Setbacks (Part Three)

Jan 10 - Al Raqis

The Sun had risen by the time I left the holding area where they were keeping BriAria. I wandered through the streets of Al Raqis. Passing a small bakery, I honestly couldn't remember the last time I had eaten.

Sweet bread, fresh and warm from the oven. A jam made from red little berries with a sweet refreshing juice and a pleasant lemony after taste. All washed down with spiced coffee.

Fortified, I stepped out into the street just as Brooke and Dex passed by. Brooke was depositing small pouches of raw spice into a nearby hopper. Dex was window shopping.

"Well...." I smiled.

Brooke gave a little laugh. "Fancy seeing you here..."

"Hmm," added Dex, "I was about to say..."

"I was just visiting a prisoner," I replied, "It seems that's my life these days."

Dex raised an eyebrow and Brooke asked, "Who were you visiting?"

I brushed off the question. "I can tell you later. This is a dangerous place for you to be." I looked at Dex.

Brooke smiled, "Perhaps .... Faiths run things around here. But, I don't think it should be a problem..." She then gave a nod. "I have much to tell you, there a place around her we can get a cool drink?"

"Well," I answered, "My place is a bit far to walk without hydrosuits."

"You have a place here?" Brooke sounded surprised.

"Out in the desert, but for all I know the sand has taken it back." I had been away so long it seemed.

Brooke nodded, "I heard there was a Companion house around here somewhere. They would most likely have a good place to rest. Do you know of a good place Dex?"

"The Oasis is nearby," he answered.

"Lead on," I said.

-----

The Oasis was a cute little tavern in an ideal spot near the courthouse. This place was probably hopping with paralegals over the lunch hour. It was deserted this time of the day.

Brooke looked and apparently satisfied that we were alone began, "We have much to discuss. I take it you heard about the incident last night?"

"Bri tried to stab the Faith Senior," I said.

"Well... she did succeed in poisioning him," she sighed.

"Poison was it? Why did I think knife?" I mused.

"Bri has... problems relating to her family," explained Dex, "At least she didn't try to steal my sidearm to do it this time."

"Well," said Brooke, "I think it's that the Faiths are not her family. From what I know, Faith Senior had an affair with her mother, which is how William was born."

I saw a figure pass by the window of the tavern and without a word to Brooke or Dex I slipped out into the street. A woman walked away wearing the robes of a desert traveller.

I returned to the tavern.

Brooke Rhea looked over at Dex and took his hand. "Your wife betraying you wasn't your fault...and I won't do that to you. I swear that to you." She shook her head. "I'm not her..."

Noticing me, Brooke gave a little cough and said "As I said, we have much to discuss."

I resumed my place standing near the bar, but kept one eye to the window.

Bri apparently poisoned him," she continued "I'm still trying to find her legal counsel. They won't let me see her. Apparently Brazen has been telling the magistrate I plan to break her out of jail."

"Brazen," I continued, "I thought she was a friend of yours.

Dex snorted. "Like a rattlesnake. "

"Did you work for her Dex?"

"Not I," he replied "I met her once in Prosperity."

"Cursa did but after the attack on Shadow she fired him," Brooke laughed. "And she's anything but a friend. She hates me."

"Well, Bri will need a lawyer," I stated.

Dex looked glum. "I can't help but think the verdict has already been reached."

"Do you know of anyone?" Brooke asked.

"Not out here.... they don't recognize my credentials, but maybe she can get help through a consulate."

"Oh, better and better..." grumbled Dex.

"All I know is I can't touch it," said Brooke."The magistrate believes I'm here to damage her precious land or make trouble."

"I imagine all the barristers out here are in the Magistrate's pocket, and are beholden to the Houses," said Dex.

Brooke nodded. "I have to agree."

"Then maybe one of the Houses then," I suggested. "Use local politics to your advantage."

"If you can find one that's at odds with House Faith and House Bondar," Dex remarked.

"Who else do you know here?" I asked.

"I have made the acquaintance to Lady Reiko," he replied,"but she hates off-worlders with a passion."

Brooke interjected, "I do know one girl, she's a servant and works in the mines, but very sweet."

"Oh?"

"She has given me water and spice." She then bit her lip. "But, I don't think she would have much power either ..."

I whispered "She gave you spice?"

"And... water?" added Dex.

I continued in a quiet voice, "That could get her flogged if I understand the way things work around here. Who is she a servant for? which House?"

"I'm not sure," answered Brooke, "But I met her not too long ago. Her family is apparently paid back home. But I don't know if that is true." She sighed. "Either way, she doesn't have the means to help in this."

"No, but at this point you have to explore all options," I said abstractly.

I soften. "So...twins." I smiled.

Brooke beamed. "Twins. Kiah and Calius."

"Kiah and Calius," I repeated, smiling broadly.

Brooke nodded. "They are with a Companion at the moment. They are apparently trained to do child rearing as well." She laughed slightly.

Dex managed a smile in spite of the cloud of gloom he's sitting under.

"Was it an easy delivery?" I asked.

Brooke laughed, "I have nothing to compare it to, but it hurt worse than the time I got stuck in that airspace upside down."

I laughed with her. "How much did they weigh? Oh, listen to me..." I chuckled. Auntie Pepper.

Dex interrupted "Tell me... Why is it dangerous for us to be here? You gave me such a look..."

Brooke and I ignored him for the moment, enjoying our little piece of the way things should be. Brooke smiled "They were about 6 pounds each...Uhm... Kiah was 5.9 and Calius 6.2"

"Aww, baby pictures next time," I insisted with a smile.

I turned to face to Dex, "Well, just being on the same world as William is enough..and you said yourself that justice may be lacking here too."

"He could have taken his shot earlier, but didn't." he countered.

"And why do you think that is Dex?" I asked.

Brooke bit her lip. "That's another thing, Pepper ... I saw Tee ... two days ago.." She looked down. "He's ... not doing well."

"What do you mean?"

"He fainted while I was there..." She sighed. "Willie begged me to come. I ... I ... he's a shell of a man..."

I frowned, "Don't be fooled by him Brooke."

"I'm not fooled Pepper ... he couldn't have faked what I saw ...." She then shook her head. "He needs help.... not to be executed..."

I said nothing. Dex went all stone faced.

"And what kind of help does he need?" I asked carefully, not liking where this was going at all.

"Rehabilitation... He needs someone to make him less sick ... He needs help for all the horror he's seen.." She sighed. "Pepper ... don't keep up this investigation..."

My eyes grew wide.

Dex looked at Brooke, aghast.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was stunned, fearful for her safety, and horrified as I felt her support slipping away. Where was the woman that asked me to 'keep them from destroying the rest of us'?

But deep down inside, in that dark place that doesn't care, a whisper: Too late, I have his scent.

"It's a ploy to get your children, Brooke," was all I said.

"I wouldn't let him have them...." she declared.

"What I want to know is," pressed Dex,"What the deal with Old Man Faith and his penchant for kidnapping... a hobby he appears to have passed on to his son."

"What can you tell me about the old man?" I asked. Babies behind us. Business again.

"Just that he appears to have taken BriAria's son," continued Dex. "At least that's what she was going on about a few nights ago."

"Her son?" I asked.

Dex nodded. "That's what I said. Granted Bri is a bit... off kilter."

Brooke looked at Dex. "I didn't hear about this...."

Dex continued, "That night at the shindig when Brazen was allegedly trying to stop her from murdering the old guy on the spot."

"well don't be fooled by him Brooke...by William I mean."

Dex cursed the whole Faith family.

"He'll have his chance to make his case before a Military Tribunal," I said firmly.

"Assuming you can get him off this rock," added Dex.

"Yes," I replied.

That, of course, was the sticking point.

Setbacks (Part Two)

Jan. 10 - Al Raqis

Under escort, I approached the cell where BriAria was being held, when Ardra initiated contact. I was signaled on my Cortex by the receipt of a quantity of water.

"The Faiths made their guest list poorly," she began out of nowhere.

I swear, sometimes it was like talking to the Oracle of Delphi.

"Indeed," I acknowledged, signaling the guard to wait a moment.

"Did you get the seismic data I requested?" she asked.

I had not.

She continued regardless. "There has been a development with the Synthcat."

"Go on," I said.

"It would appear that the program is operating within the Synthcat and is capable of communicating."

"In general?" I asked.

"With her and in certain cases with me."

Uh oh, I thought. Ardra with a pipeline to the Deputy. Then again, they could simply drive each other mad.

"What could it mean?" I prompted.

"It means that I am going to keep the program inside the Synthcat for the time being."

I saw that coming. "Okay," I said.

"I am fair-minded," she declared, "I will find some other equitable exchange for the reliques. The unencrypted database on the computer CATZ smuggled off Zenobia would be sufficient. I don't think the Turing Replicant has decrypted it yet. But......would not the property manager be willing to give it to me?

Wait, I thought. The Trade Association was behind that theft? Or is this another of Ardra's tricks to cause instability back home, like the theft and sale of the relics of themselves?

"What enhancement or inducement can you add?" she asked.

My mind raced through the possibilities, the implications. And Krenshar, 'the Turing Replicant' as she calls him, was decrypting the stolen database?

"Name your price," I said finally.

But by then, I was talking to dead air.

-----

The holding cell where they kept BriAria was a plain affair. No doubt it was a temporary holding facility and they would transfer her later as her trial date grew closer.

Influential friends or not, it spoke to the graciousness of the Magistrate Joan Al Jofar that I was permitted to see her at all.

"Hello BriAria," I began, "My name is Pepper Siamendes. I am a Major with the Alliance Military, Special Investigations Unit."

BriAria Mirajkar reclined on the primitive bunk. She looked down at her cigarette and then up at me.

"It seems you have gotten yourself into some trouble," I added.

She laughed a little, "Just a bit."

I asked her if her UAP citizenship would afford her any protection at all in her current situation.

She looked down. "Well, that may be a problem as I have just been excommunicated from the Companion's guild, and Varahi had all my citizenship papers."

"Excommunicated," I repeated.

She nodded and took a drag on her smoke.

"A good lawyer should be able to get copies issued. Tell me what happened."

BriAria exhaled, "Have you spoken with Cursa?"

"Cursa? the Shepherd?" I asked.

Things fell into place.

"Ah....." I said.

BriAria nodded. "He is my confessor, although I'm not much for prayers." She sat up and snubbed out her cigarette. "what do you need to know?" she asked.

"Tell me what happened on Shadow. You apprehended Mikie Rhiadra."

"Ah... that. Yes, well....." She cleared her throat, stood up and lit another cigarette from the table.

"Yes, on whose orders?"

BriAria scratched her head, "Well, that gets a little tricky.... I'm not really good at taking orders, but who arranged the pickup, is that what you need to know?"

"I would like to know who was in charge. who told you to take Mikie Rhiadra?"

She squinted a little. "And what's in it for me?"

"Okay," I explained flatly, "I'm not here to bargain. Your brother... half brother ... was her control."

She winced, "So he....."

"Tell me about your brother."

"He was using Mikie. gho suh. I didn't know.... I know he's in deep with you," she scowled, "But he didn't hire me."

I cursed inwardly. That would have simplified things.

"I see. What can you tell me about his activities?"

BriAria chuckled a little, bitterly,"You know, why is it nobody's looking at the old man's activities? If Tee's not doing what he's doing for you, for the Alliance.... it has something to do with Sedrick."

She spat out the name.

"Then let's start there," I suggested. I needed to get her talking, then the information would flow of it's own accord.

BriAria waved her hand in the air,"They're all....in the bosom and that shing den ma.... pardon my Chinese."

"Okay... but that doesn't help me stop them." I needed hard facts.

BriAria took a few thoughtful drags on her cigarette. "Tell you what," she began, "You know a fella named Ruzhyo?"

"No."

"I think he's some hot shot colonel now or something." she added.

She gave me a steely look."Well, he killed my mother, and I've seen him in Ascot's company... I know there's a connection there."

"Okay. Was the murder proven?"

BriAria laughed bitterly,"Of course not." She enunciated the words, "Casualty of War."

"Where did the murder take place?"

"My family's homestead, which you lot conveniently bombed in a training exercise late in the war. Not likely to find much evidence."

I thought for a moment. "Any survivors?"

"I was told there were none." A sad look came into her eyes.

"Okay," I said, "One step at a time."

BriAria tapped her cigarette over the basin, waiting.

"You are in jail for attempted murder I understand."

She nodded.

"Have you seen your lawyer?"

"Not yet," she replied "They keep promising."

"And they don't recognize my rank here on Al Raqis."

She nodded again.

"Your brother is guilty of murder... perhaps more and you are saying that his father is also implicated."

"Yeah, we're just a bloodthirsty family, ain't we?" she asked rhetorically.

"We need to keep you alive."

"Yes, I'm on board with that."

"Is the Magistrate honest?" I asked.

"As far as I know... tough though." She rubbed her bruised arm. "Guards too."

"Yes," I acknowledged dryly, "When is the trail?"

"Wednesday, I've been told. They may or may not give me food before then."

I frowned.

"s'okay though," she continued, "They keep me in smokes, curbs the hunger."

I pulled out a flask of water and passed it to her surreptitiously. The guards had search me for weapons but left my water bottle alone. After all, who in their right mind would give water to the damned?

"So what did Cursa say?" I asked.

BriAria took the flask gratefully, and stashed it in the corner of the cell behind a loose rock.

"There are some weapons in the warehouse of Faith Industries. What can you tell me about them?"

She shrugged, "I'm not exactly in the confidence of my brother anymore. Even less than I thought it seems. I'm no help to you there."

"Anything else about the operation on Shadow that you can tell me?"

BriAria paused, "There's another old man.... Wirefly.... had high Alliance connections.... I hear he's gone into hiding though."

"Yes, I believe he is related to the judge."

BriAria sighed "well, he's the one who hired me...so make of that what you will."

"He was the one that instructed you to take Mikie?" I clarified.

"Yes." She smiled crookedly, "You're not gonna make me testify to that are you?"

I shrugged. "I have enough hostile witnesses.." I left unsaid the part about her being on trail for attempted murder.

"If you can think of any information about your brother's activities, details that I can use in court, send me word."

She nodded, pondering. "You're not going to... he's not.... anything he might have done...... it wasn't him."

"Ah I see ... you are sympathetic towards him."

That would not help in the long run.

She blushed and looked down, eyes puzzled. "Maybe."

"Then information about Faith Industries...."

"I'm mad as hell at him, but he's my brother," she explained.

"...about Sedrick's activities." I fished for a place we could cooperate from.

"Yeah, okay... no fondness there," she agreed.

"Proof I can use."

BriAria nodded and took a drag from her cigarette

"Why do you think Cursa thought we should meet?" I asked.

"Well he knows me.... he knows you.... maybe he figures we have some common interest in all this."

Perhaps, I thought.

"If you don't get your lawyer, ask to speak with an ambassador." I thought for a moment. "Jai Raghilda is the Trade Delegate for Zenobia. She might be able to help."

"Oh?"

"Demand to have representation," I insisted. "And failing that find out what your options are according to ancient custom."

She nodded.

"I should go. Send word if you have anything."

She nodded again.

I paused.

"And be brave."

"Of course," she replied and then with a laugh added, "Well...I try."

Setbacks (Part One)

Jan. 10

My mysterious informant made contact again. For purposes of reference I named him 'Budweiser' after the crates of contraband at the old smuggler's site.

Budweiser: **coded message** "Examine the evidence file with image. You should now have no trouble finding BriAria Mirajkar - she is in prison on Al Raqis for the attempted murder of Sedrick Ascot Faith."

The attached file read:

"This image was taken in the Faith Industries warehouse on Al Raqis by William Faith.

"The two persons in the image are young refugees who entered the warehouse without invitation and who report being challenged by Faith as they reacted to the discovery of the multiple independent-warhead re-entry vehicle (MIRV) shown.

"Faith reportedly commanded them to pose for the image and then gave it to the male juvenile. Given his known patterns of behavior, there is a strong possibility he has now targeted these two individuals as 'Rim rats', targets for pursuit, torment, and eventual destruction.

"Both refugees report large stocks of offensive military hardware present in the warehouse."

-----

I examined the photograph and cursed inwardly.

"These young people," I asked. "Where are they now?"

Budweiser replied, "I will not give them to you until I see how you handle Mirajkar, but they need protection."

"The young man is named Lynx," I began.

"Then you know where to look already."

"Stop the nonsense," I hollered, "He is one of mine."

Not exactly on the payroll but I felt responsible. I had encouraged him to poke around, and even suggested to one of my staff that he might be useful as another set of eyes.

"You have no qualms about using them that young?" asked Budweiser.

"Save the preaching for later," I commanded, "Is the boy safe?"

"For now," answered my informant. "He and the girl were transported off Al Raqis and appear to have no tracking devices on them - if Faith can track the image, then your search may be simplified."

"What is the name of the girl?" I asked.

"Ask the boy. Get Mirajkar's statement before she is beyond access."

"Who transported the youth off world?" I demanded.

"Good Samaritans."

I fumed. "See that they are kept safe."

"That is not in my power," replied Budweiser, "Neutralize Faith and they will be safe."

-----

Jan. 10 - Al Raqis

I landed on the Splintered Rock landing pad and crossed the desert by foot as is my habit. It was night.

My objective was the residence of Joan Al Jofar. If I was to see BriAria Mirajkar, I had to first meet with the Magistrate of Al Raqis. I called ahead. She offered to grant me a few moments from her busy schedule.

I passed through the settlement and up the winding path. A narrow bridge led to her Keep. I approached the heavy wooden door and there removed my sand goggles and mask.

The door swung open with a creak. The vast stone chamber lay before me. Vaulted ceiling designed to make one feel small. Ancient tapestries declaring wealth and tradition. A forest of stone pillars.

It reminded me of my homeworld.

I crossed the floor of the great hall and stood in the doorway of the small chamber, politely waiting while at the same time evaluating the scene before me. The Magitrate sat a low round table with three other people. Lady Bondar, Commander Faith and a third woman I had never met.

"Greetings," I said respectfully.

The ladies returned my greeting. The Magistrate herself standing to meet me. Commander Faith simply nodded.

"Magistrate, Madam Bondar, Commander..." I acknowledged each of them, nodding to the third lady that remained unintroduced.

"Please," began the Magistrate, "Let us meet in the hall."

I stepped out into the Grand Hall joining the Magistrate. We stood close to the small chamber. It was the illusion of privacy.

"Thank you for meeting with me Magistrate," I began.

"How can I help you today?" she asked.

"I would like to see one of your prisoners," I replied.

Our proximity to the small chamber also permitted me to overhear the chatter of the occupants.

"You really do attract a crowd," remarked Lady Bondar.

Commander Faith whistled an old tune.

In the Hall, the Magistrate asked me, "Which one? I have many. Have many prisoners that is."

"BriaAria Mirajkar," I said.

"Ahh. That one."

"She was present for the arrest of a woman convicted of detonating a nuclear device on one of our worlds," I explained.

In the small chamber, Commander Faith commented, "Hmm, the psycho sister has a groupie."

I continued, "I have some questions for her."

The Magistrate expressed her concerns, "She is in solitary confinement at the moment. I have heard that her friends are planning the 'rescue her.' That doesn't happen in my jurisdiction."

Meanwhile, Lady Bondar asked Commander Faith, "Can you influence Bri in any way or has she just lost her mind?"

"I am not sure that I can." he replied.

The third woman corrected him, "Certainly you can. She hates you...so suggest the opposite of what you want her to do."

I pleaded my case to the Magistrate. "I am in law enforcement myself as I believe you know."

"I'm sorry," she replied "But I will have to refuse your request. Only her lawyer may see her. Unfortunately, you are not law enforcement here."

She was more than correct. I had no rank on this world. The UAP had no extradition treaties in place. We were not co-signers to their Great Convention.

I could hear Commander Faith laugh. He obviously came to the same conclusion. "Father has chosen well," he murmured.

I continued, "I am with the Special Investigations Unit of the Alliance Military... you may assign a squad of guards to watch me if you feel I will abuse your laws but surely you only need my word. I am only here to question her... not to facilitate an escape."

In the small chamber, Lady Bondar addressed the Commander, "Faith..you know perhaps if your father would meet with her,give her a chance to air out that hurt with protection , of course, that might go a long way."

"I don't think she wants to meet with my Father," answered William, "He was not all the way nice to Bri last night."

"For us, this would be a family matter," interjected the third woman, "Slice her throat...no more problem."

Lady Bondar chuckled. "Well, I think the Magistrate would not like that."

"Some Ginsu action," Faith said with a smile.

A bloodthirsty bunch it seemed.

In the Great Hall, the Magistrate looked me up and down, "I'm sorry, I also have reason to believe that there may be an attempt on her life. You may question her after she is convict... I mean the trial, you may speak to her after the trial. My guards will see you to the door. Thank you for your visit Major."

"Of course." So that was it then.

I lingered however. I wanted to hear as much as I could of what passed in the small chamber as I was in seeing BriAra.

As for Budweiser, I planned to put him through the nearest wall for sending me on this fruitless mission.

In the small chamber, Lady Bondar continued, "I asked Mr. Woodhen to get me the archive file on the death of your mother Commander Faith..I hope you won't mind."

"That is a sore subject," answered Faith.

"Yes I know..and I don't wish to dredge up more hard feelings but it seems to me every one needs some more facts about what happened. I mean...maybe Bri is carrying the hate and it is aimed at the wrong person, or..maybe she is right,and then...well...this is why I say perhaps your father should talk with her."

Lady Bondar, at least, seemed a reasonable woman.

In the Great Hall, the Magistrate paused as she received a message in her ear. She looked visibly upset.

I gave her a quick nod. Time to leave. Linger further and I would be outstaying my welcome.

"Well," I said in closing, "I would like to speak with her before her execution."

Lady Bondar overheard me and echoed, "Execution?"

Commander Faith remarked, "Father would like nothing more than to offer her water to Reiko."

"I will accept, of course," replied the third woman with a smile. Lady Reiko.

The message must have been important as the Magistrate turned and addressed me, "I see that you have influential friends. You may meet with the prisoner. But you will be thoroughly scanned before you meet and you will not be allowed any physical contact.

"Of course, I travel unarmed."

"I have a meeting to attend to." She motioned the guard to lead me out. I was dismissed.

Surprised at this turn of events, I left quickly before she could change her mind.

Made to Order

Jan. 8 - Hale's Moon, Wastelands

"Have you come to deliver further instructions?" it asked.

It was an abomination. The eyes an unholy red. The Dharma jumpsuit was in tatters revealing a metal exoskeleton underneath. The decaying grey skin of its face was a parody of Sheriff Gallagher Aeon.

I had returned to the wastelands of Hale's Moon to continue my search for Lily. Exploring the area outside of the smaller settlement, I was surveying the hills when this monstrosity approached me.

I did not recognize the unit, but it looked foreboding.

Nevertheless, I am never one to miss an opportunity, so I asked, "Do you have a report to make?"

"The other still lives," said the replicant, "My mission is not yet complete."

I nodded. Other. Possibly Gallagher himself. 'Still lives'. Sounds like we have a hunter killer here.

"I await information as to his whereabouts," it continued.

"What of the deputy? LilyBell," I asked.

"The other," it continued, "There can be only one. The other must be eliminated."

Okay, nothing there.

"Do you have any clue as to his whereabouts?"

"I was told to ask Ralph," it replied.

I nodded. It could be a reference to the planet Ralph, but I was not about to tell this killing machine.

"I have yet to locate the human," it added.

"Do you have anything else to report?" I inquired.

"No. Not yet."

I probed. "Where are you stationing yourself?"

"That information is highly classified."

"Of course," I said. It's always classified. "Have you made contact with the other at all?"

"The most recent information I have is from early December. He is in a coma."

I nodded trying not to show any sort of reaction. "How long have you been deployed then?"

"Three and 1/2 months."

"And did you conceal your insertion vehicle well?" I asked.

"It is buried in the desert."

"Show me," I said.

"Its location is classified."

What was I going to do with this thing?

"For security reasons, give me your full designation," I insisted.

"Classified."

"How can I deliver further instructions unless I am sure you have not been compromised?" I asked.

"I am unhackable," declared the replicant, "My mission is stored within the cloned human tissue in my positronic brain."

Okay, that was useful.

I took a shot in the dark.

"Oh?" I asked, "Are you that Blue Sun prototype I keep hearing about?"

"My production model is classified," it reported.

"I'm not asking for a model number..."

"All aspects are classified," it answered.

"Classified to what level?" I asked.

"If you were affiliated with this mission you would already have all this information," it replied.

Fine. Time to take a different approach.

"I am looking for the genetic construct," I said.

"Which one?," asked the machine. "There are alot these days."

"LilyBell Snoodle," I replied.

"Mindo's creation," it answered.

"That's classified," I answered with a smile.

"I have detailed information on LilyBell Snoodle," began the machine. "Her off button is on her left ankle...."

"Go on," I prompted.

The Gallagher drone noticed a sound and stopped speaking. A vehicle suddenly appeared from over the hills.

It was a mule driven by a replicant that I did not know. Her passenger, however, was someone I was acquainted with. It was Krenshar Magic.

The Gallagher drone spoke to be overheard, "...so the bishop said, never on a Tuesday."

Krenshar climbed out of the vehicle and rubbed his chin.

"Hello," said the Gallagher drone.

"Hello Mr. Krenshar," I said. I had wanted to meet with him but not like this.

"Hello," greeted the replicant pilot.

"What do we have going on here?" asked Krenshar.

"This officer is sharing information about human humor," answered the Gallagher drone. "Bahzinga."

"Okay," said Krenshar but he looked at me.

There I was on the wastelands of Hale's Moon surrounded by armed replicants, one of whom I had arrested, and all of whom the military I represented had made homeless. I had no choice but to use the most powerful weapon at my disposal.

I told the truth.

"Well, it appears to be a hunter killer of some kind. I can't deduce it's origin but it appears to be after the sheriff."

"There can be only one," intoned the drone.

"Yes," said Krenshar, "He is from the old wars. He has been here a while. You're not trying to influence him are you?"

The pilot interrupted, "Incoming Dark on radar."

"Mr. Krenshar," I asked, "is he a danger to Gallagher?"

The Gallagher drone answered Krenshar, "My mission is classified. She is not on the list."

A figure joined us. The pilot greeted him as 'Dark'.

"A danger to Gallagher, hmm," mused Krenshar.

"When he returns I will crush him," pronounced the Gallagher drone.

"I guess everyone is a danger if you think about it," answered Krenshar.

The pilot addressed Krenshar, "I think Gallagher needs new program. His one he has is too old."

I nodded towards the drone, "Well, 'crushing him' sounds bad."

The pilot thought I was suggesting the crushing the drone. "Naa, he is cool. No need him crash. Just fix."

"Well, everyone has a mission," answered Krenshar.

Krenshar grinned. "You both have a nice day." He added and he jumped back up into the mule.

"Mr. Krenshar..." I called out.

"Have a good time," the pilot called back as she followed him.

"I will make his head explode," declared the drone, "with knowledge......and C4."

I sighed.

"Jump Dark," coaxed the pilot.

Dark also climbed aboard the craft.

"Wanna guys take a ride?" the pilot asked.

To my surprise, the Gallagher drone hopped into the back of the mule. It laughed in a way that sounded unnatural to my ears .

"I training driving," boasted the pilot with a wide smile.

I called out again, "Mr. Krenshar... tell Lily that there is danger in the program she carries."

Krenshar said nothing.

The Gallagher drone, however, answered, "There is danger in every program she carries."

"Human going with us?" asked the replicant pilot. She turned to me, "Are you come with us?

Right. Like I'm going to 'go for a ride' with the Replicant Order after what we did to Caliban. I may be fearless, but I'm not stupid.

"I will return to my ship," I replied.

"Okay, have then a good safe travel," said the pilot.

I nodded. "Thank you."

The mule lifted up into the air and turned towards the main settlement and the Destiny refugee camp lying beyond.

"Keep tight guys," called the pilot, "Now I again will break walls!" And with that they sped away leaving me in the hills of Hale's Moon.

Snow in the Desert

Jan. 7 - Zenobia

I stood on the command deck of the Alliance Military Station high above my homeworld. The view was magnificent. The oceans were a serene blue. Clouds swirled across the atmosphere giving a marbling effect.

Some two billion people lived on the planet below pursuing their hopes and dreams.

Countless others passed through on business. Shepherds and scientists. Traders and thieves. And of course, military personnel.

I waited for one of them to arrive.

-----

"Lieutenant. Welcome to Zenobia"

Lieutenant Snow Weinfeld saluted smartly. She was dressed in her travelling clothes, a smart looking, slate grey business suit. She had taken civilian transport and she reported directly to me, rather than keep me waiting while she changed into her uniform.

"I trust your flight was good?" I added.

"Major Siamendes," She said with a nod. "Yes, ma'am. I found it restful. I'm glad that assignment is over, in all truthfulness."

"Well, I'm afraid I'm going to have to send you back in. Have you been formally debriefed on your previous assignment?"

She showed no emotion, just a nod. "Yes, ma'am. The target has been arrested, and the information I supplied seems to be in order." She ended with a polite smile

"Very good," I smiled, "Have you had luncheon?" I was certain she hadn't eaten.

She shook her head. "I'll be fine though, Major. I'm anxious to hear about my next assignment."

"Very well. I hope you like the heat... Faith Industries is located on the planet of Al Raqis. We would like you to infiltrate that organization..."

Lieutenant Weinfeld winched a little. "I've heard of the family. They own a great amount of investments in the Core as well as elsewhere."

"Indeed." A powerful family.

"I see. What is my cover?"

"You will pose as a secretary for that company," I explained.

She nodded and looked down at her suit. "I see. I believe I can handle that assignment."

"This will give you access to documents we may need to proceed with prosecution."

She raised an eyebrow. "May I ask what you believe they are doing that is illegal?"

"We have enough at this time to proceed with murder charges and attempted murder charges against the son, but we feel that there are bigger things here and we want an airtight case when it proceeds to court."

Snow Weinfeld gave a nod. "Who am I to report to?"

"Sedrick the father is currently looking for secretarial staff. The son I referred to is William. He has a sister BriAria. She has a different father I believe."

"Alright...How close are they? Is she useful for information? "

"I plan to interview her myself. I understand that they may be estranged. However, seize any opportunity you have to gain information."

The Lieutenant nodded. "I understand, Major. How long will my assignment last?"

"As long as it takes I am afraid. William Faith is a dangerous man. Move too soon without a solid case and our efforts can fail. Do not take unnecessary risks."

I paused and thought before making my next remark.

"There was a boy on Al Raqis when I was there last, hanging out near the Faith Industries warehouse. He called himself Lynx."

"A boy? Was he an employee?"

"No, just a boy looking for a place to sleep. If he is still there, maybe he can become an extra set of eyes, without you having to reveal your position. As for entry into the corporation, you will be provided with the usual background: years of experience in close to what they are looking for, but not too close."

"I understand. Glad I have the secretarial skills," she said with a little laugh and nods.

I smiled, "And you will report to me directly on this one."

She nodded. "I understand Major, and am excited to work with you.

"...It's a dangerous assignment, I will admit."

Snow gave a little smile. "That's the only thing that makes them worth while. I will look into what is going on. Am I to focus on the son or the father?"

"Stay close to the father," I instructed, "You will be his secretary. It will also be a safe place from which to observe the son."

She nodded. "I understand, and I will do so. Just hope he isn't the kind that likes his secretaries a little too much."

"I have no information on that I am afraid...one way or the other. There is a banquet coming up however in the father's honour."

She nodded.

"Take what you need from the quartermaster."

"I'm sure I'll have everything I need," she replied. She had done work like this before.

"Good. The file name for this one... Caligula. Do you have any questions?"

She gave a little smile. "Famous Caesar .... not too sane.." she then shook her head. "I believe I have everything I need, Major."

"Good," I smiled. "Why don't you go freshen up? Grab something to eat from the galley and maybe a shower... water is precious where you are going."

"Thank you, Major. I'll do that. I should report..." She stopped then wrinkled her nose. "I understand. I'll be sure to bring a bit with me."

I smiled.

"I will report to my transportation tomorrow then?" she asked.

"Yes."

Lieutenant Weinfeld nodded. "Very well, Thank you once again, Major, and I'll go find that food and drink."

I dismissed her with a salute. "Carry on," I said and turned back to the view screen.

She saluted and headed towards the galley.