There's a robot on your lawn [OPEN]

[prosecutory]

Who: Miles Edgeworth, Integra Hellsing, and "Iris" | Miles Edgeworth, YOU, and maybe some robots if you wish.
When: All throughout the event; see prompts for dates. OOC: 04/20-04/30
Where: A small restaurant-slash café at the Shopping District, and later, every which where.
What: Catch-all for fun robot "killing" times and other things you want to do with Edgeworth that do not involve robots in any way. Edgeworth doesn't have a double, thank the cereal gods.
Rating/Warning: PG for potential violence?

---

[CLOSED] SWEET DREAMS (Integra and Irisbot); IC: 06/25

[Edgeworth has had no word regarding the robot doppelgangers beginning to take over the lives of their real counterparts so far. His day is normal, and he has yet to encounter any robots today. Right now he's sitting at an outdoor table at one of his favorite little restaurants, awaiting a nice cup of tea to round off his lunch. He's just there, occasionally peering into the window or at the door to see if the waiter is already bringing him his tea. Ah, there he is. The prosecutor sits a little straighter, eager to try their newest blend.

He doesn't suspect that a robot already has morbid designs for the rest of his day, although they'll turn out a lot less morbid.]

---

[OPEN] ENOUGH WITH THE ROBOTS ALREADY; IC: 06/26-06/30

[After the encounter with Iris' robot, Edgeworth is more vigilant now, and still mentally beating himself up over letting his guard down despite all his suspicions. But he isn't locking himself up in his apartment till this boils over. He goes about his usual business, only armed with not only his trusty saber but also a pistol.

Anyone (and/or their robot) will find him in the following places:
- The police station, no duh, that's where he works.
- The gym, in the mornings. Training.
- Possibly jogging in the streets in the early morning. Like, a little after dawn.
- Walking his dog in the gardens.
- Around the Shopping District, buying stuff and looking for his favorite cafés.

Select a location and give me all you've got, yo!]

Comments

6/29, gardens

[manolia]

[After all that mess, Chibi needs to think.]

[Well, first, he needs to think about something that isn't the half-robotic corpse he just had to bury - and by 'bury,' one could say 'throw into a dumpster.' Second, he needs to kill time after he's gotten his wrist properly splinted; they want him to come back in a few days to put it in a cast, but if he has his way, he'll find someone to fix it up before then. If he's going to be taking robots apart, he needs both hands at their best. (Ugh. The robots. He still sees his own face laid atop a metal-alloy body, twisted and wry.)]

[So what does one do when full of thoughts about synthetic things? One goes to be around natural things, or at least Chibi does - which is why he is in the gardens, a notebook balanced on his knee and a pen in his free hand, composing a poem about something or other and ah, look, what a cute dog coming by--]

[It's only when Pess' tail catches the edge of the notebook and knocks it off Chibi's knee that he looks up (ah, it is England's roommate). Instinctively, he reaches with his injured hand, then realizes it can't grab much and uses the other.] Ah, good afternoon, there.

[He'd say 'I'm the real one, not a robot,' but would it really mean anything if the robot would have said the same thing?]

[prosecutory]

[Pess sniffs the notebook before Chibi can pick it up, and then proceeds to sniff Chibi's uninjured hand instead.

Meanwhile, Edgeworth nods, scrutinizing Chibi from head to foot - noting that Chibi was reaching with one hand, only to switch to the other. The guy seems to act normal and innocuous enough, but the robot of Iris had been like that, too...so, the prosecutor is still on guard despite his dog being very okay with this.]

Good afternoon, Chibi. [OR ARE YOU WHO I THINK YOU ARE???] I apologize for Pess knocking your notebook over.

[manolia]

[Chibi lets Pess sniff his fingers for a moment - they smell a bit like antiseptic and a bit like black oil - then moves to scritch the dog behind the ears. What a well-behaved boy!]

No worries; it was a bit precarious there, in any case. [He'd hold it in place, usually, but, well.] I trust you have been well, with all of... This, with the robots and such?

[prosecutory]

[Pess gives a whine at the scent he picks up, but otherwise lets Chibi scratch him behind the ears, panting with satisfaction.]

As well as one can be, yes. I shouldn't be surprised that something like this happened.

[Edgeworth doesn't sit; he remains standing with his arms folded across his chest. His sword and his gun are still at his belt.]

[manolia]

[With a laugh, folding the notebook back and putting it on the bench:] I am surprised by nothing at this point... Arthur told me that you didn't activate yours, so I will assume you are the original.

[He doesn't say 'real one'; reality is not coherent enough here to be precise. Is not the robot, too, real in its own way? The thought sends a thought of its windpipe real artificial real cracking under his hand, and he does not dwell on it.]

[(And maybe the gun at Edgeworth's hip is freaking him out a little, but if he has to, he'll show that - unlike the robot - he can bleed red. Still, he'd prefer not to cut himself open to prove his identity...)]

Truthfully, I was expecting more information out of the damned things than I got... Not that I am finished dismantling them yet, but you know.

sweet dreams are made of these...

[shroudedinsecrecy]

[A shadow soon fell upon his table. And when he followed up, looking upward, he would see...Iris.]

[At least, she certainly looked like Iris.]

[Perhaps a little...too like Iris. With a very familiar white sundress with distinct lace patterns. And matching parasol. With a bright smile, she tilted her head to one side just so and proceeded to act pleasantly surprised at the encounter.]

Hello, Mr. Edgeworth. What a lovely coincidence; I wasn't expecting to find you here.

[Her voice was like a freshly baked slice of angel food cake. Sweet, but not overly so, light, and heavenly in tone.]

who are we to disagree...

[prosecutory]

[As the waiter places the cup of tea in front of Edgeworth, he looks up...surprised to see Iris not in her usual acolyte garb but in an unnervingly familiar outfit. Why? A chill races up his spine; this was way too familiar and not in a good way.

He knows this can't be Dahlia. It wasn't time yet for newcomers to arrive. And surely, if Dahlia was around, Iris would warn him. Or Phoenix.]

Hello...Iris. [He speaks slowly and carefully - and remembers that the CERES robots were morphing to look like their owners. This might be one of them.] How have you been? [Small talk, as he examines his visitor. After raising his cup to his lips, he blows gently on his tea.]

[shroudedinsecrecy]

[He faltered. The name was spoken slowly. Like he was already suspicious.]

[Why were they always so suspicious? Her disguise should have been perfect! The hair, the clothes, the mannerisms...including, as most Fey women were known for, the ability to keep smiling through any and all of life's struggles. No matter how great or small.]

I've been well. The gym has been so quiet lately, aside from a few regulars. [She spoke the information without batting an eyelash. The "real" Iris had mentioned enough of her day for her to fudge her way through the details.] But it's a privilege to be able to help even the few who come to me looking for guidance.

[There. She sounded just like the original, down to that sugar-spun sentimental nature.]

...would you mind if I sat for a minute? Of course, if you're expecting company, I could always find another table....

[prosecutory]

[How much does she know about the real Iris? Now that Edgeworth thinks about it, this is the first time he ever saw Iris wear this dress and carry that parasol.

Edgeworth takes a sip of his tea, his eyes not leaving her. At least if she's at his table, he can keep an eye on any tricks she'll pull - not knowing that the trick had already been pulled behind the scenes.]

No, no, by all means. [He gestures to the empty chair in front of him.]

[shroudedinsecrecy]

[She slid in without a second thought, maintaining her proper posture as she crossed her ankles in a very lady-like fashion. Her only pause was so that she could close the parasol and place it beside her chair.]

Thank you so much. I do appreciate it.

I've done so much walking today. You'd think I was still running errands for Sister Bikini.

6/29

[meowbel]

[Meanwhile, should Edgeworth look around, he might be able to find a familiar looking person. Or at least, she looked like a familiar person.

After spotting one of Mabel's good friends, Sophia Elizabeth simply walked up to him as he was walking his dog]

Hey, Miles! Long time no see! Nice weather we're having huh?

[...That is something Mabel would say right?]

[prosecutory]

[Edgeworth stops in his tracks, and when he does, so does Pess, The dog perks up, alert; he hasn't met Mabel yet, and it's always good to meet new people. Pess approaches "Mabel" without a shred of suspicion, sniffing her shoes.]

Hello, Mabel.

[He scrutinizes her from head to foot. The weather? Edgeworth is certain she wouldn't bring up something so mundane as the weather. If anything, she would've noticed that he had a dog, first and foremost. Maybe. But he decides to play along for now as he gathers information about "Mabel".]

Indeed, it's cloudy...with a chance of meeting robots on the streets.

[meowbel]

[For a split second, Sophia Elizabeth was worried when Pess started sniffing her. Was he able to tell the difference? Of course, just before she was about to pet the dog, she suddenly froze in her tracks.

...Edgeworth didn't already know, did he? Was her cover so easily broken?]

Yeah, that's why you got to be really careful! You don't know when those scary robots going to be roaming the streets!

And all the more reason for me to rescue everyone right? [She just had to play it cool. There was no way he was able to find out about her! Just totally be normal and be 'Mabel'!]

[prosecutory]

[Lucky for Mabel, the dog can't tell the difference by this point. She's convincingly human for his senses and now he'll just lick her hand and sit in front of her, expecting her to pet him.

As for Edgeworth? He's also playing it cool, his tone calm.]

If you can distinguish "everyone" from their robot counterparts.

[meowbel]

[Sophia Elizabeth was getting worried. Luckily the dog wasn't able to tell the difference but just how in the world could Edgeworth just tell?

Just stay calm, she can handle this!]

Then how do you know? You have some weird psychic abilities do you? That's just amazing if you do!

6/30

[nostatus]

[ Shinpachi might not have a robot following him around - he was way too paranoid to ever activate his own - but that doesn't mean he trusts this whoel situation even one bit from what he's seen. So honestly.. he isn't that surprised when he spots Edgeworth talking about with the saber even while doing something as simple and mundane as walking his dog. (Or, well, simple and mundane by modern times, but Shinpachi is slowly but surely getting a little more used to those after all this time.) ]

Prepared, huh? [ It's how he greets the other.. his lack of surprise can probably be explained by the fact he looks just as prepared, his usual set of swords hanging in their sheaths by his side. ]

[prosecutory]

[Pess stops when his owner stops, alert and panting as he looks up at this new arrival. The dog is very interested in meeting Shinpachi and doesn't react strangely.

But Edgeworth has noticed that Pess gradually lost the ability to tell robots apart from their real counterparts too, so he doesn't let his guard down just yet.]

Hmph. Always. [He eyes the swords.] One can say the same for you.

[nostatus]

Well.. a real warrior isn't gonna walk around unarmed at times like these.

[ Which implies that yes, he actually has some respect for Edgeworth. He might not seem like the most fun guy to be around, but he's sensible (he showed as much back in that jungle in ViViD) and he has the real manly spirit of knowing how to handle dangerous problems - by bringing a weapon along to fight if necessary, of course. If there's anything Shinpachi can appreciate, it's a guy who fights rather than cowers. ]

You sure this lil guy here is gonna be fine if anything happens though? [ He glances down at the dog for a moment before he bends his knees a little to hold his hand out towards the animal and petting its head. ]

[prosecutory]

[Pess lets out a happy yip at being petted. He nudges Shinpachi's hand with his furry head.]

Unfortunately, he has never been a good guard dog.

[Edgeworth glances away briefly, his brow furrowed. His dog is far too friendly for that line of work. And he admittedly never gave much thought to how Pess will fare while they're both here. The assumption was that he would grab his dog and defend him. But what if something happened to Edgeworth himself?]

[nostatus]

[ Aw, that's a good dog! He'll totally continue the petting in that case. Sure, Pess might not be a guard dog, but it's still a good dog. That's enough of a reason for pets! ]

I figured. [ He doesn't look that terrifying, after all. Or maybe Shinpachi is just not easily fazed in general anymore after some of the shit he's seen here.. ]

Better make sure to watch him then, huh? 'specially now it's not so safe out here nowadays.

[ Although he doesn't think there's dog robots around.. at least.. ]

Shopping District

[feytality]

["Maya" is indeed out and about, looking for "her" friends after she's already dealt with her pesky impostor accordingly -- and who should she see, but Edgeworth browsing shops and cafes? Of course, she's not going to pass up this chance. She bounces right up to him, clasping her hands together and bowing her head. She may be a robot, but she's smart. She knows how to play it.]

Hey, Mr. Edgeworth! Whacha doing?

[She's got quite the plan in mind for him...]

[prosecutory]

[And the robot is playing it well. Edgeworth's guard, however, remains up and Mayabot will have to do her very best to get him to lower it.

He turns away from where he had been examining a fancy suit and tie on display. Not his favorite color - it's purple - but still up to his standards. And kinda close to his color. Sorta. When he sees Maya, he doesn't smile, but only nods upon seeing her. Edgeworth knows she switched her robot on and this could be it. Or it could be Maya. But so far, he doesn't know how to distinguish.

These robots are way too lifelike and should be banned.]

Hello, Maya. I was just considering some new additions to my wardrobe.

[Suits that aren't wine red? Le gasp!]

[feytality]

[Mayas are great at lowering guards. Robots or elsewhere!]

[Mayabot follows his eyes curiously as he examines the suits... and continues grinning at him in a completely Mayalike fashion]

Wow, really? I didn't know you wore other things!

[She always thought the ruffles were a part of him.... along with the wine red.]

But I guess you're not cheap like Nick and you can totally afford new stuff! Are you gonna get more fancy suits?

[Perkiness and insulting Phoenix: check]

[prosecutory]

[Do people really believe I only ever have one type of clothing?]

Maybe.

[He strokes his chin.]

But perhaps not today. I need more practical outfits. [For fighting and kicking butt, yes. Think of the cravats he could ruin.]

[feytality]

[As if Maya is even in the position to be making comments like that in the first place]

[But the robot seems shocked by this revelation.... are we sure this Edgeworth isn't a fake?]

Oh, oh! Let me help! I know all about practical!

[Definitely.]