Mystery Demo

Compiling Name... (set: $firstname to (prompt: "Enter First Name:", "")) (set: $lastname to (prompt: "Enter Last Name:", "")) [[next]]

Detective $firstname $lastname, welcome to your training. [[Briefing]]

A horrific murder has happened aboard the [[Intersystem Ascendant]], the galaxy's newest luxury cruise ship. The victim is [[William Vega]], the CEO of a prominent mining company, SolCore, which specializes in the plantes closest to the Sun. [[Continue Briefing]]

The Intersystem Ascendant is a luxury cruise ship for interplanetary vacations. It was designed and built by the Luxis Corporation, a conglomerate known for producing some of the most advanced and luxurious space-faring vessels in the galaxy. This ship is a marvel of engineering, featuring cutting-edge propulsion systems and state-of-the-art amenities designed to cater to the needs and desires of its passengers. The ship's interior is a vast network of luxurious suites, entertainment venues, and dining establishments, all designed to offer the ultimate in comfort and relaxation.

The ship's captain, [[Eris Novon]], is our primary suspect. As captain, she has the greatest knowledge of the ship, giving her access to sensitive areas of the ship and more opportunities to commit the crime. [[Next Suspect]]

Eris Novon is a veteran captain with over two decades of experience in the field of interstellar travel. Her impressive career has seen her pilot some of the most advanced and high-profile starships in the galaxy, and she has garnered a reputation as one of the most skilled and reliable captains in the industry. Despite her professional successes, Eris is known to have a somewhat morally ambiguous streak, and her methods are sometimes seen as unorthodox or even questionable by her colleagues. However, her track record for getting the job done has earned her a loyal following among her crew, who trust her implicitly to make the tough decisions when they arise.

William Vega was the CEO of SolCore, a prominent mining company that specializes in extracting valuable resources from the planets closest to the Sun. Vega was a well-respected figure in the industry, known for his shrewd business acumen and innovative approach to mining technology. Under his leadership, SolCore had become one of the most successful and profitable mining companies in the galaxy. Despite his success, Vega was not without his critics. Some accused him of being too focused on profits at the expense of worker safety and environmental concerns. Others claimed that he had a ruthless streak and was willing to resort to unethical practices to achieve his goals. He was rumored to have a love of high-stakes gambling and had been known to frequent the casinos on various space stations in the galaxy. However, he was also known to be fiercely loyal to his company and employees, and had a reputation for taking care of those who worked for him. It remains to be seen what led to Vega's untimely demise, but his death has sent shockwaves through the mining industry and left many wondering who will take over the helm at SolCore.

Our secondary suspect is Dr. [[Sophia Chen]], SolCore's Chief Medical Officer. With that title came the duty of traveling with Vega on all of his trips. She would be responsible for his wellbeing on the Intersystem Ascendant, and was known to oppose some of his business practices. [[Final Suspect]]

Dr. Sophia Chen is a compassionate and dedicated doctor who oversees the health and well-being of SolCore's workers. She has been known to clash with Vega over worker safety concerns and has been vocal about her objections to some of SolCore's business practices. Chen was born and raised on the planet Mars and comes from a long line of doctors. Her parents were both doctors and instilled in her a strong sense of empathy and dedication to the health and well-being of others. Chen studied medicine at the University of Mars and graduated at the top of her class. Her reputation as a brilliant and compassionate doctor earned her the position of Chief Medical Officer at SolCore. She oversees the health and safety of the company's workers, and is known for her tireless efforts to ensure that they receive the best possible care. Chen has been a vocal advocate for worker safety and has clashed with Vega over his perceived lack of concern for the health and well-being of SolCore's employees.

The last known suspect aboard the ship is [[Sable Vega]], William Vega's second wife. A fading model who was perceived to marry him for the money, she had become the galaxy's newest socialite. Her motives and loyalty are questioned by many, and that combined with her proximity to the murder makes her our final known suspect. Detective, now that you've got the who's who of our suspects, it's time to board the finest cruise ship the galaxy has ever seen. [[Board the Intersystem Ascendant]]

Sable Vega was born into a wealthy family and was raised in luxury. She spent her teenage years modeling and was soon scouted by several high-profile fashion houses. She quickly rose to fame and became a prominent figure in the fashion industry. However, as she aged, her career started to decline, and she struggled to maintain her status as a top model. It was during this time that she met William Vega at a social event. Despite their significant age difference, they hit it off, and their relationship soon became serious. William was smitten with Sable's beauty and charisma, and he was eager to spoil her with expensive gifts and trips around the world. Their relationship was met with skepticism by many who saw Sable as a gold digger who was only interested in William's wealth and status. Some even speculated that she had been involved in a scandal before she met William, although the details of the alleged scandal were never confirmed. Despite the criticism, Sable and William eventually married in a lavish ceremony that was attended by many high-profile individuals. Sable quickly settled into her new role as a socialite, attending galas, charity events, and other high-profile gatherings. However, her relationship with William was often contentious, with many of his colleagues and employees questioning her loyalty and motives.

As you step aboard the Intersystem Ascendant, you're struck by the sheer size of the ship. It stretches out in front of you, a massive feat of engineering and design that seems to go on forever. You can feel the hum of the engines beneath your feet, a reminder that this is not just a luxury vessel, but a technological marvel capable of interstellar travel. You enter the main atrium, a grand entrance hall that's lined with gleaming metal and polished glass. The walls are adorned with intricate designs and patterns that catch the light, creating a dazzling display of colors and reflections. The space is filled with people, some milling about, others hurrying off to their cabins or the various onboard facilities. You're struck by the ship's sheer opulence. The cabins are spacious and lavishly decorated, with plush bedding and high-end amenities. The restaurants and bars are sleek and modern, with menus that showcase the finest ingredients from across the galaxy. The ship's entertainment facilities are equally impressive, with everything from theaters and concert halls to virtual reality gaming rooms and zero-gravity dance clubs. Throughout the ship, you're surrounded by the hum of technology and the constant buzz of activity. It's a world unlike anything you've ever seen, a place where luxury and science merge to create an unforgettable experience. But you're here on a [[mission]].

You enter the crime scene, William Vega's suite, and are immediately struck by the opulence of the space. The walls are covered in richly textured fabrics, and the floor is made of polished marble that gleams in the soft light. The room is filled with ornate furniture, including a massive four-poster bed and a set of intricately carved wardrobes. However, the luxurious surroundings are marred by the gruesome scene that awaits you. William Vega's lifeless body lies on the bed, his limbs splayed out in an unnatural angle. There's a dark, jagged wound on his neck, and blood has pooled around his head and shoulders. It's clear that he was brutally attacked, and the violence of the crime is palpable in the room. The suite is in disarray, with furniture overturned and items scattered across the floor. It's clear that there was a struggle before William's death, and that the perpetrator was looking for something specific. Drawers have been pulled out of dressers, and cabinets have been ransacked. The room is a mess, with evidence scattered everywhere. Inspect: [[The room]] [[The items]] [[The body]]

The room is filled with the acrid scent of blood, and the air is heavy with the weight of tragedy. It's clear that this was a horrific crime, and that the killer is still at large. Upon further inspection, a heavy crystal vase is shattered on the floor, and a nearby statue has been knocked over and broken. On the [[desk]], there are several papers and a computer that may contain valuable information about Vega's business dealings or personal life. Curiously, there are also no signs of forced entry. Could the killer have known Vega personally? Or did they have access in another way?

As you step closer to the body, you notice that there are signs of struggle on William's hands and arms. It looks like he fought back against his attacker, although it was ultimately a losing battle. Upon closer inspection of the wound on William Vega's neck, you notice that it is jagged and uneven. This irregularity could provide clues as to the angle from which the attacker approached, potentially shedding light on the direction of the attack. Examining the blood splatter on the surrounding surfaces might also support this theory. The direction and distance of the bloodstains could give clues as to the attacker's position and movement during the attack. Together, these clues suggest that the weapon used was likely a stabbing weapon. However, one question still remains: What kind of weapon was used? This detail is crucial in narrowing down the list of suspects and identifying the killer. Inspect: [[The items]] [[The room]]

Vega's computer is open and on, indicating that he may have been using it when he was attacked.

You choose to inspect the: [[Papers]] [[Computer]] Inspect: [[The items]] [[The body]]

A small stack of papers is to the right of the computer. Among them are SolCore financial documents, which show nothing out of the ordinary. As you thumb through the stack, you discover a handwritten note. Written in orange ink, it says "You can't escape your past forever. I know what happened on Luna Station 3." As you realize you have no idea what Luna Station 3 is, you turn to the staff accompanying you and inquire if they are familiar with the name. "Well, Detective $lastname, I do know that Luna Station was a long-gone offshoot of SolCore. Originally funded by our very own Luxis Corporation, in fact. It was shut down two years after it opened, and quietly swept under the rug as a failure for both companies."

You notice that the scattered items on the floor are not random. Among the items are Vega's personal effects, including his wallet and a watch, which suggests that robbery was not a motive. Instead, it appears that the killer was looking for something specific, and the items on the floor were displaced in the process. There are also several broken items on the floor, including the crystal vase and statue. While these items could have been used as weapons, their placement on the floor suggests they were knocked over during a struggle rather than used deliberately. Additionally, there are several small, seemingly insignificant items scattered about, such as a pen and a cufflink. While these may seem like random debris, they could potentially hold clues about the killer's identity or motive. You notice a [[trail]] of small drops of blood leading away from Vega's body. Inspect: [[The room]] [[The body]]

The trail leads out of William Vega's suite and down the hallway towards the [[elevator]]. Barely visible for some distance before it fades out, this indicated the killer moved quickly and was likely in a hurry.

(text-colour:(hsl:0,0,0,0.1))[i i i i i i] [The Killer Among the Stars A text-based mystery by Evan Renfro] [[Begin]]

As you're about to hit the button, the power shuts off, sealing you in a dark, immobile elevator. You hear a scream from somewhere else in the ship.

You enter the elevator. It is lavish, as you expected. Its beauty only distracts you temporarily, as you turn your attention to the buttons. [[Bridge]] [[Observation Deck]] [[Recreation]] [[Lobby]] [[Crew Quarters]] [[Engineering]], which is labeled RESTRICTED