The Barrel

May 24 - Eavesdown Docks

*encryption starts*

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

As a famous writer once said, "The reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated."

By now, I hope that you have had time to find the true terrorist, as I am not the person the Alliance is looking for, and neither is Mikie. I don't know how I can prove my/our innocence, but I am willing to try.

I don't know your position on my situation - only what Brooke has hinted at. I think Brooke overestimates your willingness to let things slide - after all, you are bound by law to do your job.

In any case, I wish to meet with you regarding recent events, and see if we can come to an understanding regarding my situation. I am tired of hiding from injustice.

Respectfully,
M. 'Sentry' Swashbuckler

*encryption ends*

-----

They called this place the Barrel. A fitting name, as in "shooting fish in a...." There was absolutely no cover. A strike team could waltz in the front door and pick off anyone in the room.

Forget guns. Just roll a few concussion grenades down the steps and you would be scraping off the walls for weeks. What a death trap.

My escort and I descended the metal steps.

Brooke was here. Alone. Sipping her drink at the bar.

"Hello Captain," I said with a smile.

She noticed me coming down the steps and gave a little laugh. "Well, hello there," she said turning around and standing up.

We hugged.

Then she looked over at my companion, the one from Special Forces. "Friend of yours?" she whispered quietly. She would have recognized the uniform I'm sure.

"This is Soara," I introduced him, "Yes, he's one of mine."

"Name's Soara," said Soara with a smile.

Brooke gave him a nod. "It's a pleasure, sir, I'm sure. Captain Brooke."

She turned to me and added, "I have things to tell ya. And questions."

"Okay let's sit," I replied.

"I'll, uh...hang here case you need me," said Soara. He parked himself at the bar with a good view of the entrance. At the first sign of trouble he could duck under the landing. Strike anyone coming down the stairs.

I thanked him.

"I won't shoot my old roommate," Brooke joked as she looked at me with a smile, "who else would I blackmail?"

Brooke and I settled at a table near a Chinese screen and to the closest thing this structure had to a corner.

If there was trouble, Brooke and I could duck behind the corner. From there we could offer suppressing fire while Soara held the stairs and put pressure on the entrance. The three of us could perhaps hold the room until some sort of reinforcement appeared. What a dismal scenario.

Brooke began, "Does the name Chance Gott mean anything to you?"

"Chance... no, can't say it does. Who's that then?"

"I didn't either," she added, "not until a few months ago. So, remember you used to call me spoiled brat for being an only child ? Apparently I wasn't ... well I was at the time ... Anyway. Chance was my half brother. He died when I was about six."

"I'm sorry," I replied. I had two older brothers. The second oldest, Hector, had died during the war.

"Hard to really mourn someone you never knew..." She sighed a bit. "Anyway.... he was a slave trader, murdered. Though according to the local papers of the time, it was an accident."

"Half brother through mom or dad?"

"My mom .... she apparently had a kid before my parents were married."

I nodded, "How did you find out?"

"What matters, is I'm finding out some interesting information." She blushed a bit. "Two things. One ... he had apparently between five to eight children. I'm not 100% sure. Either way, I'm trying to find out more information about where they might have been taken. I have found a few."

"Eight children! Wow, suddenly a big family."

Brooke shook her head. "No no .... they weren't his. They were kidnapped .... for some sort of experiments."

The room grew cold.

"Experiments... by whom?"

"Not sure. The oldest I found was 13, and she isn't sure. Just that they were sometimes painful." She sighed. "But there's one more thing I learned." She leaned in and whispered quietly, "It was being financed from somewhere within the Alliance."

I listened carefully, "So how long ago was this? You were six when he died."

"Twenty years...give or take a year," she said with a smile.

"And these people were children at that time."

She nodded. "All are adults now of course..... I've met two. They were both taken from their homes. Different worlds..."

"The trail may be a bit cold," I said, "but we can work with it. We will need detailed statements."

"Anything you can find out. I .... want to know what happened. Also, I can give you another name to look into if you don't mind. Magnus Verrazzano."

I took note of the name.

Brooke went on to address my remark. "I can give you some what of a statement, not sure how detailed. You know most people get a bit fussy around here when I give you 'detailed statements' Pepper."

"No problem," I replied, "I'm on the outs with the general public these days."

I continued, "That source of yours, by the way, that had information on the missing persons from Shadow, still has not been in touch."

"Funny ..." she said frowning. "I'll see if I can get ahold of him. I hope nothing has happened to him."

"You said you had questions?" I asked.

"I wanted to know ... your investigation ... about Tee .... the Faiths ... I learned today they are missing from Al Raqis all together ....I just .... want to know."

"Yes. It seems that after Doctor Wirefly was killed, William went into hiding, Lord Ascott closed up the estates on Al Raqis, and Judge Wirefly went missing."

"Went missing and probably dead? Or went missing and probably living off the blood of one of my crew?" she asked trying not to put too much anger in her voice.

"There is no evidence that they are dead," I said. More likely they were on the run.

"I thought there was an explosion..."

"On Al Raqis? Yes, that was just Tillery and William showing off."

I assumed she meant the series of explosions in Al Raqis earlier in the year - the Cortex offices, the Faith warehouse - rather than the recent trouble at the refinery.

"I mean ... oh," she said then shook her head. "Never mind." She sighed a bit. "I just .... am worried. Is Till alright? He's a reporter after all."

"He is mad at me... but yes, he is healthy."

Brooke raises an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Well, my murder suspect is a friend of his."

Brooke tilted her head. "Mind telling me who your suspect is?"

At the same time, I asked a question of my own, "So who is this Magnus?"

She answered my question, "Magnus apparently was involved in the slave trade around the same time. He says he saw the aftermath of my brother's crime. But I'm pretty sure he's lying. Things don't add up. He was hit with some sort of bomb so ... well I can't say he's pretty to look at."

I nodded, "Where does he frequent?"

"I'm not sure," she replied, "I met him in a place called the Wasteland. Rim of the Rim really."

"I'll see what information I can get you about him."

We stood up and prepared to leave the bar.

Brooke reached over and squeezed my arm.

"Another thing..." I added, "My team has been given the green light from Central Government to reopen the Aberdeen bombing case."

Brooke frowned, "The ... Shadow bombing?"

"No," I corrected, "the bombing on Londinium."

I took a breath. Time for trust.

"Tell him... he can come home soon," I said cryptically.

"Who do you mean?" she asked.

I leaned in close to her ear and whispered a name, "Matthew."

She blinked a bit then smiled. "I'm afraid I don't know Matthew very well, but I'll give him the message if I see him."

I returned the smile. "Good. I better get going. Stay safe."

"You as well."

Soara looked over as we drew close. "Are you ready?" he asked.

"Let's go soldier," I replied.

As we mounted the stairs, Brooke called out from near the bar, "And Pepper, you ever want to wear a different color...."

I did not have a reply for her. She was my oldest, dearest friend and it was hard for us being on two sides of the political divide in our fractured post-war world. She wanted to see me in brown. I wanted to see her back in purple.

It was our dance it seemed.

When we had reached street level, my escort from Special Forces turned to me once again.

"Well," he said with a smile, "that was...just relaxing."

Guardians

"Like the ocean is your god-self;
It remains for ever undefiled.
And like the ether it lifts but the winged.
Even like the sun is your god-self;
It knows not the ways of the mole nor seeks it the holes of the serpent.
But your god-self dwells not alone in your being.
Much in you is still man, and much in you is not yet man,
But a shapeless pygmy that walks asleep in the mist searching for its own awakening.
And of the man in you would I now speak.
For it is he and not your god-self nor the pygmy in the mist, that knows crime and the punishment of crime." - Kahlil Gibran


-----

To: Major Pepper Siamendes, UAP, SIU

From: Tillery Woodhen, Spinwheel City, Paquin, CNS

Major, consider this a formal notification that Svetlana Pleides is under my protection. Any contact with her will be through me or my employees. She is a very close friend and associate. I will not take any threats to her lightly. We will need to talk. Soon.

Tillery Woodhen
CEO, CNS Corp.

-----

May 24 - Bihar Sanctuary

"Major."

The heavy brocade hanging over doorway to the CATZ Trade offices was pulled back. A stream of sunlight poured through the opening and two men entered. Well, more like one man accompanied by one mountain.

"Hello Tillery," I said returning the greeting.

"This is my.... associate. Erik."

"Hello Erik," I said. Erik was the mountain on two legs. He filled the door nicely.

"Hello," he answered. A deep, resonant voice.

"He won the Osiris mixed arts competition just a couple years ago," explained Tillery.

I smiled pleasantly. "That's wonderful."

Probably a lot of casualties that year.

I did not introduce my own escort, the one from Special Forces.

"Shall we go somewhere and sit?" I added.

"Of course," answered Tillery.

"There is a patio above us I believe."

I led us from the trade office, past the relief of Dionysus, and up the stairs.

The terrace was lined with little tables giving a clear view of the surrounding temples and sacred carvings.

The air was fresh. The sun was warm.

I chose a purple table.

"So," said Tillery once we had sat down. We both knew why we were here.

"I am glad to hear that you will be funding Sveltana Pleides' legal team," I began.

Tillery tried to hold back a smile. "I have a feeling you had some other reactions as well."

"Not at all," I replied, "I recommended that she seek legal council. She is in a lot of trouble."

"Her first choice is 'Nathan Hale.'"

I frowned, "Do I know that name?"

"The name Sentry used when he tried to defend Pluto in that trial on Al Raqis."

The patio tilted with this information. "My goodness..." I exclaimed.

A conviction hanging over his own head and Sentry walks into a courtroom to defend a young companion. That was one brave bartender.

"I had a stronger reaction," remarked Tillery.

"Well, he isn't safe yet," I cautioned, "here in the Core."

"I ran into him while Svet was talking to him on Botany Bay."

I nodded, "She does need a lawyer...she has her rights."

"You have circumstantial evidence and you know it, Pepper."

"Not at all Tillery," I explained, " I had a field agent present when she was shot in the shoulder. I have recordings of her vowing vengeance. I have a bullet that was dug out of her shoulder and found at the scene of the crime."

"Do you have any proof that she was there?"

"You know how it works Tillery. Pieces of a puzzle. They mean nothing alone. It is only when you step back and see the big picture do they mean something. You do realize she has not been charged?"

"I do," he answered, "And I plan to make sure she isn't."

"Good," I replied, "There is an offer on the table already."

Tillery leaned forward. "Do you know the history I have with Svet?"

"I hope whatever it is does not mean a conflict of interest for you."

"She saved my life on Shadow."

"Ah... Shadow. And there is the rub."

He continued, "It was she who piloted the ship that took what few of us there were to evacuate."

"Her testimony on the events of Shadow...specifically the destruction of the space station is what we need against Faith."

"And I agree," replied Tillery.

"Did she tell you our offer?" I asked.

"Not in details."

"Her confession to the murder.... and to answer some questions regarding it.... and her testimony to the events on Shadow and the state will stay the charges."

That was the basics.

"It's open to negotiation," I added.

Tillery would have none of it. "She didn't murder Wirefly. Simple as that."

I chuckled, "Tillery ... don't tell me my job."

"I know her. If she had killed him, she would have said so proudly."

"Unless she is scared," I said, "That baby means a lot to her."

"It does. She just gave birth in fact. But that doesn't change who she is. I'm not sure she knows how to lie. She's too direct."

"For that child she would falsify evidence, lie, and more I am sure..."

"No, she wouldn't," he interrupted.

"...and she believes in reciprocity," I finished.

"She would just kill," he added.

I nodded slightly, "Possibly."

A slight breeze and the scent of jasmine drifted across the patio.

"Besides," he added, "if I'd known you wanted her for the Faith investigation, I could have helped. She has no love for him. She wants him dead as much as I do."

"My concern is the bigger fish," I stated. The ones behind Faith.

I paused.

"We are reopening the investigation into the bombing of Aberdeen," I said.

"Good."

"It is unfortunate that Doctor Wirefly was killed," I continued, "He had secrets... secrets that should have been extracted like so many fingernails."

Tillery smiled a little with a raised eyebrow. "Why, Major..."

"Your client's personal vendetta, her quest for 'reciprocity', has gotten in the way of justice for the half million people killed in Aberdeen," I said flatly.

"I thought that kind of thought was against your principles."

I shrugged, "I have feelings too...I am not just logic."

"You simply could have asked her what she knew. By even a mild threat to her child, you've made your own job that much more difficult," he reprimanded.

I had to concede the point. "True... I rushed to confront her. The evidence is rarely so clear." Live and learn.

"Ana is not her first child."

"Oh? Yes.... something about Ivan."

Tillery explained, "She gave the boy up for adoption. Was never able to hold him before he was taken away...."

"Perhaps you should find the boy," I suggested.

"...So the minute you mentioned any harm to Ana..."

I shook my head, "I will not harm that child. I never said I would. She thought her pregnancy would make others believe she was innocent. I corrected that illusion."

"Do you honestly believe she did it?"

"Yes. But I will tell you this: I believe she is not a repeat offender," I said equitably.

Tillery leaned back and looked at me for a few long seconds.

"...and I have heard of her kindness to others, including an Alliance soldier despite the injuries she has sustained."

His face grew colder.

I stopped and reached across the table slightly. "Tillery," I said softly, "it's okay."

Tillery shook his head a little. "No, it's not, Pepper."

I sighed.

"You want her testimony on Faith," he said, "you'll get it. No problem on that. I may have to be present, but you'll get it."

"But...?" I prompted.

"But if there's so much as a rumor of charges against her, first, I'll tie you up in lawyers until the heat death of the universe."

I laughed merrily. I love the spirit of this man. He is like a volcano. Deep and full of fire.

"Second, there will be no more cooperation from me," he said firmly.

"And answer me this Tillery," I said defiantly, "What if it turns out that I am right?"

"That she killed Wirefly? You're not."

"But what if?"

"You're very good, Pepper, but you are wrong about this."

"But still...what if?"

"Ask anyone who knows Svet and they'll tell you the same thing."

There was a pause. Just a couple sitting on a terrace. Warm sun. Pleasant breeze. Bodyguards.

"Tillery.... do you know anything about this Doctor Wirefly?"

"I know he was involved somehow with the destruction of Shadow. And the farce of a trial on Londinium. Not to mention the arrest of both Mikie and Sentry."

"And beyond that?"

"That he's involved with things that should make anyone with a shred of humanity cringe."

"There are no records of him," I expanded, "Anywhere. Yet he can organize a posse to arrest Mikie and Sentry. what do you think that adds up to?"

"Nothing good, I agree."

"Right. If I can add up that the evidence points to Svetlana, so can 'They'. If she didn't do it, I need to find who did ... fast."

"You do. But you're wasting time going after her. And drawing attention to her as well."

"And how am I drawing attention to her?" I countered, "I visited her twice ... the first time she invited me."

"Do you have any records of you going to Botany Bay?"

"Of course."

Tillery gave me a look. Okay. I would concede that point as well.

"Tillery ... you need to find out categorically if she is innocent. Not for me but because it may impact on the advice you give her."

"I will," he answered, "I know she is."

"Okay," I replied with a nod.

We both got up to leave. The bodyguards adjusted their stances accordingly.

"Just so you know," added Tillery, "I believe in reciprocity as well."

"Tillery," I countered, "I believe in law and order."

"I know," he answered, "And I still like you."

"People ask me for justice..."

"And law and order don't always equal justice," he interjected.

"...but they don't want to submit to justice themselves."

"I'll help you," he said, "For now. But with what I said about protecting Svet, just so you know...I don't bluff."

Tillery motioned for Erik to follow, and the two on them left the patio.

Once they had gone, my escort from Special Forces turned to me.

"Well," he remarked with a smile, "that went well."

Return to Botany Bay

May 20 - Botany Bay

"Genuine tragedies in the world are not conflicts between right and wrong. They are conflicts between two rights." - Christian Friedrich Hebbel

-----

She was there behind the bar. She must work here, at least part time.

"Hello Svetlana," I began.

Svetlana looked up. "Salyut Sudarynya."

"So the happy day is fast approaching."

She watched me coldly. "Da," she replied, cradling her tummy protectively. She was due to give birth any day now.

I had one question for her. "Have you given any thought to what I said.... about cooperation?"

"You are not taking Ana away from me."

"I don't plan to harm your child," I explained.

"As I tried to warn your young friend in med lab..you are NOT the law here. you have no jurisdiction here," she said firmly.

"Well," I replied, "clearly you have never heard of bounty hunters."

Svetlana stared at me coldly.

"Do you seriously like to sleep with one eye open?" I asked. Such is the life of those who consider themselves above the law.

"What's up Svet?" asked a woman seated at the bar.

"I came out here to get away from your kind," Svetlana addressed me.

I smiled gently, "Do you know what your tragedy is, Svetlana?"

She did not reply.

"You shot a man that should have been hanged. The state does not forgive such errors easily."

Svetlana Pleides reached up and clicked her headset, then she replied, "I did not shoot anybody."

"I think next time we chat, you may want to have legal representation. So you know your rights. You have a nice day Svetlana... and an easy birth."

I nodded at the other woman and turned to go.

"You know, I worked on your soldier," called out Svetlana, "I help fix him."

I paused then turned back to the bar. "Go on."

"One of your soldiers came to town, looking for a gal named Jo."

I listened carefully. While it had no bearing on the case, it spoke volumes about this woman.

"He find her. Gunfight ensued," Svetlana sighed. "He won. Barely."

"And you patched him up?" I asked.

"With so many mechanics in the Bay, I am learning to be medic. I had pulled a couple bullets out of Jo a week or two ago..I help Doktor G.. We work on him a couple hours. Why am I telling this? He is only private."

"I see."

Svetlana gave me a cold stare.

I shook my head, "Still, you amaze me Svetlana. Alliance soldiers like that one almost killed you on Shadow and you patched him up."

"He was wounded," she replied, "and like I said, he is just private. Not an officer. Not like your kind would care."

Another patron walked into the tavern. She greeted him and introduced me, after a fashion.

"Hello Shoey," she said, "this is the lady trying to frame me for some Alliance murder."

"Well, think about what I said," I smiled, "I'll be in touch."

As I left, I heard the woman at the bar remark, "Svet, Alliance soldiers aren't the unfeeling monsters you make them out to be..."

-----

Back on the Relentless, a call came through.

"Siamendes here."

"The Colony administrator would like to talk to you. She is here at the bar." It was Svetlana.

"I have left orbit. Is she your lawyer?"

"uh.. what? nyet.. she is the government here on Botany Bay."

"Ah I see."

Note to self, next trip contact Botany Bay colony administration.

"Tell me something," I continued, "Do you really believe in reciprocity?

"Da.. why you ask?"

"How can that function without truth?" I asked.

"Chevo?"

"You heard me," I replied.

"I don't see. I am not understanding."

"You don't have to pretend. The evidence is strong that you killed Wirefly. So I ask how can you expect a system of reciprocity to function without truth?"

"What evidence? A bullet?" she asked.

"Let me explain how things work," I said patiently, "I don't have to show a photo of you standing over his body. I have to build a case and convince a jury."

Svetlana replied by playing back a tape of the conversation in the bar after I left.

The voice of the woman seated at the bar: "The Alliance isn't all evil and they aren't all good. It's possible that some of them are, but I think they were just trying to scare you."

The voice of Svetlana Pleides: "That was twice in same week they try to kill me, not because I was important, but because I am nobody. They just don't care. They need body. Why not use mine?"

I listened to the playback and sighed. She saw us all as the same. The playback continued.

The voice of the woman seated at the bar: "Svet, governments aren't smart enough to have these vast conspiracies that people accuse them of."

The voice of Svetlana Pleides: "And now they are trying to take...." Her voice was shaking, ".......SHE is trying to take Ana away.. like Ivan."

The voice of the woman seated at the bar: "Svet, we won't let her take your child."

The voice of Svetlana Pleides: "They will take me. Same thing."

I interrupted her. "Svetlana. The State is willing to strike a deal with you that will mean that you can live a long and happy life with your daughter."

"Chevo?"

"Again...you heard me."

"What kind deal?"

Through the comm, I could hear the sounds of bar patrons arriving and leaving.

I presented the offer. "If you confess to the murder of Wirefly, and answer some questions regarding the matter... and give a full testimony to the events that occurred during the attack on Shadow, the state will stay the charge of homicide."

I went on to explain the legal terms. "Stay means the charge will not be pursued. It does not mean dropping the charge. Your testimony can take place in an interplanetary court outside of UAP control."

"And the alternative?"

"The alternative?" I asked, "I have a job to do, to build my case against you and then you can take your chance in court...."

I heard a new voice in the background through the comm. "What's wrong?"

Svetlana explained, "This Alliance major wants me to confess to murder, or else she will sick bounty hunters on me."

I continued. "...however, what I am offering, Svetlana, is a chance for reciprocity against those that destroyed Shadow. Think about that."

"Oh dear, that's terrible," exclaimed the new voice in the background.

"That is Alliance for you," answered Svetlana, "Stomp on little peoples."

"Svetlana," I interjected, "You can be the voice for the little people murdered on Shadow."

I let my words hang in the air. I listened to her talk, not expecting a reply. I felt like Ardra.

Svetlana spoke out loud, "I gotta search the ship again. I find my bullet. Case is closed."

"Which ship? Do you need help?" asked the new voice.

"The Asgard.. the one we move to. You know a good lawyer?" she asked the new voice and then she terminated the call.

The Safety of the People

Salus populi suprema lex
(The safety of the people is the supreme law) - Cicero

May 3

To: Major Heideger, United Systems Directorate, CI5

From: Major P. Siamendes, Union of Allied Planets, SIU

Major,

We have picked up some unusual activity from the Spacing Guild Heighliner in orbit over Al Raqis in the Mu Draconis system on our long range scans. As you have a base monitoring that area, would you be able to confirm our readings?

Respectfully,

Major Pepper Siamendes, UAP, SIU, Zenobia



May 4

From: Major William Heideger, CI5, USD, Acriborea

Major Siamendes, I have to inform you that you send this message to the wrong person. The CI5 is a federal law enforcement agency, not a military intelligence agency. CI5 stands for Criminal Intelligence, Section 5. The CI5´s main focus is the fight against organized crime throughout the USD controlled space.

I will therefore send this message to the Defense Department. They will be able to answer your inquiry.

They will contact you shortly.

Thank you

Major William Heideger, CI5 United Systems Directorate, Acriborea

-----

May 4

From: Major P. Siamendes, Union of Allied Planets, SIU

Thank you Major for passing on my message. As Special Investigation Unit, I too deal with matters of federal law in my sector.

The Heighliner in question belongs to a Navigator by the name of Ardra Aurotharius who until recently, was in the possession of antiquities stolen from our homeworld. Further, it is our belief that she may be involved in the transportation of illegal biomedicals and human organ trafficking.

We have had a number of fugitives fleeing UAP controlled space in an effort to evade justice. While my investigations have led me far afield, we naturally have had to wait until these suspects return to the 34 Tauri system before apprehension if no treaty is in place.

I am sure you have found similar obstacles in pursuing organized crime in your sector.

Perhaps collaboration between our organizations would be beneficial in these matters.

Respectfully

Major Pepper Siamendes, UAP, SIU, Zenobia

-----

May 4

From: Major William Heideger, CI5, USD, Acriborea

Major, thank you for this information. I now understand why you contacted me. We are aware of the problems you face. Al Raqis is outside of our jurisdiction. The planet belongs to a Solar Imperium, which makes things rather difficult. We would like to request the information regarding those escaped suspects so we can hand them over to you if they enter USD controlled space.

As for the Heighliner: we currently have no information about that ship. Mind you, the CI5 rarely deals with matters of military intelligence and we have no access to information that is collected by the United Systems Military.

I was still able to find out who is the Commander of the USM outpost on Al Raqis. It's a Lt. Col. John Collins. I would recommend asking him about the information you seek. Other than that I can only tell you to wait for a reply by the High Command of the USD or the Defense Department.

A cooperation between our organizations would be very interesting indeed and I will discuss this matter with the Justice Department as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs.

I wish you luck in your current case.

Regards,

Major William Heideger, CI5 United Systems Directorate, Acriborea

-----

The Law of Unintended Consequences

This is West Nile Hospital attempting to contact a Major Siamendes. It's important you return our call. A boy was brought to us from the docks by individuals. At first we were told to send any information to 'Unlikely to Fly', however, one of the individuals claiming to identify herself as Lt. Colonel .... Ivanov - I believe, that's what the scroll says on the release forms, came to sign for treatment. The boy woke up this morning after surgery and was asking for your name. We took the liberty to look at his ID. Do you in fact know this boy, 'Lynx'? There is some question as to who is his proper guardian, and who will be billed for treatment.

-----------

April 25 - Eavesdown Docks, Persephone

The workday was done and the crowds had begun to gather. Soon the taverns would be filled with the sounds of music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses.

It may even be a fight night somewhere here in the docks. Bare knuckle boxing. A bit of gambling on the side. Harmless really, in the big picture. People have to blow off steam.

I parked on a public landing pad near the customs house. It was too far to travel from the barracks to the hospital. As I stepped out of alleyway across from the Sheriff's office, a sleek black hover car pulled alongside in a cloud of dust.

"Major," called a voice.

It was Tillery.

"Mr. Woodhen." I returned the greeting.

The hover car powered down with a whisper.

"How are you?" he asked as he climbed out of the vehicle and stood in the street.

I smiled. "Well, well," I exclaimed, "you are walking again! That's wonderful!"

"Yes," he acknowledged, "I was able to have some artificial nerves implanted. I can't do regen and I kept rejecting organics."

"It is wonderful to see," I smiled.

"Still feels.... odd. Not quite... real. Know what I mean?"

"I'm on my way to the hospital now in fact."

"Oh? Why?" he asked.

"My young friend is ill."

Tillery thought for a second. "Oh, that boy from Al Raqis? What's his name....."

"Yes that's right ...Lynx." I glanced down the street. "It's near by."

"What happened with him?"

"Well, that's what I want to find out...join me?"

"Let me park my car," he replied, "I'll meet you inside."

-----

The hospital was poorly lit.

People lined the waiting area in various states of medical need, while others pace the crowded halls. The desk nurse looked up from her reading. She noticed my uniform and sat up smartly, "How may I help you?"

"Yes," I began as we approached the counter, "My name is Major Siamendes. I am here to see Lynx."

"You are his legal guardian?"

"uh... yes I am." I hesitated.

Tillery smiled.

The receptionist stood up and motioned to us, "This way please."

"Thank you," I replied.

She led us to a dismal little room on the lower floor. The walls were in desperate need of new paint. The tiles on the floor were cracked.

Lynx lay on the bed in the center of the room. His shirt was off. His torso bandaged. At least the linen was clean.

"Lynx..." I said gently.

He partially opened his eyes.

"How are you?" I asked with a smile.

"The doctor will be in to speak with you in a moment."

"Thank you nurse,"

Lynx looked up and managed to say, "Sleepy."

I smiled in return while feeling a little uncertain. I had seen wounded soldiers before. Men and women I had sent into action. Acceptable risk. This however caught me off guard.

"Notes," he said.

Tillery raised his eyebrow.

"Pocket," said Lynx.

"Pocket," I repeated.

I looks up at Tillery with a look that said "Is this normal?"

"Depends. What happened to you, son?"

I carefully reached into Lynx's pocket and removed his notes.

The doctor on duty entered, looking at Tillery and then at me, "You are his... guardians?"

"I am." I said it more firmly this time.

Tillery simply nodded.

"What happened to him?" I asked, "And will he be okay?"

"Yes," replied the doctor, "Well there is a matter of his injuries." He looked at his report, "The most obvious injury was a gunshot wound to his back."

Tillery inhaled sharply.

"Who shot him?" I demanded.

"It's assumed he encountered one of the gangs wandering the dock," answered the doctor.

"Has the bullet been removed?" I asked.

I sneaked a peak at Lynx's notes. It was a transcript of some kind. Then I heard Tillery's next question.

"And what was the damage from the bullet?"

I suddenly felt a little weak in my knees when the implication of his comment hit me. The room moved and I grasped the edge of the bed to steady myself.

"The Doctor looks over his glasses, "Well, he does have some lung injury, As well as a small amount of vascular damage. His spine appears to be intact."

Tillery put his hand on my shoulder. "How serious is the lung injury?" he asked the physician, "Pretty straightforward?"

"Spine intact... good," I said automatically.

The doctor continued to read, "There was no cord damage. The lung has been repaired, but be aware we don't have the facilities here to further his treatment."

I swallowed hard. "Can we transfer him?"

I heard Tillery whisper near my ear, "He'll be okay."

"Yes," replied the doctor, "He will need to be prepped for the transfer."

I nodded. "Or tell me what you need here...." I had resources.

"He is sedated to reduce any aggravation to the wounds. Preferably a full transport unit. However, we don't have the finances here to do that."

Before I could answer I heard Tillery in a clear voice say, "I do."

The physician looked at both of us, "As you can see we are lacking somewhat."

Tillery pulled out his hand reader. "How much?" he asked.

"I'm not the finance department, sir," replied the doctor."You can take that up with the payment office down the hall."

"Then if you'll both pardon me for a minute." Tillery left the room.

The doctor showed me where to sign the paperwork, "If you will, Major?"

I took the papers and signed. I thumbed through the forms and selected a copy, "Is this mine? my copy?

The doctor looks over the signature. "Yes, that has all the information."

I turned my attention back to the boy.

"Lynx... can you hear me?"

Tillery returned putting the reader back into his pocket. "It's taken care of."

The doctor handed me a data disc as well, "This is the documented treatment schedule we used." Then he left the room to finalized the documents.

Lynx closed his eyes.

"Tillery," I asked "is he safe to move?"

"He is. He's stabilized, the bullet is gone and he's mending. Drugs will be his friend for a few days though."

Tillery looked me in the eye. "Do not feel guilty."

I nodded and slowly reached out to touch Lynx on the shoulder. "If I spent more time trying to find his parents this may not have happened...."

"And if you had more time, you could fix the 'verse. Concentrate on what you can do now."

A second doctor entered the room. She was dressed in hospital greens. I regained my focus and addressed my next question to her.

"Doctor, will there be any long term damage?"

She spoke with the authority of someone familiar with the case. Perhaps the surgeon. "The bullet is lodged close to his spine. There is no damage to his spinal cord or anything of that nature."

"And the lung, is there a danger of it collapsing?" I asked.

Lynx opened his eyes again slowly, feeling the effects of the medications.

The second doctor continued, "We were able to repair the damage but it would have been too risky to remove the bullet. In cases like this, there's always a chance of lung damage or the possibility of it collapsing."

I nodded at the surgeon's remarks.

I looked at Tillery, "So I'm a legal guardian it seems...."

"I think I'm there with you," he replied.

"Not how I planned my day," I said truthfully.

Tillery gave a rueful smile.

I looked at the notes Lynx had in his pocket. It was a detailed transcript of a conversation. Disturbing details of the organ trade. Using an albino for transport as the immune system is weak.

He looked up at me.

I nodded with a tight smile, "Good work cadet."

"Listened." he explained softly and pointed toward the notes.

"You rest up," I replied, "When you are stronger, we can talk about these. Your first job is to get stronger."

Lynx nodded and closed his eyes.

"If you need anything," said the second doctor, "please come and find me. Remember he needs to stay flat and try not to move."

"Thank you Doctor," I said. She turned and left the room.

"I will have to go too. Tillery," I added, "we will need to meet later."

Lynx whispered something about a ship.

"Alright," said Tillery, "We have a lot to talk about."

I leaned closer to Lynx. "A ship?"

Lynx whispered, "Jade.....Unlikely to Fly."

"Unlikely to Fly.... is that a ship?"

He nodded slowly.

"And Jade is the albino in danger?"

He nodded again.

"I could ask around," offered Tillery.

I nodded, "That would help. The UAP Marshall should be informed too. Cyrano Ishtari."

Local law enforcement should be involved.

"Lynx. You get stronger. When it is safe we will move you to a better hospital."

Lynx nodded faintly drifting off. I patted him gently on the arm.

"I better go." I said quietly to Tillery.

-----

Back on the street, in front of the hospital.

"Do you need a lift anywhere?"

"No," I replied, "I think I will walk back to my ship.... this was unexpected."

"We do need to talk. And soon. About Ardra."

"Yes...and Lily."

"Then you know?"

"How is she holding up?" I asked.

"I think the barriers are breaking down. A few days ago, I was talking with Lily. Then her eyes actually flashed red and a different voice from her mouth said, 'Hello, Tillery.'"

I shook my head. "She needs to get that AI out of her head... it represents a danger in about three different ways."

"Then be careful of Cody. He has zero trust of anyone in the UAP Military."

I nodded, "A lot of that going around these days."

"Be careful. There's a lot of people on that moon very protective of Lily. And I'm one of them."

"I don't plan to be the one to remove it." Do it wrong and it could leave her severely brain damaged. She needed someone with the right expertise to make the extraction.

"Seana is good people though."

"Seana...the mayor?" I met her once last year.

"Yes. And Lily's adoptive parent. And Cody recently asked Lily to marry him."

I raised my eyebrows, "I did not realize that about the Mayor."

"There's a lot with the Mayor most people don't know," he added cryptically.

"Interesting. ..." I replied. "Well, I should go... we will talk soon." I needed to walk alone with my thoughts.

"Oh, one more thing before you go," called Tillery as I began to turn away, "I ran into another old friend."

"Oh?"

"...and she remembers nothing."

"Who are we talking about?" I asked.

"Mikie."

I rocked back a bit on my heals.

He continued, "Not me, not Shadow, not the battle, not how she was at the trial."

"She remembers nothing."

"Nada," replied Tillery.

I shook my head as I connected the dots. "And then she doesn't realize there is a federal warrant out on her."

"No," he confirmed "but some independent captains took her in. I don't know where she is now."

"That's fine... she is safer off the radar." She may be our best witness as to who was in the conspiracy if those memories were buried and not erased.

"Want me to ask around?"

"Yes," I replied.

We bid each other farewell and Tillery returned to his car. I turned and walked away down the dirty street, alone, as the evening fell on Eavesdown Docks.

Botany Bay (Part Two)

April 24 - Botany Bay

"Why did you think to call me here?" I asked.

"Well.. I figure that you could help.. that you had access to such as the virus.. or the research into their technology."

"How did you hear of me?"

"You know Pluto? Pluto Kozlov?"

"Yes I do."

"She mention you as friend of Brooke and Tillery."

I nodded, "How is Pluto since the trial?"

"She is fine. Her (birth) day is today. I am sure she is celebrating on Paquin. She feels cursed and not willing to leave (the island)."

"She mentioned that you might want to talk about the night of the arrest, the night you were injured."

"She did?"

I checked my notes.

"Well," she began, "I was glad to hear that that Wirefly fellow is gone."

"Oh?"

"Machine gunned in two in his own office? Da. Is bastard that hire me for that job."

As we talked, Serus made her quiet way along the shoreline and disappeared up one of the alleys between buildings.

"Tell me about it," I invited.

Svetlana whispered, "When I get shot?"

"Yes."

She sighed, "Well, things were quiet and I figure would be good idea to do another job. There was security job I hear about. It was this Wirefly guy. He hire security detail for this new factory out on rim. He say be at tarmac here at such and such a place. I get there, they give uniforms and weapons and say, 'We are to do training exercise. We use blanks. The other side knows. You are to take back a building.' I am like, this is kind of weird, but, if all is using blanks, is okay."

"Blanks," I repeated.

"Da, we were given blanks. We drop to surface. The ramp drops. It Bootleggers.. Karesho! is fun.. mebbe some vodka afterwards."

I chuckled.

"I get in door. Cody is coming down stairs."

"Cody Winterwolf," I clarified.

"I open up on him.... I fired first...da.. I want to make that clear."

"Okay," I said.

"He is not fault. I shot first. He fire second. I fire blank. He fire real bullet. I get hit in shoulder. I am like stop! 'Stop! wait a second!!!'That is when flash bang go off and they grab bartender. They leave me behind, mebbe thinking I am dead. I wake. Cody is all kinds of upset. Cody had every right to shoot me."

"So Cody shot you," I prompted.

"After I shot first," she said clearly.

"You don't blame him then," I said.

"He had no idea about training exercise. You see someone trying to kill you, you have every right to try to kill them right back. He had no idea they were blanks."

I nodded, "Then what happened?"

"He see silly grinning duva suska unloading sub machine gun in his direction. He returned fire. They are mad at first and I am too. But they patch me up after I explain."

"Why do you think you were issued blanks?" I asked.

"I find out it big Alliance operation to arrest the bartender for bombing Londinium ..well. so we would be body count. We had military style uniforms."

"You think they intended for you to be killed."

"Would be big news.... 'So many soldiers were killed trying to arrest bartending nuclear terrorist.'... well yes..."

"So for the optics alone... you were to die."

Svetlana Pleides whispered "You think of other reason? But if this was legitimate arrest, why use big amateur muscle like me? Why not use your own Sheriffs, or Marines?"

"An interesting point," I conceded, "How did it make you feel?

"Sore...was only flesh wound. It impacted my shoulder blade."

"It could have been much worse as you said," I said.

"Well da...but on bright side.. Cody is always getting shot himself.. was his turn finally."

I chuckled.

"That week.. I was also on Caliban, fighting reavers..Oh.. and at end of that week... was at Shadow.. when it...." Svetlana Pleides shivered.

I placed a 9 mm bullet on the bar. It was the bullet from the Wirefly crime scene.

"Is this yours?" I asked.

Svetlana Pleides stared at the bullet. She picked it up and looked at it.

"Is bullet," she remarked, "9 millimeter. I use 45 rounds.. find it better stopping power."

"Yes," I agreed "a 45 will get the job done."

"Hey...Cody uses 9s"

She looked at the bullet again carefully.

"Is this my bullet?" she asked and looked at me curiously.

I began, "You can plead guilty for a reduced charge. Given the circumstances and the fact that you have offered to assist in the matter of the beaten slave girl, I am certain that the Federal Attorney will pursue a lesser charge."

"Chevo? You can't think....."

"How did you know that Wirefly would be at Gateway Station?" I asked.

She looked at me incredulously, "You can't think... hunny....."

I smiled gently.

"I do not know who killed Wirefly," she answered, "but if I did... I would help them..but you can't believe I had anything to do with it."

The baby kicked. Svetlana rubbed her tummy.

"You have your baby to think of," I remarked.

"Exactly.. which is why I have been for the most part..stuck on this rock." She scrunched her face up trying to stop from laughing.

"Where were you on the night that Wirefly was killed?"

"Here, in Botany Bay."

"And what night was that?" I asked.

"From what I hear, 18 March."

"And how did you hear?" I probed.

"Umm.. I read...?? how did I hear...."

"The Cortex News story was a little shy on details, so I'm wondering how you heard it was Wirefly."

"We do get Cortex news... Grapevine," she answered with conviction, "I remember being very happy.. and that is why." She looked amused as if this is a big joke she is playing along.

I smiled gently, "Yes of course... you had been heard wanting to 'do great bodily damage' to the men who hired you on the night of the arrest."

"He tried to kill me," she replied, "Is not normal to want to kill him right back?"

"And did you?" I asked.

"So I have motive. I am only person in entire 'Verse who want him dead? I was not only survivor of that day for starters."

"Go on," I prompted.

"You really cannot be serious," she said and ran her hand over her swollen belly.

"I am only being so forward in this matter because you have shown a great concern for others." I held up the photo of the slave girl.

"No," she sighed, "I cannot honestly let you think that."

"Your cooperation will make things easier," I added.

"I did not kill that girl's chip out of concern for her. I did it solely to teach Conner a lesson. I knew he would just brain wipe her and rechip her.. but mebbe he understand reciprocity. She is not there any more."

"So what," I asked, "are you saying that revenge is your primary motivation?"

"Is not revenge," she said firmly, "Is only moral code that really work."

I nodded.

"Here is deal...you make rules.. any rules we have to live under.. you can make all of them, as long as I make one. Same rules apply to all."

I listened carefully.

"My one rule is that complete reciprocity. If you say it okay to eat pork for you, you cannot then say not okay for me."

"Fair enough," I gave her.

She continued, "If I shalt not kill you, you no kill me. You take my eye, you give me right to take yours. You have to stand up to hypocrites and power tripping egotistical.... MEN!"

"And so things are in perfect balance," I declared.

She grimaced at the last word. "Da," she replied, "otherwise bad guys run amok."

I held up the 9 mm bullet. "And this?' I asked, "Where is the balance?"

"Is a 9 mm bullet," she replied, "I think mine is aboard the Asgard.. is a new boat we are just moving aboard."

"Wirefly must die because of a shoulder injury?" I asked.

She grinned. "You are making a big assumption here. You find this with him?"

I did not answer. Instead I slipped the bullet back into my breast pocket.

Meanwhile, Svetlana Pleides tried to hold back the smile.

"I have kept you busy long enough," I said. She had enough to think about.

"Nyet is just..."

"Go on," I prompted.

"I am sorry but look at me."

"Yes?"

"I am pregnant.. 6 months now...."

"Wirefly was an old man in a wheelchair," I replied. She would have been four and a half months along at the time of the murder. Hardly incapacitating.

"I, what... smuggled a Tommy gun in with my belly? Waddled up to his office..and shot him in two? and waddled away?"

"He was killed with a 45." Three shots. Hardly requiring carting a machine gun anywhere.

Sveltana laughed merrily, "Da. Tommy gun uses 45's... so do 1911 pistols is one reason..."

She did not finish the sentence.

"Oh!" She held a finger up, smiling, "But seriously.. this is really funny.. I do have alibi for March 18th? you say?"

"You need to rest I'm sure..." I said. I would handle the matter of alibi later.

"Nyet," she replied, "I rest too much."

"We can talk about this further..."

"No, really you can stay we can talk all you want."

"...but please," I added, "think about what I said about cooperation."

"First off, I am innocent. I agree I have motive, but come now, isn't it a bit... silly?"

"Silly? The man who tried to have you killed just for a body count?"

"My doctor and Mistress both forbid me from engaging in gun fights while pregnant. No, the silly idea is that fat duva like me would be involved."

"Of course," I replied sarcastically, "I'm sure no jury would convict you. No one was ever sent to jail pregnant."

"...besides which, this colony is outside Alliance jurisdiction."

"Exactly," I agreed. It only added to the appearance of guilt.

"You are not going to railroad me and take Ana away." Svetlana Pleides got a very cold look in her eye.

I smiled, "Why would I do that?"

"I have no idea. Why did your people hire me to arrest a damn bartender? Why did you wait till I was two steps aboard Shadow highport when you shot it out of the sky!"

"Go on," I said. Show me your rage. Let's see what the jury will see.

She turned fierce and poked me in the chest. "You tell ME? Why you want to mess with me at all?"

"Is that why Wirefly had to die?" I countered.

"Just because I want him dead, and I make no bones about it.. you think I do it," she said in a whisper.

"No," I corrected, "I think you did it because of this bullet. It's an old bullet... with old blood. It represents an old wound. A memory, and as such, leaving it at the crime scene, that's a message. Balance."

"Assuming it is my bullet.... all that means is I have friend."

"You have a good evening Ms. Pleides," I said and turned to go.

As I left the bar, Svetlana Pleides shouted, "I really hope you do not catch him!"

Botany Bay (Part One)

April 24 - Botany Bay

"He cannot go where he lists; he who is not of nature has yet to obey some of nature's laws — why we know not. He may not enter anywhere at the first, unless there be some one of the household who bid him to come; though afterwards he can come as he please." - Bram Stoker, Dracula

-------------------

Botany Bay was nothing like I had imagined it. When I heard of the relaxed laws concerning slavery, I expected to find a place dark and gloomy. Cries of despair down long, dark corridors.

Instead, it was sunny and bright. The leaves of the trees whispering in the wind.

Granted the buildings were of a uniform rust colour, giving the appearance of airlifted, prefabricated structures dropped in rows to accommodate a sudden growth in population.

But the corridors of despair must be elsewhere.

I landed outside of the colony itself and walked into the settlement. As it was my first trip here, I wanted to get a sense of the terrain.

I walked through the wide streets until I came to a stone column carved with writing. The path circled around it.

Svetlana Pleides, well into her pregnancy, was standing near the column. She was talking to a woman distinctly feline in appearance. "I do feel fat.. and swollen and my skin is..."

"Hello," I interrupted.

The feline woman glanced up as I approached and nodded in greeting, "Hey there..."

"Hello.. umm," hesitated Svetlana.

"Ms. Pleides," I acknowledged.

"Hello there," she answered, "I know you.... Major Siamendes."

The feline woman silently watched us, her large, furry ears perking in curiosity.

Svetlana Pleides herself looked a bit spooked and nervous.

"Yes," I began, "You called me about a problem."

"OH.. OH!!!!"she cried and breathed a sigh of relief, her hand going to her forehead.

Regaining her composure she continued, "The problem we were able to solve otherwise."

I took the moment to acknowledge the other woman. "Ma'am," I said with a nod.

"Serus... I'm just Serus." the cat creature introduced herself. Her voice was low, quiet and somewhat scratchy.

"Hello Serus," I replied.

"Sorry where are my manners," added Ms. Pleides.

"What problem did you call her for Svet?" asked Serus.

"This is Major Siamendes," she introduced me. She then went on to explain, "The ... girl, C______'s girl, had an organic chip. I was looking for means to kill, for virus to serve as EMP."

"Mmmm..." Serus looked at me, "the man she's talking about has a warrant out for his arrest and has fled the Bay, probably permanently. Though that poor, brainless twit who follows him around is kind of screwed. There's not much we can do for her now. She's gone with him."

"We find virus that targeted the biochip ..umm elsewhere. Mistress found. She is, is real tragic.."

I nodded, "So the chip was rendered inactive but the girl followed him after all?"

"The girl actually followed me," said Ms. Pleides, "with one of those Japanese pole ax. She went nuts."

"Were you injured?" I asked.

"Me?" asked Svetlana, "nyet. He does not treat his girl very well, so I was able to out waddle her."

"He doesn't treat anyone very well," added Serus, "I saw the inside of his head. Not a fun place."

"Was this girl from 34 Tauri originally?" I asked and therefore part of my business.

"Pepper? Can I get you something to eat or drink?" inquired Svetlana.

"Sure ... something to drink would be fine."

I followed her to a open air tavern just off the path. The bar was well stocked. The open side of the enclosure faced the ocean.

"I have no idea." Svetlana answered my question, "she appeared human."

"Water would be good," I said as I settled onto a bar stool, "I'm just out of Al Raqis."

With a shout, Sveltana invited Serus to join us.

"Thank you," I said as I took the bottle. "So how is your shoulder?"

"My shoulder?" she inquired.

I sipped from my water.

"She got no where near my shoulder."

"Yes..you were shot in the shoulder the day that Sentry Swashbuckler and Mikie Rhiadra were captured."

Svetlana Pleides blinked, "That was.... that was months ago.. that was.. before Christmas.. da.."

I waited for a reply.

"Yeah. Is all healed now."

"Yes," I acknowledged, "Some wounds go deep though."

"Well, when it rains, it hurt some, but is okay. Is not life threatening," she grinned. "I had almost forgot.. so much has happened since then."

I smiled, "Oh?"

Svetlana Pleides turned and showed her belly proudly.

Serus entered the tavern and Svetlana addressed her, "Serus.. can I get you something?"

I smiled warmly, "Wonderful, when are you due?"

"24 May..."

"Fast approaching then."

"Da.... I cannot wait.. I am just so happy."

Serus paced about nearby. She seemed to be listening with half an ear but mostly watching the water. It took her a few moments to respond to the question, but then she shook her head "I'm fine."

"So your shoulder injury, where did you get it treated?" I probed.

"Oh, there on Maclaren. I think it was JJ that treat."

She searched her bag and handed over a picture of herself and an injured young woman. I examined the photo and raised an eyebrow, "This was the girl with the chip?"

"Da," she answered and proceeded to relate the story.

It seems that the young woman had once been married. Her husband was a doctor, according to the slaver at least, and had contracted some sort of infection. she killed him to save a planet. Twisted with guilt she then submitted herself to this man C________ and the abuse that followed.

C________ himself appears to be self-employed as a slaver and mercenary. It was with him that Ms. Pleides had her grudge.

When C_________ arrived in town a month or so ago he took an immediate dislike to Sveltana's captain and mistress. The captain had survived a reaver attack several years ago, if survive is the right word. Now the majority of her body is synthetic.

"He is robo-phobe," explained Svetlana Pleides, "and get strange idea that Mistress is using an electronic devise to control me. He have machine to kill any electronics and demanded he use it on me. At first, sure, no problem. Then I think, Hey! this could be bad thing to Ana. I mean is not worth threat to my baby, da?"

"True," I acknowledged.

"Thank you, but he is man. He does not have clue."

"You wouldn't want to do anything that could harm your child," I stated.

"DA!!!" she exclaimed and gestured wildly as if thanking the 'Verse for someone who is listening, as if she has made these same points again and again.

Regardless, in the interest of being a good neighbor she had offered to show him around a ship she was building. It was on that tour that he had secretly exposed her to the radiation of his machine for a full ten minutes.

"How did you react then?" I asked.

"Okay.. I bide my time." She trembled with rage as she recalled the incident.

"You waited," I noted.

"I not tell Mistress because I thought that Mistress would nuke the colony. I talk her down once, not sure I want to do again. Da. I wait. I fume. I go to doctor three days later, make sure Ana is okay. No harm, no foul. Then he brings in this.... well you see. He brings in this ... girl. Is sad, pathetic story that frankly does not add up."

In the time that followed, Svetlana had discovered the type of organic control chip that C______ used and that there was a virus that had been developed to free people infected by these chips.

Before Departure

April 24 - House Zenobia, Al Raqis

The next morning I received a call from a friendly voice.

"Greetings Major."

"Hello Lynx," I replied, "Are you keeping well?"

"It has been some time. Yes. I had to do some travelling near the core, to transport a rare item."

"Oh that's sounds exciting," I said pleasantly. It was good to hear that he was keeping busy.

"It was. Gems are wondrous things. When put with similar items they blend in very well."

"A gem?" I asked, a little surprised, "Did the job go well?"

"It did," he answered, "Although there was a small question on my ID. Having no surname left them questioning if it was indeed legitimate."

I sighed, "Still no luck tracking down your family..." The truth was I hadn't poured all the resources into the search that I could have.

Lynx nodded, "I understand. There are many things on the wind."

"Your friend Calina is from Sihnon," I began, "I wonder if she would have some luck."

"I have not asked her," he replied, "I would think you would have superior luck."

"I'm still working on it."

Lynx nodded once more, "There is an interesting development. Something you may find....intriguing. x0x0 Zhangsun approached me recently to find out information on a woman called Mercedes Celestalis. I am aware of the rivalry between the two conglomerates."

"A dangerous woman," I remarked, "well, both of them in their own way."

"Yes," he acknowledged, "Ms. Zhangsun wants information. She wishes to pay me for any I might glean in my travels. I have been to Necronom once and found it..... unpleasant.

"It is a unpleasant place," I agreed.

"Yes, and quite dangerous."

"Why do you think she is asking about Ms Celestalis?" I asked.

Lynx looked at the screen thinking, "It may be any number of possibilities. A few of which includes removing the rival."

I chuckled quietly.

"Don't get caught in the middle of anything Lynx," I warned.

"I am hoping it will not resort to that."

"Mercedes Celestalis does not strike me as a woman who would be unprepared," I mused.

"I quite agree. She is rarely seen from what I have gathered. Also, I spoke with the synth... Genetic construct LilyBell."

"How is she doing?" I asked. It was not an idle question. I felt it important to monitor any changes Deputy Snoodle might display while she carried the Ardra AI.

"She said the new Blue Sun facility is not finished as yet. Her ID card wasn't working. I assume it might be easy to access the computers. However their feeds are working. She appears well."

"Did she mentioned Ardra?"

Lynx frowned a bit, "No. Who or what is Ardra?"

"Just keep an ear open for that name.... but don't ask anyone directly."

He nodded again, "I'll look into it, but cautiously."

"Good. Stay safe Lynx..."

"I will," he replied.

"...and that means clear of Mercedes Celestalis."

The boy hesitated, then agreed, "Yes Major. I will avoid her."

"Why the hesitation Lynx?" I asked.

I could see on my screen that Lynx looked down at the table, "My intent was to talk to her about her feelings on Blue Sun," he said.

"On behalf of Ms. Zhangsun?"

"Not really," he replied, "More my own curiosity. Let's say I felt insulted by Ms Zhangsun when we spoke. I don't think Ms. Celestalis will be any different."

"To say the least," I said. I shuddered to think of Lynx walking into that charnel house.

"We can talk about this further," I added, "if your heart is set on undercover work." Oddly enough, I found myself hoping the lad would choose a different path.

"Perhaps. I have noticed very few people take me seriously. Most likely due to my age. Though even I don't know it."

"We will find your family Lynx. I promise."

Lynx nodded, looking into the feed.

"I must go now," I said reluctantly, "I have to meet someone."

"Alright, Major."

"We will see each other soon," I promised. I had no idea at the time how true that would be.

"Thank you for your time this evening. Yes."

It was my turn to nod quietly. I am sure I could not hide my concern.