Chapter Two: Queen of the Belt

[ateno]

Lead Forensics Officer
....... cause a dead body means that this isn't just a case of finding a bunch of druggies, but a Homicide investigation. That will mean a substantial team and they will need unfettered access.

And it means we will be wanting to take statements from you all and we will need you out of the way while we work.[/dialog]

Pranits mouth falls open.

"A dead body, where? Of course, I will inform the Captain."

To Indrani:

"Indrani, there is a dead body on the hanger deck, no one recent, but we are going to have to open
the queen up to a investigation.

Officer, once you clear the scene and let me know, I will set the code so your crew and the CO and I only have access. Excuse me.

He turns.

Ms. Jinja, what are you doing here? Crew and forensics only.

After the confrontation, using the forensics officer if needed, Pranit to the bridge, and set all monitors
on record.

[BackworldTraveller]

Ms. Jinja, what are you doing here? Crew and forensics only.

I'm here as the port surveyor for the police to see if the vessel is safe. Ironic.

[ateno]

I'm here as the port surveyor for the police to see if the vessel is safe. Ironic.

*checks ID*

Smiles broadly at the irony, seeing much irony in the military.

My apologies, carry on.

[BackworldTraveller]

Jinja

I should check the other airlock, hanger, cargo doors and the seal on the workshop.

[ateno]

Jinja

I should check the other airlock, hanger, cargo doors and the seal on the workshop.

OK, let me know if you need anything special.

Indrani, Port inspector is going to want access to engineering, to check the seal on the workshop. Interesting that she knows about it.

[BackworldTraveller]

Jinja

Probably an escort...and with that he picks up his tool bag and heads to the lift.

[joertexas]

Jinja

Probably an escort...and with that he picks up his tool bag and heads to the lift.

Since she has been monitoring all conversations aboard ship via the internal security and comms systems, Indrani overhears what's going on.

Using her command access, she overrides the lift car before Jinja can open it and calls it to Engineering. "Reven, we're leaving. Get your tools and let's go." She keys the comm to Pranit. "Pranit, please gather anything that is ours, and leave this ship. I will meet you in the bay."

Indrani gathers her tools and her gear since Reven is supposed to have it and waits on the lift car. When it arrives, she ushers Reven into it, rides it to the airlock deck, and takes herself and him off the ship and into the bay. "We don't need twenty-four hours to make our choice," she says to the assembled crew. "We're not going anywhere in this ship for a very long time." As she speaks, she removes her vacc suit and puts on her street clothes.

When she's gathered everything, Indrani exits the bay and starts off toward her hotel room.

[Stirling]

Tiberius

I would think the bay had a few lockers for folk to use and keep the key rather than have clothes and guns left in a heap on the floor.

14 police in total milling about. So I would like to get an idea from the inspector regarding timescale for them to remove the trees, bodies, evidence and we have access to the ship.

We also need copies of any inspection report from Jinja.

[ateno]

Jinja

Probably an escort...and with that he picks up his tool bag and heads to the lift.

Sorry, thats my queue.

Pranit points to the intercom and heads to the lift where Indrani and company will emerge. Waiting to leave with them.

[BackworldTraveller]

Jinja

Err, Captain...Is the engine room still off limits?

Pranit, what now?

The Forensics team in the crew quarters all look busy!

[joertexas]

Jinja

Err, Captain...Is the engine room still off limits?

Pranit, what now?

The Forensics team in the crew quarters all look busy!

Narrative change...

Indrani stops and confronts Jinja. "I have no idea, whoever the hell you are. Go ask the person in charge. I have no idea who that is at this moment. What I do know is that we haven't had the time, a damned hour!, to check the hull to be sure that someone doesn't get spaced. It's colder than a asteroid miner's ass in the Engineering section. I categorically refuse to take responsibility for a group of ignorant ground grippers who have a fine disregard for an engineer's sworn statement that this ship is a possible deathtrap. So, no, nothing is off-limits, since I have no de facto authority as the duly elected captain of this drifting hulk. If you happen to locate someone with a functioning brain and a desire to use it, then by all means point them out to me. Until then, I am removing myself from this stuck thruster of a situation, since I will not take responsibility for someone dying on my watch if no one is listening to me anyway."

[Stirling]

Tiberius

Would also like to point out to the chief inspector of police that as Jinja Busai is a 1/8th owner of the ship, since it's retention at the bay he as had possible continued access as he works at the starport and could reasonably be involved in whatever illicit activity happened on board. Having him tramp through evidence while inspecting the ship is a conflict of interests.

He needs to be removed from the ship.

[BackworldTraveller]

Tiberius

Would also like to point out to the chief inspector of police that as Jinja Busai is a 1/8th owner of the ship, since it's retention at the bay he as had possible continued access as he works at the starport and could reasonably be involved in whatever illicit activity happened on board. Having him tramp through evidence while inspecting the ship is a conflict of interests.

He needs to be removed from the ship.

The investigator is thankful for your concern and calls Jinja out immediately. Jinja looks daggers at you as he leaves, but hasn't a leg to stand on!

Are you staying to watch the procession or heading off with the others?

[joertexas]

Tiberius

Would also like to point out to the chief inspector of police that as Jinja Busai is a 1/8th owner of the ship, since it's retention at the bay he as had possible continued access as he works at the starport and could reasonably be involved in whatever illicit activity happened on board. Having him tramp through evidence while inspecting the ship is a conflict of interests.

He needs to be removed from the ship.

The investigator is thankful for your concern and calls Jinja out immediately. Jinja looks daggers at you as he leaves, but hasn't a leg to stand on!

Are you staying to watch the procession or heading off with the others?

More narrative change - sorry

Indrani strides up to the investigator. "Are you in charge of this circus?"

[Stirling]

Tiberius

Well Tibbs came to the conclusion the crew inspection was going to be halted so would remain in the bay and return to hotel with the others. There is no reason for him to stay longer and access to the ship will not happen until the police have finished.

[BackworldTraveller]

Indrani strides up to the investigator. "Are you in charge of this circus?"

For the moment - I can't see a lowly investigator like me getting to keep this now there's a body involved.

I don't suppose you know who it might be?

[joertexas]

Indrani strides up to the investigator. "Are you in charge of this circus?"

For the moment - I can't see a lowly investigator like me getting to keep this now there's a body involved.

I don't suppose you know who it might be?

Indrani shows her teeth in an expression that only a fool would characterize as a smile. "I have no idea who the victim is, and I don't care. He, or she, is long dead, and likely will remain so. Here is what I do know. This ship is unsafe for non-crew people to work aboard, as certified by her captain and her chief engineering officer, both of whom are me, at this moment. Since you and your people have chosen to ignore me and proceed aboard anyway, I am informing you that I take absolutely no responsibility for your people's safety or well-being while they are aboard the Queen of the Belt. She is on shore power, but, as we do not have access, no one is standing a power watch. That's also a safety violation. All of the above is now your problem, and I intend to file complaints over this whole mess with the relevant authorities as soon as I can speak with the owners' attorneys."

[BackworldTraveller]

Indrani strides up to the investigator. "Are you in charge of this circus?"

For the moment - I can't see a lowly investigator like me getting to keep this now there's a body involved.

I don't suppose you know who it might be?

Indrani shows her teeth in an expression that only a fool would characterize as a smile. "I have no idea who the victim is, and I don't care. He, or she, is long dead, and likely will remain so. Here is what I do know. This ship is unsafe for non-crew people to work aboard, as certified by her captain and her chief engineering officer, both of whom are me, at this moment. Since you and your people have chosen to ignore me and proceed aboard anyway, I am informing you that I take absolutely no responsibility for your people's safety or well-being while they are aboard the Queen of the Belt. She is on shore power, but, as we do not have access, no one is standing a power watch. That's also a safety violation. All of the above is now your problem, and I intend to file complaints over this whole mess with the relevant authorities as soon as I can speak with the owners' attorneys."

Hold on - We requested permission to board and your exec allowed us access. That's on tape. If you are now telling me it is unsafe, then I'll pull them out again. Now you are also telling me that the ship is being left by you in an unsafe state! I'm sure the legal guys will make a fortune. You tell me that our surveyor is caught in a conflict of interest. We can find another one. But it would be easiest if that were you.

[joertexas]

Hold on - We requested permission to board and your exec allowed us access. That's on tape. If you are now telling me it is unsafe, then I'll pull them out again. Now you are also telling me that the ship is being left by you in an unsafe state! I'm sure the legal guys will make a fortune. You tell me that our surveyor is caught in a conflict of interest. We can find another one. But it would be easiest if that were you.

"We told you that it was unsafe! I broadcast over the PA system that it was unsafe when we first got aboard, and at least once after that! My exec allowed you aboard under protest, and under coercion! No one has been listening, and that is all on tape, too, I assure you."

Indrani takes a breath. "Now that you just might be listening to me, I am willing to go back aboard and keep working. Your people are safe enough in the crew area without vacc suits, since the exec," she points to Pranit, "will stay with them. But, don't send anyone into the cargo bay where the body is unless they have vacc suits, and after we ensure that the cargo doors are locked closed."

Her expression hardens again. "Understand me. I am more than willing to cooperate, but I won't countenance threats. As a former naval officer, I assure you that I am well familiar with my duties, responsibilities and privileges here. However, you are correct in saying that it would be easiest if I and my crew remain aboard."

All of this hashed the crap out of the narrative. I guess I can delete some earlier posts if it helps fix this mess.

[BackworldTraveller]

The investigator looks a bit deflated.

He calls Leiberkind.
Best come up to the crew area and help there

Oh Captain, any idea what is in the cabin with the cooked lock? Can your guys get that open? And we'd like to look in that turret too.

And if you disturb anything evidential while you are doing what you are doing, it will be my head.