Murder on the Emerald Express: Chapter 9A

[WesternOutlaw]

As some of the others continue to look around the truck, kicking the tires and feeling for Johnson Rods under the seats, Eleanor walks over to George's "My Own Airplane" kit followed by Jim. The airplane is actually larger than you expect with two small twin engines. It has an "Outback" look about it with yellow and black color combination. Grill'n George's name is prominently displayed on the side of the aircraft. The plane looks as if it would fit about four and has a small cargo hold in back, which is closed.

[Shadows]

... and has a small cargo hold in back, which is closed.

I always feel compelled to look in whatever it is you point out is closed, so let's see what's behind Cargo Door #1, Monty!

[Lego12]

Yup, that's my beauty.... I just love it.... You guys wanna take a ride! We could use it to get to the northwest.....or at least see whats over there. I've only flown it about once or twice and it works great, so no worry if you think it'll crash or malfunction.....*knocks on wood*

[JimBee]

Okay, I'm just going to ignore my instincts and take a quick peek in the cockpit. I'd like to look under the chairs, look at the dashboard, the controls, on the floor, etc.

[Wouwie]

I ain't gonna fly in that thing! It looks like it's already falling apart.. But I would like to see what's in the cargo hold. Could you please open it?

[Adam]

I'd like to check the wheels (if they're sound, stable, have any writing, etc.) and under the plane.

[Batbrick]

George, why haven't you told us about anything before? The airstrip, the airplane, the truck... this information could have been helpful when we were trying to figure out what was in the northwest area. Right now, you're very suspicious, not only for being a town council member, but for attempted murder, and avoiding giving us valuable answers.

Can we please kill this guy, or at least tie him up?

I agree, Grill'N'George is very suspicious right now. I ain't no judge, so I won't go pestering him, but let me just say we need to keep a close eye on him. He knew that we needed to find out about the town, and deliberately withheld information. In my book, that act isn't one ta be glossed over.

To George: After we look around this here plane of yers, I'd love to go up fer a spin if that's all right with ya. That way we can get a clearer view of what's happenin'. Just a short trip though, ya understand.

To Shmelt, Jim and the others: I hope I'm makin' the right decision here, but I want ta determine if he's ta be trusted, and if he's gonna go up in that plane, one of us might be best ta keep an eye on 'im. That is of course, if he can even get it ta take off.

[Alice]

Sorry I've not been talkative. I've just been observing you guys. George, you are a secret keeper. I feel certain that other townsfolks knew that this was in the northwest. Why didn't any of you say anything? I'd like to look at the engine for any visible signs of anything wrong. Why would the town council allow you to have a plane if they didn't want anyone to get out of town? So far there are three people with vehicles (George, Lorraine, and Mayor), it would make sense that these are the town council members since they are able to leave but don't. Everyone else seems to want out of town, but all of the townies kept this secret from us.

[Adam]

Everyone else seems to want out of town, but all of the townies kept this secret from us.

Which secret?

[Sir Dillon]

I don't trust George, but in his (and the rest of the townsfolk) defense, I didn't know about this place until you all found out about it. Meaning in my case at least, Alex didn't give me information ahead of time, and I'm guessing that was how it was for George too.

[Zepher]

Finally! And Herman said I never said anything useful! I was the first to accuse Geroge! Though I do agree with the Mayor about why he isn't giving out info, George is evil!

And, hey, way the hell not! No one likes me, I'm immortal, Zeus said he wasn't too pissed at me, I'll go up in the plane as well!

[Lego12]

I agree, Grill'N'George is very suspicious right now. I ain't no judge, so I won't go pestering him, but let me just say we need to keep a close eye on him. He knew that we needed to find out about the town, and deliberately withheld information. In my book, that act isn't one ta be glossed over.

To George: After we look around this here plane of yers, I'd love to go up fer a spin if that's all right with ya. That way we can get a clearer view of what's happenin'. Just a short trip though, ya understand.

To Shmelt, Jim and the others: I hope I'm makin' the right decision here, but I want ta determine if he's ta be trusted, and if he's gonna go up in that plane, one of us might be best ta keep an eye on 'im. That is of course, if he can even get it ta take off.

Yeah, that's totally fine. First passenger, so happy! You're probably the only person thats actually going to get on it, since everybody thinks I'm going to sabotage my own plane.....

I don't trust George, but in his (and the rest of the townsfolk) defense, I didn't know about this place until you all found out about it. Meaning in my case at least, Alex didn't give me information ahead of time, and I'm guessing that was how it was for George too.

Yeah, it was. Thanks for clearing that up Mayor.

Anyways, if you're all done expecting my plane, which has no weapons and isn't sabatoged, we can all take a ride. So far we got 1 passenger. Anyone else?

EDIT: Just saw Zepher's post. Sorry.

[WesternOutlaw]

George first opens the cargo hold revealing a small empty area that may have room for about two, though rather tight.

A look at the cockpit and seats reveal no traps or tricks, although the instrument panel seems a bit overwhelming with the numerous controls.

The wheels/landing gear seem pretty sturdy with no evidence of tampering or faults.

To the naked eye, the airplane looks like a sturdy aircraft.

Austin is interested in taking a flight and Snitchman as well. "Are there any other takers"? George asks with enthusiasm.

PLEASE NOTE: George was not aware of the post office/radio station nor the location of his airplane prior to the group's decision to visit the Northwest.

These items have been written into the story and provided "just-in-time".

[JimBee]

To Shmelt, Jim and the others: I hope I'm makin' the right decision here, but I want ta determine if he's ta be trusted, and if he's gonna go up in that plane, one of us might be best ta keep an eye on 'im. That is of course, if he can even get it ta take off.

Not me. No sir, I hate flying, especially with crazy chefs (no offense, Schmelt).

[WesternOutlaw]

WATCH IT!

[Adam]

May I check to see if there is anything on the wing (some form of writing, any items, etc.)?

[WesternOutlaw]

May I check to see if there is anything on the wing (some form of writing, any items, etc.)?

You do discover the number 6444 written on the wings.

[Dragonator]

I would like to take a closer look at the control panel. There just seems to be too many buttons and levers for a small plane like this. Are there any that seem out of place or don't appear to make any sense? Are any sections of the control panel loose, with perhaps a hidden compartment behind it?

[WesternOutlaw]

I would like to take a closer look at the control panel. There just seems to be too many buttons and levers for a small plane like this. Are there any that seem out of place or don't appear to make any sense? Are any sections of the control panel loose, with perhaps a hidden compartment behind it?

George points out that he did add a small electric grill between the front-row seats, (for the "doggies"), but aside from that, none of the buttons or switches appear to be out of place on the aircraft. You do not find any secret compartments within/behind the controls.

[I Scream Clone]

I would like to have a seat in this plane, it appears safe enough, and I would like to scout out the area from above and draw a map of the remainder of the train lines etc from the air to help us all out. Sound good George?

[Shadows]

I would like to scout out the area from above and draw a map of the remainder of the train lines etc from the air to help us all.

That's a great idea!

You do that.

I'm sure not going up there.

[I Scream Clone]

That's a great idea!

You do that.

I'm sure not going up there.

What can I say, I have a spirit for adventure (and moving the plot along too) Wheres the life raft George? I guess we already know what the in flight meal is!

[WesternOutlaw]

Hey, this is great!

Austin, Snitchman, and Bulldog... unless anyone else wants to hop into the cargo hold, we're ready for some dying frying flying. (just kidding). I warn you though, this little plane can be a bit rough near the mountains.

[Wouwie]

Can I join the flight? And could you please stop by at my farm so I can get a camera so we could always look back on the trip?

[WesternOutlaw]

You bet ol' Jeb, but I don't think there's a clearing for me to land near your farm.

Oh, by the way, let me grab some tools before we take off. Just need a screwdriver and a hammer. Here Austin, hold on to these tight.