The Slip: The Complete First Season

by Herschel K. Stroganoff

  Natsuki kept her head bent low as the transport capsule sped beneath the Lunar surface. She had nowhere to go - no plan. She knew she needed to find Riko, but then what?

  The lamps above her flickered for a moment. She looked up as a pair of leather shoes stood before her.

  “I thought it was you,” a voice said.

  Natsuki recognised the woman, but could not place her. “I'm sorry—” Natsuki frowned.

  “Inge Tomas. I knew Hayao.”

  Natsuki said nothing, as Inge sat down on the bench opposite. Inge's bright blue cut suit was stark against the washed out greyness of the windowless capsule.

  “Is this what Hayao's shame has brought you,” Inge said with a condescending tone. “Poor dear.”

  Confused, Natsuki shook her head. “I'm sorry. I've really no idea who you are.”

  “I can't wait to tell the other Representatives that you're now in maintenance. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.”

  Natsuki looked away, humiliated.

  “There's nothing to be ashamed of dear, everybody's got to do something. I thought with your husband's connections—” Inge opened her mouth wide and covered it with her hand in mockery. “Oh, of course, Hayao was a traitor, why would anyone want to help his wife?”

  Natsuki removed her cap, narrowing her eyes as she gritted her teeth. “Don't believe everything that you see and don't believe everything that you hear,” she said.

  Inge chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. “Oh, Madam Kurosawa, please.”

  Natsuki stiffened as she saw a change in Inge's expression and felt as though she were being closely considered.

  “You're incognito aren't you? You're in disguise,” Inge ventured. “But why?”

  Natsuki placed the hat back on her head and folded her arms. She started as Inge burst into laughter.

  “Of course! You're hiding from Hayao's shame. That's why you're wearing such a ridiculous outfit. You thought you wouldn't be recognised, didn't you?”

  Natsuki nodded slowly. “What would you do?”

  “This is brilliant,” she laughed, then stopped abruptly. “The shame of Hayao will always be with you no matter how you try to dress it up Madam Kurosawa.”

  Natsuki smiled as the capsule slowed. “It's been wonderful speaking to you,” she said, bolting through the opening doors.

  Without looking back, Natsuki ran quickly away from the dimly-lit platform and almost knocked a young couple running to catch the capsule. She paused and looked around. “Where am I?” she muttered, her eyes locking on a sign that read 'Insularum 5'.

  Natsuki grew up in Insularum 5: one of the largest domes on Lunar. Her first impulse was to make her way to her father's. But she stopped herself: she knew that would be one of the first places the Judiciary would look for her.

  She was sure that the news of her arrest wasn't yet common knowledge, but it would only be a matter of time. Stepping outside, she saw the sun beginning to rise, its light catching the clusters of curved white buildings. Rainclouds swirled high up in the dome.

  She knew where she needed to go.

  Efans Household, Insularum 5, Lunar

  Wynn stopped chewing his cereal and was roused from a moment's micro sleep by a tapping at his door. Pulling his nightgown around him, he rose and opened the door.

  “You're early—” he began. Confused, he looked down at a maintenance worker. “Sorry, can I help—” He froze as recognition set in. “Natsuki?”

  Natsuki removed her cap and dipped her head. “May I come in?”

  Wynn opened his door. “Come in, come in. Please, excuse me, I'm not long awake. Is everything okay?”

  Natsuki flopped onto the sofa then, all at once, she broke down into uncontrollable sobs. Awkwardly, he stepped over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Natsuki?” She squeezed his, but gave no reply.

  He stood with his hand resting on Natsuki's shoulder, not knowing where to look or what to do. “Can I get you some tea? Breakfast maybe?” he asked as Natsuki's sobs waivered.

  Natsuki looked up, her eyes were red and tired, then gave a weak nod. “Tea, please,” she whispered. She looked terrible - exhausted beyond measure.

  Removing his hand from her shoulder, Wynn walked to his kitchen to pour the tea. After a few moments, he returned and placed a cup in Natsuki's trembling hands.

  “What's happened?” he asked, taking the seat on the sofa next to Natsuki.

  “Takeshi had me arrested,” she said.

  Wynn sat up, eyebrows raised. “Arrested? For what?”

  “Treason.” Natsuki sipped her tea and sniffed.

  Wynn got up from the sofa. “That bastard,” he growled, pacing. “On what grounds?”

  “The article Madam Yamamoto wrote about me, about Hayao.”

  Wynn shook his head. “I read that. I'm so sorry.”

  “I escaped from the Judiciary.”

  Wynn halted and stared in disbelief at Natsuki.

  “Wynn, please. I had nowhere else to turn.”

  Wynn sat down next to her and sighed. “This is bad,” he said, letting out big, long sigh. “I mean, how?”

  “One of the guards - he made me wear this,” Natsuki looked down at the maintenance worker's clothes.

  “When did this happen?”

  “Just. Well, tonight. This morning, I suppose.”

  Wynn nodded. “There's a chance the alert won't have been sent out yet. You've still got time to hand yourself in.”

  Natsuki glared at him. “Wynn. I was arrested for treason. Takeshi visited me last night and said he was going to do to me what he did to Hayao. If I hand myself in—”

  “This is bad,” he repeated. “This is really bad.” Wynn rose to his feet and began to pace again. He scratched his head and nodded to himself. “I'll help you. Ozu's out of control.”

  Natsuki forced a smile and sipped her tea as a small tear made its way down her face.

  “I can probably get you off Lunar on one of our ships,” Wynn said. “Do you have any family away from Lunar?”

  Natsuki shook her head. “I need to get Riko,” she said.

  “Riko. Of course. Where is she?”

  Natsuki's lip trembled. “They took her when they arrested me.”

  Wynn nodded. “If she's with the Judiciary, I should be able to help. I can't promise anything, but I'll, at least be able to find out where she is.”

  Wynn passed a handkerchief to Natsuki, turning away from her as she blew her nose.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  “I could kick myself,” he said. “If I hadn't told Akira about Ozu's visit on Hayao's memorial, I don't know if she'd have thought to call on you.”

  “I spoke to her voluntarily, Wynn,” Natsuki said. “It seems to me that Takeshi would have found an excuse to arrest me, one way or another.”

  “I think you're right,” Wynn sighed.

  “Wait,” Natsuki said, her eyes fixing on Wynn's for the first time. “Did you say you told Madam Yamamoto about Takeshi's—” she paused, reaching for the word, “—visit?”

  Wynn nodded. “I shouldn't have said anything, I know. But I was so angry. I'm very sorry.”

  “She told me she didn't know about his visit. Does that seem odd to you? Why would she do that?” Natsuki's face creased into a baffled scowl.

  “I don't know. Perhaps she wanted to hear it from you.” he suggested. “Perhaps she was testing what I'd said.”

  Natsuki scratched her hair. “Perhaps,” she said.

  “If you need to freshen up, you're welcome to use the bathroom. There's some of—” Wynn paused and looked down at his hands. “There's some of Carys's clothes you could wear if you wanted. You don't have to, and I'll understand if you—”

  “That would be very good Wynn, thank you.”

  Wynn leaned back in his seat as Natsuki rose to the bathroom. “I'm going to dress too,” he said, picking up Natsuki's teacup.

  He started as an insistent knock came from his door. He turned to Natsuki as sh
e froze in the bathroom doorway. “Go in,” he whispered, flapping free hand.

  Wynn walked over to the door and cleared his throat. “Who is it?” He looked back to see the bathroom door closed.

  “Representative Efans - we have an appointment,” the voice said.

  Wynn opened the door. “Mister Dumi,” he sighed.

  “Is this a bad time Representative Efans?” Tshilidzi asked.

  “Not at all. Please, come in.”

  Tshilidzi wore a loose grey shirt and black trousers. His brown shoes squeaked as he stepped inside.

  “Please, take a seat,” said Wynn, gesturing to the sofa. He looked down at his nightgown and frowned. “It's been a strange morning Mister Dumi. I'll put some tea on while I dress if that's okay?”

  “Take your time,” Tshilidzi said. “We're in no rush.”

  Wynn left his bedroom door open behind him as he changed into a plain brown shirt and trousers. “How's the investigation going?” he called.

  “Oh, you know. It's all a bit confusing at the moment. Too many things to make sense of.”

  Wynn emerged from his bedroom and poured two cups of tea. “I don't envy your task. Everything's moving so quickly.” He handed Tshilidzi a cup and took a seat on a chair to his right. “You wanted to question me about the Yao murders?”

  Tshilidzi nodded. “Do you know anything that may be of use to the investigation?”

  “I've got theories - I'm sure everyone's got theories,” said Wynn. “But I think you'll probably know more about what happened than I do.”

  “A couple of your traders found a body on V5,” Tshilidzi said. “I understand that transport will be returning stranded Affiliates to Lunar, so it would be great if I could speak to them.”

  Wynn frowned. “That would be Garrett.” With a grim smile, he shook his head. “Ifan didn't make it.”

  “I understand. I'm very sorry for your loss. Perhaps you might want to share your theories?”

  “I'm not sure how that will help - they're just thoughts.”

  “You might help the investigation without realising,” Tshilidzi said, his tone reassuring.

  Wynn sighed. “Look, I understand you've got a job to do, but speaking freely at this time might do me more harm than good.”

  “You're speaking about the Secretary aren't you?” Tshilidzi ventured.

  Wynn gave a half smile and regarded Tshilidzi. “So, you understand my reservations,” he said.

  “All too well. But I'm investigating every avenue I can. Rest assured that no one - not even the Secretary - is above the Judiciary. You can speak candidly. Everything you tell me will only be used for the investigation, and will not be seen by the Secretary.”

  Wynn scratched his head and frowned. “I have a theory - and it is only a theory.” Pausing, he looked at the bathroom door, quickly turning back to Tshilidzi. “You can guarantee my confidence in this?”

  Tshilidzi nodded. “Of course.”

  “You need to look at who benefits most from the deaths.”

  “Obviously,” Tshilidzi agreed.

  “It wouldn't be much of a stretch to implicate any group in this. Ozu said it was the Purdah - perhaps that's right, but it doesn't make sense. The Purdah have stolen from all the Affiliates at one point or another, but they've never killed. Their profits are in knowledge, in being able to do things that other Affiliates can do, but for a better price.”

  Tshilidzi coughed. “I've already dismissed the role of the Purdah in this.”

  “Then you look at what the Yao have been trying for. Did you know they were lobbying for some massive mining projects on Mars and Lunar? Obviously, there was a lot of resistance on the Assembly, but I've heard rumours they were planning on buying up vast areas of the surface to start mining. Of course, there's no truth to these rumours as far as I can muster, but that's what some have said. Even then, it still seems bit tenuous.” Wynn shook his head. “No. I think this all boils down to the weapons vote.”

  Tshilidzi gave a half smile as he sipped his tea. “I was hoping this is where you were going.”

  “You obviously know about the vote. The Yao has always been with us when it comes to ballistics. Just the idea of a weapon that could pierce a dome or a ship fills many of us with dread.”

  Tshilidzi nodded.

  “On its own, it could be put down to opportunism. The numbers in the Assembly were always close when it came to this issue and with the Yao out of the picture, it's possible that a plan was quickly put together or that they'd been waiting for such an opportunity. It's grubby, but it could have been a response to an opportunity that fell into their laps.”

  Tshilidzi nodded again. “So what's changed?”

  “The Kurosawa execution. Hayao always opposed weapons, and his death - the whole trial - was beyond ridiculous. His death may have passed through due process, but as far as I'm concerned Hayao Kurosawa was murdered. Ozu made it so he was conveniently out of the way. But he didn't stop there.”

  Tshilidzi frowned. “I did read the troubling story about his dealings with the former Vice Secretary and I have found no evidence to support the Secretary's claim that he was a member of the Purdah.”

  “It's a fucking stitch-up. And what he's doing to Madam Kurosawa—” Wynn froze and clenched his jaw.

  “What is it?”

  “I can't.” Wynn glanced over to the bathroom and cursed himself.

  “Please. If there is something pertinent to the investigation, it is your duty—”

  “Yes, yes. I get that,” Wynn snapped. “Look, if you're serious about this. If you're really serious about following this investigation properly, you need to speak to Kurosawa's wife, Natsuki.”

  “That's fine, I'm more than happy to do that,” Tshilidzi said.

  Wynn sighed. “You don't understand. She was arrested last night on Ozu's orders.”

  “Ah,” Tshilidzi frowned. “In that case, it will be impossible to speak to her.”

  “She's here,” Wynn said flatly. “She escaped the Judiciary and turned up here just before you arrived. But I need you to promise not to say anything. Ozu had her arrested for treason.”

  “The Judiciary will treat her fairly,” Tshilidzi said. “If she—”

  “Like her husband was dealt with fairly?”

  Tshilidzi stared.

  “She'll be executed for telling the truth,” Wynn said. “Are you going to sit back and let another person be killed by Ozu? Because this is what will happen if you turn her over to the Judiciary.”

  Tshilidzi sighed. “I can't be seen to have interviewed an escaped prisoner.”

  “Then backdate her statement. It's the only way. If your suspicions are pointing to Ozu and you can stop more people falling victim - don't you think it's your responsibility to help?”

  Tshilidzi scratch his head for a long moment.

  “Okay,” Tshilidzi said. “I will speak to Madam Kurosawa, but I will not take responsibility for the Secretary's actions.”

  “But you will do this, though?” Wynn said quietly. “You won't report Natsuki?”

  “You have me words,” Tshilidzi said.

  Wynn looked over to the bathroom as the door creaked open. His heart froze for a moment as Natsuki entered the sitting room dressed in one of his late wife's favourite dresses.

  “I picked this one,” Natsuki said. “It's okay isn't it?”

  Natsuki looked to Tshilidzi and then back to him.

  “Why?” she said, deflated.

  “It's not what it looks like, this is Tshilidzi Dumi. He's investigating the Yao murders. He wants to hear about your issues with Ozu. You're safe,” he said.

  Tshilidzi stood and turned to Natsuki. “Madam Kurosawa. I've heard so much about your troubles, and I can only give you my deepest sympathies.”

  Wynn sat back down as Natsuki seated herself on the sofa beside Tshilidzi.

  “Okay. Takeshi made sure my husband was killed,” she began, her voice frantic, her tone urgent. “The trial was a joke
. He cleaned him. Did you know that? I should have done that. He had guards hold him down. He was sent out an airlock. For one punch? One punch?” Natsuki gasped for air.

  Wynn flinched at Natsuki's intensity. Her eyes were wide. It was a look Wynn had never seen from Natsuki before - or anyone else for that matter.

  “I told a reporter. So stupid. They arrested me in the middle of the night. They took Riko.”

  “Riko?” asked Tshilidzi.

  “It's her daughter - she's just turned three,” Wynn said.

  Natsuki shook her head doggedly and stared at her palms. “He came to see me. He said he would clean me and said he'd make sure I was executed. He even came to tell me there were no hard feelings after Hayao died. Can you believe that? Can you believe the nerve?” Natsuki sighed. “Fuck.” She bit her lip as her eyes met Tshilidzi's. “I don't usually swear like that,” she whispered. “I'm sorry.”

  “It's fine,” said Tshilidzi. “And this was last night? The arrest, I mean.”

  Natsuki nodded. “I shouldn't have spoken to the reporter. I know that now, but he wants me killed. He'll hide behind the Judiciary, but—” Natsuki's hands tightened into fists as tears welled in her eyes. “I escaped and came to Wynn. I didn't know who else to turn to.”.

  Tshilidzi let out a sigh. “I know it's probably nothing,” he said, “but the Chair of the Solar Assembly came to see me. He wasn't direct, but I'm sure he was warning me away from looking into Ozu.”

  Wynn frowned. “What's the Chair got to do with this?”

  “Exactly,” said Tshilidzi.

  Orphanage, Judiciary, Insularum 1, Lunar

  “All of these children are utter ghastly,” Meer sneered as she paraded past a line of orphaned children. “Look at them,” she gestured. “They're all so sad looking - can't you get them to smile, at least.”

  “Their parents have died - it's understandable they should look aggrieved,” a young woman offered.

  The hall was brown, expansive, with minimal decoration. Children of all ages occupied themselves with games and toys, while others sat still, staring into nothingness.

  Meer turned and cast the young woman a long glare. “They can't all have dead parents. I need a child who is happy, not one of these grumpy-looking things.”