Chapter Text
(Ambient noise, sounds of a fan’s whirring can be heard)
TIPHERETH: …paintings. I don’t remember the others saying there’s any in here.
(Tiphereth stands up and walks around the room slowly, the whirring of a fan continues)
TIPHERETH: Enoch’s taste in art is uh… Huh, I can’t seem to understand anything about him even now. What is that smell it’s so strong—
(The door swings open)
ENOCH: Hello, I didn’t know you were here already. (A pause) What is it?
TIPHERETH: You sound like a robot. I don’t ever remember you sounding like that.
ENOCH: …Hm, well. (Clears throat, and checks time) Good afternoon, Tiphereth. I’ve made some changes here before your trial, to lighten the pressure it could have subconsciously given.
TIPHERETH: Hm.
ENOCH: (He sits down on something soft) Doing so could give me better results. In that case, I should determine your verdicts more appropriately.
TIPHERETH: And the smell?
ENOCH: I accidentally tipped over some perfume.
TIPHERETH: And the walls…?
ENOCH: They’ve always been like that. In fact, it formerly resembled some weird mix of torture and interrogation room.
TIPHERETH: (She blankly stares at the wall)
ENOCH: Well, I’ll have it changed soon.
TIPHERETH: No, do you smell that?
ENOCH: Smell what?
TIPHERETH: (A long whiff) …iron.
ENOCH: Iron? I can’t smell it.
TIPHERETH: It’s very faint. But I smell it. It seems to have been here for a long time now.
ENOCH: …
TIPHERETH: Judging by the smell, I can think it’s about decades or even centuries old, (Light sniffing) And it’s sort of everywhere. (She walks closer) This spot right beside us has it at its strongest, (Footsteps) but I can smell it from here too, but much fainter.
(Enoch seems disturbed)
TIPHERETH: Hey, Enoch. You alright over there? I know you’re trying to alleviate the pressure on our part, but don’t do it in a way that’ll crush you.
ENOCH: …It’s nothing. I’ll be fine.
TIPHERETH: You used to be so much calmer last time we met.
ENOCH: …
TIPHERETH: Is there something at stake?
ENOCH: The fact you asked such a question means you already know the answer.
TIPHERETH: Of course. But I’d be careful if I were you, I can tell you’re becoming a bit too idealistic.
(Enoch raises a hand for her to stop)
TIPHERETH: Hey—! I KNOW about your headaches! It’s just a little warning, that’s all! (Walking towards the sofa and plops on it) I know you, it was just a little reminder. …Ooh, cookies!
ENOCH: The ones we always had back then weren’t this big. (Taking one and eating it, he speaks while chewing) Nothing wrong with factory-made, but the ones that are baked without having any profit in mind are so much better.
TIPHERETH: (Swallows) Don’t talk while your mouth’s full.
ENOCH: Oh, come on…
TIPHERETH: HA! I finally scored one against you.
ENOCH: (Snicker) After what? Five years?
TIPHERETH: (A pause) Maybe ten thousand.
ENOCH: (Chokes slightly)
TIPHERETH: ENOCH!
ENOCH: You’re kidding. (Swallows) You only aged a bit!
TIPHERETH: I’m serious, though. It’s a long story, and I won’t tell you everything. Surely you can piece it by yourself.
ENOCH: … Well I guess we can start the interrogation from here. Your age and occupation?
TIPHERETH: Age is a big question mark at the moment, even without a chronological lens. As for my occupation, surely you’ve heard of the Library?
ENOCH: Indeed I have. Patron Librarian of what?
TIPHERETH: Natural Sciences.
ENOCH: …Wow, you didn’t strike me as the science-y kind. Back then you were uninterested in everyone’s work.
TIPHERETH: Eh. I didn’t know much back then, but I guess I kind of appreciate it now…
ENOCH: No need to lie. I’m sure what the scientists in the Outskirts have dealt with runs along the context of philosophical, psychological, and physiological. Finding a “well” amongst countless electrochemical signals takes a considerable amount of mapping. I always wondered where Miss Carmen got the budget for it. Nonetheless, even if that was under the umbrella of “Natural Sciences”, they’d be very general stuff.
TIPHERETH: …Yeah, makes sense.
ENOCH: That reminds me of a book I’ve read, about a human test subject determinedly trying to escape a facility with no other companion other than a sentient metal sphere. It’s good, I highly recommend it.
TIPHERETH: Did the test subject escape along with the sphere?
ENOCH: (Rubs hands eagerly) Nah, I’m not spoiling you on anything. It’s best to go in blind. The story was a bit rushed at the near end, but I really liked it.
TIPHERETH: Aww, at least tell me the title.
ENOCH: “Light Gateways” by some person with a pen name “Pipe”. Anyway, moving on, How have you been? In the past before your arrest and present times.
TIPHERETH: Well, things are alright. Minus the tensions between everyone and Angela… Do you know her?
ENOCH: Prisoner number 7. She’s next after you.
TIPHERETH: O-Oh. Wow, I completely forgot we’re halfway. What are your thoughts on the Second Trial?
ENOCH: Hm… do you have any?
TIPHERETH: Not much, but things have changed. Ayin’s surprisingly more social, Malkuth’s energy kinda depleted, Hod hasn’t changed much, Chesed too. Roland, though…
ENOCH: …
TIPHERETH: He’s way more lost in thought nowadays. Back then, he’d always be with X and Angela; those three were almost inseparable. I’m noticing these changes happen sometime after their trials start. The verdict has something to do with it, doesn’t it?
ENOCH: …Maybe.
TIPHERETH: Well, I can’t really tell what they’re thinking. My suspicions could be wrong. But anyway, no physical fights to report for the last few weeks. The tensions are escalating though.
ENOCH: And what about the verbal fights?
TIPHERETH: Still present, but sparse. Have you been that busy?
ENOCH: Certainly! Not only did I have to perform maintenance and paperwork I had to revamp this room. (Sigh) Could you believe there used to be a torture device prisoners were supposed to sit on?!
TIPHERETH: …Oh.
ENOCH: (Rambling, Tiphereth nodding as he does so) And it activated on some unknown command during the first interrogation! If I hadn’t intervened, someone would have DIED! For some reason, I’m the only admin here. It’d be bollocks if I entrusted all the work to everyone else because they’re not staff, aren’t they? What if they stumble upon confidential information, huh? It’d be nice if I had physically present co-workers, but no. They had to dump all the work on me! The paycheck BETTER be worth it. And speaking of which. I was supposed to be expecting it a few. days. ago.
TIPHERETH: You had lots to say, huh? Welcome to the working world. I think you’re too young for it though.
ENOCH: …Hypocrite. (Tiphereth snickers) And you’re not even getting paid, are you?
TIPHERETH: Who knows? Maybe you’ll get robbed of your paycheck. Don’t be too surprised.
ENOCH: (Frustrated sigh) What am I even resurrected for…
TIPHERETH: Don’t send yourself into a headache, now.
ENOCH: Right, right… Back on topic, what do you think of your placement here? Deserved or not?
TIPHERETH: … I don’t know, I’ve no idea, honestly. Could be how we receive guests?
ENOCH: Mm.
TIPHERETH: Hold on, I know what you’re thinking.
ENOCH: Hm.
TIPHERETH: Which… yeah, that bothers me. I’ve been thinking about it, and… …I don’t think you’ll like what I have in mind. Physically or mentally. I know you’re gonna find out one way or another (Brings fist to her mouth) but I can’t really… tell you… It’s more of a couldn’t.
ENOCH: Don’t worry, I understand. So we’re considering you’ll plead the fifth.
TIPHERETH: You look and sound really, REALLY tired right now.
ENOCH: Exhausted, perchance. I’ll just take a nap later. (A flap of paper) Now, my thoughts on the Second Trial?
TIPHERETH: E-yup.
ENOCH: I’m interested, if not quite nervous. (A forced exhale) I’d rather not think of the future right now though.
TIPHERETH: You’re always carrying some sort of heavy burden… This one seems new though.
ENOCH: ?!
TIPHERETH: A penny on what’s giving you anxiety? I think I already know anyway, just tell me to let some steam out or something.
ENOCH: That isn’t fair, considering you are anxious over something and have never told me about it. But ah, I already know as well.
TIPHERETH: Hey! That’s a crude way to fling the question back at me!
ENOCH: This interrogation is recorded by higher administration levels, and I’m only given a few minutes. Might as well continue asking my questions. Do you understand? Cooperate.
[Tiphereth lets out an offended sound, but it gets cut off immediately as if realizing something. She grabs another cookie and eats it]
ENOCH: Now, your opinion of the likes of Mr. Ayin, Ms. Carmen, and Mr. X if I may?
TIPHERETH: Remember how I used to hate Ayin’s guts? If I’m being honest, I didn’t know why I acted like that before.
ENOCH: (Shuts his eyes) Overwhelmed?
TIPHERETH: I suppose so… I have more or less a neutral opinion on him if I’m honest. I guess seeing him with Carmen unearthed some things and had me act out. (Scratches head) I’ve been meaning to apologize and all, but it’s just… so embarrassing…
(Enoch chuckles)
TIPHERETH: I’ve no concrete opinion on X, but he’s a bit interesting. He screams “unstable” to me. He’s like Ayin but an everyday man who is about to lose it any second.
ENOCH: (Chuckle) Wow. You’re the only one who has made that comment. I’m looking forward to his trial the most, honestly.
TIPHERETH: …Be careful though.
ENOCH: Huh?
TIPHERETH: He could get violent.
ENOCH: Wha—Whoa. I’ve never heard of that.
TIPHERETH: Just pay attention to his behavior more often, he tries to hide it so hard but it’s clear as day. This is all speculation but I’m betting he has anger issues and lies a lot. Well, I’m more sure about the second one since he has already shown double-faced behavior.
ENOCH: Oooh. Since when?
TIPHERETH: Since his entire life basically. I met and talked to that guy before MILGRAM actually. I won’t say he’s a token evil person, but he isn’t the innocent goody-two-shoes everyone says he is.
ENOCH: Seems like you’ve kept an eye on him.
TIPHERETH: …If I told you that was because I witnessed him taking a glass and throwing it at the wall in response because he couldn’t cook an egg no matter how many tries he has made—which is quite an irony for reasons I won’t state—(inhale) would you not be surprised?
ENOCH: (Laugh) I suppose that’s very valid. But really, over an egg?
TIPHERETH: He seemed pretty distraught. …I don’t feel like judging though. I’d rather we talk about it after his turn, that way I wouldn’t have to explain everything.
ENOCH: That’s fair. And your feelings on Ms. Carmen?
TIPHERETH: I don’t know. It’s still blurry, but I’m pretty sure I still don’t… like her. I avoid her for the most part, but good f*** she keeps following me.
ENOCH: Fun fact: I can issue you a restraining order.
TIPHERETH: You can do THAT? Also you can open your eyes now.
ENOCH: It’s a strange prison. Anyway, give me the word and it shall be true. (Stretches and changes seating position) Also, watch your language. (Tiphereth scoffs lightly at that. He leans back further and yawns)
TIPHERETH: (Playfully) Is this the attitude of someone who wants to finish within the given timeframe?
ENOCH: I shouldn’t have made the seats so comfortable… (Drowsily) But I can just end the interrogation right now if…
(Tiphereth’s expression shifts into a worried frown)
ENOCH: If I… want… to… …
(Siren blaring)
ENOCH: Wuahh!
TIPHERETH: ?! I— (Shouting towards the surveillance camera) Do you MIND?! (Getting up and walking over to it, pushing a chair over in the process) What if I somehow get there and whack you with a chair while you rest, huh?! If you don’t want your employees sleeping on the job then why don’t you increase staff numbers to not tire them out, you hear me?! Be so F***ING REASONABLE RIGHT N—
ENOCH: Lisa.
TIPHERETH: …
ENOCH: I’m awake. Let’s just finish this. (Flapping papers) Uhh… Let’s see…
(Tiphereth begrudgingly goes back to rearrange the mess while Enoch thinks)
ENOCH: Right. Do you think you deserve to be called a murderer?
TIPHERETH: Eh?
ENOCH: …Hm. Just answer the question.
TIPHERETH: …Well. I’m not good at ethics and stuff, but I think not. Murder is described as killing with malice aforethought, right?
ENOCH: (A pause) Yeah, that definition doesn’t matter here, though.
TIPHERETH: Yet it does matter to me. And my opinion is that I don’t deserve to be called a murderer over… what I’m thinking my sin is.
ENOCH: (Sigh) Same case as Mr. Chesed, huh? (Monotonously yet still dripping with sarcasm) This is going to be absolutely fun.
(A low sound of a bell, the walls start to move)
ENOCH: Perfect. I can’t wait to hit the sack after this.
TIPHERETH: Is the video going to be stored? You can replay it, right?
ENOCH: Yeah. I hope I don’t sleep through the premiere.
TIPHERETH: Hm, what a contradicting statement…
ENOCH: Tease me once we’re over with this AND I slept through. Don’t worry, I’ll be honest.
TIPHERETH: Pfft. Sure.
ENOCH: Anyway, this interrogation recording and your video will be for my eyes only. I’m no snitch, so your information is safe. I would tell you the longer version of what I’m saying but, seriously… (Whirring down) I’ll see you around. Now, Prisoner Number 6, Lis—Tiphereth, sing me your sins!