IV. The Boy with No Past

Feb. 4 - Al Raqis

"And she bore him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land." Exodus 2:22

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I walked out of the landing bay and into the direct Sun. I had forgotten what a drastic shift that was here on this desert world.

Lynx was waiting alone in the plaza. He bowed slightly.

"Hello Lynx," I smiled, "I am glad to see you are healthy."

"Thank you," he replied, "How are you?"

"I am well thank you." It was good to see him alive and well.

"And how is your friend?" I added.

"She is well." He pulled his hood back. "I have a picture for you."

"Thank you," I said and extended my hand.

The photograph provided a good view of the contents of the Faith Industries warehouse. From the angle I would venture that whoever took the picture, gained access through an air duct.

"This was taken while you went to talk with the constable," he remarked. He must have meant Lady Soyinka. I didn't have the need to correct him.

"The missile is behind the boxes..." I said.

The weapon was situation behind row of crates with the Blue Sun logo crossed out on each one.

"Yes," he said, "But look closely. That is a different device."

"...and what is that next to it?" I asked "Is that like a canister?"

"Look at the silver device." He pointed.

"Yes."

"Yes."

"Nerve gas you think?" I asked.

"I do not know," he replied "I am no expert on weapons."

I ran my finger tip along the edge of the photograph.

"Hmm, you know more than most...."

"My friend said she heard beeping," he chipped in.

"... that's what intrigues me about you," I completed the sentence.

"I have tried to help as best I can."

I pocketed the picture. I would send this in for analysis.

"Well, good work Lynx," I said with a smile.

"Thank you," he said.

Suddenly, he thought of something else, "Also... Calina.. she seems to have feelings for the old...." he corrected himself. "...the elder Faith."

He took a breath. There was more.

"Major?" he began, "Is there a chance you can provide me with an ID?"

"ID? like an Alliance ID card?" I asked.

"Yes," he replied "I have no Identity. I heard there was a marshal seeking to find people without IDs and taking them in."

"Okay, see the Ambassador here at the Zenobian embassy... they can process ID. Full consulate services and all that."

"I will need a name...." he said.

I frowned. "Yes..."

Lynx looked at me not sure what to do.

"Well," I said "I could run your retinal scan and prints..." For some reason, however, that felt ill-advised.

"Alright."

I thought out loud, "What should we do? what should we do?"

Lynx stood by waiting patiently.

"You have no idea of your last name?" I asked.

"No," he answered, "I don't even know my first name..or how old I really am..."

I sighed. Wonderful.

"Will a retinal scan tell you who I am?" he asked.

"Well," I confessed "I have a odd feeling that we should be more cautious."

Lynx looked a little panicked, like he suddenly felt he's in trouble.

"Don't worry Lynx..." I said trying to be a calming influence.

You could see he had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"...you go to see the Ambassador..."

He nodded his head.

"...ask for a temporary ID card..."

"Alright," he said.

"...I'll see what I can find out, without tripping any alarms."

"Alarms?" he cried.

"You just never know," I said. So much for being a calming influence.

Lynx opened his eyes wide, "Could I be in trouble for something?"

"No, I don't think so."

"I've only stolen a few things," he said frantically "And as to the information? I never blackmailed anyone."

I tried to explain, "Some information is guarded."

"Um, How guarded?" he asked "I mean, I've been a no one for over a month. No one is missing someone who looks like me?"

"The Verse is a big place..." I was at a loss at what else to say.

"I understand," he replied.

"Do you have any idea where you might be from?" I probed.

"No. I can fly a small ship. I am well read. I use a saber.... How many places teach that?"

"Sounds Core," I remarked.

"Oh and I seem to spout off Confucius-isms sometimes. But where? And why am I out here?"

Confucius? Sihnon maybe? Maybe I can make some discreet inquiries there.

"I don't know... maybe you are lost.... maybe you are planted out here."

"To what end?" he asked.

"As a probe," I suggested. "You have instinctive knowledge of weapons and military matters, yet no memory...so you can't be compromised if caught."

"When I woke up," he explained "I had bruises on me.. like I was beaten up."

"Bruises? what kind of bruises?"

"Some on my sides, one on my shoulder. I think one on my cheek... I woke up aching and cold."

I frowned. I did not like the sound of that.

"Do you have a safe place to stay?" I asked.

"I've been staying on MacLaren's Drift. In an empty cargo container."

That will not do, I thought.

"Come with me then."

I led him to the guest house in the Zenobian embassy compound. A simple table and a number of chairs occupied the center of the room. A comfortable bed was tucked under the stairs. A well-stocked bookcase leaned against the far wall.

"You can stay here," I declared.

"Thank you. May I ready the books?"

"Yes of course."

"Thank you. I will pay you when I can."

"No payment."

He looks at me strangely, "Are you sure? I can provide my share."

"Yes," I said firmly. "This is an embassy of a member state of the UAP. You are it's citizen. It exists to serve you."

Lynx nodded, "And I will respect it's laws."

I elaborated, "You may use this as your refuge for as long as you need to."

He bowed slightly, "Thank you. I'm grateful for your hospitality."

"I am grateful for all your help."

"I will continue to get what I can for you," he promised.

"Do not take any serious risks though," I said "you have done more than most."

Lynx pulled off his cloak and set it on the chair. He nodded, "I have been watchful. I took your warning very seriously. And after Faith found us inside his warehouse. I worry for my friends."

His friends. Calina and Cindal.

"Bring them here if you need to," I instructed as I prepared to leave.

"I will."

"Thank you again, Major."

"Thank you, Lynx."

He bowed slightly.

I inclined my head and smiled. Yes, this was definitely a cultured young man.