Crusaders Plus #14 - "Invitation to Murder"
A full week has passed by since that busy day that brought the Sorceress and Monarch to the ranks of Equinox. Not a whole lot has happened during the week. The base has been completed. It is now Saturday morning and the team is enjoying a pancake breakfast...
Chris - "More pancakes anyone?"
Leo - "I'll have some more!"
Professor - "You, my boy, are a bottomless pit."
Monarch - "The lad is still growing, Professor. I'll have another helping of these delicacies, milady."
Martin - "Oh, heck, me too."
Sheila -" So, Professor, are we going to have a tutoring session today?"
Professor - "Maybe later. I believe that I have discover what you're problem is."
Sheila - "Really?"
Professor - "It's hard to explain, but I shall do my best. Control is not the problem. The problem is accuracy."
Sheila - "Uh-huh."
Professor - "As I feared, I couldn't put it in words."
Chris - "Let me give it a shot. It's like cooking. You know what ingredients to use, but you can't get your pancakes to come out right."
Sheila - "I think I understand."
Monarch - "That is why, Christina, is the cook around here. She can get her pancakes to come out right."
Chris - "Something like that."
Martin - "You could always have Jack do the cooking..."
Leo - "Are you trying to scare me?"
Sheila - "Jack? Who's Jack?"
Professor - "Jack O'Lantern, the remaining member of Equinox. He's been away on personal business."
Monarch - "I shall look forward to meeting this Jack O'Lantern."
Leo - "You say that now..."
Martin - "I hate to bring up business at the breakfast table, but I have a case that I've been assigned and I might need some help."
Chris - "One of New York's finest needing our help?"
Martin - "I'm serious, Chris."
Professor - "Perhaps you should tell us a little about it?"
Martin - "It's a real strange case. I've been assigned to investigate the disappearance several police officers. They all were off-duty when they disappeared. Usually en route from work or a bar to home and all at night. So far I haven't got a clue."
Professor - "You're right, that does sound strange."
At that moment TJ Lawrence, better known to you all as Gadgeteer and the benefactor of Equinox, enters the kitchen area.
TJ - "Morning' all! So what are you up to?"
Leo - "Not a whole lot."
TJ - "Considering' all that we've been through, I thought that a night out would do us all some good. What do you say, huh?"
Chris - "What do you have in mind?"
TJ - "A friend of folks, Arthur Hudson, is throwing' a gala bash at his mansion tonight. I'm talking' real high-society stuff. Whatdaya say?"
Professor - "Sounds like it would be interesting."
Leo - "Can I take, Dawn? Can I?"
TJ - "Sure thing, kid."
Leo - "Awesome! I'm gonna call her right now!"
Leo runs from the room.
Chris - "That boy..."
Sheila - "Sounds real neat, but I don't have a thing to wear."
TJ - "Hey, no problem. You and Chris can go shopping this afternoon. My treat."
Monarch - "I do so enjoy festivals."
TJ - "My man, you will be a hit at the party."
Martin - "I don't know... I should really be out looking for leads."
Chris - "Oh, don't be such a stuffed shirt, Martin. It'll be fun!"
Martin - "If you insist."
Chris - "I do."
TJ - "Great! I'll be by later with the limo. Shall we say sevenish?"
Professor - "We'll be ready."
Sheila - "So, Monarch, would you be my escort?"
Monarch - "I would be delighted, my dear."
Sheila - "Super!"
The afternoon passes quickly by. Sheila and Chris have already returned from their shopping spree bearing a small mountain of packages. Christina soon after retires to her quarters for several hours. She mentions something about lack of sleep being the reason.
By seven everyone is all ready to go. Sheila is dressed in spectacular red evening gown. She stands holding Monarchs arm. Christina wears a black sequin gown. The men all wear tuxes. Dawn arrives in light green dress. Moments later, a large limousine pulls up to the curb. TJ steps out.
TJ - "Evening all! Come on in, there's someone I'd like you to meet."
Inside the limo you found an attractive blond waiting.
TJ - "This is Karrie Madigan."
Karrie - "Hello."
The team quickly piles into the limo.
TJ - "So, Prof, it looks like you're the only one without a date."
Professor - "That's my misfortune."
Half an hour later you arrive the Hudson Mansion. The place is gigantic.
Dawn - "Like, wow! I thought that my grandma had a mansion. This is like a small city!"
TJ - "That's what being a shipping tycoon can get you.
Inside a huge dance hall, the affair is in full swing. The place is wall-to-wall with the beautiful people of New York. Time quickly passes and we soon find Leo and the Professor at the banquet table.
Leo - "Some party, huh?"
Professor - "Quite. Enjoy yourself, my boy?"
Leo - "Yeah! Dawn's a great girl."
Professor - "Good. I'm happy that you've found yourself a friend."
Leo - "Oh, by the way, some of our other friends are here."
Professor - "Who might that be?"
Leo - "I think the Knights are here! I've smelled the Enchantress and the others."
Professor - "Small world isn't it. Why not, I'm sure that they have fun too."
Leo - "Boy, is that Enchantress something else! Spin too! In fact that's her over there."
Leo points to an attractive brunette further down the table.
Dawn comes up to the table and drags Leo back on to the dance floor. The Professor smiles at him.
Professor - "Ha! It looks like the lady wants to dance."
Spinnerette - "I'd love too."
Professor - "I beg your pardon?"
The Professor turns to find Spinnerette stand beside him.
Professor - "Excuse me, miss, but I..."
Spinnerette - "You're friend Leo isn't the only person with good senses, Professor. Oh, yes, I know who you are. Just like you know you I am."
Professor - "I see."
Spinnerette - "Just call me, Diana. Shall we dance?"
Professor - "After you, my dear."
The night passes on and you all enjoy yourselves.
Unexpectedly, the lights in the hall suddenly go out. A moment later there is a gunshot! The crowd breaks out into a panic. After a moment, the lights come back on. Then there are a few screams and a stunned silence comes over the hall. You all push your way through to see what is going on. You finally make your way through the mass of people.
You cannot believe the scene that lies before you. Arthur lies face down on the floor. There is blood on the floor. Kneeling next to him is TJ. There is a smoking gun in his hand....
Spectrum's Comments: SIGH. Another case of 'Gee, maybe I should have let the players do something' instead of forcing things along like that. A part from that, it wasn't too bad. Since Cat was always interested in the ladies, I figured I'd give him a girlfriend more his own age. TJ's date, Karrie Madigan, has appeared in Muskateer. She threw the party where the Wild Cards made their debut. I guess Spin has a thing for older gentlemen here.
SUBJ: Ranger - Police mode (R) FROM: Deslock 04/25/89 S#: 116367
I don't believe this; it has to be a set up. With his talents, TJ would have to be exceedingly stupid to pull a stunt like this. Still, I have to play this by the book, at least until we discover what's going on.
I move to the front of the crowd, pull my badge, and display it to the crowd.
"My name's Officer Klein, of the NYPD. I must ask that no one leave the room. If there's a Doctor here, please come forward. TJ, place the gun on the floor, and move away from the body."
Whispering to Chris, "All can not be as it appears here. Still, could you scan TJ to confirm that he didn't do it. Also, talk to the others and get them to watch the crowd. The Knights should be able to help in this as well."
I'll move to the body, check for vital signs, and wait for a Doctor to arrive. In the mean time, I'll check the scene for clues; firing angles, powder burns, etc...
SUBJ: Monarch FROM: N4SIR 04/26/89 S#: 799954
(Monarch Data: While not adventuring monarch wears around a pair of white swim trunks sometimes with tank top sometimes bare-chested. On the shopping spree Monarch buys a white tux with yellow bow tie and yellow cummerbund with a yellow half cape with red lining).
At the time of the gunshot Monarch will use his ir vision to observe the happenings.
When the lights come back up Monarch will remain seated. He does not seemed at all shocked by the happenings, except maybe by everyone's reactions to it.
SUBJ: Sorceress
It occurs to me that, apart from the fact that TJ couldn't have killed that man, that he also couldn't have been the one who turned the lights off. With that thought in mind, I'll slip out of the hall and head for the parking lot. See if anyone is trying to get away from the mansion in a hurry.
Crusaders Plus #15 - "The Parties Over..."
It is a quiet Saturday evening as Officer Terry drives through the Larchmont district. Suddenly she hears a voice, apparently that of an elderly man, shouting "Murder! Bloody murder! The master's been shot! Help! Murder!"
Terry brings the car to a stop. She sees an older man in a butler's uniform running onto the sidewalk from the front drive of a large mansion. Tears are streaming down the old man's face and his voice is cracking as he continues to cry for help. The man is clearly hysterical.
Terry gets out of the car and approaches the man.
Terry - "I'm a police officer. What's the trouble, sir?"
Man - "The master's been murdered! Come quickly!"
The man turns and runs back towards the mansion. Terry pauses long enough to place a call to dispatch before following the man.
Inside the mansion itself, the crowd in the hall stands in stunned silence. Arthur Hudson, the chairman of Hudson Industries lies dead on the floor. A small stream of smoke comes from a gun being held by TJ Lawrence.
Martin makes his way to the body. He pulls his badge and holds it over his head.
Martin - "My name's Officer Klein, of the NYPD. Everyone please remain calm. I must ask that no one leave the room at this time. If there's a doctor here, please come forward. TJ, place the gun on the floor, and move away from the body.
TJ - "What--? You think that I--? Of course, you're just doing your job."
TJ sets the gun on the floor and sits down in a nearby chair.
Christina meets Martin's eyes and unspoken words pass between them.
Martin - "All cannot be as it appears here. Still, could you scan TJ to confirm that he didn't do it? Also, contact the others and get them to watch the crowd. Ask the Knights for help as well."
Chris - "Right away."
At that moment, the butler enters the hallway and leads Officer Terry to the scene of the crime.
Butler - "I've brought the police here."
Martin - "I'm Officer Klein. I was attending this party."
Terry - "Officer Terry. I was driving by when I spotted this gentleman. Homicide's on the way."
Terry bends down to examine the body.
Terry - "He's dead."
Elsewhere, Monarch stands beside the Sorceress.
Sheila - "How awful! TJ couldn't have done it he couldn't have.... How can you remain so calm?"
Monarch - "I am puzzled by your reaction, Sheila. Is something wrong?"
Sheila - "A man has just been killed and our friend appears to be the one to do it!"
At that moment, Chris telepathically relates Martin's message.
Monarch - "I used my vision to look around during the blackout but, I didn't see anything."
Sheila - "I'm going to look around."
Chris - "Okay. Stay in touch."
Near the banquet table we find Charles, Diana, Leo and Dawn...
Dawn - "This is horrible!"
Charles - "Perhaps you should take the young lady away from this area, Leo."
Leo - "Good idea, Professor."
Charles - "Did you sense anything, Diana?"
Diana - "Only for a brief moment. It caught me by surprise. I sensed danger and then it was suddenly gone."
Charles - "Hmmm..."
At that moment, Chris delivers her message.
Charles - "I understand. Come, Diana, let's make ourselves useful."
Back at the scene of the crime, Martin receives another message from Christina.
Chris - "Everyone is moving to the exits. The Knights are also helping. Muskateer said that this is our play, since TJ is our teammate. He also suggests that we all stay incognito."
Martin - "Good idea. No sense making things more complicated with heroes coming out of the wood work."
Chris - "I've also scanned TJ. He is very confused, but I believe that he is innocent."
Martin - "Now to prove it."
Officer Terry looks at Martin and then Christina as if she somehow overheard the telepathic conversation. She smiles slightly.
Terry - "Yes, to prove anything we need to get some clues."
At one of the back doors, Sheila tries to depart the room.
"I'm afraid that I can't let you leave, miss."
Turning, she sees a fairly attractive man with an equally attractive woman.
Sheila - "But, I-"
"I suggest that you do what my husband says. Nobody can leave the room."
Throwing her hands in the air, Sheila heads back towards the others.
Back at the body, Martin is looking for clues while Terry questions the people close by. Arthur's wife, Betty, is visibly shaken. She is allowed to be taken to her room by the Hudson's lawyer Thomas Thornton.
Examining the victim, Martin deduces the following. Extensive powder burns on the back of the neck indicate that the bullet was found at point blank range. The bullet entered his head at the base of the skull and exited through the front top of the skull. Death was instantaneous.
Finally, Martin and Terry speak to TJ.
Martin - "Okay, TJ, tell me what happened?"
TJ - "Well, the lights went out and I heard a shot. I then heard a thud and what I guess to be the sound of the gun hitting the floor. I moved in that direction. I took a few steps and..."
Terry - "And?"
TJ - "I felt something... for a moment. And then it was gone."
Martin - "Felt what?"
TJ - "A presence of some kind. But it wasn't there... I tripped... Over the body I guess... I felt around and found the gun. And then the body. I picked the gun up and started to examine the body. Then the lights came on."
Martin - "It doesn't look good, my friend."
Terry - "I believe that he is telling the truth."
A few minutes later, re-enforcements arrive. A Detective Skidmore takes over. Long hours pass and every guest has to give a statement before being allowed to go home. TJ is taken into custody.
Finally, you are all free to go. The Equinox team members return to their base and retire for the night. Offices Terry and Klein head down to the police station.
It is next morning and we find everyone at the breakfast table. The mood is much more somber than the day before.
Sheila - "This is all crazy."
Charles - "Quite so, dear girl. But how can we proof his innocence?"
Martin enters the kitchen area.
Martin - "Boy, am I beat."
Chris - "Just coming in?"
Martin - "Yeah. I was at the station all night."
Leo - "How's TJ?"
Martin - "Things don't look good. He's been charged with first degree murder."
Sheila - "Oh, no!"
Martin - "There's more. At approximately the same time last night, the Hudson's private safe was robbed."
Chris - "This is getting more and more confusing. TJ's being set up and somehow we have to prove it."
Leo - "But how?"
Spectrum's Comments: The couple who stopped the Sorceress was actually Muskateer & the Enchantress in their civilian ID's. Also managed to work Police Office Terry into this mess as well. That gal popped up all over the place!
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 05/01/89 S#: 840661
"Well, we've covered all the conventional possibilities, I guess we've got to start delving into our specialties. Professor, could TJ have been possessed in some magical manner? Chris, how about mental possession? This would account for his confusion about the events leading up to the event, and would explain why Monarch saw nothing occur. It's either that, or the perpetrator was invisible. Has anyone else got any ideas?"
What details are there about the safe? Was the job conventional, or was there evidence that some super powers were utilized? Prints? If powers were used, do they correspond to any known criminals?
SUBJ: Sorceress
Sorry, guys, but I have nothing useful to add. If only those people hadn't stopped me from leaving the ballroom. Perhaps I might have spotted the thief getting away. No sense dwelling on that. I'll go along with any reasonable plan in this matter.
SUBJ: GM Notes:
Chris - "TJ truly believes what he told you and the other police officer. Perhaps that other presence he felt was the real killer?"
About the safe: The robbery appears to have been done by a non-super. A window in the basement was found have been forced open by a professional. The windowpane was taped, and then a small circle was cut and the glass punched out. The circuit breakers were also pulled in the basement that caused the lights to go. The butler went downstairs and turned them back on. He saw the body and then rushed out into the street where Terry found him. There were no prints anywhere. The thief apparently was gloved. The safe was cracked and emptied. Several thousand in cash, plus miscellaneous stocks, bonds and jewels are believed to be the only contents of the safe. Footprints were found near the broken window, but they didn't lead very far.
SUBJ: MONARCH FROM: N4SIR 05/02/89 S#: 841917
"It would appear to me that the solution is simple. It must either be his relatives, his servants or his Enemies. Or a combination of the two maybe even all three." Monarch says with complete naiveté'.
"Why are the authorities handling an assassination with such fervor when there are people trying to corrupt this planet with drugs and seeking to destroy it?"
SUBJ: Sorceress
"Where do you come from, big guy? Murder is a very serious crime here. Not to say that the other crimes you mention are not any less serious."
SUBJ: MONARCH(reply) FROM: N4SIR 05/06/89 S#: 821144
"I agree milady murder is a most hideous crime. But this appears to be a run of the mill assassination. A natural order of human nature. But Compared to the Willful destruction of say the corruption of moral society with the use of narcotics or the extortion of the nation by evil lawmakers seeking to line their pockets with the gold of the poor. Those are the truly evil individuals we are fighting. By eliminating the use of the Dark colors of mankind will we brighten the big picture of the world. Worrying about the loss of one man while Chaos seeks to bring down civilization that should be our concern. What the Nazis did to the Jews was MURDER. What happened here was an unfortunate accident. One man got in the way of another man trying to improve his social status. But are we not doing that everyday of our lives otherwise why are so many going hungry in this nation or are living on the streets. Those are crimes the Assassination of someone living in a mansion just makes no sense."
"I apologize, perhaps the crime was that we were here in the first place and not out helping our society improve itself," Monarch will take the young ladies hand and kiss it. "I was wrong to make light of this situation I am truly sorry that I have offended you."
SUBJ: A Knock on the door FROM: Miss Terry 05/07/89 S#: 503860
Knock Knock
At the door a woman wearing jeans and a white blouse, with a badge clipped to her belt. 'Hello, My name Mary Sue Terry I'm with the police department, I wondering if there was a Officer Klien here.
(After hopefully being let in)
'Officer Klein my name is Mary Sue Terry I'm the police psychologist, I ran into you and your friends last night.' After an acknowledgement I ask for a cup of coffee if they have any and sit down.
After taking a sip of coffee, 'I've been talking to Detective Skidmore, and seems they have charged your friend with Murder One, I don't think your friend is guilty. He didn't have any powder residue on his hands and I doubt he took off a pair of gloves without hiding the weapon, somebody wants this case closed quickly and your friend gets the prize, unless he does anything stupid a good lawyer should be able to get this case thrown out of court.'
'Now on to the reason I'm here I ran a trace on the gun and its registered to one Gratz Smith, upon more investigation it seems people who live near Mr. Smith thinks he's a little strange, some even compare this man to a Vampire. As you can see I can't take this to Det. Skidmore. I was wondering Martin if you'd like to accompany me to 343 Mercer St to see Mr. Smith.'
Spectrum's Comments: I set up the information with Terry before hand. Detective Skidmore was another old minor character. He turned up in Spectrum a few times and was Jackie Carter's partner. Oh, and the street address is actually my address. The 343 part, not Mercer St. With Gratz being mentioned, perhaps this is all starting to fall into place.
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 05/08/89 S#: 846294
"Monarch, much of what you say is true, but what are we if we ignore a murder which occurs before our very eyes? Despite our powers, we are not gods, we can not cure all the worlds woes. We must address evil as best we can. There's also the matter that the accused is our friend. If we do not help our friends, then who should we help?"
Answering the door, I greet Officer Terry. "Come in, you'll find the coffee in the kitchen."
After hearing the new information, I agree to accompany her. "I believe that some of my companions might be interested as well. They have some expertise in this field."
SUBJ: Sorceress
"Vampires? Yeah, right. Still... At least it's a lead. Something we didn't have before. I guess I'll go along with this."
Crusaders Plus #16 - "Stakeout"
After Officer Terry explains the reason for her call, Professor Abriax enters the kitchen with a surprise announcement.
Professor - "My friends, I'm afraid that me and Leo must part company with you for a short time."
Chris - "What do you mean? You can't just abandon TJ!"
Professor - "We have been summoned by the Enochians. The ones who gave me the soul gem. I have no choice but to answer the summons."
Leo and the Professor begin to fade from sight.
Leo - "Don't worry, guys! We'll be back! Someone call Dawn and try to explain it to her!"
And then, both are gone.
Martin - "That was unexpected."
Sheila - "But, Professor, what about me? What about my training?!?"
Monarch - "It appears that you'll have to find another teacher, milady."
Martin - "But, in the meantime, let's go talk to this Gratz character."
The five of you pile into Officer Terry's cruiser and drive off to the address in question. 343 Mercer Street is the location of an apartment building. It is on the corner. After locating the apartment leased by Gratz, Terry and Martin knock on the door. The rest of you are in the police cruiser. Nightingale keeps track of you telepathically.
A man answers the door. He is of average height with a pointed beard and mustache. After identifying yourselves, he lets you in. He introduces himself as Gratz Smith. He speaks with a European accent.
He claims to know nothing of the crime in question. He denies even owning a gun.
After twenty minutes of questioning, the two of you leave. You're not making any progress here.
Back in the police cruiser...
Martin - "That was a waste of time. Did you sense anything, Chris?"
Chris - "No. This Gratz character has a very strong will. It was difficult to read his thoughts."
Sheila - "So now what do we do?"
Martin - "Wait and watch."
It is nightfall before anything interesting happens. Two people are seen walking up to the apartment building.
Martin - "I don't believe it!"
Terry - "What is it?"
Martin - "I know those people. I was assigned to a case to investigate several missing police officers. Those are two of them!"
The two people go into the apartment house and enter the apartment of Gratz.
Chris - "What an odd happening? Now what do we do?"
GM Notes:
As I already informed you have, this is going to be the last Crusaders Plus. There is a possibility that it will return in a few months. Please post your responses here. This story will continue in the Crusaders post that will be up at the end of the week.
Spectrum's Comments: This all led to a crossover with the Crusaders, coming next update. With Muskateer temporarily gone and the number of players dwindling, it seemed like a good idea to combine the two groups and make it just one post. I was already running Lost Heroes at this time as well, so I went from three games to two. Muskateer did come back and we separated the games for a while before Crusaders and Crusaders Plus permanently merged.
Professor Abriax was gone by the request of his player. As I said when he first appeared, I liked the Professor. His player however decided to retire the Professor and that was that. A new possessor of the Soul Gem appeared a few months down the road. The Sorceress getting being abandoned by potential trainers was something that happened a few times as well.
SUBJ: Sorceress
"Wow... The Professor's gone... Now what am I going to do? DEMON is still after me... Perhaps I best be going myself..."
"If this does tie into your case, Ranger, then perhaps you should find out what's going on in there?"
SUBJ: Ranger FROM: Deslock 05/16/89 S#: 800876
"I'm sorry to see you go, Prof, Leo. Let us know when you're back in town."
"Sheila, don't let your Demon problems force a decision on you. I think we can handle anything they throw at us."
"This house definitely calls for a closer look. Let's pair up and go for a look."
I'll look for an open window on the sides or rear of the house. Finding one, I shall attempt to climb up to it and, assuming that there is no one inside that particular room, I shall enter. I shall move quietly to a position inside from which I can overhear any conversations which may be going on.
SUBJ: Miss Terry... FROM: Miss Terry 05/17/89 S#: 500722
Checking her gun she makes sure that it's loaded and off safety, she heads for the door while the others are out by the window. Quickly knocking loudly on the door she steps to the side out of sight of any peepholes and out of the way in case bullets fly through the door.
If no answer she'll knock again but at a different angle.
SUBJ: MONARCH FROM: N4SIR 05/19/89 S#: 432087
"Ah young Leo it is a shame you must take your leave. But if you ever need the power of Monarch do not fear because he will never be to far that you cannot summon him... and professor we have not talked at any length but your heart is true and that is all anyone man can ask of another good luck i am sure the fortunes will shine upon the two of you. Farewell."
"My dear Shelia although mine is not of the Arcane Arts I shall not let anything happen to you. That I swear."
"Perhaps it would be best if I were to go in first and confront them and demand their explanations of their actions?"
Spectrum's Comments: And that's that. Equinox's story continues in Crusaders #14.