IV. Observations from a Distance

September 19 - Zenobia

It wasn't even a week before the Marauders made their move, striking at a purely civilian target. A ship transporting nuns and orphans. Can't get more civilian than that. Well, maybe if there were puppies too...

Any sympathy the Marauders hoped to engender should evaporate over this. Any supporters they might have will likely start distancing themselves, realizing that this sort of criminal act can only hurt their own interests.

I had already left the Mu Draconis system when I heard. The news report read as follows:

Marauders Attack Al Raqis Passenger Transport Al Raqis Raconteur

SPLINTERED ROCK, Al Raqis - The quiet still of the SR landing pad area was shattered as a transport carrying missionaries was blasted out of the sky by hidden marauder Anti Aircraft guns; The only survivor of the horrible attack was the pilot, who seems to have taken a nasty head injury and lost his memory.

The marauders shortly issued this statement:

"We will smite the invaders from our skies. There will be more in the days to come. We are here. We will not be ignored. We will win. We are the Marauders. Expect us."

[ http://cortexnewsservice.com/2010/09/19/marauders-attack-al-raqis-passenger-transport.aspx?ref=rss ]

Note: Copy filed.

-----

September 22

A message from Lynx arrived three days later. It was good to see he was keeping his eyes open.

-----

"Major, I am sorry I was not here when you arrived here recently. I was away with tracking down some additional cargo which was mishandled. Everything was sorted out and the paperwork sent to the ambassador. However there has been some unusual markings. Large painted red hand prints on the side of two buildings of note.

"I am unsure if you were aware of the situation. It appears to have to do with the native population and outworlders.

"I made note of the particular buildings so decorated. The Orion guild house and Tri V. I made a careful search of the buildings within our care and have found nothing amiss. I felt you should be informed in case of a potential problem. I will keep you informed of any further developments."

Message ends.

-----

September 24

By the end of the week, the Doctor's promised analysis arrived.

**Begin Comms**

Communication to Major Pepper Siamendes UAP SIU from Doctor Qui Von Wer Foreman Serendipity, secured channel:

"Dear Major Siamendes, I did some preliminary analysis on the "Replicant Elixir" you gave to me. There is a topical version and another version with a security patch of some sort. Toxic to human, consumable by Replicants. I have some ideas as to its function, I think it blocks signals of some sort. I know someone that can give you more information, he is a bartender by the name of Nack Barnes. His name is on the bottle, it came from his bar, "Firefly's".

**End Comms**

-----

Mercedes had given me this bottle to discover why Blue Sun was manufacturing a substance known as Replicant Elixir. Was it really nothing more than... android beer?

II. What the Hare Heard

September 16 - Splintered Rock

"Lepus, the Hare, is a beast well enough known. Of the Chaldees it is called Veterellum, and of the Greeks Onollosa. The virtue of it is shewed to be marvellous, for Evax and Aaron said that the feet of it, joined with a stone... moveth a man to hardiness, so that he fear not death." - The Book of Secrets of Albertus Magnus

-----

It was daylight when I emerged from the cave at the top of the rock column. My contact had long since slipped away. I was surprised therefore when I heard sounds like scratching on the stone surface followed by a shower of pebbles. There was a brief pause and then the sounds retreated.

I slowly approached the edge and peered down.

Already back on the desert floor was a figure, dressed in clothing similar to Audrey Aurotharius. It was skinless, revealing a mechanical woman underneath.

The figure jerked and stumbled as it moved, resting suddenly like a puppet whose strings were cut, before springing to attention and staggering off again.

I knew what this thing was. It was an Arudra series drone. One of Ardra's mechanical servants.

I watched from a distance, mindful that both Qui and Captain Westminster had unsuccessfully chased drones such as this one.

The figure seemed drawn to motion. Perhaps it had approached my position when the boulder blocking the cave entrance had moved. Now it followed the characteristic undulation of the desert floor indicating the presence a giant subterranean annelid.

A clockwork doll chasing worms in the sand.

-----

I made my way from the cavern through the desert to the Splintered Rock landing area. Deep in thought the time had passed quickly. Jup, the tall, blood-drinking, rabbit woman was there overlooking the marketplace. She wore her usual dark clothes now accented with a pair of sand goggles.

"Hello Jup," I called to her, "Good to see you again."

Jup smiled, "Any interesting rumors of late?"

Before I could answer, the world grew black. Preoccupied with intrigues and drones, I had forgotten to keep hydrated. I collapsed on the ground.

-----

I felt a flask pressed against my lips. Cool water trickled slowly into my mouth. I groaned.

The rabbit tsked. "You shouldn't push yourself in Hell's inferno," she warned.

I began to rally. "Thank you for the water," I responded. My tongue thick.

"My pleasure," replied Jup, "as always. So hear anything unusual?"

"Rumours..." I murmured still recovering from my fainting spell. "I was about to ask you the same thing. Have you noticed anything odd in the desert these days? Something that looks like a broken doll walking about?"

I showed her an image I had taken from my vantage point on the high rock. My fingers fumbling.

"I have seen it too," she replied, "This place welcomes abominations."

"It seemed to be chasing a worm," I explained, "It tried to climb up to where I was then scrambled away."

Jup nodded, "Have you heard anything about smuggling toxins into Splintered rock?"

"Toxins? no.... I can keep my ears open though. Any idea who?"

She elaborated, "I overheard two elite members of some great house talking. They want to eradicate the Marauders. They talked about a spice poison manufactured offworld."

"Spice poison!" I cried horrified at the idea. Such a thing would create economic collapse for Mu Draconis.

"I don't know," she replied, "It reacts with the spice somehow..makes it toxic. I could only pick up bits and pieces."

"These Marauders," I said, "They are out of Khayal Alramady."

Jup nodded, "Yes, very brutal..I have had a couple run ins with them."

"Run ins? They have threatened you?"

The rabbit grinned, flashing some unholy white teeth, "You could say that. They promised I would die. I should take them up on that one day."

I chuckled, "I am sure you can hold your own in a fight." Then I added seriously, "If you need backup though, please inform me."

The rabbit hissed. "Me..I am but a poor spice miner. Fighting is for the great warriors."

I smiled, "I am sure there is more to you than that."

Yes, I thought, poor rabbit-eared, club-going, spice miner that traded information like a professional. I wondered if she was representing someone. Chios maybe? The Imperium?

"Have you had any dealings with the USD?" I asked.

She continued, "This place holds onto its secrets tightly..like a dead pirate clutching its last flack of rum."

I took this for a redirection. "Indeed. Well, I will not pry into your secrets, my friend."

Jup, however, tilted her head, "The USD?..you mean the outpost next to the Splintered Rock landing area?"

"Yes."

She shook her muzzle "No..they are a secretive group. Are they aligned with the Marauders?"

"Quite the opposite," I replied, "I believe they are antagonistic to one another."

"Are they aligned with Tri-v and the SSFS?"

"That I do not know," I admitted, "It would be useful to know the alliances that exist behind the scenes. Do you recall the name of the great house whose elites were discussing spice poison?"

"I have had more than one run in with the SSFS," she added, "Interesting mercenaries."

"Soldiers of fortune are they?"

She offered her opinion, "Somehow I don't think they are as 'mercenary' as they would like you to believe."

I still felt a little faint. "I should get out of this heat," I said aloud.

"I do not know of what house that is supposedly smuggling the toxins," she continued, "There are many houses upset with the Marauders. Tell me, have you see any strange cargo transports land recently?"

"No," I replied, "but we could ask Consulari Jai Raghilda of the House Zenobia." Lynx might have seen something too, I thought. "The term Warmaster has come up in connection with the Marauders," I added.

Jup nodded, "Yes..Warmaster..somehow I feel that title will be put to the test..and soon."

"The Magistrate should be informed," I said, "if there is indeed a threat ...and not just empty words."

Jup tilted her head again, "Who is the head of House Zenobia?"

"The Consulari for this Diocese is Baronetess Jai Raghilda Lordhunter. The Noble Lord is Senenmut Flanagan, but he rarely travels."

"I don't travel much on the Al Raqi side," she announced, "I get unwelcome stares. It seems the Al Raqi natives don't like my 'kind' too well."

"It is a shame," I replied.

Jup put her finger to her muzzle. "shhhh... Shame is for the weak."

"I will send word to the Consulari on your behalf if you wish," I offered, "I must return to the embassy."

"I think I would enjoy meeting this Consulari," replied Jup, "I think we could have much to negotiate."

"Information is always a good commodity," I said in summary. "It was nice chatting to you again," I added with a smile. "Take care."

Jup moved close and inhaled deeply. I felt conscious of being warm blooded and possibly a lunch menu item. "The pleasure," she said, "is all mine."

I. Voices in the Dark

September 16 - Splintered Rock

It was night in the desert. Just before dawn.

My pace was measured as I slowly climbed the tall stone column. My mask catching the precious moisture from my breath.

Pausing at a small outcropping near the top, I placed my gloved hand against the surface of the stone and pushed. The boulder rolled away to firm pressure revealing a small cave.

I edged forward into the gloom, until, at the far end, I came to a steel ladder mounted on the rock. It led down into a narrow cavern. I descended carefully.

A figure stood waiting silently at the base of the ladder. My contact.

I removed my breather and sand goggles.

My contact remained robed and masked. This was a precaution, along with the remote meeting place, to protect my contact's identity from anyone who happened to see us together.

"Thank you for meeting me," I said sincerely.

"Your welcome," replied the voice.

"When I came across your file," I began, "I wasn't sure you would be interested in re-enlisting in any capacity."

"You have a point," said my contact, "but money's low and we gotta keep bread on the table."

"Of course," I replied. "I will see to it that you are reinstated but at the rank of 2nd Lieutenant."

My contact nodded.

I explained the mission. "Simply put...I need information."

My contact nodded again, "About what?"

"There are several factions and organizations operating in the area..."

"Yes," replied my contact, "I am aware."

"...and any information will be useful."

My contact nodded, "Sure thing. I've got lots of info.."

There was more.

"And I need someone protected," I continued.

"Who do you need protected?"

"Natasha Ivanova," I answered, "Captain of the Milaya Moya." Formerly known as Svetlana Pleides.

"Ahh, I see. A ship..sounds like a light freighter..."

"Yes," I replied, "she is freelance transport."

"Alrighty."

I frowned slightly, "My concern is that if she comes across William Faith on her travels that she will take the law into her own hands.... again."

"A bad ex?" asked my contact.

I chuckled, "No, a war criminal. He is the Alliance commander that destroyed Shadow. Natasha is a survivor."

And Faith might have information on who ordered the bombing of Aberdeen.

We spoke briefly about Shadow. Then the conversation turned to current concerns.

"Let's talk about Al Raqis," I suggested, "What can you tell me about the Marauders?"

My contact began, "The Marauders, originally, were a group of scientists and researchers. When they came under attack, they fled to the caves under Khayal Alramady where they remained for 60 years. In that time, they changed..."

"Changed?"

"Yes," replied my contact, "Got all crazy-like, made an entire caste system. The disguise they wore became necessity. They are hell bent on killing each and every offworlder they see."

"And they were scientists from where?" I inquired.

"Haven't uncovered that yet. Still researching it."

"How big are they?" I asked, "Boots on the ground..."

"Army size? I can't say," answered my contact, "They could be a few dozen or a few thousand."

"Any information on personalities?" I asked, "who might be involved..."

"We actually just recently got the very first ever recorded picture of a Warmaster..."

"You have a picture?" I interrupted.

"Yes."

"Did you bring it with you?"

"Yes," replied my contact, "an image from the thermal cam we sent in. The caves are ink black."

She transmitted the photograph. It showed a tall figure in a powersuit of some kind. Heavily armed. Identity obscured by his or her helmet.

My contact continued talking. "We know the leader is called Chieftan Rasvant. We ran records of missing people from about 60 years ago with the last name Rasvant, and came up with the name of a small child."

"Who is we?" I asked.

"My contacts in Khayal Alramady."

I nodded. It was a good enough answer.

My contact continued, "The name of the chieftain, if we are not mistaken, is Nikolai Rasvant...."

"Good," I acknowledged.

"...however, you are going to have a damn good time finding any records on him at all."

"That's okay," I replied, "I will leave that to you and your contacts."

There was more I wanted to ask but the Sun would be up by now and that increased the chances of detection.

"You had better be getting back," I said, "before you are missed." I would stay in the cave a while so we would not risk being seen leaving at the same time, even from a distance.

My contact nodded. "Farewell."

"Stay safe Lieutenant," I called to the figure retreating into the shadows.

The lieutenant replied, "Will do."

Inside the Directorate

August 18 - Al Raqis

Radar. Surface to air defenses. Barbed wire. An entrance to a bunker that no doubt could withstand quite the bombardment.

While they maintained offices and residences in Al Raqis, the United Systems Directorate had their secure compound at the edge of the desert near Splintered Rock. It was here that I had come to meet Lieutenant Colonel John Collins.

A meet and greet. A fact finding mission. Paving the way for possible cooperation between our two organizations.

-----

"Lt. Colonel Collins? My name is Major Siamendes of the Union of Allied Planets. I have been in correspondence with CI5.... they gave me your name as contact here on Al Raqis."

Lieutenant Colonel John Collins was a military man. Dressed in desert tan. Imposing stature. A red lens in place over his left eye.

"Ah yes," he answered, "I got your message. I also talked to one of your staff members."

"Captain Westminster?" I asked.

"Well," he replied, "if she was one of the Medical Corps that was examining the bodies, then yes."

"Yes, a fine officer."

Lt. Colonel Collins opened the gate.

"Thank you," I said as I entered the compound, "Is there somewhere we can talk?"

Somewhere out of the Sun.

"Yes," replied the Lt. Colonel, "Inside, Major, please follow me."

-----

"A fine base you have here Colonel," I remarked.

We entered the main doors and turned to the right.

We came to a second door.

Lt. Colonel Collins spoke. "Major, I am afraid I have to ask you for your weapon. Protocol says that non USD personnel has to give up their arms upon entering the base."

"Of course," I replied and unbuckled my sidearm.

"You will get the weapon back after we are done," he added. "Thank you."

-----

The command and control room was bustling with activity.

One of Collins' men, seated at a console, shook his head at the screen, "Oh, not freaking good."

A woman standing at a map board turned around. "Oh, hello," she said pleasantly.

I removed my sand goggles and mask, then nodded in reply.

"This is our Command Central," explained the Lieutenant Colonel, "from here, we can control the whole area." He looked at his man at the console. "What is it?" he asked.

The man sighed, "Been watching weather patterns out in the sand. We got a storm blowing into the deep. My bird won't be able to make it out there for a mining run."

Lt. Colonel Collins replied, "That is unfortunate, you can stay here for the duration of the storm."

"And it is from here," I asked, "that you picked up the unusual activity from the Guild Heighliner?"

"Well, you have to specify," replied the Lieutenant Colonel, "What is unusual to you?"

I elaborated, "Some time ago, our long range scans detected something emanating from the Heighliner. It was then that I contacted your CI5. Since then I have done some recon of my own...."

I produced one image from my recent reconnaissance.

"Hmm......." he replied as he looked at the photo.

"Some sort of spacial distortion," I said, "We were, of course, aware of your monitoring station in this area...as I am sure you are aware of our own activities," I added graciously.

That was the dance. Admit you both know everything. Even if we had to quickstep around the secrets, it gave us permission to speak.

"Yes, your activities are known to me as well as high command," the Lieutenant Colonel responded in kind.

"I am suggesting we might wish to share information, as it becomes available."

"Well, let's head to my office," he replied, "there we can discuss this matter more privately."

"Certainly."

The sand miner took a stylus out of an arm pocket, unfolded a data slate, and walked over to the big map.

-----

"Well, Major, what do you think this anomaly was or is?" Lt. Colonel Collins paused. "Oh and I do hope my images that I hung on my walls are not offending you."

He was referring to three pictures on his office walls showing women in various states of being out of uniform.

I dismissed the matter. "I've been a soldier from many years now," I answered.

I returned to the topic at hand.

"As for the distortion," I continued, "I am no scientist....you can see from the image that it appears that the light is bending within the cone itself."

"Yes," answered the Lieutenant Colonel, "but I think your military researchers certainly had a look into this, didn't they?"

I did not answer directly. "I am involved as part of a criminal investigation," I explained.

Lt. Colonel Collins composed his answer, "Okay Major, what you see on this image is, in fact, a wormhole of some kind. If the data is correct, then this wormhole was created by the ship to have a smaller ship travel to a certain point in the galaxy, at least that is what we can tell from the gathered data. How does that wormhole phenomenon fit into your criminal investigation?"

I frowned, turning the information over and over. "It doesn't seem to directly, I will admit. The owner of that ship was, however, involved in the transportation of stolen antiquities and, as likely, illegal biological material."

"What kind of antiquities and what kind of biological material?" he asked, "I can only act if there is a direct threat to this or any other facility of the USD on this planet."

"I am not suggesting any action beyond your mandate," I assured him, "The antiquities have been recovered in fact. I would like to suggest however that we establish a mechanism, as it were, to share any further information in the event that our interests coincide.... For example, I have noticed some of your posters have been marked by a red hand print. I can have my team make inquiries."

"Ah the Marauders," he remarked, "No idea how they fit into the picture." He paused. "Okay Major, but maybe you start to tell me the full story, because I can't figure this one out. From what I know, one of your researchers gets killed shortly after someone obliterates Shadow from orbit, because of some suspects that escaped from a show trial. I also want to add that I was on Shadow at the time when the bombs fell."

"Shadow," I repeated. "I am investigating the war crimes that took place there. Perhaps you would be available to make a statement... at another time of course."

"I did," he answered, "the whole USD did. They condemned the actions that happened on Shadow."

I nodded. I had seen the public statements made by the USD.

"We currently have an arrest warrant out for Commander William T. Faith," I said, "the man responsible for the bombardment of Shadow.

"Any picture of him? Maybe he came through here."

"A picture? Indeed." I began to search for a picture of William. "The two people who you referred to as having escaped from a show trial have had a Stay of Execution of Judgment issued in their favour."

"Capital punishment is a regular thing in the UAP, correct?" he asked.

"It depends on the jurisdiction," I admitted.

"So is there a connection between this escape, the Shadow bombings, the death of that researcher and the activity at the Heighliner?"

"The Heighliner activity is unrelated," I explained. "Here is a photo." I offered him the picture of Faith as he left Persephone on his way to Al Raqis.

"Not much to see there," he remarked.

"Commander Faith of Faith Industries," I stated, "They had a presence here on Al Raqis until recently."

He made a noise, "Hurm..."

Looking up from the picture he continued. "So, the Heighliner thing is completely unrelated to the Wirefly case?"

"You are well informed," I granted. There had been only one reference to the murder in a very small article in the Cortex News. I brought him up to date. "The Wirefly case is now closed."

My communicator began to beep softly. "Colonel ... you will have to excuse me."

We both stood up.

"Very well Major, I'll escort you topsides and give you back your weapon."

"Thank you," I replied.

-----

As we passed through the base, we kept talking.

"If my teams turns up anything on the Marauders," I added, "I will have you informed..."

"Yeah," replied the Lieutenant Colonel, "they are my current headache." He handed me my sidearm as we arrived at the door, "Here Major."

"Likewise," I continued as I took my weapon, "I would appreciate if you hear anything of William Faith ...or notice anything further in regards to the Heighliner."

"I will," he promised.

"Thank you for your time," I said politely.

"No problem Major," he replied.

-----

[Pepper's early correspondence with the USD]

http://siamendes.blogspot.com/2010/05/safety-of-people.html

[The reconnaissance picture Pepper shows Collins]

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eerIoKNwofoGUPO5j8jZGVkmAU8BAwLjiz_EzoyUqUWHi0qaV_cxOOj053zHNmh_cKDP5a3GKeA7rzFrb8JJSWbtHMaLgwesbZ5QsAEbG5s_UlQJB-MKIeq2tat3xGp9LxXzBTIUUPE/s1600/reconn9.png

[USD Public Statement concerning Shadow]

http://cortexnewsservice.com/2010/01/02/united-systems-directorate-condemns-alliance-actions-on-shadow.aspx

[Photo of William Faith leaving Persephone]

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uBMYYPF7rgUdAC2UXKmNzZ6I2EDT2vP9J1GXVe0Hq9ZSZtkW69MMS0h3kaSpq8rOBygworb-XVSw7OkMnYe-6sIZbz8HaW6PARps2wmtKhVvKRZ6FkPqDb5KKkj8x3d_G8pHlqxYEdc/s1600-h/Cmndr+Faith+leaving+the+rim+for+Persephon.jpg

Red Hands

August 16 - Splintered Rock, Al Raqis

It was large and well executed.

A large red hand facing the Splintered Rock landing pad. It was as though a giant had dipped his hand into red paint, one presumes, and placed it against the wall. The effect would have been the same.

-----

On the other side of the market a smaller hand print, normal human size, disgraced a poster outside the offices of the United Systems Directorate.

It was more effective I thought that the imposing giant hand near the spaceport. It was as if the artist was placing his hand over the USD trooper's face and pushing it away. Very clever.

A tall figure walked up beside me. "The next one over has a notecard," he said.

The stranger was in a worn, yellow powersuit. His face hidden beneath his helmet.

He handed me a pamphlet entitled, "Call to arms!"

"Thank you," I replied. Politely, I took the document and began to read.

"My people... Sons and Daughters of The Marauders. This much I vow: The history of these days will be written in blood. By crushing the armies of our enemy, by seizing the weapons they thought to turn against us, we were fighting for our very existence. But if there are those who would deny us peace; refuse us our rightful place in the universe, then we will unleash such terrible vengeance that generations yet unborn will cry out in anguish!"


"Mauraders?" I asked.

"Damn rebels, yep," replied the man. Distancing himself from the group.

I continued to read the pamphlet.

"....The enemy may shatter our bodies, but they cannot break our spirit. Even now they advance on our home, to seize by force what they cannot claim by right. They cannot imagine what awaits them. WE WILL SMITE THE INVADERS FROM OUR SKIES! Though they sweep over our lands like the sands of winter, never again will we bow before them; never again endure their oppression; never again endure their tyranny. We will strike without warning and without mercy, fighting as one hand, one heart, one soul. We will shatter their dreams and haunt their nightmares, drenching our ancestors' graves with their blood. And as our last breath tears at their lungs; as we rise again from the ruins of our cities..."

"So who are these 'Marauders'?" I asked.

"No one really knows," he replied, "I can't even tell you if they are real or not."

I nodded.

"Seem pretty legit to me," he added.

"I don't recognize your uniform," I observed, "Are you with the USD?"

"Nope, I'm just a spacer."

He removed his helmet revealing a rugged, handsome face. Tanned, attractive features.

"Independent?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Trader or merc?"

"Used to be merc," he replied, "I've left that life behind."

I nodded again. "I'm Major Siamendes with the UAP. Security Consultant to House Zenobia."

"That bloody handprint has been popping up all over the place," remarked the man.

"Yes," I interjected, "I saw it on the landing pad."

"...I'm starting to think maybe they are real."

"Your name?" I asked.

"Name's Parker."

"Hello Parker," I replied. "Are these prints targeting only USD points or are they throughout the settlement?"

Parker did not reply immediately. Perhaps it was the appearance of the tall, yellow rabbit woman striding across the marketplace.

"Hello Jup," I called to her, "I see you have your harvesting tools, and are you adjusting to the heat?"

With her characteristic piercing stare, she replied. "Yesss..you could say..there is no rest for the wicked."

I smiled at her little joke. I was aware of her preference for blood drinking.

She grinned, "I must be off... The worms call me."

"Good bye Jup," I said as she padded off towards the desert.

Once Jup was some distance away, Parker resumed his story.

"So, from what I've been able to piece together, the Marauders seem to have two main figures, as they are most often mentioned: a Chieftain Rasvant and The Warmaster."

I listened carefully.

He continued. "The Warmaster is mentioned in another poster up town and Rasvant plays messages over the Al Raqis comm, usually after he burns down food supplies, or sabotages something."

"Oh?" I said, "So a propaganda campaign too... and no clue as to identity."

"Nope, just Rasvant and Warmaster."

"Can you show me the other poster mentioning the Warmaster?" I asked.

Parker put his helmet back on and turned towards the settlement proper. We stopped first outside the medical centre. A second USD poster had been defaced with the same red mark.

From there, Parker led the way to House Velas. On the wall closest to the warehouse another red hand. This one almost as large as the print near the landing pad.

"That is a big hand," I remarked as we stood examining the image.

"Could be a painting," said Parker, "Who knows?"

"One would hope..." I said absently.

"I also heard the USD base came under attack a few nights ago."

"Hmm," I replied.

Above the print floated illuminated text:

THE WARMASTER NEEDS YOU!
RISE UP AND DRIVE AWAY THE OUTLANDERS!

"The Warmaster," Parker indicated, "Outlanders....that some kinda slang for offworlders?"

"Sounds like it," I agreed.

"One last thing maybe you could look into," suggested Parker, "No one who's gone into Khayal Alramady this month has been seen or heard from. It's like they walked over the edge into nothing."

"That is the nearby city across the desert," I said.

"Yeah."

"And do these prints appear there too?" I asked.

"Yes."

"This has been useful... thank you Parker."

"No problem Ma'am."

"Where are you from originally?" I asked.

"New Folsom."

"When did you arrive on Al Raqis?"

"Few years ago," he replied. "Been out on the fringes..."

"I don't remember seeing these signs last year...." I mused out loud.

"...Got some relatives that live out way past the safe zones," he added.

There had been various native groups in the past that had protested or even took action against 'offworlders'. But this was new.

"Well, thank you for your time, Parker."

"No problem Ma'am."