Writer's notes: This chapter is meant to be a more lighthearted side quest. I have a degree in Crim Justice/Forensic Science, so I thought it might be interesting to float some of these things in a fictional way. The subject interview uses a realistic 'good cop/bad cop' technique as well as some report writing.
Murder Most Foul – Part II
Let the evidence speak.
Gil Grissom - CSI
As the team stood gathered before the Council, an urgent call from Master Balook came, requesting the assistance of Padawans Shan and Dakar. Within minutes of the call, the team headed back out onto the plains under a thick overcast. The air was cool and humid and moisture covered the speeders in thick droplets, which flew into the wind as the speeders roared across the empty landscape.
Aerin wondered what she would face there. She had received legal training at the Academy and understood the basics of investigation and forensics. As their speeder rounded a bend, they could hear the sound of rushing water.
A Twi'lek man in brown and gray Jedi robes stood on a bridge over a swift river. He waved at the speeders as they approached. Canderous stopped the speeder and Aerin got out onto the wet grass. She bowed to the Jedi. "Master Balook?"
"Welcome Padawans," Balook said to Bastila and Aerin in Twi'lek. "I requested your expertise here."
Aerin looked confused. "Expertise?"
Balook nodded and his lekku bounced slightly. "Yes, as a Twi'lek, my understanding of human psychology is somewhat limited. Master Vandar recommended you and I could use your assistance. I will let the two of you lead the investigation. If you are unable to resolve it, I will take the subjects to be judged there."
The Master informed them that a prominent citizen, Calder Nettic, was killed, apparently shot in the back with an energy weapon. Balook pointed to two men on the opposite bank of the river. He detained the two men, Handon Guld and Rickert Lusoff as suspects. The Master was nearby when he received a call from the Enclave. When he first approached the scene, Balook saw Guld holding his side, standing over the body of Nettic. However, Guld was unarmed. Moments later, Lusoff entered the area, limping. Balook then found and recovered a bloody rifle.
"I'd like you to interview the suspects?" Balook requested. "You can consult my information droid whenever you need to." He pointed to a silver droid, standing with the two suspects.
Aerin and Bastila crossed the bridge as Carth and the others remained with the speeders. Together, the women approached the droid.
"Where is the body?" Aerin asked the spindly silver robot.
The droid's joints squeaked as it turned its head to look at her. "Hello, Padawan," it said in its pleasant mechanized voiced. "The body of Calder Nettic was removed an hour ago and taken to the Enclave for examination."
Aerin nodded as she listened. "What was the condition of the body?"
"Mister Nettic had been deceased approximately two hours when he was removed. The only visible injury to the body was a single blaster shot to the mid back. The body had only just begun to develop Rigor Mortis, the stiffening of the joints. Livor Mortis was present along the forward surface of the body, but lividity was not yet fixed."
Aerin saw in her mind blood pooling in the areas of Mister Nettic's body closest to the ground as gravity drew the blood downward. The dark staining of those areas of the body was a phenomenon known as Livor Mortis. As the blood gelled, it would become thick and remain in the areas that gravity dictated, causing lividity to become fixed.
The droid continued, "Additionally, a blaster rifle was recovered at the scene, which had bloodstains on it. A preliminary examination indicated that the blood did not belong to Mister Nettic. However, bacteria had degraded the sample and it was no longer useful for examination. A blood spatter analysis indicated that someone was holding the blaster at the time in which the blood stained the weapon."
The droid held a monitor that showed an absence of spatter in certain areas consistent with the placement of a hand and an arm on the weapon.
Aerin and Bastila nodded together, digesting the information. Bastila pointed to the two suspects. "Perhaps we should interview them. I'll talk to Rickert Lusoff."
Aerin agreed as she looked up at the overcast sky; a slight drizzle had begun.
Interview of Rickert Lusoff as conducted by Jedi Padawan Bastila Shan
On Tuesday, July 19th, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the following interview of Rickert Lusoff was conducted by Padawan Shan. After being advised of the identity of the interviewing Jedi and the nature of the interview, he provided the following information:
Rickert Lusoff, adult male, age 46, appeared to be in good health and advised that he was unimpaired by alcohol, drugs, or illness. Lusoff advised that at approximately 11:00 a.m. of this day, he was on the plains hunting Iriaz. Lusoff spotted an Iriaz at approximately 80 m distance. Lusoff fired a single shot at the Iriaz, but the sun's glare interfered with his aim. Lusoff believed he had hit the Iriaz and went to the area where he believed it had fell. Upon arrival, Lusoff saw no Iriaz, but observed Handon Guld standing over the body of Calder Nettic. Lusoff approached Guld, but at that moment Jedi Master Balook arrived and detained him.
Lusoff advised that he and Nettic were business partners in a sub orbital shipping and transport business. Lusoff stated that he and Nettic were on very good terms, that their business was very successful, and that they had known each other for approximately 20 years.
Lusoff denied any knowledge of the rifle that was found at the scene. He stated that Nettic preferred Echani weaponry.
Investigator's note: this Jedi's assistant, Canderous Ordo, had overheard Lusoff's statement and commented that Echani weaponry was too delicate and lacked suitable power for battle.
During the interview, Lusoff insisted that Guld was responsible for Nettic's death. Lusoff could provide no further information, but was told that he could not yet leave.
End interview
X x x x x
Interview of Handon Guld as conducted by Jedi Padawan Aerin Dakar
On Tuesday, July 19th, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the following interview of Handon Guld was conducted by Padawan Dakar. After being advised of the identity of the interviewing Jedi and the nature of the interview, he provided the following information:
Guld, an adult male, age 34, appeared to be in good health, and advised that he was unimpaired by alcohol, drugs, or illness. Guld advised that on this day he had been running on the plains, as he likes to stay fit. During his run, he came across the body of Calder Nettic. Soon thereafter, Guld observed Rickert Lusoff approaching them, holding a blaster. Jedi Master Balook arrived soon thereafter and detained him. This incident occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m.
When asked, Guld advised he was only remotely familiar with Nettic, but that Nettic had a bad reputation for being inconsiderate of family. Guld stressed that he was not friends with Nettic and that Nettic had disreputable business relationships with clients and even a Hutt. Guld did not know why anyone would want to kill Nettic.
Guld advised that he knew nothing of the rifle found at the scene and that his own rifle had been stolen and that he had reported it as such.
Throughout the interview, Guld insisted that Lusoff had killed Nettic. However, Guld could provide no further information, but was told that he could not yet leave.
End interview
As each Jedi completed their respective interviews, they formulated reports and entered them into the investigation file. The investigators then left their suspects and met again with Master Balook and the information droid to generate their next moves.
"What have you found?" asked Balook.
Aerin scanned her data pad. "Well, first off, we can probably only detain them for three more hours before the investigative detention comes unreasonable and any confession would be suppressed."
Balook nodded, knowing the legal requirements of detention. "Yes, true."
Bastila chimed in. "I believe Lusoff is lying. He told me the sun's glare obscured his vision during his hunt. According to the weather report for the area, a storm front had passed through here this morning and the skies were overcast."
"Ahhh, you've caught him in a lie. Good we'll reinterview him later," said Balook.
"I'd like to check some records as well," said Aerin, turning to the information droid.
The droid's lights flashed. "What would you like to know?"
"Please cross reference any information containing the names Calder Nettic, Handon Guld, and Rickert Lusoff," requested Aerin.
The droid began to grind through some information. "I have accessed records for the Southway Speeder Rental Company and it appears that Mister Guld and Mister Nettic rented a speeder together every weekend for the past year."
Aerin's eyes widened. "Oh, Handon lied. He knew Calder better than he would admit to."
The droid continued, "Also, one week ago, there was a police report of a drunken activity occurring in town near the White Horse Tavern. It appears Mister Lusoff and Mister Nettic were involved in a physical altercation in which Mister Lusoff accused Mister Nettic of cheating him out of a large sum of money. Jedi Tooka responded to the scene as the duty Jedi, took statements, and opened an investigation."
Bastila frowned. "So, it appears Lusoff and Nettic were not on such good terms after all."
Aerin furrowed her brows; there was something fishy about all of this. "What about any police report for Guld's stolen weapon?"
The droid shook its head. "I have searched multiple databases and there is no record of Handon Guld having filed a police report regarding his stolen blaster. Perhaps I have made a mistake but my search was thorough."
"Well, it looks like we have two liars," said Bastila coldly.
Master Balook nodded with a smile. "Excellent. I would suggest you reinterview the suspects as you are armed with new knowledge."
Aerin looked at Bastila. "Perhaps we should interview the suspects together."
"That would be wise idea. I suggest we adopt personas for the upcoming interview. You seem to have a gentler approach. I shall try to be more intimidating," answered Bastila.
Together, the two women approach Handon Guld. "I think Mister Guld will be the easier suspect to interview," said Aerin. Bastila nodded as she brought out her data pad.
"Hello again, Handon," said Aerin sweetly. "Unfortunately, we have some other questions that we have to ask you." She smiled warmly at the suspect, trying to set him at ease.
He returned the smile. "Oh, it's no problem. I was hoping to be able to leave, but I suppose some questions would be alright."
"Handon," said Aerin, her face beginning to show concern, "I am a bit bothered by some of the things you told me. You stated that you barely knew Calder Nettic, but the information droid told us that the two of you rented a speeder weekly."
Bastila moved to place Handon between she and Aerin. She glared at the man, her eyes boring holes in his head. "You're a liar, Handon. You wanted us to think that you didn't know him. What do you think we are, fools?"
Handon's jaw fell open. "No, no, I…Okay, yes I knew him. I couldn't stand him. I was afraid of how it would look."
"As opposed to lying to the Jedi?" asked Bastila suspiciously.
Aerin put her hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, Handon. I know you were afraid. Why couldn't you stand him? I want to hear your side of the story."
Handon looked between the two women standing on opposite sides of him. A look of desperation began to creep over his face. "Now you gotta understand, I disliked the guy. I would punch his face, but not kill him."
Bastila moved her face next to Handon's. "So, you are capable of violence," she stated.
"Wait, it's not like that. You're taking this out of context," he said, perspiration dripping down his face despite the cool temperature.
Aerin sighed. You have to help me out, Handon. What is the context?
Handon looked down, putting his face in his hands. "It's about my wife. She was cheating on me with Nettic. I know it may have been my own fault for driving my wife away, but Nettic was not a nice man. However, I became suspicious two days ago and caught them together in our own bed. I was out running today to try to clear my head for the divorce proceedings. I can't believe this is happening to me."
"So, you're now telling us you had a motive," said Bastila softly into his ear.
Handon blinked hard. "Yes, I mean no. I'm not prone to outbursts. It's just that the situation has been driving me crazy."
Aerin bit her lower lip and nodded. "You were betrayed in the worst way. I can understand your rage. I would've killed Nettic too."
"Yes, that rat Bastard! No, no, I would not have killed him. I know how this looks," Handon pleaded, trying to control himself.
"What about the rifle found at the scene?" Bastila asked.
"I told you folks already, it's not mine. I don't know where it came from. My rifle was stolen," insisted Handon.
Aerin sighed again and shook her head. "Handon, I was this close to believing you, but you've disappointed me."
"What…what do you mean?" Handon asked, stuttering.
Bastila grabbed his collar, forcing him to look at her. "You know damn well what she means. You've lied to us again. There is no report of your rifle being stolen."
Handon gasped as Aerin grabbed his other collar, forcing him to look at her. Using a bluff, she played her hand. "Handon, a lab analysis was conducted on the rifle. Guess what we found? Blood on the rifle… and guess whose blood it is?" she said as she looked down at his side.
Tears began to flow down Handon's face. In a barely audible voice, he whispered, "Mine."
Bastila pointed at his side, and with her finger she indicated that he should lift his shirt. Slowly, he pulled his shirt up, revealing a blaster wound.
"The rifle was yours," Aerin stated softly. "You came on to the plains looking for Calder Nettic. You intended to kill him."
Handon nodded as he wiped the tears from his cheek. "Yes, I wanted to kill him. I was here to kill him. I shot him. You understand, don't you?"
"Yes, I might have done the same thing in your shoes," said Aerin soothingly. "You have accepted responsibility for what you have done. It is for the best. We will be sure to tell the Council of your cooperation."
Bastila turned and nodded to Master Balook. "Handon Guld advised us that he shot Nettic. However, we believe that Rickert Lusoff also intended to kill Nettic. We will interview him next."
Master Balook came over and made Handon sit on the grass while Aerin performed an analysis of Handon's wound and stored in on her data pad. Handon was now under arrest and would be transported to the Enclave as soon as the investigation was complete.
The two women walked a distance to where Rickert Lusoff sat with the information droid. Their tactic seemed to work and they saw no reason to change.
"Are we done now? You two seem as lost as that Balook fellow," grunted Lusoff with some annoyance.
Aerin made a conciliatory gesture. "We are very sorry, Mister Lusoff. I thought you should be allowed to leave, but my partner here had some problems with your statement."
"What? What kind of problems?" he said with a concerned expression.
Bastila scowled. "Well, you've been lying to us for one thing."
"Lying, what do you mean?"
Aerin grimaced and looked back and forth between he and Bastila. "Rickert, I told my partner it was nothing. But she insists that the sun's glare could not have been in your eyes because of the earlier storm. Silly, isn't it?"
Lusoff's eyes grew large. "The…the storm…ummmm, yes, there was a storm."
"So, you were lying to me," said Bastila, her anger rising.
Lusoff became flustered. "I may have been mistaken. I wasn't lying."
Aerin shook her head. "Hmmmm, experienced hunter like you…. How could you mistake a storm for sunny skies? It doesn't make sense."
"…And you were on good terms with Mister Nettic, huh?" asked Bastila snidely.
Lusoff grunted, trying to regain the initiative. "Yes, you stupid Jedi, that's what I told you."
"Well, then why is there a police report indicating that you and Calder got into a fight?" asked Bastila, raising her voice.
"Friends get into fights all the time," answered Lusoff with a shrug. "It was no big deal."
It was Bastila's turn to use a bluff now. "Don't give me that, Lusoff. I've looked into your company's financial records and guess what I found?"
The suspect bit off on the ruse. "All right, all right. So what if he was cheating me? I wasn't going to kill him," said Lusoff as his forehead began to glisten.
Aerin looked Lusoff in the eye with a sad expression. "Rickert, I so much wanted to believe you." She brought out her data pad and showed him an analysis of Handon' wound. "Look here, the wound on Handon Guld's side is a perfect match for your rifle. You shot Handon Guld."
"So what if I did? I thought he was an Iriaz. It was a mistake…an accident," Lusoff answered boldly.
"Rickert," said Aerin softly, putting the palm of her hand on his arm. "There was no sun's glare. The optics on your rifle are extraordinary. There was no Iriaz. You came out here to kill Calder Nettic, but you shot Handon by mistake."
"No, I came out-" he began.
Aerin put her hand in Rickert face. "Please, enough of the lies. You are a brave and noble man. It is time for you to take responsibility like a man. A man does not weasel away from what he is done."
"But-" Rickert tried to protest.
"I had so much respect for you when we first met. You did this for your family…. And you know what? Your family is still going to love you no matter what you did," said Aerin soothingly.
Lusoff choked. "I couldn't let him get away with that. He was a rat Bastard. You're right, I did this for my family. I'm not a bad person. Yes, dammit, I wanted to kill him. That's what I was here for."
Aerin sat Lusoff on the ground and summoned Master Balook. "Mister Lusoff has told us the truth. He did indeed come to kill Mister Nettic. He did the honorable thing."
A broad smile broke over Master Balook face. "The both of you have done extremely well. I will take these two to the Enclave for formal charging, but I will be sure to tell the Masters what you have done. You are to be commended. May the Force be with you."
As Master Balook drove off with his two prisoners, Bastila nodded at Aerin with a faint smile. "Good job, Detective."
"…And you as well, Detective," answered Aerin.
As they walked back to their speeders, Bastila spoke, "Your skill is formidable, Padawan Dakar. Do not let it drag you down to the Dark Side."
"Hmmm, I'll take that as a compliment," said Aerin with a wry smile. Just then, Bastila's wristcomm chimed.
Master Vandar's voice sounded over the wristcomm, "Padawan Shan, you must proceed directly to the Matale Estate. A new crisis has developed."
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