Taking Responsibility.

[trustbound]

A while after that space behind and above the game room has been accessed, after things have been looked over, Jericho can be heard over the intercom; apparently, it works over in that area as well. "Wow, you guys really are having a great time going through our stuff, aren't you? Good for you! Seriously, look at all of you go, utilizing Rule Four and everything. It's cute as hell. I'm guessing you want something out of all of this, though – I mean, we absolutely could leave you there to just sort of mull things over until somebody else dies, but that seems like a waste of everybody's time, and believe it or not, I'm not too crazy about wasting tme. So if you're all happy with what you found, go ahead and head down to the courtroom – as always, we'll be waiting for you." And as he's said, the door the courtroom below is unlocked and open when you arrive; as always, feel free to follow that darkened stairwell down to that familiar room made of concrete and steel. There are so few of you now. Kyrie's photograph has joined the others in the circle that have their pictures in monochrome, their podiums draped in black – but notably, the podiums have all been rearranged. There are definite patterns to it, if you look; either way, feel free to find and take your place. The pit in the center of the circle remains darkened, but it isn't as though it matters much for the time being, given that there would be no one in it; after all, the thirty-sixth podium, across from all of you, is occupied. Hilda is standing there, dressed in black as always, a notebook folded tightly against her chest – not the notebook that killed Aligula, but a nice leatherbound one. She looks at everyone expectantly as they walk in; the implication is incredibly clear. It's you against the guilty. Take control of your fate, and hold them responsible. When she does speak, it's simple and straightforward, especially as compared to Jericho's rambling. "Let's begin, shall we?"

Comments

[matchbreaker]

But isn't that strange? I thought it was strange from the minute I saw this thing. It's identical to the one I've always seen you writing in.

[trustbound]

...It's strange, yes.

[matchbreaker]

Actually, the whole room we found it in was strange. If I had to guess... it was your and Alena's bedroom. Complete with differentiated twin beds, a differentiated closet of clothes, and that incomplete cat from earlier.

[trustbound]

Okay? I used to stay in a room with Alena and I left some of my stuff there. So what?

[matchbreaker]

Why would a a second Ziska be there? Not to mention the placement was weird, if I had to guess we went up several floors of stairs but I have no idea how it'd connect to anything else. Not to mention that unfinished robot cat. What, do you just make them for sport?

[trustbound]

I don't make anything. Alena used to make all the mechanical stuff. That includes Ziska - Alena made her for me. And besides, there's only one of her.

[matchbreaker]

... So the one you're holding is a fake?

[ Because you just saw her write in this thing and it got a response. ]

[trustbound]

It's just a notebook. I like writing things down - I'm bad with names and faces.

I wouldn't try to replace her.

[matchbreaker]

[ . . . ]

You just said you left things behind though. That includes your friend? I know you're in the office at weird hours of the morning, so when do you even get to go back there? Or ... am I over thinking it?

[trustbound]

Why does it matter? I haven't been back there in a long time. Again, so what?

[matchbreaker]

[ . . . Does she know where she's going with this? Not really? Mmm. ]

For as lonely of a person as you can be, I suppose the minute I learned the book talked I assumed you were always speaking with your friend.

... And you also clutched that book you have now closer when I said her name.

[trustbound]

Maybe I just missed talking to her. Anyway, like I said, she's my friend and I wouldn't try to replace her, and I absolutely didn't want her around you guys.

[matchbreaker]

Are we really all that dangerous to a book?

[ . . . Said the woman with lighters in the library as she holds onto Ziska. ]

[trustbound]

...You had lighters in the library.

[And I mean.]

[matchbreaker]

... None of those books are people.

I think?

[trustbound]

...Fair enough.

[Books in library confirmed for non-people.]

[notaccurate]

Out of curiosity, when was the last time you spoke to Ziska?

[trustbound]

I don't know. I don't want her around fuckups like you guys, you'll probably just do something stupid to her.

[notaccurate]

[ABOUT THAT...]

She said it had been a while, which was why I was curious.

My apologies about the 'keeping her away from fuckups' thing, by the way.

[He does not sound sorry at all.]

[trustbound]

She's not one of the Coordinators, so she wouldn't get the same protection I do.

That said, I would totally execute you fuckups if you killed her. So as long as no one does that, we'll be fine.

[...She is saying this in all stark stonefaced seriousness. God help us, as far as she's concerned the book is people.]

[perpend]

....What makes you think we'd hurt her?

[If it's a talking book, it might as well be people.]

[trustbound]

I can't predict the future, I don't know what you guys would decide to do. She was my only friend for a long time, I'm going to be protective.

[bloodbiter]

You didn’t have other friends within the group you came from?

[notaccurate]

[Well, Ziska is a people, so.

But this raises further questions.]

Wouldn't that lead to a punishment, like what Alena got?

[trustbound]

Probably.

[...I mean, friendly reminder that Hilda isn't a sane woman, I guess.]