probe | Audience: Sheila Hammond

You mean, our shock and annoyance at being forced into yet another ethical dilemma?

[Imagine a world where Childe didn't earn pity points by being crispy.]

... You're probably right, though. It's just going to suck when it inevitably gets even messier than it already is.

Well no that's unsurprising. But rather the solutions being offered in light of the situation.

[but...they sigh. also with sheila this close, she may feel a bit of a cold draft coming from greed themselves.]

Those are my thoughts as well. As Avatars, of course, we aren't allowed to intervene with your indulgences but I do wonder what the next weeks will hold.

[Greed is Elsa confirmed.]

What solutions? Because, although I feel bad murdering a guy when he's already down, keeping him alive just to kill him later is so not a solution.

[She's so tired. The cold draft doesn't bother her anyway, since she runs colder than most people.]

I know. I heard that's how the whole thing with the robot started. But if you were allowed to intervene... do you have any opinions? Out of curiosity.

[correct.]

From what I gathered, some of you suggested killing him outright, jailing him, and breaking his legs to prevent him from striking again on Thursday.

[from the way they say this, they sound equally exhausted. but...that sure is a question, isn't it?]

...most of my cases are murder trials, Mrs. Hammond. I can't say I'm very fond of the idea of murders continuing. However, there must be a balance for those that do choose this option. This is why I created the trials here. I believe everyone should have a chance to learn the truth for themselves and decide what to do from there. Voting has always been optional, after all.

[so people vote, specifically, because they want to.]

If you're concerned about Childe killing again, find a way to disable him. Isn't that what you did with Miss Amane?

Yeah... I eat people, and even I thought breaking his legs was way too fucking much.

[Just put people out of their misery if you hate them that much. My god.]

We're not detectives or lawyers, so the trials were kind of fucked from the start. But I'll give you that, voting is optional. [Hence, why she's only voted when she seriously wants someone dead.] That's the plan. I think? I suggested using a power to keep him from attacking anyone, but I don't have the right sort of power for that, so it relies on someone else's cooperation... Unless you'd be willing to help a girl out with that problem?

[me, thinking about us breaking shirasu's legs with a giant banana and laughing. anyway.]

At that point it's torture for the sake of torture.

[...they kind of shrug at that because yeah? it's fine? sometimes you're a lawyer and you do what makes sense.]

It was a thought. But that's why it's optional. [they lean back in their chair, arms folded over their chest as they appraise her.]

I may, but I believe you have two powers already do you not?

[Somewhere out there, don't be a lawyer blasts from a set of speakers.

But, anyway— She nods, scooping Maus up if he allows it. Let her cuddle you, pom.]

Mhmm. I feel really bad wasting Lust's gift, but the chances that I'll use it before it expires tomorrow are... slim. If you can lend me a hand, I'll swap that one out for something that would help us deal with Childe.

[i hate you. maus does allow it! maus is that chill sort of dog where you can Tell they are used to being cuddled so he settles in sheila's arms easily.]

I don't know how well this will work, but I believe this may benefit you if used right. [they nod, and sheila's phone chimes with an alarm. she will see a new notification labeled "pride and prejudice." when she downloads it, she will receive the ability to appeal her point of view to another participant, making them desire her approval.

in addition, "zeus" is gone.]

[She cradles Maus in one arm like a baby while she checks out the ability. It doesn't take long for her to snort, rolling her eyes.]

God, where was this when I tried to steer my daughter away from murder? [This is such a mom power. The fuck.] So... How long will it last? I need to get the timing right.

[Farewell, Zeus...]

[she cannot see, but she will get the sense greed is raising an eyebrow. sheila? it's fine.]

Twenty-four hours. Your timing will be key, but it should suffice.

[Sometimes your whole family is like this? A family that murders together stays together! So, she does not perceive.]

Gotcha. Then I'll sit him down for a stern talking to on Thursday night. [A beat.] As long as neither of us gets dragged into another "adventure," anyway. God, I hate those things. Which, speaking of, how are you feeling now?

[:\]

Just be sure it's before the doors lock, lest you be stuck elsewhere. [luckily this is sunday and ergo not emotionsharing week, which means they can lean back in their seat and shrug with both hands.]

I'm perfect fine, Mrs. Hammond. My sight has returned and it's back to normal. The gunshot wounds have healed as well.

Hey, I happen to be very timely with my appointments. Don't worry. I got this! [Does she, though?

She watches them, and slowly raises an eyebrow.]

... Oh, my god. Please tell me you weren't partially blind when you showed up for trial last week.

I'm sure you do. [this sounds so condescending but it's just enough on the side of sincerity to let her know it's real.

and then they pause and just...kind of look at their notes instead.]

Poor eyesight isn't an excuse to shirk my responsibilities. I could see well enough.

[there's a reason greed didn't do any investigations though and it's solely because they were still regrowing their eyes.]

[They are so lucky this isn't emotion share week because she is just. Staring at them incredulously.]

Have you, or have you not, heard of sick leave?

Sick leave is for other people with worse conditions, Mrs. Hammond. I was able to work, and so I did. It would have been worse to do nothing during that trial.

So... If anyone else got shot, lost their eyes, died and came back to life, you'd tell them to suck it up and go to work?

Of course not.

[and they sound like it's absurd for sheila to suggest that?

they are missing the point entirely.]

[STARES.]

Then why are you telling yourself to suck it up and go to work?

[...]

It would be far more damaging being alone with my own thoughts and research rather than being productive as best as I can.

[there.]

Than don't be alone. Gluttony, Pride and Envy were just as fucked as you. Hang out with them. Commiserate.

You've met the three of them, haven't you? [none of them are the paragon of healthy discussion.]

[A beat.]

... Yeah, you guys are not good at talking about your feelings.

There's no sense in it, Mrs. Hammond. [a beat.] We all have other people to rely on, if that counts for anything.

I disagree. [...] But it does count for something. A little.

(no subject)

probe - 2021-03-27 01:48 (UTC) - Expand