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."