Junebug tossed a frosted bottle of vodka to Neil and then stared into space for a minute trying to fit the facts into some sort of coherent picture. It was no use, they simply didn't have enough information. It clearly wasn't Aiden personally, but it could have been done on his orders. What did he have to gain though, he was already the heir by all reports. 

"Look this is all platoons in the valley," Sayeeda decided finally.

"It could have been anyone for any reason," she said wearlily.

"For all we know some jilted lover killed her over something purely personal." That didn't exactly explain the attempt on Aiden's life that had stranded him an an Alien infested peninsular.

"So long as no one puts Neil at the scene I don't suppose its any proper concern of ours."

__________________________________

The news broke the next morning as the Highlander crew was rousing themselves from alcohol fueled sleep. Taya had a holo news broadcast playing on the screen. Alexia Almaric found murdered! Images of the woman in life confirmed her to be the sister they had seen when disembarking from the Highlander. Tearful images and comments from the king and queen were played before it degenerated into a series of talking heads speculating on possible motivations for such a killing. They had just finished breakfast when there was a knock on the door.

Junebug took her pistol from her bag and held the weapon behind her back before pulling the great doors open. Ranald the grim faced advisor to Aiden stood there in a dress uniform that he looked distinctly uncomfortable in. A formidable row of metals and campagin ribbons stood out on the white and gold piped tunic. He glanced at her elbow, the veteran clearly aware that she was armed.

"Do you greet all visitors like this Captain?" Sayeeda let the weapon slide into view, a stark contrast to the almost see through silk nightgown she was wearing.

"Only on days I plan on surviving," she answered sweetly and swung the door fully open. Ranald steeped inside and his eyes went immediately to the holo broadcast. Sayeeda pushed the door closed with a click.

"To what do we owe the pleasure?" 

Ranald looked distinctly uncomfortable for a moment and then produced a small holographic projector.

"Aiden is a good man and a smart one in his own way, but I fear he has many enemies here that he is reluctant to see." With that he thumbed on the holoprojector. An image of Alexia sprang to life atop the projector head.

"Aiden, I know you are busy with preperations for this ceremony of yours, but I have vital information about the wreck of your ship. Listen I'm not sure who exactly to trust, you need to meet me as soon as you can. Tonight if you can make it happen. This is important big brother." The holograph cut out.

"This came in while the prince was... entertaining you Captain," the old veteran said, his voice holding a hint of disapproval

[@POOHEAD189].