The Incursion of the Queens

October 28 - Zenobia Institut Polytechnique, Albion City, Zenobia

"Everything was happening so oddly that she didn’t feel a bit surprised at finding the Red Queen and the White Queen sitting close to her, one on each side"  - Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There

--- 

This is an automated alert.



Temporal Laboratory. Unauthorized access.



 Intrusion detected.



Mainframe compromised.

All Souls

October 28 - The Arrow Star Hall, Paquin

"And it is All Souls' Night,
And two long glasses brimmed with muscatel
Bubble upon the table. A ghost may come;
For it is a ghost's right,
His element is so fine
Being sharpened by his death,
To drink from the wine-breath
While our gross palates drink from the whole wine."
- W.B. Yeats

---



Although the holiday was three days away, tonight was the Hallowe'en Party at the Arrow Star Hall. Ceasar and I had managed to secure tickets for this exclusive gala. Unfortunately, at the last minute Ceasar was called in to work. That meant I was either staying home or going alone.



I wore the gown that the Consurali Jai Raghilda had made for me. The reception for which it was intended had not materialized. I had my hair done earlier in the day. A black fox fur stole wrapped around my shoulders, black opera gloves, and a red domino mask completed my ensemble.

This felt like my first night off in years. Time spent in quarantine doesn't really count.



The Arrow Star Hall was designed in the oriental style. It was made of teak, hand carved and accented with brass ornament. A fountain graced the inner courtyard.



The dance hall itself occupied the entire west wing. A stage sat in one corner. Doors on the far wall opened to the gardens. A corridor to the left led to the east wing of the building.



It seemed all of high society was represented. The Companions of Paquin were there, each on the arm of a prominent politician or celebrity. The Reverend Mother of Araxes and her consort made an appearance, much to the delight of the crowd.

Svetlana Pleiades was also present. She had fashioned herself into some kind of Czarina these days. She didn't notice me. Maybe it was the mask.

She was using her own name again, even with the threats on her life and after we had provided her with a new identity as part of a plea bargain. She would not be the first person in witness relocation to revert to an old identity. The pull from the past is too great.

You can't escape who you are.

---

I danced a little bit. I caught the attention of a large robotic spider that seemed intent on following me across the dance floor.



The hall filled with fashionably late arrivals. The hostess of the event gave tarot readings to interested guests. Laughing couples went off to be alone in secret places.



As I watched, I felt a strange disquiet, of being out of sync with the merriment. I put it down to being there without Ceasar.

The robot spider had moved on, leaving me alone once again. I wandered down the hallway stopping only to nibble on the canapes set out on a long table.




The east wing of the building was divided into two floors. On the lower floor, a well stocked bar occupied the south wall. A small lounge complete with piano was tucked away on the other side. On the far wall, near the stairs, was another door leading outside.



I rested briefly in the lounge then headed upstairs to explore.

---

At the top of the stairs, I found a comfortable little room. Attractive art. Furniture the colour of thick cream.




There was a small library against one wall. A stack of books next to a chair had been carelessly knocked over then abandoned for some other pursuit.



The lights in the hallway were off. I did not think to look for a switch. Instead I walked forward, drawn by a sliver of light from underneath a door to another room.

I pushed the door open to reveal a small theatre.

On the wooden floor lay the body of a man.



He was partially clothed and covered with a small rug. There was blood on the rug and on the floor. A knife lay close to his hand.

I sighed heavily.

This was supposed to be my night off.

----

Coffee with Cortex

October 22 - Spinwheel City, Paquin

---



To: Pepper Siamendes, Major, UAP Special Investigations Unit
From: Aodhfionn MacMoragh, Colonel, UAP Special Projects

Reference: Umbrella Hive disaster
Subject: Media pressure.

If it will advance your investigation and get actionable evidence or suspects, use your media contacts.

Please recall the restrictions from the media relations handbook: “Avoid use of media outlets whose modus operandi is to foment dissent in the form of relentless and irrational contrarianism against the Alliance, designed to advance the objective of creating a deliberately misinformed body politic whose fear, anger, mistrust and discontent is the manna on which they sustain their parasitic, succubus like existence.”

Please keep this office informed about the nature of the outcomes.

Aodhfionn MacMoragh
Colonel
Union of Allied Planets, Special Projects
Paquin

---

The warehouse housed a mechanic's shop. The air held the scent of rubber tires, of motor oil and grease. Four vehicles were arrayed along one wall. These were new machines, designs I have not seen on or above the roads.

Half way down the row of vehicles was a man, stripped to the waist with his head under the hood of a car. The muscles of his back and arms tightened as he worked. The hair on his arms and torso was the colour of steel.

It was Tillery Woodhen, CEO of the Cortex News Service and Mayor of Spinwheel City.



Tillery looked up. "Hi Pepper."

"Hello Tillery," I replied.

I watched as he wiped grease from his hands. "I didn't know you tinkered with cars," I remarked.

"It's an old hobby of mine," he explained.

"An impressive fleet," I commented. It was quite a range of vehicles.



"Besides," he continued, "these are prototypes of some cars we plan to sell."

"And you work on them yourself?" I asked. I was honestly impressed.

"I like too." He chuckled, noticing my expression. "I wasn't always an executive."

I laughed gently, "No, of course, I don't suppose you were... but I always imagined you started in journalism."

"Yeah. but unless you own the paper, you don't make much money. I moonlighted as a vehicle mechanic." His hands now clean, Tillery looked around for his shirt. He paused. "Wait, are you in civvies?"

"I was just out for a walk," I said, "enjoying the city."

"I'm just so used to seeing you in uniform," he added.



I chuckled, "And I am used to seeing you in a business suit.. not up to your elbows in grease"

Tillery grinned, "Touche."

"Do you have time for tea?"

"Sure."

"Do you have a favorite spot?" I asked.

"Not really," he replied.



"Somewhere close then," I suggested.

"Well, we can easily drive," he said thoughtfully. "Only place I can think of is the diner near the mall."

I knew the place. Ceasar and I ate there all the time. "That sounds perfect," I said.

Tillery selected a metallic green Speedster Hovercar with an open top. The kind of car people on my salary can only dream of owning.

"Hop in," he called.

---

The seats were pale grey and made from the softest of leather. They were shaped to adapt to the body. The chair sighed as I settled in.

Tillery started the engine with a firm voice command, then with a twist of the wrist deftly maneuvered the machine up and over the other cars. The engine purred softly in response.



---



We glided over the streets of Spinwheel, taking the long way around to fully enjoy the ride. Tillery landed the vehicle by the side of the busy street near the shopping mall.

"Careful," he warned, as I climbed out of the car, "the cabbies around here are insane."

We placed our order at the counter in the diner. I ordered a Cafe au Lait. Tillery ordered a chai.

"Would you prefer to sit outside?" he asked.

"Certainly," I replied.

---

Traffic was brisk this time of day.



We sat ourselves at a small table perched on the sidewalk, on stools hugging the window of the diner. In absence of a proper patio, and on such a busy street, it seemed more an act of defiance than a place to relax.

---

"So what's up?" Tillery began.

"What can you tell me about the Umbrella Corporation?" I asked,

"Not a lot," he replied. "I know they're secretive, but I don't compete with them. I don't do a lot with nanotech and pharmaceuticals."

I nodded and sipped my coffee.

"Why do you ask?" he added.



"I am gathering information," I explained. "There was an industrial accident a short while ago, and the government has an interest."

"Where?"

"At one of their laboratories. Fortunately, not on Paquin."

"Dragon's Egg?" he asked.

"No," I replied. "I am sure that there stock prices would suffer should word of this find there way into the news stream."

Tillery raised an eyebrow, "And you say this to the owner of a cortex network."

"Just two old friends having a coffee and enjoying the pleasant weather... and how about you Tillery? Anything new?"



Tillery would not let it go, "Uh huh, and not hoping to put hints into the press?"

I smiled playfully, "I am sorry, Mr. Woodhen. My department has no comment."

I could see Tillery restrain the urge to roll his eyes. "How have you been outside of work?" he asked instead.

"Oh fine thank you." I took another sip from my coffee. "It is nice to have some time at home."

"You seem to be settling down quite nicely here," he added.

"The climate agrees with me and the beaches are lovely," I said truthfully.

"Have you explored any other part of the planet?"

"Yes, I have ... Dakini Island... Extropia."

"Always feel like Spinwheel is the dowdy older sister to Extropia," he remarked.

"Oh Spinwheel has character," I replied.

"I know," he conceded, "Just a different kind of flash."

I changed the subject. "When does your term for Mayor come up for renewal?"

"Before too long," he replied, "but I haven't heard of any other candidates."

"You should have no trouble getting re-elected," I said.

"Probably not."

I finished my coffee.



"I must be heading back to my office Tillery," I said finally, getting up from my stool, "I am glad to have found you doing well."

"It's good to see you too," he said, "And I'll ask around about Umbrella."

I smiled, "Thank you." With a nod in farewell, I turned away and walked towards the government building at the center of town.

In from the Cold

October 13 - Spinwheel City, Paquin

"On the ground of intersecting highways, join hands with your allies." Sun Tzu

---

It was a warm afternoon. The day was bright and the air cool.

I waited at the side of the landing field of the small spaceport in Spinwheel City. Of course, it was designed for shuttles and small craft only this close to the the urban core.

Even so, every now and then, someone would engage thrusters too early when leaving the surface. The windows would shake, and the people in the street would jump. Locals would complain.

It was at those moments, my blood would sing and I would relive how it feels to ride the thunder into the stars.

---

Two years ago, I employed an individual to provide information on the factions and organizations operating in the Mu Draconis system. As the years move along, she continued her work for us behind the scenes, providing us with intelligence, research and prototype technology.

More than an informant, she became a valued asset deeply embedded in the culture of the private militaries and rogue warlords that seem drawn to the deserts of Araxes.

As I was handling the Ardra case at that time, up to date information of the status of the system was essential, so we took the step of keeping her attached to my team. 

She went by a variety of names. She spoke in a number of languages. She took a variety of appearances.

Today, she was Najah Liasa.

---



She walked across the tarmac. She wore a black flight suit. Her long curly hair was pulled back.

"Welcome to Spinwheel," I said.

"Thank you." she said with a nod, her accent thicker than usual.

"I trust you had a pleasant flight?"

"Indeed," she replied, "a little rocky but that's what happens on your ship's third space trial." She smiled looking up towards the sky.

"Come," I said, "Let us find somewhere to chat."

She nodded and followed after me.

As we passed through passport control, I flashed my badge at the customs bot. "She is with me," I said and we continued without interruption.

We walked down Church Street and turned left towards the small beach.

I settled into a chair giving me a clear visual of the approach from the beach. My contact took the seat opposite, giving her a view of the street. The chair creaked slightly under her as she sat down.



Between us, we had visual coverage of any major approach to our location. From a distance, we would simply be two friends gossiping over coffee and pastry.

"So what do you have for me?" I began.

My contact smiled, "I've been out in the Black for a long time, I'm still catching up with events. " she said, "But as far as my side, I've moved all House Narstrom operations to Uradia and ordered the navy to blockade it from unauthorized travel, the UNSC has pulled off Al Raqis again and the Ta Seti destroyed my favorite ship." Her accent was thick and very rich, like something from the desert regions of Earth-That-Was.

I nodded, "How active are the Ta Seti since the Battle of the Wadi?"



"Getting bigger, Getting a lot more deadly. Not to be trifled with, as I said, they destroyed my flagship, I did not stand a chance." She slid some photos across the table from a pouch on her leg.

I accepted the photographs. "Thank you," I said quietly.

Najah Liasa nodded. "Don't mention it," she smiled, easing her legs out.

Coffee came and went, while I looked through the pictures.

---



The images showed my contact's ship assisted by a Federation craft engaging two star shaped vessels and fighters.



The Federation markings where difficult to make out without magnification but the ship could have been Starfleet Torchwood.




The Federation ship appeared to take serious damage to its saucer section, but the Ta Seti ships cut the Narstrom ship into chunks like so much soft cheese.



---

"So your tactical analysis of the situation," I asked, "what needs to be done to contain the threat?"

She took a deep breath, "The Ta Seti certainly are mobilizing something, I aided the SSFS with investigating a possible Jeffries Tube the Ta Seti have landed. I would warrant they are planning something, and giving the SSFS's response they are being dangerously underestimated."

"Can your unit provide the necessary support in case of further Ta Seti action?"

She shook her head, "No, the UNSC on Al Raqis has been redeployed, and I've been ousted from command."



I nodded. These things happened in her world. It was chaotic and violent.

She continued, "We were infiltrated by an insurrectionist who tried to start a witch hunt."

"Tell me more," I said.

"I had a promising soldier named Ico Harbinger. When my unit reached its peak strength, I noticed there started to occur some... infighting. At the time, I thought this was only growth pains, but it turned out to be something much worse."

"You suspect a Myrmidon agent?"

"No. Pre-covenant war Eridanus rebels," she sighed.

I nodded again. The UAP and the UNSC. We had our Browncoats. They had their Eridanus Rebels. We had a common understanding of such things.

"Tell me," I said, "what do you need to rebuild?"

She shook her head, "I'm in no position to reinstate my arms on Al Raqis, and given the course of my duties to the HNRN, I cannot provide support at all."

"Do you need extraction?" I asked plainly.

She nodded. "I think Uradia may be compromised as well," she said. "My HNRN is not a military. We're scientists. Scientists who make very large guns, but scientists nevertheless."

It would be a loss not having my contact active in the outlying regions, but you have to take care of your own.



"Sounds like it maybe time for you to come in from the cold," I said.

She agreed. "It is," she said.

I smiled, "Your work has been invaluable." It was the simple truth.

"Thank you." she smiled in reply.

Farm Girl

October 6 - UAP Safehouse, Northern Provinces, Zenobia

"There they became farm servants for pay in the household of the king."- Herodotus

---

We decided that I would stay on the Farm for one extra day. I woke early and sent a quick update to my commanding officer, then made my way downstairs and began some chores.

I grew up on this world. I live on Paquin, but this planet is my home.

Zenobia, or Albion as it appears on many star charts, has the coolest and dimmest climate of any planet in the Core. We are not near a main sequence star like Londinium or Sihnon. We do not orbit one of the protostars like Santo, Persephone or Shadow. We receive light from multiple sources by being equidistant to several sources at any given time.

When the White Sun sets, then the protostars Qin Shi Huang, Lux and Murphy are all out in the sky. During the tiny sliver of time when these also have set, we get light from Red Sun, Himinbjorg and Heinlein. This late twilight condition is our darkest time of the day, but it doesn't last long.

Given our location in the White Sun system, having no real night is essential. It allows us to accumulate the heat necessary to support life.

---

As a result, our fauna is mostly crepuscular, biologically adapted to be more active at dawn, dusk and on moonlit nights, like cats and dogs, rabbits and ferrets, guinea pigs, mice and rats. Moose and deer inhabit our forests. Swifts, nighthawks, woodcocks and crakes fill our skies.

Viney, leafy vegetables and root vegetables grow well here. We can grow mountains of fodder crops and hence we have a lot of feed lot livestock. Lots of good fodder crops also makes for a good dairy industry. We are famous for our cheese.



Clover and ferns and a lot of climbing and creeping ivy grow well under these conditions. Here you will find clover grazed beef. Sheep and goats are also popular. Sheep and goats are well suited to the lighting and the grazing conditions.

And, because of the crepuscular conditions, Zenobia ranches a lot of browsing animals like deer.



Most of the flora is shade tolerant, or grows but slower.

Some plants do exceptionally well in our long but relatively cool shaded days. We grow the best garlic, ginger, ginseng, goldenseal and onions in the 'Verse. Our garlic, ginger and onions are intensely savory. We are not so good at making spicy things like chili peppers.




Although Jerusalem Artichokes like the sun, they grow in bad soil and in low light if there are long days. It is a source of inulin, a kind of sugar. It is the potato of sugar.  It looks like sunflowers but has tuberous roots like potatoes and grows on marginal land.  Jerusalem Artichokes are our major source of locally grown sugar.




The giant amount of root and leafy fodder along with Jerusalem artichoke, potatoes, yams, turnips, means great pork. You couldn't get better unless you fed them a diet of mother's milk and baby food. Since our root plants grow like wildfire from the perpetual twilight, we can graze the pigs in the field.



Fruit trees need full sunlight conditions.

Apples will grow here, but generally, they tend to be smaller, and more tart that you might find on a brighter world. However, they can be used to make a variety of fine desserts to follow a thick venison steak smothered in a cheese and onion sauce, with fluffy white potatoes, glazed carrots and yams.




---

To Colonel Aodhfionn MacMoragh, Special Projects
From Major Siamendes, SIU

Update

1) Jadeist activities may have spread to 34 Tauri as one source claims members of this group have been seen on Dragon's Egg, near Hales Township. This has not been verified.

2) Debriefing begun with tenant at the Farm-One facility: NavCorp methods, and approach. Transcript forwarded.

3) The tenant at the Farm-One facility has reported that one satellite orbiting Avalon has been recently reconfigured to pass over that location at 90 minute intervals rather than once per day. This appears to cause the tenant some concern. The tenant remarks "If it was official, they would program 16 of them, but they only used one."

4) The tenant at the Farm-One facility has also reported that NavCorp has embedded a signal to drones and distributed networks in the video of an android auction. The tenant reports that NavCorp have been losing control of their drones. The tenant recommends finding these rogues.

5)  A total of 13 files from the Hive have been unlocked so far. These include material on Alliance training techniques as follows:

Alliance Mental Mapping Protocol

Topics named in this protocol with their own file:

Nootropics
Nootropic Diet
Lucid Dreaming
Dream Learning
Gansfield Effect (Ganzfeld)
Uberman Sleep
Treadstone Protocol

---

[OOC -My thanks to co-author Jai Raghilda
for her eloquent description of our world.]