The Delegate

June 1 - Al Raqis

"Protection, therefore, against the tyranny of the magistrate is not enough..." - John Stuart Mill, 1859

-----

"No. no, no.... that is connected to the green pipe not the blue one!"

The woman who spoke stood in front of a solid looking cargo ship. She had short red hair. She wore an earpiece and microphone. Her clothes indicated a woman not content to sit behind a desk, but rather someone who took a hands on approach to her trade.

"Are you quite sure, Captain?" answered a second woman suspended on the side of the craft.

"Well," replied the captain, "Yes! You just try it. You'll see."

I stood quietly watching the activity on the dock. Observation is half of my job. If the registration office was correct, this was the woman I had come to see.

The captain noticed me and muttered, "Oh, a visitor." She called out, "Can I help you there, friend?"



"Delegate Undercroft?" I asked.

"Aye," said the captain, "that's me."

"I am Major Siamendes with the Special Investigations Unit, Alliance Military. May I have a moment of your time?" I smiled pleasantly.

"Special Investigations Unit, eh?" she asked, "Alliance..... Bit out of your comfort zone out here, ain't ya?"

The ventilation shafts on NIV. The lower corridors of the Doomed Ship. The dissection room on Caliban. No. We would not be discussing those times I felt out of my comfort zone.

"I am used to travel," I said instead. "I am investigating a number of threats made against citizens of the UAP by a group known as The Jade Congregation."

"Aye," she began, "well... I did recommend to the Consulari you get involved earlier but non-intervention policy or something. Anyways, not my position to complain about the inadequacies of the Alliance...."

"Get involved?" I asked, seizing the opening.



"The late Ms. Moonkill was one of your lot...wasn't she?" she responded. "Anyway, I'm sure you're probably aware it wasn't just members of the UAP having trouble with this lot. Apparently the whole Dawla got an earful."

"I was informed that you and other members of the Beit Dawla received threatening letters....  Shall we find a place to sit and chat?"

"Sure," she replied. "Why not? Council offices be okay?"

"That would be fine," I said with a smile.

Delegate Undercroft called up to the woman still hanging on the side of the ship. "Yo Elena, I'm heading to the chambers. Be done by the time I get back!"



-----

We passed through the settlement, neither of us uttering a word until we reached the council chambers. Delegate Undercroft led the way.



"Top floor, Major," she directed.

"Thank you," I replied.

-----

Delegate Undercroft pushed a button on her desk and a spring-loaded draw opened. She reached inside and pulled out a crumpled piece of spice paper. "This turned up in my internal mail a few weeks back," she explained, "I guess you'll want to see it."



"Yes please," I replied. "It could be helpful." I accepted the document and scanned the text.

-----

To the trader who brings false testimony,

You are an irrelevant opportunist who seeks to reflect in the light of the Messiah. We have monitored your election pledges and find that you have failed totally in your attempts to fulfill your doe-eyed objectives. You speak of democracy and freedoms for the people yet you deliver nothing, sitting in endless committees like a clutch of noisy chickens while you feather your own nest.

Your motives are unclear. You proclaim yourself a champion of the people but you are a poor substitute for Muazii. You think of yourself and your organisation above all else. What motions have you passed to better the life of people on this planet? Like the Woman of Red Satin, you are good at your masquerade. Your propaganda machine works efficiently, fooling the people while you idle your time away counting your credits.

Your name befits you for you truly deserve the name Undercroft. A cellar. A crypt. Something beneath ground. This is what you are for you hide your intentions deep below the artificial ego you have created for yourself. We know what you did, the darkness that lurks in your past. What would the great and the good think of you with your lies, deceit and sins spread out before them?

Be warned. For we will watch your actions from afar.

---The Jade Revolution
-----

As I read, a flicker of a frown crossed my brow.

Muazii. That was a local word...

"When did you first hear of the Jade Revolution?" I asked the Delegate.

"The first time was probably when I got that letter," she replied, leaning back in her chair. "Apparently they'd had some problems with the terminals down in the chambers below but that was before my time in office."

I nodded, "And when did this letter arrive?"

"Two or three weeks ago," she estimated, "heck it could have been a month. As you can imagine, I get a lot of mail."

"Of course. How did it arrive?"

"I found it here on this very desk," she said. "Normally, the mail arrives electronically or a clerk from the basement brings it up from the postroom. I can't say how it got onto my desk."

If true, this meant they had physical access to the offices or allies inside the council building.

"Have there been further threats to your person or property?" I asked.

"From these Jadeist clowns? Not that I know of," she replied, "But that's a busy landing bay. If I were being watched, I couldn't say with any certainty that I'd know about it."

"Have you arranged for increased security?"

"I haven't," replied the Delegate, leaning forward. "Do you think I should, Major? Is the risk that grave?"

"They warn they will watch your actions from afar," I mused, "but it is the references to crypt that would concern me. They have proven they can get into your offices. Were you making repairs to your ship when I arrived?"

She leaned back in her chair. "Aye. I was. One of the coolant pipes got damaged. We're not sure how."



I nodded. "Standard repairs... or any signs of possible tampering?"

"Lots of junk gets pushed up in engine flow," she said. "It's par for the course."

I scanned the paper again. "Did you know Jade?"

"I bumped into her once or twice," she replied. "I have to say I found her to be.... someone I'd have liked to have known better. Why do you ask?"

"Your letter," I explained. "Some of the other notes have contained personal references. This letter focused on your political platform. See?" I leaned forward and indicated a passage.

"We have monitored your election pledges and find that you have failed totally in your attempts to fulfill your doe-eyed objectives."

"Aye...I noticed, Major. Good grief."

"This is important," I insisted. "Might I keep this letter? I would like to have the paper tested."

"Well sure. I certainly don't want it," she answered.

"You mentioned that you would have like to have known Jade better. Why is that?"

"Oh, I see where this is going..." she began.

"Oh?"

She leaned back and nodded, "Yep. Sure. I liked Jade. She had some bright ideas and you know what? Yeah, I found I was surprisingly upset when she died.... I've been quite vocal in my support for her views so....." Her voice trailed off.

I paused for a moment then nodded. "She was a genuine soul."

Delegate Undercroft continued along a different track. "If you wanna throw suspicion on anyone, Major, you might think about Mr. Gustav."

I looked at the letter again and smiled. "First, the present threat."

"Threat?"

"The Jade Revolution," I replied. "Do you think Mr. Gustav is involved?... in what happened to Jade?"

"I don't know about that," she replied, "He's works for one of the biggest security firms on the planet, we already know he'd sell his granny for a profit. And hey, he's the security guru around here and they're running rings around him... so what do you think?"

I twisted my mouth as I formulated my reply. "Honestly," I said, "there are a number of people who would benefit from Jade's death."

"I wouldn't know," said the Delegate, "I'm just a dumb, humble trader, Major.

I smiled, "But with ideas of democracy and freedoms... according to the Jade Revolution. Tell me about your political platform, Ms. Undercroft."

"I have lofty dreams of ending the wars that persistently cause harm to the people of this world," she said. "I'm advocating total transparency of the government and want to put the people before the factions who will stop at nothing to bleed this planet dry."

"Go on," I prompted.

"Have you seen what's going on out there?" she challenged, waving her arms to emphasize her point. "The Magistrate basically sold the planet out to all and sundry. What right do the people of Botany Bay or the Federation or your precious Alliance have to sit on our government and decide our fate?"

I asked a question of my own.

"May I see your campaign literature, anything that details your election pledges?"



She stopped and looked at me, then said, "Sure. I probably have it around here somewhere."

"Thank you."

The woman began to rummage around inside her desk.

"Do you follow the writings of any specific political scientist or philosopher?" I asked.

The Jade Revolution had seized upon the campaign promises of this woman. It moved them enough to write her a letter chastising her when they believed she had not followed through on her pledges. Her ideas were therefore important clues. To some degree, they reflected the concerns of this movement.

"I was never much for politics, Major. Which is kinda funny since I ended up as a politician." She rummaged round in her desk some more and then added. "Of course, if you're hunting down certain political types.... apparently that happened on Earth quite a bit back in the day.... no comment."

I smiled, but not so warmly this time. "I am hunting, Delegate Undercroft, but not for you."

She found a sample of her campaign literature, a photo and some leaflets. They were covered in a thin coating of dust, which she brushed off before offering the documents to me.

"May I keep these?" I added pleasantly.

Delegate Undercroft laughed harshly. "Sure, I got a ton more sitting in the printers for an election that never happened."

"Thank you," I said as I got up from my chair. "I will not take any more of your time. Thank you for your help."



The Delegate smirked and gave a slight shrug. "Any time, Major. I'm sure you know your own way out."

----

From the campaign literature of Delegate Undercroft:



With continuing unrest upon Araxes, I would ask that you vote me in for a second term so that I can achieve the goals I set out to do. The wheels of government work slowly and we still need to make strides towards transparency, inclusion, feedback and increased democracy.  There are a wide range of scenarios to be explored on Araxes and with increased military representation on the Laandsrat we must be careful not to succumb to their endless warmongering. My agenda is as follows:

TRANSPARENCY: That all government transcripts be published on various channels including the Network and PlanetComms. Our actions can be scrutinised and followed with ease allowing everyone to know what we're doing. This enhances freedom of the press and allows us to avoid being quoted out of context.

PARTICIPATION: Encouraging people to attend Laandsrat and Beit Dawla meetings in action and having post-meeting feedback.

INDEPENDENCE: I'm an independent. This means I represent everyone and not the narrow goals of a specific faction who will have increased power in the Laandsrat. Elected faction members may be influenced by faction leaders. I want to serve YOU not the faction leaders. I want to explore the many varied avenues of Araxian culture, not beholden to a government that would see us in endless conflict.

OPEN HOURS: I will have regular, scheduled office hours in which people can discuss their ideas and criticisms in person or through secure comms.

Vote Undercroft: For the people, not the factions!

The Man from Kaden

May 30 - Unlisted location

"Toma este vals con la boca cerrada." - Lorca

-----

*** "Director Gustav. I am Major Siamendes, Special Investigations Unit, Alliance Military. Might I have a moment of your time?" ***

Director Arnold Gustav of Kaden Private Security responded to my transmission immediately. "Good evening, Ms. Siamendes. But of course. You couldn't have caught me at a more opportune time."

-----



Its wide habitat disk was situated at the top. Four pods were arranged neatly beneath the rim. It tapered to the bottom. A docking arm on one side breaking the symmetry.

This station was the property of Kaden Private Security.



I crossed the wide lobby and made my way to the designated lift.



As usual, I was unarmed.  

Director Gustav's office was spacious, with dark tones, a wooden floor, and minimal lighting. A wide window occupied the far wall permitting a magnificent view of nearby space. Screens were located at points around the edges of the room, far enough back to protect against surreptitious glances. I would have to walk over to the the wall to see anything useful.

The Director sat behind a large wooden desk, the only object in the room to offer strategic cover. His leather chair was the colour of burnished gold. He wore a heavy black uniform, bearing white eagles on the lapels. A black shirt and red tie. He wore an eye patch on the right. Scarring on the cheek suggested it was a bladed weapon that damaged the eye. He puffed on a cigar.

There were no other chairs.



"I was told that you would be in contact with us shortly," he began, "How can I be of assistance, Major?"

I responded. "I understand that you are in charge of investigating the vandalism to the Magistrate's office by the so-called Jade Revolution..."

"That is correct Major," he replied, "we have already compiled extensive information on the matter."

"I am investigating the activities of that group," I said, "to ascertain whether they present a threat to our civilians living on Araxes."

The Director spoke, "I was informed that the UAP is in the process of investigating the situation. I can assure you, Ms. Siamendes, they do. Kaden Private Security were hired by the Magistrate to deal with this mess. I understand that it has been ongoing for many months now."

"And what can you tell me about this organization?" I asked.

"The Jadeists," he said, "like our late Ms. Moonkill, are moon-babies. This term is given to individuals who have a congenital defect. Often recognizable by their pale skin. We have two names for members of the Jadeist Congregation. However, the Board of Directors has informed be that I am at no liberty to disclose the aforementioned at this juncture."

He was not at liberty to disclose names. Our first obstacle.  

"Of course," I replied, "How large is the group itself?"

"That is something we are unsure of yet," he replied, "I have Operatives spread over every foot of Araxes right now. I'm trying to remain as omniscient as possible on the terrorist group. I am .... 'Delighted'.... that others are assisting Araxes with the investigation.  Although Kaden Private Security operates to its own set of rules and regulations on top of Araxian customs, I will however, keep you in the loop. May I ask what -you- know of this group thus far, Major?"

Delighted. And I could hear the quotation marks.

I smiled warmly, "Thank you. I am waiting for test results on the crime scene at the Magistrate's office. It is a long process when one must send samples back to the lab."

"Aye, definitely," he agreed.

"However did you manage to get names?" I asked.

"We did, however, I cannot disclose them as of yet, until they have been verified. My apologies," he added. "But we - believe - we have two possible Jadeists."

"That is encouraging," I said politely, "Please tell me more about your organization. Are you the law enforcement branch of the Araxes government?"



"Not yet ma'am," he replied. "Well, we don't strive to be, however, we would step up to the task if we were invited. Kaden Private Security is one of the seven sub-groups of the Kaden Conglomerate. We are the 'Arm' of the Conglomerate if you will. I am Director of the aforementioned and acting chairman of the Conglomerate as a whole. We're a lawful group, who provide for our employees and our benefactors."

"And you were contracted to investigate these Jadeists?"

"Aye," he said, "prior to that we dealt with a few private contracts with the locals. Although our Central Headquarters is way out of the Tau system, we focus a lot of our mining operations there. The Kaden Mining Facility makes most of its income from the spice trade. I'd say 50-60% of the KMC's income comes from Araxes. But KPS were also brought in to protect our miners. It was not until recently that we were employed by the Magistrate to get on to the Jade situation. I understand that it has been ongoing for months."

I nodded, "What other divisions are in your Conglomerate? besides mining and security?"

In broad terms, he described the structure of his organization. "Besides KPS and the KMC, we have the Kaden Institute of Science. Kaden Correctional Department - they deal with our detainees. Kaden Internal Affairs - they are the policing force of Kaden Prime. Kaden Shipping and Transport - they play a big part in our spice trade. The Kaden Engineering Corporation- they are capable of producing some of the most advanced tech I've laid eye on. And KTP. The Kaden Transmogrification Project. They're part of the KIS but are responsible for terraforming projects, often on a sub-planetary level. We were going to invest in Araxes once upon a time."

"And what happened?"

"We found out that the Hoto Nagi were already at it. There was no point trying to compete. The profit turnout just wasn't worth the expenditure. You see Major, we are no military. We are a corporation, a business."



"Of course," I replied.

"We 'invest' our protection services in our benefactors." He then changed directions. "So here's me wittering on about the Conglomerate, do tell me more about the UAP. Our dear Ms. Raghilda outlined the group once."

"The Consulari is a dedicated diplomat," I said, "I am sure my own words could not improve on hers." I returned to the matter at hand. "You called the Jadeist group 'the Jadeist Congregation.' Why do you call them that?"

"This is what the suspected individual dubbed her faction," he replied, "Or so my Operative tells me."

"You have talked to this suspected individual?" I asked.

"Negative. My operative overheard a conversation between the individual in question and her co-worker."

"Congregation..." I hesitated. "That sounds.... religious, wouldn't you agree?" It was a leading question, I admit.

He did not contradict. "Apparently, these 'Jadeists' LIKE to think that they are a religious cult, seeing Jade as their messiah. It's very odd."

"A messiah," I repeated.

"That's right."

"You also believe they represent a threat to civilians," I said.

"Not necessarily to our civilians," he replied, "although I cannot confirm that. If anything our concerns should lie with Araxes' Beit Dawla and Laandsrat Delegates."

"I don't understand... to whom then? the politicians?"

"Aye."

"And you base this on the incident of vandalism to the Magistrate's office?" I asked.

"Threats were also issued to each of our Beit Dawla Delegates."

"Would you care to share the nature of this threat?" I asked.

"If I could find the notecard we were sent, I would show you," he replied. "However, it was a while ago now."

"I can wait while your secretary checks," I said helpfully.

Chairs or not.



-----

It was four minutes before Director Gustav presented me with the requested document.

"This is addressed to the USD Doctor.." I observed.

-----

To the USD Doctor

How does the USD continue to defend a world that stands as a beacon of intolerance and tyranny?
What do you gain from this convenient contrivance?
We believe you are hypocritical.
We believe you are as guilty as the Land of Rats who swim in their sewer of tyrannical depravity.

You seek to enrich your own people at the expense of the Araxian and Imperial peoples and we will not let this stand.

Know then, that the Jade Revolution are watching.
We will take this world, this Empire.
We will drive you out and we will crush the peoples of the Aurora Arm for reveling in the suffering of the Imperial people.

We are here.
All hail the Messiah.

----The Jade Revolution

-----

I remember seeing a reply to this send out on public channels by Dr. Isaac of the USD. It was May 2.

Thank you for your nice letter. I have to say, that I am truly surprised that there are once again people taking arms against those who have defended the planet against the Ta Seti, the Myrmidons and the Orions and have spilled blood to protect you from these threats. I hope you know what you are doing. I am here for talks to prevent any bloodshed. There has already been too much death and destruction here. However, do not make any mistakes: We are prepared.

-----

I took a folded paper from a pouch on my belt and offered it to Director Gustav. "This was sent to me," I explained, "I knew Jade... not well, but we had met."



"I never had the pleasure of meeting the lass," he remarked. "Tell me Major, where is Eavesdown Docks? It was mentioned in a conversation that my operative had overheard."

"It is on the planet Persephone orbiting 34 Tauri A," I replied, accepting that it was now my turn to answer some questions.

He finished reading my note. "We have received no such communication. Do you have any context behind this communique?"

"I received it at the end of April," I said. "It was the first I had heard of this organization."

Director Gustav chuckled, "I'd barely call 'em an organization. Although I am unsure of the degree of support that the Jadeists have."

"Two people," I agreed, "Not much of a movement." I waited to see his response.

"Only two were - seen -," he clarified, "These folk are as illusive as hell."

"Did your forensic team uncover anything at the Magistrate's office?" I asked.

"We have yet to confirm anything, Ms. Siamendes," he said. "I will get back to you on that."

And that was that. Our dance was over and there were still no chairs.

I nodded. "Very good Mr. Gustav. I will not keep you any longer." With a smile, I added, "Thank you for your time."

The Director smiled and nodded, "It has been my pleasure Major. Do take care now."

A Trace of Rabbits (Part Two)

May 24 - Al Raqis

Foot traffic in the main square of Al Raqis was much lighter than it had been the evening before. One or two people drifted in and out of the Oasis Tavern. The heat played a factor, no doubt.

There was one fellow standing near the stall where Lily's jade carvings sat waiting to be purchased. He was a solid looking figure, dressed in the manner of one of the local paramilitaries.  Broad shoulders and muscular calves. A shock of dark hair. A weapon strapped to his back.

He waved as I approached. I nodded in response.

"UAP?" he asked, "Were you at that meeting yesterday?" He had a heavy Scottish accent.

"Yes I was, " I replied.

"Hmmph, that was a bit confusing," he remarked.

"There was a lot of talk," I agreed, "It can be draining."



He laughed, "I was half asleep the whole time."

I smiled and reached out to run my hand along the cool jade.

John scratched the back of his head. "What is the UAP?" he asked.

"The Union of Allied Planets," I replied. "And you? Who are you with?"

"I am with SSFS ma'am," he said smartly.

I nodded, "I have heard of them."

"Specialist Engineer John Duplin of SSFS" he added.

I turned and gave him my full attention. "Pleased to meet you Specialist. I am Major Siamendes, Special Investigations Unit, Alliance Military."

"Excuse my ignorance," he asked, "but are you like a detective?"

I tilted my head to one side considering the idea, "Pretty much, yes..."

"Sounds interesting," he said, "When I was a wee lad, I wanted to be a detective but I took interest more in movies than being one."

He has an interest. I wonder, does he have the talent?

"Have you happened to hear of this Jade Revolution?" I inquired.

"I have not, ma'am. Is this new?" John looked at the picture of the jade rabbit that Lily was selling. He had a slight look of disgust.

"Reasonably so," I replied, "it appears to have gone active about two or three months ago."

"I haven't really noticed it," he said. "Is this stuff selling like hotcakes?"



I shrugged. "This is just someone trying to cash in on the publicity. At least, that is what it appears."

Lily had admitted as much in her talk with Gage. And there were certainly signs here supporting this notion.

The rabbit on the Magistrate's desk was carved in a natural posture with its ears pulled back. By contrast, these agreeable little characters of Lily's stood on their hind legs. One ear straight up. The other ear flopped over. One even held a small flag. A very different vision. These rabbits were for the tourists...

"Well," I said. "if you hear of anything, anything at all, please give me a call. I will be planetside for the next little while."

We exchanged frequencies.

"Alright," said John.

I smiled, "Stay safe soldier."

"As to you," he replied.

A Trace of Rabbits (Part One)

May 24 - Al Raqis

It was the day after my appearance at the Laandsrat council.



I decided to wander about the region and see what had changed since my last visit, while I reviewed the log of Sgt. Macarthur's interview of LilyBell Snoodle.

----

Date: May 23

Location: Main Square, Al Raqis

Transcript begins. Time stamp 21:23.

"Miss LilyBell," said Sgt. Gage Macarthur, "it's been a while."

"You want to buy a souvenir?" asked LilyBell.

Gage looked over the items. "What got you interested in selling these trinkets?" he asked.

"Jade gettin' big news," replied Lily, "This here is genuine jade. I maked them myself......"

Gage nodded, "You were friends with her?"

"With who?"

"Jade."

"I seen her," said Lily, "She came to my stores. But we fighted."

"Fought? About what?"

Lily replied, "She want to arrest someone..on their day of honeymoon. I tell her you not do that, Jade Moonkill. You NOT. I end you right here."

"Why would she have someone arrested?" asked Gage.

"Her frowed me out of her house," added Lily.

"So you threatened her?"

LilyBell nodded. "Yes, I tell her I end her."

"Did you hurt her?"

"Probably, yes," said Lily.

"Physically?"

"I kill her......" said Lily, then she added, "Just kidding, just kidding... I not."

"Did you kill her?" pressed Gage.

"No, Mister," replied Lily, "I go back to end her but..nobody answer the door."

"Who do you think did?"

"Too late anyway," continued Lily, "my honeymoon night was wif a guard and my new man."

"Who were these two men?" asked Gage.

"Jade not very strong, Mister," said Lily, "Anybody could easily end her. Just not even give her her medicine."

"I know she was fragile," said Gage, "From what I know, she was an albino. Rare."

"She nice," said Lily, "Actually, if it had answer door, I not have hurted her. She and me, we a lot same. I don't know who did. Probably they not want her to tell."

[File copy - Jade Moonkill and LilyBell Snoodle]

Gage continued, "I was wondering, did you hear or see anything when you went to the house?

LilyBell nodded, "Yes. Birds."

"Birds? Here?" asked Gage.

"I hear birds," said Lily, "I miss her. She played and make sittings wif me, at my home. And she like to do naughty things."

"LilyBell," said Gage, "we're trying to find out who might have killed her, who had motive."

"All them people sittin' in there had motive," answered Lily, indicating the Laandsrat.

Gage frowned.

"She had 'em all locked up," she added.

"You mean the delegates?" asked Gage.

"The organ leggers," went on Lily, "them probably not happy she renege on that deal."

"I'm aware there was a mass imprisoning of the delegates," said Gage, "Was that Jade's doing?"

"Yes," replied Lily. "I think somefing wrong wif her medicine. She said she was going to have some operations."

"Her medications, What about them?"

"Cause of her family," replied Lily.

"Operation...." prompted Gage.

"Yes, from the organ leggers." Lily shook her head. "You know? She growed parts. I tell her, her not gotted to do it."

"Organ thieves," reflected Gage.

"I take her in the store," added Lily. "That naughty...them not allowed. We go in and eat candy too. Miss Jade gotted a family and them get taked care of if she getted operated. But I tell her, I can give her money. Not gots to do that. I don't know if it was supposed to do it or not....." Suddenly, Lily looked at Gage, "Him got some BIG feets. So about Mister Pete. When can him come? He say coming back for me but...never came. Them never do, actually." She shrugged.

"Probably sometime this week," said Gage.

"You want to buy something?" she asked again.



The crowd from the Laandsrat had begun to arrived by now.

"I will retire to Morloch. This Jade business is all Star Born, not of interest to me." This was Lady Rashad speaking with someone as she drew closer.

Gage sighed, "LilyBell, I may need to talk to you again about the Jade movement and about Jade again.

"I ain't got nothing to say," said Lily, "I only want to sell this stuff while people still talking about it. So what you want?"

"You may speak to me," interrupted Lady Rashad, "She is in my clan."

Gage nodded politely to Lady Rashad.

"Good deal on lawn ornament.... nice necklaces... You going to buy something or you just wasting my time, Mister?" Lily held out a necklace "Make good deal."

"Maybe later, LilyBell," said Gage.

"She does good work," added Lady Rashad, "I have some of the figurines."

With a smile, Gage acquiesced, "All right." He pulled out a package of sweets and offered them to Lily. "Will these do?"

"Okay," agreed Lily. She handed him a little jade rabbit and took the candy, "That a nice one," she said. "Well, them all nice. You remember where you got it, this get more news, I sell more and more."

Gage nodded and accepted the small trinket. "Thank you."

LilyBell smiled then turned her attention to people in the crowd. "Hello Miss. Can I interest you in some nice souvenir? Sure you hear about the Jade Revolution. This here authentic jade merchandise."

The Reverend Mother Ariadne looked over the pretty objects and smiled, "They are all nice... a clever enterprise."

"Them all highest quality items," declared Lily, "I make them all."

Mr. Senet, the Al Raqi ambassador to Botany Bay, looked at the cart. "A very interesting collection of trinkets Miss LilyBell." He smiled. "I thank you very kindly. It's quite nice I say."

LilyBell continued her sales pitch. "Special deal. Next time you see one of them Jades, you tell them can get them rabbits cheaper from me. Not just souvenirs. Good coin." she smiled.

"I'll remember, and it's a good point," said the Reverend Mother, "A little statue for the fountain might be just the thing.... I'll think on it."

LilyBell smiled.

"A very enterprising idea, Miss LilyBell." Ambassador Senet grinned widely.

"Thank you for compliment Miss," said Lily, addressing the Reverend Mother. "I good wif claws. Like it. Well, you folk have good evening and no let nobody do any bad things."

Ambassador Senet whispered to the Reverend Mother, "Don't you love trade on this planet."

End of transcript. Time stamp 21:44.

The Parliament of Rooks (Part Two)

The Laandsrat meeting was now nearly two hours old.

After I had returned to the chambers, I rejoined Sgt. Gage Macarthur at the back of the room. The council slowly worked through its agenda. Amendments to the Arbitrary Arrest Law and first reading of a bill called the Collective Self-Defense of the Mu Draconis System.

Finally, my turn came.

"Our last item," declared the Magistrate, "The Jadeist threat. This past day my offices were vandalized by Jadeist terrorists. On one level, I am glad that they are limiting their attacks to the use of paint, and the placement of green bunnies...""

Sgt. Macarthur scanned the room. I listened carefully.

"...but their access to this chamber must be addressed," continued the Magistrate.

"Discipline the guards," said Lady Rashad.

"This afternoon I enlisted the services of KPS...." added the Magistrate.

Reverend Mother Ariadne nodded.

Lady Rashad remarked, "Good."



Major Muircastle signaled a request to be recognized.

The Magistrate pressed on, "I also see that Major Siamendes is in chambers." She looked at me and asked, "Did you eat all the chocolates out of the top drawer of my desk, Major? Or have you already started your investigation?"

Chuckles and snickers rippled across the chamber. LilyBell wiped her mouth, without thinking.

Major Muircastle waved me forward. I walked decisively and stood beside the witness chair.

"I have begun my investigation Magistrate," I stated clearly.

"Regardless," said the Magistrate, "we have several parties conducting investigations. Please have a seat Major."

"Thank you," I replied and took my chair.

The Chair recognizes the delegate from House Zenobia, whispered the system.

Addressing her earlier remarks, Major Muircastle asked the Magistrate, "What specific services have you authorized KPS to perform? Jade Moonkill is/was a UAP citizen, we will have our own investigation, and address threats to UAP citizens."

"That is very kind of you, Mr. Muircastle," countered the Magistrate, "but you forget where you are."

The Chair recognizes the delegate from House Hengeyokai, whispered the system.

Khan Jubilynn Lane spoke. "There's a reason you separate military and the police," she said  "One fights the enemies of the state. The other serves and protects the people. When the military becomes both, then the enemies of the state tend to become the people."

"So say we all," cried a voice from the gallery.

"I do not forget," replied the Major, "that is why I am informing you, instead of just going forward without informing you."

Khan Lane continued, "KPS, is in fact, a military operation. They have recently been implicated in two separate gunfights within the settlement at Nova Gaia."

I listened and waited.



"Given the delicate nature of an internal political movement," said the Khan, "and how easy it could move from protest, to insurgency, I would caution applying such force, Magistrate, least your people become your enemy."

"I think you are getting ahead of yourself Khan," answered the Magistrate. "This is just an investigation." She turned her attention back to me. "Major. Can you tell us of your investigation?"

"Thank you Magistrate," I replied, "I have been informed of various threatening letters from a group referring to itself as the Jade Revolution. Some of these letters have been directed to Alliance citizens..."

"Ah," said Lady Rashad, "now we get to the real reason."

"...others have also received similar threats," I continued. "I would like to interview a number of people during my stay here. I would also like to thank Major Muircastle for his support during this period."

"Interview?" said the Magistrate, "I don't think the Dawla has made a law against that yet."

Reverend Mother Ariadne grinned.

Major Muircastle answered for us. "We are not compelling testimony. We would humbly request a subpoena from your good offices if we had probable cause."

The Magistrate glanced at the court reporter. "Of course not. I would never suggest anything else."

Lily chattered away in the desert tongue, "Qwit quq ahh khasq ah tra yiqqyi hirniis arqi qa 'qatkhiy'. I raq yiq qatkhiy ti aniair. Ishis."

Lady Rashad frowned and then said, "I have heard that you chop off fingers during interviews."

"Is this true, Major?" asked the Magistrate, sounding shocked.

LilyBell nodded helpfully from the gallery. 

Stay on message. Do not answer their questions. Rather, use the opening to present the answer to the question you wanted them to ask.

"I have already examined your office Magistrate," I replied, "I would like any results of your team's analysis forwarded to me at the earliest possible time."

The conversation, however, had taken a life of its own.

"By the Maker," cried the Reverend Mother, "None of that now! Pain by nerve induction is quite sufficient, if necessary."

Lady Rashad stifled a laugh.

Lily chattered further, "Qwit nara 'ziinkhani ah iq' akauq *ti* a riqi kara yiq ti auq qwi kini nwikh."

Do not become drawn into the arguments of others. Address the point briefly and redirect the discussion back to your message.

"I am not here to discuss interrogation techniques," I said, "only to see that our citizens are properly protected."

"I don't think we need to divulge all our trade secrets during this session," added the Magistrate, dismissing the topic.

Lily continued, "Raq Tamuas Niatirziin qwauniw. Wis raq zia kazi qa rakazira. Ghiyy, raq qaa kazi."

"Major," asked the Magistrate, "You will be coordinating your efforts with KPS then? Or will we have multiple investigations?"

"I will coordinate with them naturally," I replied.

"Thank you Major." The Magistrate looked at the clock and then to her agenda.

Major Muircastle added, "The UAP Special Investigations Unit has a good record for cooperating with local authorities here in Araxes."

"Yes Major." The Magistrate glanced at Major Muircastle sitting in the Zenobian Seat. "I have the upmost confidence in you."

I rose from my seat.

LilyBell gave me a nice smile. She was a veteran of the witness stand. Perhaps she approved of my performance. Perhaps she was just pleased to see me.

The Magistrate looked around the room. "I believe that is everything."

-----

I returned to my place at the back of the chamber and waited while the politicians voted to close the session. Lily joined us.

"Is Mister Pete wif you?" she asked.

Both Gage and I shook our heads.

LilyBell frowned, "Is Mister Pete coming?"

"He's busy," replied Gage patiently.

"You mean, him in the brig," countered Lily wisely, "Can I go see him?"

Sgt. Macarthur turned to me and explained, "She's talking about Private Bendan."

With the session declared closed, the crowd began to disperse.

 

"I going to straighten my stand," said Lily suddenly, "Business to be made." With that, she headed outside.

-----

I stood relaxed, watching the crowd slowly made its way towards the door and spread out across the square. Like the eddies in a stream, little conversations swirled about and collected in the corners.

At the front of the chamber, Major Muircastle lingered and addressed the Magistrate. "A pleasure, Chief Magistrate, to officially make your acquaintance," he said. "I will make time to come by your offices."

Khan Jubilynn Lane nodded at us as she passed with her entourage.

"They really need to serve refreshments," said the Khan to those around her, "some kaffa, maybe a danish."

"Non-intoxicants," chuckled a man.

"A fresh beer may be helpful," someone added.

Sgt. Macarthur leaned close and spoke quietly. "LilyBell said something about selling jade rabbits. I'm not sure how involved she might be, but if we were to question her, we'd have to make sure it was worded specifically."

"Find out what you can," I said.

Gage nodded and stepped outside.

----

At the front of the room, the Magistrate approached Lady Rashad.

"Khaliifa," she began, "I am sorry the vote on Collective Self-Defence did not go our way. They just don't understand our concerns. But as I said. It is an empty bill. No consequences stated or even implied."

"I consider that legislation to be a maneuver in a war, Magistrate," replied Lady Rashad.

'Our way.' 'Our concerns.' The Magistrate expressed a unity of purpose with House Morloch.

----

Meanwhile, Khan Jubilynn Lane addressed her staff. "Chief, we are not extending jurisdiction to these investigators to the Proctorate."

"No," replied her chief, "I didn't think we were."

"Just so we're clear," added the Khan.

The chief nodded.

"About those investigation ... I'm a little worried about those 'chopping off fingers' thingly," added another of the Khan's people.

"Yeah well, won't be happening around the Bay," declared the chief.

"There is a reason RAM and the Rangers are separate, Ahnelia," said the Khan.

Ahnelia agreed. "It's what you said, army is to fight against external threat, and local police to protect people."

Expect no help from Botany Bay administration.

-----

At the front of the chamber, Lady Rashad glanced at a man with the countenance of a fox. The fox headed man returned the look with a cheerful smile.

The Magistrate meanwhile spoke to the Major. "Mr. Muircastle. I will have words with your superiors about your behavior this evening."

"Magistrate," interrupted Lady Rashad, "I believe this one waits to speak with you."

"It's okay," said the fox headed man, "take your time."

"You may speak with my superior officer," replied the Major.

"Yes," countered the Magistrate, "For that I do not need your permission, Mr. Muircastle."

Major Muircastle retired and Lady Rashad excused herself, leaving the Magistrate alone with the fox headed man.

"Mr Hemms?" said the Magistrate.

"Magistrate," began Mr. Hemms, "this is the second meeting I have been too, and it was an even better show than last time. I don't know how you do it...."

"Are you here to offer your help again?" asked the Magistrate.

"...You somehow keep legions of armies from each others throats," continued Mr. Hemms.

'Offer your help again.' The fox headed man, Mr. Hemms, has offered help to the Magistrate in the past.

-----

"Major, I think we are finished here for now," interrupted a voice. It was Major Muircastle.

"Yes Major," I replied with a smile.

This was a productive evening.

The Case of the Jade Rabbit

"From freshly broken twigs, crushed leaves, disturbed pebbles, and imprints hardly discernible by the untrained eye, such graduates in the University of Nature will divine, not only the fact that a party has passed that way, but its strength, its composition, the course it took, and the number of hours or days which have elapsed since it passed. But they are able to do this because, like Zadig, they perceive endless minute differences where untrained eyes discern nothing; and because the unconscious logic of common sense compels them to account for these effects by the causes which they know to be competent to produce them." T.H. Huxley 1880

-----

While the Laandsat meeting droned on, I slipped upstairs and let myself into the Magistrate's office. I wanted to look at the crime scene without having to deal with spectators.

The room was dimly lit. Light filtered in through a stained glass window overlooking the Laandsrat chambers. The lamp of the desk offered a faint glow.

I could hear the voices of those below. Clever acoustics. The Magistrate would be able to sit in her office and hear every word spoken in the chambers. So too, the suspect would have heard anyone approaching.

I scanned the room.

Bookshelves lined the wall facing the window. A passage in the back corner and stairs that led to a pair of holding cells. The room held a desk and some chairs. Some items on the desk. The desk faced a large wall map.

-----

I began with the map.




It had been defaced with a message. The text read: "jADE DIED FOR YOUR SINS!"

The letters were well formed, with serifs, the semi-structured details on the ends of some of the strokes. The statement was written in two lines, with the first two words above the final three.

The first letter was lower case. The sentence ended in an exclamation mark. The result was the text began and ended with a dot.

I took note of the style, the location of the dots and the strokes. A cursory examination revealed no pattern to the position of the letters - intentional or otherwise - in relationship to the stars on the chart. I would need astrophysics to have a closer look.



It certainly appeared to be written in blood, as Lily had informed us, and with enough fluid to drip before drying. With a sterile instrument,  I took samples from three different letters.

-----

The floor in front of the map had been taped off by the local authorities.  I knelt down careful not to disturb the area. There was sand on the surface of the tiles, and in the cracks between them.



I am betting the Magistrate likes a clean office, floors well scrubbed.

I took several samples of the sand.

-----

I turned my attention to the desk.



The Magistrate's computer sat to the side of the desk away from the window. A lamp at the corner. On the opposite side, there squatted a small rabbit carved from jade.

Its ears were pulled back.

It faced the Magistrate's chair.

Taking this as my cue, I slowly walked around the desk to see the room as the Magistrate would if seated.



"jADE DIED FOR YOUR SINS!" The blood red letters screamed across the room.

Your sins.

Not ours.

The message accused the reader. Facing the Magistrate's desk, it accused her.

I picked up the statue and considered the weight. I needed to run some tests. Material composition. Fine measurement.

Was the artist left handed? What instruments did he or she use to carve the stone? Were these instruments easy to come by?

Why were the ears back? What did that mean to a rabbit?

I slipped the item into an evidence bag, then secured it in the pouch on my right leg.

I was finished here.