Chapter Seven: Wednesday in the Tunnels

[BackworldTraveller]

Anne
"Bitz and Pieces" I recognise. He got arrested for something about a year ago.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

What does your friend there have? What is special about this "Queen of the Belt"?

"There is nothing special about the Queen of the Belt free trader. The issue with Jusu Saffa comes from smuggling cargo which was a decision of the previous captain Jojo Celisse , now deceased. His former crew mates are either dead, sheltering in some backwater asteroid or in police custody related to other incidents.

None of the current crew had anything to do with what went on before so we have a clean slate to operate upon.

Noor can testify to an earlier conference where the current captain outlined her plans for forthcoming trade enquiries and gave a commitment to leave the shadow of smuggling behind.

Confidence is high in these prospective new ventures and several financial investors circle like vultures to enrich themselves upon the back of our hard labours and free enterprise. "

Tiberius - What do you think would be the most profitable area of enquiry for you and Noor/Sam and which do you think would en Sabah resources do better at?

"Well I am not the one to advise Noor on her personal matters of judgement. I can advise her on her safety and suggest arbitery actions but I think you have to prioritise your time.

These things and people you want to look in to. They have been areas of interest since the Starflight fraud and will remain so. They are not going anywhere and you have no compelling deadline to uncover their mystery. Personally I would cooperate with the board of enquiry as it seeks the same aims. To expose the corruption at the heart of the Starflight fraud and to bring the murderers of Ameena En Sabah and others to justice.

Noor could use her diplomatic charm and sit on the board as a counsel for Sapphire.

Maybe you need to make a decision. Do you wish to spend a few years acting as chief stewardess and media spokeswoman poster girl for the ship or hobnob among politicians and powermongers who scheme in boardrooms and Illuminati conclaves intent on suffocating any exposure of their complicity whilst they all sit and stir the bubbling cauldron of Saffa's scientific soup, hoping to get the bone with all the meat on it for themselves."

[Monsieur Rose]

Noor

"He was arrested? Is he in jail, or what? Could you look into him and see if you can arrange a meet?" Noor looks pleased that the hacker might actually be findable.

She smiles at Tiberius. "As much as he wants the Queen to be free of this mud, I suspect it won't be until we clean up this mess. Too many links and those are just the ones we know about. I have a suspicion that there is more on board than we thought. How's this for a timeline?"

Jusu devises theory. He makes notes on how to get it realized. Celisse and his ship, the Queen, are chosen. For what reason, I don't know. For a few years, the Queen smuggles Jusu and materials around working on his theories. At some point, a crew member sells them all out. This is proven in the court case, but I don't know who. The Navy impounds the Queen. All of that is more or less proven or at least strongly suggested. Now I guess and try to fill things in. Jusu finds where the Queen is docked. He arranges with someone, a port authority, to hide the comings and goings of anyone on the Queen. He continues working. At some point, there's a robbery or something. Jusu and the chemist are killed, the safe is broken into. Drifters, dancers, hoodlums, and growers learn about the off-grid and unmonitored Queen, using it for various purposes. All the while, Jusu's work is still there, hidden.

Noor shakes her head at the suggestion to cooperate with the official Starlight investigation. "That was obviously a farce from the beginning, my Mother's own investigation shows that. The aims of the board are to show some effort into finding the money lost by investors. The optics are bad if you do nothing."

"I've made a decision, Tibbs. I want to finish my mother's investigation. How that happens is the question. The question for you is, are you willing to dive into this mess, or are you still hoping that the soup won't spill on you?"

"I'm assuming that the port is trying to conduct an investigation on how the Queen remained in the dark, but they have no motive to uncover their own corruption. Maybe you could find the people working when the Queen first was docked and figure out how it came to be unmonitored. Even if nothing comes up about Jusu, it would help the Queen's case, and yours, that there was neglect."

[BackworldTraveller]

Anne

Well I'll start on that while you discuss...stuff.

Anne withdraws into a corner and contacts one of her researchers

Hi...Yea...Bitz and Pieces...Yep I know...Really! OK...So how's Mala? Good - working out well? Yep. OK - well try his barrister too. Didn't he have a woman down south somewhere? Ah...Well Message me when you get something.

I guess they'll let me know.

One thing...Can you confirm a chit? Then this is official and everyone gets paid - even if that has to wait a while before I can produce it.

[Stirling]

Tiberius

I've made a decision, Tibbs. I want to finish my mother's investigation. How that happens is the question. The question for you is, are you willing to dive into this mess, or are you still hoping that the soup won't spill on you?"

"I'm assuming that the port is trying to conduct an investigation on how the Queen remained in the dark, but they have no motive to uncover their own corruption. Maybe you could find the people working when the Queen first was docked and figure out how it came to be unmonitored. Even if nothing comes up about Jusu, it would help the Queen's case, and yours, that there was neglect

"I understand you want to bring those who murdered your mother to justice. And finishing her covert investigation into the cover up of the Starflight fraud may give a justification for carrying her banner.

But the murders of your mother and Jusu Saffa, though linked by the alleged Starflight fraud, do not have a common goal.

Ameena was trying to expose corruption in corporate and government institutions over the alleged embezzlement of billions of revenue by Saffa. She was not investigating the veracity of the scientist's 'faster than light' theories, to approve or disprove them. Her focus was exposing the whitewashing of the enquiry and negligence of the investigative board.

It was irrelevant to Ameena wether the technology was fact or fiction.

Now Anne here has made it quite clear her focus is obtaining your financial support in her pursuit of an exclusive on this FTL mirage. I don't think at present you can do both. Either commit to pursuing your mother's quest or leave that to the law and research the links into Saffa's experiments.

What are we? Some hack reporter, a washed up lawman and a delitente diplomat. It is unrealistic to think you can just dial up a snitch here and there and come up with the information you want when millions of credits have already been spent in recruiting taskforces of top executives and academics from across the galaxy to research links in the the DNA chains of the Starflight fraud.

I think the first decision if you do want to pursue both is still making some offer to the shareholders and crew of the Queen. I have spoken to you before about this. I have a suspicion that as soon as the ship is flight worthy it will take off and any secrets it has to Saffa and indeed Ameena will go with it.

You need to use Sabah Media's finances to underwrite the ship and bring the crew together with the common vision to discover the truth of Saffa's FTL tec in advance of the announcements by several national and corporate rivals who wish to achieve that first.

A lot of other avenues such as why the ship wasn't monitored or why the belter navy leaned on Hebden Cull to accuse the Captain are in reality, of little consequence.

Ngora Kole will support this move as it brings her some worthy remembrance of her father. The present crew seem quite a mercenary lot. I suspect if they shared equally in any dividend of treasure and fame from being the first to have the technology they would willingly agree to join the quest. The only way you can direct the ship is to command the vessel.

And that means wresting it from the influence of the Admiralty. I can help you with that. "


He takes a breather, absent mindedly spinning the barrel of the revolver.

"Oh. Anne. You will need to come with us if you want that exclusive. Like I said, clear your diary for the foreseeable."

Tiberius I think wants to focus his time on preparing the ship for takeoff rather than conducting a seperate investigation into the murder. He is happy to cooperate with whatever investigations get undertaken and liase with officials on behalf of Noor in regard to Ameena and the Queen in regard to Saffa.. He also wants to be able to release the Queen from the present restraints of officialdom and secure the investments needed so that operates as an independent privateer rather than a free trader.

As to the rest of the day. He finds a comfy sofa to chill on, one eye on the door for intruders.

Not sure what Noor wants to do about accommodation. If she trusts Anne and this place is not compromised then I will.retreat back to my hotel suite.

[BackworldTraveller]

Anne
I've got to go...I've a show in a few hours and I've got to get through the preparation and briefings...I'll be back here at 7pm sharp. If you're still here I'll assume you have decided that I can help.

And with that, Anne picks up her bag and heads off.

[Monsieur Rose]

Noor

At times when Tiberius is speaking, she seems about to interject but merely appears frustrated. In the end, she sighs and rubs her temples. "It's clear where you stand on this whole matter. What's less clear is why you insist on making assumptions that seem unprovable. Unless you have another source of information."

She glances at his revolver and continues. "I have a quibble with your assessment that my Mother's murder and Jusu's research don't have a common goal. The assumption of my own is that the exposure of his notes prompted the whole mess. Her investigation was apparently going on for a while, with no death squads dispatched until the catalyst of those notes were introduced."

"Finding and researching the links into Jusu's experiments is the only path forward to finding my Mother's murderers, that I can see. The police have been compromised, your former employers are likely as well, that board of inquiry is a farce, and it appears some others are tapping into the local surveillance. Have I missed anything?"

"Letting this go and moving on would be the prudent thing to do. But I can't. And I don't even know if I would be allowed to do so."

She seems a bit calmer and less frustrated now. "I agree that the Queen may need more motivation than a treasure hunt, even if it is for justice. The Navy certainly needs to be removed from the situation. I'm aware that people want to be paid. My privilege has not caused me to lose sight of that primary motivation."

"As I said to you before, I've started talks to do just that. When I underwrite the Queen and give you what you want, would you be less hostile or more?" She waves the question away. "Forgive me. I need someone to bounce ideas off of, and not have them rebound quite so hard."

"Finding why the ship wasn't monitored could confirm why Jusu was on the Queen. Putting the pieces together to complete the picture, following the breadcrumbs, is the first step. But I don't think I've asked you. How would you go about unraveling this, given free reign?"

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

What's less clear is why you insist on making assumptions that seem unprovable.

"My assumptions as you call them are based on anthropological assessments of how people in general act or react to hypothetical situations. The gathered council have announced their reasons for your mother's murder and hyped up the investigation she was undertaking. I haven't yet seen or heard any contrary evidence to not accept what they say.

I certainly think there is value in working with Joao de Sousa on the investigatory council. West Sapphire are sure to back your nomination to the seat on their behalf and you need a visible presence involved in the enquiries. Otherwise you are choosing to research all these notions and links independent of other resources and people who are trying to get the same results. Principally justice for Ameena.

The search for the 'faster than light' technology is different because you are not collaborating with law agencies wanting law and order but multi-national corporates intent on a futuristic monopoly of quantum physic breakthroughs."

When I underwrite the Queen and give you what you want, would you be less hostile or more?

"You consider me hostile? If shadowing you causes alarm just sat the word.

Speaking of hostility and just saying the word ... how do you feel about Anne here. She is running off to who knows where, with your whereabouts, details of your research and progress in carrying the investigation forward.

Do you trust her to go and come back? She has her exclusive. And you do have a price on your head which she may be inclined to sell you out for. If you don't trust her just 'say the word'. Like I said before, sound proofing is a good suppressor of being sold out."

He trains the barrel of his revolver on Anne as she heads for the door.

"As for 'free reign'. I think I will support you anyway I can with Ameena. I can act as your 'private eye' and at least liase with investigatory authorities as we deem appropriate.

As far as taking responsibility for researching anything linking the Queen to Jusu Saffa, that really should be a joint resolution of the shareholders and present Captain. Tracing those links is surely going to pitch the Queen off at a tangent far removed from free trading.

Now do we trust Anne or not?"

[BackworldTraveller]

Anne
To Tiberius: I've told you where I'm going and why and when I'll be back. Now, unless you want to hold me hostage, I need to go.

To Noor: You sure do pick 'em!

And looking straight at Tiberius: So - Shoot?

[BackworldTraveller]

<Edited above>

[Monsieur Rose]

Noor

She looks between Anne and Tiberius. And sighs. "Put it down. You may not trust her, but I do." She looks at Anne. "I can trust you, right?"

"I'll be here when you get back. Can I go to other rooms, or am I locked up in here?" She smiles at Anne. "I need you to talk to Bitz. I can't get in to see him, I'm sure, but a reporter could. My mother employed him, why?"

She stands and opens the door for Anne. "Go. And do what you do best and find some information."

She turns to Tibbs. "You make me tired, you know." She smiles and puts a hand on his shoulder. "Not hostile, not really. Just...it's been a hard few weeks. I'm not saying that I need a yes man, but maybe a maybe man?"

"Things are just more complicated than they appear. I know most of the major players, and the FTL quest is a huge prize, but some things just aren't connecting. That's why I need more information, and why I keep resisting some of your suggestions."

"Let's take this time to lay out some theories, shall we? Anne? Bring back some food, would you?"

Noor waits until Anne leaves to continue...

[BackworldTraveller]

Anne
Anne winks at Noor and heads out of the door...

I'll get something on the way back. Okami Style?

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

"Well I hope for all our sakes that Noor is a good judge of character." he says to the departing journalist.

He holsters the revolver and checks the apartment out, listening as Noor continues.

I would like to search the place, looking for information on who lives or rents the apartment. Utility bills, tenancy agreements, spare key fobs. How 'lived in' is the place. Clothes in wardrobes, food in fridge, bathroom cluttered with utensils. Office desk may have a phone and record of who called here and when, who called out. Repeat last number, that type of thing.

Search for extra microphones and cameras outside of sound proofed studio.

To be honest. Tibbs doesn't know Anne enough to give her the benefit of the doubt. Prudence in his last work taught him not to take anything for granted. Anne is coming back at 7.00pm. So the door opening at 6.30pm will be treated as a potential threat.



Tiberius investigates the apartment [2d6+2]=12+2=14

[BackworldTraveller]

The Studio consists of two rooms - The studio itself and a technician's booth (in which you are sitting)

There is a second studio back up the corridor towards the entrance - Same layout. (The corridor heads to a fire-exit at the far end)

On the other side of the corridor are various doors (locked) and one marked "Toilet"

The entrance is a room with sofas and a sink. Here you meet Floella coming out of the door to a living apartment. "Anne said you'd be needing Drinks and Biscuits - and not to disturb you"

As you head for that door Floella points at the sign "That's Private - Invite only" The door shuts behind her.

She returns a few seconds later.

"Drinks and biscuits on the table outside the studio."

She unlocks the door and heads in - you can see a tidy space, briefly, before the door shuts again.

The Entrance room has a huge display screen which is showing pictures of various beauty spots across the entire new earth system. There is also a smaller display showing tariffs for studio hire. It's not cheap - Hire bare of your studio is Cr75 per hour, the other Cr150. With various services this is more expensive. (Beverages and Biscuits remain unpriced and and are probably Gratis).
See Little Cavern Studios

[BackworldTraveller]

Text from Tansu to Tiberius and Noor
Heading home. Flat broken into. Gemma injured.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

Looks at the text from Tansu. He shrugs, he is not much of an empath. Burglars chasing Noor's shadow. But knowing which flat to burgle is more alarming and tied with the safe house bust it points back to Embassy snoops. He can cracking a few skulls over that later.

As for the present situation. He shrugs too. Staying here is not an option and he would have thought that journalist/reporter Anne broadcasting an exclusive with fugitive Noor to be more career consequential than fulfilling her other diary events. Her leaving with a promised return rather than interrupt her schedule to interview Noor here and now, speaks volumes as far as he is concerned.

"She has your details so she can get in touch later. Unless you want to hang around the studio pretending to be one of your sister's tribute acts then let us go somewhere else."

I have some ideas. Unusual ones (as usual). But Tibbs waits for Noor to make her own decisions.

[Monsieur Rose]

Noor

She thanks Floella for the refreshments and tries some.

The text from Tansu is disappointing, she liked that place. "I don't suppose we could go back there, now that it's been broken into? Maybe they won't be looking for me somewhere they've already looked?" She asks half-heartedly, knowing the answer.

"Agreed. We're leaving. I trust Anne, but I need confirmation now. Is there a way we could know if someone shows up? But first, we need to shut down whatever is giving me away." She looks down at Tiberius's phone. "You know what you have to do, right?"

"I've been thinking. I'm not the only one who knows about these notes. Multiple others are aware of them, but they aren't being hunted and killed. That strongly suggests that the notes themselves are the target, and are thus important." She stops and her eyes go wide. "Or...the necklace."

[BackworldTraveller]

Another text from Tansu
Gemma interrupted, got badly stunned. Place ransacked. Need insecticide for bugs but normal supplier dubious. Smoking burner, presumed burnt. Using "Going Away" contact.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

"Can I examine the necklace? " what is it made of? Pearls, sapphires? Didn't one contain the data chip?

Tibbs thinks about various options for Noor.

"You know there is a West Sapphire embassy house here on Sparks. I think you need to contact them so they can make arrangements for your safety and also use your skills. The WS
are going to be involved in both Ameena's murder enquiry and the reopening of the Starflight fraud. You represent that nation and obviously have a direct interest in both boards. I think that is the way forward and we can continue private investigations with Anne as a sideline.

Let us ring them."

Tibbs searches for the WS Embassy contact links.

[Monsieur Rose]

Noor

The necklace looks to made of a large sapphire. With a letter N carved into it. The chip was separate.

"The embassy may be a good option. At least I can direct some resources around and get some legal issues sorted."

She produces the necklace and lets Tiberius examine it. "I looked at it with a loupe and couldn't see anything. It's just odd and way more extravagant than expected."

"I wanted to swing by the uni to talk to a few professors about such things. But first, you need to disable your phone. Use one of the new burners to call the embassy."