third trial

[stagemanagers]

[As the investigation ends, you'll hear Hester's voice inviting you to the auditorium. As this happens, the twin doors on either side of the concession stand, across from the gym, will click open. You can enter on either side; both go to the same place. Some of you have a detour to make beforehand- Hester lets you in to her office to drop off the precious cargo without incident. She then slips off to in the direction of the scene shop.

When you enter the auditorium, it's dark. There's only the small lights along the walkway behind all the seats, just enough to illuminate where you're going. There's a central path between the seats, down towards where you know the stage must be. That's where you must be going, right? As you pass each row of seats, the lights at their ends flick on, marking your procession and slowly making more and more of the room visible. Shortly, you can see your destination: a circle of podiums stationed in the orchestra pit, below the lip of the darkened, curtained stage. They're all identical, labeled with a cast member's name. The SQUIP, the Balladeer and Rina now have theirs draped in black crepe and with a framed monochrome photo of them on top.

When you reach the podiums, the lights above the stage finally come on. the Wizard is once again waiting for you. Beside it Hester is slowly lowers in on her bubble. Either she was magicked up there or the catwalk repair had a very impressive turnaround time. The Dad Squad and Peregrine have already seen this week's look but those who haven't might notice the braid bun her hair is in has half-fallen out and her little white heels are covered in dirt.

The mechanical head, with glowing green eyes, is installed above the stage and the still-closed curtain. Even if you were standing on the stage, it'd be well out of reach. It peers down at all of you, its motions fluid, and speaks with a booming, artificial-sounding voice:]

Welcome to your third trial, everyone. It's time to determine who was responsible for the murder of Rina. Feel free to talk amongst yourselves and work together - you'll have to show teamwork if you want to leave this room alive.

Comments

[mayavericks]

She might not have hurt at all. He may have believed he was helping her. Or, moreover.

It could have been an accident. Or the wrong target.

[violentenvies]

Considering the rag...I doubt this was an accident.

[sugarlumps]

Maya you're kind of sounding like the SQUIP right now, you're supposed to be a hero, stop it.

[comeandfindme]

Maya. Stop.

[ Low, and warning. ]

We don't work like this. Understand?

1/2

[mayavericks]

Peregrine.

[She looks ready to say something.]

2/2

[mayavericks]

[Her shoulders sag.]

You're right. I'm sorry.

[comeandfindme]

[ She nods, but— ]

To them. Not to me.

[mayavericks]

[Uuuugh.]

I'm sorry, Varian. And to you, Farrah.

[alchemistake]

You-

[...]

You don't have to apologize. I want justice for Rina just as much as everyone else. I'd be more frustrated if you weren't looking at me.

[brokeforgood]

I don’t forgive you. [petty petty petty]

[mayavericks]

[Shrug.]

I expected as much.

[brokeforgood]

Varian probably will. He’s better than me.

But don’t you fucking dare come for him again.

[mayavericks]

I will ask the questions needed to ensure the survival of us all. I will not make any promises as to who those questions will be directed toward, Farrah-san.

[brokeforgood]

[ Farrah throws her hands up, and turns away from Maya. Instead, she whispers to Varian.]

No one's gonna hurt you
No one's gonna dare

[disharmonizes]

You've moved a little quick from suspecting an injury into outright accusation territory.

I'm not usually one to tell people to slow down, but...

[mayavericks]

You're right. [Maya isn't the type to look ashamed but... She's sure coming close.]

Thank you. For reminding me.