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ximilialog2022-05-04 06:56 pm
- ! event log,
- altered carbon: takeshi kovacs,
- doctor who: clara oswald,
- doctor who: the doctor (11),
- fear street: ziggy berman,
- fire emblem: yuri leclerc,
- grishaverse: malyen oretsev,
- grishaverse: the darkling,
- gundam seed/destiny: yzak jule,
- mcu: daisy johnson,
- mcu: natasha romanoff,
- mcu: peter quill,
- mcu: shang-chi,
- naruto: kakashi hatake,
- star wars: finn,
- star wars: rey,
- the 100: clarke griffin,
- the gifted: clarice fong,
- the old guard: andromache,
- the untamed: lan xichen,
- the untamed: wei wuxian,
- the witcher: yennefer of vengerberg,
- towards the terra: soldier blue,
- transformers: drift,
- transformers: megatron,
- twisted wonderland: deuce spade,
- yakuza: zhao tianyou
MISSION: 4:50 TO VREFESEA
● ● ● M I S S I O N 6 . 0
This time, after a mission well executed, the weeks spent on the station might feel more restful than they have before before — but whatever the case, and whatever any orber might be occupied with, it is near midday when they all receive a file titled Steamhallow Express. The name might make you guess what the mission will be about before you even open it, but as always, Viveca’s familiar voice accompanies the file’s arrival shortly after.
It’s an alien planet, but one without any magic, so those of you who have any abilities won’t have access to them during your time there. Don’t worry, you won’t suffer any side effects, it’ll be just like you’d never had any in the first place. Also, though the technology is rather advanced there, they don’t have any concept of robots or droids, so those of you will have to be masked with an illusion that gives you an organic appearance.
You’ll leave late tomorrow evening, so take this time to prepare — and remember, anything that is magic won’t work. That goes for items, weapons, anything.
The news may come as something of a shock and concern to some, and many will have to make some mental adjustments before the day of departure. Eventually the day turns to night, and then to morning, and time seems to move even slower still when evening approaches. Finally it’s hour one, and everyone on the team will arrive at the teleportation platform — there, the little cleaning bot is furiously scrubbing at a stain left on the floor from their previous mission. Beside it, Viveca floats in her robot body, smiling at each Orber.
The loud hum of the teleportation machine is a comforting sound to some by this point… and if it isn’t, well, not to worry — soon, you’ll feel a tug somewhere behind your stomach, and the machine pulls you away, and it won’t matter anyway.
Yet again for a heartbeat, you simply hang there waiting… and then: the chorus of voices speaks and whispers in your ears the goal you must complete in exchange for the power waiting for you —
Without any time to answer, you open your eyes to the loud ambience of excitable chatter and the bustle of commuters moving to and fro within the busy terminal. Welcome to Craemore.
The Craemore Terminal spreads in all directions around you: its glass ceiling filters multi-coloured light from the outside, filling the entire, large hall with a beautiful, almost ethereal glow. A giant, mechanical clock in the middle of the Terminal chimes with a strange melody, signifying that it is 2:30 — and, according to the sign that shows the arrivals and departures, the Steamhallow Express departs from platform 338 at 4:50.
1.0 What this means of course is that there is plenty of time to visit the ticket office to reclaim your punchcard, and maybe even pop into some of the stores before finding your way to the right platform. There are stores selling food and drinks if you’re feeling peckish, and some clothing and accessories stores for those who want to make sure they arrive at Vrefesea looking their best — and maybe also for those who want to make sure they fit in with the locals…
2.0 At the platform, some might witness a varied group of alien-looking passengers, all well dressed, the youngest girl still being a teenager and the eldest looking somewhere between his mid-to-late 30s by human standards. Some of them look more alike than others, and their loud exclamations carry over to where you’re covertly listening to them.
As they grab their bags and head towards the train, you realize it may be an opportune chance to follow a little ways behind … or maybe you’ll hang around on the platform for a while longer anyway, waiting for your fellow Orbers to arrive and board the train together with them.
3.0 Once inside the train, it is impossible to notice just how big it is: 120 cars in length, there is something for everyone: for the hungry, there are several cars lined with tables draped in silken cloths to cover them, servers in fancy suits delivering the highest-quality foods and beverages to you and your dining companions while a lounge singer croons a sweet tune in the corner of the room. Some cars are dedicated solely to dancing: the performers there have a larger stage to perform on, decked in velvety curtains and sparkling spotlights; and the floor, polished and shining, invites listeners to spend their night — or day — dancing it away. There are even cars for those looking for a little excitement in the form of games: the world’s version of pool, played with mechanical sticks and where the talent lies in being able to adjust the springs at just the right moment before a hit — easy enough to learn but difficult to master. There are also numerous card games played on decks that have different figures instead of single numbers and can be picked up through observing a couple of games beforehand. No matter your preference of entertainment, it shouldn’t be hard to find something to do.
And when you want to retire for the day — well, whether it’s a luxury cabin with a king-size bed, an armchair and even a little bookshelf of your own, or it’s one of the more worn-down cabins that you’ll share with anywhere from one to three other passengers … it all comes down to your luck and what level of punchcard you’ve been dealt. But there’s no need to despair if you’re one of the people with the cheapest ticket: you may have a friend staying in one of the better cabins that you can bunk with … or maybe you’ll get lucky and find an empty cabin whose lock you can pick to claim it for yourself. Just, you know, make sure you don’t get caught …
… especially when you see Valacar Pinot walk past in his bright shirt — because, harmless and sweet as the man may seem, you overhear him speaking with Helios Day:
Pinot and Helios walk away, chatting still, their voices growing fainter, but leaving you at least a little bit wiser — there’s a detective on board now, so being on your guard is not a bad idea.
You may be fast asleep in your designated car, or you might be having a quick night-cap or midnight snack in the dining car when you suddenly hear the screams. Dragged from your night activity, whatever that may be, you’ll shuffle out in your night-clothes (or your clothes from that day) and find some of the Day family looking utterly distraught. Luna is crouched by the corridor of the car, her arms around her knees, expression frozen in shock as Marshall hovers around her, looking gaunt. Goldie is in tears, making attempts to speak through the sobs wracking her small frame while Pinot in his loud-patterned robe tries to console her through awkward pats and equally awkward There, theres.
4.0 If you decide to investigate a little closer, you’ll find Oden standing right by the door, arms hugging his chest. He looks like he’s about to be sick as he stares at the lifeless body of his brother, Jove, lying sprawled over the carpeted floor of their shared car. Jove’s condition is grim. Without touching the body, you might notice that beyond the blood-soaked robe of his night clothing, there are a series of stab wounds just under his ribs, each stab just a little more careful than the last. There is a crumpled up letter squeezed between the fingers of one hand, bits of broken wax seal under them. The other looks dirty with blood caught beneath the nails, the tips broken from struggle. The rest of the room seems untouched, a small box of toiletries in one corner, next to a lamplight, and a set of neatly folded clothes. It’s as though Jove hadn’t even had the chance to settle in for the night before his attack.
This is confirmed by Oden, who, turning to a pale Terra, says:
She trails off with a choked sob, Helios stepping closer to wrap her in a hug.
Indeed, all the Day family are present and they all look some form of shocked and upset, which isn’t a surprise considering one of their siblings has been so brutally murdered. You might try and speak with one of them or have a look around the car — but be respectful, of course. A murder has just happened.
You can hear the way the Steamhallow Express slows to a halt, pulling in to a station much smaller than the one you just came from, the rhythmic chugga chugga coming to a stop. The mood is solemn and everyone aboard the train is still silent, keeping to themselves in light of last night’s events. A horror, really, you hear Terra whisper to her brother Helios, and from across the car, Luna and Marshall nod their heads in agreement. They look as though they haven’t slept a wink, faces waxy and wane, the circles under their eyes darker than they should be.
If you look out the window, you’ll see craggy rust-coloured rockfaces surround you that cast a warm shadow over the train. But just past the edge of the station platform is a metal-grated pathway leading directly into a cluster of individual buildings made of wood and steel and packed mud, and strings of colourful flags overhead flapping in the pleasant, cool breeze overhead. The sun overhead is bright and ever so inviting, reflecting off of the white walls and orange-red roofs. This is the trading city known as Qririe Cliffs, an in-between place that feels more old-school than any other location on Novis Nox.
5.0 Before any of the passengers, including you, are allowed to leave the confines of the train, a voice comes over the speakers in a tinny deep boom. The conductor’s voice is just a little too cheerful, given what you all remember transpired — but that’s just his job.
But until then there are still beverages and food in the dining cart, and why not catch up on your reading? Let us know if you require any assistance and a steward will be along shortly to help. Thank you, and we hope you choose to ride with us on the Steamhallow Express again in the future.”
The engines have now fully stopped with an exhale, and the voices of your fellow passengers and crew-members of the Ximilia sound louder than ever now, amplified in the silence. You might find you’ll need this moment to recount the events of last night alone, or find someone to speak with, to reassure yourselves that what happened really did happen. Perhaps some of you will take it upon yourselves to get to the bottom of what happened now that it’s daylight. Whatever the case may be, you don’t have much time.
6.0 In what feels like forever and yet no time at all, there is a loud banging from the outside of one of the cars, followed by a hollow, “Open up! It’s the QCPD,” as the authorities have finally arrived. That figure sitting by himself, arms folded across his chest, begins to straighten, scratching at his chin. The deep purple of his eyes blinks once, twice, and then he lets out a sigh.
“Well, it’s about time, boys. I’ve got a train to catch, after all!” he says, and you watch as Detective Pinot pushes through the crowd to get to the door, pushing it forward to reveal an organic with bright pink skin peering into the car. Pinot laughs at his own joke as the officer removes their hat and takes a few steps up to enter. And then the blue-skinned detective immediately gestures with a hand towards the cars towards the back. You might decide to follow them if you’re curious, but there isn’t much of a point before Pinot and the officer disappear into the crime scene, shutting the door and making it clear that this is now official business. Occasionally the detective will poke his head out and a couple of the Day family will be ushered in to clear up some of the details and to build the case. Some of the other passengers follow suit for witness statements.
It feels like hours have passed before the officers and the detective re-emerge. With solemn steps, they approach the car where most of the Ximilia crew (and some of the Steamhallow’s other passengers) have gathered. Detective Pinot remains silent — thoughtful and serious, which contrasts greatly to the print of a colourful deck of cards adorning his button-down shirt today — before the QCPD point in the directions of Clara Oswald and Peter Quill, and call their names out. A small folded sheet of paper, torn at one end, is held in the hand of one of the officers. There are a few gasps in the car as all eyes turn to Clara and Peter — or you.
Before anyone can react, the pink-skinned officer, joined by their partner, steps forward to detain the suspects in question. If it’s you they’ve arrested, it’s best to go quietly while the rest of your fellow crew members try and quickly sort this whole mess out. If you’re watching your friends being escorted off of the train, you still have some time to quickly try and investigate the crime scene now that the light is better. Pinot appears to be thinking the same thing, hanging back for a moment.
What you do with this limited time is up to you — what will you do next?
7.0 You might be a little shaken, but there is simply nothing anyone can do at the moment. Pinot might assure you that your friends aren't being imprisoned, and as long as the facts line up, the truth will come out in the end, and Clara and Peter will have their names cleared soon enough. He encourages you to go into the city for a couple of hours and lets you know that there are items here you’ll probably never see in Vrefesea or Craemore. It’s worth a look at least, isn’t it?
If you do decide to go into the city, you’ll find that the energy here is cheerful and bright and freeing. The people of this city have their wares out, spread across blankets and set up in tiny shops. Some of these items include: pottery, jewelry, small trinkets, collectibles, statuettes and prayer sculptures. There are more higher-tech items as well: gadgets and unfinished inventions, household appliances and even some small weapons. Some shops can barely fit more than two or three customers at a time; others are more like stalls with items set up under the shade of an awning. There is music in the little square and people are dancing — if they aren’t hanging out by the outdoor tables, enjoying delicious sweet and savoury foods and drinks. Something colourful and effervescent swirls in one woman’s glass; and a younger organic with bright green skin slurps up at what anyone from Earth might recognize as a frozen popsicle (or something very much like it). You might eventually see some of the Day family there too, Luna and Oden walking past you, and Terra by the edge of the waterside, solemnly watching the waves and the horizon.
You might nearly bump into Goldie Day who dips her head and apologizes, and then shuffles off towards an alleyway nestled between buildings, eyes glassy with unshed tears.
You’ll remember that the Steamhallow Express is set to disembark for Vrefesea by the evening, and hope that your fellow crew members are released from questioning, but you’ll want to make your way back to the train when the sun looks to be setting and people slowly begin to gather their wares back up for the night. There is still music and dancing and the lights from within buildings start to glow, lighting up the town in a different way — it’s beautiful, really, despite the events on the train — but this short reprieve must come to an end.
That evening, the Steamhallow Express leaves once more for Vrefesea. It will become more important than ever for the team to pull the information they’ve gathered together, whether through investigations on their own or speaking with Detective Pinot who seems surprisingly amenable to working this case with you. It might be the eagerness in your ambition, or the fact that he’s never had any kind of partner or team to work with before.
Or perhaps you want to investigate the dead man a little closer: kept in its own car separate from the main passenger baggage (something about the presence of mind, and perhaps the smell), Jove’s body is to be kept in some form of stasis before it’s transported to Vrefesea for an autopsy and investigation in another 36 or so hours.
There’s no guarantee that the body will be so easily accessible, however, and those of you more determined to get down to the truth might need to cause a distraction of sorts to gain access into the otherwise locked room.
F Y I
• If you have questions about any of the prompts or the mission in general, please direct them HERE.
• To submit a search request regarding any clues, or to speak with any of the NPCs mentioned in the log, trying to overhear conversations, or exploring any specific place during any of the prompts, please do so HERE.
• And finally, your soundtrack for this log: ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪
INTERROGATION — closed to CLARA (@bossily) and PETER (@spacedisaster)
OOCly, this will function like any search request: you can tell us what Clara and Peter will be doing or saying, and we will tell you what the QCPD officer and Pinot say or react in return. Please note that Clara and Peter may ask for information from those investigating around the train through the earpieces and through info-sharing posts, so they will have facts to support their innocence.
Due to this, we will not be officially starting this search request thread until May 7, which gives you a little time to prepare and gather possibly useful information through others' search request to use for this one.
no subject
“I’ll be fine,” she murmurs on her way out, and hopefully the Doctors hear.
Peter looks relaxed but seems slightly annoyed by the whole ordeal, maybe it could be because of the fresh bruise he’s sporting on his face? He doesn’t put up a fight as he and Clara are escorted out. Neither have much to say on the way there, though Peter has sarcastic remarks if they’re questioned or spoken to directly. Clara remains silent, eyes wide as she takes in and observes everything they pass by. As he notices she’s nervous, Peter steps in closer to her and tells her that this is all normal procedure.
When they finally arrive at the police station, they will find that Peter has quite an arsenal on him. He has two blasters, a collapsible sword that doesn’t look like a sword, jet boots, a jet pack, a gravity mine, and a couple of bombs. If these items are taken, Peter doesn’t put up a fight. He will become more visibly angsty with the taking of the sword though, asking that they be careful with it since it’s a family heirloom. He does, however, visibly wince when prompted to sit down in a chair. Clara, on the other hand, has nothing on her. Just her wedding ring, which she anxiously spins around her finger as they wait for questioning.
no subject
At the very beginning of this, they'll be asked for their basic information: name, age, species, their reasons for being on the Steamhallow Express, their intentions in Vrefesea, and whether they've ever been to Qririe Cliffs before. This will be where their cover stories are important. They'll have images taken of them, and be offered water or coffee, before they are taken into separate questioning rooms. Their doors will be closed.
Pinot, who hasn't made himself an obvious presence, now seems to step forward and says he'll speak with Peter Quill first. The QCPD officer from the train, Captain Horace Morrow, lets Clara know that he'll be in to speak with her shortly.
It's just Pinot and Peter in their room for the moment (as Morrow gathers his paperwork together). Pinot will rub the spot between his eyes as though he'd really rather be out in the crowds and the sun, and then remark: "I really hope you have some explanation for why you've been targeted."
no subject
Clara will take them up on the offer of water, and will sit quietly in the room she's left in once they're separated. Prior to that separation, Clara will state that her name is Clara Oswin Smith, but she goes by Oswin as her stage name, and that she is 30 years old. She's a singer that's traveling with an entourage to Vrefesea for a performance. She's never stopped in Qririe Cliffs before, though the area looks lovely. Her husband, John Smith is there with her, as is her brother Rhysand and his husband, Malcom. Her personal lawyer is also with them, to help manage the business end of things.
She can be seen anxiously twirling her wedding ring when Morrow gets his paperwork together and as she enters the room she's in. Her lawyer's name - who is the twelfth doctor - is John Frobisher.
Once it's Peter's turn, he will politely decline and drinks, more interested in getting to the point of things than wasting time. His name is Peter Quill, although he sometimes uses 'Star-Lord' as his stage name, and he is 39 years old. He is a jazz musician traveling with his somewhat younger girlfriend, Rey, who is a fantastic singer, and they are both humans. They have never visited Qririe Cliffs and they are moving to Vrefesea looking for new gigs and to start a new, promising life and career.
Their manager is also on board the train, a handsome fella - yes, Peter will describe him like that - named Finn, who used to be a journalist before showbiz called for him.
While they aren't super close, he knew Mrs. Oswin Smith from navigating the same circles of the music world. It's also why, before they get separated, he tries to give her a comforting look and a small smile. Once he's with Pinot in the room, Peter studies the man's colorful shirt and somehow it makes him smile a little with fondness, as if he's remembering something past gone, murmuring to himself something about a Magnum P.I guy. He focuses properly when Pinot speaks, although he still doesn't look too stressed out.
"My best guess is it's because I just have the kind of face that makes me look like a charming scoundrel." Peter quips but becomes properly serious a moment later. "And shouldn't you be the one to tell me why exactly we have been arrested? From my experience, lawyers and detectives only ask questions they already know the answer to. Why should I be blamed for the death of a man I didn't even know? Are you implying someone left evidence that incriminates me at the crime scene?"
no subject
Pinot shrugs a shoulder like he doesn't disagree with that assessment. What little he's seen of Quill and his arsenal of weapons, his being framed almost seems like an obvious choice. But he's got a few of his own theories and it's his job to figure out which one is the correct one.
(And by the way he looks just a little uncomfortable to be here, it might be inferred that getting the QCPD involved only makes things a little more complicated. Messier.)
"There's always a motive behind every crime, and no it doesn't mean you need to know the guy, but maybe you knew their family name. Maybe you're working for someone with a grudge. Maybe they have some long-lost fortune you're seeking to steal for yourself," Pinot says, idly offering a few choice motives he's seen in the past. "But as it happens — yeah. Morrow's got a big piece of evidence that incriminates you and the lady in the other room. Nothing clearer than your names scribbled across a page, huh?"
no subject
Peter seems to consider all the options Pinot mentions, notices that the detective doesn't look too happy, and then brings up his counterpoint.
"Good theories, and as you said, I'd be a pretty easy target to blame for this. But it's stupid to kill someone on a train on the very first day of travel, when there's no place to hide. So that means it was either a spur-of-the-moment reaction, which is a bit unlikely going by the stab wounds, or the killer simply wasn't going to have a better opportunity than this one. Besides, look at me..."
He makes a vague gesture towards his arms, and since he has his sleeves rolled up, it's easy to see there are no fingernail scratches or bruises.
"Not to brag, but if I were the killer, I wouldn't want the corpse to be found. I'm strong enough to grab it and thrown it overboard. Let the sea eat it up and hide the evidence. That wasn't the case, so...your killer didn't have time, didn't have the strength, or it's trying to send some sort of message. Can the windows of the train be opened?"
He honestly hadn't checked and he can't remember if the window in Jove's room was up or down because he had only seen the crime scene briefly. But a piece of paper with Clara and his name on it, ah, fuck. That is problematic and hella suspicious too. It makes Peter frown, wondering if that paper is what Jove had in his hand when they found him."
"You know, I always liked murder mysteries as a kid, I just wasn't expecting to be part of one. That note with Miss. Oswin and my name on it... do the calligraphy match the victim's handwriting?"
no subject
Look, Pinot can understand the man's frustration for being detained and potentially deprived of some of the best frozen treats this side of Novis Nox has to offer, but they've all got their jobs to do. Pinot's just doing his.
He does inspect Peter's arms though, noting that they seem clean of any scratches or bruises. That helps. Pinot straightens once he seems suitably pleased with that round of inspections. It won't be the last either. Morrow's going to want to have a look himself.
As for Peter's ... colourful testimony, well ... it's not bad, as far as he's concerned, like maybe the guy actually did think things through.
"We're looking into it, but no. We're assuming the handwriting comes from an anonymous tip, a passenger on the train, just like you and Mrs Smith. Except they might claim to have seen what happened that night. Any idea who might hold some kind of a grudge against you? Made any 'friends' recently?"
no subject
It's not only being arrested that frustrates Peter, that had happened before, but this mess complicates finding the orb. This means they are all stuck in this planet until the issue is solved. And yes, he will be extra bummed about missing out on the sweets.
"So...a possible witness decided that a conveniently placed paper left somewhere for the police to find with two names written was a much better idea than coming forward and telling the detective on the case who committed the murder. Seems very logical. " If Peter's eyebrows went any higher, they would reach his hair. He might not be as versed in the laws as Minimus Ambus, but even he can tell that, as far as evidence goes, it's flimsy at best, and what the kid call 'total bullshit' at worst.
"Anybody with access to the train ticket list could have chosen two random names. Or they might have heard of us before. After all, both of your suspects are musical artists." Never mind the fact that Peter has never given a concert before in his life, and he isn't sure if Clara did either. At least he was an artist once...A con artist, maybe, but that counts, right?
"Someone who could be holding a grudge..." Peter actually seems to consider the question, even if he already knows the answer. "No, no one I can't think of. I'm plenty likeable. Shouldn't the victim's family be your main suspects? If you are looking for a justification to kill, what's better than old wounds and selfish motives? All families have them." And everyone can be a murderer, even your own father, something Peter is well aware of.
"I've heard the victim talk to his family while we were waiting to board the train. They mentioned their mother's passing." And at that, Peter looks rather sympathetic because mothers are a sore spot for him as well. "Sounds like tragedy follows them."
no subject
"Someone who didn't feel comfortable coming forward, someone who was afraid to be spot-lit came to the Captain with a couple of names: yours and Miss Oswin's. We've spoken. And I'm just wondering, as unofficial detective on this unofficial case, why that might be. I never said the victim's family weren't suspects. I'm just trying to get a feel for every avenue this mystery might turn to."
He files away the rest of the facts and the questions and excuses himself, says he'll need to speak with the Mrs in the other room, get her statement as well. Pinot doesn't think Quill's done it, truthfully, but he needs better proof than Peter's so-called 'likability' factor. He'll let Quill stew on their brief talk for a moment; it may be the perfect chance for him to tap into the network and grab some facts from the other orbers.
Which leads to Pinot now stepping into the room where Clara has been patiently waiting (and, also, hopefully gathering facts to help clear her name). Morrow is still getting his own questions together in his office, which is fine by him; it provides him a chance to speak with the suspects on his own. Too many authorities in one place can really make the situation worse. (And ruin his own interrogations.)
"Mrs Smith — or Miss Oswin, if you prefer. Sorry to keep you waiting."
no subject
He will make sure to mention that to the other orbers in his messages, trying to figure out who they could have been and if it's related to the orb. The Guardian even says goodbye to Pinot and then settles for seemingly looking bored to no end while the detective goes to talk to Clara. And yes, Peter is going to take this chance to tap into the network and see what the others might know.
Clara is standing and looking out the window when Pinot enters the room. Upon seeing someone's finally here to question her, she smiles in relief and returns to the chair in the room to have a seat.
"Mrs. Smith, please." Clara gently insists, but doesn't say anything about being kept waiting. It's not like she had any choice in the matter, but isn't going to be patronizing and say so. What she is going to do, however, is be her normal self that needs some sort of control over a situation. and her form of control here is trying to direct the conversation.
"Can I ask why I've been named a person of interest?"
no subject
He remains standing. Not for any other reason than he's had enough sitting on the train and it's nice to stretch his legs.
"Well, I was going to ask you why you think you were named a person of interest." He chuckles. "And there you go, turning the table on me. Simply put, someone put your name down. Now would you have any idea why someone might do a thing like that?"
no subject
She pauses briefly after that, sitting up a little straighter in her seat. She takes the time to straighten and ensure the skirt of her dress is orderly and long enough to not be revealing. It's all meant to give a calculated moment of time before she adds on, "Because quite frankly, Mr.Pinot, I don't have any idea why someone would think I'm capable of harming anyone. Particularly since I have an alibi as to where I was when the murder must have occured."
no subject
Pinot crosses his arms. He hopes his pal Morrow won't make a surprise appearance, especially when things have suddenly become just a little more interesting.
"But if you have an alibi, all the better to move this process along. No one thinks they're capable of harming anyone until they do. And even after that, they'll deny it.
"So, go ahead: where were you on the night that Jove Day was killed in his cabin, Mrs Smith?"
no subject
"Provocative literature."
She does not, however, volunteer a reason as to why she'd be doing so in the middle of a potentially public area.
"My brother in law Mal was there at some point, as was were a few others throughout the night. A man named Kaede who said he was a photographer stands out. I'm sure they'd be able to vouch for my presence there. I know for a fact both Mal and Kaede were in the car with me when we heard the commotion and went to see what was going on."
no subject
No, really. He does not want to look at whatever it is Mrs Smith's got in her collection.
"Mal and Kaede. All right, good to know. I'll be boarding the train again with you all for this last part of the journey, I'm sure there'll be plenty of time to chat. Make sure everyone's stories are straight. Rest assured, Mrs Smith, you and Mr Quill aren't in any trouble if you're innocent."
However, before Pinot can go on he decides this conversation is better had with both of them in the room. Maybe so he can gauge their reactions together or against one another, but Peter Quill is allowed to join Clara. Another chair is brought into the room. Morrow decides he'll join too.
"Now while I want to believe neither of you did the deed, this note was pretty oddly specific," Pinot says. "Tell me what you think of this."
He'll read aloud the description of Clara: she's a traveler who visits planets to steal riches from them for her own selfish gain. There's a device in her luggage that she uses to find these treasures.
About Peter, Pinot reads from the note: he's a criminal from another planet too and he uses his blasters and jet-pack to steal valuables away.
Morrow, from the back of the room, starts up, remembering that they have a confiscated collection of Peter's weapons in the station.
"What do you make of that?"
no subject
"I think that it is, indeed, oddly specific." He says once Pinot is done with his spiel, a small frown between his brows. While Peter wearing his blasters in public is not a new occurrence, he hadn't used his jetpack at all during the mission. Only Viveca and the other orbers know about it. This means...someone in their group is trying to frame them? not good. He sends a quick text message to Clara, his face casual to the rest of the onlookers, and the message amounts to;
'Well fuck, this might be an inside job. But from what the others told us, it makes no sense. Why would one of them jeopardize the mission? '
And then, out loud, he adds.
"Do you have any proof of those accusations? Because everybody is free to claim people are not who they say they are. For example, I could question what an incredible coincidence it is to have an important detective on the train... where the victim is the person that said detective might have come to investigate in the first place. It's no secret that the deceased parents of the Day family were famous archeologists and that they had negotiations with the Vref. Museum in the past. A museum you work for, If I am not mistaken? Now that the heads of the household are gone and the siblings are inheriting their discoveries and fortune, how does that affect the Museum? As you told me before: there's always a motive behind every crime, and no it doesn't mean you need to know the guy. Maybe you're working for someone with a grudge."
After Pinot reads his evidence out loud, Clara’s eyebrows seem to arch higher and higher. She allows Peter to say his piece, letting the accusations marinate until the point she’s furious. Who among their group would do something like this? There’s only a few people who have seen or know about her sonic device. None of them she wants to think would betray her like this.
Thankfully, Peter has given her a wonderful target to focus on.
“Oh, that’s a good point.” Clara sharply agrees, glad to turn the tables on Pinot.
“I’d be glad to further prove my innocence, but you’re not one of the police officers here. He is,” She nods over toward Morrow. “But you? No. You clearly have a conflict of interest.”
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Hysterics in suspects isn't uncommon but boy, he just wants one of those iced treats and a vacation right now.
"As I've been trying to approach this investigation as delicately as possible, I hoped your cooperation in proving whether these accusations are true or not would be a factor in exonerating you from what we've been told. However, if you'd rather speak with Captain Morrow, I'm sure he'd be glad to give you the more official run-down of how this entire investigation is going to continue." He smiles. There is no humour or warmth in it. "Don't say I didn't warn you. I'm a detective on my own volition, but yeah, I was hired by the Vref for the retrieval of an artifact. That was never a secret, but I always do enjoy a good assumption; it really helps me form the characterization of someone I'm speaking with. I have reason to believe the Museum and Hortensia Day had an agreement, and that agreement is in progress so long as the Day children uphold their end of their mother's bargain. But please — please go ahead and speak with the police officers here. They're definitely on your side."
He sweeps a hand towards Captain Morrow whose eyes shine just a little too gleefully, like he'd been holding himself back for as long as possible but whatever agreement he has with Pinot had kept him quiet for long enough. Pinot on his part shrugs, calm as ever, but he's not the one under questioning. He's just doing his goddamned job.
"Floor's all yours, Captain." Pinot moves to sit back and Morrow moves forward.
"Oh, I knew the two of you were guilty the second I laid eyes on you. And this note! This note will give us everything we need. As we've just had a murder aboard the train and time's a-ticking, QCPD has the right to search suspects. I can't wait to fill these cells with criminals! Hah! I'll surely get my come-uppance then! A pay raise, even!"
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She’s so stunned by the betrayal of the letter that she has to put all of her effort into not crying. She’s numbed by concern over who would betray her like this, and it shows.
“Wait,” Clara finally insists, giving a shake of her head. “I stand by the fact that I didn’t harm anyone. I have an alibi to prove that! Only…”
Now she looks at Pinot, making eye contact as she speaks. “You mentioned an agreement between the Day family and the museum?”
Peter doesn't even look alarmed at the reply they get, but his frown is ever-present at the nerve of these people. Cops really are cops everywhere, no matter the planet, and he's not surprised they are useless. He's also got no patience for the whole good cop- bad cop plus carrot and stick approach. He tries not to think about the bitterness it brings him to learn that someone betrayed them. Perhaps it was for their goal, but it hurt all the same. Before speaking up, Peter waits for Clara to finish, lamenting that she's been dragged into all this mess.
He tilts his chin up towards Captain Morrow, and he couldn't look more unimpressed. He knows this is a waste of time already, that this conversation will end with them locked up no matter what, but he always had little tolerance for bullshit.
"I'll try not to use too many big words because it's clear that gray matter is not something you have in abundance. There are no signs that we were in contact with the victim or that we got into his cabin. No defensive marks on us, no murder weapon, and no real motive. All you have is someone accusing us, someone who might be lying, helping the real culprit, or who simply holds a grudge. Based on that, you want to convict two innocent people while leaving the real murderers free, allowing them to possibly commit more crimes. All so you can look good and get a raise. Going by that answer, I imagine you're not beyond planting evidence if it makes things easier for you. Such a prime example of the legal system. "
Peter doesn't even raise his voice, but the 'Fuck you' in his tone couldn't be more clear. He looks just as done with the situation as he sounds, and leans back on the chair and directs his next words to Pinot.
"As for you, Mr Great Detective, this would also look fantastic for your reputation, I'm sure. Oh, two violent criminals behind bars... except you got the wrong ones. And this might not get you what you are looking for. What a shame. "
It's all he has to say, so what's done is done. The rest of the orbers need to be warned about this, goal or no goal, just in case others are framed or end in danger. Clara and Peter just need to figure out how to approach the situation in a way that doesn't make everyone immediately paranoid.
“Mr.Quill!” Clara cries out the second he stops speaking, shocked. “They’re only trying to do their job. Antagonizing and insulting them isn’t going to help prove our innocence. Mr. Pinot didn’t even get the chance to answer my question.”
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"Well, we'll just see about that won't we?" Morrow starts. "Who knows what other weapons you have lying around in your luggage if this device and your blasters and jet-pack are anything to speak of! Bombs, perhaps? Poisons? More jewels from other ventures? We've spoken with the witness and oh, they sure had quite a lot to say about you two. Enough to fill the books so you're kept behind bars for life!"
Pinot clears his throat from the back of the room, possibly to cover up a laugh. Morrow turns to Pinot and glares. "Just because you've done us a favour once, Pinot, don't forget we don't care whatsoever for detectives like you."
"Twice, actually, but I'm glad to see how valuable my help has been."
Morrow stops abruptly, turning back to the two suspects. "We'll find a murder weapon. We'll find your motives too. What was it, hm? Did you learn who the Days were and decided to put on this innocent act to cover your trail? The note-writer said as much. Or maybe you teamed up with the Days!"
Pinot lets out a breath and steps forward. This isn't going anywhere and with the train to leave in a couple of hours, they'll need to hurry this investigation along because either way, he'll be getting back on the Steamhallow.
"With all due respect, Mr Quill, you were never a part of my job and whatever happens to you or Mrs Smith has no bearing on my reputation. Just a really big pain in my ass and a waste of a perfectly fine afternoon."
He turns now to Mrs Smith.
"Yes, I did. Hortensia Day had a historical artifact that she agreed would be returned to the Vref, and while she might have passed away, by all counts one of her children could easily finish her deed."
"— unless, of course, one or both of you decided to intervene!" Morrow interrupts. "I hope it was worth it."
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But...the note, oh. As much as Peter tries to keep his emotions in check, he's never been good at it when they are very strong. He leans in to get a better look, frowning as his eyes scan the familiar letters, and there's no stopping the hurt in Peter's face as he realizes it's one he's seen before. The man with this particular chicken-scratch kind of writing is someone Peter calls a friend. Newton Geiszler.
It makes no sense. Why would Newton do that to them? Was his handwriting forged? Was it for a goal...?
Peter's face hardens, and he goes really quiet, leaning back again and hearing the others talk. He doesn't say anything to Clara immediately, mentally guarded now to avoid letting his upset thoughts bleed and mix with any possible replies. Having tech connected directly to his brain is less than ideal sometimes.
They have spoken with the witness at length, the police say. Newt has not only left a note but given them details about their personal belongings, to make sure they were really targeted. Something painful and unpleasant twists in Peter's gut, not much different from the feeling he gets when thinking about ego. Peter tried being nice, but he's seriously considering starting biting people now, like Rocket would have done.
After taking a deep breath, he finally sends a message to Clara.
That is Newt's handwriting, I'm sure. I've seen it before. Curt, direct and blunt, leaving little room for doubts or arguing. He doesn't want to believe it, but it's hard not to.
After that, Peter will only say that he wants to have a legal representative present. They sure have the right to defend themselves from false accusations and questionable investigations, right? If not allowed, he will scoff and mention kangaroo courts. But if it's a possibility, Peter will ask for 'Count Carlo', Minimus Ambus's fake persona for the mission, to represent him and then go silent again.
Clara fixes Peter with a stern look. Newt’s betrayal stings, and she’s left reeling from it. But they have to focus now. She can tell that they have a very limited time left to deal with the matter at hand. Morrow looks about ready to lock them both up, and that’s not happening. She sets aside her hurt feelings and her upset, and takes a deep breath.
It’s now or never. Her focus no longer on Peter, she turns back to Morrow and Pinot.
“Oh, one of Hortensia Day’s children could have finished the deed, I'm sure. And given how far beyond their means they were all supposedly living, I’m sure one of them tried finishing the deed to benefit their own means.“
She pauses, sitting up straight in her chair.
“Have you looked further into the family’s adopted daughter, Goldie? She was seen with someone that distinctly isn’t a member of the Day family shortly after the murder. It may be nothing, but he could also be approached for questioning. I was told he has red skin and goes by the name Noct Wood. So he should be easy to find and bring in for questioning.”
That last part is directed toward Pinot. After seeing how Morrow works, she understands that he’s their best shot of getting their names cleared and solving the murder. She's trying her best to salvage this interrogation and work with him now.
“Also, there’s a private investigator on board the train. I believe his name is Takeshi Kovacs. He’s likely been collecting evidence this entire time. You may also want to arrange a meeting with him, as quick as you like.”
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Pinot remembers seeing a man on the train that might match that description, but he's seen so many passengers on the large train it doesn't mean all that much. He's got a name though, and that's something. And it looks like Goldie Day has a lot more to say than she let on too. He notes the name and commits it to memory, and takes note of 'Takeshi Kovacs' as well.
"Another detective, huh? Could've used the help earlier. A friend of yours?"
Morrow inhales. "Well, we can take him can't we?" He points in Quill's direction, seeing now that Clara might be harder to push emotionally into a confession.
Pinot ignores him.
To Clara: "If you and your over-emotional friend want to get back to the train before boarding, we'll need to speak with Mr Kovacs and this Mr Wood as well, because now we've got some contradictory statements here."
What follows is this: After a few more huffy questions about the not-so-anonymous note and perhaps anything else Clara might know regarding the murder from Morrow, Pinot will insist that he'll need to speak with Noct Wood, Takeshi Kovacs, and Goldie Day. But as time is growing shorter with each minute, he informs Morrow that this is a matter a little above the QCPD's resources and he'll be detaining the suspects himself (whom he believes are innocent anyway, despite their colourful reactions), taking them to Vrefesea on the Steamhallow Express the rest of the way.
(And yes, he has cuffs if needed, thank you Captain.)
There is little more paperwork to be done to send them on their way, but as they were never fully processed into the cells it doesn't take as long as it should. Morrow grumbles about it the whole way through, but Pinot is insistent that this is a Vrefesea matter and he'll be in contact with the VrPD.
Two QCPD's officers will accompany Pinot, Clara, and Peter back to the train where they will unfortunately have the same view they had coming into the town. By now the sun is beginning to set and the proud express train looks to be getting set to finish the rest of the journey to Vrefesea.
"I'm putting a hell of a lot of trust in you two," Pinot says, but as there's no where else to go and a couple of officers (not Morrow, thankfully) on watch, he intends to get to the bottom of this and will seek out the names on his list.