Page 97 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

“I noticed a marker that looked familiar; so I asked Doc Harrigan to see if her cousin at the
Thule Biology research facility over in Hedebar could see if they had any specimens of the
Lander’s Skink. It is rare here, but common in the Flutvarn sector. Its skin produces a toxic
waxy secretion. The compound I found in this toxin is close enough to have been
synthesised to match it. Only a few places have the equipment to make a synthetic copy,
none in the Sonoran Trust, but two are in the Buraxin sector, both are Order Protectorates”
he said, smiling broadly.

“There’s that Order connection again. The Caveat Brigade is linked to The Order, and Caveat
style payments were found at two of the murders. It’s extremely unlikely that the Order
would want to start a Turf War here, but someone needing their protection might do to
cover their tracks. I’d lay ten to one odds that Josiah Lusern is still alive and he’s behind all
of this in some way” Hurden said. Lomax and the others agreed. Jenna spoke up.

“We don’t have any clues to where he is and Dispatch has just informed us that there has
been a change of Leadership in the “Boys Cartel”; Marco has gone missing too. Wonder if
we’ll find his body in an alley somewhere. That leaves us with only one line of enquiry”
Jenna added then thought for a moment and continues hesitantly “Bro’ correct me if I’m
wrong, but synthesisers like the one’s needed to make that compound always include a
molecular signature do they not?” she asked Jason

“Why yes; I hadn’t thought of that. It indicates the manufacturer and serial number of the
machine…” Jason started to say when Lomax interrupted him

“So we can track its invoices and find not only the supplier but the purchaser and its
destination. I’m glad I brought you two back with me” he whooped and he kissed Jenna on
the cheek and rushed out to dispatch”

A “family” reunion

Marco had turned up at Asgard Protectorate as a passenger aboard the Buraxin
freighter H’N’ Frae that was there to collect surplus foodstuffs from the Monastery for trade
in the Markets of Hibernia. He looked rather pleased with himself. Morgana, Josiah and the
Abbot greeted him. He drew his mother to one side and whispered in her ear

“I think I did right by “father”; It will take some getting used to that, I found the only
records left of his existence, the Medical records. Instead of destroying them, I created
replacements that show he passed away on Thoth about six years ago and his body
cremated. I hope he likes the idea. I’ve also heard your “body” was found as planned” he
went over to meet the Abbot and Jason, introduced himself and explained about his
relationship , his past and that he was willing to do whatever the Abbot thought would be
the best work for him while he was here. Josiah took Marco firmly by the hand

“I know you’ll find this strange; I certainly do, but I greet you now, not as a stranger, but as
my son. Since the adoption was approved without reservation. Your mother and I are truly
happy to welcome you into the fold” and he hugged Marco with tears streaming from his
eyes. Marco waited until they were in their quarters before telling Josiah what he had done
to secure Josiah’s anonymity.