THE FIRST TRIAL

[strangerpeople]

THE FIRST TRIAL

[Almost as soon as the investigation is over, a loud DING echoes through the mall.

The elevator doors in the food court, before completely inaccessible, have now opened for the Titled. It will not close until every last Titled has gotten in. Nor will everyone have to wait long for potential stragglers; a thought comes to everyone's mind, a realization that they need to get into the elevator. They need to go.

They need to find out who did this.

The elevator is a small freight elevator inside, and its just big enough to fit everyone in it. After a short ride, the elevator opens...

And they are on the roof. Despite it clearly not being that late in the day, the roof seems to be surrounded by an air of cool, perpetual sunset. Beyond that, good luck making out what's beyond the roof - there seems to be a city, but it's utterly unidentifiable. Not that anyone can jump off the roof to try and get closer - there is a translucent barrier surrounding the roof that is utterly impenetrable.

The main attraction of the roof, however, is not the fuzzy landscape beyond. It's the large, stepped circular platform which is a mere ten paces from the elevator. On this platform are 15 podiums, surrounding a large, empty, circular floor. Instantly every phone pings, giving everyone their platform assignment based on their bedroom number. And - upon arriving at their designated podium - they will find a dock for their phone to slide into. As soon as they do so the XAMINE app will pop up, revealing everyone's findings regarding the murder.

Not Wake, though. His podium is lower, and bare save for a white cloth.

Still, everyone - including Ren, who will find that whoever arranged this whole deal has given him a chair to sit in - will need their strength. Which is why each Stranger also has a bento box lunch, carefully prepared, waiting for them at their podium. Each meal is tailored to every Stranger's specific tastes and allergies, as best as a bent box meal can be. It even comes with a cup of their favorite drink.

So, take a few bites, take a few breaths, and get ready, Titled.

The trial for the murder of Wake Archus, The Feeling, has begun.]

Comments

[byanyother_name]

...None of us could, Kurusu-san. [Kurama's voice is the gentlest it's been since the trial started.]

We will find them. In the situation we're in, the likelihood of human error is significant. Staying too distant would be suspicious, but getting too close might allow us to catch inconsistencies. It's a delicate position for our infiltrator.

[beguiledcard]

But, I--!!! [ For just a moment, his teeth are clenched together, that guilt flaring up in his eyes all over again. His brow tenses unsteadily, hands tightening into fists, shoulders actually... trembling just a little.

He forces out an even exhale, quickly. Body quickly fighting to relax, face fighting so hard to return to something calm. He can't get worked up, he can't afford to seem like he can't handle this! After closing his eyes for a moment, he shakes his head. ]

... I know. It's dangerous, and we'll need to find some... system of communication that could hide our intentions.

[ His voice is only loud enough for Kurama to hear. ]

[byanyother_name]

You feel responsible. Do you believe I do not? Everyone here with a desire to protect others no doubt feels the same way. ...you're not alone, Kurusu-san. This doesn't fall on only your shoulders.

[Kurama gets it, okay? But he really doesn't want Akira beating himself up too badly. They all dropped the ball here.]

...I've been thinking about that. I don't trust our phones not to be bugged. We'd need some excuse to set them aside and a cover for any conversation. Most written methods take too long.

Kurusu-san... How are you at DDR?

[beguiledcard]

[ He's quiet, clearly not intending to argue with those initial words. Truth be told... he knows Kurama has a point. ]

...?

[ It's the latter part that has him blinking softly. He turns those words over in this head. Heh... that question sounds so out of place, but it certainly doesn't feel that way, all things considered. An excuse to set aside their phones... A place that their conversations could be drowned out unless the people were within close enough proximity... ]

Guess there's only one way for you to find out...

[ There's actually a glint in his eye as he looks up at the redhead -- it doesn't take away from the weariness, but the way his demeanor does shift into something somehow even more seriousness... ]

For now... let's just get through this.

[byanyother_name]

[He does like that glint in Akira's eyes. A small, brief quirk of his lips isn't quite a smile but it probably would be under better circumstances.]

Agreed. I'll look forward to challenging you later.