Debriefing

Dec. 27 - Zenobia

Back from Eavesdown Docks I met with my aide. We had a lot to cover now that the investigation was out of the preliminary phase.

"The Colonel contacted me this week," I began, "We have the green light to proceed with our internal investigation into the actions of Commander Faith. There are risks. We are investigating our own after all... and powerful well-connected people... but it looks like maybe illegal genetic material is being traded, possibly drugs, and murder, of course. But while we are investigating him we may uncover some other information..."

My aide was optimistic. "If his actions are not in the best interests of the Alliance. Him, and his powerful well connected people will be 'Corrected'," he said.

"Indeed," I replied, "How well connected.... how far this extends... we just don't know."

"They will find a scapegoat when it goes high enough," he said, "It will end there. Officially."

I nodded darkly.

We set to work in earnest. Together, we began by reviewing various aspects of the case and the evening's events.

"The crowd at the docks today," I said "It is like they had never seen Alliance Purple before."

"I was becoming concerned," said my aide.

"I was glad to have you at my back."

We discussed the nature of the crowd further. It seemed to be made up of primarily locals.

"...and then we spotted the unidentified individual," he added.

"The man in the pressure suit was Brooke's backup," I explained.

"Stealth weave is against the law in civilian hands."

My aide was so 'by-the-book'. It was refreshing.

"Small beer compared to what we will have to face," I remarked.

-----

We worked well into the night.

I was still in my uniform. The warm bath Suzanne had offered me back on Persephone was so far, far away.

"Svetlana Pleides," I stated, "was hired to arrest Sentry Swashbuckler."

"When?" he asked.

"After the nuke," I answered, "She told a friend that someone named Wirefly hired her and that she was given no ammunition. See what you can find out.... I'll send Manda to talk with Dr. Loordes and maybe exhume Sanders' body."

My aide had his answers already. "The mission Ms. Pleides was hired for was a dupe mission."

"Yes," I acknowledged, "setting her up as body count." At least that was the theory. "We need to know who is pulling the strings. This could be bigger than one rogue commander."

My aide continued, "Notifications were sent out looking for people to guard a new construction site."

"Oh?" I asked. "Where?"

"Standby," he requested as he checked his files. He found what he was looking for and elaborated, "Almost all of MacLaren's signed up. Cody, several others. Big money."

"Well good," I said, "Idle hands and all that."

"Cody and his bunch got off the transport. Sentry was never designated as a target."

Interesting. "Go on," I prompted.

My aide checked his records. "After the Cortex message was sent out on general band. MacLaren's and Shadow were designated as pick up points for a security job. Shuttles arrived at took everyone who was interested."

He went on to explain that the shuttle docked with a massive craft. The group was issued uniforms and weapons and told that there would be a quick training exercise to assess skill level. The group was then told that the remaining population were willing to participate in the exercise as the 'pirates' the group was to eliminate. Blanks and training ammo were issued before deployment to MacLaren's Drift and Shadow.

"It soon became obvious that MacLaren's folks weren't using blanks," he remarked.

I sighed, "Any casualties?"

"No."

"Good."

"In the confusion they took Sentry and I assume Mikie in the same manner," he added.

There were more details on Svetlana. It appears that she took a bullet to the shoulder. That she was hired on Shadow and seemed to be assisting with the passing out of the gear to the MacLaren's group.

My aide offered his opinion, "She wouldn't have gone down with blanks if she was in on it."

It was good solid information. It fit with the version Pluto had given me on Paquin.

"Can you get me a list of who was on that mission?" I asked. "Not this minute."

"Let me check my datafile," he replied.

"Okay, I think it's time I headed to my bunk."

"I'll check my files and let you know."

"Very good," I said, "Thank you." I stood up from my chair. It had been a long night.

My aide kept searching through his files.

"Here it is," he called out, catching me before I reached the door.

He offered me a thick packet. It was a transcript. Raw data from the field.

"Thank you," I said. I wish we could clone this one.

"That's the full incident," he explained. "Next assignment?"

"Asharoth Teardrop, a renegade companion with ties to Commander Faith. I'd like to know the nature of those ties."

"I have a report about Blue Sun to write up for you," he offered.

"That will be useful," I said. It was always good to hear what Blue Sun was up to.

My aide gave me a few details of what the report will contain.

"We can review anything you have," I said.

"Certainly," he replied, "Goodnight Major

"Goodnight Trooper."

-----


In my cabin, I did not sleep right away.

I had received a message that I had not yet filed. I wanted some time with it alone. It was from Commander Faith. He had sent it on a private channel while I was speaking with Brooke.

*comm* Collusion with the enemy is punishable by death. *stop*

He couldn't know about the official investigation yet. But he knew of me and of my connection to Brooke. He must have caught wind of us meeting.

No matter. It cuts both ways.

I was hunting now and I had my own rituals. Things I never share.

Alone in my cabin.

The lights out. My hair unbound.

I traced the letters of his message over and over with my tongue and my mind.

"...collusion with the enemy..."

I am yours.

I breathed him in, catching the scent of his madness, its shape, its form, its texture.

"...punishable by death..."

You are mine...

William.

Eavesdown Docks (Part Two)

Dec. 26 - 27 - Eavesdown Docks, Persephone

"Nice office." remarked Brooke, "My men would be having a fit if they knew I was here with you."

"We shouldn't be disturbed here," I said, "Their sheriff is a non-starter I hear."

Non-starter was an understatement. The office had the look of being unused. The sheriff, whoever he or she was, probably worked from home.

"First," I began, "how are you doing?" I looked at her very pregnant belly, "My goodness...soon eh?"

Brooke gave a little smile. "My baby is moving around like crazy. I think she's ready to make her mark on the 'verse."

I smiled genuinely. "Well, if there is anything I can do.... tell me."

"I wanted to talk to you," she began "... about well .... about Tee. What can you tell me about his whereabouts ... about what he is doing..."

"Well, the last info I had is that he left the Rim and he went to Al Raqis. That's all I have so far."

The ship he had left the Rim on had been registered as TTW Cordelia class freighter, 'Christine', bound for Al Raqis. Easy to trace.

Brooke nodded and blinked. "So he is here...I heard rumors but ... it's good to know the truth."

"I'll know more later," I added. "I was beyond the Rim checking on the obsidian source you told me about."

I took a breath. "I'm sorry about Sentry."

She sighed. "One other thing, Pepper .... it's about Sentry .... I ... well... we both know what happened. Since well ... I want his name cleared. We both know he didn't do what they said he did..."

"Cleared?" I asked "He's probably dead Brooke, you have to accept that."

"I'm aware that he's dead, Pepper ...." She bit her lip. "But ... I care about his name. Don't you? Want to let his family believe he was mass murderer?"

"Well I.... Brooke... I don't know how to say this." This did feel awkward. "Okay, Sentry's name might be cleared in the process of another investigation.

Brooke gave a nod. "I understand. They might blame it on someone else..."

She didn't understand. Not yet. "Brooke... I'm opening an internal investigation"

"On this judge you told me about?" she asked.

"No, Brooke. On William. I received the go ahead from my Colonel this week." I felt deeply sad. This investigation would open up wounds in Brooke's life.

She blinked a few times. "Tee.... what exactly did he do?" She then frowned. "There was that head in front of his office ... and the body at the crash.."

"Brooke, do you know what blastomeres are?"

Brooke nodded. "They're a highly technical weapon."

"No, they're genetic material, highly illegal to trade. Sentry saw Tee receive some in a deal... before Sentry was framed."

She said nothing.

"What can you tell me about Sanders? You thought he was dead. What happened there?"

Brooke frowned. "Pepper .... I'm not sure I want to talk about it. Not ... not when it might go on the record. He was a good officer, a good man and I don't want his name dragged through the mud."

"That's fine that he was a good man," I granted, "I need to know how come he wasn't dead the first time and where is his body now."

"His body was taken back to his parents."

I frowned "On what planet?"

"Londinum." She raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying his body wasn't returned? I had Sentry and Dex take care of it."

I said nothing. I was piecing things together.

Brooke frowned. "Pepper .. what is it?"

"I have to get back there... I will have someone check."

She looked at me.

"Brooke," I said softly "...this thing is big."

"You aren't saying that he survived a headshot ... or someone took his body?"

"No," I said, "I'm saying this thing... with Tee and Sentry... the orders to hold Sentry came from high up..."

She nodded. "How do you think Tee was involved?"

"I'm not sure yet....I'm trying to get the whole picture." The answer to that still eluded me.

I continued. "The blastomeres... did you ever see them appear on cargo manifests when Tee was ... well before he showed himself to be who he was?

Brooke shook her head. "Honestly ... I uhm ...." She thought a bit. "It wasn't just the blastomeres that weren't on the cargo manifest."

"What else?"

"Weapons ... energy substances..."

"Why did Tee kill Sanders?" I asked. "Jealousy? or something more?"

"I ... don't know. It was all a blur."

My communicator buzzed quietly and I received a private message.

"Zenobia Base to Major Siamendes" It was my backup.

I touched my radio, "Go ahead Base."

"An observation probe has detected an unknown figure outside your location," reported my backup.

"Roger that," I replied.

Brooke frowned staying as quiet as possible.

"Check you perimeter for possible security breaches," my backup added.

"Roger that," I replied once more.

I put my finger to my lips and stepped out of the door.

A quick survey of the street and the space between the sheriff's office and the infirmary next door showed no one. I was not prepared to leave Brooke and search house to house. Instead I returned to the office and beckoned Brooke to join me.

"What's going on Pepper?" she asked.

I took her far out onto the empty landing pad where I would see anyone approach us, then I explained, "Long range scans from my Trooper indicated someone near us."

I continued. "Look ...I don't know how he is involved yet.."

"I understand, but you will let me know...."

"..but there is enough for me to open an investigation on William."

She smiled a bit "And I'll give you any help I can." She sighed. "Pepper .. I loved Sanders and ... I loved Tee."

"You need to stay clear of him," I added.

She nodded. "I plan on it. The man that is William is not the man I loved." Brooke sighed, "And he has promised to do everything he can to take my child."

I grew cold when I heard this.

"Do you have someone you can trust? to hide you?" I asked.

Brooke gave a little smile. "Yes, though as much as I trust you, probably best not to reveal his name. Just in case someone is listening."

"Yes. Good," I said. "I need to know as much as you can tell me about William and anything else that can help me on this."

"Don't worry," she said, "I won't let him get the child." She then smiles. "I wish ..." She stops herself. "Alright. What I know about William. He, well, is intelligent. I know that he was sent to watch over Mikie."

"You said she was a weapon. What did you mean?"

Brooke bit her lip. "Something was done to her. I'm not sure what, but she has some kind of verbal trigger. She heals faster than anyone I know .. and is incredibly strong."

I sighed, "Okay..I've heard of that sort of thing."

I had heard of gifted children adjusted, modified to accentuate their talents. Recently, one of them hacked into my computer back on Zenobia. How she got into my ship I have yet to discover. The watcher drones showed no signs of tampering.

"...and William was to watch over her," I connected the dots. "Then she was arrested ....with Sentry... for nuking Londinium. What was Sentry's link to Tee?"

"He was hired by Tee...through me ...." Brooke shook her head. "In some way I am responsible for the death of Sentry, and for every life that Tee has taken.. if I hadn't been in his life..."

"Stop that!" I said firmly, "He is responsible for his crimes. Not you."

She smiled slightly. "Maybe ...."

My radio buzzed. My backup reported, "Ma'am You've got multiple questionable figures in your location." A crowd of five.

"Sentry saw him make the blastomere deal... that was enough to have Tee on charges," I shook my head. "I still can't figure the whole picture."

Brooke sighed. "Sentry is gone, Pepper ... he can't exactly testify."

"Exactly," I admitted, "I need to get to Londinium and find out more." Londinium was the key.

"But .. if he was alive .. would the testimony be enough to get him off?"

"Sentry?" I asked, "Get him off? I don't know anymore Brooke."

"I will see what I can do," she said "Maybe he wrote it down somewhere in a journal."

"No," I said. There would be little point. "I want you safe. Let me see what I can do." I looked at her belly again. "I'll send word."

"Pepper .... I ... I would ask you to join us.. but I know better. Plus .... you're the only person I still trust in the Alliance..."

I spelled it out for her. "I promised that I would protect the Alliance from all enemies and dangers from outside or within. Nothing has changed."

She nodded a bit. "You are a better solider than I, Pepper."

I gave a half smile, "You have more friends, so maybe you are better off."

My radio buzzed again. The crowd had grown to seven.

Brooke put her hand on her stomach. "I'd like you to see the baby, once she is born, but I .... it probably won't be for a while. I don't trust William not to track you in order to get to the baby." She smiled a bit. "I'm sure you have more friends than you think..."

"I'll be tracking William," I admitted, "I'm sure he will be doing the same once he realizes."

I paused then added, "I might have to dig a bit into Sanders' background."

"I ... Pepper. There is something you should know. The reason I left...."

"Yes?"

"Sanders, over two years ago, he found information ... about what Blue Sun was doing to certain subjects..." She shook her head. "Pepper ... it was horrible. He ... he wanted me out of there. So he sent Chai to get me. I had no choice at that point but to leave. A few months later before he left for his last mission, he sent me all the paperwork."

"Which you kept safe?" I asked.

Brooke replied. "I might. Either way. I ... I know you'd find that out. Your investigation will lead to me in time ... you'll have no choice at some point, Pepper ...."

"You haven't done anything wrong Brooke... and Sanders found out.... hmm, did he fake his death or was it something else?"

"The Alliance doesn't care Pepper .... It isn't what you and I believed in school."

"There are more like me than you may think Brooke."

"I believe at first he faked his own death. Wanted to live a new life ... only he was corrupted by the drug." She sighed. "Pepper ... there might be more .. but you must join together. You must keep them from destroying the rest of us."

I grew quiet.

"I'm not just talking about me," she elaborated "... but my crew and the others."

My radio buzzed. It was my backup. "You have incoming."

An unidentified figure wearing a pressure suit approached across the empty landing pad. He appeared to be unarmed.

I touched my radio "Stand by."

The voice of the figure in the suit was distorted through the helmet speaker. His or her face was disguised by the polarized glass. "I was wondering if I could find passage off this planet..."

Brooke looked over and smiled at the figure. "Don't worry too much about him," she assured me, "he's a friend..."

"A friend..." I began

Brooke smiled. "I think he's telling me I'm being slow.."

"Very perceptive, Ma'am" said the one in the pressure suit.

"Does he mind removing his helmet?" I asked.

"Just looking for passage," he said "Sorry to have bothered you."

I smiled as the figure withdrew to the street next to the sheriff's office.

"What drug?" I asked "You said 'he was corrupted by the drug'."

Brooke laughed. "Wish I knew ...." Then she grows serious. "Oh, you mean Sanders."

"Yes."

"The drug you are looking into: OX."

"Obsidian?" I rolled my eyes.

She nodded "I found that he was given it when he was sick ..."

"And he became a user?" I asked.

"At least from what I was told."

"Okay," I said adding things up. "There is another connection then. Your crew goes to protect your trade route and finds the drug but someone takes a picture of them with it and sends it to me."

"Yes ... they wanted to cause trouble with my crew..." She frowns. "And I don't like that..."

"Cause trouble? or get them out of the way?" I asked rhetorically.

I noticed the sky. The night had progressed.

"You better get going," I said.

She nodded. "Alright. Just be careful."

"You too." I managed a weak smile.

Brooke hugged me quickly. "Don't forget who you are. And that's not just the uniform."

She joined her friend with the pressure suit and together they slipped away into the night.

I touched my radio. "Transport please."

Eavesdown Docks (Part One)

Dec 26 - Eavesdown Docks, Persephone

I made landfall on Persephone rather than pushing straight on towards home. I had been meaning to take a look around Eavesdown Docks for some time now. It was as good a place as any for a meeting.

Like most ports there was a fair share of warehouse facilities and a number of landing pads. If the conflict on the Rim heated up any more this place could see a lot of traffic passing to and from the Core. I passed the customs house, sent two messages and went for a little walk.

Near a pair of parked Fireflys, I came upon a short man, well dressed.

"Afternoon," said the man, "Don't believe we've met."

"Hello," I replied, "This is my first time to the docks."

"Just opening a food commodities shop here at the docks," he explained, "I'm new as well."

I nodded with a pleasant smile.

"You're dressed for....??" he prompted.

"I'm sorry?" I asked. I knew what he meant.

"You had me going there for a minute. The Alliance doesn't get out here too far."

"Well, this is Persephone of course. That's our flag on the customs house." I smiled. "Are you from the Rim then?"

"You're the first for me in such a outfit, like I said new to the docks."

"Well, I likely won't be the last," I added.

"I have only seen three and you're the third," he smiled.

I chuckled.

"What brings you out to the docks?" he asked. He was still unsure of me or what I might be.

"I'm passing through actually.... just in from the Rim on my way back to the Core."

"Well," he said politely "I hope you enjoy your stay over at the docks."

"I thought it would be a good place to rest," I admitted.

"...risky business going back to the Core."

"Oh, why do you say that?" I asked.

"I guess its a personal matter, I stay far away from the Core planets. Not my cup of tea if you know what I mean."

I nodded and smiled warmly.

"I have some grapes that need harvesting," he said suddenly.

"Grapes?" I asked.

"And I may call it a day and be on my way..." he added.

"Of course," I said, "Don't let me keep you."

"The outer rim is needful of such commodities. The core planets have EVERYTHING."

"...and people do need good trade," I completed the sentence. "May I ask where are you from if not Persephone?"

"That my friend is for another day," he answered.

"May I ask your name?"

"Johnnie Spargel.. and yours?"

"Pleased to meet you," I said.

"I'm a doctor..." he continued.

Time to let the cat out. "I'm Major Siamendes, Alliance Military."

"...of tree's and veggies." he elaborated.

"Ah, a doctor," I laughed, "Very good. Hydroponics too?"

"EXACTLY," he replied.

Mr. Spargel continued, "The soil and atmosphere are depleted of nutrients for growth of any kind..."

"In many places, yes," I acknowledged.

"Hydroponics are the only way to attempt this kind of work."

"Do you design your own equipment?" I asked.

"I've had limited...but consistent success. That is another story as well. Some is of my own making. Still other stuff is bought, bartered...or in otherwise obtained."

I nodded "Well, this is a good spot, a crossroads as it were."

"I may have said too much already...I must go..."

I'll bet I thought. "Of course," I said.

"Glad to meet with you. Good day."

"Good day to you too."

I smiled and turned away.

-----

The sign read: Suzanne's Bath and Laundry. The building was a simple wooden affair. It faced a number of empty landing pads. Bars protected the windows. Freshly washed undergarments hung to dry and flapped in the light breeze. Two empty chairs sat inviting me to come join them on the porch.

I handed realized how tired I felt after my long journey. I sat myself down on the chair to the left as you faced the door.

Within moments, the door swung open and a woman wearing a white apron stepped out of the shop.

"Hello there," she said with a pleasant wave.

"Hello," I replied with a smile. "I was just looking for a spot to rest. Excuse me."

"Do you live here, or are you visiting?" she asked as I stood up to move on. "Oh no," she said quickly, "Have a seat. I usually sit on this side anyway."

Gratefully I returned to the chair.

"I am passing through," I replied "I am stationed elsewhere."

"Stationed. As in the military?" she asked.

"Yes."

"I don't see much of presence in this neighborhood."

"Ah I see," I said "There is a base nearby...I would have thought..." Clean socks make a happy soldier, after all.

"Truth be told," she continued, "You're the first I've seen. Military or law enforcement."

No law enforcement? I thought. "Hmm ...well out on the docks I suppose"

"I expect the base has official contracts. I'm strictly freelance," she explained.

"Is there much in the way of trouble?" I wondered.

"I've only been here a couple, three weeks."

I nodded. "I suspect this place sees it's fair share of smuggling."

"It's been quiet," she said, "And I've contracted with a local gang for protection."

"A local gang? Tell me more."

"Undoubtedly, I expect that is why this slum prospers ... at least compares to other slums.... The Afterthoughts, Bernice and Crash, seem to control the area."

I nodded. "Well, I hope that things stay safe for you."

"If not them, it would be someone else with fewer manners. So it's quiet reasonable for me to deal with them."

"I thought I saw a sheriff office," I began. It was two doors over I think.

"I understand that the sheriff is on their payroll... and I have yet to see the man or woman in the flesh."

I twisted my mouth a bit and then shrugged, "Well as far as smuggling is concerned...

The woman nodded but remained silent.

"..there are the things that people need to survive and there are the things that will destroy them. I'm only concerned with the things that will hurt people." I thought I might as well state my position while I was here.

A man walked by us as we sat.

The woman shrugged giving the appearance of both attentiveness yet indifference. "There are many independent traders coming and going here, and the customs office is rather busy, I'm sure."

"I'm sure," I echoed.

"I understand that the Afterthoughts have some interest in duties and the like."

"I will have to meet them," I said.

She nodded, "I haven't met the brother Crash. Only the woman Bernice. Their office is around the corner, clearly marked."

"Well thank you," I said.

I looked up and saw Brooke approach from down the street. I smiled.

"Not at all," said Suzanne, "Can I interest you in a bath?"

"Oh, perhaps another time," I said as I stood as Brooke got closer. A bath would have been nice especially after my long journey. In another life perhaps.

As Brooke arrived, Suzanne stood and said, "Hello."

"Officer..." Brooke said giving a nod in my direction, then smiling at the other woman. "Hello there. Nice place you have here..."

"My name is Suzanne. Suzanne Starship. Stop by anytime."

"Thank you," I replied "I'm Major Siamendes."

"Major. A pleasure to meet you." said Suzanne. She turned towards Brooke, "May I help you?"

"I think I will head over to the sheriff's office and see if she is in," I said out loud.

Brooke Rhea smiled as she walked up to me. "I got a wave that you'd be here..." She gave a nod.

"Yes," I acknowledged.

"Sheriff's office?" she asked.

"Just down the way," I indicated

"Alright," said Brooke "I'll follow...I have nothing to worry about after all."

I paused, "Ms. Starship...."

Suzanne Starship nodded, "Good day, Major Siamendes."

"...thank you again."

Return

Dec. 22 - 23 in transit from beyond the Rim

Two messages greeted me as I returned to Alliance space.

The first message was from one of my staff. It confirmed and expanded on some of the information I received from the young companion Pluto Kozlov.

"...One of my operatives gave me a report of a crashed ship. The ship had crashed on Shadow. A charred body was found. It was wearing William Faith's dog tags.

"The first person on the scene was Drake Neximus. The second two on the scene were Pluto and a Dr Harley Loordes.

"They were followed by a pair from the Alliance, Snuggles Easterwood, Doctor, Scientist, and Falcon 53 Neox, Guard. The DNA on the body came out to be Jebbidia Rowlings, an MIA Alliance Soldier...."

-----

The second message was from Colonel M___________. He acknowledged my progress and gave me the green light I was waiting for to move from the preliminary to a full scale internal investigation of Commander Faith. He added this caution:

"...Needless to say, treading carefully is recommended with Commander Faith. But it is exactly that kind of heavy handed flouting of rights that has millions of people wanting independence. Unless we want a verse run by the like of Captain Wind and more glassing of inhabited planets, let's find out who we are dealing with and what really is going on.

"You have my full support, use it wisely.

"We also need to discuss a vetted warrant system, to ward off rogue commanders or we will lose to cooperation of the mayors and magistrates...."

Indeed, the stakes were high. Soon, my team would begin our work in earnest. But first, there was someone I needed to talk with.

Obsidian

Dec. 17 - Beyond the Rim

Brooke said that the obsidian (Obsidian-X) came from NVI, a station well out beyond the Rim. It was to here that I came to find out what I could about the substance that was making its appearance in Alliance Territory.

The laboratories were easy enough to access. While the chemical composition of obsidian was unknown, the effects on human physiology were well documented.

"Scientists have rated it as psychoactive drug, a stimulant that elevates the central nervous system and seems to expand the psyche. After being injected, the user experiences extremely intense hallucinations, muscle contractions, sweating, and increased body temperature, often describing the feeling of being drawn into a larger conscience." [from local files]

The computer core had it's own secrets including a mobile AI that followed me and my progress. It chattered away at me as I explored.

NAIVI: "You are hardly talking quickly enough for us... bye!"

NAIVI whispers: "Did you bring us something?"

NAIVI: "No touchie!"

NAIVI whispers: "For any formal recursively enumerable theory T including basic arithmetical truths and also certain truths about formal provability, T includes a statement of its own consistency if and only if T is inconsistent."

There were many things on NVI that I will not write about. Let it be enough to say that my reconnaissance was successful.

Water for the Dead

Dec. 14 - Splintered Rock, Al Raqis

I carefully filled my litre packs with fresh water gathered from the moisture collector. Water, more precious than gold.

It's funny how much I have settled here in the desert. The solitude has a comfortable weight to it, like a blanket that a loving parent covers you up with, when they tuck you in for the night.

With the destruction of two worlds a mere few days behind us, it is as if the universe itself has paused to take a breath.

And Sentry.

He is likely dead at this point. Crushed under the bombardment of Shadow.

I was amazed how sad I felt. I had such hopes for him. He had done wrong, yes, but I truly believed that he could have made amends. Once he had proved himself to be capable of rejoining lawful society, I would have facilitated the process for his rehabilitation.

How irritating. I must have sand in my eye.

----

The latest message came in from Ardra.

Despite some very solid leads, I had had no luck in catching her. She was a Guild Steersman and if what they say is true, they can see the future. It would explain why she seemed to be two steps ahead of me at all times.

According to the Colonel, Ardra was dedicated to a doctrine of life extension. She was also addicted to spice.

So, I had initiated a little dialogue with her a few days ago. I needed to know how my enemy thought.

Using the outdated protocol that the Alliance had used to contact her when she was in our employ, I sent her a bag of raw spice, along with a message: "Ardra, memento mori" (Ardra, remember you will die).

She received the message. If she was prescient, she probably saw it coming.

Ardra responded: "Turritopsis nutricula." This was a reference to a breed of jellyfish that once it grew to maturity and bred returned to an earlier pre-adult stage of life. For all appearances, it was immortal. It actually reversed the aging process, unlike my skin cream, despite what the manufacturer claimed.

To which I replied: "Cucullus non facit monachum." The cowl does not make the monk. (Do not trust appearances).

Ardra countered with two quotes and a sentence:

"When I see a bird that walks like a duck and swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck." - James Whitcomb Riley (1849–1916)

"Philippus aunswered, that the Macedonians wer feloes of no fyne witte in their termes but altogether grosse, clubbyshe, and rusticall, as they whiche had not the witte to calle a spade by any other name then a spade." - Nicolas Udall (1542), "Retranslation of Erasmus', Plutarch's Apophthegmata Laconica"

"You're a cop."

I smiled. She was an insane, half-human, criminal monster that I had been hunting across the 'Verse for months, but I had to admit, I was enjoying our little conversation.

Apotheosis

Dec. 13 - Zenobia, Pleione Disctrict

"Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad." - Euripedes

-----

I watched the feed from Shadow with a mixture of sadness and disbelief.

Fire raining down from the skies. Global bombardment.

Clearly something had snapped within High Command. First the show trial and now this. While one expects a certain amount of hysteria in the wake of an event like the bombing of Aberdeen, this went above and beyond that.

Oh, and then there was the intercepted broadcast from Commander Faith on a limited band frequency:

"Just so you all know, I have been voted into God. Bow to my greatness."

How democratic.

A low level but well placed contact of mine sent me an image of Commander Faith leaving the Rim. No further details at this time. I should be able trace that ship.

Meanwhile, the news from the Rim itself was no less cheerful. Caliban had also been destroyed by Alliance forces. A flower of flame as the settlement burned in the contained atmosphere. The dome shattering like an overcooked egg. More refugees. More despair.

Machiavelli taught that for an authority, it is better to be feared than loved, but only if that authority could avoid being hated. Clearly no one was studying the classics.

-----

"For it is bad generals who in a time of universal peace purposely excite their neighbours to war. For peace is the end of every war, but to choose war in every case instead of peace for the sake of anything . . . and always to disregard the good end, this is the characteristic of senseless generals and demagogues and men who are working for the destruction of the state." - Anna Comnena (1083-1159), The Alexiad.

Pleione

Dec. 11 - 12 - Zenobia, Pleione District


I couldn't sleep.

Two things Brooke had said had stuck with me and, as is often the case, they germinated in the small hours of the night.

I climbed of my bunk in the middle of the night and padded across the cabin floor to my desk.

Finding a secure channel I sent Brooke a message: "Brooke, the contact that tipped you off on the obsidian smuggling... do you trust them? Also when you called Sentry 'your man' ...do you mean your crew-man or Your Man? Call me. Pep."

I asked the first question because I had to test the hypothesis that it was a trap to snare Brooke's crew. If her source was trustworthy, it was a point against the theory.

I asked the second question because I was still trying to discern why Sentry was arrested in the first place. Was he simply at the wrong place at the wrong time? Did someone have a grudge against him? or against Brooke? The reason may be significant or trivial, but there was a reason.

The message sent I headed off to the galley for some warm milk. I hate it when I can't sleep.

-----

The return message was waiting for me in the morning. It read:

"No, I don't trust the contact. But I had to find out what was going on. I can't tell you who it was, but it was someone not exactly in my circle of friends. Sentry isn't my man in that way. He's a good friend of mine. Someone I would trust with my life. He is .. my dearest friend."

-----

I took the time to send the proper forms to Londinium requesting court transcripts and documents pertaining to the recent arrests. Knowing how slow things work in a bureaucracy, I also sent this message:

Message to Tillery Woodhen, CEO, Cortex News Service
From Major P. Siamendes, SIU, Alliance, Zenobia

Hello Mr. Woodhen. Will CNS be covering the arraignment of Sentry Swashbuckler? I would be interested in a copy of the court proceedings, in addition to any observations you or your staff might find note worthy. Thank you.

-----

I received this note, followed by the promised dispatch.

Message to Major P. Siamendes, SIU, Alliance, Zenobia
From Tillery Woodhen, CEO, Cortex News Service
"We're getting dispatches from Londinium. I'll forward them on."

====Londinum Government Press Release====

Verdict for Trial of Londinium Terrorist Bombers

"LONDINIUM - The Trial of the Londinium Terrorist Bombers Mikie Rhiandra and Sentry Swashbuckler continued late this afternoon after Alliance Federal Judge Thadius Wirefly spent the day carefully debating their fate....."

-----

I read the dispatch over twice then used a secure channel and sent this message to Brooke: "Have Sentry's lawyer subpoena Sve________ to make a deposition. My sources say that she was hired by Wirefly to arrest Sentry. Wirefly acted as judge at the trial. Show there is a connection and this is grounds for declaring a mistrial and launching an appeal."

Paradiso

Dec. 10

The person on the other end of the comm took a deep breath and began, "Heard through the rumor mill you were looking for me, Pepper."

"Hello Brooke. I heard what happened at your wedding...I am so sorry..."

Sorry didn't approach the anguish I felt for her. My friend had been widowed on her wedding day. The man she had loved since the Academy had been murdered before her eyes by her new husband. That she could function at all was a miracle.

"I should have known better. Alliance just can't be trusted out here." She then stopped. "You were always trustworthy though. I heard they're holding my crewman. What do I need to do to get him back?"

I could do little or nothing but I wasn't about to tell her that over the comm. "Let's meet Brooke."

"Alright?" she said, "Where?"

"Paradiso," I replied.

"I'd like to bring my first mate along. Agreed?"

"Of course," I said, "If you feel we can speak comfortably that way...."

Brooke let out a little sigh. "I trust him. When shall we meet?"

I suggested a time.

Brooke bit her lip. "We're on our way."

-----

Dec. 10 - Paradiso

The ground was dry and dusty. I headed for the tavern. We hadn't agreed on where exactly to meet. We hadn't needed to. The tavern was the obvious choice.

Brooke looked up as as I got closer. "Over here," she said waving.

A smallish man with her eyed the area warily. It was Dex. He must be her First Mate now. The last time I saw him, on MacLaren's Drift, he answered to Brazen. I could see no one else in the vicinity.

As I approached my eyes grew wide upon seeing Brooke's belly.

Brooke nodded towards me, "So..." she said giving her a little smile. "You have something to talk about?" She then blushed a bit. "Yes .... I'm pregnant..." she added with a sigh.

"Oh Brooke..." I didn't know what to say. How much worse could things get for her?

"Sit," she invited and plonked herself down in a chair at the table by the door.

"Tee has other things on his mind," she said with a little smile. "Mind telling me what might be on his mind?"

I paused, looking over the premises. "If you don't mind I will not sit with my back to the door."

Brooke stood up. "Still intelligent. How about the couch?" she said motioning towards the chair.

Dex remained at his post, listening to us talk, but keeping an eye on the street. I settled on to the couch against the back wall. I now had a clear view of the door too.

Brooke just watched me. "So ... what's the Alliance up to these days, besides putting people on trial for things that they didn't do."

I sighed. Her sarcasm I would take. I was ready for that.

"Tell me what happened," I said.

"Sentry was taken by the Alliance. I saw the news report, they're blaming him for the attack at the Core." She touched her belly, "And if you want to know how this happened, you've really forgotten our talks at the Academy."

We watched as a stranger wander into the bar and looked around.

"Sentry is a bartender...that makes no sense." I spoke honestly. "Why would they arrest him?"

"You're the one with the contacts," said Brooke, "You tell me."

"...unless it has something to do with obsidian smuggling being used to finance terrorist activity in the Core," I added.

She then shook her head. "Either way, Pepper. We both know he didn't do it. And I want him back."

Dex raised an eyebrow when I mentioned obsidian.

The stranger at the bar muttered to himself "Where can I get a stiff, but solid drink?"shaking his head to loosen tension from last bounty hunt.

"They have Mikie as well. I have a feeling I know why they have her ...She's a weapon, pure and simple. They know how to set her off, all they need to do is set her off and they have their proof."

"Then maybe you can explain this...." I started.

"Explain what, Pepper?"

I handed her the photograph showing Sentry and the crates of obsidian.

The stranger at the bar seemed to be listening absentmindedly while he pulled out his personal flask.

"That's our boy there." I pointed to Sentry. "And that... that looks like Cody. I met him on the bridge at MacLaren's you recall."

Brooke frowned. "Where did you get this picture?" she said then looked up. "Sentry was sent by me. I learned about the smuggling through a contact. IF you want to arrest someone arrest me. But that would be bad PR." she added.

Brooke shook her head and continued. "They're using him Pepper. The Alliance is using him to get the people stirred up about the war."

"And I have questions too," I admitted. "Who indeed sent me this picture? What were your people doing there? Where is the obsidian?"

Dex seemed to disappear behind the rim of his hat, while the stranger reviewed the bounties posted on Personal Contract Holo.

"Well?" I asked.

Brooke answered, "I already told you they were following up a lead. And as for the obsidian, I'm afraid I don't know where it is. If I had it now, it would be destroyed. You know how I feel about drugs Pepper. Not my thing."

"I know...but it looks like your team is into something deep." I said stating how it would appear to others.

The stranger seemed to lose interest in the hologram.

"You are asking a lot of questions, and not answering many, Pepper..." Brooke said.She then frowned. "What is the Alliance planning next ... where are they holding Sentry and Mikie .. why is the Alliance interested in this drug?"

"Sentry and Mikie are being arraigned tomorrow." This much I knew for a certainty.

The Personal Contract Holo flashed with a new bounty. It caught the interest of the stranger. Suddenly he tipped his hat to us then left the tavern. Dex watched him go.

I continued. "I spoke with Sentry...they allowed me ten minutes even with my clearance."

Brooke nodded. "Pepper ... they don't deserve to die...they are already convicted..."

I did not answer at first. Then I admitted, "it looks bad."

"We both know that," she pressed. "We worked for justice .... that was what we wanted when we joined the Alliance... but that isn't what the Alliance is anymore. Or maybe it never was.. .don't you see it doesn't believe in ideals anymore.... we're talking about lives. And if you were Sentry, would you? He's scared, Pepper..."

I looked slightly away. I'm not having this conversation with you now, I thought. Not in front of the help.

I pinched the bridge of my nose then asked "What happened at the wedding?"

Dex growled quietly to himself.

Brooke looked up her face emotional for a moment, anger, sadness all flashed through it before she shook her head, her arms crossing. "The wedding itself went perfectly every girls dream. What happened at the reception. My ex-husband... Sanders. He ... well despite the official word, he wasn't dead. He showed up. Tee ... killed him then he set off Mikie. Made her start shooting. He revealed he was an Alliance agent."

She paused. "Things went crazy from there. People were shot..."

"How many dead?" My interest was professional.

"Sanders ... We almost lost Dex and Cody..." Brooke looked at Dex with a smile. "Dex pulled through though."

I couldn't stop where my thoughts were taking me. You can't easily prosecute the shooting of a man who had already been declared legally dead. But two attempted murder charges....

Dex nodded without turning around

Brooke sighed. "Tee... well, I haven't seen him much since then.." She then touches her stomach. "But he left me with a little parting gift."

I smiled weakly, "Are you going to be okay?"

"Besides having a horrible craving for Sihnon chocolate... yes."

"Ah, we need to get you home.... or your team should start smuggling chocolate," I suggested helpfully.

Dex coughed. "Excuse me.... did we come all this way to engage in girl talk?"

I smiled despite the tragedy of the situation.

Brooke gave a little laugh. "Pepper... I want to know my man is going to be okay... what can you do? He didn't do this..."

"Okay ... I can't say what I can do for Sentry.... the orders are from "high up". If I knew how high then maybe. This picture will not help things..."

"Can you find out where those orders are coming from?"

"...so the more you can help me on that, the better it should be on your people anyway." I added.

"Pepper .. do you have to give them the picture ... it isn't what you think. We were trying to keep the bad guys from getting their hands on it. I think we succeeded."

"I'm not giving anyone that picture," I said, "unless I have to... but someone gave it to me..."

"Who?" she asked me.

"Who would have taken that picture?" I asked her.

Dex muttered "Valkas..."

"You know your team," I continued, "Are they all there? or do you have a traitor? And for heavens sake, I need to prove that drug was destroyed."

Brooke looked at Dex. "I have an idea... but I'd like to discuss it with my crew, first..." she said quietly." She then frowned and shook her head. "No! There is no way... well..." She then looked at Dex again. "At least not the ones closest."

"I have no interest in politics." said Dex.

"Full disclosure," I said, "What is the story on that drug shipment? Dex ... come join us." I added.

Brooke frowned. "What do I get in return?"

"In return?" I asked, "I'm not bargaining. I asking for help...and it is your team on the picture. You have the most to lose her by letting it slide."

"Of giving you the story on that drug shipment ..." She then shook her head. "Pepper... I want my man back. I need to know who has Mikie and him..."

She then stopped and frowned "Sounds like a threat." She then sighed and added, "but we are friends." She gave me a half smile.

"I'm not threatening you Brooke..." I tried to explain. "You know I can just declare Conflict of Interest and they pull me off this case ...but then they give it to another investigator who doesn't know you."

"Then I'll tell you," she replied. "My crew was told to go to that location based on a tip I was given by someone who knew Sanders before ... well what happened. The drugs were to be turned over to a cartel." She then shakes her head. "We were able to get a hold of the drug... it was ... destroyed."

Brooke looked at Dex with a meaningful glance. I watched the look.

"And can we be sure it was destroyed?" I asked.

Dex just stood there stoically, not even nodding in agreement, He appeared edgy standing with his back to the door again.

"You don't trust me?" she said with a grin. "I .. can't show you anything I'm afraid. But it's gone."

"Gone ....and if it wasn't destroyed," I said carefully."... maybe you could get it back." I watched them both.

Dex raised an eyebrow.

"No ..... there's no way to get it back from destruction, Pepper." Brooke smiled. "Don't you remember physics?"

"I'm just saying..." I continued, "I would be fine if physics wasn't involved, and it all just appeared once again then you could hand it over as evidence and everyone is happy."

She shook her head. "It's gone, Pepper. I'm sorry. But if .. I get another tip ... I could pass it on."

I shrugged. Fine. It's gone. I let it go and switched topics.

"Why was Sentry taken? any ideas?"

Brooke sighed. "Because he's liked out here. Knows people, people are willing to do what they can to get him back. Including me.... anyway. You have the contacts Pepper...I just need to know what you can find out. I've helped you out here, and I'll continue to try and help you as long as you leave my people alone."

"If your people stop handling drugs, no worries. I'll take that picture back." I held out my hand.

Brooke looked at it once then back at me. "I think it'd be best if this picture was misfiled, Pepper. You do still have that one assistant, right? The one that seems to have trouble with files... "She watches me as she handed it back. "Paperwork can be taxing."

"Hand it over Brooke. Thank you." I held the picture and looked at once again. "Tell me about the lead you got on this."

I couldn't tell her, not yet at any rate, if I maintained total control over this copy of the picture and another copy showed up somewhere else, it gave me a chance to triangulate it's point of origin.

"Why is the Alliance so interested in it? Not in their territory." She then sighed. "From a place called NVI. You should have fun there. Tentacles..."

I narrowed her eyes but smiled. One comment after a drinking binge during our days at the Academy and it haunts me for the rest of my natural life.

"What, exactly, does this have to do with Sentry and the trouble you've gotten him into?" demanded Dex.

"Because I think you are being framed," I addressed them both.

"Indeed," he replied.

I stood up as if to emphasis the point.

Brooke nodded. "We're not exactly Alliance friends. Pepper. If that's true.... help us prove it." She then bites her lip. "you might want to look into a certain Companion... her name is Ash_________."

I nodded, "Tell me about her."

Dex answered, "I wouldn't call her a Companion. Ever another Companion would disavow her."

Brooke whispered: "I know little. She ... seems ... connected to William. "She then shakes her head at Dex. "She has many reasons to want TTW to fail." She then nods. "Just look into her ... I'm sure you'll find much. If anyone is the mole .. it's her."

"Okay...tell me ... where is William now?"

"I can honestly say I don't know," she answered.

I fingered the photo, "Either Sentry is a convenient scapegoat, or it is personal..."

"I want this child to stay with me..." she said then nodded. "It probably is personal..."

"If it is personal, and it is from high up in command...." I left the last bit unsaid.

Brooke nodded. "I understand. Thanks for the warning."

"I'll be in touch," I said, "Contact me if you think there is something else I should know. Remember I can't do anything without information."

"As much as I'd like to relive old time, Pepper. We both have what we need to do." Brooke slowly stood. "I want Sentry back," she said.

I looked at Brooke's crewman. "Dex," I said, "Just say no to drugs."

Yes, ma'am." he replied.

Brooke gave a little smile, looked at Dex then out to the nearby buildings. " Time we get back to Mac's."

"Yes, ma'am." replied Dex.

I watched as the two wandered off down the street and disappeared into the night.

Paquin

Dec. 10 - Paquin

I stood on the old wooden bridge enjoying the fresh, cool breeze. In contrast, the sun was quite hot and where it reflected it set the water sparkling. The vegetation rustled. The waves crashed upon the beach. The wind played with the sleeves of my kimono.

A young Companion approached from the water's edge that curved around a tall pagoda. She was dressed in full length red gown, of Italian silk damask. At least that is how it appeared from where I was standing. It contrasted well with her long, straight blond hair. She wore an antique cameo at her neck. A pair of eye glasses were perched upon her nose.

She curtsied politely.

"Hello Ms. Siamendes.." she began.

"Greetings," I replied, "I am here to meet a certain gentleman....I have an appointment." I smiled warmly.

"Yes Ma'am, she whispered, "I was sent to bring you to the main house." She smiled in reply. "If you will follow me."

I nodded, " Thank you."

We walked back the way I came, passed the dock and padded across the sandy beach. I had come to the island of Saona on the planet of Paquin to meet a man who had contacted me with an offer of information. He wanted to meet in person. He had, no doubt, a request or two of his own.

This was the home of the Western Geisha, an order of Registered Companions under the tutelage of Mistress Varahi.

We mounted the steps leading to the Companion House. The young woman slid the door open and stood slightly off to one side.

"Here we are," she said.

"Thank you," I replied.

A man's voice came from within the house, "Thank you, Pluto."

I entered the house and met for the first time, Tillery Woodhen, Chief Executive Officer of the Cortex News Service.

Pluto gracefully moved towards the low table. "You are more than welcome," she said, "May I get you some tea?"

Yes, please," I smiled.

"Have a seat, Ms. Siamendes," invited Mr. Woodhen

"Please, sit down, enjoy our hospitality," added Pluto

I settled myself on the silk pillow between the two of them and, with a quiet thank you, gently took the cup Pluto offered.

The room was simply decorated in the oriental fashion. Fine art adorned the walls. There was a faint hint of incense, just enough to awaken the sense of smell, not too much as to overpower.

Mr. Woodhen sipped his tea. "I hope you don't mind Ms. Kozlov's presence," he said, "Companions are well known for being circumspect. They will tell no one what we talk about."

"Sir is correct," added Pluto

I smiled and nodded to the companion, "Not at all. Of course, I have heard of this of the Companions."

I then turned to Mr. Woodhern, "Thank you sir, for meeting me."

"My pleasure," he replied.

"I must admit I was surprised when you contacted me," I began.

"Indeed. Why is that?"

I sipped my tea. "My, this is wonderful tea," I said to the young woman, while carefully formulating my reply to Mr. Woodhen.

Ms. Kozlov smiled

"Well sir," I continued, "Often people find someone in my position....unapproachable.

"They find someone in my position unapproachable as well," he replied. "Something about control, I think."

"May I ask, what I can do for you?"

"For one thing, protection. You've heard what's been happening on the Rim, yes?"

I raised my left eyebrow ever so slightly. "I have been in the Core on business."

"It's getting more lawless. Raiders and rogue military units."

I frowned at the term 'rogue' "Yes.." I prompted.

"I've been forced to start arming my own ships..."

"A wise precaution in uncertain times." I realized that was a mistake once I said it.

Mr. Woodhen looked pointedly at me. "That's not something I should need to do, I believe."

I nodded. " Yes, of course" I conceded. "So protection..."

"Also, I do have some information, which you may find interesting. And that would require personal protection. I have found out who was responsible for the Alliance soldier you lost on Caliban."

I sipped my tea. "Go on," I prompted

"The person responsible is a mercenary. One I believe who is deeply involved in the current unpleasantness on the moons."

"A mercenary?" I asked, "Do you have a name?

"Yes," he replied giving me the man's full name.

I nodded. I had heard of him. He was a suspect in aiding Cody Winterwolf on his recent escape.

"He was based on Caliban before the moon was abandoned. I think he was also involved in the abduction of two citizens recently."

"Abduction? Who?"

Ms. Kozlov bit her lip.

"The leader of one of the Independent communities and a trader. They're on trial on Londinium as we speak."

I almost put down my cup. "And this mercenary is responsible for other trouble?" I asked.

"Possibly. I've only been able to confirm his connection to Caliban and the abductions."

Pluto fidgeted and sighed.

"Ms. Kozlov?" asked my host.

"Sir.." began the Companion, "This Th_____ fellow...he may not be acting of his own accord."

Mr. Woodhen raised an eyebrow.

I looked at the young woman. "What do you mean?" I asked.

"This is a very embarrassing situation and I hope that I can trust your discretion Ma'am as you can trust mine."

"Certainly." I said, secretly wishing I had brought a tape recorder.

"The night of the Londinum Nuke, I was attending a wedding, that frankly ended badly. After evacuating some wounded people to MacLaren's, I encountered and.... unfortunately allowed myself to be abducted by one Major Wind Swashbuckler. Apparently he is a major in Alliance Intelligence. You would never know it to look at him or to observe his behaviour."

" I...I didn't know," replied Mr. Woodhen.

"No Sir, as I said, the incident is not only personally embarrassing, but could potentially harm the Guild's reputation. He had attempted to.. use mind control to turn myself and another acolyte into sleeper agents."

"Aiya!" cried my host.

I frowned. "He sounds rogue." I said darkly, repeating a term Mr. Woodhen had used.

"I ....we were left with a memory wipe and a cover story where we had taken this major Wind as a client , even though as acolytes, that is forbidden. We were grounded to the island for breaking this rule..."

"I've heard rumors about Wind," remarked Mr. Woodhen.

"A couple weeks later, he arrived here to .. well he said to give me a checkup and pulled a gun on Mistress Varahi, and her new baby."

Mr. Woodhen muttered in Gaelic and Mandarin.

"He was removed rather brusquely, and his actions, the various different holes in the 'cover' led us to uncover what really happened. Shortly after that incident, umm.. him and his forces, attacked MacLaren's...."

I sipped my tea and listen carefully.

"I remember that attack," said my host.

"...and kidnapped a doc... A former shipmate of mine, and her captain rescued the doctor, but were unable to locate(the mercenary)."

"And that is why you believe (the mercenary) is now being manipulated by Wind Swashbuckler," I concluded.

"It is a possibility."

"Is Wind Alliance military?" asked my host.

"It is the impression I was given, he allegedly answers to an Admiral," said Pluto.

"By what name?" I asked.

"I do not know Ma'am."

I sipped my tea.

If this Major Wind was indeed a rogue Alliance Intelligence officer then this problem would soon take care of itself. Intelligence and Justice had a relationship with all the flavour of a couple in marriage counselling. There was however an understanding that you each take care of your own mess in a timely fashion.

I turned to Mr Woodhern, "The problems you mentioned ... do they precede these events?"

"They do," replied my host.

"So even if is now acting for Wind Swashbuckler... you have wider concerns."

"The sector is becoming more dangerous," he said flatly.

"We've recently completed a screening of the guild," added Ms. Kozlov "and are working to prevent further incidents like this."

"The disruption in trade alone is enough to anger me," continued my host, "but I have employees as well. I have to think of their safety."

"Yes, of course," I said. "Well, I can say for certain that we are doing out best to route out rogue elements in the military as well as apprehend criminal elements at large.

"I would hope soon," he added, "I don't have a great love for the Alliance, but I don't consider it an evil."

I agreed and said, "The line separating good and evil passes not through states nor political parties but right through every human heart. Solzhenitsyn."

"But recent events.... It could lead to a wider conflict."

I nodded.

"Do you know whats driving these rogue elements?" he asked.

I did not answer directly. Instead I said, "I would appreciate any information on rogue elements in the Alliance Military... from either of you."

"Yes Ma'am," said the young Companion. "Umm.. may I ask your affiliation?"

"I can only speak for my company," said my host, "I'll share what information I can get."

I nodded. "Tell me about this wedding... where the trouble began."

"It was the Wedding of Brooke and a man named Teetopwillie," answered Ms. Kozlov.

"Ah I see. Please continue."

"The wedding was beautiful. During the reception, this man showed up named Sanders, I believe, who turned out to be Ms. Brooke's long lost, presumed dead husband."

My eyes narrowed slightly at this information.

She continued, "...and Mr. Teetop, turned out to himself to be a Commander Faith I believe."

"That must have been ...awkward... with Sanders arriving," I said.

"Yes.." said the Companion, "umm Sanders was shot dead very soon after his arrival."

I dropped my cup.

"...by Commander Faith," finished Pluto.

"Oh Brooke...!" I cried in horror.

"Oh Buddha," thundered Mr. Woodhen, "Here?"

"It was terrible...it was right in front of me.. no no not.. the wedding took place on Shadow."

"Brooke ... what happened to Brooke!?" I demanded.

"She is safe, or was. A bit distraught. She made it to MacLaren that night, along with several of us."

"Distraught...!?" I urgently brushed the split tea off my kimono, fighting back tears of shock and rage.

Ms. Kozlov fetched a towel to help me clean. Soon I was drier and more had regained my emotional balance.

"Okay .. I'm sorry ... please continue... thank you." I said in succession.

"There have been come incidents involving Tee's company," offered Mr. Woodhen helpfully.

"His trading company?" I asked as I continued to dab my kimono.

"Yes," my host added, "His office on Splintered Rock was burned today.

The Companion chimed in, "I would not know much about that. I am afraid, My understanding is that Brooke now runs the company."

"Burned...." I said thoughtfully.

"And I've heard rumors that some of their offices have been commandeered by armed soldiers."

"Were there any markings left behind?" I asked.

"Not that I've been able to learn," he replied.

I nodded. So perhaps not Cooperstone this time.

"I still have feelers out to find out what happened."

"Good ..." I said, "There were attacks on the Zenobian trade offices at the end of October, but if I recall Tee's offices on Shadow were also burned..." I caught myself thinking out loud.

"More tea please?" I asked.

Ms. Kozlov got up and prepared another cup.

I accepted the tea with a thank you and a smile.

"More than welcome," replied the Companion.

"Business is getting too interesting for my taste," editorialized Mr. Woodhen while I sipped my tea deep in thought.

"Well, Mr. Woodhen," I replied, "I will help you where I can."

"Who is running your military, Ms. Siamendes?" he pressed.

Ms. Kozlov saved me the trouble of answering immediately.

"Oh," she said, "There is one more thing I probably should mention concerning Commander Faith. He apparently tried to fake his death on Shadow, just before Mikie and Sentry were taken."

I looked at Pluto,"Faked how?" At the same time I reached her hand out to Mr. Woodhen to indicate I had not missed his question and that I intended to answer.

"A ship crash, a body was found with his dog tags, however there was a Doc Harley there who took a tissue sample and did a DNA match..."

"And the test result?" I asked.

"The sample taken matched an MIA Alliance soldier, and NOT commander Faith...."

I nodded. I wonder who was the soldier and where was he stationed.

"...according to the Alliance's own records. Doctor Harley Loordes can confirm this."

I took the opportunity to turn to Mr. Woodhen to answer his question, "I am under the Zenobian-Bihar command." I then turned back to Pluto, "What else can you tell me about Commander Faith?"

"Umm.. he owes me a new dress.. other than that, I only met him at the wedding. That was the one and only time I met him."

"You did not meet him as Tee," I clarified.

"No Ma'am."

"What about Sanders?"

"Never saw him before," she said, "Had no idea who he was. When Tee or commander Faith or whoever he was, pulled his gun, I tried to position myself between Tee and Brooke, to protect her.

"She saw it all...." I shook my head.

"Yes ma'am we all did."

Note to self. Get list of wedding attendees.

I turned back to Mr. Woodhen, "So what form of protection did you have in mind?"

"Protection for my company and employees," he said, "I'd rather they not get caught in the crossfire."

I nodded, "Nor should they be put at risk." Still trying to make up for my earlier mistake.

"What is being done has pushed people on the rim to the edge. I expect open conflict soon."

"Sadly," I said, "I am inclined to agree." So much for yesterday's optimism.

"There is a general feeling that Sentry and Mikie are innocent, and this upcoming trial is a farce," contributed the Companion.

My host continued, "I also want to protect my own hide. My business requires me to travel to many of these places."

"Do you have private security?" I asked.

"I'm about to start hiring security personnel."

I turned to Pluto, "Why would they arrest Sentry Swashbuckler in the first place?"

I did not get an answer before Mr. Woodhen asked questions of his own.

"Do you know what is going on with the military, though? How is it that there are so many wild cards with the firepower to do this?"

I set my cup on the floor gently. "Well, I am aware that I am speaking to a newspaper man," I said with a smile.

"In part. I do more than report the news," he clarified.

Ms. Kozlov leaned over to remove the dirty cup.

"The CNS Corporation also does consumer products and construction. We built the skyplex in orbit around Paquin now."

I was impressed.

"But I'm not asking for the news service. I'm asking because I was in that attack on MacLaren's. I had to jury rig weapons on my ship to help fight off the attackers."

"Which attack?" asked the Companion.

"The one on MacLaren's," replied my host.

"Sorry for having to ask," she said, "But there were several. The last one when Sentry was taken?"

" The one before that," he answered." I was on Shadow when Sentry was taken. I saw them take Mikie."

"But why take Sentry?" I interrupted, "He is a bartender for heavens sake."

"I don't know," replied my host "Unless there's some connection to Mikie we don't know about.

"Mikie is mayor of Shadow I believe," said the Companion,"But still, to imagine either one of them involved in a nuclear bombing?"

I nibbled on my lip as I turned the information over.

The young Companion made a sound, "Umm.....sigh.. Mistress is gonna ground me again..I have a friend a very dear friend who was involved in the 'arrest'."

"Oh? go on." This one was a fountain of information.

"It was not an arrest," she said flatly.

"I don't understand..."

"Her name is Sv___________ , she thought she was hiring on to be security for a new construction project out on the Rim. Protect against smugglers and pirates. They picked her up and told her there was a test first a training mission..."

"A test."

"...that she was to use blanks, and retake a building from the locals who were going to play the part of pirates. Everyone supposedly knew it was an exercise, only nobody told the townsfolk.

"Okay."

"They used live rounds, never heard of any exercise. Look if you are going to arrest someone, you send cops, or if it's a posse, you give them real ammo. The double crossing the folks you hired like that.. makes his arrest stink to high heaven."

"...and this group was sent to arrest Sentry and Mikie," I said for clarification.

"Two groups, actually," interjected my host. "Coordinated enough to run operations on two planets."

"This group kidnapped Sentry," confirmed Ms. Kozlov. "and it appears that Svetka was supposed to be body count. She is very upset, and is demanding some fellow named Mojo Halberd? I think that is his name, she wants... ummm she wants to do great bodily damage to him."

I gave a half smile. "She sounds spirited."

"She is colorful," continued the Companion, "and extremely angry at this Mojo and a fellow named Wirefly."

"Wirefly..." I repeated.

"Aye, she says he hired her, but from what she has told me, it was not an arrest at all."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"A snatch and grope operation? No snatch and grab operation she called it. If you arrest someone, you give your cops real bullets right? You tell them it's an arrest."

"Of course."

"Why sneak around, and more importantly, why trick the people you just hired in a manner that was almost certain to get them killed?" she asked in a whisper.

"Why indeed?" I frowned. "Well, that is a lot to think about."

"Do you think you can do anything about what's going on?" asked my host.

"There will have to be an investigation," I concluded.

"Umm....." added Ms. Kozlov, "There are some elements that would damage the Guild's reputation. Is there anyway we can keep that from becoming public?"

"...and others that would just damage things," added my host.

"I will of course be discreet where I can," I said.

"Understood... and I hope you understand that my own actions should not reflect on the Guild as a whole. I am merely a student.... and none of my actions with Major Wind were sanctioned
by Mistress Varahi. As a matter of fact, I came quite close being expelled." Pluto lowered her eyes, remembering her shame.

I addressed Mr. Woodhen. "If I am to keep an eye out for the safety of your employees on the Rim, I will need a list of your personnel."

"You'll have it in the next few days."

"You can forward it to my office," I added.

"I will," he replied. "I do hope some good will come from this."

"In the meantime," I continued, "Both of you...stay safe."

"We'll try," said my host, "Paquin has been left out of most of the trouble."

"Aye Miss," said the young Companion, "it should be fairly easy for me, I rarely leave the island these days."

I elaborated, "If half of what you have suggested about rogue commanders is true...."

Mr. Woodhen completed the thought, "..we're all in danger."

I gave a tight, little smile and a quick nod. "Thank you for meeting with me Mr Woodhen."

"Thank you for coming, Ms. Siamendes," he replied.

We exchanged pleasantries and promises to keep in touch. We left Mr. Woodhen at the main house. Ms. Kozlov escorted me to the docks.

"Are you a friend of Brooke's?" I asked her, once we arrived.

"I was put in charge of her bridal shower, when Miss Varahi had pressing business elsewhere." She buried her face in the palms of her hands.

"It was not your fault," I said.

"I just feel.. stupid.." she replied "I let her waltz right up the gangplank."

"Look," I said, "You can help... whatever you hear no matter how insignificant it may sound.... about the people involved... you tell me."

"Yes Ma'am, please understand that I will have to inform Mistress Varahi about all of this. She can be trusted I assure you."

I looked out to sea with a distant gaze. Mistress Vahari will be thrilled I am sure, I thought.

"You may want to contact Svetka, she may have other information I do not." She again stated the woman's full name.

"Okay," I nodded.

The water lapped against the dock. The sail of the wooden ship fluttered in the wind.

"I must go," I said.

"Good evening and thank you for visiting us."

I smiled at the acolyte, "Be brave."

Pluto Kozlov whispered "I will Ma'am."

And with that, I boarded the little wooden ship and left the island.

Londinium

Dec. 10 - Londinium

Door Zero Zero opened with a quiet, "Access granted." I stepped up to the desk of the detention area and greeted to Duty Officer.

"I am Major Siamendes, Special Investigations."

"Greetings Major," he replied, "How may I assist you today?"

"I am here to question the prisoner. He is a material witness in a case."

"Do you have a Security Request Number?" he asked.

"I have clearance Omega 12."

"May I have your ID?"

"Certainly."

I handed him my identification and pressed my thumb print on the pad in confirmation.

"And which prisoner do you need to see?"

"Swashbuckler, Sentry."

The Duty Officer took my ID to the terminal and slid it into scanner. He read the screen with a stern look.

"Security is extremely tight with this Prisoner Major. Comes from High up."

"He's a troublemaker that one," I said. Well, more annoying than trouble, I thought.

"The clearance we have shows that you can only interview him here at the visitor window and only for 10 minutes."

I nodded, "Of course."

"He is one of the terrorist leaders on trial."

"Then I hope he sings quickly," I added cheerfully.

"Rules are no physical contact with the prisoner and I must observe the entire interview."

"Has he been trouble for you here?" I asked. Detention area small talk.

"I'm just advising you the rules Ma'am. When I said orders came from high up it is all the way up the chain."

"All the way up? Impressive."

"Have you been watching the news Ma'am? he is accused of murdering 500,000 people. He is TOP priority as far as the Government is concerned."

"Yes," I acknowledged, "And if my sources are correct he is guilty of much more. I may have new charges to add for his arraignment."

"I will get the prisoner Ma'am, but one more thing. IF there are ANY violations of the rules in dealing with this prisoner, we are authorized to arrest and detain you with all necessary force....regardless of your Omega 12 rating or not."

"Of course," I said. I should hope so I thought. "No contact and you will observe," I confirmed.

The Duty Officer looked me over once more and then turned towards the cells. He logged into security terminal and registered the visitation. He hit the intercom and said, "Prisoner Swashbuckler...you have a visitor."

Sentry answered back over the speaker, "Really?"

"Stand away from the door," instructed the Duty Officer as he opened a slot in the door. "Put your hands behind you and stick them through the hole." He got out the handcuffs.

Sentry Swashbuckler did as he was directed.

The Duty Officer locked the cuffs around Sentry's wrist. "Stand back from door," he ordered while drawing his pistol.

He hit the door control and continued, "Prisoner step out. Move to the window and have a seat."

Sentry looked a pathetic sight as he emerged from his cell in his orange jumpsuit and irons.

He blinked, "So who thinks I'm popular?"

"Major," said the Duty Officer, "Your 10 minutes starts now! 6:44 PM."

"Thank you Officer," I said.

Sentry Swashbuckler looked at me through the window. "Oh, hello Major."

"Hello Sentry," I replied.

The Duty Officer stood to side and observed.

"Come to spring me from the hotel here?" asked Sentry.

"You sent word through diplomatic channels that you wanted to see me," I began.

Sentry nodded, "I did."

"And what did you want to say? We have 9 minutes left."

"Remember the offer you made the last time we talked?" Sentry asked.

"Yes I do."

"I've reconsidered, somewhat," he said.

Time to shatter that illusion I thought. "I'm sure you have.... but I must tell you that the Alliance does not make deals with terrorists."

Sentry blinked and whispered, "Is that what they are calling me now??

"If you have something to tell me I suggest you do it quickly," I said.

"Just that I had nothing to do with whatever this accusation is. I was on Shadow when I heard about the nuclear blasts." he replied.

"I see ...you called me to say that?" Unbelievable I thought.

"No, it was to tell you that I wanted to take you up on your offer." He looked at the Duty Officer, "Though if the people here get their way, it won't matter."

I twisted her mouth in thought. "Give me something I can take to the judge," I said finally.

Sentry laughed, "Like what?"

"Maybe something about obsidian smuggling," I suggested.

Sentry cursed under his breath.

"You have 4 minutes," I added.

"We didn't smuggle that."

"Oh?" I said. I turned to the Duty Officer. "Officer. I will give you a picture. Please hold it so the prisoner can see." I passed him the photograph.

Sentry looked directly at me. "No, we were protecting our trade route. Met the actual smugglers, and ran them off."

"I see."

Sentry just stared at the picture. He got very nervous. "That isn't what it looks like."

"One minute Major," said the Duty Officer.

I took back my photograph.

Sentry thought quickly. "Birgit Sunspot," he said.

"I don't need one minute ..." I snarled, "The Alliance doesn't make deal with terrorists or drug smugglers. Take him away."

"Very well Major," replied the Duty officer, "On your feet Swashbuckler"

"I didn't do anything there!" protested Sentry.

I just stared at him. Observing.

The Duty Officer cocked his gun loading a bullet into chamber. "Back to your cell," he ordered.

"Find Brooke," whispered Sentry, "She will give you the real story. I know you will listen to her."

"Lock him up," I said firmly.

The Duty Officer grabbed Sentry by his arm and dragged him to the cell. Sentry Swashbuckler screamed his innocence all the way.

"Stick your hands out," commanded the guard as he opened the slot in the door. Sentry did as he was told, protesting the whole time. The Duty Officer removed the handcuffs, shoved Sentry's hands in and slammed the slot shut. He logged the visitation over and returned to the desk.

"Anything else I can do for your Major?"

Sentry Swashbuckler banged on the door of the cell

"Thank you, Officer. That will be all." I smiled warmly, "Have a pleasant evening."

"Thank you, Major."

Door Zero Zero murmured a soft "Access granted" as I left the area.