Lana · Skye

My apologies for the suddenness of this message; this is akin to a spur of the moment decision for everyone involved. We're both hardly the ones to go into something unplanned, and this is the closest we've come to that. However... I believe we both feel that it's the right thing to do.

Many events have happened over the past few weeks, most of which I have difficulty summarizing into journal form. One major item of note is that I have been released from prison, having served my sentence. Looking back, it was... oftentimes difficult in there, admittedly. Leaving that place seems to have released me from the final unreasonable burdens weighing on my mind. As a result, I feel far closer to how I was at the conclusion of my trial than I have these past few months. At this moment, I honestly admit I feel even better than that—though this happiness warrants some explanation...

With Ema unable to come home, I spent most of the remaining holiday season with a close friend, at his invitation. New Year's was passed similarly as well. I apologise if I was difficult to contact in that time, but your well wishes were appreciated.

The past few days after that were enlightening, so to speak. It brought to mind that there's something about the bleakness of winter that mires many individuals in tragedy, hmm? However, that same coldness seems to draw people closer to each other.

Seeing as most individuals on my list are better acquainted with him, it seems best for everyone to hear the actual announcement from him and not from me.

Though I know the past will linger in my mind, and though I will continue to atone for my actions throughout my life... It is also time for me to move on. It is a New Year, and an end to the past as well as a new beginning.

We'll be in Europe for the next while, visiting Ema sometime along the way. I will be ending the updates for this journal as of now, at least until we have finished travelling.

My best wishes to everyone.
Ema, I'll see you soon.

The fluorescent lights here buzz loudly when they are on. Of course there are set hours for lights out in inmates' cells, but the fluorescents in the hallway are always kept on due to necessity. Unfortunately, it seems I've grown sensitive to specific noises after working on the force; at night I can hear that rattle distinctly along with the sound of others coughing, talking, laughing... The pacing of restless feet and the movement of restless hands.

My stay here is well deserved--I will be the first to maintain that. However, it's times like this I'm thankful I'm used to all-nighters.

My date of release is December 26th. Perhaps it's an ironic date, but it happens to be ten months to the day proceedings were concluded on my second trial, the day after the much publicized case Mr. Wright and Mr. Edgeworth resolved. It's the common belief amongst prosecutors that though the court system moves quickly, sentences for non-homicidal cases pass by even more so. As I believe I've mentioned in this journal already... this is something I am thankful too, for once.

((OOC: A little chat scene between Miles and Lana. If you ever feel like doing a scene with Lana or Phoenix (or, speaking for Croik, Miles and Yuu), just let me (or Croik) know; we'd be more than happy to. :D

P.S. Spot the Mia-line I borrowed. :D; ))

Sometime after Miles' interview with the Prosecutor's Office...

Miles is shown into the visiting room and takes a seat in front of the viewing glass. He looks a little out of sorts with a bandage over his nose and a healing black eye. He folds his hands in front of him as he waits for Lana to be shown in.

( The Visit... )

Yesterday evening, I recognised the guard doing rounds in the cell block. It was an individual usually stationed at the detention center's visitor's room, I believe--at least, he was stationed there during the length of my trial. Though he had followed his orders quite exactly, I had snapped at him... In fact, I had snapped at him several times throughout the duration of my stay there.

I apologized to that guard for my past behavior, yesterday evening. And that guard... he nodded and replied: "It's understandable given the circumstances, ma'am. No offense taken."

I've been thinking of what he said. There's a lot of time here to do so.

How much of what I have done is understandable...? I don't expect the same forgiving response from everyone... especially since what I've done to others is far worse, far more criminal.

I don't expect or even hope that others will be satisfied upon my release. It's in a few paltry months; an early release, all things considered. Indeed, the judicial system has been too lenient, and it's funny--if I were in my former position and had to prosecute myself, I'd have pushed for a far harsher sentence.

I'm grateful for my current circumstances and my date of release, nonetheless. I am thankful for the leniency. Reflecting on a conversation I had a few days ago with a well-meaning individual at the beach and another exchange with an old friend, it seems I haven't conveyed that quite enough. I've been sounding too negative as of late--far more than I've intended, and perhaps in this entry as well. Clarification is needed: though I accept the burden of responsibility for my actions... I haven't forgotten to smile. I'm still looking forward to what is to come.

But that is quite enough detail in regards to my present thoughts.

Ema has mentioned these 'online journals' many times during our weekly calls, and because she has asked me to start one myself, I have done so. After all, how could I refuse my sister? At the very least, I believe this 'journal' should be of some use in communicating with her while she is in England; I don't have as much time to talk to her over the phone as I would prefer.

To be frank, however, I don't think there will be much to 'update' in regards to my current status, and I'm not entirely sure of how I will use this journal. My sister has suggested I write down thoughts here that I don't normally express... And indeed, I've kept most of my thoughts to myself for the past few years and have since been trying to break out of the habit. I've never been particularly fond of sharing confidential information, however—and the fact that my entries can be read by friends, acquaintances and complete strangers doesn't seem very secure.

These concerns aside, I'm also looking forward to reading and writing to all of you. There's quite a bit of catching up to do, and Ema has told me that many people we know are starting to use these 'journals'. I find I have a lot of time now, certainly much more time to think and observe... and I would like to know how everyone else is doing, and talk to those who are willing. I don't intend to make light of my past actions, or to brush them aside... but perhaps here I can also start to move forward.

A new beginning, hmm...?

((OOC: MY PARDON FOR THE PUN IN THE TITLE AND THE THEME OF THIS POST. :3 Reset, reset~~~ But I hope you notice the similarities and therefore the differences in this post and Lana's original first post.

Lana's PROFILE is updated and now open to viewing to all. The old profile will be kept there for memory purposes, and also for compare and contrast. :D))

And then I awoke,
For I had been asleep
And everything had been
Just an ever dream...


OOC: Reset~ Anything in this journal dated before this post is no longer RP canon.

Though it's rather sudden, it seems that there's been new developments in The People v. Otakon, a case thought solved nearly two years ago.

As Mr. Otakon is quite a famous director and his trial was well publicized by the media, I don't believe it's taboo to detail that he was found guilty for the murder of a spirit medium, sometime during a filming trip to a nearby rural village. Mr. Otakon is currently on death row, slated for execution in five days. However, as a retrial has now been announced, this course of action has been indefinitely postponed.

It's a rather frantic case, admittedly—but that's not the reason I'm writing about it. Looking at the individuals dealing with the new trial, it's interesting to see how many people from our online community are involved:

Detective in Charge: Jake Marshall
Prosecutor: Godot
Defense Attorney, Team: Phoenix Wright, Harumi Fey
Witness: Kimiko Fey, Dee Vasquez

Projected Trial Dates: August 4-6

I expect that all of these individuals will be quite busy for the next few days—myself included. Expect to hear of the trial's progress—and ultimate result—in the news.

((Everyone's crazy busy with packing and last minute preparations, so I kinda took it upon myself to write an IC excuse for our absences. Those who are going to Otakon from our community are: Alex, Chiko, Elly, Kenji, Mii, Paz and myself. :D We'll be back on the 7th, SEE YOU THEN~~~))

My apologies for not updating this journal more frequently, but two events have occupied the most of my time for the past few weeks. Firstly, I've been involved with a series of meetings across town—the department is steamrolling some administrative changes, some of which affect the Prosecutor's Office. They aren't anything catastrophic for once; we're dealing with minor alterations in policy and procedure, in a nutshell. ...I believe it's safe to assume that elaboration isn't necessary.

I'm rather grateful that the meetings are only citywide, as the second event that I've been occupied with is of course the return of my sister for the summer. With Ema in L.A., I've been arranging my days differently from normal; I have little reason to return home on time when she is at school, but I've made it a point to leave work in time for dinner these last few days. It will be somewhat easier when this round of meetings wrap up.

Despite work, Ema and I have already had a few excursions out—shopping, for instance. Though I'm sure it sounds monotonous to some, I'm not exactly the type to go wander in a mall complex by myself for hours on end... or for any amount of time, really. It's also been a while since I've visited an amusement park—our last trip was quite a few years ago, but I'm not certain as to whether interest still remains, and we haven't gone to one as of yet. Those who have been to an amusement park recently: would you suggest we make the trip? I'm interested in hearing recommendations on specific parks—or other local attractions—as well.

One final note for this entry—happy birthday in advance, Miles. I see you've managed to escape another department-thrown party again, but perhaps you won't refuse some cake? I know that some individuals have presents for you, after all. My sister and I included.

[OOC - Sorry if any of this is incomprehensible, I wrote it sometime when I was flying over the Pacific. XD; I'll check it again when I'm not horribly jetlagged and dying~]

((In response to this.))

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((Not meant to be responded ICly to, but hope you enjoy. XD OOC comments welcome. <3 ))

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((OOC comments only, please~ <3 ))

To those I have not already informed, I will be out of the office and the country from June 1st to June 5th. I'll be attending the 44th National Conference on Professional Responsibility and Lawyer Ethics; given the events of last year, the DA considered it apt that a few individuals from the region make an appearance. The conference itself will be held in Vancouver Canada, and while the fact that the American Bar Association is hosting its conference in another country is admittedly humorous, the change in locale is appreciated. I will be taking some time during the trip to catch up on some long-omitted work... and hopefully get in some sightseeing and rest as well.

Some of the panels at the conference are of particular relevance. I have included some parts of the itinerary for those who are interested.

( Disaster Preparedness for the Legal Community  )

( Issues in Reciprocal Discipline )

( Judicial Conduct: Disqualification Issues )

((OOC: Going to Ohio, meeting my BF of four years for the first time, guys. <3 I'll probably do an IC voicepost there, since he laughed his head off when he found my first one.))

To those who gave their lives to protect and to serve, we commemorate you this week... and remember, as always, your deeds.

A candlelight vigil will be held this evening at 8:00 pm.
The traditional memorial ceremony will take place tomorrow at 11:00 am.

Attendance is open to the public.

((Wow, there sure are a lot of holidays related to the police force or the courts or law, or whatnot. :O;;; But, this is an important one...!))

I left work early yesterday. It was... a surprisingly pleasant change. Summer is approaching, and as the weather was so pleasing, I found myself walking over to the store yesterday afternoon, purchasing groceries, and cooking dinner on my own.

A rare occasion, I assure you; my work rarely allows for such opportunities, and in the past I regularly opted to pick up meals--breakfasts and dinners included-- to and from work. Not the healthiest or most preferential option, especially when Ema was at home, but it's unfortunately unfeasible to balance all household chores with everything that must get done in the office.

After receiving a cooking book as a gift a few months ago, I've tried my hand with a number of recipes... to different degrees of success. It helps when I have another eye to catch any mistakes or to keep me focused--Ema likes to conduct an experiment on the dishes during and after preparation; if not, I find myself leaving the room to check on some papers as a pot boils or something bakes in the oven, and then...

At any rate, by omitting those mistakes I prepared dinner to a certain measure of success and enjoyed the evening off. A reminder to myself, it seems, that at times we must move beyond the patterns we are used to and reach for the promise of a brighter future on hand.

((The cookbook totally has a chibi cat on the cover, with a chef hat on, and 'COOKING' in big cute letters. :B))

As first proposed by the ABA and proclaimed by President Eisenhower exactly sixty years ago, May 1st was Law Day, a holiday for reflecting on the role of law in society. As many of us work within the legal system or are otherwise connected to it, I believe the day should hold especial importance to us... though admittedly, I haven't seen any posts in regards to it in the community.

As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, mock trials with student participants were held at the district courthouse. The students were assisted by actual individuals in each profession, and I was involved with aiding the prosecution. I regret to inform the attorneys reading this that the defense was unable to attain an innocent verdict, though it proved to be an interesting case overall.

It's been a while since I've participated in a trial with those unfamiliar with courtroom procedure, and observing the students in action was... interesting, so to speak. The distinction between those too reluctant or too shy to speak out and those who were eager to take on the case, despite their inexperience, served again as reminder--though there are many who aspire to enter the legal profession, there are very few who have the dedication to do whatever it takes to attain it.

The nervous energy and the look of determination of those in the courtroom... perhaps I should take on some trials more often, hmm?

((Who the heck knew there was such a thing as Law Day? XD;; NOT ME~ But Swammi knew, so thank you, Swammi, for the inspiration for this post~ *did quite a deal of stupid research on this Day of Law*))

It's perplexing how memory works on occasion--what objects, words or moments bring a particular individual to mind. A certain strain of music, the thought of a peaceful night's rest, a line in a book one recalls reading, years past...

The cafe across from the Prosecutor's Office decorates its tables with fresh flowers, and every time I've had the occasion to dine there, I'm reminded of my sister. Not by the flowers, which change often--and which I usually can't identify--but because of the vases they are held in; small pink vials, delicate and cheerful in tone against the white tablecloth. I've never eaten at the restaurant with Ema--it only opened after she started going to school in England--but I think of her when I see those vases, and know that they would catch her eye if she should eat at the cafe; I know she would like their color.

As it's a time of year where one is asked to reflect on what one is grateful for, I am once again reminded on how thankful I am for having a younger sister, and that I am a sibling. That I have someone to take care of and protect gives me purpose; it is something I can and do ground my existence on... ...as I'm sure some of you may already be aware. Even those without close relations by blood are able to understand, I believe--this closeness is something one is able to form in time with friends, partners and wards, and it is just as valuable and precious. All the same, Ema, I'm thankful to have you... it seems that I don't mention it quite often enough.

It's funny, that this should come to mind right now. To those of you who know her, my sister has returned home for this Easter weekend. She will be going back to Southampton right afterward, of course, to conclude her classes this term. However, even if it is a short stay... I'm glad for it. Welcome home, Ema.

[OOC: Family loooooooove, apologies if it sounds saapppy. :o It's both because I am an older sister dork and use my own sister as a reference for how Lana feels for Ema, but also because I have a new Skye-sister in the RP. ^__^ For those of you who haven't done so already, please friend glowing_skye, our new Ema.]

It's come to my attention that a 'mysterious' commenter has been frequenting the community, making questionable if barely comprehensible comments behind the veil of anonymity. Sir, I remind you that as a Chief Prosecutor and a former detective, it's not very difficult to determine your identity. Though you may find it amusing to Max imize your own humor at the confusion of others, it's not nearly so entertaining when one knows who you are, hmm?

It's been considerably quiet, of late. It's almost unusual, when things proceed peacefully and harmonically without complication. However, these are the moments to treasure--isn't that right? The moment of tranquility in an otherwise hectic state of affairs, the minutes one can take to rest in this line of work...

Many of you have taken this "meme," and I thought it would be interesting to see your replies.

Alright, I've finally gotten around to doing this properly!

( Thoughts and Musings~ )

The past few weeks have been very restful, very rejuvenating. It's hard to recall how long it's been since I've felt this way, where I was able to look past work and the office--at least, temporarily. Given this line of work, one often forgets to take time off for a vacation, and if anything, I'm thankful for the circumstances that enabled me to take such a rest.

As I'm sure you are aware, I've been back in the office as of this Monday, and there are several issues that need to be addressed.

To all prosecutors--please prepare for evidence transferral by taking the time to organize your case files. Any reports dated earlier than February 2015 are set to be moved this year. In addition, your computers may be subject to maintenance during the next few weeks. I've been asked to inform you to document any problems you are currently experiencing as well as to move any confidential files you are currently storing to the private server.

To the event planner for the awards ceremony, I see you have not submitted your estimated budget for the occasion as of yet. Please do so immediately.

To Mr. Galactica--my condolences on your continued illness. Unfortunately, as I've mentioned before, I've had to remove the statue from my office. The gift is appreciated, but I must ask you not to transport it back into the room. I've also received quite a few queries from Security as to how you managed to bring such an object to the twelfth floor overnight in the first place...

To those who haven't already done so, the Prosecutor and Police awards are approaching, and I encourage you to vote.