Space! Train!! Murder!!!

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You board the InterSol Express on a dreary Mercurian morning. After your humiliating failure to solve the case of the Stellar Dutchess' missing mega diamond (and subsequent accolades being passed on to your archrival Detective Xangar Brian when he swept in to save the day), you've earned a vacation on a pleasant carefree Space Train journey. Time to [[kick back and relax...|start]]

<<audio "song" loop play>>\ <<if $deathmessage is not "">>\ $deathmessage \ <<set $deathmessage to "">>\ <</if>>\ <<if $timesreset is 0>>\ You bolt awake as the conductor lurches into your cramped sleeper suite. Even in the dark, you can see their disheveled InterSol Tours uniform, and wide, panicked eyes. "Detective!" they cry "Your services are needed, [[Mx. Sliptavian Gin has been murdered!|gininterrupt]]" <<elseif $timesreset is 1>>\ You bolt awake... Whew! Good thing you're a time cop. You can jump back to this morning with your memory intact and keep looking for clues! If you're lucky, you'll have this murder solved before the train pulls back into the home station! The conductor lurches into your cramped sleeper suite. "Detective! Mx. Sliptavian Gin has been murdered!" [["I know! Get me the list of suspects and key locations"|getsuspects]] <<elseif $timesreset lt 5>>\ You bolt awake... Hmm, still so much to uncover! This is getting interesting. Better keep everyone talking so you can get to the bottom of this! And maybe it's worth taking a chance on an accusation... the benefit of being a time cop is that if you get it wrong, you can still just jump back to this morning and try again! "Detective! Mx. Sliptavian Gin was been murdered!" You push past to get right to work - what haven't you done yet? [[Interview a suspect|suspectlist]] [[Investigate a location|locationlist]] <<elseif $timesreset is 5>>\ You bolt awake, it's the morning of the murder once again... Getting closer! You might need to revisit some earlier suspects - knowing more sometimes lets you ask more direct questions. [[Interview a suspect|suspectlist]] [[Investigate a location|locationlist]] <<else>>\ You bolt awake, back at the morning of the murder, and don't even wait for the Conductor to come in - you've done this before and know what you want to do! [[Interview a suspect|suspectlist]] [[Investigate a location|locationlist]] <</if>>\ <<set $timesreset to $timesreset + 1>>\

<<if $timesreset gt 1>> [[Clues|journal]] [[TIME JUMP!|start]] [[Accuse!!!|parlourscene]] <</if>> [[Toggle High Contrast|togglecontrast]]

<<cacheaudio "song" "SpaceTrainMurder.mp3">> <<set $hasreset to false>> <<set $deathmessage to "">> <<set $highcontrast to false>> <<set $timesreset to 0>> <<set $ginactiveclue to false>> <<set $poloclue to false>> <<set $ginpoloclue to false>> <<set $stoawaydiscovered to false>> <<set $stoawayfurclue to false>> <<set $beverageclue to false>> <<set $backroomclue to false>> <<set $catcolourclue to false>> <<set $hasalibilist to false>> <<set $metmerchant to false>> <<set $ginfamousclue to false>> <<set $twinshateginclue to false>> <<set $gotscratched to false>> <<set $stowawayglowclue to false>> <<set $seatingclue to false>> <<set $catobservationclue to false>> <<set $catextrapersonclue to false>> <<set $gindopoloclue to false>> <<set $twinsnubclue to false>> <<set $conductorpoloclue to false>>

There is a collective gasp and the room falls momentarily silent. "You.. you dare accuse a Feline? The noblest of all races... of murder?" the Conductor whispers in disbelief. "Well," you stammer, "the Twins said he roams the entire train like it's his kingdom," you say, lamely, "if he has access everywhere, without being checked, then he's the most likely to have done it." "Yeah, but we'd NEVER say that to his face!" one of the twins exclaims. "Right??" screeches the other, turning apologetically to the Feline "Please forgive us, Your Grace!" [["Your Grace?!"|accusecat2]]

<<if $ginpoloclue is true>>\ * Gin is a star Space Polo player, who recently decided to avoid retirement - as he says 'one must be constantly fit!' <<else>>\ <<if $ginactiveclue is true>>\ * Gin mentioned he had an active day planned, strange for a luxury space train journey <</if>>\ <<if $ginfamousclue is true>>\ * The Twins mentioned Mx. Gin is famous - but not why. <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<if $poloclue is true>>\ * The Merchant only talks slowly - he moves quick and was even a pro Space Polo player, before being bumped from the roster by a veteran player who decided not to retire. <<elseif $metmerchant is true>>\ * The Merchant talks so slowly it's impossible to question him - a more direct approach might be required <</if>>\ <<if $conductorpoloclue is true>>\ * The Conductor made a fortune betting on Mx. Gin in pro Space Polo <</if>>\ <<if $hasalibilist is true>>\ * The Conductor gave you a [[list of alibis|alibilist]], everyone seems accounted for <</if>>\ <<if $stowawayglowclue is true>>\ * The Stowaway spent time with the Feline and mentions he glows, which somehow relates to his sentience. <<else>>\ <<if $stowawayfurclue is true>>\ * The Stowaway has orange fur on their pants <</if>>\ <<if $backroomclue is true>>\ * The room where the Feline drinks their milk has room for another being to hide <</if>>\ <</if>>\ <<if $stowawayscaredclue is true>>\ * The Stowaway knows something but is too scared of someone on the vessel and won't talk <</if>>\ <<if $suitatmoclue is true>>\ * The being in the Spacesuit can't process the train's atmo - hence the suit <</if>>\ <<if $howdrinkclue is true>>\ * The Spacesuit reacted oddly when asked how it drinks the beverages it always has in hand - it doesn't seem to be the most coordinated being <<elseif $beverageclue is true>>\ * The Spacesuit always has a beverage in hand - but how do they even drink it with that helmet on? <</if>>\ <<if $twinsnubclue is true>>\ * Mx. Gin snubbed the Twins at the ball and they still haven't forgiven him <</if>>\ <<if $catobservationclue is true>>\ * The Cat observed the Twins and Merchant acting oddly - and gave a yes/no answer for the Spacesuit <</if>>\ <<if $seatinclue is true>>\ * Mx. Gin eats alone. The Twins eat at the bar. The Merchant and Spacesuit eat together, but don't seem to talk <</if>>\ <<if $catcolourclue is true>>\ * The Cat communicates with colour - blue for no/dislike and pink for yes/like <</if>>\ <<back "Back to the case">>

<<if $highcontrast is true>><<addclass "body" "highcontrast">><</if>>

<<if $highcontrast is false>><<set $highcontrast to true>>High Contrast enabled!<<else>><<set $highcontrast to false>>High Contrast disabled!<</if>> <<return "Back to the case!">>

[img[images/Gin.png]]\ Before you can utter a response to the Conductor, a Cephaloid enters your suite, pushing the Conductor aside. Their regal bearing, rapidly modulating skin, and lashing tentacles telegraph their agitation. You stutter out a question "Did... did you know the deceased?" "Know them? I AM the deceased, Detective." The Conductor pipes in "Yes, I neglected to say - Mx. Sliptavian Gin was murdered, but they are fine now." "Quite." Punctuated Gin, a cloud of green modulating over their skin. [["Do you know who did it?"|ginquestioning]]

You make your way to the observation platform. The Spacesuit is already there, sitting pertly at attention, which doesn't surprise you. The rest of the suspects trickle in, confused and agitated, as the planet Terra looms on the observation screen. The tour is almost at an end. Solving this case could get you that bonus you've been vying for - maybe even a promotion! Wouldn't that come in handy, come the Space Solstice Celebration! Everyone's attention is on you, now is your moment. [[Who do you accuse?|accuselist]]

"Of all the absolute wastes of time!" Gin cries, bubbling with rage. "I hope you like naps, because I'm about to give you the second one you've had today!" and with that, Mx. Gin lashes a heavy tentacle out, [[knocking you back into this morning|start]] <<set $timesreset to 6>>

"Me?!" the Conductor yelps. "But I'm the one who told you about it in the first place! "Doesn't mean you didn't do it!" You exlaim. "And exactly why would I murder Mx. Gin? I'm a huge fan! What motive could I possibly have to harm them?" [["... Uuuuuh...."|accuseconductor2]]

"How in the galaxy could I have killed them?!" the stowaway laughs "I've spent my entire time on this dumb tour hiding in the cargo bay, stealing food, or in the brig!" "Exactly!" you say, "You're the only individual on the ship who has been successfully sneaking about without any of us knowing." "I'm the *only* individual?" the stowaway laughs again, plucking the Spacesuit's beverage from their thick glove, "I think you've missed something pretty big, then, if you ask me. You better go back and check again!" with that, the stowaway hurls the tumbler at your head, [[knocking you back into this morning|start]] <<set $timesreset to 6>>

"Oh... not... I... detective..." The Merchant drawls. <<if $poloclue is true>>\ "Please," you interrupt "allow me to save us some time, hmm? You never wanted to be a merchant. No, you wanted to be a professional Space Polo player. You were even a first draft pick, according to our interview, correct?" "Yes... correct..." "Good," you press on "and I couldn't help but notice the way you described the physical demands that come with being a Space Polo player. I believe the phrase you used was 'constantly fit', yes?" "Eh... yes..." "A phrase made popular by a veteran player: 'One must be constantly fit!', is that not so?" [[The Merchant's look becomes guarded.|accusemerchant2]] <<else>>\ "What... is.... your.... evidence... to....accuse....me....in...such...a ...manner..." the Merchant continues slowly, as you review the clues in your head and come up with... nothings. Oops. Time to jump before this gets any more awkward. <</if>>

"Ugh, I TOLD you we shouldn't have taken this trip," One Twin sulked at the other "now we're getting arrested! Of all the stupidest luck-" "Will you be quiet? We didn't do it!" snaps the other. "Of course we didn't, but they must know we were planning to! It's not our fault someone got to Gin first!" "Shut. Up." "YOU SHUT UP!" "Now hold on, both of you," the Conductor shouts "you admit you wanted to murder Gin?" "Of course we did!" they whine in stereo. [["... but you didn't do it?"|accusetwins2]]

"You!" you extend an accusatory finger to the ominously still figure seated in the corner. "I know it was you... your haughty silences, your holier-than-thou aloofness. The behaviour of an upper-crust elite? Hardly. More like the erratic behaviour of a guilty conscience! I couldn't help but notice your suit is second-hand... how exactly did you afford a private suite on this luxury tour? And your penchant for camping out in the dining car for hours on end... just to stay away from all the prying eyes, hmm?" You draw ever closer to the murderer. [["Well? What have you got to say for yourself!?"|accusesuit2]]

You realize you've jumped the lazergun and made an enormous faux pas: You didn't discover any motive for the Conductor! "Er, one moment please," you stammer. You wander to the closest column and bang your skull against it, [[knocking you back into this morning|start]] <<set $timesreset to 6>>

"Duh," says a twin with a screech, "he's like, the living patron saint of space-time?" "Yeah," says the other, "doesn't that make him, like your God or some junk?" You turn and look upon the serene Feline face once again. "You are Dingus Autobarn, the sacred space-time cat?" Dingus blinks slowly, purring, and glows a soft... dark... pink. Well. That's space egg on your face, huh? [[Time for a re-do!|start]] <<set $timesreset to 6>>

<<if $ginpoloclue is true>>\ "Ah, I see I've hit upon something rather closer than you expected sir. Yes, the phrase was made famous by our very own Mx. Sliptavian Gin - a 16-time Space Polo all-galaxy player. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you tell me in our chat that you would have been a pro player, except you were bumped from your contract when a veteran of the game decided not to retire?" <<else>>\ "Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you tell me in our chat that you would be have been a pro player, except you were bumped from your contract when a veteran of the game decided not to retire?" The Merchant nods slowly, "Yes... and?.." You fumble but the Conductor gasps in realization and interjects "But that's Mx. Gin's famous catchphrase, and he's the one who decided not to retire!" "Thank you," you say, taking control of the investigation back and moving forward. <<set $gindopoloclue to true>>/ <</if>>\ [[The Merchant now looks positively uncomfortable|accusemerchant3]]

"Now, I don't know about you, but if I'd lived for thousands of years, and finally came into my full potential for a sport I'd been wanting to play professionally - only to have it stripped from me on a whim by someone who'd already had their time in the sun - I'd be a little... angry." The Merchant's face darkened. "Perhaps I'd even become... obsessed? Watching their every media appearance, following their training regimens, adopting their turns of phrase..." The Merchant stood as if to bolt, but stayed stock still, second-guessing his instinct. "Then going so far as to book a ticket on the same luxery train tour... to get revenge for their selfishness." Mx. Gin huffed at the slight, [[but you knew you were hitting all the right notes|accusemerchant4]]

"How could you have possibly known!?" The Merchant's shock was apparent. His cover blown, the slow affectation dropped from him like a heavy weight and he crumpled back down onto his chair. "I was so careful! How, HOW?" "I didn't, not really. Until you just confirmed it now." The Merchant sunk even farther into his chair, the picture of misery. "What I could piece together was the why... but not the how. [[How did you manage to do it?|accusemerchant5]]

"Well if you can't pin it on me, then I'm not likely to help you, am I?" Said the Merchant with a smirk. "I can help." Piped up the Stowaway. "If you can promise me protection." "Oh the Merchant is about to be in the brig for the rest of this trip, proof or no, since he admitted he did it," assured the Conductor. [["That's not who I'm afraid of..." the Stowaway trailed off|accusemerchant6]]

After a moment of panicked indecision, the Stowaway crosses to the Spacesuit and kicks it. Hard. "Hey!!" you yelp, but then you realize what she's done. The suit has toppled, and the shiny opaque helmet rolled across the floor to your feet. [[The suit was empty|accusemerchant7]]

A collective gasp rose from everyone but the Merchant and the Stowaway. "I saw him," the Stowaway pointed a shaky finger at the Merchant "in the cargo bay, talking to the Spacesuit! He was paying them to sabotage Mx. Gin's room!" "But... there's no one in the suit!" exclaimed the Conductor. "Not right now there isn't, but they're never far," the Stowaway hurled the chair the suit had been posed in aside, and let another kick fly, this time at a grated vent low in the wall, near the suit's knee. The grate clattered to the ground and out tumbled three small goblin-like beings, chattering nervously in the native tongue. [[The Conductor moved to contain them.|accusemerchant8]]

"It's not their fault!" the Merchant blurted "They just wanted to see space, they'd never left the planet before." "And in return, all they had to do was murder Mx. Gin for you?" you asked. "They didn't know what they were doing would hurt Gin. They didn't know. They thought it was a prank, just like the suit! They'd walk the suit to a location, then sneak out of it and leave it there for hours so they could climb through the ship's ducts and explore." [["That's an awful lot of planning and money for a failed murder."|accusemerchent9]]

"I just wanted to scare Mx. Gin into retiring! I knew they'd recover, I just didn't count on it being so fast. I thought if they'd miss the playoffs-" "You thought you'd have a chance at the big leagues again?" you interject. "An unfortunate gamble." You tap your Spoker and open the Make an Arrest app, beaming the Merchant's information to InterSol's private security, so they'll be waiting at home station, and copying your sergeant, making sure you get credit for this arrest towards that sweet sweet bonus. You smile to yourself as you lock the space cuffs on the murderer and walk him to the brig. [[This trip wasn't so bad after all.|endcredits]]

Writing: Gwynn Fulcher (@Gw1Valentine) Coding: Alexei Pepers (@ampepers) Art: Elliot Davis (@moletotem) Music: Doug Pennant (@Ludiotic) Special thanks: Dingus Autobarn [img[images/dingus.png]]\

"NO!" they cried again. "We bought this spirit rock from the Merchant-" "- to get back at Gin for snubbing us at the last Space Solstice Ball-" "-but it's broken!" "It didn't work, it's a dud" they take turns saying. "What did the Merchant tell you to do with it?" you ask, eyeing the gem peddler suspiciously. "He told us we had to keep the rock with us at all times and concentrate on whom we wanted it to make disappear-" "- and it will magically disappear them! Gone!" "Like PERMANENT gone." [[Round on the Merchant!|accusetwins3]]

You round on the Merchant, who puts up his palms. "All kinds of beings buy my gems for all kinds of reasons, who am I to say their beliefs are real or not?" [["You swindled them. No stone has the ability to do that, and you know it!"|accusetwins4]] [["Hey, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WAY YOU TALK?"|accusetwins4]]

Just then, a voice chims over the space-com: "Attention, attention passengers! We at InterSol hope you have enjoyed your relaxing tour of the solar system with us! We have safely docked at home sweet Mercury, and we hope you'll ride with us again soon!" A smile breaks over the Merchant's face as he shrugs confidently. "Pity you wasted time on a small gem grift instead of focusing your talents on catching a murderer! Looks like you're no longer the ranking authority, now that we're back home, [[so if you'll excuse us.|accusetwins5]]"

Your credibility lost, you watch helplessly as all your suspects grumpily file out the door, collect their luggage, and disperse into the bustling travel district in the Mercurian sunset. [[Sigh. Better try again.|start]] <<set $timesreset to 6>>

The accused utters no defense. Your reflection in the opaque globe of the helmet mocks you, as - surely - the being inside does as well. [[Demand answers!|accusesuit3]] [[Words aren't getting through - time to get physical!|accusesuit3]]

"Speak, damn you!" you cry in frustration, seizing the being by the shoulders and jerking them up against the wall behind their chair. With a sickening creak of metal, the helmet begins to open - no - it isn't opening, it's... rolling. The entire helmet teeters forward from the vacuum seam at the neck and crashes to the floor. [[The suit is empty.|accusesuit4]]

You're considering the ramifications of having accused an empty spacesuit of murder when a voice chimes over the space-com: "Attention, attention passengers! We at InterSol hope you have enjoyed your relaxing tour of the solar system with us! We have safely docked at home sweet Mercury, and hope you'll ride with us again, soon!" Your ranking authority status lost as well as your credibility, you watch helplessly as all your suspects quickly file out the door, collect their luggage, and disperse into the bustling travel district in the Mercurian sunset. Returning to the empty spacesuit you sigh. [[Better try again.|start]] <<set $timesreset to 6>>

<<set $ginactiveclue to true>>\ "Heavens, no." Gin replies "How impudent of you to ask. What do you think I am, an omni-occulus? I have a very busy and ''active day'' ahead of me, Detective, and I can't be bothered to solve my murder for you!" [["And there's no possibility that you could have accidentally done this to yourself?"|ginknockout]] [["An active day? How so?"|ginactiveday]]

<<set $timesreset to 1>>\ "How dare you insult me, don't you know who I am? Why, you're no detective!" and with that, Mx. Gin lashes a heavy tentacle out, [[knocking you back into this morning|start]]

<<set $timesreset to 1>>\ "Active day? Aboard a relaxing intersolar space tour? I'm sure you understand how that must seem odd," you pry. "How dare you insult me, don't you know who I am? Why, you're no detective!" and with that, Mx. Gin lashes a heavy tentacle out, [[knocking you back into this morning|start]]

<<set $ginpoloclue to true>>\ "My sincerest apologist, I certainy meant no offense Mx. Gin. Would that perhaps be activity relating to your Space Polo training" The Conductor clears their throat, and with a small obsequiescent bow to the Cephaloid, interjected "Mx. Gin is ''always'' in a state of training." "Yes!" Gin repled "Finally someone on this train who understands the rigors of my calling. ''One must be constantly fit!'' I've decided ''not to retire'' just yet, you know, and I simply can't miss a single training session!" "Naturally" you reply. The Conductor beams with pride at Gin's praise. You recognize this avenue of questioning has dried up just as an announcement comes over the space com that the craft is approaching home station - you're out of time! This calls for a time jump - or do you have everything you need to make an accusation?

The Conductor sighs in relief, and quickly beams the relevant information to your Spoker (SPace nOte taKER) before leaving to reassure the burbling Mx. Gin and lead them back to their suite. You also start up the TCP protocol (Temporal Clue Persistence) and note down what you know so far. With tools in hand and the home station coming up fast, what first? [[Interview a suspect|suspectlist]] [[Investigate a location|locationlist]]

[[Mx. Gin's Suite|ginsuite]] [[The Brig|brig]] [[The Observation Platform|observation]] [[The Dining Car|diningcar]]

[img[images/Conductor.png]]\ You decide the question the Conductor. After all, he has a better idea of everyone's comings and goings than anyone else on the train. You join him on his rounds and ask him questions as you meander. [[When did the murder occur?|whenmurder]] [[What's up with you and Mx. Gin? You seem awfully fond of them|ginlovewhy]]

[img[images/StowAway.png]]\ You clear your throat again and the Stowaway pushes herself up and turns to sit facing you. "Did you need something?" she deadpans. "Just a few questions, if you don't mind." She gestures at her empty cell, "Can this wait? I'm kinda swamped." [[You can drop the attitude, I'm a Time Cop|immacop]] [[Nevermind this, I can get more useful info somewhere else|genericnextchoice]]

[img[images/DingusAutobarn.png]]\ You decide it's time to question the Feline. You find the orange tabby sunning himself in the observation room, while the train is speeding towards home. [[You don't have much time. Better get straight to the questions.|cat2]] [[I MUST PET TEH KITTY!!!|badpet]]

[img[images/Merchant.png]]\ You approach the Merchant in his quarters, where he is using the voluntary isolation time to examine a sack of gems he has brought with him on the ship. "Detective..." he drawls slowly, then gestures over his table covered in raw, unpolished milky quartz stones "...no...rest...for...working...souls...eh?" The Conductor had warned you that the Merchant was a slow talker due to his millennia-long existence, but this seems ridiculous. "Pleasure to meet you, I just have a few questions-" The Merchant manages to interrupt you, "Do...you...watch....the....professional...''Space....Polo''...tournaments...Detective?" This. Is. Torture. [[Sir, did you know the temporarily deceased?|merchant2]] <<if $metmerchant is true>>\ [[HMMM... THROW THE BOOK AT HIM!|throwbook]] <</if>>\ <<set $metmerchant to true>>\

[img[images/Twins.png]]\ The Twins are anxiously pacing their quarters, wringing their two appendages together and arguing with each other when you show up in their door. "Is this a bad time?" you ask, knowing it probably is. The being with two heads whips around to face you and instantly schools their expressions. "Oh, hello Detective," says one. "Please, come in!" says the other. You surrepticiously eye their suite as you enter, spotting a milky quartz stone on the vanity - a recent purchase from the gem dealer, perhaps? "I just have a few questions, I hope this situation hasn't been upsetting for you both." The Twins drape themselves on a glittering overstuffed chaise, lifting an appendage to one forehead. "It's been a total drag!" says one. "Oh please" mutters the other with an eyeroll. [[Did you know the temporarily deceased?|twins2]]

[img[images/SpaceSuit.png]]\ <<set $suitatmoclue to true>>\ "Now, Mx... uh, Spacesuit?" The Spacesuit sitting across from you nods its head with a jerk. "All right, Mx. Spacesuit, you wear this suit because you are ''unable to process the train's atmosphere'', is that correct?" The Spacesuit jerks a nod, again. "Ok," you make a note in your Spoker - this might be the easiest interview on the vessel. [[Did you know the temporarily deceased, Mx. Gin, before this trip?|suit2]]

<<set $stowawayfurclue to true>>\ <<set $stowawaydiscovered to true>>\ Aside from the Stowaway, who you recall hearing the Conductor caught in the act stealing spizzas (space pizzas) from the Dining Car, there isn't much to learn here. Concrete walls, an electrified barrier for the Stowaway's cell. That's about it. No controls have been tampered with, and the Stowaway's been locked up since the viewing of Saturn, so she couldn't have done it. You glance towards the sleeping prisoner, stretched out with their back to you. A small tuft of something catches your eye, near her ankle. What is that... lint? You pad closer to the barrier and crouch to get a better look without disturbing her. ''It's fur... Feline fur.'' [["Ahem." You stand and clear your throat loudly, the prisoner stirs.|interviewstowaway]] [[It's probably nothing, move on to something else.|genericnextchoice]]

The Observation Platform is empty, with all the suspects voluntarily keeping to themselves while the investigation presses on. [[You spare a moment for yourself and open the observation screen to see what's outside.|observation2]] [[Time is a factor, let's get to inspecting!|observationinspect]]

The dining car staff are polite and to the point, you get the most information from the bartender: They have met all the guests on board. Mx. Gin is very particular, but tips well. The Twins can never make up their minds and usually leave in a huff, only to order room service later. The Merchant keeps to himself, eating methodically, staring into the middle distance - also a good tipper. The Feline helps himself at all hours of the day and night to a saucer that is kept fresh with space milk. The Spacesuit is the only one that's a bit strange... [["Go on..."|diningcar2]]

Naturally, you want to inspect the scene of the crime. Mx. Gin leads both you and the Conductor to their suite, a lavishly appointed triple-sized berth, the floor rippling with a half-inch of green iridescent oil, a life-giving restorative for Gin's race. The walls are hung with gauzy space lace that glows a soft orange. "Orange is a stimulating colour," Gin announces, apropos of nothing "excellent for activities, one must stay constantly fit!" The Conductor gives a small cry of recognition over something Mx. Gin has said and softly appplauds what must have been an astute observation, [[you assume|ginsuite2]].

"I was murdered here in my space bad," Gin gestures an almost transparentntacle towards a vertical tube filled with the same shimmering green fluid that by now was making its way thru your socks to your skin. The oil has no large effect on other races, but did give you a pleasantly light feeling. [[How did it happen? Can you walk me through it?|ginsuite3]]

"I've already told the Conductor but it's quite simple: someone added liquid carbon dioxide to my restorative solution-" "I thought Cephaloids were unbothered by CO2." You question. "Er, if I might-" the Conductor interjects "-Mx. Gin and others like them are not vulnerable to CO2 in its gaseous state-" "Ah," you get it. "-but in the liquid, it is quite deadly?" "Only temporarily." Gin scoffs "We have a positively ignorant murderer on this train, surely that can't be too hard, even for you, Detective?" Mx. Gin practically floats from the room, as you turn to examine the remainder of the suite with the Conductor, and find nothing out of place. [[How in the world could someone sneak a canister of liquid CO2 onto the train?|genericnextchoice]]

What's to do next? [[Interview a suspect|suspectlist]] [[Investigate a location|locationlist]]

You depress the command button and the pneumatic screen over the observation glass slowly retract, revealing the angry red eye of Jupiter, the gas giant, its violent storm still raging on the surface. Already to Jupiter? Not long until the home station! [[Time is a factor, let's get inspecting!|observationinspect]]

The deserted platoform offers nothing much. Stray Feline hairs are to be expected, so no surprises there. Small tables with a few chairs (for beings who sit) line both walls, and the center area is clear. One beverage in a tumbler rests, abandoned but still full, at the table where you're told the Spacesuit prefers to sit. [[Examine the tumbler|tumbler]] [[Ignore the tumbler, the suit has gloves anyway and won't leave marks|genericnextchoice]]

<<set $beverageclue to true>>\ You examine the glass to see whether it belonged to them, but realize that would be impossible. Naturally there are no marks, smears, or prints, as the suit is gloved. But it does occur to you - the Spacesuit sure seems to have a beverage in hand everywhere they sit, but they also ''never take their helmet off'', which explains why the glass is still full. So why bother getting a drink at all? [[Strange. Nothing else to see here!|genericnextchoice]]

The Spacesuit consumes a... unique... concoction of Terran-aged coffee swirled with a paste made from bitter roots found only in the deep underwater caverns in Venus' sewage district. While not expensive, they did have to order it special. "Sounds like goblin swill, to me, but it takes all kinds I suppose!" chirps the bartender. You bristle a bit at the racist comment, "You don't know what kind of being is in the suit." The bartender shrugs back, "Neither do you." You choose to move on with the investigation. [["Can you show me where the cat's saucer is?"|catsaucer]] [["Where do the guests usually sit?"|guestseating]]

<<set $backroomclue to true>> "It's in the store room, just behind the bar here, help yourself." She gestures to the back room and you head in. The space is small, made more claustrophobic by the stacks of food storage. The Feline's saucer is immediately to the right, just inside the door and has been recently topped off. You notice some boxes have been cleared from the corner closest to the saucer, but the corner is still shielded from the door by a stack of frozen space salmon. The space is big and private enough for a napping Feline you suppose. Could also be big enough to ''conceal a larger being'' if they were crouching. Huh. [["Do you ever run out of space milk?"|spacemilk]] [["Where do all the guests normally sit?"|guestseating]]

<<set $seatingclue to true>>\ "Oh sure: Mx. Gin always takes their meals earlier than the rest, so they're usually in here alone. The Twins, like I said, don't usually end up staying, but if they do, they eat at the bar and we'll make small talk. And as it happens, both the Merchant and the 'suit sit at the same table, on opposite sides - though they've never so much as exchanged a word, I don't think." [["Can you show me where the cat's saucer is?"|catsaucer]] [["Thanks, that's all I needed to know for now"|genericnextchoice]]

"You ever forget to refresh the bowl?" you ask, nudging the saucer with your foot. It seems to be of very fine Martian china. "Like he'd ever let me forget! The minute that saucer gets low, he'll jump up right onto the bar and park himself there till I ask him what he wants." "He has vocal capabilities?" You clarify. "No, more like COLOUR capabilities." [["He has WHAT now?"|colourcat]] [[This bartender's gone off the deep end, better squeeze in another location before you run out of time|genericnextchoice]]

<<set $catcolourclue to true>> "Come again?" you ask. The bartender scratches the back of her head, straightening her mop of living, undulating serpents, and shrugs, "I dunno, I just ask him yes or no questions and if he glows dark blue I take that as a 'no' or 'do not want' and if he glows a dark pink I've been taking that as a 'yes' or 'I want that'. So far I haven't had any trouble!" [[You note that down in your Spoker, it'll come in handy next time you encounter the Feline!|genericnextchoice]]

[img[images/Gin.png]]\ Mindful to duck any errant tentacles, you ask for a moment of Mx. Gin's time. They're as agitated as when you met them in the first loop, angry colours modulating over their skin. "Surely you have more useful things to do than pester someone so important as myself? I have a very busy and active day ahead of me, Detective, and I can't be bothered to solve my murder for you!" [["There's no possibility that you could have accidentally done this to yourself?"|ginknockout]] [["An active day? How so?"|ginactiveday]] <<if $conductorpoloclue is true>>\ [["My sincerest apologies, I meant no offense - would that be activity relating to your training by chance?"|gintraining]] <</if>>\

You gently clear your throat, and the Feline turns his head towards you with a small purr of curiousity. He regards you with two midnight black orbs, and his tail suddenly flicks in recognition. You venture a greeting: [["Good Afternoon, sir, am I disturbing you?"|cat3]]

<<if $gotscratched is false>>\ You ignore the fact that the Feline is a member of a recognized independent sentient race and approach to stroke the individual without his knowledge or consent. Before you make contact with his silky fur, the Feline's eyes go wide, sensing the imminent threat. Every strand of his fur turns a deep, foreboding blue and with a screech of disapproval he swipes his claws at your hand - [[and the next thing you know...|start]] <<else>>\ You stop yourself and politely ask "Excuse me sir... I entirely understand if you deny my request but your fur looks very soft and inviting, may I have the honour of petting it?" The Feline melts into a soft pink and rubs against your leg, obligingly lifting his head so you can give him a good pet. His fur is surprisingly stiff, like fiber optic lights, but still somehow soft and fuzzy. [[Your day now made, time to get back to the mystery!|genericnextchoice]] <</if>>\

[img[images/DingusAutobarn_blue.png]]\ The tips of the Feline's hairs glow a soft dark blue, and as quickly as it was there, the blue is gone, and his coat is an orange tabby again.\ <<if $catcolourclue is true>>\ You recall what the bartender told you - so that's a no. Got it. This is so much easier. Time for real questions.\ <<else>>\ Was that his response to the question? The Feline rolls over, stretches, and saunters benevolently toward you, plopping down straight-backed a few feet away and making an unnerving amount of eye contact. <</if>>\ [[Did you know the temporarily deceased, Mx. Gin, who is also a guest on this train, personally?|catq1]] [[I MUST PET TEH KITTY!!!|badpet]]

[img[images/DingusAutobarn_blue.png]]\ The Feline brielfy glows blue again. <<if $catcolourclue is false>>\ [[This isn't very helpful. I should squeeze in someone else before I have to re-set all over again.|catdone]]\ <<else>>\ Ok, so that's another no. Next question! [["Have you seen anyone behaving oddly, to your knowledge?"|catq2]] <</if>>

"Thanks for nothing, I guess" you mutter, at which the Feline bristles, sniffs, and seems to dismiss you before you had a chance to dismiss him. The nerve. [[Back to the drawing board.|genericnextchoice]]

<<set $catobservationclue to true>>\ You run down the list of suspects and ask the Feline whether he's observed any of them behaving oddly. You make a note of his responses which are: Mx. Gin - Blue The Conductor - Blue The Twins - Pink The Merchant - Pink [[The Spacesuit - Purple???|catq3]]

"Well, that's all the passengers," you mutter under your breath as you jot down the last question mark after "purple???" The Feline glows blue sharply and utters what sounds like a chiding mewl. ''"There's another passenger?"'' you ask - a sudden rush hits you, that feeling, as though [[you're teetering on a break in the case!|catq4]]

<<set $catextrapersonclue to true>>\ The Feline turns a familiar dark pink - YES. "Who??" Dammit, only yes or no questions. "Do you mean the staff?" Blue. "The crew?" Blue. "The Stowaway down in the brig?" [[Pink.|catq5]]

Now we're getting somewhere! "So she was acting suspiciously, then?" Blue. "No? No she wasn't acting suspiciously?" Blue again. "They why'd you bring her up?" The Feline circles you and nuzzles, purring loudly. "Oh, you just like her and wanted her to feel included?" Pink. Good grief. Just then, an announcement comes over the space com that the craft is approaching home station - you're out of time! Just enough time to make an accusation, or do a time jump... [[or... PET TEH KITTY!!!|badpet]]

"Around what time do you think the murder occurred?" you ask the Conductor. "That's the easy part!" they exclaim. "WHen Gin fully submerged in their restorative fluid, the liquid CO2 leeched into their pores, essentially causing them to asphyxiate in their own space bed. The hard part is: when did the killer get the CO2 into the tank?" The Conductor has a point. "By my estimation," they contine, "the killer could have accessed Gin's tank during [[three different periods on the tour:|whenmurder2]]"

"So what's the deal with you and Mx. Gin? You seem to know a lot about them." The Conductor gives an uncharacteristic giggle and glances conspiratorially at you. "Knowing a lot about them is more important than knowing about myself!" Your confusion shows on your face [["...because InterSol believes in a high standard of customer services?"|lovegin2]] you guess.

The Conductor lists out: * When the train was passing by Jupiter * During the Viewing Reception for Saturn's Rings * When we circled behind Neptune and went dark to begin our return journey to the home station. [[Where were each of the passengers during those three events?|whenmurder3]]

"Was everyone accounted for during those three events?" You ask. "Oh, I believe so, let me see..." The Conductor pulls out their Spoker and calls up their notes, you pull out yours as well. The Conductor glances up before starting: "Now, I can't guarantee all of these are true, because some are just what people told me they were doing." You nod in understanding and gesture for them to go ahead. He beams the following information straight to your Spoker and [[it appears on your screen, where you save it for later.|alibilist]]

[img[images/alibi.png]] <<if $hasalibilist is false>>\ <<set $hasalibilist to true>>\ [[You copy the data into your Spoker.|doneconductor]] <<else>>\ You consult the chart. <<return>>\ <</if>>\

<<set $conductorpoloclue to true>>\ <<set $gindopoloclue to true>>\ The Conductor gives a belly laugh "Absolutely not. Well, yes they do, but that's not why I know so much. Between you and me, ''Sliptavian Gin has made me a very - and I mean a VERY - wealthy person''. Over the years, I've wagered a little bit here and there on the ''Space Polo All-Star games'', and now I've got enough to buy this space train three times over, never lost a single space cent!" Your jaw drops. [[Why are you still a conductor, then?|lovegin3]]

"Only just hit my goal!" the Conductor explains, "Now all I have to do is ''tie up a few loose ends'', a couple debts, give my job notice, and then I'm taking my family to a new permanent vacation home on Ceres. I can't wait to tell my partner and children the good news!" The Conductor's excitement is infectious and you can't help but feel a spring in your movements to match theirs. You hate to kill the mood, but you still have questions about all the other suspects. [[When did the murder occur?|whenmurder]] [[Thank you for your time|doneconductor]]

You thank the Conductor for letting you accompany them on their rounds, but as you turn to make your way to the next interview an announcement comes over the space com that the craft is approaching home station - you're out of time! You have just enough time to gather the suspects if you have all you need, or reset to this morning if there's more you need to do.

"Er, no, I don't really watch. Can you tell me if you knew Mx. Gin, the temporarily deceased?" The Merchant takes a labored breath and blinks slowly "My... favourite... match.... was... the...Venutian.... Vexers.... against.... the.... Terran..... Terrors.... back.... in.... '73. Such...atheti-...-cism...one must stay constantly fit!" Too late! An annoucement blares over the space com that the craft is approaching home station - you're out of time! ''It's going to take more than one loop'' to get through a conversation with the Merchant at his speed... You can gather the suspects if you're ready, or time jump if there's more you need to do. Either way, you make a note to come back to the Merchant. <<set $deathmessage to "That Merchant's polo story nearly bored you to death... next time you talk to him, some direct action feels called for.">>\

Acting on the slightest of hunches, you throw your Spoker at him. The slim device hurtles directly at the Merchant, who deftly plucks it from the air before it can strike him in the face. "So, only your language moves slowly?" you pride yourself on the discovery. "No...big...secret" the Merchant shrugs "''first...draft...in....Space....Polo....pro....league... one... must... be... constantly... fit.''" [[Is that so? How'd you end up as a merchant?|throwbook2]]

<<set $poloclue to true>>\ You cross to him, retrieving your device, as he explains. "Bumped...from....roster... when....a...." Ugh, this guy is impossible! "''veteran....player....opted....not.....to.....retire...''" An announcement blares over the space com that the craft is approaching home station - you're out of time! You can gather the suspects if you're ready, or time jump back if you have more to do.

<<set $twinshateginclue to true>>\ "Well hopefully this won't take long and you can get back to your vacation" you recite with a tight smile, a routine appeasement you keep in your back pocket for just such occassions. "Can either of you tell me what you know about Mx. Gin? Did you know them personally?" "HA!" barks one in a cynical laugh "Oh, we know them all right-" "-though we doubt they'd deign to give us the Sol's position on any given day!" finishes the other. [[You've met Mx. Gin before?|twins2b]]

<<set $ginfamousclue to true>>\ "Forgive me," you venture after allowing the Twins a moment to brood "but, who is Treppy Dumharthart?" The twins turn all four sets of eyes on you, wide as Martian china plates and deep as black holes. "Treppy-" "-is our ex." they spit. "So, you don't like Mx. Gin very much?" "We don't like Gin AT ALL." says one, "''Famous or not'', they're dead to us" the other says. An appendage shoots up to cover that mouth, "Oh, we didn't meant to say it like THAT." An announcement blares over the space com, startling the Twins. The craft is approaching home station - you're out of time! You can gather the suspects if you're ready, or time jump back if there's more to do.

<<set $twinsnubclue to true>>\ "So you've met Mx. Gin before?" you encourage them. "Duh!" "Uh, we were *also* esteemed invitees to the Space Solstice Ball? Just. Like. Gin." "But when we went to introduce ourselves-" "''-they completely snubbed us!''" "Turned right around!" "And struck up a conversation with TREPPY DUMHART!" "TREPPY DUMHART!!!" the Twins throw both appendages up in the air in a fit of exasperation, reliving the slight. [[Who is Treppy Dumhart?|twins3]]

The suit slowly rotates its globe from side to side. "Alrighty, that's a 'no'..." you note. "Have you seen anyone on the space train behaving suspiciously?" A pause, and you swear you can almost hear some kind of chittering inside, before the opaque globe head again rotates from side to side. "Ok, another 'no'." <<if $hasalibilist is true>>\ You open up the alibi schedule the Conductor beamed you, and show it to the Spacesuit. "Can you confirm you were in the locations listed here, at the times listed here, and that you indeed saw the individuals who claim you witnessed them?" The Spacesuit spends an inordinate amount of time leaning and swaying over the glowing screen of the Spoker before straightening drunkenly and giving you the affirmative you were hoping for. <</if>>\ "Easy peasy. Oh, one least question: I'm told you spend hours at a time in the dining car or observation platform, often with a beverage. If it isn't too personal for me to ask, [[how do you drink it?|howdrink]]"

<<set $howdrinkclue to true>>\ ''The Spacesuit seems to have a momentary seizure'', it's limbs and torso taking turns undulating disconcertingly, and again that faint chittering. The suit eventually stills and, returning to its erect posture, lifts its shoulders in an emphatic shrug. "Ah, I see," you say, "how rude of me. Please accept my apologies. Thank you so much for your time, I'll be in touch if I have more questions." The suit flops an appendage at you in farewell. [[Time to look into something else!|genericnextchoice]]

"You can drop the attitude, missy. Time Cops don't need your sass." The Stowaway suddenly looks guarded, almost afraid. "Time Cop? Why? What's happened?" "What's happened," you answer "is a murder, and you're going to tell me what you know." "I didn't see anyone!" she blurts out "Nothing! I didn't see anything!" You raise your palms in a calming gesture. "Hold on, now. It's alright, you're not in trouble, [[I just need to know if you know anything.|stoaway2]]"

<<set $stowawayglowclue to true>>\ "I don't. I don't know anything. I don't know anyone. Leave me alone." You take a breath. "Well you know at least three individuals, so that's not nobody. You've met me. You've certainly met the Conductor who caught you stealing spizza from the dining car-" "That's it though, I haven't met anyone else, I swear." You gesture at her ankle. "You've met the Feline passenger." The Stowaway looks confused and examines her ankle. "You mean that cat? It's... a cat." "HE," you gently correct, "is a Feline, and a paying customer on this luxury tour. Unlike you." You watch her put two and two together and shake her head. [[''"That explains the glowing"'' she mutters to herself.|stoaway3]]

<<set $stoawayscaredclue to true>>\ "Look if you don't help me, I can't help you." you offer gently. ''The Stowaway is clearly scared of someone'' or something she's seen on the vessel. "Nope. No, I'm good. Thanks though! See you round the office?" she trills with false confidence and begins strolling around the cell, her back to you. You can tell you won't be able to get anything out of her while she's scared. [[Back to the investigation!|genericnextchoice]]