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It was late autumn and the browning leaves of the trees of Kuat were fluttering around the streets of the city. The collection of colours seemed to set a cool atmosphere as Delora walked calmly through the various, twilight-lit streets. Although it was the capital of the Empire, Delora could not help but note that upon turning one particular corner, the hustle, bustle, noise and mess of the city seemed to disappear and an eerie silence hit her like a bitter wind in winter. She noticed many aliens scurry past her in a hurry, visibly intimidated and afraid. Reaching out to them, she could tell they were non-Force sensitives. She became increasingly curious to why the sudden change occurred. However, the answer to the Sith Apprentice’s thoughts was evident not long after she turned another corner.
Although situated in the city, the looming towers of the Inquisitorus were located in a scarily quiet area. Where one would expect to see people trotting around, shopping, conversing and laughing, one saw nothing but the bleak despair of a few people, evidently afraid to be even around the towers. It was like the eye of a hurricane – a center of quiet and peace surrounded by noise, destruction and crime. It was evident, though, that the noise, destruction and crime could not pierce the boundaries of the towers, which cast a great shadow over nearby buildings.
Delora took a deep inhalation of breath, exhaled slowly and continued walking forward. She had received summons from the Grand Inquisitor’s Office regarding some material that the Inquisitorus had for her. She assumed that it was a file of some sort, but she did not bet on it. The Inquisitors were renowned for their secrecy and their organisational skills were said to be the envy of many. They had every Sith, citizen and sentient on file in one of the towers and access could only be give by the High or Grand Inquisitor, though Delora did not doubt that access was given but only on the rarest of occasions.
As she approached a flight of stone stairs, she noticed a few guards, dressed in flowing crimson robes flanking the entranceway. She smirked upon registering this observation. The surrounding area seemed to be blanketed in shades of black, and of grey on account of the towers’ shadows. However, these three guards seemed to add a dash of color to the area. She prodded them slightly with her senses. They were agitated, and like the townsfolk, obviously intimidated by the presence of so many Inquisitors. She shared some of their feelings.
However, because of Delora’s lack of contact with the Inquisitors, she was more curious than afraid. She wondered what security they had in place, how they managed to keep on file every living thing in the Empire, and beyond. She thought about how difficult the entrance exam must be and what life would be like as the Empire’s frontline of defence, and offence. The Military was often given this description, but the apprentice felt it deserved in the description of the Inquisitors. It was they who risked their lives while on missions of espionage, reconnaissance and extermination.
Passing the guards, she nodded at them briefly. Their stern, stone faces seemed to glaze over Delora – it seemed as if they did not see her, or recognise the fact she was even standing before them. She admired them for this. They had some nerve being able to be vigilant in the HQ of the Order where secrecy was mainly attributed. It was something they were obviously trained for, and for that, she made a mental note to congratulate the teaching methods of Dark Lord Tarna.
She wondered curiously when she entered the foyer of the first tower. Instead of the continuation of grey and black decor she had expected, she was surprised to see walls of cream, with a small seating area and a few painting dotted around. She smirked when she thought a bit deeper about this. The Inquisitors involved deception in their work, the fact that the outside was different to the inside should not have surprised her. The Grand Inquisitor had managed to keep traces of the Order everywhere, even in its most public of buildings.
Clearing her throat, Delora walked calmly to the solid, black marble desk that was situated about 45 feet away from the tower entrance. Behind the desk was a human woman, possible from Coruscant. Delora could not help but suspect she was an Inquisitor. Although it seemed like an unexciting position for Inquisitors, it was no doubt of some importance. The recognition of anyone coming through the doors was a skill, which few could master. In addition, her dress sense was too normal. Everything in place, at all times. When Delora worked with the public, she knew it was hard work. Very few could master the look of relaxation and ease that this woman did. Placing her hands together, Delora continued the walk to the desk with elegance and poise. “Excuse me, I have been summoned by the Grand Inquisitor’s Office. My name is Delora Tempest”.
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