Chapter 13 – Weaving the Narrative
Official Report
The Nation of Fleogas Vs. Her Highness, Captain Almira Eos
Four days after Operation Open Skies
Day 2 of the Trial
Presiding over the case, the Honorable Lorenson Par
The Nation of Fleogas accuses Almira Eos of treason of the highest degree; for the murder of the late King Khayin Almiriykh, and for the abandoning of her post during Operation Open Skies.
0800: Beginning of the Interrogation and Questioning of Almira Eos
Led by Lord Biron Sal
-information omitted –
[beginning of transcription and recording]
[0800. Courthouse 1. Seating at maximum capacity.]
Par: Order in the court. May the gods and wisdom guide us as we go before them in the eyes of the law. We will now resume the trial of Almira Eos. Lord Biron Sal has the floor.
Sal: Please state your name and title.
Eos: Almira Eos.
Sal: Do you recall the events of four days ago, beginning with your deployment for Operation Open Skies?
Eos: I do.
Sal: State your mission in brief for the record.
Eos: I was assigned to assault the Galra base located at the ancient library and fortress of Doseogwan. Beginning before dawn, I was assisted over the communications by two of my team.
Sal: And please provide their names.
Eos: Eaghan Fahkir and Ten Mbari.
Sal: Continue.
Eos: My mission was to take down the base, as it was believed to have been a scientific stronghold. I struck before any other unit on the operation, due to the logic that the base might have held something that would have hindered our progress.
Sal: And were you successful?
Eos: I shut down the primary power source with little to no trouble. Backup generators ensured that parts of the base were working, but nothing would escape without difficulty.
Sal: To my understanding, something did escape.
Par: The witness in question has not finished her debrief. Let us hear the facts before further questions.
Sal: Continue.
Eos: After shutting down the main energy source, I was directed to attack a few questionable rooms that our mapping drones had discovered. It was in the first one that I—
[a pause]
Sal: Tell us what you found in the first room.
Eos: Severed wings of Fleogans held in trophy cases. Around two or three hundred, by my estimate.
Par: Quiet in the courtroom, please.
Sal: Tell us what happened.
Eos: The room was guarded by a druid, a creature of dark powers. It was capable of unleashing lightning and searing energy from its bare hands. It caught me off guard, and proceeded to chase me through the base.
Sal: Were you able to retaliate and mount an attack back at this druid?
Par: Quiet in the courtroom, please. Lord Sal, please repeat your question so that we may have a clearer recording on file.
Sal: Were you able to fight back against the druid?
Eos: With difficulty. Its power was nothing like ours. It was drawn from within the creature, and he had a limitless supply of energy.
Sal: So what happened next?
Eos: It was a trap. I was funneled into another room where the griffon lay waiting.
Sal: And it set itself upon you?
Eos: No, it was stuck in a containment cell.
Sal: Tell us what happened when you entered the room.
Eos: A Galra scientist was in the room. He knew the identity of the mole in our forces, and revealed it to me.
Sal: And who was the mole?
[a pause]
Sal: Captain, who was the mole?
Par: Your Highness, if you could please give us the name.
[a pause]
Sal: Will you plead a vow of silence?
Eos: I will not.
Sal: Then a name, if you will.
Eos: His late majesty, King Khayin Almiriykh.
[unintelligible, crowd disruption]
Par: Order! I said order!
Sal: You would accuse the late King of treason?
Eos: I have no reason to lie.
Sal: I would think the opposite. You stand accused of murder—
Par: Lord Sal, if you are unable to hold your tongue and maintain a level of formality I will have you thrown out of my court, and the investigation will conclude.
Sal: My apologies.
Par: Silence! Order in the court! The remarks must be heard clear for the record. If you are unable to hold your tongue you have my permission to leave. [addressing the crowd]
[a pause as the crowd quiets]
Par: Lord Sal, please continue when you are ready.
Sal: After learning the name of the mole, what did you do next?
Eos: I attacked the scientist and killed him. The druid began to attack again. In the middle of our fight, a particular blast of lightning from the two of us created an explosion, which broke the container for the griffon.
Sal: So the creature was freed by mistake, by accident?
Eos: Correct.
Sal: Proceed.
Eos: The griffon attacked me first, but it turned on the druid. The distraction provided me enough time to sneak up on the druid and kill him with one of my daggers.
Sal: So the druid and the scientist are now dead.
Eos: Correct.
Sal: Proceed.
Eos: I then passed out from exhaustion. When I woke, the griffon was standing guard over me.
Sal: Passed out?
Par: Lord Sal, your tone and comment are out of line. I would like to see you on the frontlines next time there is an assault.
Sal: My apologies.
Par: Please continue your story.
Eos: The griffon communicates through images and thoughts, telepathically. Because I had saved it, it felt indebted to me in some way.
Sal: So you turned the griffon on the King?
Par: Do not put words in the mouth of the witness.
Sal: I retract my statement.
Par: Continue.
Sal: What happened next?
Eos: I asked the griffon to help me kill the king.
Par: Order in the court! Whispers are not silence.
[a pause]
Par: Lord Sal, if you are finished with your questions, then please bring this to a close. Otherwise, continue with speed. We have other witnesses to call today.
Sal: And the griffon agreed to this act?
Eos: It owed me a debt. Now we're even.
Sal: Almira Eos, you stand accused of treason; of murdering the late King Khayin and of abandoning your post after your mission. Do you have anything to say against these charges?
Eos: Nothing that would be of interest or benefit to the judges here.
Sal: No further remarks or questions.
Par: We will now bring the questioning of Almira Eos to a close. We will be taking a break, and will return with a testimony in the defense of Eos.
[end of transcription and recording]
[2 vargas break]
[beginning of next transcription and recording]
[1100. Courthouse 1. Seating at Maximum Capacity.]
Par: We will now resume the trial. Almira Eos has finished her testimony, and we will now move on to the defendants. A small change in the schedule; General Jin En will now be testifying in favor of Eos. His highness Lord Eaghan Fakhir will be giving his testimony afterward.
Sal: Please state your name and title.
En: General Jin En, lead tacticians for the military forces of Fleogas.
Sal: And please state your connection to Eos.
En: I have been the coordinator for many undercover and stealth operations for the Wind Benders and Warpers, and have thus interacted with all leading members of said divisions frequently.
Sal: You are now free to give any remarks on Eos' character.
En: There is little I can say about Captain Almira that most people on this planet do not know. She is a brilliant and talented captain, with a mind as sharp as some of the brightest generals I've had the pleasure of knowing in this life. She leads with dignity and with honor, and is renowned in all branches of the military for her dedication to Fleogas and her people. While I cannot say that I approve of her actions that are currently being called into question, I know that she is not vindictive or malicious by nature, and meticulously weighs the pros and cons of every situation before making a move.
Sal: We understand that you have brought a piece of evidence to test in Eos' favor.
En: Correct.
Sal: Please explain to us the contents and significance of what you have.
En: Fortunately, Captain Almira was broadcasting all images from her helmet and communication device from the moment she entered the room with dismembered wings all the way through her interactions with the griffon. We were able to pull records of the intel she sent us to prove her actions and act as a supplement for her testimony.
Sal: We have the footage ready for viewing. When the court is ready.
[On multiple screens throughout the courtroom, the video is played. Accompanying audio was picked up by the recording devices in the court. Remarks of all parties on trial have been cut from the transcription, as they are auxiliary to the testimony and trial.]
[a cry as a set of plum wings comes into view, followed by a scuffle with the mentioned druid. Its shrieks echo and fill the air. Eos' hard breathing is heard as she runs.]
Fakhir: Almira, you need to get out of there. That creature's being fueled by some sort of energy source, and it's not getting any weaker.
Eos: What now? [a pause] Get me something, Eaghan!
Fakhir: It's cutting off all potential paths. It looks like it's cornering, or pushing you somewhere.
Eos: [obscenity, redacted]
Mbari: You're coming up on another storage room. Something big is in there.
Eos: [a scream, followed by cries]
[the helmet is thrown onto the ground, the camera is aimed at a blank metal wall. No other visuals on Eos, GS, or the druid come into sight.]
GS [unnamed Galra Scientist]: So you're the rat they sent.
Eos: A griffon.
GS: Beautiful, isn't it? But vicious, and unwilling to cooperate. Just like everything else on this planet. [a pause] Did you see my masterpieces?"
Eos: You mean those wings? You're a monster.
GS: I still remember how they screamed, how they bled dry.
Eos: Blood is blood. Yours will stain the floors of this room.
GS: Oh, but there's more I'm sure you'd love to hear. Don't you know that it was your king himself who sent you on this mission?
Eos: Lies!
GS: Yes, who among all the military had the capability to see this silly offensive through? Who is the most capable of outwitting the enemy? The king saw you as the biggest threat, and through to cut you off from the army like an arm from the body. Even you cannot keep up with the druids. Your king, and every king before him, have been collaborators with ourselves. To ensure your peoples' survival, all we ask for are mere tributes, sacrifices. Of course, they were all for the advancement of civilization. Their deaths were not in vain.
Eos: The king would never!
GS: What are a few sacrifices when compared to an entire peoples? Your peoples, may I remind you? Your king speaks for the people, and thus humbly submits to us.
[a pause]
Eos: Tell me. Did the king give you the one with the plum wings?
GS: Ah yes, the young woman. Khayin was most upset about having to trade her over, but that was the price for hiding Voltron. Shame, too. She was most vicious when we came to tear her wings from her body, but it mattered little when she lay dead on the floor.
[assumedly, Eos stabs GS with a dagger. A blast of lightning follows]
[edit: Druid addresses the downed GS; his comment was unable to be picked up by the equipment due to distance and noise level.]
Druid: My mission is to kill the girl. There was nothing concerning your safety. [a pause] Cease your struggle. Death is imminent.
Eos: I am no stranger to death.
Druid: You may be a master of the wind, but your skills pale in comparison to mine.
Eos: The wind has no master, and I am but a steward.
Druid: Then face your fate.
[the recording pauses]
En: If it pleases the court, we will skip the majority of the contents of the battle. There is little to offer in content until Almira picks up the headset after recovering from passing out.
Par: We will skip to the next portion as suggested.
En: Skipped time portion is one varga and fifteen ticks.
Par: Let it be noted for the record.
[the recording picks up at a later point. The camera bobbles, assumedly the moment when Eos places the device back on her head. A crack is noted across the camera, although it does not obscure and detract from the image. The griffon is visible.]
Eos: Hello?
Mbari: Oh thank the gods. We thought you—what is that?!
Eos: It's the griffon. He's a friendly little guy.
Mbari: That's anything but small, Almira.
Eos: Status update. What'd I miss?
Mbari: It's rough, but we're still rolling. Thanks to our Galra friend's admission, we were able to issue warning to all strike teams. They sustained a few casualties, but they pulled through. The primary operation had commenced, and there've been a few difficulties. Eaghan was called back to the other room almost as soon as we lost contact with you.
Eos: And for me? Where am I needed?
Mbari: Nowhere, right now. I guess they really didn't think you'd make it out. I'll get orders for you.
Eos: There's no need. Return to the command room, Ten. Thank you for your work.
Mbari: I don't understand.
Eos: Don't worry about it. Just get me the best route to Altaira so I can get a piece of the action."
Mbari: I'll alert the commander to your arrival. How will you get there?
Eos: I'll improvise. Don't worry.
Mbari: Affirmative. Be careful, Captain.
Eos. Thank you, Ten.
[end of recording]
Par: Thank you for your piece of evidence, General En. Lord Sal, you may ask your questions, if you have any.
Sal: General, I'm still having a hard time believing the words of a Galran, even if they were on file.
En: While we do have his words on record, that is not the primary reason why I bring this piece of evidence.
Sal: Please explain.
En: The court has ruled that Captain Almira absconded from duty in the field. It is here on file that Captain Almira had no orders following her mission. She therefore did not abandon the field, by definition.
Sal: General Naois was alerted of her imminent arrival.
En: Ten Mbari is not a ranking officer that has the capability of giving Almira orders, and my right hand Eaghan Fakhir was not in the room. On the record, Captain Almira simply asked for a map route to Altaira.
Sal: Check the record.
[a moment, while the record is checked. Verified]
Par: The record has verified General En's words. By this fact, the accusations against Almira Eos for abandoning her duties will be reviewed by the committee during our next break. If you have any more questions, Lord Sal, then speak.
Sal: I have no more questions.
Par: Any parting comments, General En?
En: I urge the court to consider the facts laid before them, and to wait to pass judgment on Captain Almira until His Highness Eaghan Fakhir presents his materials.
Par: In light of recent events, the court will adjourn for the day. Tomorrow will begin once again at 0800, with His Highness Eaghan Fakhir giving testimony in the defense of Almira Eos. May the gods go with us in grace.
[end of transcription and recording]
.
The release of the chamber had been chaotic with nobles and other various attendees alike trying to grab a hold of the Voltron paladins and their Altean partners. Everyone wanted to congratulate them, thank them, ask their opinion on the trials, each desperate for the attention of the planet's newest celebrities. Shiro had dragged their quintet through the crowds as quickly as possible, trying to catch up with one person in particular.
"General Jin."
Thankfully, the hallway here was less crowded. The gentleman in question turned at his voice, shoulders relaxing almost imperceptibly at the figures rapidly approaching him. Still his face was guarded, although he offered a pleasant smile that seemed genuine enough. "Paladins. It is good to see you, although I wish the circumstances were different."
Shiro grimaced. "We'd like to have a word, if possible."
Hard eyes darted around the hallway before returning to the group. With a curt nod, Jin subtly motioned for the group to follow him, intending on walking as far away from prying eyes as possible.
The courthouse held many rooms, but the largest and most grand had been made available for what was quickly becoming the most notable investigation of the century. It was filled with nobles and armed forces alike, high ranking individuals and low, numbering close to a thousand spectators, all eager to learn the truth of the youngest Wind Bender captain's traitorous turn. Most figures continued to dawdle around the courthouse, engaging in discussions concerning the latest turn of events. The paladins and the general weaved through the crowds easily, only a few people noticing their brisk leave of the scene, and none daring to question them.
They made their way to a new building that the paladins had never seen before; it was humble in its façade, a small building that blended with the foliage of the forest around them. At first glance, it seemed to be a small administrative building, most likely housing sixty or seventy workers at best. The walls were lined with various native plants that crawled up the sides and reached for a wooden roof, invoking a peaceful and wistful aura. Upon walking through the sliding doors, however, the dreamlike scape outside was broken; cold hallways stretched in three directions from a main hub, where various secretaries worked fastidiously. Military personnel moved at a brisk pace through the walkways, a few saluting Jin's appearance before continuing on their way. There was a hushed tension lingering in the air as the general led their group to an elevator, pushing a button that sent them hurdling into the ground.
"This is the tactician's headquarters." It was the first time he had spoken since greeting them in the courthouse, but his eyes still refused to meet everyone else's. "Few have seen its true interior."
It was then that a brilliant sight opened up before their eyes, the glass walls of the elevator revealing the interior which Jin had mentioned. The paladins stared in wonder at the new room before them, the elevator continuing its descent.
The space had to be as big as the sparring arena that Arden and Almira had shown them before the assault. A large central space was open to the air, a rich and lush garden growing in the middle of the building. All meeting rooms were inside the walls of the space, about fifteen stories of narrow walkways lining the rectangular space. The top five floors had interconnected walkways high in the air, with the rest of the floors leaving space for the garden in the center. Mock sunlight beamed through the air, giving the feeling that the inhabitants were actually outside as cool air circulated through the room.
The elevator had stopped on the third highest floor, and Jin strode purposefully down one of walkways to the other side of the room. Walking across the room, high in the air, allowed the paladins to gaze down at the garden below, watching the lower hallways fill with life and listening to the hum of voices below. In contrast to the lower levels, the upper levels were relatively quiet, the only distinct sound being their boots hitting the metal ramparts as they followed their guide.
Jin led them into a small meeting room, punching a few commands into a console on the wall as the paladins took their seats around the rectangular table. With the room secured, Jin took his place at the head of the table, heaving a sigh and burying his face in his hands. For a moment he lingered in that position, his guests waiting patiently for him to continue. When he raised his head, he folded his hands in front of him on the desk, eyes for the first time showing the exhaustion from the past few days. "This room is sealed to prevent anyone from entering, and our comments will be off the record." He looked to Shiro apologetically. "I'm sorry to have to bring you this far from the castle. It's the only way we can guarantee that we won't be heard by the nobles and have something brought against Captain Almira."
It was a strange thing to say, and Shiro's brows furrowed, but for the moment he took it in stride. Gesturing to Allura across the table, he began formal introductions. "General Jin, this is Princess Allura and Coran of Altea."
The general nodded solemnly, acknowledging the newest party members. "We are honored by your presence here in Fleogas."
Allura had already entered her diplomatic mode, sitting up straight and returning the gesture with a smile. The rest of the paladins had already given a run down on whom they could and could not trust, and it was heartening to speak with someone who the paladins trusted. "Thank you. In the past, our people were connected and held strong bonds with one another. I hope to regain those bonds in the future."
For the first time in days, Jin managed a smile. It was weary, the corners of his lips almost rebelling against the action, but it was nevertheless heartfelt. "We could all use more alliances and connections in the future to come."
The group allowed the warm sentiment to linger in the air for a moment before Jin pushed back to the reason for their meeting. "I'm guessing you have many questions about the entire situation." For the moment, Shiro's question was ignored as Jin got to the point of their meeting. "You are trusted allies of both Almira and Arden. I'm also guessing that your sources of information haven't been very forthcoming over the past few days."
"Yeah, how'd you know?" It was Lance that spoke up this time, his face both showing surprise at Jin's assumption along with disappointment and confusion at the situation. "Soon as we got back from the operation, we weren't allowed to see Almira, and Arden went missing as well."
"Something seems fishy about all this." Pidge piped up from further down the table, leaning forward on her forearms as she looked at Jin. "This investigation and trial doesn't seem right either."
Jin nodded solemnly. "You would be correct. This trial is a testy subject, due to the nature of the involved parties. At the bottom of the situation, a member of the royal family murdered the King. The action should call for an immediate execution for treason."
The group flinched. A death penalty was not something to be taken lightly. Keith leaned forward, pressing the commander to continue. "So what're the complications?"
Shaking his head and heaving another sigh, strong eyes lingered back on the hands in front of him. "They could not immediately accuse Almira, since the cause of death was a finishing blow by the talons of the griffon. But when she admitted to forcing the griffon on the King during her trial this morning, that set the nobles off at her again."
"But the King was the mole!" Temper bursting through, Keith clenched his fists on the table. While the exclamation was sudden, the paladins were all inclined to siding with their fiery companion. "You had evidence of that!"
"A verbal testimony from a Galran scientist." Jin shook his head again, looking apologetically at the fire in the young boy's eyes. "You must understand, the nobles have been searching for years for a way to take Almira out of their sight."
It was a fact that the group was already well acquainted with, and their shoulders sank at the realization. Almira and even Arden had not hidden the fact that the youngest princess and captain was despised by the stubborn egos of men, seen as a usurper of the peace as a driven and ambitious woman. She had lived in a world that sought to take her down; now, finally, they had a chance. Keith recalled that one afternoon he had spent privately in her company, sipping bitter tea and eating sweet cakes as they watched the sunset, her molten eyes never looking more alive than in that fading light.
It's a grudge, mostly born toward my mother. Few people actually know that I'm the daughter of the third queen; most believe that I was an orphan that the king pitied and took in. Those that do know like to hold their superstitions against me.
It was enough to take some of the fire out of Keith. He knew that this was more than just a trial; this was the moment that the claws of the nobles were sharpened against the mouse, who did nothing but stand nobly in their presence, awaiting her death. It made so much more sense, now that he connected the situation to the deadness in Almira's eyes as she gave her testimony. His hands relaxed from their clenched position, laying on the table. "And she knows it too."
Allura crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes gazing aimlessly at the table as her voice mused half to herself. "It's strange. I've never met her, but something seemed wrong. With Almira, and her testimony, I mean. She seemed…" At this she trailed off, her eyes raising to meet Shiro's, who sat across from her. His own eyes burned with hurt as he finished her thought.
"It's like she's already given up."
"I agree." Jin added to the conversation, mind recalling the events of the past few days. "Arden was there when she woke up and gave her testimony to the court reporter. He said that she didn't try to fight any of it. Her spirit was already broken."
It was almost impossible to imagine. In their company, Almira had been the confident, unshakable leader that the rest of the military built her up to be. She was charismatic, cheery; imperfect, as her violent temper and fight with Arden had proven, but a trustworthy ally whose top priority was her home and country. Never would they have associated her with a broken spirit, a lone soul whose drive and desire had fleetingly ascended and departed from her body. And yet, each individual in the room was forced to recall her trial.
She had stood on the podium, unflinchingly, save for the moments where she had broken at being forced to recall the hall of wings and when she was forced to divulge the name of the king as a traitor. Golden eyes seemed flat, lifeless, dead to the world. Watching her testimony had been like watching a lamb being led to slaughter, only there was the additional knowledge that the lamb had placed the noose over her neck herself. If it had been any other situation, under any other conditions, Almira would have played with the nobles, taunting them almost in her clever manner. She would have fought back, knowing that she was right.
But in this moment, she knew she was right; she had killed the king, and the nobles would descend upon her live body like scavengers to a dead body. In her mind, she was already dead.
"Wait wait wait, let's back up a second." Hunk's hands moved enthusiastically in the air as he tried to process his thoughts, bringing the conversation back to its core. "So even if there's record of the king being a mole, the nobles still won't believe it?"
This time it was Allura who spoke, looking at Hunk to address his question. "It's not that difficult to imagine. Why would they believe the words of their hated enemy?" Blue eyes turned back to Jin, who watched the princess carefully. "Especially if they have an ulterior motive."
The general nodded. "I believe that you are now caught up to date on the events of the trials." Looking between Shiro and Allura, a new light began to rise in the eldest man's eyes. "Now I must tell you where we stand." Posture straightening, he looked around the table as he continued. "Many of us here in the military particularly refuse to let her stand on her own. Even her elder siblings have demonstrated support for Almira, although Alastrine less openly, due to the fact that he has begun his ascension and must keep the nobility in check and in his hand.
"Because of their high ranks in the military, Arden and Prince Akil have been too busy with casualty checks and repairs for their divisions to spare much time. As such, I have ordered Eaghan to undertake the task of mounting her defense." His confidence coming back, the general was once again in his domain, ever the tactician and offensive coordinator. "My testimony today was actually an act to stall the proceedings. Eaghan was originally going to show the tapes during his testimony, but he needed more time to gather evidence regarding the King's treason."
Leaning back in his chair, Jin looked at Allura. "If we are successful, we may be able to avoid a death sentence. But we may need your help in collaborating for an alternative solution."
The Altean tilted her head in confusion, but nodded. "Of course."
"Once the trial is over tomorrow, head back to your lodgings, regardless of the outcome. Wait for one of our men to come and get you."
Silence filled the air, and Jin shifted in his seat, almost uncomfortably. There was something else unsaid, and the truth was ready to tumble from his lips. "Another thing. You must know that the recordings presented today were edited from the originals."
Sounds of protest rose, but they were half hearted. The entire situation was confusing, and the knowledge that Jin was providing only seemed to clear up some areas and add more questions to others. Still, Shiro pressed on. "Wouldn't that be illegal?"
"I agree with Shiro." Allura's countenance was solemn, her moral radar directing her words automatically. "If you are caught, the implications for this case could be disastrous."
"Only if everyone finds out. Trials require the absolute truth, but what is not asked or questioned does not need to be given." The general's eyes hardened once again, his face turning deadly. "You must understand that we did this in order to preserve Almira's story as much as possible."
"And what," Allura pressed on, "is her story? We have not heard anything about her account of events from when she killed the King."
"We're all in the dark." Shiro sided with Allura, although more gently. "Please, tell us everything that you can."
Jin was conflicted; that much was certain. The paladins, and by proxy the Alteans, had been friends with Almira and Arden, and on that hand had a right to know. They had already proven their dedication to stand with the white haired captain, even sticking up for her after learning of her traitorous actions. By law, they had already proved that they cared more for Almira than even most of her own family, and it was a sad thought to recognize. But regardless of their friendship or not, this was an internal matter. This was a case to be dealt with by the Fleogans, and they alone would decide Almira's sentence. No matter how well intending the paladins of Voltron and their allies may have been, there would be no testaments from them, their voices silent with eyes watching in fear.
Heaving another sigh, Jin made his decision. "I will not provide you with all the details. Only Almira holds the true story of all that happened, and I believe it is her right to give that account by her own will. But," he continued on, "I will give you her account of what happened upon arriving at the castle, and what she has said about the kings-slaying."
Cobalt eyes glittered. "Remember that I only give you this because I believe you are worthy and are able to keep a secret. She gave this account to Eaghan, who gave it to me as his commanding officer and collaborator in the act. Listen well, and if you are wise, keep your mouths shut."
AN: I felt like trying a different genre of writing, since I didn't want to describe the entire interrogation in detail. But hey we're almost getting to the end! And we're almost at 70,000 words… that's kind of terrifying.
I promise I'm not dead. Do I feel like dying? Absolutely. Will I? Absolutely not. There is too much coffee to be had in this world, too many cats to pet...