Mystery on the Excelsior - Chapter Two

[Tariq j]

5 hours ago, Trekkie99 said:

"Anyone wanna join me to raid the kitchen for olives and cheese? Probably some fun stuff hiding in the cupboards."

"Yeah alright, there might be some treats Colin might like. The sudden power cut has made him a bit jumpy". 

5 hours ago, Bob said:

There's a lot of stars out there. The Excelsior is currently in open space between the Sol System and the Alpha Centauri system. If Oliver is good with stars, he may be able to pinpoint the exact location.

"That's a point". Seymour heads to the viewing port. "I think that's Urso Minor, Draco... Hercules I think. Which would make that the Big Dipper and that one's Orien's belt and Orein's trousers... that's last one's real isn't it?

Is there are a Stargazing map on board? 

[jimmynick]

11 hours ago, jimmynick said:

Emily presses the power button on the TV behind Charlotte, hoping the power is on and wondering whether a mysterious U.N. Owen will make an appearance to torment us

“I even italicized this request and put it on another line . Seems that Gabriella has a similar idea regarding whether there is something mysterious on our computer systems.”

Emily crosses her arms and looks at her reflection in the broken glass. Although Gabriella calls her a “bitch” and the Captain seems to be keeping secrets about an assassin, she is secretly glad to have them both back in the lounge.

5 hours ago, Hinckley said:

I was getting my ribs bruised against my sink.

This part of Gabriella’s rant at Oliver sparks Emily’s neural circuits. “Now that’s an idea! Miss Engineer, I am more than willing to file a workplace injury case against Blue Star on your behalf. In addition, we can submit a claim of discrimination and harassment due to their engineer hairstyle policies.”

Emily pauses, waiting for Gabriella to perk up, but there’s no reaction and she keeps going. “Anyone else have injuries as a result of the FTL breakdown? Broken bones? Whiplash? Anyone? Anyone?”

[Bob]

8 hours ago, Hinckley said:

Gabriella would like to look at the newspaper on the floor to see if there are any interesting articles in it, regarding any of the ship's passengers or crew. She would also like to search the cubbies in the room divider. Once she has checked out those two things, she would like to check the local memory on the lounge's terminal to see if any files have been uploaded.

Gabriella would like to access the lounge's terminal again to link to Ezra's cabin. Gabriella would like to access the lounge's terminal again to link to Alfie's cabin.

The newspaper features a few interesting articles about Earth politics and the potential of a second Earth colony on Alpha Centauri's sister planet. There's also an article detailing a defeat the government had in the United Earth Parliament. There's also an article on the formation of a government structure for the Alpha Centauri colony. There's also an advertisement for people to use the app version of the newspaper for updates.

Neither Gabriella or Ezra would reply to the terminal link.

5 hours ago, Waterbrick Down said:

Arthur notes that the espresso machine seems beyond repair for the time being and settles for the Keurig. After finally managing to make a cup he hands it to Gabriella, "Lieutenant, communications deck. I asked for Mr. Mallory and Dr. Seymour to check in on Mr. Peck and Parry, but they might be a little shaken up still. Now that you and the captain are here to keep order, I'll go check on them."

Arthur address the rest of the passengers, "Ladies and gentlemen, I shall return momentarily. In the meantime, please address any of your questions to Captain Bennett or Gen... Engineer Palmer."

Arthur goes to check on Mr. Peck and Parry.

It would perhaps be best to move as a group if you wish to investigate other rooms. If you'd like to ring their doors first and not investigate yet, you can do so.

12 hours ago, jimmynick said:

Emily picks through the glass and ceramic shards now strewn across the coffee table. "Arthur, it's very kind of you to think of the Captain and Gabriella. I had assumed they could take care of themselves but I suppose that's a bit rude of me to think."

"I'm very sorry, Mr. Seymour."

Emily presses the power button on the TV behind Charlotte, hoping the power is on and wondering whether a mysterious U.N. Owen will make an appearance to torment us.

I'm not sure what a mysterious U.N. Owen is, but the television is not functional. It appears that not all ships' systems are back at 100% yet. 

[Trekkie99]

7 hours ago, Hinckley said:

Where were you?"

Passed out in my laundry basket.

16 minutes ago, Bob said:

The newspaper features a few interesting articles about Earth politics and the potential of a second Earth colony on Alpha Centauri's sister planet. There's also an article detailing a defeat the government had in the United Earth Parliament. There's also an article on the formation of a government structure for the Alpha Centauri colony. There's also an advertisement for people to use the app version of the newspaper for updates.

I'd like to stand on the coffee table and read these articles out loud to everyone in a pompous attitude for lols.

[Pandora]

Charlotte feels a cold shiver down her back. The ship just dropping out of FTL did not feel good, aside from physically jolting her. It was a bad omen.

"Well now, if we work together we can perhaps get this place tidied up a bit?"

Now that she's able to take more of an interest in her surroundings, Charlotte looks for the shield she had seen earlier. She'd like to examine it and make sure it goes back where it should have been.

[Tariq j]

39 minutes ago, Bob said:

There's also an advertisement for people to use the app version of the newspaper for updates.

"That sounds interesting. It could tell me about any current developments regarding Zoological discoveries." 

Seymour would like to download the app on his tablet

[Bob]

1 hour ago, Trekkie99 said:

Passed out in my laundry basket.

I'd like to stand on the coffee table and read these articles out loud to everyone in a pompous attitude for lols.

Is there an article in particular you’d like to read, or just all of them? 

53 minutes ago, Pandora said:

Charlotte feels a cold shiver down her back. The ship just dropping out of FTL did not feel good, aside from physically jolting her. It was a bad omen.

"Well now, if we work together we can perhaps get this place tidied up a bit?"

Now that she's able to take more of an interest in her surroundings, Charlotte looks for the shield she had seen earlier. She'd like to examine it and make sure it goes back where it should have been.

Charlotte moves some of the tables and debris out of the way and recovers the shield. It looks like it survived the jostle with little damage. 

36 minutes ago, Tariq j said:

"That sounds interesting. It could tell me about any current developments regarding Zoological discoveries." 

Seymour would like to download the app on his tablet

Unfortunately the space-Internet is out. You can’t get a signal to download the app. 

[Pandora]

10 minutes ago, Bob said:

Charlotte moves some of the tables and debris out of the way and recovers the shield. It looks like it survived the jostle with little damage. 

"Good, glad that's ok. Let's carry on tidying!"

Charlotte checks the flowers/ pot plant on the bar to make sure they're ok and nothing untoward has happened to them.

[Trekkie99]

12 minutes ago, Bob said:

Is there an article in particular you’d like to read, or just all of them? 

Yes, I'd like to read all of them, 

[Fugazi]

Dr. Frost watches the proceedings while wondering if this sort of engines glitches happen on every trip. It's his first interplanetary trip, but didn't plan for it to be his last.

"I suggest we move on to the next room, whatever that is, unless there's something else that needs to be investigated here?

Oh and I do save mild anxiolytics if any of you feel unwell. Better keep our heads cool until this situation in under control."

*have*. I *have* anxiolytics.

[Bob]

2 hours ago, Pandora said:

"Good, glad that's ok. Let's carry on tidying!"

Charlotte checks the flowers/ pot plant on the bar to make sure they're ok and nothing untoward has happened to them.

The flowers seem to have unfortunately come out of the vase and appear to be crushed beneath the mass of furniture. 

2 hours ago, Trekkie99 said:

Yes, I'd like to read all of them, 

Reading every article in the paper would take hours, so you choose to read what you think are the most important: 

“Paris, Earth 

SHOCK DEFEAT FOR GOVERNMENT

The government faced a shocking defeat today in the United Earth Parliament on a bill that effected representation in the Parliament for Earth’s colonies. The government argued that representation for the Lunar and Mars colonies should stay the same for the next ten years and not be based on population in order to accommodate the new representatives that would be coming from the Alpha Centauri colony in the next few years. The government would likely see itself lose seats on Earth that would be redistributed to the colonies in order to keep the fixed number of representatives at seven hundred and fifty. The Prime Minister’s spokesperson said that the government would respect the outcome and not try to push for a second vote on the bill. The result saw several government ministers voting against the bill, mostly those from colonial seats themselves. The opposition party said in a statement that this was a victory for representation abroad and showed Earth’s commitment to representation outside of Earth. For more information on how your representative voted, please visit our app with a full interactive listing.”

 

“New York City, Earth 

COLONIZATION RUMORS CONFIRMED

A senior United Earth spokesperson reported today that the rumors of a second Earth colony in the Alpha Centauri system are true, and that they have been working with the government on preparing a colony ship. The first colony on Alpha Centauri II was described as a “complete success” considering its great distance from Earth and being the first and only out of solar system colony. The Earth Colonization Office in Paris confirmed the reports as well, signaling that Alpha Centauri III could see colonization start in the next ten to fifteen years.”

 

“Paris, Earth 

GOVERNMENT MINISTER TRAVELS TO ALPHA CENTAURI

The Earth Colonization Office today confirmed that Charlotte Sawyer, member of the United Earth Parliament for Greater London, would be dispatched today to the Alpha Centauri colony in order to prepare its regional government and help it district seats for its first United Earth Parliamentary elections which are scheduled to take place at the next general election. Sawyer, a rising star in the government, is widely favored to take over the Colonization Office during the next cabinet reshuffle. However there has been controversy about her travel arrangements to the colony. The Blue Star Line has given her free passage aboard its only FTL-capable vessel, the Excelsior. This comes as there’s a bill in the Parliament to give Blue Star Company government funds in order to build more ships to increase immigration to the colony. An Opposition spokesperson released a statement alleging favoritism and the ethics of the free trip, but government officials insisted that the trip would not influence the way that they intend to vote when the bill comes before the Parliament.”

After reading all that, you find yourself in dire need of water. 

[Waterbrick Down]

9 hours ago, Hinckley said:

Gabriella swigs her coffee.

"I should join you. None of the crew should travel alone while someone has messed with the sensors. Maybe while we check on Misters Peck and Perry, you can answer those questions you ignored."

Gabriella joins Arthur, if he likes it or not.

Arthur wonders what questions he missed and shrugs, "As long as the passengers are kept from panicking, I don't mind the company." The steward waits until they are mostly out of hearing, "What happened with the FTL? Are we stranded?"

3 hours ago, Bob said:

It would perhaps be best to move as a group if you wish to investigate other rooms. If you'd like to ring their doors first and not investigate yet, you can do so.

Arthur intends to simply ring the door and check for communication from the occupants first.

[Bob]

Just now, Waterbrick Down said:

Arthur wonders what questions he missed and shrugs, "As long as the passengers are kept from panicking, I don't mind the company." The steward waits until they are mostly out of hearing, "What happened with the FTL? Are we stranded?"

Arthur intends to simply ring the door and check for communication from the occupants first.

There’s no response from either door. 

[Waterbrick Down]

Just now, Bob said:

There’s no response from either door. 

"Mr. Peck? Mr. Parry? Damn. This is not good."

Arthur inspects the door trying to determine whether or not the electronic key system would work or if they'd have to return with a tool.

[Darkdragon]

"Oh dear, what a mess. Is anyone else hurt? I was working on a new lecture and when the jolt sent me tumbling, I stabbed my pencil into my leg. It doesn't seem too bad I suppose. Gabriella are your ribs alright? Maybe you should have the doctor look at them."

I walk over to the doctor.

"Doctor, are you alright? Do you have any small bandages? I couldn't find anything in the mess of my cabin."

I show him the small puncture wound on my leg.  A narrow trickle of blood runs from it but I quickly wipe it away, wincing only slightly. The lead from the pencil appears to be embedded in the wound but overall it's not too bad.

 

[Hinckley]

2 hours ago, Waterbrick Down said:

Arthur wonders what questions he missed and shrugs, "As long as the passengers are kept from panicking, I don't mind the company." The steward waits until they are mostly out of hearing, "What happened with the FTL? Are we stranded?"

Arthur intends to simply ring the door and check for communication from the occupants first.

Gabriella tries to call the missing passengers through the lounge's terminal.

"I restored the FTL drive. We are back on course. We're not sure exactly what happened to it. It looks like someone shut it down."

Gabriella would like to unplug the modem and plug it back in to see if she can get the network running again. She would also like to download the news app.

Gabriella turns her attention back to Arthur.

"You were in Communications? So, you have a experience working with the systems on a ship like this, eh?"

7 hours ago, jimmynick said:

This part of Gabriella’s rant at Oliver sparks Emily’s neural circuits. “Now that’s an idea! Miss Engineer, I am more than willing to file a workplace injury case against Blue Star on your behalf. In addition, we can submit a claim of discrimination and harassment due to their engineer hairstyle policies.”

Emily pauses, waiting for Gabriella to perk up, but there’s no reaction and she keeps going. “Anyone else have injuries as a result of the FTL breakdown? Broken bones? Whiplash? Anyone? Anyone?”

Gabriella scowls at Emily.

"I'm not the type to sue my employer."

Gabriella considers she might be hurting the other woman's feelings and if her investigation of the incident is correct, she needs to start talking to everyone.

"It's not Blue Star's fault, anyway. Whoever shut the drive down is at fault. Do you have any experience prosecuting cyber-crimes or espionage?"

Gabriella considers trying to connect with Emily on a personal level too, perhaps making up for any perceived insults over Emily's awful perfume.

"You know, you could be a pilot. Your tits and ass are totally in the right place. You know women make better engineers and pilots than men? They respond faster and multi-task better. You think they'd get paid more. Blue Star has equal pay rates for men and women, did you know that?"

2 hours ago, Darkdragon said:

"Gabriella are your ribs alright? Maybe you should have the doctor look at them."

I walk over to the doctor.

"Oh, thank you, Sophie. That's very sweet of you to be concerned. I grew up with three older brothers so bruised ribs are nothing. "

[Hinckley]

2 hours ago, Bob said:

GOVERNMENT MINISTER TRAVELS TO ALPHA CENTAURI

The Earth Colonization Office today confirmed that Charlotte Sawyer, member of the United Earth Parliament for Greater London, would be dispatched today to the Alpha Centauri colony in order to prepare its regional government and help it district seats for its first United Earth Parliamentary elections which are scheduled to take place at the next general election. Sawyer, a rising star in the government, is widely favored to take over the Colonization Office during the next cabinet reshuffle. However there has been controversy about her travel arrangements to the colony. The Blue Star Line has given her free passage aboard its only FTL-capable vessel, the Excelsior. This comes as there’s a bill in the Parliament to give Blue Star Company government funds in order to build more ships to increase immigration to the colony. An Opposition spokesperson released a statement alleging favoritism and the ethics of the free trip, but government officials insisted that the trip would not influence the way that they intend to vote when the bill comes before the Parliament.”

After reading all that, you find yourself in dire need of water. 

"Representative Sawyer, this article mentions an Opposition spokesperson. What Opposition? Does the organization have a name? Do they have a public list of members? Do you know Alfie or Ezra at all? Are they undercover dignitary guards?"

[Waterbrick Down]

58 minutes ago, Hinckley said:

Gabriella tries to call the missing passengers through the lounge's terminal.

"I restored the FTL drive. We are back on course. We're not sure exactly what happened to it. It looks like someone shut it down."

Gabriella would like to unplug the modem and plug it back in to see if she can get the network running again. She would also like to download the news app.

Gabriella turns her attention back to Arthur.

"You were in Communications? So, you have a experience working with the systems on a ship like this, eh?"

"I can try, but that was 10 years back and you know what they way about 'military grade equipment', the cheapest you can get for the bare minimal functionality. Blue Star corporate's outfitted this ship with some of the most high tech accommodations money can buy, also means you may need a phd to fix any of it."

8 hours ago, jimmynick said:

\This part of Gabriella’s rant at Oliver sparks Emily’s neural circuits. “Now that’s an idea! Miss Engineer, I am more than willing to file a workplace injury case against Blue Star on your behalf. In addition, we can submit a claim of discrimination and harassment due to their engineer hairstyle policies.”

Emily pauses, waiting for Gabriella to perk up, but there’s no reaction and she keeps going. “Anyone else have injuries as a result of the FTL breakdown? Broken bones? Whiplash? Anyone? Anyone?”

 "Mrs. Dawson, please know that Blue Star will conduct an investigation to the fullest extent and will look to come to arrangements with any who wish to file formal complaints."

[Hinckley]

47 minutes ago, Waterbrick Down said:

"I can try, but that was 10 years back and you know what they way about 'military grade equipment', the cheapest you can get for the bare minimal functionality. Blue Star corporate's outfitted this ship with some of the most high tech accommodations money can buy, also means you may need a phd to fix any of it."

"Oh, I wasn't asking for help. I'm just curious your depth of knowledge of a ship's technical systems, that's all."

[jimmynick]

Emily rolls her eyes as Oliver puts dramatic feeling into his rendition of the news.

4 hours ago, Bob said:

A senior United Earth spokesperson reported today that the rumors of a second Earth colony in the Alpha Centauri system are true, and that they have been working with the government on preparing a colony ship. The first colony on Alpha Centauri II was described as a “complete success” considering its great distance from Earth and being the first and only out of solar system colony. The Earth Colonization Office in Paris confirmed the reports as well, signaling that Alpha Centauri III could see colonization start in the next ten to fifteen years.”

"Well, that's why we're here, isn't it? Going to the colony to see what's up."

4 hours ago, Bob said:

Charlotte Sawyer, member of the United Earth Parliament for Greater London, would be dispatched today to the Alpha Centauri colony in order to prepare its regional government and help it district seats for its first United Earth Parliamentary elections which are scheduled to take place at the next general election.

Emily feels in two ways about this revelation. Personally, it is an affront that Charlotte should be permitted on a junket when she and George have spent so much on the same trip for an anniversary. Professionally, however, it offers opportunities. "Dear Charlotte, as the premiere practicing lawyer on this vessel, I am quite ready to provide advise as regards expense-ing this voyage so that no nasty scandals erupt and force you to leave your Greater London constituency under a cloud. My rates are quite reasonable."

She wanders over to the communications master supreme, Steward Arthur, and mutters "That bitch better be sleeping in the engine room if she's on this ship for free."

58 minutes ago, Waterbrick Down said:

"Mrs. Dawson, please know that Blue Star will conduct an investigation to the fullest extent and will look to come to arrangements with any who wish to file formal complaints."

"Arbitration or a settlement may generate some remuneration but I do believe that a trial in the court of public opinion would do well to extract at least a refund for this anniversary trip. And another bottle of Krug in my stateroom, please."

2 hours ago, Hinckley said:

if her investigation of the incident is correct, she needs to start talking to everyone.

Emily squints, but rather than looking around the room, she casts her gaze inwards to her deepest thoughts. Then she smiles at Gabriella. "Best gal pals, right? So what did you find out about the FTL drive failure?"

[Hinckley]

17 hours ago, Hinckley said:

She would also like to search the cubbies in the room divider.

@Bob "Ahem..."

14 minutes ago, jimmynick said:

"Dear Charlotte, as the premiere practicing lawyer on this vessel, I am quite ready to provide advise as regards expense-ing this voyage so that no nasty scandals erupt and force you to leave your Greater London constituency under a cloud. My rates are quite reasonable."

"How did you know which district she represents?"

14 minutes ago, jimmynick said:

Emily squints, but rather than looking around the room, she casts her gaze inwards to her deepest thoughts. Then she smiles at Gabriella. "Best gal pals, right? So what did you find out about the FTL drive failure?"

Gabriella looks like she's suddenly tasted something horrible.

"Yes...besties," she forces a wan smile, "In my investigation into the FTL drive shutdown, I learned that one person perpetrated it."

[jimmynick]

3 minutes ago, Hinckley said:

"How did you know which district she represents?"

5 hours ago, Bob said:

Charlotte Sawyer, member of the United Earth Parliament for Greater London

"@Gabriella"

I would like to examine the newspaper for a sudoku. I like doing sudoku.

[Hinckley]

Just now, jimmynick said:

"@Gabriella"

I would like to examine the newspaper for a sudoku. I like doing sudoku.

"Oh, pft. Well, fine, then."

[Pandora]

1 hour ago, Hinckley said:

"Representative Sawyer, this article mentions an Opposition spokesperson. What Opposition? Does the organization have a name? Do they have a public list of members? Do you know Alfie or Ezra at all? Are they undercover dignitary guards?"

Charlotte turns to see the scruffy and eccentric engineer addressing her.

"Gabrielle isn't it? Thank you for your question. In this case the Opposition simply means the next largest political party versus the government, and is only relevant because we have a number of political parties, each of which have some overlap in agreement and disagreement with each other. This helps prevent polarised views of things being one way or another without any consideration of overlap. Yellow versus purple, if you will - there is no need to wholly agree with one and wholly reject and demonise the other. There are public records of the members of all political parties, and every party has its radical element I suppose, but I would expect my fellow parliamentarians to uphold decency and law to at least a similar extent to those of us in the ruling party." Charlotte pauses for a drink, pleased to be back in her role as a public speaker.

"Alfie and Ezra were unknown to me. Again it is possible I may have met them once before, but I meet so many people, and have to kiss so many babies  that sometimes it can be quite hard to remember. If they are any kind of guards it is unknown to me also, but I worry that my presence here may end up being a somewhat Orange Haddock."

 

2 hours ago, Hinckley said:

Blue Star has equal pay rates for men and women, did you know that?"

"Indeed, but only for the last couple of years, and only because of tireless lobbying on behalf of the Government!"

 

17 minutes ago, jimmynick said:

"Dear Charlotte, as the premiere practicing lawyer on this vessel, I am quite ready to provide advise as regards expense-ing this voyage so that no nasty scandals erupt and force you to leave your Greater London constituency under a cloud. My rates are quite reasonable."

Charlotte turns to the saccharine voice wheedling into her ears, holding her composure. 

"Dear Emily, as I have already told you, the Government has its own considerable legal force, so your .. services will not be necessary, thank you. I am sure that hiring you because we happen to be on this voyage together would itself raise a few eyebrows, no?"

Charlotte finds her political smile and turns away to surreptitiously examine the other guests and crew for signs of greasy or injured hands, or other evident injuries.

[Waterbrick Down]

57 minutes ago, Hinckley said:

"Oh, I wasn't asking for help. I'm just curious your depth of knowledge of a ship's technical systems, that's all."

"Ah I see," Arthur smiles slightly, scratching the back of his head, "Well, as I said it's been a few years, since I was on the technical side of things, but in training they give us a basic run-down of a ship's systems in case we need to cover for another department in the event of an emergency or fatality."

44 minutes ago, jimmynick said:

She wanders over to the communications master supreme, Steward Arthur, and mutters "That bitch better be sleeping in the engine room if she's on this ship for free."

"Arbitration or a settlement may generate some remuneration but I do believe that a trial in the court of public opinion would do well to extract at least a refund for this anniversary trip. And another bottle of Krug in my stateroom, please."

Emily squints, but rather than looking around the room, she casts her gaze inwards to her deepest thoughts. Then she smiles at Gabriella. "Best gal pals, right? So what did you find out about the FTL drive failure?"

"I'd recommend you reach out to our corporate HR upon our website or the planet office once we reach Alpha Centauri. I can however see to to the Krug."

41 minutes ago, Hinckley said:

Gabriella looks like she's suddenly tasted something horrible.

"Yes...besties," she forces a wan smile, "In my investigation into the FTL drive shutdown, I learned that one person perpetrated it."

"Perhaps I missed something, but how do we know it wasn't some sort of mechanical failure. While I do not doubt your mechanical attentiveness this is Blue Star's only FTL equipped vessel, it's more of a gimmick than a reliable tried and true technology for them."