Having finaly completed the elimination of poison from his system with the help of Naga physicians and Buran's work, Inquisitor Ciar is ready to leave the Naga Empire and return to the Temple. But there are a few loose ends yet to be tied up… One of them being the disposition of the murder suspect, Envoy of Lothrhyn.

The Exile in question sits quietly in her chair, watching the Inquisitor with a blank expression.

The black Keiltyn watches back for a moment, quietly considering… and then settles into a chair opposite Envoy, crossing his paws before him on the table. He's wearing a voluminous hood to hide his bandaged ear, with the effect that all but his muzzle is shadowed as well. "Envoy. Would you happen to have any idea as to why I prevented you from speaking… something you seemed to be interested in saying in our earlier questioning?"

Envoy says flatly, "Because you'd rather that the Dean's explanation be accepted."

Ciar nods once. "Exactly. Now… would you have any notions as to why I would prefer that his explanation be accepted?"

Envoy says, "You don't want anyone to investigate the City and possibly discover the secret of the map chamber.""

Ciar nods again. "Correct. You do understand the importance of this knowledge. Yet you would have chosen to share it had I not interfered?"

Envoy blinks, "I was only going to question the idea that the City had been built by the Nagai. The Savanites won't let anyone into the chamber, I'm sure."

Ciar sighs quietly. "Yes. You were only going to question the idea that the city had been built by the Nagai." He gestures at the room and surroundings, at decorative tapestries, the sort of common sculptures one finds in a conference room… all of Naga, of course. "In the heart of the Empire, you were about to question a basic matter of this race's pride, true or false as it may be. You were going to suggest that their heritage was a sham, that their claim to greatness was built by their slaves." He looks hard at Envoy. "Are you even aware of the concept of diplomacy, Exile?

Envoy says, "Partially. It seems mostly an excuse to avoid unpleasant truths though. In a short while, the Nagai will know the truth anyway, and be caught completely unprepared because their leaders didn't know it ahead of time. Their leaders will look like fools then."

Ciar pauses. "In a short while they will know? On what facts do you base this estimate?"

Envoy says, "The year of testing will be over soon, and the Savanites will either choose their new leader, or will fall into civil war."

Ciar shakes his head. "What is done by the jungle Savanites is of no concern to the Nagai, Exile. If their society is as unstable as that, then their infighting has most likely been noted and recorded in the past. Why… would this catch the attention of the Nagai, let alone cause them to know of the City?

Envoy says, "That would depend upon the agenda of the Savanites that gain power in the City."

Ciar seems to take rather careful note of that fact. "Perhaps that must be looked into. Nevertheless, do you not see why your free dissemination of knowledge might easily cause confusion, unrest, perhaps even violence or economic difficulties? Exile, most individuals do not deal well with being informed that what they have believed their entire life is… wrong. There will often be two factions, at least… those who accept the new facts, and those who refuse to change. This often leads to violence, if not all-out fighting. I wish to delay this from occurring until such time as information can be spread in a controlled, filtered manner. Do you not see the logic in this, Envoy?"

Envoy blinks three times, and stares at Ciar. "When will you begin this controlled dissemination of information?"

Ciar's expression doesn't change. "At such time that we believe it to be prudent and irrevocably necessary. We do realize that it is best to inform one's populace of a threat in advance of it actually arriving on their collective doorstep, yet we do not wish to create panic or allow for the spread of rumors." He coughs. "And therefore, do you understand exactly why it is not advisable for one individual to be spreading knowledge amongst small, select groups?"

Envoy blinks, and suggests, "Because then you won't be able to control the information?"

Ciar nods once more. "Correct. Many individuals do not… have your sense of calm logic, Envoy. You might possibly incite panic, denial… hostility… even perhaps towards yourself or those you consider friends, fatally so. From outsiders, or from other agencies." He pauses, shadowed eyes quietly reflecting as he regards Envoy. "If you desire truth, Exile, I and many others believe that you know and speak far too much to be allowed to continue existence as a free being. But such is not my decision in this matter. Therefore, I must offer you a compromise that involves your status as a criminal as well."

Envoy frowns, "Compromise?"

Ciar taps the clawtips of one paw on the table idly. "Yes. A compromise. As you know, you are still legally held as a criminal in the murder of Mage Isstan. From what has transpired recently, I am inclined to believe that you were more of a… say… means to an end used by a higher presence. That conclusion could result in your freedom, Exile… if it is recorded. And that shall all depend upon your silence on matters of the City of Hands, the Savanites, Isstan, and anything else that is not commonly known to the populace. I am open to the possibility of monetary compensation for your silence as well, such being on a scheduled basis." He regards Envoy, and waits.

Envoy considers this. "Are you asking me to become an agent of the Temple?"

Ciar shakes his head. "Not unless you desire to be. I am simply asking you to maintain your silence on delicate matters. To simply go about whatever it is you wish to do as a citizen, stay out of trouble, enjoy your freedom, and receive compensation on a scheduled basis. To serve the Temple in a way, yes… by responsibly withholding dangerous information.

Ciar says, "Is there anything else you would prefer in exchange for this service, Exile? "

Envoy says, "Yes, but it is not reasonable to ask for. I will agree to remain silent about the City of Hands and the map chamber… but I will also be observing how you handle the controlled release of the information."

Ciar ignores the latter part of the answer for the moment. "What is that you wish, that you feel is not reasonable?"

Envoy replies, "Access to the Temple records and computer, of course."

Ciar says, "Why? "

Envoy blinks, "Because I want to know the history and roots of the people on this world."

Ciar shows a flash of white teeth at that, briefly, then continues. "To better attempt to control them, Exile? To rise higher among them, as other presumptuous offworlders have tried to do?"

Envoy blinks three times. "I gather information. It was what I was made for."

Ciar holds up a paw. "I do not care what your beliefs may entail, Exile. To each their own, though that seems to be a rather peculiar and dangerous belief. There is always an end to such gathering of information." He looks directly at Envoy. "If not by you, then what you share with others shall be used to work to some end. Therefore, I can not allow you to consider the possibility of access to the records of the First Ones, no."

Envoy blinks three times at that! "What do you mean? How can you prevent me from thinking about it? Are you planning on altering my brain again?"

Ciar speaks quietly. "I had been referring to the fact that you should not even entertain hopes of such a thing, Envoy. Options such as you suggest would be viable, but only… if you refuse to cooperate. I am offering you your freedom and regular monetary compensation in return for nothing but… silence. That would certainly seem reasonable to any sentient being, I believe."

Ciar says, "You seem to value your free will, Envoy. I would suggest your cooperation with your free will intact, or… as you have said, 'altering your brain'… The silence can be maintained, Envoy. By your own choice, your free will… or by ours. I believe the first would be immensely more attractive to you. "

Envoy hmms, "I agree to keep silent on the matter of the City of Hands and its map chamber. I cannot guarantee this silence under the influence of drugs, magic, or torture however. I will not give up hope of eventually accessing the Temple records though. I have centuries to build up enough trust and understanding with the Temple."

Ciar nods. "The first is acceptable, matters of compensation will be taken care of upon our return. Few can remain silent under drugs or magic especially, Exile, that is not unreasonable… but you shall not willingly take part in a ceremony of that nature without our approval." He tilts his head. "Centuries, you say. Exile, I would suggest you quickly learn of discretion and diplomacy, or I should not expect you to last the decade in this world. Those who are too inquisitive for their own good often hasten their own joining of the Procession… often by rather nasty means. I would advise you to consider that, Envoy."

Envoy frowns, "I will consider it, but I cannot alter my own nature to that great an extent."

Ciar says, "I would suggest that you attempt to. And if you truly wish to build up trust and understanding with the Temple, loyal service is a viable option. All acts that benefit the Temple, all information reported, all criminals turned in with evidence… such is duly noted on your record. Keep that in mind. And for now, all that I require is, as you have agreed… your silence. If this is so, I foresee your freedom upon our return, Envoy. "

Envoy blinks, "Return? You're taking me back to Rephidim then?"

The black fox's whiskers twitch. "Of course. There are procedures for your release, and you wish to begin receiving your compensation, correct?"

Envoy nods. "How much is this compensation?" Anything that helps her pay back Aski Medes can't be too bad…

Ciar says, "On our return, I shall review the exact amount with my supervisor. It shall be approximate of that which is paid loyal informants… a reasonable monthly amount, sufficient to live and keep debts from becoming a difficulty. If you accept another position elsewhere, you should do quite well indeed… after all, you will be paid for doing nothing." "

The Exile furrows her brow, causing folds of skin to bunch up around her horn. "Is that normal though?"

Ciar says, "Crime is punished, loyalty is rewarded. Does that not make logical sense? "

Envoy blinks, "Yes."

Ciar quietly links his paws' black fingers, resting them on the tabletop and watching Envoy. "Very well then… if we have an agreement, I would suggest that you gather your belongings for the trip back to Rephidim. Your freedom awaits."

Envoy says, "I didn't bring any."

Ciar says, "Well then, perhaps now you shall be able to purchase some." He nods once to the Aeolun. "The guard outside will return you to your quarters, and you will be brought to the airship for departure. I would advise you not to wander off, the Nagai… are far less forgiving of the transgressions of outsiders than we are. You are dismissed, Envoy. Good day, and enjoy your freedom." "

Envoy nods, and looks subdued, "Yes, thank you for your generosity Inquisitor Ciar."

The Exile stands and walks out, no longer needing the bandages to help support her muscles.