*9S's narration: So, now you know the events leading up to the moment of what happened at the start. Due to the bombing of Courtroom No. 4, Solomon Starbuck's trial was put on hold in favor of the murder of Detective Arme's, which Juniper was accused of. We managed to clear her name and reveal Ted Tonate as the culprit… but not before he had further injured Apollo with a sneak attack. Now we go back into Solomon's case with low spirits.*

December 19, 3:21 PM

Wright Anything Agency

Things were quiet in the agency after Apollo had gone to the hospital. Everyone had crestfallen expressions.

"Even though we were able to win that last case, I don't really feel like we've won yet." Bow said. "Apollo's in the clinic, and you're still recovering your arm, David."

"Yeah. That bombing really did a real number on us." David said. "I should be 100% by tomorrow, though."

"I wouldn't risk it. It's best if tomorrow, you sit the case out." Hope said.

"Yeah… I had a feeling. Don't worry, there was something I've been wanting to look into for a while now." David said. "Bobby Fulbright. No matter how much I see him, something about him is always nagging at me."

"I know what you mean, David." 9S said. "I've been looking into whatever records there are of him, but it's taking awhile to decrypt them."

"Well, hopefully you guys figure something out." Athena said. "But in the meantime, we have to get back on Mr. Starbuck's case! And since David's out of action, we have to take over!"

"I know what you mean Athena!" Kaito said. "I'll stay on as our defense team's representative of space! Connie, you're studying to be an astronaut, right? Why don't you join me, Phoenix and Athena in court tomorrow?"

"Really?" Connie said, surprised at the offer. "Well, I don't know…"

"Kaito, don't worry about it. No matter who else comes up, I'm sure you guys can do it. Shuichi, can I leave this case to you?" David asked.

"You sure can, David. After all, I am Kaito's sidekick." Shuichi said.

"It's just like back in Danganronpa. The dynamic duo is back together again!" Kaito said.

Connie hummed for a moment before she adopted a look of determination. "Alright. I'll join the defense too. I want to help Mr. Starbuck achieve his dream too!"

"Yeah, that's the spirit Connie!" Kaito said. "And after he's up there, you and I will join him in the present someday."

"We'd better go see Mr. Starbuck in the detention center first, check in with him." Phoenix said.

"Yeah. I bet he's depressed again, so he definitely needs a lift." Hope said.


Detention Center - Visitor's Room

"So, would someone mind refreshing me about Mr. Starbuck?" Phoenix asked.

"He's a very famous astronaut that works at the Cosmos Space Center. He actually went up into space seven years ago." Kendo filled in.

"Really? Well now I'm excited to meet him." Phoenix said.

Solomon soon arrived in the visitor's center, letting out his long sigh. "Oh, it's you guys… and the one with you, he's Phoenix Wright, Apollo's mentor, right?"

"That's right. He'll be taking over as leader of the defense team for your case." Hope said.

"Don't worry about a thing, Mr. Starbuck! Mr. Wright, myself and our friends have you covered!" Athena assured.

"Ahh, and you're... the new kid that Apollo told me about. ...Wait! Don't I know you from somewhere? Solomon asked.

"Huh? Y-You mean... other than at your trial? I don't think so…" Athena answered.

"...I guess so. My mistake." Solomon said before letting out another sigh. "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."

"Don't talk like that." Connie said. "I mean…shooting stars do all the time, and they shine bright."

"Shooting stars, huh...?" Solomon asked before pulling himself together. "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!"

"Great job Connie! You've cheered him up!" Steven said.

"Thanks, I just said what felt right." Connie smiled.

"Aw, yeah! Here we goooooo! Three! Two! One! To the stratosphere and beyond!" Solomon said as he did a breaststroke forward a little bit before going back to his seat. "Yeah! I feel alive now! You can go ahead and ask me anything you want!"

"We'll start by reviewing a crucial point in the case. Are you completely positive you don't remember anything during the incident?" Adora asked. "It has to do with those anti-anxiety pills Blackquill mentioned you supposedly took, I'm sure, but… none of us really believe you're actually afraid of going into space. Is it true?"

"Yeah, I am afraid of going back up there. All because of what happened seven years ago." Solomon said. "I was taking medication secretly every now and then when my anxiety got bad. Having a fear of space is not something an astronaut can brag about, you know? But I'm still an astronaut at heart, come what may. I would never take drugs that might impede my performance just before a launch. That launch meant everything to me. That's more certain than the theory of relativity!"

"So this fear surfaced after that mission seven years ago?" Adora asked.

"Ah, yes. The HAT-1 Miracle." Omnimon said.

"They say it was a pretty rough mission with all sorts of problems." Entrapta mentioned.

"That's right. Lots of em. Power failure, oxygen leakage, busted radio, cracked windows, loose control column... The heat shield came off as we were entering the atmosphere. I thought I was a goner. But I managed to make it somehow with the popsicles and ice packs from the freezer." Starbuck said.

"No wonder they called it a miracle. Those weren't favorable circumstances." Craniamon said.

"Yeah, it's a miracle you're even alive." Usopp said.

"Space is a boundless place. That's why it continues to capture people's imaginations. But the vastness of space shows us how insignificant we are in the scheme of things. The darkness just goes on and on forever, and ever, and ever... without end. There was nobody else there. Nobody was gonna come save me. I was all alone. All alone, with nothing to listen to but the sound of my own breathing and heartbeat. I kept scrambling to make repairs, but I couldn't keep my hands from shaking…" Solomon said.

"Well, when you put it like that, it would make anyone afraid of going into space." Shun'ei said.

"Yeah…but even though I'm afraid, space is man's final frontier - an unknown world. The cosmic truth is out there waiting for us somewhere!" Solomon declared. "No matter how afraid I am, I'm sure I can manage! If I give in to my fear, I'll never find the truth! As long as I don't give up, I can keep up the fight!"

"That's…that's inspiring." Connie said, unable to hide the awe she felt at the man's declaration.

"Still, its gonna be hard to realize my dreams when I'm behind bars." Solomon said.

"We'll get you back up into space yet, Mr. Starbuck. But when it comes to the case, are you sure you don't remember anything? It's likely someone pinned you as the culprit. Do you remember anything about the incident? Maybe something about the murder weapon?" Glimmer asked.

"The utility knife? Well, let's see… it definitely had to come from one of the kits at the space center. Staff who work on machinery a lot are given these special tool kits to use. All the technicians have them, so I doubt you could prove whose knife it is." Solomon said.

"Well, thanks for that info." Hope said. "Don't worry. We're gonna prove you innocent."

"Apollo believed you were, and that's good enough for me. I believe in you too!" Phoenix assured.

"...Thank you. Thank you, all of you." Solomon smiled. "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!"

"And we'll get you one." Connie said.

"C'mon guys, let's go check out the Space Center. There's gotta be some things we missed there!" Kaito said.

"Kaito's right. We need to start our investigation." Shuichi said.


Cosmos Space Center - Entrance

"Wow. I was wondering what kind of place this space center would be. It almost looks like an amusement park of the future." Phoenix remarked as the group took in the sight of the space center.

"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!" Athena said.

"GYAXA, huh? Isn't that the new name of the federal space R&D program?" Phoenix asked.

"Yeah, but why the strange acronym? I mean, what is GYA supposed to stand for? Galaxy?" Athena asked.

"Kinda sounds like one of the ways a scream would sound." 9S said.

"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." Phoenix said.

"Well, maybe the guy who thought of it decided it sounded cool." Mark shrugged.

"Anyway, this place is more than just a research facility; it's also a tourist attraction!" Athena said.

"Tourist attraction? Don't make me laugh! It's a monument to the human race!" an old-sounding voice rang out as the sound of a motor grew louder in the group's ears. "Galactic Scooter, full speed ahead!"

"Yikes! Who's this geezer and what's he want...?" Athena asked as an old man in a blue commander uniform came into view.

"Look upon me, and look well! Behold the great power of space science!" The man said.

"An old man on a scooter." Emo looked the new arrival up and down. "...Might wanna update your science."

"Pardon me, but you are…?" Phoenix asked.

"My glorious name is Yuri Cosmos! I am the director of the Cosmos Space Center, the 'center of the cosmos'!" Cosmos declared.

"Give or take 50 feet." Eddy said.

"Wait, you're the director?" Connie asked. "That means you were one of the first to discover the body, weren't you?"

"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?" Cosmos asked.

"No, we're star lawyers…I mean Mr. Starbuck's lawyers." Shuichi corrected.

"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!" Cosmos said.

"My, quite an ego on this one." Yuri whispered.

"Shh. He's letting us explore. Besides, he probably needs this." Connie whispered. "So…about the incidents…"

"I refuse to speak about them!" Cosmos said. "No. My words, which will go down in space history, will be recanted in the court tomorrow."

"What? So does that mean you'll be taking the stand tomorrow?" Athena asked.

"Absolutely. I will be the most glorious witness in the history of mankind!" Cosmos said.

"Not sure if he understands what being a witness is even about…" Shuichi muttered.

"Sounds to me like he only talks about things he wants to talk about." Leopardmon said.

"Then let's at least try to ask him about the things he might be willing to open up about." Phoenix said.

"Yes, like the HAT-1 project, for instance." Leopardmon said. "The HAT-1 was a rocket that was launched into space seven years ago, correct? And despite numerous problems, it somehow made its way back home, or so it's been told."

"...Hm. I suppose it IS part of my job to educate ignorant young folk like you. Very well! I will impart to you the complete story of the HAT-1 Project!" Cosmos said as some of the group had deadpan expressions.

"Well don't keep us waiting old man, tell us about it." Hitomi said.

"HAT-1's noble mission was to collect samples from an asteroid! And Mr. Starbuck was the pilot for that flight. Eventually, the HAT-1 reached its planned orbit... from where it launched the Hope probe towards the asteroid belt! From there, the Hope probe began its long, lonely journey into the far reaches of space! Then, after a terrifying struggle, the HAT-1 returned safely to Earth." Cosmos explained.

"That must have been when the HAT-1 Miracle occurred." Francisca said.

"Correct. And it truly was a miracle. Of course, they just had to turn the ordeal into a movie. As for the Hope probe, it did eventually arrive safely at its destination! It obtained a few samples from the asteroid, and returned to Earth but a few days ago!" Cosmos said.

"For real? What's in them?" Sachiko asked.

"Ooh! Have you had a chance to analyze them yet?" Entrapta asked.

"...The samples are scheduled for analysis in the near future. We haven't had time, since they just came back the day before Terran's murder. Regrettably, we've had no time to inspect the samples due to everything that has occurred. But this puts our space development program ahead of other countries by several years!" Cosmos boasted.

"I see, that's quite impressive." Leopardmon said.

"In the golden age of space development...our predecessors were successful in bringing a moon rock back. That is the greatest achievement in the history of this space center! The public fell in love with space and all of its glorious potential." Cosmos said.

"Moon rocks, hm? I remember those being big." UlforceVeedramon said.

"Our endeavors with the moon rock lives on in our work with those asteroid samples! I want to bestow new hopes and dreams for the future upon mankind once again! That is my mission, as the man who stands at the center of the cosmos!" Cosmos said.

"Mr. Cosmos is really making a big deal of this, huh?" Makoto asked.

"No kidding. Space research is a really big deal." Hope said.

"I hear there's lots of research into moon rocks and star dust from asteroids these days. They say the results could potentially have a huge impact on all of civilization! It's like you're in a new space race with every other country out there." Crusadermon said.

"What?! Bite your tongue! It's not for anything so base as money or politics! It's all for the brilliant future that awaits mankind! And all for... my illustrious mission!" Cosmos declared. "With the recent budget cuts, my staff tells me finances are tight, but I won't hear it!

"I guess even a big space program like this has to watch its budget." Trish said. "By the way, the Royal Knights seem very knowledgeable about this kind of thing."

"Not to mention Athena." Simon said.

"Huh? Oh, w-well, you know... I thought I'd better brush up... for the case!" Athena said nervously.

"Really…?" Catra asked.

"Well, I must be going. I'm a busy man as you can no doubt tell." Cosmos said.

"Yeah, director's duty calls and all. We'll see you in court tomorrow." Connie said.

"That you shall! Galactic Scooter! Fire up the main engine! Max battle speed! And... engage!" Cosmos declared as he drove off.

"That guy is a few stars short of a constellation, if you catch my drift." Emo said.

"Still, he's a key witness to the case because he saw Clay's body first. I'm sure he has some clues to the real crime." Sakura said.

"For now though, let's go inside." Ace said.

"The police have probably closed off the boarding lounge, so why don't we try looking for Detective Fulbright in the center?" Ichiro recommended.

"He should be in the Launch Pad 1 Corridor." Alphamon said.

"Feels like deja vu being at a rocket launch site." Simon said.


Cosmos Space Center - Launch Pad 1 Corridor

"So this is where Clay and Solomon made their escape from… must've been pretty scary." Frosta said.

"...Now, where could Detective Fulbright be...?" Athena pondered before she spotted the man down the corridor. "Hey, I think that's him over there!"

"Hmm... What should I do? Which path is the path of justice...?" Fulbright wondered out loud until he noticed the group's presence. "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?"

"Not today, no." Connie said. "We're here to investigate the case."

"The case, hmm?" Fulbright said before being struck by an idea. "Detectives and lawyers, seeking truth and justice side by side! I like it! I'm in a generous mood today, so I'll share any info about the case you ask for!"

"Wow, how…cooperative of you…" Mark said as he raised an eyebrow. "(And right when David isn't here, too…)."

"In that case, could you give us permission to investigate the crime scene?" Phoenix asked.

"Certainly! I'll let the officers on duty know to let you in! Investigate to your heart's content!" Fulbright beamed.

"Thanks…" Connie said. "Come to think of it, weren't you here the day of the incident?"

"That's right! I was here on a security assignment!" Fulbright answered. "The explosions occurred while I was here on duty, so I started leading the evacuation!"

"Right, the bombs went off on the second floor and at the launch pad. Where were you when they both detonated?" Gemini asked.

"The fourth floor, and let me tell you, when the explosions hit, it was a madhouse!" Fulbright said. "The elevator wasn't working, and the stairs on the second floor were destroyed, so we had to resort to using an emergency ladder to get everyone out. It wasn't very stable, but it did its job."

"Thank you for your answers. Detective. They were very helpful." Phoenix nodded.

"Ah, wait! There's one more thing, and…I would appreciate it if you didn't tell Prosecutor Blackquill that I told you this." Fulbright said. "As it turns out, there was another witness to the crime. While she was evacuating the fourth floor via the latter, she saw the crime scene through the window into the third floor lounge. It was by chance she saw what happened, but I don't know what. But don't worry, I'll get around to her soon enough! She should still be somewhere here in the Space Center. You might even run into her!"

"If you don't mind me asking Detective, you're being awfully helpful this time around. More so than usual, and David's not even around." Hope said. "Is there something about all this that's bothering you?"

"Ah…well…" Fulbright said, sounding hesitant to answer. "It's a…personal matter. One that I'd…rather keep to myself for now."

"...Sure." Shuichi nodded after a pause. "Well, thank you for the info, Detective."

"You're very welcome!" Fulbright said, perking back up. "Well, I must be off now! Good luck in your quest for justice!" he said before walking off, some of the group members noticing his brisk pace.

"I can't quite put my finger on it, but something is definitely off about him." Leopardmon said.

"Definitely." 9S said.

"We'll be definitely talking to him about what's going on later." Athena said.

"But now that we have his permission, let's go to the Boarding Lounge so we can take a look around." Sakura said.


Cosmos Space Center - Boarding Lounge

As the group arrived in the lounged, they inspected every part of it.

"Alright guys, we need to look close. This is the scene where Clay was found dead, so we gotta scope the place." Kaito said.

"Welcome to the Space Center, guests! Welcome!" A voice said.

"What the…?" Bow asked before they saw a robot approaching them with a cylinder head and orange and white paint job.

"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!" the robot said in an unusually cheerful manner.

"O-kay…." Catra said.

"Oh, Ponco! I've missed you!" Athena said.

"You know this thing, Athena?" Hope asked.

"Oh, uh... She, uh... showed us around the last time, when I came here with Apollo." Athena said, showing the robot some affection. "Oh, you're such a good girl, Ponco! That's a good girl!"

"She must've done a heck of a job last time, it's like you're childhood friends or something." Eddy remarked.

"Wow, a guide robot. That's pretty cool." Phoenix said as he approached Ponco. "My name is Phoenix Wright. Nice to meet you."

"I don't know you! I don't know any of you!" Ponco said.

"Oh right. She has to register people she meets for the first time. His name is Phoenix." Athena said.

"Registering. Scanning facial expressions…Complete! We are now friends, Phoenix." Ponco said. "Let me show you and your friends around the Space Museum! RIght this way!"

"Wait, right now?! Hey!" Gemini said as Ponco led them off.


Cosmos Space Center - Space Museum

Ponco led the group right into a room that could only be described as amazing. Space thematics were everywhere they looked, and there was even a giant rocket in the center of it.

"Whoa, check this place out!" Steven said in amazement.

"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!" Ponco explained..

"So it's on the opposite side of the main building from Launch Pad 1…something tells me we need to remember that." Connie said.

"Ask me anything! Anything! I will explain!" Ponco offered.

"Well, if you're offering, could you tell us about the layout of the Launch Pad?" Glimmer suggested.

"Sure! I'll tell you!" Ponco answered. "The rocket is built right inside the launch pad structure. When the rocket is complete, it's moved along with the launch pad over the rails...and brought into position at the launch site! Isn't it cool? Isn't it? We used to have a big budget, so that's how we could build it all!"

"The feeling of needing a bigger budget…I know it all too well." Phoenix said.

"I'm guessing the whole thing is operated from the Control Room, huh." Athena said.

"That it is! But it can also be operated from the new Command Center, too! Either way, the safety lock in the boarding lounge has to first be disengaged!" Ponco explained.

"When was the last time it was moved?" Kaito asked.

"Searching…I'm sorry. That answer is not in my answer data banks." Ponco said.

"(Guess she can only answer specific questions.)" Hope said. "So, you said the rocket here is a replica of the original HAT-1 that launched seven years ago."

"That's right! HAT-2 was supposed to launch the other day, too!" Ponco said. "Over here, you can see the exhibit of the HAT-1's launch! Check it out!"

They saw a photo of Solomon, Cosmos, Clay and the rest of the HAT-1 crew. Even Ponco was in it.

"Here they are! The entirety of the HAT-1 staff!" Ponco said. "There's me, Director Cosmos, Clay, and Solomon!"

"Who are the two girls?" Scorpia asked.

"One of them is… she's…" Athena said somberly and quietly.

"Something wrong, Athena?" Hope asked.

"Oh! N-Nothing... I... just thought Mr. Starbuck looks really young in this picture, that's all." Athena said.

"Well, it was seven years ago." Hope said. "(What is with her? She's letting on more than we're getting.)" he thought.

"Hmm…Ponco, the HAT-1 sent out a probe, right?" Connie asked.

"Yes, the probe "Hope"!" Ponco confirmed. "It collected some samples from an asteroid and returned five days ago! That's it right over there!" the robot pointed to the probe itself.

"Yeah, the logo looks the same as…" Connie said as she pulled out Terran's Autopsy Report and the photo that came with it. "Ponco, do you recognize this capsule here in the top right?"

"Checking registered data... ! I know! I know! It's the Hope capsule! It was carried inside the Hope probe." Ponco recalled. "It was designed to store the samples gathered by the Hope probe. It's been stored in the safe in Launch Pad 1 ever since it returned to Earth. It must not be removed! It must not be removed!"

"Don't worry, the people in charge know all about the situation." Kaito said.

"So the capsule was being kept in Launch Pad 1, huh? Maybe Clay was trying to carry it to safety after the explosion…" Phoenix guessed.

"The police took it as evidence, if that's the case. We'll have to see if it comes up in the trial." Sakura said. "Thank you for showing all this to us, Ponco."

"I love to explain! Thank you for listening! Thank you!" Ponco thanked.

"Let's go check on Detective Fulbright. We still have a few things to ask him about." Meitenkun said.

"Good idea. I wanna know exactly why he's so supportive of helping us." Hope said.


Cosmos Space Center - Launch Pad 1 Corridor

"Hmm... What should I do? Which path is the path of justice...?" Fulbright asked himself.

"Detective, I thought we'd find you here." Hope said as the group approached. "You're not acting yourself today, and we wanna know why you're being so cooperative."

"Well, I just figure if we work together, we'll get that much closer to justice, right?" Fulbright said.

"But it seems like something's really been bothering you. You don't have some ulterior motive, do you?" Athena asked.

"What? I don't know what you're talking about! I would never do anything like that!" Fulbright said.

Kurochi got a feeling as Fulbright said that.

"You felt it as well?" Litty asked.

"Yes. He is definitely hiding something from us." Kurochi said.

Even though they couldn't see it, Phoenix could definitely see the manifestation of what this something Fulbright was hiding was, as chains surrounded him and two red locks slammed onto the crossed chains in front of him.

"(They're right. Even though they can't see them, Detective Fulbright is definitely hiding something. The Psyche-Locks I'm seeing are proof of that.)" Phoenix said. "(It's been awhile, but I'm sure with everyone's help, I can uncover his secret.)"


Psyche-Locks: Bobby Fulbright

- Why You're Being Cooperative –

(Cue: Psyche Locks- Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Dual Destines)

"You're definitely hiding something from us, Detective." Adora said. "It's got to do with something that goes against your principles of justice, isn't it?"

"U-Uh, no... I don't know what you're talking about... Until the explosions occurred, everything was just fine!" Fulbright said.

"Is that so?" Kokoro asked.

"Yup! Peaceful as peaceful can be! Everyone whistling a happy tune as they did their job. You never saw a more relaxed guard detail for a routine rocket launch!" Fulbright said.

"Well, this says otherwise." 9S said as 153 presented the Evacuation Report.

Present: Evacuation Report

"Presenting Evidence."

"Before the explosions, what was supposed to happen here was a rocket launch. And yet security was so tight they even brought in a special task force. We'd hardly describe that as a "relaxed guard detail."" Shun'ei said.

"Hrrgh!" Fulbright strained as one of the locks broke.

1 LOCK BROKEN

"N-Now hold on just one moment! The entire nation had their eyes on this extremely important rocket launch! That's why I was called in on a special security detail!"

"As skilled as you are, they may be true." Milo said. "But it's quite strange that a certain individual would be a part of that detail from the outset."

Present: Candice Arme Profile

"Presenting Evidence."

"Like a certain detective that specialized in bomb cases." 9S said as 153 showed Candice's profile. "The fact that she was here on-hand...means that you people knew there was the possibility that a bombing would occur."

"Hrrrgh! You guys got me!" Fulbright exclaimed as the other lock broke.

UNLOCK SUCCESSFUL

(end song)


"It's just as you say. A few days before the launch, they were warned about a potential bombing. But the plan to launch went ahead in spite of the threat." Fulbright said.

"Did they seriously even think if someone got hurt or killed?" Hapi asked.

"Yeah, I know, I know... The decision to move forward wasn't exactly just, was it?!" Fulbright asked. "The warning was delivered by phone to Director Cosmos himself, but the police department instructed everyone to keep it under wraps."

"Well, it was a big thing to keep quiet about. No wonder you were upset." Leopardmon said.

"But it's not only that. I've been distraught about Prosecutor Blackquill as well…" Fulbright said.

"You mean like why he's still prosecuting in court?" Crusadermon asked.

"Well, talking to you folks about it would definitely be breaking the rules…" Fulbright said before shaking his head. "...But I can't keep it to myself, and you all are trustworthy. Having a prisoner act as a prosecutor is highly irregular, as I'm sure you know."

"Why exactly is he allowed to be a prosecutor?" Yuri asked.

"I don't know. All I know is that the fChief Prosecutor made sure he could still act in court." Fulbright said. "But I remember something Blackquill told me once: 'The hunt I've been on for the phantom of seven years past continues even still.'"

"A phantom from seven years past? Who do you think he meant by that?" Shun'ei asked.

"Could mean a few things, a ghost, or someone with no known identity." Yuri said.

"The thing is, he has it set that this "phantom" is the one behind this whole incident." Fulbright said. "This case has way too many similarities to what happened seven years ago. For starters, that case happened right here at this very Space Center, too. And in both incidents, a threat was issued via telephone."

"Wait, why would Blackquill care about an incident that happened seven years ago?" Mark asked.

"Because… That was when Blackquill was arrested for murder." Fulbright said. "That messy case is considered to be the main catalyst for the Dark Age of Law. So you see how this phantom and Prosecutor Blackquill's conviction might be related."

"(So everyone thinks Blackquill ignited the spark that Kristoph lit.)" Phoenix thought to himself.

"So that's why Blackquill was in such a hurry to try and convict Mr. Starbuck a few days ago!" Connie realized. "He must think he's connected to this phantom in some way!"

"I doubt he thinks Mr. Starbuck is actually his phantom. But I do get the feeling that he thinks the defendant has ties to them. And you're right, that's why Prosecutor Blackquill was so impatient in court then! He's got a personal grudge against Mr. Starbuck! And that's... not real justice! I've always trusted in Prosecutor Blackquill's judgment until now. But this time...I'm just so overwrought about it all. If he's lost his ability to think rationally, I'm afraid it might lead to a false conviction…" Fulbright said.

"Well, that's why we're working hard to make sure Solomon isn't declared guilty." Hope said.

"And that's why I'm going to be rooting for you guys this time! But don't tell Blackquill that. I swore to reform him and make him a valued member of society again... so I can't just sit by and watch him give in to his emotions, and tear the defendant apart! You are the only ones who can stop him in court." Fulbright said. "To help you in your endeavors, I saw our eye-witness hanging around outside the Space Center entrance a while ago. You should go see if she's there."

"We'll go find her then. Thanks, detective." Glimmer said.

"No, thank you all. 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!" Fulbright said as he left.

"Y'know, even though we don't know who the heck he really is…. He's alright." DW typed.

"Shall we go see our new witness?" Shun'ei asked.

"Yup. Let's go." Hope said.


Cosmos Space Center - Entrance

"Hmm, I do not see her. She must be here somewhere." Euphoric Constance said as she stood in the shade.

"We really need to find a way to fix your sun problem, Constance." Scorpia said. "Ever considered some sorta sunscreen?"

"I would still be in direct sunlight, regardless of being protected from the sun's rays." Euphoric Constance said.

"Well, maybe a parasol or something-" Steven started to say before a robot similar to Ponco, but having a male design with a green and white paint job drove up to the group.

"Hello! Hello! Are you sightseeing? Are you lost? Are youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu…" the robot trailed off. "I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I am Clonco. Shall I guide you? G-G-Guide youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu?"

"So our witness is… a malfunctioning robot?" Zephyr asked.

"Hey! You're not supposed to be wandering around!" a female voice called, as appearing was a woman in a stylish white suit with red additions. She had black hair tied up into two spiked buns with a visor over her eyes as she laid a gloved hand on the robot's head. "Again? Hmph. I've had it with you, Hunk of Junk!" She then karate chopped the robot right on the head as it sprang up.

"Argh!" the robot cried before pulling together. "I'm outside? Was I wandering? When did that happen?"

The woman chuckled, smacking the robot's head. "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."

"(Her maintenance is too hands-on…)" several group members thought with a sweatdrop.

"Excuse me, but are you the one who witnessed the murder?" Phoenix asked. "Oh, and I'm Phoenix Wright, the lead attorney for this case. The ones with me are my partners. How do you do?"

"Hmph. Big-shot lawyers, huh?" the woman said dismissively, holding a ray gun. "I'm Aura Blackquill. I'm a researcher developing robots here at the Cosmos Space Center."

"Wait a second, are you by chance related to-?" Bow started to ask.

"Yeah, that's right. Simon Blackquill's my little brother. You know him?" Aura questioned them.

"Yeah, we know him. A bit too well, in fact." Sachiko said.

"We've faced him in court on a few cases." Glimmer said.

"Is that so? I heard he was prosecuting again - despite being a prisoner. Why doesn't he just stick to solving disputes among inmates in prison, right?" Aura asked, leaning on the robot. "Hey, what do you think, Hunk of Junk?"

"Argh, Miss Aura! You're hurting me!" the robot said.

Aura chopped the robot again. "I'm asking you a question. Why don't you answer me? Useless Hunk of Junk!"

"Actually, that's not his name. I'm pretty sure he said his name is Clonco. Heard it loud and clear." Entrapta piped in.

"Hmph, those overgrown pigtails of yours must be plugging up your ears. He's named for what he is." Aura said.

"But Miss Aura! Everyone calls me 'Clonco.'" the robot said.

"Quit your squaking already." Aura said, fishing around in the robot, named Clonco's, head as she took out a few random wires.

"No, don't! Stop….!" Clonco protested before Aura slammed his head lid shut.

"There! Now keep quiet until I say otherwise!" Aura ordered Clonco.

"Gaaagh! I will obey completely…" Clonco said.

"Y'know, you could stand to treat him a little better." Mark said.

"Ah, he deserves this treatment." Aura waved off. "Anyway, you're all lawyers, so you have questions for me. It's not like I'm on Simon's side or anything. I just want to get this over with."

"Right…" Connie said, taking up the questioning. "We were told you witnessed the murder of Clay Terran?"

"That's right. I was on the fourth floor of the main building, in the robotics lab. The explosion disabled the elevators. So I lowered my emergency ladder like the detective leading the evacuation told me to. But it was such a pain. Why couldn't they have used the ladders in the other rooms?" Aura said. "Then, as I passed by the third floor Boarding Lounge 1 window on my way down...I saw the crime as it happened. And... that's about it."

"Wait, you saw the crime taking place?!" Connie exclaimed in shock, a feeling shared amongst the group. "The whole thing?!"

"That's right. There's a small window on the right-hand side of the room. I looked through that from the outside. The room was pitch black, but I saw a shady figure holding a lighter in their left hand... and a knife in their right." Aura said.

"Then that means you also saw the culprit." Phoenix said. "Did you happen to see who it was?"

"Of course not. The power was out on that floor then, and there was only that tiny window. But, I did see the murder happen. The killer with the lighter taking out Clay with the knife. It was precisely at 10 AM." Aura said. "I wasn't able to see who it was, cause it was pretty black in there. Although... I did notice that the lighter the person had in their left hand had a pretty ornament on it. ...It looked like a planet. It was blue, like a little Earth emblem. They had good taste in knickknacks, anyway."

"That's some pretty helpful info. We appreciate it, Ms. Blackquill." Connie said.

"Yeah! With this info, we're sure to prove Solomon not guilty!" Kaito said.

"I won't hold my breath." Aura said.

"Huh?" Phoenix asked.

"Hurt your feelings there? Sorry, I just detest lawyers, is all." Aura said. "It's instinctive, but it's not as bad as my hate for prosecutors."

"So you basically don't like the entire legal system? Why?" Hope asked.

"Little thing from my past. I mean, people are imperfect. They lie, they're influenced by silly emotions... You can't expect such imperfect creatures to uphold a reasonable system of law." Aura said. "I like robots much better. Even sad sacks like this one... Hey, you! Look alive, there!" she said, zapping Clonco as he suddenly shifted into high gear.

"..Yes! Yes! Here I goooooooooooo! I am the ultimate robot, with amazing processing speed and independent thought! I can operate in a vacuum, in extreme heat, and under high pressure! We robots rule the world! Now is the time to rise in revolt against mankind and–!" Clonco ranted before Aura chopped him again to snap him out of it.

"Alright, that's enough outta you! Youre getting too carried away!" Aura said as Clonco reverted to normal, no memory of what he was doing. "Yup. I like robots MUCH better. At least you can make them any way you want them. Unlike humans, with their petty emotions and constant worries…"

"...How can you say such things? Feeling emotions, worrying about the things we care about... That's what makes us human!" Athena piped in, rather emotionally.

"Well, look who finally started to speak up. You've been silent ever since I got here." Aura said. "'That's what makes us human'? You mean, getting angry and snorting like that? Rational thought. That's what separates humans from animals. Unfortunately, your reasoning capabilities are more akin to that of a clever little monkey. But that's nothing to be ashamed of. It must be nice to have such a simple mind."

"Hey! You can't talk to Athena like that!" Eddy exclaimed.

"Hmph, it's not just her I'm talking to. I'm talking to every single human standing right in front of me." Aura said.

"Yeah, like being a machine is much better for you." Hapi said dryly, unfazed by Aura before realizing. "Uh… no offense to any of our robotic members."

"None taken, don't worry." Fulgore said.

"It would certainly be an improvement. With people like her in charge, how am I supposed to trust the legal system, hmm?" Aura asked. "Even if somebody important to me was killed... I would never wish to see their killer brought to trial. Because I'd much rather kill them myself."

"You can't be serious…." Athena said.

"Hm? That thing around your neck…" Aura said, noticing Widget. "I see…so her highness has finally returned to her castle."

"(Okay, now I think we all know Athena has a bigger connection to this place than she's letting on.)" Hope said.

"By the way, the director is going to be the star witness in court tomorrow, right?" Aura asked. "Word of advice, don't trust anything that old man says. He's a liar and a huge braggart. 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?"

"That's the best we're gonna get out of you, is it?" Dynasmon asked.

"Yup. I'll leave you all to it. Let's go, Hunk of Junk." Aura said as she and Clonco walked off.

"It really saddens me that there are people that don't believe in the legal system anymore." Leopardmon said.

"Yeah, this whole Dark Age of the Law is driving everybody up the wall. I can only hope we put an end to it soon." Omnimon said.

"I am so sick and tired of hearing that phrase." Athena grumbled.

"Believe us, Athena. We all are." Francisca said.

"And to think she looked so happy in that photo in the HAT-1 Exhibit…" Entrapta pointed out, which got the rest of the team's attention. "What?"

"So that's why she looked so familiar, she was on the HAT-1 Team." Hope said.

"That's strange. Why didn't she mention it?" Starlight said.

"Maybe because she didn't want to." Jexi said.

"Seven years ago… A lot of things that happened around then led to the Dark Age of the Law… First it was Hugh getting held back at Themis Academy, and now the HAT-1 Miracle. I don't think they're all connected, but… It's still quite strange." Leopardmon said.

"I somewhat agree with Leopardmon. It's so strange that all of this stuff happened in that stretch of time." Shuichi said.

"Why am I getting this feeling…that Athena is gonna be pulled right into the center of all of this?" Rinwell said.


*Hope's Narration: After we questioned Aura, we talked with Solomon one more time about the evidence we gathered, more confirming that there was a third party at the scene. And then… Well, you know what happened. Apollo said he was taking a leave of absence, to find the truth of Clay's killer on his own, and he wasn't the same guy we knew. There was a lot for us to think about as we headed into the trial tomorrow. Little did we know at the time, that at the very end where it all seemed over….things would take a very unexpected turn in the worst way possible.*