Harmonics: Rise of the Magician

  *****

  Roman shuffled forward in the never-ending line of locals as they each in turn relayed their grievances to the enforcement officer at the desk. Story after story of robbery, property destruction, illegal gambling, and the like assaulted Roman's patience as he eavesdropped on the conversations.

  It wasn't until an old man started telling the haggard officer of the theft of a family heirloom that Roman's ears perked up. From what he could gather from the man's adamant explanation, he had been swindled out of a family document that was very old and very precious. The officer asked the same set of questions that Roman had been hearing for the last two hours, but it wasn't until the old man started to describe the culprit that Roman realized that his luck was about to change. As he continued to listen to the story, Roman became convinced that the old man was talking about his target.

  Once the office took the man's report and gave the customary "don't call us, we'll call you" speech, Roman gave up his position in line and followed the old man out of the decrepit office. A short distance later, he checked to be sure there were no enforcement officers in the area and then carefully approached the old man.

  "Excuse me sir," said Roman in the man's language as the old man continued to shuffle away from him. He turned and looked at Roman, instantly apprehensive. Roman played the authoritative foreign diplomat card. "My name is Roman, and I am a foreign diplomat visiting here under a security assignment." Roman took out his holo-ID and showed the man his credentials. "And you are?"

  The old man's apprehension seemed to ratchet up a bit at the sight of the official looking badge. His eyes flicked from the badge then to Roman, then back again. It didn't seem to Roman that the badge was having the desired effect. He needed the old man to talk, not cower. "Pardon my intrusion, but I overheard you speaking with the enforcement officers about a document that a man stole from you. I think we can help each other with our mutual problem."

  The man's eyes narrowed. He obviously did not like someone eavesdropping on him. "I assure you," Roman continued, "That I am only here to help. You see, I believe the man that stole your document is the same man I am looking for. I would love to get some details from you to see if I could be any assistance in retrieving your stolen property."

  The man continued to stare at Roman, still not making an indication that any of this was working. Roman tried a more direct approach. He started to reach behind him and the old man's face dropped in fear. Roman slowed his movements as he spoke. "Perhaps we can find a more comfortable, private place to discuss the matter?" Methodically, Roman pulled out a stash of BP credits from his back pocket. The old man's apprehension instantly evaporated at the sight of the money. He surreptitiously looked around, then nodded for Roman to follow him. Roman fell into step right behind the old man as they set off for a darkened alley away from the bustling street.