THE FOURTH TRIAL

[strangerpeople]

THE FOURTH TRIAL
(~SK. 24-25)




[There's no announcement informing the Strangers to come into the theater. There is only the sound of the doors opening, beckoning those left to come inside. It's best not to tarry-really, do you want to know what happens if they refuse to go to the trial?

When they enter the theater, it's...different. Sort of. Maybe it's because the area where the podiums are covered in donuts (and yes, Roland will see the little white animals pop over and pinch a few off the top). Maybe it's the fact that more spaces are draped in black. Maybe it's the fact that Zack's podium is also missing from where it sat, leaving nothing but donuts-in fact, that's where the primary pile of donuts are. Digging through that pile will only yield donuts, and nothing more.

(Some of the animals try to approach Akane. They disintegrate before they get two steps. Apparently they're better off eating the donuts.)

But-most of all-it's the fact that Zero is not on the screens that pop out through the theater. There's nothing but static. And while the curtains are closed, you know you are being watched regardless.




Uh. So. Maybe it's not worth waiting for Zero on this.


The trial for the murder of Zack Prince, the One, has begun.]

Comments

[somuchshipping]

[AAAAAAA HERMES FEELS SO BACKED UP INTO A CORNER RIGHT NOW AAAAAAAAAAA]

I... F- fine...! Y- YouCanSayIt...!

[Aaaaand Hermes is looking really ashamed right now...]

[exequte]

[She would squeeze his shoulder, if he had any shoulders, but as it is... well, she tries. Her touch on his noodle body tightens just a moment in what is hopefully a comforting manner before she turns back to the assembly.]

E-everybody...

A few weeks ago, Hermes told me about a disease from his home called 【Clockwork】. When I asked him about it later he explained it to me. It is a disease that is capable of infecting both biological and mechanical beings, which slowly turns them into a combination of flesh and metal. It can... it can make people... more aggressive, and... and feral. But those who are infected.... They don't always lose their minds like that. Some people are able to control themselves as they develop, and instead are able to readjust again as members of society.

It is my belief that Hermes has been infected with Clockwork. That's... why he acts like he does, sometimes. But! I don't think that means it's his fault.

If he is infected, then it seems like the specific strain he is infected with is not infectious, since nobody else has gotten sick with it. Hermes said they didn't know of any cure other than overwriting the code or reversing to a different save, but...! If he is, then I think that everyone here... we might be able to help him find a cure.

[pegasinister]

...so that is why his voice has been changing as well.

[exequte]

I think so, yes. It fits.

[pegasinister]

[He nods. He honestly does feel better knowing his outburst was something like this even if he's still pissed]

[superstylishsquid]

...He told me about the same thing. I just couldn't convince him to accept that's what he has.

Explains why he didn't get put in an organic body like Ritsu, though. If he's turning partially biological, he'll have blood for the tree.

[pegasinister]

How mercenary.

[superstylishsquid]

The reason for Hermes still having his own body? [Shrug.] Sometimes the practical is all that matters to people.

[exequte]

He told me that he didn't remember getting infected and I can't blame him for not wanting to believe that he might have contracted such a terrifying disease. But.... There is always the possibility that Zero deliberately infected him before he was brought here, even if he never did contract it at home.

[superstylishsquid]

That was my thought, too, but Hermes didn't wanna listen.

[somuchshipping]

[Hermes is just going to try and hide behind his podium for the remainder of the trial.]

[exequte]

[Akane is just gonna give him a hug, provided he'll allow her.]

[somuchshipping]

[Hermes doesn't seem to respond other than flinching a little, and depending on positioning, you may feel some gauze on his two front legs.]

[exequte]

Sorry.

But... I think it was important. That people knew. And it still might not be true, remember? But if it is... maybe we can help you.

[autonomousthought]

...so that's why.

[superstylishsquid]

I haven't checked to see if he bleeds or not, but...it's the probable reason.

[autonomousthought]

...I'm...the best hacker in at least one...world. I'll see...what I can do to...find a cure, at the...earliest opportunity. With permission.

[Manipulating code is her thing, and all. But she won't subject a fellow AI to hacking without permission, she has been there, it's bad.]

[exequte]

Since it can infect both organic and inorganic beings, that does imply there's some kind of biological component. But, given the facilities that we've gained access too....

We might be able to do something. I think it's worth it to try.