Sharing of Information

Hitherby, after a bit of time in the park, will probably mention, "I lost the bee."

Chephirah says "It was all right?"

Hitherby thrums, thoughtfully, "Jordi sort of dehosted me."

Hitherby says "Last I heard, Daimon and Zebina were making squeaking noises and such. But he knows we're all angels."

Chephirah twitches her wings. "And he didn't run away? Impressive."

Hitherby says "Well, he's a demon, and she's a wheel of fire, so he probably just couldn't resist her."

Hitherby scatters and then regroups. "They're probably done by now, though."

Zebina mmms. "So, are we done yet, Daimon?"

Zebina looks heavily mussed.

Daimon also looks pretty mussed, and fairly sweaty. "Well, until I recharge, of course."

Hitherby says "He'll sneak out once she's completely exhausted."

Daimon reaches out to hold and cuddle his favorite Ofanite.

Chephirah says "Possibly. Though she /is/ an Ofanite. Still. If they're likely to be done, shall we pay them a visit?"

Daimon laughs out loud. "Neither do Lilim, but we have our limits."

Hitherby wanders a dragonfly up above tree level for a quick peek around, then back down into the swarm. "I wouldn't mind. Just think how much he must know that he *didn't* tell her."

Chephirah twitches wings *and* tail this time. "What did he tell her? Aside from, ah, endearments."

Hitherby thrums gently. "I suppose mostly that there was a Shedite and a Habbalite, and they were running away with a wood elf, and Kobal wanted them back but not before they have the chance to be funny, and the Game was involved."

Hitherby says "We were in a fight at the time, and, well, even Kyriotates have our limits where attention is concerned."

Hitherby says "Well, not the *whole* time."

Chephirah blinks slowly. "A wood elf. This will be interesting to hear."

Daimon doesn't know about Hitherby's bee, but seems to be happy leaching off Happy Needs.

You say "Sephar, you didn't get teleported out with Hitherby and Chephirah, so your human host is still at the opera."

Sephar says "Ah... cool."

Hitherby says "Do you want to use a 'cahr' or shall we just fly?"

Chephirah says "(Well, presuming no-one's about to see.)"

You say "The park is quiet and deserted, at night."

Daimon comes to the realizatin that this is why so many of his Sisters work for Andre, but man, not being able to care bites.

Hitherby hmph. It looks quite active to *her*.

Chephirah (prepares to get mugged. :) )

Sarah says "You have the advantage in flying, I think."

Hitherby says "I could find three or four birds and carry you, if you like?"

Hitherby thrums amusedly.

Sarah says "Thank you for the offer, but I think we've drawn more than enough attention already, for the night."

Hitherby says "I'm sure they didn't hear us in Africa." They begin drifting towards a road. "If you can get a cahr to stop, I can take care of its human. Probably."

Sephar hrms and after smoothing things over at the Opera house, hiding from Jordi, making sure that the Shedite's host is taken care of as that's close to its heart, and talks the police to quietness, will likely call Zebina after Pat to report what he's seen...

You say "Sephar, it would appear that the Shedite's host, the Props man, is dead."

Sephar is a bit shaken by that. But does what he can to get the man buried properly, then.

You say "Otherwise, you can smooth things over somewhat. The police are assuming it's some kind of hooligan attack, with hallucinogenic gas canisters."

Sephar nods.

You say "The body is taken off by the police."

Hitherby will leap into a nice human driver if Chephirah spots a car and gets them to stop, although she will change seats and leave the driving to the Cherub.

Sarah sighs gently, and ponders methods of visiting Zebina that don't involve stranding some poor human. Demi, can she figure out where they are? :)

You say "Sarah, you know Zebina's "home" address, up at the airport."

You say "As to where you _currently_ are, you recognise it as one of the city parks."

Hitherby knows exactly where we are. We're in *@#$*7@#$ -- in the tongue of the dragonflies, anyway. Othergrass Waterplace.

Sarah says "How terribly late is it, and is there still any chance of invoking the almighty public transportation, or must we entertain the Kyrio with a carjacking? :)"

Hitherby must be entertained! Always!

You say "It's past midnight, it's unlikely any passing cars would stop for you, but there is the odd taxi passing by, and the odd bus."

Sarah looks relieved.

Sarah invites Hitherby - preferably only one of Hitherby, rather than a swarm - to join her on the bus.

Hitherby reluctantly reduces her numbers, keeping the finest dragonfly.

Sarah thanks Hitherby, and makes a point of admiring the dragonfly.

Hitherby does not leap into the bus driver, because she can see passengers and knows that this must be a man who drives a special cahr that brings people to the places they want to go. This is a very good man, clearly.

Hitherby (possibly a Soldier of Janus, although how Sarah would know such a person and be able to summon him, who knows?)

Hitherby does not ask, because, well, one dragonfly is not enough to speak except in binary or Morse code with fast wingbeats and slow.

Daimon |OOC: Em shakes her head and laughs.

Sarah (Now Em knows just how bad an idea it is to let these two out without a keeper. :) )

Daimon |OOC: Em thinks . o O (the fact that you two need a Lilim keeper is SAD. SAD, I SAY!)

Sarah (Isn't it *just*?)

Sephar (grins.)

Sarah presumes that, eventually, dragonfly and girl make it to Zeb's. Frightening as the process may be.

Demiurge thinks so, Sarah, yes.

Hitherby picks up miscellaneous flying bugs once we stop, so she will be able to talk. She's not being picky; bugs understand and accept that they are part of a greater order.

Sarah thus knocks, or whatever seems appropriate.

Hitherby has a sudden sense of deja vu. Hitherby buzzing -- Sarah knocking on a door -- a demon on the other side --

Sarah (beams at Hitherby. Why, yes. :) )

Daimon looks up from the couch/bed when the knocking happens.

Zebina rouses herself from whatever world she's off in, and blinks. "Hmm? What?"

Daimon says "I thought I heard something."

Zebina says "Oh, heck."

Zebina looks around. "Hmm, let me put something on."

Daimon watches Zebina throw something on.

Zebina fishes around for her underwear, gives up, gets a spare set out of one of the file cabinets, as well as jeans and a T-shirt.

Daimon says "Should I ask why you keep your underwear in the file cabinet?"

Zebina tosses Daimon his jeans. "Come on, hot stuff."

Zebina says "Because it looks more professional to have a file cabinet than a dresser drawer."

Daimon shrugs on his boxers, and then his jeans fairly rapidly.

Zebina says "I don't have an actual apartment."

Daimon says "I think you look perfectly professional with nothing n."

Zebina finds her panties on top of the computer monitor. She has no idea where her bra went. She stuffs her 'worn' clothing into the lower drawer of the cabinet.

Zebina dimples at Daimon, and fishes around in her jacket, pulling out a gun.

Daimon's eyes widen at the sight of the gun, but he doesn't put on his turtleneck or his socks.

Zebina walks over to the door to the office, and takes a couple of deep breath. "Okay, whenever you're ready."

Hitherby calls out, in a raspy, scratchy, twisted, tonal, atonal, musical, musicless, strange, normal, and altogether poorly-assembled voice made from the wings of many different kinds of bugs, "Hello?"

Daimon says "Yeah, I'm ready."

Zebina says "Hmm, on second thought, you might want to stay right there."

Zebina says "I'll go get the outside door."

Daimon nods, and sits back down on the couch/bed.

Zebina smiles. "I'm expected to be here.

Zebina sets the gun down for a moment, pulls her hair back into a ponytail, secures it. "Okay. Be right back."

Daimon says "I'll, uh, protect the office from Evil."

Zebina picks the gun up, chambers a round, and stalks off towards the door.

Zebina flicks on the outside light, waits a moment, then peeks through the security hole.

Sarah, glasses off, waits patiently outside.

Hitherby hovers behind and around Sarah.

Zebina calls to Daimon, "It's Sarah. I'm going to let her in. Put on a shirt, would you please?"

Daimon calls out, "Sure." He pulls on his turtleneck. But still no socks.

Daimon starts looking around for a good escape route.

Zebina unlocks the door, opens it, and steps aside, just in case.

Sarah slips inside, taking enough time to let Hitherbugs flutter in if they so desire. The smile she offers Zebina *still* isn't really quite less than sheepish.

Hitherby makes a pleased screeling noise. "So you two *are* through. Good."

Hitherby flutters in too.

Daimon starts looking around for his shoes and socks.

Zebina blinks, then blushes. "Oh... I completely forgot. You head the whole thing, didn't you?"

Zebinashuts the door, locks it.

Daimon locates one sock under the bed, and is now in a quandary as to where he threw the other one.

Hitherby sporkles, in the typical bug-cloud way, "Well, the Great One took me out of the bee eventually."

Zebina says "Um, okay."

Zebina says "Daimon's in the office."

Hitherby says "And I was distracted for some of the squeals and stuff, because I was fighting."

Zebina says "We, ah... well you probably know what we were up to."

Sarah says "Is he de-- ah, dressed?"

Daimon begins to get frustrated, because he can't locate his other sock. He starts looking under the sheets.

Zebina nods. "Mostly, I think."

Zebina says "Daimon, are you finished dressing?"

Daimon calls out, "I'm decent enough."

Daimon locates the other sock mashed between a pillow and the mattress. He puts them both on, and starts looking for shoes.

Zebina says "Come on."

Zebina puts the safety on the gun, and leads Hitherby and Sarah into the other room.

Liz peeks in first, just in case.

Daimon looks to be trying to get himself together to leave.

Liz says "Hey. Can you stick around for a little bit?"

Daimon grins nervously. "Well, I bet you want to talk to your friends."

Liz says "Sure, but I think they'd like to talk to you too. I promise, if you want to leave, you can, but I'd like you to stay."

Daimon says "Um."

Daimon looks at Sarah.

Daimon says "Are you _sure_?"

Sarah says mildly, "I don't bite, Mr. Lightner."

Hitherby says "I, er."

Daimon says "Neither do I. But there are three of you."

Daimon says "Um, I _think_ there are three of you."

Hitherby says, tentatively, "I only bite sometimes?"

Daimon looks at Liz uncertainly.

Hitherby says "When I'm hungry. Or angry."

Hitherby buzzes, "Anyway."

Daimon settles back on the couch/bed, still looking nervous.

Sarah pushes back stray wisps of hair that've managed to get loose. There are, by now, more than a few of them. She glances to Liz, then Daimon again. "I take it the two of you had the talk?"

Daimon says "The Talk?"

Sarah says "Explanation? Revelation? Something that's causing you not to scream and leap out a window at the appearance of talking insects?"

Liz nods. "The Talk. He knows who I am, and Hitherby there is sort of obvious. He knows who you're allied with, but I left it to you to introduce yourself fully, Sarah."

Daimon says "No, I assure you, I'm pretty well scared right now. Nothing to worry about."

Liz says "And I'll let Daimon introduce himself fully, if he wants."

Sarah says "I'd imagine that's up to him."

Daimon licks his lips. "You know who I am. My name is Daimon Lightner. And I'm, uh... one of the bad guys."

Liz does domestic things, like making tea for everyone, and setting out some sugarwater for Hitherby.

Daimon tries to convince himself not to bolt.

Hitherby says "Oh dear. I'll get fat."

Liz says "Daimon, coffee?"

Daimon says quietly, "Uh, sure."

Sarah gives Daimon a half-hearted smile. "I don't suppose you know the pair that were in the theater?"

Liz fixes Daimon some coffee, same way as before.

Daimon nods his head. "Yeah, I know the pair in the theater."

Daimon sips a little of the coffee.

Hitherby says "I don't suppose you've a guess on the Shedite's second choice in hosts?"

Daimon looks momentarily confused. "Second choice?"

Hitherby buzzes. "If something were to happen to Props."

Daimon says "If something... Oh God."

Daimon decides to concentrate on his coffee.

Sarah looks rather apologetic.

Daimon reaches up and pushes some of the hair out of his face.

Sarah says quietly, "I'm afraid they've both been a bit discomfited."

Daimon nods silently.

Sarah says "I think we'd all appreciate it if you made the effort to convince them to stay away from the theater."

Daimon licks his lips, and says quietly, "You know I can't do it. Nor can I stop them."

Hitherby scrums.

Liz says "Sarah, would you mind telling us what happened earlier? In a bit more detail."

Sarah sighs. "That's a pity. I'd hoped we might be able to get something out of tonight." She glances between Liz and Daimon again, and adds, "The rest of us, that is."

Liz blushes a little bit.

Daimon frowns, and buries behind another sip of coffee.

Hitherby says, facing Daimon, "Unfortunately, I won't hurt you. Still, it would be good if you cooperated."

Sarah winces slightly. "I don't suppose 'utter disaster for all parties involved' would be sufficient detail?"

Daimon says, still quietly, "There are things I can and cannot do. I would really prefer it if you three didn't kill me, actually."

Hitherby lands near the sugar water and broods.

Liz says "That doesn't sound at all good."

Hitherby says, muffled by having landed, "I thought it went rather well."

Sarah says "I don't believe killing you is anywhere on the agenda, Mr. Lightner."

Liz says "Daimon, please, just relax for a little while, okay?"

Daimon closes his eyes, and tries to relax.

Liz says "Thanks."

Liz says "Okay, Sarah, unless it's really top secret and there's no way Daimon should hear it, would you please tell us what happened?"

Hitherby mutters softly, "We went over there. Then the Habbalite attacked. Then there was a big fight, and the Shedite and the Habbalite got beat up. Then they both went Celestial. Then we went celestial. Then we started beating them up. Then we started losing. Then Jordi showed up."

Sarah sighs. "We went after the Shedite. We didn't know at the time about his friend, unfortunately. I'm afraid I spent enough of the episode not quite myself that it's rather distasteful to consider."

Liz blinks.

Liz says "*Jordi* showed up?"

Sarah says "Ah. Yes."

Daimon sits like a statue, blinking into his coffee mug.

Hitherby chitter-giggles. "Buildings are bad. But opera houses are okay."

Sarah looks decidedly embarrassed, and does some considering of the floor.

Hitherby mutters, "Unfortunately, the two of them got away."

Hitherby adds, "The demons, I mean. Unless Jordi, um, ate them when I wasn't looking."

Liz says "Oookay."

Liz says "There wasn't any sign of the Gamesters, was there?"

Liz says "They'd have been part of the Focals Investment group that was looking around."

Sarah says "Not that I know of; but I'm sure they heard."

Daimon starts to giggle softly. He puts his hand up over his eyes.

Hitherby chitter-giggles again. "We tried to be quiet, but they didn't cooperate."

Liz blinks.

Liz looks over at Daimon. "I thought that was you."

Daimon says "Me? Me what?"

Liz says "Y'know, all the noise."

Liz says "Okay, I wasn't paying a *lot* of attention, but I thought it might be some Lilim thing."

A crawling bug falls off the table.

Daimon says "I haven't done anything."

Liz blushes. "It's not like I've, well, made it with a lot of Lilim."

Sarah blushes, also. Though with less comment.

Hitherby says, "You thought *Jordi* -- you thought --"

Another bug falls off the table.

Daimon reaches up his hand to pinch the skin on the bridge of his nose, and just continues giggling.

Liz blushes more. "I was sort of -busy- just then, y'know."

Hitherby says, finally, "Oh, my." It's hard to tell if she's amused from her muffled mixed-bug voice, except for the fact that the two on the floor are on their backs rolling from side to side.

Liz flees for the bathroom.

Daimon says "Oh, jesus."

Daimon gets up from where he was sitting. He puts the coffee cup down, and goes after Liz.

Sarah puts her face in her hands, quietly.

Daimon calls out, "Liz? Liz? Are you okay?"

Hitherby collects herself, in this case literally, and buzzes.

Sarah collects herself less literally and picks up, carefully, the pair of bugs on the floor, cradling them in her hands. Better that than risk someone stepping on them.

Liz calls out, "I'll be out in a minute."

Daimon leans against the wall next to the bathroom. "Are you sure?"

There's the sound of running water, and a little silence, and then Liz steps out, looking somewhat less mussed, and blushing somewhat less.

Hitherby admits, "It's hard not to be in good humor after, you know." Her voice is soft enough to be aimed generally at Sarah.

Liz says "I'm sure. Just needed a moment to collect myself."

Daimon looks a little relieved.

Daimon says "Maybe I should go."

Sarah nods toward her hands. "I... can imagine."

Liz has got her hair brushed out, with the customary lock half hiding her face.

Liz smiles at Daimon. 'That's all right. We agreed to share, and we'll share.'

Daimon nods. "Yes, I suppose we did."

Hitherby mutters atonally, "We *need* to be able to pinpoint the Shedite."

Liz leans over, and very deliberately in front of the other two angels, kisses Daimon on the cheek.

Liz says "Okay, we'll share."

Liz says "Starting with the Shedite."

Daimon clears his throat. "Okay, now we talk deals."

Sarah glances toward Liz and Daimon, and smiles.

Daimon reaches out to takes Liz's hand.

Sarah says "Deals. All right."

Liz squeezes Daimon's hand.

Daimon says "I'll tell you what I don't want and what I do. I don't want to get killed. I don't want to have to go home humiliated. And... uh, that's about it. What I do want are these two guys just put out of their misery and the Game _stopped_ at all costs. Okay, your turn."

Daimon says "And I know I have all the bargining power of a limp turnip right now."

Hitherby says "Wait."

Hitherby buzzes atonally, "What are the Game doing that they need to be stopped at all costs? If we're already taking out the others ..."

Daimon says "They're the Game. Do you need more?"

Hitherby says "I do not *object* to stopping them. I do not understand why this is of desperate importance to you."

Hitherby says "Are they seeking you personally?"

Sarah glances to Liz, at that.

Daimon says "No, of course not. But they're going to make things very hard, and they're the _enemy_."

Liz says "I think that if Daimon helps us stop the two Comedians, helping stop the Game in its tracks is a fair trade. Besides, my Organization is into trade, and the Game is very very bad for that sort of that thing."

Hitherby says "Let me rephrase again. Suppose that we, as you say, put the Shedite and the Habbalite out of their misery. What do we need to stop the Game from doing?"

Sarah says "Whatever Focals is up to, I'd presume. They've been markedly good at covering that, if I recall?"

Liz nods. "And they're pretending to be a Financial corporation, which is also very bad for Trade, if you ask me."

Liz says "If we can't find out what they're up to, I'd be in favor of just crushing them. They've got a Bal, a Djinn, and either a Habbalite or a Lilim or both."

Sarah says mildly, "Probably a Calabite, also."

Daimon says "No, they're only there to get to the Kobalites."

Daimon says "The Game simply needs to be suitably embarrassed in a permanent sort of way."

Liz says "Daimon, if they've got a company set up to the point of Focals Investments, they're not just going after a couple of Comedians. Not unless your Comedians are involved in something hugely big."

Liz says "It's not a shell. It's a complete maze, and it's totally legit, if very fuzzy. That's a lot of effort."

Daimon says "I know that they're AWOL, and that they're getting ready to Prank."

Hitherby says, quietly, "Is it likely that this 'maze' was created for this particular assignment only?"

Daimon says "Maze?"

Daimon pages: I will NOT be telling them about the Windy artifact. No no no.

Hitherby wobbles. "Liz said they have a maze."

Sarah says "Focals."

Liz says "I may be underestimating the Game, but they've set up something that my Organization couldn't penetrate. Okay, granted, it was on short notice, and they're small, but they've got records that go back a while, further back than this whole thing."

Liz says "I think this is their main local operation, or one of them. They might have more."

Daimon says "It is possible that the Kobalites were detected, and that the Game was put on alert. This could very well be one of their major bases, considering it _is_ DC and all that. The place is seething with Game."

Liz says "Messing up the Game locally would be a big plus for my Organization, at least."

Daimon says "Mine as well."

Sarah says "I can't see that it would hurt."

Hitherby chitters, "The Game is not my affair. However, I am willing to assist, in exchange for genuinely useful information and assistance in removing the Shedite and, I suppose, the Habbalite."

The phone rings.

Daimon jumps a little when the phone rings.

Liz says "Um, scuse me."

Sarah, also.

Liz picks it up. "Blue Sky Air, Elizabeth Bradley speaking."

Sephar pages to Demiurge and Liz: Hi, it's Sephar, the rat with Pat at the cafe? Just reporting in as we're on the same problem...

Sephar pages to Demiurge and Liz: There's been kinda a blow up at the Opera House, but I seem to have cleaned up okay afterwards. Have you heard from Hitherby or the other one?

Liz says "Um, yes. They're both here, Chephirah and Hitherby. The two they were after got away, but they're all right. More than all right, actually. If you could come by, that might be a good thing.""

Sephar pages Demiurge and Liz with 'Hrm... okay. I'm glad they're okay...'.

Sephar pages Demiurge and Liz with 'And your address is on the card, I think I can find my way there.'.

Liz says "Okay, I'll see you then. Just buzz on the outside hangar door."

Liz says "See you soon."

Sephar pages Demiurge and Liz with 'Okay. See you. Oh... tell Hitherby that 'Props' is dead?'.

Liz says "What? Oh, that's terrible. I will."

Liz pales a little bit.

Sephar pages Demiurge and Liz with 'Thanks... '.

Liz sets the phone down.

Liz says "That was Sephar. They'll be by soon."

Sarah glances to Liz, quite visibly concerned. "What happened?"

Liz looks over at the bugpile. "Hitherby? I'm sorry. The host of the Shedite, 'Props'? He's dead."

Hitherby murmurs to herself for a moment.

Sephar pages Demiurge with 'Would the security guard be off, yet? If not, I'll take him outside for a smoke and to look for bats or a night bird or something...'.

Hitherby says, "I would not do this on purpose. But it may have been kinder, after a Shedite wore him for so long. He would not know that it was not his own corruption; he might not *change* --"

Hitherby sighs.

Long distance to Demiurge: Sephar would likely prefer a bat...

Demiurge pages: He'll probably be allowed off, given the events.

Demiurge pages: Sure, take a bat. :)

Long distance to Demiurge: Sephar grins... and lets the guard go and wanders off in bat form...

About twenty minutes after the phone call there's a buzzing at the back door (or should we hold here until Daimon gets back?)

Both the main hangar door and the smaller, human-sized door, are on the front.

Liz takes her gun as a precaution, and goes to answer.

Daimon is actually paying attention.

Liz unlocks the door, opens it.

A bat flies in.

Liz closes the door behind the bat.

Sephar pings the room once and then settles by... (a radio? A sound system? a speaker phone?)

The inside of the hangar is spacious, with a good sized office walled off in one corner.

Liz walks into the office, where there is a radio, a computer, and sundry other things, including a coffee/tea maker.

Sarah wonders if the two Hitherbugs are still in her hands, or if they've wandered off again.

Sephar zooms about the room once... and settles by the radio, which turns on to static for a moment and then a voice, neither male nor female says, "Hi." The bat's a fruit bat.

Liz says "Hello. Daimon, this is Sephar. Sephar, meet Daimon. Daimon is another Comedian, a troubleshooter here to look into the goings on at the opera."

Liz says "We currently have something of an agreement, which includes information and discretion. I would appreciate it if you'd abide by the agreement."

Hitherbugs have rejoined the swarm.

Sephar bows at Daimon, "Glad to meet you." says the speaker, a cocked head and a moment after the agreement... "Like a non-disclosure agreement?"

Sephar says "I.e. I don't tell anyone where I got the data?"

Hitherby buzzes, curiously, "Who would one tell?"

Daimon says "Hello, Sephar. I assume you're another Kyrio."

Sephar bobs gently. "Sometimes assumptions may be true," says the radio.

Liz smiles. "Like a Non-Disclosure agreement."

Daimon says "Like talking radios."

Sephar says "Okay."

Sarah gives radio and bat a definitely apologetic look.

Daimon nods, and looks at Liz. "Is there anyone else coming?"

Liz says "Not that I'm expecting."

Liz says "Sephar was at the opera house earlier."

Liz says "Although I guess they missed most of the excitement."

Hitherby flutters up in a swoop and lands on a wall.

Sephar 's radio chuckles quietly. "Yes. I'm sorry I wasn't of more help... but the incident is mostly cleared up after... though 'Props' host didn't survive... the police are mostly resigned to it being a drug case..."

Daimon looks... upset at that comment.

Sarah sighs quietly. "I suppose the giant walking cans of insecticide assisted

Sephar pieces the phrases together from what sounds like radio news broadcasts, swapping at what should be more random... as the Kyrio seems to be more comfortable after introductions.

Liz says "The same."

Liz nods. "Comedians..."

Daimon just looks more or less unnerved by all this.

Sephar bobs just a touch.

Hitherby says, "I would not do this on purpose. But it may have been kinder, after a Shedite wore him for so long. He would not know that it was not his own corruption; he might not *change* --"

Liz says "Any sign of any of the others?"

Liz says "Or that the Habbalah has returned?"

Sephar's radio crackles a moment, "Not sure if done by you... but yes. Bad elements should be removed."

Sephar's radio says, "The Habbalite is part of the tech crew. Goes by 'Math', I think."

Daimon grabs his mug, and gets up to get more coffee out of the pot. He takes his time.

Sephar says "But he was picking fights when I was around, so I wasn't sure whose he is."

Liz says "All right."

Liz says "We have an agreement with Daimon."

Sarah glances after Daimon; notes, with an indication in Daimon's direction, "We seem to be distressing a guest."

Daimon says "I'm okay."

Daimon drinks the coffee, leaning on the counter.

Liz says "Daimon's...associates, are absent without leave."

Liz says "And obviously we can't let them go through with their plot, whatever it is."

Liz says "But in return for information and mutual assistance, I think it would be reasonable for us to make sure that the two don't fall into the clutches of the Game, if we can help it. Moreover, my own Organization would find it very very beneficial if a major Game outpost were to suddenly stop."

Liz says "And Focals Investments is that outpost."

Daimon says "We can't let them go through with their plot... because I have a feeling their plot includes killing an awful lot of humans."

Sephar's bat hops about the radio in thought. "Investments? Are they on bank networks?"

Sarah's mouth tightens. "Do you have anything more than a guess, Mr. Lightner?" she asks.

Daimon says "A know? A really strong feeling about it?"

Liz says "And, last thing, there's something weird going on at the opera. Weirder than just the two Comedians. So, I propose that we share any information on that, until and unless it becomes apparent that we can no longer do so in good conscience."

Liz smiles at Sephar. "I have no idea. They're a financial firm. I assume they have some sort of set-up to do trades and other things."

Daimon turns around and looks at the group of angels. "Look, it's a Shedite and a Habbalah. They are definitely going to Prank during the first run of the opera. Without a doubt. They've been there for a month, setting it up. And... and I just know."

Sephar peers at Daimon at his words, big blind eyes non-blinking and then it blinks as the radio says, "Sounds like another possibly true assumption."

Daimon says "If they kill everyone in the opera, who will be left to _get_ the joke?"

Hitherby says, quietly, "May I make a potentially offensive comment?"

Sarah says "It sounds likely, yes. I'd simply hoped that you might have a guess as to specific nature."

Sephar bobs at Liz. "If you can find an address, I might see what I can do to the machines there, if that would help?"

Sarah glances to Hitherbugs, then to Daimon.

Hitherby adds, "Liz."

Liz smiles, turns on the computer. "All the information is in there. Feel free to look over anything regarding Focals.

Sephar's bat flies to the computer and the radio switches itself off.

Daimon crosses his arms and looks sour. "And it would be just peachy if someone could get me a score of the music to the opera before it goes on."

Liz nods. "And a score."

Liz says "Particularly since the composer died a month ago."

Daimon says "Can any of the rest of you read music? Play instruments? Talk to the performers?"

Daimon says "If I'm saddled with angels, I might as well make a few decisions here. Or else people will be spinning in circles until it's too late. If I may be so bold."

Hitherby says, again, "Liz?"

Liz says "We should listen, at least."

Liz says "If it seems reasonable, we should act."

Sephar's bat cocks an ear as the computer whirs softly.

Liz says "So far Daimon has done absolutely nothing to try to harm me. I'd have to say he's the most unusual of his kind that I've ever met."

Hitherby hums. "Yes and no are less complicated answers."

Liz nods at Hitherby. "They are. Unfortunately this is pretty complicated itself."

Daimon says, "Well, we have two Kyrios and two others and me. You don't trust me, and that's okay, but there are three targets. First, the Game. They're easy because they have a base. Second are the Kobalites, who are hurt and limping. Third is the violinist. Yes?

Sarah suggests, "Why don't you make the comment and, if it proves overly offensive, apologies will be possible."

Daimon says "I think we can hit all three targets before the curtain goes up, and should plan on doing so."

Sarah says "The violinist?"

Daimon says "Yes, the guy who is teaching the girls to sing 'strange things they can't talk about'."

Sephar murmurs softly through the comuter, "Ofanite, ofanite, what is the fastest way to take down the..."

Daimon says "The one who was amnesiac for a while and suddenly came back? Who makes people learn weird music?"

Sephar peers at Daimon. "The violinist...

Daimon says "If I can get some of his music..."

Sephar says "Ah."

Sarah frowns, mildly. "How very odd. I did hear something at the opera house, but no-one came to investigate the disturbance."

Daimon says "The Game is first. I suggest you call in your Malakite friend and pull a raid. And don't mention me, if you would be so kind. The Kobalites are second."

Daimon says "The violinist, I assume, is also setting something up. A Remnant? A Creationer?"

Sephar says "... Focals Investments. I could just knock a few investments out from under them as well."

Hitherby buzzes. "My personal objections to Daimon are minimal, and are based primarily on duty. However, I would like to make sure that Trade's sudden interest in damaging outposts of the demonic secret police, and various other opinions of yours, are not justifications for a personal matter? If you wish us to help Daimon and vice versa because you like him, I would prefer that to be clear."

Daimon frowns. "I will take care of it myself if I have to."

Liz smiles.

Liz says "Hitherby, Daimon's cute and, well, yes, I like him."

Liz says "But Trade is Trade. Information, goods."

Liz says "The Game damages a major source of both for us."

Hitherby says "Renegade demons?"

Liz says "Just so."

Liz says "And, sometimes, Redeemed demons."

Daimon says "No such thing as a redeemed demon."

Liz looks over at Daimon, and sighs softly. "Would you like me to introduce you to one, some day?"

Daimon says "Not really, no. I figure you keep them in cages to display your minor victories."

Sephar says "Not logical, that."

Daimon says "Or use 'em for cannon fodder."

Sephar says "If they're ours, why destroy or cage what can only help bring about more grace?"

Liz says "The Redeemed are precious, Daimon."

Daimon snorts in derision.

Hitherby flutters down to the table again and mumbles to herself chitterishly. "Bizarre." She chitter-giggles. "Well, the Even Greater One made Marc's Word big, so I suppose I will go along. Still, be careful."

Liz says "There's a parable about the prodigal son returned. It applies in Heaven as well."

Daimon says "Anyway, this talk of Redemption is pointless. Who is going to go look into what?"

Daimon says "If a Kyrio feels the need to keep an eye on me, so be it."

Hitherby pokes her net here.

Hitherby says "Incidentally, Jordi owns no cages."

Hitherby says "For *any* purpose."

Daimon sighs.

Liz says "In any case, Daimon, I'm not asking you to Redeem."

Liz says "I'm asking for an agreement, a truce, and cooperation."

Liz says "Fair enough?"

Sarah smiles a touch. "I think it more likely that an Ofanite would do that."

Daimon says "You get your agreement, truce, and cooperation."

Daimon's face softens when he looks at Liz.

Liz reaches over, squeezes Daimon's hand again. "Good."

Daimon squeezes back.

Liz says "Now. Sephar and I will look into Focals, I think."

Liz says "Sephar would also probably be able to get you a copy of the score."

Daimon says "I will go after the Kobalites. If I can get the music, that will be great."

Liz nods.

Sephar's bat moves over towards the kitchen, looking for fruit while the computer rambles on. "Uhm... where would the scores be?"

Daimon says "Down in the Orchestra Pit."

Sarah says "Do you want backup of any kind, Daimon?"

Sephar's bat hops. The computer murmurs. "There might have been a woman in the Orchestra pit tonight... before Hitherby and Sarah were at the Opera House."

Daimon frowns. "They might feel better if I go alone, but it's more likely they'll jump me if they are Renegades now."

Sephar says "The guard saw a glimpse, but couldn't get a clear look."

Daimon says "Back up would be good, but it would need to be unobtrusive. Like 30 Calabites with sub machine guns."

Sarah says "I'm afraid the sub machine guns might be a problem."

Daimon says "Really? I don't see much problem with them, except for the obvious."

Sarah says "Property damage?"

Daimon relaxs and grins. "Lots of property damage."

Sarah (My. He relaxed. :) )

Sarah nods, solemnly.

Daimon says "But we don't have 30 Calabites with machine guns. Not even funny ones. We do have two Kyrios, you, me, and Liz. I'd call that... pretty scary."

Sarah says "There are a few other options - but not as backup for you, no."

Liz's computer humphs and mutters, "am not scary..."

Daimon shrugs. "I don't expect anything less."

Daimon says "Or, uh, more, for that matter."

Daimon says "Okay, well, I have a lunch date."

Daimon says "I suggest that, for me at least, I go track those guys down in the morning, see my lunch date, and then there be some sort of secret rendezvous."

Daimon . o O ( Ah ha. The Lilim innate need to control Everything. )

Sarah considers that, folding her hands. "It might be possible to double up on assignments. It stresses time, however."

Daimon says "Let me stress that the Game is more important then anything else."

Sarah says "The Game, however, will most likely still be there after opening night."

Daimon sighs, and crosses his arms. "But they're worse then anything you can imagine."

Sephar says "Likely, for me. I don't imagine much," as data streams through the computer.

Sephar says "... and parallel processing would be efficient."

Daimon says "What time does the curtain go up? Does anyone know?"

Daimon has a ticket. Whatever is written on it.

Daimon says "Either way, that's the point where anything that is going to be taken care of will be."

Daimon says "Right."

Daimon says "We all need to rendezvous several hours before then."

Sarah considers Daimon. "To permit time to deal with anything a particular group missed?"

Sephar says "That'd be a good safety margin."

Daimon says "Definitely. To be able to react to any change in the situation, to regroup, to share information. Unless you don't want to share information with me. For your four, that's the safest thing to do. One thing I've observed is that you tend to get into trouble when you're split up."

Sephar . o O (But I'm always split up...)

Daimon says "I have a feeling things will change again before the curtain goes up, and again after it does. We all have to be in the Opera House when the opera begins."

Sephar chuckles from the computer, "I wonder if Focals could buy a few extra seats?"

Daimon says "If you're going to get into the records, you need to find out what Focals was investing in, specifically. They were handing money hand over fist to the opera, and it can't be without good reason. This is the Game, after all."

Sephar says "Yes. Specific investments so Trade and find the fastest and easiest way to break the investment structure."

Sephar says "Oh. You also want to know why? Why's always harder than what..."

Sarah frowns at Daimon, mildly. "Handing money to the opera?"

Daimon says "It's not just their investment structure, it's the fact that's it's not just a strike and grab mission. If they were only after the Kobalites, it would have been a done deal by now. I had no problem finding them."

Daimon says "They are handing money to the Opera... investing in it. Handling investments. Taking far too much interest then they should."

Daimon waves a hand, "I'm just thinking out loud here."

Sephar says "Okay."

Daimon says "_Why_ is important in this, I think."

Sarah says "Quite so."

Sephar thinks quietly.

Daimon says "This whole situation stinks. I have a feeling the Renegades just stumbled into it on accident."

Sarah says "Unless they came here for the situation themselves."

Daimon says "It's a hell of a setup. That's what bothers me. Damn, I wish I had been given a better briefing."

Sarah gives Daimon a sympathetic look.

Daimon sighs, and shrugs. "Hey, what did I expect?"

Sephar's speaker chuckles, "Me, too."

Sephar says "Guess I should probably scout on the Investments office."

Daimon says "I just hope the Opera doesn't do something weird, like establish a tether to Hell or something."

Sephar's bat jumps at that.

Daimon says "It's just a thought."

Daimon nods.

Sarah shudders mildly. "A decidedly unpleasant thought, at that."

Sephar's bat curls up on the warm part of the monitor... and the computer whirs away happily.

---

Fiat Justitia