Page 173 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Investigating the Mystery of the Talking Plant
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“Because it was set where it should have been when I came in here
after Bulakko was found dead by Miss Woswoot. I therefore
assumed…” his voice trailed off lamely.
“Exactly,” said Captain Kaga. “Now let us walk out of here. The
door closes automatically when it senses that someone has left the
room. Excellent. Now it is clear to me that a murder was committed;
by whom, and for what reason, I do not yet know, but we have just
been looking at the weapon.”

5: A Plan of Action

Lugo and Kaga were silent as they made their way back through the
main hall to the PKU wing. Visitors had begun to trickle in through
the public entrance, which Farnitt had opened while the old friends
were in the alien quarters. Once inside the PKU area, Kaga motioned
Lugo to follow him into the communications room. It was deserted,
and Kaga carefully closed the door behind them.
“First of all, Lugo, can you project a floor plan of this place on the
largest screen you have? Thanks. Now, we know a couple of things
also known only by the murderer, so let’s not spread any of this
around, okay? The main obstacle to solving this mystery is that the
physical evidence doesn’t point to anyone in particular. So, what we’ve
got to do is sniff around for a motive and hope to catch someone out
in a li e concerning their whereabouts last night.”
Lugo got the image up on a large wall-screen and sat down heavily.
“I guess that’s the best— if not the only—course open to us. But what
makes you so certain it was murder, not an accident?”
“I’d rather keep that to myself for the moment,” said Captain Kaga.
“It’s a bit speculative, and I need more data before the whole thing
can make sense. We must interview everyone who was here after 2200
last night. Are they all present in the Center right now?”
Lugo considered for a moment, and then said, “Yes, all except Miss
Woswoot. She’s probably at home asleep. I can put in a call to have
her report to us as soon as she wakes up.”
“Good,” said Kaga. “I’ll look at this floor plan while you do that.”
He studied the diagram carefully; it was the same one he had viewed
casually en route to Pontenga. This time he paid closer attention to the
location of doors and hallways. When Lugo finished his call, Kaga

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