Waters End

April 21

"True, they are vicious and rebellious, but we will force them into obedience, and it is they who will admire us the most. They will regard us as gods, and feel grateful to those who have consented to lead the masses and bear their burden of freedom by ruling over them--so terrible will that freedom at last appear to men!" - Feodor Dostoevsky

-----

Svetlana Pleides contacted me on April 21 with the following message: "Salyut.. I would like to discuss something with you concerning biological control chips used in slaves...

This was unexpected. I wasted no time in replying: "Thank you for contacting me. I would be interested in hearing what you have to say."

That was true but not just in the matter of control chips. I also had a few questions of my own concerning her connection to the late Doctor Wirefly.

She sent her reply: "Okay..we have a female, alleged former companion who was, well, turned into a mind controlled meat puppet.. there may be nothing there to rescue or anything.. but I owe her present owner some unpleasantness."

And a willingness to use an officer of the law to work her revenge it seems.

I left the Core and began the long journey to the source of the transmission. Botany Bay.

-----

April 23 - Stopover on Al Raqis

I entered the arrivals area of the Splintered Rock settlement. The heat was so overwhelming that it was like walking into a wall. I really had to remember to put my hydrosuit on before disembarking.

While I gathered my things together, and rapidly overheating, a tall blond woman in a black uniform greeted me from where the Arrivals Area tube emptied to the market area.

"Hi," she began.

"Hello."

"How are you?"

"I'm fine," I replied, "considering the heat here on the Rock..."

"True ,the heat is something awful," she said with a laugh, "You do look uncomfortable. We have a bar here you can get out of the heat."

"I will have to get indoors," I promised, "Are you heading that way?"

"Yes, care to join me?"

"Sure."

"This way," she said with a smile and turned to lead us to relief from the heat.

We proceeded down the path and along the elevated walkway.

"Is this your first time here?" she asked as we rounded a corner near the building that once housed the old TTW offices.

"No, actually," I replied, "I have been here before... my planet has a Manor House here. House Zenobia."

"Ah, yes I've heard of that house," she smiled.

"Oh?" I said, "Good things I hope."

"It was," she giggled.

Passing the citadel, we made our way to a long metal building with an entrance at the far end. This entrance opened up to a ramp that lead downward to a second set of doors.

The Assistant Barkeep greeted us pleasantly. Tactfully, he did not mention the temperature.

Instead he nodded and asked, "What can I get you to drink? Much spice out in the sand today?"

"Hello Jeron," answered my companion, "just water for me thanks."

"Spiced Coffee please," I said.

We collected our drinks and took a seat at a nearby table.

"So let me introduce myself," I began after we had settled, "I am Major Pepper Siamendes of the UAP."

"Pleased to meet you," replied my host, "I'm Gwen Arrowmint I am the temp Captain of the SS Chameleon."

"The Chameleon?" I asked, "Are you with a fleet?" It was always useful to know if a fleet was gathering on your borders.

"No we're just traders," she smiled, "UAP. I don't believe I've heard of that before."

"The United Alliance of Planets," I explained, "A collection of planets and inhabited moons around 34 Tauri. And where do you hale from?"

"I honestly don't remember," she replied "I crashed on this planet years ago and I found work here."

"You crashed here?" I asked.

"Yes the people who found me said I wasn't alone but I was the only one who lived."

"You are very lucky then," I said, stating the obvious.

"That's what they tell me," she chuckled, "The locals here raised me. Doc believes I will get my memory back some day."

"Locals as in the people of the desert?" I asked.

"Yes," she replied.

Captain Arrowmint greeted a newcomer at the bar as I sipped my coffee.

"Your coffee looks good," she grinned.

"I must admit I have grown too fond of spice coffee since first arriving," I confessed.

The newcomer addressed the Captain, "Umm, I am sorry are you talking to me?"

"Yes, come join us," offered Captain Arrowmint.

The young woman was blue, but unlike the holy women of Bihar who painted their skin, this pigment looked natural. What we might consider her hair, perhaps more of a crest, drew back into a point behind her head. She wore a black and white skin suit similar to those of the Nidus Convergence.

She looked uncomfortable but she got off her stool and walked over to us, "Hmm....but I don't know you two?"

Captain Arrowmint and I introduced ourselves.

"You seem frighten," continued the Captain, "Is every thing alright?"

The young blue woman began her story, "Umm....well....my name is Vilish'lex... I crashed here......and I have no way home...."

"I'm so sorry," answered Captain Arrowmint, "Was that your ship I saw out in the desert?"

Vilish'lex nodded "Yes. I was told it exploded. My home is a planet in a different galaxy from here."

"You've come so far," remarked the Captain, "Are you looking for someone or something?"

"I crashed here...." repeated the blue woman.

Another crash survivor. They are just falling out of the sky.

"Are you looking for passage back to your world?" I asked.

Vilish'lex replied, "Umm....yes....."

"My ship, as it is," said Captain Arrowmint, " is still being repaired. Something knocked out the main computer."

"A computer virus?" I asked.

"I'm hoping so," she replied.

"Well, I am a technician...." Vilish'lex said almost to herself.

"Really?" asked the Captain, "do you think you can look at it sometime?"

Vilish'lex nodded, "Sure...but even if I help you I am stuck here either way."

"How's that?" wondered Captain Arrowmint.

Vilish'lex looked down, "Well.....I am too young to fly.....and.......I don't know how to get back home....."

"Ah, I see," answered the Captain.

"What star system are you from?" I inquired.

"I said I am too young to fly so how you think I would know about the Star system I am from?" she challenged.

I responded with a kind smile. "I simply meant what is the name of your Sun."

"Huh?" she asked.

"I am from 34 Tauri," I said patiently.

"Oh, you mean what planet..." she said.

"Certainly," I said. Close enough, I thought.

"It's alright if you don't know," added the Captain.

She told us the name of her world. "I was flying to there from another world which is why I was shot down here..........with my ship gone and the System Auto Pilot system destroyed I don't know were (home) is."

Gwen Arrowmint looked concerned, "You were being hunted?"

Vilish'lex nodded "The world we was, at according to what we fight through....was hostile.....and majorly popular for forced slavery."

Captain Arrowmint gave a slight gasp, "Oh my, I am so sorry."

"You were lucky then to have escaped," I added.

The Captain agreed.

"Well," I said, trying to put a positive spin on things, "it seems we may be lucky to have all met too... the Captain needs a technician..."

Vilish'lex sighed, "Very different than (my world)....very similar....but more pretty and lovely."

Gwen Arrowmint smiled, "Perhaps fate."

"...and I am investigating the slave trade which is illegal in my sector," I reported. It was my new opening line now that the relics of St. Zenobius had been retrieved.

Vilish'lex shook her head, "Oh no, (my world) is not like this, by Fate. It's controlled by Asari's like me, not like the forced slavery. We have contracts saying every one agrees to this so and so on."

Captain Arrowmint nodded, "I see."

"So you are Asari? Is that your people?" I asked.

"Yea, but I am too young to fly a ship," she reiterated.

I nodded and set down my coffee cup. "Well, you both must excuse me.... I must head over to the Manor House and retire."

Time was passing and I wanted to be refreshed before beginning the last leg of my journey.

"Alright," replied Captain Arrowmint, "It was nice meeting you."

"Yes Captain. It was a pleasure. Thank you for showing me this establishment."

Gwen Arrowmint smiled, "Anytime you want to cool down you're welcome here."

It may be a good place to make contacts too, I thought. I offered her my card, which she accepted graciously.

"And Vilish'lex," I continued, "Good luck to you. I hope you find your way home."

"Thank you," Vilish'lex nodded, "You humans are nicer than I thought."

Captain Arrowmint smiled softly at the young woman.

"Well," I answered, "not all of us are nice, so be careful too.

Vilish'lex smiled as her body started to glow. "Don't worry about me. I can handle myself."

Sic Transit Wirefly

April 2 - Shadowrim

Major Siamendes,

Even at my clearance, the records that I have access to do not have any file photos of Project Aurotharius personnel. There are other records, sealed by either Command or Parliament. You would need a few stars or a government minister with need to know.

Due to other reasons which I am not at liberty to discuss, I cannot assist you further in this matter.

You are going to have to find other means to acquire the images.

Colonel Aodhfionn MacMoragh, Special Projects

-----

The patio at the Shadowrim spaceport was quite pleasant. Sheltered by walls yet open to the clear, blue sky. Ornamental brick. A cute little iron worked table with matching chairs.

It was an ideal place to sit, relax and think about murder.

I poured myself another cup of coffee and sprinkled some spice on the top. Picking up my red felt marker, I took up my notebook and crossed out a name.

Doctor Wirefly.

The internal report read "... killed March 18 between 19:44 and 19:55 on Gateway Station by person or persons unknown."

As first investigator on the scene, SIU Londinium had kept me on the case despite an open investigation into the man's activities.

What did we actually know about the victim? As it turned out, not a whole lot. The only record we had of the man was his involvement in the recruitment and organization of the posse that arrested Sentry Swashbuckler and Mikie Rhiadra prior to their trial.

How did a man with no past be put into a position to organize such an activity? The whole thing screamed 'agent', not that one was likely to be able to prove it. Clearly someone out there knows who he really was.

And the arrest itself, while successful in apprehending the two suspects, involved distributing blank ammunition to the members of the posse. Why did they do that exactly?

After the raid, Doctor Wirefly disappeared from view until we found his body on Gateway.

So, in terms of the murder, what can we deduce?

We can rule out robbery.

Wirefly still had his pocketwatch. The surrounding stores were untouched.

We can rule out a random shooting.

The airlock time stamp indicated a total of eleven minutes between the time the shooter entered the station and left again. Wirefly himself was in an office two closed doors from the main mall.

The shooter knew where to find him. Wirefly was the intended target.

I sipped my coffee. Turning to a fresh page in my notebook, I drew a new diagram. Two overlapping circles.

That left two possibilities and three broad scenarios.

It was either personal or professional.

Personal meaning someone had a grievance. The shooter was correcting a real or imagined injustice.

Professional meaning it was business or politics. The shooter was doing a job. For example, clearing up the loose ends from the Abderdeen Incident and subsequent bombardment of Shadow.

Or, the space in between, it was a professional hit for personal reasons. The gun-for-hire scenario.

I put down my markers and looked at the diagram. Letting the wheels turn.

What stood out about this murder scene?

It would have to be the presence of the 9 mm bullet.

Wirefly was killed by three shots from a 45.

A spent 9 mm bullet, with traces of dried blood, was left at the scene. Regardless as to whether or not the shooter showed the bullet to Wirefly first or simply placed it after the murder, he or she left the bullet at the scene of the crime.

The shooter left it so others would see.

"See what I did? I have restored the balance."

It was a message. Poetry.

A used bullet. Belonging to another shooting. That made it personal.

I sipped my coffee a bit disappointed. So much for someone behind the scenes disposing of members of the conspiracy.

And then suddenly, I realized that this was not about bullets after all. It was about blanks.

I had my first suspect.

-----

[OOC - follow Pepper's reasoning. Read the following posts:]

http://siamendes.blogspot.com/2010/04/strange-case-of-doctor-wirefly.html

http://siamendes.blogspot.com/2009/12/debriefing.html

http://siamendes.blogspot.com/2009/12/paquin.html

Chaos Controlled

March 30 - MacLaren's Drift

The data container slid open with a satisfying click.

I smiled.

After meeting with my source I had decided to stay overnight in MacLaren's Drift and try my hand again at opening Ardra's files. The offices of the Consolidated Associate Traders of Zenobia suited my purpose as I could spread out on the floor, use the desk and so forth. And if someone happened to wander by, usually one look at the uniform and they keep moving.

My little chat with Mercedes Celestalis had yielded results not the least of which was an idea as to the password on one of the data containers. It unlocked on the first attempt. The file itself, 'Chaos Controlled', was actually quite slender. A few notes. A transcript.

Applying the same logic to the Lab 81 file yielded similar results.

The third file was easy to unlock now that I had the key. Last fall, I worked on a case that involved a set of specialized eyes and a cerebral chip to monitor them. I simply followed the same protocol that unlocked the first two files given that mobility was also a factor.

The contents of the third file included classified Alliance medical records, photographs and scans. I had seen these before. I took note that the more recent reports on this case were absent.

I was enjoying the moment, avoiding the greater question of how classified Alliance information ended up on the Heighliner, when Tillery Woodhen called.

"Hello, Major."

"Hello Mr. Woodhen. How are you this fine day?"

"Not bad," he answered, "Yourself?"

"I am well thank you. Just doing some paperwork..."

"They never talk about that in the holos," he replied.

I smiled. "I will have a press release for you some time soon on the body found on Gateway."

"Is it Wirefly?"

"We have identified him as the Doctor Wirefly involved in the apprehension of those accused in the Aberdeen Incident - Sentry Swashbuckler and Mikie Rhiadra."

"Any idea who did it?"

"I cannot, of course, discuss the details of an ongoing investigation," I said automatically, "I will say, off the record, that it is interesting that Doctor Wirefly was murdered then Judge Thadius Wirefly went missing."

"Were they related?"

"It is believed that they were brothers.... but that needs to be confirmed."

I should have the autopsy report soon.

I continued. "I am in contact with SIU Londinium. I can imagine that our mutual friend, Commander Faith, is concerned. Two of the main players in the events that led to the destruction of Shadow are either missing or dead."

"You think he did it? Or at least ordered it?"

"Or he is next," I suggested.

"Who else had anything to really gain from their deaths?"

"Some one could be cleaning up a mess. Events like what happened to Shadow... they are never the actions of one man."

"Which could just as easily be Faith. Or his father," suggested Tillery.

"Possibly," I acknowledged, "What do you know about his father?"

"Not too much. Though Jai Raghilda had a theory."

"Really?" I asked.

"I may have told you it before. She thinks Commander Faith is under the same kind of control as Mikie."

"An interesting theory, yes... but then we get back to who is pulling the strings?"

"Sedrick," he said firmly, "He was clearly in control of Mikie at that trial on Al Raqis."

"Then we will have to find out more about him," I admitted, "Though I doubt even if he had Wirefly or the Wireflys disposed of, that he would do the same with William. William's reaction will be a clue."

"As do I," said Tillery, "And I haven't seen William since the party on Al Raqis."

I paused. "Perhaps he knows a warrant has been issued for his arrest."

"Would that be enforced on Al Raqis?"

"Unfortunately no," I answered, "We have no extradiction treaty. However, with his arms dealing and your formal vendetta, perhaps the local authorities will see it clear to show him the door. My feeling is the he will fall back to his holdings on New Zion."

"Well, I never really got the paper work in on that..."

"Not to worry," I said cheerfully, "Enough happened to make people concerned."

I fiddled with the data containers.

"I have an unrelated question," I began.

"All right."

"If you had a locked file named 'Miscellaneous Files'...what would you use as a password? Generally speaking."

"I'd use my computer to pick one at random."

"Yes," I replied, "That is what I am afraid of... thank you."

As the words left my mouth, I noticed that the password to the Miscellaneous folder was in fact written on the outside of the container.

"Sorry I can't help you more on that," he offered.

"Not to worry," I said "I managed to get it open as we talked."

"Oh good."

"Please let me know if you in need of anything," I said.

"I will. And let me know if you need another meeting."

"Thank you."

The call concluded I settled back in the chair and began to read.

----

Controlled Chaos

File begins:

There's been word that the Alliance and Blue Sun are working on a new project, but no one is talking. Word is out that a special team of scientists are being asked to join them on Londinium for a project.

Notes:

Shipping and handling: The canisters are put into cases. Small and very well protected. No markings are needed. The box is unique, although the canisters aren't. These are the test canisters. Shipped out to special labs throughout the verse.

Special documents are sent to certain individuals where there’s high activity. Giving the commanders some idea of what will be happening in their sectors. Not all the information is there. But enough to let them know what the operation is and what they can expect.

The canisters carry the new PAX/Control agent. Each reaver has to be marked with a small tracker chip to keep tabs on where they are. It's also an on off switch. Think of a training collar.

The Alliance won't admit to any involvement. Blue Sun will say the scientists were working independently from one location.

A transcript follows. No names are listed:

"From what was gathered both at the labs and the aforementioned planet, I believe we can accomplish something effective. It'll make for a new viable commodity for military applications."

"Making throw away soldiers?"

"Not in so many words. More like expendable. The bonus here is, they can be used on sensitive missions, Such as cleanup or Ops where the military wouldn't have to admit their involvement."

"A black ops?"

"Wait, are you saying we have a go on this?"

"Well I don't like it."

"What's there not to like?"

"You're wanting to go back there and retrieve how many subjects for experimentation?"

"I don't like it on the grounds they're savages. How're we supposed to get them here? Where are we working and where's the funding actually coming from? Who's directing this project?"

"Good questions, all."

::Pause::

"To the first, we have a few subjects already in holding."

:: Another pause as the others in the room mutter.::

"To the second, We have the location already set, as you can see on your display. The funding is mutual."

:: Pause, as everyone speaks amongst themselves. A few aren't happy. They’re the ones we have to watch out for.::

"The directors are also listed on your display. Remember, you all signed the agreement. Anyone backing out now, has nowhere to go."

"We've already started the practical application. If you will refer to the next display?"

"You sent them to Blackburn?....."

Data Mining

March 29 - MacLaren's Drift

**(incoming transmission) Go to the gallows at Prosperity and head north until you see a minehead. Sit in the basket and wait for contact (transmission ends)**

-----


My source's directions were easy to follow. The gallows I had passed on the few occasions that I had visited Prosperity. It made a good landmark. The minehead I found easily from there.

Sitting in a basket and waiting? Well, we would have to compromise on that point. I planned to remain standing.

Within fifteen minutes of arriving at the rendezvous point, I heard the sound of a dustrunner approaching the roof of the minehead tower. A few clangs and bangs heralded the landing of the vehicle.

I looked up shielding my eyes from the falling dust and rust.

I heard what was becoming a familiar voice albeit garbled through the mask in his space-suit. It was the source I referred to as Budweiser, after the crates located at our first meeting place.

"Good day, Major," he began.

"Hello again," I replied.

"According to the Cortex, you managed to meet with the Mirajkar woman."

"I spoke with her, yes."

"And was it worth your while?" he asked.

"It was useful. Thank you."

"We needed to establish our bona fides with one another," he stated.

Fair enough, I thought.

"Now I hope you will help me with Commander Faith..." I began.

"Likewise," he replied.

"You said you were concerned about what he may do..."

"You were on Al Raqis. My sources say he is running weapons out of there."

"Yes," I confirmed, "Either him or his father..."

"Is that enough to get the Alliance to act?" he asked.

"Al Raqis is out of our jurisdiction."

That has always been the problem. That was a factor as to why Sedrick established himself there.

"A warrant can be issued and extradition pursued," he answered, "What legitimate market could there be for weapons like that?"

"There are no extradition treaties in place," I explained.

It would take months for Central Government to move on the matter. The Zenobian presence on Al Raqis may serve as a diplomatic bridge but it was too early to tell. Perhaps after the next Al Raqis Legislature was sworn in.

"Get a warrant issued, and there may be...ways...to get him into Alliance space," he hinted.

"I need something I can work with now," I said, "A warrant has been issued in connection with the murder of Sanders Pastriani."

"An arrest warrant, for Commander William Faith? He is officially wanted?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Very good, Major."

"But only for the murder charge," I cautioned, "I will need more if I am to pursue... other charges." I hesitated to use the term war crimes.

"Here is my pledge," he stated, "You get a trial convened, and I will produce eyewitness testimony and physical evidence that will prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt."

I raised an eyebrow. "That's a mighty promise....how can I contact you?"

"Too bad you can't do a stress analysis on my voice to be sure I'm telling the truth."

"You would have to remove that helmet," I smiled.

"If the trial is public, I will find my way to it. If it is secret, you can leave a personal advertisement on the Cortex for Frater Usagi. If you get Faith on trial, I will reveal myself."

"Frater Usagi..." I repeated.

"Use any message you see fit," he said, "Just direct it to that name."

I told him something of what I learned from my interview with Ms. Mirajkar. "BriAria was more concerned with her father's activities. She supported William in fact."

"The old man is doubtless guilty of many crimes, but I have no knowledge of them."

That was useful to know.

I nodded. "Are you also aware that another person connected to the events of the Fall of Shadow has been killed?"

"Who?" he asked.

"Some one involved in the apprehension of Sentry Swashbuckler and Mikie Rhiadra. Also the Judge who tried their case has gone missing..."

"You had best hurry up with that trial Major, or you may not have anyone left to try."

"...it is possible William Faith will not make it to trial," I agreed.

"That is unacceptable to me," he declared, "He must face justice."

"Are you in a position to warn him?" I asked. If Faith was warned he might bolt from cover, I reasoned.

There was a pause, some possible coughing or chuckling. It was hard to tell with the space-suit mask.

"Certainly not," my source replied.

I smiled, "Then we will just have to see how this plays out."

"You might try a direct approach, if these deaths are related as you seem to surmise."

"Have your witnesses ready..." I said.

"At any time, Major. At any time."

"Very good... thank you for your help."

"As long as you act for justice, Major, I act with you."

I paused, thinking. Those were deep words.

"You had best watch for your own safety as well," my source continued, "if things are being 'tidied up'."

"Thank you for your concern," I answered.

"You are the only person in the Alliance seeking justice in these matters. That is where my concern lies."

"Let me know if you hear of where these weapons are ending up."

"I am not in gun-running circles," he replied, "You are far more likely to learn such things."

"We may be able to pressure the Al Raqis government."

"Or reach some sort of quid pro quo," he suggested, "There is a great deal of spare water in the Alliance. Perhaps even enough to wash clean the sins of the man called Faith."

"What do you know of Faith Industries holdings on New Zion?" I asked.

"Nothing. My knowledge of Faith is limited to events on Shadow, when it was inhabited."

"Were you there when it happened?" I asked.

"Get him in the dock, Major, and I promise you testimony that will not disappoint."

"Consider this then," I said, "the murder of Sanders Pastriani ... that should be little effort to prosecute. But the larger crime of what happened on Shadow that will take some doing."

"What Faith did on the day of his 'wedding' is what I can prove. The killing of Sanders, and the bombardment. If you are looking to expose the full crimes of the whole Alliance, that is beyond my power."

I smiled, "One step at a time..."

A slight breeze rattled the tin siding on the minehead tower.

"Your help is much appreciated," I said finally.

"If you stay on the path, I will walk with you as far as I can."

"Let's get him into custody and see what he has to say," I replied.

The whine of an engine and the clatter of debris from the rooftop was the only answer.

As the dustrunner sped away, I brushed the new coat of dust out of my hair then turned and walked back to town.

The Congregation of the Dead

March 25 - NIV

"Give up your life completely to the task; sit daily for six hours in the Old Absinthe House, and sip the icy opal; endure till all things change insensibly before your eyes, you changing with them; till you become as gods, knowing good and evil, and that they are not two but one." - Aleister Crowley

-----

He was waiting at the foot of the stairs. The area was dark and isolated.

"Major." It was Macarthur.

"Trooper," I acknowledged.

"Where would you like me to be during this meeting?" he asked.

I sighed, "It seems my plan of having you nearby has fallen flat... I have to fly from the main station."

I had hoped to meet Ms. Celestalis in a public area, like the last time I was here, but with Macarthur nearby to back me up.

"Okay," he replied, "Can you keep the wave open during the meeting?"

"Yes. If there is trouble, I'll holler."

"I'll listen for anything unusual."

"Good," I acknowledged.

"Ma'am, I'll get there as fast as I can," he promised.

"Thank you Trooper. I'll head up there now."

Trooper Macarthur nodded trying not to salute and make things obvious to any observers.

"I'll commandeer a ship if necessary," he added.

I nodded and moved on.

-----

The offices of the Umbrella Corporation in this district were housed in a spherical craft some distance from the main NIV facility. The landing bay took up the topmost section of the sphere.

Ms. Celestalis was there to greet me when I arrived.

"I apologize for the inconvenience," she said, "Security is strict."

"I understand."

"Prying eyes are bad for business."

"Of course," I answered politely.

"Let me take you to the office," she offered.

"Yes please."

I followed her down to one level to a room that was the diameter of the sphere itself. The floor was carpeted in green. The room was dominated by several screens displaying system functions. There was a desk at one side with a row of jars containing preserved remains of various descriptions sitting close to one edge.

"Be good Schnookums," called Ms. Celestalis, "We have company."

I looked around for 'Schnookums' but could see no one that might answer to that name.

"Have a seat, Major."

"Thank you."

"Schnookums is the organ donor pig next to me," she explained having noticed my look.

"You're growing a nice set of lungs for Mummy aren't you?" Ms. Celestalis reached down and scratched the pig's head. "Good pig," she murmured and fed the animal a strip of soylent green.

I smiled kindly.

"You have quite a collection I see," I said acknowledging the row of jars on her desk.

"Yes, a few knick-knacks. Can I offer you something to drink or eat?"

"Oh no thank you, I have eaten," I said politely. I would rather starve, I thought.

The woman coughed into her hand as she sucked on her cigar. "Would you care for a cigar? They're Habanas."

"No, thank you."

"Take one for your C.O.," she insisted, "In case you need to curry favor in a weak moment." She coughed further.

"You are very kind," I remarked and took the offered cigar. "Thank you."

"You don't mind if I have a drink, do you?" she asked.

"Please go ahead."

She reached for a bottle containing a clear green liquid. Absinthe.

"Have you brought the item?" she asked.

"I have not," I replied, "I wanted to discuss the matter first."

"It is a straightforward matter, what would you care to discuss?"

I explained, "Aurotharius gave strict instructions that the item was to be used to influence the Replicant...."

She poured the green spirit into her glass as I spoke. It turned white with the water.

"...I understand that the project depends upon it," I added.

"I see and what is the intended outcome of said influencing?" she asked. "The navigational data of the Halo Asteroid field, c'est pas?"

"And a few other items," I admitted.

"You can ask Ardra if trading the brain in exchange for the location of her long lost asteroid surveyor is a fair trade or if you should hold out," she proposed, "So long as you do not reveal your sources."

Interesting. She is keeping secrets from Ardra.

Ms. Celestalis put some eyedrops in her eyes.

"I don't understand," I probed, "You support the project do you not?"

"I do, but I am not an unpaid volunteer." she said flatly. She put down the absinthe and picked up her cigar.

"Are you saying that your support is purely for financial gain?" I pressed.

"The project has little value if I cannot afford the end results."

"I see...and after getting me the brain on Ardra's order, why did you want it back?"

She answered, "I believe I can get more from it than you can."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Then the Replicant has been in touch?" I asked.

Ms. Celestalis opened a small vial, picked up some orange powder with her pinky fingernail and snorted it loudly. She then tasted her finger. "I'm sorry, did you say something?"

"Yes," I answered, "You feel you can get more for the cloned brain of Aurora, than I can. I asked if the Replicant had been in touch."

"Oh no, we have other assets in play, not just yourself."

I smiled warmly, "Of course."

She felt around for her glass of absinthe, "No, no, Schnookums, not for you. You have to stay pure for Mummykins." She pet the pig.

"A sweet piggy..." I remarked.

"From a champion line of organ growers," she replied, "Quite a pedigree."

"You mentioned a time frame on the survey ship coordinates..."

"It should be coming into range by Monday or Tuesday."

"Why offer them to me?" I asked, "Why not launch a salvage mission yourself?"

"I have more need of the brain than the surveyor," she said at last, "The surveyor only has some numismatic value to Ardra. Maybe some useful data for her. But I only use sentimentality, I don't trade in it."

I switched topics.

"What do you know of missing refugees from Shadow and Caliban?"

"I know quite a bit. Go ahead, ask me more directly," she fired back. "Don't dance around it. This is not the prom. You want to know, my price is that you ask me properly. Accuse me, get it out."

So I asked her clearly, "Are you involved with the detainment, sale and/or harvesting of missing persons from the colonies: Shadow, Caliban and Blackburne?"

"Close enough," she said firmly, "I am going to help you out."

I waited. "Go on."

She began, "If someone were to exploit the ravaging of Blackburne by reavers, how much advanced notice would it take ...for the specific scenario we are discussing?"

"It would depend on how big an operation," I said.

"Don't worry," she condescended, "I'll walk you through it.... Weeks."

"Fair enough."

"Do you think anyone has weeks notice on a massive reaver attack on Blackburne?" she asked.

"Unlikely," I admitted.

"And if we knew, then would not the guardians, your vaunted Alliance, could have evacuated or protected them?"

"These people are going missing from camps," I clarified.

She ignored my remark, staying focused on the reaver attack.

"So, if we knew, the Alliance knew and was criminally negligent... Does anyone ever get three weeks notice on a reaver attack? How could we get such notice? Three weeks is enough time to mobilize an armada on the cheap?"

These were rhetorical questions.

"So you are saying that there are members of the Alliance involved?" I asked, "And that you know this ...how?" I wanted her to articulate the connection.

"That is another story, we are only talking logistics so far. We are not Blue Sun, we don't have ubiquitous paramilitary assets in the rim. We would only know if someone told us. People only tell us if they want something....and that something would probably be that thing you are asking about."

"A corporation set to exploit such a situation could be in a state of readiness," I countered, "Setting aside the reaver attack, the attack on Shadow, you could see that coming if you read CNS."

"Troops were practicing ground maneuver in the Rim months earlier for the ground assault," she agreed.

"Okay," I continued, "I will ask then... what is the thing that the people who told you about Blackburne wanted so badly?"

She hadn't finished though. She wanted to make some things clear. "We were not called in for Shadow or Caliban. We knew about it, but we go along to get along. We don't frontrun our partners."

"I see."

"So we are really only really talking about Blackburne," she insisted.

"Blackburne it is then," I conceded.

She answered my question. "I don't know what they wanted, they just gave us a list. I have a few theories, but I am not going to test them."

"And in exchange, Umbrella could take what it wanted. What happened to those people?" I asked.

"What we wanted from these people could fit in a syringe."

Without another word she reached across the desk and opened a harvester case full of vials.

"What are these?" I asked, looking at the contents of the case.

"Blood, urine, stool, semen, eggs, stem cells, neural matter, the usual suspects. Have you ever met anyone from Blackburne?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Generalize about them."

"A hardy folk." Winterwolf came to mind.

Ms. Celestalis guffawed. "Yes. Any of them hairier?" she asked.

I blinked.

"Or strike you as different than regular folks?"

"I couldn't say." If she meant Lily, I was sure she was mistaken. The Alliance Medical Database indicated that Lily was born, if that is the right word, on Shadow.

"I thought we were speaking frankly and with candor. I am walking you through this like I promised. Don't make me go Socratic on you."

"Why are you telling me this so openly?" I asked. She must realize she was incriminating herself.

"You don't really believe in Mutants do you? That is laughably bad comic book pseudo-science." She dismissed the concept.

"I believe that genetic engineering has historical roots," I said. I would not be drawn in.

"Where is Ms. Zhangsun and Blue Sun's famous renegade geneticist from? Don't you think it might be more likely that someone was using Blackburne as a testing ground for genetic research and using these people for empirical data? And how else could the Alliance know about the reaver attack if they did not arrange it?"

"And you wanted access to the research..." I prompted.

"They were collecting their uppidty experiments."

"...or more accurately the test subjects..." I added.

"We were allowed to take samples in exchange for delivering the product," she replied.

"The product being what?" I asked.

"They have a generation of genetic experiments germinating there. The people themselves."

"You delivered them to where?"

"They staged some wild controlled chaos to cover their tracks... To the Angels of Mercy. But you knew that already."

"Operation Controlled Chaos," I said out loud.

And it was at that point that I realized what the password was to Ardra's 'Chaos Controlled' file.

-----

Ms. Celestalis got up from her chair and led the way to the spiral staircase in the center of the room. She unlocked the barrier to the lower level and climbed down the stairs. I followed.

She led the way to another large chamber. This one was also surrounded by screens. These screens were monitoring a variety of biological functions.

It was not the screens that dominated the room this time however. It was the rows of heads each floating in a preservation jar near the center of the room.

"Tsk, the boys didn't clean up well," she remarked.

Ms. Celestalis munched on her snack and looked over the heads. She pointed at the head of Adelei Niska as if we were examining celebrity photographs.

"These heads..." I began. The bile rising in my throat.

"Cloned heads, not harvested," she replied.

I shook my head, trying to take it all in. It was too hideous to register all at once.

"Cloned from the 'samples' you took from the people of Blackburne..."

"Some of them," she admitted.

"People you delivered to the Angels of Mercy..."

"There is a lucrative market in cloned replacement organs," she commented.

"If they are indeed cloned..." I felt the anger rise.

"The best ones are grown inside of expectant mothers," she remarked. "Hardly matters, it is all horrid."

I fought back feelings of rage and revulsion.

If I snapped her neck, I may never find the black heart at the center of this corruption. This thought was the only thing keeping me from taking the law into my own hands.

"And who in the Alliance was your contact for the operation?" I asked. I kept my voice steady.

"The Alliance was closing the door on their Wastelander experiments and the advanced orders wanted their product. You would have to ask the Angels of Mercy. We don't do retail."

"That facility was destroyed," I said.

"Then all you have remaining is an internal affairs investigation? Is that above your paygrade?"

"Duties as assigned," I answered. She didn't need my job description.

I was done here.

"I will be in touch," I said, "Thank you for your hospitality."

"A pleasure. Would you care for some Soylent Snaps for your trip back?"

I chuckled and turned to go.

"We get a special professional discount from them," she added.

I'll bet.

"Thanks," I replied, "but I'm trying to cut down."

The Enemy of my Enemy

March 25 - Zenobia

I tried.

English, Latin, Aramaic ... all the key words I could think of. I needed more information before I could crack the code and open Ardra's locked files.

I was dwelling in the frustration of the moment when the call came.

"Major. It is Major isn't it?"

"Ms. Zhangsun," I replied, "How can I help you?"

"I owe you an hour," she began.

I corrected her, "I believe it was a day."

"You have a good memory," she conceded, "Choose your day."

I smiled, "I have a proposal ... something that might serve both our interests."

"Yes? What do you propose?"

"Our common interests are threatened..."

"Which common interests would those be?"

I elaborated. "No doubt you would like Blue Sun to thrive. I feel the same way about the Alliance. I do believe that we are threatened from the same source."

"And that source would be...?" she prompted.

"Ardra."

There was silence on the line.

"Is that so?" she replied finally.

"I am in the process of, shall we say, gathering and interpreting information about the Project."

"What do you propose?" She returned to her question.

"Simply that we work together on this, when appropriate."

"I won't see any harm come to Lily," she insisted.

"Agreed."

"You know, don't you?" she asked.

"The AI? Yes. I tried to warn her ...through Krenshar."

"Tried to warn who?"

"Lily."

"He never told her anything of that I'm sure," she stated.

"She was missing at the time." I replied.

"She is talking more often about Ardra and what Ardra wants..."

"That would be useful to know," I said truthfully, "Did she mention 'Chaos Controlled'?"

That was the name of one of Ardra's files.

"She's also spending more time with the warbots," continued Ms. Zhangsun, "And a new one has appeared. Its almost as if machines are gathering, and its increased since AuroraBlue has... come to fruition."

"Do you have your mother's gift?" I asked.

"I think you know the answer to that already," she replied "And you know therefore that it is possible it is present, genetically speaking, in the organic 'spawn' of Lily. I have seen her. She is perfect."

I gathered up Ardra's files as we spoke. Organic spawn.

"Don't harm the boy." she added, "Cody. I sense you are thinking about him even now."

"He's on my to do list, yes," I admitted. An outstanding warrant. If I had a nickel...

"The cub thinks of him as her papa," she continued, "He is not expendable. He does not know his own value."

The Cub. Did Lily have a second child? Interesting.

"I did promise you I would remove his chip," I said. She deserved to know this at least. "And in all honesty I had the hospital ready. I was delayed in orbit and refused to have it removed in the sick bay."

My concern had been causing brain damage to Winterwolf by having the cerebral implant removed without the proper scans. Ironically, he finally had it removed himself by a dentist in a mining colony.

"I must go," said Ms. Zhangsun suddenly, "There is a delivery of new..materials...and I must sign for them personally."

"Of course, we will talk further."

"So you free me from my obligation," she asked, "in exchange for another discussion of this nature and potential cooperation?

For potential cooperation? I thought.

I clarified my position, "If we agree to work together, I will release you from your day....the danger is great enough." Neither of us may survive this after all.

"We will talk further," she agreed.

Then she offered some information by way of a casual observation, "It is... interesting.. that only machines or hybrids have actually visually 'seen' Ardra."

"That is interesting," I remarked as if we were discussing the price of corn.

"Yes," she said and listed names, "Emma's surrogate, Six.......Gallagher Diesel.....and Lily."

I considered this information. "You think there is a reason?"

"Who can tell?"

I gave her some information in return. "Your competitors, Umbrella Corporation, are connected. I have a visit planned to their offices."

"When?" she asked.

I breathed out, "I am planning to go there soon, once I deal with some issues in the Core."

"Stay in touch."

"Likewise," I replied, "if you hear of anything."

"I will," she agreed.

-----

With the conversation concluded, I paused to listen to my instincts. Make the trip tonight.

I ordered my ship readied and made a second call on my way to the airlock.

"Hello Dex."

"Howdy, Major. How can I help you?"

I got to the point. "Did you say you had some trade experience in the Uncontrolled Sectors?"

"That I do," he answered, "Specifically the Chios Sector."

"I am heading out to the NIV station..."

Dex coughed away from the comm. "Any particular reason?"

"...in part following the lead on those missing refugees."

"Ah," he remarked, "That would be the first place I'd look, but don't expect to find them there."

"I will be meeting some one who might know something. I do not expect her to cooperate."

"And, who might that be?" he asked, "Or, is the source nameless?"

"This is no source," I explained, "It is the woman from Umbrella that I mentioned. Mercedes Celestalis."

"Ah-hah. Well, since you will not be in Alliance space... you can do pretty much whatever you feel is necessary to gain her cooperation. Folks tend to look the other way."

"Any other advice?" I asked.

"Avoid the CMC... and don't go down to Halo C."

Halo C. I remembered Halo C.

"Yes... I've done the reconn already... thank you."

I changed the subject.

"How is Brooke?" I asked.

"She is well. We had a bit of engine trouble last night, which upset her some, but our new mechanic straightened it right out."

"Good," I replied, "We will talk when I get back."

"Roger that, Major."

"Siamendes out."

Leviathan

March 23

"Nature (the art whereby God hath made and governs the world) is by the art of man, as in many other things, so in this also imitated, that it can make an artificial animal. For seeing life is but a motion of limbs, the beginning whereof is in some principal part within, why may we not say that all automata (engines that move themselves by springs and wheels as doth a watch) have an artificial life? For what is the heart, but a spring; and the nerves, but so many strings; and the joints, but so many wheels, giving motion to the whole body, such as was intended by the Artificer?" - Thomas Hobbes, 1651

-----

There was a message waiting from a trusted source: Major, just heard something odd on Hale's Moon. Was chatting with Lily a bit. She said something about Ardra and skin. Then she said "hands is paws and skin is skin, those who alter the flesh will pay." Made me a little unsettled. Thought you may want to know.

It was unsettling.

It made me wonder what the long term consequence might be to Lily the longer she carried the Ardra AI within her. On the other hand, her apparent unstable nature might give her the resilience she needed to survive the ordeal.

Still, it was unsettling.

And given where we were about to go, it was also ironic.

-----

March 23 - Splintered Rock

Evening was falling over Splintered Rock. The sky was clear. And while the temperature was slowly dropping, the oppressive heat of the day stored in the stones and the tarmac would last well into the night.

Spacecraft of different shapes and sizes squatted about the landing pad. A small group of residents gathered at one end near the control tower. The sound of their laughter drifted across to where I waited.

I was dressed in the battle armour of the Zenobian Division. It was designed for operations in harsh, airless environments. My face was obscured by my breather mask. My hair hidden beneath my helmet.

Trooper Macarthur approached and saluted smartly. "Ma'am."

"Trooper," I acknowledged and returned the salute. "This way..."

I lead the way to our transport. Dubbed the "Shark" for its rounded bow, it had seats for a small squad and plenty of room for cargo. Good for a search and seizure operation. Dual ramps made it ideal for rapid disembarking.

We entered our vehicle and began a final systems check.

I checked the monitor. "Co-ordinates 128, 10, 4055," I called out.

"Way up there, Ma'am." responded the trooper.

Macarthur had worked with me before. He was my team's medic and our electronics man. Good in a fire fight. Enthusiastic. Bright.

The third member of our team arrived.

"Trooper Outlander reporting for duty, Major," he boarded the craft and reported in.

"Thank you Trooper..." I acknowledged.

Outlander was new to my squad, but I had no doubt though that he would perform well under pressure. His record was impeccable. He carried the weapon of a sharpshooter.

Team assembled and craft ready I gave the briefing.

"This one is pretty simple.." I began.

"That's how they usually start out, Ma'am," remarked Trooper Outlander.

Trooper Macarthur agreed with a nod.

I continued unabated, "Insertion, find the systems, locate an item that belongs to the Zenobian people, retrieve and pull out."

"Rules of engagement, Major?" asked Outlander.

"Respond to any fire, but don't initiate." Standard practice in my unit.

"Yes, Ma'am," he acknowledged.

We were ready. "Let's roll," I said.

The Shark lifted off the landing pad and raced out over the desert as we began our ascent. The distance was far and the journey took time. We travelled in silence.

In due course, we arrived at the Heighliner mooring. Its size was no less impressive than the first time I saw it.

"Above us," I indicated as I steered our ship under the monstrous craft.

"Above us," echoed Macarthur. "Holy...." He pointed upwards.

Trooper Outlander nodded wordlessly.

As we approached amidships, the underbelly of the Heighliner rotated open to admit us. We disappeared inside the vast interior. For all intents and purposes, we were swallowed by the beast.

I piloted our craft deep into the first and lowest chamber we came to. I have seen smaller hangers.

As we flew, the light from the markings on the Heighliner walls flooded our cabin giving everything an eerie green luminosity.

I gently set our ship down near the wall far from the rotating sections on the tube.

"Orders, Major?" asked Outlander as we disembarked.

"Let's find command."

Trooper Macarthur responded with a nod.

We spread out and began a sweep of the area.

-----

"Walls are smooth," reported Macarthur.

"No hatches or gangways at all, Major," stated Trooper Outlander.

"Okay," I replied, "we will use jet packs."

"There's something above, Ma'am," Trooper Macarthur indicated, "Cylindrical."

I recognized it from the Splintered Rock security feed. In any other setting it would be considered huge.

"That's the shuttle."

-----

Using personal propulsion equipment, we arrived one by one on the next level upwards. Something was interfering with our communication.

"Say again?" I asked over the static.

"Upper deck has equipment, some kind of large figure," repeated Trooper Outlander.

Far off in the distance, I could see what he was referring to. It was the figure of a large man. Black streaked with green. Hands on hips.

"Be cautious," I warned.

"Humanoid shape, some sort of statue maybe," said Outlander, "Investigating."

Meanwhile Macarthur explored the equipment that sat close to the shuttle. A hexagon shaped control panel with a central shaft.

"Major," he called, "there's a container with Umbrella mark on it."

I joined him at the crate sitting close to the control panel.

"Is this what you were looking for ma'am?"

It was the right size.

"It is marked..." I began.

Holographic text floated about the box: Special Delivery for Major Pepper Siamendes...

"We were expected it seems," I mused.

"Yes," remarked the trooper, "But by whom?"

I knew. By Ardra, of course. And why was she using an Umbrella Corporation shipping container?


-----

The men were talking amongst themselves when I joined them before the large figure. It was some sort of replicant I was sure. It must have been 12 to 15 meters tall.

Trooper Macarthur turned to me, "Is this Ardra?"

"No," I replied, "it serves Ardra."

"Okay," answered Macarthur.

The giant spoke.

"Assistbot Mark 2," it said.

"Hello," responded Macarthur a bit suddenly.

Outlander backed up a bit.

"Yes," Macarthur gathered himself "What is your designation?"

"My designation is Assistbot Mark 2," replied the giant.

"Is this place some kind of funhouse?" asked Outlander.

"This is a Guild Heighliner," replied the Assistbot Mark 2, "Do you have your cargo ready for pickup?"

"May we use AM2 to call you?" asked Macarthur.

"I will record that designation and respond to it," responded the giant.

Trooper Macarthur looked over at me for any orders.

I answered the Assistbot's question. "We will retrieve it now."

"Major Pepper Siamendes, UAP SIU?" asked Assistbot Mark 2.

I had read the old fairy tales. The ones with the knights and the princesses, the dragons and the trolls. When a twelve meter giant calls your name, you do not say 'Yes'.

So I ignored his question and asked, "Where is Aurotharius?"

"Please specify which Aurotharius," it requested politely.

"Let's start with Ardra," I said.

Assistbot Mark 2 replied, "Adra Aurotharius is offworld at the moment in the Extropian Sectors."

"And Wylder Aurotharius?" I asked.

"Wylder Aurotharius' whereabouts are unknown. We have a standing order to compensate for any information leading to his location."

"And Arudra Aurotharius?" I probed.

"There are a few Arudra Drones deployed currently," it explained, "New Zion and Hale's Moon."

I nodded and looked at the troopers.

Before either of them could comment, Assistbot Mark 2 spoke, "These are simple inquiries that can be answers by Assistbot Mark 1. Follow me please."

The giant moved.

We all moved well away from the large drone to keep from being stepped on. It lead us back to the console.

"Make your inquiries here," instructed AM2.

"Hello?" I asked but received no reply. I pressed a button. A navigation screen appeared. Another switch and a stasis tube arose beside the console,

"Cryostasis unit ..." I identified it.

Macarthur picked up on this immediately, "AM2, what is the Cryostasis unit for?"

"For wounded or infected organics."

"Infected?" he asked.

Suddenly a red beam of light focused on me. I looked up to discover the source of the beam, a floating green head.

"I am being scanned it seems," I remarked.

"That doesn't sound good," answered Macarthur.

The giant addressed the floating head. "We have a delivery pending for Major Pepper Siamendes, UAP SIU."

The head responded immediately,"The United Alliance of Planets is the official government of the 34 Tauri System. A parliamentary system based on the planet Londinium .... Major Pepper Siamendes, a United Alliance of Planets (UAP) Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Officer."

I began with my own inquiry.

"Ardra," I said plainly.

"Ardra Aurotharius," replied Assistbot Mark 1, "is a Second Stage Guild Navigator, reported to have agented for Blue Sun and for Umbrella."

That could explain the shipping crate.

"Wylder," I said.

Assistbot Mark 1 responded helpfully, "Wylder Aurotharius is the founder of Project Aurotharius. Seeking the singularity. Closed the project after the death of his daughter."

"Project Aurotharius," I said.

There was silence.

"Who was his daughter?" asked Trooper Macarthur.

"Audrey," I answered.

Assistbot Mark 1 picked up on the name and responded, "Audrey Aurotharius is the deceased daughter of Wylder Aurotharius."

The Trooper nodded, "How did she die?"

The giant filled in the details, "Audrey Aurotharius is deceased, since 2505."

Assistbot Mark 1 spoke, "Someone just activated something."

"Was that one of you?" I called, my hand instinctively drifting to my sidearm.

Assistbot Mark 2 continued uninterrupted, "Complications from treatment for Leukemia and Amyloidosis at the Angels of Mercy Medical Research Center."

Trooper Macarthur looked around to make sure he wasn't leaning or touching anything.

Assistbot Mark 1 responded to the trooper's movements. "That was very funny."

I considered the giant's information. The Angels of Mercy? That was a weapons development facility...

"On Zenobia?" I asked.

Assistbot Mark 1 repeated itself, "Someone just activated something."

"Zenobia," I restated.

Assistbot Mark 1 began, "Albion is a civilized planet in the Core of the 34 Tauri System. Zenobia is the name of the ruling family and the planet is often called Zenobia. It has an inhabited moon named Avalon."

"Albion," echoed AM2.

I understood the process now. "When we say something close to a key word it acknowledges activation," I explained. "Keep probing ...I will look at the box."

A quick examination showed no easy means of opening the container. This confirmed my fears.

"It is code worded." I sighed.

I returned to Assistbot Mark 1 hoping to prompt some clue.

"Zenobius," I said.

Nothing.

"Relics?" suggested Macarthur.

"Relics," I agreed.

No reply.

AM2 was still talking about Audrey, "I do not have information regarding her medical records. They are sealed by request of the United Alliance of Planets."

"Artifacts," Macarthur made an attempt.

I returned to the chest and examined it closely. In the background AM2 was still explaining the mysteries of the Heighliner.

"The beam is a mere proximity sensor recording your presence near the console for security purposes."

There. I found it. A small inscription around the lid of the container. It read: Ardra memento mori.

It was my first message to Ardra when I made contact months ago. A reminder to her that one day she would die. A challenge, if you will, of her transhumanist views.

Her reply at that time was the name of a jellyfish that could revert to an earlier stage of development after reaching maturity and therefore might in fact be biologically immortal. Fortunately other creatures find them quite tasty which is why we are not up to our necks in jellyfish.

Ardra was making me eat my words by repeating her own. It was part of our dance it seemed.

"Turritopsis nutricula," I said and the container opened.

"We have a spectator." It was Trooper Outlander's voice.

I turned quickly to look. Far down the chamber was the figure of a man. He did not approach us. He was wearing a pressure suit. A passenger? A worker? A spy?

"I have a clear shot if you give the word," the trooper reported.

"Do not initiate fire," I ordered.

"Roger that, Major," he replied.

I turned back to the box.

Macarthur joined me while Outlander continued to sweep the perimeter and keep an eye on our guest.

I manipulated the inner lid and the ornate casket rose from within the shipping container.


Macarthur looked the object over carefully then looks at me.

"Is that from Earth that was?" he asked.

"This is it." The bones of St. Zenobius. The ruling family of my planet claimed to be direct descendants of this saint and through him to Queen Zenobia of Palmyra, the warrior queen who would defy the might of Rome. As these relics were used for DNA verification of political claims, their value was immeasurable.

Macarthur looked the object over to get a possible idea of how heavy it is.

"Careful it is old..." I cautioned.

Macarthur nodded then carefully tried to lift it to figure it's weight.

"Best to have two for the lift," he judged.

"It is a marble casket, about 800 kg," warned the giant.

"800kg?" cried Outlander.

"Heavy!" added Macarthur.

I stopped to think. "We can use grapplers. We need to get this to the ship..."

"Can we dock the shuttle up here nearby?" Macarthur suggested.

"Good idea," I acknowledged.

I stopped and looked at the giant.

Macarthur and I were thinking along the same line. "Can we ask AM2 to assist us with the moving of the object"? he asked.

"AM2 can you please carefully... lift this?" I requested.

"Please stand by," it replied politely.

"I'll call up the ship," I said and using the panel on my wrist summoned the craft by autopilot.

Trooper Macarthur nodded keeping watch on the bot.


-----

While the relics were being transferred into the craft, I busied myself at the computer.

Our mysterious spectator had since departed. Assistbot Mark 2 stood by quietly.

Macarthur approached. "We set to extract?" he asked.

"Just downloading files," I explained.

"I have extra data discs if you need them."

"Thank you Trooper."

Macarthur reached into one of his hip pockets and handed me two.

I worked rapidly, extracting a total of five sealed files from the database. This would give me some bedtime reading.

"Okay... let us depart. We have what we came for."

"Yes, Ma'am," both men replied.

My team boarded our transport. I moved to follow then. Almost as an afterthought, I turned and faced the giant replicant.

"Thank you AM2," I said.

It replied, "Thank you for using the Spacing Navigators Guild for your shipping needs."

-----

"Are we strapped in?" I called as the engines of our transport powered up.

"Roger that, Major. Good to go," reported Outlander.

"We're a go." echoed Macarthur.

The Shark glided along towards the rotating sections of the Heighliner

Our mission was a success.

We had our prize.

What would be the consequence?

-----

"May those who curse days..."

"...curse that day..."

"...those who are ready to rouse Leviathan." Job 3:8