Return to Caliban

Sept. 9 - Caliban

"No more dams I'll make for fish,
Nor fetch in firing, at requiring,
Nor scrape trencher, nor wash dish.
'Ban, 'Ban, Ca' Caliban, has a new master - get a new man!"
- Shakespeare, The Tempest

There was once a significant Alliance Military presence on Caliban. Then after the Miranda incident, the moon was, for the most part, abandoned. Staff were relocated. Most resources were diverted elsewhere.

Settlers had since moved into the Dome. A small community now scratches out a living here on one of the harshest places in the 'verse.

Just over one year ago, there was a revolt by the replicants on Hale's Moon. A nuclear device was detonated in the atmosphere and the human residents were driven into the mines. It was an attempt by the replicants at political emancipation.

Among the settlers here on Caliban is Krenshar Magic, the leader of the Replicant Order. He once told me that he chose to settle here so he could take a walk and know he was alone.

When I came to Caliban last week, it was to conduct weapon testing and troop maneuvers outside of the Dome as the toxic environment is well suited to hardening troops. Today, I stayed strictly indoors.

I stopped by Alliance Laboratory 81 to use the data base, to look behind a few doors, and to check on a few things.

The cages are in order. However, from the appearance of one of the labs, it looks like the shipment of mops and floor cleaning supplies went astray.

On my way back to my ship, I came across some more Dharma Initiative food items, including some containing meat by-products. Lord, I hope that has nothing to do with the reaver bodies they collected.

[Replicant Order poster courtesy of Krenshar Magic]

Online News

Sept. 7 - Zenobia South

Ah, it's nice to feel the sand between my toes and enjoy the cool refreshing breeze.

The bones of St. Zenobius will just have to rest in peace for a bit longer. As for the riddle of the colonel's clone riddled with bullets, it will just have to wait. Reviewing the performance of the troops? Well, maybe I can squeeze something in. Perhaps an endurance test...

I took some time this weekend to catch up on my paperwork and browse through the Cortex News Service. http://cortexnewsservice.com

Here's a little paragraph of interest from a story from July 30, concerning a reaver attack on Hale's Moon. It was run co-currently in the Hale's Moon Herald. http://halesmoonherald.blogspot.com

It reads:

"The Dharma Initiative collected the reaver bodies and disposed of them on behalf of Hale's Moon. It is unknown at this time who the Dharma Initiative is or what their interest in Hale's Moon or reavers might be."

Dharma Initiative...
Reaver bodies....

As I have noted before the only solid lead I had on the attack on the Angel of Mercy Medical Research Facility was a partition logo of the Dharma Initiative on the wing of the transport craft carrying the perpetrators.

I had to chuckle when I saw that entry. I just love the free press. So very helpful.

Splintered Rock

Sept 4 - Splintered Rock.

"He who can destroy a thing, controls a thing." Paul 'Muad'Dib' Atreides

When I landed on Splintered Rock the heat was still rising. The air was filled with the odor of spice and the light that reflected off the sand hurt my eyes.

The automated guide broadcasted a welcome as I disembarked. "Welcome to Splintered Rock! May I remind you that smuggling spice from the outpost is illegal."

At the end of the passage, passed the monitors and scanners, stood a man in a tan uniform, a beret perched jauntily upon his head. It was local law enforcement, Constable Vooper Werribee. I introduced myself.

"I am with the Special Investigations Unit of the Alliance Military, Zenobia. My name is Major Siamendes."

The Constable saluted smartly and replied, "Ah! Excellent! I'm happy to meet you, Major. I've been informed that Alliance forces may take an interest in our outpost at some point."

I acknowledged the remark. The word 'interest' can cover a range of possibilities after all.

"The news has also reached us about actions on Hale's Moon."

"Yes, what have you learned?" I asked. I wasn't here looking for a grocery store robber, but I wanted to hear the Constable talk.

"Nothing apart from what has been broadcast on CNS, Major. Although it is clear that Alliance forces may want to control the spice trade at some point."

Naturally I let that comment pass.

Instead I began, "I am here following two investigations...there is a matter of stolen antiquities from the Zenobian homeworld.."

He looked confused.

"Really!" he remarked. "That is a matter I know nothing about. I'm afraid interplanetary matters are beyond my jurisdiction."

Fair enough I thought, but I continued nevertheless, "I am of the firm belief that if one wants results, turn to local law enforcement." I smiled gently.

The Constable looked around. "Local ... law enforcement ...You mean me?!" he asked. He looked shocked.

"Indeed."

The Constable continued,"Well, of course Major I'm happy to help in whatever way necessary ...erm .. I'll keep my ears open, but erm .. .I'm afraid I have other duties to perform as well."

I smiled inwardly. You have to love this man I thought.

He continued, "Can you tell me anything more about this stolen item?"

I looked around the structure we were in. A metal edifice above a small market. A bit too public for my tastes. I turned to him and asked, "Is there a place we can chat...an office perhaps?"

The Constable answered,"I'm afraid our central offices are under reconstruction and were recently damaged by a quake."

"Oh that's a shame," I replied,"then here will have to do."

I could avoid the topic no longer.

"My, it's warm here..." I said.

"Yes..." The Constable checked his temperature gauge. "78 out in the desert basin."

Undeterred, I gave him some details concerning the relics of St. Zenobius and the existence of a duplicate casket. He took out a notecard and stylus and jotted down some notes.

"A casket - I see," he remarked.

"It is my task," I said, "to track this casket."

I paused while he finished writing, then added,"I am also here because there is a person of interest. Ardra, a navigator, who may have some information."

The Constable finished his last note and said,"I will certainly make enquiries with my contacts. The local traders here should have heard something."

"Splendid."

The Constable thought for a moment,"Ardra - hmm - the name is not familiar to me."

My reasons for seeking Ardra I naturally kept to myself. Ardra was contracted in the past by Alliance Military, Zenobia for shipments including genetic research materials. Colonel M_____ indicated there is a discrepancy between the shipping manifests and inventory records from the Angel of Mercy Research Facility, in particular concerning blastomeres used to accelerate growth in clones.

There was also a likelihood that Ardra was involved in the transportation of the relics of St. Zenobius. As a Guild Steersman, she was an ideal candidate for such a task.

"I would like to take a look around if I may, speak with the locals."

The Constable nodded "I'm afraid I have urgent duties elsewhere, Major. Forgive me."

"Certainly, I replied smiling warmly, "Carry on Constable."

The Constable left and I took some time to read the literature left out for travellers arriving at the outpost.

Shortly thereafter, the local Governor Erwin Vhargon and his Lady Linaye Allen arrived [pictured above]. They extended their warm greetings before they departed on business of their own. I look forward to further discussions with the Governor and his staff, both in regards to my current investigations and possible negotiations concerning the spice trade.

I went for a walk through the market and headed towards the landing pad. I was briefly accompanied by pilot, TekJansen Warrhol, who offered his services as a tracker. I have provided him with the latest star charts before he left for the station at Zenobia.

Once TekJansen left I began a routine preliminary survey of the defensive condition of the outpost, with an eye towards further analysis on subsequent visits.

The spice refinery is situated beneath a rocky outcrop that protects it from two sides. A lethal-beam security door limits access from the walkway. The third side of the refinery is guarded by the desert itself and a high retaining wall.

The airport itself gives a clear view of the refinery and thereby reveals the weakest point in its defence. Any invading force once it takes and holds the airport would accomplish three objectives: (1) It would secure a beach head for a second wave of incoming troops and armour. (2) It would be able to prevent further reinforcements of local forces from the air. (3) It would gain a direct line of fire to the refinery itself for which the threat of destruction could be used as a negotiating tool with the local government.

Access to the airport could be achieve by a small unit of infantry from the sand beneath the airport. The landing platform would protect their approach. Air and armor support would be able to conduct offensive actions from above.

Seizure of the control tower would permit direct line of fire covering the security door leading to the refinery. A small hatch at the base of the tower grants access from beneath the landing platform.
A plasma cannon oversees the landing pad. A small strike team would have to disable this artillery piece. Any troops would have to be prepared for the oppressive heat and dust. Goggles, protective masks, water bottles can all be obtained locally.

Caliban

Sept. 2 - Caliban

After a brief rest, following my meeting with Colonel M_______, I travelled to Caliban to supervise the testing of a new weapons platform and warbot, and to conduct drills with supporting infantry.

Caliban is the moon of Miranda. Outside the Dome, the atmosphere is lethal and the ground broken and lifeless. Its unforgiving environment makes it a suitable location for training maneuvers as most field activity will be likely be under softer, more hospitable conditions regardless of location.

We began with simple targeting exercises before advancing to more sophisticated testing.

The weapons platform, operated by Trooper F______, while it was slow and cumbersome, shows to be a well armored mobile artillery unit that will perform well in flat terrain. These early tests also indicate that Warbot QCUxRIOT Mode will prove to be an effective anti-infantry measure.

I will recommend field testing of these two units in actual conditions prior to permanent deployment.

Zenobia South

Sept. 2 - Zenobia South

Today I was recalled home to report to Colonel M_______ on a matter of great urgency.

I arrived at the Zenobia South Medical Centre landing my sleek black X-313 by the front entrance. Sgt. Damien Macalory was already on site and accompanied me inside.

Our boots echoed across the tile floor. The tube doors hissed as they opened. The elevator took us to the upper floor with a gentle hum. The Colonel waited in the laboratory in the rear of the building. The sergeant took his post at the door.

"Major."

"Colonel."

"What does this look like to you, Major?"

He indicated a globe-shape stasis tank. Inside floated a body curled up in a fetal position. The body was an exact copy of the Colonel. Same face. Same hair. Same lack of sense of humor, no doubt.

"This looks like a stasis tube of some sort," I said.

"Yes. I was probably referring to the contents," he replied dryly.

I continued,"...and from the readings on the screen the subject is healthy."

"The subject is artificially resuscitated. A corrupted clone."

"It looks another plus for Zenobian Medical Engineers," I remarked.

"Except that it was found in the Blackburne Wastelands."

I raised an eyebrow.

He continued, "Riddled full with bullets and arrows."

This is bad I thought. "I assume this is your backup clone... for organ replacement."

"It's cellular organelles have been stripped. It is capable of supporting its own life without this machine."

"This clone was autonomous?" I asked.

"For a while at least. The weapons in its possession had been discharged. We found a laboratory nearby that had been ransacked."

My instincts kicked in. "Can it be restored and perhaps questioned?"

"Negative."

"Then forensics."

"Its neural pathways are degraded below even regulating autonomous functions. Forensics succeeded."

"Have the bullets been sent to my lab?"

"I will send you a sample. There were many to choose from. You might also want to look at the arrows."

"Indeed."

"But one matter is of another interest."

Uh oh, I thought. "Yes?"

"Are you familiar with blastomeres?"

"I have heard the term."

"They are typically used in organ replacement."

"There was a shipment on the Persephone." I was referring to the derelict ship not the colony.

"But they can also be used for the accelerated growth of clones. Highly illegal. Both on Zenobia and in the Alliance in general."

"Unless under control experimental conditions of course," I added.

"Have you cross referenced the manifests and inventory records from the Angel of Mercy? The amount of blastomeres in their stock is orders of magnitude greater than that corresponding to the organ replacements. This clone was awash with them. Same tissue type."

"That is troubling." That was troubling on so many levels. Clearly I needed to examine the staff files and shipping records from that facility. Maybe even another trip to the Persephone to collect samples.

The Colonel started with his orders. "I want you to hook up with ___________. If Blue Sun is true to form, they have illegal security cameras in Hale's Moon."

"No doubt."

"Have a man tap into their security cameras. Then serve a weapons search warrant on the Sheriff and his deputies. Lets see where they run."

I stopped him there. I had an active investigation on Hale's and I didn't want the sheriff pressured. I gave him my report on the Angel of Mercy bombing and how the markings on the transport ship matched the logo of the Dharma Initiative.

"I have begun to look into this charity," I explained.

"Excellent. You can only take so long, then you should consider taking sniffer dogs to Hale's"

"I usually work alone as you know. It is my prerogative."

"You only get to work alone as long as you continue to produce results."

I examined the clone in the tube, "Oh, I'll get results..." I tapped my finger to my lips.

There was a moment of silence. The clone floated in the thick fluid of the stasis tube. The monitors beeped and chirped cheerfully.

"You notice a resemblance?" asked the Colonel.

"Indeed."

"Very disturbing."

"Yes," I agreed. "You should be concerned."

The Colonel grumbled, "The sonofabitch even had better boots and weapons than I do. This is not being financed by amateurs."

"I suggest you get a microchip implant, as a method of security."

The Colonel did not acknowledge the idea. Instead, he introduced new business. "Ship traffic out of ________ has increased markedly. We thought that place finally gave up the ghost. A lot of traffic between there and Hale's." He named a settlement known for operating outside the law.

A pause, then the Colonel asked, "Are you going to continue to be subtle?"

Subtle? Did he say just subtle like there is something wrong with my methods? A trapdoor spider is subtle but she gets the job done. Fine, I thought, you want a show of force. I'll give you force.

"I recommend sending a pacification team to ________."

"I can get that authorized."

"Hale's requires a softer touch. Trade Association is strong there."

"I will get you a 'round up the usual suspects' warrant for _____________."

"Thank you," I said with some finality.

"Who is your escort today?"

"Sergeant... please come in," I called again looking closely at the clone in the tank.

"Sir," said Macalroy crisply.

Colonel M________ looked over the sergeant. I turned and introduced the trooper.

"This is Sergeant Macalroy."

"You have worked with the Major before?" asked the Colonel.

"On several projects. He can be trusted to do his duty to the letter," I answered for him.

"Good. Have him lead the team to ____________."

"Sir," added the Sergeant, "I've recently been transferred from off world expeditionary forces to Zenobian detatchment. I've served with the Major on previous assignments."

"Do you have anyone undercover that can scout out targets?"

"I do," I said. I sent a summons on my comm.

"Make a list of soft targets, put their names on a warrant."

"Sir, if I may?" asked Macalroy.

"Speak freely."

"Word has it ____________ is where a bunch of rebels from that business on Shadow have gone to ground. Browncoats all. Might be as good a place to start as any."

"A bonus. Any named browncoat you can take into custody increases the amount of resources I can put to the project."

My comm beeped softly. I interrupted, "My undercover operative will join us presently. She works at this facility. I will get her."

-----

When I returned with my agent, I could hear that the Colonel and the Sergeant were busy with their male bonding.

The Colonel's voice: "The Alliance relies heavily on private security companies. In my opinion, they are mostly a disappointment."

The Sergeant snorted, "I agree sir, no replacement for professional soldiers."

"We will resume this conversation later."

"Colonel..."

"Major..."

"May I present Dr. S________"

My agent greeted the men with her charming voice, "Lovely to meet you gentleman." She was brilliant and devious. She was perfect for the task at hand.

"Dr. S_______ has excellent knowledge of Hale's Moon," I added.

"Excellent. What is the nature of your dealings there?"

"Ms. S. ________ is familiar with key personnel on that Moon including persons who have relocated to _______. She is an excellent choice for uncovering the source and nature of the increased traffic between the two colonies," I explained.

"I agree. Have her assist the Sergeant here with a list. Major, you oversee the project."

"One in particular." He gave me a name. "He has been networking traders to ___________. Shake him down. I will leave it to your discretion, Major, what tactics to employ."

He continued, "The Alliance has always been lax about deploying assets in the Rim. If we get results, we can get more resources. Make good on this."

The doctor excused herself while we concluded our business.

"Major, Sergeant, if you need any special requisitions, have it to me in the next 24 hours."

"Very good," I told him what I needed immediately, "I would like the ballistic report on the arrows and toxicology of course. I will also need a list of the executive of this registered charity 'Dharma Initiative'. Whenever I ask, people shut up, a clear indication I should keep digging."

"I will get it for you. I can give you one name to look for." He gave me a name. "Retired General. Operates in the Rim...and he is connected to Dharma. He would have answers you need, but probably won't give you anything. Find out who his associates are."

I summarized our action plan, detailing the respective tasks of my team.

The Colonel added, "I am going to give you some room to operate on Hale. I am hoping you have an operation with boots on the ground in _________ soon."

I replied, "I will see that the Sergeant has the resources he needs. I have a mobile weapons platform that requires field testing."

"Excellent," said the Colonel. "Carry on. Dismissed."

I turned and, with Macalroy, left Colonel M___________ to whatever thoughts you have in the presence of your dead clone.

Bihar Sanctuary

Sept. 1 - Bihar Sanctuary

It was night and it was raining.

I walked across the lush, green grass, between the temples of Bihar Sanctuary. My boots making a squishing sound as I walked. The cold, heavy rain falling, flattening my hair.

I hate the rain.

I came to Bihar Sanctuary to find the curator, to get some clarification on a point of etymology and possibly to discuss antiquities. Instead, I came across Jai Raghilda of the Trade Association.

"Hello again," I said.

"Hello Major," she replied. "Surprising to find you here."

"Yes. Well I am in search of a word."

"A word?"

"A sanskrit word... Dharma."

Looking around at the Hindu and Buddhist temples, I continued, "I thought I would come here and ask at the source."

Rain pounded down upon the religious reliefs. Dionysus and his maenads danced despite the steady downpour. The statue of the Buddha didn't seem to notice.

"Dharma means duty/obligation," explained the trader.

"I see... duty to whom?"

"In the traditional sense, to the divine. Basically what God expects of you."

Rain trickled down the back of my neck and inside my uniform.

"And in current usage?"

"Moral obligation."

I nodded. I thought, that would work for either a charity or a group of fanatics intent on violence. All fanatics think their actions are morally justified.

"Why don't you come out of the rain. Let me show you the Zenobian Offices?" asked the trader.

With that comment I suddenly realized that I had lost control of the interrogation. I should have asserted control and insisted we continue our discussion where we were. But I was soaked and I didn't like it.

I shrugged and followed Ms. Raghilda inside.

----

The old offices of the Consolidated Associate Traders of Zenobia (CATZ) on Bihar had been situated in a wooden structure a short distance from the temples. They had collapsed during a recent earthquake. The new offices were located on the lower floor of a building of the Moroccan style.

"The rain MOSTLY does not come in here," offered Ms. Raghilda.

"Very nice offices," I said feeling drier and therefore better already.

"It will be soon," she continued. "It is a little unfurnished." She settled herself into a chair by the desk. I remained standing rather than take the second chair. It was time to resume questioning.

"The Sheriff on Hale's Moon mentioned a charity organization by the name of Dharma," I began. "That would indeed fit with the concept of moral obligation."

"The Dharma Institute is a registered charity," explained Ms. Raghilda. "They give some form of support to wounded Alliance Soldiers. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and food relief aid."

"A registered charity?" I asked.

"Registered in Ariel I believe."

"Yesterday ..in the store, you wondered whether that bandit was targeting Dharma Initiative goods."

"Most of the goods in the store had the Dharma logo on it and he stole a van with the Dharma logo."

"I couldn't help wondering why he would return to the store that same day. Yes then returned and fled on foot... that doesn't make much sense."

"We get crazy ones in Hale's, but that is weirder than usual," agreed Ms. Raghilda.

"Yes..." I moved to the window and looked out at the rain. I tapped my finger to my lips as I turned the information over in my head, feeling the texture of it, breathing in it's scent...

There were footsteps behind me.

"Major, have you formally met Gabe Yazimoto?"

I turned and saw a slender young woman standing across the room. She was armed.

"She crews with me now and then," continued Ms. Raghilda.

"No," I said, "I believe we were not introduced. Hello."

Ms. Yazimoto nodded shortly, "'Lo."

Ms. Raghilda made the formal introduction.

"Gabe Yazimoto, this is Major Pepper Siamendes."

"SIU, Alliance Military, Zenobia," I added.

"Yes," replied Ms. Yazamoto driely, "I could tell by the expanse of purple."

"I'm investigating a number of matters but some aspects of a crime on Hale's caught my attention."

Ms. Yazamoto became defensive, "'Fore you get any funny ideas, I had nothin' to do with that."

I decided to change tactics.

"And you are both Trade Association members."

"Yes Ma'am," replied Ms. Raghilda, "I am a registered pilot and Ms. Yazimoto is registered Private Security."

"What have you heard about the Relics of St Zenobius being offered for sale on the black market?"

Ms.Yazimoto blinked, then nodded.

Ms. Raghilda said, "That is way above my paygrade."

I turned to face the other woman. "And Ms. Yazimoto? You are security. Information is the ultimate security."

Gabe Yazimoto shook her head. "Ain't heard a thing. I don't muck about with dead things, usually.'Least not dead things that were dead to start with."

"She is in the prevention of killing business," added Ms. Raghilda.

"Excellent," I said. "So am I."

Gabe Yazimoto snorted.

I continued, "I want to prevent Civil War."

Ms. Raghilda decided to change tactics too.

"What does SIU stand for?" she asked.

"Special Investigations Unit."

"General Store petty theft justifies SIU? That's one pay grade above bedtag police."

"The Sheriff said it was local matter, and I'm sure it is," I remarked. "I just don't like things that don't add up."

"I feel the same way," she countered.

There was a pause in the conversation. We could hear the sound of the rain against the window.

I prepared to leave. "I will let you return to your business," I said to them both. With a smile I added, "Very nice offices."

"Ma'am, when I find out about things, it's usually the last minute and when things have gone sideways...."

I stopped.

"...when I find out something, I will probably be in a situation where I need backup. Would you be that backup?"

I looked at the pilot for a moment then looked at the security contractor.

Ms. Yazimoto muttered, "With backup like that, you might as well go alone... 'less risk of getting a knife in the back."

I ignored the remark.

Ms. Raghilda, having gotten my attention, continued, "You have heard of "Need to Know" basis, yes? I don't need to know until the last minute...."

I refused to be drawn in. Instead I said, "If at the last minute, you hear of these relics, please contact me."

"..and then I am in deep in a small antiquated lightly armored with no weapons."

I smiled and added, "Thank you both for your time."

Gabe Yazimoto just watched as I left.

An interesting turn of events I thought.

I stepped out into the cold, heavy rain.

Hale's Moon

Aug. 31 - Hale's Moon

The retrorockets on the X-313 slowed my descent to the grey rocky surface.

If the remains of Zenobius are bought before I can secure them, they will be of no risk while they remain hidden out on the Rim. They will have to be moved to the Core and be authenticated to be of any use to any claimant or extortionist.

They will have to be moved.

I decided to start with an established settlement, one with lots of transshipment, with local law and safe storage. I decided to start with Hale's Moon.

By the time I arrived in his office, the Sheriff Gallagher Aeon was gathering his militia. He was actually still off-world at the time, using a holographic projection to communication with the locals in the square. It seems there had been a robbery at the general store. A local matter. Nothing that I planned to become involved with.

When he had a moment I introduced myself, reminded him that we had met briefly once before, and told that I was investigating the sale of forged antiquities that could possibly pass through his area. He hadn't heard anything. I gave him my card and left him to his business.

I still wanted to check in with the local administrator as a matter of professional courtesy. She was, however, unavailable. So I went for a short walk to view the terrain.

Suddenly as I neared the landing pad, Deputy LilyBell Snoodle passed by travelling low and very fast. I'm not sure what else to say regarding the Deputy. Let it suffice to say that whatever she is, she is not a cat.

She circled back and I had a chance to ask her what had happened. It appears that the fugitive had returned to the scene of his crime, saw the citizen militia gathered and quickly ran off. He was armed.

Deputy Snoodle passed me a copy of the wanted poster. I looked closely at the photo of the wanted man.

Time seemed to stop.

The thief, the man himself, InupThoret Yuhara, meant nothing to me. It was the markings on the wall behind him in the picture that held my attention.

During the recent raid on the Angel of Mercy Medical Research Facility, our security cameras took one particular photo that revealed the same markings on the wing of the craft used by those responsible for the attack. It was my only solid lead on that file.

[file photo]

"Deputy?" I asked carefully.

LilyBell Snoodle stared blankly.

"What are these markings behind him?" I asked.

"Nuffing," replied LilyBell. "You gots to ask Gallagher. Lily not know nuffing a bout Dharma." She smiled simply.

"Dharma?" I said quietly. "That's an interesting word."

Others rushed up. First, Jai Raghilda of the Trade Association then others. Finally, Sheriff Gallagher Aeon arrived and took charge of the situation. He was a slender man with dark hair and a beard.

After greetings and a matter of lost cigars being added to the list of stolen goods, I asked the Sheriff, "Have you enough manpower to do a perimeter sweep on the settlement?"

"Unfortunately no," he replied. "This is a big moon. The guy seems to have just disappeared. A lot of places to hide on Hale's."

"Perhaps low flying recon then a sweep of the mines," I suggested.

"If you could organise that it would be great," said Sheriff Aeon, "I do doubt you will find him though."

Captain Griffen Shinn muttered somthing under his breath then stopped talking.

I scanned the surrounding buildings then asked, "Do any of these structures contain secure holding areas that could hide such a man?" The reason for my question went beyond the immediate situation. I was thinking again about the remains of St. Zenobius.

Captain Shinn chuckled a bit and Ms. Raghilda looked at Sheriff Gallagher.

"Not that he could gain access to," replied the Sheriff.

"And what is your total complement of security personnel?" I asked.

"Well, the town look out for each other mostly," said the Sheriff, "Seems the thief hit the store at a quiet time."

These are a proud people I thought. "How many boots do we have on the ground?" I pressed.

"What you see here is what we got at the moment," the Sheriff answered.

I nodded, my questionning at an end. "Very well. He can't have gotten far."

"Unless he has a ship," corrected the Sheriff

"Yes," I conceded

"In which case he could have left the planet by now," added the Sheriff.

"Wouldn't the frigate in orbit have noticed that?" asked Venice Ditko.

The Sheriff and I were thinking the same thing. We both answered word for word, "There are ways past the frigate."

Venice Ditko looked between the two of us as we said the same thing at the same time, "Creepy," she whispered.

The Sheriff continued, "He could alternatively have flown to the other side of the moon by now

"Yes, in a low flying craft." I had a thought, "Do you have access to the control tower?"

"I do indeed," said the Sheriff.

We left the informal militia and together climbed the control tower.

A check of the system indicated that a low flying aircraft left the area about ten minutes earlier. It was out of range and with no clue as to our quarry's hangout, it was clear that we would not find him today.

-----

"You're a bit far from home, Major. How can we help you?" The Mayor of Hale's Moon, Seana Kawanishi, looked up from the flatscreen on her desk.

"I am here investigation reports of the sale of forged antiquities," I began.

The Mayor managed not to laugh. "Excuse me? Forged antiquities? Here?"

I explain that I thought there was a possibility that they would pass through Hale's Moon.

"So tell me," she asked,"What's SIU's interest in forgeries?"

A quick one, I thought. Most don't catch that.

I explained a little of Zenobian custom regarding legitimate claims to power. "I will be working alone but hope to continue liaison with your local Sheriff," I added.

"She already talked to me about it," came a voice from the stairs. It was the Sheriff.

He addressed the Mayor."I just popped in to tell you the store is clean and open again for business."

"We met once before on my first trip to the Moon," I explained.

"Shiny," said the Mayor." If you're on top of it, Gallagher, I'm good with it. And good. Folk depend on the place."

"Lucky we had extras of everything in storage," added Gallagher.

Once he left, I turned to the Mayor. "A good man, your Sheriff," I remarked.

"Aye. That he is."

"Efficient," I added. After exchanging the usual pleasantries, I left her office. I had one more place I wanted to see.

I stopped by the crime scene. Like the Sheriff said, the general store was now cleaned up and restocked with goods: toilet paper, beer, chewing gun, t-shirts. It simply added to the surreal nature of the recent turn of events that I found myself surrounded with boxes and boxes all stamped with the Dharma Initiative logo.

"Sheriff..." I asked as he joined me once again.

"Yeah?"

"The wanted poster," I began, "the markings on the wall behind your fugitive are the same as on these boxes."

"It's from a security cam picture," he explained, "inside the van he stole."

"Dharma Initiative?" I asked.

"That's right," he answered, "A charity organization helping 'lliance war veterans."

I nodded. "So the security camera was where?"

"Outside the herald office," said Sheriff Aeon, "He destroyed the cam but the last picture was wirelessly sent to me."

Others came into the store. Soon afterward, I left Hale's Moon.

Zenobia Northern Provinces

"The evil that men do lives after them. The good is oft interred with their bones." Shakespeare

["St. Zenobius Performs a Miracle" Domenico Veneziano]

St. Zenobius was the first bishop of Florence, a city on Earth-That-Was. He was credited with a number of miracles including that of raising of a child from the dead. Legend has it that he was descended from Queen Zenobia of Palmyra, after whom our planet was named.

The ruling families of Zenobia stake their claim to power through genetic heritage traced back to St Zenobius. His relics, therefore, are more than a matter of global pride. Genetic testing of claimants against these remains is used to substantiate any given claim.

At the beginning of the last war, the relics of St. Zenobius were taken into protective custody by the Alliance Command. This provided an opportunity for a substitution of remains to substantiate the claim of what is now the current line. The current line had strong ties to the military leadership of that time. The authentic relics themselves remained in hands of Alliance Command both as a safeguard and as leverage with the new ruling family.

Recently however, control was lost of the original relics. Soon after, remains were offered up for sale on the black market. Samples of these relics have been observed in circulation to stimulate interest among potential buyers.

After the relics appeared on the black market, our security cameras revealed Zeno Baxton, Manager of Estates and Mirra Zanzibar, Bihar Sanctuary Department of Antiquities, conducting a scan of the remains within the chapel dedicated to this saint. These test results likely indicate that the publicly displayed reliquary is a copy. Estate Management has not shared these results with our department.

It was shortly after this incident that this file was added to my portfolio.

My immediate objective became containment. Under my supervision, the remains from the chapel were taken into Alliance custody. They were transported away from the Zenobian homeworld to a secure location. The sudden appearance of two caskets would be cause for concern among the population and give opportunity to troublesome elements. With a recent attack by forces unknown of one of our research facilities, a suitable story concerning protection of planetary treasures was released to the public.

My current objective is to find and secure the original relics. In the interest of political stability, at this time it will be our official position that the remains offered on the black market are forgeries.

Meanwhile, Estate Management is no doubt conducting its own attempt at retrieval with likely involvement of the Trade Association. The Trade Association has rarely been sympathetic to the aims and methods of Alliance Military. We will keep an eye to monitoring their progress during the course of our own investigation.

It is critical that control be re-established on the stolen relics by Alliance Command. If someone should come forward with a claim to leadership based on any recovered remains, it would likely mean civil war.

Order and security must be preserved. Lives depend upon it.

Prologue

Secrets are not my concern. Keeping them is.

"I am Major Pepper Siamendes, Special Investigations Unit, Alliance Military, Zenobia"

That is how I introduce myself these days. It wasn't always the case of course. Name, rank, identity ... these are such fluid things.

I was born in a simple village in the Northern Provinces of Zenobia, a place of lush green fields and gardens of fresh vegetables and fruits. In the summer, the air was heavy with the scent of herbs and the buzzing of the bees. In the winter, the cold wind from the mountains quicken the breath and stung the eyes.


Visitors to my world, when visitors were permitted, were always struck by the contrasts: glorious space stations and mighty ships capable of travelling far into space against an almost feudal way of life on the surface.

However, ask a native Zenobian what she sees and she will say "I see a world with her roots deep in the traditions of the past, her eyes looking to the future, and her hands reaching up into the stars."

But this story does not begin with fields or corn, with ships or stars ... it begins with the bones of a dead man.