Justice
By Kurun t’Gath
Translated from the Kashlanin
(99.3% accuracy)
© 2026 by Walter Reimer

Thumbnail art by  morgdl


Twelve.



The discovery that the murder weapon had been a modified grooming drone explained the perpendicular angle of the wound. It had been done very neatly, and I was certain that Yifan-sir had not felt any great pain as he died. However, what mattered was that he had been murdered, and I felt that I was getting closer to determining a suspect and their motive.

The lieutenant and I entered his office and I said, “I need to meet with the family of the victim for a second round of questions. Do you have any records of weapons ownership in the family?”

The male began a search, and as while he waited for the result he asked, “You are certain that a family member killed g’Zherin-sir?”

I gestured affirmatively. “The circumstances, testimony and evidence all indicate it.”

The lieutenant looked disturbed. “That is an appalling thought, Captain, that a member of the family may be responsible.”

“I agree. It’s a sad thing to contemplate,” I said.

The computer signaled the result of its search and the lieutenant said, “There is no record of any projectile or energy weapons registered to any Person residing at that address, Captain-Inspector. Of course, that doesn’t include knives or tools.”

“True. I ask you to have one section of constables in tactical armor on standby, with override authority in case I must force entry into the house.” At the male’s concerned expression I added, “I don’t believe I will need assistance, but at this point it’s a prudent gesture.”

“Understood,” the lieutenant said. “I will make the arrangements.”

“Good. I plan on arriving at the g’Zherin [domicile] at the fifteenth cycle.” I gestured with my tail. “It is my intention to have all of them at home.”


***


The doorscreen activated as I approached, displaying Yezhef-sir’s face. “Why are you here?” he asked angrily.

“I require more answers,” I replied. A pause ensued and the door opened before I considered the need to have the house’s security overridden. The assault section was in a [jumpcar] directly over the house at thirteen hundred [meter-equivalents] altitude, ready to assist if I called them.

Kinan-sir met me in the house’s entrance hall, wearing a light robe. Yezhef-sir and Vikan-madam were similarly attired, and they were seated around the central hearth fire. “I will not apologize for coming here tonight,” I said, “but I have more questions for you.” Kinan-sir gestured toward the cushions around the fire, and I sat down as he did.

“What questions?” Yezhef-sir asked irritably.

“It is good that you are seated here,” I said. “While I am aware that you are not religious, Yezhef-sir, traditionally things spoken here are under the sight of the [Powers]. I will respect that tradition, as an [admonition] to you all to tell me the truth. I concede that you may choose to lie, in which case I have recourse to the law.”

Kinan-sir and Vikan-madam grasped each other’s hands as Vikan turned to Yezhef-sir. “Yezhef, please,” she said, reaching out her other hand to him. Yezhef-sir sighed, smiled at her and sat beside her. Vikan-madam took his hand as well and turned to me. “What are your questions, Captain?”

“What are your hobbies, Vikan-madam?” I asked. “What do you do when you are not at work?”

She looked surprised for a moment. “I tend the gardens, and I have used clay to sculpt at times. There is a kiln at the rear of the house.”

“I see. Nothing mechanical?” She gestured negatively. “Kinan-sir, I put the same question.”

“I cook, play [chess] – I used to play [rugby?] when I was young, and I have distillery equipment.”

“You don’t brew henal?” I asked.

He smiled. “I find distilling more interesting and rewarding than brewing.”

“Who do you play [chess] with?” He gestured at Vikan-madam and Yezhef-sir. “Did you play [chess] with Yifan-sir?”

Kinan sighed. “Yes. I lost to him more than I won.”

I turned to look at Yezhef-sir, who looked down and flicked his tail in a dismissive gesture. “I paint. Landscapes. I have sold several pieces. I also write.”

“What do you write?” I asked.

“Fiction, for children.”

I gestured comprehension. “Thank you. Have either of you, at any time, engaged in mechanical work, as in building mechanisms?” They all gestured negatively. “Where is Veridh-[young-madam]?”

Vikan-madam looked surprised. “She is visiting friends.”

“Please contact her, and ask her to return home,” I said. Kinan-sir unfolded his [personal access device] and all our ears moved at the sound of an incoming call tone.

The sound was coming from Veridh-[young-madam]’s room.

I got to my feet and moved to the bedroom door, with Yezhef-sir beside me. “Please, Yezhef-sir,” I said, and gestured for him to stand back. Once he complied, I opened the door.

The young female’s [personal access device] was on her bed. I stepped in and shut off the call before looking around. “Was she packing any baggage to take with her when she left to join the military?” I asked.

Yezhef looked [stunned]. “I – I believe so.”

“If so, she has taken it with her to visit her friends.” I drew out my [personal access device] and contacted the lieutenant. “This is Captain t’Gath. I am posting an alert for Veridh g’Zherin, with orders to detain her and bring her to the Constabulary station in Rekkadh for questioning.”

I glanced at her three parents before I added, “She is wanted on suspicion of murder.”




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