Play@YSDC

At the foot of the stairs is a flustered Tommy Jackson with Albert Spenser who has just introduced himself to Cynthia and Melissa behind him. Behind the two women are Hugo and Henry discussing Thaddeus grant and just arriving is a crestfallen young man followed shortly after by a priest.
Sounds of the band striking up Tiger Rag - a fast paced ragtime number eminate from the dining room. Hugo coughs to get Tommy and Albert's attention;-

"Shall we gentlemen?" he says as he nods towards the reception area

Time for Grant to put all the cards on the table Tommy muses. I figure he needs me for a little muscle and maybe some gun work, but dashed if I know what the whole thing's about. Why an old clergyman? Why Miss Knight? I wonder if she likes American jazz. I could show her a few dance steps. Anyway . . .

"Right. Lead on, mister."

"Looks like the party is starting," says Cynthia. "Shall we go in, Melissa?"

Tommy is just about to enter the dining room when he hears Thaddeus Grant calling him from his office door. "Why Mr Jacson, won't you please come in - what I have to say will only take a moment." He gestures towards his office door with a smile on his face.

Looking into the dining room, the others can see that the floor is filled with people dancing to the lively tune being played by the band.

Albert says to Mr. Jackson, "Good luck old man. I hope it is good news for you"
Albert then enters reception area and does a quick look around to see if he recognizes anyone.

Looking around the room at the dancers you can see a genuine mix of people either dancing or watching the band. The first number comes to an end and the cornet player takes a step forward as the room erupt to applause for a job well done.

On the outer walls are large paintings of Mississippi riverboats. On the port (left) side we have Steamboats at New Orleans whilst opposite there is the Omaha cutting Firewood
He holds up his hands for quiet and the room stills

"Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, that was our opening number tonight called Tiger Rag." More applause breaks out and he looks genuinely embarrassed. "My name is Joe Poindexter and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the rest of the boys up here. Here is my good friend Lester Mills on his clarinet ...
Lester steps forward and raises his instrument. Joe then continues "... and on piano we have Fletch Conrad."
Fletch stands up and waves to the crowd. Joe carries on "On drums we have Benny Grace.
Benny does a quick paradiddle

Joe then introduces the remaining character. "May I introduce to you - on trombone - the leader of the Driskill Mountain Jazz Band we have Big T Laine."
Again applause ripples though the room and the band moves onto the second number, "We are now going to play a new number for us - St James' Infirmary Blues."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-XI_1LgEik
Cab Calloway's version of St James' Infirmary Blues

Tommy,As you enter Grant's office you are confronted by an large desk which Grant sits behind. On the wall behind him is a fine large painting [center][url=http://s255.photobucket.com/user/Cearlan/media/Terror%20on%20the%20Thames/Steamboat%20Race%20on%20the%20Mississippi_zps0oychfih.png.html][img]http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh150/Cearlan/Terror%20on%20the%20Thames/Steamboat%20Race%20on%20the%20Mississippi_zps0oychfih.png[/img][/url][/center] "I won't keep you long Tommy, I asked you along because I have heard that the Thames is currently being plagued by river pirates. Now I want you to keep an eye out for these lowlifes - there are quite a few people who are well heeled enough to warrant some form of protection. Here is some money to cover your "expenses." Now I know you can take care of yourself quite well." Grant pulls an envelope from within his jacket and pushes it towards you. "Now go and enjoy yourself - just not too much." Grant chuckles to himself.

Father Mason walks into the room and, as expected, immediately feels out of place. Still, he's surprised to notice that some faces feel familiar... he can't really match them with a name, but he's quite sure he has seen them walking around the university. But he wouldn't want to spoil their fun by forcing them to talk with an old priest, so he decides to just take a walk around the room. Noticing Mr. Prebble, he nods and smiles.

Henry looks around to find someone to ask about the oddly clothed sailors. Spotting Father Mason he walks over to the lone older man and introduces himself.
"Hello sir," says Henry extending his hand for a handshake. "I'm Dr. Henry Boles, although most people just call me Henry. What brings you out on the Thames this evening?"

Cynthia is enjoying the jazz music. In addition to liking the sound, she is also interested as an anthropologist in experiencing other cultures. She wonders if anyone will ask her to dance. While it's far more likely that men will ask Melissa, they can't all dance with her at the same time, so someone is bound to ask her too.

Tommy heads out of Grant's office in a better mood. He's got a smile on his face and he moves his body to the rhythm of the hot jazz. They don't call him the Dancing Yorkshireman for nothing! He strides over to Cynthia, now that he feels a bit more confident.

"Great stuff, isn't it? Would you like to try out a few steps? Possibly a fox trot?"

t the end of the song 'Big T' steps forward and says once the applause dies down a bit;

"Let's pick it up a bit now with a little number called Darktown Strutter’s Ball." he turns and faces the band and calls out the time "1-2-3-4"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMHJ8PgVatk
Darktown Strutter’s Ball by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band

Melissa is approached by James Neville who extends his hand towards her in a courteous fashion.
He says to Melissa "I say there, would you care to dance my dear seeing as your companion is being asked I thought it impolite to let this opportunity to dance with the most beautiful woman here slip? My name is James by the way."

Hugo drifts over towards the starboard (right) side of the boat to have a closer look at the immense painting on the wall. On his route there he is accosted by a young woman who takes his hand and despite his protestations that he cannot dance she leads him onto the floor calling out "My name is Celeste Archer - what is yours? I'm sure I've seen you before somewhere!"
Hugo responds by giving his name, though he more concerned about trying to keep up with Celeste and not treading on her feet, which he does once or twice, but Celeste either doesn't notice or is too polite to mention it

OOC:   Is anyone near the doors to the reception area.

Albert wanders slowly towards the bartender and asks, "How about a very dry martini my good man. It looks like this lot will be keeping you very busy tonight."
Albert leaves a very nice tip for the bartender, and stays close to the bar.

"I'd be delighted," says Cynthia, beaming as she lets Tommy lead her out to the dance floor, relieved that she won't be relegated to being a wallflower this time. She's surprised that he asked her when Melissa had still been available, but he has met her before. Sometimes when two men are friends, one of them will draw her off so the other can be alone with Melissa, but the man who did ask her to dance didn't seem to be with Tommy.

OOC,I'm not near the door.

Albert sips his martini and slowly examines the riverboat paintings that are close to him.

Cotton wrote:Henry looks around to find someone to ask about the oddly clothed sailors. Spotting Father Mason he walks over to the lone older man and introduces himself.
"Hello sir," says Henry extending his hand for a handshake. "I'm Dr. Henry Boles, although most people just call me Henry. What brings you out on the Thames this evening?"

Father Mason shakes the man's hand warmly. "Edward, Edward Mason. It's a pleasure, Henry", he says, always preferring to be as direct and familiar as possible - it's also something people accept more easily from the elders. "What brings me on the Thames, indeed. I have been asking myself that very same question since I arrived here. I have been quite surprised by the invitation I received, to tell the truth." He chuckles, then continue: "I'm sorry, I seem to be in short supply of answers these days. What brings you on this boat, Henry? Are you an acquaintance of Mr. Grant?"

Listen Roll,Listen Roll: 25 http://orokos.com/roll/465141

Henry notes Father Mason's reply and wonders if he is also at the party because an acquaintance could not attend,
"I have met Mr. Grant, but only once. One of my colleagues is his personal physician. I received my invitation to this night's festivities because this colleague of mine could not attend."

OOC:   Listen: 20% [dice]0[/dice] Henry doesn't hear anything particularly strange over the jazz and conversation.

Fr. Mason

"I see. And where-", Father Mason says, then stops abruptly. "Did you hear that? A woman's cry, from outside...", he starts walking towards the exit at a fast pace.

Henry looks confused for a second, but will start to follow Father Mason as soon as he process what the priest said.

Fr Mason & Henry
Everyone else

During a short break between numbers Tommy notices something.

Tommy.

"Did you hear that?" Tommy breaks away from Cynthia. "Sounds like a woman's in trouble. I better see what's going on." He shouts to Albert. "Come on, I could use some help." He rushes to follow the other two men.

I expected some kind of trouble, but not this quick.

Cynthia isn't able to see anything, having been looking towards Tommy, in the opposite direction. She whirls around, but he's already past her and blocking her view. She follows after him, though she isn't quite sure what she'll be able to do to help.

OOC,Hard Spot Hidden roll (55 / 2 = 27% skill) on the dance floor: [dice]0[/dice]

Albert finishes his martini and asks the bartender for another.

Henry, upon overhearing the conversation between the man and woman rushes to the boat's railing and scans the water, looking to see if anyone is in trouble.

Father Mason approaches the couple with a smile and says: "I think I heard a woman's scream coming from outside. What happened?"

Compton-Reeves turns from Cynthia and says;

"It's nothing to be concerned about Father - Mrs Berringer here has but recently lost her husband when he drowned accidentally and this is her first trip on water - as you can all see there is nothing to see here. So I am trying to convince her that there is nothing there but what her overwrought imagination sees." He draws Cynthia to one side so that everyone who wishes can scrutinise the waters - there is nothing to see, like he says.

Meanwhile inside, the band start up another tune.

That sounds like an awfully neat explanation. Maybe a little too neat. Besides, I'm being paid to be a watchdog.

When there's an opportunity, Tommy will try to speak to Mrs. Berringer alone to find out what she saw.

Cynthia goes with Tommy to talk to Mrs. Berringer, dreading what she may have seen in the water. She knows all too well what can dwell in the sea. Could it be a creature like the one that attacked me? she thinks. Could it even be the same one?

Tommy is pleasantly surprised to discover that Cynthia wishes to accompany him to speak to Mrs. Berringer. "Good idea" he says. "She might open up to a woman instead of a big bruiser like me."

I always knew she had brains. Nice to find out she's got guts, too.

Father Mason nods with a grave expression: "I see... I'm sorry for your loss, Mrs. Berringer. I'll pray for your husband's soul, and I hope you can find some measure of comfort in the coming months".

"Mrs. Berringer," says Cynthia as she approaches, speaking in comforting tones, "let me first say that I'm sorry at your loss. Please tell me what you saw in the water. I promise I won't think you're mad or anything. I once...saw something in the water myself, so I understand."

"No, no - it's just as Alistair says. My dear departed husband drowned some five months ago next week and I seem to have developed some sort of fear of the water. Silly of me I know. I took this trip in order to ... well I guess in order to try and confront my fears." Taking Cynthia's and Fr Mason's hands and squeezing them both she adds with a faint smile; "Thank you very much for your concern though my dear, but I think it appears I have been somewhat overwrought. Perhaps tonight's trip was a bad idea."

"You're welcome," says Cynthia, squeezing her hand. "My name is Cynthia Knight. You weren't wrong to come on this trip. It is important to face your fears." I'm doing it too, after all, she thinks.

OOC,Psychology roll (60% skill) to see if she's holding anything back: [dice]0[/dice]

"If there's anything I can do for you, just ask," says Cynthia.

Outside
Inside
Everyone

OOC:   Make a hard spot hidden roll please

As he escorts Cynthia back to the dance floor, wondering if he should ask her about what she once saw in the ocean, Tommy notices something odd.

Albert sips his martini slowly and continues to examine the paintings.

[dice]0[/dice]
Spot hidden: 55%


Seeing that no one is in any immediate danger, Henry gladly excepts a drink.

"Just a moment," says Cynthia to Tommy. She glances nervously at the river, then sits down next to Christine. "You're quite welcome, and you may call me Cynthia. What did you think you saw in the water?"

OOC,Hard Spot Hidden roll (55 / 2 = 27% skill) on the deck: [dice]0[/dice]

Father Mason remains on the deck, chatting with Henry, picking up from where they were interrupted earlier. "And where did you study medicine, Henry?"

Passed Spot Hidden rolls,Those that passed notice that Josephine Shawcross and Albert Rhodes both furtively leave the dinning room and head upstairs - a couple of minutes apart. [url=http://s255.photobucket.com/user/Cearlan/media/Terror%20on%20the%20Thames/34%20-%20Terror%20on%20the%20Thames%20-%20Josephine%20Shawcross_zpsavzqdjbc.png.html][img]http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh150/Cearlan/Terror%20on%20the%20Thames/34%20-%20Terror%20on%20the%20Thames%20-%20Josephine%20Shawcross_zpsavzqdjbc.png[/img][/url] [url=http://s255.photobucket.com/user/Cearlan/media/Terror%20on%20the%20Thames/33%20-%20Terror%20on%20the%20Thames%20-%20Albert%20Rhodes_zpsv39u1zzp.png.html][img]http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh150/Cearlan/Terror%20on%20the%20Thames/33%20-%20Terror%20on%20the%20Thames%20-%20Albert%20Rhodes_zpsv39u1zzp.png[/img][/url]

Cynthia,I ... I thought I saw my dear departed Lucius floating in the water, but it's like Alistair says, it must have been my overwrought imagination

Inside,The man;s seizure seems to be abating fairly quickly, but not before Alistair Campion-Reeves enters and knee;s down beside him and loosens his tie. Those inside will probably be able to see strange marks encircling his neck, probably tattoos.

Deciding to say nothing about what he saw, Tommy waits by Cynthia's side.

"Yes, you're probably right," says Cynthia, relieved that it wasn't what she had feared. "Please excuse me, and take care of yourself." She walks with Tommy back to the dance floor. "Did you notice that couple sneaking upstairs?"

"Well, I have to admit I did," Tommy says. "Shipboard romance, I suppose. Not that this is the Mauretania or anything." He pauses for a moment, eager to change the subject. "It doesn't seem that you're particularly fond of the water. I hope this trip isn't too unpleasant for you."

"Thank you, I'm fine," says Cynthia. "I do like the water, and I love to swim. I was just afraid of what might have been in the water after I heard her scream about it. Silly of me, really."

Chap looks sick.

"Need any help, sir?"

"Is there anything we can do for you?" asks Cynthia. "Do you need a doctor? I think there's one here somewhere."

"No, no I'll be alright thank you, just a bit overworked is all I think, thank you for your concern though. I really feel such a fool." Walter looks abashed. Campion-Reeves catches your eye and nods towards Walter's neck where a circle of tattoos sits just above his loosened collar.

Well that's odd. Doesn't look much like a sailor. The other bloke seems to know something about it. I'll have to catch him sometime and ask him about it. No reason to raise a fuss now.

"All right, then. Just take it easy." He dares to take Cynthia by the arm. "Shall we go back and enjoy the music?"

"Yes, let's," says Cynthia. She allows Tommy to lead her back to the dance floor.

Henry continues to chat with Father Mason

"I began my studies at the University of London but attended Cambridge while earning my medical degree. What about you, Father, where did you attend for your theological studies?"

The sun sinks below the horizon at just after twenty past nine and tendrils of a light fog begin to appear over the water as the temperature starts to drop

The rest of the journey to Coalhouse Fort at Tilbury passes without further incident and the riverboat anchors, set for an all night party. The band stops playing and Thaddeus Grant steps into the Dining room.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please give it up for my good friends The Driskill Mountain Jazz Band. We have arrived at the anchorage point and the fireworks display that have been readied for your delectation and delight will begin shortly. If you want to get dressed in more suitable clothing for the outside then please take the opportunity now and if we meet on either the Upper Sun Deck or either of the two viewing decks, though the former would present the best spectacle. See you all in say, twenty minutes?"

Cotton wrote:Henry continues to chat with Father Mason

"I began my studies at the University of London but attended Cambridge while earning my medical degree. What about you, Father, where did you attend for your theological studies?"

"Oh, the University of London! I have been studying there for a few years now. One or two days each week, mostly improving my knowledge of Greek and Latin, you see, since i got moved to Barkham, near London. I practically forced my bishop to let me continue my studies. Couldn't live without", Father Mason says smiling.

Cearlan wrote: "Ladies and Gentlemen, please give it up for my good friends The Driskill Mountain Jazz Band. We have arrived at the anchorage point and the fireworks display that have been readied for your delectation and delight will begin shortly. If you want to get dressed in more suitable clothing for the outside then please take the opportunity now and if we meet on either the Upper Sun Deck or either of the two viewing decks, though the former would present the best spectacle. See you all in say, twenty minutes?"

After hearing that, Father Mason says: "Well, I'm going to get my coat, perhaps we can meet again later on the Upper Sun Deck?".

Cynthia applauds for the jazz band. "That sounds swell," she says, turning to Tommy. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go change. See you on the Upper Sun Deck in twenty minutes?"

"I'll be waiting with baited breath, as the cat said while it sat by the mousehole with a piece of cheese in its mouth." Tommy offers a grin and heads back to his stateroom to grab a halfway decent jacket.

Didn't think she'd even know a word like 'swell.' Good American slang. Mighty nice girl all around.

On his way back he stops for a moment to speak to Albert.

"Pyrotechnics comin' up soon. Should be right up your alley. By the way, mate, you wouldn't have a spare boutonniere or some such to lend a lad, would you? Got a date with a lady."

Cynthia returns to her cabin to get dressed for the fireworks show. She changes into a silver dress, sparkly with sequins.

"Indeed. I'll see you there."

Henry heads to his own cabin to grab a coat, and perhaps see where Hugo got off to.

Once everyone has assembled on the Upper Sun Deck Thaddeus Grant stands on the Starboard Side of the Louisiana Lady "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please ... I will now send the first firework off which will start the display on the North side of the Thames in Essex, so if you please enjoy the delights I have arranged for your delectarion. The Stewards will come among you all bearing whatever drinks you heart may desire - please feel free to indulge yourselves. Now if I may have a countdown;- 10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - here we go." Lighting a taper to a rocket he steps back, and after a second the rocket flies up to the skies.

What follows is a fantastic display of ariel pyrotechnics, the likes of which has rarely been seen, Grant has certainly spared no expense.

Cynthia stands at the rail admiring the fireworks display, her earlier worries already forgotten.

Tommy is entranced by the spectacular display. It makes him feel like a youngster again. He also admires the way the lights reflect off Cynthia's sequined gown. When a particularly colorful burst fills the air, he shouts "Hurrah!" and waves his hat in the air.

Albert, now wearing warm cloths, watches the fireworks intensely. He has a very large smile on his face as the show continues.

The firework display lasts for about 20 or so minutes after which time the party is really getting into full swing. As the ohhs and ahhs of the crowd die down and the last firework draws a thunderous round of applause from the assembled guests, Thaddeus Grant holds his hand up for quiet.

"Please Ladies and Gentlemen, if you would follow me into the Dining room, you will find a buffet has been laid out for you." As you all assemble the stewards ore on hand with drinks of your choice for a toast. As the clock on the mantle strikes the half hour Grand taps his glass with a knife to get everyone's attention.

"Has everyone got a drink ,,, good - then I call for a toast to the Health, Wealth and Success of everyone aboard."

"Cheers!" people respond and take a drink.

OOC:   Do we all eat and drink as invited by the host?

Cynthia raises her glass in the toast and drinks, and then she heads for the buffet.

Never one to turn down a meal, Tommy prepares for the groaning board.

Albert responds to the toast by finishing his martini and moves with the crowd to the open buffet. He fills a small plate with cheeses and toast and begins to enjoy them slowly.

Henry enjoys both the buffet and drink that have been prepared.

Father Mason is slightly uncomfortable with the luxurious buffet and the sumptuous fireworks show. Perhaps he has liven a modest life for too long, but he can't really approve of such an inconsiderate use of money. Still, he doesn't want to ruin the party for anyone, so he picks up a glass and joins the toast, without too much enthusiasm. He isn't hungry, though, and doesn't touch the buffet.

OOC:   I'm assuming that everyone is eating and drinking as invited - after all to refuse would be really bad form. I posted on 13th and only Cynthia, Tommy, Albert, Henry and Fr Mason responded.

Approximately ten minutes after the last person has taken his or her food people start to feel somewhat tired and need to sit down. The more alert people will suspect some kind of food poisoning, but it is too late as chronic fatigue start to sweep across the dining room.

Your characters - and the other guests, start to feel very tired, then nauseous before cramping sweats and stomach pains cause people to black out.

OOC:   Move to here people - we are really getting underway now (pun intended). viewtopic.php?f=396&t=5906