| abstract
| - Apollo: The courtroom bombing incident -- a terrible attack launched by the will of a madman. That incident perfectly symbolized the state of the legal world in this dark age of the law. Mr. Wright brought it to a resolution... of sorts. Ted Tonate was discovered to be the one responsible for the bombing. ............If only it were that simple. Somehow, I can't help but think... ...that there's a darker influence at work -- one that's lurking in the shadows, waiting... That's why I want to review the trial that was taking place when the bombing occurred. After all, I've got more than a few personal stakes in it... Episode 4The Cosmic Turnabout December 16, 9:12 AMDistrict Court - Defendant Lobby No. 5 Apollo: (Time for another trial to begin... But this one is different.) ............ ???: Umm.. Sorry to bother you, but... Are you all right, Apollo? Apollo: (Ack! Was I making a scary face just now?!) Oh, hi, Juniper! Yes, I'm fine! I was just doing my Chords of Steel exercises. Now I'm all ready to go! Woods: Yes, knowing you, I'm sure you will be just fine! Oh! I brought you a present from my garden. Apollo: Is this... a lotus root? Woods: That's right. My grandma says lotus root is good for your eyes. She says that if you look through the holes, it can help you see into the future! It's for good luck! Maybe later, you can cook it and-- Apollo: Thanks for this! I'm gonna have some right now! Woods: Oh, my! Apollo: ............Mmm. *crunch* Kinda tough, though... Woods: Hee hee! You can't eat it raw! But... thank you for the enthusiastic try. Apollo: (Oops! If she didn't think me weird before, she will now! I've gotta calm down!) Athena: Apollo! I'm sorry I'm late! Woods: Hi, Thena! Athena: Junie! I didn't know you were coming today. Did you come to cheer Apollo on? Oh, I get it. You sly little thing, you! Ha ha ha! Woods: Th-Thena, stop! Apollo: Quit kidding around, Athena. The trial's about to start any second. Is everything all set? Athena: Oh, Apollo, Apollo... When will you ever figure it out? Apollo: Figure out what? ???: ............Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... Apollo: (Wow. That was the longest sigh I've ever heard.) ???: Haaaaangh... This is it. It's all over for me... They're gonna find me guilty. Apollo: (This is our client, one Mr. Solomon "Sol" Starbuck. He's a very famous astronaut, who happens to be an acquaintance of mine. You wouldn't know it right now, but he's usually a very upbeat and driven person. The scene of the crime this time happened to be the Cosmos Space Center. Back in high school, my best friend and I went there almost a little too much... ...but that's where we met Mr. Starbuck. We'd ask about space travel and he'd launch into story after story with so much passion... Back in those days, the man was one hundred percent my hero.) Starbuck: Are... you sure you're okay with being my lawyer, Apollo...? Apollo: Of course I'm sure. I know you, Mr. Starbuck. I know you're not the type to commit murder. Starbuck: Thanks, but......... Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... I was supposed to be in space right about now... Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... Apollo: (He's so depressed, it almost seems like an act. The launch getting called off must've been a huge shock.) Starbuck: I'll probably never get the chance to go into space again. Apollo: Don't say that! Don't stop believing! Besides, you just have to go into space again! Starbuck: Yeah... I don't think I could face Clay in the afterlife if I just rotted away in a cell. Athena: Clay Terran... I can't believe he was murdered. I mean, he was such a promising astronaut under your command... Starbuck: Yeah... He was a good guy -- always there to pick me up when I was down. No one loved life as much as him, that's for sure. He was always so full of energy, telling me, "You're fine, Mr. Starbuck!"... ...Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... How could something like this happen to a guy like him, huh? Apollo: (I've never seen Mr. Starbuck so down...) Starbuck: ...Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... Clay's gone, and I'm going to prison... I wish I could burn up like a shooting star right now. Apollo: ...Mr. Starbuck! You'll be fine! Starbuck: Ah! Wh-What is it?! What's with the yelling?! Apollo: I'll get to the bottom of this today! You'll see! And in exchange, I want you to go back into space for you and Clay! Promise?! Starbuck: ...Does that mean you have lots of evidence to prove my innocence? Apollo: Oh! Umm... Well... About that... We... didn't get to investigate the area as much as I'd have liked, thanks to the police. Starbuck: ............I'm done for. I'm a goner. Everybody thinks I did it. Thought I was gonna soar like a comet, but I'm just gonna crash like a meteorite. Apollo: No, don't say that, Mr. Starbuck! Athena: Don't count yourself out yet! Apollo: I know it's hard to lose a teammate, but you've got to keep going. Athena: ............And what about you, Apollo? Apollo: What about me? Athena: I was just thinking, wasn't Clay your best friend? Apollo: .........We need to focus on the trial right now. Are you all ready to go? Athena: Apollo... Bailiff: The trial is about to begin. If the defense would please proceed into the courtroom! Athena: O-Okay! Here we go! Apollo: (This is it. This is one trial I can't afford to lose! For Clay's sake and our client's, I WILL find Clay's killer!) December 16, 9:55 AMDistrict Court - Courtroom No. 4 Day 1 Court Is Now In Session All Rise Judge: Court is now in session for the trial of Solomon Starbuck. Apollo: The defense is ready, Your Honor. Judge: ............Excuse me, Mr. Justice? Apollo: Yes, Your Honor? Judge: What happened to your eye? Apollo: ...I'm fine! The defense is ready, Your Honor! Judge: ............Are you sure? I don't-- Apollo: I'm fine, Your Honor! The defense is ready! Athena: I'm sorry, Your Honor. He's been like this since yesterday. He keeps insisting it's just a sty. Judge: Hmm... I suppose it's something he doesn't want to discuss. Maybe he's entering a touchy age... Apollo: ............ Judge: Very well. And the prosecution...? Blackquill: ............ Judge: The prosecution appears to be ready as well. Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: ............ ............... ...Not yet. I'm... not quite ready yet. Judge: Hmm? Blackquill: Ngh... Graaaaaaagh! Judge: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! Blackquill: The prosecution... is now ready. Athena: Well, it didn't take him long this time. Apollo: ............ (What's up with Blackquill?) Judge: N-N-Now, then. I-I-I shall give the opening statement... Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Judge: ............ Blackquill: I'll do it. Judge: You will? Wh-What an unexpected surprise! Blackquill: This time, I can't leave it to anyone else. Judge: I-I see... Hmm... Something is off with the two of you today. You both seem different somehow. Athena: ............ Judge: Very well, Prosecutor Blackquill. Your opening statement, if you would. Blackquill: It was just yesterday. The crimes in question occurred at the Cosmos Space Center. Judge: Ah, that famous federal research facility of all things related to astrology, right? Blackquill: Astronomy. It's astronomy. Anyway, a rocket was set to launch from there... ...but at 9:28 AM, before they could even move the rocket to the launch site... ...two explosive devices were detonated, and the launch was canceled. Judge: My word! Two bombs? How dreadful... Blackquill: The defendant in today's trial is charged with both the bombing and with murder... One Mr. Solomon Starbuck. For whatever inane reason, he detonated a bomb on the rocket he himself would be in. Judge: Solomon Starbuck? I recognize that name. Isn't he that famous astronaut?! Blackquill: Correct, Your Baldness. Mr. Starbuck was the pilot of the HAT-1 rocket seven years ago. As you may recall, despite some interstellar trouble, his mission was a success. Some say it was a miracle he returned alive. I suppose you could say he's a living legend. Judge: Oh, I remember now. He's become something of an international celebrity, right? They even turned that incident into a movie and everything! We've got a real space pioneer in court today! Blackquill: Hmph. But even heroes tumble from their lofty heights. Returning to the subject at hand... Judge: Ah, yes. The victim was one Mr. Clay Terran, a subordinate of the defendant. Blackquill: Indeed. A loyal disciple brutally stabbed to death by his mentor. Judge: Stabbed to death, you say? You mean his death wasn't a result of the bombing? Blackquill: Correct. Despite his lofty dreams, the victim was seen as an interloper by the defendant. And so, he was sent not into space, but to the universe which we mortals cannot see. Apollo: (Clay...) Judge: I think I've heard enough. The case seems pretty clear-cut at this point. However, there is one thing I'm curious about. That metal box next to the witness stand... What purpose does it serve, exactly? Blackquill: Since you asked so nicely... It's your coffin. Judge: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! Have mercy on meeeeeeeeeeee! Blackquill: ............I jest. It's evidence. Due to its immense size, we've little choice but to lay it where it rests now. We shall get to the contents of the box in due time. Judge: Phew... I feel like I just lost fifty years off of my life. Athena: ...Does he even HAVE fifty years left? Apollo: Inner monologue, Athena! Inner monologue! Blackquill: Enough jabbering. Fulbright: Bobby Fulbright's the name! In justice we trust! Judge: Ah, Detective Fulbright! Very well, them. Please explain the details of this incident to the court, if you would. Fulbright: On it! First, take a look at this pamphlet from the Cosmos Space Center! In it, you'll find a diagram outlining the overall layout of the Space Center. Ah, here we are. For a more detailed look at what's on the left side of this building... ...take a look at this cross-section that we the police have created. See the launch pad and the main building? Judge: The launch pad is the square building, and the rounded structure is the main building, right? Fulbright: You got it. The incidents took place in Launch Pad 1 and in the main building's Lounge. I'll be using this diagram during my testimony -- it'll make it easier to understand! Witness Testimony -- Details of the Case -- Fulbright: Just before the rocket was set to launch, two bombs went off. BOOM! BOOM! One one the second floor of the Space Center's main building and one in Launch Pad 1. Thankfully, only the two astronauts were in Launch Pad 1 at the time. The two of them managed to make it back as far as the boarding lounge... ...but after the escape, one of the two was found stabbed to death! Judge: Hmm... A murder on top of a bombing...? Detective, the victim was already dead by the time you arrived at the lounge, correct? Fulbright: Yup. Thinking he'd sabotage the bombing, the defendant attacked and killed the victim. Just look at this tragic photo! Judge: Oh, my! I-Is that a knife in the victim's chest?! Fulbright: Yes, Your Honor, it's the knife that cruelly ended this young man's dreams! We couldn't get any prints off of it, though, because the defendant was in his space suit. Judge: By the way, Detective Fulbright... Why are the victim's helmet and right glove absent in this photograph? Fulbright: We had to remove them to identify him, Your Honor. I personally removed his glove during the investigation. We had to get his fingerprints to confirm his identity, after all. Judge: Hmm... Yes, it would be very difficult to identify him without a face or fingerprints. Now, there's just one more thing I'd like to inquire about... What is this round thing next to the victim in this photo? Blackquill: Something so important to the victim he took it with him as he escaped the launch pad. A capsule that apparently contains asteroid samples. While obviously valuable for research purposes, it has no relation to this case. Judge: Hmm... I see. Apollo: So... we know that the bomb in the main building was on the second floor... ...but where was the bomb that was in Launch Pad 1 located? Fulbright: Heh. That one was on the rocket itself. It was situated around the central part of the rocket. Apparently, the area arond the launch pad's elevator was a sea of flames. I would like to submit this diagram and report into the record! Athena: The trial's just started and we're already in a bind. Apollo: You get used to it. Besides, that's what cross-examination is for, right? (What the two astronauts were doing during the bombing... That'll be the key!) Cross-Examination -- Details of the Case -- Fulbright: Just before the rocket was set to launch, two bombs went off. BOOM! BOOM! Fulbright: One on the second floor of the Space Center's main building and one in Launch Pad 1. Fulbright: Thankfully, only the two astronauts were in Launch Pad 1 at the time. Fulbright: The two of them managed to make it back as far as the boarding lounge... Fulbright: ...but after the escape, one of the two was found stabbed to death! Athena: Hmm... It's like he's trying to give us as little information as possible. Apollo: Maybe Prosecutor Blackquill's got his tongue... Athena: Well, don't let that hold you back. Keep pressing until we get what we need! Judge: I think that pretty much covers the details of the case. Only the victim and the defendant were on the launch pad when the former was killed. If this is the truth, then only Mr. Starbuck could have carried out this crime. Apollo: (What little I could get out of him only hurt my case.) Blackquill: Hmph. Justice-dono, foolish is the warrior who rushes headlong into battle. Preparation is an essential element of battle, so I advise you to take a gander at this. Apollo: What is it...? Blackquill: Footage from a security camera. As the two astronauts emerged from the bowels of the Launch Pad 1 Corridor... ... the boarding lounge security camera captured their desperate escape. Now, I would direct your attention to what the defendant is shouldering... ...which you can see, is none other than... the lifeless body of the victim. Apollo: Wh.....Whaaaaaaaat?! Judge: Order! Order I say! This... This lines up exactly with what the prosecution has been asserting! Apollo: I should've known Blackquill would have something like this ready. Athena: Um, Apollo...? How exactly did they determine that Clay was... already gone in that footage? Apollo: .........Ah, I see what you mean! Whether Clay was still alive at that point IS pretty crucial. Your Honor! Please take another look at the footage. Isn't it possible that Mr. Terran was still alive here and that Mr. Starbuck was helping him?! Judge: Why, I believe you're right. One man carrying the other to safety... What a beautiful expression of friendship... Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: Hmph. Perhaps that's what it looks like to a one-eyed hothead and a dotard... But it only makes sense if it's the victim's dead body. Apollo: What do you mean? Blackquill: ...Fool Bright, explain it to Justice-dono. Fulbright: You got it! Ready, kid? If the murder had occurred in the lounge, someone could've spotted it. Anyone can enter the lounge, after all. But doing it while they were alone in the spaceship? That's a horse of a different color! Apollo: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Apollo: But you can't deny that there's a possibility the murder could've happened in the lounge! All that video shows is a man helping his fellow astronaut out! Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: Your assertion... is based on emotion. It's based in your belief that Mr. Starbuck would surely help his own disciple. But you have no logical explanation as to why the victim could still be alive. Apollo: Urk! Judge: Unfortunately, Mr. Justice, the prosecution is right. Your argument is lacking in sound logic. Apollo: (But it sounded perfectly logical to me...) Judge: Well, Mr. Justice? If you have no further objections... ...I believe it's time to bring this cross-examination to a close. Apollo: Objections...? Well, I, uh... Athena: File:AA5 Holdit.png Athena: Your Honor! The defense requests a little time to think and regroup. Judge: Hmm... Given the facts, I'm not sure I see the need... Apollo: What is it, Athena? Athena: It's just... There's something that's been bothering me. Blackquill: Hmph. If it isn't the defense stalling for time, as always. ............Very well, I'm feeling generous. You may have a small measure of time. Athena: Yes! Blackquill: You have......... five seconds. Athena: F-FIVE SECONDS?! Blackquill: After that, I declare this cross-examination to be closed, and a verdict to be rendered. Your Baldness! Raise your gavel high. It's time for a countdown! Judge: Oh... OH! Blackquill: Ready? Apollo: We don't have time! Spit it out, Athena! Judge: Only three more seconds! Athena: Ack! L-Look! I don't think the prosecution's explanation is very complete. Apollo: Meaning?! Athena: Meaning there's something missing -- like they conveniently left it unexplained... Apollo: Something they didn't explain... Something they didn't explain... .........Ah! You're right! I think I know what you're talking about! Judge: Your five seconds are up, Mr. Justice. Is there anything about the prosecution's argument that you'd like to rebut? Apollo: Y-Yes, Your Honor! Actually, there is! There is something the prosecution has yet to make clear to this court! Judge: Hmm... Well, if you put it that way... What is it that the prosecution has failed to explain? Apollo: They have failed to explain why Mr. Starbuck would bother bringing the body back at all. If the defendant wanted to kill the victim, why didn't he just leave the body in the rocket? Why go through the trouble of bringing him all the way back to the boarding lounge? Judge: Oh! That's true! I don't think we've heard the prosecution's thoughts on that yet. Apollo: That's because they have none, Your Honor. After all, how does one explain something so illogical? Blackquill: ............ Apollo: The prosecution is claiming that the defendant moved the victim's dead body. But what if the entire premise of that argument is wrong? Judge: Then let's hear your theory, Mr. Justice. Apollo: The defense proposes that the defendant didn't kill the victim! He was helping him! Aaaaack! Blackquill: Fool Bright. Explain it for our sad friend here before I nod off to his monotone monologue. Inform him exactly why Space Boy moved the victim. Apollo: Huh? (They've gotta be joking...) Fulbright: It's simple! Mr. Starbuck did what he did to direct suspicion away from himself! He wanted to create the impression he heroically risked his life to save his partner! That's why he made sure to make it to the security camera so there'd be a record! Blackquill: At the very least, he appears to have achieved success with you and the old man. Apollo: Ah! Judge: One man carrying the other to safety... What a beautiful expression of friendship... Blackquill: The average person wearing a space suit weighs easily over 200 pounds. Saving the life of a partner who weighs as much, while trying to escape deadly flames... What a dramatic sob story fit for the silver screen. Judge: Indeed. I was completely taken in by the humanity of the story. Blackquill: You see? Yet the true ending is that all traces of his hammy act were meant to be blown up. Yes, and now we arrive at the thrilling conclusion: the third explosion! Athena: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Athena: What are you talking about? There was no third explosion! Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: Indeed, you are correct. But that is thanks to Detective Arme. It was she who identified and secured the bomb. However, it doesn't change the fact that the third bomb was discovered in the lounge. The steel coffin beside the witness stand. That would be... a bomb transport case. We used that to transport the deactivated bomb here. It was found in the lounge... A bomb in the form of a most distasteful toy. Athena: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?! Blackquill: One on the second floor of the main building, one on the launch pad, and one in the lounge. The defendant planned to set off three firework displays. Fortunately, the third one was discovered before it could be detonated, for had it not... ...the victim's body and other vital evidence would surely have been immolated. Apollo: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Apollo: Gaaagh! Blackquill: Before you utter a word, know that the evidence supports me. Apollo: (Ugh... It's like he's reading my mind...) Blackquill: As it is still undergoing forensic investigation, I do not have the evidence on hand. However, know that a peculiar item was found in one of Mr. Starbuck's pockets. Specifically, a bomb detonation switch... Apollo: You found whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! Blackquill: I suspect the defendant had no time to destroy such damning evidence... ...when the Space Center director and Detective Arme stumbled across the murder. So he thought to hide it in his pocket... feeble-brained that he is. Apollo: Aaaaaaagh... No! Mr. Starbuck would never do anything like that! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Blackquill: Justice-dono, open your eyes and see the truth. Judge: Hmm, this appears to be irrefutable evidence that the accused set off the explosions. Apollo: (No! There has to be some kind of mistake! This can't be the "truth"!) Blackquill: Still can't accept it? You'll believe in your client, come what may? ............Then why don't you cross-examine the defendant himself? Apollo: (......This has got to be a trap.) Athena: It's like Blackquill's controlling the entire game. Apollo: Yeah. It seemed like he was waiting for me to bring up the body moving issue. Athena: Why do you say that? Apollo: Because he had just the right argument when I pointed it out... ...and to really rub it in, he had a decisive piece of evidence up his sleeve, too. He was trying to shake my faith in Mr. Starbuck and break me down! Athena: Then, making you cross-examine Mr. Starbuck at this point was part of his plan, too...? Totally underhanded, but I wouldn't expect anything less from him. Blackquill: Now, let us hear from the arch villain, the fiendish murderer himself. Famed astronaut, Solomon Starbuck! Judge: Witness, your name and occupation, please. Starbuck: Solomon Starbuck. Astronaut... Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... How did this happen? Judge: Mr. Starbuck, you aren't looking very well. Will you be able to give testimony? Starbuck: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh............ No. Judge: ............Well, unfortunately, "no" is not an option. You are being accused of the Space Center bombing and the murder of Clay Terran. Please testify to these allegations. Starbuck: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... Umm... Mind if I take this suit off? It's getting really heavy... Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: It's not the weight of the suit that you feel, but of your sins. Prepare to carry that weight for the rest of your life... Starbuck: ............Banish me to the moon... I don't care anymore... Athena: Wow... That was super-negative... Is he going to be all right up there? Apollo: H-He'll be fine! I think... (As long as he doesn't totally give up and say he did it, that is.) Witness Testimony -- I Didn't Kill Him -- Starbuck: All I did was support Clay over my shoulder and get us out of the rocket! Like always, I took the elevator down to the middle level and headed for the corridor. Clay had passed out by the time we got the order to evacuate. I didn't kill Clay! I was trying to save him! Judge: Hmm... So you assert you didn't set off the bombs or murder the victim? Starbuck: Ha ha. Ha ha ha... But I bet you think I'm lying, right? Judge: I reserve all judgment until after I've heard your full testimony. Starbuck: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... I'm sure you don't believe me. I bet you don't even believe I'm an astronaut. Apollo: (I don't think the judge doubts THAT!) Athena: Who'd wear a suit like that EXCEPT an astronaut... Judge: Hmm... I will say that when I saw you in that movie... ...you appeared quite courageous, though I suppose reality never quite lives up to fantasy. Starbuck: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... I guess I'm just a big disappointment... Ha ha. Ha ha ha. Ha ha... I really don't care what happens anymore. Ha ha ha... Apollo: (Oh, no! He's completely give up!) ???: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... Blackquill: Hmph. What a depressing fellow. If you were to join me in the clink... ...I imagine that annoying sighing of yours would rub off on the other inmates. Athena: Like how it rubbed off on Prosecutor Blackquill a second ago? Apollo: (Huh? That was Blackquill sighing? Mr. Starbuck's testimony contains a glaring contradiction. The question is, what does it mean? Even if Mr. Starbuck is my client, I can't be gun-shy now! It's time to find out the truth!) Cross-Examination -- I Didn't Kill Him -- Starbuck: All I did was support Clay over my shoulder and get us out of the rocket! Starbuck: Like always, I took the elevator down to the middle level and headed for the corridor. Starbuck: Clay had passed out by the time we got the order to evacuate. Starbuck: I didn't kill Clay! I was trying to save him! Athena: Apollo, there's something strange about Mr. Starbuck's testimony. Apollo: Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. There's a glaring contradiction. I just wonder why it's there and what it means for our case. Athena: Well, it doesn't look like he's lying, at least... Apollo: ............ (Guess I'll have to show some evidence.) Apollo: Mr. Starbuck, I need your testimony to be as accurate as possible. Starbuck: W-Was I not being accurate? Apollo: No, because it's impossible for you to have taken the elevator down to the middle level. Judge: What makes you say that, Mr. Justice? Apollo: Please recall where the bomb went off in Launch Pad 1. Also recall that after the explosion, the middle level elevator was engulfed in flames. Judge: Oh! You're right. Which means... Apollo: Exactly. The launch pad's elevator would've been unusable. In other words... ...Mr. Starbuck, your statement is decidedly inconsistent with the facts! Wh-What's with the helmet? Starbuck: Aaaaaagh! Mission command! Mission command! Do you read me?! Come in, please! Apollo: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Apollo: This is mission command... I order you to PAY ATTENTION! Stop this nonsense and answer my questions, Mr. Starbuck! Starbuck: Aaaaagh! M-My helmet! Ah! My oxygen taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank! Oxygen concentration and body temperature declining! Requesting medical assistance! Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! Judge: M-Mr. Starbuck! We are not in space right now! Please stop pretending you have lost consciousness and stand back up! Starbuck: I-I apologize, Your Honor. I forgot I was still on Earth. Athena: I feel like we all just got a real glimpse of Solomon Starbuck the astronaut. Apollo: Yeah, he seemed more like an astronaut now than when he was doing all that sighing. Mr. Starbuck, could you please explain the inconsistency in your statement? About how you used the middle level elevator? Starbuck: I, uh... was nervous, and I said the wrong thing! I'm sorry! I actually, uh, took a different route, I think. Apollo: A different route? Blackquill: ............I hope you're able to deliver a straight story this time. Starbuck: Ack! I-I-I'll get it right this time! Maybe. No, I mean, probably! Blackquill: Probably...? Judge: It's understandable to be nervous, but let me remind you that accuracy is paramount in court. Witness Testimony -- My Escape Route -- Starbuck: Let's see... Uh, my escape route... What I said before was a mistake. I, uh, I remember now! I took a different route... Maybe... Probably... With the capsule and Clay in my arms, I made my way down from the upper level. Apollo: So you're saying you escaped without using the elevator? Starbuck: Th-That's right! There's a ladder that spans the upper and middle levels. I used that ladder to get to the middle level. Luckily, the fire hadn't reached the ladder, so we could make our escape that way. Apollo: And the capsule you mentioned... I suppose you mean the thing next to Mr. Terran here? Was the capsule that important that you'd risk your life to take it with you? Starbuck: It almost goes without saying, but yeah! That capsule contains asteroid samples. Therefore it's invaluable as research material. With his space suit on, Clay weighed a ton, but securing the capsule was also important. Apollo: I need you to answer to the best of your ability! Mr. Starbuck! Please remember that your verdict is riding on your testimony! Starbuck: Ha ha... ha ha ha... Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... Maybe I am guilty after all. I wonder if you can see the stars in prison? Bet it's more comfortable than a spaceship. Cross-Examination -- My Escape Route -- Starbuck: Let's see... Uh, my escape route... What I said before was a mistake. Starbuck: I, uh, I remember now! I took a different route... Maybe... Probably... Starbuck: With the capsule and Clay in my arms, I made my way down from the upper level. Athena: So Mr. Starbuck escaped with Clay and the capsule, which means... ...it's just like in the footage. I can see why he couldn't run, though. Apollo: He must've weighed over 200 pounds just by himself. Athena: Yeah, and he had to support Clay, who was another 200 pounds. Plus, he had to ensure the safety of that capsule. I don't think I could've even walked under those circumstances. Apollo: (Walking straight forward is probably about all I would've been able to manage...) Apollo: Mr. Starbuck, why don't you just tell the truth? Starbuck: Th-The truth? Um, let's see... The Earth is blue...? No, no. That's not right. So, uh... I guess the Earth isn't blue? Yeah, that's it! Apollo: The truth, Mr. Starbuck! Starbuck: Gawrh! The oxygen concentration is super low in this area! Prepare the emergency oxygen tanks! Judge: Mr. Justice, the witness appears confused. Please help draw out the truth from him. Apollo: Mr. Starbuck, under the circumstances at the time... ...you couldn't possibly have reached the boarding lounge via the upper level route. Starbuck: Huh? Apollo: Not as long as this was along the escape route! Apollo: To get down from the upper to the middle level where the Launch Pad 1 corridor is... ...you would have to go down the ladder, isn't that right, Mr. Starbuck? Starbuck: O-Of course! That was the only way we could escape! Apollo: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Apollo: But how would that work? At the time, you were supporting Mr. Terran over your shoulder, were you not? And remember, he was in full space gear as well, putting him at over 200 pounds. Starbuck: Ah! Ooooooh! W-W-Well, it's easy on the moon! Gravity is only one-sixth of what it is on Earth. Apollo: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Apollo: But the Space Center is located on Earth! Short of being an octopus, climbing a ladder with an adult male in space gear in one arm... ...while carrying the capsule in your other is impossible, wouldn't you say? Starbuck: Oh...! Apollo: So, Mr. Starbuck! How exactly DID you climb down that ladder with your arms full?! Starbuck: Aaaaaah! Apollo: Mr. Starbuck! Come clean and tell us the truth! NOW! Starbuck: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! Engineer! Where's that engineer?! Oxygen leak detected due to faulty maintenance! Evacuate immediately! Apollo: What the--!? (He's flying the coop!) Starbuck: Aaaaagh! Help! I'm caught on the ceiling! .........Um, help? Anyone...? Judge: Bailiff! Prepare the cherry picker! We must launch our rescue mission at once! Athena: Well, that's one way to take off while being questioned... Apollo: I'd rather prove his innocence so he can go to space again someday for real... Judge: Now then, Mr. Starbuck, do you think you can keep your feet planted on the ground? Starbuck: Yes. I apologize for losing control. Apollo: Are you ready to tell us... the truth? Starbuck: Ungh... Not that... Anything but that... Apollo: (What is going on? This isn't the Mr. Starbuck I know...) Blackquill: ...It appears Space Boy is prone to deception. Witness! Starbuck: Y-Yikes! Y-Yes...? Blackquill: I thought your story odd, but perhaps the inconsistencies can be explained as... ...the result of a medical side effect? Starbuck: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! Prosecutor Blackquill! Please... Please don't talk about that... Apollo: W-What are you talking about, Prosecutor Blackquill? Blackquill: Hmph. Didn't I already state that Space Boy is, ironically, terrified of going into space? That's why he took some "precautions" just before the launch. For you see, traces of this anti-anxiety drug were found in his system. Apollo: Oh...? (I sense things are about to nosedive...) Starbuck: File:AA5 Holdit.png Starbuck Y-You got it all wrong! I told 'em during the investigation, too! I don't know anything about any drugs! I never took any medication, I swear! Apollo: (It was found in his system, but he doesn't remember taking it...?) How could that be? Starbuck Somebody must've slipped them to me! B-But I guess maybe that's why I don't remember... because of the side effects... Yeah, that's why I don't remember much about what really happened! Apollo: Wh-Whaaaaaaaaaaat?! Judge: Order! Order in the court! Apollo: (We can't get any useful testimony out of him if he doesn't remember anything...!) Athena: Well, this certainly explains why his testimony kept changing. Apollo: Ungh... Why didn't he just tell me he couldn't remember? Athena: I guess he didn't want anybody to find out he was terrified of going into space. Starbuck: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... Maybe I really DID do it...? Blackquill: Which brings us to the answer of our original question... ...of how the witness climbed down the ladder with a dead body. Apollo: It does? ............Um, so what is it? Blackquill: A dead man feels no pain and makes no complaints, Justice-dono. So the body was simply dropped down from the top of the ladder. Judge: Oh, my! I see... And then the defendant could climb down with his free hand... Apollo: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Apollo: Drop the body down?! Who would do such a disrespectable thing?! Besides, dropping the body down would leave marks on the body itself. Blackquill: So you are capable of quick thinking. ...Yes, you are correct. Apollo: Really? Oh, um, thanks...? Heh heh. Aaaaaaagh! ...Huh? What's this? Blackquill: It's the oxygen tank from the victim's spacesuit. It's ruptured, and I'm sure you can figure out why. Apollo: .........Y-You can't be implying it ruptured when the defendant dropped the victim's body! Blackquill: I am, for they fracture easily when struck. Apollo: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Apollo: Even if that's true, the tank's explosion and shrapnel would leave its mark on the body. Yet, according to the autopsy report, only the knife wound was found on the victim's body. You're clearly grasping at straws with this line of reasoning! Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: A spacesuit isn't heavy for the sake of being heavy, Justice-dono. It includes the latest technological devices and is made of the fabric of tomorrow. The fabric is made to protect astronauts from the dangers of space... ...so falling a few Earth yards would hardly leave a mark on the wearer. Apollo: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Apollo: Then shouldn't it be impossible to stab someone through it as well?! Blackquill: It should, and yet, through sheer coincidence... ...the knife slipped through a weak spot in the suit's structure and found its way to its target. Apollo: Wh-What are the chances...? Blackquill: You forget that our killer is an astronaut himself with knowledge of how the suits work. Apollo: Nngh... (He's got me there...) Blackquill: And now my argument has been proven. Space Boy killed the victim in the rocket and then dropped his body from the upper level. After climbing down, he shouldered the body and made sure the camera recorded them. There's no room for debate about these facts. It is clear that Solomon Starbuck is the only one who could have killed Clay Terran! Apollo: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Blackquill: Here. The report regarding the astronauts' oxygen tanks. Consider it my send-off gift. Feel free to use it as payment to cross the river Styx. Apollo: Ack! Athena: Hey, this report is pretty detailed. Apollo: Let's see... "The display on the astronaut's left shoulder shows how much oxygen remains." I guess that means these glowing cyan digits represent the amount of oxygen remaining... Starbuck: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... I'm done foooooooooor! I'm going to prison instead of spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaace! Blackquill: ...Space Boy. Starbuck: Y-Y-Y-Yes?! Blackquill: Take heart. The bejeweled night sky is still beautiful even when viewed through bars. Starbuck: Y-You mean... the stars as seen from... prison...? Blackquill: That's right. Your cell will be your spaceship. Picture the view through the iron bars. It's like being an astronaut in your own craft for all time. Starbuck: Ha ha ha. That's not a half bad thought... Apollo: Um, Mr. Starbuck..? (Prosecutor Blackquill got to him good...) Starbuck: Spaceship "Prison Cell," fly me, my guilt, and my despair into the deepest, darkest space. And then, let's get sucked into a black hole together! Apollo: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Apollo: Mr. Starbuck, you can't give up hope! Starbuck: Oh...! Yes, Apollo...? Apollo: You know, Clay really looked up to you. He said you are an incredible man. He said you'd never give up your dreams and passion for space, no matter the situation. Starbuck: He said that...? Apollo: So don't give up now and help me prove your innocence! For the sake of the man who respected you and believe in you -- Clay Terran! Starbuck: For Clay...! Blackquill: ...Hmph. You're wasting your breath. Starbuck: Unnnh... Nngh... Raaaaaaaaaaaaagh! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Starbuck: ............Apollo, thank you! I can see things clearly now! Apollo: Mr. Starbuck! Starbuck: I'm... I'm fine now -- thanks for reminding me of my life's mission. Apollo: Right. We'll both be fine! I'll prove you're innocent. You'll see! And after that, we'll get you back into space! Starbuck: Raaaaaaaaahhhh! You've ignited the booster rockets of my soooouuuul! I'm on fiiiiiiiiiiire!!! I am Solomon Starbuck, astronaut! A cosmic hero chosen by the universe itself! This is no time to be whimpering and crying! I can't let you and Clay down! Blackquill: Balderdash. Starbuck: The sun... the moon... all of space is calling me! Solomon "Sol" Starbuck! Ready for launch! Begin the countdown! Five! Apollo: Four! Athena: Three! Judge: Two! One! Starbuck: LIFT OFF! Judge: Well! I feel like I've witnessed an actual rocket launch! Athena: Apollo! You did it! You broke Prosecutor Blackquill's grip over Mr. Starbuck! Apollo: I can't take the credit. It was all Mr. Starbuck. He pulled himself through. Blackquill: Hmph. If you simpletons are done massaging one another's egos... No matter how positive your mood, my advantage remains unshakable. I have but to wait for the final guilty verdict. Isn't that right, Your Baldness? Apollo: Gah... (I can't let up now! I have to stop Blackquill! I have to see this through... Mr. Starbuck just has to make it back into space! I won't allow Clay's dream to remain unfulfilled! I've got to destroy Blackquill's argument somehow! Think, Justice! Think! If the only people at Launch Pad 1 were Clay and Mr. Starbuck... ...and if Clay was already dead by the time this footage was taken... ...then the only person who could've killed him is Mr. Starbuck. So the only way to counter Blackquill's argument is... ... if I can prove that Clay was still alive when they arrived at the boarding lounge. In which case, I should be able to find some contradiction in the evidence itself! Now, let's see... About this data that we just received... This supposedly proves that Mr. Starbuck dropped Clay's body in Launch Pad 1. But if I'm going to prove that false, then there must be something I can use here.) Blackquill: Enough of this farce, Your Baldness! Let's have your verdict! Apollo: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Apollo: Prosecutor Blackquill, you seem to be in quite a hurry to rush the verdict. But about this oxygen tank data you submitted just now... ...it says that Mr. Starbuck's tank had 80 percent remaining while Mr. Terran's had 0. Do you stand by the accuracy of this report? Blackquill: Of course. Apollo: ............Then I guess it simply means that it's faulty, as evidence goes. Blackquill: You will explain what you mean, Justice-dono. Apollo: It's simple. This evidence contradicts the facts of this case. Take a look here at the detailed description and you'll see what I mean. Judge: I hope you have some evidence, Mr. Justice, because I don't see what's so contradictory! Apollo: Y-Yes, Your Honor! Right away! This is the evidence that the oxygen tank report stands in contradiction to! Judge: And how does this evidence present a contradiction? Apollo: The problem is this part here. Apollo: Note the remaining oxygen in Mr. Starbuck's tank as he carries Mr. Terran. Judge: Hmm... It appears to say 50. Apollo: Yes, but according to the data, our client's tank had 80 percent remaining. Judge: The oxygen in the tank increased? Apollo: I see Your Honor finds it as strange as I do. It's bad enough that there is a contradiction, but the increase in oxygen is beyond illogical! Judge: Oh, my! You're absolutely right! What is going on here? Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: Hmph. I, too, find it odd that the oxygen remaining has increased. It would be as odd as if my rations were to increase. But what does that prove? It doesn't change the fact that it is the defendant carrying the victim's corpse! Apollo: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Apollo: Heh. I'm going to bet you don't get more rations because you don't abide by the rules. Either way, the oxygen remaining shouldn't increase, just as your rations don't increase. Therefore, this new information is critical! We can't overlook it! Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: In that case, do you have an answer to this riddle of the mysteriously increasing oxygen? You'd better not disappoint, or I'll declare the inconsistency as mere equipment malfunction. Apollo: Erk! Judge: Hmm... Prosecutor Blackquill has a point. I suppose it could be a simple malfunction. Mr. Justice. If you cannot provide an adequate counterargument to this point... ...I'm afraid I must bring this trial to an end. So, do you think you can explain why the remaining oxygen level increased? Apollo: O-Of course I can! (The thing to do at a time like this is turn my thinking around! Mr. Starbuck has no memory of it, but he claims to have carried Clay. So this man with the 50 on his tank ought to be Mr. Starbuck. But, if anything, the display on his oxygen tank should have shown an 80. This is a clear contradiction between the report and the security footage. So what I should be asking is not, "Why did the oxygen level increase?"... ...but, "What had to have happened to make it LOOK like it increased?" Am I making some kind of mistake in my base assumptions here...?) Judge: Well, Mr. Justice? We're waiting. Apollo: Yes, Your Honor! I'm ready to answer! This is why the remaining oxygen appears to have increased! Apollo: What if it was the other way around? Judge: The other way around? Would you care to explain, Mr. Justice? Apollo: As you can see, Your Honor, both men had their helmets on in this footage. But it turns out, this is where our base assumptions went astray. We assumed that it was Mr. Starbuck helping Mr. Terran, but it was actually the other way around. It wasn't Mr. Starbuck helping Mr. Terran at all. It was Mr. Terran who was helping Mr. Starbuck to the boarding lounge! Judge: I-I-It was whaaaaaaaaaaaat?! Order! Order! Mr. Justice! You mean to tell me that the person on the right in this image is the victim, Clay Terran? Apollo: It's the only way the riddle of the increasing oxygen level can be solved, Your Honor. At this point in time, the remaining oxygen in the victim's tank was at 50 percent. And when the victim was found in the boarding lounge, his tank was at 0 percent. Athena: That's right! There's nothing contradictory about the oxygen level decreasing! Apollo: This means Mr. Terran was alive as they made their escape to the lounge! Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: Hmph. How short your memory is. Have you forgotten what you yourself proposed? Even if the victim was alive at this point in time... ...how did he descend the ladder with his arms full?! Apollo: File:DD Objection! animated.gif Apollo: Prosecutor Blackquill, you can't hurt me with a broken blade. Blackquill: Excuse me? Apollo: It's true that we don't know how they got down the ladder. I suppose that matter needs further investigating. But we have proven that Mr. Terran was alive when he reached the boarding lounge. This fact alone shatters your claims... ...and opens up the possibility that the victim could've been killed by a third party! Blackquill: GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWR! Apollo: There were two people who claimed to be the first on the scene. But can we truly trust their statements? Athena: Let's see. The two people were Detective Candice Arme and Yuri Cosmos, right? You think that one of them might have given a false statement to the police? Apollo: Yes, it's certainly possible. We might have to do a little more digging. Judge: It seems we'll have to hear the testimony of these first two people on the scene. Apollo: (Score!) Judge: Come to think of it, Detective Arme should be here in court right now. Bailiff, could you please show Detective Arme to the stand? Tonate: File:AA5 Holdit.png Tonate: I-I have an announcement, everyone! Judge: Wh-What's the meaning of this? We're in the middle of a trial here! Tonate: P-Please remain calm and listen carefully. Someone has reactivated the bomb! The bomb was diffused, but, but, but...... I-It's about to explode! Apollo: EX- Athena: PL- Judge: OOOOOOOOODE!? Apollo: A bomb? Now?! Man: -- Aaaagh! Everybody run! Woman: -- Eeeeek! I don't want to die! Athena: Oh, no! Everybody's panicking! Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: Headless chickens with a death wish, the lot of you! Calm yourselves afore all else! Athena: C'mon, Apollo! Let's get out of here! Apollo: But what about Mr. Starbuck's dream? And who will carry out Clay's final wish? I don't care what happens to me! I'm not letting some bomb blow the truth up forever! I... I... I refuse to let things end here! Athena: Apollo, this is no time to be dramatic! If we don't get out of here now, we're gonna die! C'MON! THIS WAY! Apollo: Hey! Ouch! Let me go! Woods: Apollo! Apollo: J-Juniper? (She hasn't evacuated yet?) Woods: Eeeeek! Apollo: J-Juniper! Are you all right?! Athena: Apollo! No! Not that way! Apollo: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! To Be Continued Phoenix: In the middle of the Space Center bombing trial, we had another bombing incident. This one destroyed Courtroom No. 4. Furthermore, Apollo suffered massive injuries from being there when the bomb went off. Unfortunately, Juniper Woods was fingered as the courtroom bomber. Athena and I knew she had to be innocent, so we took her case on. We managed to clear Ms. Woods's name... ...but Apollo sustained further injuries when he was attacked by Ted Tonate. December 19, 3:21 PM Wright Anything Agency Athena: Apollo is a tough guy, but this is all taking its toll on him. Phoenix: Yeah. Poor guy, being attacked by Tonate like that on top of all his other injuries.(Apollo is resting at the nearby Hickfield Clinic. I've had some experience with that place myself. What an awful turn of events. I never thought he'd land in a hospital of all places...) Trucy: ............ Phoenix: You must miss him, too, huh? Now that you don't have anybody to tease. Don't worry. He's young. He'll heal quickly and be back before you know it! Trucy: ............ Phoenix: (It's been a while since I last saw Trucy look so down... We won the court case, yet nobody feels much like celebrating...) Athena: *sniffle* Mnnnph... All right, enough of this, people! This is no time to be moping around! Now, dry those eyes! Both of you! Phoenix: Uh, you're the only one who's crying, Athena. Athena: Technicalities! Look, we have work to do! We have to take over! Phoenix: ...Umm, take over what, exactly...? Athena: Apollo's Space Center case, of course! As no verdict's been reached, there's still a chance! Trucy: I agree with Athena. We should pick up Mr. Starbuck's defense. We have to avenge our fallen comrade! Right, Daddy? Phoenix: (Apollo hasn't exactly "fallen." He's still alive, you know...) Athena: Good! Now that that's settled, let's get going! C'mon, we gotta run! Phoenix: Wait? Right NOW, now?! (We'd better not be running the whole way!) ...There she goes. I'd better go catch up. *sigh* Can you take care of the office, Trucy? Trucy: Sure thing, Daddy! Let's be careful out there! In the meantime, I'm going to bake some cookies and fill up my magic panties for you! Phoenix: (Trucy seems to be feeling a little better. I can always count on Athena to perk everybody up with her enthusiasm.) Trucy: Oh! She's back! Athena: Don't mind me! Just forgot a few things! ...Wallet, phone, the documents, my bag... Phoenix: Sounds more like you forgot everything. (I can always count on Athena for that, too.) Trucy: All right, you two. Let's be careful out there! December 19 Detention Center - Visitor's Room Phoenix: So our client is one Solomon Starbuck. He's so famous, even I've heard of him. Athena: That's right! He's a super-famous astronaut who works at the Cosmos Space Center! He was actually up in outer space seven years ago! Phoenix: You seem to know quite a bit about him. (Now I'm all excited to meet the man!) Starbuck: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... Phoenix: (Wow. That was the longest sigh I've ever heard.) Starbuck: Apollo told me all about you... You're Phoenix Wright, Apollo's mentor, right? Phoenix: Y-Yes, that's right.(Hmm, mentor has a nice ring to it...) Athena: Don't worry about a thing, Mr. Starbuck! Mr. Wright and I have got you covered! Starbuck: Ahh, and you're... the new kid that Apollo told me about. ......Wait! Don't I know you from somewhere? Athena: Huh? Y-You mean... other than at your trial? I don't think so... Starbuck: ...I guess so. My mistake. Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... My memory isn't what it used to be. My mind and body are kaput. Same goes for my life. I mean, I'm so astronomically unlucky that I had a bomb go off in the middle of my trial! Trying to defend me would be like trying to enter the stratosphere without a spacecraft. Phoenix: (Yikes. He's SERIOUSLY got to stop depressing himself...) Athena: Cheer up, Mr. Starbuck! Besides, that thing you said about entering the stratosphere... That just means we'd shine like shooting stars, right? Starbuck: Like shooting stars, huh...? You know, you're right! Why didn't I think of that?! After all, that's what we were all put on this Earth to do, right? To shine like stars! Phoenix: (Guess I shouldn't mention the fact that shooting stars burn out in a flash...) Starbuck: Aw, yeah! Here we goooooo! Three! Two! One! To the stratosphere and beyond! Yeah! I feel alive now! You can go ahead and ask me anything you want! Phoenix: (Is that really all it takes?) Starbuck: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... From the freedom of space to the walls of a cell... But that prosecutor said the dark, night sky isn't half bad through barred windows. Athena: ............You're fine! Solomon "Sol" Starbuck is fine! Everything is going to be all right! Starbuck: Huh? Athena: And Athena Cykes is fine! C'mon, Mr. Wright! You, too! Phoenix: (Do I really have to...?) Phoenix Wright is fine... Athena: I can't heeeeeeear youuuuuuu! Phoenix: Ph-Phoenix Wright is fine! Athena: We'll get you back into space yet, Mr. Starbuck! Believe in your own innocence, and have faith in us! Phoenix: Apollo believed in you wholeheartedly, and that's good enough for me. I believe in you, too! Starbuck: ............Thank you. Thank you, both of you. I'll put my faith in you. And I vow to make it back into space! All I need first is a "not guilty" verdict! Phoenix: (It sure feels nice to reassure ourselves every now and then that we're all fine.) Athena: Okay, Mr. Wright! Let's get our investigation of the Space Center started! Pronto! Phoenix: Good idea. Let's go! December 19 Cosmos Space Center - Entrance Phoenix: Wow. I was wondering what kind of place this space center would be. It almost looks like an amusement part of the future. Athena: Yeah! Did you know they even let the public see their rockets up close? Oh! So, check it out! Look at how brightly the GYAXA logo shines in the sunlight above the entranceway! I really dig the stars and rocket motif it's got going! Phoenix: GYAXA, huh? Isn't that the new name of the federal space R&D program? Athena: Yeah, but why the strange acronym? I mean, what is GYA supposed to stand for? Galaxy? Phoenix: If that were it, then the whole thing would be something like "Galaxy eXploration Agency"... ...which, if you ask me, I'd have abbreviated to GAXA... or even GAEA. Athena: Hmm... I guess so... Oh, I know! Maybe the person who came up with the name just really likes the letter Y! Phoenix: (This exchange is beginning to feel oddly like déjà vu...) Athena: Anywa, this place is more than just a research facility; it's also a tourist attraction! ???: Tourist attraction? Don't make me laugh! It's a monument to the human race! Galactic Scooter, full speed ahead! Athena: Yikes! Who's this geezer and what's he want...? ???: Look upon me, and look well! Behold the great power of space science! Phoenix: Pardon me, but you are...? ???: My glorious name is Yuri Cosmos! I am the director of the Cosmos Space Center, the "center of the cosmos"! Athena: Boss... That was pretty groan-inducing... Phoenix: If this person is the Space Center's director, then that means... Athena: Aha! So you were one of the first to discover Clay's body, weren't you? Apollo: And who was the first to find the victim? Fulbright: Actually, there were two of them! Blackquill: The Space Center director... ...Yuri Cosmos... and Detective Candice Arme. Cosmos: That is correct! I was honored to be the very first man in all of space and time to discover the body. But this talk of the incident... Are you by any chance... the space police? Phoenix: (You can't tack the word "space" onto just any old thing, you know.) We're Mr. Starbuck's lawyers. We're here to investigate this case. Athena: Oh, and we're Earth lawyers, by the way. Cosmos: Ah, I see. Yes, I've heard about you. In that case, by my esteemed privilege, I grant you permission to investigate. I trust you are appropriately grateful. Now, go ahead! Have at it! Athena: I can already tell he's going to be nothing but trouble. Phoenix: Don't let him hear you say that or you'll see what trouble really is. Let's just be professional and ask him about when he found the body, okay? Cosmos: Well, I will be on my way. As you can see, I am a very busy, and very important man! Galactic Scooter! Fire up the main engine! Max battle speed! And... engage! Phoenix: (That thing is surprisingly fast.) I guess we'd better get going, too. Athena: You bet! Let's make it so! December 19 Cosmos Space Center - Boarding Lounge Phoenix: So this is where Mr. Terran was murdered... Athena: Yeah, this is the lounge. Let's see that diagram the police made again. Right now we're in the main building here on the right side, on the third floor. Clay and Mr. Starbuck fled here from Launch Pad 1 after the explosion. Policeman: You there! No admittance without express permission! Athena: We're Mr. Starbuck's lawyers. We've come to investigate... Policeman: Sorry! Nobody gets in without permission. Not even the police superintendent! Can't have Detective Fulbright getting mad at me! Phoenix: So Detective Fulbright is here, huh? Policeman: Yeah, he's in the Launch Pad 1 Corridor. Go get clearance from him, and then we'll talk! Athena: Leave it to me! I'm great at getting intel out of Detective Fulbright! Let's see. What trick should I use on him today? Phoenix: (I don't know if I should be grateful or afraid.) Athena: So... to get to the Launch Pad 1 Corridor... ...we just have to go through that door with the blue rocket on it, I think. Phoenix: Wait. That door... It looks awfully familiar... Athena: Good eye there, Boss. This is the door Clay and Mr. Starbuck used during their escape from the launch pad. Phoenix: Ah, that explains it. Athena: The fingerprint system has been deactivated, so I think we can just pass through. Now, come on! Let's go! December 19 Cosmos Space Center - Launch Pad 1 Corridor Phoenix: So this is it, huh? This is the corridor the two of them used in their escape. Athena: Yup. This is the only thing connecting Launch Pad 1 with the main building. Phoenix: I see police tape down at the other end. Guess we won't be looking at the launch pad. Athena: After the explosion, this whole corridor must've been filled with smoke. Phoenix: And the launch pad itself was probably a sea of flames. Must've been pretty scary for them. Athena: ...Now, where could Detective Fulbright be...? Hey, I think that's him over there! Fulbright: Hmm... What should I do? Which path is the path of justice...? Athena: He seems to be lost... That's funny. This corridor is a straight shot. Fulbright: ...Huh? Ah, it's you lawyer people! Welcome to the Space Center! Enjoying a relaxing day off, are you? Here for a little rocket sightseeing? Phoenix: We're here to investigate the scene, same as you. Do you have any info to share? Athena: Boss, if he acts at all reluctant to give us information... ...we hit him with the "Whatever shall we do?" act! I'm sure he'll fall for it! Got it?! Phoenix: (Are we trying to catch the unruly family dog here or something?) Fulbright: Info on the case, huh? .........All right! I'll gladly share some with you! Athena: Huh? What just happened? Fulbright: Detectives and lawyers, seeking truth and justice side by side! I like it! Just take whatever you want from me, you info bandits! I'm in a generous mood today! Athena: I dunno... There's something weird about Detective Fulbright today... Phoenix: Well, we need information, so let's run with it. Athena: If you say so... Athena: Gee, you sure are being cooperative, Detective. A little TOO cooperative, even... Fubright: Yes, well... Actually... I... Phoenix: Something you can't talk about...? Fulbright: Yes, something like that. Anyway, never mind! Don't worry about me! W-Well, I'll be on my way, now! Phoenix: What was that all about? Athena: Something is definitely going on. I'm going to get it out of him the next time I see him. Phoenix: O-Okay... (I'm not so sure he'll talk about it, though.) Well, we have permission to investigate now. Let's head back to the boarding lounge. December 19 Cosmos Space Center - Boarding Lounge Policeman: Ah, you two! Detective Fulbright has granted you permission to investigate! He also said I should bring you some snacks or give you a neck rub, too, if you'd like... Athena: Oh, uh, that's all right. But thank you for the offer. Phoenix: Well, time to roll up our sleeves and start investigating. Now, let's see... Where's that diagram again? So, this lounge is on the third floor of the main building. And according to Apollo, this is where he believes a third party killed his friend. Athena: Well, let's stop the recap and start looking for traces of this third person then! Phoenix: You read my mind, Athena. We'll make that our first priority. There's just one problem, though. This room... It's just so big... Athena: Don't worry, we can use this to help us! Phoenix: A Space Center pamphlet? For tourists? Athena: Yup! Picked it up at the entrance. The maps inside should come in handy! Let's see... Yup. Here it is. A map of the lounge. This is the door we went through to talk to Detective Fulbright. Phoenix: Oh yeah. That's the door with the fingerprint recognition lock. Well, I guess this map will make things a little easier. Athena: Yeah! No more excuses! Let's track down the third person! Phoenix: ...Wait. There's just one more thing. What's that strange creature moving around outside the window? Athena: Oh, Boss... It's just a holographic image. Phoenix: Oh, yeah. I knew that. (Whew, that's a relief.) Athena: There should be a button somewhere in this room to turn the image on and off. That's what it says in the pamphlet, anyway. Phoenix: The only reason you're so eager to start is so that you can push that button, isn't it? Athena: And what's wrong with that? Let's just look for the button while we're looking for clues. Phoenix: All right. Fine. Let's get investigating! ???: Welcome to the Space Center, guests! Welcome! Phoenix: Yikes! Wh-What in the world?! ???: My name is Ponco! P-O-N-C-O! Ponco! Are you sightseeing? Are you lost? Are you looking around? Choose one! I will guide you! Phoenix: I-It's... a robot? Ponco: I am not a robot! I am Ponco! Psychological Observation and... ...Navigation COmpanion! P-O-N-C-O! Ponco! Phoenix: (Well, I'm glad we got that cleared up.) Athena: Oh, Ponco! I've missed you! Phoenix: Huh? Do you know this thing, Athena? Athena: Oh, uh... She, uh... showed us around the last time, when I came here with Apollo. Oh, you're such a good girl, Ponco! That's a good girl! Ponco: Oh, thank you! Thank you! I'm so happy! So very happy! Phoenix: Wow, a guide robot. That's pretty cool. My nams is Phoenix Wright. Nice to meet you. Ponco: I don't know you! I don't know you! Phoenix: Huh? (Ouch. That hurt.) Athena: Oh, she has to register people she meets for the first time. Please register him, Ponco. Ponco: Certainly! Commencing guest registration! Please tell me your name. A nickname is fine, too! Athena: His name is "Phoenix." Phoenix: (A bit overly familiar, but I'll allow it.) Ponco: Phoenix, please let me get a good look at your face! Phoenix: Oh, uh, sure. Ponco: Registering... Facial registration sequence, complete! We are now officially friends! Nice to meet you, Phoenix! Phoenix: (Huh... This robot is pretty cute...) Athena: You made a friend, Boss! Isn't it great? Ponco: Phoenix! Athena! Allow me to guide you! Right this way! Athena: Oh, goody! Let's go, Boss! Phoenix: (G-Go where?) December 19 Cosmos Space Center - Space Museum Phoenix: Oh, wow! What IS this place?! Is... Is that rocket real?! Ponco: Welcome! Welcome! The Space Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 9 AM to 7 PM! Learn about the history of our nation's space development and the HAT-1 project! The rocket is just a replica, but it's the same size as the real one! Athena: The Space Museum... Oh, here it is on the map. Phoenix: Okay, so it's on the exact opposite side of the main building from Launch Pad 1. Ponco: Ask me anything! Anything! I will explain! Phoenix: Well, we certainly learned a lot about the Space Museum. Athena: Thank you, Ponco. You explained everything very well. Ponco: I love to explain! Thank you for listening! Thank you! Phoenix: You two are like old friends. It's hard to believe you just met recently. Athena: Hee hee! It's because Ponco is so friendly! Phoenix: Well, what should we investigate next? Athena: Let's go find Detective Fulbright! We have things to ask him about. Phoenix: (Let's see. The security footage and the fingerprint data, was it?) Okay, then let's go back to the Launch Pad 1 corridor. Athena: Bye, Ponco! See you later! Ponco: Come again! Come again! And don't forget to visit the gift shop! Phoenix: (Poor Ponco... What a Dickensian life we are all forced to lead.) December 19Cosmos Space Center - Launch Pad 1 Corridor Fulbright: Hmm... What should I do? Which path is the path of justice...? Athena: There's Detective Fulbright! He still seems to be lost, even though it's a straight corridor. Phoenix: Let's hope he's still in a cooperative mood as well, then. Athena: If he doesn't cooperate, then I'll just have to use my powers on him. Phoenix: (...You mean that "lady in distress" bit?) Phoenix: Something definitely seems to be up with you, Detective. You're unusually cooperative. Fulbright: Well, I just figure if we work together, we'll get that much closer to justice, right? Athena: But it seems like something's really been bothering you. You don't have some ulterior motive, do you? Fulbright: What? I don't know what you're talking about! I would never do anything like that! 2 PSYCHE-LOCKS Phoenix: (It's been a while... but those are definitely Psyche-Locks...) Fulbright: Hm? Did you just mouth "Psyched"? Is there something I should be psyched about? Phoenix: No, no. "Psyche-Lock." It's a system of locks on the secrets in a person's heart. I can see when people are trying to hide those secrets by using the power of this Magatama. (Presenting evidence can break those locks... ...and reveal any secrets they're hiding.) Fulbright: M-Mr. Wright... How much did they bilk you out of for that piece of rock? If you've been swindled, I know some lawyers I can introduce you to! Phoenix: (I'm more than capable of representing myself, thank you very much.) It isn't some kind of fraud. It really works. A friend gave it to me a long time ago. But I guess seeing is believing. Allow me to show you! (I can use the Magatama on him by touching it (X).) Fulbright: Thanks, you two. I feel a lot better now that I've been able to get that off my chest. I'm going to work extra hard to find that perfect piece of evidence for you! "In justice we trust" on three! One, two three! In justice we trust! Okay, later! Athena: ...There he goes. Phoenix: (Wait, were we supposed to say "In justice we trust" back there, too?) Athena: Let's go see that witness now! Phoenix: All right. The Space Center entrance it is! December 19 Cosmos Space Center - Entrance Phoenix: The witness must be around here somewhere... ???: Hello! Hello! Phoenix: Uh-oh... Don't tell me the witness is a robot? Athena: Hello! Come over here! ???: Hello! Hello! Are you sightseeing? Are you lost? Are youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu... I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I am Clonco. Shall I guide you? G-G-Guide youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu? Athena: I dunno why, but this robot is kind of freaking me out... ???: Hey! You're not supposed to be wandering around! Again? Hmph. I've had it with you, Hunk of Junk! ???: Gaaagh! ............I'm outside. Am I wandering? When did that happen? ???: Okay! Welcome back, Hunk of Junk! You don't know how close you came! If you didn't snap out of it, I was going to put you on the curb on trash day. Nothing works better than a 42.5 degree karate chop. Phoenix: (That's pretty specific...) Excuse me, but are you the one who witnessed the murder? Oh, and I'm Phoenix Wright, the lead attorney for this case. How do you do? ???: Hmph. Big-shot lawyers, huh? I'm Aura Blackquill. I'm a researcher developing robots here at the Cosmos Space Center. Phoenix: ("Blackquill"?! Could she be...?!) Aura: And this good-for-nothing robot is named Hunk of Junk. Clonco: My name isn't Hunk of Junk! My name is Clonco! That's mean, Miss Aura! Aura: Quit complaining! Your model number is "PONCO-2"! Clonco: Gaaagh! But Miss Aura! Everyone calls me "Clonco." Aura: Quit your squawking already. Clonco: No! What are you doing?! No! Don't............ Aura: There! I bet you won't be talking back now! Clonco: Gaaagh! I will obey completely... Phoenix: (Yikes! I'd better watch what wires I cross with this one!) Aura: By the way, I heard the rumors. Our director is going to be the star witness in court tomorrow, right? Phoenix: Director Cosmos? Yes, that's right. Aura: You poor things. You'd better be careful. That old man is a big liar and a huge braggart. Phoenix: What? Aura: He might seem like a bigwig, but the Center has all kinds of problems. He has a lot of skeletons in his closet. But it's your problem, so why should I care? Phoenix: (What, that's it? No friendly tips? No "Good luck, guys?"... Just splendid.) Aura: I'll leave you to your woes. Come on, Hunk of Junk! Athena: ............ Phoenix: It's sad to me that she doesn't believe in our legal system anymore. She must've had a very bad experience to make her feel that way. .........Are you all right, Athena? You seem very down. Athena: Grrr! I just can't believe she said all those things! Phoenix: (Wow, she's really upset. Has she been trying not to let it show all this time?) Well, I guess it's not all that surprising... You hear about fabricated evidence and false indictments on the news all the time. Athena: You mean that whole "dark age of the law" nonsense? I'm so sick of hearing about that! Phoenix: Well, all we can do is believe in what we're doing. Athena: Yeah... You're right, Boss! I agree! Phoenix: Maybe it's time we went back to see Mr. Starbuck. Athena: Good idea! We should tell him about the bullet and Ms. Blackquill's statement! Phoenix: All right, then! Next stop: the Detention Center! December 19 Detention Center - Visitor's Room Starbuck: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... My lawyers are here. It must be bad news. Phoenix: (Hey, not necessarily!) We found a new witness. A researcher saw the moment of the murder through the lounge window during her escape. Starbuck: Really?! So they're going to let me go? Phoenix: Unfortunately... it was dark, and she couldn't identify the person. Starbuck: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... I should've known... My stars never align just right, too... Athena: But we got a lead, too, Mr. Starbuck! The murderer had a lighter with an Earth emblem on it! Starbuck: A lighter with an Earth emblem? ............Ooooohhhh! Athena: D-Did you remember something? Starbuck: Yup, I sure did! Just a little bit, though. Phoenix: Anything at all would be a help, so please tell us what you remembered! Athena: If we can prove there was this third person at the scene and that they're the real killer... ...then you'll be cleared of all suspicion! Phoenix: The key will be whether or not we can identify this third person in court tomorrow. At least we have something to go on now, and that's a big plus. (I should probably tidy the evidence up a bit, before someone mistakes me for a hoarder...) Athena: Now that we have a glimmer of hope, I'm suddenly starving! Why don't we go back to the office and treat ourselves to a big celebration in advance?! Phoenix: (For someone who's highly empathetic, you can be surprisingly unsympathetic...) December 19 Wright Anything Agency Trucy: So, you found your strategy for tomorrow's trial, huh? Good for you, Daddy! Phoenix: Well, it's one step forward, anyway. Hopefully it'll give us a fighting chance in court. (As long as we can find out who this third person is...) Athena: Now let's get something to eat! I'm starving! My vote is for Eldoon's Noodles! Trucy: Oh! Apollo! Apollo: ............ Phoenix: What are you doing here? I didn't think the clinic was ready to release you yet. Apollo: My wounds are fine. And I'm done lying around. Athena: Apollo! You're supposed to be in bed! Leave the case to us. We'll take it from here! Apollo: Thanks, but that's not an option. Not for me. Phoenix: (Apollo...) Apollo: ............Sorry, Mr. Wright, but I'll be taking a leave of absence. Trucy: WH-WHAT?! Athena: Wait! What do you mean by "a leave"?! Phoenix: You're really serious... Can you at least give me a reason why? Apollo: When I put Clay's jacked on, I swore to him that I would catch his killer myself. Athena: B-But that's our goal, too! Phoenix: I agree with Athena. We should work together to find the truth. Apollo: The truth, huh? That's a noble cause. But what if the truth you seek and the truth I seek turn out to be different? Phoenix: I... I'm not sure I follow... (What are you saying, Apollo...?!) Apollo: I'm going to catch the person responsible for taking my friend's life, in my own way. Take good care of Mr. Starbuck for me. Now, I must be going... Goodbye. Trucy: "Goodbye"...? Did he just say "goodbye"...?! Athena: I sensed a lot of anger and hatred coming from him... And also... suspicion. Argh! He's NOT walking out on us like this! I'm going to go talk some sense into him! Phoenix: Hold on, Athena. Apollo can believe what he wants, but I believe he's wrong. Even if we take different paths, the truth we arrive at should be the same. I think the quicker we solve this case, the better it'll be for Apollo. Athena: Y-Yeah, you're right, Boss. Phoenix: All right. That's enough for one day. Make sure you're ready for tomorrow's trial, okay? Phoenix: (If he were here right now, Apollo would say... "I'm fine! Everything is fine!" ...I just hope things really do turn out fine tomorrow...) To Be Continued December 20, 10:15 AM District Court - Courtroom No. 5 Day 2 Court Is Now In Session All Rise Judge: .........I suppose... we should reconvene the trial of Solomon Starbuck or something...? Phoenix: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Phoenix: ............Uh, Your Honor? Could you please come out from under your bench...? There are no more bombs. I promise. Judge: ............Oh, yes, um... My apologies. I'm still a little jumpy when it comes to trials involving bombs. I mean, first the courtroom exploded... ...and then Mr. Tonate self-destructed! Phoenix: (I guess that's one way of describing what happened to Tonate...) Judge: Anyway, it seems that Mr. Justice was seriously wounded by Mr. Tonate's actions. So you, Mr. Wright, will be taking up the defense...? Do you have an understanding of what has happened in the trial so far? Phoenix: Yes, Your Honor. The defense is ready. Judge: Very well. Is the prosecution also ready? Blackquill: ............ Judge: Hmm? ............I take it you'd like me to give the opening statement this time? Athena: Looks like the judge has become a pretty good mind reader. Phoenix: Well, he's certainly seen more than his fair share of colorful prosecutors. You could say he's something of a veteran of sorts... Judge: Let's see. In the previous part of this trial, we learned that the vicim, Clay Terran... ...escaped from Launch Pad 1 carrying the defendant, Solomon Starbuck. There were explosions on the second floor of the Space Center and on the rocket itself. The two astronauts used the Launch Pad 1 corridor to reach the boarding lounge. Blackquill: And? Judge: How could the victim climb down the ladder if he was carrying the defendant...? That was the mystery that needed to be solved. But Mr. Justice proved that the victim was killed in the boarding lounge. Prosecutor Blackquill, were you able to discover any new facts related to this point? Blackquill: Upon further investigation, we discovered an oxygen tank fragment in the lounge. Surprisingly, it would appear that Justice-dono's argument was correct. Athena: So that means the testimonies of the first two people on the scene are suspect. Apollo: There were two people who claimed to be the first on the scene. But can we truly trust their statements? Athena: Let's see. The two people were Detective Candice Arme and Yuri Cosmos, right? You think that one of them might have given a false statement to the police? Apollo: Yes, it's certainly possible. We might have to do a little more digging. Phoenix: And just as our team was about to cross-examine Detective Arme... ...the courtroom bombing incident occurred, and the trial was put on hold. Blackquill: That accursed fellow! He killed my witness! He killed Detective Arme! Athena: He definitely put the kibosh on anyone asking her about what she saw. Blackquill: Exactly. In other words, the question of "who killed the victim in the boarding lounge"... ...has, once again, become the main focus of this trial. Phoenix: (It's obvious Prosecutor Blackquill still thinks it was Mr. Starbuck. Fulbright said that Blackquill has a thing against the astronaut. Nevertheless...) The defense argues that there was a third person in the lounge, and that's who killed the victim! Blackquill: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Blackquill: Hmph. To make such reckless claims in a courtroom takes a bold man... or a stupid one. There was no third person in the boarding lounge. Or have you gone dotty already... old man? Phoenix: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Phoenix: We'll see who's the dotard after I trounce you with my years of experience, little boy! In any case, Mr. Starbuck claims he saw someone leaving the lounge. Furthermore, a Space Center employee also saw a suspicious figure at the scene. Judge: They saw a third person?! Blackquill: Hmph. I see my sister has been running her mouth. Phoenix: (That's right! I almost forgot that Aura is Prosecutor Blackquill's sister...) Blackquill: No matter. She didn't see this mystery person's face clearly. Therefore, there is no evidence to indicate that this person was not the defendant. Phoenix: (Hmm... I guess the possibility that the figure was Mr. Starbuck is still there...) Blackquill: In brief, we need to determine if a third person was there or not. To this end, we should hear the testimony of one of the first people one the scene. Athena: Director Cosmos, huh... Judge: Very well. Bailiff, please bring the witness to the stand. Judge: Why, I believe I've seen you before in the newspapers. Cosmos: Of course you have! Of course you have! For I am Yuri Cosmos! Director of the Cosmos Space Center, which was of course named after me, Yuri Cosmos! ............ Don't you have anything you wish to ask me? Athena: Looks like he's all geared up to do some bragging. Cosmos: Seven years ago, I succesfully launched the HAT-1, and-- Blackquill: Everyone already knows how brilliant you are. Even I am trying to hold back my tears at seeing such a great man standing before me. So could you please proceed directly to your important testimony? Cosmos: ............Ha ha ha! I see this fine young lad has a proper appreciation of greatness! Then allow me to begin my epochal testimony that will be recorded in the annals of history! Athena: That speech of Prosecutor Blackquill's just now... It sounded more to me like he was poking fun at Director Cosmos. Phoenix: It's probably for the best that it sailed right over the director's head. Judge: Now then, Director Cosmos, the condensed version of your illustrious testimony... please. Witness Testimony -- What I Saw at the Scene -- Cosmos: Detective Arme and I rushed towards the boarding lounge together. We went via the Control Room and peeked in from there to see what was going on inside. We saw a figure standing in the middle of the lounge, and Terran lying on the floor. I hate to say it, but I can only imagine the standing figure must have been Starbuck. Judge: Hmm, I see. So in your testimony you claim... ...you arrived on the scene after the two had escaped from the launch pad to the lounge... ...and just after the victim had been killed. Cosmos: Oh, the horror! The humanity! But what I said is what I saw, and what I saw is what I said. Courageous action to take in the face of such terrifying explosions, wouldn't you say? To save my men, I went personally into the epicenter of danger... ...risking my own life for theirs! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Athena: Well, what do you know. It sounds like the director really cares about his men. Phoenix: Yeah... Although it sounds more like he was scared and just had a peek from far away. Judge: Is the defense ready to cross-examine the witness? Phoenix: Yes, Your Honor. (............Director Cosmos's testimony is pretty vague. I'm going to have to press him and draw out more information before I do anything else.) Cross-Examination -- What I Saw at the Scene -- Cosmos: Detective Arme and I rushed towards the boarding lounge together. Cosmos: We went via the Control Room and peeked in from there to see what was going on inside. Cosmos: We saw a figure standing in the middle of the lounge, and Terran lying on the floor. Cosmos: I hate to say it, but I can only imagine the standing figure mast have been Starbuck. Cosmos: Detective Arme fired two warning shots at the figure. Phoenix: Are you sure you were really paying attention to what Detective Arme was doing? Cosmos: You doubt my words, words that will someday be written down in history books?! Phoenix: Somehow, I don't think that those exact words... ...will ever be written down in any history books. Judge: Mr. Wright, could you please explain yourself so that we can all understand? Phoenix: You say that Detective Arme fired two warning shots... ...and yet, only one bullet hole was ever found at the scene. Cosmos: What...? Phoenix: Only one bullet hole means the gun was only fired once. And yet Director Cosmos is saying Detective Arme fired two shots. No editor would allow such a glaring contradiction into a history book! Blackquill: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Blackquill: Unfortunately for you, the witness's words are true. We confirmed that two shots were fired from Detective Arme's gun. Phoenix: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Phoenix: But there was only one bullet hole at the scene! Where did the other bullet hole vanish to?! Aaaaaaaaaaaaagh! Blackquill: ...You should know the answer to that already. Phoenix: I should? Blackquill: During the previous trial, a certain oxygen tank was presented as evidence. We've already discussed that it was ruptured in the lounge, have we not? Well, it appears that the thing that ruptured it was a bullet. A bullet that was found near the tank, to be precise. This bullet was fired from a .38-caliber gun, the same caliber as the detective's gun. Phoenix: WHAT?! Blackquill: The rifling marks also match up. There's no question that the bullet was fired from Detective Arme's gun. Judge: "Rifling marks"... They're like a gun's fingerprints on a bullet, correct? And examining the rifling marks on a bullet can tell us the gun it was fired from? Blackquill: One of the bullets the detective fired found its way into the holographic image display. The other bullet came to a stop near the victim's oxygen tank. The evidence confirms the director's statement that the detective fired two shots. Phoenix: (My beautiful contradiction... Gone... All gone...) Athena: So that bullet hole was from a .38-caliber, huh? I'd better update the record. Judge: Very good. Now we know the fate of both of the shots Detective Arme fired. Mr. Wright, does that clear up all of your questions...? Phoenix: (Hmm............ Detective Arme fired two warning shots... One hit the holographic display and the other hit the oxygen tank... Does that really clear up everything about what happened at the scene?) Phoenix: No, Your Honor, it doesn't! "Detective Arme fired two warning shots from a .38-caliber gun." But that doesn't explain the existence of a certain piece of evidence found at the scene. A piece... that points to the existence of a third person. Blackquill: Oh...? Judge: Very well. But it won't do to keep us waiting, Mr. Wright. What piece of evidence suggests the possibility of a third person at the scene? Judge: And what is this metal pellet supposed to be?! Phoenix: Just a little something of great importance we found at the crime scene, Your Honor. Blackquill: You found it where? Phoenix: In a floor gutter at the crime scene. It looks like the police and prosecution both missed it. Furthermore, this is a .10-caliber bullet... ...making it much smaller than one of Detective Arme's .38-calibers. Judge: Th-Then that means...! Phoenix: Exactly. One more person must have been there in the lounge. A third person who had a gun that could fire .10-caliber bullets! Cosmos: Grnk! Phoenix: And if that's true, it explains why Detective Arme fired warning shots. This third person fired at Detective Arme and Director Cosmos with their gun. And in return, the detective fired her warning shots. Isn't that how it really went down, Director Cosmos? Cosmos: Ha ha ha! It looks like you've deduced my miraculous tale of survival! Yes, you're absolutely correct. The mystery person fired upon us! Judge: Wh-What's this now?! Blackquill: What? You never breathed a word of any of this to me before... Cosmos: Ha ha ha! Well, all great men have a secret or two, don't you know! Blackquill: .........Tsk. Foolish old geezer. Phoenix: (So Director Cosmos really has been hiding the presence of a third person all along?) Director Cosmos! I want you to testify to the court about what you really saw! Judge: You may be a very great man, but, in my courtroom, you are just another witness. You won't receive special treatment here. Now, please give accurate testimony! Witness Testimony -- What I Really Saw at the Scene -- Cosmos: Detective Arme and I rushed to the Control Room together. In the lounge, we saw a figure standing in the middle of the room, and Terran on the floor. We were still in the Control Room to the east when the figure fired at us! Judge: Hmm... Given that there was no third person in the lounge when the witness entered it... ...does this mean the person who fired the gun had to have been the defendant...? Phoenix: Not necessarily. It's still possible that it was someone else. Most likely, as soon as Detective Arme and Director Cosmos discovered this person... ...they escaped through the southern door, the one that didn't have a security lock. Blackquill: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Blackquill: Double-edged swords are a tricky lot. Mishandle one and it is you who is cut down. Phoenix: Huh? Blackquill: Your reasoning could apply if Space Boy were the killer as well. Think about it. After being discovered, he could have fired the .10-caliber gun. Detective Arme would've responded by firing two warning shots. All he had to do was feign unconsciousness to invent the possibility of a third person. Phoenix: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Phoenix: But Mr. Starbuck didn't have a gun in his possession when he was found by the police! Nor has a gun been found at the crime scene. Its absence can only be explained if there was a third party who took it with them. Blackquill: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Blackquill: Recall the existence of a trash chute in the boarding lounge. The defendant could have simply thrown the gun down the chute. Phoenix: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Phoenix: But you can't deny the possibility of a third person leaving with the weapon! Blackquill: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Blackquill: It's up to you to prove that possibility. And I trust you haven't forgotten my little piece of decisive evidence? Phoenix: What evidence? Blackquill: Why, the detonator switch that was found in Mr. Starbuck's pocket, naturally. The most compelling evidence of all that tells us he is the culprit. Phoenix: Aaaaaaaaaaaaagh! (I-I DID forget all about that!) Blackquill: Look, Your Baldness, how deliciously obvious it is that they lack the evidence to rival mine. Athena: Wow, he sliced our third person theory to ribbons and served it to us, just like that... Judge: Yes, well, I have a question of my own, actually... That bullet that the mysterious figure shot... What did it hit exactly? Cosmos: ............It hit me. Judge: S-So does that mean you're a-a-a-a gh-ghost?! Blackquill: I was wondering when you would realize it, Your Baldness. Director Cosmos is an authentic, bona fide ghost. He can even pass through walls. Judge: Eeeeeeeeeeek! Athena: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Athena: Prosecutor Blackquill! Shame on you for teasing the nice old gentleman! Blackquill: ...Hmph. Your Baldness, it was all in jest. Please show yourself again. Judge: A-Are you sure...? I-In that case... How did you manage to survive being shot, Director Cosmos? Cosmos: Ha ha ha! I'm glad you asked! It was a miracle! A miracle befitting a great, history-making figure such as myself! The bullet hit my glorious medal of honor, whereby it ricocheted, thus saving my life! Judge: WHAAAAAAAT?! Phoenix: Th-That's unbelievable... Athena: I have to check this out! .........Oh, wow. Look at that. There's one extra GYAXA star... Phoenix: The odds are literally astronomical... (I guess it really was a miracle...) Athena: It's beginning to feel like the cosmos is watching out for Director Cosmos. Judge: But why did you conceal this information, Director Cosmos? Cosmos: A great man such as myself has to hide things on occasion, no matter how much it hurts. It is the plight of the truly great! It may be hard for this generation to understand... Athena: I don't know, but it sounds fishy to me. What else is he hiding? Phoenix: ...Let's just cross-examine him and see what we can find out. Judge: Now then, Mr. Wright. Your cross-examination, please. Cross-Examination -- What I Really Saw at the Scene -- Cosmos: Detective Arme and I rushed to the Control Room together. Cosmos: In the lounge, we saw a figure standing in the middle of the room, and Terran on the floor. Cosmos: We were still in the Control Room to the east when the figure fired at us! Athena: Okay, so Director Cosmos was in the Control Room to the east. Phoenix: And while he was there, he was shot at by someone with a .10-caliber gun. Athena: But the bullet hit his medal, so he was able to escape with his life. He's a very lucky man. No wonder people think he's great. Phoenix: (Hey, I'm pretty lucky myself, so if he's a great man, then I'm the king of all cosmos!) Phoenix: Director Cosmos, I believe you are telling this great court a glorious lie! Cosmos: A great man like me, tell a lie?! Have you ever heard of such a thing in all of history?! Phoenix: My accusation is based on the positions of the people who were in the lounge. According to your testimony... ...you and Detective Arme were near the Control Room door... ...and the mystery figure was standing in the middle of the boarding lounge. If, as you say, the figure fired a gun at you from this position... ...then the bullet would have traveled in this direction. However, we found the .10-caliber bullet here. Cosmos: Oh! Phoenix: The trajectory and where the bullet was actually found contradict each other! Director Cosmos! Where were you really when you were being shot at?! Cosmos: ............GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Phoenix: (Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the human merry-go-round...) Blackquill: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Blackquill: Don't tell me you've forgotten already? Didn't the witness himself just tell you? The bullet hit his medal. Of this... there is no mistake. Phoenix: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Phoenix: But, in that case, the bullet should have been found near the east side of the room! Are you trying to say that you can explain this inconsistency?! Blackquill: ............Of course. Phoenix: I didn't think so-- WHAT?! Blackquill: O great Director Cosmos... Cosmos: Yes?! Is there something you'd like me to expound upon...?! Blackquill: You were in fact NOT in the Control Room to the east, were you? You were looking into the lounge from the door to the south, is that not right? Cosmos: ............Gaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! Phoenix: Wh-What are you getting at? Blackquill: Use your own brain. Your head must have some use other than housing that bird's nest. Phoenix: (Bird's nest...? Why does everyone pick on my hair?!) Blackquill: Director Cosmos and the detective witnessed the scene from the southern door. The killer fired at them there, and that is why the bullet was found in the south. Phoenix: Ah! (Th-That makes some sense, actually...) Blackquill: Also, the witness being at the southern door is rather favorable for the prosecution. Phoenix: Huh? (I've got a b-bad feeling about this...) Blackquill: How about it, Director? If you don't tell the truth this time... Cosmos: Yikes! H-His handcuffs...! Blackquill: ...you will become but rust upon my sword. I relish the chance to cut down a great man! Cosmos: All right! I'll tell the truth! Just put your sword away! You are correct... I, the great Yuri Cosmos... ...was looking into the room from the southern door! Phoenix: Wh-Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! (That's the complete opposite of all the testimony he's given so far!) Blackquill: And now you have lost your possibility that a third person was in the room. Phoenix: I have? How? Blackquill: The director and the detective were near the southern door... ...meaning the killer couldn't have escaped through there. The western door required print recognition; the corridor beyond, was filled with smoke. The only escape route left was the eastern Control Room door............ ...And the only way to get through there was with Director Cosmos's fingerprints. Phoenix: Ack! Blackquill: In short, there would be no escape for any "third person" had there been one! Phoenix: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! (M-My third person just disappeared... like in one of Trucy's magic tricks...!) Judge: Order! Order in the court! Director Cosmos, why did you tell such an outrageous lie? Cosmos: ............ Blackquill: You were covering for the defendant... isn't that right? Cosmos: ...Yes. It was all for the love of my men! If I said I was in the eastern Control Room... ...it would mean the culprit could have escaped through the southern door. It would have meant that there could have been a third person. All I wanted to do was protect Starbuck! I said I was in the Control Room to invent an escape route for a third person! Phoenix: What a convoluted lie... (Was he really covering for the defendant?) Judge: ............It looks like we've come to a conclusion... ...that the defense's argument, the possibility of a third person, has crumbled. Athena: N-Nooo! Blackquill: Hmph. It's over. Phoenix: (Yikes! The judge is about to hand down his verdict! Think, Phoenix, think! This is the perfect time to try and turn my thinking around! If a third person had no way of escaping the scene... ...then what if one of the people at the scene was this third person? ............Wait! What if the whole premise is all wrong? Director Cosmos said that he and Detective Arme rushed to the scene together. But what if that premise isn't true? What if one of them reached the scene before the other one? And if that person entered the lounge... ...then THEY would be the third person!) Judge: The defendant is the only one who could've killed the victim and shot at the director. There doesn't appear to be any room for argument against these claims. I will now render my verdict-- Phoenix: File:DD Objection! animated.gif Phoenix: Please wait, Your Honor! There is still one possibility. Judge: Oh? This had better be good, Mr. Wright. Phoenix: There is one and only one person who could have escaped from the scene. And that person would be the first person who arrived on the scene. Then, upon entering the boarding lounge... ...the second person to arrive came via the southern door. That's why the first person fled from the room... ...using an escape route that was accessible only to them! Judge: Very well. Let's hear more about this theory. Who is this one person who could have escaped from the boarding lounge? Judge: What? B-But that's............ Mr. Wright! Wh-Wh-What are you claiming here?! Phoenix: Of all the people who were at the scene, only the witness could have escaped. The director is the only one with the authority to open the Control Room door, after all. Judge: B-But... But that means...! Phoenix: Exactly. The true identity of the third person is our current witness. Director Yuri Cosmos! Cosmos: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Blackquill: What?! Athena: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?! Judge: Order! Order in the court, I say! Mr. Wright, you will explain yourself in more detail! Phoenix: I assert that Director Cosmos arrived at the scene before Detective Arme... ...and entered the boarding lounge alone. Detective Arme arrived after that and... ...saw a suspicious figure, who was actually Director Cosmos, standing in the lounge. And that's why she fired those two warning shots! Cosmos: Gaaagh! I've been hit! I've been hit on the starboard side! Athena: Captain Wright! It's a direct hit on the enemy ship, sir! A magnificent shot! Cosmos: Warning shots fired from the enemy ship! Prepare to intercept! Blackquill: Cosmos! You have told a lie in this court once again! Cosmos: I've been hit! I've been hit on the port side! The enemy has called in reinforcements! Phoenix: (Earth to Cosmos Control Center... Requesting permission to ask that you return to reality.) Cosmos: But my ship will not go down to anything less than the ultimate weapon of evidence! Phoenix: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Phoenix: But I do have evidence. In fact... ...you could say that your battleship bears its scar. Cosmos: Nghrgh! Phoenix: (If Director Cosmos is the third person Aura Blackquill saw...) Phoenix: This third person fired at Detective Arme and Director Cosmos with their gun. And in return, the detective fired her warning shots. Isn't that how it really went down, Director Cosmos? Cosmos: Ha ha ha! It looks like you've deduced my miraculous tale of survival! Yes, you're absolutely correct. The mystery person fired upon us! Phoenix: (Director Cosmos must've been the one who fired the .10-caliber gun. When Detective Arme discovered him in the lounge... ...it only makes sense that he would've turned and shot at her. Therefore... the evidence on the director's body is of a different kind of relevance than before!) Once we compare it against another piece of evidence... ...the mark that you received from the "third party" will be all the proof we need... ...to prove that you were the one in the lounge! Cosmos: Uuuuuuuuurrrrgh! Brace for further impact! Phoenix: Comparison against this piece of evidence will prove that you were the one in the lounge! Phoenix: The .38-caliber bullet found on the floor at the scene didn't hit the oxygen tank. It hit Director Cosmos's medal. If we have that ricochet mark on the medal analyzed, I'm sure the caliber will match up. And if that mark proves to be from a .38-caliber bullet... ...it will prove that you are the third person we've been looking for! Cosmos: GAAAAAAAAAAGH! The bridge is destroyed! Losing altitude! All hands, abandon ship! Judge: If that's true, then what about the bullet that hit the oxygen tank? Phoenix: It was the .10-caliber bullet... In other words... ...it was the bullet fired by Yuri Cosmos. Isn't that right, Director?! Cosmos: Noooooooo! You've got it all wrong! What? The engines have started again? It's a miracle! I'm not going down yet! Judge: Witness! Stop this at once and confess the the [sic] truth! Phoenix: If you don't want the history books to say that a great man was a great liar... Athena: ...Then accept your fate and tell the truth! Cosmos: Are you giving me orders?! Me, the great director of the Cosmos Space Center?! GAAAAAGH! But the cosmos revolves around meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! Someone get me off this thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing! Judge: Order! Order in the court! And will someone please stop the witness from spinning?! Judge: Phew... Thank goodness we were able to stop him from spinning off the face of the Earth. Blackquill: While he was twirling, I took the liberty of running an analysis on the mark on the medal. It was made by a .38-caliber bullet, matching it with the size of Detective Arme's firearm. Cosmos: NGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Judge: Are you ready to confess the truth, witness? Cosmos: No! You've got it all wrong! This is just a misunderstanding! Athena: Is he going to start piling on more lies? Phoenix: It looks like it... (But no matter how many lies he tells, I'll just expose them one by one! I'll MAKE that big liar tell the truth!) To Be Continued Judge: Director Cosmos! A new possibility has been presented by the defense. They are claiming that you were this "third person"! Cosmos: Aaaaaaagh! Forgive me! I'm so sorry! Blackquill: So the great pioneer of space development is revealed to be just another fabulist cur. I only have one question for the likes of you: shall I send you off quickly or very quickly? Cosmos: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Phoenix: The evidence doesn't lie, Director Cosmos, so don't try to talk your way out of this! Cosmos: F-Fine! I'll tell the truth! It's all just as you say, Mr. Wright! I-It's true that I was there in the boarding lounge! I got there before Detective Arme, and when she arrived, she fired warning shots at me! I was afraid people would mistake me for the killer, so I escaped to the Control Room. I then went past the elevators and all the way around to Boarding Lounge 1 again. I came up behind Detective Arme and pretended to be the second on the scene! Blackquill: What a troublesome old man you are, with such convoluted deeds and thoughts... Judge: Hmm... I see... So then... ...are you still insisting that you did NOT kill the victim? Cosmos: O-Of course I am! When I arrived at the lounge alone... ...I saw the true killer! The great Yuri Cosmos was a history-making witness! Phoenix: File:AA5 Holdit.png Phoenix: Now hold on just one moment! We just proved a few minutes ago... ...that the third person that Mr. Starbuck and Ms. Aura Blackquill saw... was you! Cosmos: No! It wasn't me! I saw the person as well! If I were the killer, why would I lie to cover for Starbuck?! I would just leave him to take the fall! Athena: Hmm... That is an excellent point... Cosmos: All I wanted to do was protect Starbuck! I said I was in the Control Room to invent an escape route for a third person! Athena: Well, it makes some sense if he told those lies to cover for Mr. Starbuck... Phoenix: Still, a lie's a lie, Athena. Athena: So Director Cosmos claims he's not the culprit... but where's the proof? Cosmos: Ah! I just remembered! I have an alibi! Ms. Blackquill said that she saw the killer at 10 AM, correct? Phoenix: Yes... And...? Cosmos: Well! I was on the fourth floor helping with the evacuation effort! Ask any member of the staff you'd like! They'll corroborate me! Blackquill: ...The director is not fibbing to the court, for once. I confirm that he has an alibi for the time specified. Phoenix: So... you're claiming that Ms. Blackquill saw the killer commit the crime first at 10 AM... ...and that you arrived at the lounge after that? Cosmos: Yes, and I believe the person I saw is the same person that Ms. Blackquill saw. Although, it was pitch black, so it was more of a shadowy figure and less of a person... ...and I couldn't actually see their face, but it was definitely the silhouette of an earthling. Athena: Hmm... As long as he has an alibi... ...we can't very well claim Director Cosmos was the killer. Phoenix: No, we can't. Then again, maybe we don't need to yet. (I wonder if he was really covering for Mr. Starbuck...) Your Honor, the defense moves to have the director testify about that person he saw. Judge: Hmm... Very well. Director Cosmos, your testimony, please. Witness Testimony -- What I Really Witnessed -- Cosmos: As I tried to enter the lounge, the true killer inside fired a gun at me! I hid to avoid getting shot... ...but, when I tried to get another look, they had vanished into thin air! I was near the elevator side door, and, well, the Launch Pad 1 door... ...and the control room door should've been shut tight to the killer... Phoenix: So you were shot at by the killer as well? And then they disappeared? Cosmos: Yes, though luckily, no harm came to my glorious body. Unfortunately, the bullet hit Terran's oxygen tank. I know because I heard a "pang!" That must've been the sound of the tank being ruptured. Athena: Wait, but I thought the bullet hit his medal? Phoenix: That was Detective Arme's bullet, remember? Athena: R-Right... What a mess this is turning into. So, let's see... Director Cosmos is claiming that when he found Mr. Terran and his killer... ...the culprit shot a .10-caliber bullet at him. Phoenix: Right, but it actually hit Mr. Terran's oxygen tank and ruptured it. Athena: And then, the killer disappeared, and the director went into the boarding lounge... ...when Detective Arme caught up and fired those warning shots at him. Judging by his medal, it looks like one of them almost took him out, too. Phoenix: Good summary, but that doesn't explain where our mystery killer went. Director Cosmos, I was wondering if you could elaborate on when the figure disappeared. Cosmos: I'm ashamed to admit I tried to hide myself when I was shot at, but... ...when I peeped back into the lounge, the real killer was... gone. I rushed into the lounge straight away to investigate... ...but what I found was Terran with a knife in his chest, and Starbuck out cold on the floor. Judge: Hmm... So we have a culprit who vanished from a scene that had no escape route... Cosmos: Vanished without a trace. It's truly like one of the great mysteries of the cosmos. Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: Hmph. A riddle of the ages, indeed. But I'd rather know... ...how a fibbing leech such as you can be lauded as great. Cosmos: ............A great man is always misunderstood in his own time. But he must remain true to himself, even if those around him don't understand! Phoenix: (Wow, that might be the first true statement he's said all day!) But how do you suppose this person managed to vanish so suddenly? Blackquill: Simple. Because it was Space Boy himself. When he was spotted by the director and Aura, he quickly feigned unconsciousness. That would certainly take all the mystery out of the idea of a vanished culprit. Phoenix: (I want to raise an objection, but I don't have any counterevidence.) Director Cosmos, when you saw this person... ...did you also see Mr. Starbuck on the floor? Cosmos: No, because it was as dark as a black hole in there. I didn't see Starbuck until the other person vanished and I entered the room. Phoenix: (Hmm... That wasn't exactly helpful.) Blackquill: Hmph. I'm prepared to accept your surrender, Wright-dono. Phoenix: (............I can't find any holes in his testimony, but I can't give up!) Athena: Mr. Wright, why don't you let me help? Phoenix: Huh? Athena: While the director was giving his testimony, I detected a cacophony of discord. Phoenix: Which means he's hiding his true feelings from us, huh... (This just might help us find out what happened to our vanished killer...) That'd be great, Athena. Let's see what you can do with him! Athena: You got it, Boss! I wouldn't want to miss this chance to delve into a great mind! Yuri Cosmos, prepare to hand over the secrets of your heart to me! Cosmos: As I tried to enter the lounge... Athena: Talk about mixed feelings! He must be trying to account for a number of contradictions. Mr. Wright. Maybe this time we shouldn't just look for contradictory emotions... We should also look for emotions that should be there, but aren't. Phoenix: (I guess it shouldn't be a surprise that his mind is a convoluted place, too...) Athena: He must have felt very shaken and distressed at the time. Let's focus on the fluctuations in his emotions and see what we can uncover! Phoenix: You must have thought it was very strange that the killer vanished into thin air. Cosmos: I did! That kind of thing just doesn't happen, usually! Phoenix: And yet, at that time, you barely registered any shock at the occurrence. Cosmos: What?! Why are you--?! Nngrrrh! Phoenix: I can only think of one reason as to why you weren't surprised the killer's vanishing act. You must've had a good idea of where they went. Isn't that right? Cosmos: Whaaat?! No! O-Of course not...! That's preposterous! Only I can enter the control room... ...and the area beyond the launch pad door was filled with smoke, making it impassable! And as for the southern door... ...I was standing right there. So there was nowhere for the killer to run to. Phoenix: Maybe, or maybe not. You went into the room to check on Mr. Starbuck and Mr. Terran, yes? What if the culprit took that opportunity to silently slip out through the southern door? Cosmos: I highly doubt it. As you recall, right after I entered the lounge... ...Detective Arme came rushing towards it herself via the southern hallway. Anyone trying to escape through there would have been caught by her. Phoenix: (And yet, the director wasn't surprised the killer vanished...) So you're absolutely sure there was no escape route for the culprit to use? Cosmos: Ngh... Athena: It's working, Boss! One more punch and it'll be a knockout! There seems to be one more emotion that's at odds with his testimony! Go get him! Phoenix: Okay! Back in the matrix it is! (Time to pinpoint our way to victory!) Cosmos: As I tried to enter the lounge... Athena: Talk about mixed feelings! He must be trying to account for a number of contradictions. Mr. Wright. Maybe this time we shouldn't just look for contradictory emotions... We should also look for emotions that should be there, but aren't. Phoenix: (I guess it shouldn't be a surprise that his mind is a convoluted place, too...) Athena: He must have felt very shaken and distressed at the time. Let's focus on the fluctuations in his emotions and see what we can uncover! Phoenix: Correct me if I'm wrong, but you seem to be afraid of the launch pad door. Cosmos: Th-The great Yuri Cosmos? Afraid?! A-And what basis do you have for that outlandish accusation?! Phoenix: Whether I have basis or not, you seem quite distressed by it. Cosmos: I-I'm most certainly not! Phoenix: Director Cosmos! There's something about the launch pad door you're not telling us, isn't there? Cosmos: Nghhhhh............! Gaaaaaaaaaaagh! Athena: Wow, he's speechless! It looks like you hit the nail on the head, Boss. Cosmos: Ngh... Athena: I'll just input those two pieces of data, and... Yes! Just what I wanted to see! NOISE LEVEL70% Athena: Presto chango! Less discord! It looks like we're on the right track! Phoenix: Thanks, Athena. (Now to make sense of what we've learned... Director Cosmos wasn't surprised that the culprit suddenly vanished from the lounge. Which point to the possibility that he knew where the killer had escaped to. Furthermore, talking about the door to the launch pad made him uneasy. In other words, he's probably hiding something about the Launch Pad 1 door. When we put these two pieces together, only one solution to this puzzle comes to mind!) Director Cosmos, did the real killer escape through here? Phoenix: The culprit went through the Launch Pad 1 door to escape, didn't they? Cosmos: Yes... I mean, no...! Disaster to starboard! We're going to crash into an asteroid! Phoenix: (A master tactician, you are not.) Athena: But the area beyond that door was filled with smoke, wasn't it? Phoenix: ............True, but this is still the only logical answer there is. If we can just figure out what the director is hiding about the Launch Pad 1 door... ...we should be able to iron out the logical inconsistencies. Cosmos: Ngh... Grnk... B-But that door requires fingerprint recognition! Only Starbuck, Terran, and I have access! I don't see how the killer could've opened that security lock! Do you?! Phoenix: That's an easy one. The killer was right there in the boarding lounge, meaning... ...there's a way he could have easily gotten past that security lock. (Come to think of it, we did examine the prints on the fingerprint recognition device...) I propose that the killer used this person's fingerprints to get past the security lock! Judge: Th-That's...! Phoenix: Mr. Starbuck was lying unconscious there in the boarding lounge. Anybody could have easily gotten past the security lock by using Mr. Starbuck's prints. And actually, Mr. Starbuck's prints are exactly what we found on the device's screen. Cosmos: ............AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Phoenix: (It looks like he DOES have something to hide about the Launch Pad 1 door. And I'm betting it's got something to do with the culprit's escape route! But I don't have enough information to see the whole picture yet...) Judge: ............You know, something just occurred to me... Would you like to hear it? Phoenix: Huh? Oh, yes! By all means! Judge: There's a security camera in Boarding Lounge 1. Phoenix: Right, the one that recorded the victim and the defendant. What about it, Your Honor? Judge: If the true culprit escaped into the Launch Pad 1 corridor... ...then that might be recorded on the security footage as well! Then, the mystery would be solved! What do you think of my logic? Phoenix: ............ Blackquill: ............ ............ Blackquill: I hope you didn't strain your faculties too much for that, Your Baldness. Judge: I beg your pardon? Blackquill: Look, if we play the security footage beyond this point... Judge: Oh, my! The footage cuts off! Blackquill: The camera was running on backup power, but apparently the power cables were damaged. Most likely by the aftereffects of the explosion. There is no footage after this -- be it of criminals or space aliens... Judge: Hmm... And I thought it was such a good idea, too... Blackquill: Hmph. Just because your grandchild is watching from the gallery... ...it doesn't mean you should try to show off too much... Grandpa Baldness. Judge: Prosecutor Blackquill! How did you know about my grandchild...?! Athena: I think his grandchild just learned a little about the harshness of the adult world... Phoenix: Setting aside the issue of grandchildren, I'd like to have the witness continue. Director Cosmos, could you tell us more about when you entered the lounge? Cosmos: ...Ngh... Graaagh... If I-I must... Cosmos: I hid to avoid getting shot... Phoenix: What do you think about Director Cosmos's emotional responses, Athena? Athena: ............Actually, my cat is really sick, you know. Phoenix: What? Oh, I'm very sorry to hear that. Athena: And on top of that, my dog just doesn't seem to want to play with me. Phoenix: ............Umm, why are you telling me all this now? Athena: Just humor me, okay? Now, when you heard about my cat... ...and then about my dog, which story made you feel sadder? Phoenix: The story about your cat, of course. It's only natural. Athena: Exactly. That would be the natural reaction. But there's nothing natural about the director's reactions. I think how each individual reaction changes across the whole testimony will be the key. Phoenix: Sounds unnaturally complicated... (But that somehow doesn't surprise me.) Phoenix: Director Cosmos. Why were you so surprised when Detective Arme found you, and again when she fired? Isn't that a bit unnatural?! Cosmos: ............Sadly, even great men such as myself have ordinary human feelings. Our bodies are bound by the forces of gravity and emotions. Even a great man such as myself experiences surprise on occasion. Phoenix: ...Umm, yes, I'm sure you do. But my real point... ...is not the fact that you were surprised, but rather, what you were surprised by. Cosmos: Pardon me? Phoenix: First, you were surprised when Detective Arme found you in the lounge. And, just after that, you were of course again surprised when she shot at you. But, considering what you were surprised about, a strange phenomenon occurs here. Director Cosmos, what is strange about your surprised reaction is the fact that you were... Phoenix: Sure, you were surprised when Detective Arme shot at you... ...but the surprise you felt when she found you in the lounge was much greater. Cosmos: Gagh! Phoenix: The fact that you were more surprised by simply being found than by being shot at... ...suggests to me that you were conflicted about whatever it was you were doing there! Cosmos: The enemy has acquired a new weapon! Commence operation Hide Under Your Desk! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Phoenix: (Please tell me I finally sunk his battleship...) NOISE LEVEL30% Athena: Boss, I'm getting less discord now! That must mean... ...he really is hiding something about that launch pad door. Phoenix: (And whatever he's hiding most likely has something to do with the killer's escape.) Athena: I wonder what it could be? Phoenix: If he was doing something suspicious around that door... ...maybe we can spot some changes between before he came to the room and after. Athena: Detective Fulbright gave us a photo taken after the crime. Let's run a comparison. Let's see. This is the footage of the door before Director Cosmos arrived. And this is how the door looked after the director entered the lounge. Phoenix: ............Hey, look at that! (There IS a change! Something's definitely different!) Director Cosmos. Cosmos: What is it? What have you two been up to over there? Phoenix: Finding the answer to what you were doing when Detective Arme found you, that's what. And that answer lies clearly in this footage. All we have to do is compare it to the photo that was taken during the investigation. Cosmos: Don't be ridiculous! If you really do have an answer, you'd have pointed it out already! Phoenix: (He's asking for it. THIS is what changed directly after the incident...) Phoenix: The answer is this knob. Cosmos: Ngaaaaah! That's--! Phoenix: Your Honor, please take a look at this footage. Judge: Hmm... Let's see... Phoenix: Take a look at the knob next to the launch pad door. As you can see, it's horizontal. Judge: Yes, it is, isn't it? Phoenix: However... ...when we investigated the scene of the crime yesterday, the knob was vertical. Judge: Hmm... And what does that mean? Phoenix: It means that sometime between before the director arrived and after... ...someone turned this knob! Cosmos: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Phoenix: After the scene was discovered, you were the only one who could have turned the knob. Come on, now, Director Cosmos! Let's hear what you have to say! What were you trying to do by turning that knob by the door? Cosmos: Ngaaaaah! Fine! I admit it! You're right. I did turn that knob. That knob is a safety lock meant to keep the launch pad in place. I was afraid there would be more explosions... ...so I wanted to move the launch pad away! Phoenix: You wanted to do what...? Athena: Hey, didn't Ponco tell us something about how they prepare for launch? She said that once the launch pad's fully assembled, it's moved to the launch site. But the safety lock in the boarding lounge has to be disengaged first. Phoenix: I guess that clears up what that knob is for. Athena: Oh! So, if the killer escaped into the Launch Pad 1 corridor... ...maybe they were transported along with the launch pad to the launch site? Phoenix: I don't think so... The Launch Pad 1 corridor was filled with smoke. I don't think they could've escaped through that corridor. Athena: So then, where DID the killer escape to? Phoenix: (............Hmm... I guess there are still some things we have to uncover...) Director Cosmos! I request that you tell us about moving the launch pad in more detail! Cosmos: Fine! But listen carefully! For I'm about to give history-making testimony! Cosmos: I had no choice but to disengage the safety lock. Athena: The director seems driven into a corner now. I can tell he's having a hard time hiding his true feelings! Phoenix: Just one final push, then! Athena: His attempts to conceal the truth shouldn't be all that hard for us to break through. If we keep at it calmly, I'm sure we'll cross the finish line! Phoenix: "I had no choice but to disengage the safety lock." You make it sound like you were reluctant to do so. And yet, when you did it, you felt some joy, as if you were very pleased with yourself. Cosmos: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! H-How do you do it?! How do you know everything as if you were there?! Athena: Pretty impressive, isn't it? This is the power of analytical psychology! Phoenix: So, care to explain why you felt joy when you disengaged the safety lock? When I think back on the facts we've discovered up to this point... ...I have to believe that you were trying to fulfill some hidden agenda. Cosmos: .........Aaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! How do you know about THAT, too?! Phoenix: Because I'm more or less a pro... (...At guessing...) Cosmos: B-But, you have no proof that I had a hidden agenda! And even if I did, I would never, ever tell you! So there! Phoenix: I know they say people regress as they grown older, but you, sir, take the cake... Cosmos: And how could you doubt a man with such great intensity, intelligence, and integrity?! Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: ............You? A man of integrity? Don't make me laugh. Phoenix: P-Prosecutor Blackquill? (What came over him all of a sudden?) Blackquill: You've spouted nothing but falsities since you stepped up to the stand. You're not the kind of man that will be glorified in the annals of history. Not for greatness, anyway............ Unless you consider "greatest barefaced liar" an honor. Cosmos: L-L-L-LIIIIIIIAAAAAAAR?! Phoenix: (*gulp* His words bite harder than his blade...) Blackquill: You moved Launch Pad 1 AFTER the explosions? My, how naïve you are. You fail to realize how even the facts themselves have betrayed you. Phoenix: You know... Just a thought, but modern English can be your friend... Blackquill: And here's a thought for you. Immediately following the bombing... ...Launch Pad 1 was on the Boarding Lounge 1 side. The police confirmed this on scene. Phoenix: WHAAAT?! Cosmos: L-L-L-LIIIIIIIAAAAAAAR?! Athena: So that means... the director DIDN'T move the launch pad?! Blackquill: Curse my judgment for calling history's greatest liar to the witness stand. Let us leave him to indulge in his lies and war games to his heart's content. Cosmos: L-L-L-LIIIIIIIAAAAAAAR?! Phoenix: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Phoenix: But it doesn't make sense! You can't deny that someone turned that knob. And once the safety lock was released, I'm sure the pad must've went somewhere. If we chase down the truth of this issue, we just might find where the killer escaped to... Aaaaaaaaaagh! Blackquill: You're "sure" it "must've" went somewhere? We "just might" find out? Your arguments are nothing but conjecture, bluffing, and wishful thinking. Stop chasing your fantasies, and see reality for what it really is. Or are you not man enough to, boy?! Phoenix: GAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Athena: Ha ha, talk about hitting below the belt. Phoenix: (Y-Young'uns these days...! I don't understand it. I'm sure Director Cosmos must have moved the launch pad... The knob was definitely turned after we came to the lounge. But the launch pad is right where it's supposed to be... Argh! ............! Wait a minute. Maybe I have it all backwards!) What if the director turned the knob -- not to move the launch pad away... ...but to bring it back to where it was supposed to be? Blackquill: ...What are you blathering about? Phoenix: What if the launch pad was at the launch site before the incident? And then, after the incident... ...Director Cosmos moved it back to its usual spot? All he had to do was turn the knob to call the launch pad back... ...and it would be right where the police found it! GAAAAAGH! Blackquill: ............Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh... Athena: You made him sigh like Mr. Starbuck. Phoenix: Was what I said really THAT off-base? Blackquill: It pains me to have to explain how wrong your own logic is to you, however... ...our great liar turned the knob only after he discovered the crime scene. Indeed, the pad existed beyond the lounge when our astro-wonders made their escape. A fact that has been recorded for posterity on filmless film. Phoenix: Oh, right... Blackquill: So, to reiterate... Stop chasing your fantasies, and see reality for what it really is, boy. Phoenix: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! Athena: Get a grip, Mr. Wright, and focus! We know the launch pad must've been moved... Phoenix: But our deductions and the actual facts of the case are in direct contradiction to each other. Athena: Well, maybe the two astronauts never actually boarded the rocket! This footage could be fake -- taken with body doubles after the incident or something! ............On second thought, that's too far-fetched, even for me. Phoenix: ............"Never actually boarded the rocket"...? ............Hey, wait a minute! Maybe, just maybe... Athena: Huh? Phoenix: Prosecutor Blackquill! What if I told you that the two astronauts... ...never set foot inside the launch pad area, but instead, went into another place? And what if when the director moved Launch Pad 1 back, it was not from the launch site... ...but from another place. What would you say then? Blackquill: Cut the existential bull or I'll cut you. Judge: Mr. Wright, you will explain yourself at once! Phoenix: (I know I'm right. It was all the other way around from the beginning!) Very well, Your Honor. Let me explain. Director Cosmos's reason for moving Launch Pad 1 was... Phoenix: Because he wanted to switch it with some other place! Judge: I'm sorry, but did you say, "switch it"? But what could he possibly have switched the launch pad with? Phoenix: Oh, you'd be surprised, Your Honor. All it takes is a little thinking outside the box, and the answer becomes clear as day! This is what was switched with Launch Pad 1! Blackquill: Launch Pad 1 was switched with... the Space Museum? Phoenix: In the past, the Space Museum used to be Launch Pad 2. It has all the same features as Launch Pad 1, and can even be moved to the launch site. Meaning, the Space Museum and Launch Pad 1 can also be switched with each other. Judge: Y-You can't mean...? Phoenix: The rocket the astronauts boarded was not the one in Launch Pad 1. It was the one in the Space Museum! Judge: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?! Blackquill: BALDERDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH! Phoenix: And yet, it's the only explanation that accounts for every riddle and inconsistency. This is how the Space Center was just before the incident. Judge: I see Launch Pad 1 and the Space Museum have already switched placed. Phoenix: That's right. And with the two switched like this... ...the astronauts entered the Space Museum from Boarding Lounge 1. This allowed the true killer to enter Launch Pad 1 from Boarding Lounge 2... ...and set the bomb on the rocket. Athena: Come to think of it, the door to the Space Museum from Boarding Lounge 2... Ponco: Welcome! Welcome! The Space Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 9 AM to 7 PM! Phoenix: Exactly. Anyone could pass through the door to the Space Museum. There is no fingerprint recognition system on that door. In other words, with the two launch pads switched like that... ...someone other than Mr. Starbuck could have easily planted that bomb! Blackquill: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Phoenix: After setting the bomb on the rocket... ...the culprit snuck into Boarding Lounge 1 and waited there, concealed... ...in order to kill Mr. Terran when the two astronauts emerged from the Space Museum. Recall that Ms. Blackquill, Mr. Starbuck, and the director all saw a suspicious figure... ...who, we can suppose, after killing Mr. Terran... ...made their escape into the Space Museum. After that, Director Cosmos switched the two launch pads back... ...without realizing the killer was inside the Space Museum. The killer then left the Space Museum and made a clean getaway! Cosmos: Ngaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! Blackquill: Wright-dono, I see you know how to handle a sword, and handle it well. Perhaps I should call you Swordmaster Bluff? Phoenix: I'm a seasoned warrior who has cut down many a prosecutor. Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: But unless you can prove your theory, it's no better than a rusty sword. Cosmos: Th-That's right! You have no proof I switched the launch pads! Phoenix: (...SOMEBODY needs a better anger management counselor...) Athena: If the launch pads really were switched, there might be a record of it somewhere. Phoenix: At this point, Launch Pad 1 and the Space Museum were switched with each other. Athena: So the corridor beyond the door should be the one that belongs to the Space Museum. Let's see. This is an image of the Launch Pad 1 corridor. Do you see anything different when we compare it to the security footage? Phoenix: Huh? (Th-That number on the floor...!) Well, what do you know? It looks like we have proof after all, Prosecutor Blackquill. Blackquill: ............And if this is just another bluff? Phoenix: Oh, don't worry. It's all right here. Right in this footage. Proof that, beyong this door, is the corridor to the Space Museum! Judge: Very well, then. Answer this for me, if you would. What in this footage proves that the corridor belongs to the Space Museum? Phoenix: There's a "1" on the floor of the Launch Pad 1 corridor. But take a look at the floor of the corridor in the security footage. Do you see the number on the floor behind the astronauts? It doesn't look like a "1," does it? That's because what you see is actually part of a "2." Blackquill: Wh-What?! Phoenix: Why is it a "2" and not a "1"? That's because the corridor you see is the one to the Space Museum! Blackquill: GAAAAAAAAAGH! Cosmos: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaagh....! Athena: And so that means... ...the corridor in this footage was NOT filled with smoke. Phoenix: That's right, because the explosion didn't occur in the Space Museum. The explosion occurred in Launch Pad 1, on the side opposite the Space Museum. And now that we know the two astronauts escaped from the Space Museum... ...the mystery from the previous trial of how they got down the ladder is cleared up. Mr. Terran, carrying Mr. Starbuck... ...simply took the elevator from the upper level down to the middle level. Judge: Just incredible. The two launch pads were actually switched... But you'd think someone would've noticed an event of this magnitude. Phoenix: Everyone was down in the basement shelter when the launch pads were swapped back. There's no way anyone could have known what was happening on the surface. Cosmos: GNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGH! GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! NOISE LEVEL0% BYE BYE Phoenix: No more lies, Director Cosmos! It's high time you told us the truth! Cosmos: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! My honor! My glory! Everything is slipping away! Time to deploy my ultimate weapon! Galactic Engine....... Ignition! WHAAAAAAAAAT?! It's gone haywire! AAAAAAAAAAGH! It won't st-stoooooooop! GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! M-My stars! My glory! Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Ngaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! No! Not that way! GAAAAAAAGH! NGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Judge: B-B-Bailiff! On your steed and after that witness! Judge: Hmm... I see we managed to retrieve you before you came to any bodily harm... Phoenix: Director Cosmos, do you admit you switched the launch pads? Cosmos: Ngh... I admit it's true... I switched Launch Pad 1 for the Space Museum. Judge: Ahh, it is good to hear words I can believe for a change. Phoenix: ............Before you do, Your Honor, two things. First, we don't know if Mr. Terran had prior knowledge of the switch. As for Mr. Starbuck, he was unaware of his surroundings thanks to his medication. Either way, Mr. Terran would've realized the instant he stepped into the Space Museum... ...that it had been switched with Launch Pad 1. So my first question is, if the Space Museum was perfectly fine... ...why did Mr. Terran feel the need to put on such a dramatic display? As for my second question... I'd like Director Cosmos to tell us... ...why he switched the two launch pads to begin with. Cosmos: Nnngh... Please... I can't... I... I exercise my right to remain silent... But I will say... my hands were tied... I was only doing what I could to keep my men from getting caught in that blast. Nngh... Nnnggggh... Athena: The director is... terrified. He must have one heck of a reason for not wanting to explain why. Phoenix: Probably not a good time to try to pry it out of him, huh. Cosmos: ............Excuse me... but would you mind if I picked up my stars? Without my badge of rank, I'm nothing... Judge: I don't see why not. Bailiff, help the director retrieve his stars. Judge: It appears the possibility of a culprit other than the defendant has presented itself. Mr. Starbuck, is there anything you wish to say? Starbuck: ............I don't get it. Judge: "Don't get it"? What don't you get? Starbuck: Director, why did you do all that? From the very beginning, you never meant for the launch to go ahead, did you? Y-You...! You tricked us! Phoenix: Mr. Starbuck...! Cosmos: Starbuck, my boy. I'm sorry. I can't tell you the reason why... But I had to do it to protect the Space Center. Starbuck: Director! Will I... Will I ever get the chance to go into space again...? Cosmos: ...Yes. Yes, of course! I won't rest until it happens! I WILL get you into space again, my boy... Starbuck: Then the dream... is still alive...! Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: ............Hmph. You're not going into space, Starbuck, but prison. I won't have it any other way. Phoenix: (Why are you so hung up on him?!) Blackquill: Yes, I accept that the launch pads really were switched... And if there were a third person at the scene, I suppose they could have escaped... But I have yet to see proof of this third person's escape via the Space Museum. Judge: Oh! That's a good point! Phoenix: (............Argh! He's right... I don't have any proof!) Blackquill: Starbuck! You will spill everything you know! Starbuck: What?! Me?! Aaaaaaaaaaaagh! Blackquill: Where did you get those bombs?! Tell me now! If you don't... my blade shall feast on your blood! Starbuck: Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! If I'm going to die! I want to die in space! Phoenix: I-I have to do something... Blackquill: Solomon Starbuck! ............Prepare yourself! NNN-GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! ???: Ha ha ha ha ha! Now, now, you know violence isn't the answer, Prosecutor Blackquill! Phoenix: ! Blackquill: Ngh. That annoyingly cheerful laugh... It can be none other than............ Fulbright: Champion of Righteousness, Bobby Fulbright, here! In justice we trust! Phoenix: D-Detective Fulbright?! Fulbright: Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Lawyer. I hope I'm not too late! Phoenix: (I don't believe we had an appointment...?) Fulbright: I tried to hurry, but I ended up helping a little old lady cross the street... ...and then I had to break up a catfight... I tell ya, justice sure is a full-time job! Phoenix: Was it a fight between cats, or...? ............*ahem* Why are you here again? Fulbright: Because! The defendant isn't the culprit! And I came to make sure that justice is served! Phoenix: ...Uh, I don't have any idea what you're talking about... Blackquill: ............Fool Bright. I always thought you were a bit touched in the head, but have you finally succumbed? Fulbright: Nope, but it looks like you've succumbed to this "phantom" of yours. Open your eyes, and let the Evidence of Justice uncloud your judgment! Blackquill: What evidence? Athena: Come to think of it, he did say something about finding us some evidence. Fulbright: Thanks, you two. I feel a lot better now that I've been able to get that off my chest. I'm going to work extra hard to find that perfect piece of evidence for you! Athena: I didn't think he was serious, though... Phoenix: So what is it, detective? Is it something that will prove Mr. Starbuck innocent?! Fulbright: It is, indeed! Have a look at this! Judge: What's this? A lighter? Fulbright: That's right! A lighter thought to have been used by the culprit, no less! The Space Museum's cleaning robot picked it up! It has the victim Clay Terran's blood, along with his killer's fingerprints on it! Phoenix: WH-WH-WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?! Blackquill: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Judge: Order! Order! Detective Fulbright! Can I assume that the fingerprints don't belong to the defendant? Fulbright: You bet! Mr. Starbuck is totally innocent! Phoenix: (This is it! This is just what I needed!) Phoenix: Your Honor! This is decisive evidence that supports the defense's earlier claim! Judge: Explain yourself, Mr. Wright. Phoenix: With pleasure, Your Honor. Recall where this lighter was found. Based on that, we can extrapolate that after the killer murdered Mr. Terran... ...they escaped with lighter in hand into the Space Museum... ...where they dropped it. The switching of the two launch pads occurred... Then finally, the killer left through Boarding Lounge 2 and made their escape. Meanwhile, Mr. Starbuck was found in Boarding Lounge 1 after the murder... A fact that Director Cosmos has testified to. Therefore... Mr. Starbuck couldn't have possibly been the one to drop the lighter there! Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: Ah, but the defendant had free reign of the area until Director Cosmos appeared. Could he not have dropped the lighter in the Space Museum during that span of time? Phoenix: File:PWAADD Objection!.png Phoenix: You'd like that to be true, wouldn't you? But Director Cosmos testified that right after he saw the mysterious figure with a lighter... ...he went into the lounge and found the unconscious Mr. Starbuck. In other words, Mr. Starbuck wouldn't have had the time to double-back to the museum. No, Prosecutor Blackquill, this lighter could only have been dropped by the real killer. Blackquill: Ngrh! Phoenix: Most importantly, Mr. Starbuck's fingerprints were nowhere to be found on this lighter. I think you understand what this means, don't you? This piece of evidence unequivocally proves that Mr. Starbuck wasn't the culprit! Blackquill: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Judge: This does indeed appear to be decisive evidence that proves the defense's claims. Phoenix: As for the remote switch that was found in Mr. Starbuck's pocket... ...we can assume it was planted by the killer on the unconscious Mr. Starbuck. Blackquill: N-No... There must be some mistake... Fulbright: Frankly, Prosecutor Blackquill, I've been worried about you. You've been chasing this "phantom" for seven whole years. I understand your urgency because tomorrow-- Blackquill: File:Silence Official.png Blackquill: ............Fool Bright. You promised never to speak of that. Phoenix: (Huh? Tomorrow? What about tomorrow?) Judge: Given the body of evidence, I think it's safe to say the defendant is innocent... ...in light of the fact that it was impossible for him to have committed the crime. A few unanswered questions remain, so I look forward to seeing what you two uncover. But for now, this court finds the defendant, Solomon Starbuck... Not Guilty Athena: Yes! We did it, Mr. Wright! Phoenix: Looks like we pulled it off somehow, huh? (With some help from Detective Fulbright.) Starbuck: Mr. Wright, Miss Cykes, thank you! And please thank Apollo for me, too. You all are the best! Athena: Ooh, I wish we could tell Apollo about Mr. Starbuck's verdict right now! Phoenix: Yeah, me too. (But that's going to have to wait...) Judge: Now that a verdict has been reached... ...I'd like to bring today's trial to a close. Court is adjourned! Blackquill: File:DD Objection! animated.gif Phoenix: (It's too late to object, isn't it...?) Blackquill: ............It simply isn't possible... Something's wrong... Judge: P-Prosecutor Blackquill? Are you dissatisfied with the verdict...? Blackquill: Fool Bright! What were the results of the fingerprint analysis for the lighter! Fulbright: Huh? The results...? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Uh, well... I was in a hurry, you see, and then there was that catfight, and, well... ...I kinda got carried away when I heard the prints weren't Mr. Starbuck's, so... Blackquill: Y-You have yet to read it? Phoenix: Prosecutor Blackquill! Can you read out who the prints belong to?! Blackquill: ............ "Upon thorough analysis, the fingerprints... ............ ...were found to belong to Athena Cykes." So says the report. Judge: What? Phoenix: WHAT?! Fulbright: Huh? Athena: M-Me?! Judge: O-Order, I say! Order! Ms. Cykes! Tell me you have an explanation for this! We just finished proving that this lighter could only belong to the killer. So finding your prints on it can only leads us to one grave conclusion! Athena: I-I don't know how they got on there! But I KNOW I'M not the culprit! Phoenix: (Th-This can't be happening...! We built up our argument piece by piece... And I don't think any of our reasoning was faulty... So how could it have lead [sic] to this?) Fulbright: Gaaaaaaaaaagh! Wh-What have I done?! Please forgive me! I'm sorry! Judge: Order! Order! Detective Fulbright! Stop your crying! Phoenix: (What in the world is happening here?! It's like the world's gone mad!) Judge: Order! Order! I WILL HAVE ORDER!!! Phoenix: Confusion spiraled into utter chaos. After all we'd fought for, the truth had turned cruelly on us to accuse Athena of the crimes. Somewhere, somehow, everything had gone terribly wrong... We had stumbled over the edge of reason and into the jaws of a twisted darkness. End
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