Chapter LXXXII

Prime Suspects

The apparent leader of the Gevurah waiting for them, a tall man wore a dark green merkabah, stepped forward, fixing his severe gaze on both of them.

"Bygurin Gazner and Adriaas Ancaris?" he knew the answer. "We're here to take you in for questioning. Please, come with us willingly."

If Adriaas was bewildered, her superior was lost in his thoughts.

"Why should I do that?" his tone defensive.

From up close, Adriaas noticed their crystaphene bodysuits had moving patterns related to their sephirot.

"It has been confirmed that organ recipients from this facility have developed an undisclosed disease caused by an excess of protein. You and the volunteer handle the Organ Growth Lab. Our branch will access the facility’s data and analyze the situation. No one will be prosecuted until we understand what’s happening. However, in order to investigate, you must come with us," the Gevurah operative delivered a shock to both of them.

Adriaas turned to her mentor, struggling to grasp the situation. "Are you accusing us?" she asked, unable to believe their words.

"We don't have enough evidence to draw conclusions. But given your proximity to the organ growth process, both of you are prime suspects," the operative spoke with calm authority.

Adriaas wanted to dismiss it as a poor joke or a test to enter the Chesedin program.

"If we refuse to go, it could be interpreted as admitting our guilt," Senior Bygurin advised her, sensing her resistance. "Our cooperation is crucial to prove our innocence, Adriaas. They need to see our goodwill."

"I have done nothing wrong!" the young woman exclaimed, angered by the suspicion cast upon her, aware of the effort she had invested in learning and mastering organ growth. "Neither of us have!"

"Indeed, we haven’t. But we must cooperate with the investigation," Bygurin said. "Lives may be at risk, and we might possess information that can help, that’s what matters."

Following Bygurin’s lead, Adriaas agreed to go with the Gevurah. Surrounded by the protectors of Malkuh, it’s citizens and the Edictum Vitae, mentor and apprentice left the clinic by stepping into their distinctive red and black fishtank, an official transportation of the Fifth Sephirah. They also left behind bewildered volunteers and Chesed staff, unable to answer their questions.

The group flew to the nearest Porterum, where Adriaas and Bygurin were taken to a Porter connected to Iustitia. The floating stagnum, renowned worldwide, was the central hub of operations for the Fifth Sephirah—a place Malkuthians strove to avoid. The structure remained inaccessible as visitors arrived by Porterum, landing on a floating platform hundreds of meters above the ocean, several kilometers away from the fortress.

From there, they embarked on a second fishtank. With nerves, Adriaas marveled at its grandeur. She knew it was the last stop before Sectum. The Red Fortress, named by those outside the Fifth Sephirot, loomed before her. While not the largest gravity-defying structure she had seen, it exuded an unparalleled sense of intimidation.

She scanned its solid crystalline walls made of Red Zircomond, an impenetrable alloy of red diamond and Zircon. Iustitia was deemed the safest construction in Malkuth, even surpassing its capital, Epeculum.

As they drew closer, the sun behind the fortress cast a striking contrast. Its dark red and angular silhouette underlined a shape resembling complex polygons. Its flawless geometry and sacred design were a collaborative effort by Binah, Chokmah, and Gevurah. Highlighted by the interplay of light and shadow, no landing bay was visible, yet the fishtank’s speed increased as they approached the Stagnum.

For a moment, it appeared they were hurtling towards a colossal red wall. Adriaas squinted her eyes, only to witness the wall melt away, granting access to the interior of the gargantuan building.

Within the dimly lit, red crystal bay, they landed beside similar fishtanks, their designs mirroring the pentagon they traveled in. As they disembarked, the Gevurah escort prepared to depart. Adriaas and Bygurin were preceded by two members, and then the rest. Even though they weren't under arrest, Adriaas felt scrutinized.

They trailed behind the Gevurah across the bay in silence as they passed many landing stations. They were occupied by members of the Fifth wearing their distinctive merkabahs, coming and going in fishtanks and levitators.

Within minutes, they arrived at a spacious area shaped like a interlaced pentagons. It was divided into multiple floors and housed countless entrances. They stepped onto a levitator that whisked them up to a level and into a narrow hallway.

As the levitator sped through the dark red crystal passageway, doors vanished. It decelerated and turned right into another corridor. This one bore a somber label in dark silver lettering: “Questioning.” Upon entering, the levitator made two stops, one to deposit Bygurin in a space designated with his name on a holoscreen.

"See you later, kiddo," he said in a solemn tone, the events of the day not unfolding as he had expected. "Keep a logical mind and answer with the truth. We'll return to the clinic soon."

"I will," were Adriaas' last words to him before the levitator resumed its journey, separating them.

Moments later, it was her turn. Adriaas descended from the levitator before she entered a red icosahedral room with her name on it.

The lead Gevurah, who had been silent since their departure from Jargalan, spoke up. "Someone will come," he said with a serious tone. "It’s a busy day."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

With those dry words, the graviless platform whisked the Gevurah away, leaving Adriaas alone in the low-lit corridor. She craned her neck, attempting to glimpse where they were being taken. The red darkness swallowed everything beyond a few steps from the questioning room. She knew it was futile to resist or go searching for Bygurin. The security measures kept them contained, and she didn’t want to cause any trouble. Adriaas turned back and entered the empty room, seeking calm amidst uncertainty.

The chamber stretched out before her, expansive and empty, save for a solitary seat made of crimson tourmaline, adorned with a plush gellin cushion. Across from it floated a metacrys table, both objects graviless. As she settled into the seat, a kabbalah materialized from the ceiling, a tangible manifestation of the impending interview.

"Welcome to questioning. My name is Quesept," the entity intoned. "I shall oversee the initial phase of our questioning, which pertains to gathering basic information about your identity. Do you consent to this process?"

Adriaas hesitated, then nodded in compliance.

"Please state your consent, for the record," Quesept requested.

"Yes, I consent," she confirmed.

"Thank you," the kabbalah acknowledged. "Let us begin. Is your name Adriaas Ancaris Irnulen?"

"I confirm," she stated once more.

"Were you born on November 26th, 12,559? Please confirm," Quesept's tone had become monotonous.

"I confirm," she reiterated, irritation narrowing her eyes.

"Are Ginebra Irnulen and Annevan Ancaris your parents? Please confirm."

"I confirm."

"Is Zeban Ancaris Irnulen your brother? Please confirm."

"I confirm," Adriaas was on the verge of losing her temper.

"Thank you. Now, could you kindly specify how long you have been a volunteer for your internship work in Jargalan?" Quesept shifted the topic, offering a slight reprieve.

"For approximately six months and a half," she responded.

"Please be more specific." The kabbalah maintained an unyielding presence.

Adriaas paused, calculating the exact duration. "Six months and seventeen days, as of today," she provided the precise answer.

"Thank you," Quesept withdrew into the ceiling, merging with it.

"Even kabbalahs are dry here."

Alone once more, Adriaas surveyed the room’s crystalline walls. Their deep red hues were highlighted by Vesica Pisces patterns and sharp edges. Eager to distract herself from the gravity of the situation, she turned to her trusted kabbalah.

"Ion, let’s play a game," she suggested, aiming to lighten the mood. "You choose."

Familiar with her thoughts and desires, the kabbalah responded, "Shall we play ping-pong? It’s been quite some time," Ion proposed, thrill in his tone.

Ping-pong had been one of Zeban's and Adriaas's favorite childhood games. They would spend hours playing, sometimes joined by their mother. Their father, Annevan, considered the game archaic and beneath homo-synthesicus. Adriaas suspected his disdain stemmed from a lack of coordination and skill. Despite being a Superior Sephirot revered throughout Malkuth, he struggled with such simple activities.

They used the metacrys table for the game while Ion morphed some of its nanites to create a ball and a racket for her.

"All in, let’s go," Adriaas declared, hiding her discomfort. She was certain the Gevurah were observing every move. "We’ll start with the best out of three."

Ion extended one of its nanite arms, transforming it into a sleek racket instead of the usual hand. She half expected Quesept to intervene and stop their impromptu game, but surprisingly, nothing happened. Adriaas and her opponent played three sets, continuing for another six. By the ninth round, they were deadlocked in a tie.

Exhausted, Adriaas sank into the graviless seat, catching her breath, when a new arrival interrupted their match.

"I’m glad someone entertains themselves here," a woman commented. She was petite, with long, green hair, and wore a merkabah adorned with shades of red and gray. "My name is Zutika Irreal, and I will conduct the questioning today, Adriaas."

As she spoke, a section of the crimson ceiling opened, revealing another seat descending.

"Pleasure to meet you," Adriaas said. "I’m not accustomed to these procedures, but I’ll assist in any way I can."

"Excellent. Cooperation is appreciated and will ensure a smooth investigation," Zutika remarked, turning the interrogation into a casual conversation. "I have a few questions for you, as you might expect."

Adriaas quickly realized that Quesept's questions were mere formalities. Now in full examination mode, the Gevurah deluged her with hundreds of questions about her volunteer work and personal life. Adriaas found solace in the kindness of her interrogator, as Zutika transformed a rigorous questionnaire into an engaging dialogue.

"Were you once a member of the Fourth?" Adriaas asked, seizing a moment of confidence after noticing how detailed her knowledge was in regards to Chesed matters.

"Personal information cannot be shared, as it goes against the rules and our safety. Each Gevurah conducting an interrogation is well-prepared and knowledgeable about every Sephirah," Zutika responded cryptically, leaving Adriaas to ponder the answer.

"If you wouldn’t mind indulging me, describe step by step your daily routine in the Organ Growth Lab, since you began developing the organs yourself."

Adriaas recounted every detail she could remember. She couldn’t help but wonder why the Fifth didn’t consult the Lab’s quantum records, which held a comprehensive log of all activities. Her birthcloud contained the information they sought.

When they concluded, her mind felt overwhelmed by the extensive conversation and explanations. Even when mingling with other volunteers, she preferred listening to their stories rather than sharing her own.

"Thank you for your cooperation, Adriaas," the Gevurah remarked, rising from the levitating red seat, which ascended back into the ceiling. "While we gather information, we must ask you to remain here. It is possible we will require a second interrogation, while you are free to go staying within our facilities is recommended. A levitator will arrive shortly to escort you to our waiting area, if that’s agreeable."

"Sure, I’m too exhausted. Is there a possibility of finding somewhere to rest?"

"Of course," Zutika showed her a smile full of reassurance. "Your kabbalah will guide you. We’ve shared the information that will take you to our waiting rooms. It has been a pleasure talking to you."

With a parting gesture, which Adriaas reciprocated, Zutika left the room. True to her word, a levitator materialized in the hallway much sooner than the young woman had anticipated. Stepping onto it, she barely registered the journey this time, consumed by fatigue. It was a crimson blur until she arrived in an expansive space bathed in natural light, exuding a calming ambiance distinct from the rest of the building.

"Ion, where can I rest?"

Her kabbalah led her to the desired area. The waiting room defied her expectations, housing a restaurant, virtualis rooms for entertainment, and even a pool. Several individuals occupied the space, engrossed in their own waiting. This realization helped her relax, as she wasn’t being treated as a criminal. Following Ion, she arrived at a section with individual rooms designed for extended waits.

They entered an unoccupied room, distinguished by its translucent glass walls that became opaque as she went in. The space was adorned in softer hues of pink, creating a calming atmosphere. Adriaas slipped off her cottophene shoes and instructed her kabbalah to play soothing nature sounds. Settling onto a comfortable gellin bed, she soon succumbed to the embrace of sleep.

****

Thank you for reading! See you in "Chapter LXXXIII - So Long, Ego"

If you can't wait and wish to continue, Patreon is running with up to 20 chapters (7ish weeks) ahead of RR release.

Please leave a follow, rate or review, these small gestures are huge for the story's success, and my sanity.

Your opinion matters 💫

Aequitas and much love,

Indigo Sapiens.

© All Rights Reserved