Catastrophically Content

An Argentrooper Chronicle Silvanus S-gar Prince

Works By S. S. Prince Nytheun Annals Ymd Eras Of Miashunes & The Epithecesh The Lay Of The Epithecesh Of Heynoch Thuntmutz Crimson Night The Crystal Tower Finishing The Job Exiles From Terror Possession Shadow Song Truths Weve Sold The Death Of A Duke Oracle Awakes Argentrooper Chronicles The Sweet Decay Virtuous Lies Catastrophically Content Philosophical Essays Rants From A Nihilist Existence - An Exploration Syllogisms For A New World Short Stories The Little House Behind My Old Garage The Briefcase www.scribd.com/S_S_Prince www.authonomy.com

Do you feel the same again A return to the within Trying hard to make amends For your failings and your faults And this life It makes you wonder You feel no shame To come undone It must must Must come like the sun another glimpse please, a revelation It must must Must come like the sun So you want to be my friend Well heaven help you if you fall You seem catastrophically content Got a witness he knows all All my life Its made me wonder It must must Must come like the sun another glimpse please, a revelation It must must Must come like the sun Must Must The Tea Party

Alhrd Asteroid Belt Near Mildthryth V, Keldatun Dukedom Imperial Date: Helmet 25, 2276

The Frehild class starfighter banked hard, avoiding an oncoming asteroid which was about three times its width. Disrupter fire blasted past the ships port side stabilizer, the bright energy beam traveling soundlessly through the vacuum of space. The pilot of the Frehild reset his sensor array and watched as it finally was able to establish a lock on the small and very agile ship he had been chasing for most of the day. It was a Wulfgar class fighter which had fled the city of Burhdonton on Mildthryth III earlier that morning. Now the Frehild had it within its sights. The pilot double checked the sensor lock that the ships computer had established and then activated the tractor beam. The bolt of energy shot forth from the nose of the Frehild and it encompassed the entire hull of the Wulfgar. The opposing pilot made one last attempt to escape, pushing his thrusters to their maximum, however the Frehilds tractor beam was stronger then the force the Wulfgar could create. Slowly, the Frehild began to tow the Wulfgar up and out of the asteroid field. Not far away, perhaps half a parsec or so, the massive hull of the Imperial Defender loomed on the Frehilds horizon. It was a wedge shaped warship of the Vanguard class which carried a crew of one hundred navy men and thirty officers as well as an entire legion of Argentroopers. The bridge of the ship was located two thirds of the way back on the wedge and it rose up only one hundred meters above the main hull of the ship. It was from the bridge that the Frehild was now receiving a communication. FH-36, this is Imperial Defender. the voice cackled over the comm. Please report. Imperial Defender, this is FH-36. the Pilot transmitted. I have completed my mission and I am currently towing the Wulfgar class fighter. Request permission to bring it aboard. Permission granted, FH-36. came the reply. Precede to hanger three.

Hanger three, copy Imperial Defender. the pilot acknowledged. FH-36 out. He turned off the comm channel and changed his heading so as to fly directly to hanger three which was located on the underside of Imperial Defender. When the Frehild came within range, the tractor beam of the Imperial Defender took hold of the Wulfgar and brought it slowly into hanger three. The Frehild fighter hovered near the hanger doors, guarding the Wulfgars only means of escape. Inside the large hanger bay, the Wulfgar came to a stop, its landing gear engaged remotely by its own safety system. The small fighter set down on the deck and was immediately surrounded by the infantry units of Captain Korts 729th Blue Wolf Argentrooper Century. The perimeter was quickly secured by the silver-armored Imperial troops, their blast rifles pointed dangerously at the craft. Then, Veldrich, accompanied by Captain Kort and a unit of his most elite Argentroopers, entered the hanger bay from the main entrance. They walked up to the Wulfgar fighter and took up defensive positions. Acleah Niewheall! Veldrich called. By the authority of the Emperor, we are placing you under arrest for conspiracy to commit treason. Open your hatch or we will enter by force. There was no reply and no movement from the hatch of the Wulfgar. Veldrich turned and nodded to Captain Kort. Immediately Kort raised his left arm and three of his elite Troopers stepped forward toward the fighter. The Trooper in the middle pulled a small box-like device from out of his utility belt and placed it against the hatch of the Wulfgar. He then took a step back and nodded to the Trooper on his right. This second Trooper touched a small button on his utility belt and then there was a quick sound of air rushing and the hatch of the fighter flipped open. Immediately upon opening, three more of Korts elite Argentroopers rushed to the side of the Wulfgar, their blast rifles aimed directly at the cockpit. The first Argentrooper, who had initially placed the opening device on the hatch, drew a blast pistol from his belt and then gingerly advanced to the cockpit. He climbed up the access ladder and looked inside. The Trooper then reached in which his left hand - as if he was checking something and then he turned to face Captain Kort and Veldrich. Niewheall is dead. he reported. He is not breathing and there is no pulse. Get a medic down here right away. Captain Kort ordered. Two Argentroopers broke rank and rushed off to fulfill the order. Everyone else can stand down. The Argentrooper commander looked at the face of Veldrich and saw the frustration etched in the mans face. Forgive the pun. the Fridu warned. But that is a dead end.

I am sorry sir. Kort apologized. Its not your fault, Kort. Veldrich assured him. Niewheall must have taken his life once he realized he was caught. He probably had some sort of cyanide capsule for such an occasion. Just then a team of medical officers entered the hanger and came strait over to where Veldrich and Captain Kort were standing. The pilot appears to be dead. Captain Kort informed them. Take his body back to the sick bay and find out what happened. Yes, sir. the chief medic saluted. He then began directing his men. What now, General? Kort asked the Fridu. We go and find out what Gyldan has uncovered about the Virlorians. Veldrich replied. He exited the hanger, leaving Kort in command of cleaning up. The Fridu walked along the hallway which gave access to the hanger until he came to a lift. He pressed the access button and then stepped inside the lift once the door opened. Deck nine. he commanded the voice activated conveyance. As he felt the lift moving, he tried to calm his thoughts as the Fridu Elders had taught him to do. His mind had been in such turmoil since his old mentor, Demefre, had attacked Captain Korts Argentroopers on the planet of Waltolf with a legion of well armed and highly trained men. Every incident since then has simply added to the mystery of what Demefre was up to and who was helping him. The lift came to a stop and the door opened on deck nine of Imperial Defender. Veldrich stepped out of the lift, his mind still trying to center itself. He walked the corridor by instinct passing various navy officers and crew without little acknowledgment. At last he came to the door of the quarters that had been provided for Gyldan when she had first arrived on board with Veldrich the day before. He pressed a small button located on a panel on the left hand side of the door and he heard her voice ask who was there. Its Veldrich. he replied. The door opened and he went inside. The quarters were Spartan, following the standard of officers quarters across the entire Imperial Navy. There were two rooms, the main one was a combined office and living space which had a desk with chairs and two couches. Off to the left of the desk was a doorway leading into the bedroom. Gyldan sat at the desk, her eyes glued to the holographic projector which was displaying a three dimensional workspace which contained various documents and pictures all in separate windows which hovered in various spaces within the display. The electric blue light of the holographic projector lit the room and Veldrich was

taken aback by the way the artificial light highlighted Gyldans beauty. Gyldan had long, golden coloured hair which she wore loose. She wore a black blouse and dark pants with and there was a white card pinned to the left breast of the shirt. The card had her name and home planet printed on it as well as a holographic photo of her face. Her eyes were green and she had a smile which could melt the hearts of most men. Those green eyes looked up from the holographic display and immediately noted the frustration in the Fridus face. It did not go well, then? she asked. Niewheall killed himself sometime before we were able to access the cockpit of his fighter. Veldrich explained, sitting down on one of the chairs in front of the desk. Not to worry. Gyldan replied in a confident tone. I have tracked down some interesting information on the Virlorians. It might explain how Demefre got his hands on one of their Battlecruisers, even though it is believed that the Virlorians died out a thousand years ago after their Galactic Empire collapsed in a civil war. That is something that I have been unable to explain. the Fridu admitted. One year ago, a team from the Cyneward University archology department discovered a cache of Virlorian technology. the golden haired woman explained. It was the largest cache of ancient technology ever discovered and archologists from all over the Empire having been flocking to the site to help study what has been found. I assume that more then just archologists are interested in it. Veldrich noted. Of course. Gyldan agreed. I have seen reports of Imperial Military Engineers as well as a large number of Corporate officers having access to some of the artefacts that have been uncovered. Do you have a list of people who have been given access? the Fridu asked. I do. she replied, pulling it up on the display and turning the window containing the list so that Veldrich could read it. Rodanig Drygedene. he breathed. Veldrichs mind filled with his memories of his time in the city of Wyligford on Theodorstan, the Imperial Capital world. Wyligford was an affluent suburb of the main capital where many of the Imperial courtiers lived. Veldrich had been sent there to investigate rumours that Rodanig Drygedene, who was a black market arms dealer, was supplying a faction of Imperial Dissidents with weapons. He had a known residence in Wyligfrod and Veldrich

had gone there with a unit of Argentroopers to arrest him on charges of treason. The arms dealer had been apprehended and put in jail. Yet now he was on a list of people who had been granted access to a cache of Virlorian technology. You know him? Gyldan asked. He is a black market arms dealer. Veldrich explained. I thought he was in prison for treason. Obviously he has been released. Why would they release someone who has been found guilty of treason? she asked. I am not certain. Veldrich mused. Perhaps we should find out. I will see what I can dig up on Rodanig. In the mean time, why dont you contact whoever is in charge of the excavations of the Virlorian cache and see if we can come and see what they have found. Alright. she replied. Veldrich stood up and made to leave, just then Gyldan looked up at him. I am really glad I am here helping you, Veldrich. He turned around and looked into her green eyes. I am too. he smiled. The Fridu then turned and exited her quarters.

Veldrich entered his own quarters and went immediately to his desk. He sat down in the chair and turned on the holographic display. This in turn changed the lighting of the room from the yellow-orange of the rooms main lights to the electric blue glow of the holographic display. Gyldan was a guest aboard Imperial Defender and had been given limited access to the Imperial information network, however Veldrich had access to much more. He immediately had the computer search all Imperial databases for any information pertaining to Rodanig Drygedene. Within moments the mans birth certificate as well as his educational, civil and criminal records flashed into the display area. Veldrich used his fingers to zoom into the criminal record and quickly found the conviction for treason among the many charges the arms dealer had faced. Along with the conviction, he saw a notice that it had been overturned by a judge whose last name jumped out at the Fridu. Judge Cyneleah Scaga of Eadward - who shared the same last name as Demefre. Veldrich quickly did a records search on the Judge and found that he was Demefres uncle. The Fridu turned off the holographic display and left his quarters. He walked to the closest

lift and instructed it to take him to Imperial Defenders bridge. He stepped onto the bridge and immediately walked over to where Captain Ruodhar was standing, inspecting a navigational chart of the Mildthryth system with the chief navigator, Lieutenant Adalson. Ruodhar was a tall man with deep set blue eyes and cropped greying hair. He wore the uniform of the Imperial Navy smartly and his presence could always be felt when he was in a room. Have you discovered any new leads? the Captain asked. Set a course for Eadward. Fridu instructed. It would seem Demefres uncle has released an Imperial traitor. This traitor has been given access to an archological dig which has uncovered a huge cache of Virlorian technology. Why would a Judge release a traitor? Ruodhar asked. That is what I intend to find out. Veldrich replied in a grim tone.

Back in Gyldans quarters, Veldrich was getting an update on the archological dig. The golden haired woman had found that it was located on a planet in the outer rim territory. The planet had been named Bitanig by the explorers who had first charted and mapped its stellar system. It was a lush and fertile rock world with vast expanses of grasslands, forests and jungles. There was many mountain chains on its three main continents, all of which possessed single peaks which were of great height. The planet was uninhabited except for local wildlife and the team of archologists from the Cyneward University who had been living out of a medium sized base located near the dig site. Gyldan had talked with the lead archologist, a Rashgani named Tar Shaaron, and had confirmed that Rodanig Drygedene had been given access to recovered artifacts from the dig. So why exactly is the University allowing non-academics access to these artifacts? Veldrich asked, still confused. Doctor Shaaron said it was because the University was trying to raise money to do further excavations on Bitanig. Gyldan explained. There were a great number of duplicates and triplicates of some of the artefacts and the University board of governors have decided to auction these additional artifacts to the highest bidder while keeping one specimen for their own researches and for their museum.

Did this Doctor Shaaron have a list of items that have been auctioned off already? He did. she replied. However he insisted that they have not found any Virlorian ships or vehicles of any type. He can not explain how you came across a Virlorian Battlecruiser. Those ships have not been seen in a thousand years and no known examples of them are known to have survived the downfall of the Virlorian Empire. Well, I have a lead. Veldrich told her. Rodanig Drygedene had his charge of treason repealed by Demefres uncle, who happens to be a Judge on Eadward. We are currently en route to talk to the Judge. How long will it take to get to Eadward? Gyldan asked, leaning back in her desk chair. Well, it is about four light-years away. It should take a little over four days. the Fridu calculated. Gyldan leaned over the desk, her golden hair framing her face. Then we have a bit of time to kill. I guess we do. Veldrich smiled. She stood up and walked around the desk and leaned over, kissing the Fridu passionately on his lips.

Imperial Defender dropped out of hyperspace four days later, just outside of the Adxit System. It made its way at top speed to the fifth planet in the system and then fell into a standard orbit around the large planet. Shortly after establishing orbit, the Weald class Troop Deployment Craft - or TDC - dropped out of the forward hanger and started its descent toward the planet below. Veldrich, Gyldan and Captain Kort were accompanied by his elite unit of Argentroopers and they were headed for the largest spaceport on Eadward. Eadward had been founded one hundred years ago by a group of Theodoric colonists who had come to the planet to exploit the planets mineral wealth. For fifty years Eadward was a mining center and the biggest mineral producer in the Theodoric Empire. However, about forty five years ago, it was granted Ducal status by the Emperor and the president of the largest Mining Corporation in the Empire became the first Duke of Adxit. The business savvy Duke then founded the High

Judiciary of Eadward and started making laws to protect his familys vast mineral wealth. He also ensured that only citizens of Eadward, who called themselves the Aldwine, would be able to work for the mining companies of Eadward. These laws - and the mineral wealth that backed them - made the judges and lawyers of Eadward some of the richest and most powerful judicial officers in the Empire. It was mid-day, local time, when the Weald landed at the Tanton spaceport as Captain Kort notified the local Argentrooper garrison of their arrival on the planet.. Veldrich and Gyldan disembarked the ship and got into an anti-gravity car that had been provided for them by the local Argentrooper commander. The car was driven by an army officer named Wando Caindale. Lieutenant Caindale drove them quickly to the home of Judge Cyneleah Scaga. I called ahead to make sure that the Judge was home. Lieutenant Caindale informed them. Thank you, Lieutenant. Veldrich replied as the car pulled up to the front gates of the Judges massive compound. The mansion was built at the center of a thirty acre lot which was completely surrounded by a ten meter high stone wall. The wall was surmounted by steel spikes and security cameras. Beyond the wall was a large forest of mixed coniferous and deciduous trees native to Eadward as well as a number of ancient oak trees that had been transported to the planet when the original colonists had arrived. The gates were protected by three heavily armed private security men who immediately surrounded the car. Veldrich of the Fridu. Lieutenant Caindale told them. Were expected. The lead guard nodded his head and motioned to one of his comrades to open the gate. Once it was open, Caindale drove the car through onto the main driveway of the compound. It was a

cobblestone road lined by massive oak trees which stretched one hundred meters, ending at an ornate drawbridge which crossed a narrow section of a small lake. The water surrounded the main house, which rose up on an island in the middle of the lake. The house was massive, containing fifteen hundred square meters of space on its ground floor and another one thousand square meters of space on the upper floor. Row upon row of large windows lined every wall allowing the maximum amount of sunlight into each room. The house was laid out like a large letter H with two wings on the east and west sides of the island. The central portion of the building rose up higher then its wings and featured a tall tower constructed of stone at its center. At the top of this tower were a row of windows which faced every direction so that the master of the house could observe a great many

things in the distance. Caindale parked the car near the entrance of the building. A long marble stairway lead up to the double doors and Veldrich immediately noted that a man in a butlers uniform was descending the stairs toward the car. Veldrich stepped out, followed by Gyldan and waited for the butler to arrive. He was a tall thin man with short brown hair and brown eyes. His face was long with a pointed nose and chin. His black uniform was immaculate and crisp and his black leather boots had a shine to them. Welcome to the estate of Judge Scaga. the butler began. My name is Twiford and I am at your service. If you would follow me, I will take you to see my master. Thank you, Twiford. Veldrich nodded, following the thin man up the stairs and into the house. Twiford led them through the massive foyer and into a long hallway which ended in a small sunroom. There were a set of sliding doors on the far side of the sunroom which opened up onto a patio which surrounded a large pool. Twiford opened the sliding door and led them out onto the patio. Veldrich noticed immediately that there was someone swimming in the pool. At first, he assumed it was the judge, however he quickly realized his error. The person in the pool swam at a leisurely pace over to the edge closest to where Twiford, Veldrich and Gyldan were standing. She placed her hands on the side of the pool and pulled herself up, allowing the water to run off of her sun tanned body like Aphrodite rising up from the foam of the sea. The woman had long raven black hair and brown eyes. Her face was beautiful and almond shaped. She wore a red two piece swimsuit which accentuated her beauty and femininity. Well Veldrich, she purred in a sultry voice, I never expected to see you walk into my fathers house. Hello Eloria. the Fridu replied in a neutral tone. Why does it not surprise me that you know this woman. Gyldan remarked. Veldrich turned and looked at the golden haired woman at his side and saw jealousy in her green eyes. Gyldan, this is Eloria Scaga. he introduced. Demefres cousin and Judge Scagas daughter. A pleasure. Gyldan shook the womans hand. Her tone, however, was icy. Eloria, this is Gyldan Wysadal. Veldrich continued the introductions. I was not expecting to see you here either, Eloria. We came to meet with your father.

Does this have anything to do with my cousin? the black haired beauty asked in a suspicious tone. Why? the Fridu enquired. Has Demefre been here? It has been a long time since I have seen him. A long time since you left him for dead. Eloria shot, her voice a torrent of rage. He was your mentor and your friend. How could you do that to him? The Fridus face darkened with a sadness so deep that Eloria immediately backed off. Im sorry, Veldrich. she apologized. I dont know everything that happened and Ive made quite a few assumptions. Its alright, Eloria. Veldrich replied in a calm voice. I dont believe anyone has found solace since that night on Mildthryth III. I guess I will have to be content with the knowledge that my family is not the only one to have suffered. the black haired woman conceded. If I may interrupt. Twiford broke in. But the Master is ready to see you now. During the time Veldrich and Gyldan had been talking with Eloria, the butler had slipped away and had now returned with a summons from the master of the house. Eloria slipped on a robe that had been sitting on a patio chair near to the pools edge. I will take them to fathers study, Twiford. she told the butler. She motioned for her two guests to follow and led them back into the sunroom and then through a door which opened up into a different hallway then the one they had first gone through. There were a number of doors on each side of the hall and the Judges daughter stopped in front of the third door on the right hand side. She knocked politely and then opened the door. As Elorias eyes focused on the room beyond she let out a scream of terror. Veldrich pushed her to the side, drawing forth an ornately decorated rod from his forest green robes. The rod flashed and a brilliant blue energy blade shot forth from the tip. Mok Vorlan! the Fridu cried seeing the Rashgani assassin for the first time in months. Mok Vorlan was dressed in a tight fitting black jump suit and had a belt with numerous pouches around his hips. He had short, dark brown hair and hazel coloured eyes and a cold face with a couple of scars on his right cheek and forehead. He stood next to the chair where Judge Scaga sat with a long knife in his right hand. The knife gleamed in the mid-afternoon sunlight that streamed in from the windows of the Judges study, but it dripped the thick blood of its latest victim. Youre too late, Veldrich. Mok Vorlan laughed. Scaga is dead and once again I will slip

out of your grasp. There was a sudden flash of smoke right next to the Rashgani and then he was gone just as Veldrich had gotten close enough to grab him. The Fridu turned quickly and spun the Judges chair. He looked at the corpse and saw that Cyneleah Scaga was dead, his heart torn open by the Rashganis sharp blade. Veldrich turned back to the door of the study and saw Eloria sobbing on Gyldans shoulder. He turned off his energy blade and put the rod back in its place inside his green robes. The Fridu then pulled forth a small communications device. Lieutenant Caindale, this is Veldrich. he transmitted. Do you copy? This is Caindale, General. came the army officers voice over the comm. Relay an order to the planets Commandant. the Fridu ordered. I want every spaceport shut down and searched for any vessel belonging to a Rashgani named Mok Vorlan. Yes, General. Also inform the Commandant that Judge Cyneleah Scaga has been assassinated by the very same Rashgani. He is to be apprehended and arrested as soon as possible. Yes, General. Veldrich out. he cut the transmission. The Fridu put the comm device back into his robes and looked up at the two women in the doorway. Eloria, I know this is hard, but you need to help us. If it will help catch the man who killed my father. the black haired woman nodded between tears. First, you need to call the head of your security and get him to deal with the body and the local authorities. Veldrich instructed. Then we need to talk somewhere away from this room. Alright. Eloria replied, wiping her tears away. She reached into the pocket of her robe and pulled out a communications device. She began talking to the head of the security detail in hushed tones. Gyldan walked over to where Veldrich was standing. What do we do now? she asked in a quiet voice. I hope this isnt another dead end. Eloria might have some information about Rodanig Drygedene. he mused. If not, we will have to go talk to that archologist about the artifacts that were auctioned off. They heard the stomping of boots and within a few seconds three of the estates security

guards appeared at the door. The tallest of them, obviously the commander of the security detail, began talking with Eloria while the other two guards entered the study and began documenting everything they saw. One began to take pictures of the room while the other took notes on a small tablet computer he held in his hand. We should perhaps get out of their way. Veldrich suggested. He followed Gyldan out the door and stood near the spot where Eloria was talking with the head of security. When the black haired woman was finished she turned and looked at her guests. I think we should talk in the sun room. she suggested. She walked by them, motioning for them to follow. The tall black haired woman lead them back to the sun room and motioned for them to sit down in the comfortable lounge chairs that were spread around the room. Eloria sat down across from them, still wiping tears from her brown eyes. Now, what do you want to talk about, Veldrich? The Fridu cleared his throat. Have you ever heard of a man named Rodanig Drygedene? Eloria frowned, her tear streaked face suddenly deep in thought. I recognize the name for some reason. But I cant quite place it. He was a man who had been found guilty of treason but who was recently released by order of your father. That doesnt make sense. Eloria countered. The only person who has the authority to release a traitor is the Emperor himself. There is no way my father could have had this Drygedene released. Veldrich nodded. I know. That is why I wanted to talk to your father. I need to know how Drygedene was released from prison. Eloria looked deeply into the Fridus brown eyes. Perhaps Frwald, the sheriff who worked for my father, could help you. You can probably find him at the courthouse. The black haired woman paused for a moment. Now it is my turn to ask you a question, Veldrich. Alright. You recognized my fathers assassin? Yes. Who is he? Eloria asked. His name is Mok Vorlan. Veldrich began. He is a Rashgani assassin who I have been

hunting for a few months now. The Fridu paused, trying to decide how much he should tell the Judges daughter. He quickly made a decision. He was last known to be on Waltolf and I had tracked him down there. He was able to elude me because your cousin rescued him. Demefre? Eloria replied in a shocked tone. Are you sure? Men working for Demefre brought him aboard your cousins warship. And now Mok Vorlan has killed your father. You dont think Demefre paid this Mok Vorlan to kill my father, do you? I dont know. Veldrich admitted. But I was on Waltolf two weeks ago when Demefre got to Mok Vorlan before I could. Up until then, the assassin had been running from me. Demefre is the only person I am aware of that has had an opportunity to talk with Mok Vorlan since I first started chasing him. Why would he want his Uncle killed? she asked in a confused voice. It just doesnt make sense. I think it has something to do with Rodanig Drygedenes release. the Fridu replied. But the links a tenuous. None of this makes sense, Veldrich. Eloria shot. My cousin loved my father and you cant prove any of this. No. the Fridu agreed. I cant right now. But Im trying to figure out what is going on. We both are. Gyldan added in an even tone.

The hover-car parked outside of the main courthouse building. Lieutenant Caindale stepped out and then opened the back door. Veldrich and Gyldan climbed out from the back seat and looked around. The courthouse building was large, built of granite and sporting sapphire windows that gleamed in the sunlight. The main door of the building was reached via a tall set of stairs which were flanked on both sides by huge lions carved of limestone that sat atop two granite pedestals which rose up at the base of the staircase. Four uniformed sheriffs stood guard at the top of the stairs, their dark blue uniforms matching the sapphire windows of the building they protected. They were armed with blaster rifles and billy clubs.

When the commanding sheriff spotted Veldrich and Gyldan, he stepped toward them. He was tall and had brown eyes and hair and had a chiseled face. Can I be of any assistance, Master Fridu? he enquired in a respectful tone. My assistant and I would like to speak with Sheriff Frwald. Veldrich replied. The sheriff nodded. You can find him in his office, room twenty one on the main floor of the building. Thank you very much. the Fridu smiled and he and Gyldan walked into the foyer of the courthouse. There were signs in the foyer indicating the direction visitors should take to get to the various courtrooms as well as the offices of various officials. Gyldan quickly located the hallway which lead to Sheriff Frwalds office and soon they were both standing outside the sheriffs door, politely knocking in order to gain entrance. Come in. came a baritone voice through the door. Veldrich turned the handle and lead Gyldan into the room. Sheriff Frwalds office was small. It contained a simple steel desk located in the center of the room. There was a small book case on the left hand side of the room and the entire office was lit by the sapphire light streaming in through the large window located behind the desk. Sheriff Frwald was an Aldwine of medium build with blond hair and green eyes. He wore the same sheriffs uniform as had the men guarding the main doors of the building. Frwald was middle aged and sported a thick beard that covered his jaw line as well as a mustache above his lips. Can I help you? he asked, looking Veldrich and Gyldan up and down. My name is Veldrich and this is my assistant, Gyldan. the Fridu introduced. We are here to talk to you about Rodanig Drygedene and how he came to be released even though he has been found guilty of treason against the Emperor. I can not discuss cases, Master Fridu. the sheriff replied. It would be best to ask the presiding judge regarding the case. We tried that, Sheriff. Veldrich returned. Unfortunately, I must inform you that Judge Scaga has just been assassinated by a Rashgani named Mok Vorlan. We have just arrived from the Judges estate. Sheriff Frwalds face was washed over with an expression of shock. Has this Rashgani been apprehended? he demanded. The local authorities are currently investigating. Gyldan cut in. I am sure they are doing

everything in their power to catch Mok Vorlan. What does this have to do with Rodanig Drygedene? the blond bearded man asked. We believe Drygedene is working for the same man who hired Mok Vorlan for the assassination of Judge Scaga. Veldrich explained. Sheriff Frwald thought for a moment. This is highly irregular. he began. However, given the circumstances and the fact that you are of the Fridu, I will have the clerk bring in the records of Drygedenes hearing. The sheriff touched a button on his desk. Yes, Sheriff? a womans voice asked. Eorlene, could you send me all the files related to a convict named Rodanig Drygedene? Frwald commanded. Certainly, Sheriff. Eorlene replied over the comm channel. Give me a few minutes to search the records database. Thank you, Eorlene. the sheriff replied. He then reached out and turned off the

communications channel. They waited a few moments and then there was a beeping sound. Frwald touched another button on his desk and a screen rolled down in front of the sapphire window at his back. At the same time, an holographic display lit above the desk and numerous windows popped open. The sheriff touched a small window in the display which was flashing. It immediately enlarged to display quite a number of records, all pertaining to Drygedene and the various court proceedings that he had been involved in throughout his extensive career. Frwald zoomed in on the most recent records: Drygedenes hearing in Judge Scagas court six months before. This is the most recent record. the Sheriff explained. Veldrich and Gyldan took a look at the record. The Fridu was amazed, according to the document, Drygedene had been imprisoned on three counts of weapons smuggling. There seemed to be no reference to the treason charges at all. Judge Scaga had pardoned Drygedene because the arms dealer had attended and passed a rehabilitation course and had been cleared for release by a number of psychiatrists and other experts. There is nothing in here about the conviction for treason. the Fridu pointed out. Which is very strange, because the criminal records in the Imperial Database clearly show a conviction for treason which had been overturned by Judge Scaga. I cant explain the discrepancy. the Sheriff replied. Perhaps you should double check the

records you had access to. I will give you copies of everything we have so you can compare. Thank you. Veldrich smiled. He pulled forth a small data carrier and placed it against the holographic image of Drygedenes records. A small green light flashed on the Fridus device and then he returned it to its pocket amongst his green robes. You have been most helpful, Sheriff. I am glad I could be of service to one of the Fridu. Frwald bowed his head.

The hotel room was dimly lit by the phosphorescence of six large, green pillar candles. Ambient music played softly through an old sound device that sat on one of the chests of drawers that occupied the walls of the room. The thick smell of burning orchid root and musk filled the room with its powerful incense while a man and a woman were entangled in a passionate dance on the large king sized bed that occupied the central part of the room. Both were scantily clad and moaning with pleasure. Suddenly the mans head rose up, his green eyes looking deeply into the brown eyes of his lover. You said you have news for me, Eorlene? he asked in a serious tone. The court clerks brown eyes flashed with fiery passion. Lets talk business later, Rodanig. she purred. No. he commanded in a serious tone. Tell me now. The red haired clerks eyes flashed in annoyance and then rolled in disgust. Very well. she agreed, laying her head back on one of the soft pillows. A Fridu came into the courthouse today asking about your hearing. The arms dealers green eyes got deadly serious, which put a little fear into the woman who lay beneath him. What was his name? Veldrich Iwdl. Eorlene answered. He had a pretty little thing with him. Gyldan Wysadal is her name. Veldrich! Drygedene cried. One other thing. the red head added, sadistically enjoying the sudden fear in her lovers face. Someone killed Judge Scaga today, just before this Fridu was about to talk to him about your hearing.

Well that was convenient. the arms dealer muttered. The local cops say it was a Rashgani assassin named Mok Vorlan who killed the Judge in broad daylight. Eorlene continued. Ive heard of him. Drygedene noted. Alright, Eorlene, enough business. he bent and began to kiss her bright pink nipples as she moaned in pleasure.

Back aboard Imperial Defender, Veldrich and Gyldan were comparing the Imperial Records Database and the Eadwardian Database. Much to Veldrichs surprise, there was now no trace of Drygedenes treason conviction in any of the records. Veldrich couldnt even find a reference to the conviction in any of the back-up files in the archive. It appeared as if the conviction and the treason trial never happened. All that remained was the weapons smuggling charges and the release granted by Judge Scaga. It seemed as if Veldrich and Gyldan had arrived at another dead end. So do we go talk to Doctor Shaaron, then? Gyldan asked. I think it is the only lead we have left. Veldrich nodded. There must be something that Drygedene bought from the auction that allowed Demefre to find or build that Virlorian Battlecruiser. Even if we figure that out, will we be any closer to finding Demefre? she asked. Im not sure. the Fridu admitted. But we have nothing else to go on. We have to keep following the lead and hope that it takes us where we need to go.