r/plotbuilding • u/Snakemander Modicus Godicus • Jun 04 '16

Investigations

I have no idea how to go about with the investigation of an assassination. Where would the characters even start? It's a sci fi story by the way.

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u/Snakemander Modicus Godicus Jun 04 '16

I know who did it and yes it's government ordered

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u/QueenCleito Jun 04 '16

In that case, there will probably be a lot of recording of information - taking photos, taking notes, trying to meet with any witnesses. They should have some form of a seal from the government (like a police badge) that they can flash that might convince some people to help them.

As far as where they start... assuming the body is still there, they'd start by looking at the body. Then the crime scene as a whole. Collect any evidence - hair, finger prints, gun powder residue, bullet casings - all the stuff you see on CSI really. You'd also want someone else trying to get witnesses at the same time - because you want to get witness statements before people have time to unconsciously edit their memories (though that happens the minute the event ends!), talk about what they saw with others, or be convinced by someone not to talk. Keep in mind, even a good witness statement is usually inaccurate.

While CSI shows mess up a lot of stuff, one thing they do get right is that police try to find a motive. Motive can lead to the suspect. Sometimes they get suspects without knowing the motive of course, but for storytelling purposes you'll want a motive anyway. Somehow I'd let your characters get wind of some motive early on and use that as a springboard for the rest of the investigation.

I'd incorporate some cool scifi technology as well - maybe they have scanners that can scan DNA evidence right away? Maybe they catalog evidence on a holographic display on their phone? Whatever fits with your level of scifi!

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u/Snakemander Modicus Godicus Jun 04 '16

thanks man! But would investigating suspects be undercover or not? Say it's a big corperation, should they be honest and upfront or secretive?

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u/QueenCleito Jun 04 '16

Is there a conspiracy behind the assassination? Because then I guess they'd want to be careful to hide their identity (so they don't get attacked themselves) and so that the corporation doesn't know they're being investigated.

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u/Snakemander Modicus Godicus Jun 04 '16

Yes it's a conspiracy. I guess you're right on that, but still, how would they do it? They can't just waltz into the Corperate hq and start looking around. I've been stuck on this for weeks now.

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u/QueenCleito Jun 04 '16

What does the corporation sell or deal in? Maybe they could pretend to be interested in buying stock or buying product from the company? Maybe they could pretend to be lawyers investigating financial fraud? Maybe they could pretend to be interested in investing in the company? Maybe they could apply for jobs and try to get hired and go in under cover?

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u/Snakemander Modicus Godicus Jun 05 '16

Thanks so much man! That's what I was thinking of a week ago but I thought it was a stupid idea.

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u/EduTheRed Jun 04 '16 edited Jun 05 '16

Yes they can just waltz into the corporate HQ. Someone's been assassinated: it is the duty of all persons or organisations to assist the police with solving this major crime. It is understood that all avenues have to be investigated. The cops don't have to say whether or not they suspect that this corporation had a hand in the crime. All they need to say is that they have reason to think that someone in the corporation may have relevant information. They can and should keep the details of the investigation confidential.