07: [Action]

[truthsnomiracle]

March 26, 5:59 PM
Bay View Hotel
Room 212
NNNGGGHHHOOOOOOOH!

[That was probably audible throughout half the hotel.]


March 27, ??:03 ?M
Outside Bay View Hotel
[Anyone on their way in or out from fighting will probably find a prosecutor in a new-looking, stiff burgundy trenchcoat with a glaive across his back... hugging a black and white, collie-like dog while sobbing pitifully.]

[OOC: Please specify your prompt!]

Comments

[truthsnomiracle]

[Edgeworth pulls out a handkerchief with one hand while scratching Pess's head with another. He's finally attaining some measure of his usual calm, though a weight continues to bear down on him.]

If I knew what must be done with him aside from giving him a fair trial -- something we were only just barely in a position to attempt even with Wright -- then perhaps I would be more confident in my ability to obscure the existence of the power vacuum amongst us. As it stands, every form of punishment I can think of is either impossible in this situation or cruel and unusual except one, and that one contains a loophole -- this very hour.

[croibhristeoir]

I'm not sure I'm following you, Edgeworth. Do you mean...we should just lock him in the Shadows' nest and let them dispatch him?

[truthsnomiracle]

What?! No, nothing like that! ...I too easily forget that you predate the concept of avoiding excessive cruelty in punishment.

[croibhristeoir]

Forgive me, I am trying. If you forget so easily, then perhaps I'm doing something properly to that effect.

What did you have in mind, then?

[truthsnomiracle]

We can take neither the killer's life nor his liberty under the circumstances. As far as we know, we cannot simply seal his Persona either. Taking mere property would be too lenient a punishment for his crimes. However, if we could just overcome the obstacle of not knowing how to make electronic devices work during the Dark Hour, there is one thing we may be able to take from him: his privacy.

[Edgeworth turns to Pess and begins massaging her shoulders at that, which she seems to enjoy.]

It's common practice in this era to surgically implant pets with microchips -- tiny devices -- that when scanned with the proper device reveal information about the dog in case they're lost. There are also various tracking devices that can be planted on an object or person -- Franziska once hid such a thing in a certain detective's coat in order to keep him on a leash. Furthermore, our phones are particularly advanced, and should be programmable.

My idea, therefore, is simply this: implant a miniature tracking device inside our killer's body, and distribute to everyone the program necessary to detect it. In such a way, it would be substantially more difficult for the killer to take new victims unawares or to escape further justice. The problem lies in the fact that unless we unravel the mystery of how our phones work during the Dark Hour, the device would be inactive during that time.

[croibhristeoir]

[Diarmuid didn't answer at first, instead taking the crimson lance in hand again and idly tapping his fingers against it in thought.]

I don't...really know much about technology. A less delicate way to say it is that I'm almost completely clueless about the finer details of it. So please stop me if I begin speaking utter absurdity.

[He spoke carefully, aware that he had only the faintest amount of knowledge on the subject and trying to keep his thoughts in order regardless.]

Our phones work during the Dark Hour, as you said. If one was to implant such a device into his phone so that it drew from the power source--hm, no, he could just get another phone. Perhaps that isn't the best idea, disregard that. But if there could be a device made with a similar method of powering itself, or crafted in such a way as to use the same energy source as the phones, could it then be possible?

[truthsnomiracle]

We don't yet know whether they draw from a power source other than the obvious as you suggest or if their ability to function during this time is enabled in some other way. However, were the more technically-minded among us able to uncover the truth behind their exceptional status, then it would become possible.

[croibhristeoir]

I'm sure there's a few who know what they're doing when it comes to that particular subject. Perhaps asking on the network and having someone more technology-oriented do a bit of experimenting would be a wise course of action.

[truthsnomiracle]

For that, I would prefer more subtlety. I am, after all, in the process of weaving the proverbial emperor a new set of clothes before anyone realizes that he has none. Fortunately, I can think of some people to call directly concerning this.

[croibhristeoir]

That's fortunate, then. I'm sorry I can't help more with that, technology is one of the things that I persistently have a measure of difficulty with.

[truthsnomiracle]

Pay it no mind. It's my hope that things won't escalate to the point where I need to ask for your help in particular.

[croibhristeoir]

Yes, with any luck, you won't need my particular skills.

On that note...what do you make of everyone being returned things that once belonged to them? I'm certain it's never happened before.

[truthsnomiracle]

[Edgeworth looks to Pess with a sad smile.]

I haven't had time to consider it under the circumstances. All that I do know is that from my own perspective, the timing could have been no better.

[croibhristeoir]

I can agree with that. [He smiled faintly, still holding the lance at his side.] It's not quite what it once was, but it's unspeakably good to have one of my own weapons back.

[truthsnomiracle]

It appears to be a fine weapon indeed. In particular, the detailing on the haft looks as though it would make it easier to maintain a firm hold.

[Edgeworth nudges at Pess to look over to and approach Diarmuid. She seems a bit confused, but does sniff in the Servant's direction.]

Pess, this is Diarmuid. Diarmuid, this is Pess. I've owned her for only a year and a half, but she's been a remarkable comfort in that time.

[croibhristeoir]

Its name is Gáe Dearg, the Crimson Rose of Exorcism. It was a gift from my father, though its ability to cancel out magic seems to be gone at the moment.

[Awwww, puppy.]

She seems quite nice.

[truthsnomiracle]

[Pess closes the distance to Diarmuid and sniffs him more closely, then smiles up at him.]

So even these gifts are so limited...

[croibhristeoir]

[Awww, cutie. C'mere and get ear scritches.]

Just as limited as those of us brought here, clearly. I had hoped otherwise, but I think we'll manage all the same.

[truthsnomiracle]

[Ear scritches mean tail-wagging! And leaning into the scratching, too.]

As well as any such items that were on one's person at the time of our kidnapping. Wright possessed an... unusual item whose loss of power was apparent with even a casual glance. I hadn't even known it wasn't naturally phosphorescent until that night.

[croibhristeoir]

[Whoooosa good puppy~]

All I had with me when I d--got here was my armor and this lance. I can't say I'm surprised the latter of the two didn't come with me, that would have complicated matters somewhat.

[truthsnomiracle]

Rather a lot, one would think.

[Pess is of course blind to the gallows humor flying about, and looks extremely happy with Diarmuid's dog-cuddling skills.]

[croibhristeoir]

[He actually laughed at that, seeming to have no problem with a little humor regarding his own death.]

I'd have looked terribly silly, at least.

[truthsnomiracle]

[Pess yips in response to the laughter.]

I'd imagine it to be highly uncomfortable as well even if you were otherwise healthy.

[croibhristeoir]

Considerably so, yes.

[truthsnomiracle]

What do you suppose any doctors asked to aid in its removal would have made of it?

[Edgeworth may not actually be laughing audibly, but it's apparent enough in his eyes, and he is grinning.]