Personal Log 63: Two Conversations
29 Sep 2016Jemine Caesar
I wandered aimlessly about Schirra Dock for most of the day, waiting for a reply from Rudolphus. Finally I could wait no longer, and made a direct call to him. Once I had negotiated with his female clone slave, I heard Rudolphus' voice at last.*****
"Greetings, Jem."
"Hello, Rudolphus. Did you receive my message, about the kidnap?"
"Yes, I did."
"And do you recognise the kidnapper?"
"No, I do not know him. You give me not very much information, Jem. I hope the lady has not been taken by the Kumo Crew."
"What? Why do you say that? Do you know something, Rudolphus? Please tell me!"
"Do you think I would be involved with the Kumo Crew?"
"Well, no, of course not. But I know you have a lot of contacts."
"Yes, that is true. Well, maybe I can tell you something soon. I will be visiting a friend at Harma in a few days time. Perhaps he may know something that will help."
"Thank you, Rudolphus. I know that it may be dangerous for you to tell me anything by k-cast, so... if you do find out anything, I will come to see you in person to get the information."
"And will you bring your friend with you?"
"Sam? He would want to make sure that I am safe."
"Safe? Do you think I would cause you any harm, Jemine?"
"Would you?"
"No, of course not."
"I am sure you wouldn't. And... out of respect for our friendship, I will come to you alone. When you have something to tell me."
"Yes, that is agreed. I hope to see you soon, then. Well wishes, Jem."
*****
Frowning, I closed the link. Rudolphus was my best hope, but I was going to need all the help I could get. Who else did I know in the Empire?
My friend MK Potter (MK to his friends) worked as an independent trader in the Empire. Whilst not perhaps having the kind of contacts that Rudolphus moved amongst, MK might be able to watch out for anything useful about Esmerelda's kidnapper.
*****
"Hello MK. How are you?"
"Hi, Jem. I'm doing well, thanks. Been really busy with a few contracts lately. What are you up to these days?"
"I need a favour, MK. I'm trying to help out a friend of mine, Marcus Trelawney. His brother Hadrian's partner, Esmerelda Erskinne, was kidnapped on Earth a couple of weeks ago."
"Oh, wow! How can I help?"
"The Sol police think the kidnapper is connected to the Empire. He's quite tall, bald, with an unusually long nose and a prominent scar behind his left ear. I know it's a long shot. I just wondered if you had ever come across someone of his description."
"He sounds delightful."
"I don't even know if he is really an Imperial citizen. He was wearing Empire military dress uniform with a red cape, decorated with a blue lion."
"Hmm. Sorry, Jem, it doesn't ring a bell."
"All right. But if you could keep an eye open for any information, I'd be very grateful."
"I shall. Sorry I can't be more help. But sadly, as a contractor I'm not that well-connected in the Imperial military."
"I understand, MK. The Federal authorities are naturally reluctant to launch an official investigation in Imperial space for fear of a political incident."
"You can't blame them. Thinking about it, there was an Imperial agent and an Imperial trader I once met in a bar a number of times."
"Ooh! Go on."
"Well, don't pin your hopes on it, but I'll try asking them next time I see them."
"Thank you, MK."
*****
I had tried my best for Marcus, which didn't seem much. All I could do for the time being was wait and hope.