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Home > Story > Event 9 > Page 28
ASHES OF DOUBT▼
ASHES OF DOUBT
[Cowboy Bebop OST 1 - Rush]
Investigator
"A gal can never get anything on this planet."
Investigator
2024-08-02 17:52:20
Investigator Profile
Posted by ID #87
Last edit: 2025-07-17 17:30:50
"There I was, seconds away from getting myself a pipping hot pumpkin spice latte with the detective, when suddenly there was a gun fight. Guy went berserk for no reason. Thankfully no one died but...."
Investigator
2024-08-02 17:54:09
Investigator Profile
Posted by ID #87
Last edit: 2025-07-17 17:31:16
"We were both banned from that establishment. Tossed out onto the street like hungry dogs, forced to seek scrap. Worst of all, the detective wanted to change roles. So he's a non-thematic Cowboy. Ugh."
Investigator
"Even though I was running on fumes, and my partner decided he was getting tired, the Investigator still had a job to do. A few days ago, a house burned down, and I'm hoping to get a closer look at this. Solve a crime. Maybe win back the affection of my friends. Err that last bit was out of character."
Investigator
"The sly investigator took a look around to see if there were perhaps some witness that could join in her search."
Debbie Flou
"Uh huh, yeah, okay yep. Yeah the vacation is going fine. Nope, no sales yet, c'mon it's supposed to be a break from that sort of stuff! Yeah. Yeah, okay. Okay, love you. No, 'love you'. It's the reception, honey. The r e c e p t i o n. Yeah. Okay. Okay, bye."
The marsue waddles through the streets before suddenly bumping into someone they had never met before.
Debbie Flou
"Oh! Sorry, sorry! Are you alright there, uh..."
Investigator
The Investigator stumbles as she turns around to look at the intruder. She stands in shock, trying to remember what would be the polite thing to do meeting another of her kind. "Uuuuh...I..."
Investigator
"Ahem. Bingo, looks like the Investigator, a sly aftik gal found herself a witness to interview."
Investigator
"OR MAYBE A NEW PERSON TO JOIN HER?"
Investigator
The investigator smiles and claps her jaws a few time, checking to see if the other marsue was interested in storytelling.
Debbie Flou
"Oh! Sorry for bumping into you just now."
"Debbie fixes her seaweed and smiles, happy to meet someone who looks like they knew their place around here."

"Say, you have quite the outfit! You wouldn't happen to know where some sort of guide is, would you? I picked up a couple of friends and would love to see what's going on in town!"
Fuzzy
Click- Snap! One of said friends seems more interested in the burnt-down building than whatever it is that's going on, snapping a photo of the wreckage and gazing at it almost wistfully, although she quickly finds herself being drawn back in- almost as if by gravity- into some sort of 'plot'.
Buster
Buster looks confused over at the house that wasn't burnt down earlier beside the person taking photos, before turning to look at the other friends they had come across.
Investigator
The Investigator ponders if her usual rainy day effect would be good. She loves the aesthetic for her character, but she's worried that the mood would scare off this new person and thus opts to forgo it.
Investigator
"Why, yes I would happen to know my place around here! I'm the Investigator, and this is my side kick, the Cowboy."
Cowboy
Cowboy doesn't seem to be paying much attention and only gives a nod towards the group.
Investigator
"We're currently investigating the mystery of this burned down house. I even got a client! You wouldn't happen to be witnesses to this event, now would you?" The Investigator points to Debbie.
Investigator
"OOC: Do tell me if I'm being too forward. I'm just excited! End OOC."
Debbie Flou
"Oh! An investigator!"
"Debbie slaps her cheeks, feeling a tad off her mark for not realizing sooner."
Debbie Flou
"Why yes, we've been milling around here for hours! A bit on the lost side, I suppose. I was just wondering what all the commotion earlier was about! Nearly ran for the ocean when that fire sprang up."
"She muses and is quite self-satisfied at having found such a smart aftik right next to the grub-stop."
Investigator
"Well, how about I help you out figure out where you need to go, and maybe after, I can ask a few questions. Where's a cute lass like you suppose to be heading?"
Debbie Flou
"Of course, of course! I would love to help direct you if you'd help direct me! Scale for scale!"
Debbie Flou
"Well, I was mostly just going site seeing, I thought my friends had some suggestions, but they don't seem to know the beach from the bakery. We ended up getting stuck in this cove, right on the way to the local tour agency."
"Debbie flicks her hair and messes around with some papers in her pocket. It figures none of the directions her coworkers gave her beforehand would help."
Fuzzy
"I'm not very good with directions, sorry. I mostly just wander around- explore, you know? At any rate, I'm glad someone's looking into this island. It's weird, right? Cursed islands..."
Buster
"I hope pal is alright, it wasn't burnt down earlier." Buster says, turning about to face the others.
Buster
2024-08-02 18:39:29
Buster Profile
Posted by ID #87
Last edit: 2025-07-17 17:37:27
"I'm still new around here and not very good at helping people around." It comments, to add onto what Fuzzy was saying.
Investigator
"Well I'll have you know you're in the right hands! We go the best deciphers on the planet!" The investigator takes the papers from Debbie.
Investigator
"Read this, Detective Cowboy." "The sly investigator states as she hands the papers off to her sidekick."
Cowboy
Cowboy takes one look at it. "What am I supposed to do with these?"
Investigator
"Read them?"
Cowboy
"Dude these are unreadable."
Investigator
"No way!" "The dashing Investigator takes the papers from her sidekick. She paces as she reads the map, trying to make heads or tails of the writing...." It is then, that she realizes the marsue might be inviting her to decide the location. In a panic, she tries to make something up on the spot. "Egads! You want to head to Zoo Corp?!?"
Debbie Flou
The map, if it could be called that is an illegible scribble of red lines on a stained MARIANA company napkin. It's doubtful even the most talented doctor could decipher it.

"Well, I was hoping to swing by there, yeah!"
Buster
Buster seems really invested in the odd way the two marsue keep talking compared to everyone else it's met.
Investigator
"Well, well, well. I'll have you know that my investigation means we get a front row seat to Zoo Corp. Follow me, and let me do the talking." "Heh. It's like everything was coming into place. A crime against a Zoo Corp employee. A group who needed a way in. Like a match ordered by the Neo."
Investigator
"Maybe...even too perfect....."
The group heads to Zoo Corp.
[Going Under OST - the grind]
Madam
The cekeki at the first desk seemed to be in a bad mood. A cig in her mouth, she doesn't even speak to the group entering.
Madam
She just gives them a look of "What do you want?"
Fuzzy
The Extral hangs back, hiding partially behind the rest of the group, keeping her eyes firmly off the receptionist and instead scanning the rest of the area. Cekikis kind of freak her out.
Buster
2024-08-02 18:57:46
Buster Profile
Posted by ID #87
Last edit: 2025-07-17 17:38:44
Meanwhile the Roman Apollo is quite happy finding itself in this place, though it remains behind the leaders for the moment.
Fuzzy rolls a 20 sided die. A 2 is rolled.

Fuzzy takes a look around but not only fails to find anything but trips over her own feet and knocks down a vase.

Fuzzy
Fuzzy makes a frankly embarresing noise as she trips, and just sort of stands there frozen like a deer in headlights. She quickly shuffles back over to the much larger individuals, putting them between her and the Cekiki, not taking her eyes off Madam.

"(Why did we come in here again?)" She mutters to the others.
Madam
The cekeki looks like she's ready to kill.
Investigator
"Madam! We're here to....to...."
Investigator
The Investigator voice suddenly falters as she looks at Madam, as if she was looking at someone she personally knew. Her mouth goes dry, but she has no idea why this is happening.
Cowboy
"You ok there, Investigator?"
Cowboy
"We can leave if you want......?"
Investigator
"Ma...Ma.......Madam. Why are you mad?" The Investigator chokes out.
Madam
"......................"
Madam
Madam pulls her hat over her eyes to hide them. She takes a few deep breathes to compose herself.
Madam
"Welcome to Zoo Corp....How can we assist you today?"
Debbie Flou
"Debbie sympathizes with the secretary's disgruntled, downright world-hating attitude. She's spent most of her life in that career."

"Well, I was... just looking for a tour around the area with my friends and you seemed like the big wigs on that. Plus my new friend had some questions and..."
Debbie Flou
2024-08-02 19:12:28
Debbie Flou Profile
Posted by ID #10
Last edit: 2024-08-02 19:19:38
"and... She gently shakes the Investigator. That look on her new friend's face... it scares her."
Buster
Buster slithers forward a bit watching the others falter. "I could ask my pal if they'd be willing to give us a tour, if they are working right now."
Madam
"I'm not able to give a tour, but give me the name of your pal and I'm sure I can call them to assist." Madam ignores the looks she gets from the marsue.
Investigator
But the Investigator can't get her eyes off Madam. "She's upset." The Investigator looks to the other marsue and her sidekick. Repeating this as if they would know what to do about this.
Buster
"His name is Monsieur, he's had me doing odd jobs around before."
Investigator
"Mo-Monsieur!"
Fuzzy
"Heyyy weren't we supposed to be looking into that arson case? Y'know, solving mysteries and bringing justice and stuff?" Fuzzy laughs nervously.
Investigator
The Investigator looks embarrassed. She didn't know why she was freaking out. It's like something in the back of her mind was causing her to panic. "Uuuh...OOC start sorry I..I don't know why I think I'm getting too nervous to stay in character." The Investigator laments as she pulls her tail in stress.
Cowboy
Cowboy perks up. "Chill Investigator. No one minds how you're doing. Come on, the great Investigator solves every case right?"
Investigator
"Mysteries shouldn't go unsolved......B-Because...it's urk....better to know any truth, that it is to know nothing...."
Debbie Flou
"OOC of course. Oh dear, do you need a moment? Maybe I could find something to eat or we could talk in the lobby..."
Madam
"Fire....?"
Madam
"You want to talk to Ray about his house burning up?"
Investigator
"AAAAH NO I CAN'T DO THIS I'M A TERRIBLE INVESTIGATOR. I CAN'T SOLVE CASES. I DON'T WANT TO BE AN INVESTIGATOR ANYMORE. LETS PLAY COWBOYS AND ROBBERS!!!!!"
Debbie Flou
"Er- I... Hold on, I think my boss is calling."
Buster
"I thought we wanted to talk about Monsieur's house burning up, that's where we came from-"
Cowboy
Cowboy grabs the Investigator before she can escape. "Come on Investigator. It's just pretend isn't it? It's fake. Roleplaying can't hurt you."
Fuzzy
Fuzzy scoots a bit closer to the Investigator, and hesitatingly reaches out to touch her shoulder, but stops short.

"Ostraconophobia. Fear of shellfish." Fuzzy says, quietly, glancing at Madam. "Cekikis freak me out too. Phobias are irrational, and fear isn't anything to be ashamed of. We can just… step outside for a minute. If you want."
Investigator
2024-08-02 19:36:30
Investigator Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2024-08-02 19:36:47
"Shrimp? Shrimp! N-NO I...I LOVE SHRIMP!" The Investigator looks back at Madam in horror. "They're peeled. They're ruined. All the good, wonderful parts of the shrimp have been removed! Violated! Everything that is lovable about shrimp......-"
???
2024-08-02 19:35:58
??? Profile
Posted by ID #10
Last edit: 2024-08-02 19:36:33
The light in the room dims noticeably as a tall figure steps in.
Blocking the doorway and stretching almost all the way to the ceiling, they cast their shadow across the group.

A streak of bright red dangles down from their neck like a hangman's noose.
The garish garment only serves to point towards one thing, the cekeki they came in with.
???
"Can you believe the kinds of potential customers you can find out here, Debbs?"
Ray
Ray trots in with the Boss Man. He makes a glance at Madam. "Lot of screaming coming from in here. You bothering any customers?"
Madam
Madam ignores Ray's comment, instead looking at the newcomer. "Welcome to Zoo Corp. How can I assist you today?"
Ray
"Hmmp. Try looking a little nicer. What kind of greeter are you?"
Madam
"Not a good one I suppose."
Investigator
The Investigator has become completely frozen at the sight of Ray. Cowboy gently pets her neck, trying to calm her down.
Buster
2024-08-02 19:41:39
Buster Profile
Posted by ID #87
Last edit: 2025-07-17 17:40:53
"Hello pal, great to see you again." Buster says as it leans from around The Investigator.
Ray
"Buster, pal. Nice to see you. Hope my co-worker hasn't been giving you a tough time."
Buster
"I don't think so! I was just looking for you because The Investigator was going to see about why your house burned down."
???
"Why I was just strolling about when I found this little guy right here. He looked like he needed some quality product, and after a bit of banter, he brought me here!"
???
"Say, you wouldn't happen to have anything worth buying, would you? Why, if my eyes do deceive me, this place looks like ti is almost ready for liquidation!"
Madam
"This place isn't for sale...."
Ray
"Heh. Ignore her, boss. This place is ready to be sold. The whole thing."
Madam
"We did not get orders to sell the place, Ray."
Ray
"Oh? Who made you boss? Unless you wanna be the Zookeeper around here, we're going to ask good ole Herr about if he wants to sell."
Madam
"Herr can't...."
Investigator
"WHAT HAPPENED TO HERR!?!?!"
Investigator
"AND WHO IS HERR?!?!"
Ray
Ray throws an annoyed glance at the Investigator. "Who the fuck is this?"
Ray
"You know what? Nevermind."
Ray
Ray starts to trot past the front desk. "Come on. Let's work out deals with the boss man."
The Other Boss
2024-08-02 19:52:57
The Other Boss Profile
Posted by ID #10
Last edit: 2024-08-02 19:53:12
"Why of course, Mariana Co is looking with bright eyes towards the future you have to offer Ray."
Fuzzy
"(This guy's vibes are rancid.)"
Buster
Buster looks between Madame and The other boss, the two instances finally registering to him "...I thought his name was Monsieur."
Madam
"That's what Ray tells everyone."
Investigator
The Investigator sits on the floor, watching Ray and the Boss Man heading back to Herr's room.
Cowboy
Cowboy kneels next to the Investigator. "You know you can do anything you want here, right?"
Investigator
"....................................."
Cowboy
"You got the control. The Investigator can do anything she wants!"
Cowboy
"And, if she doesn't want to do the dirty work herself...." Cowboy pulls out his gun slightly from his holster so the cekekis don't see. "She's always got her dirty ex-cop sidekick willing to help her out."
Investigator
"Shrimp in endless filing cabinets. Never to be seen again."
Investigator
2024-08-02 20:05:00
Investigator Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2024-08-02 20:05:43
She looks totally out of it. "I don't know anything I'm saying. I don't know what's going on. I'm not the Investigator. Not even an aftik. I'm just a marsue."
Cowboy
"Do you want me to handle Ray?"
Investigator
"I don't even know why I'm scared of him. I mean what does he even do at this company?"
Madam
"Ray? He ain't anybody at this company."
Madam
"He does sort and deliver the mail though. Which means he always knows what's going on, annoyingly."
Ray takes the Boss Man to Herr's office.
[The Machine - Atrium Carceri]
Ray
"Come in quick, and watch your step boss man."
Ray
"Don't want to get bit now, do you?"
Herr
There's a loud skitter from under the office desk. Something large peaks its nose behind the desk and sniffs around. "Gggraaaa.....?"
Ray
Ray jumps on top of the desk as Herr drags himself across the floor. "This is my current boss."
The Other Boss
"Ahem."
Ray
"Could use a new one, you see? He's a broken man. No good."
The Other Boss
"Greetings my esteemed fellow, why you look positively ravishing today!"
Herr
Herr stumbles forward. Unable to control his movements to well, he stands up only to clatter down to the floor.
The Other Boss
"Broken? Oh no no no! Like any good figurehead, they can be made all the better with a little kintsugi. Why, they look like they could take on the world even as we speak!"
Herr
"Hrk! Hrk! Hrk! Kaarkekerrrrr!!" Herr claws at the floor as he attempts to drag his way to the Other Boss.
The Other Boss
"Hmm, I see, can't even afford a wheelchair for the dear fellow. You really are in dire straights."
Ray
"Don't know about that, guy has made more than a few grabs at me." Ray flicks his tail over Herr's head.
Herr
There's a few seconds of delay, as if he's processing what passed his vision, but he does snap upwards, long after Ray's tail is gone. "Gurr?"
Salesman
"Of course of course, where are my manners. My name is Salesman. I'm here to do a bit of friendly acquisition of any assets you might have laying by the wayside and left for rot."
Salesman
2024-08-02 20:24:51
Salesman Profile
Posted by ID #87
Last edit: 2025-07-17 17:46:25
"Mariana Co. is an up and coming leader in the tech field looking for a bit of expansion. I am sure with this deal we will be sure to grow, and you'll be able to tidy yourself back up into a fine little establishment."
Salesman
"Now then, let's start with prices. What sort of range are we looking at?"
Herr
"Rrrr. Rrrrr. Rrrrr!" Herr paws at the device on his head as he shakes it.
Ray
"Hey! Don't take that off! You'll die, you know that?"
Herr
"Raaaaa!" Herr snaps at Ray. His head hits the table hard in his attempts.
Salesman
"My apologies for disturbing you so. Please, please relax sir!"
Ray
Ray doesn't seem too bothered, jumping to the cabinets and opening a few up. "Aye, Salesman, what type of assets are you looking for? Zoo Corp has a bunch of bits and bops. A lot of stupid ethically obtained fabrics too."
Herr
Herr grumbles. He places his hands on his desk and begins throwing papers around, often ruining them, as if he was looking for something. Sadly in a few moments, his desk is bare, and he has found nothing, if he was looking for anything in the first place.
Salesman
"Ray. I know this is a bit out of your purview, but... Do you think you could do a bit of intermediary work for us both? I don't want the man to get more hurt than he already is."
Ray
"Hmm? You care about him? He ain't anything worth caring about anymore. Like a pet. A really dangerous one, but go ahead, pal. What do you need?"
Salesman
"Of course, of course. I am looking for your retail space first and foremost. Although this island has a rather poor reputation, I cannot ignore the influx of recent tourists. Why, even I came over here for a bit of a 'vacay'!"
Salesman
"And let's not forget about the workers, why Mariana Co needs people like you. People who are willing to delegate and work their way from adversary."
Salesman
"I'm looking for you Ray. I'm looking for you."
Ray
"Retail space. You can buy it pal. I'll crunch the numbers and give you the bill in a bit. No one is gonna care if we get it sold."
Ray
"As for me. It depends." Ray walks on the edges of the cabinets, as if trying to get Herr to target him. "Got a buddy in this sinking ship I don't want to see go down with it. Rest of them? Eh. Can drown for all I care."
Herr
"Mmar....rragm....."
Ray
"He ain't a good worker. He looks a lot like me, you see. He doesn't do much but sit around......"
Ray
"But if your company has a spot for him, well. I go where he goes. Always been like that."
Ray
"Right from the very start of this damn thing."
Salesman
"I'm certain we will find the right place for everybody."
Salesman

"Why, when we're done, we'll feel like a family!"
Herr
"Rrrrrraaa maaaaa?" Herr sniffs and takes a few stumbling steps towards the Salesman.
Ray
Ray jumps on Herr's head, causing him to fall to his side, flailing to get back up. Ray lands in front of the Salesman. "Go yourself a deal. Shake on it." Ray holds up a hand.
Salesman
Salesman gives Herr a healthy berth and provides Ray with a firm handshake.

"A deal's a deal!"
Ray
"We'll work out-"
Ray
Ray looks back at Herr. "-loose ends later. I'll be talking to you in a bit, pal."
Ray
2024-08-02 20:55:27
Ray Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2024-08-02 20:55:45
"Whatever belongs to Zoo Corp, belongs to you now, as far as I'm concerned. Grab whatever you like."
Salesman
"Wonderful, wonderful. Let's get going then. I have business to address."
The duo returns to the lobby.
Debbie Flou
As the Salesman confidently walks out of the building, Debbie returns to see Investigator out as well.

"Wow, that was a long call. I guess I'm getting back to work early. I hope we can meet up again later though!"
"She gives a big toothy grin to her new friend, assuring them that nothing in the world could stop them from another grand day out on the island."
Investigator
"Haha! Yeah maybe we could meet up again, that'd be fun. Next time I'll make sure to be in top shape. A real Investigator!" The Investigator shoots back a grin, and turns around. Instantly grabbing and dragging her sidekick away.
Investigator
2024-08-02 21:11:26
Investigator Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2024-08-02 21:11:46
"Why is everything going wrong?" She blurts out once away from the others.
Cowboy
"Just got nerves I think."
Investigator
"I don't know, I feel like I'm losing my mind. Hearing things I shouldn't. When I was in that waiting room, I couldn't tell if I wanted to kill or run away from that Ray guy, and I don't even know him!"
Cowboy
"I think we should just kill him."
Investigator
"That....that would be evil! I don't know who he is! Even if there's a voice yelling for me to do it, I'm not sure I should!"
Cowboy
Cowboy pauses for a moment in thought.
Cowboy
He nods. "That's right. Don't listen to whatever the voices tell you to do."
Cowboy
Cowboy shrugs. "I'm sure someone will get him sooner or later." He puts his hands behind his head. "Don't think about it. You got better things to do. Mysteries to solve."
Investigator
"No mystery should ever go unsolved....." The Investigator balls her hands into fists.
Investigator
She takes a deep breath, and tries again, "Mysteries shouldn't go unsolved because it's better to know any truth, than it is to know nothing!!!!!"
Cowboy
2024-08-02 21:24:43
Cowboy Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2024-08-02 21:25:18
"Mmmmm maybe one day we'll update any truth, to the truth." Cowboy wobbles his hand. "Maybe."
END OF EXPO
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