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

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]

(filler)

(some more filler)

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]

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.

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]

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

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

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! :frowning:
: 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]

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

: You again!
: Eeeek!
: How rude, acting like you’ve seen a ghost!
: You… certainly got back to your post quickly.
: Oh the police took me away, they did. They pulled out a spare Steel Samurai costume! Told me to “put it on.” Can you imagine? How could I, a sweet little old lady, wear a giant suit like that?
: Mr. Powers is pretty tall…
: As soon as they saw there was no way I could wear it, they let me go.
: (I guess that would rule out her being the murderer.)
: Anyway!
: Know this, whippersnapper! This old lady NEVER forgets a slight or insult! And you won’t get any information out of me! My lips are sealed!
: You sure are talking a lot for someone with sealed lips.
: Starting now! One, two, three, mmmph!
: (This lady’s too much…)

: Umm, about that kid you said you saw…
: If I see him again, I’m taking him down!
: N-Nick! Look at her eyes! She’s serious!

: About the director, the one who was here on the day of the murder…
: If I see him again, I’m taking him down!
: Nick! I think she’s losing it!

: H-hey! Wait!

: Hey, um, kiddy-o! What’s yer name, sport?
: I’m not a kid, so don’t talk to me like that!
: H-huh!?
: But you… You are a kid! What a rude little brat. That’s no way to talk to an adult!
: I don’t see no adults here! Hippie fashion chick!
: H-hippie fashion…?
: Nick… I think I’m being mocked.
: (You got to hand it to Maya, she’s pretty sharp. And pretty mad…)
: I’m Cody! Cody Hackins.

: So you’re a fan of the Steel Samurai?
: How dare you utter that name, evildoer!
: What do you mean? We’re on the Steel Samurai’s side!
: H-hah! Hah hah! You can’t fool me!
: Okay… then what’s the last line said by the innkeeper in Episode 8?

: Hmph… not bad, kiddy-o.
: Watch it!
: (What are they doing!?)

: Say, you heard anything about the incident the other day?

: You were here, weren’t you?
: …
: Did you see anything…?
: He… he…
: ?
: He… always… The Steel Samurai always wins! Always! Yeah, I saw 'em! I saw everything!
: What!?
: But… but no way am I telling you losers!
: Wha–!? Wait…
: Lemme go!
: … He’s gone.
: Huh?
: Something fell off the table when he bumped into it on his way out.

: Why was this sitting there, I wonder?

: Anyway, what was that kid saying?
: He “saw everything”…

: Where’s that old windbag?
: Odd of her to leave her post…

: Nick! That was her!

: Y-yeah. Sounds like she’s chasing after that boy.

: Uh oh, she tripped!
: (Maya sure looks happy…)

: Hey, hey, Nick. Now’s our chance! Let’s check out the guard station!
: Good idea.
: …
: Oh!
: This is it, Nick!

: The key to that trailer in Studio Two!
: We’ll be borrowing this, right, Nick?

: … It opened.
: Great! Let’s go, Nick!
: (She seems eager all of a sudden…)
: Well, you first, Nick!
: (Ah, not THAT eager.)

: Eek! S-someone’s in here!
: Names.
: O-our n-names? Um, w-we’re WP’s lawyers, and, um…
: I see. …
: A-and who might you…?
: Dee Vasquez. The producer.
: (Dee Vasquez… She’s quite beautiful.)

Let’s take a look around.

: An old movie poster. “‘Dynamite Samurai’ starring Jack Hammer.” I guess Mr. Hammer used to be quite the star.

: “‘Samurai Summer’ starring Jack Hammer.” This poster’s quite old.
: Wow! It’s been years since I saw that show! It was one of those typical summer romance stories… but it was great!
: A typical summer romance… with a samurai on a horse?

: Another old movie poster. “‘The Singing Samurai’ starring Jack Hammer.” What the hell do samurai sing about? Chopping off heads?
: Oh. My. God. That movie was the best! It’s about a samurai who sings his way to fame and fortune!
: Mr. Hammer was a very accomplished singer, you know.
: Singing samurai stars… What’s next? Ninja ballet?

: It looks like they were designing a set to use for the Steel Samurai show. They’ve got some figures for how much the set costs… I can’t believe they spend that much money on these sets!

: The glass is frosted. I can’t see outside. This far into October, the dimming daylight makes it feel like winter’s coming.

: This is where they had that meeting. There are documents and paper cups scattered around.

: Nothing in here that could be a clue. Just some paper cups and crumpled documents.

Now, let’s question the producer.

: I was wondering if you could tell me about the day of the murder.
: … …
: M-Ms. Vasquez?
: Script.
: E-excuse me?
: Script. I’m looking for a script.
: A s-script?
: “The Steel Samurai, Episode 13.” I need it.
: Umm… could we ask you a bit about the day of the murder?
: I need to read it. …
: …
: … (We’re getting nowhere fast.)

: Um, w-we’d really like to ask you about the Steel Samurai!
: … …
: Ms. Vasquez?
: It’s on TV. Every week. That’s all I have to say about that.
: N-Nick! She’s telling us to go watch TV!? The nerve of her!
: Hey, don’t get mad at me.

: About the director… Sal Manella, was it? What, er, exactly is his role here…?
: Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear? I’m looking for a script. I can’t be bothered with anything else. …
: Nick?
: Are all people in the entertainment business this… weird?
: It’s startin to look like it.
: Nick, let’s get out of here. Isn’t there someplace else we have to check?
: Y-yeah.
: Wait.
: Y-yes?

: W-why do we have to do your errands…!
: …
: …
: …
: I… I don’t think I like her. sniff
: Don’t cry. She’ll take it as a sign of weakness. Alright. We’ll give it to him if we see him.

And the badge…

: I’m not interested.

…oh. Well…I guess we might as well deliver that note.

If we present the memo…

: Huh? “Bring the script for Episode 13”? Episode 13… where did I put that one? …
: I must have left it somewhere… sweats U-uh oh… My ass is p0wned if I don’t find it… shakes
: Nick…
: It might be quicker to just look in all the places where he’s likely to have been.
: I agree.

Well, that was unhelpful. At least there’s some stuff to look at that I forgot last time.

: Mr. Powers’s bag. I wonder what’s inside?
: Hey!
: Supermarket tabloids? Wow. I’m kind of shocked.
: Maya! Leave those alone! (Wolf Men Found On Mars…? I’ll have to buy that issue!)

: There’s a bunch of snacks on the table. They must give these to the employees.
: H-hey! Nick!
: W-what now?
: Th-the snacks! There was twice this much here before!
: Ah. I, uh, I ate them. They were past their expiration date anyway. ROFL!
: …
: (She’s biting her lip and staring at me with tears welling in her eyes…)

Anyway…

: Let’s find what we need and get out of here quick, Nick.

: Hey! Look! That’s the chair the director sits in! I’ve always wanted to sit in one of these.
: (The director…!) Maya… Take a look around that chair for me, would you? Remember that script the director was talking about? Didn’t he say he’d left it somewhere?
: Ahah!

: Good work!

We present the script…

: Ah.

We hand it over.

: …
: … Umm… uh… You’re not going to talk to us?
: Quiet. I’m reading.
: …! Just you hold on! What’s the big idea!? Who do you think you are anyway!? And, and do you even know who we are!?
: … Powers’s lawyers?
: Umm… right.
: Am I a suspect?
: N-no, it’s just, well, no, but…
: … You wanted to know about the day of the murder?

: Y-yes. Anything you could tell us would be a big help.
: … You know there was a meeting here at noon?
: Yes. With the director and the people from the network…
: Correct. Now, listen closely. None of the people in this trailer that afternoon went to Studio One. It was impossible for us to leave.
: Impossible? Why?
: The path was blocked.
: The… path?

: On the day of the murder, the path that leads here was blocked?
: You saw Mr. Monkey on the way here, correct?
: M-“Mr. Monkey”?
: The monkey with the broken head.

: They didn’t start moving the head out of the way until after 3:00. It was after 4:00 by the time the path was unblocked. Capice? Everyone in this trailer was stuck here until the path was cleared. Stuck in this trailer. Stuck until after 4:00. Hammer died at 2:30. Thus, none of us could have gone to Studio One.
: W-what!?
: It’s true. A crane came just after 3:00 to move the head. We called some people in to clear the way. I’m sure they’d corroborate my story,
: B-but wait! What if the head fell over after 2:30? Then you could have gone to Studio One!
: 2:30… the time of death. … Very well. Come.

: When it wasn’t broken, it announced the time… in “ooks.” One “ook” per hour. Ook ook ook ook. Always with the ooking.
: (It IS a monkey, after all.)
: Check its head. The clock inside stopped when it broke.
: …! Nick, it’s stopped at 2:15.
: 2:15…?
: That’s right.

: Therefore, we’re innocent.
: Mr. Hammer died in Studio One at 2:30…
: See? Good bye.

She leaves.

: What do we do, Nick?
: There isn’t anyone besides WP who could have killed Hammer!
: It’s over… We’re finished!
: (It sure doesn’t look good. Guess we should head back to the office and plan our strategy…)

Next time: Doomed?

[quote=“South Carolina Code Ann., Subsections 63-19-2420 and 63-19-2430”]Loitering in a billiard room.
It is unlawful for a person under eighteen years of age to loiter in a billiard or pocket billiard room or to play billiards or pocket billiards in a billiard room unless accompanied by the person’s parent or guardian or with the written consent of the person’s parent or guardian.

[…]

Playing pinball.
It is unlawful for a minor under the age of eighteen to play a pinball machine.[/quote]

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

: Now what… We’re fresh out of clues. Everyone’s alibi is watertight. We don’t even have any promising leads. Things are looking pretty grim.
: It’s a little early for giving up, don’t you think?
: Huh?
: You’ve got one lead…

: What took you so long!?
: Sorry, Phoenix. Maya has trouble calling me unless she’s really in trouble.
: Right! Oh, wait. I guess that means we’re really in trouble.
: I’d say so.
: What did you mean, we have one lead…?
: The boy, of course.

: I dunno. He didn’t sound like he was going to help us at all.
: I’m sure you can find some way of bringing him over to your side.
: Either way, we should get back to the studios. That boy is our last hope, Phoenix.
: (Thanks, now I’m more worried than I was before…)

Oh, and some new witness profiles got added!

Now, let’s chat with Mia!

: So, what’s the best thing to do from here?
: We need to get to the studio and talk to that boy.

: So, do you have any ideas about who might have done this?
: We don’t have enough information to make a case yet.
: (Where have I heard that phrase before? So THAT’s where Maya got it from…)

And the badge…

: Showing me that isn’t going to do any good.
: You know what they say, “Dead men don’t tell tales.
: (You sure are talking enough!)

: Huff… puff… huff… puff… whih… whippersnapper!
: (She’s been chasing that boy this whole time.)
: Huff… puff… when… when I ca… catch him… I… huff
: (Sounds like she hasn’t had any luck catching him.)
: Huff… puff… I… I got a hostage now, whippersnapper!
: (A “hostage”…!?)

: Umm… what happened to the boy?
: I-if I see him a-again, I’ll… huff! L-lay him flat! Huff… puff…

: Actually, I met with the director just now…
: Eh? Hah… my heart, it don’t feel so good.
: (Is she okay!?)
: B-before I go, I’d like to v-visit the place where poor H-Hammer died…
: (Right… she was saying she wanted to visit the studio where he died.)

: What’s this about a “hostage”?
: Huff… huff… W-when that boy was running away… …he dropped this, a-and ran! Huff… huff… H-he’ll come back… huff… huff… for this one!
: (It’s kind of hard to understand her with all that huffing and puffing.)
: Phoenix! That “hostage” might be what we need! Cody might talk to us if we gave him that!
: (Good idea!) Ms. Oldbag! Might I…
: No!
: I’m catching that brat if it’s the last thing I do!
: Phoenix. Do you have anything you might trade with her?
: (A trade, hmm… I wonder…?)

As it happens, we might.

: That’s a card… huff… Studio One?
: Right. A cardkey to Studio One.
: Huff… puff… I… I could visit poor Hammer… I’d like to visit… huf… he died… whew. I was his… his fan.
: You don’t have your own card, Ms. Oldbag?
: Studio One isn’t my turf. Huff… huff… You’ll let me borrow… borrow it, then?

: Why don’t you let her borrow it, Phoenix?
: I guess it can’t hurt. Her you go, Ms. Oldbag.
: … Listen to me, sonny. I don’t like having debts to no whippersnappers.

: What’s this…? A Steel Samurai trading card?
: That sneaky kid dropped it! I figure it’s pretty important to him, though.
: Thank you, I may have a use for this. (This must be the “hostage” she was talking about.)

: Right. I’m off.
: (There she goes, hobbling off toward the studio…)

: … Phoenix… Was that the boy?
: Yeah. His name’s “Cody Hackins.”
: I think he ran into the dressing room.

: He’s sure to be in here somewhere…

: Dammit! He’s getting away!
: Come back! … There. He’s back.

: …
: Hey there. Would you mind helping us out? Please?
: …
: I-I’m Cody.
: Hello, Cody. I’m Mia. Mia Fey. Nice to meet you.

: And I’m Phoenix Wright!
: Who asked?
: Phoenix, you can take it from here.
: (I’m not so sure I’m qualified…)

: The Steel Samurai’s so cool. I think he’s the, um, the “bomb.”
: Hah! What would a lamer like you know about the Steel Samurai!
: H-hey, watch that attitude!
: Phoenix, you really shouldn’t yell like that. He’s only a kid.
: Yeah! Don’t yell like that I’m only a kid!

The game seems to be short on punctuation suddenly.

: So, do you know anything about what happened here? Could you tell me, please?
: I don’t know nothing!
: (Hmm… looks like a little persuasion’s necessary. Maybe a bribe…?)

: Hey! My UR!
: “You are”… huh?
: “U.R.” You know, “ultra rare”! That card’s really hard to get!
: Man, for a grown-up, you sure are dumb!
: I’ll give you this… IF you help me.
: But that’s my card! By offering me something I already own, you’re in effect eschewing the very basis of our consumer society, namely the principle of fair trade! Man, for a grown-up, you sure are dumb!
: (W-what do they teach these kids in school these days!? Quantum physics!?)
: Whatever, I don’t need that card.
: Huh?
: I got a double.
: Just keep it. It’s yours.
: (What!? After I went through all that trouble…)
: If you want to ttrade, find me a REALLY rare card!
: “Really rare”!? You mean there’s something rare than “Ultra Rare”!?
: Ultra Rare Premium cards are way rarer than plain Ultra Rare cards! Come ON!
: Man, for a grown-up, you sure are dumb!
: Premium… rare… why do I feel like we’re talking about steaks?

OBviously, the place to look for one of these is Studio Two. Clearly.

: Hello. What brings you here?
: Oh, well, I had to arrange some stuff… Umm…
: Yes?
: They, um, girl with you. Doesn’t she seem a little different? Like, is she even the same person as before?
: Um, nope! She’s the same as always.
: Same as always.
: Okay… whatever you say…

: Have you seen the boy since then?
: Nope. You missed it, though.
: The security lady was chasing around after the boy so fast I thought she’d collapse. Of course, he got away in the end. Boy, was she mad!
: Actually, we saw them. How’s the old windbag doing?
: She was squeezing donuts through her clenched fists back at the guard station.
: (Some people take their jobs a little too seriously.)

: Are all the posters on the wall here of Hammer?
: Yes. It’s really a terrible loss for the studios.
: But… his popularity had been waning recently, right?
: That’s true.
: Then again, after what happened…
: After WHAT happened?
: Y-you mean, you don’t know about Hammer…?
: No, what?
: I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.

: Wait, now you have to tell me. What happened with Hammer?
: I-I’m sorry. I’m probably not the one who should tell you.
: (Uh oh. Why do I get the feeling something’s being covered up here?)

Well, no matter. May as well see if she knows who might be into Steel Samurai cards.

: Do you know anything about this?

: I collect those, actually. I’m one card away from a complete set!
: A complete set?
: Yeah, a set of one of each card.
: Huh…
: … Wait… Waitwaitwaitwait!!! That’s it!!! That’s the card I need! You don’t know how long I’ve been looking for it!
: Uh…
: I don’t care what kind of girl you might think I am, I need that card!

: T-trade with you?
: Yes, trade cards!

: Trade me a… huh?
: Yes, it’s a good deal for your Ultra Rare! Please!!!
: Phoenix! Can’t you see she’s desperate?

: Okay.
: Really!? Th-thanks!!! Then this is for you. Yaa-hoo!
: (And there she goes…)

: Doesn’t doing good things like that make you feel great?
: Yeah. Yeah, it does.

Now, back to Cody.

: See this card?

: That’s the last Ultra Rare Premium card I need! C’mon give it to me, please! You gotta give it to me!
: (Wow, I’ve never seen him so… eager.) R-right! Okay! How about a trade?
: You’re on!

: No no no no… not that kind of trade. I don’t want cards. I want information.
: Huh? You sure? Fine by me!

We hand over the card.

: Okay, Phoenix. Let’s hear what he has to say. If he knows something that could help us, we can have him take the stand tomorrow.

: So… you like the Steel Samurai.
: He’s so cool!

: You’re judging him by his looks! You have to look at his actions, at his life!
: (I’m being lectured on life by a grade schooler…)
: You like him too, don’tcha?
: Uh… Oh, me? Y-yeah! I, um, love the Steel Samurai.

: R-right… (C’mon, think of something!) I really like his, um, his kind nature. What a guy!
: Totally! He looks so tough, but inside, he’s as gentle as a kitten!
: Yeah…
: So what else do you like about him?
: (Don’t tell me I have to keep this act up…)

: W-well… (I’ve never even seen a full episode of that dumb show.) A-actually, I’m kind of a fan of Will Powers…
: Whoa! That’s totally hard-core!
: (You’re calling ME hard-core?)
: So what else do you like about him?
: (Don’t tell me I have to keep this act up…)

: (Got to think of something…) I like it when he, uh, he vanquishes his foes!
: Yeah! Whizzam!
: The Steel Samurai always wins! Always! Check this out! It’s my fan album!

: I go to every live performance!
: (Those stupid publicity stunts where they beat each other up in public…?)
: I always take a picture when the Steel Samurai lands the final blow! Whizzam!
: I got 'em all! I never missed one! A perfect collection!

: Wow, that’s very impressive. The newest model, isn’t it?
: You bet, lady! I just got it for my birthday!

: The Steel Samurai always wins! Always!
: Hey, if you want this, you can have it, lady.
: Really? Are you sure?
: Yeah, I took these with a digital camera. I got all the data at home so I can always make another one.
: Well, then I’m happy to accept! Thank you.

: (What’s with people always giving stuff to Mia? What a life!)
: ?

: You were here on the day opf the… incident, right?
: Yeah…
: Did you see anything unusual?
: …
: Cody.
: !
: Cody, he needs to know because he’s fighting for justice. Isn’t that the Steel Samurai’s motto? “For great justice”? You have to help us fight for great justice, too.
: I… I saw… I saw everything!
: (Well, well… We might get some useful information out of him yet.)

: Cody… I need to ask you something very important. What did you see on the day of the incident?
: …

: I got here that day around 2:00… I had to come in through the woods out back so that old lady wouldn’t see me.
: I got kinda lost, though. I was in there for maybe a half hour or so. Then I finally got to the studio. After that…
: What is it, Cody?

: He used his Samurai Spear! Just like always! One shot, one kill! It happened so fast… I got scared. I went home after that.
: I… I see. It must have been hard for you.
: Man, you say those nice things but it’s so obvious you aren’t speaking from the heart.
: (Umm… right.) Mia?
: Yes?
: I think we can say for sure this means the Steel Samurai did it.

: True enough.
: And the director has an alibi, so it wasn’t him.
: Indeed.
: So… the only person left who it could have been is Will Powers!
: … I have to admit, it’s kind of a shock. But if you put this boy on the witness stand, your client iwll be “guilty” for sure.
: Let’s not call him then…
: I think that would be wise. Best to leave this one alone.
: Not so fast, pal!

: And he’s under police protection, starting now! C’mon, son.
: You’ve got a rendezvous with me down at the precinct!
: No! I ain’t going! Waah!
: … That didn’t go so well! We’re back to zero leads.
: And now we have a serious handicap in court.
: W-what’re we going to do, Mia!
: Well, hmm… I… really need to be going.
: Don’t worry, Phoenix. I’m sure you’ll be fine!
: Whoa whoa whoa! C-come to the trial tomorrow, please! I need you there!
: Phoenix, can I ask you something?

: (I never expected things to go this badly for Powers’s case… I’m not sure we can win this one.)
: Phoenix? If you don’t believe in him, who will!?
: (Uh oh, she’s mad.)
: Oh well… I’ll see you in court tomorrow then.

: Of course he is!
: … That’s all I wanted to hear.
: Excellent. I’ll see you in court, then.

Convergence.

: Great! Thanks, Mia!
: See you soon.

Next time: Court.

(Filler is apparently also good for the timeline viewing thing.)

(god, this is gonna be a long thread.)

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

: …
: Umm… Mr. Wright?
: Yes?
: Why do you look so… unhappy?
: O-oh! Oh, nothing! Eh heh heh. Really, it’s nothing. Right, Mia? (Uh oh. She looks even unhappier…)
: Phoenix. Your client is now practically a dead man walking… Perhaps that’s why I feel particularly close to him.
: This is no time for dead-people jokes, please.
: You know we’re going into this trial utterly defenseless. Yet, if Mr. Powers is truly innocent… We should be able to find something overlooked in the evidence to prove it.
: Something “overlooked”…?
: We have to find something, Phoenix, today. It’s that, or lose the trial.
: (This isn’t going ot be easy.)

: 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.
: An unexpected fact has come to the attention of the court. Yesterday, we learned that there were other people present at the studios! Today, I would like to show evidence proving they had nothing to do with the murder.
: Very well. You may call your first witness, Mr. Edgeworth.
: (I wonder if that producer is going to come out…)
: The prosecution calls Mr. Sal Manella to the stand.
: (… or that director.)

: Will the witness state his name and profession?
: …
: How r00d can j00 get! J00 don’t know ME!? I’m the director! I make the Steel Samurai, n00b! ROFL!
: …

: Were you at Global Studios on the day of the murder?
: Y-yes, Your Honor.
: Hmm…
: Very well. Please testify to the court about the events of that day.

: Let’s start by picking this testimony apart. If Powers is innocent, you know what that means. Someone in the trailer on that day did it!
: R-right. (She doesn’t waste any time putting on the pressure!)

: Hmm…
: The time of Mr. Hammer’s death was 2:30 PM. And according to your testimony, you were in a meeting at that time.
: Mr. Wright, you may begin your cross-examination.
: Yes, Your Honor.

: Is that when you always come in to work?
: Oh, oh no. I come in all sort of hours. It’s the “industry” way.
: (Yeah, I know all about the freaks in your “industry”…)
: Still, FWIW, I was pretty busy all that day. :frowning:
: Tell us more about that.

: In the Employee Area?
: That’s right. It was a fight scene between the Steel Samurai and the Evil Magistrate.
: Was anyone else at the run-through?
: Oh, yeah. That security lady was sitting there watching the whole thing. LOL. She was cheering on Hammer, if you can believe it.
: (She certainly has the lungs for it…)
: Anyone else?
: Nope, just us four.

: Why did it go on so long?
: Um, I’m pretty sure j00’ve already heard about this… But WP twisted his ankle during the run-through, see…
: (Oh, right, thus the limp.)
: Which of course led to me missing my lunch. ROFS!
: (ROFS? Rolling on the Floor… Starving?)

: What exactly did they have for lunch?
: T-bone steak! The assistant cooked some up.
: (Come to think of it, there was a plate with some bones on it in the Employee Area.)
: “Everyone else” meaning that the witness did not eat with them.

: So, in the end, you didn’t get to eat?
: Yeah. No steak, at least! Can j00 believe it?
: That must have been tough.
: Phoenix.
: Yeah?

: Well, no, not really. Seems pretty straightforward.

: Actually, there is something bothering me.
: Mr. Manella, just now you said, “steak, at least.”
: So you ate something other than steak?
: Yeah, good call!
: I had some chocolate in my pocket, which I used to stave off starvation!
: I see…
: (Is that all? I was sure I was on to something there.)

: Yeah, it does seem odd, now that you mention it.
: Mr. Manella!
: H-hmm? W-what do j00 mean? sweats
: When I went to that trailer, I saw something on the table. There were two plates on the table–the same kind of plates as in the Employee Area.
: Who ate lunch there?

: No, er, ah, um, eh heh. Good call! sweats I, er, I was embarrassed so I didn’t mention it…
: But I did eat, after all.
: A t-bone steak, you mean?
: Yeah, well, I mean the assistant went through all that trouble…
: I brought it to the trailer, thinking I could eat it later.
: (Clearly a man who likes to eat. I’d suspected as much…)
: So, when exactly did you eat it?
: We took one break during that meeting.
: I, er, wolfed it down then. drool
: (A mental image I will carry with me to my grave…)
: (Wait a second…! If they took a break in that meeting, that contradicts his testimony!)
: (I’ll press on that one a bit more…)

: What were you discussing?
: The Steel Samurai story, and our budget.
: Get this! The sponsors turn to me and say, “Mr. Manella. Those scripts of yours are not appropriate for children.” Can j00 believe it!?
: (Actually, I kind of can.)
: So, nobody left the table during the whole meeting?

: You didn’t take a single break?
: Er… well…
: Y-yeah! Not a one! sweats
: (Hmm… what’s he sweating so much about, I wonder? If only I had an idea… Wait a second…)

: Wait a second! Mr. Manella, you’ve just contradicted yourself!
: Didn’t you just tell the court that you ate that t-bone steak during a break?

: Well?
: Umm…
: Mr. Manella, what’s this all about?
: W-well, yeah, I guess we did take a little break.
: Phoenix! Great job! If they took a break, one of them could have gone to the studio during that time!
: Your Honor! I call on the witness to testify to the court about this break!
: Very well. Mr. Manella, your testimony, please.
: Urk!
: Heh heh heh…
: (Uh oh. Edgeworth is laughing…)

: Hmm…
: I don’t think it would even be enough time for that, but that’s just me.
: Very well. You may begin the cross-examination.

: What time exactly did you take this break?
: Hmm… I’d say it was from around 2:30 or so until 2:45.
: i[/i]
: (That’s the time of death! So he could have gone to Studio One, killed Hammer, and come back…)
: (I guess it’s possible, time-wise…)
: …

: What were you doing for those 15 minutes?
: Eating my t-bone steak! What else!?
: There were two plates on the trailer table…?
: Oh, right. The other one was Diva’s… sorry, Dee Vasquez’s plate.
: (Dee Vasquez… the producer.)
: To eat a t-bone steak in 15 minutes… that’s quite a feat.

: Why is that?

: Haven’t we had enough of this pointless line of questioning?
: Your Honor! The testimony to this point has made one certain fact painfully clear: The people in the trailer had nothing to do with the murder!
: It was impossible for any of them to go to Studio One!
: What!?
: Something wrong, Mr. Wright?
: Surely you aren’t suggesting one of the people in the trailer went to Studio One!
: Hmm…
: Well, Mr. Wright?

: Phoenix, this is critical! Think about it before you give your answer!

: (If I agree to let everyone in that trailer off the hook then the trial is over… Mr. Powers will be found guilty for sure!)
: The victim was murdered at 2:30, the exact time of the break in the meeting.
: With 15 minutes, murder is certainly a possibility!
: Hmm…
: I suppose you might say that…
: (Alright, I’ve got the judge thinking now!)
: Tsk, tsk, tsk…

: Never a dull moment with you, Mr. Wright!
: What’s your point, Edgeworth!
: You’ve been doing your homework, haven’t you? Look at the Court Record.
: The Court Record…?
: Surely, you knew that from 2:15 to 4:00 the path between the studios was blocked? Mrs. Monkey’s head had fallen across the path!

: However! The path from there to the scene of the crime was blocked!

: … (It’s actually “Mr. Monkey,” but Edgeworth has a point… And somehow, I feel no desire to correct him.)
: No counter-argument, Mr. Wright?

: (I don’t want to write off so many possible suspects… But I can’t keep claiming the impossible, either…)
: I agree that it was impossible for anyone in the trailer to go to the studio in that time.
: Ha hah!
: I thought you might be thoughtlessly treading on thin ice again! But I see you had at least an inkling of the truth.
: What do you mean, Mr. Edgeworth?
: It’s quite simple…
: True, the break in the trailer meeting came right at the time of death… However! The path from there to the scene of the crime was blocked!

: Ergo! When the people in the trailer took a break at 2:30, the way to the studio was blocked. Blocked… by Mrs. Monkey’s severed head!
: … (It’s actually “Mr. Monkey,” but Edgeworth has a point… And somehow, I feel no desire to correct him.)

Convergence.

: I believe we have seen enough evidence.

: I would like to relieve Mr. Manella from the stand.
: (Wh-what? It’s over?)

: Very well. The court’s opinion on this case is as follows: We have found that there were several other people in Studio 2 on the day of the murder. However, it is also clear that none of these people could have gone to Studio One. They therefore have no relation to this case.

: Given the size of the costume, no one other than Mr. Powers could have worn it that day.
: All that is lacking is decisive evidence that he is the one who did it. If we had that, I’m afraid I would have to find Mr. Powers guilty.
: Your Honor.
: The prosecution is pleased to announce that we indeed have decisive evidence: a witness.

: Who is this witness, Mr. Edgeworth?
: My witness saw the very moment when the Steel Samurai skewered the victim!

: Order! I will have order!
: I see. The court will take a 10 minute recess, after which we will hear your witness.
: Court is adjourned for recess!

: What do we do now, Mia? If everyone in that trailer has an alibi…
: … I’m sorry, Phoenix. I guess I was wrong.
: M-Mia! Don’t tell me you’re giving up! If you give up, what hope do I have…?
: …
: Don’t get me wrong. I’ve never given up on a trial before, not while there was a chance. Only one thing became clear in your cross-examination.
: The people in the trailer could not have gone to Studio One. I thought there was more to it than that… But I was wrong.
: That’s all there is.
: Umm… Er… What’s going to happen to me?
: It kinda seems like everyone in that courtroom thinks I did it… They think I’m a murderer!
: Don’t worry, Mr. Powers. If you are innocent, we will prove it. I guarantee it. Leave it to us, and… be yourself. Be strong.
: You are the Steel Samurai, hero to children everywhere, after all.
: I… You… Thanks. sniff
: Okay, Phoenix. This one’s for the kids!
: Let’s do it!

Next time: The witness.

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

: Court is back in session for the trial of Mr. Will Powers.
: The prosecution has a concern. As our witness is a grade schooler of tender years, and this is a murder case… We worry that the defense might cause unnecessary trauma with his cruel questioning!
: (Nice to see Edgeworth taking the moral high ground…)
: However, we have no choice. The prosecution calls Cody Hackins to the stand.

: Your Honor. Perhaps you could arrange a box for him to stand on?
: Oh, r-right.
: Guard, please bring him a box. One of those donut crates should do.

: Will the witness state his name and grade in school.
: …

: Witness!
: What!? Just 'cause you’re all grown-up don’t mean you can push me around!
: Mrph…
: Cody? Answer his question, okay?
: H-hey, it’s you! The nice lady! I’m Cody Hackins. I’m in 2nd grade!
: (I get the feeling this is going to be a long, long day.)
: Mr. Edgeworth. Please remember that you’re speaking to a child. Try to be gentle.
: M-mrrrrph!
: Witness! Er, I mean, Cody.
: (He’s having trouble with this “gentle” thing.)
: You were present, er, you were at Global Studios on the day of the, er, incident?
: You got a problem with that!?
: Please tell us what you saw that day.
: What, pops? You want me to tell you and gramps with the beard over there?
: Just… Mr. Edgeworth will be fine.
: I prefer “bearded gentleman” myself.
: (A very long day…)
: Incidentally,
: photographic equipment is strictly forbidden in this courtroom.
: M-mpht!
: M-my apologies, Your Honor. He said he wouldn’t testify if he couldn’t bring it… I’d like special permission, if that’s possible.
: Wait, so you’re saying you had to bargain terms with a kid… and you LOST?

: Don’t really know how to use it all that good yet! But I bring it with me wherever I go!
: Phoenix. I wonder if he had that camera on the day of the murder… You’d better make a note of it in the Court Record.

: Very well, Cody.
: Please testify to the court about what you saw the day of the incident.

: Hmm…
: Very well. The defense may begin its cross-examination.
: And, be gentle. Remember you’re talking to a child.
: …
: (This kid is tougher than most adults we see in here, honestly…)

: You really like the Steel Samurai, huh?
: Course I do!

: And I go to all the live performances!
: That’s impressive.
: Have you been to the amusement park?
: Course! Duh!
: My Dad always takes me!
: (Poor, poor Dad…)

: Was that day the first time you’d been to the studio?
: Uh, actually I’ve been a couple of times. I never manage to get there on a rehearsal day!
: And that security lady’s always yelling…
: Right, right. Please continue.
: Chill, pops! I’m getting to it!
: How am I supposed to talk with you cuttin’ me off all the time? Geez!
: …

: “Off the path”…?
: Yeah, you know how the studios are in a valley there?

: I see.
: Anyhow…

: Did anything unusual happen on your way to the studio?
: “Unusual”?

: Oh, you mean Mr. Monkey? Yeah I saw him, but his head wasn’t busted!
: So you went straight to the studio?

: You got lost in the woods?
: Yeah. I couldn’t figure out which way I was walking.
: Man, was I relieved when I saw the blue studio doors.
: But guess what happened next!

: The Steel Samurai?
: Yeah, he was standing by the studio gate. It looked like he was thinking about something before going in. Then he opened up the gate and went inside.
: I see. What then?

: What sort of “bad guy” was it?
: A guy. A person. Kinda tall. Skinny.
: Are you sure it was a guy?
: … I dunno. He was kinda far away.
: (Huh, he’s being awfully vague…)
: …

: What happened to the bad guy?
: Huh?
: Well…
: Well, he kinda didn’t move. Not a bit. Like he was dead.
: I-I guess he’s a real pro! What a great actor!
: Y-yes, I suppose he was.

: “If” you had your camera? You mean, you weren’t carrying your camera then?
: N-no, I wasn’t.
: I-it’s not like I have it all the time!
: i[/i]

And we loop.

: (I guess seeing the killing freaked him out and he went home…)
: Phoenix. Remember, he’s a child.
: Use gentle words… but be firm.
: (Easy for you to say…)

Can you spot it?

: Cody, what you just said seems, well, a little strange.
: Didn’t you say before that you always bring your digital camera wherever you go?
: You were quite clear about that.

: Cody, you shouldn’t lie here. You understand that, right?

: Mr. Wright! A word with you…
: (Uh oh… was I putting the pressure on too much?)
: What is this “digital” camera contraption you’re talking about?
: It’s umm… a digital camera, Your Honor.
: It’s kind of a new sort of camera. (How do I explain that!?)
: I see.
: Anyway, Cody…
: I can’t believe you wouldn’t bring your camera on a trip to the studios!
: You did bring it, didn’t you?

: Mr. Wright! How cruel you are, to terrorize a poor child so!
: I don’t care if he’s a child or a prosecuting attorney! No one should lie in court!
: What do you mean “or a prosecuting attorney”!?
: Well, Cody?
: Wh-what! Yeah, so I had my camera. So what!?
: You got a problem with that!?

: So, you did have a camera? And did you use this camera?
: W-why would I use it?
: I… I was too busy watching.
: Hmm…
: Very well. Please testify to the court about what you were so busy watching.

: Hmm…
: Ah? Is that all?
: Well, that was brief.
: Mr. Wright, your cross-examination.

: So, why didn’t you use it?

: He’s getting to that! Relax and listen.
: Umm…
: I didn’t use it 'cause I was too busy watching the real thing!

: So you were watching the Steel Samurai. Did you watch the whole fight?
: Y-yeah, of course!
: You didn’t turn away, not even once?
: N… no!
: Okay, then tell us exactly what happened.
: Y-yeah! I’m getting to that!

: So the bad guy attacked him first?
: Yeah!
: What sort of person was this “bad guy”?
: I told you, a person. He was a person.
: How was he dressed?
: … I kinda don’t remember. I was too busy watching the Steel Samurai!
: I see. And what happened next?

: Why?
: Huh? Whaddya mean, “why”?
: Why wasn’t the bad guy moving?
: W-well 'cause the Steel Samurai brought him to justice!
: And how exactly did he do that?

: (He’s still being vague about this…)
: What! Don’t gimme that look, pops!

Just for now.

: (Yeah… If I press too hard now, the judge might keep me from continuing.)
: (I’ll sit back and see how the rest of this goes.)

: What did you do after the bad guy fell, Cody?
: … Um, actually… The fight was so… so intense that I got kinda scared. So I went straight home.
: (Something isn’t adding up here…)

And we loop.

: (Something about his account doesn’t seem right…)
: Phoenix. It doesn’t seem right because he’s being deliberately vague! Press him on the facts, Phoenix! Find out what he saw!

So, back to that thing above.

: Cody.
: Wh-what!?
: Something’s bothering me. Before you said that you “couldn’t take your eyes off” the action.
: Y-yeah? So what?
: Yet you missed the most important part!

: What is the meaning of this? The witness has stated what he saw quite clearly…

: You know as well as I do that he’s being vague!

: M-mmph!
: My point is this: Cody, you may have seen some of the Steel Samurai’s fight…

: But you missed the most important part: the killing blow!

: Order! Order! Mr. Wright! How could this be? Can you explain how he might have missed something so vital?
: Um, well… er, that’s the thing…
: Phoenix! I believe you’re on the right track with this!
: Think: why didn’t Cody see the climax of the fight? I know you! You can figure this out!
: Mr. Wright, your answer! We have ascertained that this young boy is a great fan of the Steel Samurai…

: Because he couldn’t watch it! How could he calmly watch a murder taking place at his age!

: Just a moment, please…
: One thing has become quite clear in this boy’s testimony. He did not believe he was witnessing a murder! He was watching the Steel Samurai fight, like on TV.

: The more real the fight, the more he would have watched!
: Umm… huh.
: I have to agree with Mr. Edgeworth. Well, Mr. Wright. Do you have another explanation? We have ascertained that this young boy is a great fan of the Steel Samurai… Why wouldn’t he watch the climax of the fight?

: He missed the climax of the fight…
: Because he was looking at something else! Probably!
: “Probably”?
: “Something else”?

: Mr. Wright, explain yourself! What could possibly distract this boy from seeing his idol, the Steel Samurai, fight!?
: What do you claim he was looking at?
: O-ooof! (C’mon, think of something… think of something… Nothing.)
: Mr. Wright! Please refrain from making baseless claims!
: Y-yes… Sorry, Your Honor.
: Do you have another explanation? We have ascertained that this young boy is a great fan of the Steel Samurai… Why wouldn’t he watch the climax of the fight?

: Your Honor, I have evidence.
: “Evidence”…?
: Yes, Your Honor.

Next time: Do you know why?

[quote=“18 U.S.C. Section 7”]The term “special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United State,” as used in this title includes:
(6) Any vehicle used or designed for flight or navigation in space and on the registry of the United States pursuant to the Treaty of Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies and the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space, while that vehicle is in flight, which is from the moment when all external doors are closed on Earth following embarkation until the moment when one such door is opened on Earth for disembarkation or in the case of a forced landing, until the competent authorities take over the responsibility for the vehicle and for persons and property aboard.[/quote]

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

So, the answer is…

: What’s that? The camera…?
: The witness stated that he recently received this camera.
: Yes, I’m aware of that.
: He wasn’t entirely familiar with its operation.
: I’m aware of that, too.
: Ah!
: Correct! Why would Cody be looking somewhere else at the critical moment? Because he was looking at his camera!

: Bullseye!

: (Pressing, not picking…)
: Good job, Phoenix! Cody was lying, clearly. Smart of you to realize there was no way he could just stand there, watching his hero… and not take a picture!
: Right!
: Cody? There was only one reason why you would have looked away from the fight.
: And that was because you wanted to take a picture. But having just received your camera, you weren’t used to using it yet!
: So, you missed the climax of the fight. Correct?
: … … … Yeah.
: Well, Phoenix. I’ll bet you anything he’s hiding more than that. Have him testify again!
: R-right. (Mia means business!)
: Your Honor.
: The defense would like to request that Cody Hackins testify once more.
: V-very well. Cody?

: And about why you didn’t take a picture of the fight?
: Umm…
: (Welcome to the real world, kid!)

: Hmm…
: Anything strange in that testimony, Mr. Wright?
: I’m not sure… But I’d like to proceed with the cross-examination anyway.

: “Pops”…?
: Yeah, I called you “pops,” you spiky-haired geezer!
: G-geezer…?

: Okay, off with the kid gloves! Testify, witness, testify!

: So you did see the beginning of the fight?
: Yeah.
: Did you notice anything unusual?
: Umm… well… uh… I guess the Steel Samurai was moving a little strange…
: (Moving… strangely?)

: Why couldn’t you take a picture?
: My new camera has too many buttons. I couldn’t figure it out. I tried to take a picture, I really tried.

: When the lens opened, what did you see?
: Uh… well, a person on the ground. And the Steel Samurai!

: That’s all?
: Y-yeah! I told you, I didn’t take a picture!
: (Hmm… I would have, once I got that lens open…)

: (Nah, he definitely would have taken a picture. There’s got to be something here I can use!)
: Cody!
: Listen up, Cody Hackins. I know exactly what happened that day.
: You took a picture!

: i[/i]
: H-how did you know!?
: I see through all your lies Cody Hackins. It’s one of my powers!

But not, apparently, using commas.

: W-wow!
: (This feels great!)
: Y-yeah… Yeah, I took a picture.
: Perhaps you can change your testimony to reflect this, Cody?

: You “erased” them?
: Y-yeah!
: Why would you erase a picture of your beloved Steel Samurai, victorious?
: Well… y’know. W-why would I want to keep a picture like that?
: (Hmm… he’s becoming less and less cooperative. I better find a clear contradiction soon… or some solid evidence.)

Loop.

: (How can I pick holes in such a short testimony?)
: There has to be something. Dig up the dirt, Phoenix! Find out what this kid’s all about!

So, do you see the problem?

: Cody!
: Wh-wh-what!? Man, every time you say “Cody” you follow it with something bad.

: Huh? O-oh… right.
: What was it you told me then?

: I always take a picture when the Steel Samurai lands the final blow! Whizzam! I got 'em all! I never missed one! A perfect collection!
: Cody. Did you really get a picture of the Steel Samurai standing victorious over his foe? If you did, I find it hard to believe that you would just erase it!

: Mr. Wright… What exactly is this album?

: It’s a collection of pictures of the Steel Samurai, all taken by Cody Hackins.
: He claims it’s a perfect collection of every battle the Steel Samurai has won!
: I… I see.
: Don’t you find this very odd, Your Honor?
: Among all his pictures of the Steel Samurai, none were taken that day!

: Order!
: Mr. Wright. Have you an explanation? If the Steel Samurai had just defeated his adversary… I certainly would expect to see a picture of it in this album…
: Exactly my point, Your Honor! … …

: Phoenix? I think we’ve finally discovered the truth. And what a truth it is!

: M-Mia… are we sure about this? Did he actually…?

: Yes. I’m pretty sure what you’re thinking is right. Tell them, Phoenix. Tell them what the truth is.
: Mr. Wright! Please explain to the court what is going on here! Why was there no picture in the album from the day of the murder?

: I believe that Cody Hackins is what we call an “artiste.”
: An… “artiste”…?
: He didn’t like the photos he had taken! They were blurry, or maybe his framing was off…
: Anyway, for some reason, he erased the data!
: Is that right, Cody?
: Wh-what do you mean “framing was off”!?

: Um, uh… Yes, well, I’m sure the real reason is…
: Yes? The real reason is? Why was there no picture in the album from the day of the murder?

: Simple, Your Honor. Cody wasn’t used to using his new camera. He erased those photos he took by mistake!
: W-wait a second, Phoenix. If that’s your answer, we’re back where we started!
: Huh? You mean, that wasn’t it?
: Mr. Wright! If you have something to say to the court, speak up!
: Um, well… S-sorry, Your Honor. Can I change my answer?

: Why was there no picture in the album from the day of the murder?

: I can think of only one reason, your honor.

: The Steel Samurai didn’t win! That’s why Cody deleted those photos.
: You mean the Steel Samurai… lost?
: Well, Cody? I’m right, aren’t I?
: Tell the truth. The bad guy defeated the Steel Samurai!
: N-n-n-no way! No!
: I-it’s impossible! Th-the Steel Samurai never loses!
: He never loses to anyone! Ever!
: Your Honor…

: The witness has revealed everything with his words.
: There was a reason why he lied and told us he didn’t take a picture. The same reason he erased his precious photos! For Cody, it was inconceivable that the Steel Samurai could be defeated.

: However, Cody witnessed the impossible! He saw the Steel Samurai lose! Yet to admit what he saw would destroy everything he believed in!
: That’s why he lied and said the Steel Samurai won.

: O-Order! I will have order!
: W-witness! I mean, Cody! Is this true!? W-what did you see? Tell the court what you saw!
: I…

: Cody… That day, you saw the Steel Samurai lose a fight. Right?

: Okay okay! Y-you’re right! Th-the Steel Samurai f-fell down… Th-then he didn’t m-move…

: Order! Order! Order!

: What kind of stunt are you trying to pull, Wright!?

: Mr. Wright! What’s going on?
: Apparently, we have all made a serious error.
: An… error?

: Quite simply, the victim was Jack Hammer!
: …
: …

: Umm… Mr. Wright? We all know that.
: Right.
: Perhaps you’d like to reconsider your last statement?
: …
: I’m sorry. It was I who was wrong.

: L-look, I’m sure there’s something we’re overlooking!

: If you’re so sure, then tell us what it is!

: There was no victim in this case!
: Wh-wh-what!? Has the defense taken leave of its senses!?
: Of course, Jack Hammer died. But the Steel Samurai fell too!
: It was a draw!

: …
: Sorry. I was too shocked to say anything for a bit there.
: Listen, Wright! Only one person died in this incident, and that is Jack Hammer! Yet now you claim there “was no victim”?

: Are you insane?
: (Uh oh, he’s pulling out all the stops now.)
: …
: I’m sorry. It was I who was wrong.

: L-look, I’m sure there’s something we’re overlooking!

: If you’re so sure, then tell us what it is!

: If you understand what really happened, it’s actually quite simple. At the end of the fight, the Steel Samurai fell to the ground, and lay still. In other words, the Steel Samurai was not the killer, he was the victim! Don’t you see?

: Jack Hammer was the Steel Samurai!

: Order! Order! Order! So, the Steel Samurai in this photograph…

: That’s what I’m saying, Your Honor.

: Thus, he obviously knew about Will Powers’s foot injury.
: B-but wait! Hadn’t Mr. Hammer gone to Studio One already?
: That’s what everyone thought! But remember what Ms. Oldbag said in her testimony?

: Did I see poor old Hammer? Nope. He’d already gone to the studio before I got back to the guard station.

: However, no one saw him going to Studio One. Nor was there a picture of him.

: Then he snuck into the dressing room and stole the Steel Samurai costume.
: …
: …
: But why would the victim do such a thing?
: I… don’t know.
: … I get it!
: ?
: I thought that the Steel Samurai was moving strange. So it was a different person inside the suit!
: Pops!
: Huh, me? What?
: Actually, there was one piece of data I saved.
: Data?
: Yeah, a photo on my digital camera!

: !

: W-what!?

: Show us, quick!
: No way man, not if you’re gonna look at me like that!
: Now!
: sniff

: Well, looking at this it’s still a little hard to say. I’m afraid that it could be anyone in that costume. Your opinion, Mr. Wright?
: I agree, Your Honor. This isn’t decisive evidence.
: I’m sorry, this doesn’t look like it’s the proof we need. I’ll give it back.
: Wait, Phoenix!
: Mia? What?
: Look at that photo once more! That’s it Phoenix!

Commas are in short supply lately.

: That photo is all the evidence you need to win this trial!
: Wh-what!?
: Y-Your Honor!
: May I see that photo once more please?
: C-certainly. I don’t see why not.
: Phoenix! Show him! There’s a glaring, decisive inconsistency with the facts as we know them in that photo!

Next time: Did you spot it?

[quote=“42 U.S.C, Sections 2181(a) and 2014(d)”]No patent shall hereafter be granted for any invention or discovery which is useful solely in the utilization of special nuclear material or atomic energy in an atomic weapons.
[…]
The term “atomic weapon” means any device utilizing atomic energy, exclusive of the means for transporting or propelling hte device (where such means is a separable and divisible part of the device), the principal purpose of which is for use as, or for development of, a weapon, a weapon prototype, or a weapon test device.[/quote]

Case 3 - Turnabout Samurai
Trial (Day 3) - Part 4

And the answer is…

: I see… a gate?
: Might I draw your attention to the number on that gate?
: The number? Ah yes. Well, it’s hard to see, but it looks like a “2.”
: Clearly not a “1,” Your Honor, correct?
: Aaaaaah!

: I believe Mr. Edgeworth sees what I’m getting at.
: B-but… Th-that’s impossible!
: Hmm? Eh? What’s this all about? Please explain so that I might be shocked along with the rest of the court.
: I’ll use the studio guidemap.

: However, what do we see in this photo taken at the time of the murder? It does NOT say “1” on that gate in the photo. Your Honor! Here is the true scene of the crime!

This is just to be sure you were awake. I’m not even giving it a spoiler set of linebreaks.

: Here, at Studio Two.
: I see! That would explain the “2” on the gate in the photo.

: Studio Two is no longer being used for filming!
: I see… And this is significant… why?
: (Good question! I really should think these things through more.)
: Would you like to take another stab at it? So to speak?
: S-stabbing away, Your Honor.

No penalty, at least!

: As you may recall, there is a trailer in Studio Two. Now, on that day, a meeting was held in that very trailer.
: There was a break in the meeting corresponding to the time of death.

: They were at the scene of the crime!

Which picks us up where the next one starts.

: The path to the trailer was blocked!
: So we have heard.
: The path was blocked at 2:15…

: In other words, the victim went to Studio Two before that time!
: Yes… yes, I suppose that would be the case.
: Remember Mr. Sal Manella’s testimony? Allow me to remind the court: He said no one in the trailer was guilty because they could not have gone to Studio One.
: Yet, in actuality, the reverse was true! Only someone in the trailer could have committed this murder!

: O-order! Order!
: The defense makes the following claims:

: The scene of the crime was Studio Two! The person that the security guard, Ms. Oldbag saw was the victim, Mr. Jack Hammer! Mr. Hammer, for some reason, stole a Steel Samurai costume.
: Then he went to Studio Two!

: This is madness! Jack Hammer is the victim! The victim! Why would he steal a Steel Samurai costume!?

: Are you suggesting he did so to cover up the details of his own murder!?
: W-well, no, of course not…
: Hmm…
: Or do you have proof!?

: (Proof? Uh oh… I’m pretty sure I don’t have anything like that…)
: Phoenix. Even if you’re not 100% sure about this, you have to try. And I think you’ve got proof that’s good enough to win them over!
: Just got for it! All or nothing!
: Your Honor…
: Yes, Mr. Wright?
: Actually… I do have proof.

This takes us the same place as…

: I have proof!

: Y-you do!?
: You do, Mr. Wright?
: (Now that they’re so surprised suddenly I’m much less confident… I think I’m right, though!)

Do you know it?

: An empty… medicine bottle?
: I found this on the table in the Employee Area.

: The label reads “sleeping pills.”
: “Sleeping pills”…?
: The defendant, Mr. Powers, spent that entire afternoon sleeping. He was drugged… by Mr. Hammer!

: Wait a moment… That bottle does raise some suspicions, yes.
: But there is no proof that Mr. Hammer used it.

: An… idea? Continue.
: Run a test of Powers’s blood. You should find traces of the sleeping pills.

: This much time after the day of the murder!? Even if there were traces it still proves nothing!
: No blood test could tell that Hammer was theo ne who drugged him, Mr. Wright!
: (He’s right. Darn.)
: (That didn’t work. Time to try another idea.)

: An idea, Mr. Wright? And that would be?
: Er… we should examine Mr. Hammer’s body.
: Mr. Hammer…?
: I thought it was Mr. Powers who was made to take the sleeping pills?
: I-indeed it was, Your Honor. (Wrong again…)

: An… idea? Very well, let’s hear it.

: If my claim is true, Mr. Hammer’s fingerprints should show up on this bottle!
: Hmm…
: I suppose you’re right.
: Very well. The court will take possession of the bottle.

We hand over the bottle.

: This court will suspend proceedings on the current trial for today. Cody Hackin’s testimony has revealed new possibilities in this case. In fact, things may have happened very differently than we previously thought.
: The Steel Samurai seen by Ms. Oldbag may have been the victim, Jack Hammer. The scene of the crime was not Studio One, but Studio Two.
: And those in the trailer did have time to commit murder.
: Mr. Wright?
: Yes, Your Honor?
: Your homework is to find the answer to the following question: Why would Mr. Hammer steal the Steel Samurai costume? Also, who killed him, and why?
: Find the answers for me by tomorrow.
: (That’s a lot of homework!)
: Mr. Edgeworth.
: Mm?
: You will need to reconsider your stance in this case. Above all, you will need to reconsider your suspicion of Mr. Will Powers.
: As you say, Your Honor.
: This trial will be extended until tomorrow. This is the last extension!

: Very well… Court is adjourned!

: Whew! That was a close one!
: We were saved by a hair, but that’s all that counts.
: I thought seriously about going home about three times during the trial.
: M-me too!
: Really? You both seemed so… so confident!
: Hah! Maybe I should take up a career in acting? I was ready to pronounce you dead about three times back there.
: Me too!
: D-dead!?
: Hoh hoh. Of course, we’re kidding.
: Are you sure?
: (I wasn’t kidding…) Now, Mr. Powers. We have to go make our final investigation. But I promise you, we’ll find the true killer by tomorrow’s trial!
: R-right! Thanks! sniff

Next time: The last investigation.

(filler time!)

(fun fact: we’re only like half done with this so far. Less, really, case 5 is way too long.)

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

: ? M-Maya!
: So, what happened?
: Well, I think I’ve got a pretty good idea who did it. Now all I need is a motive… and proof.
: Wow! Good going, Nick!
: Under the “initial trial” system, tomorrow is the last day we have.
: “Initial trial”…? What’s that?
: That’s the new court system they introduced two or three years ago. They had so many cases in the system, they decided to speed the whole process up.
: So under that system, trials have to end in three days?
: Yeah, pretty much. Well, we’ve no time to waste!

: I don’t get it, Maya.

: What!? You mean Mr. Hammer was wearing the costume!?
: Yeah!
: B-but Mr. Hammer was the victim, Nick!
: Why would he go through the trouble of stealing it?
: That’s what we have to find out.

: What happened with the director’s testimony?
: Well, it’s pretty clear that the producer and the director were both in the trailer.
: Huh…
: Which means that the killer has to be one of them!
: Really!? Why?
: Because the real scene of the crime was Studio Two… where that trailer is!

: (Hmm… was Maya always this excitable?)

: Well, have you noticed anything that might help us?
: I can’t see what’s going on when Mia is here… So, no. I haven’t noticed anything.
: Right…
: Maybe we should go talk to WP?
: (WP… Powers… right.)

It’s as good a plan as any.

: Mr. Wright! You did very well again today… thank you!
: Oh… thanks. Um, could you not look like you’re about to burst into tears…?
: Wow, Nick! You must have really wowed 'em in there.
: You could stop looking so… vulnerable, too.
: Hey, WP! Only one day left! Let’s make it count!
: Yes… Though there’s not really anything I can do to help.
: Hah hah hah! I’m not really sure what I can do, either.
: Please… this is no laughing matter.

: Could you tell me more about Ms. Vasquez?
: Oh… the producer? She’s well respected in the industry. They say she’s a genius.
: A genius…?
: She’s been at Global Studios for five years now.
: Right or wrong, nobody dares tell her different these days.
: Why is that?
: Ever since she came on board, we’ve had nothing but hits. Global Studios was on its knees, but she picked it up and made it shine.
: Oh, and…
: And… what?
: N-nothing. Forget it. I… I’ve only heard rumors, anyhow.

: Can you tell me anything about Mr. Manella?
: Oh, he used to be a minor straight-to-video director. But something in his work caught Vasquez’s eye. She brought the Steel Samurai idea to him. Now everyone knows the name Sal Manella.
: I hear he’s pretty much at her back and call, though. Whenever she says “jump!” he asks “how high?” and all that.
: (I can imagine him being at her beck and call… though I can’t imagine him jumping.)

: I was wondering about Mr. Hammer… He was a big star back in the day, right? But then he just dropped off the face of the Earth.
: Oh… Yes, you’re right. In fact, he was my role model when I started in this business. But he just stopped taking on big roles. That’s when he began appearing in little productions at Global…

: I was really looking forward to a sequel to “Samurai Summer.”
: He just gave up being a star five years ago. Actually, now that I think about it… That was right when Ms. Vasquez came to Global.
: (Five years ago…?)

That’s about all we can get out of Will, I think. Let’s head to the studio.

: … … …
: The old windbag sure is quiet today.
: …
: You know, this place is really… peaceful, like this.
: …
: Nick? I think her guard’s down…
: Y-yeah?
: I bet we could even eat those donuts in the guard station… if we wanted.
: … You eat, you die.
: Whew! She’s alive!

: Um, I was wondering about Dee Vasquez, the producer.
: Oh, the studio bigwigs LOVE her. So she always gets her way.
: (She seems bitter…)
: Do you… not like the producer?
: Look, the studio people don’t want me talking her, so, sorry.

: Can I ask you about Sal Manella, the director?
: Sal? He’s soft–a pushover. Does whatever Vasquez tells him to.
: She treats him like dirt, but I think he likes it.
: Huh? Why would anyone like being treated like dirt?
: That doesn’t make any sense, does it, Nick?
: Er… No, no it doesn’t, Maya.

: About Mr. Hammer…
: Arrgh! I heard about what you said today! Cheeky whippersnapper! Poor old Hammer! You’d drag his star down from the sky and stomp on it! Calling him a criminal! A thief! I-I-I-I… I won’t forget this!!!
: (Uh oh, she’s really pissed this time!)
: You listen to me, whippersnapper! My poor old Hammer would never do such a thing! Why would he steal Powers’s costume so he could sneak by me? He would never stoop so low! It’s impossible!

Perhaps it’s best to retreat while she’s shouting.

: I guess they’re not filming today, either. I did want to see them filming… just one time.
: This trial will be over and done by tomorrow. You can come see them film later.
: I guess…

: Uh huh.
: I wonder if there’re any other clues lying around.

: No no no! No touchin’!

: Didn’t mean to frighten you.
: D-didn’t mean…? I almost had a heart attack!
: Heh heh. I guess I can be a little dramatique at times…
: I suppose it’s the actor in me…
: (“Dramatique” indeed…)
: Ahem.
: Anyway, I’m here to examine the plate on that table.
: Wait, are you looking for sleeping pills?
: Yeah, pal. Traces thereof.

: So you’re looking for traces of the sleeping pills… how?
: For a thorough examination I gotta take the plate back to the precinct. But I have the capabilities to make a cursory examination right here!

: This reacts to sleeping pills, see? If there’re traces it’ll change color.
: Wow! Neat! Well, Detective Gumshoe? What are you waiting for?
: Now, now, everything in due time, pal.

: … … Well, the testing solution on the plate changed color alright.

: Looks like it.

: How goes your investigation?
: To tell the truth, it’s a real mess, pal.
: Some people think we should pursue the case we already have against Powers… And some people think we should switch suspects!
: What do you think, Detective Gumshoe?
: Well, pal, I hate to admit it… But I’m not sure I buy the case against Mr. Powers any more. I feel kind of bad for Mr. Edgeworth, though.

: How is Edgeworth doing, anyway?
: Edgeworth is out of control!
: He was in the waiting room and he crushed this paper cup with hot, hot coffee in it.
: Whoa…
: Talk about burns, pal!
: Wow! The fury of Edgeworth!
: Yeah, crushing paper cups… (Cups… bottles…?)

: Oh, the bottle of sleeping pills?
: Well, I got some good news for you about that. They found the victim, Jack Hammer’s prints on the bottle.
: So that means…
: Yep, it sounds like the one who put Powers to sleep was none other than… the victim!
: (So I was right!)

Now, we’ll leave the detective to his work.

: What are you doing here?
: Oh… I was just cleaning up the dressing room. I guess WP won’t be using it anymore, so…
: Wha!? What!? Why!? But WP’s innocent!
: Yes, and I’m really grateful for all you’ve done. But… This week is the last episode of the Steel Samurai…

: I was wondering if I could ask you about Mr. Hammer.
: Yes?
: On the day of the murder, he went to Studio Two.
: Huh? I thought he went to Studio One?
: He stole the Steel Samurai costume, too!
: What!? Why would Mr. Hammer do something like that? … Oh…
: I guess the rumor must be true, then.
: The rumor?

: Yeah. Ms. Vasquez, that producer, had some kind of hold on Hammer. She had some dirt on him… He’d do anything she said, apparently.
: Some “dirt”?
: What dirt!
: … Dirt. You know, bad stuff.
: …
: Um, I know what dirt means…
: About five years ago, they were filming a movie starring Mr. Hammer. They were using the new studio… Studio Two. Some sort of accident happened during filming.
: After that, they never used Studio Two again. They left the film set the way it was, too.
: (The film set…? Was that trailer part of the film set, then?)

: W-what do you mean, the “last Steel Samurai”!?
: I know it’s a shock, but nothing can be done to save it now. Whoever really did kill Mr. Hammer, also signed the Steel Samurai’s death warrant.
: No… no!
: Also, I hear that Global Studios is going to change its programming. They’re not going to make kids’ shows anymore.

: I don’t know. It’s sad, but that’s what Global Studios decided.

: Why aren’t they going to make kids’ shows anymore?
: The studio bigwigs don’t want the Steel Samurai around anymore. They want to forget all this ever happened. They want it quiet, you understand?
: H-how can they just do that!
: What about all the kids who love the Steel Samurai!
: It’s okay. I’m sure the kids iwll be fine. They’ll find a new hero to follow.
: No, that can’t be true! If the program just ends, they’ll be heartbroken for sure!
: N-Nick! Say something!
: Umm… yeah.
: (I think evidence, rather than words, is called for here.)

This shouldn’t be hard to figure out.

: And this is…?

: The kids love the Steel Samurai! The show shouldn’t be cancelled just so some adults can save face! I would think you would understand that better than anyone.
: … … You’re right…
: Okay! But what can I do?
: Well, for starters… You can tell me something. Tell me what it is that Global Studios is so intent on hiding? Tell me about this accident five years ago.
: … Okay!

: Could you tell us what happened five years ago?

: Well, I can tell you what I’ve heard. Apparently, five years ago, someone died… and it was Hammer’s fault.
: S-someone died!?
: It was an accident, of course! Anyway…
: The producer, Ms. Vasquez managed to hush it up.
: And that’s the “dirt” she had on Mr. Hammer?
: And that’s why Mr. Hammer would do anything Ms. Vasquez asked him to do! … But, it was an accident, right? Why didn’t they just make it public?
: Well, you know Mr. Hammer was a big star back then. They were afraid about what would happen to his career if word got out.
: I see…
: You know who knows more about this? Ms. Oldbag. She was here at the studios back then, you know.
: Thanks, We’ll try asking her.

Yeah, they mistake a comma for a period there.

: (If she’ll talk…)

Anyway, let’s talk to her.

: If you like the place so much, why don’t you take over for me?
: The old windbag doesn’t look so good…
: E-everybody’s doing their darnedest to forget Hammer. Who do they think made Global Studios what it is today? Hammer! It’s all due to Hammer!
: She’s starting to froth at the mouth, Nick…
: Maybe we should keep a safe distance?

: Umm… I wanted to ask you about five years ago…
: ! Who told!? Who did you hear that from!?
: I, uh… huh?
: Nichols!
: N-nickels?

: O-oh, right. Anyway, we heard about the accident. It was during filming with Jack Hammer… He killed a man. Didn’t he?
: Wh-whippersnappers! Dredging up dirt on someone’s past like that… and the recently departed, no less! I suppose you think this is fun!?
: N-no, I’m just doing my job to protect Mr. Powers…
: And you claim that Hammer stole Powers’s costume! You expect me to believe that rubbish!? Or do you have some kind of proof?

: Proof? Well… no.
: See! See!? I see how you work! Anything that doesn’t fit, you just blame on the dead!
: Well… well… Just butt out, lawyer-boy!
: (She knows something! But how am I going to get her to talk…?)

: I’m sorry Ms. Oldbag, but I do have proof.

: Here’s my proof.

: It’s a bottle of sleeping pills. With Mr. Hammer’s fingerprints on it…
: Wh-what does that prove? I’m… I’m sure old Hammer had some sleepless nights!

: Mr. Powers ate a t-bone steak for lunch, correct?
: W-well… yes. So?

: There are traces of sleeping pill powder on the plate!
: …! …
: … I see. Poor, poor Hammer. You did wrong, Hammer, rest your soul.
: Ms. Oldbag…?
: Okay. You win. I’ll talk. I’m tried, see… Tired of holding it all in.
: Ms. Oldbag…

: You’re right. Five years ago there was an accident… a fatal accident. What’s worse, a paparazzi took a photo of it. That photo, well, it caused quite a stir.

: She has ties to the mafia… She silenced that paparazzi.
: That was the beginning. After that, she became a force to be reckoned with here at the studio.
: I see…!
: But, you have to understand… Poor old Hammer never meant any harm to anyone!
: Ms. Oldbag…
: Hold on a minute.
: Poor Mis. Oldbag…

: …? A photograph?

: W-wait a second!
: This is the picture.
: Is… this the trailer in Studio Two?
: Hammer was supposed to fight with a bad guy on the top of those stairs, there. He pushed the other actor, and the man fell onto the flowerbox fence.

: It… was a long time ago. I don’t feel much like talking about it.
: I understand…

Next time: Truth?