The fourth day of the tribunal bloomed ripe with possibility. Sun was shining, birds were chirping, Musume was only swearing with every third word and spending the rest of the time convinced that someone was whispering to her. (Admittedly, she was otherwise fine but the constant muttering – audible or otherwise – was putting her in a foul mood. It was just another in the list of excuses that she would dredge up.) Even the many media reporters were growing accustomed to the constant streams of 'no comment' that would come from both sides of the legal battle and lessening their incessant questions. It had all the makings of a good day. Then Akiza made the mistake of checking in on the SRC legal time.
"Kamikawa's furious." Like the innocuous ICC group silently observing the process, the SRC was rotating out members to keep anyone from burning out and Akiza didn't know the name of the specific lawyer she was talking to. Only Kamikawa was keeping himself present all day, every day. "Apparently, someone on the tribunal called in Ogino. She'll be first up."
"That's hardly fair on her." Even ignoring the fact that she was on compassionate level to treat a friend, Ogino was in Poland. Time difference meant that she was seven hours behind and approaching 2 AM. Even if the tribunal began instantly, she would be long overdue for some sleep of her own. "Do you know why she's being called?" But the tribunal was operating in its own set of rules and hadn't seen fit to inform them. Calling on the head of the SRC medical staff held dire tidings for their case and the lawyer was quick to join the table down on the floor.
"I'm worried." After a day of listening to dry science being reported, redacted and reported again, Akiza was almost grateful to the surge of emotion that greeted her as she took a seat.
"Why?" Unlike that other days, her friends were spread out over three rows. The Signers were ranked out on one, Din and Koharu sitting just below and the rest of Akiza's SRC friends just above. Crow was sitting to her left and asking the question.
"They're calling in the head of the SRC medical division." Spotting a new figure down on the bench below, she grabbed Crow's arm so suddenly that he would soon be checking himself for friction burns. "Crow." Speaking in that painfully calm voice that women used right before shit hit the fan and the fan was thrown at someone's head, she stared without blinking down at the tribunal bench. "I'm going to have to ask you not to let me rip that bastard apart."
"Is that Streiter?" Grabbing Akiza by one shoulder, Crow leaned heavily as Luna acted as another anchor on the opposite arm. "What's he doing here?" Din was saying all the wrong things and risking murder in the offing.
"How do you know him?" Incandescent rage was practically glowing off her as inaudible thunder rumbled.
"I heard he pissed you off." Rising to his feet on the chair, Din could easily launch himself over about three rows with ease. There were only five between him and the open area below. He could be launching an attack in two leaps. "Thought that I should do a little digging myself." If his barbaric antics and tone were anything to go by, Din would have preferred to dig the young man a grave and bury him in it. Maybe even kill him, if the mood was right. Luckily, any aggressive notions were prevented by the appearance of Ogino being projected onto one wall as the tribunal began for that day.
"Dr Ogino." Looking over at the ghostly outline, Hiraguchi seemed old friends with the image on the wall. "You look well."
"A bit tired. Couldn't this have waited until later?" Brusque as ever, Ogino was able to see the courtroom through a grainy camera hastily erected against the wall she was being projected on.
"It is more convenient if we could get our questions out of the way early." As Hiraguchi continued as if Ogino was more accepting and less grumpy, Akiza remembered her previous job: Minister of Health. It was likely that they had interacted during her political career. "Just a few routine enquires. As you are the head of an SRC department, there is nobody who could fill in for you."
"Let's just get this over with." Currently being in a different country with different customs and living in a general state of political indifference, Ogino was sipping from a mug that either contained juice or something a lot stronger. "What do you want to know?"
"In your professional opinion, do you have any objections to Dr Fudo?" Scowling out across the massive distance, Ogino replied in a slow drawl.
"No. Not a one. He's an aggravating, overly confident idiot but that's no different from everyone I work with these days." Her brand of snark was a curious middle ground between Din's insults and Yusei's charm. Everyone was offended but so accustomed to it that they barely noticed.
"I guess that we can skip asking for your personal feelings." Dr Undercliff seemed to have found a fast ally. "What about medically? Is there any reason that he could potentially be deemed unsuitable?" Moving in for the kill early on, he sensed blood in the water as Ogino squirmed beneath the weight of the question.
"You do understand that confidentiality prevents me from"
"Dr Ogino." Breaking into the conversation with flashing eyes, Yusei would accept no lies on his behalf. "It is late where you are and there is no need to keep you up longer than necessary. You have my express permission to share whatever information that you deem appropriate." Up on the screen, the squat face tried to grapple with the idea that he was trying for subterfuge. It would make sense for most people to try and conceal information but Yusei wasn't 'most people'.
"... Under Yusei Fudo's personal request, he has been assisting me in doing research into a unique neurological condition for the last six years." Confused mutterings spread throughout the crowd. Why would Yusei – with a background focused on particle physics and Momentum Reactors – be asking to assist on a neurology case? Physics and biology were about as different as Jack and Crow. "During deep REM sleep, the subject would suffer intense seizures which have yet to be fully explained. No other symptoms have yet manifested nor has a permanent solution yet been found." With the truth flowing out, Yusei leaned back and closed his aching eyes again. Every opportunity was being taken to nap and he could rely on one of the many lawyers to nudge him awake if he started to drift off.
"And just who is this subject?" Of course, smarter minds in the crowd – mainly those belonging to the SRC – had already started to piece together the truth of the matter. Even as her boss and immediate superior, Yusei would have no authority to override doctor-patient confidentiality. Unless Ogino's patient had given her explicit permission to reveal themselves. "Who could be so important that they warrant the attention of the former Minister of Health and Yusei Fudo?"
"The subject at hand is Yusei Fudo himself." And the world went mad. Cameras flashed, screams of outrage could be heard from outside the building and even Trudge growled at being kept from the loop. As the geographically closest friend, he felt that Yusei could have confided in him a bit more.
"Are you telling us that Dr Fudo has been suffering intense seizures every night for the past six years?" Streiter looked unpleasantly like he was enjoying himself. Had it not been for her pre-existing hatred, Akiza would have started to plan how to expose him. Right now, she was toying with how to dispose of a body and if she should ask Musume for help.
"Dr Fudo has mentioned a habit of refraining from sleeping at least every other night." Looking down at the tiny figure on her monitor, she wondered just what sort of plot Yusei was brewing. Even after eight years, nobody at the SRC could match the depths of his planning. "However, I have reason to suspect that he frequently sleeps as little as twice a week."
"You previously mentioned that no permanent solution has been found." At least Dr Burrell seemed to be refraining from joining the hunt for blood. "Can you describe what sort of treatment plan you are following?"
"During his own hours, Dr Fudo has been researching his condition and contacted a few colleagues who were able to help him in the construction of a device to minimise the effects of his condition." Of course, the neural inhibitor! For just a moment, Akiza felt a surge of hope. Having a terminal condition was nothing to worry about if there was a treatment to keep it in check.
"Our records indicate that you have been on compassionate leave for a while." Streiter was still trying to pry open any sort of crack in the argument that he could find. "So, who has been treating Dr Fudo while you have been absent? Or did he think it unnecessary to inform anyone other members of staff about his illness?" True enough, the circle of knowledge was small. All three members of the SRC who knew were listening to the conversation. Only two were able to wait patiently.
"I've been treating him!" Already with his eyes closed, Yusei winced. There was no mistaking that level of determination, even if his ears were chopped off. It was the same irrepressible flame that had burned through to his dungeon in The Facility. In the privacy of his own mind, he silently started screaming in panic. At least the law had to follow rules. Akiza seemed skilled in finding ways around them.
Elbowing Crow aside and levering around Luna, Akiza seemed fit to burst with righteous rage as she stalked down to the podium below.
"I think that we've kept you up long enough." Exhausted as he was, Yusei knew that Ogino was undergoing deeper emotional turmoil than he was, having to care for someone who may not make it. "Thank you, Dr Ogino. I'm sure that you will receive a full report later." As much as she wanted to watch Akiza first-hand, Ogino was also wise enough to recognise an easy out when she needed it. Reaching out, she closed the laptop and vanished from the interaction as Streiter leered down at the new witness.
"So... I'm sorry, is it 'Dr' or 'Miss'? We seem to have documents going either way." Standing up in front of all those people and hearing that particular insult spread out across the world was almost more than she could safely control.
"A computer error caused my qualifications to be temporarily thrown into question while my hard copies were lost during the move back here." Against all odds, it had been Yliaster who had actually helped her back onto the course she had set out on. "Since they have been returned to me, you should have no difficulty using my official title." Streiter twisted his face as he struggled to contain his fury.
"For the record, can you state your position at the New Domino Scientific Research Centre?" Of course, he would use the full title. Anything to remind Akiza that he had stolen the role once promised to her.
"Part of the medical staff. I ensure that the physical and psychological well-being of assigned staff members are upheld." Eyes turned to Din. Everyone believed that he was more usually a source of stress than he was a victim. "When appropriate, I assist in their research projects.
"And you are currently trying to cure Yusei Fudo?" Streiter was obviously going to get her to admit to practising medicine at a time when she wasn't legally allowed to. If he did, Akiza would face jail time, Yusei would lose his friend and the tribunal would make great strides into taking Yusei down.
"No." Inspiration and realisation struck faster and heavier than lighting.
"Pardon?" Taking off his glasses, Streiter sneered down from on high. "So you deny records clearly proving you are researching his condition?"
"Not at all." This was just one more Duel in the game of life. Yusei being the King of Games didn't mean his friends couldn't hold their own at his side. "My job is to ensure Dr Din stays healthy and I assist him in researching the condition itself. Yusei being the first known affected is immaterial. It just means we can get readings at regular intervals and keep an eye on his condition at most times."
"A fine line." That was right. Get angry. Streiter was a mediocre doctor and a poor gambler. Not worth her time. "Then you have not attempted to administer any cures as yet?"
"Any competent doctor would understand that finding cures for such a delicate condition takes considerable time." Oh, how easy it was to turn the tables. Strieter may have taken the job promised to Akiza but now she had more respect than she would have done, was doing ground-breaking research and potentially saving hundreds of people in the future. Working at the SRC was an impossible dream for somebody like him. "Our research currently has several potential avenues to investigate but the study has not yet provided a definitive cure." Which was not to say that they didn't already know of one. As long as nobody dug further into the issue, they would be fine.
"Sounds like you might be neglecting your patient." Gasps actually sounded. To say a doctor was neglecting a patient was the most serious claim that could be levied. Outrage was quick to spread through the gathered members of the SRC. Koharu needed one more sentence to let Din off his leash and two more to give herself a reason to join in.
"Maybe you should have yourself examined." Eyes widened as she refused to flinch. Sensing that implacable aura, almost all of her colleagues quietened down. For the safety of everyone in the building, Koharu was keeping Din pinned into his seat with one heavy robotic hand and keeping the other tightly across his foul mouth. Two options were open: stop trying to scream insults or pass out as his nose failed to provide enough air. "As I previously stated; Yusei Fudo is not my patient. And my record is spotless, unlike certain people I can name." To have mentioned a name would have been dramatically unprofessional. Leaving it at inference meant that reporters would latch onto the juicy story once news of the trial began to fizzle out. Nothing like a bit of political intrigue to grab headlines.
"I think that we've heard enough for now." Stepping in before Streiter could say something to jeopardise their case, Dr Burrell went noticed only as a voice as reason with everyone else glaring down the hated fraud. "Thank you, Dr Izinski." Finally running out of air, Koharu gently propped the slumbering Din against her prosthetic body. Sheer hatred had kept him screaming longer than was biologically probable. "A short break is in order. One hour?" Checking with Hiraguchi for confirmation, Dr Burrell received the permission she needed.
"There was no way to expect that." Letting Jack terrify people into keeping their distance, Crow was trying to keep Akiza from exploding. Having managed to calm Musume down from an almost apocalyptic fit of rage in Paris, he was the most experienced person to keep her from wreaking righteous vengeance on the slimy figure of Streiter. "Ogino was meant to be on the other side of the planet. At least Yusei chose to reveal his condition." It was a small victory in the face of the overwhelming blow that had just been struck. "Look on the bright side. It can only get better."
As the sensation that eight decades of time to learn that certain phrases should be avoided at all cost settled in, Akiza felt the usually reassuring buzz of her phone shake through one pocket. Wordlessly grasping the device in one hand, she gripped it tight enough to threaten the integrity of the device. If it was bad news, she would be ordering a new handset. A message was waiting on the screen. This one was a lot more unpleasant than all the previous ones combined.
Obake has evidence that might help. Nobody had seen Obake since his silent departure back in America. There one minute, vanished into the evening crowds the next. Now that somebody was pointing out his existence to her, Akiza wondered if he was even back in Japan.
"Where is he?" If she left right away – traffic not being an option with gridlock around City Hall making it impossible to move – there would be just enough time to reach the SRC and come right back. Presuming that Obake was even back in the country, he could just as easily be in one of the many corridors in the network of utility tunnels as he could eating ramen in a restaurant near the sea. Unfortunately, no further assistance came from the unseen ally. They seemed to know information that she didn't. Hopefully, they wouldn't have given her any that couldn't be used.
"Jack, Crow," If there had been more time and fewer witnesses, she may have sworn. A lot. "Start at the east of the building and work your way back here. Leo, Luna, take the tower in the middle and work your way down. I'll take the west wing." It was a lot of ground to cover and she was unsure if they would be able to find someone as unobtrusive as Obake. "Work as quickly as you can but make sure to be back here before we have to go back in." With a task to focus on, her levels of anger were starting to ebb away for a more appropriate time.
In the end, it was Akiza who encountered the innocuous figure. Limping down a corridor in the direction of the courtroom, he was leaning heavily on a medical walking stick that Akiza recognised from her days of assisting with physical therapy back at Dian Keto.
"Obake." A bitter sigh ghosted his lips as the angry man recognised the voice coming from behind.
"What is it now?" Turning around, a metal rod was carefully positioned between both feet. "Another secret to destroy what little life I have left?" Sensing the onlooking group of her friends from a short distance behind, he gripped the handle tighter.
"Why do you have a cane?" Their relationship was growing increasingly strained so Akiza avoided the baited enquiry.
"People tend to frown upon those wearing blindfolds and seeing where they're going." It was easier to pretend to be blind and just get on with business with a pair of tinted sunglasses covering his eyes. "What do you want?"
"Is there anything you can think of that could help Yusei's case?" There was an incredulous pause. Then Obake carefully negotiated his way over to the edge of the corridor with Akiza following close behind.
"My eyes aren't the only reason I'm using this cane." Gently opening a gap between two buttons, he brushed a view to where the stab wound from America was still healing over. Stitches were holding the fissure closed but it was a poor job and hurt more than he was letting on. "Bad things happen to me every time I get involved with you people." Tucking the shirt back into place, Obake could still feel a dull throb with every heartbeat. "Your friend locked me in the dark for six years just so that he could make a point. There are few reasons for me to help him." A flash of inspiration struck Akiza just as he turned to leave.
"Steam pipe!" It had been the cane that had done it. It covered up a tiny limp from where the last stages of healing in his leg were still taking place. "If it hadn't been for me, you would have bled out."
"You think you saved me?" There was a cruel scowl on his face as Obake faced her again. "I could have easily pulled out that shard and patched up my leg alone. Instead, I used it as an opportunity to help impress the friend of my 'saviour' to her new boss." It went a bit deeper than that. For a pipe to burst just when it was being repaired was the longest of odds. No, the incident with the pipe had arranged by someone.
"Still," It wouldn't do to back down now. This was Akiza's best chance. "I helped you. You owe me for that." A long pause went by as Obake considered the words. Even though he could have survived without her assistance, Akiza had still put herself on the line to try and help him.
"Maybe... There is something I can do." One thumb stroked the hard handle of his medical stick. "Nothing to bias the trial. Once the evidence is entered, it will be up to the tribunal to decide how to use it." Hardness entered his pose again. "After this, we're done. Signers, scientists, whatever. Your group has nothing on me and I owe you nothing. We're square." If she had known the full implications of her deal, Akiza would never have extended her hand.
"Fair enough." Straightening up as much as he was able, Obake glared from behind the veil of his glasses as he shook the offer sealed. "You have a deal."
"Then I guess I will see you in there."
With the break over, members of the public were quick to filter back into the stands overlooking the courtroom. There was little reason. By the time that the last seat had been taken and the doors closed, Kamikawa stepped out into the empty space in the middle of the distance between the SRC table and the rows of tribunal members. Professional sparks flew as he looked up at Hiraguchi. The two were arguably the leading members of their profession but some said the Minister of Justice had grown rusty in legal practise while others claimed the political manoeuvring kept his senses sharp. Whatever the reasons, sparks of professional rivalry had flown between the pair all week.
"Media will now be asked to leave the room for security precautions. Similarly, anybody without adequate clearance will be asked to leave as well." It had happened a few times already for the trial – when they had gone over several SRC experiments the day before – but this one was right after Akiza had asked Obake for help. Exactly what evidence could he have that was so important? "Dr Undercliff." Turning to the tanned man who had been sitting quietly near the centre of the lower row, the lawyer looked not even the slightest bit apologetic. "As this will touch upon internal SRC matters, you have been requested to remain outside until the proceeding is completed."
"Typical." Sending a polite look in the direction of Yusei, it was clear that the CERN scientist was less than pleased with being kept in the dark. "Right when things were getting interesting." Rising to his feet, clenched knuckles cracked against the table.
"You will, of course, receive a suitably redacted report once the evidence has been fully presented." Soothing Undercliff's displeasure with a few calm words, Hiarguchi waited patiently as a few more faces followed the CERN scientists from the room. Carefully watching the list of departed, Akiza noticed how none of them belonged to the ICC faction. Whatever angle they were playing, their members had received clearance to hear everything that went on in the courtroom. "Presenting character evidence for the accused is... Obake?" Nobody else involved in the trial was listed anywhere as simply as he was. No last name, no title. A few people assumed it was some sort of moniker. Like 'intern'. Or 'janitor'. Just a blank face in the background.
"That would be me." Limping down the stairs came that unsettlingly pale figure. Uneven steps carefully drew him up to the podium, inclining his head towards Yusei as they passed one another. "Professor Fudo."
"Obake?" Something akin to dread entered his being. Last time that he had spoken with Obake, it had been in the middle of a disturbed glade where he had ended dangling from an enraged grip. Not the best note to continue from.
"Mr Obake. We are told that you have sensitive information to add to the proceedings?" Grabbing the folder he had tucked under his right arm, Obake carefully positioned in along the exact centre of the podium as he looked up at Hiraguchi. Those glasses concealed a lot.
"It's just Obake. And yes, I do." Sliding open the front cover, he spread them slightly in case he needed to refer to the contents. It was a delicate matter that he was about to explain. If he spoke out of turn, it was likely that the day would end with the SRC hating him, the tribunal handing him a prison sentence and Yliaster taking an increased interest. Although, it was practically certain that at least one of the three would happen by the end of the day.
"Under the guidelines for cohabitation and inter-personnel relationships," There was a literal room for the unabridged manual of the SRC. It covered just about every eventuality and what to do in those circumstances. "It was deemed unsuitable for both Akiza Izinski and Yusei Fudo to reside at the same address for a substantial duration without the intent of either person seeking out alternative living arrangements. An IA2-48 investigation was started with the intent to ascertain their relationship and determine if it would cause interference with their responsibilities at the New Domino Scientific Reserve." So many legal terms could be misleading and confusing to the average person. Luckily, Obake had a good measure of the average idiot. "To paraphrase: people or persons were concerned their relationship may become an issue so it was put under a microscope." Mutters sounded around the remaining members in the hall. With a majority of them members at the SRC, they were seeing this news as a betrayal of their leader. Especially when practically none of them had any idea who Obake was.
"Can you explain what form of investigation it underwent?" Playing the part of a blind man very well, Obake turned to the voice with the question. It was one of the ICC assistants.
"Both subjects were observed under a variety of circumstances both while at work and outside it. In order to avoid the possibility of either tampering with the results or 'putting on a show', neither was officially informed of the IA2-48 investigation." Meaning that Akiza should pretend very hard that she hadn't been told by Din what was going. "All possible precautions were taken to minimise the risk of either subject becoming aware of the investigation."
"How long was the investigation underway?" That was a much more dangerous question. It was clearly no coincidence that this evaluation was coming to light right in the middle of a trial.
"Dummkopf!" Muttering under her breath, Akiza watched as papers were rustled through for a precise date.
"What?" Both Jack and Crow knew enough words in various languages to get by and that was not a nice one.
"The investigation only started after the Pegasus Trinidad Tournament." Which meant it would have only been active for the one week that they had been back at work. Crow had been busy in France and reporters had been a constant thorn in the rest of their sides. Any observations would have been tainted by the stressful circumstances of avoiding the media. "It could only have been on for a few days. They'll dismiss it out of hand."
"Apologies for the delay." Finally locating the correct piece of paper, Obake ran a finger through the text. "The investigation officially began on July 8th."
"That's sounds a bit longer than a week." Jack's narrowed eyes were searching out a reason for the discrepancy. Officials along the bench were also trying to pin down the date.
"That's a lot longer than a week." Leaning her arm between herself and Crow, Akiza scrolled back through the calendar on her phone. It was far easier to pin down what had happened when she could see a few days at once.
"Approximately how long had the two been working together?" Dr Burrell was taking the lead on the questions again.
"At that time, they had minimal interaction."
"You said the investigation officially began on July 8th." Back to the idiot who had screwed up the dates to invalidate the fake bank transfers which had taken place. Akiza was really starting to hate that member of the ICC. "What about unofficially?"
"Paperwork was filed on July 5th. That was the earliest that an assessor could have been selected." Anyone who had been looking into their relationship before then had been doing so on their own time.
"Scheiße." Coughing to cover up her insult, Crow nudged Akiza to remember that she was in the middle of legal proceedings. Swearing – in German or any other language – would not reflect well on the case. Not after Din had already been on the stand.
"What is it?" Stowing her phone back away, she tried to put on a professional face through her anger.
"July 5th was my first day working at the SRC." Now that she had a date to work from, she could recognise the significance of the one just a few days later. "July 8th: First time that I met Obake." Not counting the incident in the lift.
"Oh." Then Crow put together the rest of the inference. "Oh, scheiße." Jack took a moment longer. His mind didn't operate in terms of espionage as easily as his brother's.
"We probably should have been a bit nicer to him." It was sounding more and more like they had been under observation since the very first time that Obake had met them all. He had been so unassuming that Jack and Crow had barely noticed his existence. Even Leo had paid barely any extra attention to someone who had spent so much time around his sister.
"Are you saying that the IA2-48 was ordered on the same day that Akiza Izinski started working at the SRC?" Merely being in the periphery of Yusei was enough to be put under scrutiny. Any hope of remaining her own person vanished the instant that question hit the public.
"Records state there was concern due to their pre-existing relationship." A mouth on the lower bench opened to phrase a question. "Platonic, not romantic." The mouth on the lower bench closed without speaking. "The IA2-48 was set in motion as a precautionary measure to gauge any ramifications."
"Is it true that they are currently living together?" Only crushing Crow's arm beneath one hand was keeping her rage in check. These questions had gone beyond realms of enquiry and started to invade their privacy. And they were asking a person who had lost all reason to keep their trust.
"Both personnel files list the same residential address." And everybody could see what the next question was going to be. "Again, indications suggest the relationship is platonic and not romantic. City records record minor repairs done in recent years. Plans show several rooms." It was almost shocking how forthright Yusei could be. Fixing one floorboard was fine, replacing several squeaks had required submitting detailed plans to the city council. "Multiple people have previously lived at the address." Extensive research had clearly been done.
"Were there any instances that you believe could have posed a danger to either party, the SRC or members of the public as a result of the relationship?" Luna leaned forward in her seat as she watched the man who had almost been her friend process the question. Two years on the run, tortured and chased around the world. Six years hidden away, every trace of a life obliterated. "Mr Obake?" Being smashed in the face with a sheet of reinforced wall when Musume woke up, getting stabbed by Team Wrecker. "Do you need to hear the question again?" Proof that Yliaster wasn't actually crazy. A world-shaking manifestation of the Crimson Dragon. Realising the joke his life had become. There was no way to guess which way his next words would tilt the trial.
"It's just Obake." There was no reason he should lie for them. "And I was fully considering the question." Maybe sabotaging this tribunal would be enough to earn a reprieve in the eyes of Nanashi and his followers. It had been made clear time and again that the Signers didn't even think about him except when he was either in the way or something to be dealt with. "The final verdict of the IA2-48 evaluation states there is no evidence that either party showed any indications that they would treat the other significantly different than they would any other member of the New Domino Scientific Research Centre whilst at work. It also found no evidence to indicate that their work would suffer in any form." Might as well pull out all the stops at this point. Yliaster would be angry anyway. "Conduct of all parties was beyond reproach during the entirety of observation. There is no reason to suspect their behaviour had changed during this time and it is expected to maintain this high standard for the foreseeable future." A round of applause overwhelmed attempts to restore order while people who had seen Obake multiple times but couldn't pick him from a line-up applauded his delivery.
"Do you have any reason to contest these findings?" Scan the speaker. Not widely known. Middle-aged, possibly passed over for promotion several times if that bitter resting face was anything to go by. Good chance of being planted there by Yliaster.
"SRC guidelines prevents releasing the identity of an IA2-48 assessor in cases where that assessor remained anonymous." It was a non-answer of the most mediocre kind.
"That does not answer the question." It appeared Yliaster was going to extend an opportunity to retract his statement. Or maybe they were just seeing shadows where there were none. "In your opinion, is there any reason to suspect that the report might be incorrect in any way at all?"
"The guidelines of the New Domino Scientific Research Centre forbid releasing the identity of an IA2-48 assessor in cases where that assessor remained anonymous unless in cases of potential security risks." It was a more explicit answer this time and Akiza suddenly realised why her mysterious contact had told her to ask Obake for help.
"I think," Dr Burrell was swift to put a cap on the conversation before it could spin into a shouting match. "That will be enough. Before we take a short break to review this information," Meaning they would be picking out what was too dangerous to be shared with the public. "Just a couple of minor clarifications." Most people believe that understanding the cause of a fear diminishes that fear. Most people are idiots. Akiza knew that Dr Burrell was more intelligent than many people on the tribunal and any questions she had would be some of the most difficult. "When was the IA2-48 report submitted?"
"August 9th." Four full days after they had returned from America. About ten after he had discovered the truth. Surprising.
"How fortunate." Dr Burrell was not speaking of the revelations. That same day was also one week before Yusei's arrest. There was no way to claim it was a ruse to earn him points with the public. "And who requested the IA2-48?"
"An anonymous report was filed by a person who was concerned about the potential ramifications of the two working together." Anonymity cut both ways. It meant that potentially important information could be collected yet with no way of finding out from where. "As with the assessor, their identity is not contained within the file."
"Hmm." Akiza didn't like the way that eyes were turning to Yusei. Worse, she couldn't help thinking the same thoughts as those people up on the bench. "Considering the extreme complexity of the medical files submitted earlier, it would be best to take a short break and give everyone a chance to rest. We'll reconvene in the morning." With that early end to events, people streamed for the exits once again. Dr Undercliff glowered from the doorway used by members of the tribunal as Yusei was taken away for the evening once again.
Outside the doors to the courtroom, the group hurried to catch up with the retreating witness. Even though the SRC were grateful to him for helping Yusei, he was still an unknown quantity by many. So unknown, in fact, that many of them had already forgotten what he looked like and failed to notice him walking past. For a man with a limp, he was making remarkable progress.
"How long have you been investigating us?" Flanked by Luna and Crow, Akiza presented an impressive image. It went to waste against the intense apathy that turned to meet her.
"Remind me who's on trial here? Because I don't think it's me." People streaming past was just added emphasis. Yusei was still being kept inside. One of the many SRC lawyers had carefully whispered that he had been allowed to walk about the open floor provided he made no move towards the exits. Hiraguchi was still keeping his distance but making sure to keep them in the loop.
"How. Long." A cool stare came from behind those glasses.
"What makes you think that I arranged events this way?" It was a surprisingly tense question. Obake was hunted by Yliaster. He had been overlooked by the Signers. Few people even knew he existed. Yet he had somehow been put in charge of deciding whether Yusei's relationship with Akiza was a risk to the SRC. "If it hadn't been for his reaction just now, one might have assumed that Prof Fudo assigned me the task."
No, that didn't quite fit. Arranging a cover story to protect his family might be the sort of trick Yusei would pull yet choosing Obake made no sense. He had been trying to protect the young man. There was no reason that he would for Obake into the spotlight where Yliaster would be sure to find him.
"Let me know if you find any answers." Leaning as little as possible on his cane, Obake turned to limp away. "I like to keep a list of people who screw with my life." Aside from Yliaster and Yusei, it was a short list.
"Why didn't you fail the investigation?" While her family had approached him face-on, Jack and Leo circled around from behind. Leo was trying to be as intimidating as Jack. It was adorable how ineffective it was. "You could have."
"Facts are facts." Tilting his head to look at Leo, the aggressive posture was noted. A tiny twitch ran at the left corner of Obake's mouth in a slight smile. Even he was amused at the attempt. "There was nothing to be gained from lying." Not once he had already filed the report. When he had been standing up in front of that tribunal, he had fully realised exactly how much pull the investigation could have brought. "Excuse me." Stepping out from between the pincer manoeuvrer, he carefully shuffled off down the hallway.
"I don't get it." Breaking out of formation, Crow took a few small steps after the figure. "What does he get out of this?" There was another angle that suddenly struck him. Something about a finger running over the fading line on his neck as he loosened his tie. "Or who's got him under their thumb?" Yliaster could get to anyone. If Yusei went away, so did Obake's protection. They could easily have agreed to let him go free in return for condemning Yusei to his fate.
"That doesn't matter right now." Putting aside the ramifications of Obake's actions for the moment, Akiza chose to focus on more pressing matters. "I'll get in contact with Kamikawa and see how to approach telling people about Yusei's condition. Jack, Crow," Divvying up different aspects of how to prove that Yusei was managing his condition perfectly well – and constantly repeating the urgency not to discuss details – she carefully listened to feedback before politely telling Crow that his ideas were about much use as a knife in a missile fight and Jack was welcome to go and boil his head.
While the Signers continued to discuss how to proceed, an unseen observer slowly let out a sigh of relief. That last question from Dr Burrell had been dangerously close. Slightly different wording could have revealed far more damning information than an anonymous report. Anyone could lodge a report but only a few could send it through the system. Who had requested the review was nowhere near as important as who had ordered it to actually take place.
'It can only get better' - particularly if you review ;)