Young Writers Society

Ninja, the cruise has already started. It's the morning we find our first murder victim, about 12 days into said cruise. It was a great post though.

Alex

Alex was snapped out of his thoughts by shouting.

"Lady O'Hanley is dead!"

He ran towards the source of the sound, turning the corner to be faced with an already-growing crowd around the body. Women were already beginning to cry, muttering about why it had to happen and who could have done it. Cruise officials were already trying to break up the crowd with the usual murmurs of "nothing to see here."

Despite not believing them there was nothing to see, Alex backed up to a foot or so back from the crowd. More officials pushed past him to reach Lady O'Hanley. He leaned against the wall and watched, letting everything process in his mind.

"What happened?" Kevin, one of Alex's aquantences from the department asked.

Alex glanced at him. "Murder."

Kevin glanced between the scene and Alex. "Always mr. calm, eh?"

"Who says I'm calm?" Alex replied. He held out a hand, showing mild shaking. "I just didn't know the lady."

Kevin moved to be against the wall, making room for the flood of personelle and equipment coming down the hall. "Who did it?"

Alex just shrugged.

(fyi, because Alex is here with a group of people, non-controlled characters might be in my posts. But they're all a bit more sociable than Alex so you can still approach the group)

I hate to ask this but, sense I'm half asleep, and I'm not on the computer long, would someone mind bring in my character?

Felix

I've never liked my name.

Staring at the guitar that lay in my hands, I turned my head to look at the neck of it. I could just make out the engraving of my name that I'd created over twelve years ago. Whenever anyone else saw it, they thought that it said Eelix. I could see why though, my F looked exactly like an E. I chuckled to myself. Felix was certainly better than Eelix. Not much better though.

"Lady O'Hanley is dead!" A loud cry suddenly interrupted my thoughts.

As the woman's name was spoken, I froze. Lady O'Hanley was dead. Thousands of thoughts raced through my head, not giving me a chance let everything sync in. I couldn't believe it. Minutes earlier, everything was so calm and relaxed. I was sat on the deck, strumming my guitar. Everyone was talking happily amongst themselves with no worries in the world.

A few people walked past me, staring as they did so. There was one chick that walked past me who had the cheesiest grin on her face. She tried saying something to me, but I just ignored her. It was pretty funny really. I chuckled to myself. In her dreams.

Dropping my guitar onto the deck chair I was sat on, I stood up and jogged towards the direction of the voice that had just shouted. I wanted to see what was going on, this was something I really didn't want to miss. There was a crowd of people shaped into a circle of terrified expressions. I couldn't blame them; Lady O'Hanley wasn't very easy on the eyes, especially when dead.

"What happened?" I asked a light haired guy who was stood, staring at the body that lay lifelessly on the damp, wooden floor.

"I..." His voice shook as he spoke. "I don't... I don't know..." He suddenly started to cry.

What a doosh.

Jenna Rosewater/ Drink and Dine Restaurant/ 9:00 AM

I stared into the the blue sky from behind the translucent windows, at it's lucidity and transparency. It doesn't have to lie from anybody and never feels lonely or afraid of losing anyone, for the simple fact that everybody needs it. But me? Well, I don't think there's any soul on the earth that needs me now.

I kissed the locket I wore, carrying the picture of my angel. I heaved a sigh, lodged into the chair right beside me. A waitress, of about twenty years walked to my table and gaped in awe. She wore a miniskirt and a bright pink T-shirt, with the logo of the company which owned this cruise, and on the other side was the logo of the restaurant where I now sat. The waitress’ mouth formed an ‘O’ and I chortled a laugh. Sure I am a model, but you don’t need to embarrass me, I thought to myself.


“What is so funny, huh?” I asked coming to my serious mode. The waitress just smiled coyly, and preferred not to utter anything.

“What would you like to have, madam?” She got to her formal self and started jotting down whatever I asked her to bring. “Is that all you need?” She asked once I was over with the order.

“Yeah, I think this would do.”

After several minutes, there was no sign of Jessie and I started growing impatient. The clock on a wall read 09:29 AM, and I was about to take out my cell phone when I heard a depressing cry sending shivers down my spine. I don't know what came over me, but I stood up from my chair and walked to the source of the noise. A plump lady, with a visage that looked stuffed, stood there, leaning by the side of wall. She wore the same dress that the waitress had been wearing, except for the fact that this plump lady looked horrible in it. The lady looked up at me and I saw her ed eyes, filled with unspeakable horror.

"There has been a murder." She muttered, spoiling all of my plans.

Jessie

I hung up the phone. So, this was it. I was actually on a cruise, actually having fun. Or, at least, I was supposed to be. Getting calls every twenty minutes and being on the phone for an hour was not my idea of relaxing. It was like being at work. Well, work was the reason I was getting a luxury suite. So I really shouldn't be complaining. I grabbed my purse on the glass coffee table and took one final look at myself in the mirror.

I had pulled my brown hair into a neat bun, and my bangs hung down the side of my face. My dress was only just past my knees, and solid black, and the bottom layered. The top of my dress was tight to show off my small waist. I was wearing black heels, with a bag to match. My makeup, as always, was flawless.

I fixed the straps of my dress, and then walked into the restaurant, just in time to hear, "There has been a murder."

"Who?" I asked as I turned the corner. A fat woman was leaning against a wall. She looked at me a second, then shook her head and answered my question.

"I don't know, I just heard someone was killed," the woman explained. I looked up at Jenna.

"Long time no see," I said looking at her.

~Jamie Kyo~

Who is just that Lady O'Hanley?

"What a great way to welcome a passenger who's been travelling for eight hours straight just to get here on this ship," she thought. Jamie sighed as she started to walk fast through the wide corridors. The smell of ocean calmed her but still she felt her stomach lurched that brought about a slight headache.

Her feet wobbled due to the fact that her grandma bought the heels on her birthday. She said it was a good-luck charm but Jamie assumed that it was just another cheap heels that could kill her feet at that moment. Though it was a good thing she has her grandparents who would almost force feed her for not eating a single vegetable. And because for that, she has been loving her grandparents ever since.

Luckily, she was wearing her favorite and comfortable floral chiffon dress. Her blue necklace definitely complemented her dress and curly hair.

She had her hair in a one-stroke ponytail and with a white hat covering her brownish-red hair. She smiled and at last and made a full stop in front of a white door, with a written "544" number on it. But before she could get into her pocket to get the room key, someone tapped behind her.

(This could be anyone.)

Angelique Tannhauser

After brushing my unruly light brown curls and changing into one of my Bohemian summer dresses, I left my suite and went to the restaurant. I sat a few chairs away from the only person in here that wasn't an employee, and ordered eggs Benedict before looking at the woman next to me.

Some people might call this staring or gasping, but I prefer to call it "observing". Y'know, it's weird how one can understand others through watching their each and every move. It might seem a bit rude, but I believe it is the only way we can fully grasp what the person in question truly is.

Anyway, the woman was seriously gorgeous --- she could become a model. She had lovely golden waves and piercing hazel eyes, and for a second there, I envied her. She looked like she had no troubles in life at all, like she had everything she ever wanted in her life, everything that I wanted. I remembered of how dreary my life existence had become when my father died, how pathetic --- my remaining family and I --- we had become.

A low, dismal wail broke into my thoughts and I curiously followed the beautiful woman to the source of the noise. To my surprise, there was an overweight woman leaning on the wall. She widened her blood-shot eyes before muttering, "There has been a murder."

I froze, not comprehending what the fleshy lady had said. All sorts of thoughts ran through my head, like, how come there's been a murder? Why would anyone kill another fellow human being anyway? Who would do such a terrible thing? Someone asked who was murdered, and the woman stuttered that she didn't know any details about the whole thing.

Then, the two women beside me started to talk. They apparently knew each other, but I ignored their conversation and rushed onto the deck. I was running towards the dispersing crowd when one of the cruise officials stopped me, and said in a monotone, "Please leave the deck. The deck is now closed."

"Why?" I demanded. He looked down at me in disdain, and I bristled when he replied coolly, "That is none of your business, young woman." He motioned for one of the security guards, and both of them escorted me downstairs to the Lounge where masses of people gathered together, muttering about the murder. I glared at the two men's retreating backs, and put on my "little girl" face before softly asking the woman next to me, "Excuse me, but who was murdered?"

The woman looked startled, and stammered, "Lady O'Hanley." I thanked her, and wandered the Lounge for a while. After a while, I decided on returning to my suite to pick up my sketchbook before going to the cafe and draw.

I wondered about who Lady O'Hanley was as I walked towards my cabin. I was so drawn in my thoughts, I nearly bumped into the girl who had the suite next to me. I tapped on the girl's shoulder, and she turned around and smiled at me kindly. She looked Asian, and was much taller than me, like so many other woman on board. I looked down at the polished, wooden floor, and blurted, "I'm sorry if I seem rude, but do you know Lady O'Hanley is --- I mean, was?"

Roxi Poole

As soon as the news had fully registered in my system, I ran. Like heck. Like freaking flaming heck. Being around Ray and Barrie and the rest of the boys meant I could've been swearing up a category 7 storm right now, but my mind had reverted back to wittle nine yeauh ol' Rossi. (Seriously, that's what my parents have called me for fourteen freaking years. Just switch out nine with all my past years.)

I was fourteen! One year older than thirteen!

And I was officially spazzing.

Wonderful.

I dropped my board and ran onto it, not stopping to catch my breath before kicking off. I was fast, but even faster on my board. I didn't know where I was going, just that.... maybe I should get some chill time first. It's what Ray always had told me to do after I had managed to complete an improv stunt none of the others could do, and I was still high on adrenaline.

Like now.

I took random turns; I had memorized the layout long ago. At this rate, I should be headed straight for... the kitchens. Whoops, make that the first-class cabins. I kicked again, not caring that I couldn't tell the wall from the floor or a lamp from a vase.

Despite the adrenaline, laced with shock and a touch of fear, that raced through me, I felt a surge of pride. Wait til the boys see how fast I can go now! HA!

And then I ran straight, full on, knock-me-off-my-board into someone.

Needless to say, I grabbed my board and ran.

And they, apparently, followed.

>Could be anyone!<

Ella Cameron/Captain's Quarters/9:18 A.M.

Ever since I was a child there has always been something soothing about my father's den to me. With the dim lighting,
book shelves lining the wall, and the faint scent of cigar smoke, I have always felt right at home. I was reading in the big, brown chair one morning when my father burst in to tell me the news. That morning the comfort of this room, this sanctuary, was ruined with the terrible information I had just learned. Lady O'Hanley, one of the ship's richest passengers was murdered this morning. Authorities had been notified and were talking about bringing the freshly started voyage to an end. With great difficulty and much negotiation my father talked them out of it, the Bel Amica's journey was to continue. All activities for the day had been canceled to make room for the planning of the mourning ball being held this evening. It was mandatory for all guests on the ship to attend to pay their respects to Lady O'Hanley and her family. With a kiss on my cheek my father left the room to tend to his captain duties. Suddenly this room had lost all of it's splendor, I bolted.

I didn't know where I was headed but I just ran. I tried to steer clear of the crowd and headed toward my room. I wasn't watching where I was going and ran directly into someone. It was a young girl, maybe thirteen or fourteen, I hadn't seen her around before. She picked up her skateboard and looked up at me, her eyes as big as saucers, she made a mad dash for the opposite direction. "Wait!" I called chasing after her, she didn't stop. "Excuse me! I have your hat!" I called out again, that made her stop and slowly edge toward me. What was she so afraid of? I handed her hat to her, it was plaid and fedora style, it might have been ugly on the wrong person but she seemed to pull it off quite well.

"Thanks." she muttered and snatched it from my hand, putting it back on her head.

Roxi Poole

Clutching my hat, I skated. I skated blasted fast. A million thoughts battered my skull. What if she knew me? What if she talks about me? What if she recognized me? I was about to hyperventilate. I reached the free room I had been staying in in record time and shot in, bolting the door behind me. I slid down the wall, board and fedora crossed over my chest.

Mon dieu. So far today:

-a dead woman has been discovered

-I have gotten the courage to go into public

-I have run into... oh, chiz.

I realized who that was now- the captain's daughter. I groaned, a little bit of a whimper mixed in, and banged my board on my forehead. Bad....bad.... BAD Roxi! I put my head in my hands. This was bad. With my current situation with Mom and Dad, I really couldn't afford to get into more trouble. I really, really did not want to go to - what was it called? Primrose School For Young Ladies? I shuddered a little. I dropped my hands and folded my arms, burying my face in them.

This was really, really not cool.

Zane Thomas

How horrible! How terrible! A murder on the ship, and a high-profile one, at that! How depressing! How appalling! Now all the cruise-goers would be depressed and tense and miserable, and we couldn't have that. Cruises were supposed to be fun and relaxing and pleasant!

It was with these thoughts in mind that Zane Thomas, Cruise Director, planned the Mourning Ball for Lady O'Hanley. But it would not be something as morbid as a mourning ball, oh no. It would be a grand and spectacular ball honoring the Lady's life and celebrating all the living she had done. A highlight of all her accomplishments was a must, and mention of the projects she started that would continue on, even without her guiding hand... The Ballroom would have to be set up with displays and decorated accordingly with her personal colors. And the menu! It must be befitting of royalty in presentation and preparation to suit the Lady's refined palate.

So much to do and so little time! The ball would have to be set up by the end of the day, at latest. The passengers needed something straightaway to keep their minds off distressing thoughts of murder and death, something that would give them closure. It would be difficult to manage such an extravagant event on such short notice, but Zane was confident in the abilities of his crew, and as he checked in on the ballroom preparations, he felt quite confident the ball would be up and running by seven tonight.

Now, to ensure that everyone on board attended...

Notice: Okay, I moving this along to just before the Ball. The Ball starts at 7 PM sharp. Don't be late!


Isidora Norwood | Amundsen Deck - First Class Cabin Balcony | Day 12 ~ 6:24pm:

The invitations had been sent, and I had received one. I stared at it while I leaned on the balcony railing. Seven PM start. I snorted and pushed away from the railing, retreating to my room. I might as well get ready for it. I hadn't even liked the woman, but it was a pity she had to die.

"Murder?" I muttered and flung the invitation down on a nearby table.

It was preposterous. Everyone on board had been invited. Everyone. Even the staff. Sighing, I moved over to my closet and pulled open the doors. Now, what to wear. What to wear?

I pulled out a nice, deep royal blue dress and laid it over the closest chair before turning back to the closet full of clothes. Where had I put those shoes?

And then it hit me. Lady O'Hanely was dead. As in murdered. I gasped, and dropped into the nearby chair. Was someone on the ship killing us off? What if I was next?

I slapped myself. Hard. "Get a grip, Izzy," I muttered and gave my cabin a forlorn look. "Why would they kill you?"

Just at that moment, my daughter came into the room, rubbing her eyes. I smiled, watching her.

"Momma," she mumbled, still half asleep. "What're you doing?"

"Come to Mommy, Sonya," I whispered and held my arms. My little girl trudged over to me and scrambled up into my lap. "Mommy was looking for something to wear to the ball tonight."

"There's a ball tonight?" Sonya asked, eyes suddenly sparkling. I nodded. "Can I dress up as a princess? Can I? Can I? Can I?"

I chuckled and brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes, "Of course you can, sweetheart." My little Sonya grinned.

We both turned to look into the closet at the same time. Now, what was she going to wear? We only had less then half an hour to figure it out.

Jenna Rosewater:

The green eyes wanted to say something to me, trying to get my whole attention but I was busy trying on dresses for the premiere.

"This red one doesn't suit me much, does it?" I asked my daughter, Rebecca. She glanced at me, her eyes still wanting to have me, my attention but I couldn't understand it then. After some time of glaring, she pushed her head down. After I saw her head down from the mirror, I turned around and walked to her.

"What's the matter, dear?" I asked her as I started tickling her on her stomach, hen launching onto the neck and then the legs.

"You are just not looking at me," she said looking up with tears flowing down, making me too put my head down,but in shame.


"I am talking to you, Jen." A voice brought me out of my guilt time. It was then I realized that I had been staring at a Vogue for a long time aimlessly and dreaming about something else. My Rebecca! I could never get myself out of the guilt that I never spent much time with her pr concentrated on her, but only on my work. How bad she must have always felt? Not getting time to spend with her won mother!

"Sorry, Jes. I was thinking-"

"Rebecca? " her face became sad and she stroked my hair. "everything would be just fine," she consoled me even she knew along with me that it wasn't.

"Thanks!"

"By the by, I think I found out the photo of Lady who has been killed this morning," she shifted her laptop on to me.

"Let me see," I said as I ducked my head to see the photo of an exceptionally beautiful lady, un her mid0thirties, wearing a heavy emerald set with a bird symbol encrusted on it. Her chocolate brown hair were tied neatly into a bun, as she sat with her elbows on a table, and her head resting on it. It all came back to me! The lady who had shown so much of hospitality to me back then was just dead.

Why would anyone want to kill her? I thought and gaped in awe,

Felix

To be perfectly honest, I really didn't want to go to that ball. I had enough on my mind, I hardly wanted to get stressed out about turning up in a monkey suit at a dull, pointless ball. I wasn't even asked to go so that I could enjoy myself, I was just there to work. That was all I ever did nowadays; work.

No one was in the mood for a ball anyway, not after Lady O'Hanley got what she deserved. I didn't know why everyone was so sad, the woman was a complete bitch. She constantly treated me like I was a speck of dirt on her shoe and she thought that she could tell me to do whatever she wanted me to do. I smiled slightly. She certainly got what she deserved.

"For God's sake!" A voice suddenly caught my attention. "You look like a complete mess. You have to be at the ball in ten minutes and you cannot go looking like that."

I turned around to see my boss, Adam Lawton, leaning against the doorway. He couldn't say much. If you asked me, the suit he was wearing was way too tight and the colour of it actually made me want to throw up. Clenching my fists, I narrowed my eyes at him.

"You can't say much, you look like a blooming hobo." I muttered, walking towards the doorway.

"Hey!" Lawton grabbed my arm as I was about to leave the room. "Don't talk to me like that! If you continue behaving like this, trust me, you will not have a job by the end of the night."

If he continued behaving like this, he would be the one in trouble, not me. Idiot.