A Shadow of a Doubt

Feb. 1 - Shadow

"They made a desert and called it peace." - Tacitus

-----

Shadow.

The scene of the crime.

The sky was blanketed by a thick covering of cloud. The wind was fierce. There was nothing to obstruct it now. No trees. No buildings.

I carefully negotiated the burnt and broken ground. Listening to the sound of my own breathing in my pressure suit.

I had come here to Shadow to fit the pieces together. To review the facts as presented.

-----

November.

A hither to unknown group known as the Volunteers of the Browncoat Resistance detonated a nuclear device on Londinium in the heart of an urban slum. The death toll was horrific.

Two persons were apprehended - a man, Sentry Swashbuckler, and a woman, Mikie Rhiadra. They were charged and convicted in a flurry of justice. The evidence, against the man at least, was circumstantial at best.

Then these two felons, found guilty of one of the most heinous crimes against an Alliance world in recent memory managed to escape from one of the most secure holding facilities in the Verse.

Right.

Okay, we can come back to that.

They were pursued to Shadow, a planet orbiting the Protostar Murphy in the Georgia system. Population 13,300 according to the last official census. The planet was destroyed in the process. Both criminals were assumed dead.

The officer who ordered the attack on Shadow, Commander William T. Faith, using the body of an Alliance soldier, tried unsuccessfully to fake his own death. He would go on to publicly proclaim his own godhood and leave the 34 Tauri system for family estates on Al Raqis, outside of Alliance control.

Later, Mikie Rhiadra would also show up in the Mu Draconis system. She would be seen taking orders from Sedrick Ascott Faith, the father of William Faith.

That was their mistake.

-----

Mikie Rhiadra.

During the course of my investigation, I learned that Ms. Rhiadra was what one might call a controllable tactical asset. Brooke gave me some of the details. Mikie was a human with accentuated qualities and hidden programming that could be activated by a voice command. Increased strength, rapid healing. She was a weapon.

The key here was 'controllable'.

Commander Faith was assigned to watch her.

Retired General Sedrick Ascot Faith was seen giving her commands after the events of Shadow.

Mikie Rhiadra was convicted in our own courts in the Londinium incident. During the trial, she was in a daze most of the time. Possibly an indication of recent control.

While this was not hard proof that one of the Faiths had ordered Ms. Rhiadra's actions, it did form a tangible link between Sedrick and William Faith and the bombing of Londinium.

If they had just quietly disposed of Mikie Rhiadra, I may never have seen that connection. Parading her around on Al Raqis, that can’t be ignored.

But why would Alliance officers, retired or otherwise, bomb Londinium?

-----

April. Last year.

Shadow declared itself independent from the Union of Allied Planets. The same Mikie Rhiadra stood on this ground and sent the Central Government packing.

Now that was a woman I would have liked to meet. Not some mind controlled weapon, but the woman who stood up to the Alliance and declared her world free.

She would have made a fine adversary.

Almost immediately after the declaration, UAP sponsored local militias launched an immediate attack in an attempt to strangle the rebellion in its cradle. When that did not work they continued with a series of actions intended to destabilize the fledgling government.

History is full of such examples. Nothing new there.

Nevertheless, the government of the independent Shadow endured.

Moderates within the Alliance began to shift their position. Zenobia, the Government of Albion, even opened a diplomatic trade mission, seen at the time as a first step towards official recognition by a member state of the UAP.

Others, not so moderate in their views, waited and planned to retake the colony. Let’s call them Hardliners.

And that was when the seeds of the destruction of Shadow were planted.

They still wanted a reason for the use of overwhelming force though. The bombing of Londinium gave them that.

The fact that Sedrick knows Mikie’s command codes and that Sentry and Mikie could escape so easily adds to the argument that this was a manufactured opportunity.

-----

Commander William T. Faith.

He was an instrument sent to deliver a message.

Just as I am the instrument sent to collect him.

We are the same in that way.

He had proven himself violent and unhinged. He murdered a man at his own wedding. I wouldn't be surprised to learn if that charming characteristic was part of the reason he had been given the assignment. It would increase the chance that he would go to extremes.

We will catch him eventually. He will be called to answer for his criminal excesses. As for what will happen to him after that, I do not know.

He must have known it could go in this direction. Why else try to fake his own death? Sure, to hide from the families of his victims. But he must have realized he would be the one to take the fall for this. Especially if he failed to retake Shadow, if that indeed was the objective.

-----

And what of the planners of this little tragedy?

The Hardliners.

The men in the shadows. The Shadow Men.

They will shuffle their papers. Publicly, they will blame William, abhor his excesses. Privately, they may fume over the loss of choice agricultural real estate.

But secretly, I am sure, they will be quite satisfied that the message was delivered.

Because in the last analysis, it didn't matter whether Faith had captured Shadow or destroyed it like he did. Either way the purpose was still served.

Just as the armies of antiquity had scorched the earth and poisoned the wells when they were forced into retreat, Shadow had been turned to glass and cinder.

The message was clear. Independence minded Rim worlds take note:

If we can't have it, no one can.

Same as it ever was.

The Last Will and Testament of Sentry Swashbuckler

Jan. 31 - Prosperity, MacLaren's Drift

Transmission: **message begins** Evening, Miss. I am Madame Linnea Tenenbaum, proprietor of the Prosperity Opera House. I have a document that was to be extended to you personally by an associate of mine. Please let me know when we can arrange a suitable time for delivery of said document. I look forward to making your acquaintance. **message ends**

-----

Prosperty was a frontier town.

A rural community. Wooden buildings for the most part. A collection of houses, a collection of lives. Off the beaten track and almost outside of the law. But mostly just people scratching out a living in the dry dust.

As I crossed the street near the scaffolding I noticed Dr. Spargel the agriculturalist I had met on Persephone. Short stature. Impeccably dressed. We greeted each other and engaged in a little small talk.

It seemed that regardless of where he was originally from - he had declined to answer that question when we first talked - he now considered himself as being from Eavesdown Docks.

"Are you familiar with this settlement?" I asked.

"I get my haircuts here at the shop."

"Very nice."

"I've been wondering about the greenhouse over yonder," he asked. "Abandoned? Just one tree?"

"You would have to ask the residents here about that," I confessed.

"Ah... yes."

"Well, have a pleasant day," I nodded.

"Thanks and you the same."

I walked down the street to the large brick building towards the end of town. It was of yellow brick. It had been a theater in balmier days.

An elegantly dressed woman stood at the doorway.

"Madam Tenenbaum, I presume?"

She smiled as I approached, "Hello, I am Linnea Tenenbaum. How can I be of service this wonderful day?"

I returned the smile warmly, "I'm glad we finally meet. I believe you have a document for me?"

"Are... are you that officer that my boy spoke of?" Her look was curious.

"Well, which boy are we talking about?"

Ms. Tenenbaum smiled, a bit embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I usually think of Sentry as my boy... he was actually my cousin's son. But he helped me greatly when I came here to Prosperity."

"Sentry...and how is he doing these days?" I asked carefully.

She blinked, "You don't know? He died in that awful situation on Londinium..." She turned a bit, covering her mouth.

I kept my lips tight together, then said softly, "I'm sorry."

I couldn't tell her that Sentry was alive. I could not ease her grief. If news of his survival spread he was in severe danger.

Linnea Tenenbaum sniffed a bit, regaining her composure, before reaching into her pocket. "He was a very special boy... I have no idea why they treated him so."

"He.... he had so much potential," I admitted.

Linnea nodded, "He did..."

I changed the subject, "So this is the Opera House? It's very nice."

She smiled, glad to be talking of other things. "Yes, it is my pride and joy currently. The Opera House has found new life as a place of happiness."

"That is splendid. It is so important to find joy in life especially in these troubling times."

"My girls don't have much work lately, but they are happy to service whomever they can. And they are wonderful at their work. Brings joy to several of those passing through."

"May I see the establishment?" I asked.

"Yes, please, come in!"

"Thank you."

We stepped into the building. I waited a moment until my eyes adjusted to the change in light.

"Oh, what a lovely carpet," I exclaimed. It was quite wonderful. A yellow Chinese dragon on a dark field, trimmed with gold.

"We are in a bit of a remodel down here," she explained, "Taking the theater and changing it a bit to be more of a gathering place. Up the stairs are my girls' rooms. They are gone for the day, so you may see them if you like."

"Please lead on," I said.

We climbed the spiral staircase to the very top of the building. In what would have been private boxes were now two small rooms, a poster bed in each. Rich bedding. Thick luxurious drapery.

"Cozy," I remarked.

"They are, very," she acknowledged, "Makes the clients feel at ease. The curtains let the girls entertain as well as listen to the music downstairs."

"That's very nice."

We stepped through the curtains to get a good view of the lower floors and what would have been the stage.

What operas were performed here I wonder? La Traviatta? Rigoletto? Tosca? The wooden beams may remember...

"So the document you have," I began.

Linnea nodded and pulled a datachip out of her pocket. "I was given this by a friend of Sentry's, and insisted that you specifically receive it."

I nodded and took it gently. It was sealed.

"I don't know the reason or even what is on it," she said, "but I would do whatever I could for him."

I ran my finger over the seal looking at the datachip.

"I do hope it's of some use," she continued, "I know its been a while since I received it."

I paused then words started to flow. "He is ... he was very brave. I can tell you that...."

How brave I would not tell her. He intended to find out by himself who bombed Londinium to try to clear his name.

"....and he stuck to his principles. He would never betray his friends...."

I knew this for certain in a way few others did. I had interrogated him for two days and not once had he given me a name.

"...and ... and I am certain he was not guilty of the things that said about him."

There I said it out loud.

Linnea Tenenbaum nodded, "I am glad to hear that. He couldn't have done those awful things they said about him. Made me furious, it did."

I closed my lips together firmly. I had said all I could.

Linnea sighed, "Unfortunately, we may never find out what those terrible people were trying to do."

I twisted my mouth as I thought and gazed over the balcony."Well, the truth does have a habit of coming out eventually."

I turned to her and smiled softly.

"My condolences to your family." I held up the chip, "and thank you for this."

Linnea nodded, "You are a positive sort... do you think this will ever get found out?" She looked hopefully.

"There is so much evil in the world... it is easy to be discouraged."

She nodded again.

"I must be going," I said finally.

Linnea straightened her dress, "I have taken too much of your time already. Please, let me know if there is anything else I can help with. Anything at all."

"Thank you for your time and for showing me your wonderful dance hall," I said as we descended the staircase.

Linnea Tenenbaum beamed, "Please come back and enjoy it any time! Would love to chat again."

I nodded. "Yes, I would like that," I answered truthfully.

"Good!"

Outside once again, we said our farewells.

"Have a shiny day!" She curtsied slightly.

"Good bye for now." I smiled and nodded farewell.

I headed straight for my ship. The hatch was still closing when I broke the seal on the datachip.

I slipped the chip into the comm unit.

Sentry's voice filled the cabin.

-----

The Last Will and Testament of Sentry Swashbuckler.

*recording starts*

Is this thing on?

You sure?

Ok, um...

To Officer Pepper Siamendes, Special Investigations Unit, Alliance Military, Zenobia.

*whispers* Do I have to be this formal for it to be official? Really? Cause I don't... ok, good.

*clears his throat*

Uh, hi Pepper. Brooke doesn't know that I'm recording this... she doesn't know a lot of what I am about to say. But, I think you already confirmed most of this doing whatever it is that you do. She says you are one hell of an investigator... something about always getting to the bottom of things. I don't doubt that. You found me, didn't you? *small chuckle*

Just wish I had survived to see if you could help with my mess. That is, if you would be willing to. *sighs* After our meeting, if you could call it that... I realize when you left the Londinium holding area, that you consider me worthless. I probably would too, considering the evidence you have there. Well, I wanted to be sure you got the truth, even if it had to come out after I died.

*pauses for a moment*

OK. First. The picture you have? Yes, that is me, as well as a few others. However, what you see is the result of chasing off some drug runners from Shadow. What you don't see is our team taking the drug to be destroyed. We aren't drug runners, and never will be - no matter what that picture tries to make it look like.

Something else you may want to know about that night: we ended up catching William Faith spying on us. I had a right mind to end him right then and there, but Ash wouldn't let me. Seems she was sweet on him, and that didn't set well with the rest of us neither. Never did ever talk with her again. Was hopin' to find out why she thought breakin' into what Tee and Brooke had was ok, but ... well, I ain't gonna find out now, am I?

OK, second. The, um, blastomeres. *sighs again* Yes, I knew who sold them, and who they were sold to. Jai Raghilda to Teetopwillie Neiro. Had Tee not decided to become the enemy and swear to ruin all of us, I might have taken this secret to the grave. As it is, you're getting it just hours before I go there anyway. I kept close tabs on every conversation in that bar - self preservation, more than anything - but I couldn't let you know that. I wasn't lying when I said there would be repercussions for me if it was known that I was listening in to every transaction. Now, it don't matter.

Third, Brooke. I'm gonna miss her. She's been a rock when I needed it, and I'm sure you're wondering why I'm goin on about her. Pepper, you know her. You know how stubborn she can be. You have no call to keep an eye on her, especially from any request I might make... but do watch for her, please. She could use your help to steer clear of William Faith.

Last... *sighs* I really wish we hadn't ended on such bad terms. I truly did want to talk about working with you, finding a way to help you do what you need to. Brooke convinced me that you were as straight and honest as they come in the Alliance. Reminds me of how things were before the War ended... but that doesn't help me out of my current situation, with these corrupt politicians and who knows who else using me as a pawn, making me look like some heartless ~wong ba duhn~. Maybe we could have worked together... gone out to see...

*noise in background*

Being told I have to wrap this up. Apparently some kind of processing before tomorrow's judgment. Like we both don't know how that's gonna end.

*silence*

Anyway, keep up the good work, keep an eye on Brooke, and hopefully this "note from beyond the grave" will be more help than I was when I was alive.

Verbal signature: Matthew 'Sentry' Swashbuckler, 5th Transport Division, Alliance Military, Persephone, Service number 3234PMCH03.

*recording ends*

Cadet

Jan. 29-31 - Zenobia Alpinia Testing Facility

Information from my sources trickled in. Little snippets of information, gossip and observations that together constitute a finger on the pulse the 'Verse.

Faith Industries has been running tests on a new single pilot scout ship, the ZR-3 Core class. Light on armor and heavy on recording equipment. It appears they are designing it for market.

Sedrick Ascott put an appearance the opening of the Companion gathering. Intriguing given the recent poisoning.

Lily has been spotted, so to speak. She has been asking around for spice. I found this a bit troubling at first. She was carrying the Ardra AI within her. Was there a connection or was it simply a coincidence? As it turned out, she was trying to obtain the substance for Cody or to use on him. Reasons unclear. She also has a book in Sanskrit that she is trying to have translated. Wish I could help there.

Cody Winterwolf, himself, was being tracked by an Alliance Agent. With a parliamentary operative on his tail, he could be pulled in at any time. It would take me longer to get the paperwork in order.

Lynx has resurfaced and it seems none the worse for wear, I was happy to hear. Both he and the girl in the photo were safe, at least for the moment. And he was still keeping his eyes and ears open.

---

"...has Faith caused you any trouble?" I asked him.

"Faith was here earlier, but did not pursue me. However, the warehouse is now code locked." The voice was young but again showed a knowledge beyond his years.

"Not a surprise," I said. It was a sensible precaution.

"There is a companion," he continued, "who is being asked to work for the Faiths."

"Oh?" I asked.

He gave me her name. "She is a friend," he added.

I nodded.

He went on, "The girl in the photo is someone of note to me as well. I would ask that she be protected as well."

We discussed particulars and protection measures.

"Zenobia has an embassy in Al Raqis now..." I informed him.

"I have heard from CNS."

"...if you are in danger, see the Ambassador there, Madam Jai Raghilda. She can get you off world."

She could ship Lynx and his friends out on the Behemoth run. Drop them off anywhere CATZ has an office or warehouse and several places besides that.

"I will," he replied "For now I will stay and watch for any further information."

"Stay safe," I directed.

"I will try. I am staying to the edge of the desert. until it becomes quiet in town."

"Do you need anything?" I asked.

"Only water containers with an endless supply of water." he added dryly.

Dojo

Al Raqis was not the first time my rank meant nothing.

I was a junior investigator already, with a few successful cases behind me and already being recognized among my superiors. My advise: never let that sort of thing get to your head.

I was instructed to report to Sensei Y________ at a training facility known only as 'The Dojo'.

Advanced training I was told. I complied of course, but I was not happy about it. I had no plans to be one of the Black Ops Girls. I was not an assassin.

It's funny how our own misconceptions can become our greatest obstacles. I suppose I was expecting instruction in the "Wo Fang Xin Iron fingers of Death" or some such silliness.

Instead, I spent hours learning how to listen.

I spent days locked in the treasury until I could correctly answer the question: what is more valuable gold or corn? I'll give you a clue. It's not about hunger or economics. It's about post-formal thinking.

I was taught that there is a time to run, and a time to stand still. Timing can mean everything.

"There is timing in the whole life of the warrior, in his thriving and declining, in his harmony and discord. Similarly, there is timing in the Way of the merchant, in the rise and fall of capital. All things entail rising and falling timing. You must be able to discern this." - Miyamoto Musashi

I was taught that balance is important in all things, and in some cases really, really important.

"You should not have a favorite weapon. To become over-familiar with one weapon is as much a fault as not knowing it sufficiently well. You should not copy others, but use weapons which you can handle properly. It is bad for commanders and troopers to have likes and dislikes. These are things you must learn thoroughly. " - Miyamoto Musashi

And I learned how to cook rice. Very important when you have to feed a school of hungry ninjas.

hajime choro-choro, naka pappa, akago naitemo futa toru na

There was time to read, time to train. But if I was to say I came away with anything from my time in the Dojo it was that all things are fluid by nature.

At the end of my time at the Dojo, the Sensei told me that I had learned next to nothing, that he would consider the time spent instructing my dense self wasted, except that I now showed a slight degree of promise.

From what I had seen of the Sensei, this was very high praise indeed.

Considerations

Jan. 25 - Al Raqis

"You must look down on the enemy, and take up your attitude on slightly higher places." Musashi

-----

I spent the night at the Zenobian embassy compound. It was not as secluded as my little house in the Hagga Settlement but there was no commute either.

The smaller of the two buildings housed a comfortable bed and fully stocked library. All it needed was it's own wind trap.

Tucked underneath one of Faith's residences there was a clear view from one window of his front door affording a good view of the comings and going from the house. It conceded the higher ground in favor of good surveillance, placement near the main street and better access to the desert.

Of course, the diplomatic staff would have little interest in Faith except perhaps as trade competition. As for surveillance, they would be watching anyone and everyone in any case.

Ardra had instructed Ms. Celestalis of the Umbrella Corporation to deliver Aurora's cloned brain to me in hopes that it could be used to influence Krenshar into cooperation.

While on Caliban, Krenshar had been obsessed with the idea of 'fixing' the child and had cloned her in the course of his experiments with this end in mind. These experiments themselves were troubling to Lily and she sent me a message to tell Krenshar to 'cut up no more cubs name Aurora'. I suppose I didn't act quickly enough for her as she burned down Krenshar's laboratory before I arrived.

However, looking at a copy of this morning's Blue Sun Signal. It would appear that it was too late for Aurora.

Obituary - Blue Sun sends condolences to the family of Aurora LittleBoots. We are certain that Miss Aurora will be missed by those who loved her....Her death has been ruled accidental by the Hale's Moon Sheriff.

I sighed. Lily must be devastated. I had half a mind to give her the cloned brain then and there. But what would that accomplish, except to force her to bury her child twice?

At the same time, I was in no hurry to act in procuring material for Ardra until I had a better sense of the wider consequences.

When there is doubt, there is no doubt. I would do nothing at this point.

Besides, right now, I had another matter to follow through on.

I contacted Tillery Woodhen, CEO of the Cortex News Service.

"Mr. Woodhen," I began.

"Yes, Major?"

"Did I catch you at a bad time?" I inquired. It was difficult calculating the timezones between the various planets, the different solar systems. Best just to ask.

"Nope."

"I have discovered an aspects of local law that may be of interest."

"Oh?"

"The term 'kanly' refers to a tradition of vendetta acceptable within the context of their legal system," I explained.

"Really."

I elaborated. "An official is appointed to monitor the vendetta... to ensure the proper forms are obeyed." I explained how this judge was appointed by their High Council.

"Why are you telling me this, Major?" he asked.

"Well, because it appears there are legal means available for you to address the wrongs that have been visited upon you by a man who seeks to evade our own laws...and, if I may, it suggests a course of action that could prove effective, with you pursuing the matter on Al Raqis by these legal means, while I will be waiting in Alliance space in case the party in question seeks to flee there."

"While interesting, I do have one question."

"Go ahead."

"If he doesn't follow Alliance law, why would he necessarily adhere to Al Raqis law?"

I presented my theory. "Currently this world is his refuge. They are quite strict about the adherence to the correct forms. Their law stresses that point time and time again."

"He's already violated that world's law, Major."

"Really?"

"Does Al Raqis allow the storage, and transhipments, of weapons of mass destruction by its business people?"

"They do not appear to restrict the ownership of such weapons. It is the use of such weapons that is prohibited and indeed the bombing of Shadow may be an avenue we can explore as a basis for deportation. I am merely suggesting we consider the range of possibilities open to us. You have suggested you are a man of resources and seem to have no fear of either the man or his powerful family."

"And you're trying to avoid a..... messy conflict."

"No," I replied, "I am suggesting we place the man is a situation where he has to fight on more than one front."

"There will be more than one front, don't worry about that, Major. And I will use legal means. Until I'm forced to do otherwise."

I suggested that he contact the Magistrate if he wished to pursue this course of action.

"I will talk to her. But do you really think a vendetta, no matter how legal, would be limited to just Al Raqis?"

"Not at all, and once it spills over to Alliance space, I will be waiting for him. Are you concerned this will spin out of control?"

"This is Faith we're talking about," he replied ominously.

Special Delivery

Jan 24 - NIV

"Umbrella Corporation develops cloning, genetics, cryostasis and other biotech. They have long been suspected of studying reanimation. Mercedes Celestalis is a licensed acquisitions agent for Umbrella." Colonel M________ to Major P. Siamendes, private correspondence, Jan. 10

-----

NIV would not have been my choice for a package exchange. However, these were the co-ordinates that I was sent.

I was glad that on my last trip to NIV I had spent so much time reconnoitering. If things got really nasty, at least I had some sense of where to run, which air ducts led where, and what areas provided the best cover.

The G-bar wasn't a bad location as such. While it was a cul-de-sac, there were two exits one could exploit. The neon orange color scheme was another matter.

The bar was empty when I got there. Mercedes Celestalis arrived soon after.

"Major Siamendes..." she began.

"Ms. Celestalis, I believe you have something for me."

"I delivered it for you yesterday," she stated.

"Yesterday?" I asked. I had received no package.

"Yes, I believe that is the correct word."

"I was in transit," I explained, "I did not receive anything."

"I left it for you in Al Raqis."

I was caught off guard. "On Al Raqis? I see...and where did you leave this item?" Please, not the desert.

"I did not go to much effort to hide it."

"And may I ask what it is?"

"I was instructed to give you some biological materials coveted by the Rogue Hale Turing Grade Replicant. This tracer should help you track its signal beacon."

She handed me a thick wristband bearing the Umbrella Corporation logo.

A woman with pale skin and huge wings entered the establishment. A glowing ring of light hovered over her head. She eyed us as she moved to the bar and leaned on the counter top.

"Touch to activate," instructed Ms. Celestalis.

I thanked her and pressed the activation sequence. The wristband came to life.

"Touch to deactivate."

The scanner became silent.

A useful tool," I remarked.

"We have found it keeps hands clean," Ms. Celestalis replied.

I removed the scanner and slipped it into the pouch on my hip. "I believe you know our ambassador to Al Raqis," I said conversationally.

"I have heard."

"Madam Raghilda."

"I never would have thought," she remarked.

"Of course, you knew her when she was a simple salvage operator working the derelict ship 'Persephone'."

"A young girl with ambitions greater than her skill," commented Ms. Celestalis, "That was regrettable. Claim jumpers and other rogue elements tainted the ship."

I smiled kindly, "Did you find it profitable nevertheless?"

"That assessment is handled in a different department," she replied.

"Ah I see... well, I'm sure Umbrella did not take a loss." I left an opening.

"The company has run for 500 years. They either had contingency plans or it was an acceptable loss."

"Naturally," I said reasonably.

She continued, "Or planned obsolescence...."

The Woman with Wings listened calmly, a smirk spreading across her face. "Ya two ain't from around here is ya?"

"Blue Sun has been crowding out our operations in the area," finished Mercedes.

I shook my head, "Blue Sun... "

"Is it too loud for you in here?" asked Ms. Celestalis, "Or are you just in the habit of repeating parts of other people's sentences?"

I smiled as a reply, "Why Ms. Celestalis, whatever are you suggesting?"

"You are planning to speak to the Rogue Turing?" she added. It was a question.

I chuckled, "And I would tell you why?"

"Because I have a present for you to give him that would suit both of our purposes."

"Are you an employee of Aurotharius to ask me such things?" I challenged.

"We contribute to Project Aurotharius."

The Woman with Wings had a comment too. "Now see, I was gonna ask yas what ya were doing all the way in a place like this. But I has a feelin' it's somethin' Chios would have a rather large distaste fer. After list'nin' to ya that is."

"Umbrella you mean?" I asked Ms. Celestalis, ignoring our neighbor.

"Yes. Ask the Rogue Turing why Blue Sun is manufacturing this Replicant Elixir." She handed me a bottle.

I examined the item but does not say anything.

"You are missing a special time for the Rogue Turing. You should speak with him soon."

I turned the bottle over in my hands, "You would be surprised how close we are..." I muttered.

Krenshar hadn't snapped my neck the last time I saw him. After the bombing of Caliban, I figured it was a hopeful sign.

"We don't have anyone on the ground, but we have reason to believe that someone has hacked your controls."

"My controls over the Replicant?" I asked.

The Woman with Wings picked up her datapad quickly typing and running a search. She glanced up eyeing us both. "Ya said ya were with Umbrella? My, my ain't that a... int'restin' company history."

Ms. Celestalis continued as if we were alone. "It was subject to Alliance orders, now we think someone has hacked an override.

"Yes," I confirmed "It was Ms Zhangsun. Tell me something I don't know."

"We are not sure, but we have not been able to get a reliable person on the ground in the Destiny Compound. First we thought it was x0x0, now we think its the project."

"Aurora?" I asked taking a wild guess.

"Rumors, gossip, conjecture, guesswork, etc.," admitted Ms. Celestalis.

"The little one is a loose cannon I have heard." I rotated the bottle of elixir in my hand.

"Regardless," added Ms. Celestalis, "Someone is affecting the behavior of the Rogue Turing, you might not want to miss the window of opportunity."

The Woman with Wings called out, "Hey, look ya two, I re'lly don't care, but ya should be careful sayin' yer from another company round here, som'ones bound ta shoot at ya. As fer reliable mercenaries, there's a ton round here, ya should hire em out. If ya got the fundin'...."

"It appears to be Blue Sun's and the Alliance's policy to let their experiments run loose in the 'verse to field test them," mocked Ms. Celestalis.

I laughed gently, "Well, you would be surprised how effective that really is."

A Woman with purple hair and a red trimmed skirt stretched a little as she made her way into the bar. She nodded as she passed by and sat at the bar, sighing softly "Again no bartender..."

The Woman with Wings smirked at the new arrival, "There's never a barten' when ya need one, I just been stealin' my vodka."

As the bar filled up, Mercedes Celestalis turned and left without a word.

The Woman with Purple Hair chuckled softly as she was already in the process of leaning over the bar, her legs kicking a little as she fished out a bottle from behind the bar "Yeah, but I shouldn't steal too many, I think they'd notice five bottles a day goin' missin' from me alone..."

I approached the Woman with Wings, "Excuse me, you mentioned Umbrella.."

"So I did, I was listenin' ta you. An' I looken em up. I could... benefit from their research."

I nodded, "Well, there are times when I need contract workers."

Another bar patron wandered in and looked at the pulsing lights with a bit of confusion. Her eyes seeming glazed over as she walked down the stairs as slow as can be.

"Yes, that woman who just left... works for Umbrella," I explained.

The Woman with Purple Hair's ear perked. she turned towards our conversation as she took a drink from the bottle.

The Woman with Wings moved closer. "My research shows they had some, int'restin' reanimation experiments, similar ta the first ones done on me by complet'ly different groups, but as it is, I'd keep pretty quiet about bein' en'ployed by tha' competition round here. Your friend, if she said it round the wrong person would be dead now."

"Yes," I conspired "She seems a bit arrogant ... not as careful as she should be. Reanimation you say?"

"I was 'bout ten seconds from shootin' her myself fust fer the entertainment of doin' so." She looked me over. "And you, what is it you do?"

Time to drop some bread crumbs and see what follows.

"I'm looking for someone.... Ardra Aurotharius."

"Yous lookin' fer them here?"

"No, I came here for information..." I looked around the club, "I've been here before actually."

The Woman with Purple Hair shook her head a little as we spoke. She chuckled a little before taking another long drink of the bottle.

"Obsidian began trickling into my sector," I said adding sugar to the mix.

A man who looked like a large fox in a military uniform stood by the door keeping his distance and watching me suspiciously.

"I came here for some background information," I continued.

"A dangerous place to do that kid," replied the Woman with Wings, "Comin' ta the worst place surrounded by criminals, and people whos love ya kill yas. Ya don't look like ya'd last long here, as ya is."

The Fox Man gruffed softly under his breath, "Myust've run out of unarmed agricyultural cyolonies to bombard.."

"I'm haven't been afraid of anything since ninth grade." I placed my hands on my hips. "I would offer to buy you a drink, but I heard you've been getting your own vodka."

The Woman Seated at the Bar chortled softly but stayed silent.

The Woman with Wings grabbed an over-sized pistol from her belt pointing it at my head, giving me a good view of the fifty caliber barrel. "That so?" she asked.

The bar held it's breathe.

The Woman with Purple Hair hearing the sound of a gun being drawn, turned to face us, ready in case a gunfight broke out.

The Fox Man maintained his distance, making it easier to clear out if rounds started flying.

I smiled warmly. "Yes, that is so."

I continued, "Now, you said something earlier about hiring contract workers. What sort of work are you looking for? and are you willing to travel?" I figured I'd leave the reference checks for later.

The Woman with Wings grinned wickedly. "I'm glad yas ain't afraid now. Cause I'm mildly insane." She smirked, "There's a ton a mercenaries 'round here, If yas lookin' ta hire some stick round, and don't do somethin' stupid ta get killed. I ain't a mercenary, I'm an arms dealer. With ya bein' outside a Chios and all, I'd look for the BCM they does outside contracts."

"Oo arms dealer? Wonderful. You will have to let me get you that drink then. I'm Major Siamendes, Special Investigations Unit with the Alliance Military and am always on the look out for good reliable ordinance."

I ignored the hand cannon and fished out the photograph of Lynx standing next to the warhead in Faith's warehouse. "In fact, I have a photo here...."

The Woman with Wings paused a bit finally lowering the weapon to her belt. "I take it ya has an int'rest in some firepower then." She looked me over, "I deal in two things mostly, High tech, very potent gear, the second, is upgrading existing gear som'one has. Anythin' big like say a small mech, or a tank, will take time, but is doable."

"Excellent, excellent." I showed the Woman with Wings a photo showing the multi-yield warhead. "I would like something like this..."

The Woman with Purple Hair slowly turned back around when the woman put the gun down, returning to her drink while leaning against the bar counter.

"Have you seen a warhead like it? That boy standing next to it is about fifteen years old to give you the sense of size."

"Yas lookin' for somethin' ta really f*ck somethin' up bad then," the woman remarked, "That's doable without any problem, But it's be more my style to make a real devistatin' weapon."

"Have you seen this particular type?" I stressed. I wasn't in the buying mood of course. This was simply a good opportunity to see if Faith's missile was on the market yet or being kept for home use.

The Woman with Wings looks at the photo again, "Looks like a human design, a simple toy. I seen a similar one."

I nodded, "I think it is Faith Industries... have you heard of them?"

She shrugs, "Nah, I don't keep up much on human companies, Chios bein' the first company with heavy human involvement I been employed at fer a time."

I was satisfied. Chances were the Faith weapon was not yet on the market, out here at least. "Very well then."

The Woman with Wings looked at the warhead, "What is it yas lookin to f*ck up?"

"Oh nothing special, I just like to keep our troops equipped with the latest. Next time we are accepting bids I will be sure to have you invited. May I give you my card?"

Another patron walked in and hopped into a chair, glancing around for points of interest.

"Please contact me if you hear of this item going on the market."

The Woman with Wings looked at the picture of Faith's missile again. "Then ditch the big hammer, and get yaself some real weapons. I might suggest atomic destabilization systems, just as potent as ya hammer, but more efficient, and fir'able more than once." She nodded handing over a small card, "When yas lookin' for an advantage, not a hammer, come see me."

I took her card. Her name was Zetriya.

"Good," I said in conclusion, "Thank you for your time."

The Fox Man hung back, keeping to himself for the most part. He leaned up against the wall with a frown on his face that seemed to ask 'when did the Alliance start scavving bars in uncontrolled sectors for procurement contracts?'

I took one final look around the bar, nodded to Zetriya and left.

-----

Jan. 24 - Al Raqis

I crossed the main square of the Al Raqis settlement. I was in a hurry and didn't change into my hydrosuit. It felt wasteful but felt a growing sense of urgency about the matter.

I turned the scanner on but it showed no signal. The welcome house with the free soup was empty. I passed the courthouse, Faith's warehouse, and the Cortex News office. Still nothing.

Tracer: No sources detected
Tracer: No sources detected
Tracer: No sources detected
Tracer: No sources detected...

The auto-shutoff kicked in before I had finished searching the main square.

I reinitialize the probe then headed towards the diplomatic quarter. As I passed the bakery, now closed, a faint signal was captured.

Tracer: 1 source detected
Tracer: Beacon detected. Bearing undetermined.
Tracer: 1 source detected
Tracer: Beacon detected. Bearing undetermined....

As I approach the Zenobian Embassy compound the signal strengthen.

Tracer: 1 source detected
Tracer: Strength 0 milliunits
Tracer: Bearing 305 degrees from north
Tracer: 1 source detected
Tracer: Strength 0 milliunits
Tracer: Bearing 306 degrees from north
Tracer: Elevation 2 degress from horizontal

The package waited patiently inside the main embassy building. The scanner, having accomplished its task, announced that it was turning itself off.

Bending down, I examined the box for signs of explosive or poisonous traps. Finding nothing, I gave the code word and watched as the lid flipped open automatically revealing a second inner box.

I ran my finger along the rim of the inner lid until it revealed the vessel within.

Carefully removed a large jar and it's contents and set it upon the ground.

It was from Caliban, from Alliance Laboratory 81.

It was the cloned brain of Aurora Littleboots.

-----

Cortex Confidential

Jan. 20

Secure Message from Major P. Siamendes, SIU to Madam Ambassador Jai Raghilda, Zenobian Embassy, Al Raqis:

Congratulations Madam Ambassador on your appointment. Please accept this small gift I had copied from the state archives that it may be of good use to you in the coming months. Sincerely, Major Siamendes

"CONFIDENTIAL INSTRUCTIONS By Niccolo Machiavelli

"TO RAFFAELLO GIROLAMI, ON HIS DEPARTURE, 23 OCTOBER, 1522, AS AMBASSADOR TO THE EMPEROR CHARLES V., IN SPAIN.

"Honorable Raffaello, Embassies are amongst those functions in a republic that confer most honor upon a citizen; and any one incapable of filling such an office cannot be regarded as competent to take part in the government of the state.....

"....Above all things an ambassador must endeavor to acquire great consideration, which is obtained by acting on every occasion like a good and just man ; to have the reputation of being generous and sincere....

"....But as the courts are generally filled with busybodies, who are always on the watch to find out what is going on around them, it is very desirable to be on friendly terms with them all, so as to be able to learn something from each one of them....

"....But he who wants another to tell him all he knows must in return tell the other some things that he knows, for the best means of obtaining information from others is to communicate some information to them...."

-----

Jan 21 - Paquin

The elevator tube made a satisfying hiss as I was ushered to the second floor of the CNS office high above the surface of Paquin.

This was the headquarters of the Cortex news Service and the office of Tillery Woodhen.

I knocked lightly at the wooden door.

The door swung wide and Mr. Woodhen wheeled his chair out of the office.

"Major," he greeted me.

"Mr. Woodhen."

"What can I do for you?" he asked gesturing to the sofa.

"Thank you," I said and took a seat.

"It's not all courtesy," he remarked "I'll get a crick in my neck otherwise."

"Of course." I began, "I came by to see how you were. Last time we spoke we discussed you making a statement before a judge."

"Yes," he replied "and I'm still willing."

"That's good," I acknowledged. Finally, a credible witness.

"Where you at the trial of BriAria Mirajkar?" I asked.

"I was, but I was there for Pluto Kuzlov. she was charged in that event as well."

"Pluto, the young companion?"

"Yes. The case was dismissed."

I nodded. "I look forward to reading your coverage of the event."

"I saw some other things," he added.

"Things that will not be in the CNS account?"

"Likely not."

Finally, a credible witness and a man that understands me.

"I would be interested in hearing what they were," I purred.

"I want something in exchange."

"Oh?" I asked "What did you have in mind?"

Tillery suddenly growled, "I want the butchers who attacked Shadow destroyed. I'm in this chair because of them. I still see buildings exploding and pieces of the station falling when I sleep."

I paused for a moment choosing my words carefully.

"I am conducting an internal investigation into the matter. I feel there is a case to be made for criminal charges."

"It should be open and shut," he said firmly.

I continued, "You and I have discussed rogue commanders before."

"Yes, we have," he said maintaining his control.

"They are a threat to the government and its people, more so in many ways that any independence movement."

Tillery's voice dripped with sarcasm, "I think I may have noticed that."

"Have the doctors changed there prognosis? Is their any chance you will walk again?"

"No."

I nodded silently and sighed, "I am so very sorry."

"I've heard it was Commander Faith who ordered the attack."

"Yes, that is correct." I'd love to know how he knew this.

"He was at the trial.."

"His father was attacked," I added reasonably.

"...as were Mikie Rhiadra and Sentry Swashbuckler."

I stopped.

"Excuse me?" I tilted my head. Did I hear right?

"Both of them were there, but in very different capacities."

I narrowed my eyes slightly.

Alive? He's alive? How dare he be alive. Did Brooke know?

"Go on," I said coldly.

"Sentry was there in disguise."

"I'm sure," I added dryly, "There is a federal warrant out on both of them."

"Before the trial he told me he was investigating who really set off the bomb on Londinium."

Conflicting emotions made me cruel. I stifled a laugh. "Investigating? Bless his heart."

"He came within a couple of meters of Faith. He's boo-tai jung-tzahng-duh."

"He's going to get himself killed," I said "For real this time."

Tillery shot me a look that said "Ya think?!"

"Any idea where he is now?" I had my reasons for asking.

"Not right now. Probably skipped out to Rim after the trial."

"Tell me more," I said softly.

"Mikie was there with Faith's father."

"WITH his father?"

"Yes. And there was something about her....I heard her after the trial, talking with BriAria. She was actually hunting BriAria."

I raised my eyebrows.

"I didn't stay long. Her eyes...." Tillery Woodhen shivered.

"Did you know her well... before all this?"

"Mikie?"

"Yes."

"As well as anyone who came through Shadow on a regular basis did."

I nodded. "What was the nature of Sentry's disguise?"

"He cut his hair, had a prosthetic nose. Anyone who actually knows him would see through it."

I smiled without humour. I will have to see that.

"And how did Pluto end up involved in all this?"

"She made the mistake of participating in the ceremony that BriAria used to poison Sedrick and was affected by it as well."

I shook my head, "She seems such an innocent soul."

"Pluto is."

"And where you there representing her? or just offering support?"

"Offering support," he replied "Besides, I wasn't allowed to leave the planet until after the trial."

"Weren't allowed? on whose authority?"

"The Magistrate's. Sedrick had just inked a deal to open a facility in the planet's orbit."

"Interesting, do you think she is biased?"

"A bit. The Faiths were throwing their weight around."

"I must familiarize myself with Al Raqiian law."

"The 'commander' never passed up an opportunity to point out my situation. He knew when this happened. Seemed to revel in the fact he'd put me in this chair." Tillery clenched his fist.

I frowned and tightened my lips, "He thinks he can hide on a world we have no extradition treaty with."

"More than hide. He had weapons in a warehouse on the planet."

I knew this but wanted to hear it from a new source.

"Go on."

"The same kind that could destroy a good sized city on a Core world."

I let the information I was hearing turn around showing me the possibilities. Some of which I did not like.

"Zenobia has just opened an embassy there, on Al Raqis. While it is not a UAP embassy as such, it does represent a member state in the UAP. Faith is himself from Persephone. There maybe a political solution in this."

"A political solution?"

"Something that will not only lock him away but prevent other criminal from finding sanctuary on that planet."

My understanding was that only the Central Government could finalize an actual extradition treaty. However, once a Federal warrant was issued, a special deportation order might be able to be sought through the embassy of a member state. This would then set legal precedent and form the foundation of further negotiations. I'd have to check with the Colonel on the finer points of interplanetary law. I could be way off base on this one.

"That's rather low on my priority list," muttered Tillery.

"Of course," I said graciously, "One monster at a time."

I brought the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Now I have heard that the poisoning happened at a banquet... were you present for that too?"

"It did," he replied, "I was there. That's why I, and a couple of others, were required to stay on world."

"Can you tell me about it?"

"BriAria had offered to do a Companion wine ceremony. That's how Pluto became involved. She served the wine. After everyone had taken a sip, Sedrick collapsed. As did Pluto."

"You sipped the poison wine too?" I asked.

"Calina, a representative of the Guild, was able to give an antidote to both of them."

"Thankfully," I said. Where did she get it from? I wondered to myself. And how did she know which antidote to administer?

"If I did, it had no effect. Only Sedrick and Pluto were affected. No one else."

"Hmm, designer poison?" I mused "How many people were present? roughly..."

"At that point, maybe seven people."

"Seven," I calculated "That's about 28%."

Poison designed to be selective in its target. Close to one in four. Maybe linked to a certain blood type.

Or maybe a two part poison, harmless alone but lethal in combination. That would mean administering the first part earlier to the target before the second component to the whole group. That would suggest Pluto and Sedrick were both exposed to the first element.

"I'd kill to get my hands on that forensic report," I said out loud.

A theory was forming. Nothing more than speculation, of course. BriAria, Pluto and Calina were all Companions. Following the two part poison hypothesis, Pluto was possibly exposed to the first component here on Paquin, maybe as a plant in its natural form. She would never know she was exposed until she drank from the wine. Calina, trained here, recognized the effects and knew what poison was at work. Possibly the antidote is common enough that she either had the substance or had something close to do the job. Maybe she was somehow involved herself, carrying the antidote as a sensible precaution.

Or possibly, they never meant for Sedrick to actually die...

"So Pluto, Sedrick, BriAria, you, Calina, William Faith too?"

"And the Magistrate," he added.

I nodded.

"Lady Seiko. I'm sorry. It was eight," Tillery amended "Svetlana, the pilot, was also there, but she hadn't participated. She'd just arrived. Ironically, to take Calina and Pluto back to Paquin."

"Ironic indeed. Did they keep her on world?"

"They did."

"Back to Sentry for a moment... you said he is investigating the Londinium bombings... did he say if he has any leads?"

"Only that he suspects Faith."

I shook my head thinking about Sentry. Wandering about with a false nose and sticking it into some very dangerous business. He should take a new identity and stay dead. He'll live longer that way.

"Is there anything else out of the ordinary about either event that you can think of?" I asked.

"Other than the fact it happened? No."

Very well," I concluded "I must thank you for sharing what you have discovered. Faith thinks he is beyond the law... but the law is patient."

"I'm not," Tillery said firmly.

"Don't do anything reckless," I advised, "He is quite mad as you know."

"I do. But if the Alliance doesn't give me justice...." Tillery left his statement incomplete.

"I'm unsure of the father's role in this," I added "He must know about the weapons you mentioned."

"I think he does. He was actually giving Mikie direction."

"Sedrick was? Then the problem is bigger than we first thought. You could get your revenge on Faith no doubt... but then his father would likely have his way with you."

"It would cost him," he replied with a voice full of menace.

I tapped my lips in thought. I will admit that at first glance the idea that Tillery would attack Faith was a complication that I didn't like the sound of. However, it did suggest an opportunity to force William.

"Just be careful," I said finally.

"Just get them," he answered.

I nodded. "If you think of anything else that can help, please contact me..."

"I will."

"...and maybe Sentry will turn something up." You never know with these things.

"Just be sure I have a front row seat at his execution," he said darkly.

-----

I spent the next few day examining the laws and customs, traditions and legends of the people of Al Raqis looking for something, anything that would be of use.

Satisfied with my efforts, I left Tillery a message.

** secure line ** "Hello Mr. Woodhen. Are you familiar with the term 'kanly'?" **