Shattered Jade (Part Two)

"None but the dead are permitted to tell the truth." - Mark Twain

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November 23

Office of the District Medical Examiner

Imperial Coordinates: Al Raqis, Araxes, Mu Draconis System, Arsenal-Denobula Wormhole Nexus, Solomani-Geminga Sphere, Orion–Cygnus Arm - Oa Sector 2814.

Report of Investigation By District Medical Examiner

Decedent: Jade Moonkill
Species: Human
Gender: Female
Age: Late teens, early 20s

Notification by: Al Raqis Constabulary

Type of Death: Violent Death reported as an accident.

Disposition of Body: Clothed, unmolested and undisturbed. Found dead in rigor mortis, no attempt to revive was made. Constabulary moved the body prematurely and disturbed the crime scene destroying possible contributory evidence.

Items found on the Body: Backpack, helmet with rabbit ears, spice prospecting equipment, hydrolic calipers, various mechanics tools, literpak canteen.

Eye Coloration: Green
Hair Coloration: White
Skin Coloration: White
Facial Hair: None
Height: Approx. 1.6 meters
Weight: Approx. 45 kilograms

Body Temperature: Ambient
Rigor Mortis: Yes

Wounds and Marks: Facial soft tissue destroyed. Mandible, tooth structures and facial bones destroyed by wounds consistent with several high caliber pistol rounds at close range, possibly caseless ammunition. No bullets were in the body nor found on the scene. There were no defensive wounds or signs of struggle. Healed scars consistent with organ harvesting present. Internal signs of multiple organogenesis harvest sites present.

Medical Conditions: Decedent suffered from a relatively rare mining-related congenital condition colloquially referred to as being a "moon-baby" in response to overexposure to certain chemicals such as tetra-calcium phosphonates and other mined food preservatives at unregulated mining sites and ore processing facilities. Notable signs are albinism and certain sensory, immune system and cognitive side effects.

Toxicity Screen: Hair, blood, bodily fluids and tissue samples were collected. Negative for any bacterial/viral agents, recreational pharmaceuticals nor alcohol present in the blood or tissues. Traces of the prescription medicine, Solproperal, was present in the bloodstream. Solproperal is used in the treatment of Tetra-calcium phosphonates related congenital defects. Residue of Araxes Desert-Spice cinnamaldehydes in bloodstream consistent with Araxes Desert-Spice prospecting condition exposure and consuming foods in Araxes for several months to almost a year. Varieties of chordopoxvirinae variola virus antibodies in bloodstream is consistent with a resident who had been exposed to the various epidemics that manifested Araxes in the past months.

Notes: Decedent was in good general health at time of death. Occupational indicators consistent with mining work prior to adolescence. Hand bone development and scarring indicates frequent mechanical work.

Probably Cause of Death: Multiple gunshot wounds to the head at close range.

Disposition: Body was bagged and sealed in morgue coldbox consistent with regulations for the interstellar transportation. Union of Allied Planets consulate officer took possession of body after autopsy was complete. Cleared for interstellar transport.

Declaration: I hereby attest that after receiving notice of the death described herein, that I took charge of the body and made all of the required inquiries and testing regarding the cause of death in accordance with the applicable regulations, statutes and establish procedures/protocols established for the jurisdiction and that the information contained herein regarding said death is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Doctor Manda Soldi Westminster, Medical Examiner
Doctor Moira Aristocrat, Witness to the Autopsy Procedure

Shattered Jade (Part One)

"A great man should die as shattered jade (gyokusai) rather than live as an intact tile." - The Book of Northern Qi

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November 9 - Araxes

Two days after our meeting in the mountains of the Hoto Nagi moon, Dr. Demanjrick found her holographic protection redirected to the Magistrate's Keep. There she was pressured to make her deposition before the Imperial Prosecutor, and in the presence of a Third Stage Guild Navigator.

This marked the first of the legal proceedings against the members of the Laandsrat.

As part of the conditions placed upon her, the doctor was required to make a public apology for her part in the crimes of the local administration. As the newest member of the Laandsrat at that time, the penalty was suitably minor.

It was the accompanying picture that caught my interest. It's value could not be overstated. It seems that at the moment the picture was captured, a draft in the Magistrate's Keep had blown aside the cloud of spice that perpetually surrounded the Navigator's tank, providing a glimpse of the enigmatic creature. Rumours were that they were human once, deformed by the steady consumption of psychotropic substances. Whatever this being was, it did not resemble anything human.

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During this time, our assets in the city of Al Raqis had begun assembling the resources necessary for any subsequent action. This included a survey of the archaic tunnel system beneath the _________________ , scans of the nearby ___________ base and reconnaissance of the AR Pharma factory.

On November 12, a series of devastating assaults began on the AR Pharma facilities. Our forces in the area were well placed to monitor the action. Analysis indicated initial attacks came from UNSC forces under Hoto Nagi leadership.

Once the assaults had begun, Hoto Nagi launched an information campaign decrying the AR Pharma cure, calling it ineffective and citing dangerous side effects. It was a well timed announcement designed, I am sure, to erode public confidence in the company as military forces pounded the facility.

Production limped along but the powers behind AR Pharma could not effect repairs or upgrade security fast enough to withstand the steady attacks. Within seven days, the facility lay in ruins. Who struck the final blow is a matter of debate among our analysts.

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November 16

The sad news arrived: Jade Moonkill had been assassinated.

It was no surprise really. She had refused to take the necessary precautions to protect herself. Records show her refusing bodyguards as she left the council chambers. And she had succeeded making some serious people very cross.

The body showed several gunshot wounds to the face. Such anger, such vitriol. This was a murder charged with emotion. Someone wanted Jade erased.

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November 19

From the Office of the Imperial Prosecutor:

Week long negotiations with Colonel Aodhfionn MacMoragh from the Union of Allied Planets Special Projects Division has resulted in evidence being provided which will advance the prosecution of the Landsraat Defendants in the Matter of the Imperium v. Al Raqis Landsraat Council.

Several official and unofficial pleas were made for the bailment of Landsraat Council Advisor Lady Calina Tereschenko so that they could deliver the remains of the recently murdered Beit Dawla Delegate Jade Moonkill and to attend the funeral service.

Bailment is hereby granted for Lady Calina Tereschenko.

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On November 20, four days after Jade's murder, the Magistrate reclaimed her seat in the local government, forcing an oath of allegiance and adherence to procedures on those in attendance. The head of House Zenobia elected to remain in prison until the outcome of UAP negotiations, distancing herself from the events in council.

The revolution was over.

Our people had remained active. Captain Westminster had managed to collect samples of all significant cures to the Saf virus. Some wholesome and effective, others foul and harmful:

• the Blue Sun caplet,
• the Clan Misrim blood-free cure,
• the suspect vaccine sold by the criminal Niska,
• the AR-Pharma cure with its sinister ingredients,
• the herbal cure developed by the Companions of Paquin,
• and the nanotech assisted cure developed by Dr. Natirra Danick of Osiris.

These samples, along with the research provided by Dr. Demanjrick, would keep our scientists busy for months, if not years.

My commanding office, Colonel M_________, played host to the Imperial Prosecutor at our facility in the D_______ province, showing evidence our people had removed from the AR Pharma facility before its destruction.

On November 21, I received this message from him: "We have reached an agreement with the Imperium Inquisitor. A copy of your recon report is required to seal the deal."

The Infectiousness of Crime

November 9

"The infectiousness of crime is like that of the plague."
- Napoleon Bonaparte

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On my way back from the Hoto Nagi moon, another report arrived from Gage. This one concerned an explosion at a Blue Sun facility. His initial findings suggest the involvement of organized crime.

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To: Major P. Siamendes, SIU
Report - Blue Sun Investigation

This investigation resulted from a call from a concerned citizen who stated the location in question was on fire secondary to an explosion. One individual was injured, the CEO of Blue Sun Corporation, x0x0 Zhangsun. I received clearance to go down to the surface to begin the investigation of the site for clues.

Arriving at the facility was uneventful. No one was near the underground facility. The exterior on approach appeared untouched by the explosion.

Inside, severe smoke damage was noted, some scorch damage due to the fire, and broken objects caused by the heat and explosive forces. Containers and boxes are a total loss due to the damage, and subsequent fire suppressants used. Moving further into the facility, I was able to gain entry into the lab. The place was clear of debris but did suffer smoke damage.

Making my way to the upper level, I noted severe smoke and explosive damage. A number of objects were destroyed and scattered away from the blast area. The center of the blast is a large crate. Mostly intact. I noted that it was a solid piece of wood made to look like a crate. Probably to maximize fire and wood shrapnel damage. The fire suppressants stopped the fires and may have kept the crate from being completely lost. Moving around the crate, I did spot an unexploded trip mine. It was disarmed and is being sent on to the lab with the other samples from the lab and upper level to be analyzed.

Moving to the other side of the wood crate I found a knife stuck into what looked like a burned piece of paper. Using a small brush, I was able to uncover the wording on it. Both the knife and note have been bagged and tagged as evidence with the rest of the samples.

Noted: x0x0 Zhangsun was the only person injured in the explosion. Some of the crates which looked like the viral cure were also damaged. The lab was untouched beyond smoke damage. One undetonated trip mine. A note and a knife. I'm not sure but the name on the note looked like Niska. The note was typed, rather then being written.

When the results of the samples are in, they will be sent to you directly.

Sgt. G. MacArthur, Temporary assignment on Sun Tzu II.

Hoto Nagi (Part Two)

November 7 - Hoto Nagi

The doctor led me to a laboratory far from the valleys and rivers of the moon's surface. The lighting was subdued. There was a scattering of cupboards, monitors and other items around the circumference of the room.

Still in her holographic protection, the doctor manipulated a series of controls remotely. Suddenly, the space was filled with large, brightly coloured three dimensional images of all sorts of laboratory equipment.

"Here is the projection of the serum I am making," she explained, "Do you see blood?"

I wandered about the monstrous alembics, the towering Erlenmeyer flasks. I felt like I had suddenly been miniaturized and dropped on the work table in Manda's lab.

"I will admit I don't understand what I am looking at..." I stopped then pointed to an object with a hinged glass front at chest level. "I recognize this machine from your hospital on Al Raqis."

"Yes," answered the doctor, "it's a replicator. It replicates things. In this case, the serum and the plant we most need. We have had a complete success as long as it's given within 14 days of the infection. The serum is of the original virus."

This would do, I thought.

"Very well," I said, "We will need copies of your notes in case the holographic upload fails. We must plan for every contingency."

"Do you know Dr. Natirra?" asked the woman.

"I recognize the name,"

"She and I have been working together."

I nodded by way of response.

"She is from your planetary system," she added.

"And perhaps you will be able to work together again," I suggested.

"We would like that," replied the doctor, "Set up the holographic signal and I will do my best to help you."

"Thank you, Doctor," I replied.

"However I wonder, do you even know why they wish to detain us?"

"The Myrmidon?" I asked.

"No," she replied, "the Imperial Inquisitor. I found out today..."

"You would be out of his reach on our planet," I offered.

"He wishes to detain me for rules and motions," she declared, "I mean, rules and motions! Not because of the serum. Not because of the virus... but because we did not stop the blockade.... That caused lives, but it would have caused more if more would have left the planet without being searched."

"More palace intrigue, I am sure," I remarked.

The doctor continued. "I believe I am their scapegoat because I was on the Laandsrat a week. It seems to me that there is more to this, a power play, if you will."

"Then I am glad we found you, Doctor," I replied.

"I am glad I can at least work," she said, "even though I am not here in person. I wish to help any I can. This is my life goal and life ambition .. my life's work."

I nodded again.

"I do hope we meet soon," she added, "I just wish it was in person."

Hoto Nagi (Part One)

November 7 - Hoto Nagi

The Hoto Nagi Moon was a testament to the miracle of terraforming. Dense forests, and fertile grasslands. Thick vegetation of every shade and colour. Deep rivers, teaming with life and sparkling in the sun.

I landed my craft near a simple wooden building I had seen from the air. The building sat in a valley next to a small lake, well-stocked with fish. The breeze was cool and very refreshing after the dry, arid air of Araxes.

I had hoped to find people in the area, perhaps engage one of the locals in conversation. However, the building itself was vacant and I could see no one in the immediate vicinity.

I picked a direction and began walking.

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By mid-afternoon, I reached the foot of the mountains and began my ascent. The incline was steep but did not require any specialized climbing equipment. The elevation would give me a commanding view of the surrounding territory.

Halfway to the summit, I crossed a waterfall. Carefully stepping on the wet, slippery rocks. Grateful for the treads of my military issue boots.

Circling around to the other side of the mountain, I found a flat dry area. It was an ideal clearing on which to set my tent should I happen to spend the night. It was close to the spring, wide enough to comfortably accommodate my campsite, and the view was absolutely stunning.

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My communicator came to life.

"Can I help you?" asked a voice. "Return to the medical center .. and contact me again .."

"I am Major Pepper Siamendes, Special Investigation Unit with the Union of Allied Planets. I am looking into the disappearance of Dr. Demanjrick. I am currently on the Hoto Nagi Moon...."

"Very well. I will be there," replied the voice, "Well, not be there, but close."

"I am in the mountains to the South East," I said, "Please contact me when you are nearby."

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She appeared in a column of blue light. She was of medium height. Her hair was long, black and tied back. She wore glasses with small dark lenses.

"Dr. Demanjrick, I presume?"

"I am she," replied the woman in the light, "Well sorta..."

I raised an eyebrow.

"I am she," repeated the doctor, "but this is my holographic image. We have set up a way for me to project here, from where I am ...even though I don't know where I am."

"Are you being held captive somewhere?" I asked.

Dr. Demanjrick explained, "I am being held but not so much as a captive ...depends on how it is thought of. The Myrmidons have me, and one of theirs is holding me for my safety .. I was attacked you see, several times. So they have attempted to keep me safe."

"So protective custody," I suggested.

"Aye," she replied, "We have managed now to set up two ways for me to contact people. The range is limited but I can still work safely. There are two places my projection reaches now.. the moon and the medical center. No place else."

"Do you know why you are being attacked?"

"Yes," answered the doctor and she listed the possible reasons, "First, because someone wanted the cure. Second, because someone was upset about all that is going on. Third, because my step father hates me. It is mutual as I would not bow for him after he used the doomsday device. And the fourth possibility is because the 'moonbaby world' has decided once again, to kill me or bring me back to stand for my crime of letting 24 moonbabies free."

"Well," I began, "I have been sent to find you, to ask for your help working with the virus that has been spreading throughout the system. Yes, there are cures... but we are concerned about future mutations."

"I have been sending the cure to the medical center where it's been distributed. There will be mutations," she agreed, "That is why we must stop it now and vaccinate everyone."

"We would like access to the root virus," I added, "and to draw on your experience. We have laboratories waiting for you."

"You will need to get me out of this," she replied, "or find a way to holoproject me there. I am in a mess."

"Do you require extraction from Myrmidon custody?"

"I require to be innocent," she answered firmly, "and Sorvantis to stop hunting me! Let me show you something..."

"Sorvantis is your step father?" I asked.

"No," replied the doctor, "he is one of his goons. See this?" She produced a silver briefcase. "This is blood money. The assassin gave it to me when he looked at my near-dead body and took pity, I guess. He healed me and then gave this to me saying he can't kill an innocent. This here is 100,000 credits. I am using it to create the cure.. and the assassin told me who it was who wanted me dead, so that I could be protected. His name is Sorvantis...."

I listened carefully to her distress.

She continued, "...and he is one of my step father's goons. My step father is Lord Vormav but he was not the only one who attacked me. Others came as well. The truth is Miss, I am safe where I am - even though I am going batty being there, unable to do much moving - but I need to be innocent and I need him to stop hunting me... and the others too!"

"We can offer you relocation," I said at last, "a new identity, in exchange for your assistance. To prove your innocence may take time."

"I run this moon," she replied, "I don't want a new identity. I finally stopped running. I will assist even without a new identity."

"Thank you," I replied gratefully, "then we must find a way for you to do so."

"I will assist," she repeated, "I will need a lawyer too, I think. You will find if you set up a holographic projector, perhaps tie into the signal at the medical center, that you can relocate my projection." She continued, "Where I am, I have a lab. I have the serum and I am constantly making it. It has no blood in it. Let me give you a holographic look at the process."

"And access to the root virus?" I asked.

"Meet me in the medical lab of this moon," she said, the blue column of light rising in the air like a beacon, "Come."