L'Enquete.

[Shagohad]

TickticktickThat damn clock. Thats all that could be heard. He sat in the middle of the bleak, dark room. He sat on a chair made of a foreign wood; in front of a relatively boring table made from the same material. The only light came from the lamp sitting at the opposite end of the table. The clock was unseen, yet its ticking gave it away. Perhaps it was being imagined from sitting in this room for two hours.?
A creaking sound filled the room. He looked up, blinking at the bright light that flooded the room. A shadowy figure stood there. His face unseen save for the red, mechanical eyes in the right side of his face. They blinked slightly, perhaps regarding him withpity? Hatred? He did not know.
The door closed and he stepped forward. Each step made audible by what sounded like armored boots. He walked to the other end of the table. He took his time, as though he had no other plans for the day. With each step he took, that infernal clock ticked. He reached the end of the table and sat down, opposite the man.
Then he stared. Those three red orbs in his face burned like torches in the darkness. Torches that only burned for that one other person in the room. He reached for the lamp with his right hand, turning it upwards so it shone in the others face. He blinked fiercely at the light, swearing under his breath at being nearly blinded.
Comfortable? He said after fiddling with the lamp. His Gallic accent was barely recognizable.
Actually, no, The other man responded; his Hispanic accent betraying his Outcast heritage.
Good, He looked down, as if at a piece of paper, Mister Diego Santinez. You have my congratulations at eluding me for as long as you have. He looked back up, putting his full attention at Diego.
Then I guess I should consider that a compliment, Diego replied in a flat tone. The other man did not seem amused.
Do you know who I am? He asked in a serious tone. He leaned forward slightly, emphasizing that he did not want a sarcastic answer.
Diego replied, Id imagine you are a member of the Council. I was in Council space when I was caught. His tone hinted at more of a question. Diego cursed himself mentally at sounding unsure.
The man stared for a few moments before answering, I am a member of the Council, yes, but at the same time I am not. Diego shifted uncomfortably. The Council had a tendency for being short and to the point. This hateful man seemed to be beating this around the bush.
ThenI assume I must be afraid, Diego said in a wavering voice. This aroused a chuckle. It was slight and brief, but it showed amusement. Perhaps this man was not a machine after all like he portrayed.
I have no name, Diego. I only have a character. That character is Inquisitor Lefevre, He said in an emotionless tone. Diego gulped. He had read about pre-Sirius inquisitors; about the Spanish Inquisition. They were medieval. They were archaic. How could judging some one in the name of religion still exist?
You have your doubts, Diego, Lefevre said as if he had read his mind. Diego gulped again. And you should explain why you think you are here.
I-I was capturedby the Council. I am here for beingan Outcast, The fear in his voice was evident. Diego looked down, as if ashamed.
No. You are here because you have committed atrocities of the highest order, He said in a relatively calm tone. That was unsettling. Did he think of them as not important? No, then Diego wouldnt be here.
And what atrocities have I committed? Diego replied with a little enthusiasm. He knew what he had done, yes, but he wanted to hear what others thought of it. His ego was his biggest curse.
Lefevre sat back and seemed to relax. In the same, flat voice he said, Piracy, espionage, murder, theft, rape, misconduct, and heresy. Diego stifled a chuckle at the last accusation. Lefevre cocked his head to the right at the sudden squeak of laughter. Do you find something amusing, Mister Santinez? He said in a particularly cold voice.
N-no, Diego lied and looked down at the table. He bit his lip, fearing the consequences. Its just that I havent heard heresy used as a crime before, He continued.
I see, Lefevre said in a flat tone. He stood up, pushing his chair back. Diego gulped softly and shrunk down into his chair. Mister Santinez, I am a man of just causes. I am the alpha and the omega. I am the judge and the jury. I am your best friend and your worst nightmare. But do you want to know what I am not? The Inquisitor stood beside Diego, those red eyes staring straight into his.
Yes, Sir, Diego squeaked.
I am not merciful, Lefevre said in a low voice. Immediately, the Inquisitors hand went for Diegos throat. Before he knew it, he was hauled out of his chair and held up a foot of the ground. Diego instinctively put his hands to the single hand holding him up. He tried to pry the fingers from his throat, but to no avail. And to Diegos horror, he found that his hands did not touch flesh, but cold steel. The hand felt skeletal and thin, yet it had a grip like no other.
Diegos guttural choking filled the room. Diego Santinez, you are a branded a heretic and a criminal to all that mankind stands for. Your only hope of salvation is repentance. Will you repent? Lefevre bellowed. Diego nodded as best he could. The Inquisitor released Diego, dropping him back into the chair. Diego coughed, holding his throat.
Lefevre walked to the wall and pressed his hand to it. He spoke in a cold tone, Prepare room A4 for use. Make sure the rack and iron maiden. Diego tried to shout in protest, but only succeeded in choking and spluttering. The door opened and three men walked into the room. They appeared to be wearing robes with hoods, their faces covered by a black piece of cloth. The grabbed him and tried to affix binds to his hands and feet. Diego kicked and squirmed, only to be fastened down.
They hauled him out, closing the door behind them. Lefevre was left in the dimly lit room. He smiled slightly and whispered, Le repentir est la seule voie.

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"THE HULL HAS BEEN BREACHED AND THE SCIENCE IS LEAKING OUT!"