Star Law: A Marshal Cole Series

Chapter 23 (f)

Champion awaited in the security office. At the front of the room were several camera angles of Deck 10, cabin 303 on the Galaxy deck. This was the assigned accommodation of the suspect Petr Goroshenko. It was uncertain if he was inside as Boz had only just re-established video monitoring.

The first to arrive was Miguel followed by Richard Tilston-Horn. Champion was not too sure about the man but the captain seemed to think he would be of value. The expectation was that the Marshal would walk through the door next but in a surprise Security Chief Volks stepped in with Dr. Kripisov in tow.

"I don't need a doctor tagging along behind me, Kendra," said a visibly annoyed Volks.

"Nevertheless, you got me," said Kripisov. "Deputy Security Chief Champion, I am releasing Chief Volks from care. He checks out. However, if he shows any sign of relapse, he's to report to sickbay with an escort immediately."

"Yes, doctor," gulped Champion.

Volks shot a look at Kripisov. "I'm fine, doc."

Dr. Kripisov harrumphed and turned on her heel and was out the door.

"Good to see you up and around, Chief," Champion said.

"Thanks," replied Volks. "Update Mr. Champion."

"We have identified and located the possible whereabouts of Petr Goroshenko," said Champion.

"Yes, I've read the briefings up in medical," said Volks. "He was last seen on the Marshal's surveillance video in Aubrey Chase Chen's cabin."

"Yes, "said Champion. "We've had no luck identifying a girl seen near Central Plaza at the time of the attacks that sent you to medical. Anonymously, we're told her name is Orion Ruskovich and were given a dossier on her.

"Volk's face soured. "We'll set that aside for the moment and go with what we do have which is this Goroshenko. I've seen the man in the casino during the voyage. He was loud but caused no trouble."

"The manifest lists him as a born on Ceres but most recently as a resident of Earth," said Champion. "His age is listed as 30 years old and he was working as a security consultant."

"His tattoo suggests military," said Volks. He looked around the room "Where is the Marshal?"

"I sent notice to him," replied Champion. "He should have been here by now."

"He's not in his cabin," said Miguel. "I checked before coming here."

"Has he answered the message sent to him?" asked Horn.

Champion blinked and then looked to Ann Gupta at the control board. She punched up the data.

"The computer reports they can't locate Marshal Cole's comm," said Gupta.

"How is that possible?" questioned Horn.

Volks looked troubled. "The comms don't have on and off switches. There is only three ways for the signal not to connect: It's broken, it's out of range or it's - "

"- Blocked," said Horn, finishing the sentence. "Whereon the ship can communications be blocked?

"The answer came to Volks right away. "I know just the place."