001: Unexpected Beginnings

[terrymixon]

William at least managed to find the bar in the time they were waiting. He poured himself a nice, straight single malt and looked around. He raised his glass to Spicoli and Walter but the stunning brunette entered before he could go over and properly greet them. Silencer listened carefully to the woman and then raised his glass in tribute and threw back the whiskey. "To Mad Dog, may he be tearing down a bar somewhere beyond on a bender!" He threw down the glass and stomped on it.

Treegarden raised an eyebrow at his actions, but otherwise didn't respond.

The ebony-skinned woman nodded fractionally. "If you please, take us through the events surrounding his murder." She extracted her datapad and activated the recording function. "I am recording this part of the conversation for later reference."

Nodding to the woman asking the questions, William thought for a second. "Definitely take it from the top Lady. Has this news hit the streets yet?"

Finally, Spicoli speaks up saying in a quiet voice, of a lower pitch than you'd expect from him by his looks, "I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Vincenzo. You say he was murdered, so not killed while on a case?"

She took a moment to sit at the head of the table. She looked comfortable in that position.

"First, allow me introduce Doctor Lucius Metz. He is a robotics scientist and also an employee of Mad Dog's new enterprise, Retrieval Services Unlimited. That's the same guild you are employed by, in case you didn't read your employment contracts closely enough. It was chartered here at Glisten when Mad Dog took possession of his new ship--the Lost & Found--a week ago."

She waited to allow the information to sink in and then continued. "Your employer left his ship the evening of 1104-363 and made his way to a bar called The Last Ride. Doctor Metz says he wasn't aware of Mad Dog's departure, and I have no reason to doubt that. The ship has been under continuous guard and all communications have been monitored, so security has ruled him out as a suspect.

"Details at the bar are sketchy. It's a low-class establishment that has always been on the edges of being closed down, and this event finally made that happen. There were no cameras inside and the ones leading to the building were mostly non-functional due to neglect or sabotage that looks like it happened quite some time ago."

The woman picked up an empty glass from the table and poured herself some water, sipped it, and set the glass back down. "Virtually all the patrons fled before security showed up and there is no way to identify who might have been present. All that can be said with certainty is that there was a brawl--one that Mad Dog was not involved with--and that when it was done, your employer was under his table with a knife in the back of his skull.

"Was it work related? Possibly. I find it difficult to imagine he was chasing a bounty, though. He was already hip-deep into setting up something worth astronomically more than a common bounty would pay. Could it have been someone with a grudge? Again, possibly. If so, I'm uncertain that they would know that he was going to be there. There is no indication that he frequented the establishment. He had latched onto a higher-class operation closer to his ship and was making friends and influencing people there, if you know what I mean."

She paused a moment to consider you all. "That was sarcasm, just in case it wasn't clear. The bottom line is that security is having difficulty developing leads as no one will talk to them. That is what happened and where things sit so far as his death. His body is in the morgue and will need to be taken care of, as are the few personal effects that he had on him. As things sit now, I hold a low expectation that his killer or killers will ever be found."

[terrymixon]

Treegarden is a blank. No mention of her in anything public at all.

There is info on Mad Dog, but it's more general and there is only a low detail, low key crime report that notes his death under suspicious circumstances at a bar called The Last Ride. Truth in advertising in this case.

"Crime report of a death under suspicious circumstances at a bar called The Last Ride." Spicoli says adding dryly, "Strangely appropriate location for Mr. Vincenzo's last drink."

Turning back to Treegarden Spicoli sighs and drops his hands into his lap. Cocking his head to the side he looks Aster in the eye and asks, "So, Sianna Treegarden, with our employer dead, why are we here? And might we know the name of this Siaster standing beside you?"

Overlapping responses. See my post for info on Lucius.

"Because the guild still exists, and so you are still it's employees. Actually, no. More accurately, you all are its new owners. The last will and testament that I insisted Mad Dog write up said that if he were to die, the guild--and all its assets and debts--passed on to the employees at the time of his passing. Since you all signed on before starting your trip here--except for Lucius--then that's you."

[ateno]

Quietly to Garvin.

"Will you give me 12-1 on a C note that he is still alive or some other con like that? Testing us, or some s--t."

Arkar looks like he is listening intently, but is long practiced at this.

He realizes his drink is done and waits before refilling.

Arkar

[Eris]

Treegarden is a blank. No mention of her in anything public at all.

There is info on Mad Dog, but it's more general and there is only a low detail, low key crime report that notes his death under suspicious circumstances at a bar called The Last Ride. Truth in advertising in this case.

"Crime report of a death under suspicious circumstances at a bar called The Last Ride." Spicoli says adding dryly, "Strangely appropriate location for Mr. Vincenzo's last drink."

Turning back to Treegarden Spicoli sighs and drops his hands into his lap. Cocking his head to the side he looks Aster in the eye and asks, "So, Sianna Treegarden, with our employer dead, why are we here? And might we know the name of this Siaster standing beside you?"

Overlapping responses. See my post for info on Lucius.

"Because the guild still exists, and so you are still it's employees. Actually, no. More accurately, you all are its new owners. The last will and testament that I insisted Mad Dog write up said that if he were to die, the guild--and all its assets and debts--passed on to the employees at the time of his passing. Since you all signed on before starting your trip here--except for Lucius--then that's you."

"Just to clear things up in my mind, and you are, or rather were, his Solicitor?" asks Spicoli, then cocks his head asking, "And also a member of the Retrieval Services Unlimited Guild and thus also a new owner? Or did you hold some other sort of business relationship with Sia Vincenzo?"

[terrymixon]

"Crime report of a death under suspicious circumstances at a bar called The Last Ride." Spicoli says adding dryly, "Strangely appropriate location for Mr. Vincenzo's last drink."

Turning back to Treegarden Spicoli sighs and drops his hands into his lap. Cocking his head to the side he looks Aster in the eye and asks, "So, Sianna Treegarden, with our employer dead, why are we here? And might we know the name of this Siaster standing beside you?"

Overlapping responses. See my post for info on Lucius.

"Because the guild still exists, and so you are still it's employees. Actually, no. More accurately, you all are its new owners. The last will and testament that I insisted Mad Dog write up said that if he were to die, the guild--and all its assets and debts--passed on to the employees at the time of his passing. Since you all signed on before starting your trip here--except for Lucius--then that's you."

"Just to clear things up in my mind, and you are, or rather were, his Solicitor?" asks Spicoli, then cocks his head asking, "And also a member of the Retrieval Services Unlimited Guild and thus also a new owner? Or did you hold some other sort of business relationship with Sia Vincenzo?"

She smiled coolly. "No, I am not his solicitor. I am the person who oversaw all aspects of his windfall and the purchase and upgrade of his new ship. Your new ship, I should say. I am in no way affiliated with your guild. Without going into detail, I work for a division of the Imperial government that I am not at liberty to disclose. I am here as a courtesy to inform you of what you are now in control of and to go over the terms of the deal Mad Dog agreed to, and that the guild is bound by. He was originally to perform this function, but that option was rather forcefully precluded."

Treegarden looked around the room. "If you have heard what you want to know about Mad Dog's passing--and I admit that I thought you would show more interest in the murder of someone you liked well enough to come work for--I am prepared to go into detail--what detail you are cleared to know, in any case--of the circumstances you now find yourselves in. I'll be frank. You are in a rather odd position because of Mad Dog's desires and the things he insisted on. There will be large positives and one rather deep cliff you'll want to avoid. Shall I proceed?"

[Tiglath]

Quietly to Garvin.

"Will you give me 12-1 on a C note that he is still alive or some other con like that? Testing us, or some s--t."

Garvin replies "No chance. Only a mug punter bets if they don't know the game an' this one smells very much like it's rigged. That... or we're playin' against the 'ouse".

[ateno]

Garvin replies "No chance. Only a mug punter bets if they don't know the game an' this one smells very much like it's rigged. That... or we're playin' against the 'ouse".

"Old Charmer, you’ve become quite the cautious one! 12 to one. All good, playing more like it. Just remember this... "

He smiles and listens more to the lady.

Arkar

[Coinich]

Upon hearing all of the information come out about the death of Mad Dog, Lucius begins to fidget with his plastifoam coffee cup. His clothes slightly wrinkled, and... very casual. A floral, (a.k.a. Hawaiian), style short-sleeved shirt, khaki shorts, and hair that stands on end in the quintessential "mad scientist" style. He is no longer studying everyone, but is looking down at his cup in a, somewhat, socially awkward way.

[Tiglath]

She paused a moment to consider you all. "That was sarcasm, just in case it wasn't clear. The bottom line is that security is having difficulty developing leads as no one will talk to them. That is what happened and where things sit so far as his death. His body is in the morgue and will need to be taken care of, as are the few personal effects that he had on him. As things sit now, I hold a low expectation that his killer or killers will ever be found."

Garvin pitches his voice so as to gain attention "Miss Treegarden, I dunno which organisation you work for and I'd usually say it's none of my business. That's until you just told me it now is an' that I'm up to my neck in it. That bein' the case I've got to ask are your security folk deliberately muckin' the investigation up or are they just not very good at it? You can see as 'ow there's an important difference between the two?"

His tone is professional and not antagonistic "I know enough to know that even with no one talkin' and no one there loads of the punters in that bar could be identified by trace evidence - certainly everyone who left a drink behind. Your glass of water there would tell all about you to someone in the know. It's that stuff no villain likes to leave behind - but it also identifies witnesses. That applies even more in a dive bar where the punters are already known to law enforcement".

"Now, Detective Sergeant Shugilamar over there's really very sharp an' given more than 'alf the facts she might solve this one for you because I'll lay you odds those that started the decoy ruckus while the hit was put on Mad Dog have left enough behind to be in the investigation pool. Might not get you the button man but it might give you a steer. Don't put your money on me though - I'm just a rank outsider". He smiles at Jaelah "The lady over there's your odds on favourite".

[terrymixon]

She paused a moment to consider you all. "That was sarcasm, just in case it wasn't clear. The bottom line is that security is having difficulty developing leads as no one will talk to them. That is what happened and where things sit so far as his death. His body is in the morgue and will need to be taken care of, as are the few personal effects that he had on him. As things sit now, I hold a low expectation that his killer or killers will ever be found."

Garvin pitches his voice so as to gain attention "Miss Treegarden, I dunno which organisation you work for and I'd usually say it's none of my business. That's until you just told me it now is an' that I'm up to my neck in it. That bein' the case I've got to ask are your security folk deliberately muckin' the investigation up or are they just not very good at it? You can see 'ow there's an important difference between the two?"

His tone is professional and not antagonistic "I know enough to know that even with no one talkin' and no one there loads of the punters in that bar could be identified by trace evidence - certainly everyone who left a drink behind. Your glass of water there would tell all about you to someone in the know. It's that stuff no villain likes to leave behind - but it also identifies witnesses. That applies even more in a dive bar where the punters are already known to law enforcement".

"Now, Detective Sergeant Shugilamar over there's really very sharp an' given more than 'alf the facts she might solve this one for you because I'll lay you odds those that started the decoy ruckus while the hit was put on Mad Dog have left enough behind to be in the investigation pool. Might not get you the button man but it might give you a steer. Don't put your money on me though - I'm just a rank outsider". He smiles at Jaelah "The lady over there's your odds on favourite".

Her smile widens but doesn't get any warmer. "Your mistake is thinking that I have anything to do with operations on this starport or the investigation. I do not. By the time I was made aware of the events, it was already too late for me to intervene. In any case, I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of the investigation and the investigators. Sadly, no one felt the need to collect the forensic evidence for reasons that I'm sure are reprehensible and all the glasses were cleaned. Well, after a fashion, but enough to foil that avenue of investigation. You are more than welcome to pursue an investigation, so far as I'm concerned. Security will likely disagree with me, but I personally wish you luck."

[joertexas]

Her smile widens but doesn't get any warmer. "Your mistake is thinking that I have anything to do with operations on this starport or the investigation. I do not. By the time I was made aware of the events, it was already too late for me to intervene. In any case, I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of the investigation and the investigators. Sadly, no one felt the need to collect the forensic evidence for reasons that I'm sure are reprehensible and all the glasses were cleaned. Well, after a fashion, but enough to foil that avenue of investigation. You are more than welcome to pursue an investigation, so far as I'm concerned. Security will likely disagree with me, but I personally wish you luck."

Jaelah nods once at Gavin, and turns back to Treegarden. "Once the immediate questions are answered, may I have a few minutes of your time to confirm the details of the murder?"

[terrymixon]

Her smile widens but doesn't get any warmer. "Your mistake is thinking that I have anything to do with operations on this starport or the investigation. I do not. By the time I was made aware of the events, it was already too late for me to intervene. In any case, I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of the investigation and the investigators. Sadly, no one felt the need to collect the forensic evidence for reasons that I'm sure are reprehensible and all the glasses were cleaned. Well, after a fashion, but enough to foil that avenue of investigation. You are more than welcome to pursue an investigation, so far as I'm concerned. Security will likely disagree with me, but I personally wish you luck."

Jaelah nods once at Gavin, and turns back to Treegarden. "Once the immediate questions are answered, may I have a few minutes of your time to confirm the details of the murder?"

"You may, but I won't be much help. I have the security report, but as your associate guessed, it is subpar. I'm afraid my personal knowledge contains no additional information as I was forced to rely on what security provided. Because the murder was outside the scope of my department's work, my superior declined to authorize manpower or resources to look into the matter further. I argued for us to do more but was overruled. I didn't care for Mad Dog, but I dislike even tangential attacks that impinge on my work. If I had been given leave, I would have pursued the matter more strenuously than the locals did."

[joertexas]

"You may, but I won't be much help. I have the security report, but as your associate guessed, it is subpar. I'm afraid my personal knowledge contains no additional information as I was forced to rely on what security provided. Because the murder was outside the scope of my department's work, my superior declined to authorize manpower or resources to look into the matter further. I argued for us to do more but was overruled. I didn't care for Mad Dog, but I dislike even tangential attacks the infringe on my work. If I had been given leave, I would have pursued it more strenuously than the locals did."

"Thank you." Jaelah sits down and waits for the others to ask their questions.

[Eris]

"You may, but I won't be much help. I have the security report, but as your associate guessed, it is subpar. I'm afraid my personal knowledge contains no additional information as I was forced to rely on what security provided. Because the murder was outside the scope of my department's work, my superior declined to authorize manpower or resources to look into the matter further. I argued for us to do more but was overruled. I didn't care for Mad Dog, but I dislike even tangential attacks the infringe on my work. If I had been given leave, I would have pursued it more strenuously than the locals did."

"Thank you." Jaelah sits down and waits for the others to ask their questions.

"Hum, if I may." speaks up Spicoli, "I realize that it is our nature to want to investigate and, um, deal with whoever perpetrated the murder of Sia Vincenzo, but that isn't our immediate concern."

Turning to Teagarden he says, "Sianna Teagarden perhaps you can tell us what we've actually signed on for here?"

[terrymixon]

"You may, but I won't be much help. I have the security report, but as your associate guessed, it is subpar. I'm afraid my personal knowledge contains no additional information as I was forced to rely on what security provided. Because the murder was outside the scope of my department's work, my superior declined to authorize manpower or resources to look into the matter further. I argued for us to do more but was overruled. I didn't care for Mad Dog, but I dislike even tangential attacks the infringe on my work. If I had been given leave, I would have pursued it more strenuously than the locals did."

"Thank you." Jaelah sits down and waits for the others to ask their questions.

"Hum, if I may." speaks up Spicoli, "I realize that it is our nature to want to investigate and, um, deal with whoever perpetrated the murder of Sia Vincenzo, but that isn't our immediate concern."

Turning to Teagarden he says, "Sianna Teagarden perhaps you can tell us what we've actually signed on for here?"

"If no one objects, I'd be pleased to do so."

OOC: I'll let people have time to respond and write a post up for tomorrow afternoon. There are some big surprises coming your way. MWAHAHAHA!

[helvorn]

Silencer (William) pours himself another drink to hide his surprise. It seemed that not only are they owners of Mad Dog's Guild sanctioned operation which seemed to include a ship to round things off but that they were involved with some covert branch of the Imperial government on a mission taken on by Mad Dog himself. He listened as the others bantered back and forth. He had confidence that Spicoli could find any data trails but it would be best to keep his ears open for now. The others seemed competent enough although the scientist seemed to be typically eccentric so he relaxed. "Go ahead and lay out the details for us if you would please."

He turned the others. "Since we are new partners I'll introduce myself before we get started. My name is William 'silencer' Larsson from down around the Five Sisters originally." William is tall and solidly built with intelligent brown eyes that rove the room constantly. His brown hair is cut short and neat and he is dressed in nondescript, middle-class clothing. He moves with grace but there is a bit of something feral in his stance and gaze. Despite the underlying tension William holds himself with a military discipline. His accent is a bit harsh and non-Imperial. Some might recognize it as having hints of Sagamal in it.

[terrymixon]

Silencer (William) pours himself another drink to hide his surprise. It seemed that not only are they owners of Mad Dog's Guild sanctioned operation which seemed to include a ship to round things off but that they were involved with some covert branch of the Imperial government on a mission taken on by Mad Dog himself.

OOC: You have no idea. I’ve been sitting on this opening plot line for weeks and I am confident it will be a surprise. A big one.

[helvorn]

OOC: You have no idea. I’ve been sitting on this opening plot line for weeks and I am confident it will be a surprise. A big one.

I like the mission from Azhanti High Lightning where they have to take the rare Terran wine to the Emperor or something like that.

[terrymixon]

OOC: You have no idea. I’ve been sitting on this opening plot line for weeks and I am confident it will be a surprise. A big one.

I like the mission from Azhanti High Lightning where they have to take the rare Terran wine to the Emperor or something like that.

That would be unexpected for sure. This, though, will put you in a position that I’ll wager no other Travellers have been in. The world will go topsy turvy when I reveal the opening gambit tomorrow.

[helvorn]

I like the mission from Azhanti High Lightning where they have to take the rare Terran wine to the Emperor or something like that.

That would be unexpected for sure. This, though, will put you in a position that I’ll wager no other Travellers have been in. The world will go topsy turvy when I reveal the opening gambit tomorrow.

Something like this?