>>5205054>AN: cue music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TW9yZodu7sSilence reigned in the court as the Jury took in the revelation at the sight of Lisa, her feet having given way under her weight, denuded of her disguise. Then Lisa began to wail. Her wail grew louder and louder until its volume turned near deafening as the surrounding fleshscape began to scream in discordant harmony, confirming her identity as a skintalker.
Immediately the court went into an uproar at the sight.
Both Yan Wong and Solomon became alarmed at the development and as one moved to physically secure the screaming witness.
"YOUR HONOR, WE HAVE A MELTDOWN IN PROGRESS!" they shouted in unison.
A flash of gold runes signaled Sathriel's timely arrival as she removed the silencing collar on her neck before her hand on Lisa's head, the Obsidian Arbiter's spine flaring up with a neon gold glow in tandem with alien sigils skittering across hers and Lisa's body as she worked to swiftly suppress the surge of Hunger plaguing the small skintalker. And just as quickly the hunger flared, it was over as the discordant screaming faded away, letting silence reign as the Obsidian Arbiter and her aides gently laid an unconscious Lisa down onto the floor.
It was at this point Officer Grizzie broke from the gallery and barreled towards the witness stand, embracing Lisa in a comforting hug, the act revealing the terrible implicating truth: Her complicity in the crime.
"This court will now take a quick half-an-hour recess in the light of this development in the case." the Arbiter announced, her voice ringing loud and clear despite her soft-spoken tone. "Within this time, Everyone will step back and cool their emotions. I will NOT tolerate any form of misconduct in MY court. Any more Instigators of attempted vigilantism will be executed without question. Am I clear!?"
The silence was all Sathriel needed as an answer.
"Solomon, Yan Wang, ensure that no one in this village does anything stupid. I will watch over the accused. This court is adjourned!"
The court audience hurriedly vacated themselves from the gallery under the oversight of Solomon and Yan Wong, leaving the Arbiter, the officer, and the thief alone in the same court.
Sathriel tossed the silencing collar towards Officer Baerns. "You may want to put this on her. This will help quell the others when court reconvenes. And I would like a confession out of you regarding your complicity to the crime considering the established facts of the case."
The Mrs. Baerns could only glumly nod as she stroked the Lisa's hair.
(cont.)
