Murder Mystery: Log 3 (10/12/98

[Zami Wahye <wahye@yahoo.com>]

The Guild so graciously invited people in the Landsraad to examine their newest ship.  Yet even in this festive exploration, the lurking Death can not be avoided....


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Main Terminal -- Guild Spaceport (Kaitain)(#218Rnt)

Steffan exits the Ginaz Staffcar.
Steffan has arrived.
The Ginaz Staffcar departs the area.

Iason exits the Atreides Staffcar.
Iason has arrived.
The Atreides Staffcar departs the area.

Iohannes exits the Alvstad Limosine.
Iohannes has arrived.
Kirc exits the Alvstad Limosine.
Kirc has arrived.

Iohannes bows gravely to all.

Iason steps out of his staffcar, wearing a small frown as he looks 
  around, bowing to the arriving dignitaries.

Kirc exits the limosine, adjusting his clothing as he glances around.

Iohannes smiles. "A truly magnificent view of the city!"

A Rastanyev Limosine pulls in and comes to a smooth stop.
Ivanova exits the Rastanyev Limosine.
Ivanova has arrived.
Nikolai exits the Rastanyev Limosine.
Nikolai has arrived.
The Rastanyev Limosine departs the area.

Ivanova lifts her head as she emerges from the darkness within the 
  Limosine. She smiles as she looks about the spaceport and sees all the 
  familiar faces... if but only familiar from shingafilm

Iason is stepping away from his departing staffcar, looking around as he 
  bows to the dignitaries.

Iohannes turns from the vista, to bow cordially to the new arrivals.

Nikolai emerges from the Rastanyev Limosine directly behind Ivanova. He 
  regards each present, offering a bow to the appropriate nobility.

The day is sunny, a perfect day to say the least. (The weather 
  satellites MUST be working find today... at least it would only be 
  fighting for such an important day.) Before the masses that have 
  gathered is one of the large frigates with the marking of the Guild 
  etched into the side. Its metallic surface shines, seemingly with its 
  own light, before the crowd. This massive ship would but fit into the 
  smallest nook of a Guild Heighliner... and yet it still dwarfs those 
  about it. The port is still closed as many in the crowd focus their 
  attentions upwards to this point, as if to await for something.

Ivanova leans towards Nikolai at her side and whispers something. She 
  points casually to someone in the crowd.
Ivanova mutters to Nikolai, "... a Ginaz.... you..."

The frigate's entry tube lowers from the belly of the ship. The expected 
  crash when the tube reaches the surface never arrives. Rather, the 
  soft swish of air is heard as the suspensor effectively nullify 
  gravity's effect.

Nikolai gives a knowing nod to Ivanova.

The tube doors, over 50 meters wide, open, revealing a tall, lanky man, 
  hairless. His clothes are jet black, almost oily. Upon the left breast 
  is the insignia of the Guild. No other markings are present. The man, 
  with his entourage of 4 drone-like men, step from the tube.

Ivanova smiles lightly towards Nikolai, "Shall we join him?"

Iason raises a brow, straightening a bit as he casts a quick glance 
  around the area, the bombing having left him more than a tad wary.

Nikolai nods with a smile and offers his left arm to Lady Ivanova.
  Returning the smile, Ivanova takes Nikolai's hand and then proceeds to 
  be guided through the crowd.

Kirc continues to glance around with an air of casual disinterest.

The Guildsman stops, his entourage stopping precisely as he does. Hard-
  faced, he says simply, "The Spacing Guild extends an opportunity for 
  you to tour this frigate, our newest in luxury."

A soft murmur arises from the crowd as it hesitantly oozes toward the 
  tube.

Kirc walks slowly towards the ship, and moves inside.

The suspensor lift carries the assemblage into the first hold of the 
  ship. The sheer size of this hold is an amazing feat, easily holding 
  1000 men. The Guildsman speaks, "This hold can carry a small military 
  force and its equipment." He brings his right hand to his left elbow 
  and presses lightly. 10 different doors open across the hold. He says, 
  "Follow me, through this first door. We shall go toward the main 
  cabin."

Iohannes glances at the cavernous, hold with amazement as he moves 
  inside.

Ivanova turns her head towards the Guildsman and smiles, she too joins 
  those heading in.

Nikolai goes to follow the Guildsman... and Ivanova.

Steffan looks around carefully as he enters the craft.

Iohannes glances briefly at Ivanova then bows.

Iason silently enters the craft, eyes running over the area with a wary 
  precision.

Through room after room, the Guildsman takes you, demonstrating the 
  technical advances and luxury additions to the craft. "Extraordinary 
  in design and implementation, this frigate truly is one of the most 
  impressive to be created," the Guildman comments as the tour comes to 
  an end. "I will make myself available afterwards, should any House 
  Major care to pursue purchase of this exquisite marvel," he concludes, 
  his face betraying none of the pride his words convey.

A few stragglers crane their necks to peek into the other nine doors as 
  the main mass of people obediently follows the Guildsman into the main 
  cabin.

Ivanova notices Iohannes's bow, but doesn't seem to return it. Perhaps 
  the crowd of the area has made it unclear as to if the bow was 
  directed towards her or another.

Leading the assemblage through the maze of halls back to the main hold, 
  the Guildsman brings the group back to the surface via the suspensor 
  lift.

Nikolai mutters to Ivanova, "Truly... opulence,... not agree?"

Ivanova nods lightly towards Nikolai.

Somewhere close to the outskirts of the crowd, a women is huddled on the 
  ground. Her tears strain through to cloud her pleas of help, pleas 
  that go unnoticed by most about her. In her arms, wrapped so, seems to 
  be the body of a small girl. The girl's face is serene and pale... at 
  peace like one in a deep sleep. The mother is anything but. Her face 
  and body is dusty, seemingly more so than what can be attributed to 
  just the ground around.

The mother cries, "Please... please... someone... oh please." She leans 
  her body forward again over the body, covering it with her own.

The surprised crowd forms a circle around the woman. Their murmurs 
  escalate to a dull roar as they take in this new development. Several 
  call out to the woman, offering succor.

Nikolai's eyes widen at the site as he leans to whisper something to 
  Ivanova.

Iohannes glances with concern at the woman and child. Still leaving the 
  ship, he gestures at a member of the Kaitain security, then gestures 
  in their direction.

Still in the arms of Nikolai, Ivanova strolls down the landing of the 
  ship. She leans towards Nikolai to listen to his whispers.

The mother simply continues her cries, "Please... someone... please."

Nikolai mutters to Ivanova, "... should repair you to... safer... Lady? 
  The Guild... it should..."

Iason stops at the top of the ramp, walking back out at the noise of the 
  crowd.

Iohannes leaves the ship in concern. He moves toward the direction of 
  the commotion.

Ivanova furrows her brows at Nikolai and retorts, "Whatever for? come, 
  let us see what's happening." Without waiting, she moves forward in 
  the crowd, letting go of Nikolai's arm and letting him stand on the 
  platform if he wishes to.

The commotion ripples outward as more and more of the bystanders become 
  aware of the woman's plight.

Nikolai develops a look of consternation, then after a moment's time, 
  follows behind Ivanova.

Iason starts towards the crowd himself, discarding the tour for the 
  moment.

The mother raises her body. One hand nestles under that of the small 
  girl in her lap. The other outstretches as if to grab someone if they 
  should come close enough, "Please... she needs help. Look at her... 
  just look."

Iohannes nears the woman. Furrowing his browm he asks, "What, good 
  woman, is the matter with your daughter? Do you need a medic?"

Steffan walks cautiously up to the crowd but keeps his distance.

The mother nods, "Yes... yes please.... medic anyone... anything." Her 
  voice is frantic.

Iason start easing his way through the crowd, towards the commotion.

A concerned citizen near the forefront of the activity begins to wave 
  his arms. "Medics? Are there any medics here?" The crowd begins to 
  mill about frantically in search of medical personnel.

Iohannes shouts to the crowd: "Is there a medic among you!? A medic 
  anyone?!?"

Ivanova moves closer, finding herself a step behind Iason. She stands on 
  her toes and looks up above the crowd to try to see into the center.

The Guildsman gives a look to one of the drone-like guards. The guard 
  mumbles something into his left hand. At the moment he complete his 
  mumbling, the lift hurls upward into the frigate.

From near the edges of the crowd, a nervous-looking man wearing the 
  tattoo of a Conditioned Suk emerges, holding a black medical bag 
  clutched tightly in his hand. Shooting a quick glance from side to 
  side, he speaks, "I'm a medic. What's the problem?"

Iason pulls out a comm, tuning it to call medical services as eh looks 
  up to see a Suk, then starts motioning people out of the way, to clear 
  a path.

Iohannes turns to him, "This woman's daughter is ill..."

The mother again begins her weeping. Her body collaspes over her 
  daughters again so as to hide the face.

Ivanova is pushed back from Iason's motion. She frowns at him, resorting 
  to a terse, "Hey now!"

The assembled masses part quickly to let the Suk Doctor through. 
  Whispers of "A Suk, a Suk!" ripple through the crowd.

Nodding rapidly, then man comes on at a gangly, ungainly run, the bag 
  dangling as he clutches it with two fingers only. "Let me have a look, 
  please, miss." He says gently, kneeling by the woman's side and 
  placing his bag beside him.

Iason's eyes start scanning the crowd.. and the area where the Suk is.. 
  alertly, either unwilling or unable to trust that things will 
  remain... stable.

The suk's words only sends the mother to clasp both arms about her 
  child's head and pull on it as if to pull the body away, "No... what 
  are you going to do to her? You're not going to give her to those... 
  those things are you?"

The medic blinks his brown eyes at the woman, looking both puzzeled, and 
  a tad annoyed. "I'm not going to give the child to any ... thing, 
  miss. I'm a healer." He says gently.

The woman's eyes are wide, bewildered even. She continues to clasp at 
  the daughter's head and eyes the suk carefully, her eyes finally 
  landing and seeming to be transfixed on the black diamond.

The medic begins to reach out slowly, his right hand, outstretched, palm 
  upwards. "I'm not going to hurt her, miss. If your daughter is sick, 
  please, let me have a look." He tries to use his most soothing tone, 
  his other hand resting on the handle of the bag.

The inner ring of bystanders tighten their circle, eager for a closer 
  look, until the concerned citizen pushes them back. "Give the doctor 
  his space," he hisses in a loud stage whisper.

Iohannes glances curiously at the bag...

The medic's other hand carefully snicks the latch of the bag open, 
  revealing ordinary medical supplies through the thin crack of the 
  opening.

Ivanova moves closer behind Iason as she whispers, "What's going on?"

Iason raises a finger for silence , his eyes continuing their trek 
  around the area.

The mother does move... but she does pull away any more either. She 
  seems to be locked there, her bottom lip quivering ever so slightly, 
  her eyes a bit wild.

The hand begins to approach the mother's arm, and incidentally the 
  daughter, as the medic himself begins to inch forward. "It'll be all 
  right, miss. Everything'll be all right ..." He says in a calm, 
  repetitive voice, trying to sooth the mother. "Just let me have a look 
  at your daughter .."

The mother's eyes shoot widely upwards, towards the Iohannes, "Please... 
  Lord. Don't let them take her from me." Her vigor is suddenly renewed 
  as her hands clasp at the child.

Ivanova furrows her brow and shakes her head lightly at what she hears 
  more than sees of the woman's reactions, "What a silly woman..." she 
  says under her breath.

Iohannes whispers to her, "I'm sure the suk only has the best 
  intentions. Let him have a look..."

A hush descends upon the onlookers as the doctor inches toward the woman 
  and her child. They crane silently on tiptoes, eyes wide, nervously 
  awaiting the action.

Iohannes sighs. "If it makes you feel better, good woman, I will try to 
  keep an eye on her myself, checking in at Kaitain General..."

The medic stops his hand short of the girl, a faint look of brief 
  frustration flickering over his face. "Now miss, why would I want to 
  harm your daughter? If she's injured, I just want to help her." He 
  intones. "Please, miss? I promise I won't harm her ... I'm sworn not 
  to ..."

Iason's own stance loosens a bit, his balance altering as he looks down 
  at the woman and child.

A thick 'accent' comes out of the woman as she senses the suk now closer 
  than ever, "I herd the stories... I no. You'll take the dead children 
  to th'em dir'ty Ix. I no! You will!." Again, she looks about the 
  crowd, "Please! Do'na let him! Help me!"

The medic's hand lowers fractionally. "Please, miss. I don't take dead 
  children any --." Pausing, he cranes to see the child. "Is she dead, 
  miss?" He asks quietly.

A soft murmur sweeps through the crowd, but the onlookers remain deaf to 
  the mother's pleas.

Nikolai raises a brow and mutters loud enough so those around him can 
  hear, "Have you ever seen such a strange calamity?"

Iason's brow rises slowly, at the woman's words.

The mother raises and looks down at the child's face. She brushes 
  lightly at the hair to remove it from that face, "She be at peace... " 
  Then suddenly the wailing begins again, "OH me oh my! My duaghter! My 
  be'tiful daughter!"

Iason takes a light step over beside the woman, dropping in a crouch 
  quickly to ascertain the child's status.

The medic begins to draw backwards. "I ... I see, miss. I ... my 
  condolances." He says, lowering his hand and moving back onto his 
  haunches. "There's nothing I can do, Lord. If the child is passed ..."

Iohannes kneels beside the woman and child, nodding.

The mother pulls back as yet another man comes nearby. She quickly jerks 
  her head up to look at Iason, relaxing slightly as the diamond is NOT 
  upon his head.

Whispers of "dead, dead" spread from gawker to gawker. Some cross 
  themselves in the O.C. manner.

With an opening now made where Iason stood, Ivanova pulls in closer and 
  finally finds herself looking over the mother and daughter.

Iason's fingers come to lightly rest on the child's throat, seeking the 
  artery without hesitation.

The medic stands slowly, his head bowing as he picks up the medical bag.

Iohannes nods to medic. "You have done everyting possible in this 
  situation, honourable suk."

Iason's expression remains unchanged as he reaches out his other hand to 
  gently roll the head to one side, as if looking for something.

The mother lets the man touch the child, her own hands continuing to 
  brush at the hair lightly as she whispers, "I do declare... you are 
  the pret'iest girl there is."

Ivanova leans forward and ever so light touches the shoulder of the 
  mother, "Come dear... let the men take a look at her... it does you no 
  good to sit like that... your posture and all." Ivanova's words come 
  out soft... almost friendly.

The medic bows towards Iohannes. "I regret that there was nothing that I 
  could do." Shifting the medical bag in his hand,his gaze moves once 
  more towards the little girl, a faint sigh escaping his lips.

Ivanova looks up towards the medic and inclines her head lightly towards 
  the mother, "And for her suk?"

The medic bows towards Ivanova. "The mother is not well, milady? If she 
  is willing, I will examine her."

Iohannes turns to the suk. "You have still done all your oath can 
  ask..."

Ivanova raises an eyebrow towards the mother, inquirying without asking. 
  Then without waiting for this response, she turns towardss the suk, 
  "Why don't you give me your evaluation... suk... surely such a loss 
  can not be easy on any human."

Iason's eyes start scanning lower, as he studies the corpse quietly, 
  squatted down beside it for some reason.

The mother doesn't seem to pay any heed to Ivanova's words or the 
  conversation. In fact, she seems to regard that discussion as someone 
  else's completely. Her eyes still focus on the face... even ignoring 
  Iason's probing of that poor body.

Iohannes whispers to the woman, "Come mother, do as the Lady says, rest 
  for now..."

The medic inclines his torso in a bow of a few degrees, attempting to 
  examine the mother. "She is ... outwardly ... well. She does not 
  exhibit any evident injury ... but the loss of a daughter is never 
  easy, lady. If she has any family?"

Nodding her head Ivanova again tries to reach the woman, "Come dear 
  lady... come. Is there anyone that we can send for to help?"

As word of the child's death reaches the outer ring, the crowd becomes 
  restless. Several of the furthest bystanders stretch, turn, and wander 
  away. As time passes, less and less of the original crowd remain, 
  until only a devoted central core huddles around the action.

Iohannes nods. "A priest, perhaps?"

Iason just looks over at the corpse silently, for reasons of his own.

The mother lowers her head and shakes it lightly, "No one." She says, 
  more bitterly than anything else.

The medic exhales briefly, again, through his lips. "There is ... 
  nothing I can do, Lady. I am a healer, but am not skilled at 
  comforting ..." His right hand drums on his leg, his tone regretful.

Nikolai offers forth incredulously: "We know nothing of this woman. We 
  know nothing of that child who appears to have lost her life recently. 
  How can anyone make any claims of her sanity, her motives, or what may 
  or may not have been the cause of the child's death?"

Ivanova looks towards the suk, finding the moment to raise and meet him 
  eye level, "Perhaps a sedative to help her relax?"

Iohannes sighs. "Well let us find someone, eh? I'm sure we can at least 
  find someone. Who are your friends?"

The medic hesitates. "It may make her worse, after she recovers from its 
  affects, Lady." A hand reaches into the case, coming out with a 
  syringe, which he neatly loads, ripping off the outer wrapping, 
  feeding in the sedative, and removing the needle cap.

Ivanova places her hands at her hips, "Well... you're the suk, not I. 
  Perhaps you have a different solution?"

A rumbling engine sound is audible on the outskirts of the spaceport. 
  Members of the Kaitain garrison come running toward the scene.

The mother rocks lightly with the child's head still in her arms. She 
  seems to be humming and talking to the body lightly.

Iohannes looks. "Then perhaps not. Perahaps a short walk might clear the 
  good woman's head." He offers the woman his arm. "Come, old mother, 
  let us go for a brief walk, perhaps..."

The medic shakes his head slowly. "Rest, Lady. And comfort. Members of 
  her family, or ... a priest. An anti-depressant now may make her 
  depressed when it wears off, which might lead to continued dosing ... 
  addiction."

A Sardaukar soldier appears with the garrison guards. He barks orders as 
  the men begin to cut the crowd from the scene.

The mother seems reluctant to leave the child but too weak to really 
  fight it either. She merely stares at the hand presented to her and 
  doesn't make a move to take or deny it.

Iason's hands and eyes start checking the extremities, turning them over 
  for some reason.

"Stand back!" the Sardaukar roars. "This area is considered a crime 
  scene."

Iohannes glances at the arriving soldiery with some unease...
Iohannes takes the woman's arm, drawing the two of them back...

Nikolai jumps back at the orders spewing forth from the Sardaukar in 
  true dismay. "Finally," me mutters.

Seeing the guards, Ivanova obeys and takes the necessary steps away from 
  the center of the action.

The Sardaukar looks squarely at Iohannes and orders, "Release the woman 
  immediately, sirrah!"

The mother lets Iohannes guide her away. She lets up only the smallest 
  of protest, "My child... my child."

The crowd scatters upon the approach of the Sardaukar. Several of them, 
  including the concerned citizen, rush of in a single group towards the 
  nearest rectory.

Iohannes releases the woman. "These men are here to protect your 
  daughter, woman."

Ivanova looks up towards the mother and Iohannes, a brow arching 
  upwards.

Iason looks up at the SUk, gesturing him over.

The medic draws backwards, from the soldiers, his mouth working silently 
  as the soldiers approach. Suddenly, he realizes that the soldiers are 
  clearing everyone, and turns, taking rapid steps away.

The medic turns as Iason gestures, however, turning over and walking 
  towards the man quickly, glances being darted towards the soldiers 
  every so often.

Two guards charge forward at the Sardaukar's last remarks and take the 
  woman's arms, both as a measure to keep her from falling and from.... 
  running.

The mother seems to stiffen slightly as she feels the clasp of the 
  Sardaukar about her. She looks towards the two with an air of 
  familarity and fear, "Please... please. I'll be quiet." She merely 
  offers.

Iason gestures the Suk down to speak softly, as he shifts the body a 
  bit, glancing down.

Iason mutters to Sumter, "... of the... the child?"

Iohannes bows to the Sardaukar, "My lord Sardaukar, I am Lord Iohannes 
  Helmsgilder, Alvstad Ambassador to The Imperium. I should like to be 
  informed as to the progress and outcome of this case, if that is 
  possible."

"You! Cordon the scene," the Sardaukar shouts a one guard. He turns to 
  another, "Take all of their names. They are allowed to leave only 
  after giving their particulars and a statement."

The Suk straightens, head turning as he studies Iason. "I ... do not 
  understand, sir." He says in a quiet tone.

Iason mutters to the medic, "... services.... autopsy,... House's..."

Ivanova takes several steps back, finding her way back to the side of 
  Nikolai. Her brows are raised in a questioning manner towards him.

Iohannes glances at the Suk and the Atreides curiously...

The Sardaukar snarls at Iohannes, "We shall come calling upon you, 
  Ambassador, soon enough."

Iohannes nods impassively but respectfully.

Several of the scattered onlookers return to the scene with an old 
  priest, but are prevented from approaching by the Sardaukar cordon. 
  The priest attempts to perform the proper rituals at a distance, with 
  exaggerated gestures and a loud prayer. He is silenced by a Sardaukar 
  baton.

The Sardaukar and his minions continue to go about their work, drawing a 
  chalk line around the dead child, interviewing bystanders, and such.

Iason rises to his feet, shaking his head a bit.

The suk bows slightly. "I shall contact the appropriate authorities, 
  sir." He says simply.

Iason nods once, before turning to give his statement and name to the 
  Sadaurkar.

The Sardaukar looks directly at the Suk: "I am the authorities.... Suk!" 
  he sneers.

Ivanova leans forward to whisper something to Nikolai.

The Suk bows once more towards the Sardaukar. "Of course, sir. No 
  disrespect was meant." He murmurs humbly.

Ivanova mutters to Nikolai, "... going on here than meets... Those... 
  something. Get... to..."

Nikolai nods to Ivanova and whispers back.
Nikolai mutters to Ivanova, "... my... will... done."

The mother, still in the arms of the guards, pales ever so lightly. Her 
  body goes slightly limp as she shakes her head and looks up to one of 
  them, "Please... I mean no harm... please. Don't put me back there."

Iohannes bows to the Sardaukar, giving his name, rank and account of 
  events. He glances concernedly at the woman as he does so...

Ivanova makes a thin smile towards Nikolai and then turns to find the 
  nearest Sardaukar to give her statement as well.

The Sardaukar guard points to the doctor: "Take him back to the 
  garrison. I wish to speak with him in private."

The doctor looks briefly startled, a glance moving from side to side 
  before he shoots another, almost pleading glance towards the crowd. 
  His head bows. "Of course." He murmurs, his hand clutching the medical 
  bag more firmly.

Iason's eyes narrow, as he looks at the woman. "Back wherE?" he asks 
  softly.

Iohannes looks to the Suk, calling, "Your name, sir! I might wish to 
  speak to you later myself..."

Both the woman and the doctor are taken away toward the vehicle at the 
  edge of the field.

The Suk looks startled. "My name is ... Feynman."

After giving her statement, Ivanova turns towards Nikolai, "ready to 
  go?"

Iohannes nods. "Look to the woman. Feyman!"
Nikolai nods.

The medic nods as he is dragged out of sight. "I'll ..." His words are 
  cut off.

Nikolai speaks into his communicator.
A Rastanyev Limosine pulls up near Nikolai.
Ivanova has left.
Ivanova enters the Rastanyev Limosine.

Iason mutters darkly under his breath, the woman not having answered.. 
  though he has his own questions now.

Iohannes bowing to all and sundry, Iohannes moves away, looking at the 
  still dwindling figures...

Nikolai walks over to the limo and opens the door for Ivanova. He 
  follows her into the car.
Nikolai has left.
Nikolai enters the Rastanyev Limosine.

The Rastanyev Limosine steadily accelerates then departs the area.

Iohannes moves away with Kirc, talking quietly...
Iohannes is now set 'Out-of-Character.'

The Sardaukar complete their on-scene investigation by placing the girl 
  into a body bag and taking her away. "Remember, this is a crime scene. 
  No one crosses the cordons," the lead Sardaukar orders before 
  returning to his vehicle and speeding away.

Iason looks over at the Sardaukar. "Sirrah, if I could have a copy of 
  the autopsy report.."

The Sardaukar looks gruffly at Iason, "If we are so inclined," he 
  mutters over his shoulder as he turns toward the vehicles.

The last of the onlookers depart the square, or are dragged off 
  forcibly. A few remain at the periphery, silent and grave. A chalk 
  circle in the dust and a yellow Sardaukar cordon are the only signs 
  that a child died here only moments ago.

Iason remains silent, his expression becoming unreadable. Now why did 
  they drag the woman and the Suk off to their base?