Supercape Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 "That looks like something important!" commented Lord Steam, his cane pointing directly at the dagger. "Evidence, is it?" he asked, as he jumped forward without hesitation, trying to grab a hold of Ewoma's arm as she made a move for it. "Not so fast, young lady" he told her "I think we have a few more pieces of the puzzle to put together before anyone does any phoning...or anything at all, come to that..." The plot certainly thickens... he mused to himself, right now he didn't know who to trust, but he was sure as hell going to do his best to find out! Link to comment
Airon Posted February 8, 2012 Author Share Posted February 8, 2012 As the girl moved to grab the knife, the extra-dimensional detective sprung forward and grabbed her arm. Ewoma immediately jerked her arm away in a very skilled maneuver, leveraging on Steam’s thumb. She seemed ready to react, but immediately calmed down “I’m… I’m sorry. Of course that’s evidence, it was… stupid of me to risk contaminating it.†she retracted on her chair, apparently mortified. Steam, though, had a something else to put his mind on: as he touched her arm to stop her, what he felt under his fingertips was a strong and muscular arm, in sharp contrast with the thin and almost delicate frame of the ambassador’s aide. Also, he noticed that her skin was very cold. A bit too cold, even considering the shattered window on an October afternoon. As he was distracted by this revelation, Ewoma finally managed to dial the Unison Emergency Line. “Hello! Yes, this is Ewoma Russels – of ambassador’s Roche team. I need to speak with Mikos West as soon as possible.†Link to comment
Supercape Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 interesting... noted Lord Steam as he felt the alien flesh. Not human...alien? mutant? both possibilities...but the coldness - and the developed physique - it would fit with Atlantean physiology... He decided not to blurt out what he had felt, or indeed his suspicions. Best to feign ignorance - for now. instead, he pulled out a fine silk handkerchief and used it to carefully pick up the knife and wrap it up. "There we are, safe as the Bank of England" he said, with a smile on his face "couldn't do with messing up this. Might have some fingerprints on. Or what's that fancy stuff I have been reading about over here? ah yes! DNA analysis. Sounds rather spiffy to me...." He took a few steps back to sit down elegantly on a broken chair in the hall. "Now, lets see what unfolds shall we? I am all ears. And eyes, come to that!" Link to comment
Eviscerus Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 Leviathan Veijlial watched the unfolding scene before him with detached bemusement. Being far too tired to really contribute to the proceedings, Veijlial instead decided to focus on putting together the pieces of the puzzle laid out before him. Why set up the ambassador for the murder, if indeed that is what happened? Who would stand to gain from it? If the killer had simply relied on the stolen murder weapon to finger the ambassador the evidence would be circumstancial at best, but actually donning the lady's visage lended credence to the accusation, and also spoke to the evidence of supernatural forces at work, whether they be magical, mutation, or otherwise. In essence, when Leviathan performed the ritual to see into the past and witness the murder he had aided the murderer, or murderers by providing himself as eye witness. Whether or not this was planned however, remained a mystery, and if it was, it did not bode well for Leviathan and his compatriots, as such a clever villain might be beyond their capacity to apprehend. Link to comment
Tiffany Korta Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 It you were trying to gain the trust of a witness it was best not to have too many people talking at once, it tended to confuse them and could lead of all sorts of error. Besides Lord Steam seemed to have matter safely in hand, and was along the way getting results. That didn’t mean though she could still help in a supporting role. Gaining her trust would help speed thing along. So she crouched down beside Ewoma and gently took her hand in what she hoped was a reassuring manner and gave the woman a friendly smile. Link to comment
Airon Posted February 17, 2012 Author Share Posted February 17, 2012 Numbed by her undead condition, Revenant’s sense of touch didn’t pick up anything out of place with Ewoma. The girl was still on the phone with the UNISON emergency line, and smiled back at Lucy’s attempt to be reassuring. She covered the mike with a hand while talking to Lucy “I will have a team of specialists arrive right away. This savage must be locked up.†She pointed at Brutus. “Oma, this could be unwise.†intervened the ambassador “We don’t want to cause another diplomatic incident, they already think I…†“Michelle, he was basically kidnapping you!†she got back on the phone “Yes, at ambassador Roche’s house, in the North Bay. As soon as possible, thank you, Mikos.†she hung up “UNISON's squad will be on its way.†Michelle didn’t seem to relieved by the news: she was clearly a bit upset that Ewoma didn’t listen to her on the matter. She bit her lip and got to the heroes “So what now? You apparently believe me to be innocent, so what would your next step be? The knife?†she sighed “Now that I think of it, who told you it was me? The guy who accused me was probably in the conspiracy if he bore false witness, don’t you think?†Link to comment
Eviscerus Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Leviathan Leviathan cleared his throat to draw the attention to him and looked the ambassador in the eye. "I performed a ritual of sorts, that let us see into the moment of the murder. It plainly showed you, or someone who was wearing your countenance, murder the Atlantean with the knife in question. So as you see, getting information out of a would be conspirator is, of course, out of the question. I do find it odd, however, that an assistant to an ambassador would so casually denounce an ambassador's input into a situation. Given your station should it not be apparent that you believe the ambassador wise, and deserving of the respect of her office? Tell me something ambassador, has your assistance regularly been this flagrant in the disregard of your council?" A naturally paranoid creature by the nature of his past, Leviathan's gaze narrowed considerably on the assistant. Ever since the assistant conveniently arrived on the scene, it had seemed to Veijlial that she was attempting to manipulate the situation. Taking charge of things was not usually the purview of an assistant, and her manner did not belie anything so much as even conciliatory towards the ambassador. Gears started to turn faster in Veijlial's fatigued mind as implications started leading to connecting evidence and hypothesis. "I suggest that you step away from the phone, and the ambassador while we figure the situation out entirely. Link to comment
Airon Posted February 19, 2012 Author Share Posted February 19, 2012 Ewoma bit her lip and assumed a contrite expression. She looked at the ambassador, then back at Leviathan. Her black eyes stared deep into Veijlial’s equally black ones. The monstrous hero could see something in them – regret, maybe? “I didn’t disregard Michelle… I just thought she could be distressed from the situation, that’s all, and I’m trying to take care of her.†Michelle’s face warmed up a bit “That’s very kind of you, Oma, but you can’t deny that you’ve been pretty jumpy and nervous since we came back from Atlantis. I’m… I’m sure we can work it out with Mikos… General West, I mean, once his team gets here.†“I swear, I only had the best intentions… I… I don’t mean to cause any more trouble…†for a moment she seemed on the verge of tears, then she squeezed her eyes and when she re-opened them, she showed the strong and confident attitude of a few seconds before. Link to comment
Eviscerus Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 Leviathan Veijlial had had enough. All this back and forth was getting nowhere, chipping away at the problem took time they possibly didn't have. What if the "assistant" didn't call who she said she'd called? Time could be running short before some nefarious back-up arrived, so Veijlial decided to take a gamble. Digging deep down into both his willpower, and his knowledge of glamour and shapeshifting, Leviathan formed the spell he used everyday within his mind. The facade spell he used to avoid fear, hatred, and persecution, and then he simply reversed it, doing and saying everything backwards, unraveling the threads of magic that alter one's form into something it's not, and rained down the spell over the room. If the spell worked, whatever the assistant was hiding would be revealed, if not, the only harm would be Leviathan looking silly, paranoid, and of course, being extremely drained of energy. Link to comment
Airon Posted February 20, 2012 Author Share Posted February 20, 2012 Fully invested by Leviathan’s spell, Ewoma’s figure seemed to tremble for a second; she squeezed her eyes apparently in pain, but when she reopened them, they were filled with contempt and rage. “What was that?†she shouted at Veijlial “What did you do to me?†Iobatus, who had been quiet so far, pointed a finger at Veijlial “I knew it, honey, I knew it! You can’t trust them! And now he’s attacking Oma? Why? I thought you wanted to help us!†he got up from the couch and stood between Michelle and Leviathan, putting forward his hands in a defensive stance – a very poor defensive stance, as anybody with martial arts training could tell. Link to comment
Eviscerus Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 Leviathan As the spell completed Veijlial slumped to the floor, going to one knee, taking in deep breaths before looking up at the pathetic display the Atlantean was putting on. "What I attempted to do was to unravel the glamour that is hiding whoever this "Oma" truly is. She is no more your original assistant, ambassador, than I am. However, that suspicion remains unproven, as my power has been weakened by the melee with Brutus. As for you, Atlantean, as you can see in my current condition I am little threat to you and the pretend woman so there is no need for such posturing." Turning to his compatriots, Leviathan gave them a pleading look. "You saw the effort she used to resist my spell, if this is indeed her original form why should she look to be in pain? I tell you she is not who she says she is, I implore you to take her into custody." Link to comment
Supercape Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 GM "No need for violence, Sir!" said Lord Steam to Iobatus "I'm sure we have all had our fair share of pugilism for the day! and there are ladies present!" he continued in a gallant manner, thrusting his chest out. One razor sharp eye cast Ewoma a look as he thrust out the pointed and mildly offensive chauvinism. "Wouldn't you say, my dear lady?" he asked her. He fingered the blade he had wrested from the floor. "Or is it Lady, after all? perhaps there is some question on the matter. A disguise, perhaps? can you confirm your identity in some way? something you should know?" Link to comment
Airon Posted February 21, 2012 Author Share Posted February 21, 2012 If Iobatus felt motivated ad confident against the near-collapsed Leviathan, the sight of the athletic Lord Steam still siding with his monstrous companion knocked down his bravado. Ewoma rose form her seat and pointed her eyes firmly into Leviathan’s “I was in pain because of some sort of attack you targeted me with.†She was struggling to hold back the rage. “I have been trying to help, more than you can possibly know…†her voice started off cold, but now was breaking as she got closer to Veijlial and whispered “You of all people should know better.†to him. Then she raised her voice again “Michelle, you really don’t trust me? What do I have to answer to convince you?†The ambassador seemed very torn inside “Well, you did act nervous since we came back. You broke up with Jacob almost instantly, and he had been waiting a year for you. Just… just answer some questions, please…†Michelle proceeded in asking about some private events, and Ewoma answered to everything, with some hesitations. Michelle sat back on the couch, her head between her hands “Oh-ok. I’m sorry, Oma… I just wanted to be sure.†She kept rubbing her temples as if she had a headache. Iobatus sat beside her, hugging her and putting a hand on her belly. Link to comment
Supercape Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 With child? Is that even possible? Lord Steam had been in Freedom City long enough to know that virtually anything was possible here. Which was not always, or even often, a good thing, in his opinion. He wisely declined to comment on the matter but filed it away in his head. Clearly it would add insult to injury in terms of offending the Atlantean Royals. He was still not clear about Owa. She felt different, but had answered the questions, if with hesitation. One possibility was that she was indeed Owa, but that Owa had always been inhuman. Need more information! he concluded. "Well I would like to examine this weapon properly" he concluded "namely, back at my lab. And seeing how this mansion is both unsafe, and, to be frank, quite a mess after our little exercise, may I offer my own humble abode?" Link to comment
Eviscerus Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 Leviathan Shock is a feeling that Veijlial was not at all familiar with, it ran through his body, leaving an almost tangible weight in his chest from it's passing. Eyes locked with this Oma woman, Veijlial felt all the pain, the loneliness, and the hopelessness of his years in exile. Alone, with nothing but the waves and the sea creatures to confide in, solitude was a prison Veijlial was not eager to experience again, despite his aloof nature. Suddenly, it almost seemed he understood this Oma creature, what lengths one would go to, just to belong. Veijlial still wasn't sure what the motive of this woman was, or even what she was, but he knew he couldn't hate her, no matter what she was. Looking for the first time, with understanding, into Oma's eyes Veijlial breathed, "Please, tell us what you know, what is truly happening here. It is obvious you are more than you claim to be, let us help you. Let me help you. No one can stand alone, in the dark, none of us are a microcosm. Allow me to float on the same waves as you, so that we both might better understand the tides that pull us." With that, Leviathan lowered his head as he slow stood on shaky legs, feeling almost as drained from the words he spoke as the spells he wrought. Link to comment
Airon Posted February 22, 2012 Author Share Posted February 22, 2012 Ewoma looked exasperated. She buried her face in her hands, then sprung up from the couch. She got closer to Veijlial, confronting him face to face “You keep insinuating. What else can I do to prove you I really am myself?†she waved her hands theatrically to emphasize her sentiments. “It is enough, thank you.†intervened the ambassador “I believe her, and so should you. As for the knife†added talking to Lord Steam “I would like nothing more than some hard evidence against somebody else. Since you strike me as a very proficient detective, I’ll be more than glad if you’ll handle the research on the weapon, but are you suggesting we all follow you to your laboratory?†she looked puzzled “Do not forget we have a UNISON team getting here any moment to take care of Brutus and his men. What do you suggest?†Link to comment
Supercape Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 “Do not forget we have a UNISON team getting here any moment to take care of Brutus and his men. What do you suggest?†"I'm sure UNISON can 'take care' of the aptly name Brutus" replied Lord Steam "and quite rightly. However, I do foresee a tsunami of red tape coming our way. No doubt they will do as proficient a job as anybody, well, nearly anybody, but it will be a slow process. Or slower than if I take a look at it..." "So by all means lock up Brutus here. In the mean time, I suggest we head off and try to unravel this quickly elsewhere. " "Aside from anything else, at this point, I am not entirely sure UNISON will be free from influence, or worse, imposters. Something smells very fishy about the whole business, if you pardon the pun. I would be prudent with my trust for the moment..." Link to comment
Airon Posted February 25, 2012 Author Share Posted February 25, 2012 It took the combined strength of Revenant and Iobatus to lift Brutus and lock him in the cellar, tossing in then his equally cuffed guards. The Ambassador wrote a quick note for the UNISON team explaining what they would find, then pinned it to the frame of the front door, next to her engraved brass tag saying “Michelle Roche, UN ambassadorâ€. Michelle watched with some apprehension her damaged house “Well, at least this is a crime-free neighbor†commented at the sight of her front door, now reduced to a bunch of splinters and wooden panels laying broken on the floor or hanging loosely by the frame. “So now what, Lord Steam? We all hop in our cars and follow you to your lab, to unravel the mistery?†Link to comment
Eviscerus Posted February 25, 2012 Share Posted February 25, 2012 Leviathan Leviathan was, in a word, perplexed. Being slipped something by someone who he had been outwardly denuoncing was one thing, the fact that she was trying to hide it from his compatriots was another. Still, he had asked this Oma to trust him, and to out her now would do nothing to engender feelings of goodwill between them. Leviathan didn't know if his compatriots saw what she'd done, but he thought it best to work on the assumption that they hadn't. "Excuse me, I must attend to a private matter. I will be back momentarily." With that Leviathan moved to the shadows and teleported himself just outside the house into the shadows of the building. Carefully, Leviathan reached into his pocket... Link to comment
Airon Posted February 25, 2012 Author Share Posted February 25, 2012 Leviathan The fallen leaves crumbled beneath his feet and a couple of pigeons flew away scared as Leviathan suddenly reappeared by the northernmost corner of the house, hidden from the sun still fairly high in the October afternoon. Inside his pocket, the heroic Deep One found only a Kleenex, crumbled into a ball. He opened it and found four words on it – not written, they seemed more like impressed on the paper tissue. The message said only “WHEN WE ARE ALONEâ€. Nothing else. Later, when he rejoined the group, Ewoma tried to meet his eyes hoping to exchange a look of complicity – a tacit confirm that he understood her reasons. Link to comment
Eviscerus Posted February 26, 2012 Share Posted February 26, 2012 Leviathan Leviathan was uncomfortable keeping things from his new found compatriots, being a Deep One, it was hard enough to garner trust without the added problem of keeping secrets from those one is supposedly in league with. However, he also understood the burden of mistrust, and if this Oma woman did not feel comfortable revealing something to these humans, it was not for him to coerce her. Grudgingly, Veijlial met the woman's eyes and a small nod accompanied a look of determination that crossed his face. Leviathan was unsure what game she was playing, but he felt he must see this game to its end to discover the truth. Link to comment
Supercape Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 "All aboard then!" roared Lord Steam with a smile and a speedy pace to the door (or what remained of it). "I am sure Bessie can can take you all, even if it might be a bit cramped for our larger, aquarian friends!" he said, giving 'Owa' a sideways, pregnant glance. He was half tempted to run Bessie into the sea and see what the Mysterious woman would do underwater, but of course that would be a terrible sacrifice. He patted Bessie outsides. "Run's like a dream" he said, cheerfully, as it's copper pipes hissed steam and he gave the antiquated horn a playful beep. "All ready? to the manor, and to some answers!" he said, jumping into the driving seat and starting up the engine, such as it was. Link to comment
Airon Posted February 28, 2012 Author Share Posted February 28, 2012 The trip to Steam Manor was, for lack of a better term, awkward, even with Lord Steam continuously showing off the delightful mechanics of his vehicle to Lucy. Leviathan and Ewoma sat in the back, shoulder to shoulder, in a silence colder than the Ocean’s depths. Iobatus and Michelle sat beside them, in each other’s arms, and when Michelle tried to cheer up Ewoma by making conversation, the assistant lowered her eyes in silence, unable to withstand her friend’s gaze. They entered the magnificent residence in the same uncomfortable mood, just partly lightened by a reinvigorating afternoon tea and biscuits the Mansion’s staff had ready for their employer’s guests. Balancing masterfully his dues as a host and as the leading investigator, Lord Steam kept striking up conversation mostly about the retro and bizarre technology decorating his house. When the large clock on the wall, hundreds of brass gears and toothed wheels encased in the most exquisite mahogany, stroke 5 PM, he decided it was enough time spent on making his guests acclimate. Time to head to the forensic laboratory. Link to comment
Eviscerus Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 Leviathan As uncomfortable as the ride to Steam Mansion was, how Veijlial felt inside Steam's house was infinitely moreso. Being waited on by staff was something Leviathan was not at all used to, especially since he hadn't bothered returning to his disguised self. And the overwhelming presence of a distinctly alien technology to him, left Leviathan feeling alone and out of place. It was times like this that Veijlial especially missed the comfort of the deeps, and the company of his sea creature friends. Shaking off the homesickness and self pity, Leviathan put his mind to the task at hand, and followed Lord Steam to aid in the evaluation of the knife. Link to comment
Supercape Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 A little later.. "Ladies and Gentlemen! Humans and Others!" announced Lord Steam, striding from his laboratory. He had divested himself of his more elegant garb, and was wearing welding goggles, and a leather apron. He looked more like an engineer than a forensic scientist. And yet his methods and skill had been faultless, if eccentric. "The murder weapon, and I think I can conclude it was the murder weapon, has the finger prints of you Ms. Roche!" he said, pointing a melodramatic finger at the ambassador. "But!" he added, raising his finger instantly. "From my analysis of the tensile strength of the weapon, the armour, the impact and force used, I can safely conclude that it would be impossible for a human woman of Ms. Roche's build to apply sufficient force with the weapon to penetrate the armour!" "Which leads us to the conclusion, that whilst Ms. Roche has handled the weapon, she did not deliver the killing blow, or..." he paused, pregnant, "she is not a human woman!" Without waiting for objection or comment, he continued. "Next!" he announced "the blade itself has two separate DNA types! One is Atlantean, and the other...something else. Not Atlantean, I might add. So, we now have an even stranger conundrum. There were two victims of the weapon!" He spun around. "So, Ms. Roche, perhaps you could share some light on these facts?" he asked, wiggling his finger at her. Link to comment
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