DASH & DARING

Recently discovered memoranda attached to the files found on Captain Braxton Fitzroy shed a strange new light on the matter of his disappearance. This author is forced to wonder exactly what happened in Samarkand to shake such an officer’s faith so profoundly, and what would cause Lord Elgin to so brusquely dismiss a man who had lived his life in service to Queen and Country.

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CLASSIFIED

TOP SECRET

From: The Office of Colonel Durand, Indian Intelligence HQ, Simla

To: Lord Elgin, The Office of the Viceroy

Subject: Death/Disappearance of Captain Braxton A. Fitzroy 

It is regrettable to lose such a decorated and useful officer of the Empire in such an inglorious way, but the accounts of the survivors of the Daedalus Expedition whom could be reached (Pundit Chandra Singh formerly of Punjab Frontier Force, Havildar Agansing Rai/5^th Gurkha Reg., Lt. Byron Baker has disappeared, cause/destination unknown) show that as usual, Fitzroy showed only the highest caliber of bravery and initiative in his work in the Himalayas.  

We fear the Russian involvement may have been minimal, contrary to prior reports. Suggest that this information be disregarded and that operations along the border continue as usual to deter further encroachments. 

Survivors report strange usage of some sort of mystical (Indian Intelligence of course disregards mysticism, but prior service records of those reporting and the exact nature of Fitzroy’s demise compel one to give such claims more credit than one would otherwise) powers by the Lama of this unnamed monastery. We suggest the reports be passed to our experts in London (i.e. the LoEG, the gentlemen in Cardiff or Messr. Dr.? At the Viceroy’s discretion of course.)

It is known to Indian Intelligence that Captain Fitzroy had shown a disconcerting tendency lately to question orders and the morality of his work since certain events in Samarkand, however, past work has made him invaluable to this office and the Empire at large, and he has a record of over a decade’s worth of exemplary service to his credit. Colonel Durand and Major Gibbons both recommend he be posthumously commended. 

Signed,

Lt. Markham Lloyd

Secretary to Colonel Durand

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From: Lord Elgin, The Office of the Viceroy

To: The Office of Colonel Durand, Indian Intelligence HQ, Simla

Fitzroy’s filed are to be sealed and sent to India Office, London. 

An officer who has lost his faith in the Empire is no longer of service to the Empire.

Commendation denied. 

Claims of mysticism in the Himalayas are nearly constant and nearly constantly false. 

-Elgin