The LP Turnabout: A Documentary on Japanifornian Law with Phoenix Wright

[morsrattus]

: You were spying on him, weren’t you?
: “Spying”…?
: You snooped on him, and found out about the embezzlement. Then, when you revealed it, he was driven to suicide!
: Mr. Lawyer. I know nothing of this. And, even in the highly unlikely event that I did do such a thing…
: All I would have done is provide “information.” That is not a crime in this country.
: (Gah! This guy’s as cool as a cucumber…!)

: You were blackmailing him!
: Blackmail?
: Not just him, either. You were threatening and coercing hundreds of others! You were involved in all of the suicide cases that Mia investigated! This company is built on blackmail! I’m right, aren’t I?
: What a bizarre accusation. Mr. Wrong…
: What is it that you should be doing now? Investigating me?
: No no no. I think not!
: You should be searching for the one who killed Miss Mia!

: Mr. Wrong will be leaving now.

: You are absolutely right. I should be looking for the killer now. And actually, I’ve done better. I’ve found him. He’s sitting right in front of me.

: You’re wrong, Mr. White.
: Excuse me?
: What I should be doign now is going after you!

Convergence.

: Just what are you insinuating?
: Mia was on to you. She was keeping tabs. For this reason you had April May tapping her phone. Then, Mia was murdered, and all the documents about you mysteriously disappeared. So, the culprit would be…?
: …
: Even a child could work it out, Mr. White. You did it!
: …

: We won’t be needing an escort for Mr. Wrong. Instead, please conncet me to the public prosecutor’s office.

: Hello. Chief Prosecutor? I’ve changed my mind. I want to testify tomorrow.
: What’s this about?
: The Mia Fey case. I witnessed the murder, you see.
: And, thus, as a very important witness, I would like to testify.
: What? Why now? I thought you said you didn’t want to go to court?
: Quietude…! I told you I changed my mind, didn’t I? Oh, and one other thing. Send the police over here right away.
: The man is standing right in front of me. He looks dazed but could be violent!
: What? What man?
: Are you even listening?

: What!?
: Mr. White… this isn’t another one of those…
: Chief Prosecutor.
: I do not believe you are in a position to freely offer your opinions to me, correct?
: I’m telling you to send the police, now!

: … Did I not tell you, Mr. Wrong? You are a mere lawyer!
: As was Miss Mia.
: How dare you!
: I’ll point the finger at you, and you will be tried as Miss Mia’s killer! The case is as good as settled. No lawyer of any worth will defend you. I have friends in the local lawyer’s association, you see.
: You’ll be given a lawyer so stupendously inept that they make even you look competent.
: (I… I feel faint.)

: Aaa! Butz! Hairy Butz!
: Wright, actually. Phoenix Wright. And my friend’s name is “Larry”…
: Oh, right! Sorry, pal. Butz was that murderer, right?
: Detective Gumshoe.
: I present to you, the man who killed Miss Mia Fey!
: W-what!?
: Take this despicable human being into custody. …
: Farewell, Mr. Wrong!

: My trial begins tomorrow. White’s going to set a trap for me. And the prosecution will be in on it, of course. Edgeworth, included. An attorney was assigned to me by the state, yesterday. I refused. I had an idea.

: Wright! Mr. Wright!

: Great, they let you out of detention.
: Just now, yes. It’s all thanks to you!
: Hah. Now I’m afraid we’ve switched places.
: What? You mean, you…?

: …

: How many people does that man need to destroy before he’s satisfied!? My mother… My sister… And now you!
: This has gone too far! Mr. Wright, please tell me, is there anything I can do?

: Alright, you can be my defense lawyer tomorrow!
: Alright!
: Huh?
: Leave it to me! I am Mia’s sister, after all! Lawyership runs in our blood!
: (Wasn’t it E.S.P. that ran in your blood…?)
: I’d better run to the bookstore and pick up a copy of “Law for Rookies.”

: Well, you could cheer for me in court.
: Cheer for you? You mean… like a cheerleader?
: Huh? Um, yeah, like that.
: Alright! Leave it to me!
: Huh?
: I’d better go get a uniform and some pom-poms…!

: Right. Okay, listen up. I want you to help me break out of here!
: You mean… a jail break?
: Yeah. Tonight’s our only chance!
: Alright!
: Huh?
: Oh, I’d better go get a hacksaw while the stores are still open. Oh, oh! And a rope ladder, and a getaway car! Can you drive?

Convergence.

: W-wait. Wait wait wait.

: I’m kidding! It was a joke!
: No way!
: No really, I was kidding. But thanks. It’s good to know you’re on my side. (And there really isn’t anything you can do for me anyway…)
: But… but I can’t just sit here and do nothing!
: I’ve got to give that man a piece of my mind!
: (Just a piece…?) Okay. Then, come to the court tomorrow.
: O-okay! I’ll be there!
: I’ll show them a thing or two!

: In fact, it’s gotten worse. Lengthy court preceedings are no longer realistic. Beginning a few years ago, a limit of three days was put on initial court trials. Almost all finish in a day. Most with a guilty verdity. I never thought I would end up in the defendant’s chair myself.

: This is it! It’s me or him!

Next time: Phoenix Wright on Trial.

[quote=255 Illinois Comp. Stat. Section 605/18.1]The notice regarding safe reptile-handling practices [shall contain] all of the following statements:
(A) “As with many other animals, reptiles carry salmonella bacteria, which can make people sick. Safe reptile-handling steps should be taken to reduce the chance of infection.”
(B) “Always wish your hands thoroughly after you handle your pet reptile, its food, and anything it has touched.”
© “Keep your pet reptile and its equipment out of the kitchen or any area where food is prepared. Kitchen sinks should not be used to bathe reptiles or wash their dishes, cages, or aquariums. If a bathtub is used for these purposes, it should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected with bleach.”
(D) “Don’t nuzzle or kiss your pet reptile.”
(E) “Keep reptiles out of homes where there are children under 5 years of age or people with weakened immune systems…”
(F) “Pet reptiles should not be allowed in child care centers.”
(G) “Pet reptiles should not be allowed to roam freely throughout the home or living area.”[/quote]

[morsrattus]

(filler to next day)

[morsrattus]

(more filler)

[morsrattus]

Case 2- Turnabout Sisters
Trial #2 - Part 1

: Yeah. One way or another, this case gets decided today.
: Aaa! Ph-Phoenix! Look!

: (Prosecutor… Edgeworth.)
: I received a call from the public prosecutor’s office yesterday.
: ?

: If I raise an objection, I have it on good faith that the judge will listen to me.
: (What, does White have the judge in his pocket, too!?) So… you’re saying I’m going to be guilty. End of story?
: … I will do anything to get my verdict, Mr. Wright. Anything.
: Why… Why!? How can you torment an innocent person like this!?

: How can we know that? The guilty will always lie, to avoid being found out.
: There’s no way to tell who is guilty and who is innocent! All that I can hope to do is get every defendant declared “guilty”!
: So I make that my policy.
: Edgeworth… You’ve changed.
: Hmm? Phoenix! You know him!?
: Don’t expect any special treatment, Phoenix Wright.

: Well… court will be opening for session soon.
: What? But wait!
: Your defense attorney isn’t even here yet! He’s not…
: I’ll be defending myself.

: Okay, let’s do this.

: The court is now in session for the trial of Mr. Phoenix Wright.
: The prosecution is ready, Your Honor.
: The defense is ready, Your Honor.
: Mr. Wright… Are you sure you’re up to doing this?
: Yes, Your Honor. I will be defending myself.
: Understood.
: Very well. Mr. Edgeworth, your opening statement, please.
: As the details of the event are already quite clear to the court, today we will hear the testimony of another witness to the defendant’s crime.
: I see. The prosecution may call its witness.
: (That went far too smoothly!)
: (Why didn’t the judge ask Edgeworth why his witness didn’t testify before!? It’s like… it’s like he already knows why!)

: Mr. Edgeworth, you owe an explanation to the court! Why didn’t this witness testify in the trial against Ms. Maya Fey!?
: Hmph. I’m ever so sorry! Mr. White is a busy man, and besides… at the time, I thought that Ms. May’s opinion was all that would be needed. Again, my sincerest apologies to the court.
: Excellent, Mr. Edgeworth. I appreciate your demeanor.

: (Great. He gets to show off and I get nowhere.)

: (Forget it. I smell a trap.)

Convergence.

: I would like to call Mr. Redd White to the stand.

: Please state your full name.
: You wish to know the title of my personage?

: Er… your name?
: Yes! That is what I said! Oh dear, do my locutions confuse?

: (These two are great together…)
: My name is Redd White. But my friends call me Blanco Nino. I am the CEO, or to use a more common term, the President, of Bluecorp.
: Did you know the victim, Ms. Mia Fey?

: … You were at the Gatewater Hotel the night of the murder?
: Correct.
: And you witnessed the murder from there?
: Ahem. Why tell you what you already know?
: Very well, Mr. White. You may begin your testimony.
: (If I can’t rip this guy’s testimony apart, I’m done for.)
: (Why do I always feel like it’s the end of the world and I’m the last man standing?)
: Ho hoh hoh.

: I hope you have made your peace with God, Mr. Lawyer!
: …!

: Hmm…
: If things occurred as you testify, then I’m afraid the defendant is guilty.
: Very well, defendant… er, I mean, Mr. Wright.
: Your cross-examination…
: Yes, Your Honor.

: How do you know what time it was?
: Because I am always abso-posi-lutely perfect, you know?
: No no no, you’re not getting away with that!
: You are so mistrusting, Mr. Lawyer! So… what was the proper term for “secretary” again…?

: It happened soon after the room service arrived.

: True, the bellboy who brought the coffee saw Miss May.
: But he testified that he did not see you at the time!
: Ahem. This is your concern?

: i[/i]
: Tell us, what were you doing at that time?

: By window, you mean the one directly across from the Fey & Co. Law Office?
: Correct! That is the only window, you see.
: And there you were reading… papers?
: Correct!
: The Gatewater is a businessman’s hotel, and I am a busy man who had business to do!

: A “bedlam”?
: It must have been when you attacked, I assume.
: We see. Continue.

: So you were reading your papers until you heard that sound?
: But of course. I am no snoop, peeping out of windows at night.
: (No snoop? Yeah, right! You’ve made a career out of snooping!)

: S-spiky-haired!?

: What you just said directly conflicts with Miss May’s testimony! Miss May clearly stated that the assailant looked like a “girl”!

: Just what is your eyesight?

: Counting both eyes… 40!
: 40!? Don’t add them together!
: I think the witness is trying to say his eyesight is good.
: (Hey, whose side is the judge on, anyway?)
: And what did you do then?

: What was Miss May doing at that time?
: She had just finished watching a soap opera on the TV, and was weeping openly.
: Did you know she had been tapping the Fey office phone?

: Irrelevant! That has nothing to do with the case at hand!

: Miss May was acting alone when she tapped the phone of this Fey woman.
: You’d make a good politician, Mr. White.
: Ho hoh! After all, I am “El Presidente.”
: Please continue.

: Can you be a little more detailed about that? I think it’s worth knowing exactly what happened.
: Of course! Comprende! I understand!

: You gave chase, and struck her down!
: Are you sure?

: As you know, I am always abso-posi-lutely perfect!
: Perhaps you could change your testimony to reflect this new detail.

: Are you sure about that?
: How many times must I say it?

: I am abso-posi-lutely perfect! End of story!
: (How many times must I hear that?)

: Doesn’t something about that strike you as a little odd?

: Um… “impaction”? Don’t you mean just “impact”?
: Ridiculosity! I think you need to brush up on your language skills!
: (On second thought, perhaps I’d better leave the whole language thing alone…)

And we loop.

: (Did Edgeworth “prep” this guy, too, I wonder? Anyway, I’d better find a weakness in there…)

Have you spotted it?

: Wait right there! Mr. White, you’ve dug your own grave!
: What is this!?

: But that directly contradicts Miss May’s testimony!

: …! Oh hoh hoh. It is simple. You have misheard her.
: I think not. Look at the floor plans…

: She would have been running directly away from the door! She would have been running into a dead end! Don’t you find that odd?

: I did see her run to the left… I did.
: Phoenix… look at his face. I don’t think he’s lying about this one.

: (Maybe he really did see the victim run left…? So he did witness the killing…? Wait a second!)
: Mr. Wright?
: Yes, Your Honor?
: Miss May says “right,” and Mr. White says “left.”

: As Mr. White has testified, Mia ran to the left.
: But… But if that’s the case…
: Why would she run in the opposite direction from the door?
: She did not. She was running towards the door, Your Honor.
: Bwah! Now you’re the one making a contradiction, Mr. Wright!
: Not at all.

: As Miss May has stated, Mia ran to the right after she was attacked.
: What is this? I am not fashioning fabrications, I assure you! That lady ran to the left! I am sure of it!
: Then there can be only one explanation.
: Eh…? And that is?

: Both witnesses are telling the truth. (For once…)

: Er, rather, that does not clear up the contradiction.
: There is one scenario that would explain their conflicting accounts.
: What!?

Convergence.

: Obviously, the witness was not viewing the crime from the hotel!

: Mr. Wright! What do you mean?
: Yes, what do you mean, he was not “viewing the crime from the hotel”!?
: If he was not in the hotel, where could he have been!?
: In the law offices of Fey & Co., of course!

: More specifically, he was standing here!

: This is where he was!

: If he was watching from this point, to him it would appear that she ran to the “left.”
: Please! This is no time for jokes in ill taste!

: Order! I will have order! Anyone disturbing the order of this courtroom will be held in contempt!
: Mr. Wright! What are you suggesting?

: The postulations of the defense are a distortion of the truth, Your Honor!
: Indeed. They do seem a bit far-fetched…
: …

: You provide us with so much entertainment, Mr. Lawyer!
: (What now!? He’s… laughing!?)
: The hilarity of the moment made me remember something… It appears I have been unclear, and for this, I apologize.
: Mr. Your Honor… Might I be allowed to testify once more?
: Very well, let’s hear your revised testimony.
: (Good luck. You can’t fix a broken testimony, buddy!)

: Hmm… That does seem to make sense.
: Will you be cross-examining the witness’s testimony?
: You bet I will! I mean, yes, Your Honor.

: What do you mean by that!

: You Americans, always so impatient! It does not become you.
: (Hey buddy, you’re an American, too!)

: What do you mean “first”?
: “First”? That is what comes before what happens “next.” You do speak English, right?
: Please, sit back, relax. I will try to use simple words for your benefit. First, she ran to the left, and then…

: I didn’t hit anyone!

: I’m not hiding anything!

: The prosecution requests that the defense refrain from interrupting the testimony!
: Mr. Wright, you have been warned.
: (Why’s he mad at me!?)

: What do you mean “next”!?
: “Next” is what comes after “first.”
: I know that!
: Then that is all you need to know, Mr. Lawyer.
: As I said, she turned and made a desperate dash to the right.

: Stop saying it was me!

: But, it was you.

: Mr. Wright! If you claim that it was NOT you, then show us proof!
: (Argh! Can I do nothing right? Nothing!?)
: May I continue?

: So each of you saw different parts…?
: Abso-posi-lutely! That’s right, of course!
: (Where did he pick up that annoying phrase…?)
: Anyway, moving along!

: So were you watching both times?
: I suppose I was.
: And please excuse me for not testifying to this sooner!

And we loop - they actually cut off the last bit of his testimony for some reason.

: What do you think Phoenix?
: I think we’ve got him right where we want him! He slipped! Let him laugh for now. I’ll soon wipe that smile off his face!

Next time: Doing that. But how?

[quote=Louisiana Rev. Stat., Section 4:81]Open betting or quoting of odds; insulting or abusive remarks [related to boxing or wrestling matches]
A. There shall be no open betting or quoting of odds in the club or arena where the exhibition or contest is being held. Whoever does so shall be ejected.
B. There shall be no insulting or abusive remarks made by seconds, managers, or spectators and directed at the contestants. The officers of the club and the attending member of the commission shall at once eject persons who violate this or any other provision of this Chapter.[/quote]

[morsrattus]

Case 2- Turnabout Sisters
Trial #2 - Part 2

: Mr. White!
: The victim died from a “single” blow!

: What do you have to say to that?
: Er… Erp!
: (Now’s my chance to hit him where it counts!)
: Mr. White. Wasn’t it you who told the court you were “abso-posi-lutely perfect”?
: Mmph. I will refrain from using this phrase from now on.
: Your Honor, if you could ask the witness for a new testimony…

: The witness is obviously confused, Your Honor! I would like to request a 10 minute break!
: Yes… yes, quite.

: The witness is confused because he’s lying!

: Very well. If the witness would care to revise his testimony…
: (The crowd’s on my side! No slipping out of this now, White!)
: Mr. White?
: O… okay…

: Hmm. “Thwap” indeed.
: Very well, you may begin the cross-examination.
: Mr. Your Honor… My stomach, you see, it is hurting…

: This is almost over.
: …!

: You heard “that thing fall”? What exactly was “that thing”?
: Huh? Oh… oh, that? Umm… the glass light stand!
: (Right… the one that had fallen over at the scene.)
: Phoenix!

: (Yeah, that is odd. I’ll press further.) Mr. White.
: Huh? W-what?
: You’re saying you saw the glass light stand?
: Y-yes.
: Then change your testimony to reflect that!
: S-sorry. My bad…
: The witness will revise his testimony.
: Okay okay. Of course.

: The “glass stand was lying on the floor”? That’s the first I’ve heard of this.
: Why didn’t you tell us about the stand before?
: W-why? Me? W-well… I was instructed not to… wait!
: One moment! Give me a minute to gather my thoughts.
: I am so… so confused.
: (White’s falling apart.)

: Your Honor! Please, I ask that you do not allow the witness to be badgered any further!
: M-Mr. Wright. Please refrain from badgering the witness…

: Very well. The witness may continue his account.

: “Miss Mia”…? Mr. White, did you know the victim personally?
: No no no, triple no! How would I? How could I!

: I see nothing odd about the witness knowing the name of the victim.
: Mr. Wright! I will not have you harrying the witness!
: (You’re looking a little flustered, Edgeworth!)

: Now before, you said that she was hit before she ran.
: Y-yes, I must have been confused. But don’t worry! We all know what happened now.

: What did you do then?
: I gave chase, of course!

: Mr. White, please try to remain calm.

: Oh… oh right. Thank you, Miles.

: “Thwap”…? That doesn’t sound like the “savage” attack from your earlier testimony…
: Ho! Hoh hoh! Yes, well, I am a man of peace, you see.

Loop!

: Phoenix! He’s getting a lot less talkative.
: He’s probably afraid I’ll catch him on something! (But it won’t be easy!)

What to catch him on, though?

: Mr. White.
: It was impossible for you to have seen the glass stand!

: These are the floor plans to the scene of the murder, yes?

: This is the area you would be able to see!

: Well…? Note that the stand is not within the visible area!
: Well, Mr. White!
: What do you have to say to that!?

: Er… erp!
: Ri… dicu… losity…
: Mr. White.
: If you were in the Gatewater hotel as you claim, you could not have seen the stand before it fell over! In fact, you wouldn’t have been able to see it after it fell, either!

: So, when did you see the stand, Mr. White?
: It must have been the moment that it fell! And the only place you could have seen that from… is inside the Fey Law Offices!

: Mr… White?

: Mr. White.

: You did it, didn’t you?

: (Heh. Looks like we’re about to get our verdict!)

: That’s far enough, Phoenix Wright!

: Mr. White…

: I think the time has come. Shouldn’t you confess your crime now, hmm?
: W… what?

: Ergo,
: confess that you placed the wiretap!
: The w-wiretap!?

: Order! Order!
: Mr. Edgeworth! Explain to the court what you mean by this!
: Distinguished members of the court… Mr. White is slightly confused. Allow me to explain.
: (I really don’t like the way this is headed…)
: As you know, Mr. White is the CEO of Bluecorp. He ordered his secretary, Miss April May, to tap the law offices of Ms. Fey.
: What does that have to do…?
: Your Honor.
: The question is: when was the wiretap placed in the office, and by who?
: No! You wouldn’t!
: Mr. White. In order to place the wiretap, you entered Ms. Fey’s office. Am I correct…?
: …
: !
: C-correct! You are most correct, Miles!

: Yes… in order to place the wiretap, I breached the Fey & Co. Law Offices!
: That is when I saw that accursed light stand!

: Now I’m confused. Please explain to the court what all this means, Mr. Edgeworth!
: Gladly, Your Honor.
: Mr. Phoenix Wright has made his position quite clear. He has determined that Mr. White knew the glass stand was in the office. He has shown that there was only one time Mr. White could have seen the stand: At the very moment of the murder! Thus, Mr. Wright would like you to believe that Mr. White was the murderer!
: I see.
: However!
: It is a fact that Mr. White had been to that office well before the murder took place! He went to place the wiretap! He could have seen the glass light stand then.

: Mr. White! You will testify to the court about this wiretap!

: Ahem. Leave it to me!
: (I… I feel faint.)

: Hmm…
: So you saw the stand before the night of the incident…
: And this is how you were able to identify what had fallen over. By the sound?

: Correct! That is right.
: I see. Very well, Mr. Wright, you may cross-examine.
: (Gah! What am I supposed to do now…!?)
: Good luck, Phoenix…

: D-do you have proof!?

: Miss April May knew the details of Ms. Fey’s phone conversation! This proves that the wiretap was placed before the murder!
: Huh… right.

: Was it really you that went into the office? Or was it Miss May?

: Unidentified fingerprints several days old were found in the Fey & Co. Law Offices.
: Those were obviously Mr. White’s.
: (And if I know Edgeworth, he’s already run a check on those prints…)

: Now, Mr. White. Tell us why you went to the Fey & Co. Law Offices.

: Why did you tap Mia’s phone!?

: This has no bearing on the current case, Your Honor.

: We have a responsibility to protect client confidentiality!

: Why did you notice something as innocuous as a light stand!?
: The light stand was made entirely out of glass. It was quite stylish, so I guess it made a lasting impression on me.
: Such a beautacious thing deserves attention, does it not? That is all.

Loop.

: (Dammit! There’s nothing there for me to press him on! Oh well… maybe he’s rattled enough that I can bluff something out of him!)

However, when we go back through the testimony…

: (Uh oh! Don’t tell me I’ve run out of ammo!)
: Tsk tsk. I’m afraid that’s as far as you go, Mr. Wright.
: The time has come for you to admit your defeat! You fought… honorably.

: (No more… I can’t take this anymore…)
: Mr. Wright? Are you giving up?
: … Y-yes, Your Honor.

: …?
: (Phoenix! Over here!)
: (I know that voice! …)

Next time: ???

[quote=Louisiana Rev. Stat., Section 14:312]No person shall dive or jump off of any public bridge, constructed or owned by the state or any of its political subdivisions, where the object and purpose of the act is to gain publicity.
Whoever violates this Section shall be fined not more than twenty-five dollars, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both.[/quote]

[morsrattus]

Case 2 - Turnabout Sisters
Trial #2 - Part 3

: What happened? … Oh, right… I lost the trial. I was… hallucinating. …

: Ah, you’re finally awake.

: … “Gak”? That’s no way to greet an old friend! Phoenix, I want you to look at me.

: Y-You’re… M-Maya…?

: When you accepted your defeat in court… It appears that was enough of a shock to awaken Maya’s true powers.
: So… Maya is channeling you, Mia?
: That’s right. I am Maya, but I’m also Mia.

: Maya never gave up. You can’t either! That’s what I came here to tell you.
: …! B-but!
: We don’t have much time, Phoenix. Now listen. You’ve already won.
: Huh…?
: You have that Receipt in the court record, right?

: Phoenix! White wrote that, not me!
: So… so what do I do with it?
: Look at the front of the receipt!
: The… front?

: (Looks like it’s from a famous department store. “$1,000.00”… wow, big spender! “Item”… “glass light stand”…! “Date of purchase”… “September 4”…) …! September 4!
: That’s right, Phoenix.

: I bought that stand the day before I was killed!
: Whoa!
: Now, what did Mr. White say in his testimony?

: There you go! I think the court is about to reconvene!
: Go do it, Phoenix! You know you’re innocent, now you just have to prove it!
: Right!

: The court will now reconvene for the trial of Mr. Phoenix Wright.
: Is the defendant… rather, are you alright, Mr. Wright?
: Yes. Sorry, Your Honor. I’m fine now.
: Then, let’s start where we left off.

: Your Honor.
: There is nothing to go back to! The cross-examination of Mr. White is finished!
: All that is required now is for you to pass judgment on the defendant Phoenix Wright!
: Hmm…

: Your Honor! Please, give me one more chance. I promise you, this is the last time I’ll ask you!
: Hmm…
: But, as Mr. Edgeworth has noted, the trial is more or less finished.
: Mr. Edgeworth, do you have an opinion on this matter?

: I say… let us give Mr. Phoenix Wright his “last chance.”
: Very well! You may begin your cross-examination.

: Do you have proof!?

: Miss April May knew the details of Ms. Fey’s phone conversation! This proves that the wiretap was placed before the murder!
: Huh… right. (Gah! I have to show him the evidence Mia gave me!)

That’s about all that changes - that line gets appended to the end of everything,

: See the word “Maya” written in blood…?

: I think not. Look at the other side of the receipt.
: Th-the other side?
: Your Honor. Would you tell the court what is written on the other side of that receipt?

: Well! A “glass light stand”! And the date of purchase… Why, that’s the day before the murder!

: Mr. White. When you allegedly entered Fey & Co. Law Offices at the beginning of September…

: Well, Mr. White? Can’t get out of this one, can you?

: (Uh oh… he’s losing it.) …
: Well, Your Honor. I understand there must be quite a bit of PRESSURE on you.

: But I think you’ll agree you can’t judge me “guilty” under these circumstances.
: ! … Very well.

: Then, that is all for the trial of…

: Not so fast, Phoenix Wright!

: Eh? (What! No way can he worm his way out of this one! Oh wait… I forgot. It’s Edgeworth.)

: There is a certain thread of logic to the defendant’s claims.

: However! There is no concrete proof that Phoenix Wright is innocent!
: i[/i]
: Ergo!
: I would like to request one more day before Phoenix Wright is granted his freedom. I need time to make one more inquiry into this matter.
: Hmm…!
: (Another inquiry…!? This isn’t going to be another one of those “updated autopsy reports”! This guy just makes up evidence as he pleases!)

: (Hmm. I don’t know where he’s going with this. I’d better hold back for now.)
: I see…
: Very well. As there is no objection from the defense, I grant Mr. Edgeworth his extra day.

: Mr. White’s guilt is obvious! There is no need to prolong this trial any further!
: Hmm.
: Well, Mr. Edgeworth?

: If anyone is going to call Mr. White to trial, it would be me, the prosecution.
: I need a day to ascertain whether your claims have any basis in factual evidence!
: Hmm.
: I see. Objection denied!
: Whaaaat!

Convergence.

: The completion of the trial of Mr. Phoenix Wright will be postponed until tomorrow.
: (No! There’s no telling what will happen if I can’t end this now!)

: (Edgeworth is sure to come up with–or just make up–something! And after Mia showed up to help me and all…)

: Mr. Your Honor!
: May I go home?
: Of course. Thank you for your time.
: i[/i]

: i[/i]

: Read this note out loud.
: Mia? What’s this…?

: Your Honor. If I may…?
: You’re quite persistent today, Mr. Wright!
: (You bet I am! My life is riding on this one!)

: Many of them sounded strangely familiar. People in finance, famous celebrities… That’s when it happened.

: P-please, stop! Make him stop! How… how did you get that list!?
: Mr. White. Admit your guilt, right here, right now. Or else this list will be released to the press!

: Case closed, Your Honor.

: Well, I see no reason to continue this trial.
: Mr. Wright?
: Yes, Your Honor.
: You’ve done it again! that was quite a spirited defense!
: Yes, Your Honor. I guess you could say that. (If only you knew how “spirit”-ed it was!)
: Hmm. Well!
: This court finds the defense… Ahem! Rather, the defendant, Mr. Phoenix Wright…

: That is all. The court is adjourned!

: But, congratulations! You’re lucky I was born a Fey!
: I’m lucky I had both you and Maya on my side.
: I’m glad you made it. … Thank you, Phoenix. You risked a lot to help me… and Maya. I won’t forget it as long as I live!
: (As long as you “live”…?)
: … My time here’s running out.
: Huh?
: Maya’s powers are still weak.
: I can’t stay here that long.
: W-what!? No! There’s still so much to say!
: Don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll meet again.
: Ch-Chief!
: Hee hee. I’m not the “Chief” anymore.
: Phoenix? Can you come to the office tonight… say, 9:00?
: The office…?
: I’ll see you later.

: You came!
: Mia…
: I was kinda worried you might not.
: Huh? Of course I came…
: Well then! I’m pretty hungry. How about a burger?
: M-Mia…?
: … Bwah hah hah! You should see your face!
: Mia!

: M-Maya…?

: (Look like… you WERE her!)
: Hmm! I might be able to use that. “Oh, Phoenix! Go to the store and buy me lunch, would you?”
: Uhm, Maya… Why are you here?

: See? Mia wrote me a letter. “Take care of Phoenix for me.”
: Take care of… huh?
: She means the office! This office!
: Someone has to help with the new Wright & Co. Law Offices, right?

: Wait, no, on second thought, let’s make this casual!
: Yo, Nick! Maya here, ready to get down to business! You… don’t mind me calling you “Nick,” do you? It’s a great name! Mia said that’s what your friend Larry calls you.
: i[/i]
: You know what this means? We’re partners!

: It is Maya’s fault I’m here now. But… If it wasn’t for her I’d probably be in jail! “Wright & Co. Law Offices.” It’s got a good ring to it. Yeah! Thanks, Maya!

: (Good luck, Phoenix. I’ll always be here… watching.)

: Huh? Do… what?
: Burgers, dummy! Burgers! There’s a great burger joint just down the street. C’mon! Time’s a wasting!
: O-okay! Wait up!

Next time: Turnabout Samurai

@Louisiana Rev. Stat.

Theft of an alligator is the misappropriation or taking of an alligator, an alligator’s skin, or a part of an alligator, whether dead or alive, belongong to another, either without the consent of the other to the misappropriation or taking, or by means of fraudulent conduct, practices, or representations. An intent to deprive the other permanently of the alligator, the alligator’s skin, or a part of an alligator is essential.

[morsrattus]

(this is filler, and apparently I have a limit to edits???)

[morsrattus]

(i’ll just have to add the links to the top post later I guess)

[morsrattus]

(anyway, case 3 now.)

[morsrattus]

Case 3 - Turnabout Samurai
Investigation (Day 1) - Part 1

Video intro

: The pale moon in the sky cries for your blood!

: The moon? No, it is you who should gaze upon the moon… For it will be the last moon you ever see!

: See you in hell, Evil Magistrate!

: The warriors’ swords gleam and strike in the moonlight! One has fallen… but who? Only the moon knows! Don’t miss next week’s exciting episode: “The Dark Messenger Returns!”

: “See you in Hell, Evil Magistrate!!!”
: Whoa! Stop waving that broom around!
: Oh, Nick! I didn’t know you were here!
: Of course I’m here! What was that surreal show you were watching?

: Young…? Like, how young?
: Umm… 10 years old?
: Then what the heck are YOU doing getting all excited!?
: Hey! I’m only 17!

: Hey! Don’t talk to me like I’m your grandpa or something. I’m only 24 myself.
: Then watch it with me! He’s really cool! And… it’s really popular!
: When they asked grade school kids what they wanted to be, “Steel Samurai” was no.1!
: I really worry about kids these days.
: Gramps!
: Well, the Steel Samurai’s over. I guess it’s time to close up the office.
: I guess… Wish we had some clients!

: Mia’s murder was the talk of the town for some time… But no one paid any attention to the Wright & Co. Law Offices… How am I going to pay the rent this month?

: I’m sure some big client is just around the corner!
: Hmph.

: H-hello? This is Phoenix.
: N-N-Nick!!!
: Maya? What? It’s still early…
: I-it’s the Steel Samurai! The Steel Samurai got arrested!
: Huh? You mean the guy on that show?
: Yes! They’re saying that the Steel Samurai killed a villain!
: … Umm… Isn’t that what he’s supposed to do?
: Yeah, on TV!
: Yeah, on TV.
: No! I mean, he actually did it! In real life! He skewered a villain with his Samurai Spear!
: I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.
: Just come to the office, quick! Please, Nick!

: (Maya’s here… watching television.)

: The actor Will Powers was arrested yesterday. Powers plays the lead role in the popular kid’s show “The Steel Samurai: Warrior of Neo Olde Tokyo.” He was arrested on suspicion of murder. The victim was Jack Hammer, who plays the villain known as the “Evil Magistrate.” His body was found still inside the Evil Magistrate costume. The “Samurai Spear” was also found stuck through the body. Police believe this was the murder weapon, and are investigating further.
: …
: This has to be a joke.
: No, no, no! It’s a nightmare! The Steel Samurai is over! The world is over!

: Yes… Wright & Co. Law Offices. …
: What!? Nick! I-it’s the Steel Samurai!
: W-what!?
: Yes… yes, of course! We’ll be right there!

: Let’s go, Nick!
: Go? Go where?
: They have the Steel Samurai down in detention!
: So what!?
: So, I’ve decided this will be our first case!

But before that, let’s take a look around.

: It’s a nice day outside. The hotel across the way is always full these days. There’s the bellboy, happily cleaning the room.

: Mia’s favorite potted plant. Maya has been watering it so much lately it looks a little… swollen. She’s either trying to make it grow… or she’s perfecting her water torture technique.

: Mia’s desk. Actually… it’s my desk now. Sitting here always makes me feel like a professional.

: A poster of an old movie that Mia liked. I was thinking I should go see it myself. Then I realized that the poster doesn’t actually say the title of the movie.

: There’s a horrendous amount of legal books here. Scarier still is the thought that I have to read all of these now.

And we can chat with Maya. Usually, Maya has some vague advice on the current situation, but I doubt I’ll ever remember to check back in with her between investigation events beyond those that bring us back to the office.

: Well, what should we do?
: What should we do!? How can you just sit there like that!? We have to get down to the detention center and meet the Steel Samurai!
: (Does she want to investigate this case or just do some sightseeing, I wonder? My money’s on sightseeing.)

: We don’t have enough information to make a case yet.
: Just admit it: you don’t have a clue what happened.
: No! We just don’t have enough information!

And the badge…

: You like showing that off, don’t you, Nick?
: (My poor, poor ego…)

And let’s check the Court Record.

Okay, let’s get moving.

: …
: What’s wrong, Maya? It’s him! In the flesh!
: Umm… Is that guy really him?
: Whaddya mean “that guy”? Of course it’s him! Will Powers, our client! That’s him.
: Um, maybe I shouldn’t be saying this…
: But he definitely did it. Murder. At least once. Maybe twice.
: Whoa whoa whoa! What are you saying!?

: Y-yes!?
: Something wrong…?
: N-no! No!
: (This is getting off to a great start.)

: D-disappointed!? Oh, no. Oh no.
: No, it’s okay. This is the real me. When I got the part of the Steel Samurai, with that mask… I decided I would never show my face in public until the job was over. It’s the kids, you know. I didn’t want to wreck their dreams.
: Oh…
: I guess it didn’t matter. So much for dreams. I wonder what they think of the Steel Samurai now. sniff Uwaaah!
: Nick!
: What?
: He’s a good guy! I mean, he’s good!
: Yeah.
: He didn’t do it!
: …

So, let’s get cracking.

: Smile for the camera…

: This guard monitors the visitor’s room. He seems frozen in awe of Will Powers.

: Maybe you could start by telling us what happened.
: Y-yes. Of course. It seems like it was only yesterday. Actually, it was only yesterday. The cast had come down to Global Studios for a run-through. We went through a few action sequences at 10:00 that morning. There was a rehearsal scheduled for 5:00 in the afternoon. But when 5:00 came around, and the staff gathered at the studio… The Evil Magistrate was found lying in a crumpled heap near the set.

: And discovered that it was Jack Hammer… dead! He had been expertly skewered with the Samurai Spear.
: The “Samurai Spear”…?
: Yes, it’s a long spear that I… that the Steel Samurai uses as a weapon.

: Maybe you could explain to me just what “the Steel Samurai” is.
: Nick! How could you say such a thing?
: I-I’m sorry, sir, I apologize for my partner!
: He’s new to this, and a bit OUT OF TOUCH with the world.
: Hey! Who’s “new to this”!?
: No, it’s alright, really.
: The Steel Samurai is the lead character in a popular kid’s show. He walks the streets of Neo Olde Tokyo… Fighting battle after battle against the Evil Magistrate and his minions. Of course, he never really defeats the Evil Magistrate.
: Although… I guess he did defeat him this time… sniff Uwaaah!
: I-I see. (Neo Olde Tokyo…? Who comes up with these names!?)

: Now, where were you on the day of the murder?
: Well, that morning I came to studios at 9:00.

: Rehearsal was to begin at 5:00, but I was a little tired.

: When I woke up, it was after 5:00! I was late for the rehearsal!

: They arrested me on the spot, and brought me here.
: (So he was sleeping the entire afternoon of the murder? Some action hero!)
: What will the kids think? sniff
: I think I should probably check out the scene of the murder…
: Right… Global Studios. I’ll draw you a map.
: Wow! Nick! Let’s go!
: (I’m willing to bet 10 bucks she asks for autographs.)

Naturally, we end with the badge.

: I… I see. …
: (Let me guess… this guy wasn’t the top student in improv class.)

: Wow! So this is where they make the Steel Samurai show!
: Awesome! Aren’t you excited!?

: You want in, you gotta go through me!
: O-oh… s-sorry! W-we’re, um, lawyers.

: And it’s my job to make sure that gawkers like you stay OUT.
: G-gawkers?
: Gawkers! Sightseers! Tourists!!! I know the type. You heard about the incident and came to snoop around.

: Umm… Nick?
: Will I grow up to be like her? Please say “no.”
: I dunno! It’s possible.
: Hey!
: Listen when you’re being spoken to! Youths today!

As always, our first task is to poke around.

: The main entrance to the studio. There was a big scene here yesterday with onlookers pressuing up against the gate.

: An overhead map of the studios. Right from here is the Employee Area. To the left are the actual film studios.

: The computer that runs the studio security cameras.

: The security guard station. That security lady must like junk food., There’s a mountain of it on the desk in there. I can see the computer that runs the security cameras.

: Looks like a studio van. They probably use it to carry around film equipment.

: So, what do you do here at the studios?
: At Global Studios, we make children’s dreams come true!

: No! You were a star!?
: Only a little twinkle between the stars here, I’m afraid, dearie.
: Wo… wow.
: This place has really gone downhill, you know? But 10 years ago, now that was a studio of dreams!
: Hammer was a big star back then too, he was…
: Hammer…?
: The victim, dummy!
: The Evil Magistrate!
: He’s been reduced to playing villains now. Not exactly the best material to work with…

: Can you tell me about Mr. Will Powers?
: He’s not a bad kid, but don’t be fooled by his mask!
: You wouldn’t want him on the silver screen without it, believe me. Little old ladies watching would lose their lunch!
: That’s probably why he thought that the Steel Samurai was his “big chance.” No one thought he was capable of doing what he did to poor Jack Hammer…
: We don’t know for certain that Will Powers is guilty!
: Powers? Of course he’s guilty!
: How do I know? I know everything! That’s my job.

: What kind of person was Jack Hammer?
: What “kind of person”? Oh… if you only knew!
: Jack Hammer will live on in many hearts as the ultimate action hero!

: (Should I have heard of that…?)
: But… there was an accident during filming five years ago. He got an unlucky break after that. Reduced to playing the villain on a children’s program! What’s more, I heard they were paying him peanuts. It’s enough to make you cry.

: Why are you so certain Mr. Powers is the killer?
: I was standing right here yesterday, I was. I was here from 1:00 in the afternoon, to 5:00, when they found the body!
: Now the studio where the murder took place is to the left here. So if you want to go to the studio, you have to pass by me!
: Only one person went by here between 1:00 and 2:30, when the murder took place!
: And… that person was Mr. Powers?
: Yes. I saw him!
: But Mr. Powers says he was sleeping in his dressing room.
: Oh, I’m sure he would say that. He’s no fool! But he was the only one that walked by.
: He’s the killer, you can bet your biscuits on it. Isn’t it about time for you to be heading home?
: There’s nothing to see here. Move along.
: Um, actually, we’re here at Mr. Powers’s request.
: Hmph! I thought you were suspicious lookin’! Show me a “letter of request.”
: And maybe I’ll just let you in.
: This lady here thinks she owns this place, obviously.

Well, at least we have some new Court Record entries.

And a badge, of course.

: What’s that? You giving that to me?
: (Absolutely not!)

So it looks like we’ll have to go back to Will and get a letter before she’ll let us in.

Next time: We do that thing.

[quote=Nevada Rev. Stat. Subsections 642.470, 642.480, on unprofessional conduct of funeral directors.][U]nprofessional conduct includes:

1. Misrepresentation or fraud …
2. Solicitation of dead human bodies by the licensee or his or her agents, assistants or employees, whether the solicitation occurs after death or while death is impending, but this does not prohibit general advertising.
   […]
3. Gross immorality.
   […]
4. Using profane, indecent or obscene language in the presence of a dead human body, or within the immediate hearing of the family or relatives of a deceased whose body has not yet been interred or otherwise disposed of.[/quote]

[morsrattus]

Case 3 - Turnabout Samurai
Investigation (Day 1) - Part 2

We left off having to go get a note from Will before we could get into the studio.

: They all think I did it, don’t they?
: N-no, not at all! Isn’t that right, Nick?
: Right, not at all. At worst, you’re a suspect.
: sniff

: Mr. Powers, you aren’t hiding anything from me, are you?
: W-what? No! I’d never do that!
: Just now you said that you were sleeping in your dressing room after lunch.
: Yes. Like a baby.
: But the security lady said she saw you that day. She says she saw you heading towards the scene of the crime!
: W-what!? That’s not possible! I… I really don’t know what to say! I was sleeping, I promise!
: Mr. Powers, if you want me to help you, you have to tell me the truth. I’m new to this lawyer business, and I need every advantage I can get.
: I know… I-I’m sorry. sniff But, I swear to you on my momma’s grave, I was sleeping. Maybe the security lady only thought she saw me?
: (What did she see…? He doesn’t seem to be lying.)

: Umm… about the security guard at the main gate to the studio…
: Oh, the security lady?
: She’s terrible! She called me “suspicious lookin’”!
: Y-yes… actually, she’s said the same thing to me before. “Take off that mask!” were her words, I believe. She sucks up to all the bigwigs at the studio… But let her see you stumble once and she’ll never let up on you.
: Grr! She’s got some nerve!
: Do you think you could write up a letter formally requesting my representation?
: Of c-course.

: (I just hope this will get me past that security lady.)

Let’s find out.

: Hmm…? Yes, yes. I recognize the bold, childish scrawl.

: To think he would entrust his fate to youths of such unreliable appearance…
: Really!
: Really?
: Anyway, you may pass. But only left from here, toward the studios! No going to the right. That’s the Employee Area.
: “No one allowed inside, pal” were my instructions. The good detective told me himself.
: Hey, hey, Nick.
: Huh?

: Hey! Not bad!

: 50 cents!

: Aren’t you that murderer from the other day!

: Hey pal, you know Prosecutor Edgeworth is all upset, and it’s your fault!

: Umm… so?
: Hey! If he’s depressed, it’s all your fault for doing sloppy detective work!
: !!! … … …
: Um, Detective?
: I think you hurt his feelings.
: Oh no! I… I’m sorry!
: Well, I think his feelings are easily hurt.
: You’re right, pal. It’s all my fault. I can blame other people all I want, but I know the truth in my heart!
: Hey, hey! Don’t take it so hard! There’s always the next case!
: Yeah, I suppose you’re right.
: Hey!
: What exactly are you two doing here?
: Um, well…
: We’re on this case too, pal!
: Huh!? Hey! You can’t just go saying “pal” like that! That’s MY endearing character trait!
: I’d say he’s a character alright…

Let’s take a look around.

: Detective Gumshoe, what’s down the path to the left? It looks like a tree fell down over the path…?
: Oh, yeah. That way’s kind of dangerous. You should stay out, pal. There’s nothing down there, anyway.
: That’s where Studio Two used to be, they tell me. They don’t use it now, though.

: Hey, there’s a camera here.
: That’s the security camera. It takes photos of people going to the studio.
: All you have to do is look at the data and you can see who went where!
: There’s a number plate on the camera… [ST1-307]. That must be the camera ID number.

: I’m a little bushed. Maybe I’ll take a short rest here.
: Hey, good idea, pal!
: Detective! Aren’t you on the case?
: W-well, yeah, but… Hey, us detectives get tired of standing around too, pal!

: There’s a big welcome sign above the path.
: Yeah, apparently the studio’s fallen on tough times. They’ve started letting people in on days they aren’t filming. They make a bit of extra money by charging for admission.
: Huh. You sure know a lot about this place, Detective.
: You know, you could always quit being a detective and work here?
: Yeah! And what perfect timing, with the monkey’s neck broken and all.
: Huh? Just what’s that supposed to mean, pal!?

: The studio mascot. I guess it’s a monkey of some kind. But what kind of monkey has a nose like that? He’s holding a sign in his hand. [Right: To Studio One. Left: To Studio Two.]

: Oh, the wind was pretty strong yesterday, and the head broke off. It took that tree down with it, too.

: The entrance to Studio One. This is the studio where they found Jack Hammer’s body.
: Let’s go in and check it out, Nick! …
: Hey! It’s locked!
: Looks like you need a cardkey to get in. It makes sense that they would want to keep the non-employees out.

Now we can question Gumshoe.

: So, how is your investigation going, Detective?
: Well, it’s… Hey! I can’t tell you that, pal.
: Nick… Maybe you need to be a little more indirect with your questions?
: Right. So, Detective, mind if I take a look at what you got?
: What I got?
: The autopsy report! The latest version, if you please…
: Hmm… right, right. Sorry about what happened last time, pal.

: Why was Mr. Powers arrested?
: Simple, pal! The murder took place right over there in Studio One.
: Now, the victim entered Studio One at approximately 1:00 PM. At that time, there was no one other than the victim in the studio. According to the autopsy report, the time of death was 2:30 PM.
: Only one person went to the studio between 1:00 and 2:30!

: No one else, pal! If you think I’m lying, ask the security lady at the main gate.
: Nick! If that’s true…!
: Anyone would think that Powers did it with that kind of evidence!
: Thanks for cheering me up…

: About the security lady…
: Oh, that sweet old lady. What a charmer!
: Huh? A-are we talking about the same person?
: When I showed her my badge she gave me a donut and some coffee!
: Remember what Powers said. She’s a sucker for authority.
: She even gave me a piece of valuable evidence!

: What kind of evidence!?
: Well, that, er, photo.
: The photo of the Steel Samurai heading toward the scene of the crime!

: See the camera up on that gate, pal?
: The gate? You mean the one with the welcome sign?
: Yeah. Whenever someone walks by, that camera automatically snaps a photo of them!

: Nick, he has evidence! We’re finished!
: (Funny, for someone with hard proof he doesn’t look too happy.)
: …
: What’s wrong, pal? You seem down.
: Don’t look so happy when you say that.
: Oh hoh hoh hoh hoh!
: Umm… We’d like to ask the employees here some questions…
: Sure thing, pal. Go wherever you like. Of course, you’re not going to find any clues I haven’t already found! Hah hah hah!
: (I’m glad someone around here seems to be enjoying themselves.)
: Nick, let’s go! We’ve got a free pass to the place. Now’s our chance to check things out!

And hey, let’s try the badge for the road.

: Uh huh? Don’tcha think it’s a little sad when you have to explain what your badge means, pal?
: Real men show their P.D. badge and that’s that!
: I’ll admit the design of my badge leaves a lot to be desired…
: Maybe it should just be a big “L” for “Lawyer”?
: Hmm… I’m not so sure about that.

: That security lady is in the guard station stuffing her face with donuts!
: I guess all cops like their donuts!
: Yeah, and they’re soft enough she doesn’t need teeth to chew them…
: Hey, you!

: Well? Are you satisfied Powers is guilty yet?
: (Urk! She had to make my life harder by giving that photo to Detective Gumshoe…)

: Why didn’t you tell us about the security photo, ma’am?
: Hmm? Oh, that? I just thought it would be more thrilling to talk with the detective himself!
: These things are important, you know.

: It’s my job to check the photos every day, you see.

: This guard station is in a central position. No matter where you go here, you pass by my station first! Now poor Hammer, he went to the studio just before 1:00. The murder happened right around 2:30, see?
: The only one I seen go through here between 1:00 and 2:30 was Powers himself! The security camera got a good look at him too.
: If he’s not the one what did it, I don’t know who is!
: Maybe… it was you?
: Gyah hah ha hah! Good one, sonny.
: (She thinks I was joking.)

: Was the victim, Mr. Hammer, a popular actor?
: Oh, he was the biggest star in the studio!
: (“Was”? Past tense?)
: Oh yes! He was great as the “Bearded Samurai”!
: That too, yes. He shone the brightest! Back in the day.
: Making a star like him play the “Evil Magistrate”… It’s a disgrace, I tell you! Hammer took it pretty hard, and who can blame him?

: About the security camera…
: Oh yes, the camera.

: Then it snaps a photo! Apparently, it records the time when it takes a picture too.
: But I don’t bother myself with those details. I just view all the photos on the computer over in the security guard station. I check 'em every day before going home, I do.

: Nick!
: This is where they do all the behind-the-scenes stuff!
: Hey! Look! There’s Powers’s dressing room!
: No one’s here this soon after the murder I guess.
: Let’s take a look around!

An excellent idea. There’s no one here to talk to, of course, but there’s plenty to look at.

: The door to the dressing room. It’s not locked.
: Hey, Nick! Let’s take a look inside! Maybe we can find something as a souvenir…?
: What do you mean “find”!?
: You never know! There might be something like… the Samurai Spear!
: We don’t need a spear! (And that’s the murder weapon for crying out loud!)

: There’s a sign on the dressing room door. “Mr. Will Powers”… it must be neat to be the star and have your own room like this.

: A window into the dressing room. The glass is frosted, so I can’t see inside.

: Let’s see… cola, candy, chips, gum… Huh. It’s so… normal. I was expecting some cool theme snacks or something. Popcorn, at least!
: W-wait! Look! “Samurai Soda”! Nick! Try this!
: (Ladies first…)

: That must be the storage room. That’s where they keep all the film equipment.
: Wow, Nick! You know a lot about the industry!
: Umm, what else would they keep in a film studio?

: The remains of yesterday’s lunch are scattered around. Everyone was probably too shocked to clean up.

: Mmm! T-bone steak! That would have hit the spot.
: You just had a burger!
: Yeah, but I have a second stomach just for steaks.
: i[/i]

We move over to the other half of the area.

: Looks like one of those electric-powered bicycles. I dunno about these. I mean, what’s the point?
: It makes it a lot easier to go up hills!
: Don’t people cycle to get exercise!?

: There’s a half-finished backdrop for a stage here. Looks like a castle. Probably “Neo Olde Tokyo Castle.”

: The metal grate on the drain here has been taken off. That’s a pretty big drain. A kid could fit through there, I bet.
: Yeah, if you snuck in that way you wouldn’t have to pay at the gate!
: Well, if you want to leave that way, be my guest.
: Right!

Nothing left to see here, so…

: (Powers’s dressing room… So this is where he was sleeping? Or at least, this is where he claims he was sleeping.)
: No one actually saw him taking a nap here, did they?
: Right, and there’s a picture of him near the crime scene. (I hope he’s telling the truth… for his sake!)

Let’s get to work.

: Hmm? This must be Powers’s bag.
: Hey, don’t open that.

: An employee cardkey. That must be Powers’s. It says “Studio One.”
: Let’s take it, Nick!
: Borrow it. You mean borrow.

: There’s a vast array of cosmetics here.
: Ooh!
: This is the wig he used in “Samurai Boogey-Woogey”! Nick! Try this on!
: No. And how can you tell the name of a show just by looking at a wig!?
: I, um, kinda like samurai movies.
: i[/i]

: There’s some regular suits in among the costumes here. Those must be his own clothes.
: It’d be fun to wear one of the costumes…
: (I’d say you were already wearing one, myself.)

: There’s a bunch of snacks on the table. They must give these to the employees. Some tea and cookies…
: Nick… I’m hungry!
: You just had a burger!
: Yeah, but I have a separate stomach for sweets!
: (How many stomachs does this girl have!?)

: It’s locked. Looks like he doesn’t open his window much. I guess it is kind of dusty outside.

: Looks like someone was sleeping here. Maybe Powers did take a nap here yesterday…

Well, that seems to be all we can get from here today.

Next time: Studio One.

@North Carolina Admin. Code 04B.0312

A rattlesnake milking exhibition for which an admission fee is charged is subject to the gross receipts tax imposed under G.S. 105-37.1.

[morsrattus]

Case 3 - Turnabout Samurai
Investigation (Day 1) - Part 3

Why are we back here? Well, we have the Studio One keycard now.

: The entrance to Studio One. This is the studio where they found Jack Hammer’s body.
: Let’s go in and check it out, Nick!
: I wonder if this cardkey we borrowed from the dressing room will work…

: It opened!
: Alright! We’re in!
: (She’s way too happy for someone visiting a crime scene.)

: …
: What is it?
: …
: You’re real quiet all of a sudden.
: Doesn’t it give you the shivers, Nick?
: That white tape! It’s so… so real!
: Well, the Evil Magistrate did die here. And the Steel Samurai killed him. The murder weapon was the Samurai Spear. Sounds pretty real to me…

Time to look around.

: Looks like a backdrop for a stage. This must be used in the Steel Samurai show.
: Of course! That’s the mountain, Neo Fujiyama!
: Doesn’t the Steel Samurai take place in Olde Tokyo? Can you even see Mt. Fuji from there?
: Not Olde Tokyo, Nick! “Neo” Olde Tokyo!
: Oh. Right.

: Wow, look at that camera! That must cost a ton!
: Yeah! So don’t touch it!
: Whoa! It’s heavier than I thought…

: Ah, um, sorry, my partner is kind of, y’know…
: “Y’know”!? No I don’t know!
: Umm… who are you?
: Who me? I’m an assistant here. I help with props and stuff. Moving them aorund, ordering new ones, et cetera.
: We’re lawyers representing Mr. Will Powers.
: Oh, you’re WP’s people.
: “WP”…? Oh, Will Powers. W.P., I get it.
: I don’t envy you guys one bit! But… do what you can for WP, okay?

: Don’t worry, leave it to us!

: They outlined where Jack Hammer’s body lay with tape. His body was found still inside the Evil Magistrate costume. I guess that’s why the head part looks like a helmet. Funny, I expected a spear stabbing would leave at least a few bloodstains. I guess the costume must have absorbed most of it…

: Look, a ladder!
: That’s a “step”-ladder.
: So? What’s the difference?
: You need to stop judging things based on narrow-minded cultural assumptions, Nick!
: R-right… sorry. (This girl is OUT there!)

: Hey! Look! That’s the chair the director sits in! I’ve always wanted to sit in one of these.
: Hey Nick, take a look at that. One of those black-and-white boards they clap at the start of filming!
: And look! A megaphone! A real live megaphone!
: …
: Ready, Nick? Action!
: (This girl is more troubled than I thought…)

: What’s this?
: That’s for reflecting light. They call it a reflecting screen or something like that. The assistant holds it during filming.
: Huh.
: What? Where’s your enthusiasm for all things entertainment?
: Well, lighting is fine, but I’d want to be the director. Or maybe the Steel Samurai!
: (I think she’s being serious…!)

Now, let’s question that assistant.

: Could you tell me anything about the day of the murder?
: Yes. I was in the studio the whole day. I was the only assistant on staff that day, you see.
: Only one assistant?
: Yes, well, the studios aren’t doing so well right now. And yesterday was only rehearsal for our action sequences.
: I see. Neat!

: WP and Hammer were there, along with everoyne else.
: The employee area–that’s where Powers’s dressing room is, right?
: Yes, that’s the place.

: Then I saw WP go into his dressing room. But I didn’t see either of them after that.

: Did you know that Mr. Powers was sleeping in his room?
: No! I wouldn’t go in there unless I had some urgent message for him… I mean, it’s his private… What kind of a girl do you think I am!?
: W-what kind…? No, no, I’m sure you’re a fine girl. Um, sorry. (So much for getting a confirmation of Powers’s alibi.)
: What do we do, Nick? We haven’t found anything. If WP was the only one who came to the studio…
: Then he has to be the killer! They even have a photograph…
: Hmm…
: Umm… Sorry… I know you’re busy.
: Not really.
: Actually, there’s been something bothering me.
: Ah hah! That’s what I’m talking about! A clue! A lead!

: Well, I don’t know about that, but that day, just after noon, I sensed someone was here…
: You “sensed”?
: Yes, several times.
: Some other studio employees, maybe?
: No, I don’t think so. The only thing we had scheduled was an action scene run-through. I was the only assistant here that day.
: I have a feeling it was someone from… outside.
: R-really!?
: But wait, if someone had come in here…
: Wouldn’t that security lady have noticed them?
: Yeah, you’re right.
: I’m sorry I don’t have any better information than that.
: No, thanks! That helps us a lot. Anything helps.
: Let’s go put that security lady on the spot!

: So you sensed that someone other than the regular film crew was in the studio?
: Yes… I think.
: (“I think” doesn’t cut it in a witness testimony.)
: Nick! What about that security lady! If someone else came into the studio, she must have seen them!

And there’s Penny’s profile. As for our badge…

: Um, any thoughts about this?
: Sorry… I… don’t really want to think too much about what happened just yet.

: What? You’re still here?
: Really! You look as though you’ve seen a ghost!

: What? I saw that suspicious look on your face!
: I wanted to ask you again about yesterday… You came here at 1:00 PM, correct? And the estimated time of Hammer’s death was 2:30. Are you sure that Powers was the only one to go through here between those times?
: Sure as can be!
: But we have a witness who thinks there was “someone from outside” here that day.
: What!?
: Are you absolutely sure you were here watching hte whole time?
: …
: Ma’am?
: Who was it?
: Who told you that? Who dares question ME!?
: Eek!
: Alright you better tell me and tell me quick, you spiky-haired cretin! Someone’s been complaining about the work I do, eh!?
: Uh… um, we were just talking to the assistant in Studio One.
: Her! She’s not even a full-time employee!

: She left…
: Well, Nick?
: This is our chance to do what we can without her looking over our shoulders!

: The computer that runs the studio security cameras.
: Nick! Maybe we can see that photo of Powers with this computer!
: Yeah, maybe.

: Okay. Let’s give it a try.
: You know how to work these things, Nick?
: Looks like I just have to enter in a few numbers. Let’s see… first, I need the date of the murder. (It looks like the camera turned on at 1:00 PM that day… 1:00… That was when the security lady arrived at the guard station.)

Getting it wrong just has Maya and Phoenix talk about how they should go back and check the camera, not even a joke in there.

: There! Entered! …

: Let’s see what we got…

: … Huh?
: How is this a picture of Will Powers?
: Well, he is the one who always wears that suit… I guess that’s why the security lady thought it was him.
: I don’t imagine the detective was very happy with this photo as evidence.

: Huh? [Oct 15, 2:00 PM, Photo #2]
: What does that mean?
: Maybe there’s more photo data from that day?
: Nope–that’s the only one in the computer.

: Hey, hey, Nick! Can’t we use this photo as evidence for the trial?
: Yeah.
: We’ll put that security lady in her place with this!
: Right, we’ll put her in her place…

: Let’s show her this photo and see what she says!
: Wait. Let’s not.
: Why not?
: It’s never a good idea to reveal your hand to the enemy too soon.
: Nick! You’re craftier than I gave you credit for.
: Why, you could be the next… Evil Magistrate!
: Hey! Why do I have to be the villain.

That’s not my typo.

: Relax, it was just a joke! So, are we done for today?

: Still, it’d be better if we had some idea who the real killer was! Maybe it realy is that security lady…?

Next time: Trial.

[quote=“North Carolina Gen. Stat. Section 20-136”]Section 20-136. Smoke screens.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to drive, operate, equip or be in the possession of any automobile or other motor vehicle containing, or in any manner provided with, a mechanical machine or device designed, used or capable of being used for the purpose of discharging, creating or causing, in any manner, to be discharged or emitted, either from itself or from the automobile or other motor vehicle to which attached, any unusual amount of smoke, gas or other substance not necessary to the actual propulsion, care and keep of said vehicle, and the possession by any person or persons of any such device, whether the same is attached to any such motor vehicle, or detached therefrom, shall be prima facie evidence of the guilt of such person or persons of a violation of this section.
(b) Any person or persons violating the provisions oif this section shall be guilty of a Class I felony.[/quote]

[morsrattus]

(filler)

[morsrattus]

(some more filler)

[morsrattus]

Case 3 - Turnabout Samurai
Trial (Day 2) - Part 1

: The court is now in session for the trial of Mr. Will Powers.
: The prosecution is ready, Your Honor.
: The defense is ready, Your Honor.
: Very well. Mr. Edgeworth, your opening statement, please.
: The prosecution will show the court that at 2:30 PM on October 15, the defendant, Mr. Will Powers, killed fellow actor Jack Hammer at Studio One of Global Studios. It is impossible for anyone else to have committed this heinous crime. The evidence presented during the trial will all point to this fact.
: Hmm. I see.
: Very well, I would like to move on to your testimony.
: Mr. Edgeworth, the prosecution may call its first witness.
: First, I would like to call a familiar face, Detective Gumshoe, to the stand.

: Detective, if you would briefly describe this case to the court?
: Yes sir! I’ll explain with the guidemap here.

: Now, jump ahead to later that day… 5:00 PM. The production staff came to Studio One to perform a rehearsal.

: The “Samurai Spear” found lodged in the victim’s chest was the murder weapon.
: That’s the case, in brief. Anyone like to hear that again?

: (I think I can probably remember that…)

: How… medieval!

: Your Honor. This case is quite simple if you ask one question:
: And that question is:

: Understood.
: Let’s call this security officer to the stand!

: Will the witness declare her name?
: …

: My, aren’t you a handsome fellow!
: I’m afraid I’m a bit flustered!

: Y-your name, please!
: Oh, dearie! No need for you to be embarrassed! Just call me “grandma.”
: YOUR NAME, PLEASE!
: (Seems Edgeworth has a bit of trouble getting his witnesses to say their names…)
: Wendy Oldbag, dearie.

: O-objection! I… object to the witness’s talkativeness.
: Objection sustained!
: The witness will refrain from rambling on the stand.
: I was just getting to the good part, dearie!
: Perhaps we can get to the testimony?
: Now, the witness was stationed at the main gate on the day of the murder, correct?
: Yessey I was.
: And to get to the scene of the murder, someone would have to pass by you?
: You know your stuff, dearie!
: …
: You may begin your testimony.
: (She sure is one hell of an Oldbag…)

: You saw the defendant, then? Hmm…
: Very well. Let’s begin the cross-examination. Mr. Wright?
: Yes, Your Honor.

: So up until that time, anyone who wanted to could go into the studio?
: Well, there wasn’t a security guard at the gate, no. But the main gate was locked, dearie.

: (Right… the cardkey that I have. So, what she’s saying is no one who wasn’t supposed to be there could get in.)
: Was there anyone at the studios when you arrived at the guard station?

: A “run-through”…?
: They were working out a scene between the Steel Samurai and the Evil Magistrate.
: They got the basics figured out by noon, and were to use the afternoon for practice. Rehearsal was to start at 5:00.
: That’s why poor old Hammer went to Studio One in the afternoon.
: (So Powers was in his dressing room sleeping… when he was supposed to be practicing!)
: (Talk about a laid-back hero…)
: If there was a run-through in the morning, why did you only get there after noon?

: What kind of “errands”?
: Oh, well, you know.

: Answer the question!

: O-observing? Weren’t you supposed to be at the guard station?
: Whippersnapper! I told you I locked the gate, didn’t I? I did my job!
: (I’m not sure your boss would see it that way…)
: Anyway!
: I always watch Hammer’s run-throughs. Always!
: Never missed one in all my years.
: Wow! I want to see a Steel Samurai run-through too!
: You could quit being a spirit medium and take up guard duty.
: Not a bad idea…

: Did you see the victim then?
: Did I see poor old Hammer? Nope. He’d already gone to the studio before I got back to the guard station.
: Tell us what happened next.

: So you were watching there the WHOLE time? No breaks? Not even a second?
: O-of course! I am a professional, you know! Or are you criticizing how I do my job!? Whippersnapper!
: No, it’s just, after seeing you eating those donuts in the guard station yesterday…
: I can watch the gate and eat donuts at the same time! Snipperwhapper!
: “Snipperwhapper”…? Old windbag is losing it, Nick.
: Why don’t you raise an objection?
: So, the witness was on duty through the afternoon, the whole time. Very well.
: What did you see?

: How did you know that?
: Oh hoh hoh. I have my ways! That over-dressed young detective told me. I fed him donuts and he talked and talked… If you ask me, that detective isn’t cut out for his job.
: …
: (Poor Detective Gumshoe, getting chewed out by a security guard…)

: 2:00? You’re sure?
: Sure as spit!
: Well, who was the man!?
: Really, you should try not to get so excited at your age. You might strain something.
: …
: Now, now, don’t get your skivvies all in a bunch. I’ll tell you who it was!

: So you saw Mr. Powers?
: That’s what Is said! Got wax in your ears, sonny?
: Nick, this is your chance!
: Yeah, time to pull out hte secret weapon…
: I’ll say it again! It was him!

And loop.

: Nick…

: Windbags love gossiping about other people’s misfortunes.
: Ugh. Can’t she get her kicks somewhere else?

This one’s not too hard.

: Let me get this straight, old bag! Er, Ms. Oldbag!
: You’ve been saying since yesterday that you “saw Mr. Powers,” correct?

: J-just a moment, Mr. Wright. Let me see that photo!

: What is this, exactly?
: None other than the Steel Samurai, defender of Neo Olde Tokyo.

: Ms. Oldbag!

: Of course! Didn’t your momma teach you any sense, sonny? Anyone can plainly see that’s Powers! Right?

: … Umm… well. I wonder?
: True, Mr. Powers does play the role of the Steel Samurai!

: But that doesn’t mean Mr. Powers IS the Steel Samurai!

: I… I know that! I wasn’t born yesterday!
: No one in this court is accusing you of that, Ms… er, witness.
: (He’s having trouble calling her “Oldbag” apparently…)
: However, you do not have proof that the person in this photo is Mr. Will Powers, do you?
: Humph! Nosy old man!
: Of course I have proof!

: (Even Edgeworth is surprised!?)
: The prosecution would like to ask the old… the witness.
: Please make known all the information in your possession ahead of time!
: How was I to know everyone would be so nosy! You should be ashamed, all of you! Anyway, I showed that photo to the young detective.
: He told me “this isn’t any good as evidence, pal.”
: He didn’t even give it a second look!

: (Wow, old windbag has left even Edgeworth speechless. She’s good!)
: Let’s hear about your proof, then.

: Hmm. So he had sprained his ankle…? Very well. Mr. Wright, you may cross-examine the witness.
: (She’s got to be hiding something… I’ll press her until she squeals.)

: Umm…
: Whippersnapper!
: (Hey, I haven’t said anything yet!)
: I’ll have you know I’m not pointing fingers at anyone behind their backs!

: Mr. Wright! Please, for all our sakes, try not to upset the witness!
: (I think Edgeworth has met his match…)

: Who was present at the run-through?
: Well, let’s see… There was Powers, he’s the Steel Samurai… Then poor old Hammer, the Evil Magistrate. And…
: me.
: And what exactly were you doing?
: Observing! Just… observing.

: Oh, she was off moving backdrops around and such.
: (So she didn’t see the run-through, then…)

: “Trip and fall”…?

: So Powers sprained his ankle. I helped make it better for him, of course.
: You… helped make it better?
: I kissed it where it hurt.
: L-let’s just skip over that part, shall we?

: Oh, her? She was cleaning up backdrops, I think. She didn’t know about Powers’s ankle.
: i[/i]
: You may continue your testimony.

: He broke a prop?

: (His Samurai Spear… the murder weapon!?)
: Luckily I was there with my duct tape to fix it.
: (This strikes me as a significant detail… I’d better write this down in the Court Record.)

: Was Mr. Power’s ankle badly sprained?

Not my error on Powers’ name. Game’s.

: Not so bad that he couldn’t walk around. He went to his dressing room to rest up after lunch.
: (Thus the nap…)
: Anyway, I saw him dragging his foot when he walked.
: (Dragging his foot… okay.)

: I think we’ve heard enough!
: Haven’t we, Your Honor?
: Well, there is one thing that bothers me.
: Which is?
: Where is this “Steel Samurai” costume now?
: Umm… hmm.
: Actually, well… We couldn’t find it. We’re looking, though.
: Hmm…
: Anyway, that’s not important! The witness did see the Steel Samurai, yes.

: And it is clear that the person in the Steel Samurai suit was Mr. Will Powers!

: Hmm… I suppose that’s right.

This is getting a bit long, so this is a good cliffhanger for today.

Next time: Objection?

[quote=“Oregon Rev. Stat., Section 811.205”]811.205 Carrying child on external part of vehicle; penalty.
(1) A person commits the offense of carrying a child on an external part of a motor vehicle if the person carries any child upon the hood, fender, running board or other external part of any motor vehicle that is upon a highway.
(2) The offense described in this section, carrying a child on an extenral part of a motor vehicle, is a Class B traffic violation.[/quote]

[morsrattus]

Case 3 - Turnabout Samurai
Trial (Day 2) - Part 2

: (I think I’ll wait and see where this goes.)

: I suppose, since there weren’t any additional crew members at the studios that day… It’s quite likely that it was the defendant inside that costume.
: I see no problem with this evidence.

: (He still doesn’t seem that convinced to me… I hope.)

: Hold it right there! We keep talking possibilities, but we have to agree that this photo shows the Steel Samurai!
: Nowhere in this photo can we see Mr. Will Powers!
: Hmm…
: The defense has a point. I also wonder if someone else not caught on camera could have killed Mr. Hammer. We have to consider that possibility, also.

: Then allow me to remove that doubt from your mind, Your Honor…

Convergence.

: Will the witness continue her testimony, please?
: No need to ask twice!

: Hmm…
: So, if no one else went to the studio…
: Then it would have to be this “Steel Samurai” who did it.
: Mr. Wright, you may cross-examine the witness.

: How do you know that?
: Eh? Didn’t I just explain? I gave donuts to the young detective.
: And then, after some rubbish about it being a “secret, pal” he told me everything.
: (I see Detective Gumshoe shares his fellow officer’s fondness for donuts.)

: Are you absolutely sure!?
: Oh, quite, quite, sonny. Nobody suspicious lookin’ passed by at all.
: (Nobody suspicious lookin’… Right.)

: What about before you got to the guard station?
: You mean before 1:00?

: Not to mention…

: Are you sure!?

: The witness has answered the question!

: That’s right, sonny!
: You let 'em have it, Edgey-boy!
: i[/i]
: …

And we loop.

: Old windbags have a way of skipping over important details, after all… Or, for that matter, entirely forgetting them.
: How convenient.
: (Something for you to look forward to, perhaps?)

So, where’s the problem?

: Hold on!

: Yesiree, sonny.
: So, whenever anyone passes by here, it automatically takes a picture?
: And here I thought you didn’t know your head from a hole in the ground.

: It’s also true that the computer in the guard station records all security cam data.
: Ooh! You know, if you wanted to work at the studio, we might have an opening.

: Note that on the back of the photo are printed the words: [Oct 15, 2:00 PM, Photo #2]
: Even I know that means it was taken at 2:00 PM on October the 15th! Really, sonny!
: Actually, I knew that too.
: The issue here is the bit at the end where it says: “Photo #2”…
: “Photo #2”…?

: Don’t you think that’s odd?

: Shouldn’t this photo be “Photo #1” if it really was the ONLY photo!?

: Order! Order!
: Please tell the court what you mean by this, Mr. Wright!
: Actually, that’s what I want to ask the witness.
: This evidence shows that not one, but two people went to the studio that day. Yet there is only data for one of the photos! Who could have erased the data for the other photo?

: Only someone with access… the security lady herself!

: The only person I saw that day was Will Powers!

: But the camera on the gate fired twice! That means two people went by!
: Umm… well, yes… that’s what it would seem to mean…
: Can the witness explain this to the court?

: Umm… E-Edgey-boy! Help!

: B-believe me, I want to, but I don’t know what this means either.
: Humph! Some help you are! You’re a whippersnapper too! …

: Whippersnapper…?
: Something the matter, Ms. Oldbag?
: Ah! That’s right!
: I… I just remembered something!
: Let me guess…
: Someone else passed by the gate… someone other than the Steel Samurai?
: Er… well, yes, I suppose you could put it that way.

: sigh I see.
: Your testimony, please.

: M-Ms. Oldbag! This is the first I’ve heard of this!
: Well, of course, sonny! I’ve only just remembered it.
: Right… anyway, Mr. Wright, please begin the cross-examination.
: Well, I’d say this was a turn for the unexpected, but I kind of expected this…

: Another “job”?
: T-that’s right. I check all the people that passed by the main gate that day. I look closely at every one of the photos that security camera takes.
: Do you backup all of the security camera data?
: Well, they keep telling me too, yes.

Not my misspelling there.

: But those computers are just so frustrating.

: How exactly do you determine what isn’t “suspicious lookin’”?
: Oh, you can tell by looking at their faces. For the most part.
: F-for the most part?

: This is a murder trial, Ms. Oldbag!
: Well, I didn’t touch that suspicious lookin’ Will Powers’s photo, did I?
: (I think she’s missing the point.)

: Well, who in the heck was in that photo you erased!?
: Humph. A fanboy.
: F-fanboy?
: Steel Samurai fanboys. Real freaks, if you ask me. They get information about the rehearsals from gosh-knows-where.
: They’re always hanging about. One was there that day.

: W-wait a second! Didn’t you just say no one else could get in!?
: “I locked the main gate so no one could get in”… Those were your words!
: Well! If you must know, there’s a drain that goes into the Employee Area.

: It leads outside, and well, that’s where they come in.
: They come in through the drain?
: I told you they were freaks. Oh, and…
: And…?
: They’re kids. Children. Whippersnappers.

: So, on the photo that you erased…?
: It was a boy. Probably 2nd or 3rd grade.

: O-order! Order!
: Let me get this straight. You saw two people pass by the gate on their way to the studios that day? One was the Steel Samurai, dragging his leg. The other was a boy who looked to be in about 2nd or 3rd grade?
: Oh yes, well we see his type there every day. Can’t stop 'em. Can’t catch 'em.
: A boy in 2nd or 3rd grade? Hmm… I assume it would be hard, if not impossible for a young boy to wield the Samurai Spear?
: Impossible, I’d think. It’s quite heavy.
: Right! As I said, I didn’t pay him much mind. That’s why I erased the data.
: Um, Nick? What’s going on?

: Yeah, and they’re already trying to “un-suspect” him.

: I’d like to take a five minute recess.
: I want the defense and the prosecution to consider this new information… And no forgetting vital information this time!

: Y-yes?
: Tell me straight: were you really in your dressing room? You didn’t go to the studio?
: I-I didn’t go to the studio! I was s-sleeping, honest.
: So who was the “Steel Samurai” in that security photo?
: How should I know? The Steel Samurai costume was off in the corner of the dressing room. Anyone could have walked in and taken it, really.

: I couldn’t imagine anyone would want to steal a Steel Samurai costume! So… where does thi leave me?
: It doesn’t look good…
: sniff
: You’re the only likely suspect, right now.
: Nick!
: W-what are we going to do!?
: First, we play for more time. We’ll start targeting someone else that could conceivably have done this!
: And it’ll take them so long to shoot us down that we can get another day!
: Right… but if we pick the wrong person, we might lost on the spot.
: You… don’t sound very optimistic.
: I’m not optimistic at all, actually.
: Hey, Nick. It’s time.
: Okay. Let’s go. sigh
: What does that men… Please don’t sigh like that! sniff

Next time: Back to trial.

@Rhode Island Gen. Laws

Every person wo shall falsely assume or pretend to be a town sealer of weights and measures, auctioneer, corder of wood, or fence-viewer, and shall act as such, shall be fined not less than twenty dollars ($20.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100).

[morsrattus]

Case 3 - Turnabout Samurai
Trial (Day 2) - Part 3

: Mr. Edgeworth, will you present the prosecution’s thoughts on this matter?
: The prosecution’s thoughts are simple.
: Nothing has changed. The other person who went to the studios was a boy of roughly 10 years of age. The photo we do have may not be hard evidence…

: But there is still no one else that could have committed this crime! I call for a verdict of “guilty” for the defendant, Mr. Will Powers!
: Hmm…
: Very well. Mr. Wright, your thoughts?
: The defense disagrees with the prosecution’s claim.

: There IS another person who could have committed this crime!

: Order!
: Interesting… Let us hear who you have in mind! However…
: Be aware that this court does not look kindly on accusing the innocent. If you accuse someone who is obviously innocent, you will be penalized.

: (Right. Great. As if the stakes weren’t high enough.)

: It was the assistant! The Steel Samurai costume was in his dressing room.

: So you’re saying the Steel Samurai in the picture is really the assistant?
: That’s correct, Your Honor!

: If you’re serious, you’ve got guts, Mr. Wright.

: Wasn’t the Steel Samurai a little lame!? He was dragging his foot!
: Oh. (Uh oh. Bad feeling time.)

: Remember the testimony concerning Powers’s injury!!!

Brief fade to black…

: Powerrs and poor Hammer were at the run-through.
: Oh, and me.
: What about the assistant?
: Oh, her? She was cleaning up backdrops, I think.
: She didn’t know about Powers’s ankle.

And we fade back.

: The assistant knew nothing of Mr. Power’s injury!

Whoops, typo there.

: She could look the Steel Samurai look with that costume…

: But she couldn’t walk the Steel Samurai walk! She wouldn’t have limped!

: That kind of takes the legs out from under that case…
: Mr. Wright. I’m afraid I have to penalize you, as I warned.

And we lose one of our strikes.

: (Nobody knows… the trouble I’ve seen…)
: May we move on, Mr. Wright?
: (Grr… this fight isn’t over yet!)
: If you would, Your Honor, one more chance, please.
: Very well. Go ahead.

: It was the grade-school boy! … …
: Why isn’t anyone saying anything?
: Bah! Are you seriously suggeting the boy did it, Mr. Wright!?

: “Grade-school boy kills veteran action star with spear!”

: Would you care to explain just how the boy was involved?
: (Hmm… maybe that was a dumb move on my part.)
: “Maybe”? “Maybe”!? How about “absolutely,” Nick!
: Mr. Wright. I’m afraid I have to penalize you, as I warned.

And we lose one of our strikes.

: (Nobody knows… the trouble I’ve seen…)
: May we move on, Mr. Wright?
: (Grr… this fight isn’t over yet!)
: If you would, Your Honor, one more chance, please.
: Very well. Go ahead.

: It was the security lady! Wendy Oldbag!

: That means whoever was in the suit knew about that morning’s injury. Maybe because… they had been watching the action scene run-through!
: There was only one person other than Powers and Hammer who knew about the injury.

: W-what!? Whippersnapper!

: Order! Order!
: I-is this true, Oldbag!?
: Oldbag!? That’s Ms. Oldbag to you!
: Ms. Oldbag was standing guard alone at the main gate.
: She was by herself… in other words, she has no alibi! She could have briefly left her post to steal the Steel Samurai costume…

: Then slipped into Studio One, the scene of the murder!
: W-why would she go through the trouble of wearing the Steel Samurai costume!?
: Simple, Your Honor.

: If she was in his costume, she could point the finger at Mr. Powers!
: I see!
: Excellent deductive reasoning, Mr. Wright.
: (Ohhh yeah, right here! Sherlock Holmes II, baby!)
: …?
: (That’s odd. Isn’t this the part where Edgeworth pounces…? Doesn’t he usually jump up with an objection and some new damning evidence…?)
: Well, Mr. Edgeworth? Does the prosecution have an opinion on this matter?
: … The prosecution has no meaningful objections at this time.

: Oh, so you all think I did it? Is that it!?
: Edgey-boy! Don’t just sit there, do something!

: (I guess this does kind of make it look like she’s the killer.)
: (Funny, I feel bad for her all of a sudden.)
: Hmm…
: It’s true that the witness could conceivably have committed this crime. Yet we must not forget that the victim was an action hero.
: As formidable as her personality may be, I doubt she’d be strong enough.
: (Uh oh! If he removes her from consideration, that means Mr. Powers is it! Sorry, windbag… but I don’t have choice.)

And we pick up where the other option starts.

: The very same reasoning that makes Mr. Powers a suspect in this case…
: can be used to cast doubt on Ms. Oldbag’s actions on that day!
: B-but why would I do something so horrible to poor Hammer!?

: You forget that Mr. Powers lacks a clear motive, too.
: Hmm…
: Indeed.
: (That did it. Now windbag is one of the suspects. No hard feelings… I hope.)
: Wait just a minute!
: What about the other person who went to the studio!?
: The boy! The one whose photo I erased!
: He’s only a grade schooler though, as you said. 2nd or 3rd grade, was it?
: Th-that doesn’t matter!
: When I was that age, I could pin my old man in 10 seconds, tops!
: Hmm… Your thoughts, Mr. Wright?
: That boy is not the killer.
: What!? How can you be so sure!
: Oh, or is it be nice to the kids and mean to your elders day? Whippersnapper!
: I have proof.

: Indeed? Then let’s see this proof, Mr. Wright.

: Your Honor!

: How could the boy have taken the spear? It’s impossible!
: I see!
: Well, would the witness care to comment on this?
: Mrph.
: (The windbag… speechless. This has got to be a first.)
: Very well!

: This court will suspend proceedings on the current trial for today.
: Mr. Edgeworth, please find out more about your witness, Ms. Windy… what was her name?
: Something “Oldbag,” Your Honor.
: Then the prosecution will look further into this Oldbag before we continue!
: That is all. The court is adjourned!

: I’m not going to just sit here while you run off barking up the wrong tree… me!
: I’m talking!

: Ms. Oldbag! What is this all about?
: Have you omitted something from your testimony?
: Actually, if you must know,
: there’s something I was told not to talk about.

: By whom!?
: (Huh? You mean it wasn’t Edgeworth who told her not to talk…?)
: W-well, testify!

: M-Ms. Oldbag! This is crucial information! Why did you keep this from the court until now!?
: Ain’t you been listening?
: They told me to shut my trap, and I always do what I’m told.
: …
: (No, this isn’t a bad dream, Your Honor. Witness the power of the Oldbag…)
: Mr. Wright… Your cross-examination.

: So, you were told not to talk?
: That’s right! By the studio and TV bigwigs, no less!
: Why didn’t I hear about this!?
: Don’t be too hard on yourself, sonny. We were all in on it.

: W-who were these people!?
: Well, the director and the producer, for starters…
: The… director?
: We should have known something was fishy! How could they have done a run-through of their action scene without a director?

: Of course!
: Yes, well, I was surprised no one asked about it.
: So, where were these people?

: He joined the producer around lunchtime and they had a meeting after that.
: Where!
: Oh, in the Studio Two trailer.
: S-Studio Two…!? (There was a Studio Two…?)
: Well, if you look at the guidemap…

: You go through the gate and all the way to the left.

: Well, Mr. Wright… Would you like to continue the cross-examination…?

: Ms. Oldbag! This is a trial for murder!
: I know that, silly!
: Still, they were pretty convincing about having nothing to do with it.
: And… they gave me a little bonus on the side.
: (So, you got your “bonus” and you still talked…)

: (I guess there’s no harm in getting as much info as I can!)

: So they were actually in the studio!?
: Yes, the whole day.
: When they heard about the murder, they beat it before the cops came.
: grumble (I’ll kill this woman, I swear it…)
: (I feel sorry for Edgeworth, almost. She really left him hanging on this one.)

: “Them”…?

: W-who were these people!?
: Well, the director and the producer, for starters…
: The… director?
: We should have known something was fishy! How could they have done a run-through of their action scene without a director?

: Of course!
: Yes, well, I was surprised no one asked about it.
: So, where were these people?

: He joined the producer around lunchtime and they had a meeting after that.
: Where!
: Oh, in the Studio Two trailer.
: S-Studio Two…!? (There was a Studio Two…?)
: Well, if you look at the guidemap…

: You go through the gate and all the way to the left.

: Well, Mr. Wright… Would you like to continue the cross-examination…?

: Your Honor. We have learned that there were others at Global Studios on the day in question.
: The director and the producer and, er, some bigwigs, were all present.

: Yet, as we stand here, they have not been questioned!
: I hold that it is impossible to declare a verdict on the defendant, Mr. Powers!
: Hmm…

: The court acknowledges the defense’s point.
: The prosecution will gather more information about the witness, Ms. Oldbag… and more information about these other people we have just been told of!
: … I understand, Your Honor.
: This ends the day’s proceedings in the trial of Mr. Will Powers. That is all. The court is adjourned!

: I was right to ask you to defend me.
: Aww, really, it’s nothing. grin
: Oh, or should I… sniff
: We’ll be going down to the studios to do some more investigation. We have to find out more about the director and producer. They’ll be turning up in the next trial as witnesses for certain. So now’s my chance to get material for the cross-examination!
: So, Nick… Have we figured out just who it was in that Steel Samurai costume?
: Could it really have been old windbag?
: What do you think, Mr. Powers?
: I don’t think it was her, really.
: Neither do I, Nick.
: Y-yeah, I know! Look, I was just buying time back there. Someone had to be the bad guy for a bit to take the pressure off Mr. Powers.
: Poor old windbag… I feel kinda sorry for her.
: Well, she wasn’t winning any points in there, with or without my accusation. Okay, let’s get down to the studios.
: Right! We’ll be back to visit you soon…
: Th-thanks. Thanks, guys. sniff

Next time: Back to investigation!

[quote=“South Carolina Code Ann. Section 16-17-420”]It shall be unlawful:
(1) for any person wilfully or unnecessarily (a) to interfere with or to disturb in any way or in any place the students or teachers of any school or college in this State, (b) to loiter about such school or college premises or © to act in an obnoxious manner thereon; or
(2) for any person to (a) enter upon any such school or college premises or (b) loiter around the premises, except on business, without the permission of the principal or president in charge.
(B) Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction thereof, shall pay a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or be imprisoned in the county jail for not more than ninety days.[/quote]

[morsrattus]

(filler posting is good for mobile viewing, i’m told)

[morsrattus]

(sorry for importing like 80% of a completed LP, it’s gonna take a bit)

[morsrattus]

Case 3 - Turnabout Samurai
Investigation (Day 2) - Part 1

: Say, you think WP’s got a chance?
: I guess that really depends on the people we found out about in today’s trial.
: The director and producer…?
: Yeah, them.
: Well, what are we doing here then!? Let’s get to the studios!

Nothing new to look at that’s new, but we can talk to Maya!

: What do you think we should do?
: W-what do I… huh!? Why don’t we do what you just said!? We gotta get the scoop on this director and producer.
: Oh, right. Then there’s no point hanging out here.

: Hmm. We don’t have enough information to make a case yet.
: That’s exactly the same thing you said yesterday! Just admit it: you don’t have a clue what happened.
: There’s not enough information!

So let’s get moving.

: No one’s here.
: Right, now that they have Ms. Oldbag in custody. I guess they don’t have anyone else to replace her…
: H-hey! In the guard station! Look! She left her donuts! …
: … What? I wasn’t going to eat them!

: The computer that runs the studio security cameras. Huh? It looks like it’s been turned off for the day.

No surveillence photos for us! So, instead, we head off to find more things to poke at.

: Hey, Nick.
: It looks like Detective Gumshoe isn’t here today.
: You’re right. He’s probably up to his neck in paperwork after the commotion at today’s trial.
: So, Nick… Remember that “Studio Two” we heard about at the trial today? It was down that path with the fallen tree, right?
: Yeah, I think that’s what they said.
: Maybe the director and the rest of them are there today?
: Now’s our chance, Nick! Let’s check it out!

An excellent idea.

: This… is Studio Two?
: I thought so…
: It doesn’t really look much like a “studio,” does it?
: No, that it does not.

: It looks pretty sturdy for a movie set trailer.
: Are we sure this is a studio?

Time to poke around.

: There’s some flowers here.
: Wow, so pretty! They’re taking good care of these.
: Don’t get to close. That fence looks dangerous.

This case seems to have a bunch of typos.

: On closer inspection, this trailer looks like it’s been here for a while. I don’t think this is part of some temporary film set.

: These look like materials for making a movie set.
: They’ve been sitting here for quite some time. This might as well be a junkyard.

: There’s a big “2” painted here.
: Probably because this is Studio Two?
: Probably… Though it doesn’t look anything like a studio.

Over to the other side…

: There’s nothing left on the plates.
: Hey, so they ate t-bone steaks too.
: What is it with steaks around here?
: Hey! There’s always room for steak!
: But… something does seem out of place…
: What?
: I… don’t know. It just feels “odd.”

: An incinerator. Apparently they just put this one in. It’s already covered in soot. They must not clean it much.

: A light van for moving staff and equipment around. They’ve kept it in pretty good shape. Looks like it’d run fine.
: Well, lets go for a drive!
: Sure… if I had a license.
: Nick! You don’t have a driver’s license!?

: Why are you showing me your attorney’s badge, Nick?

That’s all there is to see around here, though. Let’s check out Studio One.

: I… don’t really want to be in here.
: Yeah… It is a murder scene.
: I want to go someplace else. Nick?
: i[/i]

Okay, maybe not.

Maybe over here?

: Look, it’s that assistant girl. Hey!

: I heard about the trial! Great job, guys!
: Oh? Oh hoh hoh. Don’t mention it.
: Is it true they caught the security lady!?
: Oh! Oh… oh hoh hoh!
: Actually, she just called me.
: She told me to cover up that drain…
: You mean that one?

: (Wow, what a mess…)
: I… I know… I’m not so good with handiwork. Some assistant, right?
: Yeah, but you do work on the props, and the backdrops, right?
: R-right. Just… lots of times they end up looking worse than they did before I fixed them.
: Oh? Oh! Well, I’m sure these things happen. Nothing to worry yourself about!
: You’re right! I won’t!
: (Personally, I think she should worry at least a little bit more…)
: Um, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go to the guard station. I’m supposed to fill in for Ms. Oldbag.
: Right! See you later, then!
: Good luck with your investigation.

She leaves. Let’s check her handiwork.

: So, the fanboy they were talking about in the trial today…
: He came in through that drain?
: So it seems. I guess they covered it up in a hurry.
: Hey… Hey, Nick!
: If that drain’s covered, the boy won’t be able to get in.
: Uh, yeah. I think that was the idea…?
: I feel kinda sorry for him, though. Don’t you?
: What, you want to rip the grate off?
: Really, Nick? We can!?

Petty vandalism to cause problems for random people for no reason? Sure, why not!

: Well, I guess some things are just made to be broken.
: Yay! You know, Nick, you’re pretty swell sometimes.
: i[/i]

: There. That should make the kids happy.
: The things we do…

: This is where the Steel Samurai costume was, on the day of the murder.
: That’s what Mr. Powers says, at least. I guess they snuck in and took it while he was sleeping.
: But Nick, what if Mr. Powers hadn’t been sleeping? I wonder what the killer was planning on doing then?
: Huh… (She’s got a point!)

Not much else in here…

: Ho hoh! You look a little out of place.
: It’s the clothes, isn’t it? I thought my camo vest might do the trick…
: Kind of an “alternative guard fashion” thing.

Now we can question her!

: So, how are the studios doing?
: There’s police wandering around everywhere, it’s terrible. They won’t even let me clean up. Don’t want me “disturbing evidence.”
: I haven’t even cleaned up our lunch plates from the day of the murder!
: You mean those plates with the steak bones left over on them in the employee area?
: Yeah. Can you believe it?

: Do kids sneak in here a lot?
: Well…
: I don’t think there’s that many of them, but I do see one in particular a bunch. He’s always gawking at the sets, or snapping pictures. You should see Old Windbag’s eyes flash when she sees him.
: She has a bit of trouble catching him though…

: I heard something at the trial today. They said that the director and producer were here the day of the murder…
: Oh, sorry… I was in the prop storage room, so I didn’t see them. I guess they were here, though.
: The studio head seemed pretty eager to keep us quiet.
: So they were trying to protect the director?
: More the producer, really.
: The producer’s our real star here. She saved these studios from the brink of disaster and kept them running.
: I don’t think we’d still be in business if it weren’t for that producer!
: (The producer, huh?)

Well, that was informative! We should check in with Will, though.

: Oh, Mr. Wright! Thank you for earlier.
: Not at all. We got lucky, to tell the truth.
: You can say that again!
: Let’s not.
: So, WP! Do you have any leads that might get us going in the right direction?
: Hmm… S-sorry, but no.
: Be sure to tell us anything that comes to mind, no matter how small.
: We can’t rely on getting lucky again tomorrow.
: Y-yes… sniff

: Do, er, “fanboys” sneak into the studios often?
: No, not that I know of. That security lady’s pretty strict with them.
: But, in today’s testimony, didn’t she say they were often hanging around?
: The kids really, really love the Steel Samurai. They sneak past when she’s not looking, I guess.

: Was the director present at the morning run-through?
: Y-yes, yes he was. He was directing how the Steel Samurai and the Evil Magistrate should move.
: Why didn’t you tell us that before!?
: W-well, just, the studio asked us to keep quiet…
: That has nothing to do with this! I hate to repeat myself, but Nick here is a newbie lawyer! Fresh off the bar! When he loses, he’s going to lose big!
: I… I see. sniff
: (Whose side is she on!?)
: You aren’t hiding anything else from us, are you!?
: N-no, I sure hope not.

: Yes?
: Is it heavy, that spear?
: It’s pretty hefty, yeah. I don’t think the average person would be able to swing it around effectively.
: Hmm…
: And… that’s the spear that broke or something during the morning run-through?
: Oh yes, I goofed on a round kick, you see… I broke the spear. The security lady fixed it for me right away though.
: With duct tape. We heard.

Now, for lack of other ideas, let’s check out Studio Two again.

: (This place is deserted…)

: Eek! N-N-Nick! W-w-what was that noise!?

: Someone must be inside…
: H-Hello? …
: No answer.
: Pretty suspicious, if you ask me, Nick! Let’s go in!
: I’m not sure we should be barging in… …Huh. It’s locked.
: What? Don’t we have a key?
: No. But there’s probably one in the guard station at the main gate.
: Then what are we waiting for? Let’s borrow it!
: (If they’ll let us…)

So, back to the main gate!

: The security guard station. I can see the computer that runs the security cameras.
: Oh, please don’t touch anything in there.
: The security lady would knock the stuffing out of me if she knew.
: (I really want the key to that trailer… Maybe next time…)

No dice. Maybe there’ll be a key in Powers’ dressing room?

: Wait, you first! Who are you!?
: You look pretty suspicious to me!
: Whatever, l4m3rs! How can j00 not know the great Sal Manella!? I make teh L33T SH0WZ! The Steel Samurai? Mine! RTFC! (Read The Film Credits!)

: I’m so sorry! I, just, you looked so… Sorry!

: …
: W-what is it?
: You know, on closer inspection…

: Hey, do j00 do a lot of “cosplay,” coz that costume r0x0rz!.. drool

: Huh? Mmph! LOL! Buffer overrun! pant
: You’ve triggered my CR34T1V3 P0W3RZ! Yes… yes, it’s coming to me! “Pink Princess”! The sequel to the Steel Samurai… “Pink Princess: Warrior of Little Olde Tokyo!”

: ROFL… LMAO!
: P-“Pink Princess”…?
: Why’s it gotta be “Little” Olde Tokyo!? Why can’t it have a cool name, like “Neo Olde Tokyo”!?
: Maya, we really need to talk about “cool”…

I…yeah. Sal Manella. Let’s…let’s question him. Maybe it won’t be horrible.

: Did you notice anything unusual on the day of the murder?
: Oh, I know who j00 d00dz are. That security lady told j00 about us, eh?
: That’s right.
: It was a pretty regular day. We had a run-through for an action scene in the morning. Then a meeting from lunchtime in the Studio Two trailer.
: Heh. I was so busy I didn’t even get a chance to eat lunch!
: A t-bone steak, was it?
: Yeah… sux0rz! I hate missing out on food…
: Nick… what does “Sucksores” mean?
: No idea…
: Anyway, I was in a meeting from noon till after 4:00.
: With the producer, and some bigwigs from the network.
: (Mr. Hammer’s time of death was estimated at 2:30 PM. If he’s telling the truth, that meeting gives him an alibi…)

: About the producer who was at the meeting with you…
: Oh, you mean Dee Vasquez? She’s a genius. M4d sk1llz, all the way. Scary, though. sweats She brought these studios back from the brink of destruction. She’s the one who made it possible for me to make the Steel Samurai!
: You had a meeting with her on the day of the murder, right?
: Yeah, we were together from noon to 4:00 PM, the whole time.

: Who exactly are these “bigwigs” people keep mentioning?
: Oh, the boss over at the network, and some sponsors. Also a few production guys. They piled into a limousine and got her right around noon.
: Major tension! sweats
: Were all of them with you the entire time?
: Yeah, unfortunately. They’re all gray-haired geezers… scowl
: (Hmm… sounds like they’d all be reliable witnesses.)

And let’s show him our badge.

: I try not to pay much attention to things that don’t interest me. LOL.
: W-why are you staring at me like that…?

…ugh.

Next time: Talking to someone that isn’t a fat, stinky pervert.

[quote=“South Carolina Code Ann., Subsections 16-15-60 and 16-15-80”]Any man or woman who shall be guilty of the crime of […] fornication shall be liable to indictment and, on conviction, shall be severally punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars no more than five hundred dollars or imprisonment for not less than six months nor more than one year or by both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.
[…]
“Fornication” is the living together and carnal intercourse with each other or habitual carnal intercourse with each other without living together of a man and woman, both being unmarried.[/quote]