moment - misdirection from more pertinent clues.

[He shakes his head.]

I must also admit I thought of Kaito originally being brought up under the pretense of playing a game, and it turning sour afterwards - but I'm not certain that holds any weight.

I'm not sure either. If that were the pretense, why would it not be mentioned in the note?

Yes, that truly is the question, is it not?

Perhaps we're missing evidence at the moment to lead to a greater conclusion.

You think he wouldn't have put her through that? ...Maybe under other circumstances I would agree, but there were hostages on the line. If one is already prepared to die for one 'loved one', I would think having another 'crush' here could only strengthen that savior complex.

I won't speak definitively one way or the other as to whether Momota-kun would bet his life. He certainly seemed to very badly want a more peaceful life for Maki-chan.

I shouldn't have said anything. I just don't think they would have... played poker... for fun.

It's an interesting theory. It would suggest the culprit is both someone familiar with the rules of poker, and someone who would trust Kaito enough to propose the scheme to him.

[Makima is so strong for not reacting to Kira never taking the bait.]

Well, I'll admit the hand doesn't seem random. Perhaps Moriarty-kun is right that it was a setup. But at the very least someone familiar with poker, then.

Maybe they didn't know poker is a betting game after all? I can't emphasize enough that poker can't be played without bets. It's like playing Risk without pieces.

So someone only halfway familiar? Perhaps they picked it up here... That would suggest a person who is not from Earth, like Hubert or Hermes.

I mean. My default language setting is en_US.

Hm, well I didn't really think it was you from earlier speculation. But good to know.

[He couldn't think of any other examples besides Hermes, is the thing.]

...Then is Hubert the only one who isn't from a world that's at least a parallel of Earth?

[Like, Brain is from space or something, but he was under the impression that he had Been there.]

Edited 2023-07-01 17:53 (UTC)

I will confess, I did not recognize the game being played- though it is similar enough to card games I do know to guess at it being a betting pairs game of some sort. The significance of the cards and such is lost on me.

What WERE the cards?

One hand had a single pair. The second had two and a letter card.

I've had five aces before.

...is that supposed to be impressive?

[He's not even being sarcastic he legit doesn't know]

[...]

[...]

...

...I think I need to teach you how to play poker.

Is it a skill game or a chance game?

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It's indicative of cheating.

[She's helping!]

Which were those - do you remember, perchance?

Only the 'better' looking hand in detail. A Q card with a red heart. Two A cards that were black. And two 8s, also black. The hand with one pair... also had a K card of some sort. I will admit once I realize it was a betting game I lost interest.

[Moriarty goes still, at that.]

....I see.

Then that was the Dead Man's Hand.

...how ominous. A 'poker' term I take it?