Our Christmas special is finally here! This time we have a murder mystery set in a space hotel during a total solar eclipse featuring a full array of suspicious guests. Who among these peculiar characters is a murderer?
Please enjoy our latest work: “Death by Eclipse”
Listen on Apple Podcast or on your favourite podcast player through Anchor.
Death by Eclipse
Starring (in order of appearance):
Steven Di Costa ………………………………….. as the Narrator
Chris Carpineti …………………………………as Dafydd Morgan
Suze Kundu ………………………………………… as Sonam Vikram
Sheldon Goodman ……………………………………….. as Cecil Fox
Sacha Coward ………………………………………… as Jules Child
Dean Garland ……………………………… as the Security Guard
Eleanor Armstrong ………………………………. as Emily Lawless
Karl Byrne ……………………………………… as Montgomery Colt
Benjamin Couvin …………………………………….. as Lucius Jeune
Alfredo Carpineti ………………………………………… as Giovanni
Danielle Emina …………………………………………… as Theophania
Vaneet Mehta ……………………………………………………. as Malik
and with
Katy Evans ……………………………………………. as the Countess
written and directed by
Alfredo Carpineti
Post-Production by
Alfredo and Chris Carpineti
with special thanks for support and encouragement toTrip Galey, Robert Berg, and Shaun O’Boyle
Chapter 1 – Getting ready to launch
NARRATOR
It was going to be a trip like no other. Even by the standards of the most famous eclipse hunters, being able to see an eclipse from space was less of a chance in a lifetime and more a chance in a few lifetimes.
Sonam Vikram, the CEO of Vikram Space Travel and 12 other international companies, was about to inaugurate the crowning achievement of her life. An orbital hotel with a handful of rooms, five-star service, and the best view you could ask for: the entire planet.
For the opening, the hotel would be trailing the Moon for 90 minutes as it cast its shadow on Earth. There were certainly people on Earth who would have killed to be on board. As it turned out, people on board were also ready to kill.
Sonam
And here we are Daffyd! Happy belated birthday!
Daffyd
You shouldn’t have and I sincerely mean it
Sonam
Nonsense! You are a good friend
Daffyd
But an all expenses paid trip to your hotel for the eclipse? I –
Sonam
Think nothing of it, I had to reward your help in that case with the platypus and that gigolo… Oh, here comes Cecil! Hey Cecil**!**
Cecil
Hello boss! You must be the famous Inspector Daffyd Morgan. It’s so nice to meet you!
Daffyd
The pleasure is all mine. I hear you are the brain behind this whole operation.
Cecil
Oh, I just do my best to make Ms Vikram happy
Sonam
Nonsense! You have been invaluable. You planned this launch party to perfection. Convincing the Countess was a masterstroke! And the choice to have a competition to win a room during the eclipse. So genius.
Cecil
Just happy to please, Ma’m. Anyway, please come and meet Jules Child. Jules wrote the essay that won the most votes, I was so impressed by it. It was like I wrote it! I had to have him. He’s brilliant.
[Footsteps]
Jules Child, meet the woman who’s making all of this happen. Sonam Vikram. And this is the famous Inspector Morgan.
Daffyd
Please, call me Daffyd.
Jules
It is such a pleasure meeting you both.
Daffyd
Likewise. So Jules, what do you do?
Jules
Oh I work for a charity. Road Safety and whatnot, but I would love to do something with space. I’m a bit obsessed with everything to do with space travel! Hence why I applied for this competition.
Cecil
And I’m sure, you’ll get experience and contacts in this adventure. And now if you want to follow me gentlemen and lady, We need to get your luggage inspected.
Narrator
The four of them shuffled toward the security gate, where the inspector and Mr Child’s luggage were scanned. Unfortunately, both of them were asked to leave something behind, but did so begrudgingly.
Security guard
I’m sorry sir, but paper is a strict no-no in the space hotel. We have to prevent any possibility of a fire, so you’ll have to leave your book behind.
Daffyd
[Annoyed] What am I supposed to do to pass the time?
Sonam
Aren’t you a bit old for these sci-fi paperbacks?
Daffyd
Oh come on, Sonam! The Last Soul Of Saturn is a classic! I’m just at the point where the monster has followed him back to orbit…
Cecil
Don’t you worry, inspector! We can download it for you on one of our entertainment pads.
Security Guard
And you sir, these pills are not allowed on board
Jules
[Annoyed] Why not? I need it!
Cecil
Sorry old chap. Rules, regulations, and bloody health & safety. They’ll be the death of me. Before we allow drugs on board, we need to have agreements from pharmaceutical companies that their pills will not kill you in microgravity on the way to the hotel. [rattles of a pill bottle] Oh Cab pharmaceutical… They have been particularly tough to track down. I can find you a substitute before we take off if you are happy to share why you need them.
Jules
They’re a mild anti-anxiety drug. It was for the trip up!
Cecil
Oh you should have said so! We have yellow pills! Do you know them?
Jules
Yes, I do
Daffyd
Is that the new fad pill?
Cecil
It is! And it does what it says in the box: makes you happy, relaxed. Non drowsy, too! I had no side effects. But be careful calling it a fad inspector.. We’ve got the inventor of the pill on board with us today!
Actually it’s better if we go and catch up with him and the other guest. Come on!
Chapter 2 – On the space-craft
Narrator
The group entered the spacecraft which was ready to launch. They luciuswere greeted by a woman in full uniform who welcomed them in. Inside, the actor Montgomery Colt and Dr Lucius Jeune were already seated, waiting for launch.
Emily
Welcome aboard, I’m captain Emily Lawless
Jules
Emily what a lovely name. It was my mother’s. I’m Jules. I’m the competition winner.
Cecil
No, no, no, this won’t do! The meet and greet has to have style and panache [Like a dj/royal announcer everyone is a bit uncomfortable] Hello everyone and welcome on board our very special flight to the Vikram space hotel, where we will meet a few more of our guests.
Now that you are all comfortably seated let me do the introductions.
We have internationally renowned actor Montgomery Colt.
Montgomery
Hello everyone, a pleasure to be here.
Cecil
The genius that gave happiness back to humanity, Dr Lucius “Yellow Pill” Jeune
Lucius
Hello, it is an honor to be here
Cecil
We are also joined by the mind behind this operation, Sonam Vikram
Sonam
They all know me
Cecil
Inspector Daffyd Morgan… You have read the news. Don’t go committing crimes with him around!
Daffyd
[muttering a hello] Not here on business!
Cecil
And my special guest for this adventure. Mr Jules Child!
Jules
[Very excited] Hello Everyone! It’s such a honour to be here
Captain Emily Lawless
Are quite finished Mr Fox? As your pilot I’d suggest you sit down and fasten your seatbelt. We are about to take off.
[Countdown]30, 29, 28..
You will experience a tremendous force for a few minutes. Feel free to pass out.
[Countdown]20, 19, 18
And then we will be in microgravity, and in orbit. It will then take us 6 hours to reach the hotel. There are entertainment pads for you. But trust me you won’t be able to stop looking at the Earth.
[Countdown]5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Chapter 3 – Meeting the other guests
Narrator
The Journey to the station was a smooth ride under the expert flying of captain Emily Lawless. As they approached the hotel, the guests were taken aback by its beauty and simplicity. The 1960s design of a rotating space station where gravity could be simulated had been reinvented for the 2030s. A central pylon where multiple spacecraft could park connected to a large glass and chrome ring, surrounded by a circle of solar panels just out of view of the guests, which kept the hotel supplied with power.
The rotating gig would provide the semblance of gravity, once the guest were safely in the ring.
Emily
This is your captain, We are now arriving at the hotel. And if you look to your left, you’ll see the other guest who can afford a spacecraft is also almost her.
[space metallic noise… wooshes of locks and doors being open]
Welcome to the space hotel. You may now disembark slowly from the front exit.
Cecil
Fantastic flight Captain. Will you stay here to tow the hotel in and out of the path of totality?
Emily
Yes, Cecil. I’ll only come on board during the eclipse for a break, but otherwise I’m in here. Keeping us all safe.
Oh, and give this to Theophania. She requested it. And you know she doesn’t like to be kept waiting. Bloody influencers.
Cecil
Oh don’t be mean about her. Having her and Malik as a connection certainly didn’t hinder your career here.. It was their recommendation that got you this job, remember.
Narrator
As the inspector moved towards the exit, he noticed Emily giving a murderous glance to the sardonic Mr Fox as he floated out of the airlock and into the pylon towards the hotel.
John
Hello and welcome, esteemed guests! My name is John, I’m the head of hospitality here at Vikram Space Hotel. I cook, I clean, and I’m here to satisfy your every desire. Come come. Reception is this way
Theophania
John move out of the way, we’re trying to film
John
Sorry Miss…?
Theophania
What’s up everyone! This is Theo-phania and Malik, with another update from the space hotel.
Malik
New guests have just arrived! Nobody we know, but I’m sure we will get along splendidly. God is great!
Theophania
Yes Malik, God is great! It’s T minus five hours to the eclipse. As we said, we’ll be filming a bit but we won’t be doing a livestream. We will be praying as we witness the majesty of creation. So join us in prayer from Earth.
Malik
And look! Another spacecraft is approaching!
Narrator
Several guests moved quickly out of the way or were pushed aside as the two influencers barged past to try and capture footage of the next set of arrivals.
Daffyd
What was that?
Montgomery
Come on inspector, don’t tell me you don’t know Theophania & Malik
Sonam
Oh Daffyd! Even I know them!
Lucius
They are the most famous christian influencers in the world. From the most deeply evangelical to the most lax catholic, everyone loves them. They really are making christianity cool again.
John
Did you remember when they unfollowed the pope after that anti-trans comment? My god, the drama in the vatican. Martin Luther wishes he created such chaos!
Cecil
My dear guests, here are your room keys! I’m in room zero which is also my office. Sonam, you’re obviously in room number 1. Here, John, please give out the others following my instructions, and then go take care of our final guest.
[key passing hand in hand]
Montgomery
Oh, oh no. Inspector, I’m sorry to bother you but would it be possible to switch rooms with me. Two is my lucky number – I always book it for all my trips. I hope you’d forgive this… diva idiosyncrasy.
Daffyd
Not at all. A room is a room for me. This place is much better than most.
[thumping cane approaches]
Narrator
As the guests readied their keys and luggage, the sight of John approaching with the most extravagantly dressed woman stopped them in their tracks.
Clad head to toe in a blue sparkling dress, walking with a gorgeous silver cane, Countess Anastasia of Bratislava looked all the guests up and down. The inspector noticed she gazed for a second longer on Doctor Jeune than anyone else before speaking
Countess
Good evening, everyone
Jules
Hello! I’m Jules, very nice to meet you… who are you, exactly?
Countess
Oh how quaint, not being recognised. I’m Countess Anastasia of Bratislava. I was the first person to move permanently to space, I am the asterocracy, you know…!
Cecil
Countess, what a pleasure seeing you! And I’m sorry to see you with a cane. Are you alright?
Countess
I had a minor fall last week. Nothing to worry about. Seven days and I’m an expert with this cane [tap tap]
Daffyd
Inspector Daffyd Morgan, my Lady. Happy to escort you around at a slower pace if your ankle is a bother. Did you pilot here yourself?
Countess
Inspector! Your fame has also reached space. And of course not, I have a chauffeur for such occasions. And I’m quite sure my little twisted ankle will not interfere with this trip. I wouldn’t have missed this little get together. It is so nice to see a large group people.
Daffyd
You’ve been alone a while?
Countess
Just a few weeks. I do get regular shipments and my staff rotates regularly. We’d had bad weather over the island we launch from – until yesterday. Nobody has been able to fly out.
John
Attention everyone one. Now that you have all arrived, here are your communication badges and entertainment pads. As you can see from the pad, the countdown has started and Captain Lawless is moving the station into position, so we might experience some motion as we get on our way.
Please keep your com-badge on you at all times and keep it on. You can use it to order drinks or anything else from me, and it tells me where you are in the station so I can get to you as quickly as possible. It’s also a safety requirement, so don’t turn it off!
Your rooms will be facing the Moon, and the view of the eclipsed Earth will be visible from the corridor.
After the eclipse, there will be a tea party with freshly baked, irresistibly delicious muffins.
Cecil
Please do take advantage of our John, here. He is very skilled and you are our guests so everything he does for you is paid for.
Sonam
Well dear guests, have a wonderful eclipse, and see you afterwards.
[Sounds of people walking and a thumping cane]
Chapter 4 – Path of Totality
Narrator
The inspector sat in his room admiring the fiery spectacle of the solar corona as blocked by the Moon. In his years of service, he had seen the worst of human nature and become quite the cynic as a result, but here, hundreds of kilometers above the surface, he could do nothing but feel hope for himself and his fellow humans.
It was about an hour into the spectacle that a knock came to the door.
Daffyd
Come in.
John
Good evening, sir. I was told you requested some services from me.
Daffyd
I don’t think.. Wait! Stop that, put your bloody trousers back on, why are you stripping mun??
John
I’m..I’m… I was told you wanted… well.. Some extras.. I’m sorry if I got it wrong…Mr Fox told me the Gentleman in Room 7 wanted… my company during the eclipse. I would have come earlier but I needed to get the muffins out of the oven for the post-eclipse tea party. I’m so sorry, I –
Daffyd
Look, it’s all right. It’s not that I don’t appreciate you, or your body, but I wasn’t the one requesting it. I doubt I could even afford your rates.
John
Well, thank you sir but to be fair I’ve been paid already. But please don’t feel weird about it. I’ll send him a message to check I do have the right room.
Narrator
As John shirtlessly contacted Cecil on his com-pad, a now familiar sound came from behind the door.
[Sound of cane]
Daffyd
I wonder where the Notorious C.A.B. is going…. Huh.
John, have you had a chance to look at the eclipse?
John
Not really sir, I’ve been so busy. They don’t really pay me to loiter
Daffyd
Well, apparently I’ve paid for your services for half an hour so come sit next to me and let’s enjoy the eclipse.
John
Should I put my shirt back on?
Daffyd
Only if it makes you more comfortable.
Chapter 5 – Death by Eclipse
Narrator
As the syzygy between the three celestial bodies came to an end, the Inspector and John, moved quickly back towards the dining hall.
Daffyd
I hope those vultures have not finished the muffins you talked so much about.
John
If they did, I’ll make another batch just for you… sir… Oh, we must be the first ones here! No one has touched them.
Narrator
Over the next several minutes every guest arrived in turn. The Countess marched in looking furious. She was shortly followed by Malik looking downbeat and worried. Doctor Jeune arrived and stared at the Countess. Mr. Child came in looking preoccupied and yet cheerful, smartly dressed in a suit and tie. Ms Vikram and Mr Colt arrived together but the inspector noticed something was not quite right about the pair. Theophania seemed to be the only one waltzing like she’d just returned from cloud nine. The Inspector was very much pondering this underlying tension when his train of thought was interrupted.
Countess
Inspector, pardon my intrusion.
Daffyd
Not at all, Madam.
Countess
Have you seen Mr Fox? It is paramount for me to talk to him immediately.
Daffyd
I’m afraid I have not. Have you consulted your little pad?
Countess
I have several times. I’ve even knocked on his door.
Lucius
I’ve tried too, no answer. I must speak to him at once.
Sonam
Has something happened?
Daffyd
Apparently, our Cecil has got some of the guests worried. I’m sure he’s just a bit late. John, could you come with me and bring the skeleton key?
John
Certainly, sir.
Countess
I will be coming too.
Lucius
Yes, me too.
Malik
Where are you all going? I’m coming too
[Footsteps]
Narrator
The assorted group arrived at the door and after several attempts at knocking, tried to open it. The door was unlocked.
Daffyd
Mr. Fox? I’m sorry to barge in but the group was a bit worried… Oh my god.
[The guests gasp / express shock]
Narrator
On the floor, next to his desk, lay the lifeless body of Cecil Fox. Blood was flowing from his temple. Around his mouth and in a glass on the desk was the unmistakable residue of yellow pills. All around his body, blank sheets of paper covered the floor. The guests stared, aghast.
Daffyd
Nobody touches anything and nobody move, do I make myself clear?
Narrator
The inspector moved closer to the victim as his eyes darted around the room, scanning for the smallest details.
Daffyd
Clearly, his death is due to his head injury but how do the yellow pills fit into it? Why was he drinking them in his juice?
Sonam
I can’t believe it… Do you think he overdosed then fell and hit his head ?
Countess
Don’t be ridiculous! You can’t overdose on yellow pills
Daffyd
You sound pretty confident, my lady.
Countess
I’m confident because I’m right. Aren’t I, Lucius?
Lucius
[strained and annoyed] She is. My drug has no side effects and you can’t overdose on it
Daffyd
I would agree too.
Sonam
Then what happened? [pleadingly]
Daffyd
Look there. I believe that Mr Fox was hit a single time with that bizarre looking brass sculpture on the desk, which was then cleaned in a hurry. You can see there’s still some water and soap residue still on it.
Countess
Are you saying…
Daffyd
Yes. There’s been a murder, madam.
Chapter 6 – Everyone is a suspect
Narrator
After the initial shock of the discovery had passed, the inspector asked all the guests to return to their respective rooms, leaving only himself and John in Room Zero.
Daffyd
John, tell me. What’s the strangest thing about this room right now? What doesn’t fit?
John
Apart from the corpse, you mean.
Daffyd
Yes, apart from the corpse, John.
John
Mmmh. Mhhhm. Like there’s a lot of paper.
Daffyd
Precisely! A lot of paper, and it’s all blank. Why? I couldn’t bring my book because [almost mockingly] paper is a fire hazard but there’s so much paper here. I had to read a book on one of those… those com-pad things. Strained my bloody eyes.
Wait a minute. The com-pad! Can you show me yours? Can I see the movement of the guests? This might be a very easy case.
John
Well, it’s probably violating some privacy laws but I suppose somebody is a murderer. So here’s every guest now, plus me and Captain Lawless. Everyone is in their room as you asked. This is at the beginning of the Eclipse. I’ll move quickly.. Oh!
Daffyd
What happened? Why are there only four signals left?
John
Everyone switched off their com-badges. Apart from you, me, Captain Lawless, and Mr Fox. Damn it. I told them not to turn them off!
Daffyd
It’s never easy, is it. But peculiar that the Captain spent a good amount of time in Room 3. Mmmm
Dear John, I’d like you to cover the body with a bedsheet, and look around the room for anything that might be suspicious. Try to touch as little as possible.
John
What will you be doing sir?
Daffyd
What I do best. Ask people vague questions until I know they’re lying to me. Because they always lie.
[Footsteps and Knock]
Sonam
Come in!
[Opens door]
[Narrator]
The inspector walked into room number one. Sonam Vikram was perched on the edge of an armchair, visibly shaken, with a drink in hand. The room was otherwise immaculate, with the bed still made and towels folded on top.
Daffyd
Hello Sonam, may I ask you a couple of questions?
Sonam
Of course, Daffyd! You’ve got to help me out. This is a disaster for my company!
Daffyd
I’m going to find out the truth of it all, don’t worry. Can you tell me why you turned off your com-badge?
Sonam
I.. Well… Wait, do you suspect I had something to do with it?
Daffyd
I’m just trying to understand what happened.. And you seem more preoccupied with your bottom line, than by the fact your personal assistant was just murdered.
Sonam
Sincerely, I do not care for Cecil… or did not care. One of my company shareholders gave me a huge investment to hire him. He had some trouble with the law. Hit and run, about a decade ago. Couldn’t get a job. I didn’t care. He worked fairly hard and I got money out of it.
I mean he was slimy and you can tell he was scheming for something but he got my hotel up in the air, quite literally. But even if I wanted him dead, I wouldn’t have killed him on the inaugural launch of my space hotel. I’m no idiot, Daffyd.
Daffyd
Fair, but this does not answer my initial question. Why was your com-badge off?
Sonam
Oh, I took a shower. I didn’t want it on.
Daffyd
Very well, that’s all I need for now. This door goes to Room number 2 right? Is it unlocked? can I go through here without going into the corridor?
Sonam
Sure, but..
[Doors open]
Montgomery
Look, Darling, I… Oh, inspector it’s you!
Daffyd
Tis I…
[Door closes]
Were you expecting someone else?
Montgomery
No, not at all!
Narrator
Montgomery Colt’s room was a mess. With bed sheets and towels all over the floor. The bed had been completely unmade.
Daffyd
Mr Colt, may I ask how you spent the time of the Eclipse?
Montgomery
Oh, I was chilling. Just chilling. Wasn’t doing anything particular.
Daffyd
Why did you turn off your com-badge?
Montgomery
My com-badge? I wanted a nap. I didn’t want to be bothered.
Daffyd
And was there anyone in your room with you?
Montgomery
No, no. Just little old me.
Daffyd
Very well… Oh actually, just one question. Did you leave the room at any point?
Montgomery
Not at all. I stayed put for the whole event. And that’s the truth!
Daffyd
Mhmm, well, thank you for your time Mr Colt, but I believe I’ve seen far better performances by you on screen. Bye for now.
Narrator
Montgomery flushed a deep red colour as the inspector parted with a nod, and proceeded into Theophania’s room, next door. The two influencers were stood in the open doorway which connected to Room 4, where Malik slept separately from his girlfriend. Theophania and Malik both looked shaken, and had clearly been interrupted in the middle of an intense discussion.
Daffyd
Hello to both of you. I have a few questions if you don’t mind.
Theophania
No, of course not!
Daffyd
Did you spend the entire eclipse in here, Ms… I don’t think I caught your last name?
Theophania
I’m just Theophania. It’s the long version of Tiffany. And yeah, I was here the whole time.
Daffyd
And was anyone else in the room with you?
Theophania
Just me! For the entire event! Praying…[nervous]
Narrator
The inspector couldn’t help but notice how Malik looked down hearing those words. Something was amiss, and going by the com-pad, he knew the captain had been in here.
Daffyd
And you Malik? What were you doing during the eclipse?
Malik
Stayed in my room. I was doing some filming for our channels, and towards the end of the eclipse I got a call from our manager
Daffyd
Your manager?
Malik
Yeah, he’s the one that keeps the entire operation going. I… I… I wanted him to be part of our trip to space somehow.
Daffyd
That is very nice of you. I’ve no further questions for now.
Narrator
Once again the inspector left for the hallway, and this time he walked towards room number 5. As soon as the inspector knocked, Mr. Jules Child opened the door as if he was standing right next to it waiting for this interview. The inspector could not tell if it was nerves or something else.
Jules
Sorry, if I startled you inspector. I’m just a bit on edge. I really can’t believe what happened.
Daffyd
Yes, it is most shocking. You seemed to be good terms with Mr Fox. Did you know him well?
Jules
I’d say yes but not personally. I have been following him online since he started his career here. It was very much like a goal job for me, so after a while I felt like he was a friend. I know it’s silly. I really didn’t know him.
Daffyd
I do understand where you are coming from. May I ask your whereabouts during the eclipse?
Jules
Of course. I stayed in my room for most of the event. This has been a dream for so long. I even turned off my com-badge ‘cause I wanted to be like an old-time astronaut. Alone in space.
Daffyd
Completely understandable. But tell me Mr Child, why did you leave your room?
Jules
I was hungry, so I went to get something to eat. I didn’t want to bother John and he said he was making muffins, so I got one of those. On the way I met the Countess, martini in hand, and a look that could kill. She didn’t say anything; I don’t think she forgave me for not knowing who she was.
Daffyd
Well, she basks in notoriety so I would not be surprised she doesn’t care for us mortals. You mentioned your dream job was to work for Sonam, but you actually work for a charity no?
Jules
Yes, the Emily Beckett Trust. It is to help the family of hit & run victims.
Daffyd
I think you’ve covered everything I wanted to ask. Thank you for the chat. I might come back if anything else comes to mind.
Narrator
When the inspector entered Dr Jeune’s room, he immediately noticed one thing. A martini glass and a tumblr on the coffee table. The doctor himself was busy typing and wasn’t paying too much attention to the Inspector’s inquisitive eyes.
Daffyd
Doctor, may I ask what you were doing during the eclipse?
Lucius
I was working! After a few minutes, I got bored, you know? It’s just an eclipse, they happen all the time. I can’t waste my time with such things. And before you ask, I turned the com-badge off so that I could work in peace. This is a business trip.
Daffyd
What kind of business?
Lucius
As you know I have an exclusive deal to supply the Yellow pill to these space tourists. I felt that my deal was in jeopardy, as Mr Fox invited the Countess.
Daffyd
Why would that be the case?
Lucius
She is very vocal about things she doesn’t like, and she doesn’t like my pill. She was trying to get my deal thrown out. She told me herself.
Daffyd
When was that?
Lucius
Mmm…at some point. I don’t remember when
Daffyd
Were you alone in this room during the eclipse?
Lucius
Of course. Alone with my work
Daffyd
Thank you doctor, that will be all.
Narrator
The only person left to be interrogated was the Countess. The inspector found her at her window, gazing out into space.
Daffyd
Your Ladyship, may I ask you a few questions?
Countess
You may, and I swear to tell the truth, but you will be unsatisfied with the answers. I will have to omit several pieces of information that are only marginally relevant to your case.
Daffyd
That it is certainly a novel approach. Nobody has ever told me they’re going to lie to my face.
Countess
I won’t be lying, but I won’t tell you more than you need.
Daffyd
Very well, Madam. What did you do during the eclipse?
Countess
Well, I started by going to talk to Mr Fox. I did not kill him, but I believe I was the last person to see him alive. Well, apart from the murderer. I needed to speak to him regarding a business matter.
I then walked out and on the way I saw that curious non-famous fellow. He had changed, wearing some ugly synthetic tracksuit, like a bargain-bin astronaut.
Daffyd
What time was that?
Countess
I’m not sure.. I think it was halfway through the eclipse.
I then walked back to my room.
Daffyd
I suppose you are not going to tell me what you and Mr Fox talked about.
Countess
I had to warn him of a certain business venture he was involving the hotel with. Nasty stuff.
Daffyd
Have you omitted any details between seeing Mr Child and getting back in your room?
Countess
Nothing relevant.
Daffyd
Alright, let me ask a different question. What’s with the cane?
Countess
I tripped a few days ago and twisted my ankle. Feel free to examine the swelling, but I promise it’s not a pretty sight.
Daffyd
I’m certain you are telling the truth about that. My question was, as you have lived in perfect health in space for so long, and mentioned you have not seen people in weeks, how did you get a brand new cane?
Narrator
For the first time in years, the Countess looked visibly shocked, as though someone had just slapped her in the face. The shock melted into a smile as she looked the inspector up and down.
Countess
I am in awe, inspector. Your fame doesn’t do you justice. Do you think you’ve figured out all my secrets?
Daffyd
I don’t know yet. But I have to admit that despite your lies and omissions, you have told a good deal of truth.
Chapter 7 – The secret of Room Zero
NARRATOR
The brief chats brought the inspector to the conclusion that all these people were obviously lying. And they weren’t even good at that. All apart from one of them, who was marginally better than the others, having actually murdered Cecil Fox and covered their tracks.
The inspector had no other option but to return to room Zero and see if John had been able to unearth something.
[Footsteps]
JOHN
Inspector, sir, I think you’ll be very happy with me.
Daffyd
And why is that?
John
Press that switch and you’ll find out.
Narrator
The switch closed the blinds and turned the lights off. As the room plunged into darkness, the inspector realized that a blacklight shone over the desk. The white paper was dazzling with writing.
Daffyd
What is all this?
John
Profiles on all the guests. Lots of information about them. Stuff I don’t think is common knowledge. Secrets.
Narrator
The inspector went over the pages. They were not just simple profiles. It was a dossier of every single invited guest. Codified and simplified, but enough for the inspector to work out what each brief page was referring to.
Daffyd
I think this event was a trap
John
For Mr Fox?
Daffyd
No for the guests. Each of them were invited because Fox had some loose evidence that they had something to hide. They all did something here that proved to Mr Fox that he was right. Something they would likely pay money to keep hidden.
John
My god, he was blackmailing them all?
Daffyd
Yes, although I don’t think he was expecting that someone would rather kill than pay.
He was certainly a nasty little man. He hacked every communication device on board. And he made a note of when he found out every piece of information about our guests and what he did with it. This could be extremely useful.. Although there are a few mistakes.
John
Mistakes?
Daffyd
Yes, like look at Mr Colt’s file… That’s why you were sent to my room. Mr Child’s job is also wrong. The countess age too… god, better not show this to her. Or maybe she saw it and killed him!
John
Is all of this enough? Is it clear who could have done it?
Daffyd
I have a few suspects but I need to look something up first about the past of our victim and some other matter.
John
I’m going to go ahead and serve dinner then.
Daffyd
Oh absolutely. I’ll use dinner to get a few more answers out. Hopefully the perp will be caught off guard.
Chapter 8 – Lies, Damn lies, and these people
Narrator
Dinner was served in the dining hall, offering spectacular views of Earth. John had cooked an excellent meal, but none of the gathered guests had food or scenic views on their minds, and only the inspector appeared to be enjoying it.
Daffyd
I suppose you are all wondering what I have discovered…
[murmurs of agreement]
Well, the only thing that is certain to me is that all of you lied to me. Cecil Fox had gathered intel on each of you, and planned to blackmail you in exchange for money.
[murmurs of disagreement]
Silence. I did ask you all to be upfront with me. You could have told me the truth and I could have helped you, but you all chose to tell lies and make this investigation a lot more convoluted than it needed to be.
Does anyone want to admit to telling any particularly big lies and we’ll deal with it in private, or are you all happy to have your secrets exposed here in a very public manner?
[more disagreement]
Very well. Let’s begin with… Sonam.
Sonam
Daffyd I had nothing to do with-
Daffyd
How long have you been sleeping with Mr Colt?
Sonam
Fine. Bravo. World’s greatest detective caught me with my boyfriend. My husband knows by the way, we just can’t have it in the press and..
Montgomery
Am I your boyfriend?
Sonam
Oh, shut up… you know what I mean
Daffyd
Ok, better question. Were you aware that Fox was helping your business rivals with a hostile takeover and he was trying to manufacture a scandal around you?
Soman
So that’s who was helping Tusk. That snivelling son of a bi… may he rest in peace.
Daffyd
Well, that was almost sincere.
Montgomery
Oh. So that’s where I came in. I’m the honeypot.
Daffyd
No, Fox thought you were gay. He had a picture of you and Sonam incognito and and he thought she was a man and that you were gay. John was supposed to be your bait.
John
Hello!
Montgomery
Oooh! I did get an anonymous email with a picture of Sonam in disguise when she was meeting me last year with the caption “Do you like your boys on the short side?” I thought it was her making a joke I didn’t understand…
Daffyd
This excuse is almost plausible for taking you off the list of suspects..
Countess
Has this any relevance to the murder?
Daffyd
I don’t know yet, Countess. Ruining a career is a good motive.
But we can talk about your career.
Countess
What about my career?
Daffyd
What did you and Mr Fox talk about? You were the last person to see him alive… apart from the murderer
Countess
You tell me, inspector. Impress me.
Daffyd.
Fine. You are a great actress but this final performance was beyond your range.
Countess.
Oh was it now?
Daffyd
Yes, you do not live in space. This has been a ruse going on for years. Your persona as a rich uncaring socialite living above the world is fantasy.
You are the owner of Cab Pharmaceuticals. Or C.A.B. Countess Anastasia of Bratislava. A bit on the nose.
That’s the secret of Cab. Using space production, you can create better medicine at a fraction of the cost. You have distributed your medicine for free in most countries and you have undersold many unscrupulous companies without making a loss. Cherry on top, nobody can link it to you, cause you know.. You are just a snobby asterocrat that doesn’t care about others.
Countess
God knows what my family did to make all this money. I might as well use it all to make amends.And my name cannot be linked to it.. The company would be destroyed by my relations if they knew… What else have you worked out?
Daffyd
Dr Jeune!
Lucius
What about me?
Daffyd
How long have you known the Countess?
Lucius
I.. I.. I’ve met her on this trip
Countess [dropped accent, no longer posh]
Come on, Lucy. He’s worked it out.
Lucius
I have done nothing wrong
Countess
Debatable, but please, inspector tell us what you think.
Daffyd
So, your pill is a placebo, Dr Jeune, and you falsified the results. You first developed it for CAB pharmaceuticals so the Countess knew that it didn’t work.
She probably fired you and you sold it to one of her rivals, making them a competition for her again. Mr Fox suspected who was behind CAB and your relationship. So he struck a bargain with Dr Jeune for an exclusivity deal as long as the pill was appreciated by all the guests, and invited you both here.
Imagine how happy he was when you, Countess told him you didn’t like the yellow pill. And he was even more pleased with the recording of your conversation in Dr Jeune’s room.
Is that when you got that blackmail message?
Lucius & Countess
Yeah..
Daffyd
And now for the other three. Mr Child, you also are a liar. I’ve seen the dossier Mr Fox had about you.
Jules
Yeah… He told me that he knew that I cheated to win this ticket. I feel very ashamed but this was my chance to come here. I had to do everything in my power…
Daffyd
Yes, I guess you would feel that way. What would have happened if the truth had come out?
Jules
Well, my job would have been at risk
Daffyd
And what do you do again?
Jules
I work for a charity as a computer specialist. It helps the families and victims of hit and runs, and I used my skills to help bring culprits to justice.
Daffyd
What was it’s name again?
Jules
The Emyly Beckett Trust
Daffyd
Ah yes, that’s not what Mr Fox’s file said..
Jules
I had to cover my traces a bit…
Daffyd
Well having hacked the system to come here, that would certainly bring your morality into question.
Talking about dubious morality, our two influencers.
Theophania
We are innocent. We had no reason to be blackmailed
Malik
Yeah… (guiltily)
Daffyd
Apart from being scammers.
Theophania
How dare you sir!
Daffyd
Save it. What was Captain Lawless doing in your room?
Theophania
Oh….Ok, fine. She’s my lover. We only pretend to be devout christians cause being an influencer pays so well. But I would argue, doesn’t every christian pretend to be devout?
Anyway, we were not being blackmailed.
Malik
Actually, we were. Someone sent a message to Jeremy, our manager who happens to be my boyfriend, saying that they knew we were gay. Which is also insulting cause I’m bi and I can’t even be blackmailed without my sexuality being erased.
It happened during the eclipse. I was going to tell you about the blackmail, and I started, but I chickened out.
Theophania
Wait, that’s what that was about? You cannot fucking start by asking me about our future if you know we’re being blackmailed.
Daffyd
What time did your manager receive his message?
Malik
It was towards the end of the eclipse. I had finished most of the filming when he called.
Daffyd
Well, there you have it. All of you had motives to kill. But only one of you did it. And it is pretty obvious now, but I think John has a question…
John
Sorry to interrupt, sir. But would anyone care for coffee or desert, perhaps the muffins from this afternoon?
Daffyd
Muffins! Thank you, John. By the way. They are delicious. And don’t take my word for it. Ask Mr Child.
Jules
Yes, yeah. I had one during the eclipse. Very yummy.
John
Oh my god…
Daffyd
John knows who did it too!
John
Nobody touched the muffins
Jules
Ok,fine, I lied about the muffins
Daffyd
Why did you kill Mr Fox, Jules?
Jules
Just because I lied about the muffins, it doesn’t make me a murderer.
Daffyd
Of course not, but we know the Countess did not kill him, for as much as she might have liked to, she left him well enough in health to continue to blackmail all of you.
Jules
I’m not the murderer and all your evidence is circumstantial.
Daffyd
I’m sure it is, until we get that tracksuit of yours analyzed for blood. Until then I have just a couple of questions. Was your mother Emily Beckett?
Jules
Yes.
Daffyd
So the charity you work for is in their memory?
Jules
My father started it with the money he got from the settlement.
Daffyd
Yes, a large lump sum and the regular instalments paid by the family of Cecil Fox monthly.
You do realize that those are public records, right?
Jules
[Seething with anger] He killed my mother. He was caught hours later but his rich family paid everyone off. Everyone in my little town knew but those who had power to do anything preferred the money of Fox’s family over justice. Even my dad was bought.
Daffyd
You were denied justice but you have not delivered it
Jules
Haven’t I? He was a murderer, a blackmailer. A hit to the head might have not been justice but it felt damn close to it!
Countess
But why the yellow pills?
Jules
I wanted him to overdose on my anxiety medication, instead I had only those. I crushed them into the drink I brought him.. It would have saved me half an hour knowing that they are useless.
Sonam
What now Daffyd?
Daffyd
I have no idea… There’s never been a murder in space…
Jules
I must be punished. A very public trial. Fox’s reputation must be ruined! And for the rest of you, your secrets are safe with me… Afterall, I can’t really judge you.
Malik
Only god can judge us… sorry, it’s difficult to stop!
Narrator
The hotel moved out of the shadow of the Earth and back into sunlight. As the rays shone into the dinner hall, the guest were left with one question to answer.
John
So muffins anyone?