story setting
character creation
characters
sixth log (volume 1): index . fifth . seventh
cast (saturday 1st may 2004) Niles_Niven - Asmodai Daniel_Masters/Black_Knight - Dingo D Dog John Spire - Hammerspace Director - Picks-at-Flies
episode 6: introducing "Fuckwit"
The_Director :: We carry on where we left off.
john_spire :: (well last time we were in a discussion that we didn't really finish)
Niles_Niven :: (what discussion did we start ?)
john_spire :: (well a person was calling my char Fuckwit a lot, and I explained what happend to the girl from my point of view and explained that I am just a normal guy that doesn't want any problems)
Niles_Niven is sitting in his big chair and his feet are on his desk, which is covered in papers, notes and photocopies of police reports... there's a bottle of scotch on the table empty, and a glass seems to have been used like a magnifier... his shirt is not buttoned up, and he has a stubble growing... his head is better but he is still pretty messed up.
Niles_Niven :: (ah that discussion... anything else ?)
Black_Knight :: (ah yeah, Fuckwit, because he still hasn't said his name)
The_Director :: Is everyone ready to begin now?
Niles_Niven :: (As you see I am.. Niles is still hungover ;))
john_spire :: (I think I am )
The_Director :: Over to you three then... We can't do anything until lot make up your minds what you want to do.
Black_Knight :: So we got a weirdo who seems to have nine lives running around killing badguys that can afford good lawyers.
Black_Knight :: Drugs that appear in the town.
Niles_Niven :: So Fuckwit... you happened to be there...
Niles_Niven :: what the heck were you doing on top of the stadium?
Niles_Niven :: Psychotropic drugs in action.
john_spire :: like I was saying I was watching the game from my private low budget boot.
Niles_Niven :: the stolen material from the local Richie Rich's factory...
Black_Knight :: Yes, what were you doing there..
Niles_Niven :: the missing worker...
Black_Knight :: I still think that he's the Prime Suspect
john_spire :: I'm a fan, I was just there to watch the game
Niles_Niven :: or he's dead
Niles_Niven :: anyway...
Niles_Niven :: you are quite the.. .shall we say acrobatic type, Fuckwit...
Niles_Niven :: did you happen to ne on the police station... a few days back when the Killer attacked the precinct?
Niles_Niven :: I saw someone climbing the building surface...
john_spire :: I was in the neighbourhood, I heard a noise and I went to look what was going on that's all
Niles_Niven :: 8 floor up?
john_spire :: I was on the ground when I heard the noise
Niles_Niven :: so... you climbed the police station wall
Niles_Niven :: which is sheer
Niles_Niven :: without any visible assisting tools
john_spire :: well it was the quickest way up
Niles_Niven :: you passed a blown up piece of the wall
Niles_Niven :: and proceeded to watch that psycho fillet that poor guy...
Black_Knight :: But don't we have a more pressing matter.. the Virgo he tried to kill is still alive.... isn't he going to finish his job ?
john_spire :: yes, he and his victim seemed to know each other
Niles_Niven :: no he isn't
Niles_Niven laughs
john_spire :: the Zodiak Killer ate his tongue
Niles_Niven :: God you're an idiot
Niles_Niven :: he never was trying to kill the girl
Niles_Niven :: she was just the means...
Niles_Niven :: and since her daddy has croaked...
Black_Knight :: (ehrm, this is just a case of bad memory...)
Black_Knight :: (not stupidity.. I thought that the assasination failed)
The_Director :: (well, it possible you have conflicting information...)
Niles_Niven :: (didn't she kill him )
The_Director :: (one of you is right)
Niles_Niven :: (i thought she did...)
Black_Knight :: (i thought she didn't)
Niles_Niven :: (though i'd guess Niles wasn't bothering to chekc the news... he just proceeded to get plastered... remember)
Niles_Niven :: So no... we need to see what's the next one...
john_spire :: how the hell was I suposed to know that girl would try to kill that guy
Black_Knight :: hmm...
Black_Knight :: All I know is that the guy was carried of to the hospital while still being alive.
Niles_Niven :: ... he's... alive... ?
Niles_Niven looks flabergasted
john_spire :: (btw just curious what does my char know about the girl and her father?)
Black_Knight :: He was still alive when he was carried away from the hospital.
Black_Knight :: He might have bitten the dust already...
The_Director :: "Ron Sommesmore, a famous unconvicted mobster "
Black_Knight :: I was patrolling near the hospital when I bumped into you being stupid drunk.
Niles_Niven :: Well... yes...
Niles_Niven :: how would you feel
Niles_Niven :: I realised the girl was being influenced
Niles_Niven :: and she slipped through my fingers...
Black_Knight :: Everyone makes mistakes Mr. Niven, you just need to learn to live with them.
Niles_Niven :: ... I don't need any preaching from you mr. i've got issues and am resolving them with going in the night like a knight and whirling a huge phallic smybol..
Black_Knight :: No, you try to drown them in liquor
Niles_Niven :: well at least I found something that is not insane...
Niles_Niven :: just unhealthy...
Black_Knight :: I'll be honest with you. I don't do this because I have issues, I do this because my life is boring. And just spending money to make things better isn't the way either. So I take things head on.
Niles_Niven :: so... how many friends did end up in the hospital because you couldn't cut it?
Black_Knight :: Your friend is a cop. There's a risk to that. He chose that life himself.
Black_Knight :: He knew there was a risk, there always is.
Niles_Niven :: ...yes and he is my friend
Niles_Niven :: he asked for my help and I was not there
Niles_Niven :: so now he's in ther hospital hooked up on machines...
Black_Knight :: Yes, and this was that Masked idiots fault. Not yours.
Niles_Niven :: you know that doesn't make me feel better
Niles_Niven :: anyway...
Niles_Niven :: Fuckwit... or whatever your name is... you were really frequently where the murderer was...
Black_Knight :: it never does, but you should stop blaming yourself.
Niles_Niven :: would you care to share if there were any other occasions?
john_spire :: just those two
Black_Knight :: Anyways, a good suggestion would be to keep your eye on the hospital today
Niles_Niven :: and Fuckwit, no it makes no sense for you just to say hello and goodbye
Niles_Niven :: ... it's obvious normal means won't help us catch that man...
Niles_Niven :: therefore we need to pull all our resources together...
Niles_Niven :: that means you help us...
john_spire :: I'll give you guys my piggy bank
Black_Knight :: There's a big reward in the capture of this Zodiac Killer...
Black_Knight :: If I recall correctly it's 500.000 pounds
Niles_Niven :: you mean, you
Niles_Niven smirks
Black_Knight :: No.
Black_Knight :: You should have paid attention...
Niles_Niven :: that rich guy offered the reward for your capture if I remember correctly...
Black_Knight :: He offered a reward for the capture of the Zodiac Killer...
Black_Knight :: That he also implied that I was the Zodiac Killer is not connected.
Niles_Niven :: you think he'll be that easy to convince...
Niles_Niven :: I did get the police to let you loose for a while...
Niles_Niven :: but you still ain't in the clear
Black_Knight :: So Fuckwit, your help will not only be appreciated, but also rewarded
Black_Knight :: Anyways, my sources in the police told me that they have even less clues than we do.
john_spire :: what do you guys , expect me to do?
Niles_Niven :: nothing
Niles_Niven :: staying and helping along is nice for starters
Black_Knight :: So there's only two ways to go at this... follow the trail of the drugs, or wait for the badguy at the hospital when he tries to finish his work.
Niles_Niven :: and telling us all the interesting stuff going on would be quite appreciated...
Niles_Niven :: anything interesting about the city...
Niles_Niven :: just let it pour
Black_Knight :: Oh btw, Niven, I hope you don't mind having a roomy for a while....
Black_Knight points at a big black duffelbag.
john_spire :: what kind of help do you want from me?
Niles_Niven :: Oh you don't have some musty critter filled cave to sleep at so you need to sleep at a palce of a guy who lives and works in a place like this?
Niles_Niven :: Fuckwit...
Niles_Niven :: I want you to think about the stuff you've been seeing lately in the city
Niles_Niven :: anything odd or peculiar
Niles_Niven :: stuff like that new drug
Niles_Niven :: stuff like places with a bed reputation...
Black_Knight :: It won't be for a long time.
Black_Knight :: and no, I don't have any critter filled cave..
Niles_Niven :: you seem to have a different perspective o nthe city then either of us has...
john_spire :: well I have heard a couple of rumors
Black_Knight :: Fuckwit, seeing how you are so terribly affraid of me, I think that Mr. Niven is right in that you should just keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground...
Niles_Niven :: so, do share...
john_spire :: I am not that afraid of you, I just don't want any trouble, and you Mister_i_need_hobby are trouble
Black_Knight :: oh, but I do have hobbies..
john_spire :: sane ones
john_spire :: it's not halloween today so you seem a bit overdressed at the moment
Black_Knight :: I've been there when the police was too late, I've been there in places the police doesn't go, and I've done something about the problem.....
Black_Knight :: *THIS* is not a halloween costume...
Black_Knight :: I know that I'm not always the brightest around, but I do the right thing.
Niles_Niven :: oh shut up
Niles_Niven :: let's stop taking pot shots
Niles_Niven :: we need to get our act together...
Niles_Niven :: so, Fuckwit... speak
john_spire :: you seem to have a talent to get people to cooperate with you, Mr Niven
john_spire :: (ps I am being sarcastic )
Black_Knight :: (as if we didn't know)
Niles_Niven :: (and you have earned the name of Fuckwit by never protesting in a proper way ;))
Niles_Niven :: It's a blessing
john_spire :: I have better things to do today, I don't see any reason to be here
john_spire :: (what is protesting in a proper way, john did protest)
Black_Knight :: Then go, go back to whatever you do, and leave us the fuck alone.
Niles_Niven :: (offering something else to call him :) )
john_spire :: (nobody directly asked him to introduce himself)
Niles_Niven :: Well if you really do think that it's safe to roam the streets after interfering with the Zodiac's plan... if it weren't for you he would have surely managed without getting any attention to him...
john_spire :: I can take care of myself, I'll be fine
Niles_Niven :: Well then.... I wish thee good night... that is if the Knight here is sure you won't be turning him in for the reward...
john_spire :: it's 10 in the morning
john_spire walks to the door
Black_Knight :: Fuckwit... be careful.
john_spire :: whatever
john_spire leaves the room
Niles_Niven :: ... you trust him enough to let him know you're staying here?
Black_Knight :: The worst the cops could ever hang on me is being a vigilante... that's a few months probation tops...
The_Director :: Outside there is the sound of screeching tires.
Niles_Niven :: Huh?
Niles_Niven :: What's that?
The_Director :: There are some raised voices and a couple of gunshots.
Niles_Niven heads to the window...
Black_Knight :: What?
Black_Knight grabs his "chainmail shirt" and pulls it on half-running half walking outside..
The_Director :: You see two black marias [I think that is right] drive off. There is no sign of "Fuckwit".
Niles_Niven :: Oh shit
Niles_Niven :: (who uses those vehicles ?)
Niles_Niven :: Seems that Fuckwit knew more then he was telling
Black_Knight runs down to his moter cycle.
Niles_Niven grabs his coat and checks for hsi revolver and runs down banging his doors...
Niles_Niven looks who's left...
Nick change: vacant -> Samson_JNr
Nick change: Niles_Niven -> Clive_Broon
Nick change: Black_Knight -> John_Keagan
ST note: here The Director briefs his NPCs
The_Director :: A few minutes later, in a warehouse somewhere behind some of the new supermarkets three of Sommesmore's chief's are interrogating John Spire.
Clive_Broon cracks his knuckles... he's a tall gaunt man, with deep settled cheeks, and a mean grin... he has nice cropped grey hair and is wearing a grey suit with a blue shirt... his image is somewhat changed by his black tie with ducks on it...
Clive_Broon :: Good morning, sunshine...
john_spire moans
John_Keagan just stares at him with cold blue emotionless eyes. He's of average size, blond hair, wears a black suit, with a white shirt, no tie.
Samson_JNr stands in the middle. The black well-tailored suit cannot hide the bulging muscles, and a warped eyelid makes him look as if he is always glaring at you.
Samson_JNr :: You did bad, John.
john_spire blinks
Samson_JNr :: You nearly got Mr Sommesmore deaded.
Clive_Broon :: Yes... you were a bad boy...
John_Keagan just stares at the "thing"
Clive_Broon :: So...
Clive_Broon pulls his head up for his hair so he looks at all three of them...
john_spire :: I was just trying to rescue the girl
Clive_Broon :: Maybe you'd be as kind as to spill what you had to do with that psychotic...
Clive_Broon :: sure...
Clive_Broon :: that's why you put her in his hands... with a gun in her dress...
john_spire :: I didn't know she had a gun
John_Keagan walks to the corner of a room and starts filling a metal tub with water from a firehose.
Samson_JNr nods to Clive.
Samson_JNr :: The truth, John.
Samson_JNr :: I don't want to hurt you.
Clive_Broon places a hand in his pocket and gets out a switchblade that pops next to Spire's eye
john_spire :: I'm glad to hear that, because I don't want to get hurt
Clive_Broon grins as Spire sees the blade that's rusted in places... and has some odd reddish marks near the blade... while the blade looks amazingly sharp...
Clive_Broon :: ...good
Clive_Broon :: ... then talk...
Clive_Broon :: and little Danny won't be taking it on your hide...
Samson_JNr :: Oh dear... I don't want to see this.
John_Keagan returns pushing the big metal tub of water forward with his feet.
Samson_JNr turns. The way the big man turns, with his two foot pony tail tied behind him should be comical.
john_spire :: look I am just after that Zodiak Killer, he's worth a lot of money
Clive_Broon :: Yes... riight...
Clive_Broon :: that's why you went to that snooper...
Samson_JNr speaks while facing the opposite wall.
john_spire :: well yes
John_Keagan takes off Spire's shoes and socks, looking at him with cold detached eyes while doing so.
Samson_JNr :: I have been watching you for some time, John.
Samson_JNr :: It would be a shame to see such a promising career cut short.
Clive_Broon passes the blade down Spire's right side of the face... cutting off the short hair...
John_Keagan places his feet in the icy cold water
Clive_Broon :: (and he rips out some hair in the process)
Clive_Broon :: ...ah what's a shave without water...
john_spire :: ouch
John_Keagan then takes a cup out of the water and throws it over John's face
Clive_Broon :: So... tell me you won't talk
john_spire :: look I want to see that psycho behind bars or dead just as much as you guys
Clive_Broon :: li'l Danny hasn't been in a man for three days...
John_Keagan puts the cup back in the water again and pours it over John
John_Keagan keeps doing that until John is soaked in the cold water.
john_spire :: I don't know that much, I was trying to find out if that snoop might give me more info
Samson_JNr :: Info? Tell us some "info", John.
Clive_Broon :: ...good
john_spire :: ok I saw the Black Knight at his place
Clive_Broon :: oooh
Clive_Broon :: So the word is true...
Clive_Broon :: the damn snooper has been seeing the knight
Clive_Broon :: so is the knight the Zodiac?
Clive_Broon :: They've both been hampering us...
john_spire :: I don't think so
Clive_Broon :: since only a madman goes and play a knight it would be not so odd if he proceeded to dress up differently just to off us blokes...
Samson_JNr picks up a piece of scaffolding piping and starts swinging it experimentally.
Clive_Broon :: oh... and why is that?
Clive_Broon :: it seems to me that we are talking... and you are oozing over the floor...
Clive_Broon :: maybe Danny can help
Clive_Broon :: Can you li'l Danny?
Clive_Broon looks at you with a odd glow in his eyes and he proceeds to shave your right cheek... this time ripping more hair and makin a small cut that started to ooze blood... drip, by drip by drip...
John_Keagan takes a taser from his left pocket and makes it crackle for a moment
Samson_JNr :: I don't think you are speaking enough, John. You have to be careful with my friends. They get bored if you don't speak.
Clive_Broon :: Oh Danny... you've gotten all wet...
Clive_Broon :: ... you like that... don't you, Danny?
john_spire looks scared
john_spire :: I don't know anything else
Clive_Broon licks the blade...
Clive_Broon :: oh yes, Danny... he does taste nice...
Clive_Broon :: ... but I think he needs more pepper...
John_Keagan crackles the taser again
Samson_JNr :: I am going outside for a slash. These walls are so thick, I won't hear your screams.
Clive_Broon thumbs through his pockets...
Samson_JNr goes out through a door at the far end of the warehouse.
Clive_Broon takes out two small glass cylinders... one with a large P and one with a large S
john_spire :: I don't think that Black Knight guy is the Zodiak Killer otherwise he would have killed that snoop
John_Keagan :: Danny had his fun last time, now it's my time...
Clive_Broon Peppers your face in pepper
john_spire screams
Clive_Broon :: (yes... your eyes will hurt)
Clive_Broon :: Yes... just a dash of salt more...
Clive_Broon sprinkles your face with salt...
Clive_Broon smears salt over your cut...
john_spire :: please don't kill me, I have told you everything I know
Clive_Broon :: oooh... but Li'l Danny wants more...
Clive_Broon :: ah... but we mustn't hog all the fun... yes, li'l Danny...
John_Keagan picks the cup with his right hand up and slowly pours the water over John, just keeping him nice and wet..
Clive_Broon leans down to your ear and says: Li'l Danny and I'll be watching now...then we'll come for your face...
Clive_Broon cackles and moves away...
john_spire :: look I can still help you guys find that psycho
John_Keagan :: Then tell us something we don't already know...
john_spire :: please don't kill me, I'll do anything
John_Keagan :: But please don't be such a spoilsport by telling us right away..
Clive_Broon :: (Spire... you're not only hurting becuase salt and blood... you're bleeding since salt slows coagulation AND you are crying as I peppered your eyes :))
John_Keagan crackles his taser again
John_Keagan :: Five quid that he starts talking like a waterfall after the first shock.
Clive_Broon :: oh... I hope not...
Clive_Broon :: Danny and I want another face for the wall... don't we Danny...
John_Keagan :: He looks too weak, I think we should have taken the snoop.
John_Keagan :: This one will probably be not much fun...
Samson_JNr returns, shaking his flies closed.
john_spire :: look that Zodiak Killer killed a police friend of Niven, Niven hates that Killer and wants to get to him
John_Keagan presses the taser the John's skin and shocks him. The water makes the electricity run faster through his body, but also preventing killing him.
Clive_Broon :: oh I heard the snoop play the saxophone...
Samson_JNr :: Hurry up you two. The last one is starting to stink.
Clive_Broon :: I think Danny will like his fingers...
John_Keagan :: (SPIRE, 40k volts have been send through your body just right now)
john_spire screams
Samson_JNr looks at John Spire. "What a pretty face. I guess we should leave that to last. But those are good strong legs... they should take us a few hours."
Clive_Broon :: No, no, no
Clive_Broon :: Danny and I want his face for the wall
Clive_Broon :: we promise we won't cut anything important...
Clive_Broon :: he'lls just be feeling a breeze...
Clive_Broon giggles...
Samson_JNr :: Lads, lads. We discussed this.
Samson_JNr :: We go for the face last, not first.
john_spire :: I don't know anything more, I think that snoop might have found out more, but I don't know anything
Clive_Broon :: oh... but I want more for wallpaper for our clubhouse...
Samson_JNr holds John's throat in his hand.
Samson_JNr :: *What* has he found out?
john_spire :: all I know is that the Killer is some missing worker from some plant or something
Clive_Broon :: And that the snoop is in a bunch over some pig in the hospital
Clive_Broon :: and that's all?
Clive_Broon :: Let me and Danny work...
Samson_JNr looks deep into John's eyes. One of his eyes has a milky film over it.
john_spire :: well I have heard that snoop talk about some new drug
john_spire looks scared
Samson_JNr :: Keep
Samson_JNr :: Going
john_spire :: the Killer seems to be trying to take over with that drug
john_spire :: that's all I know
Samson_JNr releases John.
John_Keagan :: Going to take a leak. (to Clive) You owe me a fiver.
Samson_JNr :: Well, John.
Clive_Broon :: I haven't agreed to pay, bub
Clive_Broon :: and we still have time...
Samson_JNr :: Here is the deal.
Clive_Broon :: we're onto the ones to see if he will talk more...
Clive_Broon :: are we?
Samson_JNr :: Either Clive here can have *your* face...
Samson_JNr :: ... or he can have Zodiac's face.
Samson_JNr :: Your choice.
john_spire swallows
Samson_JNr :: Clive, it looks as if he still needs convincing.
john_spire :: ok I think the Killer is hiding somewhere in the West part of town
john_spire :: I was still checking on it
Clive_Broon :: ooooh
Clive_Broon :: you had to spoil our fun...
Samson_JNr :: I don't think you understand. We want you to find him for us.
Samson_JNr :: We don't care how you do it, but you are going to bring us Zodiac's face.
john_spire :: that sounds like a good idea
john_spire :: I can agree with that
john_spire nods
Samson_JNr :: Good. That's settled then.
Clive_Broon :: We take him to the car?
Samson_JNr :: Clive, do you want to remind John what happened when Bernie Lowrie ran out on us?
John_Keagan looks at the weakling with disgust.
Clive_Broon places the dagger in front of Spire's face...
Clive_Broon points to the specks of blood...
Clive_Broon :: This is Bernie Lowrie's heartsblood...
Clive_Broon points to another
Clive_Broon :: this is Matthew Pearson's spleen
Clive_Broon :: and this... this one I like the most... these are pieces of Peter Brock's brain...
Clive_Broon :: I forgot the others...
Clive_Broon :: I don't remember names for longer then a month...
john_spire :: ah
Samson_JNr :: I think Bernie got as far as the M1 before Clive found him.
Samson_JNr :: Anyway, enough of this chitchat. Lets take you home.
The_Director :: They don't bother with the full two car team to take you back.
The_Director :: They pile you into one of the black Maria's, untying you just as they tip you out on the road, not far from where they picked you up.
The_Director :: The windows are tinted so you cannot be exactly sure where you were taken.
The_Director :: Meanwhile, Niles and the Black Knight have had time to work out the likely run of events.
Niles_Niven :: So... the mob got him...
Niles_Niven :: they figured he found out what we knew
Niles_Niven :: and then they made him talk
Niles_Niven :: I'm not sure my place is the best place for you to stay...
Black_Knight :: hmm
Black_Knight :: I think you may be right.
Black_Knight :: I think I know another address I could stay at for a few days..
Niles_Niven :: hell I'm not sure if I want to stay here if the mob is after us...
Niles_Niven :: but I think we should actualy go and shake them up
Niles_Niven :: it will get them of our case... and essentialy we want the same thing
john_spire stumbles towards Mr Niven's place
Black_Knight :: Our goals are similar. You are familiar with their mugs, at least some of them. Check the hospital to see if they posted their own guards there.
Black_Knight :: If that is the case we might follow the trail of dealers back to the lab where they fabricate this stuff.. otherwise we need to keep an eye on the hospital.
john_spire changes his mind before he enters Mr Niven's place and decides to go to some place where he can freshen up first
The_Director :: (Niles, with your high perception, you can tell there is someone outside)
Niles_Niven :: Someone's here
Niles_Niven runs to the door and opens it with his gun at the ready
john_spire freezes up a bit
Niles_Niven :: It's you... Fuckwit...
Niles_Niven :: heck you look like shit
Niles_Niven :: get in
john_spire enters
Niles_Niven :: Damnit man...
Niles_Niven :: lie down on the sofa
Niles_Niven :: Knight they seem to have really given hima good over...
Niles_Niven :: what's that on your face?
Black_Knight nods
john_spire :: some gentlemen though I needed help with shaving and their razor slipped a bit
john_spire looks at the Black Knight
john_spire :: what the hell are you still doing here?
Black_Knight :: I see.
Black_Knight nods
Niles_Niven pulls a finger over his cheek
Niles_Niven smells that
Niles_Niven :: pepper... salt...
The_Director :: (he is still wet as well! Too much for the mist outside.)
john_spire :: they where out of aftershave
Niles_Niven :: you met Danny and Clive... right?
Niles_Niven :: They are the only two fucks who fillet people and prepare them for munching at the same time...
Niles_Niven :: I call them two... but after hearing Clive... who wouldn't..
Niles_Niven grabs a wet cloth and cleans his face...
Niles_Niven :: damn man you're a mess...
Niles_Niven :: why are you this wet?
Black_Knight :: I gotta go.
john_spire :: they also though I needed a bath
Niles_Niven :: who was it exactly?
Niles_Niven :: other then Clive?
john_spire :: who was what?
Niles_Niven :: and what did you tell them?
john_spire :: introductions didn't seem to be top priority
Niles_Niven :: you don't know them from before
Niles_Niven :: wait Blackie
Niles_Niven :: Clive works for Sommersmore...
Black_Knight :: I'm not in the mood for an unneeded tussle with the Mob..
Niles_Niven :: I'm not so sure you need to protect such a whorehopper...
Niles_Niven :: besides you've been tussling with the mob for years now
Black_Knight :: Yes, but never unneeded...
Niles_Niven :: Well thank you for leaving me and Fuckwit solo...
Niles_Niven :: it's not like we have a madman in green to hunt as it is
Black_Knight :: As if *I* don't know that
Niles_Niven :: If you want something smart to do... I want you to head to a club... and make some inquiries of the blunt type...
Niles_Niven :: do it when night falls
Niles_Niven :: I'll see about him and look up on the Zodiac in one of the books I bought...
Black_Knight :: What club?
Niles_Niven says name from back when
The_Director :: The Gallatea - a sunken club in the undercity, a known criminal haunt
The_Director :: (isn't the website useful...)
Niles_Niven :: (yes it is...)
Black_Knight :: Ah, that place..
john_spire :: ok Mr Niven what can I do to help?
Niles_Niven :: you need to rest
Niles_Niven :: and tell me all they told you and what you told them
Niles_Niven :: I'll be reading up on the Zodiac itself while you do that
Black_Knight feels like a caged animal waiting for the sun to set.
The_Director :: (It *is* 11am... is this all you are doing today?)
john_spire :: they want the Zodiac Killer and they where already suspecting that you and the Black Knight where having contact with each other
Niles_Niven :: I'll also check my friend in the hospital and use it to check Sommersmore
Niles_Niven :: I'll also try and find more on the drug from the police labs
Black_Knight acts like a caged animal for the rest of the day... pacing around, sitting down, pacing around again...
The_Director :: So who is going to the hospital?
Niles_Niven :: I am
The_Director :: OK.. in that case, there is nothing amazingly new there.
The_Director :: Sommesmore is alive but in critical condition.
The_Director :: You see John Keagan there and some other "friends" of Sommesmore, but that is not surprising.
Niles_Niven :: (daughter ?)
The_Director :: Jon Stokes is quite wide awake, and arranging his team from his sickbed.
The_Director :: Sommesmore's daughter is not around. Rumour has it that the family have her and they are not cooperating with the police.
Black_Knight paces around like an angered animal... (and for Spire's good health, he'd better not tick him off)
Niles_Niven spends some time with Stokes and when they are alone askis him who has been pressing the police for "action" since the sommersmore hit?
The_Director :: Sommesmore is under police protection offically. "Family" members are kept outside the courdon, although nurses pass frequently.
Nick change: vacant -> Jon_Stokes
Jon_Stokes :: Hi Niles.
Jon_Stokes is alert but downbeat.
Jon_Stokes :: You here about Sommesmore?
Niles_Niven :: hey Jon
Niles_Niven :: yes...
Niles_Niven :: I was there
Niles_Niven :: haven't they told you?
Jon_Stokes :: They... may have.
Jon_Stokes :: I am not taking in everything at the moment.
Jon_Stokes :: What can I do you for?
Niles_Niven :: has anyone gotten anything about the girl?
Jon_Stokes sighs heavily.
Jon_Stokes :: Nothing.
Jon_Stokes :: The lawyers won't let us near her.
Niles_Niven :: she assaulted her father
Niles_Niven :: that's attempted murder
Niles_Niven :: you don't even have grounds to at leat ask a doctor to see her?
Jon_Stokes :: Someone tried to take out their rival, and now his mob want to get them back. And I am wracking my brains to find a way to stop an all out war.
Niles_Niven :: Actually i'm pretty sure the Zodiac is doing this intentionally
Niles_Niven :: he's working against what he sees as crime and wrong
Jon_Stokes :: You are saying he is a good guy?
Niles_Niven :: by this act he got the stuid mobsters to think he's one from the other side of the fence
Niles_Niven :: and they will go to war
Niles_Niven :: killing each other
Niles_Niven :: yes
Niles_Niven :: but he is wrong about it
Niles_Niven :: noone should be allowed to kill people jut because he sees it as his mandate
Jon_Stokes :: I don't buy it Niles.
Niles_Niven :: why?
Jon_Stokes :: Look, the nurse is coming with my painkillers in a sec. Is there anything you want me to know or want to ask?
Niles_Niven :: he was attacking people that were connected together mostly by hearsay...
Niles_Niven :: two things
Jon_Stokes looks as if he is in pain.
Niles_Niven :: 1. did you find out anything about that new drug we found at the "bull man" killing?
Jon_Stokes :: I'll see if I can get you a copy of the lab report on it.
Black_Knight paces some more
Niles_Niven :: thanks
Niles_Niven :: 2. Tell me who has been pressuring your task force to quicker action since the Sommersmore hit?
john_spire :: why do you wear that suit anyways?
Jon_Stokes :: I heard two counsellors saw the super this morning.
Jon_Stokes :: Dickenson and White.
Niles_Niven :: okay
Niles_Niven :: they are potentional next targets...
Niles_Niven :: I need one more thing
Black_Knight :: To protect my identity.. it's still illegal to be a vigilante you know...
Niles_Niven :: can you set me up a pass for the labs and the dossiers... I need to check some known accomplices...
Jon_Stokes :: Accomplices of who?
Niles_Niven :: that crook you were with when the Killer got you
Jon_Stokes :: Oh yeah. Sure.
Jon_Stokes :: Good to see you Niles.
Niles_Niven :: and Clive of the East end crook... you know the psycho that talks with his knife?
john_spire :: and why are you a vigilante?
Niles_Niven :: good to see you to...
Niles_Niven :: thanks these are a real blessing...
Niles_Niven :: can I get you anything?
The_Director :: The nurse ushers Niles out of the room.
Niles_Niven peers through the door
Jon_Stokes :: GUINESS!!
Niles_Niven grins
Nick change: Jon_Stokes -> vacant
Black_Knight :: Why am I a vigilante. I can't tell you that.
Niles_Niven gets out of the hospital grinning and proceeds towards the station mulling over what he read in the books he had on the shelves...
Black_Knight :: I know why I am one, but I just can't tell you.
Niles_Niven :: (okay what have I learnt about Horoscopes, symbolism of the Zodiac and similar stuff...)
The_Director :: As Niles leaves the building he spots a female uniformed copper vigourously ejecting a reporter from the Sommesmore's corridor (and yes, it is a reporter).
Black_Knight :: (LOL)
The_Director :: (give me a sec I need to find the next sign)
john_spire :: personal reasons?
Niles_Niven :: (which one ;))
john_spire :: ok, I must say that wearing a mask before you tackle the bad guys does have some advantages
The_Director :: The next sign is Leo.
The_Director :: (Gah, I forgot the one after that)
Black_Knight :: The hours are what makes the job a bitch *G*
john_spire :: you get paid for doing that stuff?
The_Director :: You find the normal rubbish about the heavens dictating the passage of your life. There is also brief mention of powerful creatures in the heavens - angels and devils and all things in between - but many books seem to attach these to the planets.
Black_Knight :: nope, it's completely on a voluntary basis
The_Director :: More detail you don't have in your books at home.
john_spire :: then it's a hobby not a job
Niles_Niven :: I'll stop at the library while heading to the station
Black_Knight :: it's a job.
The_Director :: You will need to go to a specialist occult shop. They don't keep books on Ye 100 Big Gribbly Things in the local library.
The_Director :: (why are you heading to the station Niles?)
Niles_Niven :: (well I should know some... are there any on my way to the police ?)
Niles_Niven :: (dossiers, and the reports on the drug)
The_Director :: (oh, won't be ready today... these things take time when your source is not at the station in person)
Niles_Niven :: (damn... then I'll head to the occult shops... )
Niles_Niven :: (I'll use the chance to ask if there's anyone been buying a lot of Horoscope related books in the last few months...)
The_Director :: OK, you head over to the Moonbridge. They have the remains of the Bridge of Sighs outside their shop!
Niles_Niven :: (at least they claim so ;))
Nick change: vacant -> Smelly_man
Smelly_man :: Greetings
Mr Niven.
Smelly_man :: Are you here on this sumptuous afternoon to enquire over matters of the missing occultists?
Niles_Niven :: Of course... (what's his name...)
The_Director :: (The Great Saquitcho. No, really.)
Smelly_man rubs his sweaty palms together.
Smelly_man :: The great spirits tell me that they were taken away by the aliens from Andromeda!
Niles_Niven :: intriguing...
Niles_Niven :: and when were they taken away Saqui?
Smelly_man looks disgusted at the abbreviation of his 'name'.
Smelly_man pouts.
Niles_Niven :: come on...
Niles_Niven :: you know i'm always interested in the strange...
Niles_Niven :: and your greatness always supplies me with the best insider stories there are
Smelly_man looks slightly molified. Plus he really wants to speak.
Black_Knight :: Fuckwit, what do you do for a living ?
Niles_Niven :: So pray tell... who was taken... and when...
Smelly_man :: Well, Mysteriososo bought Reily's Mysteries of the Beast from The New Tarot Shop 11 days ago.
john_spire :: I deliver stuff
Smelly_man :: But some kids came in the day after and said there was no one there. No one at all.
Niles_Niven :: aaand?
Smelly_man starts to drool.
Niles_Niven makes a almost comical interested face... one the man will find interesting...
Niles_Niven wishes to it him over the head repeatedly...
Smelly_man :: Well, me and Mysteriosoos and Wennie the Witch went down there to take a look and yeah, there was no one.
Smelly_man :: Just some green slime on the floor.
Black_Knight :: Stuff ?
Niles_Niven :: oh?
Niles_Niven :: was it Ectoplasm?
Niles_Niven :: Or some great demon's seed?
Smelly_man :: And we could see through the window and there was ...
Smelly_man :: Ectoplasm... yeah of course!
Smelly_man :: We thought it was the aliens from Andromeda because that is what the book showed, but yeah... ... ghosts.
Niles_Niven :: wow
Niles_Niven :: and you were brave enough to enter?
Smelly_man shuffles.
john_spire :: packages
Smelly_man :: We looked really hard through the windows.
Smelly_man :: And Winnie did a wicked divination. She summoned up a real alien.
Black_Knight :: the type of package that gets you in real problems if you don't deliver ?
Niles_Niven :: aaand?
john_spire :: dunno, I always deliver
Smelly_man :: What?
Smelly_man :: So you gonna look into this or not?
Niles_Niven :: so you didn't go in
Smelly_man :: (it was probably a teddy btw)
Niles_Niven :: ahhh then it must be too dangerous for a dabbler like me...
Smelly_man :: That's.... Do you know the wards they have around that place?
Niles_Niven :: wards?
Niles_Niven :: dead cat innards on lamp posts marked by Sallah ?
Smelly_man :: No... you know those don't work.
Smelly_man :: They had like this powerful occult circle there.
Smelly_man :: They say that if you crossed them, you got cursed for 1000 lifetimes.
Niles_Niven :: consecutive or every third or every 69th?
Smelly_man looks at you scornfully.
Smelly_man :: So when is the last time you read Astrith's Primer?
Niles_Niven :: Well you do know that my knowledge is mere bookwormishness
Niles_Niven :: you are the great magus here
Niles_Niven :: enlighten me
Smelly_man :: Pah! I have no time for heretics!
Smelly_man :: May Almighty Asgaroth smight thee down for thy wickedness!
Niles_Niven :: But I do have a juicy investigation that I need your great help...
Niles_Niven :: that is why I came your greatness...
Niles_Niven thinks about banging his head on the counter repeatedly...
Smelly_man sweeps his cloak around and walks over to the newest and shiniest books.
Nick change: Smelly_man -> vacant
The_Director :: (that's all you are going to get out of him... partly because that is probably all he knows.)
Niles_Niven thinks bloody idiot...
Niles_Niven heads for the Horoscope and Tarot section and starts going through the books
The_Director :: To summarise quickly... if you know anything about lovecraft you basically pick up that kind of information.
Niles_Niven :: (yeah I realise... I was just crapping to cater to the dolt)
The_Director :: There is nothing you will find out (today anyway) that is directly related to your problem. There are no real records of any Zodiac killer before, nor any demon with which operates like him.
Niles_Niven :: (i'm interested in smbolism and types of magic tied into the horoscope)
The_Director :: Basically, demon summoning seems possible... all that starchart type magic.
The_Director :: The trouble is, nothing tells you what summoning demons actually does, save in the vaguest possible terms (generally speaking, they devour everything).
The_Director :: There are references to powers that demons can give their servants, but on the basis that none of the authors came across such they weren't too specific about how or what.
Black_Knight :: Fuckwit, I'm starting to get hungry, could you go out and buy some food ...
Niles_Niven :: (while I'm reading up you guys talk a bit)
john_spire :: what do you need?
Black_Knight :: anything will do.
Black_Knight :: I just don't want to plunder Niven's fridge...
Black_Knight :: mostly because I'm afraid that I'll only find liquid and living food in it.
Niles_Niven :: (there's a Fish & Chips place in the same building)
john_spire :: ok that'll cost you 20 bucks
Black_Knight pulls a small wad of cash from his belt and hands you two 10'ers
john_spire rushes towards a cheap chinese restaurant
The_Director :: (I am pottering... feel free to carry on IC as much as you like)
john_spire rushes back to the Black Knight with some great food
john_spire returns within 5 min
john_spire :: sorry I took so long
john_spire hands the Black Knight some food
Black_Knight :: (is the chinese in Brittain with or without chopsticks ?)
Black_Knight smirks
john_spire eats some of his own food
john_spire :: it's good stuff
Black_Knight :: You afraid of me, Fuckwit ?
Black_Knight enjoys his food too
john_spire :: should I be?
Black_Knight :: I don't know.. you act like it...
john_spire :: there are guys out there that are scarier then you are
Black_Knight :: Unfortunately... yes.
john_spire :: and what do you mean I act like it?
Black_Knight :: I've never seen anyone that I didn't threaten or beat up act like you do in any way...
Black_Knight :: But you do behave like some of those I've threatened or beaten up.
Black_Knight :: So.. what are you afraid off.. did some bad things in your life..?
john_spire :: you're a guy with 500.000 quid on your head, who knows what crazy stuff you might pull
Black_Knight :: Did you pay attention to that message ?
Black_Knight :: The reward isn't for me..
Black_Knight :: The reward is for the Killer.
john_spire :: and you are trouble, I don't need any more trouble then I already have
Black_Knight :: That Mr. Masters equated me with the killer wasn't such a good thing to do, but I'll survive.
john_spire :: people who are cornered can do strange things to survive
Black_Knight :: Do you feel cornered by me ? Do you think I *am* the Zodiac Killer ?
john_spire :: I don't feel cornered by you, and I don't think you are the Killer
Black_Knight :: Then why do you feel so ill at ease around me ?
john_spire :: and I don't really care about you
john_spire :: but if people out there think you are and they think I have anything to do with you, then I am in trouble
Black_Knight :: Where's your spine, Fuckwit..
Black_Knight :: Shifted to your legs ?
john_spire :: look you might enjoy having everyone in this town on your tail, but I don't
john_spire :: I just want to live my own life and mind my own business
john_spire :: I don't need vigilanties , and serial killers in my life
Black_Knight :: Really ? Why didn't you make out on the first train out of here ?
john_spire :: call it temporary insanity
Black_Knight :: It's never to late to run..
Black_Knight :: But it's also never too late to show some spine.
Black_Knight :: You don't need to look for trouble to be a hero, but when it appears in front of you, then straighten your spine and get through it like a man..
john_spire :: I am not a hero, I am just a guy who just wants a normal life and that's all
Black_Knight nods
Black_Knight :: Don't we all.
john_spire :: well you don't seem to
john_spire :: so why bother?
Black_Knight :: Because people need someone to look after them. Because people need someone to look up to.
Black_Knight :: There's a hero in all humans. They only need to be shown that it matters to stand up for things they believe in.
john_spire :: I don't see much use in heroism, it only gets me into trouble
john_spire :: or worse
Black_Knight :: (end here ? not much use without The Director)
This is fictional setting. Although it may feature real people, organisations and places, they are mentioned in an entirely fictional manner.
This log has been 'cleaned': comments too off topic have been removed, a couple of typos corrected and some discussion about game mechanics has gone. In addition, some private dialog was not logged.
Logs courtesy of Dingo