Play@YSDC

Seeing the accusing look of the policeman upon finding the cube, James has a hard time suppressing a blush creeping up his cheeks. This seems to cause a chain reaction, and, although he was powered by adrenaline before, suddenly the magnitude of the latest revelations starts to sink in. Souls shifting bodies? What madness is this?

Absolom Peredue Somerhayes

For a moment Absolom’s mind reels at the impossibility of the situation, surely this flies in the face of everything he holds dear. Even the detectives accusing tirade fails to penetrate his thoughts, though the sudden appearance of the cube allows his mind some stability. But what of the manuscript he thinks. Turning to the policeman and recognising the outlandishness of the situation he says in a quiet voice, “Sir, may I respectfully ask that until we have a further understanding of the odd events, you keep the object, and knowledge of its existence, to yourself. For whatever it is it does have a habit of attracting death”

San Roll,[url=http://orokos.com/roll/538319]Sanity Roll 60%[/url]: [u]1d100[/u] [b]98[/b] [url=http://orokos.com/roll/538320]1d3 san loss[/url]: [u]1d3[/u] [b]3[/b]

Although clearly taken aback by Miss Poole's reaction, Inspector Cleveland quickly regains his composure. "I'm afraid you are quite mistaken in your assumptions once again, my dear Miss Poole. I did not ask you to come here because I needed your help. From the beginning, you see, I suspected that Bidwell's murderer must be working with at least one accomplice. And what better place for an accomplice than among his guests, to provide false testimony? I wanted to see if you would give anything away, and lo and behold, you and your companions have led us straight to this warehouse hideout, and another dead body."

He peers skeptically at the cube at Mr. McKerry and Reverend Somerhaye's words then tosses it to Sergeant Craig. "Get that checked as well as the other evidence. Might be a valuable heirloom of some sort."

"I will question this Chinese woman we have taken into custody personally though I am given to understand she is quite insane," he replies to Mr. McKerry and Miss Siddons' entreaties.
Despite his suspicions the Inspector appears to perceive that you are telling the truth. "I shall not officially detain you at this stage but I think it best for your own safety if you all come down to Scotland Yard to wait until Constable Baker is located and can hopefully provide us with some answers."

A carriage is brought around and you are ushered aboard by a pair of constables.

Everyone:

Absolom Peredue Somerhayes

Recovering his poise somewhat, although he keeps the handkerchief to hand, Absolom watches as the strange cube is casually tossed to the constable, as if it were nothing more than some insignificant bauble. Absolom is horrified by the inspectors cavalier treatment of both item and his companions. A thought crosses his mind, perhaps inspector Cleveland and sergeant Mulverhill are more involved in this enigma than is apparent.

He looks directly into the inspectors eyes, “Sir the unwarranted accusation of myself and my companions is duly noted. Although I myself am a relatively minor part of the Church, I am certain that his grace the Arch-Bishop will be horrified that one of his servants has been so abused by an officer of the law. And I have little doubt that others of my companions have friends in high places who also will be saddened by your accusations and will, no doubt, have words with your superiors” He coughs a little, no doubt as a result of the tenseness of the situation, “Furthermore I must object to the treatment of the object, it may be of some value and probably will not enjoy such rough treatment” Finishing his tirade Absolom turns on his heels and walks towards the carriage.

Spot Hidden,[url=http://orokos.com/roll/538581]Spot Hidden 55%[/url]: [u]1d100[/u] [b]78[/b]

Gordon is quite wiling to co-operate with the authorities. He closes his eyes and tries to relax as he is conveyed to headquarters, taking no notice of his surroundings.

Cecil adjusts his monocle. "Interesting.."

Ann Veronica’s blood boils at the Inspector’s words. “Condescending idiot” she fumes to herself.

She is too distracted to pay attention to anything else.

Spot Hidden,Spot Hidden 25: [url=http://orokos.com/roll/538614]Spot Hidden[/url]: [u]1d100[/u] [b]59[/b]

Diane knows she is innocent and is confident that the truth will out eventaully. As the carriage arrives, she notices something.

OOC,Spot Hidden roll (60% skill) at the warehouse: [dice]0[/dice]

Still chewing over the implications of the recent events and the policeman's behaviour, James is too preoccupied to pay much attention to his surroundings.

Mr. Copeland and Miss Siddons suddenly feel as though they are being watched. Glancing around, they spot a figure lurking in the mouth of an alley: a tall man dressed in a dull brown suit, derby, and gloves, with a black muffler pulled across his lower face. The man, seeing he is noticed, quickly withdraws and then the carriage is pulling rapidly away, taking you out of Limehouse.

At the Scotland Yard building in Westminster you are escorted to a bare room little better than a cell and instructed to wait.

The hours pass by and it is late evening when a tired and confused-looking Inspector Cleveland finally arrives.

"Constable Bill Baker has been found dead," he announces grimly. "The body was discovered by dredgers in the Thames River a short time ago. There were no signs of any violence. A coroner's inquest will take place first thing tomorrow morning.

The Chinese woman who claims to be the constable was unable to tell us anything. He, I mean, she has suffered a complete mental breakdown and has been institutionalized. The doctors tell me there is little hope of recovery.

You are free to leave. I can arrange a safe house for you if you would prefer not to return to your own homes or hotels tonight. If you wish to return to your guest rooms at Bidwell's house that can also be arranged. I would only advise you not to travel alone while we have a killer on the loose who may recognize one of you, especially the ladies. I haven't seen anything like this since that Whitechapel business a few years ago."

Everyone:

Ann Veronica

Although saddened by the news about Baker, nonetheless Ann Veronica feels exhausted with the whole business and wants to return home.

“I’ll return to my hotel in The Strand. But tell us Inspector, what did you do with that cube? It’s the key to this whole affair.”

Gordon has an idea.

"Having arrived in Britain with the goal of securing gainful employment," he says, "I have not an excessive amount of ready money. Therefore I will take the opportunity so generously offered by the late Mister Bidwell to remain as a guest."

The police obviously don't take this business of soul transmission seriously. It might be a good idea to do a bit of exploring at Bidwell's home for more evidence to prove we're not all mad.

"Detective Sergeant Craig has taken the trinket to the British Museum along with the stolen books and other evidence, to be examined by the experts," Inspector Cleveland replies to Miss Poole. "We will soon discover whether it is as valuable as you think."

Mr. McKerry, Professor Powell and Mr. Copeland:

"I think it'll be more convenient if I just return to my guest chamber at Bidwell's, inspector", James decided.

Having an extra opportunity to do some more snooping around seems almost too good to be true...

Ann Veronica

“I see Inspector” says Ann Veronica. “And which experts might these be? May I ask what they might be experts in?”

"I shall have Sergeant Craig forward the details to you since you're so curious about our methods, Miss Poole," the Inspector replies

Ann Veronica Poole:

As he makes his way back to the Bidwell estate Gordon tries to wrap his mind around that strange cube, but he can't seem to make any sense of it. Still, it's got to be the key to the whole mystery. He notes that James Powell has also elected to return to the dead man's home -- if Bidwell is truly dead!

"I can't help but think that the police have overlooked something, Professor," he remarks. "I, for one, would like to take a look at the butler's room."

"I too shall stay at Mr. Bidwell's house," says Diane, relieved that the police finally realize that they must be innocent since they were all with them at the time of Constable Baker's death, or at least the death of his body. She also wants to do some snooping, and besides, there is safety in numbers. "Interesting that you mention the Ripper murders. They began not long after Bidwell returned from Australia with that cube, and he massacred many aborigines to obtain it. Could be worth looking into."

Ann Veronica wonders about the honesty of the Inspector’s reply.

Psychology,Psychology 35: [url=http://orokos.com/roll/539160]Psychology[/url]: [u]1d100[/u] [b]5[/b]