private Clue [RP]

[Stardust* 3,302]

@, @@BronyNumber42, @@Hazard Time, @, 

 

Stardust was making her way down the hall and back down the stairs. She noticed as a pony was making his way into the billiard room. She made quick haste and caught up with him. 

 

"Sir, please, I do beg of you to stay with the others in the sitting room. If you care for a tour I will take you all around. Shall we go and fetch the others? Now if you would kindly follow me back to the sitting room." She gave him a warm smile and began walking towards the room from whence the pony came. As she reached the entry way she waited for him to pass her and spoke to the rest of the group. 

 

"I know that this is a bit tedious and probably uncomfortable for you all, I do apologize for the wait, the cooks and staff are working as quickly as they can to make sure that this dinner is to the best of quality. It shouldn't be much longer. And as I can see this room might be a bit dull for you all from the looks of our wondering pegasus friend here. If you would all follow me, we can begin the tour."

 

She waited patiently to see what the group would do. She still had a few preparations to do before the lawyer came but there was always time to do that while they were all eating dinner. 

[Classic Play 232]

@@Stardust*,@@BronyNumber42, @@Hazard Time,@

 

Clear Rider sighed as quietly as possible. Seems Stardust didn't want ponies to roam the mansion freely. It did seem a tad suspicious to him, but he shrugged it off and continued back to the sitting area, where the rest of the ponies remained. He wondered if anypony would want the tour. Suppose it's better than just sitting here for a couple hours. Maybe if the other ponies decided to join the tour, he could take his chance to sneak off and explore it himself. Stardust's strong request to stay with the group, did make him all the more curious about the place.

 

"Well, if other ponies are okay with wanting a tour, I'd be for it," he said to the other pegasus, keeping his intention as hidden as possible.  He looked to the other ponies and then also waited for them to respond. 

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@, @@Stardust*,Crystal finished up her plate of food, surprised she ate it as fast as she did, she followed them into the sitting room before speaking. "Actually, I would like a tour around the mansion, to familiarize myself with it." She turned to Stardust. "Perhaps you could provide the tour, since you are the most familiar with the mansion." She said gesturing her right hoof to Stardust.

[Brony Number 42 10,069]

Mustard mumbled under his breath. "Pah, a tour." He didn't come here for a 2 bit tour. Then again, a tour would give him an idea of what Mr. Body owned. Maybe he could get a look at Body's personal documents. He spoke up, "Ahem, yes, a tour might be a nice distraction before dinner."

[Classic Play 232]

@@Hazard Time,@@BronyNumber42, @, @@Stardust*,

 

Clear Rider liked the results so far. Crystal and Mustard were into the idea. Now, the crystal pony. "What about you..." he paused a moment to remember his name "...Zoisite?" The more ponies on the tour, the better chance for him to try and sneak off and explore the place for himself.  Waiting for the crystal pony's answer, Clear Rider went for another set of cheese and crackers, then the remainder of his glass of water.

 

He then returned to the group and considered what he could do,  once he snook off. Perhaps he could find Mr Body's study, find a journal kept by the man and learn about the relative Clear Rider never knew he had. Somepony famous within Canterlot and Clear Rider never even knew about his relation to the famous pony. He did want to ask Stardust, but he assumed he wouldn't get much answers from her.

[Stardust* 3,302]

@, @@BronyNumber42,  @, @@Hazard Time,

 

"This is fine, we can begin the tour, if Mr. Zoisite would like to join us shortly we will be just past the stairway in the billiard room to begin. Let's move along, should you simply wish to stay Mr. Zoisite, we will be no longer than 30 minutes." She smiled slightly and began her way behind the stairway. The group made their way through the door and entered the billiard room. This room was dimly lit with two billiard tables. Along one wall was a small self serve bar with all of the accommodations that one would want when playing a game. Nuts, pretzels, apple cider, iced tea, lemon aid, hay cakes, and many more. 

 

There were taller chairs that lined the walls for spectators of the game or for those who were participating in a game. Cues and the billiard balls lay neatly upon the tables making it that much more appealing to grab a stick and start the game. 

 

"This room held many opponents for Mr. Body. And even he, lost a few games, but much fun was had here, and hopefully more will soon come." Stardust stated as the group made their way in to look around. She waited just a moment before stepping out again and back into the hallway. "Shall we make our way to the greenhouse next?" 

 

The group continued on with the tour. 

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@Fallen Stars @BronyNumber42 @Frannis @@Stardust*

 

Zoisite considered his choices and realized he had none.  While the melodious sound of the clock ticking away was soothing and the armchair he relaxed in was his brand of soft, it would have been a terrible choice to stay where he was.  Perhaps his sister was right about exercising his social skills, as non-existent as they might be.

 

"I will come," he announced quietly, standing to his hooves and following after the group.  Upon entering the billiard room, the crystal pony looked about the fixtures.  He could never get into billiards.  He attempted, but it required keen reflexes as well as a keen mind.  He'd much rather stick to chess.

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@,@@Stardust*, @@Hazard Time,  Crystal took in all the fine details that she could, she admired the design of the walls and chairs, and many more things she could use as inspiration for her books. "I love the decor." She said before they departed the room, she was slightly confused when Stardust stopped. Her eyes widened when she heard ask if they wanted to go to the greenhouse. "I've never really seen a greenhouse before." She said quietly. "I would love to see it!"

[Classic Play 232]

@@BronyNumber42,@@Stardust*, @@Hazard Time,  @,

 

 

Clear Rider followed into the billiards room and was amazed at the set up. He almost forgot about his mission to try and ditch everyone, by instead wanting to play pool. He was really good at it. There was a restaurant up in Cloudsdale that he'd go to with some of the other working pegasi at the weather factory and they had a couple pool tables there. Clear Rider really loved the sport. He would've shot a few, but the crowd had already moved on. So he scooted himself up to catch up with the other ponies. But, remembering his goal, he did unintentionally make it easier for himself, as he was now in the back of the pack.

 

A greenhouse seems neat, he thought to himself, getting distracted from his goal again. Maybe he'll go look at that. "I've never really seen a greenhouse before, either," he said in response to Crystal's words. "Cloudsdale isn't exactly known for that type of architecture." Clear Rider was now intrigued by the greenhouse idea. I'll make my escape after the greenhouse. Then Clear Rider would go explore things on his own.

[Stardust* 3,302]

@, @, @@BronyNumber42, @@Hazard Time,

 

Stardust led the way towards the green house. They had to make their way through the kitchen and the aroma was heavenly. The cooks were creating a bountiful feast, just standing in the kitchen was enough to make ones' mouth water. Stardust quickly snapped out of it. She asked the head chief when the food would be ready, he informed her that the table would be set and the food would be ready to serve once the group was done with their view of the green house.

 

Finally reaching the door, Stardust paused and then spoke. "Here we have the greenhouse, all of the vegetables and fruits that the cooks use come from our garden that we have in here. We also have an assortment of exotic flowers, and herbs that we tend to as well. The grounds keeper tends to the soil and making sure that the plants have water, the cooks will collect the produce as needed for meals." She opened the french doors revealing the vast rows of plant life. With some stalks of corn nearly reaching the light fixtures. The smell of mint and rosemary filled the warm, damp air. 

"Feel free to take a look around, I will call for you when the chief gives word to make our way to the dining room."

[Classic Play 232]

@@BronyNumber42,@@Stardust*, @, @@Hazard Time,

 

Clear Rider was almost mesmerized by the delicious smell from within the kitchen, yet again distracted from his plan to escape, as he really wanted to stay behind and taste everything that was being cooked in there. But, he followed the group into the greenhouse, listening to Stardust's words. The greenhouse was magnificent, beautiful. The smell from the fresh flowers, vegetables and various other things growing around them was delectable, on their own. It only just donned on him that he wasn't going to get his chance to escape and explore the manor on his own. With a silent sigh, he quickly accepted that fact and looked around the place.

 

"This is definitely a far cry from Cloudsdale," he said aloud, "Mr Body really was something, wasn't he?" Clear Rider looked to Stardust, as he said the second part. He almost felt like he didn't want to leave now. Perhaps, if his part of the inheritance was this mansion, he'd immediately move out of Cloudsdale and live here. Dinner was soon, then the lawyers. It wouldn't be long before anypony figured out what they were getting out of this. 

[Brony Number 42 10,069]

@Fallen Stars, @Stardust*, @Frannis, @Hazard Time,

 

The Colonel, keeping his brief case with him, followed the group into the billiards room and looked around. It was well kept and seemed to be well used. Against the wall, on a table, was an object that caught his eye. It was a radio. It was of a design built by Mr. Body's company. This appeared to be a prototype model, or an early production model. The Colonel recognized the design elements that he oversaw when he was in the service. Part of Mr. Body's fortune came from the government contract he got to build radios, and Colonel Mustard was in charge of overseeing that project. The company was successful selling to the civilian market after the contract was up. 

 

The radio had a microphone on a stand, which was wired to the main unit. The unit had various dials for volume and tuning. Mustard turned the radio around to look at the back. Curious, this radio was wired to the wall, and this was in addition to the power cord. What was this radio connected to? The Colonel put his ear to the radio and heard it hum, meaning it was powered up. Why was it on? Was it sending? Was it capable of receiving? He was curious to see where that wire went. 

 

He noticed the group venturing to the greenhouse. He didn't want to look suspicious, so he caught up, although he didn't notice that he wasn't the last pony to leave the room. He had his own secrets, but it seemed Mr. Body might have had some as well. Would the revelation of these secrets work for or against the Colonel? As he learned during his work in the service, control of information was a crucial tactical advantage. He had to know more.

Edited August 15, 2016 by BronyNumber42

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@Fallen Stars @Stardust* @Frannis @@BronyNumber42

 

Zoisite could not have been any more bored.  First billiards, and now horticulture.  Nothing engaged him, and the initial fear of being without his other half was soon replaced by indignation.  How DARE his sister simply drop him off with these imbeciles.  Why couldn't SHE have handled this herself?  She always handled every situation for him, why the sudden turnaround?

 

At least whatever was being made in the kitchen was good.  Hopefully the meal would be satisfying enough to make this terrible diversion worth it.  Perhaps he'd be able to retire to his room early?  Surely the lawyers could do everything without him present...right?  Please?

[Brony Number 42 10,069]

Colonel Mustard's stomach rumbled and he tried to cover it with a cough. "Yes, this is all lovely" he waved a hoof around the greenhouse, "but I am interested in getting down to business. Perhaps we should have dinner, then go over the paperwork." The lateness of the day occured to him. "Usually these kinds of proceedings can take hours, and that's for a small estate. Should we expect to be here all night?" All night with this odd group? What else could go wrong?

[Stardust* 3,302]

Stardust had been tapped on the shoulder by one of the cooks and she turned to face him. He let her know that dinner was ready and to have the group make their way to the dining room. With a light nod she turned back towards the greenhouse.

 

"If everypony could follow me please. I have just been informed that dinner is now ready. I'm sure that you are all hungry." She did hear the Colonel's words of concern. She led the group back through the kitchen into the dining hall. "Please take your seats." She announced.

 

As the servers began to poor in placing plates at each seat she too began to feel the hunger pangs in her own stomach. Soon as the ponies had been served she would dine with the staff in the kitchen.

 

"And Colonel, to answer your question, the lawyer should be here by the end of dinner. After he arrives we will make our way back to the sitting room where he will discuss everything with all of you. But I am afraid it will take some time. That is why I have made up a room for each of you. We don't want you to have to leave at such a late hour." Stardust kindly explained.

 

The first course had now been served, "Bon appetite." Stardust made a slight now and departed from the dining room.

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@@Stardust*, Crystal had been incredibly absorbed by the green house, smelling every flower, tempted to eat some of them. but decided not to, she was so absorbed by them that she didn't hear Stardust and started to wonder where everypony went. She panicked a bit wandering the greenhouse looking for them, but got calmed down from the smell of the flowers. She started to feel hungry and left the greenhouse wandering down the halls of the mansion until she found the dining hall where coincidentally; everypony else was. "I was wondering where you all went!" She walked over and pulled a chair back and sat down filling her plate with some of the food.

Edited August 18, 2016 by Frannis

[Brony Number 42 10,069]

The dinner ware was of the highest quality. Fine dishes, silver plated goblets. The Colonel knew that Body had a reputation as a good money manager. If the late host had spent this much on dishes then he must have quite a bit of cash to burn. Mustard also knew that these trinkets were not worth a fraction of the investment holdings. That is where the real wealth was.

 

His fellow guests were young and, Mustard hoped, niave. Perhaps they would be taken in by the mansion and its furnishings and would not be interested in the "boring" investment portfolio. Still, it was safest to not under estimate the others. He had to know more about with whom he was dealing.

 

"Hm, yes, quite an exquisite spread," he said between mouth fulls. "Indeed, this entire mansion is impressive. The bits we have seen at least. I envy the pony who gets it." He examined the plate in front of him. "Why, these dishes alone must be worth hundreds. And the items in the game room, thousands! Yes, quite a windfall indeed. Wouldn't you say so...why, I'm sorry. I haven't gotten your names or your relations to Mr. Body."

 

He looked at Zoisite. "How about you, chap?" The quite ones always had something to hide.

Edited August 18, 2016 by BronyNumber42

[Classic Play 232]

Clear Rider followed into the dining area, where the aroma from the kitchen had filled the air in here. But, not only did the aroma captivate him, but the entire set up. He sat at his place at the table, almost gawking at everything around him. He didn't even know where to begin at first. "This is definitely nothing like Cloudsdale." His words were pretty exact in his experience. Sure, there was Wonderbolts headquarters there, but that was probably the fanciest place there and still not equal to this. 

 

He softly shook his head and began to dish himself with this and that, the most exquisite hayburgers he's ever seen and these things over here. It all looked good to him. Didn't help that he wasn't a picky eater to begin with. If it smelt good, nine times out of ten, he was gonna eat it. Clear Rider bit into this, tried the hayburger, and slurped a soup over here. He probably looked a sight to the others, but he didn't seem to care. This was the tastiest spread he's ever experienced.

 

Clear Rider finally looked up at the others, saw that the one pony he didn't seem to trust, tried to talk to the crystal pony. Good luck, he said within his head. He already knew Zoisite would be unlikely to talk. He didn't give Clear Rider or Crystal much of a chance. And if Zoisite paid attention to Col Mustard earlier, he would be even less likely to give that pony a chance.

[Stardust* 3,302]

Stardust watched as the group of ponies began to eat and chat amongst themselves. It was nice to see complete strangers begin to some what begin to feel comfortable to be in the same room together. She made sure that every glass was filled and then she made her way to the kitchen to eat with the other help. Everypony was going to need to be in tip top shape and doing anything with an empty stomach for the rest of the evening was out of the question.

 

Before she sat down though, she went to the little call box on the wall next to the kitchen and pressed the open call button. This button made it so every room in the house could hear her words.

 

"Ponies, please feel free to use the call box if you need anything. I will be in shortly with the desert chief to serve the final course. Enjoy." She released the button and the rooms were silent once more. She looked at the lock which read 5:49. The lawyer said he would arrive promptly at 7pm. She looked to the other workers, "We must have the rooms set by 7 okay everypony." The worker ponies nodded and began to eat their meals.

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@ @@Stardust* @ @@BronyNumber42

 

Zoisite followed his hostess into the dining room, having himself a seat as the dinner was served.  It was very appetizing, indeed, and it may have been the events of the past few minutes, but he had reason to assume this dinner would be quite enjoyable.  The crystal stallion took hold of his fork and stabbed into the salad, bringing it to his mouth and chewing on it thoughtfully.  Mr. Body's cooks certainly had a talent, if this dressing was truly homemade.

 

However, his enjoyment of this culinary marvel was soiled by the Colonel's insistence at conversation, his voice irking him like iron nails on a chalkboard.  Was it not possible to have a peaceful and quiet dinner?  Was nothing sacred to him?  Were there any brain cells in that cavity he called a cranium?  Did he even close his mouth when he slept?

 

However, Zoisite was far from irate.  His eyes went over his salad bowl, his hoof feeling about the edges of the plate.  "A perfect circle," he says idly.  "Expert craftsponyship, as well.  Obvious use of feldspar and quartz over alabaster."

[Stardust* 3,302]

@@Hazard Time, @, @, @@BronyNumber42,

 

The ponies around the table continued their conversations for the entirety of the meal. As the courses were served the ponies began to relax just a bit as well as Stardust. The clock was sitting promptly at 6:45 pm. Stardust stood from her chair and addressed the other working ponies. "Please clear the dinner dishes and make the sitting room ready with desserts and coffee for the guests and the lawyer upon his arrival." And with that she made her way into the dining room to address the guests.

 

"I do hope that the meal was to your liking. I am pleased to announce that the lawyer shall arrive momentarily, if we could all move back into the sitting room to wait for his arrival. The cooks have prepared little desserts and will be serving coffee with cream and sugar on the side for those who would care for some." She began to walk in the direction of the next room and with a slight pause she spoke again. "Please come with me." 

 

___________________________________________________

 

Meanwhile the lawyer Mr. Lawhoof was on his way to the mansion. Packing his suite case and grabbing the film reel that had still been sealed. With a sigh he stepped into the carriage with his driver and gave a nod, they were on the way. 

[Brony Number 42 10,069]

The Colonel watched the other pony for a moment, expecting a reply. When he got none he turned back to his food and grumbled something unintelligible. What was that pony doing, contemplating the difference between screws and bolts? Mustard looked at the clock. Just a few more minutes.

[FanOfManyShows 396]

@@Stardust*, Crystal finished her food up as quickly as she could, she scooted her chair back as she stood up. She walked to the sitting room. 'Stay with the group Crystal, don't want to get lost again.' She thought starting to walk to the group faster. "Wait up!" She walked into the sitting room. "I don't want to get lost again." She looked around the room for a spot, easily finding one as nopony else was there yet. "Are there magazines?" She asked as she took a seat.

[Classic Play 232]

Clear Rider finished up his own meal. There was plenty still on the table to enjoy, but he couldn't find much more room to fit it all in his belly. Plus, he was interested in that dessert. If dinner was so delicious, then surely it would be. Like maybe a chocolate mousse? But, now the topic of what each pony was going to earn from the inheritance was also on mind. After finishing up his meal, he practically followed behind Crystal, pushing his chair in and then made his way to the sitting room with the group.

 

After making his way to the sitting room, Clear Rider found himself in the chair he sat in the last time he was in the room. He looked around the room, then to Stardust. "So, how long before that dessert? And the lawyers." He apparently couldn't get his mind off all that delicious food. He never felt such a glutton, until here.

[Hazard Time 1,127]

Just as he had hoped, Zoisite had taken great pleasure in the meal.  Whoever this Mr. Body was, the crystal stallion could enjoy his taste.  Unfortunately, his one moment of solace was again interrupted by their hostess demanding yet another relocation.  Why couldn't the lawyer come to him?

 

Otherwise, Zoisite quitely followed Stardust back to the sitting room, where he had a seat in the same armchair.  He considered the prospect of coffee, but realized that the staff would more than likely not be taking special orders.  Plus, coffee had a habit of disrupting his gastrointestinal processes.  Why couldn't everypony just drink tea?  Simpletons.