Brother Azrael's Office
Built into one of the "newer" areas of the Temple, the walls of this chamber are stone – not ceramic or plastic – and partitioned into multiple peaked arches that visually point upward, giving the room something that suggests a cathedral … except for how small this chamber is. Actually, perhaps it more resembles a tomb. In the middle of the chamber is a single chair, the base of which is obscured in a clutter of plates and tubes and suggestions of machinery. The chair itself has a number of shackles and straps, and near the chair are a few levers, all of which are labelled in several languages, "DO NOT TOUCH", one of them being bright red in color. The room is lit by flickering torches hanging in recessed alcoves, and, unlike most such 'offices', there is no desk per se – just a stand that is much like a pulpit before the chair.
Brother Azrael heads into the office, and points at the chair with the "DO NOT TOUCH" levers. "Do not touch that." He pulls open a panel in one wall, which reveals a few pieces of compact furniture … including a seat appropriate for fliers. He takes that down and sets it onto the floor. "If you should care to be seated, Citizen Envoy." He closes the panel again, but does not get a chair for himself.
Envoy takes the offered seat, releasing the breath she'd been holding since first seeing the central chair. Bad memories.
Brother Azrael inquires, "Have you any observations to make about what transpired tonight, Citizen Envoy?"
Clasping her hands in her lap, the Exile says, "As regards the situation of Exile foxes, yes sir."
"I would like to hear them, Citizen Envoy," says the cowled lupine.
Envoy gathers her thoughts, then begins. "The general attitude and innate sense of… nobility, for lack of a better term… that foxes possess puts them in an awkward position within society. As Exiles, they have no heritage or real social standing, but their bearing is such that lower classes would see them as snobbish, and the upper classes would see them as… amusing. Since genuine nobility, which depends on heritage, is denied them, they tend to seek out a sort of 'popular nobility', known as celebrity. Thus, many of them attempt to rise up in the performing arts, thus endearing themselves to both public and nobles."
"This sort of social climbing through sycophancy has several drawbacks, which I believe were displayed quite well at tonight's dinner party," Envoy explains. "The vulpines had to put up with Eustace do Varr's crassness as part of the price of entry, although I doubt any of them there didn't think themselves the Gallis' superior."
The lupine nods a few times. If there's anything controversial about Envoy's observations, he doesn't acknowledge that in the least. "Is there anything to lend credence to claims that the behavior of foxes – as a whole – is a threat to society in Rephidim, in your estimation, Citizen Envoy?"
Envoy weighs her words carefully. "No, sir, I think it is merely an artifact of the social caste system. Any visible, disenfranchised minority would wind up in the same condition given the choices available to them."
"It is simply part of the larger problem of fitting Exiles into a society that has no place for them," the Aeolun concludes.
Brother Azrael nods. "As an Exile, have you any theories as to how one might address the larger issue of better fitting Exiles into society?"
"I have thought upon it, sir," Envoy says. "Because Exiles are as alien to each other as to this world, there is no way to ensure successful integration, especially into a society where an alien's social options are limited. If I had to suggest a solution, I would recommend setting aside a region for the founding of an Exile nation, where Exiles would have a chance to make an impact on a society they themselves create. This way, they would have no reason to disrupt mainstream society."
"An intriguing notion," says the Inquisitor. "Would such a prospect be of any interest to you, personally?"
Envoy watches the cowled figure, and says, "At this point in my development… I don't know. The very concept of society is an evolving thing for me, and I am less concerned with finding my place within it than in understanding it. I simply lack the ambition to participate in such an experiment. Perhaps in a few years or centuries I will consider it seriously."
Smiling, Envoy jokes, "Even among Exiles, I'm pretty alien."
Brother Azrael nods. "Indeed. That is all for now, Citizen Envoy. This assignment may not be as lengthy as had been supposed. Citizen Eustace's attempt to garner support for action against vulpines in general may better prove to be an argument against such measures. I have reason to believe that this issue may fall into obscurity again. But I believe more opportunities will arise to which your skills may be more appropriately put to use."
Envoy stands, and bows to the Inquisitor. "I am at your disposal, Brother Azrael."
"You are dismissed, Citizen Envoy." Brother Azrael pulls a bell-cord, and a guard outside the door responds by opening it for the Exile.
Envoy leaves the chamber, and promptly begins focusing her thoughts on the other puzzles she's encountered tonight.
