Four

The cab pulled up to the Eclipsis COE Administrative Branch, Celestium Ore Enterprises’ sole administrative facility on the planet. Mo paid the fare, adding a reasonable tip.

Towering and pristine, the building stood out with its sleek, white glossy walls, contrasting sharply against the Vesper district’s backdrop. Its design was distinctive, featuring rounded, bubbly edges that lent it an almost fluid appearance. The entrance was marked by a series of layered arch-like structures, from which glowing white lights emanated. Suspended above, in radiant emerald holographic script, the words “Celestium Ore Enterprises - Eclipsis Branch” glimmered – a place Elara would have frequented on her visits here.

Entering, Mo found himself in a glossy white and sleek lobby. The space had scant furniture apart from a few chairs and a front desk, where a single, orderly employee sat. Mo noted the minimalist styling with a hint of skepticism; it reminded him of holos he had seen back home when considering apartment layouts. He had always found the style somewhat pretentious.

Approaching the front desk, Mo flashed his UEA badge. “Hi there,” he started, “I was hoping to ask a few questions, if anyone’s available. Perhaps the branch manager?”

“Oh, my. I guess you’re here about Ms. Vox. Horrible business,” the woman responded, her tone a mix of surprise and concern.

“Yes, that’s right. Is the branch manager available?” Mo repeated.

“Let me page Mr. Stone and see if he’s available. If you could please have a seat, Mr.?” the woman asked.

“Tracer Darin,” he replied and walked briskly over to take a seat. He waited briefly, subtly trying to observe the employee’s actions over the desk. Her voice was low and intentional, making it difficult for him to discern her words. Moments later, she turned and walked towards him.

“Mr. Stone will see you. This way,” she said, motioning towards the elevators. As they moved, another employee emerged from a door behind the desk which seamlessly integrated into the wall so that it was almost invisible when closed, and took her place at the desk.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name,” Mo said, addressing the woman escorting him.

“Please understand, Mr. Stone has a strict no-contact policy. He means no offense,” she responded, deftly sidestepping Mo’s question about her name. “It's just his way. He doesn't shake hands.”

The elevator's doors slid open gracefully, and they both stepped inside. With a soft hum, the doors closed, and the elevator began its ascent. Mo's gaze briefly swept over the elevator's immaculately clean interior before addressing the woman, "Well, no problem. Thanks for the heads up."

As the elevator climbed higher, the glass panel that had faced the lobby now offered a panoramic view of the outside world. Rising above the dense fog that perpetually shrouded Eclipsis, Mo found himself relieved by the sight. The higher they went, the clearer it became: the tops of skyscrapers piercing through the fog, with a beautiful open sky above them.

It was refreshing to see the sky again. He could never live somewhere like this long term, he decided. Above sprawled a tapestry of stars, and he realized how much he had missed seeing them.

The door behind Mo slid open smoothly, and he turned to follow the woman. They navigated through a series of hallways, each with the same sleek, modern aesthetic that characterized the building's lobby. The office space was pristine, with an air of efficiency and corporate elegance.

As they moved, Mo observed the environment – the walls adorned with holographic displays of COE's intersystem achievements and the occasional art piece that added a touch of sophistication. The employees they passed were engrossed in their tasks.

Finally, they arrived at a door distinctly marked with a placard that read “Richter Stone - Regional Administrative Director”. The woman reached out and pressed an intercom button situated on the wall beside the door. There was a brief moment of static before a man's voice, crisp and authoritative, emanated from the speaker. "Yes?"

"I have Tracer Darin with the Universal Enforcement Agency here, Mr. Stone," she announced into the microphone, her voice maintaining its professional tone.

There was a slight pause before the voice responded, the words delivered with an efficient briskness. "Send him in," Mr. Stone instructed.

The woman gestured towards the door, her duty evidently fulfilled. "Mr. Stone will see you now," she said to Mo, then stepped aside, allowing him to proceed.

Mo took a moment, composing his thoughts before entering. He acknowledged the woman with a nod and pushed the door open, stepping into the office of Richter Stone, the Regional Administrative Director of Celestium Ore Enterprise’s Eclipsis branch.

The atmosphere in the room was a stark contrast to the minimalist approach of the lobby. Every detail radiated opulence and power, from the marbled surfaces with gold edging to the strategically placed art pieces. The carpet was a deep, dark green. Richter Stone, the man commanding this domain, stood by a large window, his posture exuding authority. His gaze was momentarily fixed on the stars, a brooding expression on his face.

As Mo entered, Stone turned, his demeanor shifting to one of professional neutrality. "Tracer Darin," his voice smooth and controlled. "I must say, Elara's disappearance has us all deeply concerned. It's quite unsettling."

Mo nodded in acknowledgment. "I'm sure. As you can assume, I’m simply here in the course of my investigation. Making my rounds, hoping to find some pieces to this puzzle that the ESED may have missed.”

Stone's expression registered a flicker of surprise. "The ESED? Well, they never spoke to us regarding the matter," he replied, “So I bet you’ll find some.” His eyebrows knitted slightly, suggesting either genuine surprise or a well-practiced performance.

Mo assessed Stone's reaction, trying to gauge sincerity. "Interesting," he replied, "Given Ms. Vox's prominence and her role in COE, I just assumed they would have reached out.”

“Ah, assumptions, Tracer. Now those can get us into trouble, especially in Eclipsis.” Stone replied musingly. 

Mo maintained his composed demeanor. "But in this particular case, Mr. Stone, Ms. Vox's disappearance isn't just a COE concern. Frankly, it's a matter of intersystem security."

Stone circled around his desk, taking a seat. His expression remained calm, but there was a calculated sharpness in his eyes. "That's certainly true. Her disappearance has caused quite a stir across various sectors. We're all eager for resolution."

Mo hated these types. Cagey, vague. You find them alot with these larger corps, he thought. "I imagine her absence has had a significant impact on operations here."

Stone's response was measured, revealing nothing more than a well-rehearsed concern. "Absolutely. Elara was a key figure in our operations. However, we're managing in her absence."

Mo decided to be more direct. "Go on, then. How has COE adapted to these changes since Ms. Vox's disappearance? It must have required some significant shifts in management and strategy."

Stone leaned back, seemingly unfazed. "We've had to make some adjustments, certainly. It's unfortunate, but in the world of interstellar commerce, we must be adaptable."

Mo became internally infuriated by Stone's deflection; his words were a carefully constructed facade. Outwardly, however, he remained ever the professional. "Adaptability is indeed key," he agreed. He waited for Stone to continue, causing a brief and awkward lapse in the conversation.

“While we appreciate your concern, Mr. Darin, I regret I have no valuable information for you. I was off-world at the time of the incident,” Stone finally replied, maintaining his composed facade. “My assistant would be happy to verify it all.”

Mo sat thinking for a moment, then pulled out his Q-Pad. “Last question, have you ever seen this?” he asked Mr. Stone, showing him the vector image of the symbol on his Q-Pad.

Mr. Stone simply shook his head and looked up at Mo with a confused look.

“Then I won't impose any further,” Mo responded, pocketing his Q-Pad and beginning to stand. He instinctively extended his hand for a handshake. He saw a look of discomfort cross Stone's face before remembering his no contact policy. He lowered his hand and walked to the door. “Should anything relevant come to mind that could assist my investigation, I'd appreciate your cooperation. The UEA is eager to resolve this swiftly."

Stone nodded, his response polite and noncommittal. "Certainly, Tracer Darin. COE is entirely cooperative with official investigations. Feel free to reach out if I can assist further."

Mo left Mr. Stone’s office. The polite farce and air of nonchalance did little to quell suspicions, but alas, there was no real evidence of any wrongdoing. Stone’s assistant confirmed he was off-planet at the time. Still, that only meant he couldn’t have committed the act itself. Involvement is often something else entirely. As he exited the COE Administrative Branch, the next name on his list was Elias Draken, head of Axiom Drills Incorporated.

Their Eclipsis headquarters, Draken Tower, was at the heart of the Central Business District, on the corner of Kulmer Street and Central Street. It wasn’t too far, so he elected to walk. As he arrived, his gaze lifted, settling on the towering structure. It was a sentinel, its tiers radiating with a soft glow, pillars strong and symmetrical. Even through the layer of fog Mo could see the top was adorned with a bright beacon that sent beams into the sky. The facade was a canvas of meticulous designs and radiant lines. The structure's metallic skin caught the ambient light of its neighbors. There, amidst the lesser edifices, it stood, a monolith of corporate giants.

Upon entering the tower, Mo was greeted by a markedly different atmosphere compared to the COE branch. Here, the air was charged with energy. Staff busied about in every direction, tense Comm-Link calls could be overheard.

Approaching the reception desk, Mo presented his UEA badge subtly. “Tracer Mo Darin, I’m hoping to see Mr. Elias Draken,” he stated.

The receptionist, a young woman with an efficient demeanor, glanced at Mo’s badge and then back at her screen. “One moment, please,” she said, typing rapidly. After a brief pause, she looked up, “Mr. Draken will see you. He’s on the 34th floor. I’ll buzz you through.”

Mo nodded and headed for the elevators. The elevator dinged softly as it arrived at the 34th floor. The doors slid open to reveal a corridor that led to an expansive office with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sprawl of Eclipsis. Behind a grand desk sat Elias Draken, his presence as substantial as the desk itself. His bearded face and thick hair painted a picture of luxury and power.

“Ah, the agency-man. Come on in,” Elias called out with a hint of jest, his voice a rich timbre akin to gravel.

Mo strode down the corridor, the measured clicks of his shoes punctuating the quiet. Draken gestured invitingly with a casual wave. "Take a seat, Tracer. Let's not dawdle," he said, indicating the chair across from his expansive desk. "Time's a luxury these days."

Settling into the chair, Mo placed his badge on the desk. "I'll be brief. I'm here to investigate Elara Vox's disappearance," he stated, locking eyes with Elias.

Elias leaned back, regarding Mo with a discerning look. “Of course you are. But what do you need from me?”

"Well, from what I've gathered, you were likely one of the last people to have seen her ali—," Mo paused, correcting himself with a hint of caution, "before she vanished, that is. She was scheduled for a meeting with you, Dr. Rhea Helianthar, and the ESED board on the night she disappeared.”

Elias nodded, maintaining steady eye contact with Mo but remaining silent, letting the Tracer fill the conversational space.

“In fact,” Mo continued, leveraging the silence, “I believe the meeting was held in this building, wasn't it?”

“It was,” Elias confirmed, a smirk playing on his lips as he made a face that suggested he was still trying to discern the purpose behind Mo’s line of questioning.

“Well, how was she—” Mo began before Elias cut him off.

“She was fine. Her regular, awful self.” Elias replied bluntly, his tone carrying a slight edge.

“I see. You two didn’t get along well then?” Mo probed further, surprised by Elias’s candid response.

“Oh, who could get along with such an insufferable, miserable bitch. I assume you never had the privilege of meeting her?” Elias responded, his expression a mixture of sarcasm and genuine annoyance. "She didn't get along with just about anyone. It was her way or the highway. And she didn't give two shits about this place."

"About Eclipsis? Or the ESED?" Mo asked, seeking clarification.

"Both. All of it," Elias smirked, chuckling to himself. "I'm sure it's not a good look, me hating her, but any honest person who crossed her path would tell you the same."

Mo appreciated the candor. "What can you tell me about the night she went missing? How was the meeting?"

Elias leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "It was a quarterly meeting we had scheduled between the three of us - me, Ms. Vox, and Dr. Helianthar," he began. "Things on Eclipsis have been, well, tense, lately, to say the least. It was a meeting I had been preparing for extensively, as ADI has been shouldering most of the burden for some time-"

Elias would’ve continued but Mo interrupted, he wanted more details. "Could you elaborate on that?"

Elias chuckled lightly. "Well, you should know it well, being a UEA official," he teased. "The crime, drug problems, energy shortages. The ESED and that old lug Harlon. This place is practically falling apart," he revealed. "And my company is the only one taking significant action to address it. You see, Eclipsis has the potential to be one of our most profitable sectors. The mineral wealth here is.. hell, immeasurable."

Mo was curious. "Then why aren't COE and Helianthar doing more to help?"

Elias explained, "COE doesn't have much use for the minerals found here. They primarily deal in fine gems and the like. Rich people shit." He chuckled again, shaking his head. "As for Helianthar, well, even if they wanted to do more, they couldn't. Between you and me, they're only involved in this whole operation to appease the locals."

“Meaning?” Mo inquired further,

“They’re small fry. They don’t even have any operations off planet. But they’re from here, born and bred.”

Mo nodded, processing the information. "So they have a good reputation among the locals."

"Good reputation? Hell, they practically discovered this place. Their founder, Marcella Helianthar, is a goddamned local legend," Elias explained. "But, and now that reminds me," Elias continued, his expression growing thoughtful, "Dr. Rhea Helianthar wasn't present for our meeting. They sent an envoy in her place, claiming she wasn't able to be on-world for the meeting."

Mo's interest was piqued. "Oh? Is that a common occurrence?"

Elias shook his head. "Quite the opposite. While I don't have much respect for their operation, Dr. Rhea has been nothing if not involved and insistent," he explained, his tone reflecting a hint of surprise at her absence.

“How is Rhea related to their founder, Marcella?” Mo asked, trying to connect the dots.

“Generationally, great great great granddaughter. Something like that.” Elias replied loosely. He really didn’t seem to remember.

Mo contemplated bringing out his Q-Pad again to question Mr. Draken about the mysterious symbol, but given the lack of reception each time he had thus far, he was doubtful it would amount to anything. Besides, if anyone might know what it is, it sounds like it’s Dr. Helianthar, he thought. If it is indeed of Eclipsian origin, that is. "Well, I appreciate your time, Mr. Draken," Mo began, rising from his seat. "I'm sure you understand it's just a formality. If you think of anything else..."

Elias interrupted with a jest, "I'll be sure to dial the UEA. Be careful out there, Tracer. This place will tear you apart if you aren't prepared for it."

Mo left Elias's office, his mind buzzing with the information he had gathered. His next destination was Helianthar Minerals' headquarters, the final stop for the cycle. It was located on the outskirts of the Aurelia district, prompting Mo to opt for a cab to get there.

As the cab pulled up to the building, Mo couldn't help but notice how much smaller it appeared compared to the imposing branches of ADI and COE. It was not a towering corporate fortress but rather a modest office park structure nestled among the worn-down streets of the Aurelia district. The surroundings were all office parks in similar stylings. It blended in unremarkably, perfectly average.

Mo entered and found the front desk unattended. He walked up to the desk and noticed a red plastic button with a makeshift carbon label taped near it that read, "Push for assistance." Without hesitation, Mo pressed the button.

Moments later, a somewhat disheveled and scrawny-looking man appeared from around a corner, his words flowing before he looked up to see Mo standing there. "Hellooooooo, welcome to Helianthar Minerals, what can we do-" He trailed off as he made eye contact with Mo. His demeanor underwent a rapid transformation from disinterest to playful engagement. He leaned forward on his elbow, his hand supporting his chin as he looked at Mo expectantly.

"Ooh, hello, Mr. Serious. What can I do for ya?" he said as he eyed Mo up and down.

Mo raised his UEA badge and began, "I'm here to speak with Dr. Rhea Helianthar. Is she available?"

The man at the front desk appeared apologetic as he replied, "Ohh, no, sorry. She's actually been off-world for a couple of weeks. Unexpected personal leave I’m afraid."

Mo continued to inquire, "I see. Any word on when she’ll be back?"

The man's expression remained regretful as he responded, "Sorry, but no.”

“Ok, then maybe we could arrange a vidcall?” Mo pushed again.

“Sorry, I’m afraid it just won't be possible. She's unavailable for all communications." the man replied, clearly uncomfortable with having to deny Mo’s request.

Mo pressed on, "Well, can I speak to whoever is currently running Eclipsis operations?"

The man's response was nervous and uncertain, his words falling somewhere between a statement and a question. "Oh, well, I don't think that currently... really... anyone is running them."

Mo couldn't help but furrow his brow. He leaned forward, his interest piqued. "What do you mean, no one's running the operations?"

The man at the front desk shrugged, his demeanor nonchalant. "Well, it's like this. With Dr. Rhea gone, it's kinda just… on pause, you know? We're sort of in a holding pattern."

Mo found this situation curious. "Has this ever happened before? The head of operations just leaves without anyone taking charge?"

The man chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Not really, no, can't say it's ever happened before."

No one liked the UEA poking around their business’s operations, it’s understandable, and this kid didn’t know anything anyways. He held no great secrets. "Alright, thank you for your help.” Mo offered before walking back out the door.