Page 23 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

“Somewhat; he’s more sure on his feet and his memory flashes are becoming more precise. It would
appear he was imprinted with some kind of condensed index listing basic descriptions of subjects on
file. Hence the fragmentary nature of what he recalls.” Rupert added then continuing “The Psych
team think he’ll stabilise soon and recall everything in more detail. He has developed an interesting
lilt to his voice, sort of like ancient Welsh!”

“The Sphere’s Computer did say that the subject of the previous incident was not left unscarred by
the experience. I suppose we’d best consider this a warning to take a more careful approach when
testing the Sphere’s equipment without consulting the Computer. I think we’ve come off lightly.”
Galena was saying when the Coms link on her desk flashed its indicator. She had a message from
Central Intel. “I have to take this. I’ll talk with you over lunch” she quickly concluded the
conversation and took the text message. It was encrypted with a cipher she recognised.

“Well; what have you for us Ilka?” She decrypted the file and read the report. Fenton Briggs was the
name that stood out. Ilka had been monitoring his activities since he had left for Terra Prime. He’d
been a little naughty regarding who he had been speaking to about the Sphere. He had tried to
disguise his messages to his contact in The Sonoran Trust Council. “So Fenton; you know the Kinray
Group. That minx Setara is behind this. I did warn you about her. Time to get equally dirty I think…”
she said quietly to herself.

The Kinray Group were a rogue group of businesses with connections to various Criminal
organisations. The group’s agendas were uncertain, but could be a means to “legitimise” the
criminal’s activities and to launder the profits of those said activities. Central Intelligence had
recruited Fenton as a sort of double agent. Setara was the Groups Financial Advisor in this sector.
Galena and she had run into each other on numerous occasions when the Group was starting trading
alliances outside The Sonoran Trust. Galena had been duped into legitimising shady investment
deals by Setara. Galena was unaware that Fenton was a double agent and assumed he had fallen
under Setara’s spell. She was also unaware that Ilka was also reporting to another “interested”
party. Thus it was that the plan she hatched for Fenton’s return was doomed to blow up in her face.
She had no idea just how close the other “interested” party was. Soon all the players in this
particular Brain Game would be together. Unknown to all The Grey had been watching, waiting, and
was far more conscious than first thought.

Catrah the Magnificent

Fenton made it back to the H’Gru’ Fen in good time and the ship was soon on its way to the
outskirts of the colony. The ship took about an hour to make the journey and landed just as Fenton
reached Meorrs’ cabin. He politely knocked on the door. Meorr opened it slowly. She had changed
clothes. She now wore a short jacket over a blouse and a long flowing dress. The colours seemed to
clash in his eyes, but she seemed comfortable with them.

“Lehran loaned me some traditional Buraxin women’s clothes. I packed in such a hurry for this trip.
Do you think I look… feminine enough?” she asked as they made their way to the Bridge.

“You’d look stunning regardless of what you wear. But; for my taste, a bit bright. But what do I a
mere man know?” he grinned as he said the latter. “Besides; the weather here is much better than
Nova Thule, almost like a Genovan Summer, The choice will probably be cooler than my dress
uniform” He added. And, as if he needed to prove it, he stiffened in salute. She purred, and then
emitted a rasping sound, her races equivalent of a loud guffaw. He smiled the added “Jicklac has
been accessing the local databases. He’s discovered Catrah is actually some form of local dignitary.
Her full title is Catrah out of Venarr Holder of the Chalice of Grarh and Huluth the Magnificent.
Meorrs’ eyes widened when she heard this.