EMPTY CASKETS - Tecno-Libro

An inquiry into the death of Specialist Granger Shelton has concluded, and Skipper Allen Paul is officially cleared of wrongdoing in the Spaceman s death. He has also been promoted to Commander and is placed back in command of the Navy s oldest, and in his opinion, best space cruiser, the United Earth Ship, Dawn Rising. However, Commander Paul remains saddened by the death of Specialist Granger Shelton, not only was he the first spaceman Paul ever lost, but the two were also the best of friends. He is also troubled by a discovery made while escorting Granger s body home. While transferring shuttles, Commander Paul observed three caskets returning from the asteroid belt s mining colonies. That by itself is not unusual as working in the asteroid belt is inherently dangerous, but his curiosity peaks when he realizes the caskets are empty! A few inquiries reveal the mining companies supposedly sentimental practice of shipping the personal effects of missing miners in empty caskets, but