on the third day of christmas my true love gave to me a trial to see whodunit

[jinglehellmods]

WHO KILLED CHRISTMAS?

Four hours pass. Thug Dangerzone and Brasco move all the tables together (with no help from Starshine) and the "trial room" such that it is, is set. One long table with plenty of standing room if you aren't feeling like getting buddy buddy with your new best friends. No one seems to have wanted to move the body, so right next to the long table is Kido, sort of covered with the tablecloth. (Was it made to be a reminder, of what you've lost? Or are they just lazy?)

On each spot at the table is a sandwich and apple cider, and that basket sits ominously in the middle of the table as a gruesome centerpiece reminder. Next to the food is a pen and a small notebook, like the kind they use on police procedural.

After everyone is seated, or at least standing awkwardly around, Starshine goes to stand at the head of the table and claps her hands to get everyone's attention. "Hello everyone. I hope you used your four hours wisely!" She sets a piece of paper on the table, with a variety of names. "Here's your suspect list. We were doing a little digging while you guys were busy poking around, so we've determined it's one of these idiots. Please discuss among yourself who did it. When you're ready, write their name on the paper and hand it to one of us and we'll count. When a majority of you have all written the same name, we'll stop. Or, uh, I guess if you waste enough of our time."

She looks from Brasco to Thug Dangerzone and then back to the table and the gathered masses. She waves her hand in a sweeping gesture in front of everyone, "Let the Hunger Games begin!"

23 GUESTS REMAIN

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Comments

[codeofmisconduct]

And you didn't think to mention it even after a murder occurred? It would have been much better to say half an hour ago or so, rather than this way-- don't you think?

[he's taking a step. two steps... closer... yeah bye Hans.]

[trettende]

When exactly was I supposed to mention it?

[ Maybe around here? ]

"Oh, I see there's been a murder! How awful! This is exactly why I carry a knife with me at all times."

That would have been an admission of guilt if you'd asked anyone!

[codeofmisconduct]

Better then than now, don't you think?

I'd be more inclined to listen to someone who was forthcoming.

[I mean. Look. He handled Ries' hair nicely enough!!]

Hiding something like that hoping we simply won't find it is far more suspicious.

[trettende]

I was rather hoping I wouldn't have to tell anyone at all.

[ The real reason he was so opposed to the strip search, hi. ]

Just as well, now when one of you tries to off me in my sleep, you'll know I'm armed.

[ He sighs! Wow, that wasn't very nice of him........ ]

Regardless, I had nothing to do with your friend's murder. I swear it. I just happen to have a knife because I don't trust most of you.

[ident17y]

If you're going to kill someone and a simple knife will stop you, you shouldn't be killing at all.

[ In completely unhelpful comments. ]

[thatdarkmage]

[ He's laughing a little over here. ]

Hey! That was a good one.

[ident17y]

A good one? [ He was just stating the truth. ]

[thatdarkmage]

[ A good truth. ]

Yeah. I totally agree with you.

[ident17y]

[ His lips curl upward into the slightest smile. ]

I see. It's the truth, that's all. No decent fighter would be defeated by a simple knife.

[trettende]

It clearly didn't help Mr. Kido very much, considering he and his attacker both had one.

[ Crap. Maybe he needs to rethink this plan. ]

[ident17y]

It's a skill match up. You don't need a weapon if you're good enough with your hands. [ Oh so smugly. ]

[codeofmisconduct]

Rather unfortunate now, isn't it.

[Well you just solidified the fact that they can't risk a trial without one anymore.]

You should hope so. Because if if comes out that you're the one responsible for my oath brother's death, you won't have to worry about one coming for you in your sleep. I'll kill you myself. Right here, right now.

[commemoration]

[oh dear--]

Please don't say such things--threatening one another is terrible and will not help with this matter!

[codeofmisconduct]

I tried to believe that. But then why are we here? Kido of all people was trying to be helpful in this situation and yet this... is how he was repaid.

[happydreamed]

And murder in revenge will improve matters... how, exactly?

[commemoration]

I... I know that someone did something so cruel to Mr. Kido, but...

[she's at a loss here, unsure of what to say or do]

[snackhabit]

Do you plan to kill the one who killed your brother, even if it wasn't Hans?

[codeofmisconduct]

[He takes a deep breath.]

I have spent a long time killing those who got in the way of my idea of justice. Until recently I believed that was the only way. But that also resulted in a lot of things ending in a way I couldn't say I'm happy with.

So... I'm not sure what I'll do, when that time comes.

[In truth he's very torn right now, despite what he says.]

[snackhabit]

[She closes her eyes.]

For now, I suppose we should just focus on the evidence. Perhaps that will help us figure out who killed him. That way you can be sure and figure out what to do then.

[letstrythatagain]

Or we could just keep him locked up and turn him over to the proper authorities later, perhaps? Get him a real trial and punishment and all of that?

[Please do not kill anyone else here.]

[acherontiastyx]

Like. What even is the legal precedent attached to all that, though. Aren't we all from different dimensions or something?

[letstrythatagain]

I'm pretty sure all dimensions have some kind of 'don't kill each other' rule. And besides that, it would be the jurisdiction of either whoever finds us first, or whoever here is the highest-ranked police officer or military personnel. Which actually might be me, I think the rest of you are civilians.

[codeofmisconduct]

Do you believe we can do that without risking that somehow they'll find a way to free themselves and kill again? This isn't a prison, it's a hotel. It doesn't have the same level of security.

[letstrythatagain]

Of course I do, luv! Bedsheets can become rope pretty easily, and a few of us could take turns watching him. Or her, I suppose, since we don't know who the killer is yet.

[trettende]

[ holy shit, dude....... ]

Um, yes, well. I'll... keep that in mind.

[ Hi, BYE..... Hans is gonna put his clothes on and. Sit down. At the edge of this nice big table. ]

It really wasn't me, though.