The Xin Caodi Incident - Prologue

"Dark-robed Night was shaking her two-horse chariot by means of the yoked pair, and stars attended her. A Pleiad hastened through the middle sky, with Orion and his sword." -  Euripides, Ion

It was expected that the political tensions we observed in Mu Draconis would have local consequences. 

When the sword finally fell, it was still unexpected.

 

Dot Bot

The monarch's steps two female forms uphold,
That moved and breathed in animated gold;
To whom was voice, and sense, and science given
Of works divine (such wonders are in heaven!)

Iliad, Book XVIII

---

April 9 [2013] - Al Raqis City, Araxes

There was a sharp crack as fist struck the jaw of the combat droid.  Its head snapped back.

The crowd roared.

White canvas sheltering the audience hanged limp in the oppressive heat of the day.  The marble surface of the circular arena offered no relief.



In the pit below, two combatants stalked one another.

An Orion commander, her hair pulled back, her body sheathed in protective leather.  She moved with the lithesome grace of a dancer and the intensity of a jungle cat.

Facing her, a UAP battle drone fashioned in the shape of a woman.  By contrast, its movements were cold and precise, almost geometric.  Its golden skin gleamed in the light of the two Mu Draco suns hanging low in the sky.



The machine attacked, leading with a forward kick to the abdomen. The Orion deftly avoided the kick but was clipped on the shoulder as a metal arm shot out.

The Orion woman struck, feigning a foot sweep, and following it with a vicious jab punch combination.

The drone’s AI was busy at work, measuring the Orion’s rate of respiration, recording and classifying technique, and calibrating small variations in the Orion’s movement. The program compared the force of the latest punch to all previous strikes and projected the woman’s endurance level.

The machine circled and delivered three rapid strikes to the Orion’s upper back. The woman stumbled forward, turned swiftly and dodged a fourth blow. 



The woman pressed forward engaging the machine. With a fluid motion, she turned a block into a grip and delivered an elbow strike to the droid’s center mass.

The droid shook under the force of the blow.

---

It was the first day of May, Dakini Island, Paquin

The Red Sun had reached its zenith and began its slow descent to the horizon. A cool breeze blew in from the water. My hammock provided no shelter.  If the wind got much stronger, I might just have to get up and find my sweater.



I flipped through the contents of the file: still images, video captures, transcripts and statistics. It was an entertaining read. 

Though Magistrate Joan al Jofar had built the first arena on Araxes soil, it was her successor, the Legate Calina Tereshchenko who introduced the first arena games. Competition was a mixture of hand-to-hand martial arts.  Weapons were forbidden except in matters of honour.  Ranged weapons were prohibited at all times.

UAP Monitor had fielded a combat AI housed in a golden humanoid form, and entered it into the arena competition.  It was a novel way to assess the hand-to-hand combat capabilities of a diverse population sample. Given the competitive nature of the arena, we had the opportunity to evaluate some of the best fighters from all factions active in the Mu Draco system.

Preliminary results had been informative, if not surprising,

After a number of weeks, it had become apparent that Federationist officers were remarkably well trained, with one ship’s Captain in particular, remaining undefeated after seven matches.  UNSC veterans also outperformed their opponents.  This did not surprise me. I had seen some of their soldiers in the field.

Eluvians and Orions were evenly matched.  The Desertborn champion delivered a consistent and powerful showing.  It would be interesting to see if climate variations would affect her performance. 

In time we would introduce our own athletes and field test our techniques, but not before our bot had finished gathering data.

Between arena engagements the drone was released into the general population to wander about as an autonomous probe.  This led to an interesting encounter with the Arena Champion of the desertborn, Captain Ivana of the Trusted Transport Line, who began to ask the droid some very un-arena like questions.

---

The file was dated April 27 [2013]. Location: Araxes South

"Scanning..." declared the bot.

Captain Ivana had transported our drone to a private location, a ringed structure high above the southern desert.  "Status is hostile?" asked the Captain. Up until now she had only had dealings with Dot in the arena.  No doubt she was being cautious.

"Identification made," declared the bot, "Captain Ivy of Trusted Transport Line. Registered privateer."

Ivy operated a systems comm.  “System identify please," she began.

The bot complied.  “Unit identification - UAP Battle Drone # 393672 designated 'Dot Matrix'.”

“Dot Matrix a set related to Don Matrix the android unit?” asked Ivy.

“This unit is unique,” declared the machine. “Scanning Captain Ivy - species unrecognized. Explain."

Captain Ivy had no interest in revealing her origins. She restated her question.  “Are you a set related to Dot Matrix the android?”

“This unit is unique,” repeated the bot.

“Continue identification and allegiance,” ordered Captain Ivy, the voice of authority.

The machine responded, “Unit identification - UAP Battle Drone # 393672 designated 'Dot Matrix'.”

“UAP is recognized and acknowledged,” said Ivy.

“Understood,” replied the bot.  It resumed its scan. “Captain Ivy - species unrecognized. Explain.”

Ivy ignored the question again and continued her interrogation. “Is the system owned by Zenobia?”

 Dot replied, “Zenobia is a nation state, located on the planet Albion orbiting 34 Tauri A”

“Is the system owned by Zenobia?” repeated the Captain.

Keying off the words ‘system’ and ‘Zenobia’, the droid continued its geography recital. “House Zenobia is the governing entity of the planet Albion and its moon Avalon. Albion orbits 34 Tauri A. The UAP governs all 34 Tauri systems as a federated government.”

Ivy tried a different question. “Is the system owned by Morningstar Corp?”

“Information on the Morning Star Corp is not in this database,” replied the bot.

“What is the system's task?”

“Explain.”

“Is the system tasked at this time?” added Ivy.

“The 34 Tauri system consists of five stars and their planets and moons.  The task of planetary objects is to orbit their suns,” the machine replied.

Captain Ivy realized her mistake. "Unit Dot Matrix is referred to as the system," she said. "Questions now resubmitted."

Dot replied, "Processing."

Ivy rephrased her question, “Is Dot Matrix owned by Zenobia?”

“Unit identification - UAP Battle Drone # 393672 designated 'Dot Matrix' assigned to UAP Monitor, Araxes, Mu Draco system. It is this unit's task to learn.”

“Is Dot Matrix owned by Morningstar Corporation?”

“Information on the Morningstar Corporation is not in this database,” said Dot.

“Is Dot Matrix learning the invasion probabilities of Al Raqis?”

It was a good question. It showed that Captain Ivy was more than just a pit fighter.

Dot replied, “Invasion probabilities of Al Raqis - these probabilities were calculated three point five solar standard years ago. File sealed..."

Ivy interrupted, "Is Dot Matrix re-examining the invasion probabilities of Al Raqis?"

"It is this unit's task to learn," restated the machine. "Invasion probabilities of Al Raqis - these probabilities were calculated three point five solar standard years ago. File sealed under orders of UAP Special Investigations Unit."

There was a pause as Ivy clearly made some calculations of her own.  "Is Dot Matrix presently housed in a schedule of housing with other Battle Drones?" she asked.

You could see Ivy’s logic.  How many more Dots, combat programmed, stood waiting high overhead beyond the fringe of atmosphere? 

The droid was not sophisticated enough to imagine such an image. It keyed off the word ‘housing’, and revealed more of its own design specifications, “This unit can be rehoused in a number of battle chassis,” it replied.

Dot returned to the data missing from her earlier scan. “Captain Ivy - species unrecognized. Explain.”

Again Ivy ignored the request and asked another question of her own. “Is Dot Matrix presently scheduled to station on the UAP Cruiser?”

This time the machine did not reply to the voice of authority.  It elaborated on its own probing statement.  “Captain Ivy - auditory attachments non-standard. Explain. It is this unit's task to learn."

Non-standard was a good term for them. The Captain's ears were long and pointed.

“Is Dot Matrix under sole control of Major Muircastle?” asked Captain Ivy.

It was too late. Captain Ivy had had her chance. The machine had learned the rules of this new game, of this verbal arena, and had locked on to target. "Captain Ivy - auditory attachments non-standard. Species unrecognized. Explain. It is this unit's task to learn."

"Species is not registered in database," said Ivy, brushing the matter aside.

The answer was good enough for Dot. She had learned something very important today. She had learned that her own questions can be answered. "Understood," she declared in her hollow mechanical voice.  She classified Ivy according, "Species designation unknown."

Ivy resubmitted her question. "Is Dot Matrix under sole control of Major Muircastle?"

"Major Muircastle is the UAP Monitor assigned to Araxes, Mu Draco system…" The machine stopped suddenly. "Incoming message," announced Dot. "Recall order received."

Captain Ivana pressed on, "Supply list of goals which Captain Ivana may provide assistance."

The interview however was over.

"Unit required to relocate. Captain Ivana, species unknown. We are here to help."

And with that the bot departed.

The Immortal Game

March 30 [2013]

Location: The Queen Alice Chess Club

"War is nothing but a duel on an extensive scale." - Von Clausewitz

---

It was a simple stone cottage at the end of a quiet lane. Sunlight filtered through the beech and sugar maple trees lining the path. A cool breeze from the nearby bay rustled the leaves. Off in the distance tall ships were moored.

 

The wooden floor boards protested as I entered the cottage. The cheerful fire was more inviting.

Game boards were situated in the two rooms on the ground floor. Chess problems were posted on the wall. The art on display spoke to the long, honoured tradition of the game.

The Alliance Mental Mapping Protocol involved the visualizing objects in three dimensional space coupled with the running of strategic simulations. It had a range of applications, both in planning and in the field. For the development of this technique, the study of chess was a useful starting point.

---

Anatol Rapoport, in his introductory essay to the classic “On War” by Carl Von Clausewitz, details three philosophies of war: the eschatological, the cataclysmic, and the political. While not an exhaustive framework, these broad categories make a fine framework for the purpose of discussion.

In the eschatological view, war is the critical chapter in history’s narrative. It is the storm that will sweep the world clean and will unite all under one ideology or leadership. Crusades, holy wars, and class wars all fall under this category.  A more recent expression of this philosophy would be the Jade Revolution - in particular the writings of Jasmine Moonshade, also known as the Adherent.

The cataclysmic view can seem very ethnocentric in nature, where war is seen as a catastrophe that happens to one’s people. It is an evil that visits.  Protect and survive.

It is a mistake to say it is a passive approach, however.  An attitude that arises from this philosophy can be typified by the phrase, “Others may start the war. We will finish it.”  Proud and defiant, determined to meet any threat real or perceived, the desert born people of the planet Araxes publicly demonstrate this approach.

The third philosophy of war is political.  It can best be defined by Clausewitz himself who said war is “a true political instrument, a continuation of political intercourse carried on with other means.”

The UAP and the Orion Confederation are good examples of political entities that follow this philosophy. For such as these, war is rational and deliberate, waged for the fulfillment of national interest.  War is a game of strategy.  It is a game of chess.

---

I settled in front of a game board in the inner room of the cottage. I choose a seat that, should I open my eyes, would provide me with a view of the approaching path through two windows. A slight turn of my head gave me a clear line of sight to the only door.  

The floor boards would alert me if anyone entered.

 I closed my eyes.

---

My mind is the empty sky.

My thoughts are as the passing clouds. I do not grasp them. I do not push them away.

I visualize a grid, eight squares by eight squares. It resolves into a board of brown and beige alternating squares. I populate the top two and bottom two rows with symbols.

I rotate the board in 3D space. The symbols become chess pieces.

I am now playing white.

The white pawn moves two spaces forward to the critical center of the board.

The opposite black pawn responds gliding forward to meet the advance.

A second white pawn moves forward and comes to rest beside the first pawn. King's Gambit offered.

The black pawn slides forward on the diagonal capturing the second white pawn. The captured pawn is removed from the board. King's Gambit accepted.

The white bishop begins to move...

---

Move by move, I visualized a game from the historical record. This one was my favorite so far.

June 21, 1851 in London, England. It was an informal game played during a break at the international tournament. Anderssen, playing white, produced a checkmate despite sacrificing a bishop, two rooks and his queen. His opponent, Kieseritzky, had lost only three pawns.

The game was a fine example of rapid development and attack. As the game progressed, White gained and consolidated control of critical areas of the board. White sacrificed major pieces but in doing so diverted and blocked Black. Black gained material yet lost development and ultimately the game.

I wondered how these lessons might be applied to a combat situation. I selected a historical example. Could the results have been different?

---

My mind is the empty sky.

My thoughts are as the passing clouds. I do not grasp them. I do not push them away.

I visualize a grid, eight squares by eight squares. It resolves into a map of Serenity Valley, Hera.

I populate the map with insignia. I rotate the map in 3D space.

The green shapes become trees. The contour lines become hills and slopes. The insignia become infantry units and air-tank of the 57th Overlanders, Independent.

I am now playing brown.

The Fires of Araxes

February 5 [2013] - Araxes

It was the fires that allowed us to locate the Sanctuary of Ghosts, the desert enclave of the Jade Revolution.

Of course, by then it was too late.

They had hidden themselves well, but not nearly well enough.

---

In the capital of Araxes, the Laandsrat council was meeting as the news broke.

The Legate Calina Tereshchenko took a breath, attempting to compose herself as notes and scattered images flash across the small screen in front of her, "The ... Sanctuary for the Jadeists was attacked."

Shock and disbelief rippled across the chamber. Major Muircastle, quick to act, tapped his datapad, contacting his aide.

Calina continued, "The Adherent sent word that an army dressed in black armor with reddened skin opened fire... She begged for assistance... I have sent security teams along with my personal guard to assist in the defense."

The Reverend Mother Ariadne Fall spoke, "This is a terrible violation of a place of peace, who would dare?"

The Orion Advocate Auryn Sapeur now tapped some notes into her own data pad.

Calina brushed her fingers across her cheeks, "They bombed the markets... the tunnels that their children took shelter..."

Major Muircastle logged in some coordinates and hit send.



High above in Araxes orbit the UAP Watchtower made a course correction.

---

"Casualties?" asked the Orion Advocate.

"Legate," Lady Soynika, Yiaziis of House Morloch called out, "my people are too far away."

Calina waved her hand then, clearing her throat, said "I apologize... the images... but this is an unprovoked attack. Since the Jadeists were given their religious freedom, they have been peaceful." She answered the Orion, "Nearly all, Advocate."  She then turned her attention back to the screen, mumbling, "A full investigation will be launched as to who is behind this attack. If they are willing to attack a far flung outpost, is Azaadi next? Jita? will they make their way to the cities?"

"Who has reddish skin?" asked Lady Soyinka, "All of us could fit that description except the Orions."

Auryn Sapeur smiled and nodded, "Thankfully."

"Red skin," said Major Muircastle, "or red painted skin like the Marauders."

"Marauders?" asked Lady Soyinka.

Reverend Mother Ariadne took a deep breath, and shook her head, "Maker preserve us!"

Major Muircastle replied, "Some terrorists who lived in the Alramady region before it sank into the sands exposing the ruins."

"Yes," said Lady Baxton of House Zenobia, "the Marauders. Their sign was the red hand. They used to mark the city walls with their symbol."

"I remember that," said Calina.

"Paint?" asked Lady Soyinka.

"To look like blood no doubt," added Lady Baxton.

Lady Soyinka snorted, "Dried blood is brownish black."

Major Muircastle joined in. "Paint is a verb in this case."

"It's senseless," declare the Reverend Mother. "They had nothing to take... no reason, what possible motive against the Jadeists? no one, no one of.... of...." Her voice trailed off. "Who is the chosen investigator?" she asked.

Major Muircastle tapped his pad at incoming images.

Auryn Sapeur turned to the Reverend Mother, "Some need little reason to inflict pain and suffering on others."

Lady Reiko Soyinka spoke, "Since the Desertborn are likely suspects, we cannot do the official investigation."

Calina explained, "A lead investigator has not been assigned as of yet, Reverend Mother."

As the Reverend Mother nodded in reply, Major Muircastle spoke, "An overfly of the sanctuary on the way to responding to a distress call revealed these aerial photographs of the Sanctuary. It is still aflame."

Holo images flashed to life, dominating the chamber.




Scattered blocks and toppled pillars. Were in not for the flames engulfing the area, from the air the sanctuary would look like a child's discarded toy.

Calina Tereshchenko sighed, "Just.. awful."

"Legate," said Lady Soyinka, "my people will recover the bodies when the investigator clears the ruins."

Calina nodded.

Lady Soyinka continued, "They are mostly moonbabies. We will honor their traditions... "
She turned to look at a pale man standing at the back of the room, "... if one will tell us their traditions."

"Clearly, Mr. Blackstone is overwhelmed by the news," replied the Legate, referring to the pale man. "I will ask him to communicate with you regarding burial traditions."

"There are two Federationalists at the site," said Major Muircastle, "Probably the STC who called in the distress call. There are no signs of survivors viewable from aerial view. We request permission from the Yiaziis to allow our officer to enter the premises to look for survivors and render assistance."

Lady Soyinka replied, "Major, my people are likely to be accused. The Sanctuary was allowed to the Jadeists. It is from the Jadeists that you must ask permission."

The Legate, however, had other ideas. "As the Adherent sent word for assistance to me, I will give that permission, Major," she said.

Major Muircastle articulated our position for the record. "We wished to ensure that you see that we recognize the treaty protocols in the area. The UAP humbly requests permission to check the sanctuary for survivors and render whatever assistance we can." He added, "We're here to help."

Reverend Mother Ariadne nodded, "The truth cries out to be known, and justice grants the permissions in this case I'm afraid. Every effort must be made to find survivors... and answers."

Mr. Blackstone lifted his head from a moment of prayer and addressed the council, "Moonbabies have no traditions of burial. Our bodies are cast into the deepest crevices back home."

Lady Soyinka requested to be recognized.

In response, the Legate recognized the delegate from House Morloch.

"I have two points, Legate," began Lady Soyinka.

"Yes, Yiaziis?" asked Calina.

"Since Mr. Blackstone has spoken," said Lady Soyinka, "and since the traditions of the Moonbabies are disrespectful and wasteful... since the Jadeists chose to make their home here... Araxes will claim the bodies. The Desertborn will take them and honor them."

The door of the chamber opened.

Mr. Blackstone turned and gasped.

"The second point..." added Lady Soyinka. Her voice trailed off as a figure at the back of the room began to draw all attention.

"I... don't believe what I'm seeing," said Calina. "Is that another hologram?"

It was a small woman. Her skin white as marble. Her hair the colour of cotton.

As she calmly entered the chamber, all eyes were upon her. The Orion Advocate Auryn Sapeur pulled out a small tricorder and began to take sensor readings. Lady Soyinka turned her datapad slightly, rapped it with a knuckle and sat back in her chair.

---

Though long presumed dead, stories claiming that Jade had survived the attempt on her life had begun circulating a few months earlier. But this was the first time in over a year, that anyone had seen Jade Moonkill on Araxes.




Jade paused and looked around the room then smiled, "Hello, sorry to interrupt the meeting. Please continue."

"What are you doing here?" asked Calina, "I thought you were still out toward Booty Bay."

Major Muircastle did not wait for Jade to respond. He pounced on the red button in front of him, requesting to be recognized. "House Zenobia humbly requests the Legate summon Ms. Moonkill to the stand."

Jade replied, "I would like to know more about the people who are killing those who live their lives in peace." She walked up the isle towards the stand. "No summons needed," she added. "I will gladly step forward."

"Welcome back to the land of the living, Ms. Moonkill," said Major Muircastle. "There are a number of questions regarding your disappearance and the poor girl that was murdered in your stead."

The Legate Calina Tereshchenko was clearly bothered by this. "Is that appropriate for this time, Major?"

It was Jade who answered in the Major's defence. "Death of an innocent is never appropriate," she said turning to face Calina.

"To question you about your disappearance? Death? Over the attack that occurred at the Sanctuary?" asked Calina.

Lady Soyinka was also intrigued, "However, the Major's question is a good one."

The Orion Advocate Auryn Sapeur turned to Lady Soyinka. "Agreed."

The Major replied, "Ms. Moonkill was presumed dead and returned. How often do we have the opportunity to get answers about a brutal murder and cover up?"

The Reverend Mother Ariadne smoothed the look of astonishment off her face and leaned forward a little in her seat, "There are many questions, but very few answers for yours, Ms. Jade Moonkill... the investigation has only begun. But you, you may be able to answer some old questions of ours."

"Someone murdered that other child and Ms. Moonkill disappeared," stated Major Muircastle. "We would like to know who assisted her is disappearing."

Jade turned and looked at the Major "I only recently became aware of the murder of one of my fellow moonbabies. An act taken, without my knowlege, to hide my leaving Al Raqis. I left as I had been convinced it was best for my safety and those around me for me to leave."

"Is that a crime?" asked the Reverend Mother.

"Accomplice after the fact," explained the Major.

Lady Soyinka was not convinced. "Nonsense," she said.

However, Calina shook her head "I must be more dazed than I thought. That looks like Jade but does not sound like her at all."

The Reverend Mother raised an eyebrow, "Facts not in evidence, to leave without notice or trace is admirable... not criminal. Only if she was proven complicit in the criminal murder are her travel arrangements any of your business... with all respect to my esteemed colleague."

"You left of your own volition then," said the Major. "The news of your murder made even the news in 34 Tauri, how could you be unaware?"

Jade waved a hand dismissing the Major's comment. "I would be more concerned with your comments, sir," she said, "and the questions of this chamber, if this council was not quick to dismiss my own presumed murder when it allowed all of you to be freed from the charges you faced..."

The Major continued undeterred. "Give us the names of your accomplices so that we can find out who murdered that girl to cover your departure."

"... but now that you're free you wish to throw questions around and wield that power," Jade continued. "Very well sir. Here are some answers."

Major Muircastle just shook his head.




"First," said Jade, "you should be ashamed of yourself because not once have you asked the name of the victim. You claim to show concern for her death but do not even attempt to know who she is or anything about her beyond calling her moonbaby and child or girl. You should be ashamed Mr. Muircastle, for I am ashamed of you."

Major Muircastle began, "We are first intere..." He stopped suddenly then cried out, "YOU KNOW THE VICTIM'S NAME?"

Reverend Mother Ariadne explained, "Her identity could not be ascertained from what was recovered from the scene. We deal in a few factualities. It was long assumed to be YOU."

The Legate Calina Tereshchenko had heard enough. She sat up and challenged Jade. "Just who do you think you are? Accusing him of lack of caring about who she was? Given the fact - you yourself have said this over and over - Moonbabies are disposable. Records, even by DNA were not able to be located either here or in 34 Tauri. And the fact that her FACE was blown off made facial recognition impossible to haul back to your home planet and ask them: Oh Hey! Do you know this girl? Her head was shot off but do you know her anyway?"

Major Muircastle advanced,"How long have you been withholding information about this crime?"

Jade pressed on. "Second, her death laid unsolved for so long cause you were happy to believe it was me that died, 'cause it freed you . Freed you from the crimes you committed and allowed to happen. But now. You claim to wish to know and solve her murder only cause you are afraid of what might happen if you don't. Innocent you called her. How dare you use that word in this chamber that spills forth filth and call it justice!"

"One would guess that she recently learned of it and returned as soon as she could," suggested Lady Soyinka.

"I am guessing the exact opposite," replied the Major. "That she has been withholding information since the day she left."

"And like most of what you do sir, you are guessing wrong," replied Jade.

Major Muircastle kept the pressure on. "What is the identity of the victim and who helped you? You can include the rest in your manifesto."

Jade lowered her head and took a deep breath. She then looked up and around the room. "One of the first things I learned in school is to get answers and learn the truth, one must be silent." She paused. "That's the problem in this chamber. No one wants to be silent long enough to learn anything. Too busy asking questions."

Lady Soyinka addressed the UAP officer. "Major, to withhold evidence in a murder is not compatible with the rest of the woman's profile."

"Right now I am only interested in the identity of the victim and the identities of the conspirators," replied the Major.

"Shall we let the Messiah speak for herself, Yiaziis?" asked Lady Baxton.

Lady Soyinka protested, "There is a FIRE BURNING!"

---

And indeed she was correct. Images from the sanctuary still flooded into the chamber, as the UAP drone explored the ruins.

As the politicians, religious and military leaders argued, the fires raged, consuming both corpses and holy books.

Any sense of urgency was misplaced however. There was no one left to save.

---




Major Muircastle addressed the Laandsrat, "There is little reason to believe that this person is Jade Moonkill."

"Are you suggesting DNA testing Major?" asked Lady Baxton.

"The DNA test would be inconclusive," he replied, "There was no previous record to compare it to. Right now we have this preaching marionette obstructing justice while moralizing. Answer the questions put to you, alleged Jade Moonkill!"

The Orion Advocate Auryn Sapeur cracked a smile at the comment.

Reverend Mother Ariadne looked across at the Yiaziis Lady Soyinka and muttered, "I am more interested in the tragic events at the Jadeists Sanctuary as well, worse even than it being a senseless act by faithless beasts, what if it was a thoughtful deliberate act? What evil do we face then?"

Jade's eyes flare a bright green as her shoulders square back and she stood to her full height. The innocence in her face faded as she slammed a fist on the desk in front of her. "SILENCE SIR! I WILL HEAR NOTHING MORE FROM YOU!" Seething with anger, she stared directly at the Major. She then let her breath out, "There are innocent people dying in my name, dying because they wish to live in peace, and you concern yourself with one that died so long ago to protect me? SAVE THE LIVING AND THOSE THAT CAN BE SAVED! There will be time to bury the dead and find justice for them later!"

"Nice try," replied the Major, "Answer the questions."

Jade slumped as the light fades from her eyes and her stance returns to normal. "What questions sir? You have asked so many and haven't stopped long enough for me to answer. Plus you have already said you will not believe anything I say anyway."

"I asked the name of the victim and the names of the people who assisted you in leaving the planet," he replied. "I also asked you how long have you known about your alleged murder. All of which you avoided answering, instead preached."

Jade smiled and giggled, "In that order?"

"Stick with these three questions, then you can preach."

Reverend Mother Ariadne interrupted, "I advise her not to answer those questions without the advice and benefit of counsel, Major." She smiled.

"The Reverend Mother is correct," added the Legate.

"She can lawyer up if we arrest her," said the Major.

Calina argued, "This is not an inquest or a court of law."

"Arrest her for what exactly?" asked the Reverend Mother, "breathing?"

"Obstructing justice," said the Major. "She has knowledge about a murder and is witholding it. Legate, are you uninterested in the answers to those questions?" He added with a whisper, "You perhaps could ask them?"

Blackstone, the albino man standing at the back of the chamber marched forward. He slammed his fist on the table in front of the Major. "You have asked your questions. Now remain silent till she answers or I will silence you! Show her respect!"

"Step down, boy," the Major warned.

Jade touched Blackstone's shoulder. "I am fine," she said. "They do not threaten me. Do not threaten them, friend."

Major Muircastle countered, "This marionette had plenty of opportunity to answer the questions and has preached canned speeches instead."

Blackstone glared at the Major then lowers his head. "I am sorry, my lady," he said to Jade.

The Major had not finished. "Next time, run boy.. "



"Let us all take a breath," said Lady Baxton, "These are stressful times... perhaps Jade can tell us the name of the murdered girl so we can contact her family."

Jade answered the Major. "When the mines collapsed back home. Scott went in and dragged a dozen men, twice his size out. Do not underestemate or threaten him."

"There are no threats here," said the Major. "Just you using theatre to avoid answering questions put to you."

Reverend Mother Ariadne spoke, "I have a question or two... questions apart, Jade Moonkill, granting you are Jade Moonkill for the moment, can you give any hint as to WHO would attack the Sanctuary? and second, has this tragedy drawn you out of hiding?"

Jade replied, "I only became aware of the attacks when I arrived her today. I do not know who is doing this though I will find out. And I was not in hiding. I was in school."

Lady Soyinka chuckled.

The Reverend Mother continued, "So you were traveling here anyway and not secretly? Good, that perhaps takes that scary motive off the table."

"Donna Stephanie, Darrian Aljon, and about two weeks," said Jade, finally answering the Major's questions.

---

And with that statement, the tension evaporated from the room.

Reverend Mother Ariadne nodded. Lady Soyinka grinned.

"Donna Stephanie?" asked Lady Baxton. "That was her name?"

"Thank you," said Major Muircastle. "You may now have your speak truth to power speech. Carry on."

Jade Moonkill turned and faced the Major. "The answers to your questions now that you have stopped yapping like a puppy long enough for me to answer." She stopped and then said, "I am sorry sir, you misunderstand me. I leave the speeches to politicians like you. I only wish to know what is being done to protect those that live..." She paused uncomfortably, "under my name."

The Major did not retreat. "Your future victims are unaccounted for at the moment."

"My future victims?" asked Jade. "I do not attack them."

He whispered, "That remains to be seen."

Jade countered, "I am not one of those that ordered they be captured and brought in for questioning like criminals."

"All are easy enough to check," said Lady Soynika, "and if they do check out, then I nominate the Moonkill to be a member of the investigating team."

"Nominate Jade," objected Lady Baxton, "to investigate the crime that she is the star witness for? Yiaziis, I cannot follow your logic."

Lady Soyinka explained, "If her story is borne out, and it is easily checked, then she has a vested interest in finding who attacked the Sanctuary. She will make the best hunting lizard. Another must be chosen to accompany her."

"Search and rescue teams are on the scene," said the Reverend Mother, "the investigation must work alongside that effort and quickly. The site is not secure so neither is the evidence."



Major Muircastle began, "Donna Stephanie was martyred so you could go to school. Did Mr. Aljon slaughter these to cover a shopping spree? Shall the Jadeists now be called 'Stephs' as she was martyred for their sins?"

These remarks brought giggles from the gallery.

"Major," replied the Legate,"if you recall, Jasmine did not exactly believe me when I told her that Jade was still alive. So, renaming them 'The Stephs' would not be appropriate."

The Major would not be denied. "House Zenobia makes a motion for a minute of silence for Donna Stephanie," he said, "murdered so that Jade could go to school."

"Major!" protested Calina. "I have had enough of your blatent hostility and disrespect."

"Sir, do no make light of the beliefs of others," said Jade.

"This is an outrage," replied the Major.

"If we were at the bar," added Calina, "it would be expected."

The Reverend Mother joined in, "Impertinence and rudeness do not suit you, Council Muircastle."

"He is merely pursuing the truth, Reverend Mother," said Lady Baxton in support of the Major.

"You know, you're right," said Major Muircaslte, "I should not get upset about this travesty unfolding before us."

The Legate turned Lady Baxton, "So mocking the situation is pursuing the truth?"

"This woman," replied Lady Baxton, "if this is Jade, had us all arrested or have you forgotten?"

"I was not arrested," said Lady Soyinka.

"she in effect overthrew this government on a technicality..."

"and, it was the Beit Dawla...."

"No Yiaziis," replied Lady Baxton, "you hid in the desert."

"She could not have done it without the rest of the Beit Dawla," said Lady Soyinka. She then added, "I neither hid nor ran into the jail."

"I was treating her as a hostile witness," explained the Major "but since she has since replied, so I will allow the theatre to continue."

The Legate Calina Tereshchenko stood up, "I've enough for one evening. The application of House Lynch will be considered at the next meeting." The council stood as she left the chamber and the assembly began to disperse. Small conversations began in various parts of the hall.

---

The Reverend Mother Ariadne leaned back in her chair and remarked to the Orion Advocate, "I was evacuated immediately prior to the warrant being issued. It was thrilling... they spirited me away in the night."

Major Muircastle overheard the comment and asked, "And they didn't have to kill anyone for you to leave?"

"Of course not," replied the Reverend Mother, "The Sinisterhood Adepts evacuated me. It would be inappropriate for a Reverend Mother to be forced to answer the charge." She grinned.



Jade, meanwhile turned to Lady Baxton, "When you were in prison upstairs. I gave you my teddy bear. So that you would not be lonely and would have someone to talk to."

Major Muircastle interrupted."You have the bear?" he asked Lady Baxton.

"I have kept it safe," she replied.

"Lady Baxton," said the Major, "we need that bear."

Lady Soyinka understood immediately. "DNA," she said.

"I will send over a forensics team," added the Major.

Lady Baxton froze then spun to look at Jade. "Then we can establish if this is Jade!"

Watching quietly, the Orion Advocate saved her tricorder readings.

"Jade... is this really you?" Lady Baxton asked cautiously.

Jade reached down into her boot and pulled out a knife. She dragged the blade across the palm of her hand and pressed it to the table leaving a bloody hand print. "There Aodhfionn, feel free to take all you need." She addressed the Major by his first name. They were old friends by now.

Major Muircastle took out a handerchief and blotted the blood. He then reached out and brushed a hair off her shoulder. "I hope you are Jade," he said, "I hope for your sake, that you are not."

"I will have the bear ready Major," added Lady Baxton.

The Reverend Mother watched with unease at the spilling of the body's water against local custom. She turned to see the Yiaziis' reaction.

Jade smiled up at the Major, "Please be kind enough to clean up the rest, sir." She then addressed Lady Baxton. "Only you and I know what was said that night in the cell."

"I have told no one else," admitted Lady Baxton.

Jade continued, "You were, at that moment. My trusted advisor. That is why I gave you my teddy bear.. You needed someone in there you could trust."

Lady Baxton turned white. Jade had just revealed to the crowd that, from the safety of her jail cell, Lady Baxton had been advising Jade during the revolution. Most certainly it was an act of sedition.

Lady Soyinka looked at the handprint, not taking her eyes off of it. "You would not spill either water or blood," she began. "You have been away a long time, Moonbaby. You have been given this Path to tread. You must choose to walk it... or not."

"I would and always will be willing to spill my own to protect those I love and serve," replied Jade.

The Yiaziis gestured to the handprint. "This is neither."

Still flustered, Lady Baxton babbled, her eyes darting about the chamber looking for any movement from the guards. "It is the red hand of Jade to counter the red hand of the Marauders. It is a sign!"

A voice in the gallery, Naomi Lynch De Azaadi whispered, "This is madness"

Jade straightened herself, her eyes flashed green. She reached out and traced a symbol in blood on Lady Soyinka's forehead. "The light and the dark can only survive if they accept they are both part of the same day. Our people will walk this world together."

Lady Soyinka grabbed Jade's wrist. "The Light and the Dark are sides to the same coin," she said. "Be careful...Messiah. You walk a deadly Path."

"Would victims like Stephanie be the light or the dark? or the edge?" asked Major Muircastle.

The Reverend Mother Ariadne cast her eyes downward and made a gesture in the air with her hand, as if warding off an invisible evil.

"What happened to the Children, Pied Piper?" asked Lady Soynika and she released her grip.

Jade's eyes went pale and she froze looking down at where Lady Soyinka had held her wrists. "I only wish to protect those who need it," she replied.

"Like how you protected Stephanie?" asked the Major. "The cult in your name has brought more ruin upon the moonafflicted than neglect did."

"A bodhisattva should not monopolize faith," added Naomi Lynch De Azaadi.

Jade turned quickly on her toes and headed for the exit.

Major Muircastle called out after her, "You might as well have sold them off to the Umbrella Corporation or Soylent Green."

"Leave her be!" said Lady Soyinka. "She did not dictate to them. They walked their own Paths."

"Accomplice after the fact," pronounced Major Muircastle.

Requisition of Scientific Personnel

From: A. Muircastle, Major, UAP Monitor assigned to Mu Draconis
To: A. MacMoragh, Colonel, UAP Special Projects, Paquin

Reference: Araxes Environmental Instability
Subject: Requisition of scientific personnel and investigating possible artificial causes.

Date: January 29, 2523

Observing Zapedzki Industries construction is nearly a full time endeavour. Besides their constantly evolving ground facilities, they have orbiting facilities on many levels.

Recently, a high orbit Zapedzki Industries research station exploded. Fortunately for the planet's residents, the debris was mostly absorbed by the Trojan meteor field in the vicinity. No planetside debris related injuries have been reported, although such incidents are not reported with a great deal of transparency. Although the Legate, Calina Tereschenko, operates with greater transparency than the Chief Magistrate, the service bureaucracy she inherited has opacity habits. We are resigned to the fact that if we want to know what is going on in Araxes, we have to investigate for ourselves.



There has been a great increase in damaging environmental events in Araxes. The meteorite bombardment has decreased to a moderate level, but has still not ceased for any length of time. Something in the desert builds up an electric charge until large expanding bubbles of arc plasmoids explode upon the desert floor. We are still learning the names of the various incarnations of high speed sand and dust storms.

The volcanic plug known as Mount Barkal, which had been dormant since before Imperial occupation has recently become active. Tectonic instability has led to seismic events in the eastern desert basin, destroying the Zionist enclave there and the Plasma Storm Industries Compound that followed thereafter. Further seismic activity wiped out the Splintered Rock starport and refinery. Plasma Storm Industries received an Imperium contract to rebuild the starport and refinery. The eastern desert basin known as Vieux Carre is mostly a bare crater. It looks like a meteorite, cometary or asteroid impact crater, but other theories include a giant sinkhole from the seismic activity. We are going to inquire with an Ouroborean planetologist named Mr. Senet once he returns from a diplomatic mission, we will see if he has any revelations in the matter.



Species of subterranean indigenous lifeforms previously unknown to use have moved closer to the surface. A species of supposedly alien origin appears to be infesting the remote deserts. Desertborn Morloch Yiaziis testified that the arthropod species is of alien origin and inedible. We are sending out teams to collect biological samples.

The local government is currently focused on internal matters and is giving us free rein to investigate the matter. We will do our best to contribute to public safety. We're here to help.

We do not have any evidence linking Zapedski Industries, Plasma Storm Industries or NavCorp to the meteorite, storm, volcanic or seismic disturbances, nor the related changes in the local fauna. Even if the cause in not-artificially induced, it is prudent to discover the source of the problem. I have requisitioned scientific personnel to assist current teams to investigate the matter. If we are able to determine a causal link between the environmental troubles and a given faction, we will bring in the Special Investigations Unit.

We have requested Dr. Qui Von Wer Foreman Serendipity from the Zenobie Institut Polytechnique to assist us in investigating the explosion and other related incidents. Dr. Serendipity provided useful insight into NavCorp and was able to show evidence that they have indeed stolen UAP sponsored research.

NavCorp, formally Spatium-Tempus Navigantium Corpus, had been an enigma for some time. Dr. Serendipity's studies combined with a couple of covert and overt interactions by UAP personnel has uncovered some insight into their internal activities. Dr. Serendipity's theory is that NavCorp is using a plasma antenna dozens of kilometres long and wide to collect antiparticles created from cosmic ray explosions and an orbital scale particle collider called a Fermitron for the creation of exotic matter. This somehow relates to Space-Time Metric engineering which Dr. Serendipity says would be dangerous too close to a gravity well.

Although we do not have specific intel on the matter, we are going to investigate whether Zapedzki Industries or Plasma Storm Industries is also involved in possible space-time metric engineering.

There are other candidates worth paying attention to. Captain Sisko of Starfleet Torchwood Command, a Federationalist subfleet, is often investigating some manner of spatial or temporal anomaly. The departing Khan of Botany Bay has long claimed her people had ancestry in Araxes in Tanimi Erg. The Pryxis Alliance's home system recently went supernova somehow and have also reduced their local presence. The return of the Orion Confederacy should not be ignored.

Podwangler Zapedzki, founder of Zapedzki Industries, is currently a fugitive from UAP justice. Zapedzki is wanted for corporate espionage, working with restricted technology and for supporting the independent uprising on Shadow. He is currently hiding out in the southern hemisphere of Araxes, exploiting the Treaty Autonomous Area to avoid legal claims on his person. He is possibly hiding elsewhere in the system. Imogen Carling, the current CEO of Zapedzki Industries, is aggressively pursuing Mr. Zapedski. The Araxes security of ZI has a strong presence of UAP hired military, such as Xander Halostar, who are well armed and trained.

Mr. Zapedzki has been known to deal with restricted technology and it is possible that he is doing so now. It is also possible that Zapedzki industries is carrying on that tradition. A third possibility is that the research station explosion was deliberate sabotage by some competing company or even Mr. Zapedzki himself.

We are formally requesting permission to reopen the NavCorp study and also to investigate Plasma Storm Industries.

Input from inhabitants of some of the Farms would be helpful if it would not compromise security.

A. Muircastle, Major, UAP Monitor assigned to Mu Draconis