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Built To Last

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While I would love to read an in depth court trial, I am hesitant about it because I worry that it will stall the story.
 
I am absolutely going to enjoy reading the in depth blow-by-blow of the whole thing but you should absolutely make it skippable without losing much. Treat it like the interlude from hell or you might lose some of your less patient readers.
 
We Just Write said:
C: We're working through the legal intriciacies of the trial, and they're fasconating. Is it ok if we go really in-depth on the proceedings, or would you rather we skim over it?
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My recommendation is both. Skim over it in the Threadmarks but put a more detailed version in the Sidestory or have a TLDR in the Sidestory to simplify it down for those that don't want to read the in depth proceedings.
 
Either is fine.
for the typical audience here i would go with the middle of the road for how indepth you do it. And maybe add a few extra sidestories if any parts feel like they could do with a bit more coverage later.
 
why not skim over it in the main story while also having the details available somewhere for those interested? you could put the details either in a spoiler at the end of the chapter or in a informational so people who want the details like me can read them after finishing the chapter. if you put it in an Informational post then you could write it in a way so that it is like we are reading the transcripts of the trial. entirely up to you either way though.
 
If you are unsure which option to use you could always do both. The main chapter could skim over the details and then do a side chapter from the POV of maybe the PRT or lawyers that goes really in-depth on the details of the case. If you have the time of course.
 
you could skim over the arrest and trial in the main story and do a side story covering the trial trough some other characters pov
would be interesting to see it from the view of emmas mom or sister
 
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A Decision on the Trial
  • Voting
    • Z: What we're gonna do is have a detailed explanation of how the trial goes down and why without actually writing any prose for it. Gonna make occasional mention of the proceedings in the narrative after that, but not really go super in-depth on the events in the courtroom unless it becomes relevant for some reason.
     
  • Voting
    • That seems like it will be a good balance of informative and entertaining. :)
     
    Great story, interested to see what they'll think about the information they managed to finesse from the shard transfer. In this case the mind shielding is a saviour, considering that both Cauldron and Zion would only have inclinations about what happened.
     
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    Investigation 4-2
  • Threadmarks
    • Digging through the massive pile of data was… slow, just because there was a lot of it. On top of that, the vast majority was in a variety of exotic compressed file formats that we often had to invent software just to open, and then iterate that software to make any sense of it. I had a sneaking suspicion that the detail about shielding our brains was accidentally interpreted by our power, before it realized we weren't supposed to know that.

    We'd barely gotten a few dozen files of the way in by noon, but even what we'd managed to make sense of already was painting an extremely concerning picture. As far as we could tell? Parahuman abilities came from another dimension. As in, all Parahumans had an interdimensional connection in their brains leading to whatever machinery actually made the power happen.

    Furthermore, our own experiences and the data I'd managed to squirrel away both supported the idea that powers had agency, and they didn't necessarily have our best interests in mind.

    Melissa was a bit more cynical than me on this point, guessing that powers were actively malevolent, judging by all the bad things that had happened to Earth Bet since Parahumans started happening. Meanwhile, Earth Aleph had avoided the worst of those effects, while also having vastly fewer Parahumans.

    Just before noon, I managed to parse a very surprising file. Basically speaking, it was a flight log. A flight log that started from well beyond the orbit of Pluto, shuffled through several different realities, and eventually impacted on an uninhabited Earth.

    "Melissa, I think powers came from space."
    When we took a break from data cataloging to have lunch, Melissa figured that she might as well see if the stuff relating to Winslow had hit the news. The answer was a VERY firm yes; in fact, the photographs of the inside of Taylor's locker were apparently receiving international news coverage.

    As for arrests, the majority of the people of interest were rounded up at Winslow when a shit-ton of law enforcement people more-or-less stormed the place. Though Sophia had tried to do a runner, she didn't get very far; all her attempt to escape managed was getting her tased in the butt. Also, Madison had started testifying against the other defendants pretty much immediately.

    Really the only one who got any noticeable distance was Principal Blackwell, who'd gotten in her car and started driving south basically the instant Melissa left the premises. As of lunchtime, her precise location was unknown, but she wasn't likely to get very far considering the all points bulletin out for her arrest.

    "You know, it's almost like Blackwell knew about all the shady dealings going on, and was prepared to run for it a long time ago."

    Melissa contemplated that for a moment,

    "You know, I think you're right. Bet you an ice cream date that she gets charged with some variety of financial crime."

    "You're on. I'll get an ice cream date with you either way."
    With most of Winslow's staff being arrested and the building subsequently failing inspections, they would obviously be closed for the foreseeable future. Which meant that the entire student body found themselves in a sort of limbo as the municipal government tried to figure out what to do.

    Which meant our follow-up meeting with Mrs. Cobbler and the Heberts wound up getting delayed until Wednesday. We'd managed to parse our way through about a percent of the data by then, but nothing that drastically changed the (very concerning) picture we were looking at.

    When we showed up, Sarah Cobbler had bags under her eyes. She'd definitely not been getting enough sleep. I was actually tempted to offer a synthetic body out of sympathy, but the death glare Mrs. Cobbler shot me before I could even speak put a stop to that idea.

    As we all sat down, Mrs. Cobbler sighed.

    "The last two days have been complete and utter chaos, as far as school options go. Keeping on top of it has been a massive headache, but things have finally stabilized enough to clearly state that Taylor can go to either Arcadia or Clarendon without any real issues. Immaculata is strictly speaking an option if Emmy and Ruggedizer foot the bill, but I can't in good faith recommend it at the present time."

    Taylor had a slightly concerned expression as she asked,

    "What happened?"

    "The school's staff were having an outdoor winter break party when a van full of drunken ex-Empire goons went flying off the road at highway speed. Three of the teachers were found dead on the scene, and quite a few more are still in the hospital in critical condition, including the principal and her secretary."

    Melissa winced in sympathy, Taylor's jaw dropped in shock, and Danny's expression was grim. Figures; even after eliminating the massive lineup of powered nazis, their mooks were still causing problems.

    After a moment, Danny asked,

    "Between Arcadia and Clarendon, which school would you recommend?"

    Mrs. Cobbler nodded and got some files out.

    "In terms of educational outcomes, the two schools are on a roughly even footing. That said, there's a couple other points in favor of each. Clarendon is closer to your home, the Docks, and the factory. Meanwhile, the PRT is offering some incentives for Taylor to go to Arcadia; presumably so they can have the Wards discreetly keep an eye on her."

    Taylor tilted her head in confusion.

    "What sorts of incentives are they offering anyway? I thought the local PRT was rather cash-strapped, and I haven't heard anything about them messing with the trials."

    Mrs. Cobbler shrugged,

    "They've apparently been able to free up some funds after the Empire's cape roster got demolished. They're offering extra tutoring to make up for the sabotage you suffered at Winslow, all school-related expenses covered including bus passes, and what basically amounts to a five hundred dollar monthly allowance for Taylor until she turns 18."

    "Being completely honest, I suspect they're trying to hide something and this is effectively a bribe to not look into things too closely. But it would do a fair bit to help make up for what happened to Taylor, especially the tutoring."

    We all thought about it for a few moments, before Taylor eventually answered.

    "You know, I think I want to go to Arcadia."
     
  • Threadmarks
    • We Just Write said:
    Really the only one who got any noticeable distance was Principal Blackwell, who'd gotten in her car and started driving south basically the instant Melissa left the premises. As of lunchtime, her precise location was unknown, but she wasn't likely to get very far considering the all points bulletin out for her arrest.
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    i knew that blackwell would run if she had the opening to do so
     
    Fortunately for the PRT, their continued interest in the Taylor Hebert case is easily explained by both her being rescued by a parahuman and the high likelihood that the PRT are considering her to be either a parahuman or someone enhanced by a parahuman. Thus they are monitoring the situation and even offering some support services. They can even take part in the investigation due to these without ever having to disclose to the public that a Ward had been one of the primary instigators.

    After the investigation is concluded, the PRT might approach the Heberts with a more formal private apology in hopes of garnering continued good will with known friends of a respected independent Tinker in good standing. While this probably won't result in the Wards gaining Taylor as a new member, just doing the right thing will increase the odds of their not alienating Ruggedizer and reduces the chances of Taylor herself becoming a villain that the local PRT would have to worry about.

    After all, Taylor's new body is a Reliabuilt product and is thus Built to Last. Better to not potentially have to face whatever Ruggedizer chose to build into it in the first place if playing nice lets them dodge that bullet...
     
    Last edited:
    We Just Write said:
    L: Purity didn't show up on account of not strictly speaking being on the Empire's roster at the time. Though this fact wasn't known and/or believed by the general public.
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    thanks, wanted to make sure because while she is still a nazi to a degree, she is trying her best to leave.
    with max dead everything that prevented her from leaving brockton is gone, she could even go to the prt and tell them everything to hopefully get a new chance at life somewhere else
     
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    Notes on the Trial
  • Sidestory
    • Defendants charged:
    • Sophia Hess: 1st Degree Murder, Unlawful Imprisonment, Several Counts of Assault, Several Counts of Larceny, Several Counts of Destruction of Property, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, Conspiracy Charges for the above, Resisting Arrest. Tried As Adult!

    • Emma Barnes: 1st Degree Murder, Unlawful Imprisonment, Several Counts of Assault, Several Counts of Larceny, Several Counts of Destruction of Property, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, Conspiracy Charges for the above. Tried As Adult?

    • Madison Clements: Several Counts of Larceny, Several Counts of Destruction of Property, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, Conspiracy Charges for the above. Turns State's Evidence; Tried as Minor.

    • Principal Blackwell: Criminal Negligence, Embezzlement, Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Fraud, Tax Evasion

    • The rest of Winslow's staff is a chaotic mess of finger-pointing, negligence charges, and plea bargains.

    • Sophia's Handler (not publicized): Criminal Negligence, Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Fraud.
    Trial Setup:
    • Sophia, her handler, and Blackwell are considered a flight risk, and receive no bail.

    • Emma gets out on bail. She is immediately sent for a psychological evaluation at her defense attorney's recommendation. The summary of said evaluation basically amounts to: this girl is fucked in the head and needs serious help.

    • Madison's bail is really cheap on account of turning State's Evidence.

    • The defense waives their right to a speedy trial, the prosecution doesn't. The trial date is set for February 1st.

    • Difficulties finding jurors who've been living under a sufficiently soundproof rock delays things until the 9th.
    Opening Statements
    • The Prosecution summarizes their case quite clearly: Sophia, Emma, and Madison engaged in a vicious campaign to ruin Taylor Hebert's life, culminating in her vicious murder in the locker, which was only survived due to Parahuman intervention. Blackwell and the Winslow administration were criminally negligent in allowing this to take place. Also Blackwell did a bunch of financial crimes.

    • The defense for Emma and Sophia claims that the evidence is insufficient to prove that Taylor was murdered or tormented by the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. They also claim that Emma is not culpable for her actions, as she was legally insane (incapable of telling right from wrong) for most of her time at Winslow.
      .
    • Blackwell pleads guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence. Quietly, she also throws Sophia's handler under the bus.
    The Prosecution Presents the Following Evidence:
    • The recordings of Taylor getting shoved in the locker, clearly showing Emma and Sophia doing it, along with Madison's tangential involvement. The defense challenges these recordings as being illegally obtained, but the legality and admissibility of the recordings is quickly proven. The jurors are provided with barf bags for viewing the recordings; a few of them need it.

    • The Medical Examiner's autopsy report of Taylor's corpse. Even aside from the flute impalement, Taylor's injuries would have been life-threatening, even with immediate medical attention. Several extremely nasty strains of bacteria and fungus were also found in the wounds.

    • The undeniable fact that Taylor's locker was turned into something absolutely horrific. A couple of the unfortunate public sanitation workers who had to clean up that mess are called in to testify, along with a microbiologist detailing all the horrible pathogens that were growing there. A few more barf bags are filled.

    • The testimony of Madison Clements, who corroborates the protracted bullying campaign, the willful ignorance of the school administration, etc. Though she also notes that the flute becoming a pair of impaling spikes wasn't in the original plan, at least not as she was told it. Madison's story holds up on cross-examination.

    • Taylor's bullying journals, which largely corroborate Madison's testimony. Some of the journal evidence is ruled inadmissible in court, while other parts are kept.

    • The dismal results of Winslow's building inspections, which largely agree that it would be cheaper and more efficient to tear Winslow down and build a new school on the lot than to fix everything wrong with the current building. Asbestos, black mold, problems with the boiler, the list just goes on and on.

    • Winslow's financial records; both the "cooked" books that were shown to the school board, and the accurate records that Blackwell kept for her own reference.

    • Testimony from assorted Winslow students and staff about all the low-level shit that kept piling up in the course of the school's operations.
    The Defense Presents the Following Evidence:
    • Taylor is alive, and therefore cannot have been murdered. This throws a wrench into proceedings that takes a good four days to sort out, with the only other legal precedents of similar situations not quite being applicable. Eventually it is ruled that as Taylor left a corpse behind she was murdered, but she isn't legally dead on account of, you know, not being dead. A bunch of extremely precise wording is used to avoid implicating Ruggedizer as a defendant, since everyone agrees that would be incredibly wrong morally, not to mention flatly incorrect.

    • Emma's psychological evaluation indicates that she may be unfit to stand trial, and was quite plausibly legally insane for most of her time at Winslow. This is found to be logically coherent, and the prosecution can't manage to poke any major holes in it.
    Closing Arguments
    • The prosecution rips most of the defense's avenues to shreds, thoroughly proving the validity of over 90% of their very damning evidence.

    • The defense manages a very compelling argument that Emma is not culpable due to insanity, but is forced to concede most other points.
    Jury Deliberations and Verdict
    • The Jury deliberates for a solid five days, before eventually delivering unanimous verdicts on the various defendants (not counting those who plead guilty):

    • Sophia Hess: Guilty on all counts.

    • Sophia's Handler: Guilty on all counts

    • Emma Barnes: Insane.

    • Assorted Winslow Teachers: Mostly guilty; Mrs. Knott was found innocent. Took the longest, just due to the sheer number of defendants.
    Sentencing
    • Sophia: A 251 year prison sentence. Quietly the PRT takes over at this point and shuffles her off to a high-security prison for Parahumans, though notably not the Birdcage.

    • Emma: Go directly to the mental hospital. Theoretical possibility of release someday.

    • Madison: Juvie until 18, followed by a lengthy term of community service.

    • Sophia's Handler: 6 years in prison, permanently blacklisted from government jobs.

    • Blackwell: 2 years in prison, and an obligation to pay back all that lost tax revenue.

    • Assorted Winslow Staff: Mrs. Knott keeps her teacher's license.
     
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