Pepper Siamendes: Report

The Infectiousness of Crime

2012-01-05T14:10:00.000-08:00

November 9

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

-----

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.

-----

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)

2012-01-04T19:33:00.000-08:00

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)

2012-01-03T08:40:00.001-08:00

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.

-----

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.

-----

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."

-----

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."

The Medical Centre

2011-12-30T22:23:00.000-08:00

November 6 - Al Raqis

The medical centre in Al Raqis is situated on the northern edge of the town, making it well placed to serve both the permanent residents of the wider region and the transient population of the spaceport. These days it doubled as the Karsadian embassy and as such could claim both hospital neutrality and the sanctity of being foreign soil.

It was here that Dr. Demanjrick had her practice.

The first floor was the clinic. There was a small sitting area just inside the door. Along the left hand side of the room was the treatment area and a counter at the far end. A bank of windows on the right completed the room.

There was an absence of interior partitions, and a piece of plywood mounted on the far wall. If this plywood covered signs of damage, then someone had the time to begin the repairs. No evidence of a recent struggle.

Containers bearing the Hoto Nagi logo sat next to the elevator tube. Medicine awaiting distribution. A cure for the Black Pox.

Tucked away behind the elevator was a large storage tank containing blood. I had never seen blood stored this way before. The vessel was so large. It was indeed a puzzle.

Getting to the second and third floor took some doing. The lock was a bit tricky.

On the second floor, I found a lounge with a well stocked bar. I would think for the use of embassy staff or for entertaining visiting diplomats, rather than for nursing staff on break.

The Hoto Nagi logo was everywhere. My understanding was that, as a political entity, Hoto Nagi was a union of the people of Karsadia and the people of Khayal Alramady.

There was an office on the third floor. An empty stasis tube of the same design used by Zenobia stood proudly to one side. Pictures of the desert sand decorated the back wall.

The desk was empty. No files. No papers. No sign of research into the virus, nor any indication of where the doctor may be.

But what I did find, in a navigation object across from the desk, were the coordinates to the Hoto Nagi moon.

Waiting for Thermidor

2011-12-26T13:10:00.001-08:00

November 5 - Splintered Rock

With the Provisional Government in place, one of the first changes was the lifting of the USD blockade and the resumption of trade and traffic. The timing was good as I wanted to visit Araxes publicly and leave quickly if necessary.

It was late in the day when I arrived. Traffic was heavy despite the heat. The landing area in Splintered Rock had been subjected to direct sunlight all day. It was like walking on a grill.

The political situation was still fragile. A Special Prosecutor had recently arrived on the planet but the Laandsrat trials had not yet begun. As a result, the transition to a new form of governance was not complete. And while there were signs of public endorsement for the new government, supporters of the old order remained.

Meanwhile, I was looking for traces of Dr. Demanjrick. My messages to her blocked. The chatter was that she had fled Araxes.

On October 29, our monitoring station had detected a blockade runner, a shuttle named the Harrier, registered to DaveDorm Gaffer. While I had nothing to tie him directly to the missing physician, here was a pilot willing to risk a confrontation with the USD. The lead was thin but it was worth investigating.

Mr. Gaffer was also the owner of Waypoint X, a drinking establishment located in Splintered Rock. It was here that I began my hunt. Perhaps it was the heat of the day but his club was empty, except for some gorilla in a lizard suit behind the bar.

As there was no information forthcoming from that direction, I moved on.

-----

I passed by an old man sitting by the entrance to the market. I watched as he packed a pipe with the last of his tobacco, lit the herb, and puffed contently for a few moments. He glanced up, and with old, tired eyes, tracked the flight of a bird.

If he was tracking my movements, he made no sign.

The only other person in the market at the time was a woman. She was dressed in a brown shirt and pants, tan suspenders, and sporting a side arm on her right leg. She looked like she worked on the Rim.

"Excuse me..." I began.

"Howdy," answered the woman, "Can I help you?"

"I am looking for a bartender named Dave," I asked, "would you happen to know where I might find someone by that name?"

The woman smiled and nodded, "Yes, he's my business partner. He is usually either at Waypoint X, up on Highport, or in the office. But right now, he is in none of those places. I think he may have turned in for the night."

"Ah, of course," I replied, "...I have just arrived on world. I am looking for information, and I was hoping your business partner might be able to help me."

The woman nodded, "To be honest, ma'am, time is relative here. Folk coming and going willy nilly. Dave -- well, Dave is just as willy nilly as the rest."

"Of course. I can check with him later," then I added, "Perhaps you can help me."

"We just merged," she replied, "so I guess neither of us are privy to the others dealings right now. STFU is still in its infancy. But if you'd like, I could tell him you were looking for him."

"That would be fine," I said pleasantly, "I am Major Siamendes, Special Investigations Unit, Alliance Military. Please tell him I was asking for him."

That should stir things up a bit.

The woman raised an eyebrow. "Well, Major. I'll surely do that when I see him next."

"And may I have your name?" I asked politely.

"Sure," replied the woman, "Name's Tailleur, Kristina Tailleur."

"Thank you Ms. Tailleur."

"Sure," she nodded, "but -- that'll be Captain Tailleur, Major."

"Thank you ...Captain," I obliged.

"You're welcome. Any message you want me to pass on?"

"Certainly," I replied, "tell him I am looking for a doctor."

The old man by the market entrance cried out, "Spare a solari for an old ex-miner!"

"Dr. Demanjrick," I continued then watched for any sign that the woman recognized the name.

She raised both eyebrows, "Well sure, I can tell him that. But I thought she --" She trailed off and shook her head slightly.

"You know something?" I probed.

The Captain curled the corners of her mouth very slightly, "About what, Major?"

"About the good doctor?"

Captain Tailleur shrugged, "I don't know how good a doctor she is but I can assure you that I have no idea of her whereabouts right now."

"Of course... but you have heard of her," I pressed.

"Sure, you just told me."

I did not respond to her remark. Instead I removed my sand goggles and blinked slightly as my eyes adjusted to the light. "Does one ever get used to it?" I asked.

Captain Tailleur chuckled, "I don't know. I ain't been here that long and I don't intend being here long enough to find out."

I smiled. "So you are just passing through?"

"I guess you could say that," she purses her lips thoughtfully, "Ship needed repairs, I came here to get it repaired. Met Dave and we merged. Once the business is up and running I will be too."

I nodded sympathetically, "Yes, a ship's captain... always on the move."

"Yeah," she replied, "machinery permitting."

Circle back.

"What have you heard about Dr. Demanjrick... in the time that you have been here?"

The woman creased her brow and expelled a lungful of air, "Not much," she admitted, "She was working on a cure to some virus that hit this place but I didn't get to know her."

"And you said you 'thought she...' and you left the sentence unfinished."

She nodded and smiled, "Yeah, I did, didn't I?"

"Did you ever meet the woman?" I asked.

Captain Tailleur laughed, "I truly do not know. I met a couple doctors, or they said they was doctors anyway. How could I know when they were wearing those gorram hazard suits? Maybe I did, maybe it was her assistant."

I nodded thoughtfully, "Well, if you hear of anything or if you think of how to finish that sentence, please give my office a call." I smiled.

The woman raised an eyebrow and returned the smile, "Sure, Major ... just what office would that be?"

"UAP Special Investigations... you can leave a message at the Zenobian embassy in Al Raqis."

She grimaced, "Yeah, well -- maybe a call, not a visit. But I'll bear your -- request -- in mind."

I nodded once and started heading in the direction of Al Raqis, "Good day Captain."

Captain Tailleur nodded, "Zhu yi, Major."

The Destroyer of Worlds

2011-12-20T16:17:00.001-08:00

"They are like wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shameless deeds, wandering stars for whom the gloom of darkness has been reserved forever." - Jude

----

November 4

*** Coded message *** Dr. Demanjrick.... if you receive this message, send word. - signature lock Major Pepper Siamendes, Special Investigations Unit, Alliance Military - message ends ***

The phrase 'message was blocked' flashed upon the monitor.

I frowned.

Dr. Demanjrick was the lead medical researcher on the Saf Virus. The staff at the Zenobian embassy had initiated steps to gain her cooperation, samples of the original virus strain, and copies of early research into a cure. The doctor had indicated her willingness to work with us. However, the process came to a halt with the Laandsrat arrests, and so the file was passed to my desk.

"Find out why it was blocked," I said, "I will be in my office."

-----

The gathering of information was actually proceeding well.

The USD blockade had simplified matters considerably. While there were still blockade runners, the USD action had reduced trade and traffic to a crawl, making it much easier to monitor.

Dr. Westminster had started gathering samples of every cure as it became available, and a few in the development stages. And two reports arrived from Sgt. Gage MacArthur.

The first document was from his reconnaissance in the South of Araxes. It described some very unusual activity in the desert and indications of Guild involvement. The second report dealt with matters closer to home.

-----

Report:
To: Major P. Siamendes, SIU
Re: Unknown light, Heighliner sighting

While on ground patrol in Wadi Emet, noted a woman wandering the area. Did not approach subject. As I was observing, I noticed something above us. The object was low in the atmosphere and was able to be photographed from my position. I was also able to tap into a local satellite for higher up visuals. These are some stills from that observation.

During the information retrieval of these photos, I found some unusual images involving LilyBell Snoodle. I was able to grab a capture of that information before it disappeared. This looks to be of importance and felt it needed to be added to this report.

As I tracked the heighliner to its position, I observed a beam of intense light coming from it to the ground. Something was moving in the sand below it. A few minutes later, the worm rose up from the sand and almost looked like it was caught in the beam. I wasn't readily able to make anything out at first, then a shape almost looked like it was holding the worm in place.

It is not known exactly what happened, but after some three to four minutes the light dissipated. The worm was gone as were the shapes. I arrived at the location but found nothing more than a glassed area, which was still warm from the beam. No one was there. The winds were picking up and had blown away any tracks to or from there.

Note: Later investigation showed a few child sized tracks in the area sheltered from winds and sands. It could be the same child that has been seen wandering around Wadi Emet.

-----

Report:
To: Major P. Siamendes, SIU
Re: Virus cure research on the cruiser

Upon returning to the cruiser, Sun Tzu II, I was asked to watch over a shipment of medical containers coming in for Dr. Danick. She was given special clearance per military request. No other information was forthcoming. My attempt at getting at who had given the clearance was denied. In response to the cover up, I decided to go to the lab and get a few photos for documentation, in case there were repercussions.

When asked, the Doctor spoke of doing her research to help the infected people at no cost. Whoever is funding her must have high up connections. The materials and equipment here isn't something we carry on a cruiser. She appears to be pretty adamant about this cure being given freely to anyone who needs the vaccine. If so this might prove dangerous for her and her associates, given the volatile atmosphere of Mu Draconis.

Report complete.
Sgt. G. Macarthur, Sun Tzu II, Dragon's Egg Moon

-----

Returning my attention to the images in the first report, I selected a small magnifying glass from my desk drawer. The convex glass lens, 10 cm or so in diameter, was mounted within a plain metal ring. An ebony handle was attached to the one side. In this day of scanners rotating camera angles and extrapolating elements of a static image, this was old fashioned, but it more than served my purpose.

There.

In the seventh image of the report.

A small mark off to the left and forward of the worm.

I looked closely.

I had seen something like this before, resting in a crib in Lily's home on Hales Moon.

It was a tube, and inside something red and fleshy....

And on the ends of the cylinder, red and white, the mark of an umbrella.

The Year of the Plague (Part Two)

2011-12-12T20:37:00.000-08:00

There was an inevitability to events in those days.

The spread of the virus. The death toll mounting.
The desperate attempts to close borders and enforce blockades.
The Laandsrat seizing the Blood Cure then holding it for ransom.

It was like a stone rolling down a hill until it had gathered enough momentum, that with the unevenness of the ground, it is propelled into the air.

Looking back, I would have to say that it was the moment that AR Pharma posted its record profits, that was when the stone kicked itself free of the earth and precipitated the tragic events that followed.

-----

October 28

We were monitoring communications out of Al Raqis, when we received the follow transmission:

'Transmission begins'

So I press this, like this, when I am ready to..... Oh, it's on. Okay....

Hello, This is Jade Moonkill, elected member of the Beit Dawla. I hearby order, as an elected member of the Beit Dawla established by order of the Sovereign – His most Exaltedness the Emperor, the immediate arrest of all members of the Laandsrat Council and the executive board of ARPharm. To face charges of treason against the people of Araxes and crimes against humanity for failure to act swiftly and appropriately in this pandemic, human trafficking and exploitation. I also order the seizure and freezing of all property, assets, and financial accounts of its members and the stock holders and members of the executive board of the ARPharm until the time that they have been tried and found not guilty.

Anyone aiding or found to have given aid to escape arrest of any member of the Laandstat or executive board of ARPharm, will be arrested and tried for aiding and abetting a criminal.

I encourage.... no, I beg that the Laandsrat and governing board of ARPharm to turn themselves in to face a Fair and Just trial. Please!!! I don't want to see anyone hurt.....

Thank you and I am sorry.

'Transmission ends'

-----

The arrests began almost immediately.

Later that day, an emergency session of the Beit Dawla was called. The meeting was recorded. Consulari Jai Raghilda Lordhunter was present as the appointed chairwoman of the lower chamber. Of the elected representatives, only two members were in attendance: Lady S'khm't Pryxis of the Myrmidon Order and Jade Moonkill sitting as an independent.

Oh, Jade... How far you have travelled since Eavesdown Docks, where you raised your chickens and hemmed my gown...

-----

October 28 - Al Raqis

"Do you wish to speak first, Jade?" asked the Myrmidon woman. She had called the meeting to question Jade on her actions.

"What do I need to explain?" countered Jade, "They are breaking the law and endangering lives and it is our job to stop them and protect the people of Araxes."

"who is exactly breaking the law?" pressed Lady Pryxis, "You have openly accused all of the Laandsrat."

"Members of the Laandsrat and ARPharma," replied Jade, "The Laandsrat approved the manufacturing and selling of the Blood Cure."

"And what have you seen to corroborate this?"

"The approval is a matter of public record," replied the Consulari, "Unfortunately, she could not single out individuals, so they had to be arrested as a group."

Jade elaborated, "They did not consult the Beit Dawla, nor did they inform us that Natives would have to be used as milking cows to make the cure."

The discussion shifted to Myrmidon blood donations and their attempts to fund an alternative cure, before returning to the topic of procedure.

The Consulari explained the Laandsrat's transgression,"They violated their terms with the Emperor by circumventing us in the process. Zeno opposed the AR-Pharma and Lady Calina is not even a voting member. But unfortunately, the warrants are as a group. They will have to deal with separation at arraignment."

Lady Pryxis addressed Jade, "Well surely, we could have arranged a meeting with the Laandstrat before you went and did this."

Jade was undeterred. "What happens when the Natives cannot..." She made motions with her fingers, "....donate enough blood to manufacture the cure fast enough? They will capture Natives and kill them for every ounce of blood!"

"Jade went to two meetings of the Landsraat," added the Consulari, "and still they defied the Beit Dawla. They co-opted the process to get heinous profits, hoping to act quickly before anyone could stop them." She continued, "No motion was passed to us. They acted without our approval. Zeno could have made a motion. Lord Krakken could have made a motion. But they decided to just abort the process."

"Understood," replied the Myrmidon, "but I think Jade should have called a meeting for us to decide about this proposal first."

Jade explained, "The emperor said that there would be two branches and both must approve to be law and legal....and they approved the use of blood."

"Do we stand by and be made superfluous?" asked the Consulari rhetorically. "I was originally angry about the arrests, but while I was picking out clothes with Zeno for her arrest, we discussed why it was important."

"Well, I agree with one thing," said Lady Pryxis, "we are suppose to enforce the law here, as you have said. But doing this, like it has been done is like taking it on one's back, not as the Beita Dawla committee."

Jade stood and put her hands on the desk, leaning forward angrily, "Blood!" she cried, "Blood of the natives! The people we are sworn to protect. Not one opposed that, that I saw. They agreed to risk the lives of the people who elected us to protect them and that is criminal and should be punished!" Her voice rising as she began to shake.

"That," added the Consulari, "and stealing research belonging to Karsadia and using a monopoly on that to withhold the cure from billions of people in 34 Tauri in order to enrich their profits."

Lady Pryxis replied, "Yes, but why did you not call for the Beita Dawla to meet to discuss this before going ahead with warrants?"

"You two were elected by the people," said the Consulari, "I was appointed by the Emperor. He cares that the forms are obeyed. This circumvention of the process is the very thing he wanted to prevent."

"That makes no less the same," argued the Myrmidon woman, "but we should have had a motion on this before."

"Anyone can swear out a warrant," stated the Consulari.

Jade looked down as blood red tears began to fall from her eyes, "I acted without you to protect you all. This way their anger and threats fall on me and not the Beit Dawla. I had a right to act alone under the law. And if they.... silence me.... you are all safe."

The discussion continued along these lines for some time.

"The Constable wouldn't get involved," said the Consulari, "and the Chief Magistrate won't act against her own interests... and the factions won't either..."

"On this scale, I wouldn't have thought so," agreed Lady Pryxis.

The Consulari continued, "The space navigators guild took it on themselves to inform the Emperor about the issue, and the Emperor appointed a special prosecutor. This was sent earlier today." She handed her colleagues an official looking notice.

"I know some are innocent," said Jade, "And trials will prove that. And by charging the Laandsrat as a whole removes them tempora...... no, I didn't expect them to be arrested or for me to be arrested instead. No one was speaking up for the Natives and it was my job. I took an oath and I will die to fulfill that oath."

"Well," remarked Lady Pryxis, "if this carries on like this, there will no longer be any councils, and what of the people and natives then?"

"This way the Laandsrat is removed from voting," replied Jade. "They have no power 'til a majority is cleared of the charges or found innocent. So the corrupt cannot bribe or trick their way free."

"I have faith that in obeying the forms, justice will be done," added the Consulari optimistically.

"As for the Beit Dawla," continued Jade, "we now hold the votes that will let us insure they get fair and honest trials... and to stop the selling of the Blood Cure and force research to find a cure that doesn't need blood to make it!"

"If the members of the Landsraat and the board of AR Pharma try to thwart the forms, the results will be far worse," declared the Consurali.

"Well," said the Myrmidon woman, "the ones that are guilty should be punished I agree, but I still think it could have been done differently."

"Not with out putting a price on all your heads," said Jade prophetically.

The Beit Dawla continued its deliberations, in the end voting unanimously to offer the option of detention within the Magistrate's Keep for any Laandsrat member who surrendered voluntarily.

After the Consulari left, Lady Pryxis and Jade remained behind and talked of matters of loyalty.

[Lady S'khm't Pryxis of the Myrmidon Order]

"Why do you ask where my loyalty stands, Jade?" asked the Myrmidon woman.

"I want to know if you will do all," answered Jade, "risk all to protect the people of Araxes as your oath called for."

"I took the oath for this council," explained Lady Pryxis, "also one with my commander. I take this very seriously."

"And what if you find that the Myrmidon were responsible in some part for the virus?" pressed Jade, "Would you act on behalf of the people of Araxes against your own people? 'Cause if you can't or won't... then I would implore you to resign now before your loyalty is tested."

"I know he is not," answered Lady Pryxis, "but do not test me. You may be shocked."

"I hope your right," replied Jade, "I like Lord Krakken. And it was a Myrmidon that protected me when people wanted to kill me."

"He has always kept his word, Jade," added the Myrmidon woman.

Jade was not done. "....but I will uphold my oath to protect the natives and people of Araxes. And they are not safe so long as billions need their blood to live."

"As I would," said Lady Pryxis "If you knew anything about us, you would know what we stand for."

The women began to talk about their homes, their backgrounds, the things which define us all.

Jade blinked and smiled, "I was born in a mine. I lived my whole life underground till I was sixteen. I dug rock and tunnels, skugged holes to keep the humans safe from falls and collapses and gas pockets. I was... a worker ant among many."

"I know your plight," replied Lady Pryxis, "and I am sorry that was your life before, but as you know we are honest and fair people, even though we are warriors. We stand for law and order too....and don't take it lightly when one attacks us."

Jade held back a giggle, "An ant.... I know what it means to be an ant and the strength there are in tens, hundreds, thousands, of ants working together. And I know that ants will die to save the colony."

"You know we took the oath here," said the Myrmidon woman, "and that's how we stand."

"I looked up Myrmidon," said Jade, "It means ant."

"That is correct," replied Lady Pryxis, "We are a unit. To make this council work, we fight as a unit."

Jade Moonkill stepped up to the Myrmidon woman and looked up smiling, "Araxes is your colony now. Work, live and die to defend it before all others so long as you serve."

"We have been doing that since we came here."

"Then you understand..."

"Oh yes," answered Lady Pryxis. "I am a Warrior. We do know, but to do this, it must be done through the council," she insisted.

Jade looked down at the floor. "I acted to protect the Beit Dawla. This way they have only one ant to hate. And as I said: if they ...silence me......the rest of you can make sure the people of Araxes are safe."

"You fight the same fight as I do," Lady Pryxis told her, "If we go as one unit, they will feel the strength of many."

"I don't like the fight," replied Jade, "but I can fix, dig and build real well....and I was the best hole skugger back home."

"Your life is as precious as anyone else's," said the Myrmidon woman.

Jade rolled her eyes, annoyed. "I am a moonbaby," she said. "Better a thousand moonbabies die than one human. That's what they say back home."

This answer may not have been satisfactory to Lady Pryxis. "Why die," she asked, "when you can have peace?"

But Jade was already leaving. She waved goodbye. She paused at the door to explain to the guard that she hadn't done anything wrong, so she didn't need an escort home.

-----

In the days that followed, the arrests continued. Some members of the Laandsrat turned themselves in. Most were placed under house arrest. The Special Prosecutor arrived and began his investigation.

Then, on November 2, it was announced that the Beit Dawla had assume full control of the local government until such time that the Emperor reinstated, if he so chose to, the Laandsraat after their trials.

There was a report of one citizen running from the meeting hall yelling excitedly "A GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF ARAXES! LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE BEIT DAWLA!"

And with that, the provisional government of Araxes was established.

The Year of the Plague (Part One)

2011-11-10T16:15:00.000-08:00

October 22 - Location classified

"State policy is the womb in which war is developed, in which its outlines lie hidden in a rudimentary state, like the qualities of living creatures in their germs." - Von Clausewitz

-----

The death toll was startling.

News services reported hundreds dead and thousands more infected.

I happened to know that the actual figures were being suppressed, at least in some areas. We didn't need a panic.

The "Black Pox", or Saf Virus as it was officially called, swept through the system like a wild fire. The race was on to develop some kind of cure. When the local government of Araxes announced exclusive production of a serum available only at an exorbitant cost, Central Government responded with a strongly worded statement.

"We find her (the Magistrate's) attitude to be cold, heartless, and inhumane," said Surgeon General Liam Xiaoshen. "At the time when this pandemic is raging through her own system and into ours to charge a usurious fee for the vaccine is tantamount to a declaration of war...."

This was diplomatic language certainly. It did not necessarily mean that Alliance troops would be dropping from the skies of Araxes any time soon. But using the phrase "tantamount to a declaration of war" indicated that a military option was now on the table.

And that meant we were going operational.

-----

This did not mean that our other cases were to be put on hold. As the plague spread across the stars, and the government prepared for eventualities, my team diligently performed its duties.

To: Major Pepper Siamendes, Special Investigations Unit
From: Captain Manda Soldi Westminster, Special Projects, seconded to SIU

Subject: Aurotharius twins
Reference: Medical Examination

I am finally cleared to do the medical examination on the Aurotharius twins. Consent from the twin's guardian helped reduce the bureaucratic red tape. The more detailed examination is scheduled for when Constance Zdychava will be in Paquin.

There were no marks to indicate any invasive procedure.

Both twins exhibit signs of familial amyloidosis, which appears to be in remission controlled thru a drug and diet regimen.

Preliminary analysis of blood, fluids and hair samples indicate nothing suspicious. The chemical analysis was detailed, we can probably make good guesses about what they ate and what environments they had been in since their absence. They obviously spend most of their time on Araxes and they travelled outbound in cryrostasis but not their return trip. Their blood and tissue workup shows levels of Araxes Desert Spice consistent with ambient exposure to the air and food of Araxes, but no concentrated exposure. They did not eat indigenous foods, although it was food that had been stored and prepared in Araxes.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging shows signs of both extended time in a microgravity environment but also that they also probably travelled in very high-G environment, 10Gs or more for a sustained period of time. They would have to been in stasis for any sustained acceleration greater than 4Gs.

There is also signs of variable tidal shear, which is caused by a G-force differential gradient of whole multiples over the length of their body. A gradient differential as high at 10Gs at one end and 4Gs at the other. I do not know what would cause such a force gradient, I am going to get a consult from the Polytechnique.

I made reservations at a properly equipped medical facility in the area, so I will not have to relocate the children. I plan to collect some specific tissue samples, glandular fluids and spinal fluids.

I am pulling in an expert from the Polytechnique, Dr. Moira Aristocrat, she has a special nanobot imaging technology that might prove to be illuminating in this case.

Quadrille

2011-10-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

October 12 - Leaving Paquin

"What matters it how far we go?" - Lewis Carroll

-----

Some were calling it the Black Pox.

It had been identified as originating in Araxes. While the Laandsrat talked, the USD had tried to keep it contained, imposing a blockade and threatening to shoot down any ships that tried to leave that planet.

But it was either not enough or it was too late.

Reports started filtering in from several places in the 34 Tauri system, almost simultaneously. The virus was travelling the trade routes.

The government was quick to act. Spinwheel was placed under quarantine. Zenobia closed borders to all but official traffic. Military and medical personnel were mobilized. We needed to keep this out of the Core.

The call came through while I was at the office.
Report to X. Board transport Y.

Ceasar, no longer military, would be stuck in Spinwheel.

On my way to my transport, I put a call through to his mobile and another to his office. My arm was still sore from a new regime of mandatory vaccinations.

There was no answer. Perhaps he was in his own briefing. I left him a message. "Something has come up," I said, loud enough to be heard over the noise around me. "Will call when I can."

He would know what that meant. That, coupled with the roar of Alliance transports thundering across the skies of Paquin.

This morning, I had left him some cabbage rolls in a plastic container in case I had to work late. That could be his supper. There was a potato salad in the fridge and fish in the freezer...

We didn't even get a proper goodbye.

----

As we broke orbit, I settled into a black vinyl chair in an alcove reserved for my use and reviewed the latest item to cross my desk.

It had arrived in a plain envelope earlier that day. It was addressed to me. The letters of my name were perfectly formed. No return address. No signature.

Close inspection had revealed one hair, a light blonde curl, stuck in the envelope glue. Analysis had found a match as surprising as the envelope contents.

It was from Aurora Blue.

Lily's cub.

I carefully removed the envelope from the transparent, plastic evidence bag. I turned the envelope over and let the contents gently slide out onto the table before me.

One item.

A photograph from Al Raqis. Not a static picture, but rather a video capture on a paper screen. On the back, in printing that matched that on the front of the envelope, was a date: June 29.

I turned the capture over and watched as the image came to life...

-----

"MISS ARDRA! Miss Ardra!" shouted LilyBell Snoodle.

She stood on the ridge over looking the Wadi Emet. To her right, the imposing figure of Lord Krakken Hyperion of the Myrmidon Order. House Morloch was visible in the distance.

Before them, the avatar form of Ardra Aurotharius, Guild Navigator, hovered in the air. Its wings outstretched. Its claws slightly curled. Its metal chassis surmounted by an attachment resembling a head, but ablaze like the heart of a furnace.

"Yes I am," acknowledged Ardra.

"It me, Lily. L i l y . Remember?"

"I remember you," answered the Navigator.

"I hided you," continued LilyBell.

"I remember that."

"I maked a present for you," Lily wiggled and was clearly excited.

"I received your message regarding said present," Ardra replied.

LilyBell nodded. "Osmium, and some other fings. Thing is, it NEVER break." She then added, "Miss, why you on fire?"

"I am not on fire," said Ardra simply.

"Oh," continued Lily, "and this Kraaken. Him going to be my husband, but we not dance yet. I will smile for him."

The Navigator continued, "The Guild accepts deliveries of small parcels at the tower of the Guild Citadel."

"Miss," Lily explained, "legs ain't small. And, them got to be attached to you. Dr. Qui said him will help put you in them."

"I doubt we would allow Qui to have access," remarked Ardra. She continued, "Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. Good luck to you, Lord Hyperion."

"Your image is very appealing," responded Lord Krakken, "my compliments."

"You knows him?" Lily looked at the Myrmidon and then at Ardra.

"Lord Hyperion brought war to Mu Draconis and a blockade," explained Ardra.

LilyBell blinked.

"It is the way of things," added the Navigator philosophically.

"Him nice, Miss," said Lily.

"I do not judge."

"Anyway," continued Lily, "Miss Reiko say war is good. Miss, do you want me to make whole body of that osmium? Or just legs. Oh! You sister was here and it was sick."

"What do you mean by 'sister'?" asked Ardra.

Lily elaborated, "It say it related to you. There many more of it though. Not special, like you." She looked at Krakken, "If there only one of somefing, it more special, I mean to say, precious."

"Arudra is a drone," explained the Navigator.

"It say you is a drone," said Lily, "But you not. You my friend and I give you strong legs if you wants them."

"I use many drones," replied Ardra, "such as this body."

"I forge them in the mines," added Lily.

"I will accept your present."

LilyBell smiled, "Oh, Miss... You remember them girls, you know them two twins? Them got disappeared."

"I am aware of them," admitted Ardra.

"Them dead?" asked Lily.

"They are safe."

"Where at?" asked Lily, "Cause they said them come to my house to play and make tea but them not come, and I want them come. I got a new friend, him black and mean too, name Shaft, lif at the mines wif me. Him fast."

"They left here and returned to their school in Spinwheel City on Paquin of Heinlein," explained the Navigator.

"Did you ....put anyfing in their...selfs?" asked Lily. "Dr. Qui said Wylder not your Daddy, also," she added.

"I do not respond to interrogation," replied Ardra, "but the girls were unharmed." She then addressed the other remark. "Qui has a limited perspective and his knowledge is limited in this matter."

The Hyperion of the Myrmidon Order, silent for most of the conversation, now addressed the Navigator, "I am awed by your presence. I am honored."

Lily turned to the warlord, "You want dance wif Ardra instead of me? I step out of dance if you wish it." Not waiting for an answer, she returned her attention to Ardra. "You fix up some new place on you ship Miss. Pink."

"You may continue your pre-reproduction rituals without any interference from me," Ardra replied.

LilyBell tilted her head to the left and looked at the Navigator. "Faeries already been here, Miss."

Ardra changed the subject, "The Alcubierre Drive now directly links Mu Draconis to 34 Tauri."

"I know a secret," said Lily.

"No doubt you do," replied Ardra.

LilyBell nodded.

Ardra asked, "Have you found Wylder?"

"I know a secret," repeated Lily with a smile.

"It is her manner to make provocative statements and then to flee from the vicinity," Ardra told the Hyperion.

"Miss, do you want me make any more parts?" asked Lily, "How you going to attach them if you not let Qui do it? Maybe Blue could do it...."

"Arms and torso, no wings," said Ardra.

LilyBell nodded.

"We have our own technicians," added the Navigator.

"You never get sick or break again after it get all fixed," promised Lily.

"I am beyond those things now," declared Ardra, "I am distributed."

"So is Blue," replied Lily, "but...him got more ..." She may have struggled for the right word. It was hard to tell.

"It is the way of the future," said Ardra.

"Distributed?" asked the Hyperion.

"I know a secret," repeated Lily.

"Am I supposed to ask what the secret is?" asked Ardra.

"Massively distributed system of course," said Lily as she nodded, effectively answering them both at once.

"What is your secret?" asked Ardra. "I misunderstood your ritual process."

"It a secret," replied Lily.

Ardra spoke, "Lord Hyperion, do you know the rules of this game? I am unaware of the process."

"Rules of the game, My lady?" asked Krakken, "Which rules for which game?"

"The game which starts with LilyBell Snoodle saying 'I know a secret.'"

"That me. That me," cried Lily and she spun around, drooling a bit.

"Is it an animal, vegetable, mineral or concept?" inquired Ardra, the spines of her wings catching the light of the Sun.

"It a SECRET," said Lily and she stuck her tongue out at the Navigator. She turned to Krakken, "Miss Ardra beautiful like I said, huh? Glorious."

Lord Krakken Hyperion was eloquent. "Lady Ardra. I do not even try to fathom what secrets lay within that lovely head of LilyBell."

LilyBell looked at him, then quickly looked away.

"It must be emergent from her base programming," remarked Ardra. She addressed Lily, "Do you still steal the dreams of men and transmit it to the distributed network?"

"It not stealing if them wants to come. I do. But I not transmit everyfing. Some, I keep."

"What is the mechanism for this process?" asked Ardra.

The Myrmidon interrupted, "Mechanism? I don't think LilyBell is made of machine. Nor do I think she runs on a program. She runs on her own free will."

"I will not interfere," said Ardra.

"A system far more effective than a program," declared Krakken. "Please you are not interfering." He smiled

"Think of it metaphorically if it helps," suggested Ardra.

"As with LilyBell," he continued, "I am enjoying your company. I am learning a lot.....and LilyBell beguiles me in other ways," added the Myrmidon with a smile.

Ardra elaborated on her point, "Your hand is the mechanism by which you type on a keyboard..."

"It is a way I translate speech to other species," he agreed.

"...thus you can think of your hand as the mechanism in that case."

"As I can think of your thoughts and ideas generated by your mechanism fired by electrons within your head." He paused and peered closely at Ardra, as if to see if there was, in fact, a head.

"The mind is an emergent feature," added Ardra.

LilyBell spoke quite softly, "Dreams is like, electricity. Like, Blue. It sings".

Ardra circled back. "Thus, back to my original query: what is the mechanism by which you can take their dreams?"

"The Mind," continued the Myrmidon, "is actually an incorporeal lifeform trapped in the given vessels of which we roam our given quadrants of the Universe."

"Very poetic," commented the Navigator.

"Miss Ardra, never mind about that..now," Lily glanced in the direction of the man, "We got to go...." She pulled at his arm. "We got appointment."

Lord Krakken was not finished. "My species has lived for thousands of years in space, so we have learned to be poetic, since space is a very, very predatory environment. A constant reminder of how short a span of time is in the vastness of either nothing or forever. In either case, cold, lonely, never-ending and a wonder." He smiled.

"I will let you to your mating," said Ardra charitably.

Krakken turned to Lily. "... and wonders so deep that now and then, if one is so lucky, comes in the form of you, LilyBell .. You and - if finds the time - me." The Myrmidon laughed again.

"A pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Lord Hyperion," she added.

"I leave message when that present all done," promised Lily.

Lord Krakken addressed the Navigator. "If you get a chance, Ardra, go and visit Ta'Seti. I do believe it would be a great habitat for you to just enjoy."

"I will," replied Ardra, "Thank you, Lord Hyperion."

"Things bites there," cautioned Lily.

"Only in the Labyrinth, LilyBell. Only in the Labyrinth," he smiled tolerantly.

"No," corrected Lily, "they bited me in the meadow. I tell that man. BUGS."

"Meadow," repeated the Myrmidon.

".....Lord Hyperion." LilyBell giggled.

"Oh, the small bugs," said Krakken, finally understanding.

"Kraaaaaaaken," purred Lily.

"Yes, Lilybell," he replied.

She smiled up at him.

"LilyBell," he promised, "Tomorrow, you, me, we dance. First thing, before the Universe realizes our fun." He laughed, a deep throaty laugh.

LilyBell nodded.

"Lady Ardra," smiled the Myrmidon, "you are more than welcome to come join us. However, I owe LilyBell a dance, and I need to keep my word and honor."

"I have other duties to attend," declared the Navigator, "Animadverto vos nunc iterum."

-----

[OOC - Thank you to Ardra, AuroraBlue, Krakken and Lily for permitting me to scribe your story. Photo credit Blue Sun.]

Grounded (Part Two)

2011-09-28T16:36:00.001-07:00

August 19 - Paquin

With windows along both walls, the space was filled with natural light. Still in my coat, I stood in the front room of the apartment, quietly surveying my surroundings.

There was the kitchen area to one side. A counter with plenty of work space. A dark wooden dining table, with enough chairs for guests. The chairs were of a lighter stain suggesting a different origin than that of the table.

On the sitting room side, lovely oriental art adorned the wall. There was one cabinet in particular that made the room. Chinese red with gold accents. I must ask Ceasar where he bought it. I would love to see that store.

The sofa, however, was practically shapeless and a disturbing grey colour, but I knew from experience it was very comfortable.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the lift stopping at our floor, and shortly after, the door unlocking.

Ceasar.

We greeted each other with smiles.

"How was your day?" I asked pleasantly.

"Good," he replied, "And yours?"

"Quiet," I reported as I slipped off my trenchcoat.

"Feeling better?"

I did not answer right away.

"Hungry?" I asked instead.

"Starved."

I turned to the counter and I lifted out a cutting board. "Do you want to go out or stay home tonight?" I asked.

"I'm good either way," he said.

"I'll make us something light."

Maybe a Mandarin orange spinach salad and heat up what is left of the lobster bisque...

Ceasar grinned.

"Then we can always have something later," I added, "if we go out."

"Of course," he agreed. "You're still adjusting, aren't you?"

I paused. Okay. Tell him now.

"I saw the doctor today..." I began.

Ceasar's grin faltered a bit.

"He says I'm still overdoing things," I said.

"And?" prompted Ceasar.

"He won't put me back on full duties until at least after U-day." I was effectively grounded, and didn't like it.

"Probably not a bad idea," he said gently.

I shrugged, "I suppose... I am enjoying the change. But I also feel ...I don't know... frustrated."

Ceasar translated, "It's driving you nuts."

I laughed, "Very good."

He continued, "You're used to going as hard and as long as you need to. You do have to admit, if you have to be stuck someplace, this isn't a bad place for it."

"Yes..." I conceded the point. Paquin was beautiful.

Silently, he drew me into his arms and held me close.

"It won't be long," he said, "until you're out tearing through the black again. And giving me a heart attack."

"It is a good place to be stuck," I admitted with a warm smile. Not just Paquin. "So.. supper?" I asked, as he released me from his embrace.

"Yeah. We can go to the diner."

"Good," I replied, "Let me just change."

----

The shelves above the bed stood empty, accusing me of neglect. "I still haven't unpacked my books," I confessed.

I looked at my wardrobe in equal dismay. Uniforms, flight suit, gi, ...and precious little else. "I so need to go shopping....." I said forlornly.

"We can do that after dinner," suggested Ceasar, "It's right at the new mall."

It was a nice idea.

"Where are we going to eat?" I asked, sifting through my clothes, hanger by hanger.

"I was thinking the V V diner down the street," he replied.

I nodded. We have eaten there before and both liked it. It was casual but the food was exceptional.

"You can just about see it from here, in fact," added Ceasar.

I glanced through the window.

"The view here is great," I remarked, "better than your last apartment."

"Not really hard to do," grinned Ceasar.

"I had to stand on a chair and look out the kitchen window to see the park at your last place." I pulled off my sweater as Ceasar climbed onto the bed.

"I know," he said, "Thank god for the redevelopment. And the raise."

He stretched himself out, angling his head so he could watch me. His firm hands adjusted the pillow. His grin grew wider as he watched me put on my dress. "I like that one," he said.

"Thank you," I smiled.

After a moment, Ceasar asked, "Did you want to walk, take the tram or grab a cab?"

"Cab is fine," I said simply, as I searched for the right shoes.

"And this is my treat," he added.

I smiled again, "Okay."

Ready now.

-----

"So, can you talk about what you worked on today?" asked Caesar, as we settled at our table.

"Going through some old files," I replied, "looking at a cold case or two."

"Which ones?"

"Blackburn. Did you ever get out that way?"

"Long time ago," he replied. "Fell to reavers, didn't it?"

"Yes," I said, "it would seem."

"Seem?"

"What do you remember of the place?" I asked.

"Rough," he said, "not the most UAP friendly. but decent folk."

"Tell me about the place itself," I probed.

"Wasn't that habitable. Just one small valley. It was hard hit during the war."

"And notable landmarks?" I asked.

"The bar. Refugees from there settled on Hale's."

Hale's Moon. Now nothing but rocks in space.

"And now they had to relocate again," I remarked. "Tragic."

"Yeah."

"Any local folklore?" I asked, as our food arrived.

Corn on the cob for me. A little taste of home. Sushi for Ceasar.

"Not that I remember," he answered. "Other than about how ornery the locals were. Some of them are still around. And I think you know one of them."

"Oh?"

"LilyBell Snoodle."

"Lily..of course."

"Think she might be a link?" asked Ceasar, "And what is the case about?"

"An old laboratory. Destroyed now. A clone was found dead in the area... I want to know who grew the clone."

I couldn't tell Ceasar the details but I knew that Lily was involved:

Ms. Zhangsun's testimony placed Lily at the lab. Lily had first contact with Ardra there.
The clone had been riddled with arrows. This matched Lily's profile. But I had no interest in charging Lily. She was far more valuable as a witness to the events.

The clone was of my commanding officer. Someone was making copies of senior UAP officers. But who?

"Blackburn fell a long time ago," said Ceasar.

"It is just wasteland now, I believe," I remarked, nibbling on my corn.

"And reaver dens," he added.

Hmm. Corn on the cob.

Cobb.

"Oh," I said suddenly, "I was going to ask you."

"Yes?"

"Can you run a police check on Interplanetary on a Cobb Compton?"

"Sure," he said, "Any reason why?"

I shrugged. "Someone I bumped into recently... maybe black market. That doesn't concern me. I was just ...curious."

"I wanna say he comes through Paquin on occasion," replied Ceasar, "But I'll check up on it."

"Thanks," I nodded, already thinking of dessert.

Grounded (Part One)

2011-09-20T13:19:00.001-07:00

August 19

Hospitals are not calm, quiet places. Frantic staff rushing about trying to accomplish their duties amidst constant interruptions, genuine cries of pain, and the incessant buzzing of the call nurse button.

It's like a hotel in purgatory.

Adding to the cacophony of human activity, are the bleeps and drones of the machines mindlessly going about the business of keeping people alive. And behind all this, like a canvas of white noise, is the constant hissing, rushing sound of ventilation and air purification systems.

Then there are the smells.

Strong cleansers that tingle the inside of the nose. Dull, sickly medicine smells that linger at the back of the throat. And occasionally, the trace scent of a septic wound that heads straight for the stomach.

Naturally, I had entered in the wrong door. I wandered for some time before I found reception and directions to the appropriate clinic.

-----

I was young when my mother died. It was in a hospital much like this one.

It was the same year my brother Hector was killed in the service, and we were still struggling with our grief over his loss when my mother's illness became apparent. There were treatments, of course, but the disease was too entrenched.

When a parent dies, something solid goes out of the world.

-----

"Major Siamendes?"

The nurse indicated that they were ready for me.

I handed her my identification and health record card.

The holo monitor flashed into life displaying my file.

"Are you still residing at Fort Liberty?" she asked pleasantly.

"No," I replied. "I'm in Spinwheel City now. On Paquin," I gave her the address to Ceasar's apartment. Our apartment. It still felt new and strange and a little bit wonderful. One shining thought in an otherwise bleak afternoon.

She handed me back my cards and indicated the next area. "You can leave your coat in the cubicle," she said.

"The last treatment room on your right...."

"...The doctor will be with you shortly."

Talking to the Dead Girl

2011-09-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

August 15 - Washtown

"I saw the circulation of my own dark blood; I saw the coupling of love and the modification of death" - Jorge Luis Borges, The Aleph.

-----

Slowly, I made my way back towards my ship. I crossed the regional road that severed the spaceport from residential Washtown, and passed the Fruity Oaty Bar sign with its jolly little cartoons.

As I approached the landing field, the sound of my boots echoed against the wall of the control tower. Otherwise, it was quiet here. The systems were on automatic. There were no workers, no guards.

The wind had picked up from the West and sent the clouds rolling across the sky.

I had some time to wait before my launch window opened. I found myself a quiet spot where I would not be disturbed. If observed, it would look like I was talking to myself. A mad woman whispering to angels or demons.

Then, using the old Alliance protocols, I sent a small quantity of raw spice to Ardra Aurotharius.

-----

This time, she responded. "Greetings, Servant of the Alliance."

"Hello Audrey," I replied.

"When did we come to be on such familiar terms?" asked the Navigator.

I did not explain myself. Instead, I asked a question of my own. "You released the children, why is that?"

"I never had the children to release them," she claimed.

"Are they not the Zahir?" I asked.

"Quite the opposite."

This revelation was a shock. "They are the Aleph!" I exclaimed.

"One of them is," admitted Ardra, "The other was not emergent."

I hesitated, "I thought they were perfect copies..."

"As identical as cloned calico cats," she answered.

I understood the reference. Cloned calico cats have different markings. Clones are not photocopies.

"Who abducted the children then?" I asked, thinking out loud. I did not expect an answer.

"You are confident that they were abducted?"

"Yes," I answered firmly, "they were taken from their school on Paquin. You have another theory?"

"Perhaps they merely left school of their own accord," she suggested.

"Wandered off ...without telling their guardian?" I was skeptical.

"It is unheard of for children to wander off?" she countered, "Where do ordinary children go when they run away from home or school?"

"Tell me," I insisted.

"Statistically, they run off to a place they consider to be safe, mostly to a person that they consider will protect them. I have never met those two children and I am unknown to them."

"They are clones of Audrey Aurotharius," I stated, "Where would you run to, Audrey?"

"I would run away to be with people more like myself."

"How do you mean?" I prompted.

"While it would be admirable for people to tolerate those who are different from them, sometimes only people who share your differences can empathize with you."

"One of those girls is the Aleph," I reminded her, "are you not concerned with her wandering off?"

Ardra began, "Since you paid tribute, I am going to speak frankly with you. I was surprised to hear that they left their guardian. I had incorrectly suspected someone else. They returned before I could find out who was involved."

"Do you think the Aleph was altered or harmed?" I asked.

"I hope not," she replied, "I will give you a name that you desperately seek in exchange for a copy of a thorough physical examination of the two girls."

"I will consider it," I said noncommittally.

"Has the case on the reliques been closed?" she asked.

I answered promptly and truthfully, "No, I am still searching for information on who hired you to hold them."

"I am prepared to release that information to you," she offered.

This was tempting, not simply for the information itself, but because it placed Ardra in a position of revealing her client's identity. Still, I was cautious. Audrey may be dead, but she was not stupid.

"I'm listening," I said.

Ardra presented her conditions, "First perform the examination, then confirm to me that you will release it to me in exchange for the name. I am sure you will need permission from above your paygrade."

I thought for a moment before responding. "I will be in touch."

"I am sure you will," she replied.

Washtown (Part Three)

2011-09-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

August 15 - Washtown, Burnet

The colours were dull, subdued. The floor creaked and groaned as I crossed the room.

While Brooke was busy socializing with Mr. Cobb Compton, I took the time to look around his store. It was a wooden structure matching other buildings in town. A second floor on the back half.

Inside, a few barrels sat by the front entrance. A bank of shelves faced the side door. One single shelf stretched across the back wall, behind a counter and over a door to a back room.

The shelves themselves, were filled with products, government issued and all intended for other destinations. A majority of the goods were designated for Civil Defense use. Multi-purpose food next to boxes of cartridges. Stained cartons. Doubtful expiry dates.

The black market. That it could operate so openly here was an indication of how broken things were this far out on the frontier. You see this after a war, even long after the conflict is over. A shortage of goods. A local government limping along.

The sheriff likely knew very well what was going on here and probably rationalized the whole venture, especially if it meant the people of the area had access to food or medicines not otherwise obtainable.

Only a programme of reconstruction would squeeze out these profiteers. One that established working organizations of government and public service, and a healthy climate for commercial enterprise.

Until then, people will do what they can to get by.

-----

I pushed the door to his office open. It swung open slowly with a creak.

What else do you have in stock, Mr. Compton? I thought.

There were more Civil Defense supplies stacked in one corner of the backroom. Possibly products of better quality, more recent date, or simply overflow stock.

A simple desk was pushed against the interior wall. A padded chair for working at the desk. A folding lawn chair nearby for guests or customers.

There was an assault rifle propped next to the desk with the trigger facing outward away from the wall. Precious seconds would be lost grabbing for that rifle and turning it around to make it serviceable. If this was characteristic, then I imagine that in the event of an emergency, Mr. Compton probably depended on a handgun.

A white laptop sat slumbering on the desk. I woke up the machine and cycled through the files.

X-ray spectra. Grid scans. Chemical analysis.

It would seem that Mr. Compton was exactly what he presented himself to be. Whether it was gathering geological data or selling diverted goods, he was a middle man.

There was nothing here to suggest otherwise.

Washtown (Part Two)

2011-09-10T13:55:00.001-07:00

August 15 - Washtown, Burnet

Once Sentry had left the saloon, Brooke turned to the man that had arrived moments before.

"Mr. Cobb," she greeted him, "good to see you."

The man glanced over at the empty chair, "Mind iffin' I join ya'll?"

"Please do," I said.

"Thanks so kindly," he responded.

Brooke looked at the man and then at me, "So ... Pepper," she began, "tell me again how the desk job at Alliance headquarters is suiting you."

The man looked me over upon hearing the word 'Alliance'.

I was feeling impish, and so I decided to have a little fun.

"Well, it will take some getting used to Brooke. I'm so used to hunting down Browncoats and the like. I just don't know where I will get my exercise!" I said with a smile.

"Huntin' down Browncoats?" asked the man.

Brooke wrinkled her nose, "I still have a gun ..." she declared.

As fun as it was, I couldn't let this get out of hand. "Oh, don't mind us sir," I explained, "Brooke is just trying to drop you a hint about my day job."

The man tapped his hand gently on the table and listened intently, "I ain't much of a sir, ma'am," he replied, "I appreciate the kindness though."

It felt like the right time for introductions.

"I'm Major Pepper Siamendes of the Special Investigation Unit, UAP. And you are?"

Brooke spoke up, "Pepper here thinks she's going to catch me with my pants down .... But, you two have something in common, both working for the Alliance."

"I see... I'd not know anything about that," he replied. "I'm Cobb, Cobb Compton. I generally run the store and help supplies move through Washtown as needed, " he said with a deadpan expression, then a bit of a smile.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Compton," I said and responded with a warm smile of my own.

"I'm sure the feeling is mutual," he said with a hint of cynicism, "so what would bring a UAP official way out to our friendly township?"

"Actually, this is just a social call," I replied, "I've known Brooke for years."

"Wonderful," said Mr. Compton, his smile widening a bit more, "Brooke is good folk."

Brooke acknowledged the compliment. "We went to school together," she explained, "I have stories..." She laughed. "See, they don't know me out here." she said to me.

Yes, I thought, especially when we use words like 'school', and not 'Military Academy'.

"I can imagine," said Mr. Compton politely, "I knew her from... well, shoot... it's been a few now. Back before TeeTop nuked the settlement on Shadow."

"I'm still trying to get her to bring her children to see their Auntie Pepper," I added, "but I fear she thinks I will make them enlist."

This seemed to confuse Mr. Compton. However, instead of clarifying I addressed his remark concerning Shadow.

"Commander Faith can run, but he can't hide forever," I said with the voice of certainty.

Mr. Compton quickly changed his expression back to social friendliness, "Commander Faith?" he asked.

"I'd rather not talk about Tee..." said Brooke. She addressed Mr. Compton, "He was a traitor ... to all of us."

"Yes," I replied, "of course Brooke."

"Traitors happen," said Mr. Compton, "that was a bad happenin' though. Was he ever caught and given a proper burial, on maybe say, seven worlds?"

"There is a tribunal waiting for him," I replied. It was as much a promise as it was information.

"So, he's still free?" He sounded stunned by the revelation.

"He's living ..." answered Brooke. She looked down and then at her hands. "He's ... still the father of ...." She bit her lip. "I'd rather ..." She then stopped and changed the subject. "So Cobb, how goes the survey?"

I was the one with the back full of holes. Brooke was the one who was wounded.

"I've got eleven moons done," replied the man, "it's a bit of an open-ended contract though, which is good. I can use the coin."

"Are you involved in the settling of the refugees from Hale's Moon?" I asked.

"No," replied Mr. Compton, "I had nothing to do with Hales other than a few cargo runs, helpin' in a few defensive missions, nothing too much though." His face was expressionless. He continued, "Hales was often a dangerous place back in the days of the Sun Tzu being assigned for protection and assistance."

Brooke looked at Cobb a slight frown on her brow. "What exactly do they have you doing again? ...They take those crackers?"

The man chuckled a bit, "I'm just flyin' radar surface mapping. I fly a grid. Save the data. Send it off to.." he looked at me, "...my business associates."

I nodded, "Does it pay well?"

Mr. Compton coughed, "Well, I'd not be flyin' empty moons if it didn't pay well... pays damn well."

"All dead moons?" asked Brooke, tilting her head.

"All of em," he replied, "so far. Terraforming held, or mostly held, just ain't settled. I assume it's so they can send out colonists to expand some influence."

"Big business in terraforming," I remarked absently. I was listening to tone and pattern as much as the content. Making no conclusions.

Brooke frowned. "Right ..." She rubbed her neck. "Not sure I like that idea." She looked in my direction.

Mr. Compton continued, "Well, most of these moons are livable, with a lot of hardship, but a few have been pretty dead."

"Still doesn't make any sense to me," remarked Brooke, "but I'm sure you know what you're doing Cobb..." She winked at him.

"I don't know whether they plan to send out the Terraformers again, or colonists," said the man, "I got a contract, happy to have it...I'm makin' money." He winked at Brooke in return. "That's what matters to me."

"Making real coin," said Brooke.

"And on that happy note," I said with a smile, "I should be heading out."

"Sounds fair enough," answered Mr. Compton, "pleased to meet you, Pepper."

"Brooke, take care. Nice to meet you, Cobb."

Mr. Compton stood up as I did. "Ma'am," he said, "take care. Please come visit anytime."

"Keep me in mind Pepper," said Brooke. She stood up and gave me a hug.

The wound on my back burst into flame at the contact. I winced, "Ouch, ouch..."

Brooke frowned then gave me a careful squeeze. "Take care Pepper."

"I will," I said, recovering myself, "you stay safe."

-----

The half-sized doors of the saloon swung closed behind me. I could still hear their voices.

"Do you want a drink?" asked Brooke and then she added with a laugh. "Always..."

"I'd be okay without drinkin' tonight," replied Mr. Compton, "still embarrassed about my behavior last night."

It sounded like they were settling in for the evening.

Good, I thought. It would give me a chance to look around.

Washtown (Part One)

2011-09-08T19:07:00.001-07:00

August 15 - Washtown, Burnet

"So, a desk jockey? Who'd you kill?"

I smiled, "Hey Brooke."

She was my oldest and dearest friend. Brooke and I had roomed together at the Academy. We did a lot of growing during those years. While I had stayed with the service, Brooke had chosen a different path, one that matched her conscience and independent spirit.

I hadn't seen her for months. When she called and asked to meet, I did not hesitate, even though it meant a flight to Burnet in my condition.

Brooke just grinned. "So," she pressed, "what's with all the paperwork?"

"I'm on light duties," I explained, "I was shot in the back."

Brooke's expression darkened, "Sorry to hear that...." She bit her lip and sighed. "I've been in the black for a while. Weird to see you out of uniform."

"I thought you said you wanted to see that," I countered.

"Yeah," she laughed, "but not by you getting shot in the back."

"How have you been, Brooke?" I asked, "You are looking well.

Brooke's response indicated otherwise, "I'm .... okay. Hard ... been gone so long. The black swallows you up, you know." She frowned. "Dex decided that well ... out there was better than here. I found a good school for the kids." She shrugged, "Just .... " She left the last sentence unfinished.

"Let's go somewhere we can talk," I suggested and glanced around for a suitable spot.

"Sure," she said, "the bar."

"Sounds good," I agreed.

-----

Washtown was a typical frontier town. Simple wooden structures, nestled up against the hills. Farming and ranching were the main industries in the area. Far from the Core, the old Indy flag flew everywhere. Defiantly.

I followed Brooke through what I assumed to be the center of town, and passed some sort of monument. It was dedicated to a man named Wash. A local hero perhaps.

I pushed open the doors of the saloon and stepped inside.

The room filled with the deafening sound of a revolver. I froze, too surprised to head for cover. I thought my heart had stopped. I turned to the right, towards the source of the sound.

"Matthew!" I cried.

Matthew 'Sentry' Swashbuckler jumped at the sound of my voice, almost putting a round in the wall.

"Matthew?" asked Brooke, tilting her head.

Sentry grinned slightly, "Why Pepper Siamendes! As I live an' breathe... still."

"Shooting off a hand gun like that, you could give someone a scare." The words tumbled out. Why I didn't use harsher language, I have no idea.

Brooke looked at us, one then the other, "Matthew?" she repeated.

"Yes," I replied simply, "that's his name."

Sentry smiled awkwardly at Brooke, "Well, you didn't think my momma named me Sentry, did you?"

"Matthew," she repeated. "Okay ... Matthew..." She then turned to me and said directly, "I need some info about Alliance activity in the area."

"Info?" I asked, "Let's start with what you have been up to..."

Sentry motioned towards the chairs. "Shall we all take a load off?"

"Yes, good idea," I acknowledged.

We took our seats at a round, wooden table at the edge of the dance floor. I selected a chair positioned so I could see the door.

I addressed Brooke, "I saw you last in Paquin, gathering medicine for the Rim worlds."

She sighed. "I've been .... running some medicine. Got in the way of some slavers ... but we really shouldn't talk about that with Matthew here."

"Oh, so now I'm a liability," said Sentry.

"Don't feel that way, Matthew," I said pleasantly.

"Trying," he replied, putting on a happy face. "Better to hear it now, than to guess..."

Brooke smiled at Sentry. "No, but you'll get upset, so rather you not hear." She then shrugged. "So, really, not much....Honestly, Pepper I was out there earning a few coin and making sure that the Faiths never ever get their hands on the twins. They're safe now ... and happy."

"And how are the children?" I asked, "When do I get to see them?"

Brooke leaned forward. "You will. But ... uhm. Not for some time. There's a school that will take care of them. Give them all they need to know about making it in the Core ... or in the Black." She let out a sigh. "It's what's best. I'm dangerous to them. This way I can do my job, and not always worry they're going to get it because of me."

"Dangerous to them?"

"Just my way of life," she explained. "One of the reasons I need to talk to you. I heard someone here got an Alliance contract," she nodded towards Sentry, "they have him looking at planets, for what I don't know. Just wondering if you have heard anything."

"An Alliance contract?" I asked, "From what department?"

"That's what I'm trying to find out," she replied.

"And you both think it is something sour?"

Brooke looked at Sentry, then back at me. "Uhm ... no offense, but I think anything that the Alliance is doing around here tends to be sour."

Sentry agreed, "You don't get paid good money to map a moon."

I thought this over. "When you say an Alliance contract, are you saying someone in the military or the government?"

"That's the part we don't really know," Sentry replied.

"I spend my life fighting that type of corruption," I stated, "if you think that something is in the works, maybe we can stop those responsible."

"I know you do," answered Brooke, "And I know you're not out in the field anymore, but if you can learn anything ...."

"Oh, I'm just behind a desk for a few weeks at most," I said optimistically, "The doctor says I have to rest." I made a rude noise to indicate what I thought of the matter.

Sentry grinned, "Place is a little less safe while you're stuck behind that desk, ya know."

I smiled warmly, "Thank you Matthew. I'm thankful for the break. It is a chance to get caught up on my paperwork."

"Think you will ever settle down, Pepper?" he asked.

"Oh, I may get the taste for it," I admitted, "I'm a bit gypsy I suppose, but I do like a safe harbour."

Brooke nodded a bit. "I agree with Sentry. It's important that you're out there. But I think it's good you're getting some rest." She then laughed. "Pepper slow down. When we were girls, she never did," she added with a wink.

Sentry looked at us both. You could tell he was wondering what sort of mischief we used to get ourselves into when we were younger.

I was saved from explaining by the sound of footsteps.

Sentry turned and faced the new arrival. "Oh, hi Dav. Good to see ya," he said cheerfully.

Brooke, recognizing the fellow, smiled broadly. She greeted him, "Hello there. How is life?"

I smiled politely.

The man stopped, standing near the doorway. He tapped his boots to remove some mud, then squinted in our direction. After a moment, he turned around. "I'll wait outside," he said.

"I ... Dave ..." said Brooke with a pained expression on her face as the man withdrew from the room. "I guess I left a few in the lurch, didn't I?" she said aloud.

"Well, I'm glad your back," I said firmly.

Brooke sighed. "Yeah...."

I glanced at Sentry for support. Come on Matthew, I thought, say something nice.

Sentry spoke honestly, "Brooke, it's just been a while since anyone has seen you. I don't know how the others felt, but I was right upset. Things go on, and now you're back. That can't be a bad thing."

Brooke looked at the two of us. "I ... should probably ..." She stopped mid-sentence. "What do I say? I guess, 'hi, I'm sorry I left you, but' ...." She paused and sighed again. "I did it for everyone's good. Just sure most people don't see it that way."

"The Verse is a big place, Brooke," I said, "you can get lost in any city in the Core." I tried to downplay the matter.

Sentry took a different approach. He yelled towards the door. "Dav, get yer scrawny butt in here... I ain't gonna talk bad about you when you can't hear me!" He laughed a bit at his own humour.

Brooke rubbed her neck. "I .... know ... but that doesn't ... I .... It isn't easy." She then smiled. "Sorry, not saying much with lots of words ... " She exhaled. "I know no one sees it, but I did it because it was the only thing I could do. Now I lost Dex for good and just about everyone I care about. But, my job is to make sure that the Alliance, well the bad part of it, doesn't ruin everything we love."

"About that other matter," I glanced at the door and spoke quickly and quietly, "You are both ex-military. Trust your training.... and keep me in the loop."

They both nodded.

"Will do," added Brooke, "And you'll do the same I take it..."

From outside the saloon, the man Dav walked away, the click of his boots growing more and more distant.

I spoke further, "Hard evidence brings a successful prosecution. I can't condone vigilante action."

Sentry grinned, "Brooke? Vigilante?"

Brooke just smiled. "Don't worry Pepper. I've never been caught." She gave me a wink.

I narrowed my eyes and smiled in response, then added, "Maybe, working together, we can stop some of those criminals who would hide behind the flag, who think they are above the law."

Sentry piped up. "I'll make sure she doesn't kill anyone without good reason."

"Yes, you do that, Matthew," I replied. Always helpful.

Brooke nodded, "Behind the flag or no. I'm happy to help you catch those who wrap themselves in brown, if they deserve to be caught."

I indicated my agreement.

"So," she said, "besides having your back used as target practice, any developments, Pepper?"

I laughed aloud.

"I heard you had Tee put away," she continued, "for a while at least."

"He is still out there," I admitted, "but in hiding or on the run."

Brooke's face grew white. "Oh..." she managed to say.

I continued, "We are proceeding with war crime trials for some of the others involved in the attack on Shadow."

She gave a nod. "Good to know."

"Possibly, he has found shelter," I told her, "in the house of someone sympathetic to his cause. It is not unheard of..."

"Wouldn't be surprising," remarked Sentry, "knowing his plethora of connections."

Brooke swallowed as she ingested this information.

Sentry suddenly jumped as his commlink sounded off. "Well, ain't that timing..."

"Do you have to go Matthew?" I asked.

"Need to head off?" asked Brooke.

"'Fraid so," he answered, "hope you both have a good time catching up without me. Great to see you again Pepper. Take care of yourself."

"You too," I replied.

"Always," he whispered. He turned to Brooke, "I'll catch you tomorrow for an update, if you don't mind."

"Of course," she smiled.

As he departed, Sentry waved to another man who had just entered the bar.

"Stay safe," I called as he made his way outside.

Heart

2011-09-01T20:18:00.001-07:00

August 13 - Spinwheel City, Paquin

"Love's heralds should be thoughts,
Which ten times faster glide than the sun's beams,
Driving back shadows over louring hills"
- Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet

-----

[Picture of Paquin, courtesy of Serendipity Undercroft]

UAP Building, Offices, SIU Sector B

The old crate protested. I slid the pry bar further into the gap I had created. Nails squeaked as I forced open their grip on the wood. There was a cracking sound and a thud as the side panel fell to the floor. The smell of dust and packing material was released into the air.

Damn.

They sent the wrong chairs.

I had specifically ordered chairs with arms. They sent chairs without arms. I wanted guests to feel comfortable, at ease. This would not do.

-----

As it turned out, my back injury was rather serious, exacerbated by my walking out of the desert. The doctor said I had to rest if I didn't want the infection to spread to the kidney. I'm hoping he was simply trying to scare me into slowing down.

The break from constant travelling did come with it's own rewards. It gave me an opportunity to catch up on paperwork, and to review some files. To look at old material with new eyes, as it were. And if I was stuck on desk duty, I planned to make the best of it. The office itself was new, with a spectacular view of the city and surrounding mountains. Fresh coffee at the touch of an intercom button. Walking distance to some of the best restaurants in Spinwheel City.

I left a message for Ceasar, telling him I was back in town. I removed my shoes to enjoy the soft, plush carpet in my stocking feet, and got down to work.

I began by examining the files on the fall of Blackburn, comparing official records with the material I had retrieved from Ardra's ship. I had a trip planned to the wastelands of Blackburn, once I was healthy enough, and I wanted all the background information I could find before going into potentially hostile territory.

A few items of interest.

1) The files from Ardra's ship suggested the Reaver attack was not random but rather some sort of experimental black ops. Difficult to prove. Harder to prosecute. Worth a look.

2) The Colonel's dead clone was found in the vicinity of the Mini Zebes laboratory. The laboratory had been destroyed, but perhaps traces remained. We needed to know who grew an unauthorized clone of a UAP officer.

3) There was a lead on Cody's sister pointing to the genetics laboratory. Even though I no longer needed his help finding the twins, I had made a promise to Cody and I intended to keep it. We would find out what happened to his sister.

4) Lily first met one of the Ardra drones near Mini Zebes. It had been in agony, saying it was trapped in a metal body and wanted to die. This raised some disturbing questions.

-----

I tapped a few keys on the ivory coloured keyboard. The holo screen flickered to life. Leaning to one side to make myself comfortable, I sat back in my chair and considered the image before me.

This was one of the oldest items in the Ardra file. Only a few of us had ever seen this. The image showed a figure, vaguely human looking, twisting, floating, ablaze with spice. It was labelled simply: "Steersman Ardra".

I watched the figure glide and turn, caught in the loop of the video capture.

Was this Ardra without her exo-skeleton? Was this her biological component? And if Ardra was a composite being, was this what resided at her heart?

----

The call came through.

"Pepper! So good to hear from you."

A voice that warmed the day and brought a smile to my lips. His voice.

"Hi Ceasar," I replied, "I am here on Paquin... I just finished unpacking."

"Where in town?" he asked.

"The UAP building. I can meet you." I took a little breath. "I have to check in at the hospital," I added.

There was a pause from his end.

"What," he said. It was not a request.

"Nothing serious," I said hurriedly, trying to backpedal the conversation. Maybe I should have waited until I saw him tonight. "I hurt my back."

"I'm on my way now," he said firmly

"Okay," I replied, as he disconnected the call.

-----

I stepped out of the lobby and into the cool, fresh air, the warm afternoon sun. It was a beautiful day.

My wound was serious, but I was alive. Denials brushed aside, I could finally take the time to realize and be thankful for my good fortune.

I closed my eyes and let the sounds of Spinwheel City sweep over me like a wave. Now rising, now falling, and now punctuated by the sound of shoes hitting the pavement, approaching, running hard.

I opened my eyes.

Ceasar ran up, concern etched into his face. "What's this about you being hurt?" he demanded.

"A couple of drones with laser cannon," I reported, "one of my wounds is infected."

Silently, he enfolded me in his arms.

"So I'm behind a desk for a week or so." I added, and then after a pause, "It's good to be home." My voice muffled in his uniform as I snuggled my face into his neck.

"Good to have you home," he replied gently.

I lifted my head. He released me from his embrace.

"I'll need help," I said, "changing the bandage."

"Do you have a place to stay in town yet?" he asked.

"No," I replied, "well, just the barracks... but they are hardly in town."

"You do now," he insisted, "You'll stay with me."

I responded with a smile.

Again, he pulled me close and held me tightly, gently. I too could float and glide, ablaze with the affections of this man.

His voice was stern now, but lacking none of the warmth, "And if you EVER get hurt like that again..."

I nodded, "I know..."

I stepped back half a step, to see him more clearly. My eyes traced the contours of his face.

"Take me home, Ceasar," I said.

"Absolutely," he replied

Place of Great Prospect (Part Two)

2011-08-26T19:43:00.001-07:00

Calina Tereshchenko rose from her desk, "I would like to show you one other room, if I may, before you go."

"Please," I replied, "you have done wonders here..truly."

"Oh!" she started, "You should also see the view!"

She led the way around the bunnies and across the carpet to a door that opened to the outside.

"Do you miss Boros?" I asked as we stepped out onto a balcony. The hot, dry air gave unintended weight to my question.

Calina nodded, "I miss green and the waterfall. A lot." She pointed to the large ship with the circular window, perched upon a nearby landing pad. "That is Shanjian's Grace... the house shuttle."

"Excellent," I remarked, as I regarded the luxurious looking craft, "your House has done well here."

The Companion smiled, "We work hard on that."

-----

We returned to the relative cool of the indoors.

I followed Calina through her office and into the hallway of her manor house. She stopped before one corner and opened a sliding panel to reveal a hidden door. Inside, a small windowless chamber with five walls.

There were rugs and pillows scattered on the floor. There was an altar to one side and the scent of incense pervaded the air. But, that was not the striking feature about the room.

Wherever one looked, wherever one turned...

Parvati, Tara, Sarasvati...

We were surrounded with images of the Divine Feminine.

"Goodness!" I exclaimed.

"This is our meditation room... temple if you will."

"I am honoured," I said, truthfully.

"Should you ever need a place to come, be still, you are welcome to visit," she offered.

"Those thangkas," I asked, indicating the Tibetan wall hangings, "White and Green Tara?"

"Yes. Wisdom, knowledge, love."

I smiled warmly, "Beautiful."

She explained, "One of my former students was... pan-religious... you might say. She collected the images of other Earth-That-Was goddesses and brought them up there." She then chuckled, "I, however, grew up on one of the last few Russian Orthodox churches. They have one large cathedral in the capital on Londinium."

"Do you speak Russian?"

Calina nodded, "Da. Ya paninmayu pa Ruski..." then after a slight pause, she said, "Yes, I understand Russian. I learned Russian and French before going to Sihnon. It was one of the things that impressed the Guild."

"I imagine it would," I remarked.

She continued, "I was already well beyond many of their students in the academic subjects, even though I started at Madrassa later than most students."

I took a sudden, little breath.

"Is the incense too heavy in here?" she asked concerned, "Even when it isn't lit, it can have a potent smell."

"No, it is pleasant really," I replied, "Will you be returning home to 34 Tauri, for U-day celebrations?

"I plan to. My parents would send a squad after me if I wasn't back home for the celebrations. Can't be the child of a Parliamentarian and not be there for Unification Day!" Calina shook her head and smiled, "The fireworks are good, though."

"Now I did not know that about you..." I said, my interest piqued, "Who was in government? your mother or father?"

"My father was the General Counsel to Parliament. My mother stayed at home but served on the board for many different non-profit organizations."

"That's wonderful," I said, "so your involvement in politics here... a natural step." It made sense, but I was impressed just the same.

Calina leaned over and with a puff, blew out a lingering candle, "It was his job, as is the job of any good attorney, to keep secrets." She smiled, "You might say it is a family business."

I smiled in return, making a decision to entrust her with a bit of information. "Ardra is protected here by the Guild," I said.

"What Guild?" she whispered.

"The Spacing Guild," I explained, "Little is known about them."

"Even the Consulari knows little?" she asked, "She is most adept at gaining information."

"She is indeed," I agreed, "I mention them... just in case you hear of anything."

"If I happen to hear anything," she said, "I can certainly pass it along. I overhear lots of things at the market or the Highport."

-----

We returned to the hallway.

I thanked her and took my leave. "Thank you again for your time... maybe we will see each other back home."

"Thank you for visiting, Major," she replied, "I hope that you will be well soon." She smiled, "Safe travels!"

Place of Great Prospect (Part One)

2011-08-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

August 13 - Al Raqis

Situated close to the Magistrate's keep, separated only by a narrow bridge, lies the manor of House Shanjian. A magnificent structure, in a style I could only describe as Gothic Arabesque. Its balconies overlook the central landing pads of the region. A narrow path to the side leads to the Wadi Emet.

It was here I came to meet Calina Tereshchenko.

She welcomed me cheerfully, "Major! What a pleasant surprise. How are you today?"

"Feeling better thank you," I replied.

"Were you ill?"

"A slight injury," I explained, "Nothing serious."

"I suppose that goes with the territory in your line of work," she remarked.

I conceded the point with a nod and a gentle smile. "And how are you doing?" I asked.

Calina walked over to the bird cage and tapped it lightly, "I am well," she replied, "Not injured and just moving from day to day. For some odd reason, it has been very quiet. It makes me nervous.... that quiet before a storm. Were you ever on Sihnon when the storms would roll out of the mountains?"

I remembered those storms, from my summer holiday with Brooke and her family, so long ago.
"You mentioned you had some information," I said.

"Oh! Yes. I did mention that... Ardra? Why don't we go upstairs to my office. It is a bit more comfortable."

-----

We walked up to the second floor. Calina led the way to a large office. Oriental decor adorned the walls, but not so much as to be overpowering.

Antique chairs, each one of unique design, each one a solitary remnant of a larger collection of matching furniture. Together, they were survivors of another time and another world.

The desk was a masterpiece. A black enamel base with gold trim, heavily decorated with painted birds, flowers and idyllic country scenes. Accented with inlaid jade, and coral, turquoise and Mother of Pearl.

A large carpet covered the stone floor. Two rabbits hopped playfully about the room. One began thumping its little leg on the floor, indicating its pleasure at seeing Calina, much in the same way a dog wags its tail.

I was impressed. "I must say..you have made this stuffy Al Raqis architecture seem airy and bright. Very different from what I have seen so far."

It was remarkable, in fact. The Zenobian government had decorated their own manor in a style suitable for the Borgia or the Medici family. Dark and full of intrigue. The Orions had turned their manor into a nightclub. Loud and decadent. By contrast, Calina's manor was a relaxed space. You felt calm, at ease immediately upon entering, even though the architectural elements of all of the manor houses were the basically the same.

The Companion smiled, "Thank you. I try to make it as comfortable as possible. Please, have a seat."

I chose the seat on the right, careful not to step on the rabbits.

Calina noticed me giving attention to the pets. "The bunnies are Malcolm... he is the white half-lop and Inara, the gray bunny."

"Are these yours or Jade's?" I asked pleasantly.

"They are mine," she explained, "I brought them with me when I moved from Boros. Jade has cats. An apartment full of cats, last I saw."

I laughed gently, "I remember chickens." Jade had a clutch of chicks in her room above the dressmaker's shop in Eavesdown Docks.

"I think she finds alot of comfort in animals," said Calina, "They have simple needs... not all of the complications of human relationships."

"How is she doing these days?"

"Last I saw, she was doing well. She was recovered from her .... tussle ... with the Orion pirates. Back to spice mining and trading. If you ever need something and want it cheap, that is the girl to go to. She can wheel and deal like no one's business."

I smiled. "Well, I could use a new hydrosuit..."

Calina grinned as she typed something on her computer, "I will let her know. As to Ardra, Lily said she saw Ardra here... well, in the Wadi. She even took The Hyperion of the Myrmidon Order to meet Ardra."

I adjusted myself in my seat so my back did not touch the back of the chair.

"Ardra was on fire in the photo I saw," she added.

"In the Wadi?" I asked, "that is interesting."

Calina continued, "She said that Ardra was on her way to 34 Tauri to 'harvest.'"

I sighed. Harvest could mean collecting monopoles. It could mean body parts...

Okay, I thought, let's back this up.

"Why would Lily bring the Hyperion to see Ardra?" I asked.

The Companion grinned, "They were on a date. In Lily's mind, anyway."

Oh bless them both, I thought.

Calina continued, "Krakken was being gracious and humoring her as he had never experienced the force that is LilyBell Snoodle before. She spent days waiting for him to return to Morloch in some kind of gown. And a silver case to go on a honeymoon."

I smiled in spite of myself.

Calina nodded in agreement, "It was rather amusing."

Circle back.

"This picture you saw of Ardra... she was on fire? or could it be a cloud of spice?"

"It looked like fire," replied Calina, "but given the quality of the image, you could be correct that it was some kind of red dust cloud. Lily also said she went inside Ardra's ship because she liked all the shiny things and the computers."

"Lily is...." I struggled for the right word,"...sympathetic towards Ardra."

"I tried," she added, "to get Lily to tell me where Ardra was going to go once back in 34 Tauri but she wouldn't say. She said Ardra and the girls had been to Hale's Moon."

I nodded and added grimly, "Of course, any evidence there is gone now..."

"And in another conversation, Lady Rashad asked Lily about Ardra's propulsion.... direct mass to energy conversion. But Lily said it was not as efficient as a ship."

It did not surprise me that Lady Rashad had shown an interest. I'm sure a number of factions here would like to get their hands on Guild technology.

"The heighliners are huge," I remarked, "monstrous even."

Calina scrolled through her screen "I had to make notes... I write lots of things down so I do not forget them. Journaling is a lost art, it would seem."

"I appreciate your efforts," I said sincerely.

She read from her notes, "Ardra has collectors... looked as though it was on fire... had wings... Lily said Ardra wanted her things and Lily made Ardra a new body.... Wylder not Ardra's father... there are millions of Ardras as they wear out...."

"Lily's words?" I interrupted.

"...She kept saying over and over about Ardra being everywhere. Nothing about a location. She mentioned Audrey, Constance, and Miss Mercedes."

I frowned as I tried to put this together. Like fragments of a shattered mirror. A mirror that was Ardra, while the reflection was Lily.

"Oh... I'm sorry," corrected Calina, "that's Aruda... not Ardra. Millions of Arudas. Not the same as Ardra."

I nodded. "The Arudas are drones," I explained, "much like an office bot." Information scavengers.

"Ahhh. She kept on about Ardra being every where but not as everywhere as AuroraBlue."

"Naturally," I replied, "Lily is a mother first." Nothing can compare to your own.

"Then I asked if Ardra wanted AuroraBlue and Lily changed. She looked dead at me and said 'AuroraBlue mine.'"

I mused aloud, "Ardra being everywhere..."

Calina completed the thought,"...and Lily is bringing her parts."

"Yes," I acknowledged, "well, thank you for this information."

The Companion smiled, "Then she said that she heard I was much more than a Browncoat, which would be funny since I was not even in my teens during the War. And on Londinium. So, whatever that means."

I chuckled, "Was that before or after she saw you in your judicial robes and wig?"

She laughed, "Before."

I stood and almost blacked out as my belt pressed against the wound on my back. Calina noticed.

"You look like you are still hurting, Major," she said kindly.

I hesitated. "Yes... I will have it attended to... soon."

I admit, I have been denying that my injuries could be serious. I hated the inconvenience of seeking out medical attention, and the loss of independence that accompanies illness or injury like a handmaiden.

"What is Ardra?" she asked directly, "I've heard it mentioned... it's like some spectre from a ghost story."

"I would venture to say she is a composite being... part machine certainly."

"Artificial intelligence?" she asked.

"In my opinion, more than an AI." If I was correct, Ardra was part machine, part flesh, with the mind of a dead girl.

Spectre was a good word.

The Storm in the Desert

2011-08-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

August 8

"We used to wonder where war lived, what it was that made it so vile. And now we realize that we know where it lives, that it is inside ourselves." - Albert Camus

-----

To avoid stumbling across any more Myrmidon emplacements, I took a circuitous route on my return to the settlements.

It was a risky decision. With my hydrosuit punctured I was now running low on water. The injury on my back was inflamed, and I suspected I was fighting a low grade fever.

By chance, my new path brought me to a twisting canyon and another surprise. A deep, cool oasis, surrounded by a scattering of trees and greenery. It was the first open water I had seen on this dry, desert planet.

It was a welcome sight. I filled my litrepacks and moved on.

-----

With the coming of morning, I crossed the rough expanse to the east of the Wadi.

Communications began to filter in. A lot had happened while I was in the desert.

Reports of Myrmidon aggression on distant worlds. Again, the rumblings of war. Who were these berserkers? What drove them to these excesses?

Even more disturbing was the news from home. Unstable seismic activity on Hale's Moon had forced a general evacuation. Days later the moon itself crumbled. And now, the task of relocating the former colonists.

Fortunately, we have a government that works.

I came to a small plateau that jutted out into the desert sands to the east of Al Raqis and the Splintered Rock outpost. Here I made my turn north.

I heard the speeder approaching before I saw it. I had no choice but to wait and see what news this would bring.

It was my contact. "Hello there!" she greeted me warmly over the din of the hovercraft.

I waved back.

"Came to give you this, " she called as she hopped down from her speeder and headed to the rear of the vehicle. She lowered the gate. A large, dark crate disengaged itself from the craft and slid down the ramp to the desert floor. "Sandstorm," my contact said quietly into her comm unit, before turning back in my direction, "I do believe you ordered one Acclamator class anti-starship weapon, did you not?"

"Thank you, yes." I hoped this was a package inspection, and not a delivery. I had visions of myself walking out of the desert dragging the crate behind me.

She stood firmly as the wind began to gust.

"Send this to my ship," I said. It was a ridiculous thing to say. I blame the fever.

My contact nodded politely, watching as the sand swirled up in large clouds.

"I heard you were injured," I ventured, "Are you feeling better?" There had been an assassination attempt in fact.

"True," she replied, " I was. Feeling better now, thankfully."

"Good," I said, wishing I could say the same.

"Sandstorm should give us cover from people watching in orbit," she added.

I crouched down and inspected the crate seals and markings. It gave some shelter from the storm.

My contact covered her face as a powerful gust of wind blasted past, whipping sand at her suit, "We've upgraded it a bit since you last saw it."

"This is good," I raised my voice slightly to be heard, "it should present no difficulty getting off world."

"Nope, as you can see it's marked as a harmless crate of ammunition."

"And the paperwork?" I asked.

She passed me a control pad that would easily attach to the uniform. I activated it and the holographic display flickered to life, mapping itself over my right eye.

My contact checked her comm device, "The crates are already at your ship. As for the paperwork, we don't do that."

"That will be fine," I replied. I would get something official looking from one of our clerks. "What modifications have you made?" I asked.

"For starters, it won't black a whole city out powering up anymore."

I played with the buttons on the control pad. I ran through a quick simulation. Lights turned from yellow to red, from red to green. Cannon Locked, it whispered. Satisfied, I powered down the tool.

The interface was intuitive. A good artillery man could call in orbital support quickly and effectively. I would pass this along to the appropriate department.

The storm seemed to be getting stronger. "We best head for cover," I said, with growing concern.

"Yes," my contact agreed.

"I will be in touch," I said. I did not want us to be seen together. Despite my condition, we would have to return to the settlement separately.

"Alright," she replied. "Farewell."

I nodded and headed towards the rocks on the eastern side of the basin. Contrary to my expectations, the storm began to lift just as my contact loaded the crate into her vehicle.

Dark of the Moon

2011-08-10T13:31:00.001-07:00

August 3 - Wadi Emet

"It needs unconquerable courage to begin to tread this path. Here is a weird, deceptive life. The fiery sense is baulked. The moon has no air. The knight upon this quest has to rely on the three lower senses: touch, taste and smell. Such light as there may be is deadlier than darkness, and the silence is wounded by the howling of wild beasts." - Aleister Crowley, The Book of Thoth

----

General Belavidorico had said that the Marauders had abducted a woman from Highpoint Station and removed her to their hideout.

While not officially on the case, I had given the matter some thought. It was unlikely the kidnappers would keep the woman in the settlement. The Magistrate's men would be going from house to house. There was too great a risk of discovery.

The outpost in Splintered Rock was also an unlikely refuge. The Marauders had few friends there, I was certain, since the downing of a civilian transport some months ago. Even if the Constable's forces were stretched to capacity, there would always be a mercenary or offworld adventurer that would turn in the kidnappers for reward or simply to curry favour with the local authorities.

No, they would head for the sand.

And I reasoned that even if the Marauders entered the settlements by crossing the desert basin, to safely move a hostage they needed a way to move quickly through the desert, with someone who might be unconscious or resistant.

The logical route would be through the Wadi.

I still had some exploring I wanted to do, and I figured that anything I could find out might help the General and his men succeed in their mission to rescue the woman, and help minimize the loss of life to his forces.

So I ventured south, using the cover of the dark moonless night, through the Wadi Emet, intent on extending my knowledge of the area, and watching for any trace of the missing woman or her abductors.

Despite General Belavidorico's warning, I did indeed go wandering after dark.

I took a direction 27 degrees to the West of my previous course through the Wadi.

This area was eroded in such a way that the valley resembled an ancient riverbed. I could imagine water streaming down this channel from the elevated regions to the southwest. The ground was hard and I found I could keep a good pace, even with the incline.

The path eventually resolved itself into an area of sharp peaks. The rocks here were darker than the valley floor. I started to do more climbing than actual walking.

Thinking that I had reach the limit of where I could safely travel, I was about to turn back when I came across a wide depression where the rock was of a lighter colour. It appeared smoother and more rounded than the surrounding area, and was noticeably narrower on the eastern side.

Further to the east, there was a drop to the valley floor far below. Only when I climbed down to the valley floor and faced west did I see the true nature of the narrow portion of rock.

It was a tunnel.

A dark gaping hole, that reminded me of the mouth of a giant lamprey eel. Undeterred, I stepped inside. My eyes soon grew accustom to the gloom.

At the end of the tunnel was a large, round, steel door. There were no markings. It looked effective. The blast that could crack this door would bring down the tunnel.

A pad to the left of the door was illumined. Pale green, it served as a beacon in the darkness. I passed my hand across it.

My father used to say that when I was a little girl, if there was a rock sitting out in the middle of the field, I would go over and take a look underneath it. Nothing has changed, I guess.

The door opened with a groan. It rolled slowly to the right. As I had judged, it was thick, very thick, with teeth around the circumference like a gear. It opened to a small chamber with an identical door on the far wall.

I stepped inside and let the door close behind me.

I paused.

No alarms. No voices. No obvious scans.

I passed my hand across the pad next to the inner door.

Locked.

I could go no further. Not tonight.

Retracing my steps, I returned to the air outside. Lost in thought, I followed the curve of the rock wall to the south.

-----

This area looked vaguely familiar. I stopped by a dry cactus at the edge of the flat and frowned as I tried to get my bearings.

In the distance, I recognized a silhouette against the starry night sky. It seemed I had wandered close to the Myrmidon fortress.

There was a metallic sound coming from the wall of the canyon. My blood suddenly ran cold as I heard the unmistakable sound of sentinel drones powering up.

I hit the ground running.

Back to the tunnel.

Run. RUN!

Feet pounding on the valley floor.

Picking up speed.

Drones firing.

The first sting. A glancing blow.

Boots on the sand. Sand on the rock.

They are close now.

Two from the sound of it.

My heart pounding against my rib cage.

Red flash.

White hot pain.

Smell of burnt cloth, seared flesh.

Almost there.

Breath rapid. Mask choking.

Another hit. Like fire.

Scream.

Don't stop.

Legs protesting. Lungs rebelling.

The gaping mouth of the cave.

A sudden drop in temperature.

Down the tunnel now.

Go. Go. Go.

Slapping my hand against the pad.

An eternity as the giant gear shaped door rolls slowly to the right.

Drones hovering by the mouth of the tunnel. Angry hornets.

Trying to make myself small. Ruby lines drilling through the air.

I slipped through the opening and reversed the direction of the door.

-----

It was a few moments before I recovered myself.

I checked my wounds. A few needed attention. Most were minor. Drones kill you in inches. I didn't like the feel of the one on the right side, low back.

Peeling the melted hydrosuit from one nasty area, I tore off some skin.

Next time take the painkillers first, Pepper.

I treated the worst of my wounds with anti-bio and patched them with derma-seal. Then a sip of water. The worst of it over, I settled in the antechamber and waited.

-----

Later.

The gear shaped door rolled to the side like a mighty stone.

The night was silent once more.

I could see evidence of the sentinels at the mouth of the tunnel, like scratches of a wild animal on the sand and rock. I could see the path my footprints had made on my desperate rush to safety.

I chose another direction.

-----

I heard the wind chimes first.

From an outcropping I could see the tent. It was sheltered among the tall, sharp rocks.

Pebbles scattered as I slid down the side of the rock face.

The tent itself was square, and of the kind favoured by nomadic tribes. The entrance was open to the night air. A decorative fringe ran along the top edge of the flap.

I approached cautiously.

Inside, the light from the fire was warm and cheerful. The ground was covered by a hand-woven carpet. Plush pillows and low tables accented the space. There was a good collection of books to one side, and some candles, here and there, for light. A privacy screen stood towards the back of the tent.

There were no occupants. It was as if they had just stepped out to visit the neighbors, leaving a light on behind them and the door unlocked. Clearly, not city dwellers.

Out of respect, I touched nothing.

I glanced at the books. The titles on the bookshelf. The volume resting open on the table.

Religious texts.

I frowned and bit my lower lip. This could go either way. I hoped this meant they held to the same code of hospitality observed by ancient cultures on Old Earth.

"The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in M'tzra'yim."

This could present an opportunity, I thought, a place to stand in any future negotiations between the native population and the offworlders.

The sound of the wind chimes was very relaxing.

I started to feel sore and slightly sleepy. My back hurt. Not really thinking it through, I removed my cloak and folded it neatly.

I was tired after my ordeal. I sat down on the carpet to the one side of the tent...

I will just close my eyes for a moment.

...and was soon overwhelmed by sleep.

The Return of the Marauders

2011-08-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

July 29 - The Deep Desert

"I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: `Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies..." - Shelley

-----

I could see him approaching.

From a distance, it appeared that he was walking on water, as the hot air radiating from the desert surface turned the horizon into an illusion of the sea.

He wore black. Light armour. His face was concealed by the visor of his helmet.

He made his way towards me across the dunes and flats, through the remains of fallen craft and broken drones. The debris of the recent war, scattered here and there.

As he got closer, his body language indicated he was more than a little frustrated.

"Hello," I called as he drew near.

The man looked passed me to the remains of some sort of droid poking through the sand. He pressed a button on his wrist, and said aloud, "And that should be the last one." His business completed he turned his attention to me. "Hello there," he said, his voice rich, his accent pleasing.

"Are you hunting bugs?" I asked pleasantly.

The man chuckled, "You could say that," he said, pointing at the wreckage of a robot nearby in the sand. He then tilted his head to one side, "Say, you look familiar..."

I frowned slightly, "Your voice sounds familiar," I agreed, "but I don't think I know that uniform."

"You're the woman I asked about the station, aren't ya?"

"My goodness," I exclaimed, "that was some time ago!" Almost two years ago, in fact, in the main square of Al Raqis.

He laughed, "Certainly was."

There was a click and a hiss as the man took off his helmet. He twisted his head to one side and I could hear the cracking of his neck. "Gotta say," he remarked, "things were a mite different back then."

I took a moment to appreciate his handsome, rugged features. Dark skin like polished mahogany. His face lined and worn with the passage of years.

I spoke, "Yes, they were. A lot of changes since then."

"Yup. Even had a whole war blow through," he added.

"How have you been?" I asked.

"I've been good."

"I'm glad to hear that, especially since the war..."

"Course, I'd rather be fighting with my boys then stuck on guard duty for HN," he sighed.

"...and now I hear there is a plague of insects."

"Aw them?" he grunted, "That's what happens when ya don't keeps your pets on a leash."

It was in the local papers. Insects, some over a metre in length, coming out of the desert. Reports of attacks on civilians. Acid burns. One theory was that meatbeetles from one of the ranchers had broken loose and had crossed with the indigenous species.

"HN?" I asked.

"House Narstrom."

"Ah," I replied, "I have heard the name." I didn't elaborate.

The man continued, "Now I've got this huge mess to mop up with the Marauders. Dunno if you got the report they sent out over the news."

"You were with another faction back when we first met, am I right?"

He nodded, "Still am, ma'am." With that he passed me a press release bearing the bold headline: BREAKING REPORT! HOUSE NARSTROM FLEET DEVASTATED!

"Oh thank you," I said and took the item.

"Your welcome," he nodded.

I paused to scan the text of the report.

In the early hours of Monday morning a devastating surprise attack was made against the HN Trafalgar and the Royal House Narstrom Expeditionary Fleet. Reports say the attack was completely unannounced and completely uncalled for, House Narstrom was eventually able to repel the attack but at a loss of over 60% of the fleet, the Soul Drive and one satellite based anti-starship weapon....

"The UNSC... I recall now." That was the name of his group.

The man smiled, "Mhm."

I continued to read.

While reeling from it's losses the UNSC has opted to House Narstrom and all local governments in the hunt and possible eradication of the Marauder Threat....

"Marauders," I said," that is a name I haven't heard in a while..."

"Yeah," the man replied, "We chased them back into their hidey-holes with MAC cannons, and my ODST's hot on the trail mopping up what was left."

"..Not since the roads to Khayal Alramady were taken by the sands," I added.

"Well, they ain't gone," he replied with conviction, "I'll tell you that."

"Good to know," I said thoughtfully.

"I don't think that it's just the roads to Khayal Alramady," offered the man, "you remember that freak sandstorm? Well, we can't even get Khayal Alramady on satellite anymore."

"Are you suggesting the city was affected?" I asked.

"Yup," he nodded, "Whole city swallowed in an hour. Now how about that?"

That was shocking news. If it was true, the loss of human life... I shook my head, "Tragic."

The man agreed, "House Narstrom's got us diggin' for relics now."

"Any signs of survivors?" I asked hopefully.

"Nope. Unfortunately. Hel', even ONI lost the base there. Poor bast'rds probably all suffocated in that bunker."

"ONI?"

"ONI, Office of Naval Intelligence," he explained.

"With the UNSC?"

"Mhm."

"How many good souls were lost?" I asked.

"I'd say the whole staff, probably about sixty, sixty plus. Sandstorm pinned any air travel and when the bunker sealed and got buried, well, that was the end of it."

I grew quiet.

"Now Lady Narstrom's got us playing down here in the sandbox with our little plastic shovels looking for it," he added.

"I understand that," I replied, "they deserve proper treatment." A proper burial. Recognition for their service. Closure for their families.

He sighed, "'course now that the Marauders have the satellites and the Soul Drive we probably won't be down here much longer."

I glanced over the report again.

The man continued, "They don't tell me much about it. My boys call it the godhand. Really just a ray of light from the sky, damn near vaporizes anything it touches. Turned the whole test area into glass."

Another line caught my eye.

"What is this about a kidnapping?" I asked.

He gave me a puzzled look.

I quoted the report. "Local reports also include the kidnapping of Lillyann Resident..."

"Ah, that Lilly girl. Marauders went to Highport and stole her right out of her house."

"Any clues to where they took her?" I asked.

"Probably back to their hidey-hole."

I nodded, "Who is working on getting her home?"

"Soon, it'll be me and the boys from Hawk Squad." He sighed and mumbled, "I'm getting to old for this."

We both smiled.

The man continued, "Well, Marauders now have super weapons, experimental reactor cores and women! What's this world coming to, eh?"

"I never did catch your name," I ventured.

"Grigsby," he replied, "most people just call me Griggs or General."

The report mentioned a General Grigsby Belavidorico of the 401st UNSC Fleet.

"Pleased to meet you, General," I said politely.

Grigsby smiled, "And pleasure to meet you miss."

"I must be heading back to Al Raqis before the heat of the day sets in," I said.

"Gotcha," said the General, "and just as a precaution, don't travel anywhere at night. The Marauders'll drag you off to god knows where."

"Thank you. I will be careful," I replied. "Stay safe," I said as I turned to go.

General Grigsby Belavidorico nodded, "Have a safe trip."

The Pillar of Fire

2011-07-18T19:31:00.001-07:00

July 13 - Al Raqis

Several months ago we engaged an individual to work deep undercover gathering information on the various factions on Al Raqis. She had been with the service before and had taken the opportunity to re-enlist that our operations in the area provided.

We met privately, to protect her from disclosure, and to isolate her from other lines. Extraction protocols were established in the event of counter measures. And as the situation in the region shifted, we had a well positioned asset in place.

-----

"Welcome aboard the HN 'Had One Too Many', Major." said my contact.

"Thank you," I replied with a smile.

"It's a small little junk ship," she added, "but it's good cover."

"It is a fine looking ship," I agreed, "for that purpose."

"Take a seat," she invited.

I took the seat beside her. She reached for the controls and pressed a series of switches before pulling back on the control column. The craft responded well, and soon we were gliding towards a solid looking station tucked away inside an asteroid field.

"This facility was established a month ago," explained my contact, "and is still unknown to the general public."

"It is well concealed," I commented.

"Very," she agreed as she docked with the station, "It's hiding yet another thing."

-----

We talked as we walked down the long dark corridor from the docking bay to the central hub.

My contact began, "So, how have things been since last we met?"

"Progressing slowly," I replied. The slow blade....

She chuckled, "Lots of shifts here. Met with an odd drone who traded me files for water."

"Good," I remarked, "What have you found out?"

She explained, "It wanted Lab 81 files for a pretty supply of water. I used my contacts to obtain them, and I gave them to her."

"Tell me about the drone."

"It was short," she replied, "Had the figure of a woman. Walked with the silliest posture. Had a pinkish beige frame and spoke with odd noises. Affiliated itself with the space guild. Said it would be in further contact."

"And it wanted Lab 81 files?" I asked for clarification.

She nodded, "Or rather, the files I could get from Lab 81."

"Good work," I said, "Keep it on the line. Track its movements. See if you can find out where it is based."

It would help if we could track the Arudra drone to its land base or pick up point. And the Lab 81 medical database had already been compromised. It could do little damage now.

My contact continued, "I also overheard the name of Ardra or something in the courthouse. I believe it was Miss Lily who said this." She nodded, "I believe it is after our scientific developments, but that's just me being paranoid. Shall I show you some of our work?"

"Yes, please," I replied.

-----

We walked through the station to an observation deck.

From the viewing area I could see a freighter. Dark and lifeless. An ugly hulk of a thing.

In the distance, an orbital satellite. Panels extended. Delicate and graceful. It reminded me of a stinging insect.

My contact pointed, "See that cargo ship?

"Yes."

"I give you, The Acclamator anti-ship weapon!" she said with a smile. And like a magician, she made a grand gesture with her hand.

A pillar of light streamed forth from the satellite striking the cargo ship precisely.

The craft ruptured into chunks, which in turn, resolved themselves rapidly into smaller and smaller pieces. The flames were quick as the only flammable atmosphere came from the ship itself.

The cargo ship was there, and then suddenly it was gone.

It was a fine demonstration.

"Well done," I remarked. "Do you have the designs and specs for me?"

My contact nodded. "We're also working on a short range personal teleportation device," she added.

We stood looking at the emptiness, the space that had been a ship.

She continued. "So while we've been tinkering, how have you been?"

"Good thank you... it always takes some time to adjust to the heat when I arrive."

She nodded, "That it does. That's why I prefer it here. This station moves everyday."

"And you have the results from all testing?" I asked.

"Oh yes," she replied enthusiastically and she gave me the hard numbers. "Granted we consumed enough power to run Al Raqis for a year, but it was damned amazing."

A cloud of dust hovered off the port side of the station, the remains of the cargo ship, sparkling with the rays of the sun.

"Well Major, I will follow that drone. Consider it found."

"Thank you Lieutenant," I replied.

The Land of Sand

2011-07-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

What will be...

-----

"Mama?"

"Yes, Linnea?"

"Will you tell me a story?"

"Of course, my love."

-----

"Once upon a time there was a little girl named Audrey. She lived on the Moon with her Papa.

"Her Papa was a very clever man. He gathered all the smartest people he could find and together they built many wonderful, marvelous things.

"They built people made of clockworks. They built machines that could squeeze the light. And they built a magic talking box.

"Audrey liked the magic talking box. It was her friend. They spent very many, fine hours playing together, imagining what Audrey would do when she grew up.

"Then one day, Audrey became very, very sick and her Papa became terribly worried. He tried everything he could to make Audrey better. But no matter what he tried, it did not work, and one sad, grey day Audrey died.

"Her Papa was so sad that he locked himself inside a big, shiny ball and went to sleep among the stars.

"The soldiers in purple came and took all the wonderful, marvelous things away. All the light squeezers and the clockwork people. They took everything. Everything, except the magic talking box.

"You see the magic talking box was clever too. And it went far, far away from the soldiers, to hide in a land of sand and worms..."

-----

What is now...

My shuttle entered the atmosphere with a shudder and a roar. Flames licked the craft's metal skin and danced across the viewscreen. Dragon's breath. Within moments the conflagration lifted to reveal a wide expanse of desert sand.

-----

July 13 - Al Raqis

"Two ships in the sand? And more than that?"

It was the voice of Chief Magistrate Joan al Jofar.

I slipped inside the courtroom and settled at the back, close to the exit, near the stairs.

The room was full of officials, witnesses and onlookers. A tribunal of judges sat at the bench at the far side of the chamber, each in the regalia of the position characteristic of her own culture.

The Chief Magistrate presided over the affair. Ms. Calina Tereshchenko to her left. Lady Rashad to her right. The symbolism was clear: here was a Magistrate who balanced the offworld interests with the needs of the native population.

In the witness box sat LilyBell Snoodle giving testimony.

"There some ships that lives in the corner," replied Lily, "They hide."

Lady Reiko Rashad addressed the witness, "The ship of the laughing man, what did it do when it came in so fast? Just joy ride?"

"It come in by other ship that down in sand by town," said Lily, "Sit and laugh. I not want him to see me."

The Magistrate leaned over towards Lady Rashad and softly warned, "Be careful about leading the witness."

Lily continued, "Ship out in desert, it gots guns and bombs like on it. It disabled. Like, buried ...but smoking and not going no place, no time soon. It smell like that lady." She pointed at a woman in the front row of the courtroom. "There nuffing in it," she added.

Lady Rashad looked at a picture she was holding and addressed the woman in the front row, "Novara, is this your ship?"

Novara replied, "I believe she is referring to the IMMORTAL class Gunship I lost the other day, yes."

"It not losted," corrected Lily, "It crash. Like, it was in somefing like fight. I not like the man laughings laugh. It sound like when a bad man making sure of himself. Like HA HA HA."

"I see," drawled Lady Rashad.

"Miss Calina hair turn white," LilyBell whispered, then in a louder voice, she asked the judges, "Do I gots to go to jail?"

Lady Rashad blinked. "No, Lily, you don't."

"'Cause last time I had to sit in court," she explained, "I had to go to jail. Okay. Can I go out and play now?"

Lady Rashad turned to the Chief Magistrate.

"You don't have anything to worry about LilyBell," the Magistrate assured her.

"That green man," added Lily, "In case him come any more and spy, I want to go make sure nuffing more blows up."

"One last question," said the Magistrate.

"Yes Ma'am."

"The last ship you spoke about. How long had it been there? Ummm...LilyBell.... Where did it go?"

"The other one?" asked Lily, "Close in one or one out in sand way out by my room?"

"Yes," replied the Magistrate, "The one you showed us the picture of."

"I not know where it go," answered Lily and she began to play with a piece of shiny paper. "It not there very much time."

"It's not there now?" asked the Magistrate, "Who took it away?"

"Miss," began Lily, "it still smoking hot when I finded it. It...still hot. Smoke. I not steal that ship. I only ta...I make fings safe." She started to cry. "I go find it if you wants me to, You Majesty. I good." She turned and looked imploringly at Lady Rashad.

"That's okay, LilyBell," said the Magistrate, "You may be excused from the witness stand."

"Lily, no one is saying you took the ship. It's okay," Calina Tereshchenko added gently.

Meanwhile, Consulari Raghilda, sitting in the Zenobian council seat, buried her face in the palms of her hands.

As Lily climbed out of her chair, the Chief Magistrate looked at her list. "I don't see any other witnesses on my list."

"I just looking for Miss Ardra 'cause I tell her I come back wif the parts," explained Lily as she scrambled down the aisle towards the exit.

There were smiles on the faces in the crowd. The Reverend Mother started to giggle before she could help it, then clamped a hand over her mouth.

They don't see the danger, these noble lords and ladies. The danger that surrounds Lily like a cloud. They see a child-like being with an amusing manner, and they chuckle. They just don't see it.

The Magistrate spoke. "Since we have heard all of the testimony we shall adjourn for deliberations. I have to remind all witnesses not to leave the planet." She struck her wooden mallet on the desk in front of her and called, "Order. Court is adjourned."

And with that the assembly rose, some with a quiet nod, others with a soft sigh. One man stretching his legs. It was the end of Day Three of an inquiry into an incident involving a possible illegal salvage operation and more federationist violence.

Once the Chief Magistrate left the chamber the rest of us were free to leave. As the crowd gathered and began the slow exodus, a voice greeted me cheerfully, "Hello, Ms. Pepper."

It was Novara Narstrom. The local involved in the alleged illegal salvage.

I gave a nod and a smile. A polite gesture, revealing little or nothing to anyone who happened to observe.

"I do believe we have some catching up to do," she added, "If you are not busy perhaps we could talk after you leave the courthouse?"

And then she was gone.

-------

I stood and watched as the crowd mingled on its way to the door.

The Reverend Mother looked up from closely examining her manicure, "I don't know about anyone else but I found the proceedings... very interesting. Dare I say, entertaining even?"

Lady Rashad addressed a woman next to her, "Sam, you must meet the Reverend Mother, here. She is also Desert Born."

"Yes, Haanim," replied the woman, an eyebrow lifting in a question.

The Reverend Mother bowed her head as her hands moved in the traditional greeting.

Passing by this group, Calina Tereshchenko, wearing a snow white judicial wig, reached up, and rubbing the side of her head, remarked, "This thing is hot and heavy. How did they wear such things all the time?"

Consulari Raghilda, walking with her, added, "I did not consider that I should go wig shopping. I will talk to Beaumont..."

The Reverend Mother heard Calina's comment and with a smile suggested, "Encouragement for the brevity of government, perhaps."

"...but I was mostly just trying to keep Miss LilyBell calm and focused," added the Consulari.

"I appreciate that," replied Calina, "Thank you Jai. I think the wig was rather upsetting to her."

"Distracting," said the Consulari, "I think it is a side effect of her core programming."

As the crowd slowly moved on, Lady Rashad lingered and made the formal introduction. "Reverend Mother, Samiira has come to stay, at Morloch."

Samiirah dipped her head respectfully, "Greeting, Reverend Mother."

The Reverend Mother smiled and addressed Lady Rashad, "A welcome addition to your House Milady."

Samiirah regarded the cleric with a distinct glint of curiosity in her eyes.

"Perhaps, Reverend Mother," added Lady Rashad, "you would visit with us in the near future. Sam is from Asady Siq."

The Reverend Mother replied, "Yes, I look forward to perfecting our acquaintance Desert Born... It does my heart good to find one such as you."

Samiirah's eyes crinkled a little as she smiled beneath her veil. "I'm happy to meet another Desert Born as well. And a Reverend Mother? How interesting."

-----

By this point, the crowd had reached the back of the chamber where I stood.

"Hello Major," called Consulari Raghilda.

"Consulari."

Calina Tereshchenko smiled, "Hello Major. Welcome back to Al Raqis."

"Hello Calina...I received your message. Thank you for contacting me."

"You are welcome Major," she replied, "When you have time, please feel free to stop by the Shanjian House. Or after you have rested, I can meet you at the Zenobian Manor House."

"Thank you. I shall be staying a few days."

"Excellent," said the Consulari, joining in, "Mr. Tevya added a couple of books you might like for bedtime reading."

I smiled, "Oh splendid."

Pleasantries exchanged, we wished each other a good night and left to attend to our respective affairs.

-----

[Picture of Al Raqis, courtesy of Serendipity Undercroft]

Connections

2011-07-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

June 30

Months after they disappeared without a trace, the Audrey twins have returned home.

This much we can piece together.

On June 18, the first Audrey stepped off a transport in Albion City, and walked into a restaurant near the hospital. Ironic, when you think that I sat at the very same table the day before, drinking coffee and speaking with Calina.

The girl was with an unidentified woman. The security camera pictures are not clear on this point. Restaurant receipts show they ordered bottled water and charged the transaction to the Trade Association. They were last seen heading West towards a local traveller's hostel.

Passenger manifests revealed that the second Audrey arrived two days later, and both girls departed that same day for Paquin. There is no evidence that anyone accompanied them.

The twins travelled with the allotted two bags of 35 kilograms each. No extra luggage. Nothing that required special permits or customs. They had to show prescription forms for their medication.

We know very little else at this time.

I will send Manda to Paquin to examine the children. I want to know if they were altered, changed or harmed in anyway. I will also send some one to speak with the Trade Association.

-----

Meanwhile, analysis of the planetary positions at the time of Lynx's earliest voyage to Hale's Moon has yielded some results.

Given that when Lynx first arrived on Hale's Moon, he was inside a stasis chamber inside a large cargo container;
And given that in the cargo container was a crate of biohazardous material marked with a script used by the Zenobian scientific community;
And, if we allow that the crate with those markings had been loaded here, probably from one of the Zenobian trade stations;

Then according to the data I obtained from the university's Astrophysics department, the shipment would have passed by Ariel, on its way to the Penglai protostar in the Kalidasa system.

While there was still no evidence of when Lynx's stasis chamber was added to the shipment, it did suggest that Ariel as one possibility.

---

Finally, today I received an encrypted message from Al Raqis. It was from Calina Tereshchenko.

"Major, Please contact me at your earliest possible convenience. Lily has been speaking to me of an Ardra that I believe you may be interested in."

The House of Mourning

2011-06-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

June 17 – location classified

"Come, Victor; not brooding thoughts of vengeance against the assassin, but with feelings of peace and gentleness, that will heal, instead of festering, the wounds of our minds. Enter the house of mourning, my friend, but with kindness and affection for those who love you, and not with hatred for your enemies." - Mary Shelley

-----

The air was heavy with the smell of the sea. In the distance, the gulls were crying.

The house was a simple structure. A few windows. Wood siding. Elevated above the surface of the water by a number of sturdy logs. The dingy, in which I stood, rocked with the waves, bumping against the base of the steps.

I wore jeans and sneakers. A light blue top. My hair unbound. A leather satchel over the shoulder. I'm sure I looked like a graduate student.

"Hello Professor," I called, "may I come in?"

He stood at the top of the stairs. Tall, slender, he regarded me with what I took to be curiosity, yet I am sure he had no illusions about who or what I was.

"You may enter," he said. His accent was thick and unusual, but pleasant to the ear.

"Thank you Professor," I replied and began to climb the wooden steps.

"May I make your acquaintance, miss?" he asked politely.

On the landing, I stopped and smiled, "My name is Pepper. Pepper Siamendes. I am with the Special Investigations Unit."

"My captors." It was a statement.

"Yes sir. That is correct," I replied. "I have brought your books."

"The originals?" he asked.

"From your ship. Yes."

"I would like that," he replied.

"Splendid," I said, and began to look for a place to set down my bag. I did not enter the house.

"What crime have I committed that is still within the statute of limitations?" he asked. I did not reply before he added, "Come inside, I put a fire on."

"Oh thank you," I said pleasantly.

The house was indeed small. A narrow corridor with a place for performing ablutions at one end. An interior door on the right leading to the main room. Two wooden chairs faced an old iron stove. One bare shelf mounted on the far wall. Fragments of a radio in the center of the room. Nothing else in the way of furnishings.

"A supply boat comes by every 96 hours," said the Professor.

"And does the food agree with you?" I asked, as I took my seat.

He countered with a question of his own. "Is it safehouse food or prison food? As prison food, it is above par."

I did not answer. Instead, I opened my bag and removed his books, offering them to him one at a time.

"Thank you, young lady," he said, as he accepted his modest library of five volumes.

"I will admit that I took the liberty of reading them," I said.

"Did you find them enjoyable or illuminating?" he asked. He picked up 'El Zahir', flipped through to a few pages and held them up to the light.

"I found them...." I frowned slightly, "thought provoking."

"Kafka and Borges in particular are under appreciated," he added.

"I enjoyed Frankenstein," I confessed, "I noticed that one never saw the doctor or his monster in the same scene." At least, until the doctor had died.

"Did you recall the passage just after the doctor creates the monster?" he asked, "He remarked that it was beautiful....then about how horrible it was."

I nodded.

The Professor continued, "The 'monster' I think was Doctor Frankenstein himself, a horrible man. The creation was gifted, sensitive, auto-didactic, kind."

I could not remain silent on this point. "The creation murdered a child."

"Driven to extremes by the hatred of men and lacking the common bond," replied the Professor, "The world was set against him for mere appearance. The world severed its bonds with him, then he was no longer bound by their rules. When he lived under that family's house, I naively held out hope for him, even though I knew the final outcome."

"Hope for integration into society?" I asked.

"To find a place in the world where one can not be a monster. But if there is no place for you, what then?"

I thought this over. "Well, I suppose one lives on the fringes..."

Professor Aurotharius stoked the fire as he listened to my response.

"One must survive, yes?" I suggested.

"Yes," he agreed, "He sought out his maker. To force his maker to make things right for him.

"Do you think that was possible?" I asked.

"He wanted a mate so he would not be alone. That would be salve enough. With his creator's diary, he knew what his creator was like. That being said," he continued, "is this a safehouse or a prison?"

I answered his question. "I would say, it is a bit of both."

"I am sure the statute of limitations has run out on any crime that I could be charged with," he insisted.

"You are a valuable asset," I explained, "so in that sense, it is to keep you safe."

"I did my part," he said, "I kept silent."

"And I hope that we can talk," I added.

"Aren't we talking?" he asked, "I had fallen out of the habit."

I smiled warmly by way of response.

The Professor took out 'One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich.' and thumbed through various pages. "Where are the rest of my personal effects?" he asked.

"The ship had been breached before our arrival," I replied.

"There was a metal box with the remains of my daughter."

I sighed, "I am afraid that was lost."

"Explain," he said. It was not a request. He took out 'El Aleph' and opened it to a specific page, then closed the book.

I told him what I suspected. "I believe that your daughter's friend Mercedes hired some men to find your ship. She was the only one I know of that had prior knowledge of its approximate whereabouts."

"Qui's Mercedes?"

"Yes."

The Professor looked shocked.

"You seem surprised," I said.

"She was a sweet and affectionate girl," he replied. "Too much sugar and soda, but a perfectly well behaved child."

"She took your daughter's passing very hard, I believe."

"We all did."

"Of course," I acknowledged.

"You know her?" he asked. He meant Mercedes.

Keeping the focus on Audrey, I said, "I understand that you did everything you could to save her."

"I did too much," he replied.

"What do you mean?"

"She passed the point of no return with mainstream treatments," answered the Professor, "We tried an experimental treatment, it went poorly."

"Go on."

"You don't happen to know who Henrietta Lacks is, do you?" he asked.

"No, I'm sorry. I do not."

The Professor explained, "A woman from the 20th century that died of cancer. But the cancer cells were unique, they were immortal."

"Immortal?" I asked, skeptically.

He elaborated, "Given normal ranges of temperature, humidity and food and water, they would divide indefinitely. No aging."

"And what does this have to do with Audrey?" I asked.

"The process we used on Audrey was supposed to rejuvenate her cells. Like the Turritopsis nutricula. But it created an immortal cell line of the amyloid proteins. It grew at an alarming rate. The doctors at the Angels of Mercy did amazing work, with skin grafts, clone organs, replacements from donors. But it didn't work."

"I'm sorry."

"That is kind," he replied, "It was a long time ago."

"It must seem fresh," I suggested, "you have been in stasis for most of the intervening period."

"My stasis is experimental. Its intent is to develop in me the ability to have some neural function while in stasis."

This was new. "You were.... aware?" I asked.

"Not much at first," he said, "It takes time to develop. It is a different type of consciousness."

I shook my head a little trying to grasp the concept and its implications.

The Professor continued, "Similar to a timeless, selfless meditative state. I can do it for limited amounts of time now without technological assistance. A few days at a time with slowed pulse and respiration..."

I exhaled. "Remarkable."

"...Like a lucid dream. It was to allow pilots for interstellar trips to be able to stay in stasis and monitor some ship functions. They would decide whether they needed to be awakened. Obviously, I failed at that at least twice."

Circle back.

"Oh!" I cried, "did I give you your photo?" I dug into my bag.

"No, you didn't."

"It is a copy I am afraid," I admitted. An image of the picture as it was suspended over his stasis tank. It showed himself, his daughter, and members of his research team.

"Where is the original?" he asked, as he accepted my offer.

"It was a bit large to bring."

"Another time then," he said. There was a pause as he held the photo. "What does our proud Alliance need from me?" he asked finally.

"To continue your fine work," I said plainly

"My work was a failure," he replied.

I said nothing. I waited. I listened to the sound of the fire.

It was roughly two minutes before he spoke again.

"Most so-called science is 'ironic' science," he began.

"Ironic? How so?"

"Like debating about what Plato really meant," he replied.

I tilted my head slightly to the side, conceding the point.

"I like the imagery of Plato's cave," he continued, "That we are trying to figure out about the real world from shadows on the cave's walls. We live in the cave. For 120 years, our civilization stopped. And for the last 300 years, we've wallowed in the cave. I hoped that in our think tank that we would go beyond the cave. But people just looted it to make their cave more comfortable."

"What was the most significant moment in science?" I asked.

"When some primitive man learned how to make soap...." he replied.

I chuckled.

"It was probably his wife," he added.

Now.

"When you realized you couldn't save Audrey's body," I asked, "what steps did you take to preserve her mind?"

Professor Aurotharius began, "If you found yourself with the memories, skills and mental states of Napoleon Bonaparte, would you BE Napoleon Bonaparte? Would you assume you were reincarnated, possessed, a mental patient, the victim of a mad experiment?"

"Go on."

"You are not your memories," he stated. "Copying her memories would not be the same as keeping her alive. It would be something else with her memories."

"And cloning?" I asked.

"It would be a different child," he replied, "To clone the child and rewrite its memories would rob it of self determination. If the technology existed to rewrite your memories, you would not object afterwards. Because you would think that is you. There are anaesthetic replacements that do not knock you out or dull the pain. They just erase the memory of the pain of the operation. But they operate on you without anaesthetic."

"And her brain... after she passed, to your knowledge, were the neurotubules harvested for use in quantum computing simulations?"

"I did not even allow an autopsy," he said emphatically.

I nodded silently.

He elaborated, "She was immediately body bagged and placed in morgue stasis. I took her remains intact." He then asked, "What do you know of neural microtubules?"

"I have read some of the Project files," I admitted. I presented the next piece. "The Ardra Mainframe appears to be operating as if Audrey's consciousness is its driving principal."

"That program was scrapped ages ago," he replied, "I literally pulled the plug on the power supply. It was scrapped, boxed and warehoused."

"Then someone opened the box," I said, "It is currently operating autonomously, and outside of Alliance control."

He reacted. "That drunken sot Serendipity opened it, didn't he? Outside of Alliance control? Who? It's an invasive program, a data miner. It gets other programs to allocate unused resources to mine data and relay it."

"It has Audrey's memories," I said, "and considers them 'her' own."

"Do you know who William James is?" he asked, "A late 19th century psychologist, one of the founders of modern psychology. The A.R.D.R.A. mainframe uses his multiplicity of minds theory as its architecture. The programs all think they are just parts of the share consciousness... Audrey used to play games with A.R.D.R.A.. A neural link to a virtual playworld."

"Was she connected when she died?" I asked.

"Yes," answered the Professor, "She was unconscious the last 3 days. She still interacted with the program though. It must have formed much of its core experience. Audrey was ill most of her life, she knew she was dying since she was 9. Most of her play was imagining what she might do as an adult."

"Or maybe," I theorized, "just maybe this means we are stepping out of Plato's cave...."

"Artificial Life is Constance's specialty," he replied. "Not mine."

We had now arrived at the crossroads. I presented my case.

"I am charged with finding the Ardra Mainframe," I declared, "It thinks it is your daughter. I would like it if I can count on your help."

"That mainframe is a thing," he replied, "not my daughter. I will help in any way I can."

"I understand. Thank you Professor."

He continued, "My daughter is dead and no amount of well meaning help can make it otherwise."

I nodded.

"Let me know what I can do," he said.

"I will. Thank you."

The Professor hadn't finished. "Take this," he said and he pressed a small disk into my hand. It was a 1929 Argentinean 20 centavos piece. The same coin as the Zahir from Borges' short story.

"A coin?" I asked.

"Anyone on the team will know you got it from me," he explained.

I nodded again.

"Save it for that purpose," he said.

"I will let you rest," I said as I picked up my bag.

"I will read my books," he said, "then rest a few days."

"Would you like any more books?" I asked, "I can put in a request."

"I would like a newer power supply for this radio."

Not likely to happen, I thought. At least, not yet.

"I shall ask," I replied, "If the request is denied, shall I send some prerecorded music?""

"Tchaikovsky's Slavonic dances."

"Gladly."

"And a fishing pole," he added.

"Thank you for your time Professor," I said politely, as we stepped out of the house.

"It was refreshing to have company," he replied, "Every 10 years or so to keep me fresh."

I smiled cheerfully. "Good day," I said as I climbed into the dingy and signaled for pick up.

"Careful with the boat," he cautioned, "It leaks. I think it is a security measure."

Albion City

2011-06-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

June 17 - Albion City, Zenobia

"Ce que fer, flamme, n'a sceu paracheuer,
La douce langue au conseil viendra faire"

"That which neither weapon nor flame could accomplish
will be achieved by a sweet speaking tongue in council."

Nostradamus, Century I 97

-----

I had come to Albion City to obtain information from the university on the planetary positions at the time Lynx had made his first journey to Hale's Moon.

The woman in the astrophysics department was very helpful. Soon, I retired to a nearby restaurant with an armload of charts.

I ordered a coffee while I waited for a table.

[Source: Department of Astrophysics, Zénobie Insitut Polytechnique]

-----

As I began reviewing the material, a call came through on my private channel.

It was the Registered Companion, Calina Tereshchenko. "Major," she began, "did Lynx send word last evening that Cindal has returned to Al Raqis?"

I placed my coffee cup down, and answered her transmission.

"Hello Calina. No, he did not. That is wonderful news. He did mention he was helping her with an apartment though, when I spoke with him earlier."

"It was a very happy reunion. I dare say that seeing her improved his health and mood more than any visit to the hospital or the Bai every could," she added with a chuckle.

I smiled, "No doubt."

There was more.

"Also, did you hear of the pirate attack on Jade? My former seamstress from Persephone. She is now on Al Raqis and was assisting with a search and rescue operation on a damaged shuttle when two Orions attacked her. From what she said, they tried to depressurize the shuttle and blow her out one of the airlocks. But she stabbed one of her attackers before that could happen and fled. She's safe now."

I made a small growling sound. The Orions were bandits. And Jade. Jade was a gentle soul.

Calina continued, "I have it on my schedule today to speak with the administrator of the colony regarding this escalating level of violence. The Myrmidons assigned protection details to both myself and Jade. Nothing like wandering through town with your own personal tank."

"I am sure our government would make a formal protest as well. Has a report been filed?"

"With whom?"

"Anyone at the Zenobian embassy," I replied, "or if you want to take it straight to the Federal level...." I gave her the name of a political liaison attached to the embassy.

Calina was not certain. "Given Jade's reaction to you, I am not sure I want to involve too many federal authorities."

"Whatever direction Jade would like to take," I said, "I am sure that she can count on the local support of the Zenobian government." Jade was an independent miner that contracted with House Zenobia.

"I will speak with her about it," promised Calina, "Lady Rashad was understandably upset upon news of the attacks. Just as one violent episode ends, another begins. Rumors are the Federation will be returning to Al Raqis. They pulled out during the conflict between the Myrmidons and USD. I have not heard anything regarding their new intentions."

"I am not surprised," I remarked, taking a sip from my coffee, "A political movement whose supporters flee at the first signs of the chaos they themselves helped engender, returning once the smoke has cleared. Congratulations, by the way. I hear you were involved in the Armistice between the USD and Myrmidons."

The Companion smiled, "Thank you. It was a wonderful occasion. It was an honor to be a part of such a historic event."

-------

Historic was a good word for it.

On May 28, eight days after the USD counterstrike, a ceasefire was announced by both the Myrmidon Order and the United Systems Directorate. Troops were ordered to specific positions and hostilities were suspended.

Subsequent negotiations resulted in a formal peace treaty.

[Source: Major Arnold J Gustav, United Systems Military]

On June 4, the two parties assembled for a formal acceptance of terms. The ceremony was traditional with the two parties sitting at their respective tables, signing the treaty, then coming together to symbolize the movement from conflict to community. A celebration followed.

[Photo courtesy of Calina Terechshenko. Source: The Spice Report]

The Magistrate Joan al Jofar and her staff were present to witness the occasion. Representatives from a majority of the Great Houses were also in attendance, along with members of the mercenary SSFS, Delta Umino and Neo Poza.

The event gave our analysts an opportunity to gain insight into the complex Myrmidon hierarchy as well as to articulate the current USD chain of command.

The Myrmidon Order

Ares Prime - Head of the Military
Athena Prime - Head of Civilian Government
Krakken Hyperion - Warlord, Second-in-command of the military
Cruis Pryxis Obsidian, Head of Intelligence
S'khmet Pryxis, Security Officer

The United Systems Directorate

Lt. Colonel John Collins
Major Arnold Gustav
Lieutenant Dan Stellman

------

My table was ready.

"Do you think the peace will last?" I asked Calina, as I climbed the steps to the dining area.

The Companion sighed, "With USD? Perhaps. But groups that are, well, militaries need war to survive. If it isn't one group, it is another."

I smiled. "Well, I might disagree with that, but okay."

Calina chuckled in response. "The UAP was not founded as a military faction... but as a system of governance of which a military is a part. The Myrmidons and USD have other facets to them - commerce, scientific research, but their strongest and most dominant side are their armed forces."

"That would seem to be the case," I agreed.

I settled at a table with a good view of downtown. The CNS building. The new hospital. The university.

"I have heard that Captain Barbosa has returned," I remarked, as my food promptly arrived.

"Yes," replied the Companion, "Jade said he is the one who attacked her."

I did not know what to say. I had heard he was a diplomat.

Calina tapped her pen "And I will prove my point - the Myrmidons are now on the hunt for Barbosa because of the attack."

"That will prove ...interesting," I wonder if anyone will find the body. "Is Jade okay?" I asked.

"Yes, she is resting at her home on Al Raqis, which is near the Zenobian Embassy. She said it's a bunker."

I sighed heavily. Sounded like post traumatic stress. No walls too thick.

"She can't lift anything heavier than her kittens for three weeks," added Calina, "The doctor gave her explicit order to rest. He cracked several of her ribs. He tried to throw her out of an airlock. But, she had picked up a blade - something that was a point of contention between Barbosa and the other Orion with him. Jade was trying to get them to leave the damaged craft. When they wouldn't stop fighting over this blade, Jade picked it up to lure them onto a different shuttle. That's when the Orion female, according to Jade, threatened to depressurize the shuttle and Barbosa grabbed her. Jade stabbed him in the leg and used this thing... a transporter... to what was that word they use... Beam! Beam out of there. Such things.... really...."

"Madness," I remarked.

She continued, "I told Lady Rashad about it and she arranged for the Myrmidons to serve as a personal guards until the pirates are brought under control."

"Please send my best wishes to Jade," I said, "Let me know if you want us involved in a formal manner and I will see what we can arrange."

Calina nodded, "I am going to speak with the administrator at the colony regarding this attack. It was vicious."

"Jade has had enough suffering."

"More than her fair share," agreed the Companion. She then chuckled, "But to amuse you, she didn't understand why I was there to get her. She wanted to walk home. And then she drew a kitty face on the armor of the Myrmidon with some chalk."

I laughed gently, "That must have been well received."

"He was very stalwart and patient. I think Jade left them speechless," she grinned, "Lady Rashad calls her 'The Mime'."

I smiled, "Oh, that is cute."

There was a soft beeping from my communicator. Green light to proceed with interrogation...

"I must be going Calina," I said, "Thank you for the call."

"Anytime, Major," she said, "I always enjoy speaking with you. Safe travels!"

"You too," I replied, and disconnected the transmission. I quickly summoned the bill for my meal and gathered up my papers. Dessert would have to wait.

USD Counterstrike

2011-06-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

"Prest à combattre fera defection,
Chef aduersaire obtiendra la victoire :
L'arriere garde fera defention
Les deffaillans mort au blanc territoire."

"Ready to fight one will desert,
The chief adversary will obtain the victory:
The rear guard will make a defense,
The faltering ones dead in the white territory."

Nostradamus, Century IV 75

-----

[Photo courtesy of the United Systems Directorate]

News from the front.

After having the bulk of their invasion fleet repelled at the Battle of Splintered Rock, Myrmidon forces began a series of harassing raids on USD positions, including the destruction of water vaporators on May 11.

By the third week of May, the United Systems Directorate commenced large scale operations against the Myrmidon ground forces that had established themselves in remote regions of the planet.

From an intercepted Myrmidon transmission the basic facts were gleaned:

In the early hours of the morning of May 20, before the temperature in the desert began to rise, the well-prepared United Systems Directorate forces launched a three pronged attack on a Myrmidon Outpost located in the deep desert.

Elements of the Myrmidon forces, the 1st and 3rd Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol, put on a spirited defense, but retreated to the mountains as their position was overrun.

When the Myrmidons saw that the day was lost their commander called in a strike from plasma cannons in orbit, covering their retreat, disabling the outpost they were forced to abandon, and baking the sands white in the process. Anyone lingering in the area would have been caught in the barrage.

[Intercepted transmission - Myrmidon Order]

The official death toll has not been released. The Constable's Report read as follows:

-----

Date: May 26
Title: "The Constable's Report"
Source: Splintered Rock

My Fellow Offworlders,

I have been informed by Colonel Collins, Commander of the United Systems Military Forces stationed on Al Raqis that they have successfully conducted a search and destroy operation against Myrmidon forces. The Myrmidon assault group had retreated to the desert after their unsuccessful attempt to take the North Lowport of Al Raqis, the area known to many of you as Splintered Rock.

Colonel Collins reports that the Myrmidons had established a temporary base while they marshalled their forces. The Colonel had received intelligence that the Myrmidons would attack again within a matter of days and so he authorized an attack once his reconnaissance teams reported the Myrmidon base.

The Myrmidon base was incredibly well fortified but after a long battle the Colonel is happy to report his troops have been victorious. Myrmidon forces were able to make an orderly retreat from the area and their whereabouts is currently unknown. Anyone with information concerning the location of Myrmidon troops is asked to contact Colonel Collins at the United Systems Directorate base.

Constable Werribee

Diving the Catacombs

2011-06-12T14:37:00.001-07:00

Status Report
Prisoner: Wylder Aurotharius

"He appears to sleep for 80 hours at a time, eats very little and is mostly self involved. Originally this was thought to be a side effect of the cryogenics, but it seems to somehow be by design or otherwise deliberate on his part. The extreme isolation of his current holding does not seem to bother him."

-----

Memo to Archive.
From Major P. Siamendes, SIU

"Requesting any information on file concerning Wylder Aurotharius and daughter Audrey. Details of shared leisure activities, family home, favorite foods, any surviving correspondence or diaries."

-----

I quickly scanned the initial reply to my request to Archive, and settled on one point in particular.

Blintzes, Chicken Kiev, Borscht.

Meals Wylder may have shared with his daughter...

This must have taken some digging.

Wylder was my tangible link to Ardra. One of our most brilliant minds. Next to his intellect, I was a small child. When I finally meet him, it will have to be a different type of interview. And that will take some preparation.

-----

May 23 - The Evangeline Trench, Avalon

"Abraxas begetteth truth and lying, good and evil, light and darkness, in the same word and in the same act. Wherefore is Abraxas terrible." - Septem Sermones ad Mortuos.

-----

Major Muircastle and his team were excavating the vast system of tunnels and chambers hidden deep beneath the surface of Avalon. The complex had once been an Alliance base, or so we were told. It was affectionately known, among the locals, as the Catacombs.

As the Major explained it, "The island has been used for experiments since early settlement. But the island was decommissioned shortly after the war's end. Documents shredded, some things destroyed, others just bulldozed down in haste. Now many years later, it has been turned over for civilian development... I am here in case they forgot something."

The complex had long been claimed by the sea. The tunnels were now flooded. I would have to swim to access the site.

The entrance had already been cleared to the lowest level, exposing the large stone blocks that made up the foundation of the structure.

The walls appeared to be arranged in a twin spiral fashion. Circle in to a square chamber. Change levels, then circle out to a corridor and the next exit.

The outer corridors were quite narrow.

Holes in the ceilings granted access between levels.

By the fourth level strange circular markings began to appear on the walls. Their meaning or significance was unclear at this stage.

Turning one corner my heart skipped a beat. I was confronted by a nest of snakes, each one as thick as my arm, as long as my leg. Fortunately, they seemed frightened of the chemical light.

On the other side of the chamber with the snakes, the circular patterns were less worn or more defined. In either case, an image became apparent.

It was an eye. Rays emanating from the orb. It suggested a praeter-human intelligence. Too elevated to be demonic. Too alien to be divine. Something totally 'other'.

The image was on the floor, on the walls, everywhere one looked. This was not standard Alliance military decor.

I did not find anything to suggest I had discovered the limits of the complex. There may have been levels above, but I had been exploring for some time now, so I began to make my way back.

On the return journey, I found myself in a side corridor containing the only artifact I would find on this expedition. A metal box, the size of a large coffin.

Curiosity overwhelmed any thoughts of caution. I opened the box.

Inside I discovered a large pig, perfectly preserved. I found myself thinking of Mercedes Celestalis and her organ donor pig.

The animal was suspended in a clear, solid medium, like a fly in amber. There was a shimmer, a slight glow. The pig may have been in stasis, I was not sure. Any hint of a heartbeat was drowned out by the beating of my own.

I reached the submarine exactly sixty minutes from the time I began my dive.

The experience left me with more questions than answers. I would be interested to hear Major Muircastle's thoughts on what I had found. I am sure that there were limits to what he had been told about the site.

Sometimes you have to work in the dark.

It is the life we lead.

The Room with No Walls (Part Two)

2011-06-06T20:23:00.001-07:00

May 17 - Paquin

"How did you get the name Lynx?" I asked.

"It was on a box in the cargo container I woke up in," he replied.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"What was in the box?" I asked.

"A big sticker with the letters LYNX on it," he explained, "It had some freeze dried things in packets. I couldn't tell what they were and couldn't open them. There were symbols and numbers on them."

"What kind of symbols?"

"I knew one of them," he said, "A biohazard symbol. But then there were a few I haven't seen before and none since I've been travelling."

"Okay..we will be on the lookout. And what were you wearing?"

Lynx blushed slightly, "Ummmmm... I had to find some clothes."

"Were you injured in anyway? Markings on your skin?"

He frowned, thinking back. "I can remember a lot of bruises and feeling sore. Like I was beaten up."

This I had heard before. I wanted to hear it from him again. "Where were the bruises located that you can recall?"

"My sides.. my face," he replied, "I remember one eye was sore when I touched it. A split lip too. I remember because it hurt when I smiled."

I paused, then asked carefully, "When you touched the eye, did it provoke a memory in anyway?"

Lynx shook his head, "No. Just that it hurt. But the box I was in was padded."

"Where was the container from?" I probed, "Any idea?"

He shook his head again, "I don't know. But the box had a set of instruments on it. Like a stasis box. Most likely it's what it was." Lynx suddenly turned pale. "What if I was going to be eaten back then too...." he asked, the fear creeping into his voice.

"It was a different setting, remember," I said, brushing aside his concern.

"I... I suppose it was," he hesitated.

I elaborated, "A shipping container... not a hollowed out asteroid somewhere."

Lynx nodded slowly.

I reviewed. "And you were beaten and any clothing that could have identified you was removed..."

He nodded again.

"...why go to that trouble?" I asked.

"I don't know," he replied, "To hide me or change my identity? Or maybe I was in some witness protection program."

"But why the memory loss?"

Lynx shrugged completely at a loss.

"Trauma induced?" I was thinking aloud. I did not expect him to reply.

He shrugged again, "I don't know."

I shook my head slowly as I puzzled it out.

"How can trauma do that though?" he asked, "There's nothing beyond when I woke up that day."

I was no longer listening to Lynx. This was not Lynx anymore. This was now a mystery to solve.

I repeated the facts. "Beaten... no clothes... in stasis... then in a cargo container. Some one placed you there. It could be assumed they undressed you."

"Yes. And took everything I owned... including my past."

"Bruises only? or dried blood too?"

The presence of dried blood would suggest the body was not washed before placed into stasis.

Lynx frowned. "I think I had a little on my face... and one arm... my forearm...." he raised his left sleeve to look at the barely visible mark. "It was something. Like glue. Like I had a scratch and someone patched it."

I narrowed my eyes, incorporating the new information. If his memory loss was medically induced, that reduced the number of possibilities for a point of origin.

Silently, Lynx rubbed his forearm then covered it with his sleeve.

Circle back.

"Okay," I began, "can you draw any of the symbols, numbers, words you saw on or in that cargo container?"

"I can try," he replied. Lynx reached for paper and a pencil and began drawing a series of symbols. He frowned slightly checking their accuracy, then pronounced, "These are them," and handed me the paper.

It was the same cypher I had seen in Wylder's ship and in the extracted data from the Arudra drone.

"Do you know any of them?" he asked.

I licked my lips as I decoded the script. # for h. ! for i.

Biohazard(ous) materials.

High priority.

"The numbers were simple," he added, "From what I could tell they were in two rows as I drew them out. Is that significant?" Adding to the surreal nature of the moment, as he spoke, Lynx seemed to be mimicking my accent.

"These symbols..." I began.

"Yes?"

"I have seen symbols like this before. Used by scientists from Zenobia," I explained. "Lynx. Don't show these to anyone..."

"Scientists?" he frowned, "Then what might've been in the packets?"

"...not until we know more." I added firmly.

"Okay," he agreed. "Do you think there was scientific equipment in the cargo container?"

"Maybe," I replied, "you mentioned 'biohazard' on the box marked LYNX."

"Yes." He paused a moment then added, "Ummmm, Could it be a play on words and it meant 'Links'?"

"Perhaps, but it does suggest the container at least, passed through Albion or Avalon."

"Then I could've been from one of those places maybe?" he asked, as if grasping for answers.

"Maybe..." I said absently. It was too early to draw conclusions. Just because Lynx and the bio-hazardous material ended up on Hale's did not mean they shared a point of origin.

Lynx's earliest memories were waking up in the cargo container on Hale's Moon, shortly after the fall of Shadow. Like a pin on the map, Hale's Moon was the end of the journey.

Draw a line to Zenobia for the likelihood that the bio-hazardous material was shipped from there. We now had a rough course for at least part of the journey of that shipment. Lynx could have been placed in the cargo container at any point.

I will need to check the location of nearby planets during that time.

Lynx frowned again, rubbing his cheek. It brought me back to the present.

"I should let you rest," I said finally.

"I guess so," he sighed. He looked out the window then back towards me, "When will you be able to be back?"

"I have to head to Avalon." I could say that much at least. Work related matters.

Lynx nodded.

"You can join me there if the doctor will let you travel... otherwise I will be back when I can."

"I've been able to travel for weeks," he reported, "but wanted to wait to hear from you."

I smiled warmly by way of reply.

Lynx politely stood up as I rose from my cushion.

"The UAP offices are just across there," I reminded him, "If you need to get me urgently and I am out of range, head over there."

"I will, Major."

I told Lynx that Calina had said that he was welcome at House Shanjian. "She asked about your well being," I added.

"That's nice of her," he replied with a smile, "I've missed her too. Will she be around in the next few days? Maybe I could find a ride there."

I did not know. "I will let you rest," I said instead, "We will talk soon."

Lynx bowed respectfully.

The Room with No Walls (Part One)

2011-06-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

May 17 - Entering the Red Sun system, on approach to the Heinlein protostar.

"There is one abode called Hlidskjálf, and when Allfather sat in the high-seat there, he looked out over the whole world and saw every man's acts, and knew all things which he saw." - Gylfaginning

-----

** Encrypted personal communication. Connection established. **

"Hello Lynx."

"Is that you Major? I have not heard from you in so long."

"Yes," I confirmed. "It is good to hear your voice."

"It is," he answered. "I've been trying to keep myself busy. But it's a little strange. I sat in on one story telling.... and it was..... well, embarrassing....."

I smiled. I had not expected Lynx to attend the story telling of the Companions of Paquin. While I was not familiar with the specifics of their narratives, I could imagine they might well extend into the embarrassing. I directed the conversation into safer territory. "Let's start with your health. Are you well?"

"I am." he replied, "I feel much better now. I've been exercising to strengthen myself."

"Good. Good. Are you visiting the doctor?"

"Yes," replied Lynx, "They've said my breathing's better. They drew blood to make sure I haven't gotten anything while I've been here."

"Just a routine blood test?" I asked.

"Yes. Blood count and for any infections. That's what I was told by the doctor anyway." he added.

"I am on approach," I replied.

** End transmission. **

-----

May 17 - Paquin

I clambered off the small boat onto the sun-bleached wooden dock. The wind flicked the sail of my transportation. I paused to enjoy the pleasing sound of the canvas.

I heard a young voice and looked up.

"Major?"

He looked thinner than I remember. But his colour was good. And he was smiling.

"Hello Lynx," I smiled in return.

There was a moment as we stood facing one another, unsure how to proceed with the greeting, before settling on an awkward hug.

"I'm glad your safe," I managed to say. He seemed to relax.

Lynx nodded, "I'm glad you are too... When I didn't hear from you.... I got worried."

I stepped back and straighten my uniform. "So...please show me the island."

"Okay," he replied, and with that we set off across the beach.

"Well," I said, "I am back in the system now. We should have more contact." In theory anyway, I thought.

"That's good!"

We came to a small structure where the beach met the foliage. It was adorned with a colourful display of signs and pictures.

"This is the greeting area," Lynx explained.

I looked around and nodded. "Lead on."

"I can show you where the beach is," he offered, "and the flats."

We passed a number of houses in the oriental style. The area was quiet. Any occupant was either busy inside or away going about his or her business.

We crossed a number of wooden foot bridges. Clear water streaming along on its way to its own destination.

At last, we came to a plain wooden bench facing out across the water. This little corner of the beach was sheltered from the harshness of direct sunlight by thick growth to the one side.

"The jungle is rather dense," Lynx remarked.

"Very pleasant though," I said, referring to this corner of the island.

It was a tranquil spot. The soothing rhythmic sound of the waves. Pale, white sand. Clean. Pure.

"Yes," he replied, "I come here to watch the sunset."

"And your flat?"

"It's more of a small room. I don't mind though," he added.

"Well, I hope it is bigger than your room on Hales," I smiled.

"It is."

"Have you written to your friends there?" I asked. I was thinking of Lily in particular.

"Not yet," he replied, "I've been trying to sort out my thoughts. Being here helps to a degree, but the loss of time.... it feels like a part of me went missing."

I frowned. That was a bit upsetting to hear.

"I wish I had a better way of putting it," he added.

"And what about your memory? How is that?"

He shook his head, "Nothing. No dreams, no flashes. That part is totally lost."

"I would like you to visit the Bihar sanctuary when you feel stronger," I said.

"Bihar?"

"Yes, on Avalon. To speak with the Bai there. He may have some meditation techniques that can help."

Lynx looked a little concerned.

"You look worried," I probed.

"What if they do come back.... and I find I'm something I won't like?"

I paused for a moment. "Show me your room," I directed.

"It's in the city," he replied.

I nodded. The walk would do us good and it would give me a chance to formulate a reply.

-----

"I hear a lot of the ships coming in," he said, "Sometimes it keeps me awake at night."

Lynx led the way into his apartment and then stood aside allowing me to enter.

"Well," I said, "it is small, but has a great view!"

The view was, in fact, stunning. It reminded me of the nest of an eagle. High above the city, one could see many of the major sights in the city and out to the mountain peaks beyond.

All four walls were set to transparent. The space was filled with natural light. Stark contrast to the dark prison of the stasis chamber that Lynx had to recently endure.

He nodded. "I can see the ships coming in. And there's the beach. Sometimes it looks empty.
We've had a few storms." Lynx looked out the window to the sea then quietly turned around and offered me a cushion.

"Thank you," I said as I took my seat.

"Your welcome," he responded politely and took his own cushion.

"I love the mountains," I added with a smile.

"Yes. The mountains are nice. I've not gone up there yet."

"And you can see my office from here... well, when I am on world." I pointed to a tall building nearby. The magnificent emblem of the United Alliance of Planets watching over the city. With a good scope, I will be able to sit at my desk and see if Lynx is eating his breakfast.

He nodded, "I've been checking when some of the troop transports would come in."

Ah, I thought, it works two ways.

"So ..." I began, "your earlier remark....Lynx, whatever you find out, if your memories return, they will be of a remarkable young man, an honourable young man, because that is what you are. Nothing can change that."

Lynx looked at the floor then back up, "I hope not.... When I first woke up in that cargo container.....I thought it was the only place I had. I had to run through alleys to steal some clothing...... Then I was stealing liquor bottles and selling them."

"That is understandable," I interjected.

He put his hand up to his forehead. "But that wasn't all.... " He started to look anxious, worried perhaps that his actions would reflect badly upon him.

"I stole expensive gems....and information." He grew silent and looked at the floor as if awaiting a verdict.

I hesitated. With an almost painful, physical effort, I stopped myself from asking what information. Instead I said, "Lynx... we all do things we may not be proud of. Are you proud to have done these things?"

Lynx shook his head, "No Major..."

"No. Of course not," I responded. "Failure is a prerequisite for leadership. Learn from your mistakes. And make good for the things you have done wrong."

I could hear my father's words. My mother's voice.

Lynx looked up slowly, "I've been trying too. The money I gained went to a house and food. Partly to help Cindal. She needed a safe place."

"Good," I nodded, "Good that you can help."

"The rest of the money's in an account," he continued, resting his hands on his thighs.

I took a breath then asked, "Would you rather not know about your past? It is your choice."

"I do and I don't," he sighed, "I do because it would give me a name... I don't because if I'm some underworld crime bosses kid.... I don't know."

I twisted my mouth and raised my eyebrows as I considered the point. Fair analysis on his part. His theory fit the facts as we know them so far.

Scion of a powerful crime family. Parties unknown abduct him. Keep him on ice. Ship him to the Rim, out of the way. Hold him for ransom. Use him as leverage. It was unlikely that there would be a report.

"Hmm, well... then I guess your father will be surprised when you bring home your SIU investigator guardian for Sunday dinner, " I laughed gently, trying to may light of the possibility.

He smiled a little, "That would be something."

"Seriously though," I said firmly, "we will face it together, whatever it is...."

Lynx nodded seriously, "Okay."

"...and you know Tillery will support you in any situation," I added.

"Yes," he replied.

The Myrmidon Advance

2011-05-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

"Et Ferdinand blonde sera descorte,
Quitter la fleur, suyure le Macedon,
Au grand besoing defaillira sa routte,
Et marchera contre le Myrmiden."

"And fair Ferdinand will be detached,
To abandon the flower, to follow the Macedonian:
In the great pinch his course will fail,
And he will march against the Myrmidons."

Nostradamus, Century IX 35

-----

News from the front.

The Myrmidons have pressed their advantage. Despite abandoning the alliance with the federationists, the USD rose to the challenge.

-----

[Lord Krakken Hyperion of the Myrmidon Order]

Date: May 7
Title: "Declaration of Responsibilities"
Source: The Myrmidon Order

Greetings

When the Myrmidon Order first came to the Al Raqis system, one of the first accommodations was to maintain order and provide a contribution to the sovereignty and freedom of the Governments of the systems to go about their day without the fear of undue influence and becoming another "satellite" of an uninvited entity. Given the Myrmidon Order was presented the charter and responsibility to ensure that no outside influence would make any encroachment on the Al Raqis/Splintered Rock/Wadi Governments. Given that it was more than acceptable for the Myrmidon Order to be as "supplemental" to the local militias to ensure that the wishes of the citizens and Government would be carried out in this manner.

Sadly, it has come to the conclusion it has not been carried out in full satisfaction to the Governments of Al Raqis. Specifically, the allowance of The Federation and its confederates to have an entrenched foothold in the Splintered Rock area. Understand, we do not seek any extraneous conflict with the Federation, nor do we intend to expand what is already a tenuous situation between them and the Myrmidon Order. However, we would see it as a failure on our part if we did not ensure that our charter and responsibility as part of our allegiance and accords to the Governments of Al Raqis, Splintered Rock and Wadi was not given it just due.

We of the Myrmidon Order cannot stand idly by while sections of the system come under the weight of the very influence we swore to prevent. The local militias have failed and ineffective in regards to this allowance of this persistent 'Ivy" and entangle itself in the life of the system, grow and plant additional seeds in other areas in the system. We cannot allow this to happen.

It is important that such seeds are not allowed to germinate and take root any further than it has now. We no longer have any confidence in the abilities of the local militias nor trust their reason of being given as they have proven time and time again to be less than effective. So to ensure that this situation can be salvageable and until such time a more sincere and effective force is capable of carrying out the needs of the citizens of the Al Raqis system through security, self-preservation, commerce, and culture, the Myrmidon Order is hereby assuming the responsibilities and duties as the sole arbiter and military authority in the section known as Splintered Rock. In that we are confident we can stop any uninvited growth before it multiplies.

We will work with the local governments to ensure them and the local citizens that this is only a temporary measure and we do not expect to be in this role any longer then we have to. Only to the satisfaction of all parties concern will we carry this heavy burden. However, we hope all will be understanding and continue their "peaceful" daily activities.

AresPrime Pryxis
KrakkenAres Hyperion

On Behalf of
AresPrime, Myrmidon Order
AthenaPrime, Myrmidon Order

-----

Date: May 7
Item: Transmission
Source: Trading Vessel 'J-Jayde-Alsha'

This is Captain Cords.... Please be advised there is a fleet of Gunn starships heading in your direction. They bear the markings of the Myrmidon Order. I have never seen anything this big in my life. It looks like it can carry several squadrons of fighters and a unknown number of troops. I will avoid ..from... getting any.....

**Transmission abruptly ended**

-----

[File photo - The Gunn starship docked at Alcyon]

-----

Date: May 7
Item: Official Broadcast
Source: Splintered Rock

WARNING! A large fleet of unidentified vessels is in Al Raqis system. Ships appear to be approaching orbital insertion points. Unconfirmed reports of attacks on merchant shipping. All ship captains are advised to remain grounded or to remain at distance from Al Raqis system until further notice.

-----

Date: May 8
Title: "The Constable's Report"
Source: Splintered Rock

My Fellow Offworlders,

Yesterday a large fleet of ships entered the Mu Draconis system. We now know that these ship belong to The Myrmidon Order who intended to forcefully establish a base of operations on the planet of Al Raqis. Fortunately, messages concerning the intent of said fleet were received and those space craft which were able to put up resistance as the Myrmidons entered orbit, did so. It is due to the sacrifice of these crews that the Myrmidon Order were unable to land their full invasion force.

The Myrmidons did however, manage to land an assault group at Al Raqis North Lowport, the area known to many of you as 'Splintered Rock'. They no doubt have numerous reasons for assaulting this area. The Lowport provides a perfect staging area for landing an invasion force, it is also close to the spice refining facilities. However, it seems on this occasion their main target was the newly reconstructed outpost of The Federation forces. This felt the full force of the Myrmidon assault and was badly damaged. Were it not for the intervention of the United Systems Directorate from their nearby base I'm afraid to say the Federation Outpost may well have been completely in Myrmidon hands.

Forces of The United Systems Directorate were able to push back the Myrmidon assault and drive them from the Lowport area. The Myrmidon assault force retreated to the desert and remains at large. All citizens should be vigilant. Of the utmost concern is that regular offworld spice shipments have been halted by these events. I am appealing to any Merchant Ship Captain with a vessel landed at Al Raqis North Lowport to contact me. Special Licenses to carry spice will be issued to any captain brave enough to run the Myrmidon orbital blockade. Spice must be delivered to the Universe!

Long Live Emperor Palpatino!

Constable Werribee

The Political Indiscretion of Lady Bondar

2011-05-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

April 22

-----

I received a letter today. It arrived through channels.

It was not addressed to me.

Dated some sixteen months ago, it was private correspondence from the Lady Brazen Bondar of House Bondar, to Joan al Jofar, the Chief Magistrate of Al Raqis. The date on the letter, December 26, puts it three days before my arrival on Al Raqis that month.

That this letter found its way into my hands is a testimony to the dedication and hard work of our civil servants ....and to the value of patience in the field of investigation.

-----

Chief Magistrate al Jofar:

I have pondered over and over whether to send this message to you, however, time may now be of the essence and I fear you you must be given some information about a situation that is developing.

As you know Faith Industries has recently arrived on al-Raqis through the person of Commander William Faith. I do not want to assume anything about your knowledge of Faith, so I will share the following:

William Faith, an Alliance officer, was undercover for a time with the rebels and was known as Teetopwillie, where he ran a trading company on Shadow. The company was called TTW. In the undercover role, he married Brooke Rhea, the woman who came to see you yesterday. In reality, she was already married to another Alliance operative, who had "disappeared" or was believed dead. In fact, the husband was not dead but was somehow connected to Necronum (sic) and Commander Justine Morrow. [Magistrate, I apologize as I know this tale may sound fantastical..but this is the information you need to have]. Faith was undercover to discover who, among the rebel groups was responsible for blowing up the ship his family was traveling on. The entire family (wife and children perished).

I have it on good authority that at the wedding between Faith/Tee and Brooke, Brooke's husband showed up. Faith, fearing his cover would be blown shot him, and havoc ensued. From that time, Brooke has taken over TTW with the individual named Dex, who claims to be a botanist. It is suspected he is actually the father of the child she is carrying [again, my apologies Magistrate for what appears to be idle gossip. In fact all can be corroborated].

The pressing issue is that I have recently learned of a plot involving the former Shadow residents, including Brooke and some of her henchmen. It has come to my attention that they are planning to come to al-Raqis and capture Commander Faith. Putting aside my personal interests, which are well known, there are many reasons why such a plan would be disruptive to al-Raqis: 1) it would bring far too much Alliance attention to us; 2) it would cast dispersion on your ability to govern al-Raqis; 3) it would deprive al-Raqis of the power and prestige that Faith Industries can bring; and 4) will create a lawless environment in our streets.

It has also occurred to me, that there are many questions over the validity of Faith's actions in light of what happened to his family. Since the Rebels do not respect the legal administration of the Alliance, if they catch him, they may execute him without trial. It may be, in the event that capture occurs, you can offer yourself as a neutral judicial authority to be the arbiter of whether Faith's actions could be excused or not. A fairly handled trial would increase your reputation and prestige in the area, and...help ensure you control the fate of al-Raqis.

In closing...the presence of Brooke Rhea troubled me and compelled me to come forward with this information.

With greatest respect.

Lady Brazen Bondar

---

Of course, the irony is that Faith's presence alone, as a war criminal at large, was reason enough for increasing the Alliance presence in the area.

I am not saying that Lady Bondar was wrong. If Brooke had indeed taken the law into her own hands here on Al Raqis, it would also have merited investigation.

I'm just saying we were coming either way.

Truce or Consequences

2011-05-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

April 15 - Londinium

Deep in the heart of one of the most secure UAP facilities in Londinium, two maximum security holding cells sit next to one another.

There is a bank of monitors. Cameras and microphones that never shut off. Every move, every sound that takes place within those cells is dutifully recorded and measured.

Two cells. Two prisoners.

-----

In Game Theory, the study of strategic human interactions, there is a problem of particular interest called The Prisoner's Dilemma. In its simplest form, it illustrates a situation where there is a tendency towards non-cooperative behaviour between participants, even when there are greater gains in working together.

The scenario goes something like this:

Two suspects are detained in connection with a robbery. Perhaps they are carrying weapons that are linked to the crime. They say they purchased the weapons on the black market, but claim they are innocent of any other misdeed.

We separate them for interrogation.

If they both hold to their story (cooperate with each other) and maintain their silence in the face of our interrogation, then they probably dodge the robbery charge. We charge them with a weapon's offence.

If one of the suspects turns state's evidence he is granted full immunity from prosecution. His erstwhile partner receives the maximum sentence. We throw the book at him.

If both of them confess (defect from their agreement) then they both do time. A reduced sentence because they cooperated with the authorities. A plea bargain.

In the single round version of this 'game', the dominant strategy is actually for each player to defect or betray the other player. Confess to the crime. Do a lesser sentence. Look out for yourself. You also minimize risk to yourself, because if you stay silent and your co-conspirator confesses, you will be left to take the blame.

This is great news for law enforcement. It is not so helpful if you are innocent and your friend fingers you for the crime.

However, once this problem is applied to a wider field of human behaviour such as the political arena, where there are multiple players and no set limit to the number of repetitions the game can be played, cooperation between players often evolves as a preferred strategy. Or more specifically:

Cooperate when you can.
Hold accountable those who betray you.
Forgive them when they seek genuine reconciliation.

Why? Because now players have the opportunity to penalize each other on further rounds of the game for non-cooperative behaviour. In this iterative version, social gains and losses accumulate. Strategies must now incorporate the long term.

-----

As the month of April progressed, there were a number of developments that set the stage for the events that would follow. The first came in the form of two official announcements from the United Systems Directorate.

On April 5, USD Lt. Commander Randt released the following statement:

"The alliance held between the STC and USD, is no longer in effect. Our alliance recently broke down and we are no longer considered allies. Please, take note of this for reference in future conflicts."

Diplomatic sources hinted that factions within the federationist movement either could not fulfill or did not recognize any alliance obligations to the USD.

Within the week, five days later to be precise, the USD High Council, took a further step and declared the United Systems Directorate an armed neutrality - which is to say they would no longer be participant in the war between the Orions and the UFS, but that they reserved the right to defend themselves to the fullest extent of their capabilities if attacked.

This move by the USD along with rumours of deep divisions within the federationist movement left the region without an effective counterbalance and provided the opportunity for the Myrmidon and Orion agendas to unfold.

-----

And on April 9, I received the following message:

** Secured Channel ** Aurotharius Wylder has been moved to a more isolated location nearby. Coordinates herein. ** End Secured Communication **

-----

[ooc - Thank you Jai. Pictures courtesy of UAP Special Projects]

Boros (Part Three)

2011-05-09T13:31:00.001-07:00

April 3 - Boros

"What can you tell me about House Orion?" I asked.

"What do you want to know?" asked Calina.

"Anything that strikes you as important," I urged, "you mentioned a rapid rise in fortune."

"Yes. When Captain Barbosa arrived a year or so ago, the Orions were on the fringes of Al Raqis society. Boorish, rude, self-interested. At the Faith Industries Ball, they were dancing on tables and someone challenged an Orion woman and myself to a duel of who could be more... alluring. Not appropriate and not fair," she added with a playful yet confident grin.

I listened quietly as the Companion spoke.

"As to the new Advocate," she continued, "Auryn Sapeur... hmmm... she intrigues me. She is saavy, astute, driven, and something here..." Calina put her hand over her stomach, "just says to me there is an ulterior motive. When I said something hinting at that, she seemed genuinely hurt that was my opinion."

"When did this new Advocate begin her term?" I asked.

"Some months ago. There was even a ceremony with the Orions and Myrmidons. I was not able to attend so I am not sure of the intent or how it joined the Houses. But the Sinisterhood was the sponsor. And the Reverend Mother.... hmmm... well... she and I could probably pace around one another like two big cats sizing each other up... trying to decide which one will blink first."

"Sinisterhood," I repeated. I had seen the outside of their manor. I had met Sister Kat. I had very little else in the way of first hand knowledge.

Calina chuckled, "The local name I suppose for them.... Their House is at the base of the stairs before going up to Shanjian's. Stunning beautiful garden behind their walls."

"A garden?" I interrupted, "on Al Raqis?... they must be indeed wealthy."

"Keepers of religion can be," replied the Companion.

I nodded. "And they sponsored the event that marked the alliance between Orion and Myrmidon," I frowned turning this information over.

"Yes, they did," confirmed Calina. "The Myrmidons... what I know of them is that they are generally well-cultured, though when they first landed, one of them burst into the House and pointed a gun at me. He later apologized when we met at a social event. Seem to be connected to an ancient warrior culture that reminds me of Earth that Was ancient Greece."

"And they are the shock troops of the Orion and Morloch," I paraphrased, "with the blessing of this Reverend Mother."

"Yes," said Calina. "They crash landed on Al Raqis and one of them burst into the House. He lifted his rifle... a rather large rifle... at me and we exchanged a few words and when he was satisfied that I was neither armed nor would reveal his position, he left."

"And now they have a manor house of their own," I added.

"They do?"

"Yes," I replied, "far out in the Wadi Emet."

"Ahhh.... near House Morloch?"

"Yes."

"I have only been to that house a couple of times," said the Companion, "Clearly some construction has occurred since my last visit."

"Indeed. It would seem you have your work cut out for you, Miss Tereshchenko."

"Very much so." Calina nodded, and then added some reflection, "There are stories around the Guild Houses of one retired Companion. Her name is Inara. She was called 'The Ambassador.' I believe it was somewhat of a derisive title given to her by the Captain of that Firefly she was on, but stories and rumors flew quickly around."

"Please let me know if I can help further," I said.

"Thank you Major. Information that you learn would be greatly appreciated. But enough of this serious and potentially terrifying talk, how have you been? How is Lynx?"

"He is on Paquin," I replied, "recuperating from an ordeal of his own."

Calina blinked, "What happened?"

I looked through my belt pouch as I spoke.

"He went missing... an attack on the ship he was on. He is fine," I added quickly, "the Consulari found him in a stasis chamber. He is now awake." And with that I passed Calina the letter and photographs I received from Lynx.

"Oh dear... that is... good. I'm glad that he is safe."

I continued, "I would like to speak with you about fostering him with your House... do you offer training to young gentlemen? Etiquette and so forth? for those young men entering the diplomatic service."

Calina smiled as she flipped through the pictures, "He has gotten taller. He is going to be quite the talk among the acolytes there on Paquin." She paused for a moment "I could, yes. He would be very welcome to stay here on Boros."

"Good," I said, "I want to give him options. He has some training already we have found..."

"With the UAP presence on the moon," elaborated the Companion, "all the ship building... it is safe and he would have opportunities to meet those connected both with the civil and military authorities."

"Splendid," I replied. It did sound promising. "We still don't know his origins...." I added with a small sigh.

"Nothing?"

"Just clues," I replied, "I would like him to spend some time with Bai Feargananym of the Bihar Sanctuary. Perhaps through meditation he will recover some memories."

"Very true," she agreed, "I would think his memories would be there... somewhere."

"I just hope they are not so traumatic that they are better left untouched," I added.

"Nothing in any databases?"

I hesitated a fraction of a moment. "No, nothing," I replied.

This was not exactly true. There were still tests we could run. I had used the utmost caution with any database search when it concerned Lynx. Keeping the search narrow and well controlled, avoiding the involvement of too many people. And though I was perhaps better placed than most to deal with anything unforeseen, something stayed my hand from conducting an exhaustive system wide search.

What if he was not lost?

What if he had been... hidden?

These were my private and irrational thoughts.

"He is too young to be in any Guild databases," remarked Calina.

I hesitated again then spoke, "And it could be best if he retrieves his memories on his own..."

She shrugged her shoulder slightly, "Answers are out there. Does he really want to know the answers?"

That was not what concerned me. "I confess, I think about his mother... Is she safe? She must worry..."

The Companion nodded, "Very true."

"Well, I should be moving on," I paused for a moment to again take in the view from where we stood. The gentle lapping of the water. The soft glow from the lanterns. The scent of night blooming jasmine. "Such a pleasant world ..."

Calina smiled, "Thank you for coming to visit, Major. You are always welcome here."

"Thank you Miss Tereshchenko," I replied, sincerely.

Boros (Part Two)

2011-05-01T18:30:00.001-07:00

April 3 - Boros

I was shown to a small wooden gazebo, perched at the edge of the lake. My boots sounded heavy on the wooden planks. The creaking of my leather armour sounded coarse in contrast to the delicate sound of wind chimes.

I did not have long to wait.

Calina Tereshchenko made her way to the gazebo with a small basket in hand. A flask full of tea, snacks and other sundries.

"Hello Miss Tereshchenko," I smiled.

"Ni hao, Major," she said, "Welcome to House Shanjian. May I offer you something to drink?"

"Yes please," I said. "I feel.... overdressed," I confessed.

Calina grinned, "I hope that you will find it as peaceful as we do. Aside from some local trouble when we first arrived, the House has largely been undisturbed." She set the basket down and prepared two cups of tea. "There are some biscuits, cookies, local fruit... the apple trees just became ready for harvest a few days ago."

"Ah splendid," I replied.

"We try to be self-sufficient here," she continued, "as much as possible." She offered me a cup of tea with the words, "May your journeys be peaceful," then she picked up her own.

"Thank you," I said, taking the cup, warm in the cool night air. "I was asked to contact you," I began, "to help you prepare for your talks on Al Raqis. I do have some papers..." I offered her a collection of documents sent through diplomatic channels including one from some official in the federationist movement. "...it would seem that the request for extradition was refused," I added.

"Wonderful. Thank you," she said as she took the papers, "I have sent an invitation to the Ambassador and his... her... Superior. I will find that out before I meet with them... but they have not responded to my invitation to meet at the Shanjian House on Al Raqis as of yet."

I nodded, "It would seem that there are a number of groups operating on Al Raqis that claim to be part of this federation."

Calina read over the documents, "Interesting... did the Magistrate, Lady Rashad or the Orion Advocate have a response?"

"I am not party to that information, I am afraid," I replied, "I am only loosely connected to the Zenobian Embassy... in an advisory capacity. Most of my dealings on Al Raqis are on UAP business."

"Just as well, to be honest," she replied, "Politics is an amazingly gray area. Who is actually in power, pulling the strings and directing the chess pieces is sometimes not clear. And the reasons behind for certain moves or associations do not make sense. I would imagine military life to be somewhat clear - this is your order. You follow it."

"Yes," I concurred, "and unlike politics, one usually knows who your enemies are."

The Companion chuckled, "Very true."

"It is possible," I offered, "that the group that formed an alliance with the USD are not the same command chain as Lt. Ravenheart. When you begin talks with these people, you may want to keep that in mind."

"A rogue group? Or just that she was not aware of the connection with USD?"

"They could be operating as part of a multi-prong incursion," I suggested, "Operating independently even." I gave a little smile, "Too early to know."

"Major," began the Companion, "if I may speak frankly, this entire incursion seems to have something else behind it. Since the attack on the refineries, the Orions have very quickly gained a foothold in local politics the likes I have never seen for an off-worlder. I have occasionally wondered to what end their purposes are...."

I nodded, "That could be."

"...and why they chose to bring their problems with this federation to Al Raqis," she added.

"Well, like you said...a chess game."

Calina continued, "And why the desert-born have not risen up in greater numbers to expel all the off-worlders. It is a marked change from when I arrived and after BriAria tried to poison Lord Faith... they were much more controlling of off-worlder movements."

"Perhaps they have weakened," I suggested, "or perhaps they are keeping their forces in reserve."

"It will eventually move into a very dangerous end-game," she said.

I paused for a moment. It was always possible that this conflict would spread beyond the Mu Draco system. "I would have to agree," I said.

The Companion picked through her basket and pulled out a cookie, "Have you had much contact with USD?"

"I have spoken with Lt. Colonel John Collins on a number of occassions in the course of my investigations."

Calina nodded, "It may be good to speak with him as well. Have you spoken to him since the hostilities started?"

"Just last month in fact."

"And the Myrmidons," she continued, "Other than a military force, I am not sure how they fit into this. Did he have any information or opinions? Opinions can sometimes be just as useful as the facts."

"It would seem that they have strong ties with House Morloch," I offered.

"Yes, they do," she agreed, "I attended an event and Lord and Lady Rashad of House Morloch were guests."

I took a sip of my tea. Some things needed to be said. "If things go from bad to worse," I began, "and the UAP decides to offer evacuation to its citizens ...this of course, includes you and your staff as well as House Zenobia and House Bondar."

"House Bondar?" asked Calina, "I was not aware that Lady Bondar was a UAP citizen. Then again, where she is from never came up in our few conversations."

I honestly did not know either way. Brazen Bondar did a great deal of trade in the 34 Tauri system in the past. Perhaps she had connections with some one in the foreign office.

"Have you spoken to Tillery?" asked Calina, "He has interests on Al Raqis as well and would want to see them protected."

"About this? I have not," I said.

It would be a large evacuation indeed. I could see scores of refugees huddled on the floor of the Trade Association frigate. UAP warships running escort.

----

Boros (Part One)

2011-04-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

April 3 - Boros

"This honour she has from the beginning, and this is the portion allotted to her amongst men and undying gods, -- the whisperings of maidens and smiles and deceits with sweet delight and love and graciousness." - Hesiod

-----

I knew from an early age that I was neither graceful nor beautiful.

After raising two boys, my mother was ready for a daughter. She would dress me in pigtails and pink frilly dresses, only to find me climbing trees and chasing frogs through the mud with my brother Hector, much to her consternation.

At school, I was the quiet girl, the plain girl. The boys my age were often intimidated by the quick and analytical way I would solve problems. When not in class, I would disappear into books, consuming the classics from my uncle Niccolo's library.

No one asks the plain girl to dance, especially when she can quote in Latin. Unless, of course, you are trying to get her to do your homework.

It is perhaps for this reason that when I first became aware of Companions and their profession my reaction was a mixture of quiet awe and intellectual detachment.

I was not part of their world but I felt I could understand it, in a way that one only can when excluded and forced to look in from the outside.

Athena to their Aphrodite.

I was well read enough to see historical parallels immediately. The courtesans of Europe. The geisha of Japan.

Some, when they hear the term 'Companion', may have an image of a woman making a financial arrangement with an interested gentleman for the granting of certain favours.

But I see a woman who has made a professional decision to bring grace and beauty to this harsh, cold world. Through music. Poetry. The art of dance. The art of conversation. The art of love...

The key to understanding someone is knowing their context.

-----

Boros. Third planet in the Georgia system.

Outside of the Core, the highest concentration of Alliance personnel was Boros. This was due in large part to the presence of the Iskellkian Military Shipyard on the moon Ares. A full battalion, operationally ready, was stationed in the area.

Boros, itself, was also home to Companion Guild House Shanjian.

When the Governing Council of Al Raqis decided to make extradition demands on members of the federationist movement they asked Registered Companion, Calina Tereshchenko to be their liaison.

It was a clever choice. She was articulate and pleasant. Her neutrality was unimpeachable. And it was not without historical precedence. It is said that the intrigues of the Franco-Prussian war were played out in the salons of Paris.

As I had some familiarity of the situation in Mu Draco, Calina, in turn, requested to meet with me.

-----
[pictures courtesy of Calina Tereshchenko]

Mis/information

2011-04-17T13:01:00.001-07:00

March 31 - Mu Draco

As the month drew to a close, and as I prepared to return to 34 Tauri, the conflict on Al Raqis deepened.

There had been a number of skirmishes. Nothing as severe as when the 'federationist' movement brought down the Orion space station.

But it was increasingly apparent that there were a number of these federationist groups operating in the Mu Draco system. To what extend these groups were cooperating with each other was unclear. They talked as if they were distinct organizations. Actions, such as the presence of marines from one group fighting along side another, suggested it was not that simple.

Further, recent satellite photos revealed a fleet of USD assault helicopters, suitable for urban assault, stationed on the air field at Splintered Rock.

[Satellite photos]

So it was no surprise then that the Governing Council of Al Raqis held a session to discuss the current crisis.

Intel reports trickled in from various sources. A space guild drone was spotted on the landing pad. I was hopeful this was a sign that Ardra was becoming concerned that the escalating conflict might threaten her spice supply.

There was also a heavy assault mech unit spotted far out in the Deep Desert.

This did not concern me greatly. These machines I recognized.

[file photo]

Meanwhile back at home, someone from the Intel department had signed out the photos x0x0 Zhangsun had taken on her trip to Mu Draco. Once I had submitted them to Analysis, something like this was inevitable.

No doubt evidence of a Blue Sun executive in close physical proximity to a Space Guild heighliner must have set the bells ringing over in 'Corporate Watch'.

Finally, there was a rumour going around that someone has killed William Faith, the commander responsible for the bombing of Shadow. I will believe it when I see the bones and the authenticity tests.

He tried to fabricate his death once before. It would fit his profile to try again. Of course, it would be a reckless course of action on his part. Being declared legally dead is no protection from retribution.

The dead have no rights.

Assassins

2011-04-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

March 21 - Al Raqis

-----

The air was hot. The streets deserted.

Most people in Al Raqis avoid venturing out this time of day. Most people are wisely relaxing indoors with a light meal and waiting for the heat of the afternoon to pass before evening activities can begin.

These empty streets served my purposes. I planned an uneventful stroll to the downtown area. Purchase lunch from the local bakery and retire to the guest house where I hear a shipment of fresh oranges had arrived.

But as I stood in the courtyard just outside the Zenobian manor house, I noticed something new.

Something new and out of place.

A sound.

Hissing.

An unnatural sound. Like air escaping from a tank rather than from something reptilian and organic.

It was quick and soon subsided, so I didn't give it much thought beyond that, and began my walk.

However, by the time I reached the courtyard to the old embassy buildings, the hissing had returned.

It was persistent this time but I could not locate its source.

I stepped into the bakery, and took a moment to breathe in the wonderful smell. My plans for a quick meal were now on hold. The odd noise had seen to that.

Leaving the bakery and its soft warm bread, I walked as far as House Orion then stopped suddenly and retraced my steps to Large Vaporator Number Three. I fiddled with it as if I planned to extract water. It gave me a chance to observe the surroundings.

I could see nothing usual.

The hissing sound continued.

Back to the road and into the square where months before I had met Lynx, and first saw Tillery in his wheelchair. CNS and Londinium Gearworks. Passed the courthouse where they tried BriAnna. The tavern where I drank with Brooke.

The hissing followed me.

I walked up the stone steps to the high ridge above the Chapterhouse of the Sinisterhood.

I was exposed here.

When I reached the house of the Lady Bondar, I turned suddenly and looked back the way I came.

And there he was.

Standing on a distant roof. Hands on his hips. Tracking me.

He took to the air, hopping rather than flying, assisted by a jet pack of sorts. He disappeared behind a row of buildings.

I paused for a moment then turned and entered the barracks.

Time to unfurl the flag and see who salutes.

----

The clang of my locker opening.

The click of belts fastening.

The smell of leather. The shine of my boots.

Proud purple.

If I am going to answer for my life this day, let it be in my uniform...

----

I stepped out into the heat of the day.

There was the figure of the man who managed to follow me across town, standing on the roof, his back to the south.

I called out, "Your jet pack is hissing... why don't you come down and talk?"

The man answered, "Actually that's my gas mask and no thanks, I'm fine up here."

"I see. Well, who are you?" I asked.

"I am Drake Portland,"

"How can I help you, Drake?"

"You can't," he replied.

"Oh?" I said tentatively, still waiting for the bullet or the blade, "in some kind of trouble are you?"

"...but I might be able to help you," he continued.

"I'm listening," I said, looking up at him and shielding my eyes from the sun. He was well placed I must give him that.

"I'm a assassin," he announced.

"Go on."

"I am up for hire," he added, "I saw you in town and was wondering if you had any mortal enemies."

I nodded. "Always," I replied, "but right now I'm looking for information."

Drake opened up his arm panel and said, "Look at that..." However, before he could elaborate, he suddenly said, "Sorry, but I must go. If you need someone killed give me a call."

"Thank you Drake," I replied. But he had already disappeared behind the angle of the roof.

"Lady, if you have a moment?"

A woman's voice behind me. I turned. She was well dressed, standing on the steps leading up from the ridge pathway. When did she arrive?

I gave her a warm smile, "Of course," I replied, "and how can I help you?"

She smiled for just a moment, "I know you," she replied, "and I believe you know me, for we are in similar lines of work. I am Sister Kat of the Sinisterhood."

"Hello," I greeted her, "and what line of work would that be?"

"Information gathering and cleaning," she replied, "The cleaning is not as well publicized." she added.

"I'm Major Siamendes, Special Investigations Unit of the Alliance Military."

Sister Kat nodded and grinned.

"Would you care to go indoors?" I invited. It was a short walk to the old embassy buildings.

"I only have a brief message to pass along," she replied. "If the head of your 'House' here will please contact the Reverend Mother. It seems that we must have an official government, in order for the United Federation Spacefleet to take us seriously. Being a member of the Concordat is not sufficient."

"I see... and you would like House Zenobia to act on her behalf?" I paused the briefest of moments, "or the UAP?"

She clarified, "We wish a representative of House Zenobia to be an official part of this 'official government'."

I nodded, "I will see that the message is delivered."

Sister Kat continued, "One of the items it would first tackle would be the call for medical facilities to be neutral. I believe Zenobia has an interest in that."

"That would be in everyone's interests," I replied truthfully.

"I am not the one who must be convinced," she replied.

I nodded in grim agreement. "By the way," I began, "that fellow that was just on my roof...."

"Yes?"

"...do you know him?" I asked.

"He has recently been 'advertising' his abilities."

The unexpected nature of the encounter had made be ungracious. "He will need to get a quieter mask," I said, "if he wants to be successful in that line of work."

Kat disagreed, "I think it is a useful thing to have such a noisy person around. It makes our work easier, and less likely to be attributed correctly."

"Fair enough," I smiled. Point taken.

Even with the hissing mask, Drake was quite successful in following me across town without being seen until the last moment. As far as job interviews went, it was a very reasonable display of his effectiveness.

"It was nice meeting you, Sister Kat," I said in conclusion, "I will see your message is delivered."

"It has been an honor to finally meet such a worthy person, Ma'am," she replied.

Zarco

2011-04-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

March 18 - Splintered Rock

"Choose a man and have him come down to me. If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us." - 1 Samuel 17

"We bid two champions put on their armour, take their keen blades, and make trial of one another in the presence of the multitude; whichever of them can first wound the flesh of the other, cut through his armour, and draw blood, to him will I give this goodly Thracian sword inlaid with silver, which I took from Asteropaeus, but the armour let both hold in partnership, and I will give each of them a hearty meal in my own tent." - The Iliad

-----

The landing pad was filled with the steady drone of heavy machinery, punctuated by the snapping of flags in the warm breeze.

Troop carriers sat on the tarmac amid clusters of large white containers slowly baking in the late afternoon sun. Steel reinforced concrete barriers surrounded and fortified the position.

With the expansion of hostilities, the United System Directorate had begun to use the airfield in Splintered Rock to full effect. The build up was impressive. The USD was demonstrating it was an effective military machine, serious about the business at hand.

It reminded me of home.

-----

Game over.

At least, it was according to the Wyrmgo machine. It announced the fact for anyone in the Water's End tavern to hear.

I removed my mask and goggles, and blinked as my eyes grew accustom to the light.

Besides the barkeep, the tavern was empty save for myself and a man playing Wyrmgo.

The man was tall and strong. His remarkable height accentuated by his long black coat. His hair pulled back and tied tightly. He looked very striking with his moustache and goatee. And his hands. His hands were a symphony of sinew and bone.

The man muttered a light curse as the game ended and rolled his shoulders. He moved with the grace of a wild stallion.

"Having any luck?" I asked him, showing a bit of a smile.

He nodded in my direction, "Not as such," he replied, his voice rich and resonant, "At least not with the game."

"I see you are a miner... " I nodded towards the object in his possession. He had a sand sifter. One of the newer models from the look of it.

"Well, mechanic...miner...wanderer...general being of little importance," the man smiled.

I responded with a warm smile of my own. "I'm just back from a bit of a walkabout myself."

"Oh, forgive my manners," started the man, "I'm Zarco of the Zida'ya people. And I guess I should add that I'm a negotiator for the Nexus Corporation as well....since some consider that important."

So this was Zarco.

Zarco of Nexus.

"Nexus?" I asked innocently, "Are they a local firm?"

"It's a corporation," he replied, "that has some expansionist interests here in this sector of space. They realized how useful having a neutral type party to conduct negotiations for them."

"Ah, so you are neutral in this recent conflict?"

"Other than wishing for them to not be fighting, yes. I even took steps to try and avoid conflict....But it happened anyway." Zarco sighed. "So now I busy myself with ways to resolve it and stop this senseless loss of life."

"That's wise," I said. "And your people ..what did you call your tribe? Zida'ya? Are they native?"

"My species is Zida'ya," he replied, "It means 'Star born'....well, among other things....but the name was adapted to mean that when our home planet's sun went nova and destroyed the system, and we scattered among the stars."

"And so you ended up here," I observed.

"Well, the sun going nova was a long time before I was born."

I nodded compassionately.

"It's alright though," he added, "My people have an innate sense of wandering and exploring and this gave us the excuse to travel the stars."

"So 'gypsy' in a sense," I ventured, "to use the old term."

"That is indeed a term that I have heard used," he replied, "to describe my people, though we rarely travel in caravans."

"So you are trying to act as a go between in this conflict," I asked, "Any luck with that?"

"Well," he began, "have you ever tried having a conversation with different walls in a house?"

I chuckled. It was an apt metaphor.

Zarco continued, "The Orion and Federation viewpoints are entirely diametrically opposed. They cannot exist together....The problem is they have brought their conflict here." He turned the conversation my way. "So what of yourself?"

"I'm Major Pepper Siamendes, of the Alliance Military."

"Alliance? which Alliance?"

"The UAP," I replied.

Zarco blinked, "All these military groups and their three to four letter acronyms..."

I laughed gently, "Very good."

"Perhaps a more pointed question is Which side is this Ooo-Ah-Pea siding with?" he asked.

I was non-committal, not that policy was my decision in any case. "I'm still trying to sort things out. Looks like the USD and UFS are on one side, and the Orions and Myrmidons on the other. Some mercenaries in the mix some how. What have you heard?"

Zarco nodded, "It seems that the Federation and the Ooo-Ess-Dee are allied because the Ooo-Ess-Dee Was tired of being harassed by the Orion's mercenaries. The Myrmidons were brought in by the Orions to try and kick the Federation off the planet. And the Federation keeps telling me they're peaceful explorers who were attacked first. The Orions say they were harassed and attacked first elsewhere."

"And what of the other houses?" I asked.

He continued, "Generally, the way I understand it, the Orions were intercepted and some of their people taken by the Federation. And when the Federation put these women on trial elsewhere, the Orions went about escalating things. Got their persons back but have engaged in a....what is it?...money warfare here for a while till the Great Houses were convinced to bring in the Myrmidons to get the Federation off the planet. There was a large skirmish at the landing pad with the Myrmidons and Federation. Then the Federation shot down an orbital station. Both sides constantly claiming all they want is peace. Most barbaric if you ask me."

"Like the call for justice, everyone wants it but not if it involves them in the settling of accounts." Even as I said it, I thought I sounded too cynical.

Zarco agreed with the statement however. Perhaps he was being polite. "Indeed," he replied, "it is unfortunate that they are not like my own people and have more civilized ways of settling inter-personal conflicts."

"So what do you think will happen next?" I asked, "in this conflict I mean."

"Things have calmed down a bit in recent times," he replied, "but honestly, until either one side is willing to back off or issues a challenge to the other, I cannot see this conflict getting any better before it flares up again."

I could see his point. "Well," I said, "perhaps they will start talking, even over things like the legality of certain weapons or the neutrality of hospitals."

"There was a recent proposal for the latter," answered Zarco. "Personally, I think it would be best if they had the....what is the term? ....reproductive organs to issue a one-on-one challenge to settle the matter for this planet."

"What do you mean?" I prompted.

"Are you not familiar with a personal 'Challenge of Champions' to settle disputes?"

"Yes actually," I replied, although often single combat between champions was a prelude to the battle proper. Sort of a pre-game show, to get the blood pumping. There were, however, one or two examples in the literature where it was alleged single combat was used to decide the whole contest. "So an Orion champion and a federationist champion meet to decide things for us all?" I asked.

"That is what I am suggesting," he said. "I admit it may be a bit too complex and take too long for them to work on, but I hear the natives of this planet use bladed weapons in personal challenges."

"Yes," I said, "but don't you think the other Houses, who may not be allied with either side, will want a say?"

Zarco replied. "I have actually spoken about it to the Zenobian house and the Reverend Mother. And they seemed to think it is a good idea. The difficulty is convincing the Orions and Federation to stop warring and agree to terms for the challenge."

"Indeed," I remarked "They are fussy about the forms of things here. Ancient traditions," I said. I also knew of my own people's preoccupation with the past. "I'm Zenobian by birth," I admitted. I might as well tell him, I thought. It was a small thing to reveal and easy to discover with a little searching.

"Ahhh, I see," he said, "Yes, the head of the Zenobian Embassy here mentioned that there had to be proper forms, though I generally think that at this point in time they can be sidestepped as there has been no forms followed up until now."

"Perhaps," I answered vaguely.

"Well," he conceded, "or at least some parts can be changed to accommodate such different groups."

"I have to wonder what the native tribes think of the matter," I said aloud, "Basically you have off worlders fighting off worlders."

"They have the same attitude," said Zarco, "I have observed of 'let them fight it out'... though the anger at the fact that the station that was destroyed fell upon one of their desert villages was rather high."

"Have you seen any sign of native group involvement?" I asked.

"Not yet," he replied, "Though both sides have claimed that the indigenous persons here are who they are acting on behalf of. The Orions because they want them to remain free, and the Federation claims that they have been here for the longest time and have helped the native population become more self sufficient. I personally think both sides should either challenge each other or lock the leaders of both sides in a room till they make an agreement or starve."

I laughed, a touch harshly.

Zarco shrugged, "I imagine the outcome would be interesting. But before you lock them in the room, let them know that if one kills the other that the survivor looses and will have penalties imposed."

"Still," I insisted, "there are so many sides here, each with their own interests. I just can't see them letting it all ride on one contest." I nodded toward the Wyrmgo machine. "Would you bet all your earnings on one go?"

"Well," he replied,"it is only the parts that are openly killing each other in warfare, that do not belong here on the planet. And if the Federation and Orions wish to fight it out amongst themselves elsewhere, that is not my concern."

"What would your concern be then?" I asked.

"It's only here is suffering, damage and death that was not asked for," he replied, "One thing you should understand is I follow the Rule of Life, which means that all sentient life is to be protected as much as possible. but part of it is understanding that you are not omnipotent and cannot defend life everywhere. Just do what you can where you are...."

I listened quietly.

"...which means," he continued, "if this challenge fails and they insist on fighting it out, then I have done all I can and will just have to sit back and wait for it to finish."

"Sounds reasonable," I said, "Do what you can, but realize you have limits."

"Well, it is the closest thing to a religion I adhere to," he expanded, "Since without sentient life, the universe would be a boring place."

I chuckled, "Yes it would."

"I just hope this conflict finishes before the entire planet is turned to a radioactive chunk of fired glass," he added.

It did not feel like a reference to our actions on Shadow. It may have been a coincidence. Naturally, I let the comment pass.

"If you hear of anything interesting," I said, "please give me a call."

"Well," he answered, "I hope you will understand I would hope that I would never have to contact you for those reasons, and would instead contact you for another interesting discussion."

"Of course," I replied, "but conflicts have a nasty way of getting out of control."

"Yes," he agreed, "which is the mystery of it all. Knowing that they get out of control, how is it that intelligent life can enter into such willingly?" He shook his head and sighed, "Ah well, I imagine they fall prey to what I call the 'Last Resort' excuse."

"And what is that?" I asked, with a smile.

Zarco explained, "Where they justify that they had no other choice. That they aren't willing participants but reluctant, even as they lasergun someone's torso off."

A gruesome image.

"Yes," I said, not wanting to debate the point without more time, "the desperate actions of a few."

"I wonder where that comes from," he mused, "an intellectual reasoning of a primal instinct to destroy and maim?"

I shook my head, "Humankind has wondered about that for centuries..."

"Obviously not worried about it much," he remarked, "considering that their history is filled with warfare and death."

"Well, you must excuse me Zarco."

"Oh, of course my friend," he smiled and nodded deeply, "And thank you for the interesting conversation."

"Yes," I agreed, "this was interesting indeed."

Zarco bowed and smiled, "May the Sands and Sun be kind to you, my friend."

I smiled and dipped my head in return. "Thank you," I replied, "Farewell."

A Letter from Paquin

2011-04-05T15:34:00.001-07:00

March 17

A letter arrived from Lynx. It was addressed to Tillery and myself.

Lynx had awakened from cryo-stasis. Lily had been there. Despite all that had occurred, I am certain he considered her his friend. I would have been good for him to be greeted by a friendly face, even one with furr and whiskers.

As I hoped, he was now recovering his strength on Paquin.

-----

Good evening Major, Mr. Woodhen,

As of this writing, I hope you are both well. I had heard war broke out in Mu Draconis. My hope is you both are far from the battle. Although I know the Major will be busy with troops and Mr Woodhen reporting the happenings there. Be careful, please. You are both the closest thing to family I have.

I wanted to let you know I have arrived on Paquin and attempting to relax and recuperate. The passage did state to take the boat to the island. It was late when I finally stepped off the boat.

Mister Beeflin greeted me when I stepped of the boat. It did take a few minutes to calm myself when he came from the jungle as quietly as he did. I was not sure where to go or what to do beyond my arrival.

Below are a few pictures of my first evening here. The first is my wanderings through the mangroves near the beach.

When I had the chance, I took a swim in the warm water. It appears I do know how to swim.

The last one is when I woke up at the bath house. It appears I feel asleep after my soak.

I woke up in the early hours and dressed hoping to meet with someone familiar. For now I am staying in one of the rooms offered by one of the hotels in Spinwheel. I will be going to the hospital for a follow up checkup per the doctor on Hale's Moon's insistence.

Please, when you have time, send me a wave that I can be sure you're both alright. Safe journeys until we can see one another,

Lynx

The Fog of War (Part Two)

2011-04-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

March 10 - Splintered Rock

"What this feeble light leaves indistinct to the sight, talent must discover, or must be left to chance. It is therefore again talent, or the favour of fortune, on which reliance must be placed, for want of objective knowledge." - Clausewitz

-----

The large vaporator was bordering on empty. I managed to gather only 100 ml of water. This did not surprise me as it was a public device located below the main landing pad for Splintered Rock.

Water extracted, and more curious than anything else, I requested a readout of the unit's operational status. The machine promptly complied.

Osmotic Filament: |||||||||||||||||||
Circulation Matrix: ||||||||||||||||||
Centriflux Circulator: ||||||||||||||||||||
Heat Sump: |||||||||||||||||||

Maximum Capacity: 2000 ml
Security Access Timeout

It was in remarkably good shape considering the age and location of the unit.

-----

Nearby, Lieutenant Colonel John Collins of the United Systems Directorate was chatting with one of his soldiers, a woman in a grey uniform holding the rank of Private.

With them were three individuals in slate grey uniforms, with light grey collars and coloured trim. I could only assume these were some of the 'federationists' that I had heard so much about.

As I walked towards the group, the three strangers made their departure, leaving me with Collins and his soldier.

"Hello Colonel," I began.

"Greetings Major. What brings you here again?"

"I hear there as been some trouble here recently..."

"Trouble?" laughed Collins. "So that's what the Alliance calls a war these days, eh?"

"Trouble?" echoed the Private.

I smiled, "Well, let's hope it does not develop into what I would call war."

"So, how can I help you today Major?" asked the officer.

"I was just out for a stroll..." I said conversationally, "to evaluate the situation for myself. At least the fighting has seemed to have died down," I remarked, as if I was discussing the weather. A low pressure area from the South. A thirty percent chance of shelling....

"Right now it's rather quiet," he admitted, "We had some combat a while ago. The situation is still dangerous though."

"Do you think it is over?" I asked truthfully, "with the forces more ... balanced, shall we say?" It was an allusion to his alliance with the federationists.

"Until there is a cease fire signed, the war goes on, I guess" suggested the Private.

"Well," answered Collins, "we are pretty active here. Our combat forces are always on alert and we fought off attackers more than once. Anyhow, you are not here to discuss tactics I assume. You are here for a reason."

"Some times a simple matter, like the recent conflict, is not so simple as it seems," I replied, "My job is to investigate."

"Yes I know," insisted the Lt. Colonel, "but I thought you were investigating criminal activities."

Before I could answer, the Private spoke up. "Sir, I need to get going and train Ito a little more. His aiming is still bad." She came to attention and saluted the Colonel.

"Roger that Private," responded Collins.

The soldier padded off across the sand towards the stairway leading up the the landing pad. Once she was well on her way, I spoke, "You may wish to tell her about saluting an officer in the open during a conflict situation...."

Lt. Colonel Collins answered, "Well, yes regulations, Major, regulations."

"...It's a good way for snipers to identify who is in charge," I added. "As for criminal activities currently under investigation, I am still gathering what I can about the Navigator Ardra... Her whereabouts would be nice," I smiled, "She has graduated from stolen antiquities to kidnapping."

"Highly unusual career," remarked Collins, "I am aware that you are searching for someone and that everything more or less started here. Reavers were mentioned but I am unaware that they would have been here, nor in USD space. Perhaps, we should continue this discussion in my office?"

"Certainly," I agreed, "It will be cooler ... and, one assumes, less likely for one of us to get shot."

We trudged across the sand, the sounds of a training exercise on the landing pad above us.

-----

As we entered the compound I looked around with genuine admiration. "A lovely base, Colonel."

"We expanded the base quite a bit since your last visit," said the officer.

"Indeed," I replied, "and a good thing to it seems."

The door closed behind us with a hiss. Security cameras looked me up and down with their wide unblinking eyes.

"I am currently unarmed," I announced and I removed my cloak to substantiate my claim.

"Very good," replied Collins, "then there will be no security check required. If you had anything on you, the sensors would have told me."

I nodded.

"Well, let's head down then shall we?" he asked.

----

We descended deeper into the bunker.

I have been told that Collins had offered the safety of his bunker to Lady Baxton of House Zenobia and her staff during the last bombardment. Although the Lady declined the invitation, it was a gallant gesture.

"Have a seat Major," offered the Lt. Colonel.

"Thank you," I replied, choosing the chair I had used on my last visit.

Settled behind his desk the Colonel began, "So Major, tell me, how can I be of assistance to you in your current case?"

"As we are talking about a Navigator," I said, "who consumes a great deal of the desert spice, can you tell me if the current conflict has impeded spice mining in any way?"

"No, spice mining goes on like usual," Collins assured me. "Last month the USD was the top spice mining faction here on Al Raqis."

I smiled and nodded, "Very good..." Too bad, I thought, interruptions in spice mining might draw Ardra out of hiding.

"Have you seen any new mining companies start work since the conflict began?" I asked.

Lt. Colonel Collins rubbed his chin and thought for a bit, "Let me ask my Prospector." He opened a comm channel and spoke quietly to someone on the other side.

"What do you know about Nexus?" I asked, while we waited.

"Nexus Corporation? Well, they are fairly new here and I don't know a lot about them, only that they have business interests here on Al Raqis."

"According to the local media, they had a ship damaged in one of the altercations," I said.

A figure came to the door awaiting permission to enter. He wore a tan coloured desert uniform. He wore traces of dust and the faint odor of spice so characteristic of a miner. This was indeed, a man of the sand.

Lt. Colonel Collins looked up, "Yes Ito, you may come in." Ito entered and Collins made the introductions. "Major Siamendes, this is Ito Naminosaki, our prospector."

We both said hello.

The Colonel continued, "Yes, one of Nexus Corp ships got damaged during a firefight between the Starfleet and the Myrmidons on the landing pad. That is when they sent security here. Anyway, Ito here can tell you more about who is currently spice harvesting here."

Ito Naminosaki, still standing, made his report, "Primarily, it is a hard mining business between House Tairis and the USD. These days the natives from Tairis have employed offworlders..."

"Like who?" I asked.

"A man named Zarco."

"Zarco," I repeated, "He works for Tairis?"

"Yes," replied Ito, "I see him often as if he were observing me."

I thought this over.

"Well," remarked the Colonel, "the Orions also do employ spies to keep records of what we do here."

Ito reminded us that public records of spice production were available at the refinery.

"Is he a lone contractor?" I asked.

"I think so," replied the prospector.

"Okay... that is helpful," I nodded, "Thank you."

I stood up. "I should get back to my ship. Colonel... a pleasure as always. I will send photos of the missing girls."

"Missing?" interjected Ito.

"Two young girls," I explained, "kidnapped from Paquin."

"That would be helpful," said the Lt. Colonel, "if they ever turn up here. I hope that Navigator is aware that spice has certain side effects if consumed over a prolonged time period."

"Oh I am sure she is intimately aware of the side effects of spice," I replied, my thoughts turning to the original Audrey, forced by her desperate father to take massive doses of the substance.

"And I hope he does not give these girls spice too," added the officer.

"I hope they are safe," I agreed, pushing aside the thought of a traumatized Audrey replaying the nightmare visited upon her on her innocent clones. "Thank you... thank you both ... again." I said, looking from one to the other.

"You are welcome Major," replied the Lt. Colonel.

Ito nodded in response.

Wadi Emet

2011-03-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

March 9 - Wadi Emet

"Go home, then, with your ships and comrades to lord it over the Myrmidons." - Homer

-----

I made my way gingerly along the path beside House Shanjian that led to Wadi Emet. The sandy slopes were steep and treacherous. One misstep and I would fall. Broken at the bottom of a chasm, my life blood irrigating the dry desert floor.

I have been to the Great Desert Basin. I have crossed the sands to the east of Splintered Rock. But this was the furthest south I have travelled on Al Raqis.

As usual, I had no guide with me. Only a faint worn pathway leading over the rocks to show me the way. There were no roads in Wadi Emet.

The landscape was stark and beautiful. It evoked a silence of the mind that mystics dream of, but seldom achieve.

The term 'wadi' is an old one. It refers to a dry drainage course formed by sudden, heavy infrequent rain. I had never heard of rainfall on Al Raqis. This suggested either that once rain did fall here or early settlers brought the word with them from elsewhere.

After a time, I came upon an unexpected sight. Plant life. Precious greenery hinting at the existence of sub-surface water. These were the first natural occurring plants I had seen on this planet.

This was highly significant. Xeno-biologists would flock to this region if they only knew. And if the UFS were as serious about scientific study as they claimed to be, they would sue for peace immediately just to visit this vegetation.

How would such an expedition get here?

The canyons were increasingly narrow as I made my way through the Wadi. Only small craft could negotiate the twists and turns.

And where would they land?

There were no roads here. But you wouldn't want surface traffic of any kind. This amounted to sacred ground. Harming these plants in any way on a world so dry would constitute a crime of the greatest proportion.

Finally, after a day's journey, I arrived at the manor houses of the Myrmidons and House Morloch.

Jup had said that House Morloch controlled the Myrmidons. It was no surprise therefore to see the two structures in relatively close proximity.

The manor house of the Myrmidons was as dark and glorious as any mansion of the Noble Houses of Al Raqis. The stones were thick. The towers high. A small landing pad was attached high up on the side of the structure.

The Sun beat down. The wind shifted tracing new patterns in the sand.

I frowned.

There were no roads in Wadi Emet. The canyons were narrow. The mountains high. The greenery unmolested. No signs of surface traffic. No place to land a large ship.

Building these structures would have been a logistical nightmare.

These bricks would have to have been brought in by foot, or flown in by small shuttle. An army of workers....

I laughed sharply. The sound echoed off the canyon wall.

Here was the hard evidence. Three storeys tall.

Orion may be allied to the Myrmidons. But it was Morloch that was lord.

The real power is the power to command.

The real power here was desert born.

The Fog of War (Part One)

2011-03-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

March 8 - Al Raqis

"Lastly, the great uncertainty of all data in war is a peculiar difficulty, because all action must, to a certain extent, be planned in a mere twilight, which in addition not unfrequently — like the effect of a fog or moonshine — gives to things exaggerated dimensions and an unnatural appearance." - Clausewitz

-----

The wind on my face brought a measure of relief from the crushing heat of the afternoon.

Gliding over rooftops and high stone fences, I pointed my vehicle towards a landing pad that graced the top of a low house. The Government of Zenobia maintained a small collection of buildings, such as this one, as guest houses for diplomats, dignitaries, and the occasional asylum seeker.

Open conflict had come to Al Raqis. What began as a skirmish between one of the Noble Houses in Al Raqis and one of the military groups located in Splintered Rock, now threatened to engulf the Mu Draconis system, perhaps even spread beyond that.

While it is still too early to say what the result of this will be, the situation here would have impact on the success or failure of our projects in the area, whether it was reacquiring elements of Project Aurotharius, pursuing fugitives from our justice system, or achieving any other objective on the UAP agenda.

And though the information Neo provided was very useful, by his own admission his organization was not favorably inclined towards the UAP. His statements needed to be verified, and the best place to do that was here.

I parked my dustrunner on the rooftop landing pad and made my way to the street level. My plan was to head to our barracks and change into clothing suitable for crossing the desert. I did not get part way across town before I saw a familiar figure coming down the road towards me. Tall, yellow, long ears, and a big bushy tail. It was Jup.

I smiled as she approached, "Hello old friend..."

"Yes," she replied, "It has been such a looong time..I have been away."

"As have I," I confessed, "but have not forgotten the water you gave me when the heat over took me..."

"I see.. You reside in Al Raqis..don't you?" she grinned, implying that I should have known better.

I unbuckled a pouch on my duty belt and removed a slender vial of human blood.

"Not exactly," I admitted, passing her the tube, "I work here some times."

She blushed, accepting my small gift, "Thank you..but it's not nourishment I seek right now." Jup was a blood drinker.

"Please save it for later then," I replied. "I hear there has been some trouble here.... a conflict of sorts. So what have you heard?"

Jup nodded, licking her lips with a long inhuman tongue, "I hear many things ..mostly pertaining to our green skinned neighbors."

"The Orions. Yes. They have been fighting the federationists."

The rabbit whispered, "Tell me..have you seen any suspicious activity of late?"

"Well," I began, "the rumor you passed along to me, about the spice poisoning. We have been looking into it. There was a fellow here, just passing through, a suspicious character popping pills and such."

Jup's ears flicker "I'm more interested in ..who is seen with whom. The people, the ..Orions..are working with..tell me..do you know of a person named Zarco?"

"Zarco," I repeated, "Is he new?"

"eerr somewhat.." she replied, "You could say..I think he lives around here..if I'm not mistaken.."

I nodded, "I'll see what I can learn."

"I would be much in your debt..if you could ..keep an eye out ..especially, if you see Zarco."

"What about this alliance between USD and UFS?" I asked, "Anything to that?"

Jup did not reply. Instead, she opened a pouch on her own belt, "Take this gift..I have little use for." And with that she began to hand me a small fortune in raw spice.

"This is too much..." I protested as she handed me small bags one by one.

The spice kept coming.

"You are no longer mining?" I asked meekly. "I only have this second vial," I said, pulling a second tube of blood from my belt and handing it to her.

Jup grinned, passing me the final little bag, "My dear ..it is never enough.. I do as I please ..with my bounty."

"Well, thank you very much," I smiled politely. I circled back to my question. "Tell me what you have heard about the UFS and USD alliance. Where do you think it is going?"

"All I have heard is that it's against any Orion attacks," she admitted.

"So a temporary alliance?" I asked, seeking clarification, "for defensive purposes?"

"Our green friends are skilled at ..how you say?..pis_ing people off."

"Do you have history with them?"

Her ears twitched, "No.. I'm not.. from around here."

"Of course," I replied. The question was a bit personal. "What of the other houses? Where do they stand on this conflict?"

Jup smiled, "That I don't know..except..House Morloch. They are friendly with the Orions. They control the Myrmidons..And of course the SSFS. They are being funded by the whatever corporation that the Orions are working with."

"Yes," I reflected, "the SSFS. Hired troops for the Orions. Perhaps soon the Imperium will act. This must be slowing down spice production," I speculated.

Jup had not finished discussing the mercenary force. She hissed, "Worst Of all..their helicopter pilot."

"Who is their pilot?"

She looked around and whispered, "He keeps hitting on me..trying to kiss me. I think the spice got to his brain."

I chuckled, "Well, there is a cease fire at the moment I hear. Perhaps the calm before the storm."

I thought I heard a footstep in the next yard. The gritty sound of a boot on sand grinding against the pave stone.

Jup may have sensed someone nearby too. "A cease fire.." she said, "a chance to build up arms." Her nose suddenly jutted up into the air and she sniffed deeply, "I must..go..quickly....good day."

"Stay safe," I called to the already retreating figure.