A Message from Mosler

Writers: Cali, Jane
Date Posted: 1st March 2009

Characters: Mosler, Leisenn
Description: Leisenn finally gets word from Mosler, but it explains less than she would like.
Location: Dolphin Hall, Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 2, day 1 of Turn 5

Leisenn smiled and then frowned as she realised that the firelizard wasn't the one she would have expected with a note from her friend. Then her expression reflected her surprise as the creature settled quite happily on a shelf beside the desk - the very shelf that had been made for the office's former occupant's firelizard.

"Is that who you are? You're Mosler's friend? Is there a message for me?"

Indeed there was. She unrolled it and read:

"Hallmaster,

I apologize for not writing to you sooner to explain my abrupt departure and disappearance, there is no excuse for it, I've simply been a bit wary about contacting anyone while I've been conducting my investigation. That said, I need to trust someone, and I hope it can be you.

I left because someone who trusted me came forward with information concerning the murder of Journeyman Tippo. I had to leave immediately for any hope of reaching his rendezvous point in time. I have since been following leads which have lead me to where I need your help.

I have reason to believe a Captain Bartonn is involved, but he appears to be a man one would not want to cross and I can get very little information about him. I know that he is a mostly Northern trader, but makes Southern runs when it suits. I am hoping that you might be able to get some information on his man for me. Maybe information from the Fishercraft Hall, or records about his previous activities here in the South.

I also have reason to believe that the man has spies or at least informants in various coastal locations, and while I have no reason to suspect anyone at the Hall, I have no reason to not suspect them either. So please, keep this request as well as my investigation private. Hallseond Thanja can be trusted if you need a confidant in the Harper Hall. You probably will.

Captain Bartonn is due to come into port in two sevendays. I will send Chase back to you before then in hopes that you will have some information of use.

-- Mosler"

Leisenn thought she was long past being surprised about things apprentices and journeymen and women got up to ... Even masters in craft. They could behave as foolishly as anybody at times despite their age and the maturity they ought to have achieved through the passing of Turns.

But this -

Leisenn didn't know whether to be horrified at the risks Mosler was taking or furious that the man who wasn't well enough to be her Hallsecond was racing around investigating things that were obviously suspicious and potentially dangerous.

And most of all she was annoyed that she knew very little about this Tippo and how he'd died. Was she the last to know? Surely there had to be a file.

In the next room there was a journeywoman who could hunt up the file for her but Leisenn took Mosler's warning to heart and got to her feet. First she would find out about Tippo, then she would see what she could do to get the information Mosler wanted.

Whether or not she agreed with what he was doing he was in a situation where argument or orders wouldn't help. Those could some later - when he returned to the Hall.

_If_ he returned to the Hall.

~ ~ ~

Mosler raised his arm as Chase circled in for a landing and watched as he perched himself effortlessly, stepping up until he was settled back on his shoulder. He felt the bronze firelizard's smug accomplishment and then received an image of the Hallmaster sitting at her desk. He gave his friend a piece of meatroll he'd saved, and looked out at the slightly capping waves. He'd know in two sevendays if she could be of any help, and if she could be trusted.

Last updated on the March 8th 2009

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A Message from Mosler