THE THIRD TRIAL

[strangerpeople]

THE THIRD TRIAL
(~SK. 17-18)


[When the investigation ends, the D O N G rings throughout the ship, followed by Zero's voice.]

It is time. Everyone, come to the theater. Time is...wasting.

[And so it is. The seating has once more changed to reflect the fallen-Moriarty and now Brain's podiums are draped in black. And, of course, there is no food-

The screens come up, and the mask of Zero appears, ever inscrutable. Their instructions are brief.]

Your Brain is gone, I'm afraid. Cut into pieces and cast aside...and someone here knows why. Now, it's time for you to discover the truth as well...if you can.


[The trial for the murder of Brain, the Blue, has begun.]

Comments

[exequte]

What if it's Aoi, Hubert?

[She's watching him levelly, not because she really thinks it is, but because this week he's the one who's emotionally compromised and swearing vengeance, so it seemed only fair to return the reality check he'd given her. She had no doubt he'd be able to do it, but that would not preclude regret.]

[pegasinister]

It is only a question, for now. I do not intent to rush in wildly. But if it was then he knew it would be a possibility.

[exequte]

Okay.

[And she steps forward and takes his hand in hers, squeezing gently once before she releases it.]

I know that you know what you're doing. But I know that Brain was your friend, too.

[pegasinister]

I... know I am slightly emotionally compromised right now. I will try to keep it out of the investigation.

[exequte]

[She shakes her head a little.]

It's only natural that you would be. I, at least, certainly don't think you'd let that change the way you handle this.