Chapter One: The Inquisitor

“No pain. No confusion. No shackles. There was only happiness. Through the blue sea, through the deep mist. You'll get there eventually.”

 

In the early hours of the morning, the streets bustled with people navigating their way through the urban rhythm. 33 Muse Street stood tall; a high-rise office building nestled in the heart of Rice City Center. The Inquisitor, holding a freshly purchased coffee, emerged from his car and briskly entered Rice First Logistics on the second floor. In the city center, logistics companies like this were everywhere, and someone dressed as an office worker like the Inquisitor wouldn't draw attention to himself. That was exactly what the Inquisitor needed. Unbeknownst to the public, Rice First Logistics was, in reality, a clandestine office belonging to the Federal Police. Here, information concealed as packages traversed the country, some of them carrying more than just sheets of paper. Over the course of the night, three such substantial packages had found their way into the hands of Rice First Logistics.

This was precisely why the Inquisitor had arrived. Although he wasn't a resident of Rice City, his frequent travels took him to various Federal Police offices, specializing in dealing with suspects.

"Ah, long time no see," greeted the receptionist with a warm smile as she observed the Inquisitor.

"Yeah, long time no see, Lina. How have you been? You look great!" responded the Inquisitor, reciprocating the smile.

"All good, as usual. Thanks for asking," replied the receptionist, handing over a folder in her hand.

Taking the folder, the Inquisitor sipped his coffee, carefully scanning the cover with his eyes. After expressing his gratitude to the receptionist, he entered the office. Inside Rice First Logistics, activity hummed with the recent events in Rice City keeping the staff on their toes. Navigating skillfully through the desks, the Inquisitor reached an office in the southeast corner of the company.

In the manager's office, the supervisor rapidly typed away on a computer. Spotting the Inquisitor's entrance, he hastily gestured for him to take a seat across the desk. "Something to drink?" the supervisor offered.

"Thanks, no. I've got this one's coffee," the Inquisitor replied, handing over the folder while pointing to the logo on the coffee cup.

The supervisor, slightly embarrassed, sat back in his chair in front of the computer.

"What's all this chaos out there?" the Inquisitor inquired, gesturing towards the door. The morning buzz was a common occurrence, but the supervisor knew that wasn't what he was asking about; his focus was on the boxes stacked in the evidence area.

"All just arrived this morning," the supervisor replied seriously. "Not long after the three suspects showed up, evidence from various parts of the city began pouring in. With everything that's happened in the last three days, we've been eagerly anticipating your arrival. Does that mean all this chaos will soon be over?"

The Inquisitor smiled, offering a noncommittal response. "Well, that depends on what I ask those three. An interrogation doesn't guarantee resolution; it might lead to more problems," he said sincerely. Reviewing the private emails on his cell phone before arriving in Rice City, he sensed that the unfolding events might not be easily resolved.

The supervisor's eyebrows, which had just relaxed, tightened again at the Inquisitor's words. Unconsciously, he glanced at the folder the Inquisitor had brought in.

The Inquisitor keenly observed the supervisor's reaction. Not wanting to prolong the conversation, he picked up the folder, stood up, and signaled for the supervisor to follow him out. The supervisor immediately complied, helping the Inquisitor with his coffee as they navigated between desks.

"When did they all 'ship in'?" the Inquisitor asked, nodding in greeting to some agents he had met before.

"The two females arrived last night, and the male arrived early this morning," the supervisor answered. They reached a heavy door, swiping an access card to open it.

The door closed automatically, cutting off the noise from the office outside. The room boasted impeccable soundproofing. Before the Inquisitor and the supervisor stood five doors and three guards. The supervisor gestured to three doors, signaling to the Inquisitor, who nodded in response. Taking a seat at a table, the Inquisitor began perusing the file. The supervisor, akin to a student awaiting a teacher's evaluation, sat respectfully across from the Inquisitor.

A tense silence enveloped the room. The three guards, unconsciously, sought to glean something from the Inquisitor's expression, only to find it impassive. The Inquisitor's face remained surprisingly composed, his mind racing as he absorbed the information and sought connections.

"Snap!" The inquisitor closed the folder.

The supervisor, looking relieved, inquired, "So, which one do you want to start with first?"

Choose the story you want to learn about.

(the three stories can be in any order)

Suspect: Miranda

Suspect: Dura

Suspect: Douglas