Last time on the Murder Mystery, we followed the tale of 13 individuals. 13 who had sinned. 13, stuck in a violent game of cat and mouse. 13 stuck, in a murder mystery. 13 all competing for survival. Only 2 survived. The president of Offtopic and Density Lore Master, Ringleader. And the murderous scorned bird, Nighthawk. One got caged, while the other got salvation. But now, that salvation has come at a price. For 14 shall now suffer new night of murder. Some familiar faces, some new ones. This is Offtopic Murder Mystery: SEASON 2. _______________________________________________________________ It was a dark, cloudy night in the Supreme Offtopic Senate. The building’s doors were locked, it’s windows glowing yellow in the darkness. A forbidding sight to be sure. Yet, there was laughter and joy within it’s walls. A party, no, a comedy, was in play. A comedy, with a killer punch line. Within the auditorium, there was music playing, on speakers obviously, but the people within have provided our story for tonight. Liam_Gue, the “Emperor” of Offtopic, and Ringleader, the “President” of Offtopic ae holding a rally. Whoever votes more for one, shall rule. Democracy versus imperialism. The others are here to support them or simply here for drinks. This can’t be more expressed than with SilencerSix and Charles the Deputy. Six pours himself a drink, he asks himself the most important question. “So Charlie, how’s it feel to be top dog in the police department now that Lee is a pile of goop?” Charles glared at him. “First off, that is incredibly rude. Secondly, I’m not the top dog. And thirdly, I am only here to provide security for Mr. Ring.” Charles looked down at his revolver in his holster with a symbol of a hat on the hilt. “And I better do it to be worthy of this.” “I would say so,” Replied Varvatos, a detective working for Ringleader. “For it brings glorious death to the enemies of the republic!” They both stared at Varvatos. “Annnnnd Varvatos just ruined it.” SilencerSix exasperated. Across the room, supporters for Liam discuss the night so far. Dr. Titan (a doctorate in kicking your ass) is conversing with GiantSlayer, and someone by the name of Demon. “So, think Liam has got this?” Titan asks. “If he does win, I’d be surprised.” Giant replies. “They’re using democracy to see whether or not we keep democracy. That’s ironic, right Demon? Demon just scoffs. “Well, that was useless. Do you even talk?” Replied Giant. Toward the center of the room, The Eagle, Aku Abyssal Maw, Saber-2, and Tilman all sit and converse. “Anyone know whatever happened to that Nighthawk guy?” Saber asked. “I heard he got jail time for what he did. Supposedly he should be in the lowest level of this place rotting away forever.” Said Aku. “Serves him right for killing people like Xombie and Graviton.” Eagle looked up from his drink. “But he had reasons…right?” “Eh, probably. But reasons don’t often equate to jurisdiction.” Tilman responded. Eagle looked back down to his drink solemnly. “What like your mother wishing she didn’t hit you with a flip flop?” Saber retorted. “Flip flop? What?” Tilman asked. Behind the stage, Liam and Traffic Cone met with Ringleader and Davy Timns. “Ah, good evening ‘former president’ Ring!” Liam states. “You say that like this debate is already over Liam.” Ring responds dryly and walks over to a table with some drinks. “Timn, could you get everyone out there ready for the presentation? It’ll be starting soon.” “You got it, boss, as long as I get Tiger’s old Xbox, we’re good,” Davy replied as he walked out. Traffic Cone turned toward Ring. “Tiger’s Xbox?” Ring shrugged. “Since Tiger left a lot of things unassigned in his will, I told Timns that he could get the Xbox for helping me out.” Liam responded, “Isn’t that technically extortion of a dead man? See, this will never happen in the Empire!” Ring looked at him, “Now you are starting to sound like Bieltan and his Stellaris sessions. Look, admit you messed with the computer programs for the building and the strange noises coming from your room and we can finish-“ “Oh, I already finished Ring! Finished your career! And maybe your future wife!” Liam shouted with a smug look on his face. “Ugh, I am already regretting this.” A few minutes go by, and the show begins. Everyone takes their seat. Liam and Ring come out onto the stage. “HEEEEELLLLLOOO OFFTOPIC!!!!” Liam proudly yells. “It is the Emperor you all know and love!” Liam turns to Ring. “And Ringleader of course.” “Smooth.” Six says under his breath to Charles. “Now, onto the debate! Are you sure you want someone who is weak? Someone who uses democracy to make their decisions? Bah! That sort of indecision will lead to our deaths! Is this what you want? Another repeat of Virus?” Liam yelled from his podium. Liam’s side of the room erupted with cheers. “Vote for me, and this democratic piece of shit will never ruin our empire!” More cheering. “You think he writes this shit down first? Or does it come naturally?” Remarked SilencerSix to Charles and Varvatos. “I do not know, but he does make a compelling argument for Varvatos,” replied Varvatos. “Especially with the concept of Virus trying to ruin days again.” Ringleader rolled his eyes. This was by far the stupidest thing he had ever- A flash high up got his attention. Ringleader looked up, and saw a small red light. The light was flickering in the shadows above the support beams in the ceiling. It was off-putting, something about it felt…wrong. Then, it turned a solid yellow. And a turret dropped from the ceiling, pointing at the stage. Traffic Cone and Davy Timns yelled “GET DOWN MR-“ but it was too late for Ringleader, as he dove towards Liam to try and save him. The turret sprayed bullets everywhere, coating the entire stage in a fresh new stain of red. Ringleader hit the ground. Everyone was in a panic until Charles pulled out his revolver and shot the turret. 4 shots, center mass. Varvatos shot it with his arm cannon, and Tilman threw a fireball at it. The turret fell to the ground, but the damage was done. Ringleader was grasping for whatever life he could muster, as Liam kneeled next to him. “All..of…you..in..danger!” Ring sputtered. Then, he fell silent for the last time. Everyone looked toward the stage, toward Liam, as if he did this intentionally. Liam looked back, “I-I didn’t-“ The doors shut automatically. Eagle tried to force them open but to no avail. A voice came on the speakers, a voice heavily distorted by thick electronic beats and warping called out, “14 little Offtopics…One tried democracy, and failed to remember the bullets of the past. And then, there were 13. 13 little Offtopics…we shall see who’s next.” ___________________________________________________________________________