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.