For a few days, as promised, Envoy has been given time to 'recover' from the painkillers, receiving no contact with anyone save from the fleeting moments when a guard slides food through a cell door, then takes out the empty plate. Now guards have brought Envoy out, saying nothing despite her many questions, and escorted her to this solitary place in the Temple…

The door slides open and a Titanian escorts the winged unicorn in. "I have brought the prisoner as you ordered," he says to the heavily cloaked figure standing near the door.

The figure only nods silently and gestures to the chair in the room's center. Cloaked as it is, it's impossible to tell species… only that it and its garments are entirely monochrome. Robes of grays and black, a heavy cowl obscuring all but a black nose and white muzzle topped with silver-tipped black. On its belt, various… instruments? are secured. Curved, straight, edged, they all look curiously menacing, and if one imagines their uses, painful.

The guard marches Envoy to the chair. "Sit," he says.

Envoy sits down and looks about the room.

Several belts and straps with strong-looking wooden buckles and fittings are attached to the chair. The guard snaps these into place and pulls on the loose ends to tighten them. He looks up to the Inquisitor. "Is that satisfactory, sir?"

Envoy winces as her healing hand is bound.

Ciar nods once to the guard again, then speaks only a single, soft word. "Yes."

The guard salutes and walks to the door. Behind Envoy, it's impossible to see whether he has left the room or not, but there is the soft sound of the hatch sealing, and then a final-sounding click.

The cloaked figure pads past Envoy's chair, circles in front of her, then around behind her again. He does so a few times, not saying anything. Minutes pass.

Envoy finally asks, "Will Inquisitor Zeffel be here?"

Ciar finally, slowly turns, circling the other way. His steps are silent, and he does not answer… but eventually speaks softly. "Inconclusive, lack of evidence." He then resumes his quiet pacing for a bit, finally turning to face Envoy. His cowl hides his features, but the torchlight behind her reflects from his eyes, causing them to glow in the darkness of his good. "Why?"

Envoy swallows, and says, "I would like to lodge a complaint then. Inquisitor Zeffel is trying to hold me on charges which the Temple has already dismissed."

Ciar chuckles softly, menacingly from the shadow of his cowl. "A complaint." He pauses in front of Envoy, then lowers his muzzle to bring it closer to her face… showing sharp white teeth as he then speaks. "Incorrect. Your records are most irregular. These irregularities shall be rectified, in one manner or another. If you cooperate however, the solution may be more to your liking. And quite a bit less… shall we say… painful than the alternative? For you and your friends." He chuckles softly again and backs up a few paces.

Envoy blinks, "What do you mean, my friends? What irregularities?"

Ciar clasps his paws behind his back and paces relaxedly around the Aeolun. "Irregularities. Those who commit a crime subject to Temple justice do not to find themselves released on 'inconclusive evidence' when the evidence is, in fact, rather conclusive indeed. Unless… of course, some complicity and criminal action within the Temple is involved. Sadly, such individuals do occasionally manage to slither in amongst our enlightened ideals, and are summarily dealt with."

Envoy says, "Unless they're of high rank, you mean. I'm beginning to see how the Temple really works."

The figure's robes swirl with a soft ruffle as he turns back to face Envoy. His eyes reflect the torchlight coldly. "Rank is not of issue, and you shall not presume to understand the workings of the Temple, Exile. Those who seek their own good over that of the Temple's good are dealt with harshly. Releasing criminals upon society for personal profit is one such act that would be regarded as criminal." He moves closer again. "Those who serve Temple justice by revealing details of such crimes are rewarded. Those who withhold information of crimes are accomplices, and shall be dealt with as if they themselves had committed the crime. Do I make myself clear, Exile?"

Envoy says, "Not really. Does this mean you've prosecuted all of the former Captain Astromancer's bodyguards?"

Ciar stand up fully and looks down angrily at Envoy. "What do you know of that? Perhaps you were involved with that plot as well? Perhaps you're not just an innocent pawn after all, Exile? Speak of what you know of dealings that allowed your freedom, or we must assume that you and those close to you are involved as well. All will be subject to the Inquisition… that is, unless you comply."

Envoy says, "Which do you want, what I know about the assassination or what I know about my murder charge?"

Ciar spins around and brings a paw down on Envoy's chair arm… probably not accidentally striking her previous injury as he leans over to get into her face. "So you were involved in that murder then, Exile. You will tell me all you know about both plots. That is, if you do not want those you care for to suffer in your stead. The Temple will not tolerate criminals in our midst, least of all exiles. And we will use whatever means necessary to bring about justice, I shall promise you that."

Envoy cries out as her bruised hand is jolted… "I know that the fox you caught was purposely broken out of a Temple cell so that he could be set up as a scapegoat and distraction while the real assassin made an escape. I was actually investigating his story when I went to see Isstan, thinking that he might know of a Mind Mage capable of impressing someone else's memories onto Zephyr and who would work for criminals… "

Ciar keeps his paw pressing lightly on Envoy's injured hand, hissing through sharp white teeth as he speaks, his eyes looking directly into hers. "That is a lie. You participated in a ritual that resulted in Isstan's death. Rituals are not necessary to find a Mind Mage, you would have simply spoken to him. Perhaps you went to him under that guise, asking that question, then had him die to prevent his telling others and furthering the investigation? This does not look good for you, Envoy. Keep talking. Who were you associated with? Were they the same individuals who obtained your release?

Envoy winces again, "You are jumping to conclusions. The ritual had nothing to do with the investigation, it was a personal matter."

Ciar presses a bit harder. "What was this personal matter? You will answer fully, vague responses are not acceptable. And how is it that you know of the internal affairs of the Temple and its prisoners at the time of the Captain-Astromancer's murder? You are involved… Who were your associates, in the assassination and in your release? What was involved? Money? Favors?

Envoy grimaces, "Pain does not help my recall! I knew the scapegoat, a fellow Exile. He told me what had happened. Isstan had been suffering from visions, and I offered to share the memories of them with him in the hope that it would ease his burden. If you want a transcript, you can request it from the Dean of the Sphere of Mind of the College Esoterica!"

Ciar presses harder yet, then abruptly releases and stands up. "Suffering from visions. Easing his burden by killing him, hm? And I will ask you again, and you will answer. Who besides this Exile did you contact? Who allowed your release from the Temple on… "He spits the words, 'Insufficient evidence',… and what conversations occurred? And if pain does not help your recall… perhaps the pain of someone else might, hm?" He turns and paces off around the chair again, paws clasped behind his back.

Envoy takes several deep breaths to calm herself before answering. "You've got the papers, so you must already know who authorized my release. I was unconscious at the time, and when I awoke I was told it had all been a delusion… by Mage Latania herself."

Ciar turns back. "Oh, I know who authorized your release, Envoy. What you will tell me is how one held for murder is documented as having given a confession and having been dealt with, and then how they later turn up being arrested… again. No vague answers, and no lies. Every statement will be checked, and punishment for lying is severe.

Envoy says, "The obvious answer is that I am innocent, and the Temple released me."

Envoy says, "It was Inquisitors Zeffel and Faline that supposedly took my statement, ask them about it."

Ciar growls lowly, then approaches Envoy. "I am not asking them at the moment, Exile. I am asking you. And you will answer me. Your associate, the Kavi named Chiaroscuro is being sought out as well. He shall be brought in to corroborate your statements. Punishment for unmatched or untrue statements, will, of course be harsh. I suggest your answers be truthful and clear."

Ciar slips a paw into a pocket of his robe and withdraws an object that he toys with as he paces again. A flute of some sort… looks as if it can be played with two voices. And rather familiar to Envoy.

Envoy snorts, "What is true? What I say or what the Inquisitors say? If what I say doesn't matter, then why… where did you get that?"

Ciar idly fingers the instrument. "Oh… whereabouts. Perhaps from someone you know." He turns his back on Envoy, musing. "It would be a shame should you choose to continue your lack of cooperation, wouldn't it? Eeee can be so… fragile… "

Envoy closes her eyes, "For one who claims to serve justice… " She bites off the comment, then asks, "What is your security clearance?"

Ciar turns and holds up a paw. "Ah. For one who sees the need for justice at occasionally regretful costs, you mean." He drops the flute, then catches it in midair. "I sense a lack of cooperation, Envoy. That doesn't bode well. And my security clearance is whatever it needs to be, you are not to ask questions."

Envoy opens her eyes and looks at the cloaked Inquisitor. "Forgive me if I do not fully trust your sense of duty to the Temple. Bring in a Bridge officer as a witness, and I'll tell you everything I know."

Ciar pauses, incredulous. "Bridge officers do not serve the requests of Exiles! Would you also have the Captain-Astromancer himself come down to give his assent, perhaps demand that he stay for tea?" He shakes his head and stands in front of Envoy, his eyes again reflecting the torchlight. "You will tell me, and I will decide if your words merit the attention of an officer of the Bridge. Do not presume to order Temple authority, Exile. You are certainly in no position to do so. Cooperate. Tell me what you know. All of it.

Envoy says, "Or else?"

Ciar calmly holds up the flute in front of Envoy… and then with a flick of his wrists, breaks it in two with a loud *CRACK*. "Or else. I trust you understand. Such is the price of justice."

Envoy remains quiet for several moments, then says, "If you believe me to be a cold-blooded killer, why do you think threatening others will sway me?"

Ciar stares hard at Envoy. "Then prove you are not the killer, as you claim. If you are not, then you have nothing to fear. Your information will bring about justice, and those you care about shall be released unharmed. If you are the killer, then you will eventually die. If you do not tell what you know, you and those you care about will eventually die. I would think that the choice is rather logical, hm?"

Envoy sighs, "Okay then, what do you want to know?"

Ciar says, "Ah, that's more like it. Everything surrounding the events that led you to be released while the paperwork states that you were 'dealt with'. From the time that you were questioned by Inquisitor Zeffel and Inquisitor Faline to the time that you were released. If there is a conspiracy within the Temple as you mentioned, I shall need names, findable contacts, records, overheard conversations. Anything and everything."

Envoy says, "That could take awhile, since I don't know what events or encounters may be relevant to those questions. Would you rather I recite every encounter I've had with a representative of the Temple?"

Ciar says, "Just tell me everything you've done, Envoy. Every event that happened between those two times." He idly crumbles a fragment of the flute in his paw as he speaks. "Every event. Truthfully. If you are innocent as you say, then you have nothing to fear." "

Envoy begins by describing the first time she saw Inquisitrix Esther, back when she was just 'the Aeolun' and kept in a cage. This goes on through her experience of being under the Learning Helmet, the way Esther fled through the air vent, and her processing by Melchizedek, omitting only the entirety of the status report she was fed by the computer. She goes on to describe her training in the Bards Guild and association with Vielanika, her encounter with Inquisitor Moffat and subsequent run-in with Verdigris Nuttenboltschen and the attempted Diagnosticism leading up to Melchizedek's rescue of her from the scrap pit…

Ciar listens intently, his demeanor impossible to read. No doubt others listen as well.

As she recites each event, Envoy is sure to use the voices of those involved when it comes to relating their words. Soon she comes to the party thrown by deMedici, and her recruitment… and encouragement from Melchizedek… into the expedition to the City of Hands, where she again ran into Esther.

Ciar keeps listening. "Very good. This isn't so hard now, is it? Keep going."

Envoy narrates the events of that expedition, silently reassuring herself that it's probably too late for the Temple to do anything now anyway. After this comes her report to Melchizedek and further association with the Savanite Royal Family, her encounters with Mage Latania, and the chaos of Jezebel's escape, and the flight back to the hidden City… including the 'mistaken identity' incident with the quarantine fleet.

Ciar stays standing untiringly as he listens. Intent.

{I hope they don't bring in poor Feli for questioning as well,} Envoy worries, as she describes the events in the Savanite village and the apparent destruction of the City by the awakened Savanite mages.

Next comes the Exile's experience with the suddenly reorganized Temple, her reunion with other Exiles, and her meeting with Bridge Officer Nimiss and the unsuccessful mission to locate a sky island. After this comes the meeting with Aski Medes, the party at the Kujakus' home, and the visit to the Zelak hive with its unexpected aftermath.

Ciar seemingly decides to let Envoy continue with her entire story. "Keep in mind that I am most interested in what transpired in the time between your speaking with Zeffel and Faline and your release. But go on… if you'd previously known anyone involved in that, I wish to know about them."

Envoy goes on to describe bringing the defrocked Magenta Lancer, Blossom, to see Nimiss and another reunion with Exile friends, which prompted her to look up Isstan again for information… and the mess that resulted. Finally, Envoy gets to the part about her incarceration, explaining first that her memories may be corrupted for this period due to 'technical difficulties'.

Ciar says, "Explain. "

Envoy says, "There are memories which I am certain are delusional, which casts uncertainty upon those immediately leading up to them."

Ciar nods. "Very well. Then describe all of the memories, I shall decide which are delusional."

Envoy describes the meeting with Faline and Zeffel… and then the private meeting with just Faline after Zeffel was sent off to prepare a room such as this one.

Ciar says, "Elaborate on the proceedings of that meeting. In detail. "

Envoy narrates the entire scene, where Faline offers her both freedom and a chance to access the computer in exchange for information about the City of Hands.

Ciar's free paw clenches slightly. "So. The City of Hands. Faline offered freedom… and access to the sacred Mysteries?! You are sure of this?"

Envoy nods, "And she brought me to an interface helmet soon afterwards. But I was given a drug which was supposed to make my brain more compatible with the equipment, and which may be responsible for my subsequent delusions."

Ciar says, "Envoy… Describe what this 'interface helmet' looked like, and exactly where in the Temple it was. If your description of it is verified as true, then your cooperation will be looked upon most favorably indeed. "

Envoy describes the long journey through the corridors, the surprising clean room where the helmet was, and the medic which injected the drug. Her voice begins to crack now from dryness.

Ciar holds up a paw. "You have cooperated well, Envoy." He crosses over to the first aid kit on the wall behind the chair, removes a salve, and returns to administer it to Envoy's injured hand. "I regret that you must be held a while longer while we substantiate your claims and check on them… and until we resolve the matter. But if what you have told me here is the truth, you need not worry about Vielanika being harmed, nor about yourself. The Temple is interested only in justice." He turns and walks to the chamber door, unsealing it. "Guard, water for the Exile."

The Titanian guard nods. "Very well, sir." The door clacks and slides slowly open and then steps are heard.

Envoy slumps forward in her chair. {Justice for whom?}, she wonders.

A moment later, the guard steps back in and hands a tall glass of water to the Inquisitor, dew beading on the side. He returns to his position by the door, closing it.

Ciar nods to the guard, and returns to Envoy's chair. He frees one of her hands… her good hand… from its restraining straps, and offers the glass of water. "Have any other events occurred since your freedom? I would like to know details about your arrangement with Shkarkin hive, and your activities since then. Drink first."

Envoy licks her chapped lips, and sips at the glass held before her. "I would like to know the details myself. I am required to return there as soon as possible to report on my mission, and to be reassigned to a new one or some other function, perhaps."

Envoy says, "As for my recent work for the Temple on Little Rephidim West, there is ample documentation and physical artifacts in the possession of the Office of Review."

Ciar nods. "Free citizens may do as they please within normal reason, and if you continue to cooperate, you shall be a free citizen. But I do warn you, Exile. Do not attempt to influence the Zelak with your alien ideass or upset relations with them in any way. Such disturbances will be noted, and will be dealt with… harshly."

Envoy sighs. "I have to cooperate with them just as I do with you. The Zelaks will not change unless they decide they want to, no matter what I may do."

Ciar nods again. "Very well. Is there anything else that you would like to share now? Events that I discover myself are suspect. Events that you share freely are not.

Envoy says, "I went to see Aski Medes again, to tell him about a newly discovered race and get some advice on how I could complete my mission for Queen Shkarkin. He blames me for his current situation… and I can't fault him for it."

Ciar ahs. "Yes, the one who tends to study Exiles. A newly discovered race, you say? Please give me more detail… I shall make sure that the research is shared with the Temple's own researchers."

Envoy says, "Oh, they should already have the information now. The new race was responsible for killing everyone aboard Little Rephidim West. Venerable Officer Miriam has my written account of them. Briefly, they are an apparently sentient deep-sea dwelling race of chromatimorphic squid-like creatures, capable of producing a wide range of chemical compounds… many of them toxic."

Envoy says, "They gave me a giant black pearl as a peace offering, I think."

Ciar hms. "Most useful information." He turns to face Envoy. "Anything else to tell me? Or would you like to rest now? If so I shall have you returned to your cell, have food sent and a healer sent to attend your hand. You have cooperated excellently, Envoy."

Envoy sighs, "Yes, I always seem to eventually. I would appreciate some rest and food. And some chalk if possible."

Ciar pauses. "Chalk?"

Envoy says, "My hand will heal better if I have supplemental amounts of calcium and carbon. Chalk is mostly calcium carbonate, and I might be able to get what I need by licking it."

Ciar nods. "Very well. I shall advise the healer as to your… nutritional needs." He turns and opens the hatch, then speaks to the guard. "Return her to her cell, have a healer and food sent. Oh… and tell the healer to give her a small piece of… chalk. She has cooperated well, and may have more when her stories are verified."

The guard comes by and unstraps Envoy. "Come," he says, holding onto her uninjured wrist.

Envoy pauses as the guard leads her out, and turns to the cloaked figure to say, "For what it's worth, Inquisitor, I hope this information brings you better luck than it has to those before you."

Ciar, in reply, only nods.

The Saluki inquisitor gestures the newcomer to a seat. "Well? How did it go?"

Kani bows, then settles into the seat… pushing his dark cowl back to show his ears and silvertipped-black fur. His eyes, however, are cold. "Sir, we may have a… traitor in our midst. According to the Exile, after you and Inquisitor Faline spoke to her and you went to prepare an interrogation room, Faline… took her aside privately. And according to the Exile, in exchange for information on the City of Hands, which according to the Exile wasn't destroyed as thought, Faline… promised her freedom and a chance to… to access the sacred Mysteries of the Technopriesthood!" He pauses. "Sir… The Exile described one of the sacred Interface Helmets perfectly. There's no way she could know of them, the clean rooms surrounding them, unless she was granted access by someone high up. Someone… " He just quietly looks at Zeffel. "I leave it to your judgment of course, sir. But I would recommend dispatching the fastest airship possible to the Himar now, to keep a close watch on Faline."

Inquisitor Zeffel frowns. "You should remember, Investigator, that the Exile has been subject to Processing before. She knows what the helmets look like – however, if this is true, then it is a serious abuse of Temple resources." He steeples his fingers. "I'll send an agent on the gunship Rebuke by evening, with orders to arrest Inquisitor Faline if she won't come willingly. What else?"

Kani shakes his head. "She spoke of many things, sir. Some… that the City of Hands is truly a Savanite city sounded a bit fanciful to me, but if true, with the current Nagai situation… There could be unrest. She also spoke of the murder of the Captain-Astromancer, she revealed some unknown details that do fit perfectly with our investigation of the matter. And she revealed quite a bit about the Savan and several expeditions, very comprehensive intelligence if it's all true. You will have my full scribed report tomorrow, sir."

"Interesting," Inquisitor Zeffel says, rubbing his chin. "You don't believe she's involved in the murder itself?"

The Saluki clarifies, "That is, of the Captain-Astromancer. I am also curious as to whether she shed any new light on the death of Mage Isstan."

Kani shakes his head. "I can't judge that yet sir, I do intend to question her further. She might well be. As for now, we do seem to have a good lead on exactly how and why she was released, how it was stated that she had been 'dealt with'. And a suspect. Mage Isstan's death… she told of many other experiences under duress of her friend's life. But in telling all she knew of that, she seemed not to know. She may well be responsible, sir, possibly fully. But I cannot yet determine if it was deliberate, I shall need to investigate further, sir."

Inquisitor Zeffel hrms, leaning back. "So it's possible Isstan's death might be accidental or perhaps unintentional, do you think? All right, until we can get some corrobations on her story, I suppose we should keep her about. Do you want to keep her where she is or move her up a level to the Deluxe Hospitality Suites?"

Kani nods. "It's possible, sir. And yes, I will now try to find corrobations on her story, as you say. It would be best, in my opinion, to keep her in custody until Faline is returned and questioned. And since we don't want anything to happen to her, I… would recommend moving her up a level, sir." He pauses. "Oh, and my thanks to the artisan who crafted the replica of the instrument of the Eeee citizen named Vielanika, and to the agents who observed her. Convincing the Exile that I had her friend in custody and that I would harm her was what I believe caused her to cooperate. She still believes that the Eeee's in custody, and so her cooperation is almost assured." He smiles.

Inquisitor Zeffel laughs. "Be assured the artisan's fee will be duly exorbitant for such quick and efficient work, Investigator. Very well then, any other conclusions, or shall I read about the rest of this in the report and the transcript?"

Kani shakes his head. "My report will be comprehensive, sir. She shared a great deal of information. As of now, the only conclusion I can make is that her story of how Faline may have released her and covered tracks does make sense. I can only hope it's not true, but… " He trails off. "I will await news of her retrieval, sir."

"Very well then. To another subject then, Investigator Kani. How fares your investigation of the smugglers?" Inquisitor Zeffel picks up a folder, the one that Kani dropped off recently, and starts leafing through it.

Kani sighs. "I have made contact with one of the acquisition agents, by the name of Maza. Yes, I'm aware the expense account was a bit… high, but there's reasoning to it. She needed to be impressed, and is now willing to lead me to some of her suppliers. She figures, it seems, that I'm a wealthy noble's decorator… it's a bit of a long story. But the investigation seems to be proceeding well."

Inquisitor Zeffel nods. "Not unreasonable, but I remind you, Investigator, we are after the receiver of the stamped crates, not the suppliers. We already know the crates are being sold by legitimate merchants. However, that said, I'm sure your instincts will lead you in the right direction. And… This is for you."

The Saluki reaches into a drawer and takes out a scroll, sealed with a Bridge Officer's signet in wax, and hands it to Kani.

Kani says, "And that there seem to be multiple individuals involved as well. The same Jupani was in the lumber yard and the Mist Garden cafe, rather suspicious, hm? This 'Maza' slipped and recognized him briefly. I don't think we're dealing with the best professionals here, fortunately… " He trails off and holds out a paw to accept the scroll, his eyes widening as he notes the seal. "From the Bridge. Thank you, sir." "

The scroll, when unwrapped, turns out to be authorization of a promotion of Investigator Kani Agochara to the post of Senior Investigator with due increment in pay scale and privileges thereof, and directs him to either recommend an officer as an assistant, or to draw one from the pool of available officers, to further aid him in his duties as the Temple may require.

It is signed by Arch-Inquisitor Maleficos Dunbarre, and further countersigned by Bridge Officer Nimiss as the witnessing officer of the council.

Kani looks up from the scroll to Zeffel with a smile. "Sir… if you speak to them… I shall endeavor to perform the office to the best of my ability, I am grateful. And I shall immediately set about researching possible assistants, follow-up on corrobation of the Exile's story and observation of the smuggling ring will be most helpful."

"It's a bit early as some Temple officials would measure seniority," Inquisitor Zeffel says dryly. "But I think you merit it, Senior Investigator. Keep up the good work." He nods in dismissal.

Kani nods, "Thank you sir. I will." He bows and salutes crisply, then turns and exits… and it's only further down a quiet corridor leading to his quarters that he lets himself grin widely and laugh. Senior Investigator, at his age. He heads into his quarters to change his colors once again… this calls for a bit of celebration on the town. Undercover, of course.