Accountability.

[explosivecombat]

There are all sorts of secrets to this place, really, ways to get from place to place reasonably unnoticed. Some of those ways involve the ability to shift one's appearance, some of them involve shadows and vessels and darkness; for those without those sorts of gifts, though, one has to rely on more conventional means. Panels and doorways, joins and seams that don't join up quite right; portions of the wall that will open up if you manipulate them properly. The Conductor himself tends to rely on the latter; he is, after all, entirely human. He's thin, as though he doesn't eat terribly much, but his clothes are immaculate and sharply-tailored, a suit and long coat all in white and shades of pale grey; his hair is long, trailing at least halfway down his back in a thin, tightly-tied ponytail, and his eyes are cold when he moves to stand at the thirtieth podium – it's not his, it never has been, but it's going to do for now. He doesn't seem anxious at all about being here; there's nothing nervous in his demeanor, and he's keeping his head up, perfectly willing to look everyone in the face. There's a definite arrogance about him, as is probably to be expected, though he'll certainly acknowledge everyone once he's there – when he bows it's enough to be respectful, but not nearly enough to expose the back of his neck. When he speaks, his voice is recognizable but it's quiet, far moreso than one would assume him to be based on the volume of the intercom alone; his tone is even, almost unsettlingly calm given the circumstances, though there's a hardness to it that never quite goes away. "It's a pleasure to speak to all of you in person; I'd say that it's almost a shame that the circumstances have to be what they are, but I'm not going to insult your intelligence like that." He straightens up then; the smile he's offering is understated, but it's not particularly nice. "I understand that we have a fair amount to discuss; shall we begin?" Your host for the evening, everyone; let's start.

Comments

SELECTION.

[explosivecombat]

I do hope you've come to a decision, regardless of whether I will or won't assist you in doing so.

[...The contract was cute and a nice try. He'll acknowledge that much, if only to himself, but still. At least he sounds more amused than truly condescending.]

Select someone amongst yourselves to relay what you've decided. Once that's done, we can progress from there.

[openterrain]

Just one of us, huh?

[ Addressed to the rest of the group: ] Think we should put that to a vote, too?

[withabigsmile]

Does it matter who says it? We just talked about how we trust each other, right?

[icysemblance]

At this point, it doesn't matter to me who goes, so whoever can put it in the clearest terms should be the one to do it.

...or we all say it together. One voice.

[sunsong]

Nah. Just say whatever. Susan and I voiced our concerns, but we've also agreed to vote with you guys even if it's the wrong move, so...it's settled. He heard it.

[oftheland]

...I mean, if no one else wants to, I can go with it.

[announcemyvictory]

We've all done what we can. Bakugou, Sol -- you recall what we discussed earlier, right? The two of you may be rough and unorthodox, but that's really our best chance in here, and it's what makes you strong. I'll leave my decision in your hands, whoever takes it.

And really, Mr. Conductor, you spoke of "senseless optimism" earlier, but I'll bet you don't know anything about it. Despite... my own lack of expertise. And if anybody repeats that I've acknowledged that...

[withabigsmile]

[Elise. Buddy.

We haven't been friends long, but right now? Fuck it, Blue's holding your hand.]

[announcemyvictory]

--!

[Slowly, cautiously, Elise accepts the hand and nods.]

[icysemblance]

[Weiss is just going to extend her free hand to Blue. She needs it.]

[withabigsmile]

[AW YES SHE IS HOLDING HANDS WITH TWO CUTE GIRLS

She... Thinks to herself to try not to be terrified. If they die, they die together...

Wiggly holds onto Blue's leg for dear life.]

[blazeit]

Anyone's fine with me as well. We made the decision together, that's the important thing.

[sunsong]

Kinda nice not sittin' through a trial suspectin' one of our own of shit.

[blazeit]

Yeah, it really is. Feeling suspicious got real tired after, like, the first trial.

DECISION.

[openterrain]

[ Well, that pretty much settles it.

... Besides, if this decision does get them all killed, he's the one that first pushed for it. He'll have to take some sort of responsibility for it. ]

You heard us discussing it so you should already know the answer - but we decided to trust in each other keep you alive.

[sunsong]

Although if this goes to hell, Susan and I get I told you so rights.

[ SOL...but no she sounds more relaxed for the time being. ]

[openterrain]

Honestly, if this goes to hell, then I'll want you to say, 'I told you so.'

[sunsong]

Trust me, I'd fuckin' shout it. And also from then on you'd have to listen to me forever, clearly.

[ ...........this is a Serious Trial ]

[ninehundredlives]

If that happens, I'd also like to apologize to the dead right now? With any luck we'd join you, but who knows.

...I hope your faith in us wasn't misplaced.

[withabigsmile]

Yeah, sorry guys! Whatever happens, I hope we can hang out.

[sunsong]

...Well, that too. I want to bring them back no matter what. Honestly, I still think we could do it on our own! But, we're a team first and foremost. And I'll keep to my word!

...No matter what, I'll get to see my little sister again.

[oftheland]

...yeah, I'll... take a lot of responsibility for that. I tried to get things in our favor, really...

[icysemblance]

[She nods, walking over and putting a hand on his shoulder. No words needed, just smiles.]

[openterrain]

[ Jean gives her another smile that's far more nervous and uneasy than he's care to admit, lifting his hand to rest it over hers. ]

Here goes nothing, I guess.

[icysemblance]

We're in this together, no matter what.

[EVEN IF WE BAD END.]