Chapter Three: North Pole City

[BackworldTraveller]

Noor
After a light lunch, you continue your searches.

It's all getting a bit random now.

Of the small building companies, Vacc-Shelters Ltd of J's Bar (planetoid) got a financial boost just after the Starflight Inc fraud and Kiki Masai became a board member at that time.

And the Starflight Inc investigations seemed to suggest that the company had raised its initial finances by laundering money for the Eithaf syndicate.

And with all those facts noted you finally feel that you have done all you can with your limited skills in this area. Which of these facts are important is another question!

[Stirling]

Tiberius

Surprised that his offer to liase with any enquiries is rebuffed by a chief investigator who wants to find out about the death of billionaire fugitive Jusu Saffa on a craft which he part owns.

Whatever. Tibbs finds a lot of the police reaction to recent goings on very 'laissez-faire'.

He pings a couple of messages off and returns to the apartment of Tansu.

[BackworldTraveller]

Tiberius

Tiberius realises why the person at the police station seemed familiar...it was the Belt's representative to the New Earth Council!

[BackworldTraveller]

Noor

What now? You seem to have tied yourself to this group and they seem to have you locked up in this house. Safe? possibly. But what is your agenda?

[Monsieur Rose]

She's thinking the same thing.

Noor aka Sam

Noor starts trying to put things together, trying to draw a link between things.

As she does, she has a random thought pop in her head and takes the necklace off to look at it. She tries to find a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to examine it. That failing, she uses the camera on her comm to try and zoom in and notice details of the necklace.

[BackworldTraveller]

Noor
The necklace is just what it looks like - much more expensive than normal from Dad but just a necklace. The crystal is translucent and the letter beautifully inscribed. For the jewel to be a message, your dad would have to have known well in advance that he'd be sending the chip - and yet nothing indicates that he didn't send that as soon as he found it.

If the necklace is a message, it's just that he's getting old and sentimental.

But to have looked for the chip he must have been prompted. You don't recall your mother having contacted him, but she must have.

[Stirling]

Tiberius

After the meeting at the Hotel Paradiso, I will return to the apartment and cook for Tansu and Noor.

[BackworldTraveller]

Tansu
As you are approaching Tansu's apartment, Tansu catches up with you and so you arrive together.

"Hi, How was your day at the office?"

[Stirling]

Tiberius

"Oh. Well my day is always full of hurdles and obstacles. Nothing a fine wine and home sweet cooking can't take the chill off. Our diplomatic guest awaits too."

He goes inside the apartment, nodding to the neighbourhood watch eyes of Ma Montalto.

Is Noor inside? I am not expecting to bust a door guns blazing.

[BackworldTraveller]

Tansu
My day involved worrying about you and chasing down a Nepenthe fixer - who the Sparks Police have now lost.

To Noor
Welcome to my abode. I am sorry for your ordeal and the loss of your Mother and friends amongst the staff. I hope we can provide some peace. I'm not sure that you are as hidden as you hoped. The shoot-out at the Hotel has made waves that are visible halfway across the system, if not further. Sparks wants to find you for that at least. Touchdown wants to find you because of the massacre at your house. Someone wants you dead for reasons unknown. West Sapphire want you because you're their citizen and a representative of their Government. I'm not sure you would want to get quizzed by me - so I propose dinner instead. Tiberius can talk a good meal, but unless it comes in a pack with full instructions it's more survival food than gourmet delight. There's a really good Shelter Cuisine Take-Away on the corner. Fancy that?

[Stirling]

Tiberius

"Well if you want to order a takeaway for three in preference to the good K bought earlier go right ahead. It will save time cooking which we can put to good use in discussing breaking news and our discoveries so far."

He refers to the latest News Article.

'Who is Anne Kroner? How can she make evidenced speculations regarding Ameena Sabah while everyone else runs round like a headless chicken not knowing why the family was attacked? And I note she is an employee of Sabah Media. If Sparks are hosting investigative conferences we should expect her here also. Maybe she can answer for exposing your mum's secret investigation which then lead to her untimely death. Who did she talk to? What information did she have?

Noor use your contacts to summon her immediately. Her reckless exposure of your ownership in the vessel threatens us even more.

We also need to access information on these 'mathematicians who test proved Jusu Saffa's theories and the papers they researched.

I would still venture that your presence is sought so continue use this Pranit Bewoor to represent your views at tomorrow's shareholder meeting. As an ex-naval officer, I am sure he can act as an able deputy."


He shares some options and listens to the women.

[BackworldTraveller]

Tansu
Tansu expresses great interest in Noor's researches...
I've read about the attack on your house. I'm saddened that it happened, but fascinated by the causes. Is there anything you could share?

[Monsieur Rose]

Noor

She smiles as she meets Tansu. "Take-away would be great. No offense, Tibbs." She chuckles and continues. "Lovely place you have here, this morning was a delight. First time in quite a while that I felt peaceful."

"Anne is a friend. And I guess the investigation isn't so secret anymore. My mother would have had to make some inquiries, and requests for quiet ran out when she got murdered." She pauses for a moment. "Or maybe my dad...huh." She looks deep in thought for a moment, then snaps back to the room.

She turns to Tansu. "It seems political. But doesn't everything? The link to the FTL drive is what intrigues me. If anything is worth the exposure of killing my mother, that may be it." She shakes her head. "The security staff was compromised, the attackers knew everything." She stops and sighs.

"I'm sorry. Tiberius never really told me what it is that you do."

[Stirling]

Tiberius

Orders the seafood takeaway and sets the table, makes the drinks and sorts out the earlier laundry into neatly folded piles. He lets the women chinwag and relax after their eyes got screen tired bleary from their respective investigations.

Over his mug of caffeine infused steaming hot chocolate he catches up to date with some sports news, (a late re-run of a missed Tortuga Rollerball finale with the Poseidon Praetorians going down by a man and three legs to the all conquering New Earth Nephilim) and the latest 'breaking news'.

"Well, as Tansu has already made mention of 'your mother' and is aware of recent incidents rather than knowing you as 'Ms Vizier', you should know she works in data analysis and asset management as part of the international civil service. Market trends, stocks and shares, who are the movers and shakers and what is it that they are moving and shaking.

A virtuous confidant, I have yet to be made rich with her insider trading knowledge. Like a wise monkey, you know. It sees all, hears all and says nothing.

More coffee?"

He shies away from to revealing their romantic liason history.

After dinner he gets down to business at hand.

"Tomorrow we have the next QoTB shareholder meeting. It is imperative you attend as decisions need to be made concerning the financial future and business vision for the ship. I am still unclear as to folks agendas and now the Navy larks have cashed in to some newbie enterprise which throws another spanner in the works. Do you know of Charlie Maputo?

I know you think you can stay on the ship but presently that is not judged safe and with the whole Jusu Saffa inquest, I am not sure the Queen is safe for anyone.

Besides it is only barely liveable and parts are still open to space. I need to check an alternative accommodation has not been compromised, that may suit your short term needs.

Noor I am just going to be blunt. You are a wanted fugitive. Some want you more dead than alive. You are being sought not for what you have done but for what people think you know or have. They may be right or wrong. Either way, wherever you go trouble will follow.

You need some kind of diplomatic immunity. So you can travel openly without risk of government rendition to whatever state or planet wish to interrogate you. Hired assasins are another issue but maybe a 'hands off' clampdown on local Godfathers could trickle it's way down to the fingers on the trigger? Not sure, can the local police influence that?

I am also no clearer as to all this waffle on alleged FLT breakthroughs and what links it to the Queen. My concern is seeing my $12Mcr investment being hijacked, seized, shot at, blasted and embezzled across the solar currents.

I know, you don't believe that underneath this warm soft heart of empathetic gold is a Dredd Pirate Roberts seeking nothing but filthy lucre."


Not sure digging into more research will bear much fruit until other links become clearer. He settles for an early night and some time prepping his meeting notes.

[BackworldTraveller]

Noor

She turns to Tansu. "It seems political. But doesn't everything? The link to the FTL drive is what intrigues me. If anything is worth the exposure of killing my mother, that may be it." She shakes her head. "The security staff was compromised, the attackers knew everything." She stops and sighs.

"I'm sorry. Tiberius never really told me what it is that you do."

Well...What I spend most of my time doing is trying to get the Belts disparate law enforcement agencies to talk to Touchdown's law enforcement agencies - pushing requests for information, extradition and that kind of thing. As a side-line I chase down leads on Nepenthe...They are a nasty bunch of thugs and druggies. And today, I get to quietly talk take-away with one of the systems greatest survivors.

She sighs

I used to be a lawyer, but sued the wrong guy and won the case but nearly lost everything - job, livelihood, friends, family.

[BackworldTraveller]

Tansu
Noor Sorry Sam, how about I follow up some of the leads from today's research? - I have access to corporate records that might be otherwise unavailable to you?

And Tibs - The esteemed "Councillor for the Belt" is one of Sam's suspects...You have some investigatory skill. Perhaps you could look there to exonerate or condemn? After all, the belt is where he is from and here we are! Those on the ship would have a legitimate interest in Jinga and Raoul. They seem to have fallen out (from the swapping of partners). Perhaps they might now be willing to talk now they are no longer together?

[Stirling]

Tiberius


Takes some time to think upon the developments of the last couple of days and the personal implications that they hold for him.

"Listen ladies. I am trying to get my head around a few things to be able to make clear and straightforward decisions.

Firstly. I have no concern Raul Pinto ditched his former missus Archana for a voluptuous new model and they rodeo together on some asteroid backwater. Assana their daughter is as crazy as the colours she wears. The former wife on the rebound wears a sparkly ring as the new Mrs Busai. She is a current shareholder alongside her new beau Jinja who seems to have caught himself up in smuggling or drug horticulture again and should have reported to the police earlier today in regard to at least having access to the ship in the docks under his guise as a police engineering inspector. He concerns me as any impropriety could cause the Queen further impounding as his actions get investigated.

He holds as many equal shares in the Queen as Noor does. Though I doubt his presence at the meeting.

Whatever, he is ex-crew and as far as I understand they are looking to cash in all investment in the ship and not be active in her trading. I certainly don't think it appropriate that I investigate shareholder relationships.

In fact what actually am I investigating and with what right? My initial inclinations and suspicions were of a Naval plot to use the Queen covertly by shoehorning in ex-naval officers who undertook the previous seizure of the ship with a view to flying it in areas the navy has no formal authority. Using a 'free trader' cover while it investigates the Jusu Saffa theories of Faster Than Light technology.

However my approach to acquiesce to the Admiralty has been thwarted by the sudden selling of all shares to yesterday's startup entrepreneurs group led by Charlie Maputo. And he has already tried to tap up Indrani Carter with a view to 'secure and confidential' cargo haulage.

I am completely unsure what expectations Indrani has of my involvement in the ship and what vision for trading profitably she has. Certainly the idea that a new crew can take my $12Mcr investment and go gallivanting around the universe with a 'thanks Mr O'Hare. See you in a year with some dividends hopefully' is a non starter.

On top of that, through a previous connection with Noor during my investigative career, coupled with a coincidental fact we are joint owners on the Queen meant I was approached to safeguard her during her time on Sparks. Which I am more than happy to do. And New Earth law enforcement
or Touchdown Embassy at least have offered assistance in investigating the reason for the attack on your family and to bring perpetrators to justice.

I brought Noor here last night unknown to you as I felt the safe house organised by local activists may be compromised. But really, if you Noor want to use the Queen to actually trail possible scientific and murderous links between the late departed Ameena and Jusu Saffa, that is something the whole shareholders should be in agreement with. Sabah Media or Belair finance the ship and crew in exchange for our services.

If the Navy have no interest then it leaves the door open for Sabah Enterprises to gain a march on its rivals, New Heaven Broadcasting for one, to pursue the truth of your family massacre and the dream of FTL.

But that comes at a cost. I would say initially at a similar value to the Navy's previous holding. $4Mcr upfront so we can repair the craft and another $12Mcr over the next term, shared equally among present crew and shareholders."

He tries to make his point plain and simple, suggesting the idea to Noor.

Yesterday was stressful, today is complicated. Tibbs has a feeling tomorrow is already spiralling deeper out of control.

[BackworldTraveller]

Tansu
The key seems to be the Queen. As you say, your investment is notionally MCr12. If the Queen is central to this you may lose the lot. And she does seem to be central. So what do we know?

The Ship has been on ice for years - and the rumours start that she is going to be released. And someone starts violently tidying loose ends - one being your mother, Sam. Other rumours start about an FTL ship - and Sam's researches show that that is also linked to the Queen through the fraud. The perpetrator of that fraud has been left on the Queen - it was never going to be permanent so it must have been with the intent of the body being found. But if the fraud is linked to the Queen, the Jusu is the prime suspect for the tidying exercise - which of course he can't be because he's been dead on the Queen for months.

And you say the House security team was compromised. Who has the pull to do that? It's got to be someone with big money or big political connections. But it will be well hidden from the murder end...but what about the Queen end - maybe that is the weak link that they seek to close. One of your mother's friends was playing both sides? One of Noor's friends Sam?

So it must be one of the others. Captain Celisse is out - He's dead. There's that Ulysses character. Who/What are they? And all the other names on the list. People and Corporations.

And if there is an FTL ship: Where was it built? How was it supplied? Who crewed it? Where is it now? What did the Queen do under Captain Celisse? It seems it must have been funded via the Fraud. But where is the cash for that? The finance guys traced all of the monies to anonymous funds...if that is physically stored it's several container loads of notes (or gold)...A Billion Credits isn't something you hide in your back pocket. A 1% reward for recovery is still Cr10,000,000. 5% would buy the Queen.

Why leave Jusu's body to be found? Where was he hiding? These questions the police can chase - and they will do that with more resources than the Queen has.

And this FTL ship. Finder's Keepers. That would allow the Queen to pay of its debts.

You suggest to me that Noor is a shareholder and might be looking for a ship...I pass it up the chain of command and no answer - but a poor quality hit squad is waiting for Noor. Only then is an investigations team sent. Either someone else put two and two together or we have a leak. And this gunman that arrived here today. It wasn't just him. There was a team - Here, Now. Coincidence? I'm afraid they are here for Noor and (by extension) you and me!

If I did this through regular channels, Noor wouldn't trust us anyway, and I wouldn't trust that your reports wouldn't get you and me and Noor into real trouble - like worse than just dead. I'm scared Tibs.

[Stirling]

Tiberius

"I have no fear hitmen are targeting me personally or you by default. Only you, Noor and myself know Noor is here. Even the present crew and shareholders have any knowledge she is here at this address unless one of us has blagged?

Now I am not mercenary enough to shoot Noor in the head and pinch her exotic chip of data. Thankfully my days of suitcasing body parts are behind me.". (that was a joke

"Still Noor cannot remain here for longer and acting as a fugitive dies no good at all. That is why I suggest your presence at tomorrows shareholder meeting is announced and Sapphire or New Earth government departments work to get you some kind of diplomatic immunity and Sparks law lean on local Nepenthe or Cavaleiros godfathers to lift any hitmen sanctions upon her.

Can you arrange any of those tonight Tansu?"

He turns to Noor

"Are you in a position to leverage Sabah Media finances to equip the ship as suggested earlier. Can you arrange that or at least we discuss it as an option at tomorrow's meeting?"

He goes on.

"I still don't see where 'the Queen is the key'. The ship has been on ice for four years. The bodies on board for several months. They weren't just placed on board in the hope of being discovered?

Over the decade since the Starlight fraud, the QoTB has traded as a courier for PLDES. Previous crew during that time include Reven and Nalani . I think smuggling certainly went on during that time but nothing related to Saffa's FLT theories.

So ex-crew with possible knowledge of that. Where the ship went, what cargo, who they traded with are either dead, Jojo Celisse, Hebden Cull, Keith Smith leaving just Jinja Busai and Raul Pinto. One moonlight flits to another planet and the other has feet in two camps with police work and some illicit activity. If he knew of any Queen FLT data, trials, prototypes they would have been removed years ago. I don't think the cannaboid tree plantation was a green screen to cover other research."

He suddenly slaps his head.

"Shit. Why are we looking for a spaceship sized FLT engine. Could it not be produced in a mini version. Quantum mechanics is not about size but power and atonomical particle physics.

Maybe the prototype engine is sitting under the hood of that cargo decked jalopy we found.

[BackworldTraveller]

Tansu

If I could arrange Nepenthe to go away don't you think I'd have done that years ago?

What would diplomatic immunity give Noor...no hitman is going to care, and isn't Touchdown's administration one of the groups we are hiding her from?

Noor, your father is a scientist. Would he be able to give us some idea of how big this drive is? Does your chip?

And you have a bunch of contacts on New Earth...could we start winnowing out which are trustworthy?