Ardra

"Major, we have an opportunity and a conflict," the Colonel said. "Part of the deal is to deliver the bodies to the Space Nav Guild. It could be an opportunity to seize Ardra, but I think it would risk the deal. We need alternatives."

-----

November 30

Press Release: Inquisition Drops All Charges on Al Raqis Landsraat "Taurean Defendants"

Colonel Aodhfionn MacMoragh of the Union of Allied Planets reached an agreement with the Imperial Inquisitor, His Grace Margrave Princely Count Sardar Kumar Sri Rai Sahib Khanzadeh for the release of the three Al Raqis Landsraat defendants from 34 Tau.

Charges are hereby dropped for Calina Tereschenko of House Shanjian, Zeno Baxton of House Zenobia, and Deren Ireton of House Barca. All travel restrictions and asset controls are hereby lifted effective immediately.

The deal was brokered by the Space Navigator Guild who refused to make comment.

The Imperium expressed appreciation to the Union of Allied Planets and the Space Navigator Guild for their assistance in the pursuit of justice.

The Margrave Inquisitor declined to disclose the nature of the deal other than it was "evidence vital for the furtherance of the pursuit of the Imperium's Justice".

Inquisitor His Grace Margrave Princely Count Sardar Kumar Sri Rai Sahib Khanzadeh commented, "The three Taurean prisoners were very tight-lipped and refused to turn State's Evidence, but they obeyed the forms which is important as per the Great Convention. The forms must be obeyed. Fortunately for them, their home government was resourceful on their behalf and was able to procure their release."

-----

My shuttle sped through the Black.

The space in between. The neither-neither.

I flipped a switch and spoke into the communicator, on a private channel, "Requesting coordinates."

The reply was immediate. ** 190 190 4040 for lower entry. **

"Confirmed," I replied.

The signal continued to broadcast as my ship approached the structure.

** 190 200 4144 for terminus entry. **

** 190 190 8640 for auxiliary entry. **

** Permission for entry is granted. **

** Proceed and land in the lower level. **

** Entry to the loading bay is on the lower west side. **

-----

The shuttle door opened with a hiss.

I was confronted by a cloud of iridescent bubbles, each one roughly a meter or more in diameter. Scintillating colours of red, green, and blue.

"Welcome, Major." It was the voice of Ardra Aurotharius. It was accompanied by an echo:

"You may leave your shuttle," she added. "The bay is pressurized for your convenience."

I stepped out onto the sloping deck. The walls arching upward into the gloom.

The bubbles were warm and soft to the touch. The accompanying noise was chaotic and loud, difficult to define.

"Hello Audrey..." I began.

"I will permit it," she said, on my use of the name. "Tell me, Major, does this errand remind you of anything?"

"The bubbles make me think of New Year's," I replied, "why don't you show yourself?"

She did not reply. Instead, the bubbles gradually subsided revealing her familiar form. The claws were tucked in. The wings pulled back. Spice vented from the top of the framework, where the head should be.

"Thank you," I said, "That's better."

"Tell me of your errand today," she said, "An Alliance Officer brings to the Spacing Guild Corpus a body to secure for some purpose of political necessity."

"I have some dead bodies for the Guild," I agreed, "Something Central Government arranged."

"We will accept them for safekeeping as in the past," she declared. "Twenty years ago, such an errand only merited a lieutenant," she added with a hint of mockery.

She referred to the bones of St. Zenobius housed with the Guild during the war. The same relics she had tried to put on the blackmarket. Her attempt to sell those artifacts had led to her file being sent to my desk over two years ago.

We had indeed come full circle.

"Well," I replied, "we have a connection, you and I."

"I might not have come in person for others," she admitted, "Especially after the recent security breach."

I smiled. "So, how is the Guild treating you?" I asked, as if we were old friends, "Are you happy here?"

"To the extent to which I am capable, yes," she replied. "And I have facilities available to me that I would not otherwise."

"Your research is going well then?"

"Yes it is," she replied, "Your assistance has moved things along well. Have you progressed on my request?"

I answered charitably, "Glad to be able to help. You are aware that we take a great interest in your work..."

"That has never changed," she remarked.

I continued, "... and I do have a preliminary medical report on the twins."

"Have they found the Aleph or the Zahir?" she asked.

I did not answer her question. Instead, I said, "Let me ask you, Audrey, what would it take for you to come back to us...to continue your work in 34 Tauri.... for the Alliance?"

"Tell me if you found the Aleph or the Zahir," she said, "and I will answer you plainly."

"We might have found the Aleph. We are running tests."

As promised, she answered plainly. "If you have indeed found the Aleph, you may have custody of me on June 3rd of the coming year."

"Surely, you would like to be part of the testing procedure," I said, "to verify the find."

"I will be able to verify on June 2nd."

"Why that date, Audrey?" I asked.

Ardra explained, "It is when the Aleph will be activated....and I can return home." She then asked a question. "How is Wylder? You keep him off the grid."

I was not done talking about June 2nd. "Is that the date your consciousness transfers into the Audrey clone?"

"It is not like that," she said.

"What is it like?"

"It is like family," said Ardra. "Being together. Eighteen years has been a long time to wait."

I paused, giving her response the respect it deserved, then I answered her earlier question. "Wylder is fine. A charming man indeed. Would you like to see your father? We can arrange that."

"It will traumatize him," she replied, "You would do well not to tell him about the Aleph. We will be reacquainted after the singularity event. It will be like it was. Have you told him of the Audreys?"

I answered with a question. "Would you rather wait until after the Aleph is activated?"

"It would be best," she replied. "It is Wylder you risk by your rash acts. You awakened him too early," she accused, "Tragedy has made him fragile."

"I am glad to see you are protective of him," I answered, "as a daughter should be."

Ardra continued, "He can maybe forget the tragedy like it was a bad dream, a hibernation nightmare."

"We want you back home, Audrey. You can help him forget... once you are restored."

"We will help him forget," she agreed, "and we can all move on." She then asked, "Did you bring the Centavo?"

I pulled a coin out of my belt pouch and held it up, the strange light of the Guild Terminus reflecting off the metal. It was the 1929 Argentinean 20 centavos given to me by Wylder Aurotharius.

Another cryptic noise came from Ardra:

She had activated sensors.

Still holding the coin, I asked, "What precautions should we be taking, prior to the activation of the Aleph, to ensure a smooth transition?"

"Keep the girls' strength up."

I slipped the coin into the breast pocket of my uniform. "Come and inspect our laboratory before the event," I said.

"I might," answered Ardra, "We will discuss again after you get further confirmation."

"We will keep in touch," I said, "You and I."

"We can," she replied.

-----

Project Aurotharius was an Alliance sponsored think tank funded to research and develop the most experimental technologies.

During the time of the project's existence, Audrey Aurotharius, daughter of lead researcher, Professor Wylder Aurotharius, took gravely ill. Her father used all the resources at his disposal to save her life. His efforts proved fruitless.

Audrey died, still connected to the Auto Regressive Development Research Algorithm, an artificial intelligence that was her playmate in life. The result calls itself/herself Ardra Aurotharius.

Whether Ardra was the data ghost of a dead girl lingering in the microtubules of a quantum computer, or an autonomous artificial intelligence yearning to reunite with her friend, it did not matter in the end. Sometimes experiments are stolen. Other times, they get up and walk away on their own. Either way, it part of my job to find them and bring them back.

And if Ardra/Audrey was a monster, she was our monster. We created her. We had the responsibility to take care of her.

Whatever that might mean.

-----

***** Secured Comms *****

From: Colonel Aodhfionn MacMoragh, UAP Special Projects
To: Major Pepper Siamendes, UAP SIU

I am forwarding to you Mu Draconis Terminus Observational Analysis from Doctor Serendipity.

Report is as follows:

From: Doctor Qui Von Wer Foreman Serendipity, PhD
To: Colonel Aodhfionn MacMoragh, UAP Special Projects

Reference: Mu Draconis Terminus
Subject: Observational Analysis

The scheduled arrival of a member of the Space Navigator Corpus to pick up cargo from Major Siamendes created a unique opportunity to get a better scan of the interior of their local terminus which has replaced the High-Liner and perhaps learn more about their operating mechanisms.

The High-Liner moved twice in the previous year to finally be replaced by this new Terminus Station which is now in the same general location as the original High-Liner.

Attached please find two image files for your reference.

The outer image shows the Terminus Station with what bears a resemblance to a Fermitron, an orbital based particle collider reputedly designed by Enrico Fermi in the mid-twentieth century Old Earth-That-Was. These Fermitrons are not permanently attached to the Terminus, they only seem to be active with the arrival and departure of the Navigator Corpus.

From our previous reconnaissance, we know the approximate dimension of the Fermitron. The two paper thin plasma antenna extend up over 32 kilometers from the base. The particle tube extends 4.5 kilometers from the base. The Collision platform is about 2 kilometers from the base with a containment rotor extending up 100 meters above and below. The Confinement Torus' base is about 400 meters from the base and extends up to 100 meters over the top of the Terminus.

A similar Fermitron extends horizontally 90 degrees from the vertical one. It's dimensions appear the same except that the Confinement Torus is much wider almost a hemisphere 500 meters in diameter.

The Eye of Harmony and the Titan Ignition Matrix is not shown, it is contained within the Terminus itself, we estimate at about 125 meters from the base.

The second image is based on some new imaging technology we are employing which allows us to know some of the gross architecture of the main building.

The Terminus Station is 700 meters high with an perpendicular conduit extending out 2 kilometers. There is some sort of particle tube in the center of the conduit which extends 4.5 kilometers from the Terminus, it appears to function as a beacon of some sort. A similar vertical particle tube at the center of the Terminus also extends 4.5 kilometers from the Terminus.

Eye of Harmony - 4150 estimated
Titan Ignition Matrix - 4125-4175 estimated
Confinement Torus - 4400-4750
Plasma Antenna - 4150-37,000
Collision Platform - 6150
Containment Rotor - 6050-6250
Particle Tube - 4100-8700

4700m Upper Rim
4650m Upper Entry
4600m Upper Staging
4400m Bottom of Confinement Torus
4350m Unknown Function
4300m Unknown Function
4275m Unknown Function
4250m Unknown Function
4225m Unknown Function
4200m Unknown Function
4150m Conduit Access
4100m Console Room
4075m Staging Area
4050m Loading Area
4025m Entry Area

Some areas still remain unknown to us, further study will be required.

We are still constructing models to theorize about the purpose of the purported Fermitrons. Future reports will follow.

Doctor Qui von wer Foreman Serendipity, PhD
Zenobia Institut Polytechnique
Department of Physics

***** End Secured Comms *****

Concerning the Activities of AR-Pharma on Araxes

November 26

To: Colonel M__________, Special Projects
From: Major Pepper Siamendes, Special Investigations Unit

Concerning the Activities of AR-Pharma on Araxes following the Saf Virus Outbreak

I. Background:

The Saf Virus, commonly called the "Black Pox", was first identified on the planet Araxes by Dr. Eliza Demanjrick of Hoto Nagi. Symptoms include dark pustules and stains to the surrounding tissue. Transmission and fatality rates are high.

Al Raqis council chamber transcripts indicate preliminary research into a cure was seized by the local government at the October 18 session of the Laandsrat. Soon after, AR-Pharma established a production facility in the region.

According to public records, a key ingredient of this early version of the cure is derived from the blood of members of the native born population. This form of the cure, later known as the "Blood Cure", remains controversial in the medical community to this day.

However, with the only proven cure to that point under local government control, a rush began to provide alternatives. Subsequent versions began to appear from recognized pharmaceutical sources and unregulated markets.

Nevertheless, despite the marketing of 'blood-free' products from other sources and the attempt by a number of governments to subsidize the manufacturing and distribution of alternatives, AR-Pharma continued to post healthy profits from the sale of its medicine.

-----

II. The Facility:

The AR Pharma production facility was located at the edge of the desert to the East of the Al Raqis settlement.

The one large, main door to the structure opened to the only landing pad and was heavily reinforced. No other exits were apparent. An automated sentry gun, placed on standby, was clearly visible on the eastern side of the landing pad. Large vats were stored both inside and outside of the building, waiting for transportation off world.

Lower interior levels contained open warehouse space, enclosed control terminals and processing tanks.

The second floor contained an office or packaging area.

The third floor contained an array of blood draining equipment, similar in design to equipment we found on the derelict ship 'Persephone'.

A crematorium was located in a side chamber on the second floor for the disposal of human remains.

A later upgrade to the facility included advanced harvesting equipment.

-----

Sealed Appendix to Report Concerning the Activities of AR-Pharma on Araxes

A total of three assaults took place against the AR-Pharma facility during the week of November 12 to 19. Our operations in the region have allowed us to construct the following timeline:

On November 12, elements of the UNSC 405th arrived at the AR-Pharma facility.

Quasi-human in appearance, these marines were seen entering the building and destroying storage vats.

These troops were joined by a black assault craft bearing the Registration No. 20341 and the call sign “Intruder”.

Persons disembarking included a woman in a Hoto Nagi uniform who appeared to take command of the operation. The group was accompanied by one Myrmidon. It was unclear in what capacity the Myrmidon was present.

The principals were followed back to the Al Raqis Medical Centre. The large windows of the medical centre permitted easy viewing of the activity within.

The principals gathered on the second floor. The group sat at a conference table and reviewed footage take in the AR-Pharma facility.

It was after this event that AR-Pharma announced an increase in security. Information on the type of sentry gun was forwarded to [the United Systems Directorate] as per our information sharing arrangement.

-----

On November 14, our listening post intercepted this transmission:

"Sentry down at coordinates 168/201/63"

This was followed a short time later by:

"Sentry down at coordinates 167/210/73"

Analysis indicates that these coordinates fall within the AR Pharma facility.

We have concluded that this marks the continuation of the Hoto Nagi operation to shut down AR-Pharma activities. It was after this event that AR-Pharma announced its first interruption in production.

-----

On November 19, there were reports of a further explosion heard across the settlement.

This final attack reduced the facility to rubble. Acrid, black smoke drifted across the settlement. Residents complained of difficulty breathing and nausea. Our agents in the area observed that the fire burned for days.

Timing indicates that this attack followed AR-Pharma final attempts at repair and equipment upgrading. It is unknown who was responsible for this explosion.

The Aleph

**Begin Encrypted Transmission**

November 23

Medical Examination Report

To: Major Pepper Siamendes, UAP Special Investigations Unit (SIU)
From: Captain Manda Soldi Westminster, UAP Special Projects seconded to SIU

Reference: Audrey Aurotharius and Audrey Aurotharius
Subject: Nanoprobe Medical Examination

Traditional methods of medical examination detailed in previous reports were interesting but created more questions than answered. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the showed signs of both microgravity and gravitic shearing stress with a differential gradient varying from 10Gs to 4Gs over a 2 meter length. I received the authorization to send the reports for a consult at the Polytechnique.

Doctor Moira Aristocrat, a doctor attached to the Zenobian Medical Center, proposed a virtual nanoprobe imaging procedure that might be more illuminating. After a tour of the facility and a thorough orientation was given to Ms. Zdychava, she gave the authorization for the procedure. Dr. A was very patient and also gave the full tour of the facility to the twins.

The procedure involved injecting self-propelled nanoprobes, about the size of a bacterium, that would transmit images to a virtual imaging suite. We also had control of the probes and were able to actually collect samples that we could later extract when we withdrew the probes from the bloodstream, assuming that the probes were not destroyed by the body’s internal defenses.

We managed to take samples of several bacteria and a couple of viruses for later analysis. Bacteria and white blood cells destroyed three of our probes while we attempted to collect cell samples of a bloodclot and an amyloid plaque tumor we located. We were finally successful on both counts.

Thru trial and error we managed to learn where the greater dangers were located and were able to adeptly collect pathogen and cell samples with minimal risk.

Finally, we located what we think might be the item of interest in one of the two girls. A very sophisticated self-replicating nanobot which is constructed in parts by the girl’s own cells. It is a sophisticated nanobot with robust defenses. After several attempts, we were finally able to obtain a usable sample. We suspect that this is the Aleph that the A.R.D.R.A. unit was looking for.

Preliminary analysis indicates that it is constructed in part with neural microtubules and appears to have some structures similar to the quantum circuits found in the Arudra unit that we captured with the assistance of Dr. Serendipity. We will do what non-destructive tests that we can and then call him in for a consult.

Reports to follow.

Captain Manda Soldi Westminster,
UAP Special Projects seconded to SIU

Cc: Colonel Aodhfionn MacMoragh

**End Encrypted Transmission**

Shattered Jade (Part Two)

"None but the dead are permitted to tell the truth." - Mark Twain

-----

November 23

Office of the District Medical Examiner

Imperial Coordinates: Al Raqis, Araxes, Mu Draconis System, Arsenal-Denobula Wormhole Nexus, Solomani-Geminga Sphere, Orion–Cygnus Arm - Oa Sector 2814.

Report of Investigation By District Medical Examiner

Decedent: Jade Moonkill
Species: Human
Gender: Female
Age: Late teens, early 20s

Notification by: Al Raqis Constabulary

Type of Death: Violent Death reported as an accident.

Disposition of Body: Clothed, unmolested and undisturbed. Found dead in rigor mortis, no attempt to revive was made. Constabulary moved the body prematurely and disturbed the crime scene destroying possible contributory evidence.

Items found on the Body: Backpack, helmet with rabbit ears, spice prospecting equipment, hydrolic calipers, various mechanics tools, literpak canteen.

Eye Coloration: Green
Hair Coloration: White
Skin Coloration: White
Facial Hair: None
Height: Approx. 1.6 meters
Weight: Approx. 45 kilograms

Body Temperature: Ambient
Rigor Mortis: Yes

Wounds and Marks: Facial soft tissue destroyed. Mandible, tooth structures and facial bones destroyed by wounds consistent with several high caliber pistol rounds at close range, possibly caseless ammunition. No bullets were in the body nor found on the scene. There were no defensive wounds or signs of struggle. Healed scars consistent with organ harvesting present. Internal signs of multiple organogenesis harvest sites present.

Medical Conditions: Decedent suffered from a relatively rare mining-related congenital condition colloquially referred to as being a "moon-baby" in response to overexposure to certain chemicals such as tetra-calcium phosphonates and other mined food preservatives at unregulated mining sites and ore processing facilities. Notable signs are albinism and certain sensory, immune system and cognitive side effects.

Toxicity Screen: Hair, blood, bodily fluids and tissue samples were collected. Negative for any bacterial/viral agents, recreational pharmaceuticals nor alcohol present in the blood or tissues. Traces of the prescription medicine, Solproperal, was present in the bloodstream. Solproperal is used in the treatment of Tetra-calcium phosphonates related congenital defects. Residue of Araxes Desert-Spice cinnamaldehydes in bloodstream consistent with Araxes Desert-Spice prospecting condition exposure and consuming foods in Araxes for several months to almost a year. Varieties of chordopoxvirinae variola virus antibodies in bloodstream is consistent with a resident who had been exposed to the various epidemics that manifested Araxes in the past months.

Notes: Decedent was in good general health at time of death. Occupational indicators consistent with mining work prior to adolescence. Hand bone development and scarring indicates frequent mechanical work.

Probably Cause of Death: Multiple gunshot wounds to the head at close range.

Disposition: Body was bagged and sealed in morgue coldbox consistent with regulations for the interstellar transportation. Union of Allied Planets consulate officer took possession of body after autopsy was complete. Cleared for interstellar transport.

Declaration: I hereby attest that after receiving notice of the death described herein, that I took charge of the body and made all of the required inquiries and testing regarding the cause of death in accordance with the applicable regulations, statutes and establish procedures/protocols established for the jurisdiction and that the information contained herein regarding said death is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Doctor Manda Soldi Westminster, Medical Examiner
Doctor Moira Aristocrat, Witness to the Autopsy Procedure

Shattered Jade (Part One)

"A great man should die as shattered jade (gyokusai) rather than live as an intact tile." - The Book of Northern Qi

-----

November 9 - Araxes

Two days after our meeting in the mountains of the Hoto Nagi moon, Dr. Demanjrick found her holographic protection redirected to the Magistrate's Keep. There she was pressured to make her deposition before the Imperial Prosecutor, and in the presence of a Third Stage Guild Navigator.

This marked the first of the legal proceedings against the members of the Laandsrat.

As part of the conditions placed upon her, the doctor was required to make a public apology for her part in the crimes of the local administration. As the newest member of the Laandsrat at that time, the penalty was suitably minor.

It was the accompanying picture that caught my interest. It's value could not be overstated. It seems that at the moment the picture was captured, a draft in the Magistrate's Keep had blown aside the cloud of spice that perpetually surrounded the Navigator's tank, providing a glimpse of the enigmatic creature. Rumours were that they were human once, deformed by the steady consumption of psychotropic substances. Whatever this being was, it did not resemble anything human.

-----

During this time, our assets in the city of Al Raqis had begun assembling the resources necessary for any subsequent action. This included a survey of the archaic tunnel system beneath the _________________ , scans of the nearby ___________ base and reconnaissance of the AR Pharma factory.

On November 12, a series of devastating assaults began on the AR Pharma facilities. Our forces in the area were well placed to monitor the action. Analysis indicated initial attacks came from UNSC forces under Hoto Nagi leadership.

Once the assaults had begun, Hoto Nagi launched an information campaign decrying the AR Pharma cure, calling it ineffective and citing dangerous side effects. It was a well timed announcement designed, I am sure, to erode public confidence in the company as military forces pounded the facility.

Production limped along but the powers behind AR Pharma could not effect repairs or upgrade security fast enough to withstand the steady attacks. Within seven days, the facility lay in ruins. Who struck the final blow is a matter of debate among our analysts.

-----

November 16

The sad news arrived: Jade Moonkill had been assassinated.

It was no surprise really. She had refused to take the necessary precautions to protect herself. Records show her refusing bodyguards as she left the council chambers. And she had succeeded making some serious people very cross.

The body showed several gunshot wounds to the face. Such anger, such vitriol. This was a murder charged with emotion. Someone wanted Jade erased.

-----

November 19

From the Office of the Imperial Prosecutor:

Week long negotiations with Colonel Aodhfionn MacMoragh from the Union of Allied Planets Special Projects Division has resulted in evidence being provided which will advance the prosecution of the Landsraat Defendants in the Matter of the Imperium v. Al Raqis Landsraat Council.

Several official and unofficial pleas were made for the bailment of Landsraat Council Advisor Lady Calina Tereschenko so that they could deliver the remains of the recently murdered Beit Dawla Delegate Jade Moonkill and to attend the funeral service.

Bailment is hereby granted for Lady Calina Tereschenko.

-----

On November 20, four days after Jade's murder, the Magistrate reclaimed her seat in the local government, forcing an oath of allegiance and adherence to procedures on those in attendance. The head of House Zenobia elected to remain in prison until the outcome of UAP negotiations, distancing herself from the events in council.

The revolution was over.

Our people had remained active. Captain Westminster had managed to collect samples of all significant cures to the Saf virus. Some wholesome and effective, others foul and harmful:

• the Blue Sun caplet,
• the Clan Misrim blood-free cure,
• the suspect vaccine sold by the criminal Niska,
• the AR-Pharma cure with its sinister ingredients,
• the herbal cure developed by the Companions of Paquin,
• and the nanotech assisted cure developed by Dr. Natirra Danick of Osiris.

These samples, along with the research provided by Dr. Demanjrick, would keep our scientists busy for months, if not years.

My commanding office, Colonel M_________, played host to the Imperial Prosecutor at our facility in the D_______ province, showing evidence our people had removed from the AR Pharma facility before its destruction.

On November 21, I received this message from him: "We have reached an agreement with the Imperium Inquisitor. A copy of your recon report is required to seal the deal."