www.ditl.org

2128

"Certainly," Trask replied without inflection. "Mr. Karibi? Would you do me the favor of informing Mr. von Hydden of the scheme to use the pheromone tracers?"

2128:

After Karibi exits the mess hall, Arl closes and locks the hatch behind him and returns to the table. Pulling a chair out, he seats himself where he can easily see the entrance.

+++One of your party is a traitor.+++

2128

Phebia glanced across at Trask then back at Arl. "I confess that if you're speaking to both of us I am out of ideas as to whom."

2128

Trask accepted Phebia's comment with an equaninimity which surprised the Sister. "I'm glad to see that your wit hasn't dulled even as you've sharpened your other skills, Sister," Milo replied with a hint of a smile. "I might have some more constructive ideas now that you've mentioned it, but certainly nothing I've considered beforehand. Care to enlighten us as to your reasoning?"

2128

+++Items that were reported recovered by the Interrogator and various members of your group never made it to the Ordos for analysis. Hence my presence, Mr. Trask.+++

2128

"What items?" Phebia asked. "In spite of the xenos taint of the cathedral we found little in the way of xenos artifacts. The only thing that comes to mind was the weapon."

2128

"Exactly," Trask replied, casting his gaze downward. "Karibi. I saw him inspecting that xenos artifact, and I reminded him to make sure it made its way to the hands of the Inquisition. I tusted him to do so... more fool me." Milo raised his glance again to look first at Arl, then at Phebia. "I daresay we might still have use of his talents in the near future. Perhaps we go about our business as usual, and try to elicit from him along the way where exactly his loyalties lie?"

Trask cocked his head suddenly and stared at Arl. "I'm curious," he said, "why the Inquisition didn't come to each one of us in turn to interrogate us until the item was found?"

2128

Phebia pursed her lips and folded her hands pensively. "I should have destroyed the wretched thing on site. There is nothing to learn from tainted xenos filth."

2129

+++Much could be learned by allowing the suspect to continue unmolested. Perhaps we find a greater heresy, or perhaps we simply find that it was sold to a collector. The Inquisition can be subtle or it can be a hammer. I think you both can agree that several Arco-flagellant's are more useful then one.+++

A harsh, static filled sound rolls forth from Arl's mask at the last comment and you realize that he is actually laughing.

2129

Phebia frowned slightly. "A delay could allow him to cause more damage, steal more artifacts."

2129 - "Less of a risk now that we're aware," Trask said. "Besides, accosting Karibi now would only mean that we'll have no trace to his overseeing accomplices."

2129

+++Certainly there is much to be gained by observing and ensnaring him. I suspect he will lead us to a greater nest of heretics, at the very least his masters will bear the brunt of an Inquisition into their instruction and training methods.+++

2130

Phebia steepled her fingers. "I'm not enthusiastic about this but I cannot argue with the logic."

2130 - "Well, there we are," Trask said, crossing to the sideboard for another cordial. He sipped and added, "While I doubt that there will be much opportunity for Karibi to indemnify himself on our present mission, I shall take note of the things he deems interesting. Now, if there's nothing else until the cog-girl is ready, I have some matters of personal interest to review."

2130

Phebia nodded, "Nothing I am aware of. It would appear that I need to make penance for my error. I shall be in the ship's chapel if needed."