act10d5

Um, err, anyway, Istina. Could you, uh, lend me this book?

...I can. But didn't you say you'd read it before?

(Grumbling) A first edition. Signed. Copy?

Oh, well... I did, but it's been so long, you see. It's about time for a reread.

It- it's really quite something that you've got a book like this here. Hahaha, you can read it anytime you like!

Hm.

When you put it that way, I suppose I ought to lend it to you. For now.

Oh, Istina, that's marvelous! You're the greatest!

(Phew... No problem there then.)

Hmph.

(Grumbling) You could stand to be a little more aware of the feelings of others.

(Quietly) But nevertheless... thanks.

Did you say something?

Oh, these biscuits are to die for. You really won't have one, Istina?

I didn't say anything.

They're just normal biscuits, are they? I could have a taste...

But I didn't expect to see you and Natalya together. How do you know one another?

Oh, I wouldn't say we know each other that well. Natalya just happened to lend a hand when I was covertly investigating Penguin Logistics.

Glad I could help.

You talk about investigating Penguin Logistics quite a bit. Still haven't given up on that, eh?

I'll never give up! I've staked my reputation as a Royal Detective——

Personally, I think you've long since forfeited your reputation as a Royal Detective.

Why you...! Hmph. I've had just about enough of you!

The point is, we only happened to bump into each other on the way here.

What's more, the last book I borrowed from you was absolutely riveting. I just had to come talk about it as soon as I turned the last page!

Well, that's not entirely off the table...

It's been a while since I had a good talk about detective novels. And the plot in that one is indeed one of my favorites. 'Riveting,' you said?

I most certainly did! How does one even come up with such a twisty plot? Ooh, I swear my hair stood on ends as I read the final reveal!

I'm sure. It's a perfect cocktail of literary creativity and logical deduction that jabs the reader right in the psyche. Easily my favorite one in the series.

Oh——I see. It's so clear to me!

It was written in the first person, so... The murderer was actually the protag——mmffst. Mmffmm?!

Fool! You can't just spoil the whole thing! Natalya hasn't read it yet!

Mmmmmpf!

Pfah——Haah! You almost killed me...

Nnng! I bit my tongue. That hurt. I understand not wanting spoilers, but that was way out of line, Istina!

Interesting. You really like your detective novels, eh, Anna? I don't usually see you so excited to talk about something.

Oh? R- really?

Really. In fact, I think you'll have to let me read one too. Since they're clearly so compelling.

You want to read too, Natalya? I never would have imagined. Every time I asked you before, you'd say the same thing: 'When I have time.'

Huh. Is that right...?

But when I see the two of you crowing on about these books, I can't help but want to join in.

All right then. The more the merrier.

There really aren't many people here who can hold a conversation about great art... The Doctor reads, but finding time for a conversation is no simple task.

The Doctor... Ah, you mean that one commander.

I see you're familiar, Natalya?

I am. That one is quite a unique presence on this vessel. And I've had the pleasure of bearing witness to that particular commander's field operations.

It's too bad. There's some special meeting or some-such on today. I wanted to give the Doctor a biscuit.

Don't worry, I'm sure Hibiscus will make sure the Doctor gets a share.

Yes. Dr. Kal'tsit keeps a close eye, but it's clear that everyone is just as concerned about the Doctor.

The medical staff, in particular. I went for a test recently and overheard several medics discussing adjustments to the Doctor's diet... I believe the confiscation of snacks was mentioned?

Hahahaha. That's a fairly reasonable step, no?

Gummy was moaning about that too. Honestly, what does that one eat every day?

Also, what was that about a 'test,' Natalya?

Oh, I would appreciate some discretion in this matter. I haven't made up my mind yet, but... it is why I came here today.

However...

Now's not the time, actually. Let's come back to it another day.

You'll know soon, Anna. In all likelihood.

Oh?

All right then. I won't pry.

Ahem, let's get back to the matter at hand. Why don't we start Natalya off with the classics?

Oh, is that the matter at hand then?

Hehe, it's an excellent opportunity to introduce a friend to your beloved hobby.

I wouldn't let this go so easily.

Ooh... you're positively oozing passion right now.

But of course!

Don't underestimate the power of the detective novel. No matter the type, a masterwork carries a living soul within it.

Heh heh. That's an Annaism if I've ever heard one. But that doesn't make it any less true.

Reasoning out the plot of a novel is part of the fun, but the true draw of the detective genre goes much deeper.

Istina speaks the truth, but I have to say my favorite part is always when the detective unmasks the true culprit.

And if we're talking classics, we of course have to talk about 'that one,' eh?

'That one?' Do you mean...?

'That one!' Yes!

Ahem.

'One truth prevails! The murderer is——You!'

Oh, I know that one. It's a detective's catchphrase.

Righto. No matter how many times I hear it, it still gets my heart racing!

Indeed.

But in my opinion, it's after the culprit is found that the real thinking, the real interesting bit begins.

What do you mean?

Allow me to answer your question with another question, May. Upon cornering the criminal, and after arriving at the truth, what is it the detective should do?

Should she announce the truth to everyone, securing a conviction?

Even when the truth is clear, the law may from time to time be an ineffective remedy. What then, can she do?

Does she allow this criminal to get away with his crimes? Or does she take the law into her own hands?

Such things happen in the real world too. With no simple solution.

If I were her...

...Hmm.

Did you just want to drop that one on us?

What are you even talking about, Istina? You've been acting off all day. Are you feeling alright?

...No, no fever?

...I'm sorry?

A detective's duty is to uncover the truth. The rest is up to the police, of course. She can't play judge, jury, and executioner.

Every part of the justice system plays a role. The police, the courts, and detectives like us. Isn't that obvious?

What's that face now? Did I say something so shocking?

Of course I know a detective can't legally convict a criminal.

I just never expected to hear you talk sense...

Hey now! What's that supposed to mean?!

Nothing. Just talking to myself.

Now, given the world we live in, we've got a fair number of people who pass their days killing and killing. Murder may not seem a crime of particularly immediate concern, but we'll set that aside for the moment.

It remains our duty, as detectives, to seek out the truth and uphold the law to the best of our abilities.

We may not pass judgment. We may not go above the law. We may not exact our own justice.