[ WEEK ONE – TRIAL ]

[sheriffexe]

TRIAL

In the morning, the town comes back to life. Birds crow overhead, a snake nearby hisses, a lingering coyote dips behind a shop before disappearing into the wild. It's a frightening contrast to the stillness of yesterday but it doesn't mean it's over yet. After all, today is the trial. The Sheriff stands on the porch of the Town Hall and brings his hand up to his mouth to let out a whistle. He'll thumb back to the Hall behind him and very clearly state -- "Trial time, folks. Get in here and figure out who did it." And then he'll turn to leave before pausing and adding on, "Bring a snack or somethin' too. The Town Hall is set up more like a court house, a Judge's bench at the front but instead of at center, it's off to the side as if more for observation than participation. There's a table at the front of the room already holding a small box and a pad of papers and pen, for voting apparently. A side room containing only a metal gurney is next and today it's obvious why there's a gurney there at all with the corpse, resting right on top of it. Aside from that, there are rows for everyone to take a seat and it's only after everyone is inside and settled, that the doors close and the Sheriff speaks. "Well, have at it. You've got till nine." And then, he points to a clock on the wall that reads 12:00. Good luck. Welcome to the trial post! Characters are free to discuss everything related to the trial here. They won't be let out of the room until 9PM when voting ends. Every character must vote and the voting post can be found here. If there are any questions, please shoot a message to this journal or to robowest.

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Comments

[abasing]

... I buried her.

When she was dead. The thought of leaving her body in the open for scavengers to feed on...it was horrible.

[combattente]

You gave her a proper burial then. [He's repeating her, but with a sort of respect?] I am sorry we had to disturb her body after the trouble you went to, but ah... I imagine you understand.

[abasing]

... I do. Of course I understand. In the end...that is what this game is for, is it not? To... feed on our filth, our worst aspects, just like this, for others' entertainment.

[combattente]

What is your worst aspect then? Wanting to live? You did not have a choice. Remember that.

[abasing]

I stabbed a young girl in the throat, sir.

You may say what you will in that, but I... [...]

... Even so... I want to live. I...absolutely want to live.

[impulsiveness]

I get it. It wasn't your fault, but— you did what you could.

[He bites his lip.]

Whatever happens now, I'm sorry. You look like a really nice person. You didn't deserve any of this.

[abasing]

... Thank you, but... perhaps, in the end, I do deserve this. Miss Ao, too, simply wished to live. And had she not... could I say for certain I would not have done so?

[...]

I would like to, but there is no guarantee.

The Sheriff assured us that if one did not kill the other...he would kill us both.

[impulsiveness]

Like hell. Nobody deserves this. Your hands were forced, and you were trying to defend yourself. I don't think anybody here blames you. Not really.

[God.]

I know it won't mean much, but we'll find the people who brought you here and take them down. I promise.

[abasing]

... I certainly hope you do. If not for me, for yourselves. Do...take care.

I fear this is only the beginning.

[impulsiveness]

I will. You, too, if... there's anything after this. [???????] Just let us know if there's anything we can do for you, please.

[abasing]

... There is nothing now, correct?

But... even so, I... there are worse fates, than the support I have received. Please never forget to stand together, and support each other.

[insincerely]

... In that case, why were two graves messed up, instead of just one? For that matter, why would you bury under a marker that already had a name?

[abasing]

... I did not dig the other grave--I simply disturbed the first grave that I could dig.

[The dirt was already disturbed, so it was easy.]

I could not read the names in the dark... I am sorry if I caused anyone trouble with that.

[insincerely]

... Well, poor Jason, for getting his grave picked.

But that's a plausible enough story, I guess.

[Sorry, Tiara. Everyone else may be offering their sympathies, but Shinnosuke... wants to clear everything up...]

[abasing]

[yeah whatever go away]

[glaring]

I'll explain that later, but my grave isn't relevant to this, it seems.

[insincerely]

[That gets a smirk out of him.]

... That sounds like an interesting story.

[glaring]

[ Why are you so... you. ]

[insincerely]

[A question for the ages, tbh...]

[saurloser]

You should be commended.

[insincerely]

What, for asking questions?

[saurloser]

Yes. At this point, it's more useful to have our facts all accounted for while she is still here to answer questions more helpful than tearful "why, why"'s

[insincerely]

... Well, I don't disagree, but someone's probably going to punch you for that attitude, sooner or later.

[saurloser]

I know. But mourning the unfairness of her fate won't protect us. Someone needs to keep that in mind.