The Confession of Svetlana Pleides (Part Two)

July 24 - Paquin

"I think that about covers things," I said, "I have the weapon you used and the suit you wore. There is a clerk from the Prosecutor's office who can review details of Witness Protection with you."

"Da," acknowledged Svetlana, "but again.. frangibles don't do well with ballistics anyway...and the suit, you wanted the boots."

"I am here," said a new voice. Putting out her cigarette, Cat Massenberg entered the room.

With Svetlana's allocution of the facts surrounding the case completed, we could now move on to the other items on the agenda.

"Thanks for showing up devushka," greeted Svetlana.

Baby Anastasia was also clearly pleased to see Cat, enjoying all the kissy faces she received.

"No worries Miss," replied Cat.

Svetlana handed her the child.

More chairs arrived, followed by an Alliance trooper checking on the building.

It was Macarthur. He nodded towards me.

I returned the nod.

Svetlana tensed up, and Tillery looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

I did not comment. Instead, I returned to Svetlana's earlier remark, "You asked about why we wanted your weapon."

"Da, frangibles are useless for ballistics," she repeated.

"In effect, you are turning yourself in to the authorities," I explained, "and in return you are being granted full immunity and witness protection in exchange for your assistance should your testimony become needed against those responsible for the actions on Shadow."

She nodded, "And a new suit! You take my old one. I need replacement. Without boots, space suit is useless. Without suit, I am grounded, ...that is not good."

Anastasia frowned a little, perhaps because she wanted some attention.

"The witness protection program will include a stipend," I added, "to help you and your family start a new life."

"A Dragos. Not one of those cheap Jeppensens, where you need replace the seals every quarter!"

"Certainly," I agreed. It was a small request in the big picture.

"The stipends... will probably not be necessary," she added.

"As you wish. You are entitled to start up money at least."

Svetlana smiled, "Well, if we must take it."

The baby must have liked Mummy's smile because suddenly she seemed happy to try talking. No more quiet!

My investigation was now concluded. "I am sure someone here from the court would be better to discuss the details with you if you would like. I can only say it can be difficult leaving an old life behind."

Svetlana sighed, "Not especially..."

Cat Massenberg smiled at the remark.

Glancing at Tillery, Svetlana continued, "I... I am in some trouble in Botany Bay.. getting out would be a good idea..."

Tillery just sighed heavily.

"Long story short," she said, "I am doing time for fomenting the most inept slave revolt in history, and being public annoyance."

"I had heard about the revolt," I acknowledged.

Anastasia relaxed and settled down quietly.

Svetlana planted her face in her palms, "Was not.. was not much of a revolt.. but the authorities there have no sense of humor nor is the idea of freedom of speech well respected."

Tillery just shook his head.

"A girl got hurt," added Svetlana, "I got upset. I was shooting off my mouth, and the authorities there....Well, is of no matter for now.."

"The papers we will be providing you," I informed them, "for both you and your child, will be genuine and matched to your biometrics."

"And Cat here," reminded Svetlana.

"They will be new identities," I explained, "Not false ones."

"Karesho, karesho..," she replied.

I nodded. "Do either of you have any questions?"

Svetlana sighed heavily, "I have to ask why you did not contact me earlier.. or Kepten Valiant..."

Did she mean as witness to the events on Shadow?

"Faith is still at large," I replied, "although a warrant has been issued for his arrest."

She tensed up, "You have to find him first."

She understood the danger.

"And," I added, "we are interested in those for whom he acted. Crimes such as the bombardment of Shadow are never that act of one man."

"Faith is acting for someone?" she asked, "I thought he was behind it! The destruction of Shadow, I thought Wirefly worked for him. At least three ships..."

"Wirefly was part of it," I allowed, "We are certain."

"That I only find out later," she continued, "I didn't realize Wirefly was connected to Shadow's bombing."

"The truth will come out eventually," I said.

"Da," she smiled mischievously, "after you and I are dead and buried."

I sighed but with a smile, "Then someone else will continue the work."

I was supremely confident of this for I knew that I was part of something larger than myself.

Svetlana nodded, her own smile fading.

The baby appeared to be getting tired once again.

"Anything else we can do for you?" I asked charitably.

"Uh.. nyet.. not that I am knowing..not that I can think of.." Then she asked, "Oh.. by the way, how is Lynx doing?"

"Lynx?" I asked. Her question caught me completely off guard.

"He is fine thank you. Recovering well," I frowned a little and looked at Tillery.

"Karesho, karesho," she replied. "Glad to hear. I know he was pretty banged up."

"Did Tillery tell you about him?" I asked her the question but at the same time looked at Tillery for a response.

"Uh... I, uh... was it you?" asked Svetlana, "or Shepherd Cursa?"

"What about him specifically?" asked Tillery.

"That he was injured," I said, still puzzled.

"In Eavesdown," added Svetlana, "Pretty badly... as I recall."

"Yes," I confirmed, "He was shot in the back."

"Oh yeah.. but it miss his spine, da?"

"Yes, that's right."

Svetlana Pleides just nodded.

I could hear other voices in the hall as court officials began to arrive.

"Well," I concluded, "if there is nothing else."

Svetlana turned to look at Ana in Cat's arms, "I cannot think of anything else."

Cat Massenberg whispered, "Would you like her back Miss?"

"Da.." Svetlana held out her arms. Anastasia was delighted with this new development.

"Good luck to you both," I said, as we all rose from our chairs.

"Too much purple," mumbled Cat as she looked around.

"Hush devushka," said Svetlana, "Be nice."

Cat replied, "Yes Miss."

-----

Trooper Gage Macarthur met me in the lobby. Svetlana and Cat lingered upstairs.

"Major."

"Trooper."

Tillery left the elevator tube and passed us on the way to the exit. He nodded at Macarthur.

"Sir," replied Gage respectfully.

"I'll talk to you later, Pepper," said Tillery.

"Yes Tillery," I replied.

He climbed into his waiting limousine and sped away. I watched him leave.

"How'd the confession go Ma'am?" It was Macarthur asking.

"It went well," I admitted. By the book, in fact. Still...

Macarthur nodded.

"That closes the Wirefly murder," I said finally.

I always feel a little empty after a case has closed. In some ways, there is no substitute for the thrill of the hunt.

To the casual observer, it might look as though Svetlana Pleides got away with murder.

She did not regret her actions. That was irrelevant. That sort of theatre is for the courtroom anyway.

But no, she admitted to her guilt and handed herself over to the authorities. She agreed to cooperate with her case and in the case against Faith. In addition, she answered some key questions about Wirefly.

In return, she has been returned to the protection of the State.

The State is satisfied.

And as for my own concerns, it meant that now Svetlana Pleides, witness to the crimes of Shadow, was back in circulation. Instead of hiding out in a distant location far away from traffic, she was travelling the Verse on a new Alliance passport. Going places no uniform can go.

And that meant another pair of eyes in the hunt for William Faith.