Chapter 24
"We know that Rodchenko ordered the hit on President Kostoff. We also know that he ordered Doctor Rostov to create those earthquake machines. What we don't know is why. Now all your subordinates have tried to remain tight lipped but lord knows that's hard to do when you're talking life sentences on the Penal Planet. Of course the threat of letting the FSB charge and try them for treason was also something they didn't want to hear," Mandora said hours later as she stood in the interrogation room. Her current quarry was the head Mobster's right hand man, Boris Kuznetsov. The men beneath him had all crumbled in the hours they'd been interrogated. Seems like none of them minded prison. It was being called a traitor to Mother Russia they had a problem with.
"What are the names of the men who murdered Kostoff? I will handle them myself," Boris said.
"Regrettably, they're all dead. They offed themselves before we could question them," she explained.
"Then they did not belong to this family. My men would never commit such a sin," he told her.
"But murder is ok?" Mandora was puzzled at his logic.
"There comes a time when one has to show he is strong and show those that disrespect him the error of their ways. Loyalty and honor above all else. Kostoff may not have liked our tactics but he was a true Russian patriot. Harming him would not be in our best interest," Boris explained.
"Even if it meant making Rodchenko, President?" She wanted to know.
"Rodchenko is a good business man but he's not as smart as Kostoff. Having Doctor Rostov whacked was a severe miscalculation," he shook his head.
"Are you saying that Rodchenko had Rostov killed before the evacuation?" Mandora pressed.
"He was told to wait until we were en route to New Thundera. If he'd let us handle it, we wouldn't be talking righty now sugar," Boris said plainly.
"That's Evil Chaser First Class Mandora to you," she frowned.
"Before I say anything further what can you do for me sweet-cheeks? I will not be known as a traitor to my country when it was Rodchenko's buffoons who messed the job up," he told her.
"Well I can offer time on the Penal Planet or you can take your chances with the FSB," Mandora wasn't backing down.
"I can give you Rodchenko on a silver platter but I need reassurances that I won't find myself dead and buried in concrete," Boris offered.
"What kind of evidence are we talking about?" She wanted to know.
"How about physical evidence? You see my boss always knows you need to have a Plan B," he smirked.
"What do you want in exchange?" Mandora raised an eyebrow.
"My boss and I get immunity and my men get their sentences reduced," Boris was going for broke.
"I make that deal and I'll get fired," she said.
"Then I make deal with FSB. They turn over the information they find and you can nab your intergalactic criminal," he offered. Mandora gave him a look and then exited the room to speak with the Russians, President Mwende, and Lion-O.
To Be Continued…