467 Harvest Fair (1/2)

The Ain'Dhassi's pale eyes were filled with scorn, he mumbled something against the gag and then struggled against his restraints.

”We're waiting for Semmi, then we can start.” Ducky smiled at the prisoner, ”I'd like to start now, but I'm concerned about your endurance.” The water witch traced the curve of his face with a single finger.

The door opened a moment later, the blond officer walked in accompanied by an old fire mage.

Leva's dark eyes finally left the prisoner. ”How's Nix?”

Pon scowled and shrugged slightly. ”Bastards sleeping still, taking it easy while I do all the work. This the guy? Let me just heat up his nuts a bit, I'm sure he'll talk.”

Semmi nudged the old man with an elbow and shook her head slightly. ”Ducky will be doing to questioning. Ungag him please.”

”What?” Pon glanced from Ducky to Semmi. ”The fuck did I have to come then?”

Semmi smiled and pulled him to one side so that they could observe. ”Because you get all squirrely when Nix isn't around.”

Pon crossed his arms in front of his chest. ”Let's get on with it then. We're in the middle of Harvest.”

Semmi nodded, all of Haven was hurrying to get their product ready. Most of Inferno brought in outside help during the season. They were thoroughly vetted and enabled the players to have experienced hands helping them.

[Whisper: Semmi to Ducky] Let him say whatever is on his mind before you charm him.

[Whisper Ducky to Semmi] Got it.

Ducky released the prisoner's gag and held up a canteen for him to drink from. ”We're going to ask you some questions, Sazo. How this proceeds depends on your cooperation.”

”You are nothing but Rebels.” The Ain'Dhassi's tone showed his belligerence.

Ducky clucked her tongue softly. ”Not the best start. Why are you working with Khione?”

”She is the rightful leader of all Colonial. Once Khione is restored to power, the humans will be forced back to the hole they crawled out of.” Sazo spit in the direction Semmi, before it could land, a tiny ball of flame intercepted it with a loud hiss. Saza grimaced in pain, his brows and lashes were scorched completely off.

”Try that again fucknut... I'll remove your eyes and testicles for the second round of questions.” Pon's hand glowed with orange flames, the crackling intensity of his flame warmed the small office.

”The Ain'Dhassi will be spared when Khione cleanses Oasis. My Clan will thank me.”

”What would Sai Tali say about this?” Ducky's blue eyes glanced at the Orion who seemed to be hanging on every word. Del Tali knew this man personally, which is why she was asked to sit in.

”He would never believe it. The days of ice are approaching. Humans will be washed away.” Sazo seemed like he was tempted to spit again, but he could feel the old man watching him.

/Inferno: Pon: Enough of this. Have Del talk to him.

The Orion walked around the desk and stood in front of the Ain'Dhassi. Its sleek black coat shimmered slightly with each graceful movement. ”What have you done Sazo?”

Sazo's eyes stared at the black cat. The voice seemed familiar. ”Who are you?”

Instead of answering the cat turned back to Ducky. ”After you've questioned him, I'd like him returned to my people.”

”No.” Pon spoke quietly, his voice barely discernable. ”He knowingly participated and even helped plan an act of war against Inferno. That doesn't come with any benefits. By the way, shithead, after you failed miserably, Inferno kicked the shit out of Khione and sent her back to her Ice Hole.”

Semmi nodded in agreement.

The black cat didn't argue, she'd only made the request because Sazo was a member of her extended family. ”Sazo... You shall be removed from the family book. Your accomplishments until now will be stricken from our records. The Tali family name will be revoked from you, your wife, and your children.”

”Who... Del Tali?” The Ain'Dhassi's pale face looked sickly in the flickering light.

The black cat turned away from him and sat on the floor facing the wall. ”I will no longer recognize your words or name.”

Pon watched the interaction, involving the dhassi's wife and kids seemed a bit harsh but it didn't pass his bottom line. ”Do you think Khione will provide for your kids? Cooperate and Inferno will make sure they have enough to survive.”

A gate opened in the office, Semmi waited while Pon and the Orion stepped through. ”One word from Nix and your family could find refuge in Izzin.”

[Whisper: Semm to Ducky] Give him a chance to cooperate before you charm him. Verify everything he says.