The Man from Kaden

May 30 - Unlisted location

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

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*** "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."

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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.

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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

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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.

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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."