Play@YSDC

Several hours after leaving the Ponsonby’s Carchilders Estate, you arrive tired and irritable from your journey in the university town of Cambridge, well its train station to be precise.

Cutting through London from Victoria to Liverpool Street all had been quiet, the disturbances of earlier having been dealt with by the authorities and other than a few ominous stains marring the street and the remains of a placard on which someone had scrawled in a very untutored hand “Man is borne free, but everywere is in chaynes”, there is little evidence of the protest which had almost resulted in your missing your earlier train.

With a spurt of steam and a high pitched whistle the locomotive begins to leave the station. Other than a few porters and other railway staff the platform looks fairly deserted...

Nellie Bly

"I believe I shall have some stern words with Wellington, when I see him next. It seems to me that our erstwhile colleague has deemed this case beneath him and has manoevered us to take his place! On top of that he begged off the last two meetings we had arranged, I despair of ever getting an interview out of that man." Nellie grumbles, after the long journey.

"Roxy, be a darling and get one of those strapping porters to take care of our baggage, I think it may be worth having a few words with the station master... he may be able to confirm if Edward did indeed leave Cambridge."

OOC:   Apologies for my lack of participation, not a lot of spare time in the last week or so and I've been in Madrid.

"Yes, good thinking, Nellie!" says Rachel. "I'm sure the photograph will prove useful there."

Nellie Bly

"Indeed it would!" Nellie replies, "Oh dear, I cannot recall if we know what time Edward would have arrived at this station, if indeed he did get here; I did not write as many notes as usual." Nellie seems somewhat embarrassed by this lapse.

Nellie thinking:   Drat, that is embarrassing.. but that insufferable [i]Sir Reginald[/i] had me so cross with his damnable attitude, blaming his son's actions on a 'girl' and not even bothering to have any facts on which to base his wild conjecture...

Nellie unclenches her hands and takes a deep breath composing herself.

It proves but a matter of minutes to find the station master in his office. He looks up as you enter in the midst of taking a large mouthfull of steaming tes from a chipped and marked china mug. "May I be of assistance Madam, or Miss is it?"

OOC:   Nellie – By using the photograph of Edward you get +3 to add to your investigation roll when interviewing the station master. The DR is 1, remember the more successes the better

Peter Roxborough calls a porter over to deal with their baggage.

Wait here fellow, keep on eye our things, I'll be back shortly he says briskly, rattling the coins in his pocket before following after Nellie.

Nellie smiles sweetly "I certainly hope you can help.. and yes.. it's Miss... Bly" she says before holding up the photo, "My friends and I were on our way to visit Dr Oswaldtwistle at Trinity and I thought that someone in your position could help us more." Nellie holds the photo out to the Station Master, "Have you seen this young man before? Perhaps two days ago?"

Investigation/Interview Roll,[dice]0[/dice] - Interview = 6 +3 (using photo)

The station master leans forward and takes the photograph that Nellie holds out. He slumps back into his chair, and studies the image of the smiling young man.

After what seems an interminable passage of time, the elderly man pushes the photograph back across the desk. Then, a suspicious look in his eyes, he nods, “Aye, I remember him two days back, He was waiting for the London train as I recall”

He leans back in his chair, produces an old pipe and makings and begins the process of filling it, “Why? Who’s he, and what’s it to you?”

Nellie recognises the beginnings of traditional ‘dance around’...

Peter Roxborough approaches the station master's office, taps lightly on the door before stepping in.

Ah Miss Bly here you are he says brightly. He transfers his gaze to the station master, steps over to the desk and looks down at the man Lord Peter Roxborough, renowned game hunter.

I'm sure my colleague has already introduced herself, we'd be most grateful if you could assist us in answering a few questions. The why's and wherefore's are really of no consequence to you but your cooperation may well be... he leaves the unsaid threat hanging in the air for a moment.

Miss Bly sorry to have interrupted he says turning to Nellie Would you like to continue?

ooc,I'm trying a mild intimidation, pulling rank and leaning over a seated man with my not inconsiderable chest and girth! Not sure what kind of roll I might make or should I add style points to Nellie to augment her rolls?

Jonathan follows Peter but stops outside the station master's door. Hearing the Peter's dramatic stop and apology to Nellie causes a smile to cross his face. As he listens to them speak inside the office he leans against the wall, smoking his pipe wondering where young Edgar could have ran off to, or rather who he ran off with... the again perhaps he was kidnapped.

Rachel stands beside Jonathan, allowing Nellie to take the lead but ready to support her if she needs any help.

OOC: Britain’s railways are extensive. The Great Eastern Railway Company provides services to Cambridge throughout the day from Liverpool Street Station in east London and St. Pancras Station in central London. The journey takes 1¼ to 2½ hours, and costs 8s 9d for a first class ticket

Rachel and Jonathan -

Outside the Station Master’s office the station seems fairly busy, no doubt in readiness for the five o’clock train for London – the very one young Edward Ponsonby was due to take on the day of his disappearance.

The platform, nearest the station entrance, is awash with people. Most seem to be awaiting the train, but some are station staff – a busy porter here; a grizzled ticket collector there; and a rather officious looking gentleman in an immaculately pressed ERC uniform bearing a furled flag and a polished whistle.

As Rachel and Jonathan watch the man produces a fine looking pocket-watch. He glances at it, then to the tracks where in the distance a whoosh of smoke announces the imminent arrival of the five o’clock to London, Liverpool Street...

Nellie and Peter -

For a moment or two the station master eyes up the intimidating figure of Lord Peter Roxborough and considers his position. During those brief moments his thoughts are easy to see displayed in his shifting features. Should he hold out for some form of monetary inducement, as he had originaly thought when confronted by the mere slip of a female? Or should he take the sudden appearance of the large gentleman as a sign? He chooses the latter. And with a small swallow,
“I do recall seeing a young gentleman looking much the same as the one in the picture. I was checking the readiness of my staff for the 5 o’clock to London, the same one as is now arriving. I noticed him as he seemed somewhat discomforted by something, I hoped it was nothing to do with my station and was about to approach him when this tall, foreign looking gent in a long overcoat walked up to him. They seemed to speak for a few moments before departing together for the exit. A few moment later the train arrived and I gave it no more thought ‘till now”
He reaches for his mug of tea and takes a drink as signalling the end of his story...

OOC:   As the station master begins his tale the London train arrives. Nellie gains another style point for her interview successes she now has +5

Nellie considers the station masters tale, the information was definitely pertinent to their burgeoning investigation and flashes Roxborough a quick smile of thanks, realising that the presence of her impressive looking companion had helped loosen the station masters tongue.

"Thank you" she beams, fishing two half-crowns from her purse. "That is most helpful, I can tell you that the young man, Edward did not arrive at home as expected... if we knew whether or not he actually boarded the train... " Nellie rubs the two coins together, leaving the question hanging.

OOC:   if the station master cannot remember anything else, Nellie will suggest that one of his staff might know more.. or even the conductor on that train

Nellie and Peter -

The station master eyes the two half-crowns with avarice, he licks his lips with the thought of what five bob might buy him.
“As far as I know the man in question did not board the train. I was on the platform during the boarding and saw neither him nor his ‘friend’ again. I can only presume that he did not leave for the city by train”

His eyebrows arch in thought, he could almost taste the pints that five bob might buy him and there was that hat Martha had seen in the millenaries on Market Hill.
“Let me see Thomas Jones was the guard on the London train that day, if you’re quick you might catch him now as he’s working the same train”

Rachel observes the people on the platform carefully, looking for anyone out of the ordinary.

Rachel –

You see no-one who seems to be out place on a station platform as a train arrives. You are able to overhear the station master mentioning Thomas Jones the guard on the London train that Edward was due to catch, and hear him say that this Jones is on the train that even as he speaks is puffing to a halt before you.

The engine comes to a stop in a cloud of steam and smoke. Doors crash open and passengers begin to alight while others board. The double doors of the guards van slide open and a thin faced individual alights. From his uniform and accoutrements you guess that this could be the very Thomas Jones mentioned by the station master.

As he steps onto the platform you see him look up and down the train, nod to the finely dressed official you had seen looking at his watch, and move smartly towards him...

"The train's pulling in now," Rachel says to Nellie and Lord Peter, "and a guard just stepped off. That could be Thomas Jones. Quick, bring the photograph!" She heads over towards the guard and the railway official.

Jonathan follows Rachel as she heads over to the man who they hope is Thomas Jones while saying, "In an effort to cover all bases perhaps we should be prepared in case the guard runs. After all, he could be connected to Edgar's disappearance."

Nellie nods hearing Rachel, it doesn't sound as if Edward embarked on the 5 o'clock train but it would be best to make sure, Nellie hands the photograph to Roxborough "Quick.. get to the conductor before the train leaves." then turning back to the station master asks another question "This other man that met with Edward, had you seen him before.. can you give me a better description other than 'foreign looking'? Nellie places the two coins on his desk and jangles her purse suggestively.

Rachel and Jonathan -

As Rachel and Jonathan approach the two men they both turn towards you. The well-uniformed gentleman whose cap and decoration on his jacket sleeves mark him as the Assistant Station Master, a prestigious post only found at major stations, arches a thick eyebrow, “May I be of assistance Maam?” At the same time the thin faced official who you had observed alighting from the train, pulls his cap from his head in a servile manner.

Nellie -

Resisting the urge to rush to interview the guard, Nellie asks the station master another question, "This other man that met with Edward, had you seen him before.. can you give me a better description other than 'foreign looking'?”
The station master, eyeing the two shining coins which Nellie had placed on his desktop with the image of Her Gracious Majesty face up and noting the jingling of the purse, thinks for a moment. “No hadn't seen him afore. Tallish, wore a long coat ankle length it were. I seem to recall he walked with a bit of a limp”

"Yes, thank you," says Rachel. "I believe you can. Are you Mr. Thomas Jones?"

Nellie considers the station master's description; it will probably help them to identify the person should they come across the individual but left them with no further avenues of investigation to identify the person. Perhaps there was a way... "I see, that description may be useful but for the moment we are still no nearer locating Edward." Nellie gives a heavy sigh and a brief pained expression.. "Ohh well, nothing is ever as simple as one would wish." Nellie pauses for a moment, pretending to ponder the situation, gloved finger tapping the side of her mouth. "Perhaps one of your staff saw them leave, if not them then perhaps one of the 'cabbie's' that no-doubt loiter outside your fine station waiting to collect their next fare.. perhaps you would be inclined to help my colleagues and I in our investigation, I am sure that Edward's family would be very grateful." Nellie again jingles her purse.

"Right then, I shall be off.. I or one of my colleagues will be back later... possibly in the morning." Nellie smiles and heads for the door.

Rachel, Jonathan and the arriving Peter –

In answer to Rachel’s question the thin faced guard tugs his forelock politely and answers in a voice that firmly places his place of birth as the valleys of Wales, “Indeed I am. How may I be of assistance Ma’am?”
The other uniformed official, the assistant station master, nods approvingly no doubt glad you weren’t about to make a complaint about the standard of the waiting room facilities of something.

OOC:   Peter- Don't forget that you are now in possession of the photograph of Edward, if used in an Investigation (interview) roll it adds +2 to the pool of the character using it. Also that character is at +1 anyway for it being less than 72hrs since the dissapearance.

Nellie -

Quickly, the station master picks up the two coins and disappears them into a waistcoat pocket, as if afraid you might deem his information of no use and repossess them. As you speak he watches the jingling purse intently, “Of course I will ask around my staff and see what they might remember. As far as the cabbies are concerned, it is usually the same crowd that wait outside the station entrance. Those outside are probably the same ones as was here on the occasion you are enquiring about. The one too ask would be Alf Milsom, there isn’t much that escapes his eye”

"My friends and I are looking for a young man named Edward Ponsonby who was here a couple of days ago to board the five o'clock train to London," explains Rachel. "He has since gone missing. We were hoping you might have seen him." She describes Edward and, if Peter brings it, shows Thomas Jones the photograph.

OOC,Should I roll Investigation now, and do I get both bonuses?

Roxborough takes the photograph from Nellie and heads back out to the concourse. As the large locomotive comes to a halt, flooding the platform with steam he briefly loses sight of Rachel.

When next he sees her she is in conversation with, he assumes, the guard. He quickens his step and rushes over to them

Ah ha! There you are! Lost you in all this confounded steam! he grins and then hands her the photograph, Maybe this will help jog a few memories.

Rachel, Jonathan and Peter –

For a few moments the picture is subjected to deep study by both railwaymen. Then the thin faced guard, Jones, slowly shakes his head, “No I’m sure I’ve not seen this lad before. Are you sure it was my train that he was due to catch?”

The other man, the assistant station master, continues to look at the picture, as he does so you can see a flicker of recognition within his eyes...

OOC:   Any of you three may make an Investigation (interview) roll at +3. For Investigation the difficulty is 1; otherwise Reason may be used at difficulty 2.

Back on the platform Nellie sees her companions with two railway officials deciding that they must have managed to catch the guard of the 5 o'clock and were following up the information that the station master has divulged. Deciding that it wasn't worth asking any of the 'cab drivers' that might be waiting until she had the photograph of Edward to 'jog memories' Nellie decided instead to check on the activity around them, after all Edward had in all probability been 'waylaid' here...

OOC:   Nellie will use her Perception... does anything feel out of place? Is anyone taking 'too much notice' of them? [dice]0[/dice]

Nellie -

Disappointed slightly with the lack of further evidence from the Station Master, Nellie exits the office, leaving a somewhat richer Station Master to dream of the things he may spend his five bob on. Near the London train, its boiler still popping and chugging in wait for departure, she can see her companions deep in conversation with a thin faced railwayman and another whose splendidly presented attire would seem to show a superior position in the GERC (Great Eastern Railway Company).
For a few moments she allows her gaze to roam across the busy platform taking in the uniformed railway porters, well dressed passengers and the flat capped youth selling copies of the late edition papers, “Read all abaht it!” he cries in the high pitched manner of a young lad, “Read all abaht it! Turmoil on the streets of London. Rioters almost at the front door of her Majesty...Gawd bless her!!”

OOC:   Nothing seems out of the ordinary

Satisfied that nothing is amiss Nellie steps smartly along the platform, pausing to let a hurrying red-faced porter squeeze past.

"Were you here, at this time, the day before last?" Nellie asks the young paper seller.

Rachel catches the look of recognition in the railway official's eyes. "Have you seen him, sir?" she asks, hopefully.

OOC,Investigation roll (5 skill + 3 = 8 dice) asking about [b]Edward[/b]: [dice]0[/dice]

Rachel, Peter and Jonathan –
The assistant station master looks a little longer at the picture, his brow furrowing with concentration, “Hmmmn, I recall a young man fitting this picture here two days ago.I recall him because he was speaking rather loudly to some passengers awaiting the 5 o’clock. He was speaking rather passionately about the unfairness of society and the mistreatment of workers and the poor. His words seemed to have little impact on his audience as they were doing their best to ignore him, although if I remember correct one or two men did regale him with some rather ungentlemanly comments, the most polite of which was to call him a damned socialist, pardon my language Madam” He gives you a rather sheepish grin, which looks at odds with the smartness of his uniform.
“He must have upset someone with his talk for I recall him in some kind of noisy altercation with a tall gentleman who walked with a limp. They must have resolved their dispute for they left together a few minutes before the train arrived”

Nellie –
The lad touches his caps peak, politely, and reaching behind him produces a folded copy of the Standard (late copy) and holds it out.
“2d per copy. You’ll always find me here this here place is my spot, so to speak”

Nellie smiles "Splendid, I rather thought that this was your spot..." she takes out a shiny six-pence from her purse, "I'll take a copy, thank you.. and perhaps you would be able to help me? The station master tells me that there was a man here two days ago, wore a long coat and had a limp, arrived on his own but left with another man.. do you recall anyone like that?" she asks, eyes on the young lad.

Jonathan looks at the assistant station master as he stroked his beard for a moment while he considered what ask. After a second he says, "Tell me, this tall gentleman who walked with a limp... to the best of your abilities could you describe him? Besides the long coat how was he dressed? Was he well kept? His accent? Any detail, no matter how small or insignificant could prove useful."

OOC:   Edited to fix a typo

"And do you remember which way they went when they left?" adds Rachel.

Rachel, Peter and Jonathan –

Again the assistant station master furrows his brow, “Hmmn, let me see. He seemed well dressed, if his style was somewhat foreign more...European, if you get my meaning sir. As for an accent I did detect one but as to what it was I could not say, other than ‘foreign’...Oh and he had a goatee”

He turns to Rachel, “Why I seem to recall they turned left out of the main gates towards the cab stand”

Nellie –

The lad eyes the shiny sixpenny bit with eyes that shine with desire. He shakes his head, “Sorry Miss, I don’t recall seeing such, but I sees so many coming and going that I rarely remembers individuals. Your best bet would be to ask old Alf at the cabs there aint much that passes his notice” He holds out a copy of the paper and four copper pennies change.

Nellie takes tuppence from the boy, leaving him with two of the coins. "I appreciate your honest answer; might be worth you keeping an eyes out for me though..." with a wink, she ambles along the platform to join the others.

"Thank you, sir, you've been most helpful," says Rachel. When Nellie arrives, she fills her in. "It seems we should visit the cab stand next. Whichever cabbie can answer our questions will have earned our custom."

Clarence (Growler)
A one horse, four wheeled carriage with a completely enclosed passenger compartment capable of carrying four, and an open driver seat at front. Most commonly found in front of railway stations as it could carry an entire family, or group, and their luggage. Clarence’s were nicknamed ‘growlers’ because of the sound made by their iron shod wheels on cobblestone streets.



The cobbled street outside the station could be anywhere in England, however a skyline dominated by the many spires of religious structure leaves little doubt of your location – Cambridge ‘The City of Dreaming Spires’.
To the left of the entrance, in a neat row, wait several of the ubiquitous ‘Growlers’, cabs found anywhere there is a sizeable town or city throughout the British Isles. The horses, noses thrust into haybags, snort and stamp in readiness. You can see gaps in the lineup that would seem to show the absence of several vehicles, no doubt already chartered by the people who had just arrived on the train.
A little distance from the vehicles you can see several men gathered in conversation. Their uniformal dress of long dark coats, the collars turned high so as to protect their faces from the cold wind that blows down the appropriately named ‘Station Road’. As you approach one of the group steps towards you, politely touching his forelock, “Can I be of help?”

"Perhaps you can," says Rachel, showing him the photograph. "Have you or any of your colleagues seen this young man, probably in the company of a foreigner with a goatee and a limp? He would have been here two days ago at around five o'clock."

Rachel -

The cabbie, an elderly man with a merry twinkle in his eyes, regards the picture for a moment, “Hmmn...”

OOC:   Please make your Investigation (Interview) with +3 for the photograph, The DF is 1 (easy)

Rachel gives the man her best smile and waits patiently for him to remember.

OOC,Investigation roll (5 skill + 3 = 8 dice) to get information from the cabbie: [dice]0[/dice]

“Hmmn...” The cabbie thinks hard, then looks over his shoulder, “Oi Alf, come and ‘ave a butchers at this photograph, see if this chap reminds you of anyone”

By this time the small group of cabbies had wandered over to see what the fuss was about. One of them steps close and pulls his woollen muffler from his face, you can tell he must be at least ten years older than the previous speaker. This then would probably be Alf Milsom about who you had been told.

For several seconds he looks at the photo of Edward Ponsonby, “I...ah...can’t be certain, but a chap looking similar was here the day before yesterday. If I recall proper, he was along with another chap, a foreigner I imagine from his dress climbing into a brougham being driven by McPherson” From the attitudes struck by the assembled cabbies it is obvious that this McPherson has few friends here.

OOC:   Brougham - A four wheeled, two horse carriage, with suspension and a fully enclosed compartment for two. The driver sits, unprotected in front of the passengers. Also known as a Coupe de ville this particular design was invented for Henry Brougham

Jonathan stands beside Rachel puffing on his pipe as the cabbie speaks.

"Thank you," says Rachel. "Is McPherson here today, by any chance?"

Alf Milsom slowly shakes his head, “Nah aint seen ‘im since...that day when ‘e drove the two blokes away. Hang on I’ll see if Bert has seen ‘im”

He steps away a couple of paces and looks at the assembled group of cabbies, “Oi, Bert Alsop. You and McPherson pal around togever, ‘ave you seen ‘im since the day afore yesterday?”

A short overweight man in a long overcoat which looks as if its seen better days, steps up to Alf, and eyes your group nervously, “Friends we aint, I don’t fink Rab has any friends. At least none as ‘e speaks of, unless of course you adds Ma Wiggins as lives over in Grantchester”. He hunches his shoulders, “An’ I aint seen him lately, not since he started drivin’ for that bloke from the University”

"Which bloke is that?" asks Rachel.

Bert shrugs, “One of them toffs from Trinity, I’m not sure but I fink ‘is name is Choker or summit like that”

As he speaks a nearby church clock chimes the quarter. It is now 5:15pm you know that at 6:00pm dinner is served at the university, and it would be bad form to keep a member of the faculty, such as Dr Oswaldtwistle, from his dinner. Also, as if in sympathy with the chime, Lord Roxborough,s stomach begins one of its famous rumbles.

Gentlemen, you have been very helpful. Roxborough says, fishing some coins from his pocket.

Just so that I am clear, you believe you recall seeing the young gentleman in the photograph getting into a Brougham driven by a certain Rab McPherson who is now in the employ of a Mr. Choker or similarly sounding name, who in turn is at Trinity college? So it is probably fair to infer that the Brougham is owned or at the least used by Mr Choker. Oh, and Mr MacPherson is on good terms with a Ma Wiggins at Grantchester. he pauses waits for a nod of confirmation from the cabbies before continuing

Well as it so happens, we need to go to Trinity, so perhaps one of you good gentleman could take us forthwith. Another of you could take our luggage and my man Pierre. And do be careful with Pierre - he is very important, a man of outstanding culinary abilities as he finishes speaking his stomach gives out a long and impressive gurgling growl.

“Thank you kindly sir” says Alf Milsom quickly pocketing the coins,following a few moments of respectful silence in response to Roxborough’s gastronomic complaint. Stepping to one of the waiting carriages he opens the door, gesturing to its leather seats, “If you would be so kind, sirs and ladies, I will take you to the university meself. Bert 'ere will carry your luggage and your servants as you require”

OOC:   From Cambridge station, the fare is 2 shillings to Trinity College, plus 6d per additional person. There’s even a horse-drawn tram, but only for impecunious students and the great unwashed! When you are ready please go to Episode One/c - Trinity