[it's good that Orihime is alive, but she's useless. Lelouch is very aware of the fact that his plans revolved around her being able to repeat what she did the first time Euphemia was in this state. he can't wait. so it's time for a backup plan]


[VOICE / encrypted private to CHIBIUSA]
Chibiusa...? Are you available?


[VOICE / SO VERY OPEN]
Does anyone here play chess? I've found that a game or two really helps to clear the mind. Perhaps a match in the park, if there's anyone willing and interested.

--With apologies to PM and WV. [as it occurs to him belatedly. should've filtered, but he was distracted]


[and he can be found in the park just outside his house, with a custom-made chess set arranged over a board, playing both sides and brooding until he has company]

[The video clicks on to a smiling face that should be familiar to most of the dome.]

Hello! I wonder if I could have everyone's attention.

[She tilts her head, looking fondly out into the video audience.] I need some help. You see, [She turns the device so that the shelter stairwell is visible and at the bottom is a redhead—twisted and lying limply.] Orihime is blocking the stairs, and I wouldn't want anyone to trip and get hurt! Could someone remove the body? Watch your step please!

Acumen took the gun I was using, but I still need to kill the rest of the Japanese here. So, if you're Japanese please go ahead and kill yourself or meet me by the koi pond. I'll drown everyone just as fast as I can.

Oh, I hope the fish don't mind.

( OOC )

Well. [ the strains of a voice which is evidently more high-pitched than it usually would be, between each word the hints of a controlled and well-thought out panic ] Er, yes. Well! Acumen.

[ A deep breath and suddenly: a million words, though slow and practiced ]

Whilst I can’t totally contradict the crimes you have charged me, I can point out a number of flaws in your "argument", mostly regarding your definition of "known criminal".

Furthermore, rather, [ gaining confidence, and with it, gaining speed ] the argument here is that I am not under your jurisdiction and, thus, not someone you are allowed to imprison, nor do you have the right to confiscate my belongings- and when [ peppered with anger ] has it ever been morally just to kidnap and imprison someone without a fair trial during a ministry-implemented exam period!

This is a complete breach of rights and as an [ almost-silent snort ] authority figure, I would have thought your priorities would be  imprisoning real criminals- of which there are a fair few skulking about, I'm sure you know - and not just people who- who, who had to- who were morally obliged to smuggle a stupid-. Well.

At any rate, [ through thin lips, and finally her steam begins to escape her ] I look forward to proving my innocence officially.

[He doesn't usually swear as badly as he is right now. Nor does he feel nearly as calm as his flat, dangerously brittle expression suggesting. One minute, he was in the airport, about to board his first class flight back to Germany, and now, he's here. He's read the... the message on the thing attached to his head, impatiently and thoroughly scoured the contents of a pamphlet someone put in some sort of basket as though to console him (the nerve), and now he wants answers.]

What the hell is going on?

[Now his composure is starting to crack. A criminal--ironic how that accusation has plagued him for most of his career. What he's concerned about is the fact that he was apparently drugged and locked up somewhere. He doesn't believe he's under the ocean, because that's ludicrous. No, there is a simple (or not so simple), logical explanation for all of this, and he's going to get some answers now. He's unaware of the video being toggled on, or much less how to toggle it off.]

[Say, for one moment, he entertains this idea that all of this is real (which it is NOT). He has been removed from his time-line? By some sentient robot?]

[Now his knees are weak. He has to sit down. His breathing is harsh and he looks like he's not sure whether he wants to start raging, or just sort of break down. It's a little sad. Clearly he's fighting to keep himself composed, however, and with a few deep breaths, he calms. He's been in worse situations than this, and his first course of action is to demand his right to a fair trial.]

...Is anyone there? [warily]

Good morning, inmates. It is the 101st day of the third generation and today more inmates will be integrated into the prison. It is a rather large group, but I will attempt to minimize the disruption, as always.

I am certain that most of you are already aware of the behavioral changes experienced by some during the ball last night, and the cause due to the public admission immediately afterwards. However, when a large portion of the population is affected and privacy is not a concern, I try to provide inmates with information regardless of whether it is a serious incident or not. The altering of inmate personalities was indeed nothing but a harmless joke orchestrated by the Engineers to add to the celebration, just as they have said. There will be no lasting mental effects, and any physical injuries taken will heal. I would advise putting it out of your mind.

Inmate Mako Nakarai, the materials for the memorial you requested is ready. You may see a remote unit at the entrance to Sector 0 when you wish to begin. Inmate Eridan Ampora, the remodeling work has been completed and you are free to begin construction.

...As a reminder to all inmates, sexual intercourse is still forbidden until my review of the prohibition is concluded. Inmates Neil Dylandy and Lacus Clyne, please consider yourselves especially reminded.