Good Medicine (Part Two)

September 10 - Spinwheel City, Paquin

-----

The door of the club swung open.

"Hello Officer!" called Beeflin, "How's it?"

I looked up and smiled as Ceasar walk in. The room seemed suddenly brighter.

Ceasar saw where we were standing and straightened himself a little. "Hello, Major."

This was the first time I had seen him in his new uniform. He looked very dashing.

Brooke stepped forward and introduced herself.

"Hello, sir," she said with a smile, "Just the man I wanted to see. You seem to have a friend of mine in jail, and I'd like to post bail, only there doesn't seem to be one."

"No jail or no friend?" asked Ceasar.

"No bail," she answered with a frown. "Seems they want to keep him for a while. Questions about associates and such."

"I can direct you to the city security building," replied Ceasar, "Who's the friend?"

"His name is Doctor Webster Spenser."

"Ceasar," I interrupted, "Brooke is a friend from my days at the academy."

"Oh. Really," remarked Ceasar. He glanced at her manner of dress. No uniform.

Brooke smiled. "Yes, I was a pilot for many years. You can say I'm retired now."

"A fine pilot," I added, "The best in fact." I couldn't let that go.

"That I don't believe," she laughed.

"Well, it's true..." I insisted.

"I'm not sure if I've seen you in town before," remarked Ceasar.

"Probably not," answered Brooke, "I usually just do my pick ups and leave."

"There's enough traffic and trade here for that," he said as a matter of fact.

She tilted her head. "So, as for the bail. I don't mind paying you directly, sir. Just to speed things up."

"I'll have to check with the DA," he replied, "but shouldn't be a problem."

She smiled a bit. "I understand."

It was an instructional moment. What Brooke just did could have been interpreted as an attempted bribe. Ceasar was either giving her the benefit of the doubt or giving her some space on the matter.

"In case Pepper didn't tell you," he said, "I'm actually in charge of the police in Spinwheel proper."

"Wonderful," She gave a little nod. "Then, when can I expect him out? He has some ... product I need to pick up."

Ceasar caught the pause in her statement. "What kind of product?" he asked.

Brooke smiled. "Medicine for my children."

"We could head over to the Hall of Justice now, Brooke," I suggested, "if you would like."

I wanted to see where this was going.

"That would be wonderful Pepper," she answered, "if you don't mind."

"My cruiser is just outside," said Ceasar. "And we can easily get the medicine from the hospital," he added, "No reason your children need to suffer."

----

"Well, this is nice," I declared.

Ceasar's patrol hover-cruiser floated just outside the tavern. It was brightly coloured. A blue and yellow checked pattern along the side.

"This ain't a Rim moon," he replied.

Brooke climbed into the seat next to Ceasar. The vehicle bobbed as it adjusted to our added weight. I sat in the back. And I must add, I have never seen the rear seat in a police cruiser look so clean.

The vehicle rose vertically into the air until we had cleared all obstacles. Then a forward motion, and we made a gentle curve towards the park.

"There's the courthouse," pointed Ceasar, "but the jail is in the security building here."

We glided above the street and trees. The ride was smooth and fast. The security building, standing before us, sparkled in the afternoon sun.

----

Ceasar led the way to his new office.

"Wonderful view..." I said as I looked out the wide windows to the mountains beyond. This was a serious upgrade from the utilitarian space on the bottom floor of the courthouse.

"Not bad," he agreed, "Though your office has a better one."

I laughed. "Yes it does," I admitted with a smile.

Brooke joined us at the window. "I think I prefer places a little less civilized." She laughed.

"Well, I can rough it," Ceasar replied, "but nice not to have to. Besides, this is Paquin. Civilized can be relative."

Brooke nodded. "I'm an in-the-Black sort of girl." She then frowned and looked down. "So, as for my friend. I'd like to get the paperwork as soon as possible." She looked up and smiled. "And though I am quite happy to get medicine from the local hospital, I am sure I'll need quite a bit more."

"By the way, Brooke," I interrupted, "before we get busy with other things, I need to contact someone. Cursa Charisma."

"The ex-monk? Yes, I know him. He's been leading an ..... organization."

"Could you get word to him?" I asked, "that I would like to meet him?"

"Of course. I know many places that he haunts." She smiled. "May I ask ...? Oh never mind." She gave a little laugh.

Ceasar excused himself. "If you'll pardon me, I'll go see about letting him out. What's the medicine you need? The hospital is next door."

"Antibiotics," she answered. "Poor little ones."

She was pouring it on.

"I'll get them ordered," replied Ceasar, "just in case."

She frowned. "Right, just in case..."

"Feel free to use my office, Pepper," he said. Then, with a nod to us both he headed down the hall.

"Thank you Ceasar," I said.

The door closed behind him.

"He is a good man..." I began.

Brooke shook her head. "I don't trust him."

"...an honest man," I continued.

"Exactly," she said frowning a bit, "Never trust a completely honest man. They're hiding something."

"The truth always comes out, Brooke," I said with confidence. It was true for murder cases. It was true for people.

She smiled. "I just hope after I'm dead." She leaned against the window. "We're not the same as we used to be, are we?"

"No. We are not. We have both seen the evil that men can do. You left the service and I turned ruthless."

"I guess I could ask you to come with me again..." She sighed. "Not sure I'd call you ruthless, but you are a bit of a ha_rdass." She said with a wink.

I smiled, "I won't ask you to re-enlist. Just to remember to try to change things from the inside. As for Mr. Charisma, I'm interested in meditation techniques for those with memory blocks. You can tell him that."

She raised an eyebrow. "I see. Interrogation technique?"

"No actually... for one, my young ward, Lynx, can't remember his past."

After that we will see.

"Oh? You mean you're not trying to get to the bottom of a crime?" Then it sunk in. "You... Oh.... Lynx? You took him in?" She smiled a bit.

"Well," I began, "to answer your first question, I am worried that Lynx's memory loss is tied to a crime."

"Most likely," Brooke agreed.

"...but am concerned that if I started to ask around using my usual channels that it could put him at risk."

"It's gonna take a while," said Ceasar as he entered the room, "but he'll be released in a few."

"Thank you..." Brooke said with a smile and a sigh of relief.

"It will be a few hours though," he added, "If you're in a rush, you can get the meds next door."

Brooke shook her head. "No, I'll just wait." She ran her hand over the window pane. "Get much time among the stars, Captain?"

"I used to," replied Ceasar, "I served with Pepper for a while. Paquin happens to be my homeworld. After I discharged, I returned here."

Brooke nodded and smiled. "She's amazing isn't she..." She looked at me again. "So, how is the Faith investigation going?"

"Nothing to add about William Faith," I admitted, "You were married to him. Where do you think he would go if he needed to hide?"

"I don't know. Beaumonde perhaps?" she said then shook her head. "I heard him mention it once."

"Beaumonde," I repeated, "Good. I'll make some inquiries."

"You were married to Faith?" asked Ceasar.

Brooke nodded. "I knew him as Tee, but yes. We had two children."

"Oh God," uttered Ceasar.

"It's a long story..." she muttered.

"I'm sorry," he added. We were on Paquin. Everyone here must have heard what happened at the wedding of William Faith. The shootings. The murder.

Brooke shrugged a bit. "I got myself into it. I thought he loved me." She frowned, pushing the matter aside. "Anyway. I should get a few things in order so I can make sure that the good doctor can get out without any problems."

"Brooke," I interrupted, "I just had a thought. Some of these big hospitals have an overabundance of medication and that means some of their stock gets awfully close to the expiry date."

"I'd be glad to take it off their hands," she smiled.

"Perhaps Ceasar can help you make the connection with the hospital here. You could get it out to the Rim where it could do some good."

"That would be quite useful," she replied, "if you wouldn't mind Captain. Perhaps we can talk tomorrow."

"Won't be a problem," replied Ceasar, "I can just let them know you're coming in fact. I'm essentially the chief of police for Spinwheel City. That comes in handy."

I looked at Brooke. "..and you will get word to Cursa Charisma?"

She nodded. "I will get the word, I promise."

Good Medicine (Part One)

September 10 - Spinwheel City, Paquin

"Home is where the heart is."

-----

34 Tauri.

I made landfall on Paquin orbiting Red Sun.

After weeks on Al Raqis, my knuckles felt swollen from the sudden humidity in the air. It was uncomfortable but the feeling would pass in a few days.

It was good to be.... home.

We relocated our Spinwheel offices one block to the north. Calling it a skyscraper would be an understatement. Any taller and I could park my shuttle and take the elevator to my ship.

It is the tallest building in town, and the balcony gives a commanding view of the city.

A fine place to do yoga.

-----

The duty officer at the police station informed me that Ceasar was out. She promised to get word to Ceasar to have him meet me. She suggested a small club over in Shuttleside, at the heart of the warehouse district.

Rough exterior. Rough neighborhood. Right next to the main cargo gate of the spaceport. I could only imagine the type of clientele.

I pushed the door open, my eyes adjusting to the dim light.

A man's voice. "Yeah... I'll do that. I must be getting old... I heard nothing but politics."

A woman's laugh.

Then a voice I recognized, "Just glad I'm not up for ....." It was Brooke. And standing next to her was Tillery Woodhen.

He looked up and waved, "Major."

Brooke stopped talking when she saw me. "Hello there..." she said biting her lip. "Fancy seeing you here..."

"Tillery. Brooke." I said. I looked around curiously. The other patrons I did not recognize.

The club itself was owned by Valiant Vuckovic and the Tri-V corporation. Svetlana Pleides mentioned "Kepten Val" was another survivor of Shadow. It would be useful to find out a little more about Captain Vuckovic in the event that we needed his testimony against Faith.

"Hey there, trooper," called a man with a smile, "How's it?" This man was handing out drinks. "Sorry Tillery, they only have Irish."

"This'll work," replied Tillery as he accepted the glass.

"Hello." I nodded.

The man handing out the drinks strode forward to shake hands. He had a nice smile.

"Registered Companion Beeflin, Ma'am."

I offered my hand, "Charmed."

"Not but three months out of Dakini Land academy," he added, "and looking for good clients... so please remember my name."

Brooke snickered while I laughed.

Beeflin turned back to Brooke, "I'm missing something, right?"

"Probably," remarked Tillery, "But don't worry, I don't know the details either."

"Well at least there's two of us out of the boat, Tillery," said the companion.

"I know Brooke from my academy days," I said as if that explained it all.

Brooke smiled. "Yes, I do have purple belly friends," she said with a nod putting the glass down. She then turned her attention to me. "Should I ask if this is a social call? Or did you just happen to be in this neck of the woods?"

I looked around the establishment, "I was actually looking for Police Captain Otsuka....but it is good to see old friends again."

She tilted her head. "Ah..... Can't say I've seen him, or any police since I got here."

Beeflin spoke up, "Brooke, can you introduce me? I don't think I've met this officer before..."

"I'm Major Siamendes of the Special Investigations Unit," I identified myself.

He clicked his heels. "Major. Can I get you a drink?"

"White wine, please."

Brooke blushed. "Sorry. I thought everyone knew Pepper," she added with a little laugh.

The wine arrived promptly. A chardonnay from the wine regions of Harvest.

"So, how goes the Alliance?" asked Brooke as she sipped her juice. "They come to their senses yet?"

Such a tease.

Before I could say something sobering and wise, Tillery spoke up.

"I need to get going," he said draining his whiskey glass. "Good to see you, Major....And whatever these two say about me, it's lies."

We all laughed.

-----

Tillery had left.

Beeflin was lounging in the background.

I sipped my wine and turned to my friend. "Brooke .. how have you been?"

Brooke bit her lip. "You want the truth? Or that everything is okay?" she asked with a little smile.

"The truth please," I answered, "if you are in trouble, perhaps I can help...."

She nodded, "Perhaps..."

"...Are the children okay?" I asked.

"Seems the Alliance arrested one of my contacts," she replied, "One that keeps me in the business of medicine for the outer rims. It's not one of my profitable businesses, but it is the one I care the most about."

I frowned slightly.

Beeflin drifted over to the jukebox.

"The kids are fine," she added, "They're still safe. I haven't heard a word from Tee or that g-ddamn family of his."

I nodded.

Beeflin moved perfectly to the music."Hey yeah!" he said aloud getting into the groove. It had a positive effect as Brooke tried not to giggle despite her somber mood. I found myself smiling.

"So, don't suppose you can help getting my contact out ..." She added quietly.

"It depends why he was arrested..." I began.

With a "Woo!" Beeflin slipped more money into the jukebox. There was no stopping him.

Brooke frowned. "Seems he had some problem with an officer regarding his papers for transporting goods."

"A simple transport violation?" I asked, "Where was he detained?"

"Here actually," she replied, "It's why I'm here..." She gave a nod. "Pepper, there are those out there that need the medicine, and with the Alliance taxes and regulations, they aren't getting what they need."

I was sympathetic. "If it just that his papers were out of order, there may be a fine. He should be released soon...."

"Papers and smuggling charges," she stated.

"Sounds like either there is more to his trade," I began, "or the arresting officer was throwing his weight around."

Brooke laughed.

"If it was here in this sector," I continued, "I recommend discussing the matter with Ceasar...er, Police Captain Otsuka...

Beeflin broke in unexpectedly, "And so the conversation comes full circle."

"You do realize what I do, right?" Brooke said with wink.

I ignored the wink. "Oh, you are in the transport business...." I sighed with a little smile, "a waste of a fine combat pilot I must add."

Still dancing, Beeflin continued to editorialize, "Actually, combat's a great way to waste anything and everything if you think about it.... Sorry, sorry, opinionated pacifist."

Brooke grinned at the Companion then sighed. "Perhaps. But after what happened to Sanders ..." she broke off. "We'll never see eye to eye on this ..." she said finally.

Inside the Directorate

August 18 - Al Raqis

Radar. Surface to air defenses. Barbed wire. An entrance to a bunker that no doubt could withstand quite the bombardment.

While they maintained offices and residences in Al Raqis, the United Systems Directorate had their secure compound at the edge of the desert near Splintered Rock. It was here that I had come to meet Lieutenant Colonel John Collins.

A meet and greet. A fact finding mission. Paving the way for possible cooperation between our two organizations.

-----

"Lt. Colonel Collins? My name is Major Siamendes of the Union of Allied Planets. I have been in correspondence with CI5.... they gave me your name as contact here on Al Raqis."

Lieutenant Colonel John Collins was a military man. Dressed in desert tan. Imposing stature. A red lens in place over his left eye.

"Ah yes," he answered, "I got your message. I also talked to one of your staff members."

"Captain Westminster?" I asked.

"Well," he replied, "if she was one of the Medical Corps that was examining the bodies, then yes."

"Yes, a fine officer."

Lt. Colonel Collins opened the gate.

"Thank you," I said as I entered the compound, "Is there somewhere we can talk?"

Somewhere out of the Sun.

"Yes," replied the Lt. Colonel, "Inside, Major, please follow me."

-----

"A fine base you have here Colonel," I remarked.

We entered the main doors and turned to the right.

We came to a second door.

Lt. Colonel Collins spoke. "Major, I am afraid I have to ask you for your weapon. Protocol says that non USD personnel has to give up their arms upon entering the base."

"Of course," I replied and unbuckled my sidearm.

"You will get the weapon back after we are done," he added. "Thank you."

-----

The command and control room was bustling with activity.

One of Collins' men, seated at a console, shook his head at the screen, "Oh, not freaking good."

A woman standing at a map board turned around. "Oh, hello," she said pleasantly.

I removed my sand goggles and mask, then nodded in reply.

"This is our Command Central," explained the Lieutenant Colonel, "from here, we can control the whole area." He looked at his man at the console. "What is it?" he asked.

The man sighed, "Been watching weather patterns out in the sand. We got a storm blowing into the deep. My bird won't be able to make it out there for a mining run."

Lt. Colonel Collins replied, "That is unfortunate, you can stay here for the duration of the storm."

"And it is from here," I asked, "that you picked up the unusual activity from the Guild Heighliner?"

"Well, you have to specify," replied the Lieutenant Colonel, "What is unusual to you?"

I elaborated, "Some time ago, our long range scans detected something emanating from the Heighliner. It was then that I contacted your CI5. Since then I have done some recon of my own...."

I produced one image from my recent reconnaissance.

"Hmm......." he replied as he looked at the photo.

"Some sort of spacial distortion," I said, "We were, of course, aware of your monitoring station in this area...as I am sure you are aware of our own activities," I added graciously.

That was the dance. Admit you both know everything. Even if we had to quickstep around the secrets, it gave us permission to speak.

"Yes, your activities are known to me as well as high command," the Lieutenant Colonel responded in kind.

"I am suggesting we might wish to share information, as it becomes available."

"Well, let's head to my office," he replied, "there we can discuss this matter more privately."

"Certainly."

The sand miner took a stylus out of an arm pocket, unfolded a data slate, and walked over to the big map.

-----

"Well, Major, what do you think this anomaly was or is?" Lt. Colonel Collins paused. "Oh and I do hope my images that I hung on my walls are not offending you."

He was referring to three pictures on his office walls showing women in various states of being out of uniform.

I dismissed the matter. "I've been a soldier from many years now," I answered.

I returned to the topic at hand.

"As for the distortion," I continued, "I am no scientist....you can see from the image that it appears that the light is bending within the cone itself."

"Yes," answered the Lieutenant Colonel, "but I think your military researchers certainly had a look into this, didn't they?"

I did not answer directly. "I am involved as part of a criminal investigation," I explained.

Lt. Colonel Collins composed his answer, "Okay Major, what you see on this image is, in fact, a wormhole of some kind. If the data is correct, then this wormhole was created by the ship to have a smaller ship travel to a certain point in the galaxy, at least that is what we can tell from the gathered data. How does that wormhole phenomenon fit into your criminal investigation?"

I frowned, turning the information over and over. "It doesn't seem to directly, I will admit. The owner of that ship was, however, involved in the transportation of stolen antiquities and, as likely, illegal biological material."

"What kind of antiquities and what kind of biological material?" he asked, "I can only act if there is a direct threat to this or any other facility of the USD on this planet."

"I am not suggesting any action beyond your mandate," I assured him, "The antiquities have been recovered in fact. I would like to suggest however that we establish a mechanism, as it were, to share any further information in the event that our interests coincide.... For example, I have noticed some of your posters have been marked by a red hand print. I can have my team make inquiries."

"Ah the Marauders," he remarked, "No idea how they fit into the picture." He paused. "Okay Major, but maybe you start to tell me the full story, because I can't figure this one out. From what I know, one of your researchers gets killed shortly after someone obliterates Shadow from orbit, because of some suspects that escaped from a show trial. I also want to add that I was on Shadow at the time when the bombs fell."

"Shadow," I repeated. "I am investigating the war crimes that took place there. Perhaps you would be available to make a statement... at another time of course."

"I did," he answered, "the whole USD did. They condemned the actions that happened on Shadow."

I nodded. I had seen the public statements made by the USD.

"We currently have an arrest warrant out for Commander William T. Faith," I said, "the man responsible for the bombardment of Shadow.

"Any picture of him? Maybe he came through here."

"A picture? Indeed." I began to search for a picture of William. "The two people who you referred to as having escaped from a show trial have had a Stay of Execution of Judgment issued in their favour."

"Capital punishment is a regular thing in the UAP, correct?" he asked.

"It depends on the jurisdiction," I admitted.

"So is there a connection between this escape, the Shadow bombings, the death of that researcher and the activity at the Heighliner?"

"The Heighliner activity is unrelated," I explained. "Here is a photo." I offered him the picture of Faith as he left Persephone on his way to Al Raqis.

"Not much to see there," he remarked.

"Commander Faith of Faith Industries," I stated, "They had a presence here on Al Raqis until recently."

He made a noise, "Hurm..."

Looking up from the picture he continued. "So, the Heighliner thing is completely unrelated to the Wirefly case?"

"You are well informed," I granted. There had been only one reference to the murder in a very small article in the Cortex News. I brought him up to date. "The Wirefly case is now closed."

My communicator began to beep softly. "Colonel ... you will have to excuse me."

We both stood up.

"Very well Major, I'll escort you topsides and give you back your weapon."

"Thank you," I replied.

-----

As we passed through the base, we kept talking.

"If my teams turns up anything on the Marauders," I added, "I will have you informed..."

"Yeah," replied the Lieutenant Colonel, "they are my current headache." He handed me my sidearm as we arrived at the door, "Here Major."

"Likewise," I continued as I took my weapon, "I would appreciate if you hear anything of William Faith ...or notice anything further in regards to the Heighliner."

"I will," he promised.

"Thank you for your time," I said politely.

"No problem Major," he replied.

-----

[Pepper's early correspondence with the USD]

http://siamendes.blogspot.com/2010/05/safety-of-people.html

[The reconnaissance picture Pepper shows Collins]

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eerIoKNwofoGUPO5j8jZGVkmAU8BAwLjiz_EzoyUqUWHi0qaV_cxOOj053zHNmh_cKDP5a3GKeA7rzFrb8JJSWbtHMaLgwesbZ5QsAEbG5s_UlQJB-MKIeq2tat3xGp9LxXzBTIUUPE/s1600/reconn9.png

[USD Public Statement concerning Shadow]

http://cortexnewsservice.com/2010/01/02/united-systems-directorate-condemns-alliance-actions-on-shadow.aspx

[Photo of William Faith leaving Persephone]

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uBMYYPF7rgUdAC2UXKmNzZ6I2EDT2vP9J1GXVe0Hq9ZSZtkW69MMS0h3kaSpq8rOBygworb-XVSw7OkMnYe-6sIZbz8HaW6PARps2wmtKhVvKRZ6FkPqDb5KKkj8x3d_G8pHlqxYEdc/s1600-h/Cmndr+Faith+leaving+the+rim+for+Persephon.jpg

Red Hands

August 16 - Splintered Rock, Al Raqis

It was large and well executed.

A large red hand facing the Splintered Rock landing pad. It was as though a giant had dipped his hand into red paint, one presumes, and placed it against the wall. The effect would have been the same.

-----

On the other side of the market a smaller hand print, normal human size, disgraced a poster outside the offices of the United Systems Directorate.

It was more effective I thought that the imposing giant hand near the spaceport. It was as if the artist was placing his hand over the USD trooper's face and pushing it away. Very clever.

A tall figure walked up beside me. "The next one over has a notecard," he said.

The stranger was in a worn, yellow powersuit. His face hidden beneath his helmet.

He handed me a pamphlet entitled, "Call to arms!"

"Thank you," I replied. Politely, I took the document and began to read.

"My people... Sons and Daughters of The Marauders. This much I vow: The history of these days will be written in blood. By crushing the armies of our enemy, by seizing the weapons they thought to turn against us, we were fighting for our very existence. But if there are those who would deny us peace; refuse us our rightful place in the universe, then we will unleash such terrible vengeance that generations yet unborn will cry out in anguish!"


"Mauraders?" I asked.

"Damn rebels, yep," replied the man. Distancing himself from the group.

I continued to read the pamphlet.

"....The enemy may shatter our bodies, but they cannot break our spirit. Even now they advance on our home, to seize by force what they cannot claim by right. They cannot imagine what awaits them. WE WILL SMITE THE INVADERS FROM OUR SKIES! Though they sweep over our lands like the sands of winter, never again will we bow before them; never again endure their oppression; never again endure their tyranny. We will strike without warning and without mercy, fighting as one hand, one heart, one soul. We will shatter their dreams and haunt their nightmares, drenching our ancestors' graves with their blood. And as our last breath tears at their lungs; as we rise again from the ruins of our cities..."

"So who are these 'Marauders'?" I asked.

"No one really knows," he replied, "I can't even tell you if they are real or not."

I nodded.

"Seem pretty legit to me," he added.

"I don't recognize your uniform," I observed, "Are you with the USD?"

"Nope, I'm just a spacer."

He removed his helmet revealing a rugged, handsome face. Tanned, attractive features.

"Independent?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Trader or merc?"

"Used to be merc," he replied, "I've left that life behind."

I nodded again. "I'm Major Siamendes with the UAP. Security Consultant to House Zenobia."

"That bloody handprint has been popping up all over the place," remarked the man.

"Yes," I interjected, "I saw it on the landing pad."

"...I'm starting to think maybe they are real."

"Your name?" I asked.

"Name's Parker."

"Hello Parker," I replied. "Are these prints targeting only USD points or are they throughout the settlement?"

Parker did not reply immediately. Perhaps it was the appearance of the tall, yellow rabbit woman striding across the marketplace.

"Hello Jup," I called to her, "I see you have your harvesting tools, and are you adjusting to the heat?"

With her characteristic piercing stare, she replied. "Yesss..you could say..there is no rest for the wicked."

I smiled at her little joke. I was aware of her preference for blood drinking.

She grinned, "I must be off... The worms call me."

"Good bye Jup," I said as she padded off towards the desert.

Once Jup was some distance away, Parker resumed his story.

"So, from what I've been able to piece together, the Marauders seem to have two main figures, as they are most often mentioned: a Chieftain Rasvant and The Warmaster."

I listened carefully.

He continued. "The Warmaster is mentioned in another poster up town and Rasvant plays messages over the Al Raqis comm, usually after he burns down food supplies, or sabotages something."

"Oh?" I said, "So a propaganda campaign too... and no clue as to identity."

"Nope, just Rasvant and Warmaster."

"Can you show me the other poster mentioning the Warmaster?" I asked.

Parker put his helmet back on and turned towards the settlement proper. We stopped first outside the medical centre. A second USD poster had been defaced with the same red mark.

From there, Parker led the way to House Velas. On the wall closest to the warehouse another red hand. This one almost as large as the print near the landing pad.

"That is a big hand," I remarked as we stood examining the image.

"Could be a painting," said Parker, "Who knows?"

"One would hope..." I said absently.

"I also heard the USD base came under attack a few nights ago."

"Hmm," I replied.

Above the print floated illuminated text:

THE WARMASTER NEEDS YOU!
RISE UP AND DRIVE AWAY THE OUTLANDERS!

"The Warmaster," Parker indicated, "Outlanders....that some kinda slang for offworlders?"

"Sounds like it," I agreed.

"One last thing maybe you could look into," suggested Parker, "No one who's gone into Khayal Alramady this month has been seen or heard from. It's like they walked over the edge into nothing."

"That is the nearby city across the desert," I said.

"Yeah."

"And do these prints appear there too?" I asked.

"Yes."

"This has been useful... thank you Parker."

"No problem Ma'am."

"Where are you from originally?" I asked.

"New Folsom."

"When did you arrive on Al Raqis?"

"Few years ago," he replied. "Been out on the fringes..."

"I don't remember seeing these signs last year...." I mused out loud.

"...Got some relatives that live out way past the safe zones," he added.

There had been various native groups in the past that had protested or even took action against 'offworlders'. But this was new.

"Well, thank you for your time, Parker."

"No problem Ma'am."

The Financial Liquidity of Natasha Ivanova

August 13 - Al Raqis

-----

The Caine Shuttlepod whispered, "Powering Down... Drive Offline."

My craft at rest, I unstrapped myself from my chair. Searching through my case I collected the envelope I needed and headed to the rear airlock.

I had some business here on Highpoint Station.

-----

It was a long, silver craft, rounded at both ends. The lower half of the bow was open to reveal a spacious cargo hold.

"Come on up.." called a voice from inside.

It was Svetlana Pleides. This was her ship.

"Hello Major." She greeted me as I climbed the stairs.

I smiled, "Well, you look awfully healthy for a dead woman."

Svetlana laughed heartily, "Welcome aboard the Milaya Moya. My Sweetness."

"Thank you," I replied.

Svetlana waited near the galley, holding her child, Anastasia. Standing beside them was, Cat Massenberg, the woman I had met before on the day of Sveltana's confession.

"Hello," said Cat.

Svetlana reintroduced us, "My first officer, Katrina,"

"Hello Katrina," I replied.

"Gael is out doing her job," Svetlana added, "finding us a cargo."

Baby Anastasia added to the moment with a tummy growl.

"This is a fine looking ship Ms. Ivanova," I remarked conversationally. I used her new legal name, Natasha Ivanova.

"Spaciba.." she replied.

"I have your papers," I added and offered her a thick brown envelope.

"Spaciba," she repeated. Her hands were full however as she began to give the baby her bottle. "Please give to Kat," she asked.

I did as requested.

Little Anastasia drank greedily, and Svetlana murmured to the child. "That's it devushka... drink up.. fill that tiny belly you have."

"You will find everything you need in there..." I said indicating the envelope.

Cat peeked inside as I spoke.

" .... passports, ID cards," I continued, "All matched to your biometrics. For the two of you."

This was a critical part of the process. While Svetlana had insisted on fabricating her death in order to break ties with Botany Bay, it was very important she have a valid, legal identity to fall back on. This was for her own protection. After all, there are no legal consequences for killing the dead.

"Your daughter," I added, "is of the age where she can travel on your passport."

"Spaciba.. these. And Gael and Oyumi?"

"They will have to go through External Affairs," I replied, "There is an embassy here on Al Raqis."

"Hmm," said Svetlana, "will get Gael over there just as soon as she returns."

"As escaped slaves they will be able to claim refugee status," I explained. "There is a process... but it shouldn't take forever."

Svetlana nodded, "Gael will be alright I am sure. Her biometrics, I do not think are on file in Alliance space."

Anastasia burped.

"It shouldn't affect things," I replied, "unless there is a criminal record."

Svetlana patted the baby's back, "There, there.. burp out the air milaya." She turned to looked at Cat, "As far as I know, is just one matter."

Cat smiled in response.

"The Wirefly murder," asked Svetlana, "which is done and over with, da?"

"The case is closed, yes."

She beamed widely at her daughter and hugged her close.

"So I may still have to worry about the Faiths," she added, "But you have my testimony, my affidavit."

"We may call upon you for your testimony on the events of Shadow," I said, "In that case, your identity will be protected."

"No problem there."

I nodded. "You will also find an amount of money in the envelope to help you start your new life."

"Oh really," giggled Svetlana, "uh... how much is there?"

I told her the amount. "It will be enough to cover initial docking fees," I added, "the cost of new clothing. That sort of thing."

Svetlana reached into the envelope and looked at the money. She smiled. "You know when we had our accident we were were weight testing the ship's power plant, right?"

"I did not."

"Is true.. we had her fully loaded. Two 30 meter tanks of seawater. You know how much those two tanks, 4 meters in diameter and 30 meters long, full of water are worth here on Al Raqis?"

Irony was alive and well in Mu Draconis. The woman was wealthy. I had to laugh.

"You must be doing well then," I said, "Good. Don't spend it all in one place." I smiled.

Svetlana looked at the cash in her hand. "I really feel guilty taking this"

Cat had other feelings in the matter. She whispered to Svetlana, "It's Alliance money. Don't feel guilty."

Svetlana giggled, put the bundle back in the envelope and handed it over to Cat.

I made a suggestion. "If you feel torn about the money, put it away for your daughter."

Svetlana whispered, "Ah.. spaciba.. that is great idea.."

"Yeah, good plan," echoed Cat.

"Well.." Svetlana mused, "because we are dead, the colony will not charge us with jail break and grand theft ocean."

I smiled and looked at them both. "Then I will leave you to enjoy your day."

"You take care Major... and if you get chance I still say you should talk to Val."

"Once we find Faith and the others responsible for what happened to Shadow," I said, "it will be safe people to come forward and tell their stories."

"Kepten Val is no coward," answered Svetlana, "He is not scared of the Faiths."

I nodded. "I would indeed like to meet him," I said sincerely.

"He is busy," she said, "but he is good man."

Business concluded, I wished them well. "Good day to you both...Captain Ivanova...Katrina."

"You too Major," answered Cat.

-----

Svetlana followed me to the cargo hold.

"Major," she began, "Sorry for being so much problem."

We crossed the deck together. The sound of our boots on the deck blending together.

She continued, "Send a general wave if, when you need me."

"I will," I replied. I stopped and turned to her.

"Try to stay clear of old familiar places," I advised. It would make the transition to her new life easier. It would reduce the chances she would be recognized.

"We're going to be travelling," she replied, "free trading..."

"Good."

"Is not going to be problem," she continued, "Cannot go back to Botany Bay...would not take kindly to ghosts."

"Your windfall of money will help then," I remarked.

"Oh yes," Svetlana grinned, "get her a good boat when she is old enough."

"Good." I smiled in return. I made my final farewell. "Goodbye Captain."

"Take care Major," she replied.

I turned away and walked back to my shuttle.

Passages

August 7 - Al Raqis

Captain Westminster reported that she chased an Arudra series drone through the desert. She goes on to report that it appeared more mechanical that the drone that Doctor Qui followed.

-----

August 8

The Verse Voice

Three Die In Accident on Botany Bay

CNS news services

BOTANY BAY - Cat Massenberg, sister of Jo Massenberg a Botany Bay deputy, was killed with three others during a test flight of a new ship built by Svetlana Pleides who was also killed in the blast.

There are no other surviving relatives. There are no written records of her birthplace or age, but from her sister's statements she was approximately 19 years of age and was assisting in the work on the ship. No services are planned.

Pleides, a survivor of the attack on Shadow, is survived by her daughter, Anastasia Temin, 6 months, and Kepten Samantha Temin, her lover and Mistress.

Arealius Barbosa is eyewitness, was flying chase on the experimental spacecraft.

Oyumi Oran, a former Alliance recon pilot, is survived by brother Karl and sister Zahara.

The ship was a new construction and undergoing fields tests of its drive system when it exploded in an apparent fusion reactor overload. There were no survivors. All four persons aboard were slaves of the colony. Svetlana Pleides was also the ship's designer.

[ http://cortexnewsservice.com/2010/08/08/three-die-in-accident-on-botany-bay.aspx ]

Note: Copy filed.

-----

August 12 - On board the Behemoth, in orbit over Splintered Rock.

The Consolidated Associate Traders of Zenobia maintains a fleet of transport vessels in orbit above any world where they do regular trade. It made a fine infrastructure for the steady flow of cargo or passengers.

In addition, the ship itself made a fine observation platform.

I received a transmission.

"Good evening Major. It seems I may have a confirmation on that guest. He is here in the upper level of the guest house."

"Good evening Lynx," I replied.

"Good evening Major," he repeated politely, "I was assessing the warehouse when I saw the visitor."

The Visitor. Cody Winterwolf.

"Very good," I said, "Keep monitoring."

"Yes Major."

"Is he alone?" I asked.

"It appears so," replied Lynx, "He is pacing. He has just moved from view."

"You can get closer. You have the right to be there."

"Do you want me to enter the building?" he asked.

I hesitated, "Yes...see if you can get closer."

I felt torn between involving Lynx further and the pressing drive to obtain more information,

"I will. But is this wise? You had indicated he might be dangerous."

"Not dangerous... more reckless.." I truly did not believe Winterwolf would harm Lynx. It did not fit his profile.

"Ah."

"...and seriously lacking in good judgment," I added.

But what about my own judgment sending the boy inside with a known criminal? I sighed inwardly. There is nothing like children to add doubt to your life.

"Ah, I see," he replied, "Should I be insistent to see who it is inside?"

"If he refusing to engage with you, don't insist." I instructed.

A pause.

Lynx was whispering now, "I am inside. He has allowed me to check the water storage level inside the building."

"Well done," I said, "Make observations, thank him then leave."

Another pause.

Then Lynx spoke again. "I have left the building. He remained at the top of the stairs watching me as I checked the water tank."

"Very good," I replied. "Now, what can you report? What observations did you make?"

"He appeared watchful," replied Lynx. "He did state someone was asleep upstairs."

Someone.

Someone else.

"It is Winterwolf for certain?" I asked.

"Yes," replied Lynx, "I noted he had a scar on his face. Also, his voice. I recall it from MacLaren's Drift when I was visiting Cindal."

"Very good. Now, what was he wearing?"

Lynx filled in the details. "He was wearing a white shirt. with a black shirt under it. Blue jeans and a weapon. Handgun in a leg holster."

"And what room was he in?" I asked.

"He was near the top of the stairs. Crouching."

"On the second floor," I prompted.

"Yes."

"Well done Lynx," I said.

"Thank you Major."

"Now you just go about your business like any other day," I advised.

"Yes Major."

"I will see your house soon," I promised.

"Very good. I would like that."

I smiled.

"Shall I expect you tonight?" he asked.

"No, I am in orbit."

"I see," he replied. "I will be about then. Please call me as soon as you land."

"I will," I said, "Take care Lynx."

"Be safe Major."

"You too Lynx."

The Uncanny Valley (Part Two)

August 7 - Al Raqis

"Computers are universal machines, their potential extends uniformly over a boundless expanse of tasks. Human potentials, on the other hand, are strong in areas long important for survival, but weak in things far removed." - Hans Moravec, 1998.

-----

I caught up to the Doctor on the landing pad near the shuttle.

"Excuse me...Doctor," I called.

Doctor Qui Von Wer Foreman Serendipity looked around, "Eh?"

I introduced myself, "I am Major Siamendes with the SIU. I was hoping to meet you....I heard you are in residence here."

The Doctor bowed slightly at the waist, "Excellent. Is it okay if I merely bow? I am not with the service."

I smiled warmly, instantly charmed, "Yes, of course."

"Ah yes," nodded the Doctor, "the Zenobian Embassy allows me to camp out while I conduct research here."

"Are you free at the moment?" I asked.

He looked around, shrugged, and said, "Presently, yes. I was heading up to the Highport to inspect the bartender there, if you would care to accompany me."

"Yes, that would be wonderful," I replied, "I am investigating the possibility that someone has restarted Project Aurotharius."

We stood waiting for the next shuttle.

"It is quite hot," I remarked.

"Another shuttle will be by in a minute, maybe two. I am told that it is unseasonably cool, less than 50 degrees Celsius in the shade."

"Please tell me about your research here," I asked.

While I waited for his reply, the shuttle arrived and announced itself.

It whispered: Pausing for 20 seconds. Highport Shuttle. Climb aboard and strap yourself in. Leaving in 20 seconds.

We quickly occupied ourselves with the business of boarding. I follow the Doctor into the craft, took my seat and fastened my seat belt. As he sat in the bench seat and buckled himself in, the Doctor stared at the floor, "I came here because I heard that parts of Project Aurotharius had been reactivated...."

In moments, the shuttled was thundering upward.

"...parts I had worked on." he added quietly.

-----

A lounge was located on the third level of Highport Station. To call it a lounge was overstating the matter. It consisted of a crescent shaped bar with three stools. Drinks were dispensed by a service bot fashioned in the likeness of a young woman.

"Hi Pepper, welcome!" The bartending bot, Caren, greeted me pleasantly, as we entered.

I did not hear her. I was deep in thought. She did not seem to notice my preoccupation. Instead, she picked up a small piece of trash someone had left laying around.

The Doctor looked at her, "HELLO, ALICE!" he hollered.

"I am still trying to grasp the size of the Project," I confessed to the Doctor, "it seemed to be a massive undertaking."

"It was originally more of a think tank," he explained, "Think tanks can cover broad ground." He shook his head, "Wylder took it a step further. A few steps."

I listened. Caren, meanwhile, coaxed a dust sweeper robot to clean the small floor area.

The Doctor continued, "He figured as long as he was on schedule and stayed within budget and met with the project goals, he could do anything he wanted. We weren't supposed to actually DO things."

"Just sort out the possibilities?" I asked.

"Assess, evaluate, analyze, recommend."

I nodded, "I have accessed some of the Project files. Material on monopoles.... the properties of ring lasers..."

Doctor Serendipity's eyes darted quickly in my direction, "Really?"

"...and some material on quantum consciousness."

"Treasonous material to be sure," he replied.

Caren straightened some bar napkins.

"I understand that your team was funded to think outside the box, as it were," I said, as if excusing all sins.

"Said box had a name," he remarked.

"A name?"

The Doctor order each of us a shot of Tequila, which Caren produced.

"Thanks, you murderous 'bot," he muttered. She did not seem to notice.

I accepted the drink. It burned all the way down.

The Doctor repeated, "We made a box and gave it a name."

Caren checked the coffee pot.

"oh... do you mean the AI?" I asked.

"Plural," answered the Doctor.

"How many exactly?"

"Hundreds."

My eyes grew wide. I could imagine where this was going. And it shocked me.

He continued, "AI research was hampered by the Zahir defect. The AI would lose coherence from sensory deprivation or isolation. Or fixate on a task or goal."

Caren wiped the bar top.

"So some brilliant moron," he added, "I will allow myself and my illustrious father to remain nameless, came up with a new approach. Put them all in the same box and let them interact with each other."

"And the result?" I asked.

"Mostly defects and shutdowns," he replied.

"But not all..." I concluded.

"But a few learned from the experience."

I nodded.

"Auto Regressive Development Research Algorithm," he said finally.

"Ardra," I answered.

Caren checked the coffee pot once again.

"Yes, Ardra was a originally a data mining AI program. Designed to search through the cortex and find correlated data."

"Okay," I accepted, "but it became something more..."

"It created goals and tasks for the other AIs. They became a composite AI."

Caren casually watched us.

Doctor Serendipity elaborated, "Most of the other AIs were not compatible, some like HAL broke down. HAL was our first sign that corporate espionage infiltrated the think tank."

"Espionage?" I asked, "By who?"

"By the time the project closed up, it appeared almost everyone."

Caren coaxed the dust sweeper robot to clean the small floor area again. It did what she asked.

"A ship's AI killed its crew," said the Doctor, "Somehow HAL was the operating system. It could not reconcile its orders and was cut off from the source which performed that function. And shut down life support and opened the airlocks." He added,"This bartender doesn't look dangerous."

Caren sighed, as if distracted by something she was thinking about.

"Tell me," I began, "the parts of the Project you worked on.... that you have heard have been restarted..."

The Doctor answered, "A Blue Sun moravec downloaded a drone program."

That would be Lily.

"Yes that's true," I confirmed, "There may also have been an extraction attempt."

"Three other deactivated drones have been found here," he added.

"An Arudra series drone was picked up on one of our Watcher Drones." I pointed out. It was here in the warehouse on Al Raqis.

Doctor Serendipity stared at Caren.

She poured herself some water from the bar tap and took a drink.

"I chased an Arudra Drone," added the Doctor, "It was badly damaged, but still managed to get away from me. It was very disturbing. It was like it was waiting for me.

He offered me a photograph. "I snapped a picture of it."

"Oh!" I cried.

"Very disturbing," said the Doctor.

"Very," I agreed, "It looks like Audrey." It looked like a broken doll. A broken, Audrey doll.

"Audrey after the first set of INSILICO mods," he corrected.

Caren watched something on a small handheld viewer.

Doctor Serendipity continued, "She needed skin grafts, but for some reason her body rejected everything except these synthskins from INSILICO. It's a sick joke to put that on a bot."

My mind was racing, "What is the connection between Ardra and Audrey Aurotharius?

"They were playmates," he replied.

"The AI and the girl?" I asked incredulously.

Caren coaxed the dust sweeper robot to clean the small floor area once again. It responded accordingly.

The Doctor explained, "We created a neural interface so that they could interact in a virtual environment."

"How old was Audrey at that time?" I asked.

"Starting around twelve I think, maybe eleven."

"How old was she when she died?"

"Fifteen."

I wondered if Audrey was connected to the AI when she finally succumbed to her illness.

I decided to go for broke.

"I have been in touch with someone or something that identifies itself as Ardra Aurotharius...she talks about Audrey's childhood like it was her own."

"It uses that name?" asked the Doctor.

Caren poured herself some more water from the bar tap and took another drink.

"Yes," I replied.

Doctor Serendipity was silent for a moment. "What..." he whispered, "What does it talk about?

"Further," I added, "it is linked to the drones."

He pushed the empty glasses away and looked away from the bartender bot.

I continued, "It is currently looking for something called the Aleph."

Caren straightened some more bar napkins.

"The Aleph?" asked the Doctor.

"Yes," I replied, "and it has engaged the synthetic cat to search for something called the Zahir." Then I added, "I have read Borges."

"Borges coined the name." He paused. "Let me restate, Borges coined the modern use of the word."

I acknowledged the point.

He continued, "The Aleph can mean a few different things. Would you face a court martial letting me look at those papers you acquired?"

Caren watched something on a small handheld viewer. I do not know what it was.

"I don't see why I would," I replied, "You were part of the Project team."

I figured chances are he could be looking at papers he himself had written. I passed him copies of the three documents I had so far.

"I am unable to open three other files," I admitted.

"What are their names?"

"Quantum Mind Data disk," I replied and checked my notes to be accurate with my answer.

Caren, meanwhile, picked up another small piece of trash.

"Quantum Mind," remarked the Doctor, "that was Constance's work."

I gave the other two names. "Oklo Gabon Alpha Data Disk. Antimatter Data Disk."

"Oklo Gabon Alpha I know about," he remarked, "Two billion years ago, there was a natural fission reaction that ran for a couple hundred millenia in Gabon, Africa, Old Earth That Was. It showed that the Alpha Constant is not constant."

Caren casually watched us.

"I am going to digest these papers and sober up," he said, "We have a lot to talk about."

I agreed. "Thank you for your time Doctor. You have been most helpful."

We rose from our bar stools.

"Stay safe," I added.

"As safe as I can be," he replied, "on the forefront of the android uprising and zombie apocalypse."

Apparently oblivious to the remark, Caren straightened some bar napkins. Again.