trustfell | Initiative.

Rachel looks a bit conflicted about what should happen from here; Lisbeth is still on the floor, but she's told her what she should do, and so... Well, she's never really been good at saying no, though she does walk up and reach out to pet Lisbeth's hair gingerly for a moment before turning to everyone else.

"We should leave."

And with that, the courtroom changes, all at once; it was one thing, and then quite simply it isn't, and the podium circle has been replaced with a round spread of consoles wrapping around a center spire. The room is no longer concrete and steel, but rather stark white, all done up in glossy tile that looks like it'd crack if you hit it hard enough with something – that said, it's not recommended to try, given that it's just as indestructible as everything else in the building.

Rachel approaches the consoles, reaching out to touch them, fingers tapping gently against several of the unmarked buttons; it's probably not precisely necessary for her to do so, given the state of things, but she seems to like doing it, so do it she shall. There are a pair of slots that look like keycards are required; she glances at them for a second before manipulating more buttons, causing a small panel to open up in front of her – it looks like an authorization mechanism of some sort, the kind that you press your hand against to get it to recognize you.

"It's going to be a bit jarring when you wake up; sorry about that, but you've been asleep for a really long time. I'd suggest giving it a moment."

She pauses, though, once that's out there, glancing back at everyone.

"I'll be on the other side with you, but not like this. We can still talk, though, if you like."

And with that she just turns and presses her hand against the panel without waiting for an answer; the next thing you're aware of is the flash.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Um.

[Well. That's certainly a question, isn't it.]

I... don't know? I've never considered it before. Why do you ask?

Apparently it really tells the sort of person you are? I don't know, it was one of lovebug's questions. I couldn't think of an answer either.

[The people who could are sort of frightening if she is honest with herself. Who just thinks of stuff like that?]

I'm glad I'm not the only one.

[Very strange people, apparently.]

[... She's still objectively cute.]

There were some other weird questions on there too, but I can't remember a lot of them. Been too long. Did you manage to finish that project you were working on?

Not quite. I was almost finished, but... Well, I guess it's okay. I think things are going to be alright now.

[She's talking about Lisbeth, in case it wasn't obvious.]

[Don't worry, she's got it.]

... Are you alright with this, Alena? The decision. It's your world too.

[She hesitates for a moment. Fidgets. Then finally nods.]

I am. I know it was a tough decision for them to make. I'm a little scared of what will happen now, but... I think this will be good for everyone.

[Sigrun stares at her, like she's trying to figure out if that's true or not, and nods. Okay! Good.]

Sort of has to be. I mean, I figure Elda and the rest of them would feel pretty bad if things went south after all this? But I think so too, honestly, probably the best thing they could've shot for.

[Even if it leaves the world dead. Sigrun has her own opinions on that, obviously, growing up in the world she has, but history's done nothing good for her.

Also: She is whispering now. We are whisperers]

Your sister'll probably be fine, but keep an eye on her. She wasn't looking too hot. People do some crazy stuff when they're done with the world.

[Alena nods and then lowers her voice to a whisper as well.]

I will. I don't want her doing anything like this again. I don't want to see her sad like that and I think this time we can make sure everything goes okay. This time we can figure out something else. No more murder, no more resetting things either.

[Good, good, Alena's getting some headpats for that!

... Hopefully she likes it as much as Rachel did!]

You're a good girl, Alena. Don't let your older sister boss you around either, okay? There's plenty of other ways to get her kicks than to punish bad people like this. Like doing it some other way. That honestly, I have no idea what could be because I'm not a city person, but I'm sure there is some.

[That said: Prosecutor Hilda Larimore sounds terrifying.]

[She ducks her head a bit at the headpats, but she's not opposed! She eventually looks up with a smile.]

I'm sure we'll figure something out. Hilda and Lisbeth are both very smart and capable; they'll be fine, I'm sure of it.

And you are smarter than both of them, in my opinion. But, uh... I have to ask. You know. About Rachel.

[the ai is a person and her friend in two rounds.]

I'm sure someone else has asked too, but... how's that all going to work out? Will she be okay?

I'm going to do my best to give her a body so she can come with us. I think I can do it.

[She sounds confident, even if her words aren't exactly the most reassuring.]

[Oh, no, that is incredibly reassuring, she is 100% confident in Alena's abilities. Mostly because Sigrun is nowhere near that sphere and the fact that someone is means they're an expert in her book, so if they say they're gonna do it then they will.]

I totally wanna see her. I'll be she'll be super cute? Oh, make sure she has hair long enough to braid it, she liked that.

[Alena's smile widens.]

Okay, I'll be sure to do that. I really do hope we can see you again.

Me too. I wanna get to know you more, so think of a vegetable before then. [...] And... can I hug you? For you, and also for Rachel when you make her a body.

[She would usually just Do It but there's like, a bit of decorum here.]

[Thank you for asking first, Alena appreciates it. That said, she nods.]

You can! I'll do my best to come up with a vegetable, I won't forget!

[OH GOOD ALENA GETS A NICE TIGHT VIKING HUG which is just a normal hug, but given by a viking. She'll let her go after a few seconds, patting her head again.]

Take care of yourself, Al, and I promise I'll come up with one myself.

Initiative.

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