Page 5 - Extraterrestrials, Foreign and Domestic

Remains to be Seen

“Evidently the Vomisans are unaware of our sophisticated
methods of detection and forensic analysis. I air-lifted the entire
scene of the crime into the homicide lab before opening it;
nothing lost that way, in a sterile environment.”
Bauser suddenly felt he needed to sit down, rapidly. A stool next
to the stereoscopic telemetry viewer served the purpose.
“I personally directed the investigation,” went on Soznizot,
proudly. “The deceased was, as you guessed, the Beater. He had
been killed by strangulation, just before the chamber was sealed
and left in the royal scrap yard. None of the locals here would help
me, but most of the equipment is automated, so I was able to
identify the victim and his killers all by myself. I may have to
apprehend them myself, too—that’s why I called for assistance.
The new Beater has taken refuge inside the palace, and he’s the
head of the conspiracy. Looks like he killed his predecessor to get
his job; it’s a very prestigious position, according to the planetary
survey guide.”
Bauser groaned. “The survey is ancient history, taken long
before the Agency set up shop here.”
Soznizot’s eyes widened. “You mean it’s not accurate? Why is it
still in the database?”
“No, no, that’s not what I meant. Obviously, without a local
counterpart, you’ve been thrown back on limited sources of
information. Now, what about this rebellion you mentioned?”
The junior detective reluctantly tore his eyes away from the
glowing displays.
“Well, it may not be anything, but reports are coming in from all
over the city. Maybe the populace has gotten wind of the fact that
the king is harboring a fugitive from justice. At any rate, there have
been numerous incidents around the scrap yard. Scavvies aren’t
coming around there like they used to; it’s possible the place has
become the focus of superstition since the murder.”
Bauser stood up.
“Okay. I’ve heard enough. How long has the Beater been hiding
in the palace?”
Soznizot consulted his electronic memory.
“About ten days.”
The older man winced.

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