Tshilidzi bit his bottom lip as he felt the tension build in the Chamber. His fingers tingled and mouth grew dry. “When I was first called to conduct this investigation, Secretary Ozu made attempts to prejudice my work by alleging the involvement of the Purdah in these deaths. I have found nothing in my investigation to link the Purdah to these events. I can say that categorically and without reservation.”
Takeshi began to rise to his feet, then immediately sat back down. He turned to Akash to see him giving the Secretary a stern glare.
“What struck me most about the events immediately following these deaths was the Secretary's unusual behaviour. Though I don't have physical evidence linking him to the assassinations, I have concluded that Secretary Ozu must have been ultimately responsible for the assassinations.”
Tshilidzi felt for a moment as though he had left his body. A pair of guards moved close to Takeshi and placed firm hands on his shoulders as the Chamber descended into gasps and confused whispers.
The bangs of Akash's gavel thundered around the Chamber. The Representatives quietened down.
“Please continue Mister Dumi,” Akash said after a long moment of silence.
“Representatives will be aware of the results of the vote legalising the use and production of ballistic weapons across the Union. The record will show the Secretary had not attended a vote in person since he was sworn into office and he had never used his executive powers to force an issue on any previous occasion.
“Next we have the arrest, execution and denouncement of the former Vice Secretary Hayao Kurosawa. Secretary Ozu oversaw the Vice Secretary's arrest, trial and execution. Although he is legally entitled to do so, there has been a number of suggestions that the Secretary inappropriately - perhaps using the Judiciary to settle personal grudges and silencing critics.
“Indeed, there were reports that the Secretary forcefully conducted the cleansing ritual before the Vice Secretary's execution in a way that can only be described as deeply inappropriate.
“The Secretary then moved on to harass the Vice Secretary's widow, Natsuki Kurosawa, culminating in her arrest for the same charges as her husband.”
Tshilidzi glared at Takeshi. “And we all know what the penalty for treason is.”
He turned to Akash. “If you'll indulge me for a moment, Chair: I understand that Madam Kurosawa has escaped from the Judiciary and is currently at large. I call on this Chamber to grant the Vice Secretary and his widow a complete pardon with immediate effect.”
“Thank you Mister Dumi,” Akash said flatly. “We'll put that to a vote once you have given your full report.”
“So, we've got the weapons vote; we've got the introduction of the Molotok; the execution; the declaration of war against the Purdah; the moves to take over Yao interests; the massacre on V5.
“During my investigation, my office was raided by Molotok agents. And who is their commander?” Tshilidzi nodded towards Takeshi. “Secretary Ozu.”
Takeshi's eyes blazed with rage.
“Everything in this investigation points to Secretary Ozu's involvement, and as an investigator it is my duty to order the Judiciary to place Takeshi Ozu under arrest for twenty-three counts of murder, plus I would suggest a charge of treason for recklessly working against the interests of the Union. I'm sure we can also draw up charges of harassment, abuse of power, obstructing justice. I'll leave that to your discretion Chair.
“Charges of conspiracy should also be levelled against Representative Tomas.”
Tshilidzi breathed out deeply. “That is all.” He watched as the guards led Takeshi away surrounded by a flood of mumbles and whispers. Turning, he handed a hard copy of his report to Akash.
At that moment, a hush descended through the Assembly.
Tshilidzi turned to the main Chamber entrance. He gasped as a short woman dressed in a red tunic walked slowly through the Chamber and made her way to the row of empty Yao seats. Her head was shaved bald save for a spike of black hair, and her face was the same, familiar face of the Yao.
“My name Yao Chao-xing,” she declared. “Things are going to change around here.”
Judiciary airlock, Insularum 2, Lunar
The first airlock hissed shut behind Takeshi as he awaited his fate.
He closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind of all thoughts, but instead he felt anger - anger at the cold injustice of it all.
He held his breath as the airlock clicked, wondering again how things could have gone so wrong. He had done bad things, but he always did them for the Union.
Nobody believed he had no part in the Yao deaths - he was dying an innocent man.
He was beyond the point of crying, his eyes already red and burnt from a night of sleepless tears. He was passed feeling betrayed, hopeless. He wanted it all to end.
He turned to the airlock behind him. “I don't want to die,” he begged. “Let me out. Please.”
The second airlock opened. The air whistled around him.
He slumped to the ground and gasped his final breath.
THE END
Appendix
Head Yao celebrates third millennia
Originally published by Venus Argus, 12/11/6,534
The Union's oldest citizen has celebrated 3,000 years (Lunar) of life at a ceremony on Venus's prestigious V5 Orbiter.
Yao Huizhong was joined by Yao members and Representatives from across the eight provinces at the invitation-only event.
Attendees were given a full tour of the Orbiter and served an eight-course meal culminating a beef steak medley for the main course.
During her speech, Yao Huizhong thanked well-wishers from across the Union. She said: "Today has been very special. I hope that I will see our Union flourish again in my lifetime."
She was later heard joking that she wanted to beat her late-sister Yao Yin's 3,312-year lifespan.
Lunar Secretary Elect Takeshi Ozu made his first public appearance at the event since his landslide election victory last month.
He said: "It's a great honour for us all to attend this historic event. I hope that Representatives will join me in reaching out a hand of peace, friendship and renewal to Huizhong and her sisters, with the hope that we can move beyond the mistakes of the past.
"Your family has been an important and continued factor in all of our lives, and I hope that we can begin a new era."
Born on Lunar in 3,534, Yao Huizhong rose to prominence for her innovations in extraction technologies.
She is best known for her involvement in establishing the V5 Orbiter in 4,263. She continues to reside there today.
Besuto selects Takeshi Ozu as Secretarial candidate
Originally published by Lunar Chronicle, 02/07/6,533
The Besuto party has selected Rep Takeshi Ozu (Vaporum 2) to stand as its candidate to run against incumbent Lunar Secretary Sho Okada in next year's election.
Rep Ozu was selected during a hustings event before Besuto members at its party headquarters, Vaporum 1, this evening.
During the debate Rep Ozu told party members he wanted to give power back to the citizens of the eight provinces.
He said: "Without union, without togetherness, we cannot prosper. If I am elected as your Secretary, I will work tirelessly to end the stranglehold of vested interests, to give power back to our citizens and to work towards devolved powers for Mars."
Members selected Rep Ozu with 64 per cent of the vote over Rep Mitsuki Yamamoto (Vaporum 8) and Rep Minuro Naito (L4).
Following the event, Rep Naito said: "I am very disappointed to have not been nominated, but Rep Ozu is an excellent candidate.
"I fully endorse and support the party's decision."
During the meeting Rep Hayao Kurosawa (Insularum 6) was selected as the Vice Secretarial candidate.
Kurosawa denies rift in Ozu's Cabinet
Originally published by Lunar Chronicle, 01/03/6,537
Vice Sect Hayao Kurosawa has said there is 'no rift' within the Ozu administration after he vot
ed against a third motion this month backed by the Secretary.
The motion, put forward by Sect Ozu's Proxy, would have seen increased powers given to Muedin - one aspect of which would have criminalised the breastfeeding.
The motion was condemned by Vice Sect Kurosawa who had previously described the measures as "completely abhorrent."
Prior to the vote Rep Inge Tomas (Muedin) told the Assembly that the measures were necessary to "give citizens the best start in life."
She said: "This motion is important because it brings consistency to the lives of all our citizens. The rejection by any parent of high quality Muedin postnatal milk is tantamount to child abuse."
Vice Sect Kurosawa told the Assembly he believed Muedin should "have their powers reduced, not increased."
He said: "I am becoming increasing concerned that some Affiliates in this Assembly are supporting motions that will lead to increased profits for others, seemingly in the hope that this favour is returned."
He added: "Our Secretary is continually acting out of step with the best interests of citizens."
Sect Ozu was unavailable for comment.
The motion was blocked by 26 votes.
Information sought following L17 data theft
Originally published by Lunar Chronicle, 12/6/6,539
A thief who carried out a data theft on Muedin's Lunar L17 platform is being sought by United Solar officials.
Privileged data relating to the Muedin's viral research was stolen by a presumed Purdah agent posing as an independent trader.
Officials are seeking a man believed to be in his mid-thirties (Lunar) with dark skin and long black hair. He is described as being around two metres in height with a light Jovian accent.
The thief is believed to have given a false name and was travelling on an unregistered ship.
A Muedin spokesperson said: "We want to assure citizens that in light of this data breach the Muedin will be reviewing its storage and access protocols.
"Citizens are reminded to only ever use official Muedin drugs and treatments and reiterate that all unofficial medicines present a cocktail of threats.
"The possession and consumption of any medicines and treatments not procured through the Muedin is a serious crime.
"Any citizens with information about the data breach or any other trade in illegal medicines should report to their local Muedin centre or speak to any United Solar Affiliate."
Secretary cleared of corruption
Originally published by Lunar Chronicle 27/02/6,539
Lunar Secretary Takeshi Ozu will not face charges of corruption after the Judiciary found there was insufficient evidence of wrongdoing.
Sect Ozu had been accused by Heiwa Party leader Shinsuke Otami of accepting payments from Affiliates including the Muedin, Aghoro, Bani and Fune.
Rep Otami (L1) alleged that Sect Ozu used his position to gain wealth and told the Judiciary he had reason to believe no evidence would be found.
Investigator Tshilidzi Dumi told the United Solar Assembly earlier today his investigation had been inconclusive.
He said: "Although there are some actions by the Secretary that could point to corruption, there is insufficient evidence that any of the allegations are true.
"I therefore find no reason to charge Lunar Secretary Takeshi Ozu."
Following the verdict Sect Ozu said: "I'm relieved this investigation is over. I hope that I can now get on with my work and hopefully rebuild my reputation.
"Allegations can be very dangerous. I hope that other Representatives learn that using Assembly privilege to defame a member is completely inappropriate."
Rep Otami was unavailable for comment.
Yao Plans Blocked
Originally published by Lunar Chronicle, 04/10/6,521
Proposals for the widespread adoption of Yao technology have been rejected by the United Solar Assembly.
The plans would have seen the adoption of improved medical and transport technologies across the eight provinces.
During the meeting Yao Huizhong accused Affiliates of "paying off Representatives" to force the vote through.
She said: "It's clear to me that some of the Affiliates in this Chamber are working against the best interests of the Union.
"In my lifetime, our total population has reduced by two-thirds. We are a dying species and we can help."
Aghoro Representative Dilpak Grewall said the Yao proposals would cause "economic chaos."
He said: "As much as we applaud the Yao's motives, the simple fact is that these proposals will damage trade and cause great instability.
"We have worked hard to create an economic system that works best for everyone, what they Yao are proposing will only serve to undermine that work.
"We should find other ways to improve the lives of our citizens without disrupting profits or established business models."
The Yao proposals were rejected by a margin of 15 votes.
Farmers call for better deal
Originally published by The Martian, 23/06/6,542
Independent farmers who say they are living in poverty are calling on United Solar to intervene.
Farmers claim restrictions placed on seed and animal distribution make it impossible to make profit.
Hans Schwartz, a South Mawrth vegetable farmer, has written to United Solar to end Aghoro's monopoly on seeds.
He said: "All we are asking for is fairness. Aghoro control what we can plant, grow and sell. I have read ancient farming texts suggesting that seeds and plants can self-replicate - we demand that right."
Rep Daan Bakker (Aghoro) said the farmers were 'jumping on the Free Mars campaign', adding their complaints had nothing to do with farming.
He said: "The simple fact of the matter is that we have to make seeds that are safe for citizens and will grow in different environments. Self-replicating seeds will only cause damage to our fragile farming communities."
Karl Greenberg, leader of the Free Mars party, said: "Farmers are suffering because they are being controlled by bureaucrats on Lunar who have probably never even set foot on Mars.
"This is just one of the catalogue of reasons why we need to cut ties with the Lunarcentric United Solar."
Okada honours young reporter
Originally published by Lunar Chronicle, 02/01/6,522
A young reporter has been honoured by Lunar Secretary Elect Sho Okada for her work uncovering corruption in the Hideo Goto administration.
Akira Yamamoto, an apprentice at the Lunar Chronicle was joined by fellow reporters at a ceremony at United Solar Headquarters last night.
Madam Yamamoto discovered evidence that the former Lunar Secretary had accepted payments from Affiliates including the Aghoro, Muedin and Bani to block Yao moves to share its technology and research.
Sect Okada told the Assembly: "Because of Madam Yamamoto's work, we are a step close to rooting out the rot of corruption in this Chamber.
"She has done a great service for our Union."
Madam Yamamoto's revelations led to the former Secretary being charged with corruption, leading to a snap election.
It is believed he is now serving his sentence on a mining platform in the Neptune region.
Illegal crops destroyed in Aghoro raids
Originally published by The Martian, 28/06/6,543
Aghoro has said it has had to put another Martian farm to torch after finding illegal vegetables groaning on an independent farm in north-east Mawrth.
The crop of potatoes was found to have grown from seeds not provided by Aghoro.
Rep Daan Bakker (Aghoro) said: "Aghoro work tirelessly to provide the best seeds for food production.
"It is unfortunate that some farmers choose to undermine our work, thereby undermining the security of our Union.
"Illegal seeds are untested and unsafe, farmers and citizens should not accept food which has been grown from Purdah seeds.
"Those farmers who choose to disobey the law will be punished with the ful
l force of the Judiciary."
Karl Greenberg, leader of the Free Mars party, said: "The Lunarcentric bureaucrats of United Solar continue to put the needs of Mars at the bottom of their priorities list.
"Aghoro destroyed tens of thousands of potatoes in the name of justice - this is completely ridiculous.
"There is no evidence whatsoever that Aghoro potatoes are any different to Purdah ones, except that farmers are able to replant Purdah seeds.
"Aghoro only cares about its own profits - it's time Mars cut ties with United Solar so this type of thing can't happen again.
"Farmers deserve better - Mars deserves better."
Scores dead in Vaporum dome breach
Originally published by Lunar Chronicle, 01/12/6,543
254 people were killed following a breach to the Vaporum 12 dome.
In a statement, Bani says the breach was probably caused by a meteorite or space junk hitting the dome's exterior.
Bani say they have engineers working to fix the breach and estimate the dome will be closed for around 40 days.
Rep Martyn Doutzen (Vaporum 12) said: "My blessings go out to all those affected by today's tragedy.
"Bani has assured me on many occasions that the Vaporum domes are unbreachable, but here we are today with more than 250 dead.
"I will work closely with Bani and the United Solar Assembly to make sure that inspections are carried out on the other domes across Lunar.
"Rest assured, the integrity and safety of our domes is of the highest priority."
Miners forced to evacuate platform
Originally published by The Martian, 20/05/6,541
The Slip: The Complete First Season Page 21
