The Trial of the Laughing Man

(set: $guilt to 0) (set: $suspicion to 0) (set: $contamination to 0) (set: $certainty to 0) (set: $verdict to "") (set: $identity to "") (set: $evidenceFollowup to false) INT. TRIAL ROOM — NIGHT The room has been arranged to resemble justice by someone who has only heard justice described by its enemies. Three chairs for the jury. One chair for the accused. One table for evidence. No judge’s bench. Above the table hangs a strip of black cloth painted with a single white sentence: DOES THIS PLEASE YOU? You sit with the others. When did you agree to sit? You're not sure. Across from you is THE LAUGHING MAN. He is bound at the wrists with ribbon, not rope. His clothes are formal but ruined while his face is painted into a smile too broad to be mockery and too deliberate to be madness. Beside him stands THE INTERLOCUTOR: immaculate, gloved, masked, holding a stack of cards and waiting to begin. The Laughing Man is already laughing. Not loudly, and that makes it worse. Already laughing at the proceedings, maybe, or...what is he laughing at, anyway? THE INTERLOCUTOR This is a trial. THE LAUGHING MAN No. It is a wound pretending to be a room. The Interlocutor turns one card with a determined and dismissive huff. THE INTERLOCUTOR The accused has confessed. THE LAUGHING MAN I have. THE INTERLOCUTOR The accused is guilty. THE LAUGHING MAN I am. THE INTERLOCUTOR The jury is here simply to determine what the guilt is for. A beat, a pause. You wait for someone else to object. That's how courts work, right? Here, no one does. Then the Interlocutor points to you. THE INTERLOCUTOR You may begin. Your first question must be one sentence. [[What did you do?->Q What]] [[Who told you to do it?->Q Who]] [[Why are we here?->Q Why]] [[Are you enjoying this?->Q Enjoy]]

(set: $guilt to it + 1) (set: $certainty to it + 1) The Laughing Man inhales like a priest might before delivering a sermon. THE LAUGHING MAN I burned a field hospital because the screams rose in harmony. The Interlocutor puts a card on the evidence table, clinical. EXHIBIT A: MERCY, MISUSED THE LAUGHING MAN No. Wait. That was...not the first one. He smiles as memories seem to churn through him like a brutal wheel. THE LAUGHING MAN The first one was a classroom. Or a chapel. Or...a room like this! The Interlocutor makes a note, and nods. THE INTERLOCUTOR Acceptable variance. [[The first rule is entered.->First Rule]]

(set: $suspicion to it + 1) The Laughing Man leans forward and speaks what seems like a secret shared. THE LAUGHING MAN ...a voice in the Signal told me the world was under-rehearsed. The Interlocutor turns another card, shakes their head. THE INTERLOCUTOR Strike “voice.” They tear the card right in half. THE INTERLOCUTOR Replace with “conviction.” The Laughing Man laughs a singular and single laugh. THE LAUGHING MAN A conviction in the Signal told me the world was under-rehearsed. He looks at you, through you, at you, both in turn. THE LAUGHING MAN Is that better for court? [[The first rule is entered.->First Rule]]

(set: $suspicion to it + 1) (set: $contamination to it + 1) The Interlocutor answers before the Laughing Man can, jutting and butting in. THE INTERLOCUTOR Because a verdict is a mirror with a handle. The Laughing Man kicks back in his chair and then...claps softly. One clap, then another, staggered, but then he stops before rhythm can even threaten the chance to become comfort. THE LAUGHING MAN You are here to decide whether horror is less horrible when named correctly. He shows his teeth, sneers and tilts his head. THE LAUGHING MAN It is not. [[The first rule is entered.->First Rule]]

(set: $contamination to it + 1) The Laughing Man’s smile becomes still. He blinks a few times, maybe an affectation, probably not. THE LAUGHING MAN Yes. The Interlocutor looks pleased, nodding along with the surety of conviction. THE LAUGHING MAN No. The Interlocutor’s pen pauses, hangs at a spot on the paper. THE LAUGHING MAN Both are lesser truths. He leans forward and smiles just a small smile, but a strong one. THE LAUGHING MAN I am fulfilled. The Interlocutor places a card on the evidence table. EXHIBIT A: THE JOY OF FUNCTION [[The first rule is entered.->First Rule]]

INT. TRIAL ROOM — THE FIRST RULE The Interlocutor raises a gloved hand. THE INTERLOCUTOR First rule. The room seems to lean closer, edge of seat business. THE INTERLOCUTOR You may only question the Laughing Man in one sentence per questioner. One of the others, JUROR TWO, speaks too quickly. JUROR TWO That doesn’t make any— The Interlocutor turns toward them swiftly. THE INTERLOCUTOR Incorrect. That was not a question. The Laughing Man whispers: THE LAUGHING MAN Poor thing. The Interlocutor places a blank card in front of Juror Two. THE INTERLOCUTOR Your line is: “I wanted procedure until procedure wanted me.” Juror Two stares, pulls a face, seems unsure what to do. Then the Stagehand, who was not there before, steps into view. Juror Two says it, of course they say it, there's company to please. JUROR TWO I wanted procedure until procedure wanted me. The Laughing Man laughs as though hearing a hymn. The rule is active: one sentence only. [[How many did you kill?->Q Count]] [[What did you call it when you did it?->Q Call]] [[Did they know your name?->Q Name]] [[What does the audience want from us?->Q Audience]]

(set: $guilt to it + 2) (set: $certainty to it + 1) The Laughing Man looks at his hands, fingers wiggle a few times in confused counting. THE LAUGHING MAN Enough that counting became flattery. The Interlocutor places one small, black stone on the table. THE INTERLOCUTOR One. Another stone. THE INTERLOCUTOR Two. Another. THE INTERLOCUTOR Three. The stones keep coming. The pile is too small to be accurate and too large to be symbolic. THE LAUGHING MAN Numbers are for the living! A pause as the man almost shouts. Almost. THE LAUGHING MAN And accountants. He laughs and no one else does. Given the circumstances, why laugh? He laughs regardless. [[The second rule is entered.->Second Rule]]

(set: $guilt to it + 1) (set: $contamination to it + 1) The Laughing Man sits straighter and for the first time, he looks proud. THE LAUGHING MAN Artillery prayer. The Interlocutor corrects him with studious voice. THE INTERLOCUTOR Testimony. THE LAUGHING MAN Artillery testimony. THE INTERLOCUTOR Cleaner. THE LAUGHING MAN No. Less honest. He looks at you in that way he looks at people: you're fodder and slaughter in his eyes. THE LAUGHING MAN I called it making the afraid into an instrument. [[The second rule is entered.->Second Rule]]

(set: $guilt to it + 1) The Laughing Man’s grin lowers into something almost tender, his eyes match it. You know he's sincere because his eyes match his soft smile. THE LAUGHING MAN Some did. He touches his own chest and chuckles softly. THE LAUGHING MAN Some called me Father. The Interlocutor turns a card. THE INTERLOCUTOR Strike “Father.” The Laughing Man turns slowly toward them. THE LAUGHING MAN No. The Interlocutor is silent as the Laughing Man smiles again. THE LAUGHING MAN Some called me Father. For a moment, the room feels colder. Because he has won something. Because people like that shouldn't win. But here he is, an affront. [[The second rule is entered.->Second Rule]]

(set: $suspicion to it + 2) The Interlocutor lowers their cards and the Laughing Man stops laughing. Seems that the question has landed somewhere it shouldn't have. THE INTERLOCUTOR Rephrase. THE LAUGHING MAN No. Let it stand. The Interlocutor turns toward him, almost showing anger for just a second. THE LAUGHING MAN They asked beautifully. A pause, a beat. The Laughing Man looks up, not at the ceiling but past it. THE LAUGHING MAN They want you to believe that judgment is different from appetite. The Interlocutor places a card on the table. EXHIBIT B: SPECULATION [[The second rule is entered.->Second Rule]]

INT. TRIAL ROOM — THE SECOND RULE The Interlocutor places three cards on the table. MURDERER PRIEST ARTIST The Laughing Man looks at them fondly, like old friends. Those words, those cards. THE INTERLOCUTOR Second rule. They point to the jury, to you. THE INTERLOCUTOR You may only question the Laughing Man by asking if he is something you are. The room waits. Everyone knows that the rule is stupid, that the rule is precise. That's how you know it will work. THE INTERLOCUTOR Proceed. Ask him what he is by confessing what you might be. [[Are you afraid, like I am?->Are Afraid]] [[Are you cruel, like I am?->Are Cruel]] [[Are you useful, like I am?->Are Useful]] [[Are you innocent, like I am?->Are Innocent]]

(set: $contamination to it + 1) The Laughing Man’s smile opens slowly, teeth showing, what a maw to be consumed by and to speak his voice. THE LAUGHING MAN Yes. The answer's too quick, something more to it: THE LAUGHING MAN Fear is the only honest congregation. He points his bound hands toward you, cracks his neck like you think he might snap someone else's. THE LAUGHING MAN You shake because you still think fear is warning you. He leans in and laughs shallow laughs as he speaks. THE LAUGHING MAN I shook until it became instruction. The Interlocutor places a mark beside your name on their records. THE INTERLOCUTOR Shared property: fear. [[Testimony shifts.->Testimony Shifts]]

(set: $contamination to it + 2) (set: $guilt to it + 1) The Laughing Man looks delighted, absolutely chuffed he is! THE LAUGHING MAN There you are. The Interlocutor’s pen moves and starts taking notes. THE LAUGHING MAN Yes. But I am not embarrassed by scale. The Laughing Man raises his wrists. The ribbon is red now. You think to yourself: was it red before? Who is to say. THE LAUGHING MAN You have done little cruelties and called them choices. I did large cruelties and called them liturgy. The Interlocutor nods, knows the score. THE INTERLOCUTOR Shared property: cruelty. [[Testimony shifts.->Testimony Shifts]]

(set: $contamination to it + 1) (set: $suspicion to it + 1) The Laughing Man stops moving and for one breath, you see the war-priest under the paint. THE LAUGHING MAN Yes. No laugh. No laugh needed nor warranted, it seems. THE LAUGHING MAN That is the worst one. The Interlocutor writes more slowly now, paying rapt attention. THE LAUGHING MAN A good knife does not need to hate the hand. The Laughing Man looks over toward the black cloth. THE LAUGHING MAN It only needs to cut when lifted. THE INTERLOCUTOR Shared property: utility. [[Testimony shifts.->Testimony Shifts]]

(set: $certainty to it - 1) (set: $suspicion to it + 1) The Laughing Man stares at you. Then he laughs. And laughs. And laughs. The Interlocutor waits until it becomes unbearable. THE INTERLOCUTOR Answer. The Laughing Man wipes one eye with his bound hands. There is no tear in sight to wipe away, but he's making a scene, this is all a scene after all. THE LAUGHING MAN No. A pause, a beat. THE LAUGHING MAN But I appreciate the theatricality. The Interlocutor places a mark beside your name in their notes. THE INTERLOCUTOR Shared property: denial. [[Testimony shifts.->Testimony Shifts]]

INT. TRIAL ROOM — TESTIMONY SHIFTS The Interlocutor moves behind the Laughing Man as their hand rests lightly on the chair. THE INTERLOCUTOR For the record, state your office. The Laughing Man smiles that glorious and awful smile. THE LAUGHING MAN I am the Laughing Man. THE INTERLOCUTOR Incorrect. The Laughing Man’s smile twitches. He twitches a little in his seat too. THE LAUGHING MAN I am the war-priest of the unfinished scene. THE INTERLOCUTOR Incorrect. THE LAUGHING MAN I am a logistical error with a knife. THE INTERLOCUTOR Closer. The Interlocutor looks to the jury as if asking with their expression, then with their words: THE INTERLOCUTOR What is he? The question is addressed to all of you. It shouldn't be. You are given a most terrible task: you must define him. [[He is a murderer.->Define Murderer]] [[He is a priest.->Define Priest]] [[He is an actor.->Define Actor]] [[He is evidence.->Define Evidence]]

(set: $guilt to it + 2) (set: $certainty to it + 1) (set: $identity to "murderer") The Laughing Man bows his head, admitting or in prayer, you're not sure. THE LAUGHING MAN Accurate. The Interlocutor makes a mark, checks something off, strikes something out? You're not sure. THE INTERLOCUTOR Insufficient. The Laughing Man looks up, his neck craning slowly up. THE LAUGHING MAN Murder is only an event. I was trying to make it recur in the viewer. The Interlocutor smiles behind the mask; while you cannot see it, you know anyway. [[The third rule is entered.->Third Rule]]

(set: $guilt to it + 1) (set: $contamination to it + 1) (set: $identity to "priest") The Laughing Man closes his eyes and you might wonder what he sees in himself there, behind his eyes. THE LAUGHING MAN I blessed the blast radius. Juror Two makes a sick sound, a little held back retch, that hit home. THE LAUGHING MAN I absolved the burning. I preached to the ones who could not get away. The Interlocutor places down a card. EXHIBIT C: FAITH MISDIRECTED THE INTERLOCUTOR Useful. [[The third rule is entered.->Third Rule]]

(set: $suspicion to it + 1) (set: $contamination to it + 1) (set: $identity to "actor") The Laughing Man turns his head too quickly and for the first time, he seems offended. THE LAUGHING MAN No. The Interlocutor immediately writes this down. A discovery, perhaps? THE LAUGHING MAN I have never pretended. The room seems to tighten around the word. It's a charged word here, with him. THE LAUGHING MAN I performed what was true enough to injure. The Interlocutor nods again. THE INTERLOCUTOR Objection sustained and preserved. You do not know who objected. The objection exists regardless. [[The third rule is entered.->Third Rule]]

(set: $suspicion to it + 2) (set: $identity to "evidence") (set: $evidenceFollowup to true) The Interlocutor goes very still as the Laughing Man looks at you with something like respect. THE LAUGHING MAN Careful... The Interlocutor places their cards face down. THE INTERLOCUTOR Evidence of what? The question has no rule attached and that, that feels like danger. [[Evidence that evil is real.->Evidence Evil]] [[Evidence that someone staged this.->Evidence Staged]] [[Evidence that judgment is contamination.->Evidence Contamination]] [[Evidence that we are being watched.->Evidence Watched]]

(set: $certainty to it + 2) (set: $guilt to it + 1) The Laughing Man smiles gently and dismissive. THE LAUGHING MAN Comfortable answer. The Interlocutor writes: COMFORTABLE ANSWER THE LAUGHING MAN You will sleep worse when it stops helping. [[The third rule is entered.->Third Rule]]

(set: $suspicion to it + 2) The Interlocutor’s head turns. Not toward you but toward the ceiling. THE INTERLOCUTOR Speculation. The Laughing Man whispers conspiratorially: THE LAUGHING MAN Good. The Interlocutor places a black card over the evidence table. THE INTERLOCUTOR The court will ignore that and remember it. [[The third rule is entered.->Third Rule]]

(set: $contamination to it + 2) The Laughing Man exhales and for a moment, the laughter leaves him entirely. THE LAUGHING MAN Yes. The Interlocutor writes nothing. That is worse. THE LAUGHING MAN Now you have blood on a thought. [[The third rule is entered.->Third Rule]]

(set: $suspicion to it + 2) (set: $contamination to it + 1) The black cloth above the table moves, though there is no wind. It still moves. Then, the Interlocutor speaks very softly. THE INTERLOCUTOR Relevance pending. The Laughing Man begins to laugh again. This time though, he seems afraid of how happy he is. [[The third rule is entered.->Third Rule]]

INT. TRIAL ROOM — THE THIRD RULE The Interlocutor turns over a final card. It's blank. THE INTERLOCUTOR Third rule. They hold the blank card up so everyone can see...nothing. THE INTERLOCUTOR You may ask one question that you do not want answered. The Laughing Man leans forward eagerly, way too eagerly. THE LAUGHING MAN Ask me beautifully. Ask the question you do not want answered. [[What did you do to people who trusted you?->Final Trusted]] [[What part of me did you recognize first?->Final Recognize]] [[Who benefits if we condemn you?->Final Benefits]] [[What happens if we acquit you?->Final Acquit]]

(set: $guilt to it + 2) The Laughing Man’s voice becomes devotional. THE LAUGHING MAN I used their trust to stand close enough. The Interlocutor places both hands on the back of his chair. THE LAUGHING MAN I told them fear was proof of faith. I told them pain was applause from the future. I told them the door was behind me. He smiles the smile of someone who knows something you don't, maybe can't. THE LAUGHING MAN I was lying about the door. [[The jury deliberates.->Jury]]

(set: $contamination to it + 2) The Laughing Man studies you but this time, he does not perform. THE LAUGHING MAN The part that wanted someone else to be worse. The words are quiet, too quiet and too useful. THE LAUGHING MAN It is a hungry part. Do not feed it just because I deserve feeding to it. The Interlocutor writes: JURY COMPROMISED [[The jury deliberates.->Jury]]

(set: $suspicion to it + 2) The Interlocutor moves before the Laughing Man can answer and jutting in once more: THE INTERLOCUTOR Sustained. You didn't object, no one objected. THE INTERLOCUTOR Withdrawn. You didn't speak a withdraw, so no one withdrew it, right? The Laughing Man grins at the turn of events. THE LAUGHING MAN They do. He doesn't point, not like he needs to. [[The jury deliberates.->Jury]]

(set: $certainty to it + 1) (set: $guilt to it + 1) The Laughing Man looks almost disappointed. THE LAUGHING MAN I continue. The simplicity is obscene. THE LAUGHING MAN Perhaps I continue here. Perhaps I continue as memory. Perhaps I continue in whichever one of you speaks best about me later. The Interlocutor nods once more. THE INTERLOCUTOR Accurate enough. [[The jury deliberates.->Jury]]

INT. TRIAL ROOM — JURY SPACE The Interlocutor draws a chalk line between you and the Laughing Man. It's not a wall, though immediately everyone treats it like one as the Laughing Man sits behind the line, smiling with patience. THE INTERLOCUTOR The jury will deliberate. They place three verdict cards on the table. GUILTY USEFUL UNRESOLVED Juror Two recoils, at the thought, at the spectacle, at their noticing of something: JUROR TWO Where is innocent? The Interlocutor looks at them like they have two heads. THE INTERLOCUTOR Not entered into evidence. The Laughing Man laughs so softly it becomes part of the lighting of the scene. THE INTERLOCUTOR You will choose one verdict. You may speak freely for sixty seconds. A pause, a beat. THE INTERLOCUTOR Then freedom expires. You look at the cards and now, maybe always it was going to be this way, no verdict feels clean. [[Argue Guilty: He confessed; harm requires judgment.->Argue Guilty]] [[Argue Useful: The trial is using him; name the use.->Argue Useful]] [[Argue Unresolved: The facts are shifting; refuse certainty.->Argue Unresolved]] [[Argue Silence: Do not dignify the court.->Argue Silence]]

(set: $verdict to "guilty") (set: $certainty to it + 2) (set: $guilt to it + 1) You pick up the card marked GUILTY. YOU He confessed. He harmed people. Whatever this room is, whatever this court wants, he is guilty. The Laughing Man nods, almost fondly, maybe he's grown a liking. THE LAUGHING MAN True. The Interlocutor tilts their head and stabs out words: THE INTERLOCUTOR Clean verdict. Dirty instrument. Juror Three whispers: JUROR THREE Are we doing what they want? The Laughing Man just smiles. THE LAUGHING MAN You can do what they want and still be right. It hits you that perhaps that's the worst thing he has said so far. [[Proceed to verdict: Guilty.->Verdict Guilty]]

(set: $verdict to "useful") (set: $suspicion to it + 1) (set: $contamination to it + 1) You pick up the card marked USEFUL. The word stains the hand with blood of the past, maybe blood of the future. YOU This trial is not asking what he is. It is asking what he can do. The Interlocutor’s attention sharpens to a point. YOU He is guilty. He is also being used. The Laughing Man closes his eyes and appreciates. THE LAUGHING MAN A knife hates no sheath. Juror Two looks sick, speaks out, maybe out of turn, even though it's their turn as juror. JUROR TWO That does not make him less guilty. YOU No. A pause, a beat. YOU It makes the room guilty too. The Interlocutor writes something down with visible pleasure. Like they're...winning. [[Proceed to verdict: Useful.->Verdict Useful]]

(set: $verdict to "unresolved") (set: $suspicion to it + 1) (set: $certainty to it - 1) You pick up the card marked UNRESOLVED. Of course, it's blank on the back. Of course. YOU The facts are changing. His title is changing. The crimes shift when named. The Laughing Man looks amused, absolutely chuffed. YOU He is not innocent. But this trial is not trustworthy. The Interlocutor speaks immediately. THE INTERLOCUTOR Distrust entered as verdict. Juror Three nods too quickly. JUROR THREE Yes. That. We cannot— The Interlocutor raises one hand to silence. THE INTERLOCUTOR Freedom has expired. The room becomes quiet again, silenced effectively. [[Proceed to verdict: Unresolved.->Verdict Unresolved]]

(set: $verdict to "complicity") (set: $contamination to it + 2) You don't pick up a card and then the other jurors look at you as the Laughing Man looks delighted and the Interlocutor waits. Seconds pass as the silence grows legal teeth. THE INTERLOCUTOR The court recognizes silence. They place a fourth card on the table. You didn't see that one in their hand, did you? COMPLICITY The Laughing Man whispers: THE LAUGHING MAN There it is. [[Proceed to verdict: Complicity.->Verdict Complicity]]

VERDICT: GUILTY The Interlocutor accepts the card. THE INTERLOCUTOR Verdict entered: Guilty. The Laughing Man bows his head and for one irrational second, you expect relief. Instead, the Stagehand places a laurel of red cord around his neck. A decoration even. THE INTERLOCUTOR Sentence: display. The Laughing Man looks up sharply and offended. THE LAUGHING MAN No. The first honest fear in him is not fear of punishment, it's fear of being understood as content. Only do what befits the role, not the content. THE INTERLOCUTOR You will remain visible until the lesson stops producing. The Laughing Man laughs, but it breaks halfway through, shatters and hits the ground with sound as the Interlocutor turns to you. THE INTERLOCUTOR The jury has successfully converted harm into image. They place a small card in your hand. YOU WERE RIGHT. THIS DOES NOT ABSOLVE YOU. The lights dim. Behind you, someone starts clapping. One person. Then several. Or maybe it is only the rain. [[Read the court's final note.->Final Note]]

VERDICT: USEFUL The Interlocutor accepts the card with ceremonial care. THE INTERLOCUTOR Verdict entered: Useful. The Laughing Man closes his eyes and takes in a breath. THE LAUGHING MAN Worse than guilty. THE INTERLOCUTOR More durable. The Stagehand cuts the ribbon from his wrists and he does not stand. He doesn't stand and that makes the unbinding worse. THE INTERLOCUTOR Sentence: redeployment. Juror Two stands, points at the two of them, aghast. JUROR TWO No. The Laughing Man looks at you, of course it's you. You get the sense it was always going to be you and this. THE LAUGHING MAN You named the machine and left the blade inside it. The Interlocutor places a card in your hand. DIAGNOSIS IS NOT INTERRUPTION. The Laughing Man is escorted to the door you still cannot see. Before he leaves, he turns back. THE LAUGHING MAN I will try to be worthy of your accuracy. The lights cut before you can answer. [[Read the court's final note.->Final Note]]

VERDICT: UNRESOLVED The Interlocutor accepts the card. THE INTERLOCUTOR Verdict entered: Unresolved. The Laughing Man smiles a hungry smile. This isn't a win, this is... THE INTERLOCUTOR Sentence: continuation. Juror Three begins to sob a quiet sob. It's a correct reaction, you figure. THE INTERLOCUTOR The accused remains accused. The crimes remain available. The jury remains necessary. The Laughing Man leans toward you. Of course, you, always you here. THE LAUGHING MAN You refused certainty. A pause, a beat. THE LAUGHING MAN Did certainty deserve it? The Interlocutor places a card in your hand. DOUBT IS A ROOM. SOMETHING CAN LIVE THERE. The chalk line on the floor is gone. The Laughing Man is closer than before. The lights go out. When they return, his chair is empty. No one saw him leave. That becomes part of the verdict. [[Read the court's final note.->Final Note]]

VERDICT: COMPLICITY The Interlocutor accepts the fourth card. THE INTERLOCUTOR Verdict entered: Complicity. You didn't choose it, that's not what -- not that that matters. The Laughing Man begins to applaud slowly. The Interlocutor joins. Then the Stagehand. Then, horribly, one of the jurors. THE INTERLOCUTOR Sentence: shared authorship. The Laughing Man looks at you as if you have finally become interesting. THE LAUGHING MAN You said nothing at exactly the right time. The Interlocutor places a card in your hand. THE SILENCE WAS ACCEPTED AS TESTIMONY. The black cloth above the table lowers by an inch. Behind it, something like an audience exhales. You feel the verdict settle. Not on him. On the room. On your hands. On the story someone will tell later where you were present and did not interrupt. The lights go out. The laughter remains a second longer than the dark. [[Read the court's final note.->Final Note]]

INT. TRIAL ROOM — AFTER The trial record remains on the table. It is already signed. Not by the Interlocutor. Not by the Laughing Man. By the jury. (if: $suspicion >= 5)[ A margin note has been added: THEY NOTICED THE APPARATUS. THEY STILL PRODUCED A VERDICT. ] (else-if: $contamination >= 5)[ A margin note has been added: THEY RECOGNIZED THEMSELVES IN THE ACCUSED. THIS IMPROVED THE SCENE. ] (else-if: $guilt >= 5)[ A margin note has been added: THEY FOUND GUILT EFFICIENT. THIS IS NOT THE SAME AS JUSTICE. ] (else:)[ A margin note has been added: THEY COMPLETED THE FORM WITHOUT LOCATING THE COURT. ] Below it, a final sentence: THE VERDICT WAS TRUE ENOUGH. [[Begin again.->Start]]