'Juror Number 12' Copy Copy

It's a day of turmoil, the first day of the trial.(click: "the first day of the trial.")[ It's been suspended twice already. Both the prosecution and defense have removed one member of the jury ahead of proceedings.] (click: "ahead of proceedings.")[ You think back to what the Judge said when the jury first gathered...](click: "first gathered...")[ "The jury’s job is to decide the facts at the end of the trial."] (click: "facts") [ “It’s vital to the system of justice that the jury decides the case properly on the evidence they see and hear - and [[nothing else."]]]

News reports scream from every television in Edynfort on the first morning of the court case. The newscaster gleefully sets it all out, every damning detail... (click: "detail...")[ "It's become known as the 'Trial of the Millenium'. First Senator Drake Jacobus, leader of Edyn's seperatist movement, stands accused of corruption of the highest level."](click: "corruption of the highest level.")[ "Jacobus is alleged to have received bribes totalling millions of credits from SolCor, the international fossil energy conglomerate which he has outwardly opposed in public throughout his political career."](click: "political career.")[ "The allegations, if proved, will decimate the politician's career and the movement he leads - which has based its entire case for independence on Edyn's potential to harness the planet's natural energy to create a new kind of [[energy economy."]]]

Jacobus' desire to rid the country of fossil fuels has resulted in energy company stock prices plummeting.(click: "plummeting")[ Many of the global conglomerates have pulled back from Edyn, scrambling to invest in other countries. This resulted in an upsurge of unemployment, something Jacobus has promised to address as soon as independence is [[achieved.]] ]

The distinctive copper-green dome of the Supreme Court looms into view. There is pandemonium on the steps leading up to the entrance. A scrum of journalists are hovering like a school of sharks, jumping on every soul who tries to enter. (click: "tries to enter.")[ Nearby, a large group of separatist protesters are holding a demonstration, the ancient flag of Edyn prominent in their midst.] (click: "midst")[ You need to get into the courthouse somehow. You only have 5 minutes until the assembly time and it is an offence to no-show.] (click: "no-show")[ >>[[Brave the scrum at the entrance?]] >>[[Find another way?]]]

You make your way to the throng of people at the front door, trepidacious as to how you'll get through. You wave your hands and call out, "Excuse me!"(click: "Excuse me!")[ Nobody budges. Nobody even notices you are there, their attention is elsewhere. >>[[Shout: "I'm a juror, let me through!"]] >>[[Start nipping people until they let you past.]] ]

You look around you for another way into the courthouse. Left, right, you can't see anything that looks promising.(click: "promising")[ "Pssst," says a voice beside you, "come with me, I know another way in that'll avoid these vultures."](click: "vultures")[ >>[[Follow him.]] >>[[No thanks, I'll take my chances at the front door.->Brave the scrum at the entrance?]] ]

(set: $turnipface to true)(set: $followhim to false)You announce yourself as a juror at the top of your voice, trying to sound as important as possible. The journalists all turn towards you, shoving microphones and cameras in your face. (click: "face")[ Just as they are about to start asking you questions, the separatist protesters start booing. A rotten turnip is thrown from their direction, squelching as it smacks you square in the face. The cameras are still rolling.] (click: "rolling.")[ This will make great TV, your turnip covered face dominating the 24 hour rolling news cycle.] (click: "cycle")[ You put your jacket over your head and force your way through the throng to the [[entrance.]] ]

(set: $followhim to false)(set: $turnipface to false)You reach out and nip the nearest photographer in the arm. "Ow" she says, spinning round in confusion to try to ascertain the source of the attack. There are too many people for her to realise it was you. (click: "it was you")[ Emboldened, you do the same to the next photographer, and the next, clearing a path for yourself through the confused journos.](click: "journos")[ You emerge from the scrum and slip in quietly through the front door while the Fourth Estate argue amongst themselves as to who might be the [[phantom nipper.]] ]

(set: $followhim to true)(set: $turnipface to false)The stranger guides you round to the back of the building, where a court janitor is smoking a cigarette by an open fire exit. She pays you no heed as you slip past her through the open door, which is emblazoned on the inside with the words "Fire Door: Keep closed". You recognise the stranger as another member of the jury line up thanks to his clean bald head and prominent ginger beard.(click: "ginger beard.")[ His voice is frayed and rough, like a decaying carpet, "So, you'll be another of the lucky folk chosen for the jury I take it? I'm just looking forward to getting this whole circus finished, and putting these ridiculous allegations in the bin where they belong."] (click: "belong")[ You follow him up some stairs and through an inconspicuous looking [[door.]] ]

You emerge into the foyer of the Edynfort Supreme Court, a cavernous marble room which is full of statues of the great lawyers and judges of the nation.(click: "nation.")[ A court clerk stands in front of a row of people - these look like the selected jurors.](click: "jurors")[ You and the stranger join the [[end of the line.]] ]

You're cast into chaos as you push open the doors, the echo chamber bubble bursts and chaos floods in, like stepping from a barge onto the beaches of war. (click: "war.")[ Waves of protesters swirl and shout, placards and signs bob above them like flotsam and jetsam. They're held at bay on either side at the bottom of the stairs. It's hard to tell them apart.](click: "apart.")[ Yelling, heckling, screaming and shouting.](click: "shouting.")[ An officer grapples your arm and huckles you down the steps. protesters are barricaded by temporary fencing that hiss as you pass.] (click: "pass")[ "Hurry up!" He says.] (click: "He says.")[ But it's [[too late.]] ]

protesters from your right topple the fencing, spilling over it. They surge through the line of officers like a stream of cattle, rampaging towards the courthouse entrance. You're like a pinball, jammed between bumpers and a wall tightening on you.(click: "tightening on you")[ You take a blow.] (click: "blow")[A stray elbow to the ribs.] (click: "ribs") [You gasp for air.] (click: "air")[Your arms flop by your side.] (click: "side") [You're engulfed in a sea of bodies and limbs.] (click: "limbs.") [You flounder, no momentum, caught in the swell...](click: "swell...")[ Your arm is hooked by a man, you recognise him as one of the jurors, and you lurch to your feet.](click: "feet.")[ "Come on, let's fight through!" He hauls you forward. You jolt through the crowds, limbs squeezing for space like clumps of meat in a mincer.](click: "mincer.")[ He finally fishes you out and you break free of the bodies, sinking to your knees for a moment as you gulp in air. The rabble continues behind you, you watch as the protesters rip down the other set of fencing prompting things to [[spill over.]] ]

"You don't need to have booze, come on." (click: "on.")[ [["Honestly, I could do with a water."]] [["Nah, I'd better leave it. I don't think we're allowed to."]] ]

(set: $nobooze to false)People rush through the rain on their way home from work, worried about what street corner might be the next powder keg. (click: "keg") [ Crilly leads you to a bar down a cobble stoned side street called <i>The Joust</i>. The sign hanging from the facade depicts two knights on horseback, their lances crossed.] (click: "lances")[ "The first round is on you, since I pulled you out of that stramash," he projects a jovial laugh, eyes wide, standing with his arms folded and shoulders rigid.](click: "rigid")[ You join him in laughter, it feels like the only appropriate response, and you buy the [[first round.]] ]

"These are extraordinary circumstances. Come on, it's two minutes from here."(click: "here.")[ You let out a breathy laugh, still wheezing, he's probably right. He's expectant, waiting for you to change your mind.](click: "mind")[ >>[[Change your mind.->"I could use something after all that."]] >>[[Stick to your guns.]] ]

You tell Crilly you're not feeling up to it and bid him farewell.(click: "farewell")[ "That'll be the last time I help you out."] (click: "help you out")[You can't help but feel a little guilty, despite telling yourself you made the right decision.](click: "decision")[ Within minutes sirens sour your stroll, yapping in your ears like a group of nattering aunties as they stream towards the courthouse. Maybe you should have went for a coffee, what harm would it do? Even if it got you kicked off the jury would it be such a bad thing? Even the fine would probably be worth it.] (click: "worth it")[ [[Maybe tomorrow. ->awaits you tomorrow.]] ]

You opt to take a drink and the question becomes rhetorical. (click: "rhetorical")[ "It feels like my commute to work is disrupted every other day by people marauding through the streets. I don't think the news is giving it proper coverage. There's never been division like this."] (click: "this.")[ As he pauses to take another drink, it's hard to tell whether the concern is about division or disruption.](click: "disruption.")[ "Doesn't it bother you?" [["Honestly, I've not been effected."]] [["I'll be glad when it's over..."]] ]

He tips his pint towards you in acknowledgment and some beer splurts out.(click: "splurts")[ "You bet your ass it will. I don't care what the news is saying, this country is divided," he replies, too busy agreeing to notice the spillage.](click: "spillage")[ It's hard to tell whether the concern is about underestimating the movement or supressing it. You hold a similar scepticism about the news networks. There was no inciting incident, perhaps just a growing awareness of who owns what. But you still put on the same old news channel.](click: "channel.")[ Crilly leans in closer. His pint half finished, his breath half hops. The heat hangs around your head. "The jury has to reflect that too, right?"](click: "right?")[ >>[["The way both sides were trying to dismiss jurors I think that's fair to say."]] >>[["Maybe they bussed in a group of centrists and we're doomed to suffer purgatory in a 'debate me' chamber."]] ]

"There's always been difference, there's never been division," he replies.(click: "replies.")[ You wonder when 'never' became a substitute for 'in the last fifty years'. But it's too late to challenge him on it. "Which side of the divide do you fall on?"](click: "fall on")[ >>"He's been caught with his pants around his ankles, pissing into the wind. [[He's guilty]]." >>"I don't think he could be so stupid. [[He has to be innocent]]." >>"I haven't fallen on a side yet. [[Have you?]]" ]

He's leaning closer, hovering above his seat now. "And which side do you fall on?"(click: "fall on")[ "He's been caught with his pants around his ankles, pissing into the wind. [[He's guilty]]." "I don't think he could be so stupid. [[He has to be innocent]]." "I haven't fallen on a side yet. [[Have you?]]" ]

"Well, they say compromise is the only way to reach a verdict in these things."(click: "Well, they say compromise is the only way to reach a verdict in these things.")[ He's leaning closer, hovering above his seat now.](click: "now.")[ "Do you happen to fall on a side?"](click: "side?")[ "He's been caught with his pants around his ankles, pissing into the wind. [[He's guilty]]." "I don't think he could be so stupid. [[He has to be innocent]]." "I haven't fallen on a side yet. [[Have you?]]" ]

"So much for innocent before proven guilty!"(click: "guilty!")[ "You asked the question!" You reply. He shrinks back into his seat, satisfaction smeared across his face.] (click: "face.")[ "Relax," he says, finishing his drink. "It's the only astute conclusion you can arrive at, given everything that's been in the news. But we'll need to give him the benefit of the doubt."](click: "doubt.")[ "The question is, what <i>evidence</i> are they going to conjure up to try and prove that's not the case?"](click: "case?")[ You finish your drink and he suggests calling it quits tonight. (if: $nobooze is false)[ [[Ask him to return the favour tomorrow?]] ] (if: $nobooze is true)[ [[Tell him he can buy you lunch tomorrow in return for his pint.->Ask him to return the favour tomorrow?]] ] [[Say your goodbyes.]] ]

(set: $wantstobelieve to true)"I want to believe that, I really do. It would be a stain for our country to have a politician convicted for this." (click: "this.")[ He finishes his drink and you say your goodbyes soon after. He offers to return the favour tomorrow, suggesting that this become a daily occurance for the rest of the trial. It's good to be able to air your [[thoughts.]] ]

(set: $openmind to true)"I have, but I'm open to changing. I wouldn't be asking you if I didn't think your mind was leaning a certain way as well, though." He shrinks back into his seat, satisfaction [[smeared]] across his face.

You're cast into the commotion as you push open the doors, the echo chamber bubble bursts and chaos floods in, like stepping from a barge onto the beaches of war. (click: "war.")[ Waves of protesters swirl and shout, placards and signs bob above them like flotsam and jetsam. They're held at bay on either side at the bottom of the stairs. It's hard to tell them apart.](click: "apart.")[ It's carnage. Yelling, heckling, screaming and shouting.](click: "shouting.")[ One of the police grapples your arm and huckles you down the steps. protesters are baricaded by temporary fencing that hiss as you pass.] (click: "pass")[ "Hurry up," he urges.] (click: "urges.")[ But, [[it's too late.]] ]

You tell Crilly you're not feeling up to it and bid him farewell.(click: "farewell")[ "That'll be the last time I help you out."] (click: "help you out")[ He laughs.](click: "He laughs.")[ You can't help but feel a little guilty, despite telling yourself you made the right decision.](click: "right decision")[ (USE THIS PATHWAY TO EXPLORE A PERSPECTIVE FROM THE OTHER NATION.) Within minutes sirens sour your stroll, bleating in your ears as they stream towards the courthouse. Maybe you should have went for a drink, if it got you kicked off the jury would it be such a bad thing? Even the fine would [[probably be worth it. ->awaits you tomorrow.]] ]

He offers to return the favour tomorrow, suggesting that this become a daily occurance for the rest of the trial. It's good to be able to air your thoughts. You say your goodbyes soon after.(click: "after.")[ Night injects some colour into the sunless grey skies that have lingered for weeks. Lights twinkle in the flats, towering above the roads that divide them.](click: "divide")[ The commotion has thinned as the dregs of protesters slither through the streets, across roads and down alleyways with little care for their [[surroundings.]] ]

Traffic flows freely around Blyth Square this evening. The earlier protests likely to have difused any further disruption. (click: "disruption")[ You walk a quick lap of the square. The benches are still intact, the flowers that line the four grassy patches on each corner are immaculate and the monument to fallen heroes of Edyn's past stands proud in the centre.](click: "centre")[ You stop for a moment, catching the looming copper dome of the courthouse peering out in the distance from behind the monument - exposed by the surrounding city lights. You question what way Crilly's mind is leaning, whether there was more to this impromptu drink.](click: "impromptu drink.")[ (if: $wantstobelieve is true)[Does he truly think Jacobus can be innocent?](if: $openmind is true)[Is he open to changing his mind?] >>[[You're not convinced]] >>[[You believe him.]] ]

Traffic flows freely around Blyth Square this evening. The earlier protests likely to have difused any further disruption. (click: "disruption")[ You walk a quick lap of the square. The benches are still intact, the flowers that line the four grassy patches on each corner are immaculate and the monument to fallen heroes of Edyn's past stands proud in the centre.](click: "centre.")[ Three leaders of the farming clans that fought back against soldiers from Inger, who cleared them from their land. They called it unification, an end to the war.](click: "war.")[ You stop for a moment, catching the looming copper dome of the courthouse peering out in the distance from behind the monument - exposed by the surrounding city lights.](click: "lights.")[ This feels more like the first day of college than of jury duty. After your drink with Crilly, you feel more at ease about [[what's to come tomorrow. ->awaits you tomorrow.]] ]

protesters from your right surge through the line of officers like a stream of cattle, rampaging towards the courthouse entrance. You're like a pinball, jammed between bumpers and a wall that's tightening on you.(click: "tightening on you")[ You take a blow.] (click: "blow")[A stray elbow to the ribs.] (click: "ribs") [You gasp for air.] (click: "air")[Your arms flop by your side.] (click: "side") [You're engulfed in a sea of bodies and limbs.] (click: "limbs.") [You flounder, no momentum, caught in the swell...](click: "swell...")[ Your arm is hooked and you lurch forward.](click: "forward.")[ "I got you! We gotta get out of here." You look up at a woman, it's one of the jurors. She hauls you forward. You jolt through the crowds, limbs squeezing for space like clumps of meat in a mincer.](click: "mincer.")[ You break free of the bodies, sinking to your knees for a moment as you gulp in air. The rabble continues behind you, prompting you to scramble to your feet and scamper clear - back towards the main streets.](click: "streets")[ "I've never seen so many ornamental cops, what the hell," she says. "Those Coalitionists have no business being there." You crouch over, still feeling the effects of the squeeze. On the ground nearby is a trampled Edyn flag. She places her palm on your back.](click: "back.")[ [["Are you alright?"]] ]

"No pressure, I just thought you could do with some water." Her look of concern is convincing. Especially as you stifle a splutter.(click: "splutter")[ [[Change your mind.->"Sure. I could use something hard after that.]] [[Head home.]] ]

She grins at the reply. "Trust me, I'd only recommend water after that." (click: "that.")[ [["Honestly, I could do with a water."->"Sure. I could use something hard after that.]] [["Nah, I'd better leave it. I don't think we're allowed to."->Head home.]] ]

You spend ten minutes trying to find a place. People rush through the rain on their way home from work, worried about what street corner might be the next powder keg. (click: "keg") [ You opt for a bar down a cobble stoned side street called The Joust. The sign hanging from the facade depicts two knights on horseback, their lances crossed.] (click: "lances")[ Fontaine insists on buying the first round, despite your protestations.](click: "protestations")[ [[You opt for the hard stuff, some rum to numb the throb around your chest.]] [[You ask for water, something cool to soothe the bumps and bruises around your body.]] ]

"I'm not feeling up to it. I only live ten minutes away anyway."(click: "anyway")[ "Don't sweat it. I'll see you tomorrow, take it easy."](click: "easy.") [You thank her for her help and wave her off. You can't help but feel a little guilty, despite telling yourself you made the right decision.](click: "decision")[ Within minutes sirens sour your stroll, yapping in your ears like a group of nattering aunties as they stream towards the courthouse. (USE THIS PATHWAY TO EXPLORE A PERSPECTIVE FROM THE OTHER NATION.) Maybe you should have went for a drink, if it got you kicked off the jury would it be such a bad thing? Even the fine would probably be worth it.] (click: "worth it")[ Maybe[[tomorrow? ->awaits you tomorrow.]] ]

You're swathed in a peaty smell as you enter the seating area. You settle at a table at a comfortable distance from the log fire that heats the room. Fontaine follows, carrying the drinks. The fire crackles and spits as she sets them down. (click: "sets them down.")[ "How're you feeling?" She asks. [["Better, now that I'm off the streets. Thanks for helping."]] You take a drink. [["Going to need a few more of these, I think."]] ]

(set: $nobooze to true)You're swathed in a peaty smell as you enter the seating area. You settle at a table at a comfortable distance from the log fire that heats the room. Fontaine follows, carrying the drinks. The fire crackles and spits as she sets them down. (click: "sets them down.")[ "How're you feeling?" She asks. [["Better, now that I'm off the streets. Thanks for helping."]] You take a drink. [["I might need to switch onto the hard stuff afterall."]] ]

"I don't want the trial to get postponed again - you know?"(click: "know?")[ Her face is stern, frowning,](click: "frowning") [ but it quickly unravels and you both break into comfortable laughter.](click: "laughter")[ "Maybe that's why the cops were so limp," she suggests. ](click: "suggests")[ [["I think they just got overwhelmed."]] [["My escort was as much use as a chocolate teapot."]] ]

"Try not to go overboard, wouldn't want to miss the big day tomorrow." You share a laugh, but she snaps out of it. "Seriously, don't miss it. We don't need to give them anymore excuses to mess with the jury."(click: "mess with the jury.")[ "Maybe that's why the cops were so limp," she suggests. ](click: "suggests")[ [["I think they just got overwhelmed."]] [["My escort was as much use as a chocolate teapot."]] ]

"I think you're being kind at best, naive at worst."(click: "worst")[ She takes a swig of her drink and sighs, her eyes drift to the windows. You can see shoes and shins walking past in the fading grey daylight outside.](click: "outside.")[ "Just wait and see how the media report it. You can bet we'll see an increase in their numbers tomorrow, and if we're really lucky they'll get heavy handed..."](click: "heavy handed")[ "...like last night."](click: "last night.")[ [["Last night? You mean at the riots?"]] [["Last night? You mean at the protests?"]] ]

"I bet they rolled out the duds for that very reason."(click: "reason.")[ She takes a swig of her drink and sighs, her eyes drift to the windows. You can see shoes and shins of the rat race, scurry past in the fading grey daylight outside.](click: "outside.")[ "They were meant to be useless. You can bet we'll see an increase in their numbers tomorrow, and if we're really lucky they'll get heavy handed..."](click: "heavy handed")[ "...like last night."](click: "last night.")[ [["Last night? You mean at the riots?"]] [["Last night? You mean at the protests?"]] ]

"Try not to go overboard, wouldn't want to miss the big day tomorrow." You start to laugh but she doesn't, so you take a glug at your drink.(click:"glug at your drink.")[ "We don't need to give them anymore excuses to delay this trial."](click: "trial.")[ "Maybe that's why the cops were so limp, they can blame the protestors for postponing it," she says. ](click: "she says.")[ [["I think they just got overwhelmed."]] [["My escort was as much use as a chocolate teapot."]] ]

"It was a rally, a protest in support of-"(click: "of-")[ She catches herself. "- people gathered to show their support for independence, solidarity with their fellow voter." She takes a drink, easing back in her chair. "It's one of the few ways to get a sense of the support... I imagine."](click: "imagine.")[ [[She shouldn't be on the jury if she's been attending protests. Challenge her on it.]] [[You can trust people to be impartial. Don't challenge her.]] ]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

"Yeah, I saw them bludgeon people indiscriminately. They have the cheek to patrol around with weapons this morning too, but where were the weapons at the courthouse?"(click: "courthouse?")[ "Absent. Stored away next to a 'break glass incase of peaceful protest' sign."](click: "sign")[ She punctuates both words with a point of her finger towards the window. "Not that they should even have them in the first place."](click: "place")[ [[She shouldn't be on the jury if she's been attending protests. Challenge her on it.]] [[You can trust people to be impartial. Don't challenge her.]] ]

"That's a conflict of interests. You shouldn't be on the jury if you've been attending protests."(click: "protests")[ Her eyes fixate on you, as though she's parsing through your mind. Observing the processes that helped you arrive at that statement.](click: "statement")[ "I don't blame you for thinking that..." She finishes her drink, her glass THWACKS on the table.](click: "table.")[ "But my students insisted on going along. I had a responsibility to be there."](click: "responsibility")[ [[Ask about her job?]] [[Call it a night.->call it a night.]] ]

"The news called them riots," you say.(click: "you say.")[ She shakes her head and a smile spreads across her face. It's a smile that's familiar to you, one of resignation, that lingers in your bathroom mirror every morning.](click: "morning")[ She finishes her drink, her glass THWACKS on the table.](click: "table.")[ "That's what we're up against."](click: "up against.")[ You want to press her further but she's on her feet, getting ready to [[leave.]] ]

You thank her again for her help and you go your separate ways.(click: "ways")[ Night injects some colour into the sunless grey skies that have lingered for weeks. Lights twinkle in the flats, towering above the roads that divide them.](click: "divide")[ The commotion has thinned as the dregs of protesters slither through the streets, across roads and down alleyways with little care for their [[surroundings.->"Surroundings1"]] ]

Traffic flows freely around Blyth Square this evening. The earlier protests likely to have difused any further disruption.(click: "further disruption.")[ You walk a quick lap of the square. The benches are still intact, the flowers that line the four grassy patches on each corner are immaculate and the monument to fallen heroes of Edyn's past stands proud in the centre.](click: "centre.")[ Three leaders of the farming clans that fought back against soldiers from Inger, who cleared them from their land. They called it unification, an end to the war.](click: "war.")[ But blood stains remain on the pavement.](click: "pavement.")[ You stop for a moment, catching the looming copper dome of the courthouse peering out in the distance from behind the monument - exposed by the surrounding city lights. You wonder whether you could be impartial if you'd seen this blood spilled. Could anyone?](click: "Could anyone?")[ Your mind drifts to the trampled flag at the courthouse and what madness [[awaits you tomorrow.]] ]

Traffic flows freely around Blyth Square this evening. The earlier protests likely to have difused any further disruption.(click: "further disruption.")[ You walk a quick lap of the square. The benches are still intact, the flowers that line the four grassy patches on each corner are immaculate and the monument to fallen heroes of Edyn's past stands proud in the centre.](click: "centre.")[ Three leaders of the farming clans that fought back against soldiers from Inger, who cleared them from their land. They called it unification, an end to the war.](click: "war.")[ But blood stains remain on the pavement.](click: "pavement.")[ You stop for a moment, catching the looming copper dome of the courthouse peering out in the distance from behind the monument - exposed by the surrounding city lights. You wonder whether you could be impartial if you'd seen this blood spilled. Could anyone?](click: "Could anyone?")[ You return to that line, "what we're up against" and wonder what they're going [[to do next. ->awaits you tomorrow.]] ]

You nod. Still gasping for air. She rubs her arm across your back. "I'm Fontaine, by the way. Come on, let's get off the streets and get you a drink."(click: "drink")[ [["Are we allowed to?"]] [["I don't drink."]] [["Sure. I could use something hard after that.]] ]

(set: $MetCrilly to true)"I'm Crilly, by the way." He reaches out a hand and you straighten up to shake it.(click: "shake it.")[ Come on, let's get you off the streets."](click: "streets")[ You nod in agreement.](click: "agreement")[ "I know a pub around here," he says.](click: "he says.")[ >>[["I don't think we're allowed to."]] >>[["Sorry, I don't drink."]] >>[["I could use something after all that."]] ]

He suggests going one better, that debriefs become a daily occurance for the rest of the trial. It's good to be able to [[air your thoughts.]]

As he bounces off down the street the barman catches you.(click: "you.")[ "You left this behind mate." He holds out Crilly's torn suit jacket. [[Take it with you?]] [[Leave it behind, it's not yours.]] ]

Night injects some colour into the sunless grey skies that have lingered for weeks. Lights twinkle in the flats, towering above the roads that divide them.(click: "divide")[ The commotion has thinned as the dregs of protesters slither through the streets, across roads and down alleyways with little care for [[their surroundings.]] ]

(set: $jacket to true)You thank the barman and take the suit jacket for safe keeping. Night injects some colour into the sunless grey skies that have lingered for weeks. Lights twinkle in the flats, towering above the roads that divide them.(click: "divide")[ The commotion has thinned as the dregs of protesters slither through the streets, across roads and down alleyways with little care for [[their surroundings.]] ]

(set: $jacket to false)You tell him it's not yours. You don't feel comfortable taking it, Crilly can come back for it tomorrow.(click: "tomorrow")[ Night injects some colour into the sunless grey skies that have lingered for weeks. Lights twinkle in the flats, towering above the roads that divide them.](click: "divide")[ The commotion has thinned as the dregs of protesters slither through the streets, across roads and down alleyways with little care for [[their surroundings.]] ]

The clerk of court addresses the assembled jurors.(click: "jurors.")[ "You all know why you are gathered here today. You have a very important job to do, as the selected jurors in the case against First Senator Drake Jacobus. You will have observed from the scenes outside just how much public and media interest there is in this case."](click: "this case.")[ "Some of you may agree with Mr Jacobus' politics, others may disagree with them. The court needs you to put all of that aside, all of those distractions, and focus only on the interests of justice. When the trial is over, you will have one question and one question alone to answer - is Mr Jacobus guilty of the crime of which he has been charged?"](click: "charged?")[ "There have already been some changes to the roster of selected jurors after complaints were made that some of those originally selected were too close to the case. Once again, I have to ask each of you this: do you know the accused personally?](click: "personally?")[ The clerk moves along the line, listening to the response of each individual juror. "No." "No." "No." "No." [[He reaches you.]] ]

(if: $nogreatergood is true)[You think about the campaign and the damage it's done to you. Your fist clenches.](if: $greatergood is true)[You think about the campaign, how you back Jacobus' message and you're going to see him today. Your chest swells.] "Do you know the accused personally?"(click: "personally?")[ You have never met Jacobus before in your life.](click: "life")[ >>[["Thankfully not!"]] >>[["Not yet, but I can't wait to see him in the flesh today!"]] >>[["No."]] ]

(set: $playerundecided to true)The clerk ticks the paper on his clipboard dispassionately and moves on to the next juror in the line.(click: "line.")[ Once a full set of negative responses have been collected, the clerk addresses you once more.](click: "more.")[ "There is one further matter to address. You cannot use mobile phones during the trial. Please turn it off and refrain from looking at it for the duration of the trial. It is vitally important that you are not prejudiced by the way the trial is reported or discussed by outsiders."](click: "outsiders.")[ You have a phone in your pocket. >>[[Turn it off.]] >>[[Keep it on. ->Keep it on 2]] ]

(set: $playerdoesntsuppport to true)The clerk ticks the paper on his clipboard dispassionately and moves on to the next juror in the line.(click: "line.")[ Once a full set of negative responses have been collected, the clerk addresses you once more.](click: "more.")[ "There is one further matter to address. You cannot use mobile phones during the trial. Please turn it off and refrain from looking at it for the duration of the trial. It is vitally important that you are not prejudiced by the way the trial is reported or discussed by outsiders."](click: "outsiders.")[ You have a phone in your pocket. >>[[Turn it off.]] >>[[Keep it on. ->Keep it on 3]] ]

(set: $playersupports to true)The clerk ticks the paper on his clipboard dispassionately and moves on to the next juror in the line.(click: "line.")[ Once a full set of negative responses have been collected, the clerk addresses you once more.](click: "more.")[ "There is one further matter to address. You cannot use mobile phones during the trial. Please turn it off and refrain from looking at it for the duration of the trial. It is vitally important that you are not prejudiced by the way the trial is reported or discussed by outsiders."](click: "outsiders.")[ You have a phone in your pocket. >>[[Turn it off.]] >>[[Keep it on. ->Keep it on.]] ]

You follow the clerk in a line to the court room.(click: "room")[ You are awestruck by the grandeur of the room as you enter, an architectural masterclass in marble and oak. The seal of the Coalition is everywhere; embossed in the fabric of the jury seats, printed in the top left corner of the small notepads left out for each juror, floating across the screensaver of the generously proportioned evidence screens. Most notably, a huge cast iron rendition is attached to the front of the judge's bench, a reminder of the power of the state.](click: "power of the state")[ There are a lot of people in the room when you enter. Lawyers, looking ridiculous in their gowns and wigs. Reporters sitting eagerly in the press box. A motley crew in the public gallery, tension sizzling as supporters and detractors of the accused mix freely.](click: "freely")[ And there, in the dock, First Senator Drake Jacobus. He looks less impressive in this context, robbed of the political stage and instead forced to stand sheepishly as a prisoner of the state. He looks like he has not slept well for a long time.](click: "time.")[ You all file in to the jury gallery. The seating appears to be [[random.]] ]

You sit next to a young woman who looks like she's been left behind on a high school field trip. She's doing her best to hide her terror behind her thick, yellow rimmed glasses and turquoise streaked black hair.(click: "hair")[ Her hand trembles as she lifts a plastic cup of water, spilling some across the bench in front of her.](click: "her.")[ >>[[Ask if she's alright?]] >>[[Leave her be.]] ]

"Halliday, for the prosecution, my Lady."(click: "my Lady.")[ The judge glances up at him momentarily, looks back to the papers in front of her and says, "Proceed to your opening remarks, Mr Halliday."](click: "Mr Halliday.")[ Halliday sets out his opening speech, all pomp and grandeur. He gives a brief summary of the case against Jacobus, which revolves around a meeting he attended with executives from SolCor, the corporation which controls the fossil fuel industry across The Coalition and beyond.](click: "and beyond.")[ Halliday says that he will show that Jacobus attended that meeting, and that he was offered, and did in fact accept, bribes totalling millions of credits. The evidence, says Halliday, is conclusive: emails, messages, DNA, testimony from individuals close to Mr Jacobus. Halliday says he will lead the jury through it all and there will be no room for doubt as to Jacobus' guilt.](click: "Jacobus' guilt")[ It's an impressive opening speech. You can see from the faces of your fellow jurors that it has an effect on them. You look at First Senator Jacobus in the dock, his face a mixture of concern and incredulity at what he has just heard.](click: "heard")[ "Thank you, Mr Halliday" says the judge. [["Who appears for the defence?"]] ]

A tall, thin man, who has been sitting directly across from Halliday on the other side of the judge, now uncurls from his chair. Once standing, he has the appearance of a great thin bird. "Stokes for the defence, my Lady," he says.(click: "he says.")[ Stokes sets out his client's position carefully and methodically. He strikes you as having less of the theatre about him than Halliday. "As a preliminary point, I would ask that the prosecution address my client by his title. He is, as the prosecution knows fine well, the serving First Senator of Edyn, and it is inappropriate to refer to him as Mr Jacobus. Of course, he can be referred to as the accused, where this is the prosecution's preference."](click: "prosecution's preference")[ Even to a jury with no experience of courtroom etiquette, this feels like a [[burn.]] ]

Stokes goes on to state that he intends to show, over the course of the trial, that the prosecution's evidence simply does not add up to the fraud they are alleging.(click: "alleging")[ The prosecution, he says, has made several leaps of logic and assigned importance to certain matters that simply is not there. Stokes finishes by saying that the case against the First Senator simply will not stand up to forensic analysis - which is precisely the level of analysis he intends to apply to it over the course of the trial.](click: "course of the trial.")[ You look at the faces of the other jurors, trying in vain to read what effect the opening speeches have had on each of them.](click: "each of them.")[ Despite the pleas of the court, the jeering and chanting of the crowds fizz like a freshly struck match beyond the marble casing of the court. Not loud enough to coherently intrude, but vigorous enough to impede upon the silence between the [[judge and the lawyers.]] ]

You scale the staircase of the Edynfort Supreme Court, entering into a cavernous marble foyer which is full of statues of the great lawyers and judges of the nation.(click: "nation")[ A court clerk stands in front of a row of people. It's the selected jurors, some of them have been pelted by the crowds, fruit and veg stains on their attire.](click: "attire")[ You notice another latecomer scurrying towards the jurors from a side door. You follow suit and join the [[end of the line.]] ]

You scale the staircase of the Edynfort Supreme Court, entering into a cavernous marble foyer which is full of statues of the great lawyers and judges of the nation.(click: "nation")[ Your neck reddens at the thought of standing in a place of such grandeur with a turnip soaked face.](click: "face")[ A court clerk stands in front of a row of people. It's the selected jurors, some of them have been pelted by the crowds, fruit and veg stains on their attire.](click: "attire")[ You notice another latecomer scurrying towards the jurors from a side door. You give your face a wipe with your palm then follow suit and join the [[end of the line.]] ]

"Are you alright?"(click: "alright?")[ Her eyes glance but she doesn't fully turn her head at first. You arc your neck to make sure she knows you're asking her. (if: $turnipface is true)[(live: 3s)[She turns incrementally and asks, "Why do you smell like turnips?"]](click: "turnips?")[ You sit back in your seat, neck throbbing. You look round to see two other jurors chuckle. You turn to her again, not sure whether to mount a defense or tell her off, but her face has turned red as your neck feels. She takes another drink as the clerk shouts [["court rise."]]]] (if: $turnipface is false)[(live: 3s)[She acknowledges you with a gentle lift of her head but doesn't respond. "Could be worse, could be in the dock right?" She starts to laugh but quickly drowns it out by hoisting the cup of water and taking another drink. The clerk shouts [["court rise."]]]]

The clerk shouts "court rise" as he opens a door behind the bench, and everybody in the room gets to their feet. The judge enters the hushed room, strolling to the bench and nodding to the assembled people as she takes a seat.(click: "seat")[ Everyone else in the room soon follows suit, and you are amazed by the uniform deference shown to this woman by such an eclectic group of nationalists, coalitionists, democrats and anarchists.](click: "anarchists")[ She reviews the papers in front of her and asks, barely raising her head, "who appears for the prosecution?"](click: "prosecution?")[ You look across at the lawyers, highly trained and poised for the drama of the biggest trial of their respective careers. One of them, a stocky man with broad shoulders, stands up confidently and [[responds.]] ]

He opens a door behind the bench, and everybody in the room gets to their feet. The judge enters the hushed room, strolling to the bench and nodding to the assembled people as she takes a seat.(click: "seat")[ Everyone else in the room soon follows suit, and you are amazed by the uniform deference shown to this woman by such an eclectic group of nationalists, coalitionists, democrats and anarchists.](click: "anarchists")[ She reviews the papers in front of her and asks, barely raising her head, "who appears for the prosecution?"](click: "prosecution?")[ You look across at the lawyers, highly trained and poised for the drama of the biggest trial of their respective careers. One of them, a stocky man with broad shoulders, stands up confidently and [[responds.]] ]

Court is adjourned after the opening arguments.(click: "opening arguments")[ There's a security escort waiting at the door for the jurors. Some seem reluctant to exit, lingering around in the hallway.](click: "hallway")[ (if: $turnipface is true)[The prospect of being struck by another portion of your five a day isn't especially enticing.]The crowd gets louder as you approach the escort. You feel like a deposed king trapped in his castle, the moat of media and protesters waiting to swallow you up.](click: "swallow you up.")[ (if: $playerdoesntsuppport is true)[>>[[Get it over with.->Exit Courthouse - Against]]](if: $playersupports is true)[>>[[Get it over with.->Exit Courthouse - Resistance]]](if: $playerundecided is true)[>>[[Get it over with.->Exit Courthouse - undecided]]] ]

You to scramble to your feet and scamper clear - back towards the main streets.(click: "streets.")[ "They ripped my fucking suit jacket", he says, whipping it off to reveal a waistcoat and shirt combination. Not a single strand of his slicked back dirty blonde hair sits out of place.] (click: "place.")[ You crouch over, still struggling for air. He looks down at you, keeping his distance. "Sorry, are you alright?"](click: "alright?")[ You nod, stifling a splutter behind a [[contorted smile.]] ]

(set: $nobooze to true)People rush through the rain on their way home from work, worried about what street corner might be the next powder keg. (click: "keg") [ Crilly leads you to a bar down a cobble stoned side street called <i>The Joust</i>. The sign hanging from the facade depicts two knights on horseback, their lances crossed.] (click: "lances")[ "The first round is on you, since I pulled you out of that stramash," he projects a jovial laugh, eyes wide, standing with his arms folded and shoulders rigid.](click: "rigid")[ You join him in laughter, it feels like the only appropriate response, but you still buy the [[first round.->firstroundnobooze]] ]

The commanding iron doors are hauled open and the noise floods the foyer. You watch as other jurors are paired up with a security detail, awaiting your turn.(click: "turn.")[ It feels like being tossed out of an airplane with an umbrella for a parachute.](click: "parachute")[ The hissing of the fences gets louder and a cheer goes up, followed by a crash.](click: "crash.")[ The protesters topple the temporary fencing on one side of the stairs. They rush past the ornamental police and swarm some of the jurors as they try to tear down the fence segregating the opposing protesters.](click: "the opposing protesters")[ As they clash, those who're trapped on the stairs scamper back inside. The iron doors booming as they [[close behind them.]] ]

(if: $followhim is true)[You seek out the juror who helped sneak you in earlier. [["What about the side door?"]] You ask.] (else-if: $followhim is false)[You're not going anywhere any time soon. The only free bench space is by the young woman you were sat next to in court. Her feet fidget, clasping and unclasping her hands. You wonder over and sit down next to her.](click: "her.")[ You lean back against the cold marble wall. For all the grandeur in this foyer, it's a lonely arena. Your hands dip in and out of your pocket, fiddling with your phone. [[Sneak a look at it?]] [[Leave it in your pocket.]] ]

"I snuck in through a side door earlier, even that's been surrounded," the male juror responds. "They've swarmed the place. We're stuck here until the cops get on top of it."(click: "it.")[ [[Reply cynically?]] [[Believe they'll solve the problem.]] ]

(set: $believe1 to true)

(set: $believe1 to false)

(set: $believe1 to undecided)

Crilly waits at a table near a log fire. It crackles and spits as you place the drinks down and settle. The heat from the fire blasts against your right side.(click: "side.")[ "Cheers," he says, raising his glass before taking a gulp.](click: "gulp")[ “So, tell me, What do you do with yourself?” [["I’m between jobs right now."]] [["I was laid off recently."]] [["I’m unemployed."]] ]

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The man who helped you sneak in earlier shakes his head.(click: "head")[ "They've swarmed the place. We're stuck here until the cops get on top of it."](click: "it.")[ "Better settle in for the long haul then," you reply.](click: "reply.")[ You're not going anywhere any time soon. The only free bench space is by the young woman you were sat next to in court. Her feet fidget, clasping and unclasping her hands. You wander over and sit down next to her.](click: "her.")[ You lean back against the cold marble wall. For all the grandeur in this foyer, it's a lonely arena. Your hands dip in and out of your pocket, fiddling with your phone but never pulling it out or turning it on. That restlessness lingers at the back of your brain.](click: "brain.")[ (if: $turnipface is true)[ "See the turnip thing earlier? Didn't mean to say that," the young [[woman says.]]] (if: $turnipface is false)[ "I'm Emma," [[she says.]]] ]

She wrings her fingers and hands together, waiting for your reply.(click: "reply.")[ [[Let her off the hook?]] [[Have a little fun with it.]] ]

"How are you feeling about all this?" [[You ask.->Ask if she thinks he's guilty?]]

"Don't worry about it," you answer.(click: "answer.")[ "I got skelped by an avocado, so I feel your pain," she replies.](click: "replies.")[ [[Make a joke about her hair.]] [["Avocado?!"]] ]

"It was rude. Is that how you always greet strangers?"(click: "strangers?")[ "Just one's who reek of turnips."](click: "turnips.")[ She smiles sheepishly, "Look I'm sorry! If it makes you feel any better I got skelped too - by an avocado."](click: "by an avocado.")[ [[Make a joke about her hair.]] [["Avocado?!"]] ]

"Looks like we're here for the duration of the trial then."(click: "then.")[ This elicits surpressed laughter from the young woman, that turns into an almighty snort as she inhales. Heads and eyebrows are raised eyebrows in your direction from those around the foyer.](click: "foyer.")[ They didn't hear you, which makes it all the more entertaining. The two of you grin at each other, like devious pupils who've managed to escape a scolding from their teacher.](click: "teacher")[ "My name's Emma, by the way. Did you see the protests last night?" She asks.](click: "night?")[ [["I saw some footage of the rioting."]] [["I'm starting to think I should have gone."]] ]

"They seemed to sort out those riots quickly enough last night," you reply.(click: "reply")[ The young woman sits upright. She's parsed through the statement, and her mouth primed to return a salvo.](click: "salvo.")[ "Were you there?"](click: "there?")[ An accusation, thinly veiled as a question.](click: "question.")[ [[Be honest, you weren't there.]] [[Lie, you were there. She won't know any different.]] ]

"No, I wasn't. But I saw the coverage on the news." You say.(click: "news.")[ "Have you ever been caught up in a riot?" She asks.](click: "asks.")[ Reluctantly, you shake your head. You haven't.](click: "haven't.")[ "It was peaceful. Remember who's pointing the camera, and in what direction," she replies.](click: "replies.")[ Impulses spark along synapses like firecrackers.](click: "firecrackers")[ Incredulity?](click: "Incredulity?")[ Defiance?](click: "Defiance?") [ Embarrassment?] (click: "Embarrassment?")[ Understanding?](click: "Understanding?")[ Acceptance?](click: "Acceptance?")[ All of them swirling in an emotional cocktail, waiting for you to sip steadily or glug recklessly. [[Acknowledge the advice]] [[Question her motives]] ]

"I was there, actually."(click: "actually.")[ "The only thing they were quick to do was disrupt a peaceful rally," she replies.](click: "replies.")[ [[She's a child. You'll lose face if you back down now. Challenge her.]] [[Back down.]] ]

"Hurling missiles is a warped idea of peaceful."(click: "peaceful")[ You're in deep now,](click: "now,")[ wading through falsities and emboldended by the need to overwhelm her you blurt out: "One of them is in a coma."](click: "coma.")[ She coils on her seat,] (click: "seat")[no longer anxious, but primed to pounce as you dig deeper into the lie.](click: "lie.")[ "I don't see what choice the cops had," [[you say.]] ]

"I didn't see who started it, I guess." You say.(click: "guess.")[ "They got things under control, though."](click: "control")[ "I'll bet they did," she replies.](click: "she replies.")[ The conversation fades and you're left waiting for things to [[clear up outside.]] ]

She springs to her feet.(click: "feet")[ Pointing her finger in your direction.](click: "direction")[ "Bullshit, that didn't happen. You read that on Blether, you weren't there." [["Remain defiant."]] [["Back down."]] ]

You can't bring yourself to respond. You lean back against the wall. The cold chill of the state's marble soothes your throbbing neck as you avoid eye contact with the others.(click: "others")[ The anger simmers, anger at being exposed.](click: "exposed")[ The court clerk reappears to inform you that they've managed to secure and clear one of the back entrances and that it's safe to [[exit.->exit1]]]

(set: $confrontation1 to true)"Your bias is showing," you say, "didn't the judge warn us about that?"(click: "didn't the judge warn us about that?")[ She retracts her finger, shoots a smirk that betrays her demeanour and walks away.](click: "away.")[ You sit alone and victorious. Yet, you couldn't mark your neck with a blowtorch. It's piping hot, your forehead clammy and your cheeks are beetroot.](click: "beetroot")[ The court clerk reappears to inform you that they've managed to secure and clear one of the back entrances and that it's safe to [[exit. ->exit2]] ]

"I... didn't know that. I saw things get out of hand and, I just presumed it was-"(click: "was-")[ "Naw, don't explain it away. The police attacked people last night, you were not there." She continues her offensive.](click: "offensive")[ [[Capitulate?]] [[Deflect?]] ]

"Thanks for the advice."(click: "advice.")[ Your reply comes off somewhat disengenuously, but you take the point. It seeps into your mind, like the first drops of a pesticide corroding the weeds of bias that rot your brain.](click: "brain.")[ The court clerk reappears to inform you that they've managed to secure and clear one of the back entrances and that it's safe to [[exit. ->exit3]] ]

This girl's barely out of school and she's lecturing you.(click: "lecturing")[ "Who's pointing the cameras you're watching?" You ask.](click: "ask.")[ She opens her mouth, inhaling to fuel her fury. But as the words get ready to tumble from her tongue, she looks away, just long enough for you to wonder whether she's upset.](click: "upset")[ "The ones telling <i>the</i> truth, not <i>their</i> truth."](click: "their truth")[ She gets to her feet, flashes a smile that betrays the look in her eyes and walks away, denying you the [[chance of a riposte.]] ]

"I... well, I didn't think it would be a good idea because of this."(click: "this.")[ [[Ask if she supports Jacobus' cause?]] [[Ask if she thinks he's guilty?]] ]

"Where did you see that?" She replies.(click: "replies")[ "On the news, this morning," you answer.](click: "answer")[ She struggles once more to contain a laugh, but it stings you this time. Just a little jab in your chest, but enough to irk you.](click: "irk you.")[ "Have you ever been caught up in a riot?"](click: "riot?")[ You purse your lips and shake your head reluctantly.](click: "reluctantly.")[ "Just remember who's pointing the camera, and in what direction."](click: "direction.")[ The words seep into your mind, starting a chain reaction. Impulses spark along synapses like firecrackers.](click: "firecrackers")[ Incredulity?](click: "Incredulity?") [Defiance?](click: "Defiance?") [Embarrassment?] (click: "Embarrassment?")[ Understanding?](click: "Understanding?")[ Acceptance?](click: "Acceptance?")[ [[Acknowledge the advice]] [[Question her motives]] ]

You frown and lean closer, arching your neck above her eye line.(click: "line")[ "What? What is it?" She asks.](click: "asks.")[ You widen your eyes, "Oh so that's-"](click: "that's-")[ She interrupts, "That's what?"](click: "what?")[ "Looks like there's some leftover in your hair."](click: "hair.")[ "Asshole." She flips you the bird.](click: "bird")[ [["Who throws an avocado?"]] [["I'd rather an avocado than a turnip."]] ]

"An avocado?! What were they chanting for? Four floor townhouses?"(click: "townhouses?")[ "It tells you the type of person trying to escalate things."](click: "escalate")[ [["Like the riots last night?"]] [["Like the protests last night?"]] ]

She becomes uneasy at the mention of the riots.(click: "riots.")[ "Were you there?"](click: "there?")[ An accusation, thinly veiled as a question.](click: "question")[ [[Be honest, you weren't there.]] [[Lie, you were there. She won't know any different.]] ]

"Sure, except the only ones throwing anything were the police - and it was tear gas and truncheons."(click: "truncheons")[ [["Bastards."]] [["Was it really just protesting if they used those tactics?"]] ]

"It tells you the type of person trying to escalate things."](click: "escalate")[ [["Like the riots last night?"]] [["Like the protests last night?"]] ]

"I swear I saw someone take a fish to the dome."(click: "dome.")[ You grin as she continues, "Seriously, a full on kipper in the face."](click: "face.")[ The two of you share a laugh. When it subsides, there's a moment of unspoken acknowledgement between you - as though you've became confidents.](click: "confidents")[ "It gives you an idea of the type of people who're trying to cause trouble." [["Maybe they were at the riots last night too."]] [["Maybe they were at the protests last night too."]] ]

You wait for the chaos to calm - listening to the noise. The cadence has changed. No longer rhythmic and organised, but frantic and fueled by fear.(click: "fueled by fear.")[ The sounds of the police getting things under control.](click: "under control.")[ The court clerk reappears to inform you that they've managed to secure and clear one of the back entrances and that it's safe to [[exit. ->exit6]]]

The court clerk reappears to inform you that they've managed to secure and clear one of the back entrances and that it's safe to [[exit. ->exit4]]

Crilly waits at a table near a log fire. It crackles and spits as you place the drinks down and settle. The heat from the fire blasts against your right side.(click: "side.")[ "Cheers," he says, raising his glass before taking a gulp.](click: "gulp")[ “So, tell me, what do you do with yourself?” >>[["I’m between jobs right now."]] >>[["I was laid off recently."]] >>[["I’m unemployed."]] ]

“Oh, well at least you've got something lined up. I’m business adviser myself, though I actually ran for the city council.”(click: "council")[ You don’t recognise him. This could be a damning idictment of both of you.](click: "both of you.")[ “Scenes like that make me wish I’d stuck at politics.” [["Why didn’t you?"]] [["Things might have been worse if you did."]] ]

“Oh no, sorry to hear that. I’m a business advisor myself, what company were you with? I hope I didn’t lay you off!”(click: "off!")[ [["I was with Plainview Energy."]] ]

“So technically I just bought the first round?” He replies.(click: "round?")[ “Just kidding, what sector are you looking in? I’m a business adviser, I’m sure I could have a word with someone.” [["Anywhere will do just now."]] [["Nah, I’m comfortable right now, but thanks all the same."]] ]

"Ach, it wasn't really for me."(click: "me.")[ [[Push him further?]] [[Say nothing.->Say Nothing1]] ]

"I doubt it."(click: "I doubt it.")[ He takes a gulp of his pint and glares out of the window.](click: "window.")[ It looks out onto street level, where you can see the feet of the city's rat race scurry past.](click: "past.")[ The fire spits and crackles, recapturing his attention.](click: "attention.")[ "There's been so much unrest recently."](click: "recently.")[ >>[["It's going to be even worse after the trial."]] >>[["Hasn't it always been like this?"]] >>[[Say Nothing.]] ]

His eyes light up, “We used to advise them! Had to cut them loose a couple of years back though.”(click: "though")[ “What's happening to our energy companies makes me wish I’d stuck at politics.”](click: "politics")[ [["Why didn’t you?"]] [["Things might have been worse if you did."]] ]

(set: $jobseek to true)"Leave it with me. Unemployment was one of the things I campaigned on so I always try to use my position to help out others."(click: "others.")[ [["You were a politician?"]] ]

(set: $nojobseek to false)"Just don't get marooned on benefits. One of my campaign focuses was unemployment, so I've seen it happen."(click: "happen.")[ [["You were a politician?"]] ]

"I ran for the city council.”(click: "council")[ You don’t recognise him, that could be an indictment of one or both of you. “Scenes like that make me wish I’d stuck at politics.” [["Why didn’t you?"]] [["Things might have been worse if you did."]] ]

"Running for councillor and then deciding it's not for you is a pretty big swing. What brought it on?"(click: "on?")[ He takes a gulp from his pint and glares out of the window. It looks out onto street level, where you can see the feet of the city's rat race scurry past. The fire spits and crackles, recapturing his attention.](click: "attention.")[ "There's been a lot of unrest recently..."](click: "recently...")[ [["It's going to be even worse after the trial."]] [["Hasn't it always been like this?"]] [[Say Nothing.]] ]

He takes a gulp of his pint and glares out of the window.(click: "window.")[ It looks out onto street level, where you can see the feet of the city's rat race scurry past.](click: "past.")[ The fire spits and crackles, recapturing his attention.](click: "attention.")[ "There's been so much unrest recently."](click: "recently.")[ [["It's going to be even worse after the trial."]] [["Hasn't it always been like this?"]] [[Say Nothing.]] ]

"Well sure, you probably don't leave the house all that much. For the rest of us it's constant uncertainty..."(click: "uncertainty...")[ "...are we going to be late because of a riot? Are the businesses we're advising going to suddenly take a hit because of this new energy economy? Never mind our savings. They're messing with our jobs."](click: "jobs.")[ He's leaning closer, hovering above his seat now. "What about Jacobus? Oh, sorry, <u>'First Senator'</u>. What do you reckon? Guilty?"](click: "Guilty?")[ >>"He's been caught with his pants around his ankles, pissing into the wind. [[He's guilty]]." >>"I don't think he could be so stupid. [[He has to be innocent]]." >>"I haven't fallen on a side yet. [[Have you?]]" ]

He nods. "When will it be over? That's what you've got to ask yourself."(click: "yourself.")["I don't remember asking for Jacobus' referrendum."](click: "referrendum.")[ "Oh, sorry. I should say <u>'First Senator'</u> or that lawyer might have a hissy fit."](click: "hissy fit.")[ He takes a drink, his eyes remain fixed on you as he lifts the glass, taking two gulps and putting the glass down. "So..."](click: "So...")[ He's leaning closer, hovering above his seat now.](click: "now.")[ "Do you think he's guilty?"](click: "guilty?")[ >>"He's been caught with his pants around his ankles, pissing into the wind. [[He's guilty]]." >>"I don't think he could be so stupid. [[He has to be innocent]]." >>"I haven't fallen on a side yet. [[Have you?]]" ]

"I'm a college professor."(click: "professor.")[ "Does that make you feel more comfortable?"](click: "comfortable?")[ [["Yeah, you had reason to be there."]] [["Not really, this has to be a clean trial. For justice."]] ]

"Have you seen any of the adverts on buses, TVs, billboards maybe?"(click: "maybe?")[ You nod. You've seen several today.](click: "several")[ "Then what makes you think you're less partisan?"](click: "partisan")[ [[You're tired of seeing the pro-coalition propaganda.]] [[You're tired of seeing the divisive separatist propaganda.]] [[You're tired of seeing them all.]] ]

She snorts as she breaks into a chuckle.(click: "chuckle")[ "I'm going to assume you're acting in good faith here.](click: "here.")[ Have you seen any of the adverts on buses, TVs, billboards maybe?"](click: "maybe?")[ You nod. You've seen several today.](click: "several")[ [[You're tired of seeing the pro-coalition propaganda.]] [[You're tired of seeing the divisive separatist propaganda.]] [[You're tired of seeing them all.]] ]

(set: $procoalition to false)"Whatever you feel about them doesn't matter, but you feel something about them. Just like the rest of us."(click: "the rest of us.")[ "If anything, going to the protests makes me better placed to sit on that jury."](click: "jury.")[ She slaps her drink onto the table, unfinished and says, "I'd better get going."](click: "going.")[ You thank her again for her help and you go your separate ways.](click: "ways")[ Night injects some colour into the sunless grey skies that have lingered for weeks. Lights twinkle in the flats, towering above the roads that divide them.](click: "divide")[ The commotion has thinned as the dregs of protesters slither through the streets, across roads and down alleyways with little care for their [[surroundings.->"Surroundings1"]] ]

(set: $procoalition to true)"Even being sick of the sight of all of it supports the status quo. You feel something about them. Just like the rest of us."(click: "the rest of us.")[ "If anything, going to the protests makes me better placed to sit on that jury."](click: "jury.")[ She slaps her drink onto the table, unfinished and says, "I'd better get going."](click: "going.")[ You thank her again for her help and you go your separate ways.](click: "ways")[ Night injects some colour into the sunless grey skies that have lingered for weeks. Lights twinkle in the flats, towering above the roads that divide them.](click: "divide")[ The commotion has thinned as the dregs of protesters slither through the streets, across roads and down alleyways with little care for their [[surroundings.->"Surroundings1"]] ]

(set: $centralcharade to true)"Whatever you feel about them doesn't matter, but you feel something about them. Just like the rest of us."(click: "the rest of us.")[ "If anything, going to the protests makes me better placed to sit on that jury."](click: "jury.")[ She slaps her drink onto the table, unfinished and says, "I'd better get going."](click: "going.")[ You thank her again for her help and you go your separate ways.](click: "ways")[ Night injects some colour into the sunless grey skies that have lingered for weeks. Lights twinkle in the flats, towering above the roads that divide them.](click: "divide")[ The commotion has thinned as the dregs of protesters slither through the streets, across roads and down alleyways with little care for their [[surroundings.->"Surroundings1"]] ]

"M-Maybe. I'm not sure if I support <i>him</i>, though."(click: "though.")[ [["The movement might lose it's momentum if he goes to jail."]] [["He's just a figurehead."]] ]

"I've found myself playing out different scenarios in my head. It's like when you've fallen out with a friend and you've over analysed every potential follow up argument,"she replies.(click: "she replies.")[ You wonder about the Jacobus you know. Will he be the same as the one who takes the stand?](click: "stand?")[ She continues, "It only takes a few imagined scenarios and you've built them up to be worse than those fuckers who talk through movies."](click: "movies")[ The two of you share a laugh.](click: "laugh")[ [["If the prosecution accuses him of that, I'll send him down."]] ]

"If it does, it's not a worthwhile movement... right?"(click: "right?")[ This sounds rhetorical, but she doesn't look convinced.](click: "convinced")[ [[Agree.]] [[Disagree.]] [[Say nothing. ->Say nothing3]] ]

"A renewable energy economy could change the world, but individuals cripple political movements all the time."(click: "time")[ [[Agree.]] [[Disagree.]] [[Say nothing. ->Say nothing3]] ]

You utter it more brusquely than you intended and the hallway falls silent.(click: "silent")[ Among the lawyers, jurors and courthouse staff who turn their attention to you are the remaining police and security.](click: "police and security.")[ The two of you look at each other like guilty school kids, leading each other astray.](click: "astray")[ As their attention falls away from you the court clerk reappears to inform you that they've managed to secure and clear one of the back entrances and that it's safe to [[exit.]] ]

"Tactics isn't the word I'd use."(click: "use.")[ [["It's their job."]] [["I-I guess not."]] [[Say Nothing->Say Nothing2]] ]

(set: $friendsemma to true)She becomes uneasy at the mention of the riots.(click: "riots.")[ "Were you there?"](click: "there?")[ An accusation, thinly veiled as a question.](click: "question")[ [[Be honest, you weren't there.]] (if: $friendsemma is false)[[Lie, you were there. She won't know any different.]]]

(set: $friendsemma to true)"Sure, except the only ones throwing anything were the police - and it was tear gas and truncheons."(click: "truncheons")[ [["Bastards."]] (if: $friendsemma is false)[["Was it really just protesting if they used those tactics?"]] ]

The clerk leads you down a dingy pathway, cluttered with debris from protesters.(click: "protesters.")[ Something tugs on the point of your shoe.](click: "shoe")[ It's the flag of Edyn.](click: "Edyn.")[ You've been dragging it through the damp alleyway, as you trample over broken signs and banners.](click: "signs and banners.")[ The chanting and shouting is drowned out by what sounds like every siren in the city, bearing down on the courthouse. An officer frantically wipes red graffiti that's streaked across the side of the building, smudging it into a broader smear.](click: "smear.")[ After emerging from the alley you're escorted for a further few blocks before the security [[let you go. ->letting you go 1]] ]

(set: $policedistrust to false) She gets to her feet, flashes a smile that betrays the look in her eyes and walks away from you.(click: "you.")[ The clerk enters the hallway. He announces that they've temporarily cleared one of the back entrances and that it's [[safe to vacate.]] ]

(set: $policedistrust to true)You haven't given it enough thought. You've never really needed to, outside of the typical skepticism of authority that was born during your youth.(click: "youth")[ It never stemmed from anything greater than underage drinking and stories of the past.(make this a choice for the player and add more depth?](click: "past.")[ The clerk enters the hallway. He announces that they've temporarily cleared one of the back entrances and that it's [[safe to vacate.]] ]

(set: $policesilence to true)"Your silence speaks volumes," she says.(click: "says")[ As you attempt to broach the subject with her again the clerk enters the hallway. He announces that they've temporarily cleared one of the back entrances and that it's [[safe to vacate.]] ]

The clerk leads you down a dingy pathway, cluttered with debris from protesters.(click: "protesters.")[ Something tugs on the point of your shoe.](click: "shoe")[ It's the flag of Edyn.](click: "Edyn.")[ You've been dragging it through the damp alleyway, as you trample over broken signs and banners.](click: "signs and banners.")[ The chanting and shouting is drowned out by what sounds like every siren in the city, bearing down on the courthouse. An officer frantically wipes at red graffiti that's streaked across the side of the building, smudging it into a broader smear.](click: "smear.")[ You look round at Emma as you pass them. She stares back at you, eyes wide, communicating her point without needing to utter a word.](click: "utter a word.")[ After emerging from the alley you're escorted for a further few blocks before security are comfortable with [[letting you go.]] ]

"There were thousands of people there, I'll bet lots of people had different experiences of what happened."(click: "happened.")[ You break off the conversation as the court clerk reappears to inform you that they've managed to secure and clear one of the back entrances and that it's safe to [[exit.->exit1]]]

The clerk leads you down a dingy pathway, cluttered with debris from protesters.(click: "protesters.")[ Something tugs on the point of your shoe.](click: "shoe")[ It's the flag of Edyn.](click: "Edyn.")[ You've been dragging it through the damp alleyway, as you trample over broken signs and banners.](click: "signs and banners.")[ The chanting and shouting is drowned out by what sounds like every siren in the city, bearing down on the courthouse. An officer frantically wipes red graffiti that's streaked across the side of the building, smudging it into a broader smear.](click: "smear.")[ As you emerge from the alley you're escorted a further few blocks before finally [[letting you go.]] ]

She laughs, "I wouldn't hesitate."(click: "hesitate.")[ She introduces herself as the court clerk reappears, her name is Emma.](click: "Emma.")[ The court clerk informs you that they've managed to secure and clear one of the back entrances and that it's safe to [[exit. ->exit5]] ]

The clerk leads you down a dingy pathway, cluttered with debris from protesters.(click: "protesters.")[ Something tugs on the point of your shoe.](click: "shoe")[ It's the flag of Edyn.](click: "Edyn.")[ You've been dragging it through the damp alleyway, as you trample over broken signs and banners.](click: "signs and banners.")[ The chanting and shouting is drowned out by what sounds like every siren in the city, bearing down on the courthouse. An officer frantically wipes red graffiti that's streaked across the side of the building, smudging it into a broader smear.](click: "smear.")[ As you emerge from the alley you're escorted a further few blocks before finally [[letting you go.]] ]

The clerk leads you down a dingy pathway, cluttered with debris from protesters.(click: "protesters.")[ Something tugs on the point of your shoe.](click: "shoe")[ It's the flag of Edyn.](click: "Edyn.")[ You've been dragging it through the damp alleyway, as you trample over broken signs and banners.](click: "signs and banners.")[ The chanting and shouting is drowned out by what sounds like every siren in the city, bearing down on the courthouse. An officer frantically wipes blood that's streaked across the side of the building, smudging the streak into a broader smear.](click: "smear.")[ After emerging from the alley you're escorted for a further few blocks before security are finally comfortable [[letting you go.]] ]

"Sure. If losing one guy kills the movement then it probably wasn't viable to begin with."(click: "with.")[ She looks deflated, like she's not found the ally she thought she had.](click: "had.")[ The court clerk reappears to inform you that they've managed to secure and clear one of the back entrances and that it's safe to [[exit. ->exit5]] ]

(set: $believeinmovement to true)"No, I don't think that's right. He might turn out to be a fraud, but a renewable energy economy could be revolutionary."(click: "revolutionary")[ "So you'd have no trouble sending him down if was guilty?"](click: "guilty")[ [["None whatsoever."]] [["I don't want to get too deep into hypotheticals."]] ]

You don't answer and the question lingers.(click: "lingers")[ You don't feel qualified to answer. You've avoided thinking too deeply about Jacobus' independence campaign and his renewable energy vision.](click: "vision")[ The court clerk reappears to inform you that they've managed to secure and clear one of the back entrances and that it's safe to [[exit. ->exit5]] ]

"I'd obviously do the same. Obviously...for the greater good."(click: "good.")[ The court clerk reappears to inform you that they've managed to secure and clear one of the back entrances and that it's safe to [[exit. ->exit5]] ]

"Right. I wonder how the real Jacobus is going to compare to the hypothetical one."(click: "one.")[ The court clerk reappears to inform you that they've managed to secure and clear one of the back entrances and that it's safe to [[exit. ->exit5]] ]

The clerk leads you down a dingy pathway, cluttered with debris from protesters.(click: "protesters.")[ Something tugs on the point of your shoe.](click: "shoe")[ It's the flag of Edyn.](click: "Edyn.")[ You've been dragging it through the damp alleyway, as you trample over broken signs and banners.](click: "signs and banners.")[ The chanting and shouting is drowned out by what sounds like every siren in the city, bearing down on the courthouse. An officer frantically wipes blood that's streaked across the side of the building, smudging the streak into a broader smear.](click: "smear.")[ After emerging from the alley you're escorted for a further few blocks before security are finally comfortable [[letting you go.]] ]

The clerk leads you down a dingy pathway, cluttered with debris from protesters.(click: "protesters.")[ Something tugs on the point of your shoe.](click: "shoe")[ It's the flag of Edyn.](click: "Edyn.")[ You've been dragging it through the damp alleyway, as you trample over broken signs and banners.](click: "signs and banners.")[ The chanting and shouting is drowned out by what sounds like every siren in the city, bearing down on the courthouse. An officer wipes away red graffiti that's streaked across the side of the building, smudging it into a broader smear.](click: "smear.")[ As you emerge from the alley you're escorted a further few blocks before finally [[letting you go.]] ]

==> "Were you with the First Senator when he arranged this alleged meeting?" <== (click: "this alleged meeting?")["No, but he must have done because everything was in place when we got there."] ==> (click: "everything was in place when we got there.")["Who else was at the meeting?"] <== (click: "Who else was at the meeting?")["The First Senator, Graeme Forster and another SolCor woman called Charlene."] ==> (click: "Charlene")["Did the First Senator ask you to keep the contents of the meeting to yourself?"] <== (click: "meeting to yourself")["Yes, he said it was a matter of great national importance that I keep it a secret."] ==> (click: "keep it a secret")["Why would he trust you with something so sensitive, do you think?"] <== (click: "do you think?")["He knew I was trustworthy, I suppose. I never double crossed him once in 10 years."] ==> (click: "years.")["Do you think he was right to place that trust in you, in light of the way you have now turned on him?"] <== (click: "turned on him?")["Emmm, well, I don't think that's very fair.](click: "very fair.")[ I can't be expected to stand by and watch corruption taking place."] ==> (click: "corruption taking place.")["Did you challenge the First Senator about the meeting?](click: "the meeting?")[ Did you tell him how you felt about his actions?"] <== (click: "his actions?")["That's not my job."] ==> (click: "not my job.")["So instead you waited to report it some months later, after you had lost your job?"] <== (click: "lost your job?")["This has nothing to do with that!"] =><= (click: "that!")[ [[And so it goes on.]]]

[[You are one of the victims.]]

>>[[You trust that this is for the greater good.]] >>[[The greater good isn't going to pay your bills.]]

(set: $greatergood to true)You've always been a believer in the greater good.(click: "good.")[ When they talk about the trickledown effect, it's always about the economy.](click: "economy")[ It's never about the environment.](click: "environment")[ You're not afraid to admit it.](click: "admit it.")[ Putting the country at the forefront of a new energy economy is going to ensure there's a planet for future generations and open up a wide range of prospects for [[people like you. ->"No loitering in this square."]] ]

(set: $nogreatergood to true)Of course Jacobus is going to say that more employment will come, he has to say that or he'll lose more voters.(click: "voters")[ His cause is a worthy one in an ideal world, but this isn't an [[ideal world. ->"No loitering in this square."]] ]

The co-anchor continues, "Last night rioting broke out at a rally in support of Jacobus. Eye witnesses suggest a few thousand gathered in Blyth Square as they clashed with police who attempted to keep the peace."(click: "keep the peace")[ "Can we really be surprised after all the division Drake has incited?"](click: "division")[ "Hopefully the country will have the opportunity to [[heal soon."]] ]

Your mind drifts to the trampled flag at the courthouse and what madness [[awaits you tomorrow.]]

DAY 2 --- [[The Prosecution.]]

Traffic remains at a stand still around Blyth Square. Sirens blare and horns bleat, but they remain gridlocked.(click: "gridlocked.")[ You walk a quick lap of the square. The benches are still intact, the flowers that line the four grassy patches on each corner are immaculate, and the monument to fallen heroes of Edyn's past stands proud in the centre:](click: "centre:")[ Three leaders of the farming clans that fought back against soldiers from Inger, who cleared them from their land. They called it unification, an end to the war.](click: "war.")[ You linger.](click: "You linger.")[ Blood stains the pavement.](click: "Blood stains the pavement.")[ The copper dome of the courthouse looms in the distance, peering out from behind the monument - exposed by the surrounding city lights. Your thoughts drift to [[what's in store tomorrow. ->awaits you tomorrow.]] ]

Traffic flows freely around Blyth Square this evening, the earlier protests likely to have difused any further disruption.(click: "further disruption.")[ You walk a quick lap of the square. The benches are still intact, the flowers that line the four grassy patches on each corner are immaculate, and the monument to fallen heroes of Edyn's past stands proud in the centre:](click: "centre:")[ Three leaders of the farming clans that fought back against soldiers from Inger, who cleared them from their land. They called it unification, an end to the war.](click: "war.")[ But blood stains remain on the pavement.](click: "pavement.")[ You stop for a moment, catching the looming copper dome of the courthouse peering out in the distance from behind the monument - exposed by the surrounding city lights. You wonder whether you could be impartial if you'd seen this blood spilled. Could anyone?](click: "Could anyone?")[ You return to that line, "what we're up against" and wonder what they're going [[to do next. ->awaits you tomorrow.]] ]

The second day of the trial contains all of the same pomp and ceremony as the first. The lawyers are gowned and wigged, holding themselves in a slightly unnatural manner which strikes you as something from a book or a painting.(click: "painting.")[ The gravity of this trial's outcome on Edyn's future seems to sit lightly on their well educated and highly paid shoulders. The reporters; gossips and well-wishers are still there, too, their appetite for the trial apparently unsatiated by yesterday's opening exchanges.](click: "opening exchanges.")[ Despite an increased police presence, the rhythimic chanting returns outside.](click: "outside.")[ When the judge enters, the court once again rises to greet her, the pantomime of deference showing no sign of losing vigour through use. You look at the lawyers, at Stokes and his greying beard, and you wonder just how many times they have stood up and sat down again over the years when another human being [[enters the room.]] ]

After some opening pleasantries, Halliday begins to set out his case for the prosecution. He addresses his remarks to the judge, but his focus rarely ceases to be honed on the jury.(click: "honed on the jury.")[ "My Lady, as you will know, Mr Jacobus..."](click: "Mr Jacobus...")[ His opposite number Stokes, rises from his chair to protest.](click: "to protest.")[ Halliday corrects himself, "...sorry, <u>First Senator</u> Jacobus, is charged with the offence of "misconduct by a public official" as set out in part 362 of the Edyn Legal Code."](click: "Edyn Legal Code.")[ "In order for the accused to be convicted of this offence, the following three things must be shown:](click: "must be shown")[ The accused, acting in his role as a public officer, wilfully misconducted himself;](click: "misconducted himself")[ that the misconduct was to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public's trust in the accused;](click: "trust in the accused")[ that the accused had no reasonable excuse or justification for his actions.](click: "for his actions")[ If all three parts of this test are met, the jury will be duty bound to find the accused guilty of the offence, for which the maximum sentence is [[life imprisonment.]]"]

You look at your fellow jurors.(if: $playerdoesntsuppport is true)[ You notice Crilly, nodding along, hooked on Halliday's every syllable.] The severity of Jacobus' situation is not lost on them.(click: "lost on them.")[ "My Lady, I will present four pieces of evidence today which will show that the test for the offence of misconduct by a public official has indeed been met."](click: "been met.")[ "These are the witness testimony of the accused's former bodyguard, Matthew Groves, a copy of bank records of accounts pertaining to both the accused and SolCor, various ancillary items relating to the accused's political agenda and the public's view of the same, and a diary kept by the accused at the [[time of the offence.]]"]

Matthew Groves is brought to the witness box from outside of the court. He is a tall, svelte man, his figure not fitting into the stereotype of a bodyguard but nonetheless giving the impression of a stringy muscularity. He shoots Jacobus an awkward, guilty look as he passes the dock.(click: "passes the dock.")[ Groves confirms that he worked for Jacobus as a personal bodyguard for 10 years, from his beginnings as a freshman Senator all the way through to his current position as leader of the Edyn Senate.](click: "Edyn Senate.")[ He was let go from his position 3 months ago, officially due to a reshuffle. However, Groves believes Jacobus had developed a personal vendetta against him after he confessed he did not vote for Jacobus' separatist party in recent elections.](click: "in recent elections.")[ You try to gauge whether he fits the bill as a "disgruntled ex-employee", but he is hard to read and is responding to the questions calmly and without any apparent anger.](click: "apparent anger.")[ Halliday asks Groves if he was with the accused on the date of the alleged meeting with SolCor, and he confirms that he was. Groves states that the meeting did take place as alleged, that he attended the entirety of it in his capacity as Jacobus' bodyguard, and that he is well placed to [[confirm what was discussed.]] ]

Groves' story could hardly be juicier if he tried, and perfectly fits the narrative that the prosecution is advancing: Graeme Forster (CEO of SolCor) offered to pay 7.5 million credits to Jacobus personally, in exchange for granting a number of new fossil fuel licenses to SolCor;(click: "licenses to SolCor")[ Jacobus would also amend his party's official policy, which stated that no new licenses would be granted for as long as they were in power; after seeking further details on the logistics of payment, Jacobus agreed to the deal in its entirety, and provided Forster with the account number and sort code of an account into which the payment could be made; payment was made instantly, and Jacobus expressed delight to Groves as they left the meeting that it had gone so smoothly.](click: "so smoothly")[ Halliday can hardly contain his satisfaction as his witness spews forth such a sordid account, but not everyone in the courtroom is happy. Shouts of "liar" and "shame on you" are splurted out by people in the public gallery, who are quickly removed from the court.](click: "removed from the court")[ The only other noise to be heard is that of pen frantically scribbling notes on paper - the assembles press, Stokes, and even your fellow jurors seem determined to capture [[everything Groves says.]] ]

When Halliday is finished, he takes a seat. Stokes stands up to cross-examine the witness. His questions are sharp, landing with a needle like precision, but Groves seems to have an [[answer for everything.]]

>>[[The evidence is damning. Groves gives full account of the meeting and has no reason to lie.]] >>[[Evidence unclear, Groves' account sounds convincing but nothing yet to back it up.]] >>[[The evidence is unconvincing, Groves seems to have motivation to lie.]]

(if: $playersupports is true)[(set: $supportsdamning1 to true)It's hard to argue with. The meeting probably took place, but that doesn't necessarily prove anything, but it doesn't look great. You await the prosecution's next move.](if: $playerundecided is true)[(set: $undecideddamning1 to true)It's a convincing account. You're not convinced that he has a strong enough motivation to lie. You await the prosecution's next move.](if: $playerdoesntsuppport is true)[(set: $againstdamning1)It's the first nail in the coffin. Defense lawyer was swatted aside and his voting history is total conjecture. You await the prosecution's next move.] (click: "You await the prosecution's next move.")[Halliday moves on to his second piece of evidence, [[bank records.]] ]

(if: $playersupports is true)[(set: $supportsunclear1 to true)It sounded bad, but he's one of them. You can't trust him. You await the prosecution's next move.](if: $playerundecided is true)[(set: $undecidedunclear1 to true)He spoke convincingly, but his political views may influence things. You want something of substance. You await the prosecution's next move.](if: $playerdoesntsuppport is true)[(set: $againstunclear1 to true)You expected more. The meeting probably happened, but there's no smoking gun. You await the prosecution's next move.] (click: "You await the prosecution's next move.")[Halliday moves on to his second piece of evidence, [[bank records.]] ]

(if: $playersupports is true)[(set: $supportsunconvinced1 to true)Seems pretty clear he's got an agenda. This is what we're up against. You await the prosecution's next move.](if: $playerundecided to true)[(set: $undecidedunconvinced1 to true)There's nothing of substance and he's got a motivation to lie. Whilst the meeting might have happened, he seems a convenient witness. You await the prosecution's next move.](if: $playerdoesntsuppport is true)[(set: $againstunconvinced1 to true)The prosecution should have covered his allegience. He fobbed off the defence lawyer, but you hoped for more substance. You await the prosecution's next move.] (click: "You await the prosecution's next move.")[Halliday moves on to his second piece of evidence, [[bank records.]] ]

He walks you through the hard copy records, which clearly show a transfer of a sum of 7.5 million credits from a bank account in the name of SolCor to one in the name of Hope Inc.(click: "Hope Inc.")[ Halliday goes on to explain that Hope Inc is a company with only one shareholder - Drake Jacobus. The bank statements of each account are reproduced on the evidence screens, and the trail of funds looks as clear as day between the two companies.](click: "two companies")[ Your fellow jurors [[resume their scribbling.]] ]

You can't quite figure out Stokes' gameplan: is he trying to paint Groves as a spurned redundancy, a snake in the grass or something in between? You decide to note down your thoughts, they'll come in handy at the [[end of the trial.]]

>>[[This evidence is irrefutable. He's received the funds from a corporation he's been campaigning against.]] >>[[The evidence isn't conclusive, it doesn't look good, but you'd like to know more about the meeting.]] >>[[The evidence isn't at all convincing, it could just as easily be an arrangement to buy into the new energy economy.]]

(if: $playersupports is true)[(set: $irrefutablesupports2 to true) You look at Fontaine behind you, shaking her head and mouthing words as she scrawls in her notebook. Unlike people, the money doesn't lie. Each transaction strips away your trust in Jacobus. You take a minute to collect your thoughts before the [[lunch break.]]](if: $playerundecided is true)[(set: $irrefutableundecided2 to true)This feels more damning. The meeting could have been anything, but the money transfer is not a good look. You take a minute to collect your thoughts before the [[lunch break.]].](if: $playerdoesntsuppport is true)[(set: $irrefutableagainst2 to true)He's caused so much division, it's all for been for self gain. To profit from our country's pain. You take a minute to collect your thoughts before the [[lunch break.]]]

(if: $playersupports is true)[(set: $unclearsupports2 to true)You look at Fontaine behind you, shaking her head and mouthing words as she scrawls in her notebook. Accepting money from them is a bad look, but it's not necessarily for the contracts. You take a minute to collect your thoughts before the [[lunch break.]].](if: $playerundecided is true)[(set: $unclearundecided2 to true)Combined with the meeting, it's not a great look. Still, you're hoping for more. You take a minute to collect your thoughts before the [[lunch break.]].](if: $playerdoesntsuppport is true)[(set: $unclearagainst2)It's not enough, you want to see him exposed. It's coming though. You take a minute to collect your thoughts before the [[lunch break.]]]

(if: $playersupports is true)[(set: $unconvincedsupports2 to true)You look at Fontaine behind you, shaking her head and mouthing words as she scrawls in her notebook. This is circumstantial, too much conjecture. Are we really supposed to trust a corporation? You take a minute to collect your thoughts before the [[lunch break.]]](if: $playerundecided is true)[(set: $unconvincedundecided2 to true)It's a bank transfer between two parties, whilst it doesn't look great, you'd like to see transcripts. Something to show what was discussed in the moment, rather than accused after the fact. You take a minute to collect your thoughts before the [[lunch break.]]](if: $playerdoesntsuppport is true)[(set: $unconvincedagainst2 to true)Where are the transcripts? On paper it looks bad, you wouldn't be surprised if it's true but you need more. You take a minute to collect your thoughts before the [[lunch break.]]]

Conversing with your fellow jurors will help grant you insight into their thoughts on the trial. Use this time to get a feel for their intentions ahead of the evidence this afternoon.(click-replace: "Conversing with your fellow jurors will help grant you insight into their thoughts on the trial. Use this time to get a feel for their intentions ahead of the evidence this afternoon.")[While the rest of the courthouse was a resounding exercise in aggrandizing the state, the jury’s room resembles a headmaster’s office.] (click: "office.")[Coarse green curtains hang by the windows, matching the same bristly fabric on the chairs squeezed under the table, barely able house all twelve of you.](click: "twelve of you.")[ One of the jurors wrestles with a particularly sturdy window as he tries to let some air into the room.](click: "air into the room.")[ He makes eye contact, a mixture of embarrassment and a plea for help.](click: "plea for help.")[ [[You're compelled to help him.]] ]

- WHOLE STREAM NEEDS TRIMMED - You return to your seat for the afternoon session. Halliday stands to resume his headfirst charge through the evidence, giving the impression of a man who has spent the entire lunch break preparing for the restart.(click: "the restart.")[ "My next piece of evidence, My Lady, is a copy of Drake Jacobus' party manifesto in the most recent Senate Elections." Copies are passed round to the jurors.](click: "to the jurors")[ "You will see that renewable energy is front and centre of his campaign, with a windmill featuring on the front cover alongside Jacobus' own face." You look at the face on the glossy brochure, all full of hope and charm. A far cry from the dejected individual sitting in the dock across the court from you.](click: "from you.")[ Halliday leads the court to page 3 of the manifesto, which is entitled 'Energy Policy'. There you see written, clear as day, [[the party's position on energy...]]]

'Edyn is a country of boundless renewable energy potential. The obsession of the coalitesists with using fossil fuels is short sighted and environmentally suicidal, and this party will not allow that to continue.(click: "not allow that to continue.")[ Renewable energy will be at the heart of everything we do in government, including the following policies:](click: "the following policies")[ a four-fold increase in the funding available to renewable energy projects; a complete moratorium on the granting of new fossil fuel licenses.](click: "fossil fuel licenses.")[ Fossil fuels may have played a part in Edyn's past, but they play no part [[in its future.']]]

Your fellow jurors review the manifesto with a mixture of disappointment, muted admiration and, in some cases, disdain. It is full of aspirational messages, hopeful projections for the independent Edyn that Jacobus and his party ultimately wanted to create.](click: "wanted to create.")[ You wonder what this trial has done for that dream, regardless of its [[eventual outcome.]] ]

"It is fair to say, My Lady," continues Halliday, "that the meeting described to us by Mr Groves this morning represents a significant departure from the accused's manifesto promises.(click: "manifesto promises.")[ Which brings us to the second leg of the test for misconduct by a public official, which is to say that the misconduct must have been to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public's trust in the accused."](click: "trust in the accused.")[ "To demonstrate that this part of the test has been met, I would like to show a number of clips from recent media coverage that show the public consider the accused's behaviour to have been an affront to the office he holds, and to have fallen well below the standard expected of him."](click: "expected of him.")[ "Yes, please proceed." The judge replies.](click: "The judge replies.")[ The huge screens in the courtroom crack into life at the press of a button by Halliday. The programme being shown is 'Your Questions', a panel show where an audience grill a panel of politicians and journalists. A Senator from Jacobus' party, recognisable from his distinctive green tie, is being [[grilled by audience members.]] ]

==> "How could you possibly defend what Jacobus did?" asks the angry audience member. <== (click: "audience member.")["The First Senator is subject to ongoing legal proceedings," responds the Senator, "so I don't think it would be appropriate to comment."] ==> (click: "appropriate to comment.")["He is a traitor," says another audience member. "He has gone against everything he ever promised to do for this country, and for personal gain. He must stand down from his position."] <== (click: "his position.")["We need to let the legal system do its work. In the meantime, the party is still as committed to the renewable energy crusade as [[we ever were.]]"]

<== Another audience member has her hand up, an older woman in a natty cardigan. When the presenter indicates that she can speak, she does so with unwavering smugness. (click:"unwavering smugness.")["This kind of thing is exactly why the sensible people in this country are still coalitesist. The likes of Jacobus and his separatists promise the world, but all they are selling is snake oil."] ==> (click: "snake oil.")["I don't think that's fair" replies the beleaguered Senator.](click:"beleaguered Senator.")[ "Our record in government stands up against any other, and we have a modern and progressive dream for Edyn. Independence will help us to achieve that."] <== (click: "achieve that")[The other members of the panel can barely contain their delight. Most of them are politicians from the other parties - parties which support the coalites and have seen Jacobus' insurgent party leave them for dead in the polls over recent years. They know their colleague is floundering and they display no sympathy for his plight.] =><= (click: "for his plight.")[Halliday changes the channel. [["You get the drift, My Lady."]] ]

The next programme to be shown is a news report. A stony faced newsreader stands beside a large graphic showing polling figures.(click: "polling figures.")[ The question asked of the respondents is "How confident are you in the leadership of First Senator Drake Jacobus"?](click: "Drake Jacobus")[ A poll from 2 years ago shows that Jacobus had a 75% approval rating prior to the allegations of corruption breaking, whereas a recent poll shows this at just 42%.](click: "42%")[ "An unprecedented low figure in the time of Mr Jacobus' leadership" says the presenter, her demeanour giving nothing away.](click: "giving nothing away.")[ "I believe that these clips demonstrate very clearly the level of feeling amongst the general public as to the way their trust has been breached by the accused," says Halliday when the clip is finished.](click: "clip is finished.")[ "The people of Edyn feel upset, betrayed and, frankly, angry with their First Senator for using his office for public gain."](click: "public gain.")[ "Yes, thank you Mr Halliday" says the Judge as Halliday takes a seat. She turns to the defence "Mr Stokes, I believe you have some counter evidence to [[lead on this point?]]" ]

"Yes, My Lady, I would like to offer some additional media coverage which shows that Mr Halliday has somewhat exaggerated the strength and uniformity of public feeling on this matter."(click: "on this matter.")[ Another clip is loaded onto the large screens. This one shows a roving reporter interviewing members of the public on a busy shopping street in central Edynfort, the day after the allegations against Jacobus broke. The responses are varied.](click: "The responses are varied.")[ "Sounds like a load of nonsense to me. The media and the coalites would do anything to tarnish the First Senator's name, this will just be more of that."](click: "more of that.")[ "I'm not convinced he did it, but even if he did then I'm sure he had a good reason. He's a decent boy, our Drake."](click: "our Drake.")[ "It doesn't look great, does it? Not sure how I feel about him after that."](click: "after that.")[ "Who cares if he did or he didn't. I don't need him to be a good man for him to be the right man to lead the country out of this useless coalition." ](click: "useless coalition.")[ Stokes closes the clip and [[addresses the judge.]] ]

"My Lady, I wouldn't be so bold as to suggest that the First Senator's reputation has been untouched by these allegations, nor that it would remain so if the facts the prosecution allege were proven to be true.(click: "proven to be true.")[ But it is clear that there is a wide variety of opinion on the actions which my client is accused of, and that many members of the public would not consider the actions alleged to be a breach of trust at all.](click: "trust at all.")[ The same can be seen from the very significant protests that have accompanied this case. There are many thousands, if not millions, of people in this country who do not believe that the First Senator has abused his position or fallen below the standard expected of him. This part of the legal test therefore has not been met, and the action must fail."](click: "the action must fail.")[ Stokes takes his seat. The Judge addresses the jury, making it clear that you will ultimately have to consider whether this particular part of the test has been met - i.e. whether it has been shown that the corruption being alleged would constitute an abuse of the public's trust in the First Senator.](click: "trust in the First Senator.")[ [[You pick up your notepad and note your thoughts on what you have seen this afternoon.]] ]

You pick up your notepad and note your thoughts on what you have seen this afternoon. (a) of course it will be an abuse of public trust if he is proven to have done the things the prosecution alleges - how could it not be? That would be corruption, pure and simple. (b) it's really not clear whether this would be an abuse of public trust or not. The sources the lawyers led seem to conflict a great deal. (c) it is clear that a large section of the public would not have any issue with Jacobus' actions, even if they are proven to have taken place. If the people don't agree on what they think, how can he be said to have abused public trust? ]

Your hand brushes against an elderly lady in a leather jacket as you squeeze between two of the jurors. It’s warm to the touch, like it's been sitting in the sun for hours.(click: "sun for hours.")[ You reach the man at the window. He’s frail, sleeves hang below his wrists and sports a greying ponytail which he looks far too old for.](click: "too old for.")[ It’s no wonder he’s struggling with the window. You jam both your hands under the window and hoist it. As it slams into place the surrounding structure shudders, catching the room by surprise.](click: "room by surprise.")[ “Don’t mind me, just you all go back to your afternoon tea.”](click: "afternoon tea.")[ He seems a little agitated, so you offer him a [[cup of tea.]] ]

Ponytail laughs a little too hard. (if: $MetCrilly is true)[He draws the attention of others in the room. One whom is Crilly as he approaches, you notice he's wearing another suit jacket.](else:)[Another member of the jury approaches, slicked back dirty-blonde hair and wearing a waistcoat and tie under his suit. "This seems like the fun crowd. The name's Crilly, pleasure to meet you both." He shakes your hand.] "I know you..." Crilly smiles as Ponytail's forehead wrinkles, "You ran for the council!"(if: $MetCrilly is false)[ You don't recognise him.] He shakes Crilly's hand, like a dog with a new chewtoy.(click: "new chewtoy.")[ "Name's Kent, by the way." It's probably better than Ponytail.](click: "Ponytail.")[ "I covered that election on my vlog channel. I'd love to have you on after all this."](click: "after all this.")[ Crilly ignores the statement and turns to you, "Tough morning for Jacobus, that. The bank transfer was juicy, wouldn't you say?" Crilly asks.](click: "Crilly asks.")[ (if: $guilty1 is true)["His seat must by slimey from all that [[squirming he was doing."]]](if: $undecided1 is true)["It could have been worse. [[I think we need more."]]](if: $innocent1 is true)["I thought that was the epitome of conjecture. I want to hear a recording of the meeting, [[something of substance.]]"] ]

He's got a triumphant look on his face that suggests he already has the answer. You scan the room and notice people have migrated away from the main table into packs. (if: $playersupports is true)[(click: "packs.")[Fontaine frenetically discusses in hushed, hissed tones with two others.]](else:)[(click: "packs.")[One woman is especially animated as she discusses in hushed, hissed tones with two others.]] (click: "two others.")["I'm sure whatever she's saying is rational." Kent says.](click: "Kent says.")[ [[Defend her.]] [[Join in.]]]

"And I hope we get more, for the sake of justice." Kent says.(click: "sake of justice.")[ "His old driver didn't convince me, but I thought Jacobus' lawyer fumbled his questioning." Crilly says. He watches you both, waiting for your reaction.](click: "your reaction.")[ [["There wasn't much else he could do."]] [["His questions didn't go far enough."]] ]

"I don't know where you went to school but secret meetings and bank transfers are all the substance I'm looking for in shady business," Kent replies.(click: "Kent replies.")[ [["We've got the seams but we don't have the thread that stitches it all together."]] [["I'm sure you'll change your mind if it turns out to be harmless."]] ]

=><= <b><u>'Juror Number 12'</b></u> by Andrew McKissock and Roddy Cairns. Clicking dark blue text will reveal more information, or move the narrative forward.](click: "dark blue")[ Arrows (>>) indicate differing paths in the narrative.](click: "narrative.")[ At times you will be able to check your phone to see the discussion surrounding the case, this can have an impact upon your choices and your relationships with your fellow jurors.](click: "fellow jurors.")[ In order for the trial to be successfully settled, you will have to understand the other jurors' motivations by the end of Day 3.](click: "Day 3.")[ [[Begin. ->The Case]] ]

>>[[You feel more confident that Jacobus is guilty.]] >>[[Though you feel like you could make an assumption now, you want to hear the rest of the evidence.]] >>[[You're even more convinced that the First Senator is innocent.]]

(set: $guilty1 to true)Having weighed up the evidence, you feel like there's strong possibility he's guilty now. The court rises as the judge leaves, then you're ushered to [[the jury room.]]

(set: $undecided1 to true)Having weighed up the evidence, you're not yet swayed either way. Time to let your thoughts marinade as court is adjourned. The court rises as the judge leaves, then you're ushered to [[the jury room.]]

(set: $innocent1 to true)The evidence hasn't swayed you. The court rises as the judge leaves, then you're ushered to [[the jury room.]]

<center><div class="title">Juror Number 12</div> <div class="line"></div></center> <div class="menubutton">[[Start|Begin]]</div> <div class="menubutton">Load</div> <br><br> <img src="images/jurors.png">

(set: $joinin to true)(if: $playersupports is true)["She looks like she's trying to convince pupils to listen to her lesson." "Well I ain't listening." Kent says](else:)[(set: $joinin to true)"She looks a bit desperate." "Nobody else in the room is that animated." The conversation drifts and your attention is drawn to the other conversations around the room. It's probably worth chatting to them, guaging their thoughts.] (if: $playersupports is true)[(click: "Kent says.")["I wonder if we shouldn't have a chat with the rest of the group." Crilly says. It's probably a good idea. Kent frowns as he leans against the window sill.]](else:)[(click: "guaging their thoughts.")[[["Maybe we should chat with some of the others." ->Chat with others]]]] (if: $playersupports is true)[(click: "the window sill.")[ [[Go and chat with Fontaine?]] [[Chat with the others.]] ]]

(set: $defendher to true)(if: $playersupports is true)["She's a college professor, so it probably is rational." "Pfft. Like you've never had a shitty teacher before."](else:)["Showing passion doesn't you make irrational." "Flapping around like a pidgeon does though."] (if: $playersupports is true)[(click: "teacher before.")["How did you know that?" Crilly asks. You explain what happened yesterday, how you were caught in the protests and that Fontaine helped. You don't mention the drink afterwards. The conversation drifts and your attention is drawn to the other conversations around the room. It's probably worth chatting to them, guaging their thoughts.]](else:)[(click: "pidgeon does though.")[The conversation drifts and your attention is drawn to the other conversations around the room. It's probably worth chatting to them, guaging their thoughts. [["Maybe we should chat with some of the others." ->Chat with others]]]] (if: $playersupports is true)[(click: "guaging their thoughts.")[ [[Go and chat with Fontaine?]] [[Chat with the others.]] ]]

"He looks like he's getting on a bit, maybe he's ran out of ideas." Crilly says.(click: "Crilly says.")[ "Unless you forget to call his exhalted client by his full name," Kent adds.](click: "Kent adds.")[ [["He was being petty with that."]] [["He made a good point, it was undermining Jacobus."]] ]

"He looks like he's getting on a bit, maybe he's lost his fire." Crilly says.(click: "Crilly says.")[ "Unless you don't call his exhalted client by his full name," Kent adds.](click: "Kent adds.")[ [["He was being petty with that."]] [["He made a good point, it was undermining Jacobus."]] ]

Kent leans over, towards the open window. "The look on their faces, when they realise they've been stitched up."(click: "stitched up.")[ "Don't be too hasty, Kent. There's a lot more to come yet." Crilly is all smiles, resting a hand on Kent's shoulder to calm his frenetic demeanour.](click: "frenetic demeanour")[ "He might not be guilty." Crilly says.](click: "Crilly says.")[ "The driver said it was a "great matter of national importance" to keep the meeting secret."](click: "meeting secret.")[ [["Nobody said it doesn't make him look guilty."]] [["Politcians have plenty of meetings they can't disclose to the public."]] ]

"He's always opposed SolCor. Now he's having meetings with them? He's a liar."(click: "liar.")[ "It's suspicious, but I'd hate to convinct someone who wasn't guilty." Crilly says.](click: "Crilly says.")[ Kent shrugs, "Obviously, obviously."](click: "Obviously, obviously.")[ You're beginning to regret opening the window.](click: "opening the window.")[ [[It's time to speak to other jurors. ->Chat with the others.]] (if: $playersupports)[ [[You seek out Fontaine. ->Fontaine1]]] (if: $playerundecided)[ [[You seek out Emma.]]] ]

(if: $joinin is true)[You feel a little guilty for poking fun at her, and considering her opinion yesterday, it's worth finding out where her head's at today.]You make your way around the table towards Fontaine and her group of conspirators.(click: "conspirators.")[ One of them sports a dress with floral patterns and a cardigan, revealing a prosthetic leg that's plastered with designs more eccentric than the dress.](click: "the dress.")[ The other is a stocky man, in his early 30s. All of his hair seems to have migrated from his head to the prodigious ginger beard protruding from his chin.](click: "chin.")[ They huddle together at the back of the room, with Fontaine facing outwards, [[watching the room.]] ]

(if: $playerundecided is true)[Emma stands alone with her back to everyone nursing a cup of tea. There's an elderly lady, a younger man and a woman in a yellow suit grouped together, or a man with a stud earing and another woman with him.](else:)[The young woman who sat next to you in the courtroom stands alone with her back to everyone nursing a cup of tea. There's an elderly lady, a younger man and a woman in a yellow suit grouped together, or a man with a stud earing and another woman with him.]] Who should you approach? (if: $playerundecided is true)[[[Emma ->You seek out Emma.]]](else:)[[[The young woman.]]] [[The group with the elderly lady]] [[The man with the stud earing.]]

"I hope for Jacobus' sake he's got more in the tank."(click: "more in the tank.")[ The conversation drifts and you find yourself more intrigued by what the other jurors are discussing. (if: $playersupports is true)[ [[You seek out Fontaine.]]] [You tell Crilly and Kent you're [[going to mingle. ->Chat with the others.]] ]]

"The only one doing that is the man himself."(click: "man himself.")[ The conversation drifts and you find yourself more intrigued by what the other jurors are discussing. (if: $playersupports is true)[ [[You seek out Fontaine.]]] [You tell Crilly and Kent you're [[going to mingle. ->Chat with the others.]] ]]

"I'm glad you agree, it's irrefutable."(click: "undeniable.")[ The conversation slips into silence. You can hear the crowd outside and your attention turns to the chatter around the room.](click: "around the room.")[ You should speak to some of your [[fellow jurors. ->Chat with the others.]] ]

"Nah, I hate the stuff. The teachers in high school used to get me to make them tea whenever I got detention."(click: "I got detention.")[ [["Must have gotten a lot of detention."]] [["You're a monster."]] ]

"I had my unfair share. I made up for it with an early drop out, though."(click: "early drop out, though.")[ You linger by the window, you can hear the shouting from people gathered below.](click: "people gathered below.")[ “I thought they might have given up,” Ponytail says. (if: $playerdoesntsupport is true)[[["Drake the snake's got them charmed." ->Ponytail laughs]]](else:)[[["I'm glad they haven't. ->Ponytail laughs]]] ]

"Yeah, alright, it's a fuckin' drink."(click: "drink.")[ He crosses his arms. You linger by the window, a little miffed that your joke didn't land. You can hear the shouting from people gathered below.] (if: $MetCrilly is true)[(click: "people gathered below.")[Crilly hears the raised voice and approaches. "This seems like the fun crowd," he says.]](else:)[(click: "people gathered below.")[Another member of the jury approaches, slicked back dirty-blonde hair and wearing a waistcoat and tie under his suit. "This seems like the fun crowd. The name's Crilly, pleasure to meet you both," he says.]] (click: "he says.")["Pleasure. My name's Kent."](click: "Kent.")[ "Tough morning for Jacobus, that. The bank transfer was juicy, wouldn't you say?" Crilly asks.](click: "Crilly asks.")[ You answer: (if: $guilty1 is true)["His seat must by slimey from all that [[squirming he was doing."]]](if: $undecided1 is true)["It could have been worse. [[I think we need more."]]](if: $innocent1 is true)["I thought that was the epitome of conjecture. I want to hear a recording of the meeting, [[something of substance.]]"] ]

(set: $fontaine1 to true)One of her cohorts notices as you near. His words trail into a cough and the discussion halts.](click: "discussion halts.")[ "It's alright. I can vouch for him."](click: "vouch for them.")[ She asks if there were any lasting effects from yesterday's struggle, and you thank her again for helping you.](click: "helping you.")[ "This is Marcia and Gregor. We've been weighing up everything that happened this morning. What did you make of those two over there?" [["They were fine."]] [["They were hard on Stokes, the lawyer."]] ]

"I agreed with their assumptions about the case, but something didn't sit right with me."(click: "with me")[ "I wouldn't trust the ponytail," Gregor says.](click: "Gregor says.")[ "Words to live by." Marcia replies](click: "Marcia replies.")[ [["What did you think about this morning?"]] [["Have you spoken to anyone else?"]] ]

"The evidence makes him look guilty."(click: "look guilty.")[ "What chance have we got if that was enough to convince them." Fontaine replies.](click: "Fontaine replies.")[ >>[["What did you think about this morning?"]] >>[["I know, the evidence is flimsy at best."]] - LIE ]

"He's got responsibilities to the public like I did my wife. If I started tellin' folks to keep quiet about late night appointments, due to matters of "great marital importance", I've got to expect she's gonna be suspicious when she finds out."(click: "finds out.")[ "Let's not lose sight of the context for this meeting," Crilly says, "he's been... let's say 'compensated', for a secret meeting with someone who he's opposed for years. Whom he's built his whole career on opposing."] (if: $MetCrilly is true)[(click: "built his whole career on opposing.")[He glares at you now. Gone are the smiles, the calming hand that rested on Kent as though a switch has been flicked and suddenly, you are a target. "How does that make you feel? You lost your job because of him." (if: $greatergood is true)[He makes a fair point, you stuck with Jacobus despite losing your job, because this new energy economy is supposed to provide you with a new one. Now he might have been fraternising with the enemy.](if: $nogreatergood is true)[The lack of conclusive evidence had helped alleviate some of your frustrations, but they still bubble under the surface.]]](else:)[(click: "built his whole career on opposing.")[Crilly looks around the room, "That'd piss me off. Especially in this employment environment." (if: $greatergood is true)[He makes a fair point, you stuck with Jacobus despite losing your job, because this new energy economy is supposed to provide you with a new one. Now he might have been fraternising with the enemy.](if: $nogreatergood is true)[The lack of conclusive evidence had helped alleviate some of your frustrations, but they still bubble under the surface. He might have been fraternising with his enemy.]]] (click: "enemy.")[ [["Couldn't you say the same for the driver, though?"]] - money [["I don't disagree..."]] ]

"We're not really unanimous on that one," Gregor says.(click: "Gregor says.")[ "Our consensus out to be that it's only lunch time on the second day." Marcia says.](click: "Marcia says.")[ Fontaine starts gesticulating again. "Our consensus should be that we need to do something."](click: "do something.")[ She does look a bit like a teacher trying to reach her kids. Gregor nudges you. "See what I mean?"](click: "mean.")[ [["Have you spoken to anyone else?"]] [["What do you mean, do something?"]] ]

"Just snippets here and there. Nobody's giving too much away," Gregor says.(click: "Gregor says.")[ It's something of a theme, even within this group here. As the conversation steers towards the evidence Marcia is the most forthcoming. It's no surprise with the kind of jovial attitude that stems from someone with the attire that flaunts so many flowers and colours.](click: "flowers and colours.")[ "I think we shouldn't underestimate how vindictive people can be."](click: "people can be.")[ "Years ago I worked for a company that designed wrapping paper. My boss was a real sweetheart, he was incredibly attentive after my accident."](click: "after my accident")[ "Then, when I told him I was quitting to focus on my own business he started messaging clients telling them I was unreliable."](click: "I was unreliable.")[ [["I see your point, but the money transfer suggests the meeting took place.]]] [["Do we know enough about this driver to say he'd be that vindictive?"]] ]

(set: $emma1 to true)As you get closer she jolts towards the toilet, noticing someone going in ahead of her.(click: "ahead of her.")[ She leans back against the table, crossing her arms. Her fingers fidget and scratch at her sleeves.](click: "at her sleeves.")[ (if: $turnipface is true)[ [["Hey, I think, yesterday... you told me I smell of turnip."]] [["Hey, I think we sit next to each other."]]](else:)[ [["Hey, I think we sit next to each other."]] [["You trying to avoid everyone over here?"]] ]]

(set: $olivia1 to true)You stop at the sandwich tray, it's sparse and dusted with crumbs but there's a few remaining.(click: "few remaining.")[ [[Grab one and take the tray?]] [[Take the tray?]] ]

(set: $jarod1 to true)He rests his hand on his hip and runs another through his whispy blonde fringe, the strands slither and settle. The woman he's chatting to also toys with her hair.(click: "her hair.")[ She twirls and curls her corkscrew coils with her index finger, seemingly gripped by his words.](click: "gripped by his words.")[ "Possibly the biggest deal I've brokered, now that I think about it. It was around triple the amount on that account," he says.](click: "he says.")[ "So it's a storm in a tea cup?"](click: "tea cup?")[ "No! It's huge for a politician."](click: "for a politician.")[ [["I'd do unspeakable things for 75 credits, nevermind 7.5 million."]] [["What can he do with the money?"]] ]

(if: $joinin is true)[You're reluctant about approaching the woman now, you survey the other groups. (if: $playerundecided is true)[Emma stands alone with her back to everyone nursing a cup of tea. There's an elderly lady, a younger man and a woman in a yellow suit grouped together, or a man with a stud earing and another woman with him.](else:)[The young woman who sat next to you in the courtroom stands alone with her back to everyone nursing a cup of tea. There's an elderly lady, a younger man and a woman in a yellow suit grouped together, or a man with a stud earing and another woman with him.]](if: $defendher is true)[You feel some obligation to approach the woman now, but you survey the other groups.(if: $playerundecided is true)[Emma stands alone with her back to everyone nursing a cup of tea. There's an elderly lady, a younger man and a woman in a yellow suit grouped together, or a man with a stud earing and another woman with him.](else:)[The young woman who sat next to you in the courtroom stands alone with her back to everyone nursing a cup of tea. There's an elderly lady, a younger man and a woman in a yellow suit grouped together, or a man with a stud earing and another woman with him.]] Who should you approach? (if: $playerundecided is true)[[[Emma ->You seek out Emma.]]](else:)[[[The young woman. ->[The young woman.]]] [[The group with the elderly lady]] [[The man with the stud earing.]]

(set: $emma1 to true)She lifts a mug to her mouth.(click: "to her mouth.")[ It's white with smokey grey whisps painted around it.] (click: "around it.")[(if: $confrontation1 is true)[ [[She notices you and turns her back to you.]]](else:)[ [["How do you manage to avoid people in this room?"]] [["What're you drinking?"]] ]]

"It might well have. The money transfer is irrefutable. But, that doesn't mean it's a bribe for contracts. These events taking place and him being innocent aren't mutually exclusive," Fontaine says. (click: "mutually exclusive")[Despite your confidence in him being shaken, it's worth considering.](click: "worth considering.")[ The conversation begins to fade.(if: $lie1 is true)[ You wonder Fontaine meant about taking matters into her own hands.] The lunchbreak will be over soon, but there's time left to talk to some more of your [[fellow jurors.]] ]

"We don't, but if I was unemployed as a result of Jacobus and I was already voting for The Coalition against him, I'd be pissed."(click: "be pissed.")[ (if: $greatergood is true)[(click: "be pissed.")[You dwell on your own past. Your unemployment is a direct result of his policy, but you continued to support him. If the shoe was on the other foot, would you become bitter enough to lie to send him down?]](if: $nogreatergood is true)[(click: "be pissed.")[You dwell on your own past. Your unemployment is a direct result of his policy, and you can't help but hold it against him. Are you bitter enough that you would lie to send him down?]] (click: "be pissed.")[The conversation begins to fade.(if: $lie1 is true)[ You wonder Fontaine meant about taking matters into her own hands.] The lunchbreak will be over soon, but there's time left to talk to some more of your [[fellow jurors.]] ]

The young woman who sat next to you in the courtroom stands alone with her back to everyone nursing a cup of tea.(click: "cup of tea.")[ There's an elderly lady, a younger person and a woman in a yellow suit grouped together.](click: "grouped together.")[ The last group is a man with a stud earing and a woman with him.](click: "woman with him.")[ [[The young woman. ->[The young woman.]] [[The group with the elderly lady]] [[The man with the stud earing.]] ]

You continue, "Because that undermines his testimony."(click: "testimony.")[ The conversation slips into silence. You can hear the crowd outside and your attention turns to the chatter around the room.](click: "around the room.")[ You should speak to some of your [[fellow jurors. ->Chat with the others.]] ]

"Then say you agree," Kent interrupts.(click: "Kent interrupts.")[ "...but, you've got to divorce that stuff from the trial."](click: "the trial.")[ Crilly smiles, "That's noble of you."](click: "you.")[ The conversation fades into silence. You can hear the crowd outside and your attention turns to the chatter around the room.](click: "around the room.")[ You should speak to some of your [[fellow jurors. ->Chat with the others.]] ]

"No kidding. What would you buy with 7.5m credits?"(click: "7.5m credits?")[ "I could quit the night shift, take a holiday, finally have a production space big enough to do the vlogging full time!"](click: "vlogging full time!")[ Kent's manner is different, the words are tinged with optimism but it's quickly extinguished by the commotion on the streets outside. "Jacobus will probably spend it on his crusade."](click: "crusade.")[ "What about you?" Crilly asks.](click: "Crilly asks.")[ [["I don't know, pay off loans? It's hard to comprehend."]] [["Get absolutely ruined on a week long bender."]] ]

Kent tuts, "You're bad at this game."(click: "this game.")[ [["I'd buy you a suit that fits."]] [["Doesn't matter, Jacobus is spending that money not us."]] ]

He returns a sound of disgust, suggesting he has no retort lined up, instead he asks Crilly what he'd spend it on.(click: "spend it on.")[ "I'd invest it. Turn it into more. Maybe he's planning on doing the same."](click: "the same.")[ Crilly continues, "Have you noticed anyone else squirming [[in the room?]]"]

(if: $MetCrilly and $nobooze is true)[Crilly looks at you, knowing full well that this isn't true.] "That's such a lazy answer," Kent says. [["I'd buy you a suit that fits."]] [["Doesn't matter, Jacobus is spending that money not us."]]

"He's right, sadly," Crilly says.(click: "Crilly says.")[ Kent adds a grunt of disapproval.](click: "disapproval.")[ Crilly continues, "Have you noticed anyone else squirming [[in the room?]]"]

(if: $lie1 is true)["We need to take matters into our own hands, to convince people." (click: "convince people")[ [["Have you spoken to anyone else?"]] ]](else:)["It's none of your concern." (click: "your concern.")[ [["Have you spoken to anyone else?"]] ]]

(set: $lie1 to true)"This is what I've been saying, but Gregor isn't convinced."(click: "isn't convinced.")[ "I can't get my head around the money transfer," he replies.](click: "he replies.")[ "Could have been for anything, wait until he's on the stand."](click: "on the stand.")[ [["What did you think about this morning?"]] ]

"Assumptions about the case aside, Crilly - the one with the blonde hair - seemed fine."(click: "seemed fine")[ "I wouldn't trust the ponytail," Gregor says.](click: "Gregor says.")[ "Words to live by." Marcia replies](click: "Marcia replies.")[ [["What did you make of this morning?"]] ]

"He looked rattled," Marcia says.(click: "looked rattled.")[ "He might have sunk the whole movement," Gregor replies.](click: "Gregor replies.")[ >>[["What did you make of the lawyer?"]] >>[["What did you make of this morning?"]] ]

"He was too concerned with appearances and titles. Didn't give the driver much of a grilling," Fontaine says.(click: "much of a grilling,")[ "That's why we need to take things into our own hands, we need to convince people."](click: "Fontaine says.")[ [["Have you spoken to the other jurors?"]] ]

"We're not really unanimous on that one," Gregor says.(click: "Gregor says.")[ "Our consensus ought to be that it's only lunch time on the second day." Marcia says.](click: "Marcia says.")[ Fontaine starts gesticulating again. "Our consensus should be that we need to do something."](click: "do something.")[ "We can't do anything now, other than let this trial play out."](click: "play out")[ Gregor nudges you. "See what I mean?"](click: "mean.")[ [["Have you spoken to the other jurors?"]] [["Do something?]] ]

"Just snippets here and there. Nobody's giving too much away," Gregor says.(click: "Gregor says.")[ It's something of a theme, even within this group here. As the conversation steers towards the evidence Marcia is the most forthcoming. It's no surprise with the kind of jovial attitude that stems from someone with the attire that flaunts so many flowers and colours.](click: "flowers and colours.")[ "I think we shouldn't underestimate how vindictive people can be."](click: "people can be.")[ "Years ago I worked for a company that designed wrapping paper. My boss was a real sweetheart, he was incredibly attentive after my accident."](click: "after my accident")[ "Then, when I told him I was quitting to focus on my own business he started messaging clients telling them I was unreliable."](click: "I was unreliable.")[ [["I see your point, but the money transfer at least suggests the meeting took place.]] [["It wouldn't surprise me, but do we know enough about this driver to say he'd be that vindictive?"]] ]

"We need to convince people. Erradicate their doubt by... finding something irrefutable," Fontaine replies.(click: "Fontaine replies.")[ "Right, but we can't pre-suppose that there is something irrefutable," Gregor says.](click: "Gregor says.")[ [["Have you spoken to the other jurors?"]] ]

"It might well have. The money transfer is undeniable. But, that doesn't mean it's a bribe for contracts. These events taking place and him being innocent aren't mutually exclusive," Fontaine says. (click: "mutually exclusive")[Despite your confidence in him being shaken, it's worth considering.](click: "worth considering.")[ The conversation begins to fade. The lunchbreak will be over soon, but there's time left to talk to some more of [[your fellow jurors.]] ]

"If I was unemployed as a result of Jacobus and I was already voting for The Coalition against him, I'd be pissed," Fontaine replies.(click: "be pissed,")[ (if: $greatergood is true)[(click: "be pissed,")[You dwell on your own past. Your unemployment is a direct result of his policy, but you continued to support him. If the shoe was on the other foot, would you become bitter enough to lie to send him down?]](if: $nogreatergood is true)[(click: "be pissed,")[You dwell on your own past. Your unemployment is a direct result of his policy, and you can't help but hold it against him. Are you bitter enough that you would lie to send him down?]] (click: "be pissed,")[The conversation begins to fade. The lunchbreak will be over soon, but there's time left to talk to some more of [[your fellow jurors.]] ]

There's not a whole lot of time left.(click: "time left.")[ The young woman who sat next to you in the courtroom stands alone with her back to everyone nursing a cup of tea. There's an elderly lady, a younger man and a woman in a yellow suit grouped together, or a man with a stud earing and another woman with him.](click: "woman with him.")[ Who will you speak to? (if: $emma1 is false)[ [[[The young woman.]]] (if: $olivia1 is false)[ [[The group with the elderly lady]]] (if: $jarod1 is false)[ [[The man with the stud earing.]]] (else-if:)[ [[Lunch break is over.]]] ]]

One of her cohorts notices as you near. His words trail into a cough and the discussion halts.(click: "discussion halts.")[ "It's alright. I can vouch for him."](click: "vouch for them.")[ She asks if there were any lasting effects from yesterday's struggle, and you thank her again for helping you.](click: "helping you.")[ "This is Marcia and Gregor. We've been weighing up everything that happened this morning. What did you make of those two over there?" [["We couldn't have disagreed more..."]] [["I think Kent's got Jacobus bang to rights already."]] ]

"...but Crilly at least seemed like he would entertain the idea he might be innocent."(click: "innocent.")[ "Well, the morning wasn't a total disaster then."](click: "disaster then.")[ [["What're your thoughts on the evidence this morning?"]] [["Have you spoken to any other jurors?"]] ]

"Can you blame him?" Fontaine asks. "I wouldn't trust the ponytail," Gregor says.](click: "Gregor says.")[ "Words to live by." Marcia replies](click: "Marcia replies.")[ [["What're your thoughts on the evidence this morning?"]] [["Have you spoken to any other jurors?"]] ]

"Just snippets here and there. Nobody's giving too much away," Gregor says.(click: "Gregor says.")[ It's something of a theme, even within this group here. As the conversation steers towards the evidence Marcia is the most forthcoming. It's no surprise with the kind of jovial attitude that stems from someone with the attire that flaunts so many flowers and colours.](click: "flowers and colours.")[ "I think we shouldn't underestimate how vindictive people can be."](click: "people can be.")[ "Years ago I worked for a company that designed wrapping paper. My boss was a real sweetheart, he was incredibly attentive after my accident."](click: "after my accident")[ "Then, when I told him I was quitting to focus on my own business he started messaging clients telling them I was unreliable."](click: "I was unreliable.")[ [["I see your point, but the money transfer at least suggests the meeting took place.]]] [["It wouldn't surprise me, but do we know enough about this driver to say he'd be that vindictive?"]] ]

"We're not really unanimous on that one," Gregor says.(click: "Gregor says.")[ "Our consensus out to be that it's only lunch time on the second day." Marcia says.](click: "Marcia says.")[ Fontaine starts gesticulating again. "Our consensus should be that we need to do something."](click: "do something.")[ Gregor nudges you. "See what I mean?"](click: "mean.")[ [["Have you spoken to the other jurors?" [["Do something?]] ]

"The more one man says things will change, the more they stay the same," the woman in the yellow suit replies.(click: "replies.")[ "She's right you know,"](click: "you know.")[ the elderly woman continues, "Not about a lot of things, but right about that."](click: "about that.")[ "What makes you think it'll be different?"](click: "different?")[ [["It's a feeling..."]] [["Because there's so much support."]](make this a phone answer.) ]

She flips her palm in your direction, "The status quo, folks."(click: "folks.")[ "He might well be, but he's right," the woman in the yellow suit agrees.](click: "he's right.")[ The elderly woman tsks and shakes her head. "Why aren't things going to change?"] [["There's too much resistance."]] (make this a phone inspired answer) [["There's too much fear."]]

You continue listening to her talk passionately about the independence movement, about her fears that this might damage the movement if Jacobus was to be sent down.(click: "sent down.")[

Double-click this passage to edit it.

You swipe one of the remaining sandwiches and swoop across to the group with the elderly lady.(click: "elderly lady.")[ She's in full flow, the younger person and the woman in the yellow power suit are engrossed.(if: $defendher is true)[ You look over at Kent, expecting to see him laughing, but he's now struggling to shut the window.] You take a bite of your sandwich and try to ease your way into the conversation.](click: "into the conversation.")[ She motors on But she motors on, talking about cycles which usually end in defeat, the status quo remaining.](click: "status quo remaining.")[ [["It'll be different this time."]] [["Things won't change."]] [["Say nothing."]] ]

You swipe one of the remaining sandwiches and bring the tray over to the group, offering the remains.(click: "offering the remains.")[ "I saw you swiping a good one first," the elderly lady says, before passing on the sandwiches.](click: "the sandwiches.")[ "That's a scabby move," the woman in the yellow suit says.](click: "yellow suit says.")[ [[Defend yourself.]] [[Apologise.]] ]

You offer them the tray but nobody takes one.(click: "nobody takes one")[ They introduce themselves, the elderly lady is Olivia, Joanne sports the yellow suit and Willow is the younger person.](click: "younger person.")[ You start to munch on a sandwich, the cheese inside tastes a little slimey and you're not sure [[it's supposed to.]] ]

"I've not had anything yet!" (if: $turnipface is true)["Didn't get your daily dose of vegetables from the crowd this morning?" The elderly lady asks.] (click: "anything yet!")[ "You should tuck in, 'cause I don't want to listen to your stomach grumbling for the rest of the afternoon."](click: "afternoon.")[ They introduce themselves, the elderly lady is Olivia, Joanne sports the yellow suit and Willow is the younger person.](click: "younger person.")[ You start to munch on a sandwich, the cheese inside is chewy and you're not sure [[it's supposed to be. ->it's supposed to.]] ]

"You're right, that was rude," you say, placing the sandwich back on the tray and offering it again.(click: "offering it again.")[ "Aw, god that's even worse!" The young person backs away from the tray as you prod it in their direction.](click: "their direction.")[ Needless to say, nobody goes for the sandwiches. So you reclaim the one you had selected. Victory.](click: "Victory.")[ Leathery, lukewarm, cheesey victory.](click: "cheesey victory.")[ They introduce themselves, the elderly lady is Olivia, Joanne sports the yellow suit and Willow is [[the younger person. ->it's supposed to.]] ]

"What a meagre selection. I was hoping that the lunch would at least make this worthwhile," Joanne says.(click: "Joanne says.")[ "I couldn't agree more... I've only pocketed three for my trip home." Olivia replies.](click: "Olivia replies.")[ "Ugh. The cheese looks like it has the same texture as your jacket," Joanne replies. ](click: "Joanne replies.")[ [["Would you rather one hundred leather sandwiches or one jacket made of cheese?"]] [["I think it has more in common with yours, Joanne."]] ]

"Oh I could go for a jacket made of cheese," she replies.(click: "she replies.")[ "I'd probably pick at it while you weren't paying attention," Willow says.](click: "Willow says.")[ "Why would you even pick one hundred leather sandwiches?"](click: "leather sandwiches?")[ "Well you could enact some revenge against the crowds out there, some buttered up leather in retaliation for all the veg they were launching yesterday," Joanne says.](click: "Joanne says.")[ "I'd want you in the trenches with me Joanne, it's a shame we're on [[opposite sides."]] ]

"Hey that's rude, I don't even like cheese!"(click: "like cheese!")[ Her comment punctures the air around you. Like she's plead guilty to an abhorrent crime.] (click: "abhorrent crime.")["That's scandalous!"](click-replace:"That's scandalous!")[What's wrong with you!(click-replace: "What's wrong with you!")[Philistine!(click-replace: "Philistine!")[There's so many types!(click-replace: "There's so many types!")[You can't dislike them all!]]]] (click: "dislike them all!")[The comments are interspersed with laughter before Joanne says, "I think that's why my daughter doesn't come for [[dinner anymore."]] ]

"Joanne, it is a little rude that you don't like cheese - but your suit is radiant so I won't be having that slander, even if we are on [[opposite sides."]]

You catch Kent out of the corner of your eye, strugging with the window again.(click: "the window again.")[ "You're too kind, but I'm not going to change my mind.](click: "change my mind.")[ [["Opposite sides?"]] ]

<img src="images/blethersupports.png"> <center>[[Follow the court clerk. ->Court room.]]</center>

<img src="images/bletherdoesntsupport.png"> <center>[[Follow the court clerk. ->Court room.]]</center>

Olivia looks at you like a disappointed grandparent.(click: "disappointed grandparent.")[ "I'd pick those leather sandwiches now, so I could feed you both all one hundred."](click: "one hundred.")[ The comment is jovial enough but Joanne declines to indulge it. Instead silence shrouds any further discussion. It's best that you speak to [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"I've yet to hear a good reason why they haven't dissolved his party already."

"They're split on Jacobus and Independence," Willow replies.(click: "Willow replies.")[ Joanne scowls as Willow talks openly about it.](click: "about it.")[ "I'd rather not get into it again right now, I've spent the last two years fending my daughter off about this," Joanne says.](click: "Joanne says.")[ "All I'm saying is we should be approaching both with an open mind," Olivia replies.](click: "Olivia replies.")[ [["That's seems pretty resonable to me."]] [["What about you Willow?"]] ]

"I don't care for this place, or the trial. I just want to deal with the facts and get back to normality."(click: "get back to normality.")[ Their straight forward attitude is refreshing.](click: "refreshing.")[ [["What is normality for you?"]] [["Why don't you care?"]] ]

"Not when it's a one sided sentinment. She wouldn't do the same if the shoe was on the other foot, most of them wouldn't."(click: "most of them wouldn't.")[ SLAM!](click: "SLAM!")[ Kent stands sheepishly by the, now closed, window.](click: "window.")[ "Don't project onto me. If the prosecution does enough to prove he's guilty then I'd accept that."](click: "accept that.")[ "We'll see. You've given yourself a neat clause for wriggle room there."](click: "wriggle room there.")[ [["What about you Willow?"]] ]

"Getting out of the spotlight."(click: "the spotlight.")[ Despite their abrupt indifference to the case, Willow appears to have an open mind.](click: "an open mind.")[ Perhaps being more detached gives them more perspective.](click: "perspective.")[ "What do you think so far?" Willow asks.](click: "Willow asks.")[ [["I'm with Joanne for now, I think he's guilty."]] [["Not guilty, for now."]] [["I haven't decided yet."]] ]

"Because these institutions don't care about me."(click: "care about me.")[ [["Do you mind elaborating?"]] [[Leave them.]] ]

"I don't want to. The broader discussion of Independence is simply about the lesser of two evils for me."(click: "evils for me.")[ You're fighting a losing battle trying to get more information, but you feel like you understand them a little better.](click: "a little better.")[ "What did you think so far?" They ask.](click: "They ask.")[ (if: $guilty1 is true)[So far, the evidence has convinced you he's guilty.](if: $innocent1 is true)[The evidence hasn't convinced you of his guilt yet.](if: $undecided1 is true)[The evidence hasn't swayed you either way.] You don't need to be truthful here, though it may impact your ability to convince jurors later. [["I'm with Joanne for now, I think he's guilty."]] [["Not guilty, for now."]] [["I haven't decided yet."]] ]

You decide not to push it. Willow has their reasons.(click: "reasons.")[ Silence descends, shrouding any further discussion.](click: "further discussion.")[ It's best that you speak to [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"I'm a little surprised by that, I must admit," Willow replies.(click: "Willow replies.")[ "At least you've not made up your mind," Joanne says.](click: "Joanne says.")[ Silence descends, shrouding any further discussion.](click: "further discussion.")[ It's best that you speak to [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"Me either. Let's hope we start getting a clearer picture, the last thing I want is to be shackled in deadlock and for this to drag out."(click: "drag out.")[ Silence descends, shrouding any further discussion.](click: "further discussion.")[ It's best that you speak to [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"This is the real environment Jacobus has helped shape," he says.(click: "he says.")[ [["I'd put it down to investors creating a wealth disparity by profiting from companies pilfering our resources."]] [["It was a joke."]] ]

"You people, you're all the same."(click: "all the same.")[ "It actually makes sense, when you think about it Jarod."](click: "think about it Jarod.")[ "You've lost me, Tania," he says.](click: "he says.")[ She's looking at you now. Finger still intertwined with her coils.](click: "her coils.")[ "What do you think so far - did Jacobus do a deal with SolCorp?"](click: "deal with SolCorp?")[ [["He's got some trouble coming his way."]] [["I'm still not convinced."]] ]

"So are his economics. That's why he's swindling big businesses he promised not to deal with."(click: "deal with.")[ [["Sounds like you've made up your mind."]] [["I'm still not convinced."]] ]

Jarod scoffs.(click: "Jarod scoffs")[ "Of course he does, he's a total hypocrite."](click: "total hypocrite.")[ "Right, right. So, if that's the case, it's pretty likely, he's been profiting from the exploitation of the country's resources - like you said."](click: "like you said.")[ [["I don't understand what you're getting at."]] [["Well yeah, that's why we're here."]] ]

"The man's a hypocrite and liar, what more do you need to know?" Jarod asks. Another question that will never be satiated by an answer.(click: "by an answer.")[ "Interesting..."](click: "Interesting...")[ She tugs on a curl and releases it, allowing it to straighten and bounce back into position.](click: "into position.")[ "We've been discussing how likely it is that he's been profiting from the exploitation of the country's resources. Which would be disgusting behaviour, right?" Tania asks.](click: "Tania asks.")[ You feel like she's getting at something here, positioning herself, perhaps not entirely related to Jacobus.](click: "related to Jacobus.")[ [["The deception is the icing, the act is still the cake."]] [["Like I said, I'm still not convinced."]] ]

"Don't worry about it for now. I just, had to work it through in my head," she says.(click: "she says.")[ "He's a hypocrite and a liar. It's as simple as that," Jarod replies.](click: "Jarod replies.")[ He wrestles a packet of smokes out from his jeans pocket, shakes them at you both and leaves the room.](click: "leaves the room.")[ "Excuse me. I'd love to chat, but I've been listening to him since we got in here."](click: "since we got in here.")[ You should speak to [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"Alright, I just wanted to make sure. Work through it in my head," she says.(click: "she says.")[ You can't help but wonder if there's more to it, we should all know that's the case by now. Perhaps she's just a little slow on the uptake.](click: "on the uptake.")[ "Don't forget, he said he wasn't," Jarod adds.](click: "Jarod adds.")[ Jarod wrestles a packet of smokes from the jaws of his jeans pocket.](click: "jeans pocket.")[ "Listen, I've been stuck in here since lunch started and I'm gasping for a smoke."](click: "gasping for a smoke.")[ He shakes the packet at you and beckons her to follow with a nod of his head towards the door.](click: "towards the door.")[ They leave the room. You should talk to [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"We need to keep an eye on people when the evidence starts to stack up, these people get irrational before they get honest." Jarod says.(click: "Jarod says.")[ "You're more right than you know," Tania replies.](click: "Tania replies.")[ Jarod takes no notice of the comment, he's too busy wrestling a packet of smokes from the jaws of his jeans pocket.](click: "jeans pocket.")[ He doesn't notice her wink at you either.](click: "wink at you either.")[ He shakes the packet at you and beckons her to follow with a nod of his head towards the door.](click: "towards the door.")[ You should talk to [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"Right. Thanks. I just needed to work that one through in my head."(click: "in my head.")[ "It's extremely likely by virtue of the money that's shown up in his accounts. I've seen a million of those transfer sheets, it's real. He's a snake, the sooner this room and those leeches outside come to terms with it, the better."](click: "the better.")[ Jarod wrestles a packet of smokes out of his jeans pocket and shakes them at the two of you, striding towards the exit.](click: "the exit.")[ You're still unsure what Tania was getting at. [["What are you getting at Tania?"]] ]

"The similarities between them."(click: "between them.")[ "I've been stuck chatting here for a while now, I'm gonna speak to some of the others before he comes back..."](click: "...")[ "...keep the faith," she says.](click: "she says.")[ Tania nods her head at you then heads off to chat to [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"He could start by upgrading this dingy little room. We certainly wouldn't deal with a company if they tried to do business in here."(click: "business in here.")[ "Yet we're in here deciding the fate of the country's First Senator," the woman says.](click: "the woman says.")[ "Fitting."](click: "Fitting.")[ [["I'm not sure he has much of a say in interior design."]] [["Says a lot about what they think of the people..."]] ]

"He seems to have a say in everything else, a man should know his limitations and act accordingly," the man says.(click: "the man says.")[ "You're more right than you know, Jarod,"(click: "Jarod.")][ she pivots in your direction and introduces herself before he can respond.](click: "respond.")[ "I'm Tania. Pleasure to meet you."](click: "meet you.")[ "So Jacobus is pretty fucked huh?" She asks.](click: "She asks.")[ [["He's got some trouble coming his way."]] [["I'm still not convinced."]] ]

"The Coalition built the courthouses, before power devolved," the woman says.(click: "the woman says.")[ "Details, details. The point is Jacobus' government are foul, Tania."](click: "Tania.")[ [["Sounds like you've made up your mind."]] [["I'm still not convinced."]] ]

"Years of practice," she replies.(click: "she replies.")[ "Mostly just frequent dips in and out of the toilet whenever anyone comes near."](click: "anyone comes near.")[ [["I'm honoured you didn't duck out on me."]] [["Have you spoken to the others?"]] ]

"Tea. It's as lifeless as the mug I'm drinking from."(click: "drinking from.")[ [["I was chatting to someone who hates it."]] [["Have you spoken to the others?"]] ]

"Well they're obviously not to be trusted, who was it?"(click: "who was it?")[ [["The guy who struggles with windows."]] [["The guy with the ponytail."]] ]

"Briefly. Nothing in depth. I've been trying to avoid it."(click: "avoid it.")[ [["People are going to get suspicious if you just lock yourself in the toilet for an hour."]] [["I don't blame you."]] ]

She laughs, "I noticed. That makes me anxious, who'd take me seriously after struggling with a window?" (click: "with a window")[(if: $turnipface is true)[ [["Just look how you reacted to me after the turnip yesterday."]]] [["Well if the window was bad, the tea thing made it worse."]] ]

"I'll keep an eye on him."(click: "eye on him.")[ [["I don't think the two of you would get on, unless you've changed your position."]] ]

"It was pungent and the courtroom was warm."(click: "was warm.")[ The two of you laugh, but it peters out and you're left looking at each other until she breaks the silence - croaking out the question:](click: "croaking out the question.")[ "How do you think it went, this morning?"](click: "this morning?")[ [["It looks pretty bad for Jacobus."]] [["I think you can find an explanation for everything."]] [["It's lunch on day two, it's too early to say."]] ]

"Sounds like I should keep an eye on him."(click: "an eye on him.")[ [["I don't think the two of you would get on, unless you've changed your position."]] ]

She wrinkles her nose and shakes her head.(click: "shakes her head.")[ "Great. I can look forward to crossing swords with him at some point then."](click: "then.")[ You discuss your conversation with Kent and Crilly before the inevitable question arises:](click: "question arises.")[ "What did you make of this morning?"](click: "this morning?")[ [["It looks pretty bad for Jacobus."]] [["I think you can find an explanation for everything."]] [["It's lunch on day two, it's too early to say."]] ]

As you get closer she jolts towards the toilet, noticing someone going in ahead of her.(click: "ahead of her.")[ Her eyes dart from side to side, searching for some other exit, but she's defeated.](click: "defeated.")[ [["Wait, I want to talk about yesterday."]] ]

"I thought about it, I think someone else is in."(click: "else is in.")[ You wait for laugh that doesn't come, but as she raises her mug you catch her lips curl into a smile.](click: "smile.")[ "Have you spoken to anyone else?"](click: "anyone else?")[ [["The guy who struggles with windows."]] [["The guy with the ponytail."]] ]

"That's what they get for forcing a socially anxious woman into this."(click: "into this.")[ She projects some laughter that's more pronounced than it is organic.](click: "organic.")[ "So. What did you make of all that?"](click: "make of all that?")[ [["It looks pretty bad for Jacobus."]] [["I think you can find an explanation for everything."]] [["It's lunch on day two, it's too early to say."]] ]

<img src="images/blether2.png"> <center>[[She notices you catching a quick glimpse.]]</center>

That restlessness lingers at the back of your brain, but you resolve to leave the phone alone.(click: "leave the phone alone.")[ (if: $turnipface is true)[ "Sorry for bringing up the turnip thing earlier." The young [[woman says.]]] (if: $turnipface is false)[ "Surely there's another way out of here?" The young woman [[asks.]]] ]

"I'm struggling to avoid checking it too," she says.(click: "she says.")[ (if: $turnipface is true)[ "Sorry for bringing up the turnip thing earlier," the young [[woman says.]]] (if: $turnipface is false)[She introduces herself as Emma, as she rocks back and forth on her seat. "Surely there's another way out of here?" She [[asks.]]] ]

"I had a hunch you'd say that."(click: "say that.")[ [["Can't blame the media for this one, he looks guilty."]] [["Are you worried?"]] ]

"I'm surprised to hear you say that," she replies.(click: "she replies.")[ She takes a couple of gulps at her tea.](click: "at her tea.")[ [["I just call it as I see it, things might change."]] [["Maybe I'm lying."]] ]

"That's what I'm telling myself, but..."(click: "but...")[ She takes a gulp from her mug.](click: "her mug.")[ [["I can see why it looks bad."]] [["Are you worried?"]] ]

"...Anything can happen."(click: "...Anything can happen.")[ The sentence cloys in her throat.](click: "cloys in her throat.")[ [["Are you worried?"]] [["I can see why it looks bad."]] ]

"You better not be, I need someone in my corner."(click: "You better not be.")[ [["So you still think he's innocent?"]] [["It could be you versus the rest of us."]] ]

"I stand by what I said yesterday, but I can't deny it. The fact that he didn't even defend the bank transfer..."(click: "the bank transfer.")[ She trails off before excusing herself, blaming an excessive consumption of tea.](click: "consumption of tea.")[ You should speak to [[the other jurors. ->Chat with the others.]] ]

"You say that, but if they didn't constantly demonise him it'd be easier to believe that meeting was innocuous."(click: "innocuous.")[ [["What do you think?" ->"Are you worried?"]] ]

"So. What did you make of all that?"(click: "make of all that?")[ [["It looks pretty bad for Jacobus."]] [["I think you can find an explanation for everything."]] [["It's lunch on day two, it's too early to say."]] ]

"It's important we acknowledge that, I think, even if we're not convinced."(click: "not convinced.")[ You re-affirm her thought process on the matter and the conversation dips. She excuses herself, leaving you to chat with [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"I'm not going to lie, my support's been shook but I still believe he's innocent."(click: "he's innocent.")[ The conversation trails off as Emma excuses herself, blaming an excessive consumption of tea.](click: "consumption of tea.")[ You should speak to [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"I'd probably just capitulate."(click: "capitulate.")[ [[Re-assure her.]] [[Don't re-assure her.]] ]

(set: $reassure1 to true)"You could stand up to anyone in this room."(click: "anyone in this room.")[ "In fact, I'm looking forward to seeing you chasten the naysayers."](click: "the naysayers.")[ Her smile beams. She thanks you then excuses herself, owing to the excessive amount of tea she's consumed.](click: "tea she's consumed.")[ You should speak to [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

Silence.(click: "Silence.")[ Her brows quirk.](click: "quirk.")[ She purses her lips,] (click: "lips.")[sighs] (click: "sighs")[ and excuses herself, blaming her excessive consumption of tea.](click: "consumption of tea.")[ You should speak to [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"I don't know about you, but I concentrate on the details. On the facts. Follow the money trail, look at the meeting. Pretty straightforward case."(click: "straightforward case.")[ [["He's got some trouble coming his way."]] [["I'm still not convinced."]] ]

She stands silent, awaiting your apology.(click: "your apology.")[ [["I was embarrassed because you schooled me."]] [["Are you ready to apologise?"]] ]

Her shoulders constrict, her fingers fidget - scratching at her sleeves.(click: "sleeves")[ "I... appreciate you saying that, sometimes when I get anxious I go overboard," she says.](click: "she says.")[ She chokes on the word, coughing to clear her throat.](click: "her throat.")[ "I'm not ready to chat more just now, but I'll see you back in the courtroom."](click: "in the courtroom.")[ She brushes past you to pour herself some tea, leaving you to seek out [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"You were being unreasonable, you're still being unreasonable."(click: "still being unreasonable.")[ She brushes past you, she has no where to go but pursuing her would be a pointless endeavour. Why has that confrontation bothered you so much?](click: "so much?")[ You were just standing your ground, and she went overboard. It'll take some hard work to salvage any civility between you.](click: "civility between you.")[ There are at least [[other jurors to speak to for now. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"Sorry for bringing up the turnip thing," she says.(click: "she says.")[ "I'm Emma."](click: "Emma.")[ [[Have some fun with it?]] [["What did you make of this morning, Emma?"]] ]

"Y-yeah, I think that's right. I'm Emma," she replies.(click: "she replies.")[ She continues fidgeting, looking around for a distraction.](click: "distraction.")[ [["I don't want to bother you..."]] [["What did you make of that this morning?" ->"What did you make of this morning, Emma?"]] ]

"Not avoid, just..."(click: "Not avoid, just...")[ She scrunches her nose and her forhead crinkles.](click: "crinkles.")[ "Elude."](click: "Elude.")[ [["You're not missing much."]] [["What did you make of this morning, Emma?"]] ]

"It was pretty rude. Is that how you always greet strangers?"(click: "strangers?")[ "Just one's who reek of turnips."](click: "turnips.")[ She's more surprised than you that she blurted out that response.](click: "that response.")[ "At least it... smells like... you didn't get hit again today?!"](click: "hit again today?!")[ [["No, thankfully not!"]] [["No, but I brought extra deoderant just incase."]] ]

"I don't really know. It was worse than I thought it would be, that's for sure."(click: "that's for sure.")[ [["You don't think he has much of a chance?"]] [["Maybe that's a good thing."]] ]

"I don't want to get too deep into it, just yet."(click: "just yet.")[ "Will you excuse me?"](click: "excuse me?")[ She slips away without waiting for a response. You feel like it's probably been beneficial to have touched base with Emma.](click: "with Emma.")[ You seek out [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"I suppose, it might not get any worse."(click: "any worse.")[ Her hands shoot to the wooden table and she knocks on it for luck. You smile as though it's a joke, but she looks concerned that she hasn't managed to touch wood quickly enough.](click: "quickly enough.")[ "I don't want to get too deep into it, just yet."](click: "just yet.")[ "Will you excuse me?"](click: "excuse me?")[ She slips away without waiting for a response. You feel like it's probably been beneficial to have touched base with Emma.](click: "with Emma.")[ You seek out [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"I-It's fine. I need to make an effort."(click: "make an effort.")[ "What do you think of Jacobus' chances?"](click: "Jacobus' chances?")[ [["It's bleak. He's had a tough morning."]] [["It's too early to tell yet for sure."]] [["I think there's an explanation for everything."]] ]

You share a laugh.(click: "a laugh.")[ Her arms slip down to her side, no longer fidgeting.](click: "no longer fidgeting.")[ "So, what do you think of Jacobus' chances?"](click: "Jacobus' chances?")[ [["It's bleak. He's had a tough morning."]] [["It's too early to tell yet for sure."]] [["I think there's an explanation for everything."]] ]

"I'm just waiting for someone in the viewing gallery to pelt the First Senator, that would really round off his day."(click: "round off his day.")[ "He's done for, isn't he?"](click: "isn't he?")[ [["It's bleak. He's had a tough morning."]] [["It's too early to tell yet for sure."]] [["I think there's an explanation for everything."]] ]

She nods, "Still... there's more to come, I suppose...(click: "I suppose...")[ "Will you excuse me?"](click: "excuse me?")[ She slips away without waiting for a response. You feel like it's probably been beneficial to have touched base with Emma.](click: "with Emma.")[ You seek out [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"That's what I'm trying to tell myself..."(click: "tell myself...")[ "Will you excuse me?"](click: "excuse me?")[ She slips away without waiting for a response. You feel like it's probably been beneficial to have touched base with Emma.](click: "with Emma.")[ You seek out [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"I'm surprised to hear you say that," she replies.(click: "she replies.")[ [["I call it as I see it."]] [["I might just be lying to get your support."]] ]

"Right. What do you think of Jacobus' chances?"(click: "Jacobus' chances?")[ [["It's bleak. He's had a tough morning."]] [["It's too early to tell yet for sure."]] [["I think there's an explanation for everything."]] ]

"...Anything can happen."(click: "...Anything can happen.")[ The sentence cloys in her throat.](click: "cloys in her throat.")[ [["Are you concerned?"]] [["I understand that it looks bad."]] ]

"Heh."(click: "Heh.")[ "Will you excuse me?"](click: "excuse me?")[ She slips away without waiting for a response. You feel like it's probably been beneficial to have touched base with Emma.](click: "with Emma.")[ You seek out [[the other jurors. ->the other jurors1]] ]

"The fact that he didn't even defend the bank transfer..."(click: "the bank transfer.")[ She trails off before excusing herself, blaming an excessive consumption of tea.](click: "consumption of tea.")[ You should speak to [[the other jurors. ->Chat with the others.]] ]

end.

Who will you speak to? (if: $emma1 is false)[ [[[The young woman.]]] (if: $olivia1 is false)[ [[The group with the elderly lady]]] (if: $jarod1 is false)[ [[The man with the stud earing.]]] (else-if:)[ [[Lunch break is over.]]] ]]