At midday on the third day, you guys on Spiridos get a delivery of clothing into your room. Concealed in one of the sleeves is a datastrip from Master Tinn.
"Troubled by your report. Remember that Gallagher is an extraordinarily sensitive being; it is unlikely he would not be able to distinguish between fact or fiction, and if he saw it, he saw it. Even if he hadn't, nothing he sees, whether with his eyes or with the Force, will be without immediate significance.
"Unclear from your message whether you suspect Synod activity in the smuggling operation or not. I must inform you this is a very sensitive area. The historical edginess between the Synod and the Order has led to many accusations over time that the Order seeks to curtail the Synod. This is without foundation but many people are willing to believe it. We must not be seen to be pursuing action against the Synod without the clearest evidence.
"Sorry if this is bad news, but the credentials of a Father Varm, meeting your description, check out. He is a Priest working for the office of the Abbot Sienar on Mandragos. The idea he is torturing thew Abbot in any way is alarming. I have another warning for you- some investigation in this area shows that the Abbot Sienar is currently involved in very important issues both for the Synod and in Galactic politics- issues involving Galactic poverty that the Order supports. His work in this field is invaluable. We have determined that the Abbot- who sadly suffers from a chronic incurable disease- is visiting Spiridos in an attempt to hold his disabilities at bay long enough to be able to keep working for the next few weeks that will be important times for him (and so any 'more' that one of his Priests is asking for on his behalf is likely related to his treatment). He has many enemies from the more disreputable parts of the Galaxy (and we have reason to believe that the Trade Federation has tried to kill him several times) and is a vulnerable target.
"It is therefore possible that this 'Father Varm' is in fact a bodyguard working undercover. We should be slow to complain about this as it is in fact the exact same procedure we have attempted with yourself. However, what Gallagher saw troubles us in this regard. Also, it should not be ignored that if anything should happen to Sienar, Father Varm would be the most likely person to replace him- and it is a powerful position that Sienar holds.
"However, one other possibility has arisen. You should consider that what Gallagher thought was torture may actually have been some form of clinical treatment. There are no official treatments for the condition he suffers from, but the medical staff on Spiridos may have improvised an emergency option.
"As Gallagher is having visions at this time, perhaps he should investigate any suspicions you have about Varm. If Varm is being unfriendly, maybe the Abbot himself can provide more information? If he is well enough, of course. However, the Order will approve covert attempts to enter their quarters and gain evidnece so long as you are discrete, and of course we recommend yourself fr that role.
"As a final word, do not become too distracted by your suspects. Find the means of the crime and the rest will surely point to itself. Other investigatiions in effect have further confirmed our belief that not only is Spiridos the source of the Aspidrol, but the very facility you are staying in. It is apparently in charge of huge quantities of the drug- I recommend you investigate what their excuse is for needing so much, and what is actually happening to it for it instead to become smuggled out.
"May the Force be with you"
Ok, that's one merit successfully used, hope it helps.
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It is approaching evening on Cassilis. The mood is turning steadily more foul and irritable as no progress is made.