At first I was surprised by Chiaki's action, which seems to me to have rather too many uncontrolled risks and behavioural assumptions to be a wise plan. However, given that Chiaki can make a case for her behaviour I'm happy that it offers a new source of dynamic interplay and conflict between characters. In fact it could be a lot of fun (as long as we all play nicely).

Of course, I have to follow some of this up in the next linking chapter I do. That issue will cover ONLY the events back on Earth, because there's quite enough to fill a double-sized story anyhow and because some posters may still be preparing their Land That Common Sense Forgot materials or want to contribute a second episode.

As I see it there are a number of issues to take account of:

* The Baroness' intentions, as plotted by me and incorporating JJJ's aspirations and expectations

* Showing what I think some realistic outcome of a mass Safe prison break would be - including some casualties

* Showing Chiaki doing what she intended to do, mitigating some of the potential harm

* Working in the hidden plot I haven't explained yet in the storyline which will perhaps make the escape more dangerous and deadly than it might otherwise have been

* Determining the longer term consequences of Chiaki's actions, including the reactions of the Lair Legion upon their return (I don't think it's too big a spoiler to say I expect them back sometime).

There are a number of possible eventual outcomes:

1. Chiaki isn't found out. This seem unlikely given her presence on site and the resources investigators can bring to bear, but it is a possibility.

2. Chiaki is suspected but there is insufficient proof to bring a case against her. This depends on Chiaki herself not confessing what she did.

3. Chiaki is identified as the perpetrator but there is doubt as to whether it could have been another "double" like the one who impersonated Hatman.

4. Chiaki is identified as the perpetrator and becomes a hunted outlaw.

5. Chiaki is identified as the perpetrator, and is arrested, incarcerated (in the Safe?) and eventually tried.

Clearly it's for Jason to say which of these he'd prefer, and then for other posters to express their views.

For my part I've written quite a bit that touches on this fairly major plot point for the upcoming Saving the Future #10, including showing the Psychic Samurai encountering no less than seven escapees at different points. Unfortuately one of them has previously walked away from a nuclear explosion.

I hope to have the story ready by Wednesday, but the footnotes alone will take a day or so to do. I have to go read up on Disco Tech.