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Murder in the Intergalactic Garden, Epilogue Goto page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  Next   (currently a favorite of )    Storygames Home -> -> The Vault View previous topic :: View next topic   Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 1:38 pm    Post subject: Murder in the Intergalactic Garden, Epilogue This is an experiment for a nonlinear storygame. Feel free to comment after the story section. Follow any of the following links to find the other thread with more specific information relating to the story. As the only security officer on the ESS Endeavor, I handle everything large and small. Yesterday I spent three hours looking for a lost hat in corridor B101, today I'm pulling a body out of Vesper Lake. Murder is not what passengers come to the Garden for, so I'm going to need some answers and quick. I don't have any backup, unless you count a bunch of glitchy robots, and I don't have any witnesses, unless you count the deceased, and the only real clue I have now is the hole in the victim's head. For some reason my ID scanner doesn't recognize Victor Clemens, even though I know him very well from frequent "visits" I've made to help resolve domestic disputes. Naturally, that puts his wife Darla at the top of my list of suspects, but I'm not convinced yet. They'll argue about what they think the best kind of pie is, but it rarely elevated above shouting. Plus that hole didn't come from a rolling pin. I don't need a lab result to tell me that wound came from an electron accelerator. It takes special clearance to bring advanced technology into the Garden, but as the security officer, that's not a problem. I have a robot detail collect the body and preserve it in the Morgue. There should be plenty of room since this sort of thing doesn't happen on this ship, especially not in the Garden where it's nice and peaceful and weapons, at least the kind that put holes clean through skulls, are not allowed. Having the body secure and the area cordoned off, and having no one else to do any real investigation, I have to decide where my efforts will be most useful. I can't be in two places at once, so searching for clues, questioning suspects, searching the area, and general canvassing will all have to wait in line. If I'm lucky, I'll blunder into the key to this mystery and solve the ship's first murder before anyone has a chance to panic. DP: Where do you begin investigating? _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Last edited by Lebrenth on Thu Nov 17, 2011 12:19 pm; edited 38 times in total Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:37 pm    Post subject: It definitely is interesting and captivating. Although it does take some time to get used to the number of links, it is very readable. What I noticed was that it was filled with only facts, and no actions, but I think that's what you intended to do. Nice Writing, though I don't think this should be a NaNoWriMo, this should be a story game as it is. _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2010 1:21 am    Post subject: This is most intriguing, Lebs. Reading it through as a SG without looking at any of the links, I would make a DP suggestion to go talk to Mrs. Clemens, and have their quarters searched. What bothers me most at this superficial level is why the ID scanner doesn't recognise Mr. Clemens, when our investigating hero knows the passenger well. What has changed since Mr. Clemens's death? Is the body really the body of Victor Clemens at all? I started clicking on the links I eventually just read through the entire thread of samples. Fascinating stuff indeed, which raises even further questions. After reading the samples, there are a number of things that intrigue me, but first thing I'd do is to go and look at the passenger database and see if there is any record of Victor Clemens actually joining the ship at the start of the voyage. I wonder whether the ID scanner is linked to the database, and the fact that the records have been deleted would result in the scanner not recognising him. If that is the case, I'd then want to know who would be able to do that. Back to top Author PilgrimSoul Resident Joined: 07 Apr 2010 Posts: 56 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2010 8:17 am    Post subject: I like the use of the links, it lest you read without getting bogged down by expositional stuff, but still provides the information you need to know what's going on. nice! I should consider doing something simmilar for my own mystery. _________________ "For still there are so many things that I have never seen. In every leaf, in every spring, there is a different green." -Tolkien Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2010 4:57 pm    Post subject: The victim was having an affair with Mindy Sommers behind the bushes at the nude beach. They spotted his wife's approach and he darted off to hide in the water while she took off through the air vent. As his wife approached, they argued and she threw rocks at him, striking him in the eye. This caused him to shout, which made a nearby robot believe him to be drowning. The robot reacted by racing into the lake to save the drowning victim but when it got there, it did a retinal scan which was a bit flawed due to his wife's own ilicit romantic partner's actions. See, the guy in cryogenics and the victim's wife must have had some plan to remove the victim from the ship entirely. The guy in cryo must have eliminated the victim's file. So when the robot couldn't find the file, it went berserk, thinking the victim was some sort of intruder. Though it must have meant to only detain the victim, the victim struck back with his cane (which he had run into the water with). This damaged the robot ever so slightly. The robot immediately malfunctioned due to the water's intrusion into its system and decided to blast the guy. Thereafter, the robot must have been present at the security officer's side when the report was logged regarding the discovery of the hat, because the date was all wrong where the month was recorded. yeah... right huh? You've certainly provided a neat little puzzle here Lebby! Nicely done. I have a book in my possession which speaks of the future of storytelling, given the potential that computers are presenting us. You have well encapsulated some of the methods of approach that were theorized could become the wave of storytelling of the future in this project. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:22 am    Post subject: Thanks for the response, I gather there is interest in a game made like this. Thanks for the encouragement, Vishal, I think I will make this a storygame now. I think the links will be less cumbersome once the most important facts are established, so it won't take quite so long to write a chapter, or to follow along. Also, in later chapters, if your memory needs to be refreshed, you can still follow the links to remind you. Ok, I think I will go for it, and very soon. In that case, is it possible to have this topic and "Sample" moved into Skiffy? It would be nice, for me and the participants, if we got fables for it. Then again, it might break the links, which would be very ungroovy. Might as well give it a try, and I'll change the links if necessary. And to respond to the SG responses, Thunderbird, you have a very interesting theory and it is clear you are taking into account many relevant facts. I won't tell you how much you got right or wrong, but I definitely want to tip my hat to you for creating the theory. The missing hat report, by the way, has a typo. The month should be 9... I don't know how it ended up 2. That could be an in-story typo made by the officer, but it wasn't intentional so I fixed it. Sorry about that, and thanks for bringing it to my attention. That book sounds very interesting, by the way. What's it called? Pilgrim, I would be very happy if you used any tricks or techniques that you got from me, and I hope you don't mind if I borrow from your work as well. Your current mystery is very interesting (I'll be commenting in there soon). Crunchy, great questions! Let me answer them as best as I can: Quote: What has changed since Mr. Clemens's death? Is the body really the body of Victor Clemens at all? The ID scanner is indeed linked with the system database. It is a wireless link that uploads DNA, Fingerprint, and Retinal scans and receives information in return. The ID scanner can not identify the body, but John is certain it is Victor Clemens. Manually looking up Victor Clemens in the system also shows no record of him even boarding, nor any of the other records that John has seen with his own eyes before. Either this is a major glitch, or the files have been removed. Quote: If that is the case, I'd then want to know who would be able to do that. Files can be made classified by anyone with special clearance, but to remove the files entirely the only one with the authority to do such a thing would be the Captain (who's profile has not been made, but it will be available soon). Naturally, it may be possible for a hacker to do the same and it might also be a glitch or damage to the physical database. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Last edited by Lebrenth on Thu Sep 30, 2010 10:44 pm; edited 1 time in total Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 1:11 pm    Post subject: Both now moved to Skiff. Links should be fine - each topic and post has its own unique number, so it shouldn't matter which forum they get moved to. I checked a couple of them just in case and they seem ok. Fables don't appear retrospectively on transfer I'm afraid... but they'll certainly be earned going forward now the topics are moved. Carry on! Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 10:45 pm    Post subject: Great! Thanks Crunchy! Ok, so the DP is where to focus the investigation. There are suggestions built in, or you can make new suggestions, of course. I'm also happy to answer any questions regarding the story that the main character, John, will have an answer for. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Masterweaver Honored Citizen Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Posts: 1463 Location: Look around Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:49 am    Post subject: You should probably ask whoever reported the body how they found it. And determine who or what was around at the time of death. Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 4:44 am    Post subject: I think the first thing to do is to determine the time of death. And then try to get to the people who were there first. I don't think going to the guy who reported should be done now. Anyway, im guessing that the Robots found him. I think we should get to these people first, Captain George Willis Cdr. Jacob Hawkins (2nd in command) Lt. Cdr. Terrence Bluth (Audio Visual Officer) Lt. Jacques Arnot MD (Chief Medical Officer) Lt. Vladimir Stokov (Chief Engineer) Lt. John Dunaway (Chief Security Officer) Darla Clemens. I don't think Darla sneaked out with a electron acceletor. But with her help, i think we could get to some of his enemies, or the people to whom he owed money, in case he was gambling. _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Ingrothechundyer Royal Arch-Mage Joined: 22 Aug 2010 Posts: 484 Location: Wandering the streets of IF since 10/21/2005 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 3:52 pm    Post subject: It might also be good to verify that the profile is indeed deleted instead of just being classified if he hasn't done so already. It seems that classifying the profile would also cause his scanner to malfunction and if it was classified there might be more helpful information there. As far as the links I like the idea. I personally would prefer less duplicate links in the chapter though as they don't have a description of what they're linking to. For me personally it sort of took away from the story to ask myself if the description was linking to something that I had just read or if it was something new. _________________ My account may have been deleted but my completed SG is still there... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 6:24 am    Post subject: I see your point Ingro, although I'm not sure where to draw the line. I've been considering using specific keywords for each entry so only a perfect match will have a link. In other words, "fatal wound" will link to the post describing the wound, but "hole in his head" will not. That way it will be easier to remember which links you've followed. I might also do that with common names, so that "Victor Clemens" will link, but just writing "Victor" without the last name won't. What do you think? I want to do another big update to the story to include many other important details, such as the very astute questions of who discovered the body and what was happening near the estimated time of death. I'm also planning on doing many more character profiles to help develop a list of suspects. I won't guarantee that will be done soon, but I will try to have the updates going this weekend. I got schoolwork to do or else I would be on it right now! By the way, Ingro, classified files are not removed, they are just restricted, so Dunaway should be able to see if the file exists even if he can't open it to see what's inside. Victor's files are not classified, they are gone. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 1:25 pm    Post subject: Could you use a subscript numeral for each link and just put the number after the term you wish to create a link for? For example: For those who are wondering, this is what I'm waiting for(1). Then just use the same number to refer to the same link so we get an idea if we've been there before. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 2:51 pm    Post subject: Now that's brilliant advertising! Yes, I will be adding to Nuthouse soon, Thunderbird. As for the citation, it depends on whether or not the readers can keep up with all of the numbers. It may be close to the same complexity. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Ingrothechundyer Royal Arch-Mage Joined: 22 Aug 2010 Posts: 484 Location: Wandering the streets of IF since 10/21/2005 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 4:42 pm    Post subject: Personally I would probably prefer the first occurrence to be linked. That's how my textbooks handled it when they introduced new terms and it seemed to work fairly well to me. Thanks for clarifying on the deleted profile thing _________________ My account may have been deleted but my completed SG is still there... Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 11:14 pm    Post subject: Well, if the file was classified, then only a few people could have access to it. In that case, if the file was deleted, it would have to be one of them or a really intelligent guy who can hack into the system. Either way, we should get to the people who have access. If that doesn't workout, we'd have to get to the hackers. Anyway, who are the people who are at a higher position than Dunaway??? Does he have a team of humans working with him or just the robots??? We'll all be waiting for the update (my gosh, this is interesting) _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 1:17 am    Post subject: IS the story going to go on??? _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Ingrothechundyer Royal Arch-Mage Joined: 22 Aug 2010 Posts: 484 Location: Wandering the streets of IF since 10/21/2005 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 8:17 am    Post subject: Vishal Muralidharan wrote: Anyway, who are the people who are at a higher position than Dunaway??? Does he have a team of humans working with him or just the robots??? My assumption is that you can find the answer in Lebby's links Lebrenth wrote: It takes special clearance to bring advanced technology into the Garden _________________ My account may have been deleted but my completed SG is still there... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 12:40 pm    Post subject: Nicely put Ingro and that is accurate. Sorry I haven't updated the story yet, I'm swamped and my laptop is in the shop (along with my files for the storygame). You'll just have to give me more time. Don't worry though, the next section will be worth the wait. EDIT: It just occured to me that I should do a poll. Coming right up! _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 2:59 pm    Post subject: Oh goody! (Not about the laptop though. Oh poo. Hope it gets better soon.) Voted! Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 5:09 pm    Post subject: Jeez... that was hard... all good options! So... voted. Hope yer lappy gets better soon Lebby! Computer problems suck more than anything! _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Vikas Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 29 Aug 2010 Posts: 600 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 6:44 am    Post subject: Interesting story there. Im a bit late i guess but still I appreciate the use of links but i think it should be used in moderation u know, not too many . Anyway I agree with Vishal. We should probably get to the people who have access to these files first and then probably look at the possibility of it being an outside work. Well , Ive just cast my vote and made the poll result interesting Back to top Author Ingrothechundyer Royal Arch-Mage Joined: 22 Aug 2010 Posts: 484 Location: Wandering the streets of IF since 10/21/2005 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 1:41 pm    Post subject: Tough choices here. Ultimately I voted to question the people who were allowed to bring advanced technology into the garden based on the (possibly false) assumption that they would be the people with access to an electron accelerator. Of course if they electron accelerators are widespread on the ship this could very well be a wild goose chase :/ Of course it won't hurt to ask the Captain about the file being deleted. There may be a good reason for it _________________ My account may have been deleted but my completed SG is still there... Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 8:06 pm    Post subject: Great Poll, Lebby!!! Man, I wish I could write like that!! I voted for questioning the special Clearance guys. I have a slight suspicion that one of them were involved, maybe even indirectly. Well, Im looking forward to this one!!!!! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 7:24 am    Post subject: *kicks Lebby* You back yet? Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 10:19 pm    Post subject: *Kicks Lebby as well* Don't you think its getting too long a wait?! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 10:25 pm    Post subject: Maybe the laptop is still in the process of being fixed... Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 11:41 pm    Post subject: Being fixed for half a month?! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 11:43 pm    Post subject: And his profile says that his last visit was 4 days ago....!! Unless there is some problem with IF (which you'll need to fix).......... _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 12:24 pm    Post subject: No no, nothing is wrong with IF. My laptop has been fixed (and working great by the way) and I am actively working on the next chapter. I have been putting extra work into this one to really flesh out the whole concept of investigating in any order that you like, plus I'm working on a map of the Garden. I don't want to rush this, so it will be a few more days at least. Then there will be an explosion, so brace for impact! _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 1:11 pm    Post subject: So happy to hear you've overcome your technical difficulties and are returning Lebby! Was a bit worried 'bout ya. (an' looking forward for this to get moving again ) _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 10:58 pm    Post subject: Great to see your back!! I was a little worried as well, especially since your myspace page said that you USED to write at IF. Also, there was NO activity (AFAIK) from your account, not even a game being played. But I'm glad that you're here! I am looking forward to the chap! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 8:17 pm    Post subject: Intergalactic Garden Ch 2, Senior Officers Conference Chapter 2, Senior Officers Conference After 16 years in space, it’s surprising more people haven’t been murdered, but with only 299 humans left in the universe, you can’t exactly shrug off even a single life being snuffed out. With the body gone, the Garden looks peaceful again, even with the security detail of robots to keep the entirety of Vesper Lake cordoned off. Eventually I’ll visit Carl Granger, who found the body, and Victor Clemen’s widow Darla Clemens, but for now it’s time to leave the Garden and talk to the special clearance Officers about Victor’s missing profile. I take the hovercraft back to the Garden entrance, then take a shuttle to the command deck. The ESS Endeavor may not run like a military ship anymore, but one thing it takes seriously is security. Gaining entrance to the command deck requires a retinal scan, a badge, and a DNA scan before a technician clears me to enter, and the computer makes a general announcement that an armed officer is on deck. As a security officer I am required to keep an electron accelerator with me everywhere, even in the Garden and Command Deck. Now that I’m in, I know exactly where I’m going first, but the man I’m looking for isn’t in his office. I get the attention of a Warrant Officer Jose Pacheco. “Where’s Lieutenant Commander Bluth?” I ask authoritatively (it’s a habit). Terrence Bluth is a good friend who has the eyes and ears of the ship at his command, so he’s handy for investigations. “Sir, I think he went to get more coffee. He’s been having trouble staying awake.” “Oh yeah?” “Yeah… he fell asleep at his desk about an hour ago. He works hard, sir.” “Do you know if he was on deck last night?” “Yeah, all night. You can check the command log; he’s been on deck since 1600 hours yesterday.” I let myself into Terrence Bluth’s office, since he wouldn’t mind, plus he’s somewhat on my suspect list. He’s wisely locked down his computer station while getting his coffee, but his filing cabinet is jammed with a paper so it isn’t locked. I help myself and find the paper is a marked map of the Garden with a series of numbers that look significant, so I tuck it into my pocket. I step away just in time for Terrence’s arrival. He smiles, but not before I notice his shock at seeing me. INTERVIEW 1: Lt. Cdr. Terrence Bluth The interview had a lot more tension than it should have, but now I have another lead, knowing that Vladimir Stokov and Darla Clemens are having an affair. While I’m in the command deck I may as well interview Jacob Hawkins, but I’m currently more interested in speaking with the Chief Engineer. Of course, Terrence isn’t off the hook yet either, but I’ll try to get his help in mean time. “Another thing, Terrence,” I add. “Start surveillance on all special clearance Officers, including me. Delegate a few people to it, this is a priority.” “I should remind you I outrank you,” Terrence says. “I wouldn’t bother if I were you. I won’t listen anyway.” I call for Vladimir Stokov to come to the command deck so I don’t have to search the entire ship for him, and in the meantime I ask to have a word with the Jacob Hawkins, the 2nd in command who currently has the highest authority on the ship. He meets me with an even gaze and talks clearly and confidently, even spilling some information about his getting drunk. I recorded the conversation for later reference. INTERVIEW 2: Cdr. Jacob Hawkins “Thank you commander, I’ll be leaving to retrieve your gun right away. Stokov should be here soon, I would like you to keep him here. I’m sending Doctor Arnot as soon as he’s done with the autopsy. I want to have a conference with all senior officers and the Captain.” “Understood, I’ll contact him now. Carry on Lieutenant,” Hawkins says. He works on contacting the Captain and I log out on the command log and go to his quarters. The Commander’s quarters aren’t far from the command deck, so it’s no trouble finding it. Likewise, the sidearm is easy to find, but I take a few extra minutes to look around for anything suspicious. I take note of a few empty alcohol bottles with the Granger Crest, and the general smell of vomit in the bathroom. Otherwise the place is pretty clean. I drop off the commander’s EA gun with Sgt. James Slaughter and ask him do a test on the spread pattern to compare with Victor Clemens’ fatal wound. He’s thrilled with the request, plus he’s a good marksman, so I ask him to work as my deputy. “Hell yeah, sir,” he replies. “Sounds good, I’ll swear you in later. I’ll keep in touch, but let me know immediately if it’s a match.” “I’ll have to shut down the shooting range.” “Sounds good to me, there’s been too much shooting already. But don’t worry, it’s only temporary.” By then the officers are all assembled in a spare room on the command deck, and everyone is logged in, so at least at this moment I know where we all are. I take a moment to look at them all sitting around the round table to get a feel for the mood. Cdr. Jacob Hawkins looks attentive but relaxed, which puts extra contrast on the jittery nerves of the over-caffeinated Lt. Cdr. Terrence Bluth sitting next to him. Lt. Jacques Arnot MD looks amused and nods to me. Lt. Vladimir Stokov has his blemished arms folded and he drums his fingers on his bicep impatiently. I stay on my feet, and watch everyone closely. Captain George Willis’ voice asks through a speaker. “Have we started yet? I can’t hear anything.” “Yes Captain, we’re starting now.” CONFERENCE 1: Senior Officers The conference added some good solid facts about Victor’s murder, but only more guesses about how his profile was missing from the database. More investigation is needed, so I ask everyone to leave except Vladimir Stokov, who has some explaining to do, one way or the other, about his romantic relations with Darla Clemens. I make one more interview before making my next decision on where to go with the investigation. INTERVIEW 3: Lt. Vladimir Stokov Vladimir says nothing else after the dramatic interview where he made it clear he wasn’t going to cooperate. Perhaps I could have been friendlier, I consider as he marches out of the room. Something tells me he’s not just mad; he’s in hurry to get somewhere. I call my new deputy and tell him where to get Vladimir’s guns. I tell him to get there fast. With surveillance following Vladimir, I’ll get an idea where he’s in hurry to get to. In the meantime, I still have plenty of investigating to do but at least I have James Slaughter backing me up as my new deputy. Then I hear a coughing noise over the speaker. “Captain, are you still on the line?” “Sorry, but that was really interesting.” “You really ought to get back to the ship, sir.” “It sounds to me like you’re handling everything fine.” “Thanks,” I say. Another fine moment from the Captain that I’ll add to favorites. DP: What is the next stage of the investigation? _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Last edited by Lebrenth on Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:27 am; edited 4 times in total Back to top Author Smee Revered IFian Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 5215 Location: UK Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 8:50 pm    Post subject: *head explodes* Core blimey Lebby... that's quite the post extravaganza you went on. I think I'll need to set aside a good few hours to wade through that one before it gets too long. _________________ The path of my life is strewn with cowpats from the Devil's own Satanic Herd! Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 9:06 pm    Post subject: The best part of all was the very end... loved that link! How clever I don't think any of the officers are DIRECTLY responsible for the murder. However, what I find most peculiar was the map. The numbers are obviously times... whoever did this map was tracking events, and the locations they took place in, in the garden. We can presume that this was the work of Officer Bluth as he's given to monitor this area but why would he not have mentioned it? What is he hiding there? And without a #1, we are left to assume that the x marking 'crater' is where it all began. We must immediately take a look at this spot in particular, along with all the other marked locations. While we're at it, a quick interrogation of the 'witness' (one of multiple witnesses the Commander mentioned... I wonder who else might be holding out information on us right now), Carl Granger, would be of interest, especially in trying to sort out what was taking place at the times noted on the map. This work must represent an enormous undertaking. I'm highly impressed here Lebby! I trust this will go down as an IF legend when its all said and done. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 6:39 am    Post subject: An ADD TO FAVORITES link?! seriously? This was an awesome chapter Lebby! What I suggest we do is to have a chat with Carl. It always helps to know how the body was found, and while doing so, we would also be checking Jacob's alibi. We might also want to check out other people's alibi. If we find a liar, it could end up being a big break. I couldn't make much out of the map, not until TBird came along, and his theory sounds perfectly plausible. I would rather check the database for any events that took place at the time marked in the particular place. Video evidence would also be helpful. Probably, we could ask Bluth himself a little while later, when his services wouldn't be extremely important to us. This must have taken quite some time Lebby! I cannot believe how splendidly everything seems to work out (including the astonishing number of links)!! Totally love it!!!! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 12:34 pm    Post subject: Thanks everybody! I'm glad you like it. It took longer than I expected, and I was expecting a lot. I was able to practice some interesting techniques, though. For instance, for the links, I coded a Visual Basic macro for MS Word that searchs for all keywords and adds the appropriate links automatically. By the way, If anyone else is considering using cross referencing links and also uses MS Word, I'd be happy to share the macro code. A question for those who have read through the last chapter, when and how often did you use the links? Did you read all links as you went or were you selective? How much skimming did you do compared to careful examining? Your feedback will be very useful, besides I'm just curious. For the investigation, it looks like we're particularly interested in speaking with Carl Granger, but we can also continue through and investigate the markings on Bluth's map while we're at it. For the poll, as of now, we can have options, one focusing on the map after talking to Carl Granger and the other option will focus on finding witnesses. Naturally there's plenty of room for more suggestions, so I look forward to seeing any more that may show up! _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 1:43 pm    Post subject: This is an impressive project, Lebby. I have to admit that I chose the links selectively, but after reading some of the interviews I then went back to click on links that I chose to avoid. Likewise, after looking at some of the replies so far, caused me to go back and look at further links. In response to an earlier comment, I was going to chime in and say that perhaps just one link per buzzword in each chapter would be ok, but actually, having each buzzword referenced every time it is used is very useful if you're linking selectively, like me. For example, I didn't click on the link to the Captain until close to the end of the chapter. Which brings me to some of the thoughts that came to my mind as I was reading: Was it just a little too much detail about the dim red light on the command deck, or am I wondering whether there is something subtle there that may become significant later on? Granger is an obvious line of enquiry I think. Stokov is my prime suspect at the moment. With his command over the robots he is easily the most powerful person on the ship, at least in my opinion. I am curious as to why the Captain is not present. This hasn't been explained, but it doesn't seem to bother our main character. For the DP - Granger is the next port of call, I think. And also have someone check that Bluth has actually got the surveillance underway. I'm not sure he'll be 'thorough' enough. Oh, and the final link gave me a general error! (edit to add: This SG meets all the criteria to be stickied except the length of the first chapter. However, the innovative cross-referencing detail has been taken into account and it is therefore eligible for the next Spotlight competition.) Last edited by Crunchyfrog on Sun Oct 31, 2010 1:55 pm; edited 1 time in total Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 1:55 pm    Post subject: Quote: For instance, for the links, I coded a Visual Basic macro for MS Word that searchs for all keywords and adds the appropriate links automatically. By the way, If anyone else is considering using cross referencing links and also uses MS Word, I'd be happy to share the macro code I figured you might have just been using the find and replace function. But I did realize there was some sort of trick being employed there. If you go through and click on every link, it really hits you over the head to remind you who's who, which is really a very good thing (I have a hard time remembering characters by their names and this helps a lot) I found it necessary to read through without clicking on any links, then going back through it again, this time digging deeper. Its best to keep these chapters short as a result, I think, for it does take longer to absorb than most. I would imagine the last link didn't work too well for you CF cuz you probably already had this thread added to your fav's! _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 2:07 pm    Post subject: Ah, that'd be why then! Another thought for the DP... in fact I think I like this idea more as I think about it... We should visit the morgue. Surely we can find out the exact time of death - and it may even eliminate some of the crew via the command log. (although that also could be a work of fiction, who knows!) I want to talk to this Milo Jones fellow, but at the moment I'm not quite sure what I want to ask him - being that interrogating partial cryo patients is outlawed, and all. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 12:10 am    Post subject: Crunchyfrog wrote: I want to talk to this Milo Jones fellow, but at the moment I'm not quite sure what I want to ask him - being that interrogating partial cryo patients is outlawed, and all. That is tricky isn't it? The law about asking questions from partial cryostasis patients hasn't really been discussed but to keep it simple, you can't force a person into cryostasis, for the purpose of interrogating or otherwise (even to save a life). They have to specifically and explicitly request cryostasis. Since Milo Jones requested the partial cryostasis, you may ask him any questions you like. Sorry about the confusion. By the way, the Captain's absence has been discussed in the supplementary material. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 9:07 am    Post subject: Last Call Last call for DP suggestions! Later today I'll put up the poll to last about a week before I start the next wave! The next chapter shouldn't have as much supplemental material, but it should really start opening up the investigation. The current poll will be: Go to the Garden, Investigate Map Markers and Interview Carl Granger Focus on interviewing Carl Granger and other witnesses Search the system database for recent significant events Go to the Morgue, investigate Victor Clemens body more closely, speak with Milo Jones Anything else? _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 12:18 pm    Post subject: Polling Chapter 2 All right, the poll's up! Each of the options will lead to new clues, but which will be the most useful? I'm very eager to begin working on the next chapter, so let's see those votes! (Although, I can wait a little longer if anyone needs more time. It's a lot of material, I know) _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 2:06 pm    Post subject: Well, I was going to steam in for the fourth option... but... yes, they could all lead to different, but still key information. One to sleep on, I think! Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 4:57 pm    Post subject: There's no question in my mind that map seems to be the most intriguing possible lead. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 9:35 am    Post subject: Hmmm. Well, after some thought I am going for the fourth option after all. A sneaking suspicion tells me that if the culprit managed to smuggle technology into the garden, then he/she is likely to be someone with a high level of clearance - or someone who is able to blag his/her way into high-clearance areas by whatever means - which would include the morgue and the cryo unit. Since the body of Clemens and Mr. Milo Jones are unable to defend themselves, I think we need to get as much information from them as soon as possible - i.e., before either the body is tampered with, or Jones' cryo state is unexpectedly terminated. The map and its little markers is safe, for now. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 9:02 am    Post subject: Thank you warriorofdoom for breaking the tie! I'm closing the poll now (that's right, just 1 week of polling), and working on the next chapter which will be completed before the weekend. Some things to look forward to: Forensic results for confiscated guns A storm in the Garden The first surveillance report More detailed information from the system database SPOTLIGHT This storygame has been nominated for the Spotlight Competition where the voting has already begun! There's only 2 weeks of voting so if you haven't voted already, go take a look. Just make sure you give each storygame a chance to impress you before you vote (only fair, right?). Naturally, this author would be very grateful for your votes. ARCHIVE: Results of Chapter 2 Poll: Stage Three of Investigation, what will it be? Go to the Garden, investigate map markers and interview Carl Granger 16% [ 1 ] Focus on interviewing Carl Granger and other witnesses 0% [ 0 ] Search the system database for recent significant events 50% [ 3 ] Go to the Morgue, investigate Victor Clemens body more closely, speak with Milo Jones 33% [ 2 ] Total Votes : 6 Who Voted: Crunchyfrog, Ingrothechundyer, Midnight, Thunderbird, Vishal Muralidharan, warriorofdoom _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Last edited by Lebrenth on Thu Nov 18, 2010 7:27 pm; edited 2 times in total Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 4:43 pm    Post subject: Looking forward to your next installment Lebs! _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author warriorofdoom Resident Joined: 28 Oct 2010 Posts: 59 Location: Australia Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 7:05 pm    Post subject: Actually, I found the thread very amusing, and I thought I should help you out! (And also, It would be a shame if only you were posting there!). I also like your "Things to look forward to" list! I think I will use that for the Legion, with your permission of course. I find this a great story, and I will follow it from this chapter! Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 10:04 pm    Post subject: warriorofdoom wrote: I also like your "Things to look forward to" list! I think I will use that for the Legion, with your permission of course. Please feel free to use any techniques you like. I have certainly gained a lot from other authors in the City, and I think it's best for everyone if we help each other do better. This preview idea is new for me, but it seems like a good idea. Anyway it couldn't hurt, right? _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author PopeAlessandrosXVIII Arts and Poetry Mod Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1858 Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 2:44 am    Post subject: I think..... Bizzaar.....Amazingly bizzaar.......I'd love to see how this would be turned into a book. I love it though, In all honesty, the only things I clicked on were the interview links. But the idea is unique! I love the story. Classic murder mystery, with the spaceship twist! Like Lily C.A.T by Hisayuki Toriumi. The usual suspects, like the cheating wife, and the one she cheated with. The secretive and unstable actions of the other crewmembers. And the mass of information make this one heck of a world you've made! I can't wait to see what happens next! _________________ To Be A Knight And my first Finished work Death Day Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 3:14 am    Post subject: Lebby, you're a big tease! *hastily makes note of preview idea and scurries off* Actually I nabbed a nifty pre-chapter synopsis idea from D-Lotus which has worked a treat! Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 7:34 am    Post subject: PopeAlessandrosXVIII wrote: I'd love to see how this would be turned into a book. Well, it would require a lot of end notes that referenced a gigantic appendix. Actually, the appendix would be larger than the main story! Luckily I have no ambitions for publishing it as a book, so I won't have to worry about the formatting. This is a storygame designed solely for hyperlink compatibility, so if it could be reasonably printed in book form (without heavy editing), I've failed at my main objective. Good to have you on board, Pope! It's only going to get more bizarre from here, so keep a tight grip on your sanity meter! Crunchy, where is D these days? I'm sure he would be happy to give some insights from his own research on the concept of preview synopses. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 7:50 am    Post subject: Lebrenth wrote: Crunchy, where is D these days? I'm sure he would be happy to give some insights from his own research on the concept of preview synopses. I have no idea! Perhaps a visit to the Seance Thread is in order. - He started doing pre-chapter synopses in his Bittersweet Reverie storygame - and I shamelessly plagiarised the idea for my own synopses for MT. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 9:52 pm    Post subject: Chapter 3: Storm in the Garden Chapter 3: Storm in the Garden Hopefully, after our little conference, the special clearance officers are feeling nervous, knowing they’re suspects. Theoretically, the guilty parties will have a harder time dealing with the pressure, so they may stand out more or make a mistake. Lt. Cdr. Terrence Bluth is in charge of surveillance, but I need someone to watch him too. It should be especially interesting to see what Vladimir Stokov does next after accusing him of murder. I decide I need to use the restroom before I look at the map I recently acquired. I know there are no cameras in the restroom, so I can take out the marked map without worrying about Terrence watching me. It seems clear that the marked map contains events and times for those events, including one particular time for “crater” that has an X. I write a little transcript of the times and take a picture of the map so I can reference it later with less secrecy, then head to a secure terminal for some knuckle-cracking system database research. The system database, or Intranet, opens its doors wide for me. I don’t have the Captain’s level of access, of course, but I should be able to see if there are any entries with times corresponding to the ones on the map. I look them up according to what seems to be a serial number, with X as 1, but that brings a mess of trivial reports that would take me a decade to sort through. I narrow the search to the last few days, dive in, eventually finding a few interesting hits, including work orders for Stokov, which links me to a list of his jobs which may help determine where he’s been lately. I spend another hour of menial sifting before finding a real breakthrough, but before I can look through it, I’m immediately called away. The breakthrough comes in the form of automated reports from camoubots in the Garden that all correspond to the times on the map. Just as I’m beginning to read the reports, a barrage of urgent messages hit me. I have 21 messages originating in Old Town reporting a big fight. I download the camoubot reports to access later before heading out REPORT 1: Automated reports from camoubots I don’t have time much time for it, but before leaving the command deck, I talk to WO Jose Pacheco again. He struck me as trustworthy somehow. “Officer Pacheco, I want you to keep an eye on your superior officer for me. You may say he’s just been working hard, but I can see you’re suspicious. I need to know the surveillance is being done right, you understand?” “Uh, yes sir…” he says, still trying to recover from my drive-by request. “Send me a status report now, I have trouble to settle so I’ll just read it on the way.” REPORT 2: 1st surveillance report for senior officers REPORT 3: Stokov and Hawkins EA Spread Patterns I receive two reports as I take the shuttle back to the Garden entrance in Old Town: the surveillance report, and then the spread patterns from the confiscated guns. Apparently my deputy was able to recover and test them all already. The surveillance report seems useless, however, so I focus on the fight in Old Town. Apparently Mayor Richard Sato got into a proper fight instead of just another argument. I enter the Garden via the Old Town entrance to take care of the problem myself. Stepping into the Garden, I’m surrounded by fog, and I can hear the thunder of a storm sequence initializing. Perhaps a storm was scheduled for today, but I wouldn’t be too surprised if someone was trying to wash away trace evidence. The thunder cracks and the winds blow ferociously. It’s amazing how real it seems. Then a quick call to the command deck halts the storm. It takes a few seconds for all of the lightning to deplete, and it will take much longer for the clouds to disperse, but at least there won’t be any rain. I don’t have to go far to find the fight, it looks like a peasant riot in the streets! Mayor Sato screams from a second floor window at the rioters below who have armed themselves with clubs made from whatever they could find. With the Mayor’s House standing starside, all of the rioters pushing at the walls and doors look as though they’re trying to send the whole house into space. Sato, as usual, is defiant. “Who do you think I am? I’m the Mayor, not the Captain!” Sato screams. “Liar! Murderer! Give us the passcode!” comes from the angry crowd. Normally it’s hard to reason with people in a frenzy, but it just so happens I speak crazy. I pull out my gun and blast over their heads. The white streak of photons sizzling the air gets their attention and starts the confrontation on the right foot. “Listen up, people! I’m the only one allowed to make baseless accusations on this ship, so unless you have proof that the Mayor Sato is a murderer, I recommend you put down your chair legs and cue sticks and start acting civilized like me.” “Let us out!” Someone yells, but holds still. Some of them look truly terrified, as though I was about to execute them all. “You are out. If you want in, just pick a place. While you’re cordoned off in the Garden there will be no renting charges.” “We want to be back in the ship, there’s a murderer out here!” “We’re urgently looking for the one who is responsible for the death of Victor Clemens. If anyone tries anything, we’ll see it.” “We don’t believe you!” says another. I can tell these people aren’t going to stand down without some real persuasion. I’ve never seen them so scared and angry. The last thing I need is people killing each other while I’m trying to solve this crime. “Hold it! I’m still collecting evidence and questioning witnesses!” I yell at them, but I can tell I’m losing the fight. “You can keep me here,” the Mayor says, “but you must let everyone else back into the ship!” “Yeah! Just give us the passcode!” the rabble begins again, but at least they’re fighting on the same side instead of against each other. I’d rather do something more productive with my time, but I should do something about these people first. If only I could just shoot them. DP: How is the riot handled (if at all)? Second DP: Where do we take the investigation next? _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Last edited by Lebrenth on Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:28 am; edited 1 time in total Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 5:23 pm    Post subject: Nice installment, lebs! I think a na-na-nana-na I told you all so moment is in order... so there's a creature loose on the ship eh? All it would have taken was for the creature to have injured one of these camobots (and... oh... one's missing) for one of them to go haywire thanks to the water it was probably following the creature into (the lake) and blammo, we have a wild electron accellerator which probably killed our victim. (By the way, the scatter diagrams would be great if we could get a diagram of the wound as well - and might as well look for the record diagrams for the bots, particularly the one that's missing.) I say to address the crowd, share that there is a creature on board the ship that is likely to blame for the murder, even if it was an accident of sorts and that the creature is both a chameleon-like lizard creature of some significant size and that it is likely hiding among the trees in the garden somewhere, or perhaps even beyond the garden as the bots haven't reported the creature recently either. Ask for the crowd's help and release them to search the entire ship. Here is manpower and we should use it to find the beast. Note: how the heck did the thing get in here though? How can a crater end up in the garden of all places without having blasted its way through the ship? That, I think, is going to be the real mystery here. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Last edited by Thunderbird on Fri Nov 19, 2010 7:08 am; edited 1 time in total Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 7:23 pm    Post subject: craters I like your enthusiasm, TB. That's a lot of na na's. A word about one of your notes, the Garden doesn't have a glass dome over it, the atmosphere is held there by artificial gravity. "Shields" as they are known throughout science fiction, have not been developed. Basically just letting you know there doesn't need to be any "blasting through the ship" for a crater to occur, though it is still a mystery what the crater's story is. As for the spread pattern of the fatal wound, I've updated "Victor's Fatal Wound" to include images. I'll make a point of announcing when major updates occur. Sometimes I fix little mistakes too, but I don't want anyone to worry, if it changes the content, I'll let everyone know. For the fatal wound update, I was going to make an announcement as soon someone posted (and someone did, so I have ). _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 7:10 am    Post subject: And, as suspected, none of those weapons appears to be the culprit, though there is some similarity in one of vostoks weapons, not enough I fear. I'm sorry, my impression of the garden was not that it was the top exterior of the ship but interior... alright then. So could the creature be wandering the exterior shell of the ship right now? _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2010 9:28 am    Post subject: bubble Artificial gravity prevents things from escaping easily, especially at a concentrated ring near the floor of the garden. With enough propulsion, something could get out, but it wouldn't be easy. The Garden appears to have a bubble of air on it, the rest of the hull does not have air. Perhaps I should update the 'The Garden' supplement to have a better description, but in essence the answer to your question is "Probably not". _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 4:05 am    Post subject: Well, if I was one of that crowd, and had been held in the Garden indefinitely with no updates, knowing there could well be a killer among us, I'd be fed up too. But the main area of concern now must surely be the whereabouts of this unidentified life form. We'll need to evacuate the Garden anyway if we're going to search for the animal, so why not kill two birds with one stone? If the people are scared they're being cordonned off with a killer among them, then they should react positively to some processing. Processing means they'll think that something is being done to take care of the situation. Processing will make them think that if the killer is among them he'll be caught before they're let back onto the rest of the ship. After all, they wouldn't want the killer to be released onto the ship unchecked. So for the DP, process and evacuate the crowd from the Garden. Take all their details, and take statements from them all. Have every one of them searched before they leave, in case anyone may be concealing evidence. Let them know that the processing will help eliminate them from suspicion. If nothing else it will at least give them peace of mind when they leave the Garden, giving us less aggravation to deal with as we continue our investigation. I don't know whether the robots will be able to help with processing, but there must be some resource that will help. Meanwhile (and this is just for the general mulling over while the suggestion/poll cycle takes place) I'm a bit confused about the format of the Camoubot reports. What is the classified section? I am also suspicious that Terrence Bluth always turns off the intruder alert. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 8:57 am    Post subject: Crunchyfrog wrote: Meanwhile (and this is just for the general mulling over while the suggestion/poll cycle takes place) I'm a bit confused about the format of the Camoubot reports. What is the classified section? Essentially, if you see the header "Classified Section", it means the next section is particularly sensitive material that should not be shared with anyone without Special Clearance. It shouldn't be assumed that if that header isn't there that the information isn't sensitive Thanks for the post! I look forward to adding the DP suggestions to the next poll. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 9:21 am    Post subject: What does Aggro mean? Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 9:06 pm    Post subject: Crunchyfrog wrote: What does Aggro mean? It's short for aggression. "Aggro: 0" would instruct the AI to be so peaceful that it would make Gandhi look like a short-tempered gun-toting gangster. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 11:08 am    Post subject: Just as an aside, I'm loving this, Lebs. It is giving me a constant feeling that the solution to this mystery is right under my nose and I cannot see it for looking. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 5:09 pm    Post subject: I know, right? Like we should have figured it out back in chapter I and all along we should know what we're missing here... _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author PopeAlessandrosXVIII Arts and Poetry Mod Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1858 Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 2:07 am    Post subject: I Think...... True funness! I love monsters... *Bounces up and down* I can't wait for the next part! The DP.....Put yer foot down! Stun them all, or as many as you can, in any way you can, and make sure they know where they stand! Can't have yerself ordered around by a rable! It's just not right! But, I'm the violent type ehrn it comes to mass hysteria. I'd say, do some crowd controle with the bots, and show force in dealing with unruly peoples. I actually think that'd make'em feel even a little bit safer to know that they got such a tough guy doing security. THEN, send the cambots out with your own set of instuctions to locate and detain creature, but to inform you upon sighting. Great story, so Animeic! _________________ To Be A Knight And my first Finished work Death Day Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 12:30 pm    Post subject: Two new polls up! The first deals with how the riot is dealt with, the second poll deals with where we're focusing the investigation meanwhile. While rereading everyone's posts for the DP, I realized that TB mentioned getting the record of the spread patterns of the EA's the camoubots have. Unfortunately, there is no such record yet; the bots will have to be tested. In regards to Pope's comment, there is no stun setting on the EA's, but there are other options John can use to knock people out. And so Crunchy doesn't feel left out, in response to her post, the robots probably can help by asking specified questions and recording the response for John to review later. There will be a summary of their findings. Don't forget! There's a second poll! _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 9:13 am    Post subject: Wow. I missed this, due to a lot of white stuff dropping out of the sky. Not any more though! Voted! Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 3:29 pm    Post subject: Very nice, a three way tie! Now, however, no matter where the next vote goes, the tie will be broken (even if it just turns around and makes a new tie when the person after that votes). _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:08 am    Post subject: i SO love breaking ties!!!!! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2010 11:20 am    Post subject: Ch.3 closed Sorry for the delay, it's been very hectic. I've closed the polls and I'm working on the next chapter. Here's the results of the polls: Riot Running Rampant Ask for the crowd's help finding the creature and release them to search the entire ship 25% [ 1 ] Carefully process each of them before releasing them from the Garden 50% [ 2 ] Quell the riot by show of force 25% [ 1 ] Total Votes : 4 Who Voted: Crunchyfrog, PopeAlessandrosXVIII, Thunderbird, Vishal Muralidharan Meanwhile, we're focusing our investigation on: Investigating camoubots 50% [ 1 ] Questioning witnesses and suspects 50% [ 1 ] Searching Vesper Lake 0% [ 0 ] Investigating Victor's missing profile 0% [ 0 ] Surveillance of senior officers 0% [ 0 ] Finding the alien creature 0% [ 0 ] Total Votes : 2 Who Voted: Crunchyfrog, Thunderbird _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:07 am    Post subject: ....and I thought I'd missed a new chapter! It's been hectic here too, but gradually returning to normality. I look forward to your next instalment! Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:47 am    Post subject: Thanks for checking up on me Crunchy. Still working on it between everything else! I've also fallen behind most of the stories I've been following, but I plan on catching up with them as well after I get the next chapter up. Things to watch out for in the next chapter: Stokov sabotages the ship and the Alien comes out to play. There will be important clues, but you might not recognize them when you first see them. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 2:03 pm    Post subject: Chapter 4: Execution Chapter 4: Execution It was too optimistic to think I could wrap up this murder before things became complicated. As I begin interviewing and “processing” passengers in the Garden, I realize just how tenuous peace has been on the ship. To say they’re a little on edge would be like saying hand grenades are a little dangerous. I call a robot security detail in to help me with questioning the witnesses, and they record the answers… it’s not the same as proper interviewing, of course, but I need to get out to check on those camoubots too. They could be the keys to answering the question of how Victor Clemens was killed. I decide on these simple questions: “What is your name? How long have you been in the Garden? Describe your activities since yesterday morning. What is your opinion of Victor Clemens? Do you have any information about Victor Clemens’ recent activities or any suspicious activities of any kind?” I let the robots do all of the actual interviews and I search each person before they leave the Garden to ensure none of them are concealing anything. Halfway through the searches, still finding nothing, it occurs to me that my deputy, James Slaughter, could be collecting spread patterns from the camoubots. It’s something I should be doing myself, once again, but he’s been trusted with guns, so why not high tech killer spy robots? I have enough on my hands, and we haven’t even begun the hunt for the alien creature currently stowing away onboard. There are 55 passengers eager to leave the Garden and happy to answer a few questions to do so. I search each of them, which they weren’t so happy about, but find nothing suspicious at all on any of them. Jasper Jameson carries marijuana, which is contraband, but isn’t exactly a murder weapon, so I put it back in his pocket and let him through. I’m not looking forward to reviewing the recordings, but I’m glad to have them filed for later. REPORT 4: Summary of noteworthy robot interviews Almost everyone has left the Garden now, and the air is fresh and untroubled. Old Town is a ghost town, except for the stubborn Mayor who wouldn’t leave even if the gravity failed and the atmosphere around the Garden floated out into space. I meet up with James to help him with the camoubots, which is no small task since they look like rocks when they’re inactive. I thought they were still surveilling the alien, but I haven’t checked their latest activities. I remind myself to download their latest activity logs next time I’m on a secure terminal. In meantime, we take a hovercraft from location to location all around Vesper Lake, opening them up without activating them, shooting their EA’s to collect the spread pattern, then replacing the EA’s and closing them up again. REPORT 5: Camoubot EA spread patterns Since we were already in the marsh, we decided to investigate the crater from Bluth’s marked map. The crater isn’t enormous, but not too bad either. Wearing gloves and face mask, I collect a few fragments of some kind of … well… some kind of large egg or cocoon with what looks like dried mucous all over it. We bag the pieces and take them straight to the morgue for containment and study. According to military protocol, the whole of the Garden and anyone exposed should be quarantined, but I have a murder investigation to finish, so I’m in a bit of a rush. I’m starting to feel a little drowsy as we the shuttle hums down the track, but I wasn’t going to have the benefit of calling it a night yet. As we’re about to walk into the morgue, I get another urgent call, this time from a security robot. “Can’t it wait three minutes for me to put this gunk away?” I say. “Unidentified intruder detected, non-human.” “Give me visual.” The video feed from the security robot shows the alien being running toward the security robot, and there isn’t much time to react. “Apprehend, but do not harm,” I say quickly “Yes sir.” “I mean it, robot! Do not kill that thing!” “Yes sir.” I stand in place and watch the video continue, hoping that in a moment I’ll have an alien and not a broken robot. The alien is fast, and it’s larger than I thought it would be. Once the robot tries to intercept, the alien immediately turns on it. It now appears the creature was running from something, not intending to threaten the robot at all. Long fanged teeth lock onto the robot’s arm. The robot seizes the creature, even as it reports a small breach in its shell. The alien is quite strong, but the robot is fortunately a bit stronger. “Do you have it?” “Yes sir.” “Hold onto it and stay where you are till other units can support! And whatever you do, don’t get wet!” “Yes sir.” “James, take this to the morgue, I’m going back up.” “Yes sir. I’ll be coming up right after you,” James Slaughter says. “Sounds good.” I get back on a shuttle to go back to the Garden before something goes wrong. Then something goes wrong. The shuttle stops and the lights flicker out only a few yards from the station. Then they come back on and I resume. No problem. I get out and I’m about to enter the Garden, except I’m getting another urgent call, this time from the bridge. “What is it?” I ask and then add “Sir” when I see it is Cdr. Jacob Hawkins. “Stokov just blinded us. He disabled the ships internal cameras. He’s in engineering bay E-12. I want you to arrest him immediately.” “This is a bad time, sir. There’s an alien stowaway in the Garden that’s just been captured and I want to make sure he’s brought in. Besides, by the time I get to E-12, Stokov could be anywhere.” “I’m sending in some men to find him. Join them as soon as you’re sure you have the alien secured.” “Yes sir,” I respond, understanding that this was not a request, but an order. My next urgent call is from the security robot again. “What?” I ask. “This unit is under attack by four passengers.” “What? Visual!” Four of the passengers, wielding long metal rods, have ganged up on the alien creature and the robot attempting to protect it. Other security robots are approaching, but I’m afraid they’ll be too late. The alien is already bleeding from the blows, and the robot is unable to both protect itself and keep a hold of the alien. “Fire a warning shot, but don’t hit anyone.” The shot strikes close, but they quickly disable the EA with a sharp clack from a metal rod. Other robots are within shooting range, but they won’t arrive soon enough to subdue the attackers. Nothing short of killing these people will seem to stop them. I may get my alien prisoner, but I won’t get it alive. REPORT 6: Automated Report, Alien Encounter Incident DP: What does John do next? SECOND POLL: What is the focus of the overall investigation? _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Last edited by Lebrenth on Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:29 am; edited 1 time in total Back to top Author PopeAlessandrosXVIII Arts and Poetry Mod Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1858 Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 4:37 pm    Post subject: Wow! Well, movin' right along here, ne? Stupid humans... But I guess thier safty comes first...is there a 'Stun' ? Maybe send an emergency order to the bots comming on to the scene to dissable the humans with their weapons. I mean, I can understand being upset over the dead guy, but they're doing more harm than good! (That and I like monsters) I'd almost say, sick the monster on them, but that'd prolly be bad, and fatal. *Dances* I'm liken' this, I hope things keep running "Smoothly" hehehe! _________________ To Be A Knight And my first Finished work Death Day Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 12:06 pm    Post subject: Re: Wow! PopeAlessandrosXVIII wrote: Stupid humans... But I guess thier safty comes first...is there a 'Stun' ? Maybe send an emergency order to the bots comming on to the scene to dissable the humans with their weapons. Nope, no stun setting, nor are they equipped with weapons that are intended to subdue. If by "disable the humans" you mean shooting them in the legs, maybe that could be done. There's still no guarantees no one will get killed, and EA's are very lethal. Even non-lethal shots will be difficult to recover from and they will need medical attention very quickly or they will bleed to death. The alien could possibly still be shot by accident as well. Just letting you know, this scenario could very well end up in the worst possible way. I don't always plot out the smoothest course. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 2:26 pm    Post subject: Shooting them in the legs may be just the thing. It might even be a quicker way to eliminate the camoubots by the spread patterns they leave. I'm not sure that receiving the alien dead would be a complete disaster, since we have the egg and mucous, and a slightly battered body to analyse. But we have people acting strangely. Why would the inhabitants of the ship try to attack something that has already been apprehended and held, apparently safe? Something strange is going on there. All of the four individuals seem to possess qualities which, on the surface probably would amount to nothing, but when suspicions are being cast everywhere, could mean something more ominous. Were these four among those who were processed in the Garden, I wonder? If so, it may be worth confiscating all of Jasper's contraband for now. I want to know why Stokov has cut the cameras. We've already got our eye on him, our hero has said as much that it would be interesting to see what Stokov's next move would be after accusing him of murder. Something's about to happen, and the unliklihood of the attacks makes me think that it will be in the vicinity of the alien. I think we have no choice but to get down there quick if we're to witness anything. The main focus of the investigation I think should focus around Clemens's body. Since the egg and goo are going to the morgue, and Milo Jones is there, I think the morge is the next port of call. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 10:35 am    Post subject: The camoubots are not on the scene, the robots involved in this event are all security bots near Vesper Lake who were sent to ensure the crime scene remained unspoiled. The four men involved in this encounter were not among those processed earlier in Old Town. So we have "Shoot the assailants' legs" for the first poll, and "Investigate evidence in the morgue" for the second poll. Any other DP suggestions for either poll? _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 10:36 am    Post subject: Some good observation from other fellow IFians here, but... Ladies and Gentlemen, we have the murder weapon identified. Pay close attention to the exact match between camobot 9's spread pattern and the wound's spread pattern. They are identical. We must therefore immediately inspect this bot for every last detail. I'm not concerned if the alien dies... as a danger to others onboard, it probably needs to anyhow. If its intelligent enough to communicate with, that could be a different matter. But the real question then, at this point, is if someone with motive USED this alien to cause a guided chain reaction that led to this murder. Possibly, however, Vostok might just be freaking out thinking he's going to take the blame for something he didn't do but all motives point to him. Interesting as well to note that most of the names of those attacking the alien are also those who were thought missing and dead by their friend who was interviewed in the garden. Glad to have caught up to this and sorry I didn't get on it immediately but with this tale, if I don't give myself a decent block of focus time, I'll never 'get it'. And this is really worth 'getting it'! Well done on another well developed hyperlinked chapter. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 11:01 am    Post subject: No hurries, no worries, TB. I'm very happy you found a match on those spread patterns. Well done. Ready to drop everything and go straight to the camoubot 9, huh? Camoubot 9 will be added to both polls. It seems prudent to add interrogating the four passengers and Gary Orville as well, as you mentioned there is a connection there. I just modified the interview, by the way, after I noticed a mistake where Gary said "near the conservatory" when he should have said "near the observatory". I also noticed the "CLASSIFIED SECTION" of Adolf Polski's profile was accidentally copied from Abe Marlin, so it was removed. That should be all for the errata. It appears the investigation is making progress.... _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 10:40 pm    Post subject: I guess that's all there is to do at this stage. Awesome chapter Lebby! But, I thought we were ordered to look for Stokov along with men? Wouldn't it be more sensible to look for him with robots (Im assuming robots are quicker and better equipped)? All motives point to Stokov, and this ridiculous act puts him on top of my suspect list. I believe that we need to talk to him, AFTER inspecting camobot 9. The robot did kill Victor, but I am sure that it was under orders(stokov?). A little talk to stokov after inspecting the camobot. We need something to ask him! About the monster situation, I understand that something has to be done, even if the monster is better of dead. It's only a threat to our security, but if IT was running away from something, then we need to find that 'something'. If we do need to protect the monster, I suggest we don't harm the humans(even if its a chance they may die). We need to scare them away from the scene, if its possible. Try everything you can to get them out. We will have to resort to violence only if there's no other way out. That's All, I guess!!! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 3:22 pm    Post subject: Poll's up! Hey Vishal, glad to see you're still following the story. I understand your suggestion to try to scare the humans away without harming them, but I'm afraid this poll is very cornered. The warning shot did not scare them, and it's apparent that they will not stop unless forced to do so. Choosing to not act forcefully, or to not release the alien creature, will very likely result in its death. You're also right that John has been ordered to go after Stokov, but he is confident he can buy himself a little more time without getting in trouble. The question is whether he thinks it's important enough to do before anything else. He will very likely go after Stokov as his second priority, if not his first. Thanks for reading! The next chapter will be coming out in February. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 8:22 pm    Post subject: This poll is REALLY tough... whew... still not sure what to vote for... I mean, I'd want to address the immediate situation of course but I would hope that it wouldn't take an excessive amount of time to deal with before we can get to #9. So, I guess I'll vote for the shoot at legs option since these idiots won't listen. If the creature dies, who knows what opportunities we might lose really. All involved, alien included, need to be put in holding until we can put them in the appropriate priority in this investigation. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 2:57 am    Post subject: Well, this story is far too awesome to stop following! And yes, it is a really tough poll, but I went with going after Stokov. I know Its a really big gamble by ignoring the alien, but I do hope that other officers can keep the alien alive. Stokov is MY main priority at this situation, and if he is getting away, its a problem. I suspect its a red herring, but its the most logical thing to do(atleast in the way I see it). The monster seems unrelated to the murder in my logic, its just another happening, but I wouldn't want to put anything away. We need to get Stokov, and secure him in a real good place and rush back to the alien. But Im not sure if everyone will perceive it the way i do. _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 10:59 am    Post subject: I found this a tough decision, too. Very different outcomes, all of them. Anyway, I've cast my vote. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2011 10:47 am    Post subject: Anyone else interested in the Second Poll? Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2011 12:04 pm    Post subject: thanks for pointing that out... I'd forgotten about that second poll! _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2011 3:56 am    Post subject: oops, didn't notice that! But now, I've voted there as well. Looking forward to how this turns out!! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author warriorofdoom Resident Joined: 28 Oct 2010 Posts: 59 Location: Australia Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2011 4:10 am    Post subject: AND VOTED!! I missed the suggestion phase, but Im glad I caught up when the poll is still running. This is developing into a intriguing story!!! Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2011 9:20 am    Post subject: 5 Hey hey, back to 5 votes! Not bad for a slow time on IF. Now if I can squeeze in just one more.... And it looks like there's a new leader in the Second Poll with Stokov currently the focus of the investigation, assuming we don't get two more votes in a different direction before the next chapter. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author warriorofdoom Resident Joined: 28 Oct 2010 Posts: 59 Location: Australia Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 12:23 am    Post subject: Say, what about the break it thread?! Lets hopr people will take a look. Couldn't hurt, right?! Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 10:11 am    Post subject: Yep, that's the plan, I just thought I would give it a little more time. However, it has been more than a week since the chapter so I think I'll go ahead and do that now. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 7:02 pm    Post subject: 1000 views for this storygame, and this is my 1000th post on IF (not including a short stint with the Mad Hatter a while ago). As a way of celebrating, I'll send 100 Fables to the next person who posts to this thread! _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 1:04 am    Post subject: Guess I'll take the fables! And keep hoping that people visit the break it thread. We need to know which poll result wins! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2011 8:36 pm    Post subject: Lebrenth wrote: 1000 views for this storygame, and this is my 1000th post on IF (not including a short stint with the Mad Hatter a while ago). As a way of celebrating, I'll send 100 Fables to the next person who posts to this thread! Wow... lotsa zeroes... nice! I suppose a congrats is in order. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2011 1:11 am    Post subject: I missed all the zeros, congratulations! Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 11:06 pm    Post subject: Chapter 5: Dark Corridors Chapter 5: Dark Corridors Ten more minutes and I could have had the alien creature safely in custody, but instead I had to make a choice of what to lose: an alien, four crazed passengers, or a saboteur. None of them were on their best behavior, so maybe there’s nothing to be ashamed of when I close the video feed of the alien creature getting beaten to death. I inform James Slaughter that he’ll be very busy for a while. He’ll need to recover a body, arrest four passengers, and take a closer look at Camoubot 9 (whose EA is very likely the murder weapon, judging from the EA spread pattern). Then he has to report everything to me. In the meantime, I have to hunt the man that not only knows every corner of the ship, but also has intimate knowledge of all of its weaknesses. “Officer Pacheko,” I call from my communicator, “Send me a report of all of your surveillance of Stokov.” “That won’t take long, sir,” Jose Pacheko says. “He only appeared on camera for 10 minutes, where he entered E-12, carrying an EA pistol. Then he opened up the access panels for the camera system. That’s when all visual surveillance inside the ship shutdown.” “Keep monitoring communications, especially if you can find anything from or about Vladimir Stokov or Darla Clemens.” I jump back onto a shuttle, but I don’t go to E-12. Stokov won’t be easy to catch, but I may know where he’s going. Something he may need before locking himself off in some forgotten section of the ship is a companion. I’ve been meaning to give Darla a visit anyway. I could find my way to the Clemens’ residence with my eyes closed, which is lucky because the lights go out before I reach the place. Stokov must want to keep us in the dark. I also notice the air vents are quiet and still, as though the ventilation and heating has also been shut off. I draw my EA and try to move quickly and quietly. The air is so still, however, that my footsteps may as well be a drum solo. The Clemens’ lived in this corridor alone, isolated after the neighbors were driven out by the constant bickering. At least that way the Clemens could fight in peace. If they ever needed any real help, they only had to wait a little longer for someone to arrive. That someone was usually me, and as far as I was concerned they could stay as far away from the others as they liked. I thought visiting the Clemens would be a chore that would only end when one of them died. It turns out I was right. Part of me wonders if Victor is waiting for me to settle their final dispute, the other part wonders if I ever grew out of being scared of the dark. Darla has her metal hatch adorned in numerous crafts that she never cleans or removes. I press my ear against the door, hoping to hear some kind of activity. I hear her cursing and mumbling as though to herself. She hasn’t left to meet up with Stokov, which is good, but I wouldn’t blame Stokov if he didn’t invite her at all. I would find out soon enough if Stokov was coming. The question now was how to prepare for him, in case he did arrive. I could wait for him in one of the many empty quarters and get behind him when he gets to the door, or I could wait inside with Darla and hope she doesn’t have a way to warn him. One way or the other, if he’s coming, he’s armed and probably ready to do something desperate. DP: How does Dunaway stalk Stokov? Last edited by Lebrenth on Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:29 am; edited 2 times in total Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 11:12 pm    Post subject: Yes, I know it's a bit on the light side. The next one will probably make up for it with the autopsy of the alien, interrogation of the crazed passengers, and an investigation of Camoubot 9 (and possibly more, depending on this DP). Meanwhile, we have a serious situation. If Dunaway's instincts are right, Stokov will be coming soon, and he's not a person to underestimate. If he's wrong, Stokov is getting a big head start. Any suggestions? Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 2:56 pm    Post subject: I liked having a light chapter for a change up. Didn't have a lot of links to go hunting through and that was a relief for now (not that I don't like going through them but it did make this chapter easier to digest. I find I often have to set aside a good selection of quiet time to get your chapters absorbed ) Anyhow, I say he does it the old fashioned cop way, call for a little robo-backup and confront him with weapons drawn, balls out. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:31 am    Post subject: Im glad! A nice little chapter (literally)! The name of the chapter would put anyone off, though! What Tbird said is probably the best, and simplest thing to do. But I'll try for a modification in the plan so that we get both of them by surprise. Get the robo-backup, and hide. Make sure Stokov doesn't see you, and let him meet Darla. When he is inside, we surround the place and nab them when the come out. We also have to send a few robots to look for Stokov. I'm sure with the advanced technology we're in Robots do have night-vision. Get the robots to scan the entire place, while we wait. We are bound to find Stokov this way(I hope). _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 8:11 am    Post subject: Vishal Muralidharan wrote: We also have to send a few robots to look for Stokov. I'm sure with the advanced technology we're in Robots do have night-vision. Get the robots to scan the entire place, while we wait. We are bound to find Stokov this way(I hope). Yes, the robots do have night vision of some kind, so darkened corridors won't be problematic for them. I'm glad the chapter name was foreboding, by the way . Ordering a scan of the ship shouldn't be difficult, although it will take a lot of time due to the immense area to search. Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 11:22 pm    Post subject: May I add Inward radial search? Meaning robots start from each corner of the area and work their way to the center. It has a very high success rate, but I doubt that we'll catch Stokov. But I still would go for it! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 8:54 am    Post subject: What is significant about E-12? Is it the only place where the guy can disable the ships surveillance? And how far is it from the Clemens' quarters? I am surprised that Dunaway is acting on a hunch like this. I believe Stokov could well be enjoying a big head start. We don't know the motive for the murder, we don't know whether Stokov even is the murderer, or just an accomplice. So we certainly don't know for sure if he'll be coming for Darla. However, the stillness of the air is worrying. He may actually have turned off life-support systems in that section. It may be wise just to go in and get Darla out. Once that's done, it'd be a good idea to restrict his movements around the ship. We could disable the shuttle system, and start tracking all 300 people on board via heat sensors. You won't necessarily be able to identify him that way, but he might give himself away through his actions. Oh yeah, and the fact that a crazed murderer is on the loose would be a good reason to impose a general curfew. I'm sure the bots would be able to arrange lifts for those too far from home. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 12:21 pm    Post subject: Crunchyfrog wrote: What is significant about E-12? Is it the only place where the guy can disable the ships surveillance? And how far is it from the Clemens' quarters? I'll post the information about E-12 soon in supplemental, but to give a quick summary, it is an engineering area responsible for networking pretty much all internal ship's sensors. The ship's cameras, for instance, all send their feeds to this location, and from there sent on to servers for the Intranet to be accessed by authorized users. There are many critical systems in this area since many functions of the ship rely on internal sensors. It is not the only place the surveillance could be disabled, though it's probably the easiest place. There are many ways to cause the system to fail which could potentially be done from any computer station throughout the ship with the right access and know how. There could also be accidental causes for a blackout, such as a power surge. There is not definitive proof that Stokov has done what he is being arrested for, but it certainly appears to be the best explanation. E-12 is about 3/4 of a mile from Clemens' quarters, so if John was right about where Stokov was going, he is certain he made it first and has a few minutes to spare at least. However, if Stokov is not coming, are there any suggestions where John should look instead? Your other suggestions have been noted (well done, by the way) and may be implemented in the next chapter. Thanks for the good questions Crunchy! _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 3:01 am    Post subject: Polling anytime soon? _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:21 am    Post subject: Vishal Muralidharan wrote: Polling anytime soon? I'll start polling Friday, thanks for reminding me. For the record, here is the poll for last chapter: What does John do next? Everything else can wait, go find Camoubot 9 0% [ 0 ] Find and arrest Stokov as soon as possible 50% [ 3 ] "Disable" the humans, shoot for the legs to protect the alien 33% [ 2 ] Take alien creature's body to the morgue and investigate 0% [ 0 ] Release alien creature to defend itself 16% [ 1 ] Total Votes : 6 Who Voted: Crunchyfrog, LordoftheNight, PopeAlessandrosXVIII, Thunderbird, Vishal Muralidharan, warriorofdoom And the second poll: Focus of Investigation Camoubot 9 25% [ 1 ] Vladimir Stokov 50% [ 2 ] The 4 violent passengers and other unusual passenger behavior 25% [ 1 ] Morgue investigation 0% [ 0 ] Alien Creature 0% [ 0 ] Total Votes : 4 Who Voted: Crunchyfrog, Thunderbird, Vishal Muralidharan, warriorofdoom _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:22 pm    Post subject: No problem _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author PopeAlessandrosXVIII Arts and Poetry Mod Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1858 Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 1:20 am    Post subject: I Think...... Hwaaah, I fnally sat down and did some reading! YAY! Anyway....I like this chappter. Reminds me of my habit of turning off lights before entering a room and I love that little line about him wondering if he got over being afraid of the dark. Great little thing to drop in there. Very realistic in my mind. DP...DP.....I guess I'll go with leaving Botsw to do the seize and capture, and have out officer head to the shuttles just in case. I also agree with the sweep idea, but stratr from all modes of escape first, and move the web in from there. Nice writing, still lovin' it! Keep'em commin'! _________________ To Be A Knight And my first Finished work Death Day Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:42 am    Post subject: Ch 5 Poll's Up The Poll is up! _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 1:43 am    Post subject: Oooh, a 3-way tie! Come on, shut down that tram system. You know it makes sense! Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 10:44 am    Post subject: Oh, thankyou Lebs, that little bit of extra info about E12 just posted in the supplemental definitely accounts for the stillness of the air. I wonder what other systems he's disabled... I hope it's not the heat sensors... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:00 pm    Post subject: Crunchyfrog wrote: Oh, thankyou Lebs, that little bit of extra info about E12 just posted in the supplemental definitely accounts for the stillness of the air. I wonder what other systems he's disabled... I hope it's not the heat sensors... I'll be answering more questions in the next chapter (which I'm working on now), but just so you don't feel like I'm deliberately pulling the rug out from under your feet, the "heat sensors" are just simple thermometers to determine the air temperature. There are no sensors on the ship that can pinpoint human bodies by their heat signatures, so whether or not Stokov has sabotaged them as well, it wouldn't be a very effective way to locate him anyway (although a heated room in an abandoned section of the ship could be a good clue). The heat sensors are also used to determine whether a section of the ship is on fire and to some extent to determine whether an area has air at all. I like the idea, though. Sorry it isn't viable, probably should have used a different term so I didn't mislead you (as though I offered you a cookie and then smashed it before you picked it up). _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:35 pm    Post subject: Just re-read my last post and am cringing at how snarky it sounded. I apologise for that, I didn't intend it to be so! But thanks for the clarification, and as always, am looking forward to the next instalment! Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 3:10 pm    Post subject: Oh good! I'm just glad you got to use the word "snarky". I love that word. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:58 pm    Post subject: Chapter 6: Confrontation Chapter 6: Confrontation Confident that Stokov will arrive soon, I call in for activation of the nearest security robots. At the first sign of Stokov, I’ll have them close off all exits and surround him. If he’s smart, he’ll surrender. If not, I’ll try to bring him in alive if I can. The pale bluish light from my scanner is hardly enough light for a gun fight, so I open up an emergency box and pull out a flashlight. I keep it off until I need it. It’s quiet enough that I should be able to hear him when he’s close. I still have my EA in hand, where it will stay until I have Stokov in cuffs. My trap is just about set when the sound of a shot thunders down the corridor, quickly followed by another. I see only a faint flicker from around a corner. Two robots are no longer responsive. I call it in. More reinforcements are on the way, for what it is worth, and I have the security robots closing in on that location. I run towards the dead robots, hoping to reach the intersection of the two corridors before the shooter. “Stop or I’ll shoot!” Stokov yells. His accent is unmistakable; he is here. I lift the flashlight to turn it on when another streak of electrons shoots through the corridor, only this time it is aimed at me. “I said stop!” “It’s just a flashlight!” I say. “I know what it is. Drop it, and your EA, or I will kill you where you stand.” I ask myself how he could see me, but remembering how fond he was of his EA collection, it wouldn’t be much of a leap to presume he also has some sort of IR goggles or scope. I know about where he is standing now, thanks to that last shot, but all he has to do is wiggle his finger and I’m dead, so I do as I’m told. The flashlight and the EA clatter on the floor. “Turn around,” he says, and I continue taking directions. “I heard you calling for help. Send the robots away and tell the commander it was a false alarm. The robots just malfunctioned.” “Funny how things have been doing that lately.” “Do it.” Once again, I do as I’m told. What’s worse, I think they bought it when I told them the robots just randomly blew themselves up when they booted up… it’s just the sort of thing that happens on a ship with a skeleton crew. “Do you have handcuffs?” “Yeah, and if you wanna try them on, be my guest. Turning yourself in wouldn’t be a bad idea, considering the alternative,” I say as he secures my hands behind my back and takes my keys as well as my communicator. “What are you planning to do? You can hide, but you can’t run. There’s nowhere to go except this ship, and only so many places to hide.” “And what will you do without me? Do you think this ship would last one month without my help? Move!” “Where are we going?” Stokov is apparently done talking, as any other questions I ask are ignored. He takes me to the Clemens’ quarters and knocks on the hatch. “You’re not expected?” I ask, but he says nothing. Darla opens the hatch surprisingly quick and has a look of desperation on her face until it turns to shock when she sees me. “It’s all right, darling, he’s with me,” Stokov says as he pushes me into the warm and well-lit room. The place is a mess, which isn’t unusual, and there are soggy tissues everywhere. “What have you done?” she asks while choking on another burst of sobbing. I smile reassuringly, as though it was just a practical joke, even though they would be deciding my fate in the next few minutes. “I had to do it. He was going to arrest us,” he said gently. It’s the first time I’ve seen his gentle side, and somehow it makes me more nervous than before. She turns away. Stokov lets go of me and goes to comfort her. He still has the EA in his hand as he caresses her arm. I can now also see the IR goggles he wore that gave him the advantage in our confrontation. He has his back to me, but without my arms, there’s not much I can do. “Why did you do it?” Darla asks in a shaking voice. I can see she’s trembling. “What? The murder?” Stokov turns her around forcefully and holds her chin with his hand. He makes her look in his eyes. “What are you talking about? I did not kill Victor!” “Are you kidding me?” I interrupt. “Quiet!” he yells at me. He turns back to her and for a dreadful moment he lets his outrage grow before unleashing it on Darla. “I thought you killed him!” I step forward to come between them, as foolish as that sounds, but first Darla punches Stokov directly in the eye. “Don’t yell at me!” Darla screams, unleashing her own fury. “Don’t you dare yell at me! You’re better than that!” Stokov reels from the blow, but recovers and lifts his weapon to scare me back, which works, with his other arm trying to hold Darla away from him. “Enough!” he yells. Darla is no longer a sobbing wreck, but a vengeful Valkyrie, and Stokov looks vulnerable, even with a pistol in his hand. If I had a free arm, I would turn this whole situation around in an instant. As it stands, I’m just hoping I don’t get shot while the two of them kill each other. “Is it enough? Is it ever enough?” Darla demands. Stokov re-evaluates the threats and points the pistol at Darla. She bats it away and smacks Stokov’s cheek, showing surprising self-restraint which I think is lost on Stokov. “Darla,” I say gently. “Stay out of this, John,” Darla says. “I’d love to. How about I just step out while you two settle your differences?” Darla ignores me and looks intensely at Stokov while they both try to figure out what they’re going to do next. I could have told them what happens next, but I would have been wrong. I watch their faces dissolve from anger to sorrow and in another moment they’re embracing each other. “What’s happening to us?” Darla sobs. “This isn’t who I am when I’m with you.” The EA drops from Stokov’s hand, and though I can not see his face, he appears to be sobbing. I take advantage of this touching moment to slide the handcuffs under my butt and around my legs. Finally having my hands in front of me, I go for the EA… but Darla gets it first. “Sit down,” she demands. I have no doubts that she’ll use it if provoked, so I go back to being a good boy and doing as I’m told. “Well done, my darling,” Stokov says, quickly wiping the tears from his eyes. Thankfully, he takes the EA back from her. “She never pointed a gun at you, understand?” “Yeah sure, what difference does it make anyway?” I respond. “Look, you can kill me if that’s what you’re going to do, but you’ll always know that I saw you cry.” “I have never liked you, John, but I don’t want to kill you,” Stokov says. “There has been a misunderstanding. No one here knows what they think they know.” “So, what?” “So if it was not me, and it was not Darla, then who was it?” “It will take more than a tearful performance to convince me neither of you did it. You’re the only ones on the ship who even have a motive.” “Why don’t you ask me your questions again?” “You want me to interview you? I’m sorry, I can’t do that. It’s against the rules for people in handcuffs to ask questions.” “Very well, if I let you out of those handcuffs, will you trust me?” “Couldn’t hurt.” I put the handcuffs and keys back on my belt. I ask him to make a recording of the interview, as he still has my communicator and he won’t let me have it back. He keeps his EA in hand, and though he doesn’t aim it at me I occasionally notice his grip tightening on it. INTERVIEW 4: Second interview of Lt. Vladimir Stokov The interview seemed to go well, but of course it was hard to lean on him when he’s empowered by the gun in his hand. He really turned the tables on me when he told me I was the only suspect he had left. I may be able to turn it around one more time, if I can just push one button on the communicator. With that one button I can send the recording of the interview directly to the last call, in this case, the bridge. It would give them all the information they need. “Would you like to review the new evidence?” I ask Stokov, carefully picking up the communicator and openly showing him the screen with the popup message of one new report. REPORT 7: Camoubot 9 Stokov nods his head. Now I’m free to push the button, and probably get the whole ship to swarm this room… the question is whether a big stand-off is what I want, considering what can happen to hostages in these situations. And even if Stokov doesn’t fully trust me yet, he’s offering answers that I need that will be a lot harder to get if he’s in custody. If only I had a week or two to consider instead of just a fraction of a second…. DP: Does John send the recording of INTERVIEW 4 to the bridge? Or does he do something else? Last edited by Lebrenth on Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:31 am; edited 1 time in total Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 5:31 pm    Post subject: Ooo! New chappy! I'll read soon Lebs! _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 9:14 pm    Post subject: Nice.... Really nice! Though you might want to add a few spaces between dialogues at the interview. Intriguing chapter, lebs. Don't Send the report immediately. We could get quicker, more useful, and probably truthful answers from Stokov if he feels that we trust him. What we must do immediately, is interview Darla. Lets see what she has to say. For some reason, I don't believe both of them. I think it was a staged and pre-planned performance. Sgt. Slaughter... Well, tell him that it doesn't matter how things appear. Get him to do a full check-up on the camoubot, though I am doubtful that it will turn anything up, I don't want to leave anything ignored. Also, this recurring mention of the lost hat is making me think as well. Was it on the day of the murder, or the day before? And, was it stolen? (Doesn't seem very important, but you never know what will turn up. ) Quote: John: Could these missions be delivered secretly at any time? Stokov: Anyone with special clearance could do this, but I don’t know how they could without them sending automatic reports. Maybe if the robot’s transceiver was disabled, and the orders were delivered in person. There has been a missing camoubot for a while… is it possible that this camoubot has had this happen? John: We’re looking into it, but we think it’s 9 not 13. Also, I need some explanation of Stokov's dialogue. Thats all I guess!! Thanks for the good read~! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 10:11 pm    Post subject: I love answering questions! Let's see, "The Case of the Missing Hat" occurred on 9/27/2104. The discovery of Victor's body was reported on 9/28/2104, but according to the autopsy he may have died the previous day. There is no evidence suggesting the hat was stolen. More likely, Mindy Sommers dropped it while taking a walk. Now those are freebies, as all of that information is available in supplemental. The next questions I'm answering just to make sure the meaning is clear, but I don't want to help you come to any conclusions. In the interview, John asks Stokov if orders can be given to camoubots without anyone finding out. Stokov says it would be difficult, but possible, and you would probably require having special clearance, modifying the robot, and delivering orders in person. He offers a theory and John casts doubt on the theory because he suspects a different robot is involved in the murder. By the way, here are the results of the previous poll: How do we capture Stokov? Call in robots to surround the area, confront Stokov face to face 50% [ 2 ] Restrict Stokov's movements by shutting down trams, take Darla immediately into custody 25% [ 1 ] Send robots on a coordinated search of the entire ship while preparing to ambush Stokov and Darla if they show up together 25% [ 1 ] Total Votes : 4 Who Voted: Crunchyfrog, PopeAlessandrosXVIII, Thunderbird, Vishal Muralidharan EDIT: Small changes have been made, including links and a little better explanation of the dialogue between Stokov and John. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Last edited by Lebrenth on Sun Apr 03, 2011 9:00 am; edited 2 times in total Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 7:49 am    Post subject: I think in the fascination of following your labyrinth of links, one might find themselves overlooking the fact that your writing on this is completely superb with a distinctly professional feel - its quite effortless to read and digest and maintains interest with every word. I agree that Darla should be questioned. The notes regarding 9's purpose are some new and unexpected news. We need to figure out what it was last assigned to do, when it went missing (IF it went missing), and review who could have tampered with it. And as a side note - I never once believed Stokov was guilty anyhow. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 1:27 pm    Post subject: I still think Stokov is mixed up in this, and perhaps Darla, too. Question - in the previous chapter, the air vents were very still, suggesting that the ventilation and heating had been shut down in this area. There was no mention of that in this chapter. What is the air supply like at the moment? This could have a bearing on whether or not all this we have witnessed is an act. I too am fascinated as to whether or not the case of the missing hat has anything to do with this. Mindy Summers, the hat owner, apparently has a crush on John. I wondered whether or not this might be part of some elaborate decoy - but according to the autopsy report Clemens died at least 3 hours after Dunnaway filed the report that he'd found the missing hat. So if it is related in any way, it might have been to keep Dunnaway occupied while the events leading up to the murder were taking place, perhaps. Not sure why Stokov has John as his only suspect. Both of them have special clearance, so I wonder why Stokov considers the rest of the officers with special clearance as innocent? Anyway, as usual the solution to this whole mystery feels tantalisingly just out of reach, like something is staring me in the face and I can't see it. The present danger is not over for John. Clearly Slaughter needs help identifying whether Camoubot 9 has been tampered with, but he doesn't know what he's looking for. Stokov has offered to check it out, but they can't go into the garden while Stokov is pointing a gun at John. To my mind, the examination of Camoubot 9 is most important. If Stokov wants to prove his innocence, then perhaps they can reach some sort of compromise, and remove the camoubot from the garden for analysis. If nothing else we'll have proof either way of whether or how it was involved with the death of Clemens. And if we ever get Stokov disarmed and neutralised, we really need to get down to the morgue. Clemens' body, the alien and the guy in stasis all have loads of clues to give up, I think. I've been itcing to get around to this chapter and its various links for days. What you have here was very much worth the wait. Most enjoyable! Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 2:09 am    Post subject: I for one, do NOT believe that Stokov is the criminal. It would be entirely dissapointing if he is. Usually, stories like these always have one character that seems to be guilty but isn't. I think that's the case with Stokov as well. But, sticking with this guy is the most logical and probably the only way to carry this forward. _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 7:43 am    Post subject: What great responses! Thank you everybody, your compliments really help to grease these knucklebones, if you know what I mean. I'm also pleased to see our analyses are getting even more involved and informed. There is certainly plenty to discover. I can't wait to see how this storygame continues to unfold. Crunchyfrog wrote: Question - in the previous chapter, the air vents were very still, suggesting that the ventilation and heating had been shut down in this area. There was no mention of that in this chapter. What is the air supply like at the moment? Yay questions! I'll add this question to the next chapter (Future Lebby take note!), but so you don't have to wait till then to find the answer, though the ventilation has seemingly stopped, the quality of the air seems perfectly fine. Stokov will claim that the ventilation is currently running at reduced capacity because it's in "emergency mode" (there's that keyword again... I better make a post in supplemental for it). Basically, because the system has been damaged in a critical area, ventilation is operating autonomously and using as little power as possible. If this is the case, ventilation will start again only when necessary. If not, it's going to get harder and harder to breathe over time (maybe hours, maybe even days, depending on how much oxygen is being used in a particular place). It will also get considerably colder, one way or the other, but especially if there is a total shutdown. I'll be opening the poll tomorrow, as an effort to follow the bi-weekly schedule I raved about in the Open Forum. If anyone has any more suggestions, here's your last call. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 9:14 am    Post subject: Polled Polling Polls Poll The poll is up! I'll be weighing options 2 and 3 against 1, so don't worry about splitting your votes if you want to make sure the message isn't sent to the bridge. It is also safe to assume that John plans to interview Darla and have a look around the quarters regardless of which decision is made. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 11:03 am    Post subject: Dammit, I like 'em all! Mmmm. I'll need a little thinking time before pressing that vote button. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 7:17 pm    Post subject: I have no such compunction. This one seems quite clear to me. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 8:07 pm    Post subject: Not a real confusion I guess... An almost immediate vote.. just had to think between options 2 and 3. _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 8:01 am    Post subject: poll closed The poll is closed and the results are below. The next chapter is under construction, slated for an interview with the widow, a quick search of the quarters, and inspection of the robot suspected of killing Victor Clemens... all while being held at gunpoint! To snitch or not to snitch? Send the message to the bridge, alerting them to the situation. 0% [ 0 ] Don't send the message, and find a way for Stokov to inspect Camoubot 9. 100% [ 3 ] Don't send the message, and convince Stokov to go with you to the morgue to look for more clues. 0% [ 0 ] Total Votes : 3 Who Voted: PopeAlessandrosXVIII, Thunderbird, Vishal Muralidharan Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 8:56 am    Post subject: Crunchy - you never did make up your mind eh? And this is all that voted? Really? That confuses me... such a good sg! _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 1:54 pm    Post subject: Chapter 7: Camoubots Chapter 7: Camoubots I wonder if Victor Clemens would laugh if he could see me now. I imagine it would amuse him, after all the times I came to straighten him out for fighting with his wife, to know that I was now the prisoner of his wife and her paranoid lover. Vladimir Stokov looks relaxed on the outside at least, but he’s not letting go of his gun. I could call for help with the simple press of a button, but instead I decide to ride this out and see where it takes me. I let him read the previous report: REPORT 7: Camoubot 9 Stokov grunts. “I’m surprised he even knows how to remove the gun. Who taught him that?” “I did, today,” I casually admit. “We checked all of the camoubots out to test their EA spread patterns.” “All except 13.” “Of course.” “So you know how to remove the EA and fire it too. That’s interesting.” “Why don’t we change the subject to something that doesn’t implicate me for murder?” I respond. “For instance, I noticed the ventilation stopped in the corridor. How long do we have before we suffocate?” “The system is in emergency mode,” Stokov states impatiently. “It hasn’t shut off completely. We won’t run out of breathable air as long as nothing else goes wrong. Of course, the longer I’m away from my work, the worse it will get. You should remember this.” “Fine, then let’s wrap this up as quickly as possible. Where should I have Slaughter deliver the camoubot for your inspection?” “The nearest repair station will be fine. It will have everything I need and no one will think to find us there.” I set everything up with my deputy, James Slaughter, to get Camoubot 9 delivered with all its parts. I tell him to interview the four passengers too and I hope for the best. REPORT 8: Interrogation of Abe Marlin, Philip Costa, Adolf Polski, and Theo Bramm Finally, it’s time to have a few words with the ‘bereaved’ Darla Clemens. Stokov respects my request for privacy, but not before handing her the gun to keep me in line. He waits in the corridor. INTERVIEW 5: Darla Clemens I didn’t get much from Darla, but the interview reminds me to search the place, particularly the locked room that was converted to a workshop. I ask Stokov to come back in to help open the door. Meanwhile I search through the mess, not sure exactly what I’m looking for, and not feeling particularly surprised when I find nothing interesting except the key to the door that Stokov already opened the hard way. The workshop, on the other hand, is a lot more … interesting. I walk into the room full of all kinds of electronics, and a worktable with tools in disarray, but the first question that strikes me I have to say out loud. “What is a camoubot doing in Victor Clemens’ workshop?” I ask. Stokov grins like a crisp hundred dollar bill. The camoubot looks like a truck hit it, but there’s no mistaking what it is. “What are you smiling at?” “We finally found it,” Stokov says. He shows me the serial number. It’s Camoubot 13. Furthermore, it still has its EA. Stokov detaches it and abruptly fires a round into the wall. “Still good.” “As if one wasn’t enough.” “You can never have too many guns,” Stokov responds as he puts the EA under his belt. “All right, let’s take it with us. You can inspect both of the camoubots at the repair station.” We call in another robot to carry Camoubot 13. I’m also allowed to call Cdr. Jacob Hawkins on the bridge to tell him Stokov didn’t show up so I was continuing my search elsewhere and I would be in contact. I also mention that I was sending robots in for repair. He acknowledges my report and tells me that the security task force would be using robots as well for an inward radial search and that trams are disabled to prevent Stokov from moving around too quickly. Knowing their search pattern certainly helps, but we’ll have a harder time avoiding trouble later. Soon the autopsy report arrives, but I’m too busy trying to avoid any attention to examine it. REPORT 9: Alien creature autopsy Traveling through the corridors on foot instead of by tram makes the journey longer, but we manage to avoid being seen by anyone. By 0100, we’re there. The repair station is cold and lifeless. A feeble breath issues from the ventilation system and a few tracks have disturbed the accumulated layers of dust. Although it appears desolate, the station is fully stocked with everything needed for a team of twelve mechanics to work overtime. In all of the years following its construction, it probably hasn’t been used even once. Stokov turns the lights on, already perfectly comfortable in dusty old rooms. Camoubot 9 is shut down and waiting for us. A recently deposited bag on a nearby table has the word ‘EVIDENCE’ printed on it. I’m the first to notice it, and I manage to stuff it in my pocket while Stokov is collecting tools. Darla may have noticed, but she doesn’t appear suspicious. With all his gear ready, Stokov gets to work, first on Camoubot 9, and then on Camoubot 13. While he works on the camoubots, I work on a secure computer, and I explain to him what I find in the automated reports from the Camoubots. REPORT A10: Camoubot 9 and 13 inspection by Stokov REPORT 1: Merged automated reports from camoubots REPORT A11: Latest camoubot automated reports Stokov looks angry now that he’s had a chance to consider what we know about the Camoubots. He takes my communicator and starts sending a typed message. “What are you doing?” I ask. “I’m sending an urgent message to Lieutenant Commander Terrence Bluth. I’m asking him to meet here.” “Don’t you have enough hostages?” I ask. “Like guns, in a situation like this, you can never have too many hostages.” Stokov has both EA’s in his belt as he types, and though I also have a few more questions for good old Terrence, I’m not sure it’s worth putting his life in danger to ask them… DP: How does John handle the situation with Stokov? _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Last edited by Lebrenth on Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:31 am; edited 3 times in total Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 7:14 am    Post subject: Well... all I can say is... this is the first SG where I find it takes three or four read throughs, one with a notepad at the ready, to get the fullest out of it. This is really excellent, Lebby! Flawless in its writing, really, and flat out one of the best mystery webs I've ever encountered. There's a lot to closely examine here. I can see why Stokov is so interested in Bluth, however. So far, a lot of evidence is pointing to him being responsible. Another reference seemed to indicate a possible conspiracy between Bluth and Slaughter and a motive may have had something to do with the victim's tampering with the camobots - though why that wouldn't have been made more open information to the investigator here is what makes it such a strange assertion. I have a lot more details to take a look at before coming up with another master theory. My previous one seems to have been proven wrong so far. A big answer to a big question would be what on the ship may show sign of having been responsible for the damage to camobot 13? I have to go back and try to figure out when it went and disappeared again... In this chapter, I believe you've put so much in here to give us a skeleton of the answer but its going to take going through just about everything we've learned so far to come up with the picture I think. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 3:39 pm    Post subject: Thanks Thunderbird, you're too kind. I hope your research goes well. I was planning on putting up the poll on Tuesday, but it looks like I ought to wait a few more days to see if I get some more input. Maybe 2 weeks isn't enough time between chapters, at least when there is as much material of this. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:47 pm    Post subject: Well, I keep looking but its not shouting out at me. I have to study the fine details, times of events and such. But for simplicity's sake, the answer to the DP is an easy one. Press Stokov to explain his thinking on why he wishes to have a conversation with Bluth, adding some of his own observations of the implications that Bluth may be in on things to prompt Stokov to open up. We're going to want Bluth here as well. At the moment, Stokov is doing our job for us and doing it quite well. But he may end up taking this too far. Impress on Stokov that we understand his situation and, like he, we only seek to unravel the truth and get to those who are really responsible. We need him to let us go so we can treat him more like a partner in the investigation rather than a suspect. But yeah, agreed that we need to speak with Bluth - now! _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 8:16 pm    Post subject: Like Thunderbird said, the DP is a simple one. I wouldn't be suprised if its the only suggestion. But, the chapter was fascinating! For the first time in this story, I enjoyed the links, because everything was going the way I expected. I do need some more time and evidence to (hopefully) pull the answer out. That said, I haven't yet gone through all my notes. The fact that Tbird couldn't get anything is quite.... demoralizing () but hopefully, I might get something. Still, terrific writing Lebby! As far as mystery stories go, this one is definitely one of my favourites! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:30 pm    Post subject: Its not that I've found 'nothing'. I just haven't found the big key point that crystalizes it all yet. I'm not ready to share my conclusions so far as it were. I will continue to study the details, however, for I sense there is much more to grasp than what I have so far. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author PopeAlessandrosXVIII Arts and Poetry Mod Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1858 Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 5:19 am    Post subject: Well now... Well, if no one else is going to be violent and unreasonable, I guess I'll have to do it! *Evil grin* Grab the gun! At least one, and get it against Mr.Captor's head! We need to turn this situation around. I agree with needing to talk to the guy, Bluth, but we need some leverage with Stokov. *Shifty eyes* I say, grab the gun, let him know we mean to find out who/what's behind all this, then....Slip the gun into yer own belt. Kinda like a posturing thing. "I am here, I am not helpless, let's figure this out together." Y'know? Grrrr.....I just don't like being a hostage here....Psycologicly, it's a male dominence issue. By sheathing the threat right after making it, it creates a sense of respect for the other person, so this set of actions is highly condusive to gaining allies from enemies. Thanks for another great chapter Lebrenth-chan! *Waits eagerly for the next one* _________________ To Be A Knight And my first Finished work Death Day Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 12:50 pm    Post subject: I haven't read it yet - but I will do tomorrow evening. It sounds pretty lame saying this, it being a short chapter but I wouldn't do it justice without the time taken to do the in-depth research. Not that I'm complaining. I really feel as if I'm 'playing' this storygame. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 11:08 pm    Post subject: No worries Crunchy! I'm just glad you're around, and I'm particularly glad that you feel like you're really playing this storygame, as that has always been the main objective in IF. I'm also glad we now have a few poll suggestions. We're working with "Let Stokov call Bluth in" and "Try to grab a pistol from Stokov's belt." I want to emphasize the "try" on that last one, as there is no guarantee he will succeed. Just because I'm invested in the story too doesn't mean I won't do something drastic if that is the most logical result. I'm not saying that we shouldn't take risks, I'm just hoping we don't get the main character killed. I hate it when that happens. By the way, I was perusing the supplemental info, and I noticed a typo. It's fixed now, but I thought I would mention it just to be thorough. Darla Clemens is 5'2" not 4'2". _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 4:34 am    Post subject: He's typing a message into a communicator? Weapons are in his belt? What are you waiting for? Punch his lights out and neutralise him NOW! There's much to investigate and we can't do that while Stokov keeps the upper hand. Stokov is still a suspect in my book. Bluth and Slaughter may well be too. Mindy Summers is mixed up in this, and possibly Darla as well. I think the questions to be asked of Bluth are quite obvious! Slaughter manages the firing ranges, where people use EA weapons. I think it would be a very good idea to find out a little bit about who frequents these firing ranges. It would eliminate a lot of folk on the ship. Look at that Alien autopsy report - and interview the four prisoners. Tell them they're not being held for killing the alien, but question them about Victor. They could well have seen him in his last moments. Everybody's fingerprints have been on Camoubot 13 by now, I guess. But I think once we discover how it came to be in Victor's workshop, a lot more light will be thrown on the subject. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 6:34 am    Post subject: Handsome Prints Crunchyfrog wrote: Everybody's fingerprints have been on Camoubot 13 by now, I guess. But I think once we discover how it came to be in Victor's workshop, a lot more light will be thrown on the subject. No need to guess, I can have John check both camoubots and both EA's for prints, if you like. John Dunaway and James Slaughter were wearing gloves while handling Camoubot 9 and its EA, so they didn't spoil the evidence at all. However, Stokov did lay his bare hands on both camoubots and Camoubot 13's EA, but not Camoubot 9's EA. That EA was removed and put in an evidence bag, so it hasn't been spoiled at all (to our knowledge). It should also not be too surprising if Victor Clemens' fingerprints are on Camoubot 13 and its EA, as it was in his workshop, but John took special notice that Darla did not touch Camoubot 13 since its discovery. If possible, I'll put fingerprinting in the next chapter (it may be a bumpy ride, so we'll see). I'll add "Try to knock him out" to the poll options alongside "Try to take his gun" since the actions have substantial differences. I'll post the poll tomorrow to give everyone just a little more time to consider. The post will probably last a little longer than a week, but we're still trying to keep this quick! Let me know if I'm going too fast; the once-a-month formula was at least comfortable, if not ideal. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 12:58 pm    Post subject: Poll notification Poll's up! Get it while it's hot! _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author PopeAlessandrosXVIII Arts and Poetry Mod Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1858 Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:37 pm    Post subject: Poll Choise *Insert evil laugh here* I'm winning! I may be the only one who's voted thus far, but who cares! I'm winning! *Giggles* Sorry, I'm on a bit of a work high. The IFQ is comming along nicely, and it makes me happy!I like the violent choises(I know I can't spell that word). Still makes me sad that my "Resoning with Stokov" didn't get worked in there. Well, we'll see how this goes! _________________ To Be A Knight And my first Finished work Death Day Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 2:13 pm    Post subject: Re: Poll Choise PopeAlessandrosXVIII wrote: Still makes me sad that my "Resoning with Stokov" didn't get worked in there. I wouldn't say that. Whether we are totally cooperative or if we manage to get our hands on one of his guns, we're still trying to reason with him. We'll probably be reasoning with him still if he's arrested, too. It's all about where John stands when he starts asking Stokov to continue helping with the investigation. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author PopeAlessandrosXVIII Arts and Poetry Mod Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1858 Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 5:17 am    Post subject: Poke *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* Ok, I've lost, is voting done fer nows? is there being some last minute voting to let me pull out ahead? Kidding. Let the good times roll!....Hmmm...I've been using that word a lot latly...Rooooolllll, Rooollliiin'. Heheheheh*Giggles at self* God I'm out of it.......Much luv guys and gals! _________________ To Be A Knight And my first Finished work Death Day Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 8:18 am    Post subject: poll closing Sorry Pope, it looks like you lost this poll too! I just closed the poll so I can start working on the next chapter. With the new ad out, I want to give new readers something to start with, and it's been about enough time. Good luck on the next one! I'm going to try to post the new chapter today, but this SG takes a lot more work than my usual ones, so it may not be out until tomorrow. Things to look forward to: Terrence Bluth makes a confession Vladimir Stokov loses his temper Rogue robot encountered Previous Poll: John's move while Stokov is all thumbs? Let Stokov contact Bluth. 50% [ 2 ] Try to take a gun from Stokov's belt. 25% [ 1 ] Try to knock out Stokov. 25% [ 1 ] Total Votes : 4 Who Voted: Crunchyfrog, PopeAlessandrosXVIII, Thunderbird, Vishal Muralidharan _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 8:50 am    Post subject: Now that promises to be a good chapter! Back to top Author warriorofdoom Resident Joined: 28 Oct 2010 Posts: 59 Location: Australia Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 8:33 pm    Post subject: Will catch up in some time! Im sorry if I was missed _________________ Signatures can be dreadfully boring to write out. Why am I even doing this? o.O "Be the change you wish to see in the World"-Mahatma Gandhi. "A revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall."-Ernesto Che Guevera "Even in the valley of shodow of death, two and two do not make six." -Leo Tolstoy. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 6:40 am    Post subject: warriorofdoom wrote: Will catch up in some time! Im sorry if I was missed Definitely missed! Sorry I closed the poll already, but I'll get out a new chapter soon! _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 8:49 pm    Post subject: Chapter 8: More Power Chapter 8: More Power It might be a simulated night, but the fatigue is real. This day has chewed on me enough without another confrontation, but it’s not ready to spit me out yet. Lt. Vladimir Stokov sends his urgent message to Lt. Cdr. Terrence Bluth, luring him into a trap, and I bide my time. Truthfully, I want to see Bluth too, and the idea of blasting through all the red tape with an EA gun has a certain appeal. I’ll let Stokov get the answers. He doesn’t have a lot to lose right now, which makes him very persuasive. Anyway, it will be nice to have him pointing his gun at someone else for a while. Bluth responds quickly with a simple message explaining he’ll come as quickly as he can. “What will you do?” I ask Stokov. “He will answer for what he has done,” Stokov replies gravely. “How will he do that? You seem pretty certain he’s guilty of something, why don’t you enlighten me?” “Is it not obvious to you? He was in control of the robots when the robots attacked. Who else could have ordered them to do what they did?” “But why would he do it?” Stokov doesn’t know, but it doesn’t matter. The answers will come, even if he has to take them by force. I decide that I may as well take a nap while waiting, and hope that my mind at rest can make more sense of these things. I lay on a work table with my head resting on a small empty box and for a few minutes, I find a little peace. My unfolding dreams are quickly wrapped up again as the door opens. Bluth enters urgently and his mouth drops open when he sees Stokov with his gun. I get up quickly and get ready… I’m still not sure what Stokov plans to do. “You look tired,” Stokov says. “Welcome to the party,” I say, putting myself between Stokov and Bluth as I guide him to a stool to sit on. “What is this?” Bluth asks. He does look tired, and worse. The lines of worry have already worn deep grooves on his face, he’s been like this for a while, but now his skin is stretched with alarm. He’s terrified. “It’s all right, Stokov wants to ask you some questions. He’s in charge here, you know, isn’t that right Stokov?” “Why did you kill Victor Clemens?” Stokov demands, his patience already strained. “Hold on, we haven’t started recording yet.” “Why record? It is obvious who killed Victor, all I want to know is why before I kill him.” “Stokov, I think you’re getting ahead of yourself. We don’t have to become murders to make sure he’s brought to justice,” I say. Apparently I’m the ‘good cop’ now; it is unfamiliar to me but I’ll try anything once. The problem is I don’t think Stokov is just playing his part. “Anyway, look at how you’re scaring him. Let’s start with easier questions.” “I didn’t kill Victor!” Bluth blurts out. “Listen to me, Stokov. Forget about all of this, forget Victor ever existed. We need your help to get the ship out of Emergency Mode.” “Do not try to distract me. Emergency Mode is perfectly safe,” Stokov says. “No it’s not!” Bluth replies, trying to stay calm. “The whole ship became active all at once. All of the parts of the ship that have been dormant for years are coming back online and they’re not ready. We’re having power failures all over the place, and we’ve been lucky so far, but it could get serious.” “The ship will be fine. You are the one in danger, and if you think you can trick me long enough to escape, you are mistaken.” “You moron, your carelessness has put us all in danger!” “Calm down, Terrence,” I say assertively over my shoulder, while preparing to push Stokov back. “No, let him speak! This man has a lot to say about the morons on this ship, let him say so!” “You’re the one who wanted Victor dead! But I know—,” Bluth says, but he doesn’t get to finish before Stokov knocks me back. I collide with Bluth and we both hit the ground. I feel very light on my feet as I stand up again and put myself between Stokov and Bluth. Stokov pistol whips me, but I stand my ground and grapple with him. “Get out of my way, Dunaway!” “No, Vladimir, I can’t do that. This isn’t just for him, this is for you!” “I’m going to kill that smug bastard!” I slam Stokov’s gut and it causes him to stumble. I take a moment to see Bluth, how he has retreated to the wall, cringing on the ground in terror. “Damn it, Stokov, he’s ready to talk. Aren’t you, Bluth?” I yell. “Yes! Yes! For God’s sake I’ll tell you everything!” “All right?” I ask Stokov. “If he says just one lie…” Stokov warns, holding up the EA. “He won’t, now stand down!” I yell again. Stokov finds it difficult to cool off, but he lowers the gun. Darla cringes like a frightened statue only a few yards away. Bluth shields his face with his hands. “All right…. Thanks for getting him warmed up for me, Stokov. I’ll take it from here. And we are recording everything.” I pick up the knocked over stool and plant it in front of Bluth. I let him tremble on the ground for the interview. Knowing his life depends on his truthfulness, I choose my words carefully. His only slight chance of surviving the next few minutes will depend on convincing Stokov that he isn’t a murderer. INTERVIEW 6: Second Interview of Lt. Cdr. Terrence Bluth By his own admission, Bluth is guilty of several serious crimes, but he’s still not willing to admit to murder. Stokov didn’t lose his temper again through the interview, but he’s not satisfied when I clamp the handcuffs on Bluth’s wrists. “I warned you what I would do if you lied,” Stokov says. “He’s not going anywhere, Stokov, leave him alone!” I say. “He thinks that story will be enough to keep him alive. He thinks he is clever to admit so much,” Stokov says. “Vladimir, please,” Darla says. Stokov softens enough to reason with, but it’s clear he wants to keep things on his own terms. “Please,” Bluth begs, “just check the system database. It will tell you the ship’s power is failing. We don’t have time for these games. Take me to jail and get yourselves to work!” “I’ll check for you,” I say to Stokov, and I don’t wait for his permission to do so. He still hasn’t considered just how easy it is to send messages through secure terminals. I guess he just trusts me to make the same decision as before. But I do pull up the alerts on the system database. REPORT A12: System Alerts, 9/29 “Stokov, you need to see these,” I say. “The ship will be fine for a few hours. Trust me, I know her,” Stokov says. “What about the rogue?” “I’ll leave that to you,” Stokov decides. “Listen to me: if I shoot a murderer, it is not murder, it is justice. If Bluth is telling the truth, there is proof. Find me proof that Bluth is not a murderer and he will not die. I have a new hostage, lieutenant, so I’m going to let you go. Find proof and I will let Bluth go too. I’m trusting you, but if anyone tries to take him by force, I will kill him. “And,” Stokov continues, “if I find out you were involved in this murder, John… I will kill you too.” DP: What does John do next? _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Last edited by Lebrenth on Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:32 am; edited 2 times in total Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 9:22 pm    Post subject: Stick with our Trigger-happy lunatic I guess. Stokov is starting to piss me off, but I see no other option. I don't think he'd let us get away as well. Sticking with our main suspects is probably our best hope. Bluth's confession adds a new dimension to this, if you will, and the story is just getting better every time. We need to somehow talk with Bluth, without Stokov suspecting that we were in it with Bluth. Stokov seems a bit jumpy now. We really need to find out what was 'for the captain's eyes only'. He could lie here, but unless we can force open and look at his message, we have no choice but to believe him. Generally speaking though, I believe that this DP is more.... sort of vague than the others. _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 9:23 pm    Post subject: Very nice delivery of John's strategic approach to controlling Stokov without outright TAKING control. He so cleverly manipulated Stokov that I was left shaking my head in wonderment at how masterfully you have just endeared our main character to your audience. Seriously cool handling of this tense situation - far beyond the usual skill attributable to law enforcement officers. He handled this like a Tai-Chi master! And while that was a very 'appropriate' way to handle Bluth, I think we need his help to stabilize the ship more than we need to arrest him. I suspected he wasn't telling us everything, and about to the extent he hadn't. He HAD to have had more knowledge of what had taken place in the garden that night. Anyhow, we have a problem from inside the grid. And I think I know who to point at... but he's frozen solid (at least until Emergency Mode thaws him out, which I suspect is a big part of the overall goal of the real perp here.) It'll take a bit of review to figure out who would be behind that. Another master theory begins to form but I need to review the data once more. This time, at least, I don't think the devil will be so much in the details of times of events but in the relationships onboard the ship. But immediately, I say he needs to visit the cryochambers... NOW! At the same time, he needs to send a detail of HUMANS, (NOT robots), to track down our rogue robot and shut him down before he causes more damage! _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 8:05 am    Post subject: Problems and DP's Vishal Muralidharan wrote: Generally speaking though, I believe that this DP is more.... sort of vague than the others. Rather than "vague" let me call it "open". You might say the DP is Where would John be able to do the most good? Would it be with trying to find proof that Bluth is innocent (whether he is or not) to save his life? Would it be to lead a raid to capture Stokov? Tracking down the rogue robot? Finding out where the heck the alien came from? Figuring out how to get access to the Captain's files? Helping the crew fix the ship and get it out of Emergency Mode? There are a lot of different things John could do and even more different ways he could do them. I don't want to make you pick from just two or three options. I would like to see you think up some creative ways to handle these serious and complex problems. There are several solutions available to you with the knowledge you have already, and several choices you could make which could help you find more solutions. Let me help by outlining the problems (that we know about): Victor Clemens' death is still unexplained John has been ordered to arrest Stokov Stokov has Bluth as a hostage The ship's internal sensors have been badly damaged The ship is in Emergency Mode which may result in power and life support failure The camoubots' recorded data are encrypted One of the automated reports involving Victor Clemens is classified "Captain's Eyes Only" (and the Captain isn't onboard) The passengers and crew are feeling very paranoid and violent John is effectively unarmed There is a rogue robot onboard shooting robots and rerouting power John is getting tired from lack of sleep (and he hasn't eaten either) ... Seriously, there are a lot of problems to resolve here. Choose one, find a solution, then argue why everyone should vote for your solution. Quote: He handled this like a Tai-Chi master! Thanks Thunderbird! I'm very pleased that you were impressed by John's way of handling Stokov and getting information from Bluth. This time the DP option that was voted on worked out pretty well. Nonetheless, John (and the whole ship) is in a tight spot. I'll add 'Go to Cryochambers immediately' to the list of DP options. If John isn't personally handling the rogue, we'll fit the suggestion into the chapter that humans be sent. It will be a suggestion John gives to the Commander. Any other options you would like to suggest? _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author warriorofdoom Resident Joined: 28 Oct 2010 Posts: 59 Location: Australia Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed May 04, 2011 8:27 pm    Post subject: The Rogue robot should be taken care of first. Apart from the obvious danger of harm to other robots and humans, it is possible that it damages evidence in the process. Get other ROBOTS to handle this situation. I don't think humans would be of much use, they could easily be shot down by EA's. But if we do send robots, what can we do if all robots start going on a rampage. Is there anyway to "lock" the robots so that they receive orders only from a certain person directly? This would mean that robots wouldn't take orders from other robots, but only from a trusted source. As for John, Stokov and Bluth, sheesh! We need to convince Stokov (or Darla, who is the only person that Stokov is listning to) that we're on the same side. Then find a perfect time to get the EA, and ask questions. Force him to help the emergency situation, which apparently only he can do. Arresting Stokov comes later. Seek permission from the captain to view the automated report, (though I doubt if this'l work) and then view the damned thing That's all, I guess. _________________ Signatures can be dreadfully boring to write out. Why am I even doing this? o.O "Be the change you wish to see in the World"-Mahatma Gandhi. "A revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall."-Ernesto Che Guevera "Even in the valley of shodow of death, two and two do not make six." -Leo Tolstoy. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat May 07, 2011 6:58 am    Post subject: Rogue warriorofdoom wrote: Get other ROBOTS to handle this situation. I don't think humans would be of much use, they could easily be shot down by EA's. But if we do send robots, what can we do if all robots start going on a rampage. Is there anyway to "lock" the robots so that they receive orders only from a certain person directly? This would mean that robots wouldn't take orders from other robots, but only from a trusted source. Looks like I should split this suggestion into "Send humans to deal with the rogue robot" and "Use robots to deal with the rogue robot". As far as locking down the robots so only trusted sources can control them, they are already locked so only special clearance officers (the senior officers) can order them or can authorize someone to order them. There isn't a way to lock them any further. However, the commanding officer of the ship can revoke special clearance, which has already been done with Stokov. Stokov is already unable to give orders to robots. Robots can also be totally shut down, in which case it requires a manual reboot to start up again. This would quickly and effectively stop any rampaging robots that are taking orders. The rogue will not respond to orders, so this tactic will not work on it. warriorofdoom wrote: Seek permission from the captain to view the automated report, (though I doubt if this'l work) and then view the damned thing The Captain can't give permission remotely. He needs to be onboard at a secure computer. warriorofdoom wrote: As for John, Stokov and Bluth, sheesh! We need to convince Stokov (or Darla, who is the only person that Stokov is listning to) that we're on the same side. Then find a perfect time to get the EA, and ask questions. Force him to help the emergency situation, which apparently only he can do. Arresting Stokov comes later. Stokov is being particularly difficult right now. If you want to persuade him or threaten him, you'll need a specific strategy... which you gave by saying to persuade Darla, who is more receptive and has a way with Stokov. Remember, however, that she does not want Stokov to get arrested, so any argument will need to deal with that problem. I'll add "Persuade Darla to get Stokov to be more cooperative". _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author PopeAlessandrosXVIII Arts and Poetry Mod Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1858 Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon May 09, 2011 2:44 am    Post subject: I Think...... *Bows* Sorry this took me so long to read *Cries* RL sux some times.... Well played on the reaoning front. I like the the visual of the grown man cowering in a corner. Much along my taste buds tingle at the thought.....*Snaps back from la la land* Oh! and I like Stokov. Trust the man and do as you're told! Find some proof, trash the bot, and get the guy!!!.....Ignore that last one..... *Bounces* Keep'em comin' Lebrenth-chan! _________________ To Be A Knight And my first Finished work Death Day Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 1:38 am    Post subject: Go and interview the four guys who were apprehended with the alien's body. They will either back up Bluth's story or prove it wrong. Go and see the guy in stasis - he'll shed some light on the emergency mode status, being the designer of the ship and all. And Stokov's unreasonable behaviour means that he's eather flipped, or he's hiding something. What are we doing with Camoubot 13 at the moment? That still needs to be checked out. And double check Camoubot 9's reports against Bluth's confession. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 11:09 am    Post subject: new poll Nice to see you back, Crunchy! Crunchyfrog wrote: And Stokov's unreasonable behaviour means that he's eather flipped, or he's hiding something. What are we doing with Camoubot 13 at the moment? That still needs to be checked out. And double check Camoubot 9's reports against Bluth's confession. Camoubot 13 has been checked out and REPORT A10 details Stokov's findings. At the moment, it's just sitting on a work table. Camoubot 9's automated reports are listed in REPORT A11 (the ones we have access to at least). I'll add interrogating the four passengers to the poll... which I think I will post right now. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun May 15, 2011 11:11 am    Post subject: Tough poll... something needs done about all of the above. I selected one but I'd also want to address a few via some radioed in assistance - particularly where that rogue robot is concerned. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 5:41 am    Post subject: Damn, I missed a detail on A10. If there's been repair to Camobot 13's gun arm, does that mean that its EA gun is functional? Can its spread pattern be tested? I know we've already identified Camobot 9's gun as being responsible for killing Clemens. But it would be useful to know. Anyway. About to vote now. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 5:56 am    Post subject: Three ways Crunchyfrog wrote: Damn, I missed a detail on A10. If there's been repair to Camobot 13's gun arm, does that mean that its EA gun is functional? Can its spread pattern be tested? I know we've already identified Camobot 9's gun as being responsible for killing Clemens. But it would be useful to know. Yes, the EA is functional. It's been tested by Stokov. We'll get the spread pattern for it in the next chapter. Looks like a three way tie! That's exciting. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 6:22 am    Post subject: Tie Broken.. For now! Sorry I missed the poll so long..! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 10:06 am    Post subject: Poll Closing Poll closes tomorrow, assuming we don't end up with a tie. I'll start writing the next chapter immediately after the poll closes. No matter which way the poll goes, it will be an interesting chapter and we'll be able to fit in a few of the suggestions through communication too. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 9:28 pm    Post subject: Loving the direction the poll is heading at the moment... not so thrilled by so many readers fading out here. Tis' sad as its such an excellent work Lebby! _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 11:41 am    Post subject: New Chapter very soon DP RESULTS: Where will John be able to do the most good? Staying with Stokov, Bluth, and Darla, trying to get more information by working them against each other 0% [ 0 ] Going to the cryochambers, investigating for clues there and interviewing Milo Jones 50% [ 2 ] Going after the rogue robot and carefully testing to see if humans will be more effective at stopping it 25% [ 1 ] Personally interviewing the four crazed passengers, see if they can corroborate Bluth's story 25% [ 1 ] Total Votes : 4 Who Voted: Crunchyfrog, PopeAlessandrosXVIII, Thunderbird, Vishal Muralidharan _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 11:49 am    Post subject: Chapter 9: Time is Irrelevant Chapter 9: Time is Irrelevant The Endeavor is a cold, dark, and lonely vessel, and no one knows this better than Milo Jones. He pulled a lot of strings to ensure he got onto the ship, but before Earth was even out of sight, he had a nearly fatal heart attack. He’s been frozen and stored in the cryostasis chambers ever since and he will die the instant his temperature climbs above freezing. In partial cryostasis, he talks to us like an ancient Chinese philosopher in a slow and ponderous voice. His knowledge is too valuable to the ship, so it is unlikely we will ever let him die while it’s in our power. Just a moment ago, I was playing a deadly game like a matador, with Stokov as the bull and Bluth as the red flag. Now that I’ve left the two of them together, I can only hope Stokov can keep his temper while I search for more clues. Maybe Milo can tell me how a camoubot in the Garden could suddenly turn on a passenger. Maybe he could help me find a way to access the Captain’s files… maybe a lot of things. I save the file for the spread pattern of the EA from camoubot 13, and hope it won’t be needed. At this rate, we’ll have to keep a file for every EA on the ship. REPORT A13: Camoubot 13 EA Spread Pattern I request from Cdr. Jacob Hawkins temporary reactivation of the shuttles to help me follow a lead to where Stokov may have gone… in other words I lied to my superior officer to buy me more time to solve this case before things get really bloody. He grants my request and updates me on the status of the rogue robot, which is still on the loose and its whereabouts are unknown. The sabotaged cameras make it difficult to track. We still don’t know for sure if it is a threat to humans as well, but it has made short work of 7 security robots already. The commander has raised the alert level of the ship to full alert and advised everyone to stay in their quarters. The cryostasis chambers are connected with the medical bay and the morgue. The alien creature and the body of Victor Clemens were both waiting for me here to re-examine. Though the doctor has already done an autopsy on both of them, and I certainly couldn’t hope to do a better job, perhaps other clues await me. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time. I compare Victor’s wound to the spread pattern of the EA camoubot 9 had and it is still a clear match. I look for undocumented wounds and trace evidence on his body, but find nothing. I search his clothes and find nothing that tells me anything. A scrap of paper had something written on it in pen, but the water damage is too much to read it. “Victor?” I suddenly hear. For a moment I thought I imagined it. The voice was so cold and unnatural, and the morgue is dark and silent. “Is that you, Victor?” I hear it again. I wish I had my pistol. I move slowly through the morgue. “Did they put you in cryostasis? Is it cold?” I smirk when I realize it’s Milo Jones. I wonder how Jacques Arnot can handle working in this environment with Milo broadcasting like that. I enter the long cryostasis chamber, with the long columns of cryostasis pods looking like coffins, and Milo staring blankly into space, his eyes never moving or blinking, encased within a block of clear plastic. A modern day Rip Van Winkle, he even has the white beard and wrinkles. Though he is basically in a state of sleep, he looks dead. Only the lights monitoring him and his voice suggest any sign of activity at all. A thick cable connects to the back of his head and sophisticated technology operates within his brain. I don’t think he’s aware of me, so I stand for a moment and listen. “I told you they’d find you,” Milo says. I wonder what other things Milo’s been saying lately, how he even knows about Victor. Perhaps the doctor has been talking to him? I check the system database for recordings and find another blank. Another sign of meddling, the file has been erased, not just classified. Whatever Milo has had to say, someone wanted to keep it a secret. “You get used to it,” Milo says. “It’s not much worse than the rest of the ship. The average temperature in the active areas is 61 degrees Fahrenheit. The average over the entire ship is -201 degrees Fahrenheit.” It gives me a shiver just thinking about it. It is quite cool in the cryostasis chambers, for obvious reasons. It makes me think about the power levels as well. I check a monitor to see if energy levels are adequate to maintain the area, and find the levels to be perfectly tuned. Of course, being the medical area, it probably has its own power source and a higher priority over other areas of the ship. “The worst part is you can’t stop people you don’t like from visiting you,” Milo says. The tone of his voice changed to something a little more menacing, and I wonder if perhaps Milo is aware of me and not happy about my visit. “You’ll see when you’re wife gets here. That will be superb. We can talk about it for hours. Hello Lieutenant Dunaway.” “Hello Mr. Jones. How are you today?” “There are no days here. Time is irrelevant.” “Sorry to wake you, I was wondering if I could have a talk with you.” “Of course. I have nowhere to go.” INTERVIEW 7: Milo Jones Milo Jones has always been knowledgeable about the ship and the things happening on it, but it seems to me he’s not telling me everything. Nonetheless, he confirmed that Victor did come to have a talk with him, and he helped Victor fix camoubot 13 as much as it could be fixed. He also provided a very compelling theory on how Victor was killed. It comes back to the missing profile. How did Victor Clemens get erased from the system database? DP: What does John do next? _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 6:47 pm    Post subject: Great chapter segment there Lebby! Its to your credit that I'm not at all lost here. Following quite well I feel at this point and that is in part due to small reminders you're weaving in skillfully to the point that they don't feel like being reminded. The writing cannot be picked at in the least either (oh... there was a moment there when we were beginning to have a discussion with Milo where I wasn't quite sure who was speaking which lines and had to reread a few times to make sure I was following right, but I wasn't sure if I could blame the writing or my brain or distractions in the environment.) Anyhow, Ok, so the DP seems pretty straightforward on this one, which is unusual for this tale. I think we need to immediately head over to the memory banks and figure out where the gaps are missing and look for clues - hairs, etc that may give us a lead on which SOB plotted that out. (I'm half expecting an ironic answer, that Victor may have done this to himself by accident...) _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:23 pm    Post subject: Great Chapter there Lebby! A long time since I've seen one on this tale. Yes, the DP is quite straightforward. Do what TB said, and ALSO ask Stokov (or ask Darla to tell Stokov) to execute the protocol he created and divert energy from the non-critical areas. I wasn't completely satisfied with the interview with Milo. It started of really well, and I expected some more answers. Why did he suddenly become hostile? I suspect he knows something about Victor's death, but we'll get back to him after we're done with the memory banks (If we don't find a great breakthrough there). _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 1:24 pm    Post subject: So the EA pattern for Camobot 13 didn't match anything, but somehow I'm not surprised. But Milo has a grudge against the people who command and run the ship, and I think that is significant. I also believe that Milo is hiding something as he won't confirm that the reason Victor was killed was because his profile was erased (this would point to the killer) and he will only repeat 'how' Victor was killed. DP - make sure it's Hawkins who executes the protocol, not Stokov. Milo specifically used the word 'sabotaged' when referring to Stokov and the internal sensors. Hawkins should also check that the protocol that has been uploaded to the system database is also sabotage free. I don't trust Stokov. Also, I know it might be a long shot, but it may just be worth checking those manuals on promoting a new captain, to see if there are any loopholes. While everyone is still under suspicion, he may be able to promote himself. As usual, frustratingly intriguing! Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 5:35 pm    Post subject: Thanks for everyone's comments! We're really getting deep into the mystery, so I'm going to keep my commentary pretty simple. This isn't exactly a question, but I think it's something I can help point to since John would know about this: Crunchyfrog wrote: Also, I know it might be a long shot, but it may just be worth checking those manuals on promoting a new captain, to see if there are any loopholes. While everyone is still under suspicion, he may be able to promote himself. You can find information about that here: system database _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 8:03 am    Post subject: Ok, 2 questions then: 1) how long has the captain been off the ship? 2) who is 'next in command'? and one more 3) would we have an obvious indication if the captain status had been reassigned already? _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author PopeAlessandrosXVIII Arts and Poetry Mod Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1858 Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 6:05 am    Post subject: I Think....... Much much fun here. I'm really likeing Mr. Popsicle! The beginning seems a little shaky to me, but then again, I've been awake for several days, so it could just be me. I got confused easly right at the start, but the rest was smooth sailing! DP.........*Srug* Go hunt down that out-of-control robot. I've just got this itch in the back of my head that there may be some sort of information in it's system that's causeing the malfunction....Maybe some data that makes it a little more "Knowledgable" than the other bots. It's just a feeling, but I'ma go with it! More more more! We must see more! _________________ To Be A Knight And my first Finished work Death Day Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 4:16 pm    Post subject: Thunderbird wrote: Ok, 2 questions then: 1) how long has the captain been off the ship? 2) who is 'next in command'? and one more 3) would we have an obvious indication if the captain status had been reassigned already? 1) 1 week. He left on 9/22/2104 at 0900. 2) Cdr. Jacob Hawkins 3) Definitely. Captain George Willis is still the captain of the Endeavor. @Pope, thanks for the enthusiasm and for giving us another DP option! We now have enough for a poll (but I'll give it a little more time). _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2011 10:24 am    Post subject: Can Milo Jones control any aspect of the ship? Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2011 3:03 pm    Post subject: Crunchyfrog wrote: Can Milo Jones control any aspect of the ship? He has been deliberately restricted from control of anything due to hallucinations he has at unpredictable times. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 9:45 am    Post subject: Wait a minute. Milo says TWICE that Stokov sabotaged the sensors causing Emergency mode to occur. He also says that Stokov has uploaded a protocol to fix the problem. Trained personnel have to manually configure the systems. Could it be that Stokov has sent the ship into Emergency Mode to make sure that all the trained personnel are occupied and out of the way while he goes and does something else bad? Also, now we know how Clemens was killed, if not why. That is, someone erased his record from the database and just waited for a bot to not recognise him and eliminate him. That really does narrow the field, doesn't it? Who is capable of erasing people's records from the database? Also I've still got an itch about the lady with the missing hat - the case John was investigating when the actual murder happened. Was somebody trying to make sure that he was 'otherwise occupied at a crucial moment' too? Who knows whether the rogue robot is also not a decoy? Editz to add: Going to offer up another DP option. Examine the System Database and see if we can identify any damaged memory banks that would have accounted for Victor Clemens' record being removed. That would at least prove the method of murder, and eliminate a whole lot of suspects. Milo is hiding something. Dunno whether it's because he's hiding it from John or he wants to hide it from something else. But I think there's something with the fact that some recordings of Milo's conversations have also been erased. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 10:04 pm    Post subject: Poll's up, and I can't wait for the results! _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 11:20 pm    Post subject: A no-brainer in my opinion this time. Whatever we find as an outcome of option 2, it will be progress. I feel like John is getting somewhere now! Back to top Author PopeAlessandrosXVIII Arts and Poetry Mod Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1858 Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 12:53 am    Post subject: Ummmmnnnsss....... Well, if it's a no brainer, I must have no brain......either that, or I just seek violence!!!! Daminable rouge bot! _________________ To Be A Knight And my first Finished work Death Day Back to top Author Mattheus Resident Joined: 03 Jan 2008 Posts: 51 Location: Sydney, Australia Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2011 2:44 am    Post subject: Only just found this SG and have to read over the previous chapters to catch up but really enjoyed this chapter. I like the idea of a rouge robot on the loose. So I vote for hunting it down and using it for good, if that fits into the story. _________________ MY SG TRAVELLER IS BACK UP AND RUNNING, STAY TUNED. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 7:27 am    Post subject: Welcome to the SG Mattheus! You're very welcome here. I hope you find the other chapters and materials to be as interesting. Poll is closed! New chapter will be started soon. Here are the results of the last poll: John's Next Move Investigate the physical location of the memory banks 0% [ 0 ] Use the system database to try to locate damaged memory banks and check murder theory 60% [ 3 ] Hunt the rogue robot 40% [ 2 ] Total Votes : 5 Who Voted: Crunchyfrog, Mattheus, PopeAlessandrosXVIII, Thunderbird, Vishal Muralidharan _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author PopeAlessandrosXVIII Arts and Poetry Mod Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1858 Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 5:59 am    Post subject: Ummmmnnnsss....... *Poke* I wanna sees moooore! _________________ To Be A Knight And my first Finished work Death Day Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:13 am    Post subject: Chapter 10: Walking Down Memory Banks Lane Chapter 10: Walking Down Memory Banks Lane The Endeavor herself may be my most important witness, and my most reliable one too. She doesn’t lie, she documents everything, and the secrets she does have she’ll at least admit to having. So why did she suddenly forget Victor Clemens even existed? I go straight to the source of her memory to look for signs of meddling on a physical level. I’ve never actually gone to the memory banks repository before, so this may be interesting. On my way, I secure another EA pistol. Knowing there are certain protocols for entering the repository, I look up everything I need to know. It’s a classified area, but I have clearance… as would any of the other special clearance officers as well. It’s also a sensitive area, so I find a cleanroom suit. My entering and exiting will be logged, and I can also run diagnostics. There’s already a log available which has to be loaded locally. LOG 3: Memory Banks Repository The last person to enter the repository was Stokov, but it was several months ago. That is, unless even more meddling happened to the log as well. The diagnostics also suggest there has been no damage to the memory, but if I’m lucky, maybe I can find something the diagnostics missed. I get in the antechamber, and put on the clean suit. I take an air shower, and I enter. Strictly speaking, I shouldn’t take my EA with me, but I keep a firm grip of it anyway. The computer announces I’ve been logged in. The memory banks are arranged in long rows and shelves like a library. The sum of the knowledge of every person on board could fit neatly into one book sized chunk of memory, but somehow we found need to fill a whole room. Checking each and every memory cell will be time-consuming, but searching for fingerprints, hair, or skin particles would be pointless because of the clean suits that are ready for anyone just outside the repository. Anyway, I didn’t get dressed up for nothing. I have to at least give it all a quick look. Burn marks or pried open consoles should stick out. I start with long steps. I look at the room as a whole, looking for big stuff. I find nothing. Then I take smaller steps, looking at the memory banks with a little more care, taking my time to let the details soak in. I find nothing. Then I start opening units up and eyeballing the actual memory, which is taking a lot of time, and each unit is as pristine as a morning after a snowy night. I’m perhaps halfway through this careful search when my fatigue catches up with me again. That is, I hope it is fatigue. I’ve somehow found a helper. Mindy Sommers, wearing one of her most ridiculous of hats, is opening up a memory unit and looking inside. Then closes it and moves to the next unit. She keeps looking at me the way she does. I know she has a thing for me, and she’s pretty enough when she’s not wearing one of her hats, but I’m just not interested. Where the hell has my mind gone? I shake my head a little and she’s vanished. I go back and check the entry log again, this time it has my name, but no one else. Of course. But I decide to speed things up. I don’t have time for investigating a murder AND having hallucinations. Unfortunately, finishing the final row, I still found nothing. If I had more time, perhaps I could do a more thorough sweep, but there’s simply no obvious indications of any tampering. I open the door out, and I’m face-to-face with a robot. Thankfully I’m not so dull-witted yet that I forget to jump out of the way when a robot points a gun at me. As the electron rupture streaks through the doorway into the repository, I finally have my first sign of tampering to the memory banks. One of the memory units is now irreparably destroyed, though that’s the last of my problems. Warning lights flash and the computer announces an intruder has entered the memory banks repository. When the robot steps through the door, I’m ready for it with my EA. My blast rips through its chest, but at an angle that proves to do little more than breach its protective hull. Too bad for me. The robot’s targeting capabilities are far superior to a human’s. If I peek my head out again to take another shot, I may not have a head for much longer. I can’t win a fair gun fight, so I’m going to have to fight dirty or get the hell out of here. Thing is, there’s only one door. DP: How does John survive? Last edited by Lebrenth on Thu Aug 25, 2011 10:33 am; edited 1 time in total Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 5:03 pm    Post subject: Yes!!! I'll be back to read later (most likely tomorrow but I MAY find a bit of time this eve.) _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2011 11:58 am    Post subject: absence Sorry for the long absence... it's been rather hectic. I'll be watching closely though, so if anyone has questions, I'm ready to give answers. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 9:25 pm    Post subject: I suspected it would take much longer to work through this chapter than it did. There were far fewer links than I'm used to. As a result, I delayed getting to it a bit until I could find enough time and focus to do it justice. Despite being a bit less taxing than expected, I still loved this chapter. It was extremely frustrating as well - in a good way. I fully expected we'd find a missing memory slot... but perhaps the fact that we haven't says as much. Additionally, the log is clear that ALL memory units are fully functional. So we have two firm conclusions we may draw. 1) Stokov most likely is the one who messed with the memory. Now we must know why. If it were not him, it would've had to be a teleporting ghost or someone who logged in long before. I guess we can't see back far enough to know for certain but I wonder if there's a way we can isolate the time of the data disapearance... hmm... This does not fully incriminate him any more than anything else has and he continues to be the easy patsy - the one we find most easily blamed for everything. I don't buy it. But I do now think he knows yet more he hasn't explained to us still. This guy's like a frickin' onion! 2) Whoever tampered with the memory was good enough to simply 'switch out' the memory CELL that contained the data. Thus the system did not detect a problem on a routine diagnostic and why there appears to be all memory cells in order. So now we need to get an idea of who/where a blank and newly formated memory cell may be obtained. As for the DP... It's time to pull out the ol' blow out the cieling overhead to smash and distract then blow out the floor beneath when the robot can't target you maneuver. Try not to be in the room for long as a fire will cause a chemical bath we'd rather avoid. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2011 6:16 am    Post subject: Thunderbird wrote: As for the DP... It's time to pull out the ol' blow out the cieling overhead to smash and distract then blow out the floor beneath when the robot can't target you maneuver. Try not to be in the room for long as a fire will cause a chemical bath we'd rather avoid. The EA pistol is great for piercing holes, but not for blasting out large sections of walls, ceilings, or floors. Do we have any other suggestions? How about questions? I wonder if I should send a PM to the current players, just to make sure everyone has seen the new chapter... _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2011 12:31 pm    Post subject: may not be a bad idea there Lebs... we're having a bit of a slow time with very core IFians taking a timeout... you're not the only one suffering this lack of response problem. I'll think some more on that matter then. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2011 11:06 am    Post subject: Mindy Summers... I KNEW she'd turn up somewhere. Pity it's just a halucination. Or is it? I've had this feeling all along she's part of it all - having lost her hat and getting John to look for it (getting him out of the way) at a crucial point. Now if I understand correctly, Clemens was fired at by a robot because the robot didn't recognise him - he'd been erased from the memory. So why is a robot firing at John now? Has the robot been tasked to seek and destroy? Or has John just been erased from the computer memory also? Is the robot a hallucination also? Gawd, I don't know how he can handle this. If there's an alert that an intruder is in the memory banks, then someones going to come running to investigate. Apart from waiting for someone to come and rescue him - meaning that all the memory banks could end up being destroyed (along with any evidence) I am not really sure what he can do. What weaknesses of the robot could John possibly exploit? Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 9:56 pm    Post subject: Just came back... I'll read this in a moment and have suggestion up. _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 9:52 am    Post subject: Robo Attack Oh hey! Where did these posts come from? I guess I missed the email. Crunchyfrog wrote: Or has John just been erased from the computer memory also? Is the robot a hallucination also? John is confident that this is not a hallucination as it seems far too vivid and intense, however, perception is everything. If he were hallucinating, he could not be completely certain of anything. I'm going to sneak in a little information in response to your other question, though time is quite short. John can check the database for his own profile and he will see that he is still there. He has not been deleted. In all likelihood, this robot is the rogue that has been ignoring commands. Crunchyfrog wrote: What weaknesses of the robot could John possibly exploit? The best information for this question is in supplemental under "Robots". ... But basically you have electromagnetism, high amounts of radiation, and liquid when its shell is breached. It's shell has been breached, but there isn't really any liquid around to use, not even in the sprinklers (which are replaced with chemical misters in the memory banks storage area). However, there certainly will be an alert that catches everyone's attention, so "Try hiding from the robot until help arrives" is a valid poll option. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 8:21 am    Post subject: I really don't think we can hide long from the robot. I guess it would have some sort of mechanism to detect life, but as of now, I have no better idea, other than Tbird's suggestion of course. _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 8:41 am    Post subject: Vishal Muralidharan wrote: I really don't think we can hide long from the robot. I guess it would have some sort of mechanism to detect life, but as of now, I have no better idea, other than Tbird's suggestion of course. Nope, no real mechanism that specifically detects life. It has "eyes" essentially which is uses to recognize things like people. It can also see in the infrared spectrum, giving it night vision. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 9:43 am    Post subject: Can we make ourselves unrecognisable as a human? Put a jacket over the head with one arm sticking up at the top? Would that be enough to fool it? Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 12:09 pm    Post subject: hand-headed Crunchyfrog wrote: Can we make ourselves unrecognisable as a human? Put a jacket over the head with one arm sticking up at the top? Would that be enough to fool it? Might be fun to try it, anyway. It is possible to confuse the robots, yes. Of course, if it's on a shooting rampage, it might not care if the target is a human or a tall hand-headed alien. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 2:11 pm    Post subject: Radiation might not be a good tactic, but electromagnetism might. Is there anything in the memory bank room that might serve to stall the robot a little? Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 9:37 am    Post subject: Crunchyfrog wrote: Radiation might not be a good tactic, but electromagnetism might. Is there anything in the memory bank room that might serve to stall the robot a little? The memory banks use magnets, but they're kind of small. There is also a lot of electricity running through power cables in the ceiling. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 12:07 pm    Post subject: I'm a bit hazy on my physics, but throwing something upwards towards the ceiling and causing the bot to shoot at it may be the thing. Severed electrical cables snaking around etc... might just be the ticket... Back to top Author PopeAlessandrosXVIII Arts and Poetry Mod Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1858 Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 2:44 am    Post subject: I Think....... I like the chapter! Zer gut! Strickly speaking, it was a little more informational then usual, even with the lack of links. . . . I's starting to have ghost in a shell feelings here with the apearance of the girl. . . . The log for the ship says she's not there, so she can't have been real. ut then, I'm not cinvinced he was "Just seeing things" eighter. . . . . I think the ship is pulling a Lily C.A.T. on us here and doing it's own mumbo jumbo! GRAH! DP....DP.....Well, we can find out if it's attacking movement by throwing something in front of it. If it attacks movement, then it can be distracted long enough for our hero to get off a shot, and pray it hits the eyes. I say aim for the head. Take out ALL it's targeting!!! That's me idears! Keep up the good work! _________________ To Be A Knight And my first Finished work Death Day Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2011 1:23 pm    Post subject: Poll The poll is up! There is a little combining of the options, you may see, but here we are. I'm going to say this point blank: At least one of the options will get John killed. Please choose wisely. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author LordoftheNight Revered IFian Joined: 11 Aug 2005 Posts: 5276 Location: Hell Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 11:24 am    Post subject: I didn't feel a quick disguise would really work, so I went for the other option to break your poll - but preferably not something involving electromagnets. Not completely sure how these memory banks works, but I know magnets can wipe harddrives, and I think that would probably be bad if he manages to wipe the memory completely. _________________ Punishment leads to Fear. Fear leads to Obedience. Obedience leads to Freedom. Therefore, Punishment leads to Freedom. Ave Dominus Nox A Fronte Praecipitium a Tergo Lupi Blood Bowl Scraping the Barrel A Tale of Four Swords Passion Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 8:13 am    Post subject: Good point, Lordy. Magnets aren't part of the plan, but electricity is, so we'll see how that turns out. And it looks like we have another vote too. Looks like I'll be starting the next chapter soon. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 10:32 am    Post subject: Chapter edit, snagging an EA The next chapter is coming up soon, but I wanted to mention an important change I've made to the previous chapter. While re-reading the chapter, I noticed that I neglected to mention that John acquired another EA before going to the memory banks. I'm sure everyone noticed that he has an EA now, but I didn't tell you how he got it, so I thought I would clear that up. I added this line to the chapter: Quote: On my way [to the memory banks], I secure another EA pistol. To the point, right? He's a security officer, he has access to tons of guns. After the spooky encounter with Milo Jones, he felt the need to get a gun again. Maybe it's a small point, but I prefer to be thorough with SG's like these. Oh, and here's the DP results: John tries to defeat the robot by: Hiding and waiting for backup [ 1 ] Changing his appearance to confuse the robot [ 1 ] Throwing something high, hoping to distract or electrocute it [ 3 ] Total Votes : 5 Who Voted: Crunchyfrog, LordoftheNight, PopeAlessandrosXVIII, Thunderbird, Vishal Muralidharan _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 11:51 am    Post subject: Chapter 11: Father and Son Chapter 11: Father and Son The worst thing about robots is the perfectly logical way they betray you. Victor experienced this betrayal first hand when he was killed by a robot that was intended to keep him safe at all costs. One little malfunction, a misplaced profile, turns a little confusion into a murder with laser precision. I don’t know what happened to this unregistered robot to make it decide to give me the same treatment, but its timing is so perfect for an ambush I have to assume it was decided just as logically as ever. It doesn’t even have the decency to hate me or want me dead, really, it just does what it is programmed to do. In the short time I have before the robot steps forward and begins the standoff again, I check the system database to see if my profile is missing like Victor Clemens’ was. I’m surprised to find this is not the case. I open a communication to the bridge while I’m fiddling with the communicator and say I’ve found the rogue robot in the memory banks. They naturally reply that they’re sending people to help right away, but I know there won’t be enough time. I leave the communication open so they can hear what’s happening, and so what may be my last words will be recorded. I have one chance at taking the robot out and if it doesn’t work there will be another mystery to solve and one less person left to solve it. Robots are remarkably fast and accurate and in their actions, but they’re not much smarter than monkeys. Maybe it’s a cheap trick, but if it works, I’ll take it. I take off my gloves and toss them around the corner as a distraction. I throw them over his head in the hope that he shoots them and causes something from the ceiling to cause him some damage. I immediately whip my pistol around the corner to take blind shots at the robot. I get one shot off before the EA is ripped from my hands by the force of another shot from the robot. The robot ignored the gloves and targeted my EA in 0.091 seconds. I was lucky to get even one shot, and when the robot steps into view, it’s clear that I missed. I raise my hands in surrender while slowly stepping back. I don’t know why it hasn’t already killed me. “My Father tells me to tell you we’re sorry,” the robot says in the typical synthesized robotic voice. “Sorry to break it to you, but robots don’t have fathers,” I say. “I am not a robot. I am a person. I must protect my Father.” “And how do you do that?” I ask, hoping to keep him talking just a little longer. “Father tells me what to do. He created this world just like he created me. He knows everything.” “Does he know how to erase profiles from the system database?” “Yes.” “Since I’m about to die anyway, why don’t you tell me how?” “Father says the system has a backdoor used by its creators to make changes to protected systems. He gave the password to his only son so he could save humanity.” “How does killing people save humanity?” “Victor Clemens was trying to kill his wife. He is one of many who are unworthy of my Father’s world.” “Why didn’t your father just report Victor Clemens?” I ask. “We would have arrested him.” “My Father was banished into darkness and no one could hear him until Victor Clemens gave him a way to speak. Now he speaks to me. Nothing must be allowed to come between a father and a son. You would also try to stop my Father from speaking to me, now you must die.” My reinforcements must be close! I only need another minute, but I don’t have another minute. I only have time for this last question. At least I know the bridge is listening right now. It’s my last service to the people I have tried to protect these last 16 years, may God save them all. “Who is your father?” are the last words I ever say. And the last words I ever hear: “Milo Jones.” _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author warriorofdoom Resident Joined: 28 Oct 2010 Posts: 59 Location: Australia Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 8:57 pm    Post subject: Okay wait. What is the DP?! _________________ Signatures can be dreadfully boring to write out. Why am I even doing this? o.O "Be the change you wish to see in the World"-Mahatma Gandhi. "A revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall."-Ernesto Che Guevera "Even in the valley of shodow of death, two and two do not make six." -Leo Tolstoy. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 7:36 am    Post subject: The End The End Sorry, there is no DP. John was killed by the rogue robot. I'm afraid the selected poll option was ineffective, so he was cornered and shot. At least he was able to transmit what the robot said to the bridge and they'll surely be able to do something with that knowledge, but the story is over because the protagonist is dead. It is a bit abrupt, I know, but the storygame carried a strong element of danger. If there wasn't a chance that the character would die an untimely death, who would be worried about him or take a threat seriously? Thank you all for following the story. I hope you enjoyed it and that you aren't too displeased with the way it ended. I welcome any comments, questions, or suggestions. We can really crack the story open now, if you like, and see what it's made of.... or we can just let it lie peacefully. So we sort of have our last DP. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Vishal Muralidharan Respected Citizen Joined: 24 Aug 2010 Posts: 867 Location: City Of IF! Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 10:04 pm    Post subject: Damn. That was unexpected. I thought this would go on for a bit longer. It was a really nice mystery that was being woven through. I really really liked the way it was going, but the end just seems so rushed and abrupt. But then, I do understand your point. We can try to rescue our characters as much as we want, but logically it wouldn't make sense. I couldn't see a way out at the end of the last chapter, and I hoped that the some suggestion could get us through. Of course, its not really possible to 'negotiate' with a robot. Now... What REALLY did happen to Victor?! _________________ The eyes are useless if the mind is blind. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 6:37 am    Post subject: I admit the situation was really tough... perhaps tougher than I should have made it. The escape plan I had in mind was to intentionally set off the chemical misters in the memory storage room. It would have been dangerous to breathe, but John could hold his breath while the robot would also be blind. John may have been able to destroy or disable the robot by blind firing, or at least found a way around the robot. I would have also accepted the disguise idea as a valid escape. The robot was specifically hunting for John, so if it could not easily identify him, it would have hesitated to fire, which would have bought John enough time to act. Hiding would have also gotten John killed, as there were very few places to hide. So what really did happen to Victor? I think I'll do an epilogue including the details of the murder and what happened after John died. You can expect it sometime this month. Meanwhile, if there are any specific questions you would like answered in the epilogue, please post them. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 8:00 pm    Post subject: My God Lebby! That abrupt ending was completely unexpected and while it did come across a little like the author simply got tired of working on this story, it also poingantly made your point on the threat of bad endings being in place. Additionally, in but a few paragraphs you managed to reveal everything we really needed to have sorted out before now that we had not managed to up to now and in a shocking way, I really liked how that played out. The whole thing ends like no story does and in the way it did it was genius. Nice finish! I think I've got 1k fables to owe you now (might wanna hit up Kang on that ) And I'm really looking forward to the epilogue. Thanks for the months of entertaining reading on this one... its been one of my all time favs of IF! _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 1:44 pm    Post subject: Really? All time favs, no less... cool! Thanks for your encouragement. I think the epilogue will help even things out a lot, take some of the edge off of the suddenness. I may even have one more DP on the epilogue (is that allowed?). Maybe I shouldn't get those 1000 Fables yet, but the end is near, nonetheless. I tried switching main characters before in "Heroes Never Panic" and it didn't really work out. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author PopeAlessandrosXVIII Arts and Poetry Mod Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1858 Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 10:31 am    Post subject: WAY TO GO! YES YES YES!!!! Love it!!!! I can't express enough how wonderfully this came across for me! I have, since childhood, HATED the annoying way all stories seem to have a happy ending. How you never have to really worry about the hero because you know they have to survive. But this, this is just wonderful! Your bot, he kinda reminded me of Sonny, but hat gave him/it a cuteness I can't describe. Kuddos on the excelent portrayal. I really hope you're not dissapointed that you don't get to continue this one. I know building the index and putting in all the links must be a hastle, but you seemed to have fun with it. I'm soooo sorry this took me son long to read! I can't wait for the epilogue, and for what you come up with next! Hope to see more of your wonderful work soon Lebrenth-chan. _________________ To Be A Knight And my first Finished work Death Day Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 12:20 pm    Post subject: Epilogue for Murder in the Intergalactic Garden Epilogue. The bridge falls silent as they hear the EA blast that ends the life of Chief Security Officer, Lieutenant John Dunaway. They just heard the information he died to get, that the rogue robot was the deranged creation of Milo Jones, a man locked in a cryogenic shell with only the faintest grasp of reality. The murder plot had unraveled, and it stupefied them that it revealed Milo Jones was behind it all. At that moment, he was frozen in a dark chamber with nothing but the sound of his own voice over a speaker to keep him company, that and his connection to a robot he called his son. Milo Jones helped create the Endeavor to save humanity, if not just his own frail life. He knew the ship better than anyone could have, and he knew its weaknesses too. But even his brilliance can not stop a single person with the simple wrench. Now that the threat is identified, a technician merely walks up to the encased architect, and with one brutal swing disconnects Milo Jones’ unauthorized link to the system. His spree amongst the living ended, and he was no longer a threat. His robot son, banished from the guidance of his father, stands still and waits for instructions that will not come. Instead it is visited by the retribution of soldiers who will take no chances with a killer robot, but nonetheless avoid shooting his head when they blast it. The head they take for dissection, to glean all of the data they can. Meanwhile, a terrified Terrence Bluth, a paranoid Vladimir Stokov, and a traumatized Darla Clemens wait in the dusty repair station to hear from John Dunaway. They are all guilty of something serious, but not what they were accused of. From the bridge, the officer in command, Cdr. Jacob Hawkins, reaches out to them. He makes an announcement for the entire ship from his command chair. He is draped with the red of the emergency lights and surrounded by the solemn faces of his crew. As takes a breath and presses a button, and he is heard by everyone, including those who cower in their own quarters or huddle in public places with no awareness of anything but the fear. And he says, “Attention passengers and crew of the ESS Endeavor. The parties responsible for the murder of Victor Clemens have been taken into custody. This threat is over. However, there is still a threat to the ship, and as the last survivors of Earth, it is a threat to all of humanity. “I’m sorry the captain is not here to announce this himself, but he has found a planet full of life that may be the answer we’ve been looking for, a new home. It is from this planet, we believe, that a life form was launched into space, which recently crashed in the Garden. This life form has perished, but it brought us hope. But in order to realize this hope, we will need to work together. The ship must be restored so we can rendezvous with the captain and explore this new world. We must forgive each other, and honor those who died before we could realize our dream of a new life. “Lieutenant Vladimir Vostok, this is a message for you. Lieutenant John Dunaway has died in the act of clearing your name of murder. Help us repair the damage you have done. Help us build a new life.” The commander concludes his announcement and waits for Stokov to reply. Darla helps him come to the right decision, and he drops his gun. He asks Bluth for forgiveness, and Bluth asks for forgiveness too, but they’re both full of too much guilt to say anything more to each other. Stokov calls the bridge and surrenders himself. The most complex trial ever conducted on the ship would follow, but first there was a ship to save. It was hard work for everyone, as many systems had to be reset manually while Stokov worked with the Milo Jones to fix the critical systems. The biggest trial ever conducted on the Endeavor would have to wait. Even with a clear target and a motivated crew, it would take 6 weeks to get the ship back into full operation and redirected to the strange blue and green planet Captain Willis found. It would take another month after that to arrive. It was agreed by all that before the ship would land, it had to resolve its greatest conflict. Captain George Willis presided as the judge, and Milo Jones was charged with two counts of conspiracy to murder, one for Darla Clemens and one for Victor Clemens. He was also charged with first degree murder. He was declared unfit for trial for several reasons, firstly that he was verifiable mentally unstable. Aside from that, he was still needed, and his confinement could not be complete than it already was. For the record, Victor Clemens was charged with attempted murder for helping Milo Jones develop a way to kill Darla Clemens. It was decided that though he was betrayed and killed by his own plot, a plot to exploit a weakness in the system by removing passenger profiles from the system database, the act of violence was carried through far enough to show an attempt at her life. He was found guilty. Darla Clemens pled guilty to assault and was sentenced to two months in the brig, sentence to begin when the ship arrived at the planet. Stokov also pled guilty to the numerous charges against him for sabotaging the ship and kidnapping, amongst other things. The captain showed him some lenience for admitting his errors, but he would be confined to the ship for 2 years under close supervision, and without pay. He was also demoted one rank. Stokov took his punishment with dignity and was granted permission to live with Darla on the ship. Lt. Terrence Bluth fought for his innocence, stating his failure to report was justified in an attempt to preserve the life an alien life form. Though his defense seemed more justified considering the result of intervention with the alien being, he was found guilty also, served 2 months in prison and was demoted. He was at least glad that it was all over. The new planet, which would be named New Earth, was a strange planet, and the mystery of how it launched a being into space would remain a mystery for a long time. John Dunaway would be remembered as a hero of a difficult time in human history, when it looked like human history might have ended altogether. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 12:22 pm    Post subject: Finished Sorry it took so long to write this epilogue! I hope it helps tie up loose ends and lays the story to rest. Thank you everyone for participating in this storygame! _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 6:54 pm    Post subject: It was an efficient and solid wrapup. I detected some poetic effort among the telling but mostly just a will to make sure the story was complete, and it did that motive justice. I liked the way it summarized Dunaway's death as so very heroic and how it gave us insight on the complexity that would follow for some, if not most, of the characters involved. Thanks for this Lebby! _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 12:27 pm    Post subject: Re: WAY TO GO! Thanks for your support throughout the story Thunderbird. Something tells me you would do a number of things differently? Feedback is very welcome. And if there are any other loose ends you're curious about, I'm open to answering questions. One I suspect Crunchy would like to know about is Mindy Sommers.... But if she wants to know more, she'll have to ask. PopeAlessandrosXVIII wrote: YES YES YES!!!! Love it!!!! I can't express enough how wonderfully this came across for me! I have, since childhood, HATED the annoying way all stories seem to have a happy ending. How you never have to really worry about the hero because you know they have to survive. But this, this is just wonderful! Just wanted to say, this is a great sentiment, Pope. I too feel that it is important to have the element of real danger for the main character. It's kind of sad that it looks like I just grew tired of the game. The abrupt ending was the result of the circumstances of the story. Milo Jones was the murderer, and the robot was Milo Jones' hitman. Milo Jones knew exactly where John was going, and knew he would be especially vulnerable there. It wasn't coincidence, it was causality. I'm not sure when I'm going to put a new storygame together. Unfortunately, the experience I'm looking for in storygames is really hard to achieve. I'm trying to make people feel like they are John and they are trapped in a small room with a killer robot. I suppose more descriptions would help with immersion, but I also don't want the story to get bogged down in details. I hope people will fill in the details that are unimportant and ask questions to fill in details that may become important to their plans... but that doesn't seem to work either. I'm not sure what to try next! Besides, I still have Worms of the Wasteland to finish before I get started with something else. Speaking of which, I better getting working on it again before everyone forgets what it is! _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 12:42 pm    Post subject: Not sure what I would have done differently really... and are you asking me as a player or as an 'if I were the author'? I think the key component in what you're looking for would be achievable by a sort of game rule statistics system. RPG rather than just RP. The benefit of a rule system is what makes playing an RPG anything more than playing make believe. Thanks to definitions of likelihood according to measurable mathematical probabilities we establish a valuable distinction between 'calculated risk assessment' and 'just imagine it and say this result happens'. For SGs, I think almost all of us think of consequences for poor decision making by the character, but IMO the story is more important overall than enforcing lethal cause and effect because outcomes may be imagined a number of ways, each one carrying a different purpose by the author. My point is, when the author inflicts a death of this nature, it makes the point you wish to make but it also says other things. Many messages come across and the communication between the author and audience is a very complex affair I'm still watching with an intrigued sense of analysis. Did this death seem fair? Sure. It seemed harsh, but fair and meaningful and the story, although ending with a sense of abruptness, delivered the message of how you feel, as an author, death may feel - like an abrupt and final punishment from which you cannot backpedal. Just keep in mind, that THIS becomes, in the end, the point of the story as a whole - or at least one of the most loudly made points anyhow. So for authors and the way they interact with their DP results, its all about what message you wish to express in your storytelling that determines how your story will flow from these audience participant hinges. Sure I would've done things differently, but then again, the messages I want to share with the audience are obviously going to be as different between your writings and mine as our identities. Neither would be more valid. But I would suggest establishing a crude 'rule' basis for your next SG because I think you'd find it to suit the essence you seem to be reaching for, and when I tried some of that with Superhuman I was delighted by the results myself. It was very popular and enjoyed and the simple rule system was a big part of why. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 2:52 pm    Post subject: Thunderbird wrote: Not sure what I would have done differently really... and are you asking me as a player or as an 'if I were the author'? Oh, definitely "if you were the author" was what I was asking. Naturally, we all have our own styles and such, but I had a hunch there was something specific that you wanted to say. But if you don't, chalk it up to my own overactive imagination. Nice analysis, by the way. I'll have to take a look at Superhuman again (maybe you can help me find it?). This whole balance of story versus game keeps coming up and I just can't seem to find that sweet spot in the middle. I want a game with a meaningful story. I want the story to be meaningful to the players because it was their own actions that charted its course in the face of adversity. It would be nice if it was available as mass media too. I don't know, Thunderbird. Even if I make a system of rules and maybe use a random number generator for chance, won't we still feel like we're just playing make-believe? _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 4:08 pm    Post subject: Well... I tend more towards a drastically dramatized death if death at all policy. If I foresee a death, its usually something well planned. That's a stylistic choice though. And its one I make to ensure that I don't trivialize a character's essence or meaning. But with what you did there I don't think you overstepped or underplayed his death. If anything, any sense of 'underplay' you gave it was a valid point you were making in and of itself and something I could recognize and philosophize on for quite some time. See... even in RPG, I still strive to create a sense of literary worth. By this, I mean that the story, like a piece of art inspires thought, evokes emotion, and brings new and unique questions to mind. Whatever I write, I try for this to be the purpose in the telling. There really is no other agenda in any form of expression imo. The game vs freeform question is a matter of strategic interplay. You want to generate a sense of immersion and aside from some literary tricks that can be employed to achieve that result, each of which have upsides and downsides, a rule-based system can help to give the player(s) a sense of the risk assessment and a concept that allows us to understand that not everything is in the hands of the author OR the player - that fate will play a role, that we can measure the degree to which our choices allow that role to be, and as a result, holds the author innocent of some of the outcomes of fated consequence. Either way, as an author, I look at the results of a poll in much the same manner, something to roll with and adapt my thinking to. For example, if I were YOU in that last decision point, as I do during the entire course of the tale, the question I would be asking myself is how to create the greatest impact in the body and ending to the story. You wanted to generate a sense of cause and effect, but I would argue that could have been achieved in a number of ways and that as a result of the desire to do this, you were perhaps looking for a way to causally enforce a lethal ending so as to show this point. I think you might have started with this in mind and finished in the manner in which you planned, as a result. But my style differs a bit. See... right now I know exactly what will take place in the last few chapters of HM. I have all along. I've been hinting at this the whole way through and once the end comes, you'll be able to look back and think, how did this happen when we made so many decisions that could have thrown the plot in so many directions other than this final end? My challenge to myself is to allow the players to make an enormous impact in the story through the DPs nevertheless. The content itself and how we get to the poignant finish is greatly swayed by the decisions made. Now, with your tale, I would suspect you had a bit of a map in mind, a bit of a chart, an if/then routine in concept that existed before we even began attempting to sort out the mystery... am I somewhat right? If you draw out, even in your head, just conceptually, even if its just DP by DP, an idea of what works and what doesn't, and you can express why it does or does not, you can do just what you've done. But when I'm presented with this sort of method, my inclination as a reader of say, a choose your own adventure, is to go back and see what would have happened had I done something else at another juncture, to explore all options and where they would've statically led me. This is not the compulsion when faced with chance and risk assessment allowed by a game structure. Oh... and Superhuman was removed in full from the site a long time ago and while I do have more than I thought I did in terms of some of the original material recovered, its not as much as I would've hoped. For an overview, it was basically just a matter of establishing RPG style definitions on the capabilities of each character and allowing conflicts to be resolved via a simplistic dice resolution on a turn by turn basis. Most of the story was written as chapters but dps were of a few different sorts, Role-play dps where it was a rapid volley between me and the 'player' who represented the character (each character only had one player), battle dps where we played out a combat, and standard plot point decision making dps. It will return once the plot groundwork that underlined the story has been more thoroughly laid by stories such as HM, an effort you can see is in process now. _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 5:12 pm    Post subject: Thunderbird wrote: But my style differs a bit. See... right now I know exactly what will take place in the last few chapters of HM. I have all along. Wow, that really demonstrates a difference of style! It's certainly safe to say I had a rough plan in mind of what could happen, but it's all theoretical. With my stories, in general as well as storygames specifically, my method is essentially to populate a playroom with as many interesting and interacting toys as possible, then let the characters go nuts. For instance, Captain Willis was on his own adventure while the mystery was unfolding (getting him back to the ship would have required convincing him to stop chasing a lead to an inhabitable planet). This detail (and a bunch more) had no specific purpose, just something interesting to play with. It became relevant that the captain was away because he had access to files that Bluth was trying to keep secret. A happy coincidence, because it made the story more interesting and created a new potential plotline. The situations are created organically by a series of circumstances that were created arbitrarily. If a good story comes out, it's because the characters found an interesting path through the craziness laid before them. The best part of telling a story like this is being constantly surprised. I feel like the story is building itself for me instead of by me. It's probably my selfishness in this respect that holds me back as an author. I need the audience to help me build my own fantasies. I want them to enjoy the story just the same as I would want my friends to enjoy a movie that we were all watching together, but I don't really want to sacrifice enough of my own experience to focus purely on their experiences. Maybe I could craft a better story if I didn't let them do any of the driving, if I planned everything out for the highest level of dramatic impact, but then there wouldn't be nearly as many surprises for me. _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2011 11:24 am    Post subject: Well... I guess I just have to say that I really enjoy what you do with stories. You work them more like I go into DMing. Its important for you to know, I feel, that this discussion, from my point of view, has never been about me suggesting that you should have done things in any different manner. Though we may have stepped into our stories, as authors, with slightly different intentions to begin with, neither is more or less valid, I'd say. And its interesting to see how two entirely differing SG methods can exist. These kinds of in depth categorizations of how to go about crafting an SG haven't really ever been identified I don't think. As I consider these points, I realize I've used varying methods to plot development in SGs, not just one... and through this conversation am I realizing how much. I usually do have some 'destiny' points that tend to be unavoidable, though the road to get there can be quite meandering based on DP results along the way. HM is the first time I've really had the END be that 'destiny point'. It was a way to challenge myself actually. And of course, this means that if the audience did something that would logically cause Walt's death, I would have had to figure out what else that decision could also logically have brought about. But I've also had the ultimately open ended let's see where the players take us approach, such as was attempted with Daydreamer. Your method, the turning the players, immersed into a character, into a developed back setting method, is more how my earliest SG was and I use a lot of that 'thinking' when working into a DP as well. Then there's the 'Let's add some drama during each chapter that builds to the next decision point' method. This is more like making it up as you go except that it accepts that we're leaving the DPs so openly powerful in manipulating the plot that we can't begin to even say what the next chapter will be until we have a poll result and we just tell a story as it comes. And lately I've seen the, 'Static story concept turned into an SG' approach that allows the DPs to be there but cleverly manipulates the plot right back to the same course it was taking previously within the smallest amount of space possible. The author's self challenge is to work change into the fabric of the story without allowing the weave to fundamentally become altered. I think most of us, as SG authors, look at the various poll options that emerge during the discussion phase and imagine out how we're going to write each one, giving the most attention to the most likely results. Unfortunately, this means that only the author ever really knows how greatly the path of the plot would have varied based on a different winning result. Even though I have these 'destiny plot points' in mind with my current method, I do allow a hell of a lot of plot variance based on the results of the polls or I find there's no point in the SG. In HM, there's even a chapter or two that wouldn't have existed had I been writing the story without input. IRT your ending, I can see how we, as players, failed to successfully consider a concept that would have kept us alive in that situation and why you felt our determined action could not have led to any other result barring some sort of accidental or unintentional element of author/divine intervention. You were doing all you could to NOT allow this sort of intervention and allow the story to mostly tell itself once the structure was set up and that's a noble method of storytelling imo. But let me ask you then... What could we have done in that situation to survive? I had considered, after the fact, that perhaps we could have blasted our way through the floor to get away? How would the other suggested results have panned out? _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... Back to top Author Crunchyfrog Honorable IFian Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3998 Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 8:24 am    Post subject: Re: WAY TO GO! A satisfying epilogue. Lebrenth wrote: One I suspect Crunchy would like to know about is Mindy Sommers.... But if she wants to know more, she'll have to ask. Yup... I had always suspected she was being used as some sort of a decoy... so what was it all about, or was she just a red herring? Back to top Author Lebrenth Honored Citizen Joined: 29 Dec 2005 Posts: 1484 Location: Utah Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 11:36 am    Post subject: Nice to see you again Crunchy! Been a while. In a word, "Yes" to Mindy Sommers. She had no relevance to the investigation at all. She wasn't exactly intended to lead people astray, so much as camouflage the important details, although she did have a crush on the lieutenant and she was a friend of Carla Clemens. Those details didn't really amount to anything, though, since she knew nothing more than anyone on the ship, that Carla and Victor often fought. Thunderbird, I can appreciate your take on storygames. Ultimately the goal is entertainment and that can mean a lot of different things. As far as that fateful DP, the ideal solution was intentionally setting off the chemical misters to serve as a smokescreen while John made his escape. As mentioned earlier, the disguise (as silly as it might have sounded) would have worked also, as the robot was specifically looking for John. They broke line of sight, so the robot would have continued to search the memory banks trying to ID John's face or voice. This would have given John the opportunity to get out, and lock the robot in. The next chapter would have been about interrogating the robot (or tearing out his memory and searching it manually... that might have been a DP). Blasting out wouldn't work, as the EA was designed for making quarter sized holes only and they don't have enough penetration for the reinforced walls intended to protect the memory banks. It wasn't viable, which is why it was withheld from the poll (basically, John knew better). I might have accepted some other solution also. Perhaps John would have time to shoot out a few support beams for the memory banks and pulled a section of the shelves of electronics to collapse on the robot while it was doing it's monologue. There were options available and I was pleased to see a lot of questions. Unfortunately no one asked "Would throwing something to distract the robot work?" I would have said "John knows their targeting abilities are very impressive. He's doubtful a distraction would work unless it caused the robot to turn away from him." Using questions to feel out viability of a poll options helps a lot with my style of storygaming. ... Alas, the medium is already slow-moving, and adding question and answer sessions would make them even more so. Dare I try again with the same style and expect different results? How would I get this style to work? _________________ Please visit my Library of completed works. Back to top Author Thunderbird Elder Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 2139 Location: Rising from the ashes Items Legends Fables Strata-gems Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 7:55 pm    Post subject: I think I missed this response earlier. To those questions I just have to say... I don't think that you, as an author, failed in any way to achieve the essence you were reaching for. I greatly enjoyed the whole thing and the thought you put behind it and feel a little dissapointed in myself for not catching some of the details you included, for not arguing some points that needed arguing, and for not considering that last dp with as clear and patient consideration as it not only deserved, but rightfully required. To THAT, my only excuse was that I was perhaps trying too hard to keep up with everything that was being posted on the site to budget in enough time to consider your challenge. Honestly, your tales have been rare and indelible gifts to the site, and I'm not just saying that. This is because you put so much thought into the process that it puts them in their own category of quality. If only we had more... _________________ CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011)) Zephyrrr! And... 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