*David's Narration: Don't worry folks, we are almost caught up. We took a case where the victim was Apollo's old friend. Obviously, Apollo wasn't going to let that case sit, so being the helpful assistants we are, we decided to help him out. Little did we know that our troubles with the Dark Age of the Law are only beginning.*
December 16, 9:12 AM
District Court - Defendant Lobby No. 5
"Apollo, are you sure about this?" David asked.
"Of course. Honestly, wish we had time to investigate but looks like it's not happening." Apollo said.
"Siiigh….it's over for me." said a lone man with a unique hairstyle and in a spacesuit. "I'll ask the same question. Are you sure?"
"I know the kind of person you are, Mr. Starbuck. You aren't the kind to commit murder." Apollo said.
"Especially to a fellow astronaut." Twilight said.
"Apollo, we are aware that this case is a personal matter for you." David said.
"Don't talk me out of this." Apollo said. "I will figure out who did it and get Mr. Starbuck into space."
"I…really hope so. Not sure I could face Clay in the afterlife if I end up rotting in a cell." Starbuck said.
"Well, this is just depressing." Magnamon said.
"Ahem…" a bailiff said. "If the defense is ready, we're about to start."
"It's time. Apollo, Athena, let's go." David said.
"Good luck, guys." Ace said.
9:55 AM
District Court - Courtroom No. 4
Day 1
Court Is Now In Session
All Rise
The Judge soon banged his gavel.
"Court is now in session for the trial of Solomon Starbuck." the Judge said.
"The defense is ready, Your Honor." David said.
"Are you sure? Mr. Justice seems a little worse for wear." the Judge said.
"The defense is ready, Your Honor." Apollo replied.
"I'm sorry, Your Honor. He's been like this since yesterday. He keeps insisting it's just a sty." Athena said.
"Hmm... I suppose it's something he doesn't want to discuss. Maybe he's entering a touchy age…" the Judge said. "Very well. And the prosecution?"
Blackquill stood there silently for a moment. "Not quite yet." he said before breaking his shackles once more. "Now…the prosecution is ready."
"Well, it didn't take him long this time." Athena said.
"Breaking his shackles right away? That's got to be a new record at this point." David said.
"I suppose I should give the…" the Judge said.
SILENCE!
"I will be the one giving the opening statement." Blackquill said.
"You yourself? Hmm… Everyone in this courtroom is acting rather strange today." the Judge said.
"I cannot leave this to anyone else. Now…" Blackquill said. "The crime in question happened yesterday at Cosmos Space Center, a cutting edge facility studying astronomy. A rocket was set to launch. But, that morning at 9:28 am, before it could even launch, two explosive devices detonated and the launch was cancelled."
"My word? Two explosions?!" the Judge said.
"Today, Solomon Starbuck stands accused of both the bombing and murder. Coincidentally, one of the bombs was in the rocket he would have ridden in." Blackquill said.
"Starbuck…I think I've heard of him. He's a famous astronaut." the Judge said.
"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." Blackquill said.
"I think they turned the incident into a movie. Anyway, the victim was…Clay Terran if I'm not mistaken." the Judge said.
"Yes. A loyal disciple…who was brutally stabbed to death by his mentor." Blackquill said.
"Wait, he didn't die in the bombing?" the Judge asked.
"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." Blackquill said.
"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?" the Judge asked, pointing to the large metal box.
"It's your coffin." Blackquill smirked as the Judge looked in shock. "I'm joking. 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."
"Does he even have fifty years left?" Athena said.
"Athena, please." Kaito said.
"Hmm? Who is that?" the Judge asked.
"Kaito Momota, an astronaut too. I was asked to serve as a sort of reference to the defense since this case involves space travel." Kaito said.
"Oh…I see. Smart choice." the Judge said.
"Enough jabbering." Blackquill said as Fulbright appeared.
"In justice we trust!" Fulbright said.
"Ah, Detective Fulbright! Very well, then. Please explain the details of this incident to the court, if you would." the Judge said.
"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?" Fulbright said.
"Um… Yeah, from what I can tell from the diagram… The launch pad is the square building, and the round building is the main building." David said.
"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!" Fulbright said.
Witness Testimony: Bobby Fulbright
- Details of the Case -
Just before the rocket was set to launch, two bombs went off. BOOM! BOOM!
One on 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!
"This testimony seems rock-solid. I can't spot any inconsistencies." David said.
"Same here. This is not good." Twilight said.
"Foolish are the warriors who rush headlong into battle." Blackquill said. "Preparation is essential in combat. I'd advise you all to take a look at this."
Blackquill presented some Camera footage.
"This is footage from a security camera. Observe. 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." Blackquill said.
The jury aroused at that, followed by the Judge calling for order.
"Should've known Blackquill would have something ready." Apollo said.
"Somethin's bugging me though." Kaito said. "How did they determine that Clay was already gone in the footage?"
"Good question, Kaito." Apollo said. "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?!"
"Why, I believe you're right. One man carrying the other to safety... What a beautiful expression of friendship…" The Judge said.
SILENCE!
"It only makes sense the victim is dead, you dotards." Blackquill said.
"If the murder happened in the lounge, there would be help since anyone can enter. But since it was the spaceship, it's a totally different story." Fulbright said.
"But there's no denying that the murder could've happened in the lounge! The video only shows an astronaut helping another out!" Apollo mentioned.
"You're asserting based on emotion, justice-dono. 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." Blackquill replied.
"The prosecution is correct. Your accusation lacks logic." the Judge said.
"Wait!" Twilight said. "There is something we haven't addressed. The body…why was it moved to start with?"
"Whatever do you mean, Ms. Twilight?" the Judge asked.
"The prosecution 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?" Twilight explained.
"That is true. I don't think we've heard the prosecution's thoughts on that yet." the Judge said.
"What we belive is that Mr. Starbuck didnt kill Mr. Terran, but helped him instead!" Apollo asserted before Blackquill cut him off.
"Fool Bright, explain to them why Space Boy moved the victim." Blackquill said.
"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!" Fulbright said.
"At the very least, he appears to have achieved success with you and the old man." Blackquill said. "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. The true ending of this story is where all traces of this act were blown up. Which leads us to the conclusion: the third explosion!"
OBJECTION!
"Wait just a minute! There wasn't a third explosion!" Athena said.
SILENCE!
"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." Blackquill explained. "So, three bombs were planeted. 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."
OBJECTION!
"Before you continue after that, know that the evidence still supports me." Blackquill reminded. "It is still undergoing inspection, so I don't have it on hand. But…it was found in Starbuck's pocket. A bomb detonation switch. 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. Now, are you all on the defense ready to open your eyes to the truth?"
"Oh, man… I've never seen Blackquill on a roll this much in all the cases we've faced him." Bow said in the gallery.
"He is not leaving anything to chance today." Crusadermon said.
"He probably had everything planned out from the start. He knew they'd question the intentions of why Solomon would move the body. And now he's this close to being guilty." Catra said.
"Now, let us bring in the man responsible for everything." Blackquill said as Solomon himself took the stand.
"Witness, name and occupation." the Judge said.
"Solomon Starbuck. Astronaut." Solomon sighed. "How did this happen? Hey, what does it matter if I testify? I'm just gonna be found guilty at this rate. Banish me to the moon, I dont care anymore…"
"Wow, he's worse than Coco is on a sunny day." Hapi said.
"It's weird, hearing him talk like this. They say he always had amazing confidence in himself. But it looks like the murder really messed him up. It's like he doesn't even believe in even himself." Hope said.
"As long as he doesn't confess, it shouldn't be a problem…I think." Mayumi said.
It wasn't long before Solomon gave his testimony, despite his reluctance.
Witness Testimony: Solomon Starbuck
- I Didn't Kill Him -
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!
→ down to the middle level ←
Present: Bombing Report
OBJECTION!
"Mr. Starbuck, we need your testimony to be as accurate as possible." David said.
"Was I not being accurate?" Starbuck asked.
"Not quite. It is impossible for you to have taken the elevator down to the middle level." David said. "Try to remember where the bomb went off in Launch Pad 1. After the explosion, the middle level was a raging inferno."
"Mr. Ishihara, I do believe you're right!" the Judge said.
"He is indeed. The launch pad's elevator would've been unusable. In other words...Mr. Starbuck, your statement is decidedly inconsistent with the facts!" Apollo declared.
"Argh! Mission command, do you read me?! Come in, please!" Solomon cried, having his helmet on and working his fingers like he was on a computer.
OBJECTION!
"This is Mission Command. I order you to focus!" David said.
"Aaaaagh! M-My helmet!" Solomon said, losing his helmet as the tube to his oxygen tank snapped and started spraying air. "Ah! My oxygen taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank! Oxygen concentration and body temperature declining! Requesting medical assistance!" he screamed.
"Solomon, we're not in space! Get a grip on yourself!" Kaito demanded.
Solomon did so as he stopped thinking he was choking to death. "Ah, s-sorry. I forgot we're still on Earth."
"Geez… That was a clear 180. He was even more an astronaut now than he was the entire time we knew him." David said.
"Mr. Starbuck, could you please explain the inconsistency in your statement? About how you used the middle level elevator?" Apollo asked.
"I uh.. Was, nervous and and said the wrong thing! Maybe i took a different route." Solomon said. "Dont worry! I'll get it right this time! Probably…"
Witness Testimony: Solomon Starbuck
- My Escape Route –
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.
→ From the upper level ←
Present: Space Center Diagram
OBJECTION!
"Mr. Starbuck, why can't you just tell the truth already?" David asked.
"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!" Solomon said.
"Th-that's not what I meant!" David said.
"Mr. Ishihara, the witness appears confused. Please help draw out the truth from him." the judge said.
"Right, right… What I meant was the he couldn't have reached the boarding lounge from the via the upper level route." David said. "Not as long as a certain something was along the escape route."
Present: Ladder
"I'll use this!"
"In order to reach the middle level where the Launch Pad 1 corridor was, you would have to use a ladder." David said.
"Yeah, that was the only way we could escape!" Solomon remembered.
"But how would that even work? Remember, both you and Clay were wearing your space suits!" Kaito reminded them. "In his, Clay weighs over 200 pounds, right? It'd be impossible to carry him down a ladder while also having the asteroid samples you collected in the capsule."
"Well, short of growing a few extra arms, but that's neither here nor there." David said.
"So, how exactly DID you climb down that ladder with your arms full?!" Apollo asked.
Solomon cried as his oxygen tank line burst again. "Engineer! Where's that engineer?! Oxygen leak detected due to faulty maintenance! Evacuate immediately!" He then instinctively pulled his suit's parachute, and as it popped open it caught the wind of the oxygen tank, propelling him into the air.
"He's getting away!" Mark yelled, just as Solomon crashed into the ceiling and stopped himself. "Oh, never mind."
"If there are any fliers in the gallery, help get me down, please?" Solomon asked.
"Guess we better get him." Revali said as he and the other fliers took to the sky.
"Well…that's one way to flee from court." Athena said.
"I'd rather prove his innocence so he can go to space again someday for real…" Apollo said.
Solomon was soon brought back down to the witness stand.
"Sorry about that." Solomon said. "I lost control there. But.. I can't really tell the truth."
"Then I shall explain it for you." Blackquill said.
"Wait, no!" Solomon said.
"Space Boy's inconsistencies are due to a medical side effect. We checked his system and found he had taken some anti-anxiety medication." Blackquill said.
"Anti-anxiety medication? Wait, don't tell me…" David started.
"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." Blackquill said.
HOLD IT!
"You've got it all wrong! I explained this in the investigation, I didn't take any meds, I swear! Somebody must've slipped them to me!" Solomon said. "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!"
"Well, I will admit to one thing. It does explain why his testimony keeps changing." David said.
"So then… maybe I really did do it?" Solomon asked.
"Which brings us to the answer of our original question... of how the witness climbed down the ladder with a dead body." Blackquill said.
"It does? ...Um, so what is it?" Apollo asked.
"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." Blackquill said.
"Oh, my! I see... And then the defendant could climb down with his free hand…" The Judge said.
"H-Hold on a second!" David said. "Dropping the body down that way would've just made more marks on it."
"Indeed, you are correct." Blackquill said before presenting a damaged oxygen tank. "This is the oxygen tank from the victims space suit. It's ruptured, and I'm sure you can figure out why."
"You're not saying it ruptured when Solomon dropped Clay, are you?!" Kaito asked.
"I am indeed. You should know, as a budding astronaut yourself. Oxygen tanks in spacesuits rupture easily when struck." Blackquill said.
OBJECTION!
"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!" Apollo said.
SILENCE!
"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." Blackquill said.
OBJECTION!
"Then shouldn't it be impossible to stab someone through it as well?!" Apollo asked.
"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." Blackquill said. "Of course, the accused is someone who knows the knowledge of how the suits work. And thus proves my argument. 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." Blackquill said before slamming his desk. "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!"
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Apollo screamed.
"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." Blackquill said, submitting the report.
"Not very fond of that place." Kagane said in the gallery, covering his eyes with his cap.
"Guys, this is really bad. The trial hasn't even been going on that long, and Blackquill already has Solomon this close to being declared guilty." Glimmer said.
"They need to light that spark in Solomon again. That's the only way they can turn this around." Alphamon said.
Solomon sighed. "I'm done foooooooooor! I'm going to prison instead of spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaace!"
"Take heart, space boy. For your spaceship will be your prison cell, as you view the stars from behind bars for all time." Blackquill said.
"Hah…. that's not a bad thought." Solomon said as he put his helmet on. "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!"
NOT SO FAST!
"Don't give up just yet, Mr. Starbuck!" David said. "How will you face Clay in the afterlife if you give in now?"
"Yeah, 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." Apollo said. "So don't give up now and help us prove your innocence! For the sake of the man who respected you and believed in you - Clay Terran!"
"Clay said all that…?" Solomon asked after David's interjection and removed his helmet. "You're both right, I gotta pull it together…. For Clay!"
"You're wasting your time." Blackquill said.
However, the words of the two did in fact reach Solomon, as he let out an invigorating yell that rang across the court room. After which, he was now full of confidence, sporting a catchy smirk and holding his left arm in a thumbs up.
"Apollo, David… thank you! I can see things clearly now!" Solomon said, drastically different than he was before.
"Mr. Starbuck!" Apollo said.
"I'm fine now. Thank you both for reminding me of my life's mission." Solomon thanked.
"Right. We'll be fine! We'll prove you're innocent. You'll see! And after that, we'll get you back into space!" Apollo assured.
"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!" Solomon reintroduced himself. "This is no time to be whimpering and crying! I can't let you guys and Clay down!" Solomon said.
"Whoa, check him out! He's like a completely different person now!" Frosta said.
"He's like Kaito… magnified in personality by a hundred of him." Maki said.
"I heard that!" Kaito said.
"You're gonna take that as a compliment, are you?" David asked.
"The sun... the moon... all of space is calling me! Solomon "Sol" Starbuck! Ready for launch! Begin the countdown! Five!" Solomon started a countdown.
"Four!" Apollo continued.
"Three!" Athena followed.
"Two!" Kaito and David added.
"One!" the rest of the heroes and the entire gallery couldn't help but join in.
"LIFT OFF!" Solomon yelled, actually attempting to breaststroke upwards as it looked like he was floating upwards a bit before landing back on the ground.
"Well! I feel like I've witnessed an actual rocket launch!" The Judge said.
"Apollo, David, you two did it! You broke Blackquill's grip on Mr. Starbuck!" Athena cheered.
"We can't take the credit. It was all Mr. Starbuck. He pulled himself through." Apollo said.
"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." Blackquill said. "So enough of this farce. Your baldness, the verdict, now!"
NOT SO FAST!
"What's wrong, Prosecutor Blackquill? You seem to be in quite a hurry to rush the verdict." David said. "However, something was off about the oxygen tank data you submitted."
"David's right, Mr. Starbuck's oxygen tank levels had 80% remaining, but Mr. Terran's had 0. That's faulty as far as decisive evidence goes." Apollo pointed out.
"You two better explain your reasoning." Blackquill said.
"It's simple. This evidence contradicts the facts of this case. Take a look here at the detailed description and you'll see what we mean." Apollo said.
"I hope you two have some evidence, because I don't see what's so contradictory!" The Judge said.
"Of course we do." David said.
"This is the evidence that the oxygen tank report stands in contradiction to!" Apollo said.
Present: Security Camera Footage
TAKE THAT!
"Specifically…" David said.
Present: Oxygen Tank Display
TAKE THAT!
"The oxygen levels as Mr. Starbuck was carrying Mr. Terran." David said.
"Hmm... It appears to say 50." The Judge said.
"But according to the data, our clients Oxygen levels were at 80%." Apollo said. "Not only is it contradictory, but the increase in oxygen is completly illogical!"
"Oh, my! You're absolutely right! What is going on here?" The Judge asked.
SILENCE!
"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!" Blackquill said.
OBJECTION!
"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!" Apollo said.
SILENCE!
"In that case, do either of 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." Blackquill said.
"Hmm… Looking at the facts… I believe I can." David said.
The Victim was carrying the defendant
"I got it!"
"What if it was actually the other way around?" David asked.
"The other way around? Would you care to explain, Mr. Ishihara?" the judge asked.
"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!" David said.
"I-I-It was whaaaaaaaaaaaat?!" The Judge asked in shock as the gallery was abuzz before he banged his gavel. "Order! Order! Mr. Ishihara! You mean to tell me that the person on the right in this image is the victim, Clay Terran?" he asked.
"That's the only way I can explain it." David said. "At this point in time, the remaining oxygen level in the victim's tank is at 50%. And when he was found at the boarding lounge, his tank was at 0. This should prove that Clay Terran was alive when they reached the lounge."
"David's right! There's nothing contradictory about the oxygen level decreasing!" Sci-Twi said.
SILENCE!
"You're lacking in insight, Ishihara-dono. Have you forgotten what you and Momota-dono proposed?" Blackquill asked. "Even if the victim was alive at this point in time...how did he descend the ladder with his arms full?!"
NOT SO FAST!
"Sorry, Prosecutor. But your blade isn't going to work on me anymore." David said.
"Wh-what?" Blackquill asked.
"I will admit, we still don't know how they got down the ladder. That would require further investigation. However, we have proven that Mr. Terran was alive when he reached the boarding lounge. That alone is proof enough to shatter your claims, and prove he was killed by a third party!" David said.
"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWR!" Blackquill screamed, being cut down by the blade of David's words as he held his chest in pain.
"There were two people who claimed to be the first on the scene. But can we truly trust their statements?" Apollo asked.
"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?" Athena asked.
"Well, we're gonna hear from the detective soon. Isn't she supposed to be here?" Kaito asked..
"Bailiff, could you please show Detective Arme to the stand?" The Judge asked.
HOLD IT!
A voice yelled as Ted Tonate entered the courtroom.
"I-I have an announcement, everyone!" Ted Tonate said. "Remain calm, and listen carefully. Someone has reactivated the bomb! It was diffused, but….. It's been armed again, and its about to explode!"
"I'm sorry, did you just say explode?!" David asked.
"Might I make a suggestion?" Al asked.
"Is it Run?!" Bernadetta asked in fear.
"Yep." Al said.
"We need to evacuate everyone out of here, now!" Mayumi said.
"Come on, Apollo, we got to move!" David said.
"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!" Apollo said.
"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!" Athena said, grabbing his arm.
"Hey! Ouch! Let me go!" Apollo said as he was dragged towards the exit.
"Apollo, David!" A voice called as Juniper was seen.
"Juniper? Oh no!" David said as he rushed over, putting up an ice barrier around them as David started to lead her out.
"David, Juniper, hold on!" Apollo said as he rushed towards them.
"Apollo, no! Not that way!" Athena yelled.
"There's no time! Brace yourselves!" Mark yelled out.
An explosion soon engulfed the entire courtroom. The last thing heard was Apollo screaming out.
*David's Narration: It was a dark time indeed. Not only did our case get interrupted, but Apollo got injured. And due to the energy used to put up the barrier around myself and Juniper, some of the debris caused it to crack and I ended up straining my arm. I… I don't want to even get to how many people may have died in the explosion. For a short while, it seemed as though the Dark Age of the Law was at its peak. But… I'm sure that you all saw what happened in the case afterward. So, with that out of the way, we are now all caught up, and we bring you back to…the present.*