Pat has a Role to maintain, you know.
Demiurge says "Sure. Off on an assignment somewhere."
Demiurge says "Okay, so you headed off for your job."
Pat says "Right."
Pat says "Thus was my evening spent."
Demiurge says "At about 11pm, you would have heard Violent Symphonic Disruptions coming from the direction of the Opera House."
Pat looks pained.
Demiurge says "Culminating in something on the level of a Superior showing up."
Pat looks downright agonized.
Demiurge says "Then it stops."
Pat says "How abruptly?"
Demiurge says "And begins to die quietly away. Sort of like the air after a bomb that hit a van of violins."
Demiurge says "As in "Superior leaves" noise, and that's it. Nothing really new."
Pat winces.
Pat says "Where was this coming from?"
Demiurge says "The direction of the Opera House."
Pat says "Why am I not surprised. Alright. The subway is still open. Onwards."
Demiurge nods.
Demiurge says "When you get there, you see police cars hanging round outside. Also an ambulance, which the door's just being shut on."
Pat says "Anyone I recognize as ranking?"
<
Demiurge says "You recognise the sergeant who's just moving along a couple of idlers there."
Pat moves in that direction. "Sergeant."
Demiurge says "He looks across. "Hey there, Pat. Don't think this is your sort of job.""
Pat says "I had some business here earlier today. What happened?"
Demiurge says "He shrugs. "Some kind of hooligan gas attack. We've got one dead, two of the
off-shift guards babbling about hallucinations, some property damage.""
Pat looks towards the Opera House. "Good Lord. Was it an employee?"
Demiurge says "He frowns. "We're not sure. One of the guards is still unconscious. Looks like
he got worked over by whoever it was, broken ribs and stuff. We probably won't know till we can
get some coherent statements out of the lot of them.""
Pat says "I meant the stiff." He shakes his head. "Why in the world would someone bomb an
opera house?"
Demiurge says "The sergeant grunts. "Wish I knew. At the middle of the night, too. I'm betting
it was some kind of gang and an initiation thing. You know those punks.""
Pat nods. "Kids."
Demiurge says "The sergeant nods. "Kids, yeah. Look, Pat, can we talk later? I've got to clear up
this crock of shit.""
Pat nods. "Sure, no problem. I'll give you a call tomorrow?"
Demiurge says "He nods, and turns back to his car, where the radio is beeping at him."
Pat walks away from the theatre, shaking his head and flagging a cab.
Demiurge says "A cab is easily obtained."
Pat asks the driver to take him home, then. There are phone calls to make.
Demiurge says "The driver does so."
Pat pays the driver, and walks up to his flat.
Demiurge says "Nobody waiting to murder you. All nice and quiet."
Pat says "Ah. Good. Eduardo available?"
Demiurge says "Doesn't seem to be online."
Demiurge therefore assumes he doesn't answer the phone.
Pat nods. "Ditto Sarah and Sephar, it seems."
Demiurge says "Sephar is off on a week's holiday RL, and is being handled by me while
away."
Pat says "AH! Ring, ring, then."
Demiurge says "What number are you ringing for Sephar?"
Pat says "The last one it gave me."
Demiurge says "You get Sephar. "Pat! I was hoping that you would call.""
Pat says "I was hoping you would answer. Were you at the theatre tonight?"
Demiurge says "Sephar's voice replies, "I was, yes. So were Chephirah and Hitherby. They're with
me now: we're at Zebina's, or at least a part of me is.""
Pat says "What happened?"
Pat's voice is calm, patient, and unreasonable.
Demiurge | OOC : _un_reasonable?
Pat | Yes. Inquisitor voice.
Demiurge says "Sephar pauses to consider. "I believe that Chephirah and Hitherby attacked the
demons there, were in trouble, and that Hitherby summoned Jordi to save them. The demons may
have escaped.""
Hitherby would hmph, if she could hear :)
Pat says "Demons?"
Demiurge says "Sephar says, "Apparently there was a Shedite, and a Habbalite. I met the
Habbalite myself earlier.""
Pat says "I see. And the death?"
Demiurge says "Sephar considers, the lines whining faintly. "The Shedite's human host, damaged
in the fight.""
Pat says "A human was killed?"
Demiurge says "Sephar says, "I believe so, yes. It was noisy enough.""
Pat sighs, audibly. "Where are you, again?"
Demiurge says "Sephar replies, sounding a touch affronted, "At Zebina's. We are having a very
interesting conversation.""
Pat says "Oh?"
Demiurge says "Sephar says, "Indeed. We have managed to corral an ally who may be of use to
us.""
Pat says "Is that so?"
Demiurge says "The line crackles again. "Indeed. I would suggest that you join us.""
Pat says "As would I. What is Zebina's address?"
Demiurge says "Sephar gives the address: it's on the airfield."
Daimon |OOC: Daimon GLARES at Maya, and calls her mean.
Demiurge | OOC : Sephar is a friend of Pat, and I am therefore having to play it as such, alas.
Pat says "I'll be there shortly."
Demiurge says "Sephar releases the phone line."
Pat calls a taxi, and goes to sit down while he waits.
Demiurge says "The taxi comes shortly."
Pat gets a ride to the airfield, then, and thusly Zebina's home.
Pat knocks on the door.
Liz blinks.
Liz says "Oh now who could *that* be."
Liz starts to look disturbed at all the people popping up.
Daimon shrugs.
Liz sighs, grabs her gun, heads for the outer door.
Daimon just lights a cigarette.
Liz swings the door open, stands with her gun in ready position (not pointed at anyone). "Yes?"
Pat says "There's no need for the gun, Zebina."
Liz blinks. "Pat! Whatever are you doing here?"
Liz puts the gun down.
Pat says "I felt it would be unseemly to miss any further excitement. May I?"
Liz blinks. "Certainly. Did someone call you?"
Pat says "I spoke with Sephar. After stopping by the theatre."
Pat steps inside.
Hitherby rises up from the table in a cloud and forms a circle in the air. It's a traditional greeting.
Maybe.
Liz shows Pat into the inside office, wherin lurk Sarah, Daimon, Hitherby, and a preoccupied
Sephar.
Daimon looks for an ashtray or a plate or something to flick ash into.
Hitherby buzzes in a melange of voices, "Hi Pat!"
Liz walks in, blinks. "Um, Daimon, this is a no smoking area."
Daimon says "Oh, sorry."
Daimon looks down at his smoke, and puts it out. Sadly.
Liz says "Mostly because of the 50gal drum of aviation fuel outside."
Daimon says "Sorry, I didn't know."
Pat nods to Hitherby. "Good evening." His eyes then turn to Daimon.
Liz says "It's okay."
Daimon gives a vaguish grin, and settles on the couch/bed.
Liz says "Pat, this is Daimon. Daimon, Pat. Daimon is helping us out with our Comedian problem.
And our Game problem. And some other odd things going on at the opera."
Daimon says "Uh, hi."
Hitherby buzzes, "In exchange for mating rights."
Pat says "I was not aware we had a Comedian problem."
Daimon rolls his eyes.
Hitherby murmurs to herself amusedly.
Daimon thinks about fly paper.
Liz says "There are two Servitors of Kobal apparently trying to pull a massive Prank. Hitherby
and Chephirah fought them earlier tonight. They got away."
Liz says "Ergo, they're still a problem."
Pat looks at Liz for a long moment, a facial tic indicating Daimon.
Liz shrugs. "We have an agreement. I think he'll keep it."
Daimon grins and waves, and decides Hey, the evening might not be ruined after all.
Hitherby churgles, "Considering that the Shedite maintained the same host after its first encounter
with me, I judge it dedicated to its work."
Daimon says "No, it was just in a really good position, and now it's lost that advantage."
Pat says "Death will do that."
Liz says "What if it takes over whoever replaces 'Props'?"
Hitherby does not look abashed, but then, how could she?
Daimon says "I assume he will. I mean, how else can he finish off his Prank?"
Daimon says "I'm going on the assumption that it was something he was going to pull at the finale
of the show - that's a guess - and that Props put him, as head equipment manager, into position
to oversee all his little details. Get it?"
Pat shrugs out of his overcoat and finds a place to sit. "I felt the activity and I've seen the
aftermath. If someone could be so kind as to tell me what /happened/?"
Liz says "I wasn't there. Hitherby?"
Liz makes sure Pat has a fresh cup of coffee, if he so desires, and sits back down on the bed/sofa
next to Daimon.
Daimon reaches over and rubs Liz's knee.
Pat takes the coffee, nodding thanks to Liz.
Hitherby mutters cheerfully, "Some of me and Chephirah went to investigate Props. Then a
Habbalite preemptively attacked. We fought them both for a while. Then the Habbalite went
celestial and the Shedite escaped just before I put his host out. We followed them. Then,"
Hitherby hesitates for a moment.
Hitherby says, "The tide of the battle turned, unfortunately, and I was forced to call upon the
Great One."
Pat says "So I heard."
Hitherby says "It was not optimal. However, thanks to my Bright Lord, I and Chephirah are
unharmed and full of Essence, while the Comedians are battered, bruised, injured, and somewhat
drained."
Daimon says "And not real funny."
Pat says "And still at large."
Daimon says "Eh, where are they going to go?"
Liz says "Back to the opera, I'd imagine."
Liz says "Where else are they going to run to?"
Pat says "It's a rather large city."
Daimon says "Of course. They still have to pull off their Prank. They would have a hell of a time
if they went home empty handed."
Hitherby says "You mean there is more here than the opera house and the park?"
Hitherby says "I really must get out more often."
Liz smiles at Hitherby.
Hitherby giggles.
Daimon grins, "And the airport, the holiday inn, and that cool bar."
Liz says "There's a whole airport right outside. Don't miss it."
Liz says "And yes, the cool bar. The wonderful, heavenly bar."
Daimon says "Oh, and an Italian resturant."
Daimon reaches over and squeezes Liz's hand.
Pat looks mildly perplexed.
Daimon says "Although some places are better then others."
Liz blushes again.
Liz says "Okay, Pat, here's what we came up with."
Pat nods.
Liz says "The known parties are: Two Comedians, on the lam, looking to pull a huge Prank at the
opera. We've already identified them, we have their names and their bands, and they're currently
injured and should be low on essence."
Liz says "There's also a Game Triad on hand, probably after the Comedians."
Pat says "Yes."
Daimon says "Probably? I think it's a little stronger then that."
Liz says "They're working under the cover of 'Focals Investments', and based on what Trade has
been able to find out, Focals is rich, powerful, and mysterious."
Daimon says "And has very good hair."
Liz says "And we should consider them a major target."
Liz says "Do they? I haven't seen them."
Daimon says "Exceptional hair. I would never be able to get my hair like that."
Pat says "Yes."
Daimon says "See?"
Liz says "There's also something 'odd' going on at the Opera House. *blink* Pat, did you run into
them?"
Pat says "Focals is fairly well-established in the area."
Daimon says "So? Doesn't mean they shouldn't be wacked after what they're after has been
established."
Pat says "Have they blown up any artistic edifices?"
Daimon says "Uh... Focals? Not that _I_ know of..."
Liz says "I think it would benefit all of us to have a major Infernal organization's outpost
disappear."
Pat says "In the long-term."
Daimon says "In the short term. In the now."
Daimon says "You know what I'd really like to do to their main point guy? Tie him down and give
him a serious noggie. I don't know if he could survive the bad hair."
Hitherby chitters cheerfully, "In the short term, there are numerous Princes who are already in
direct opposition to the goals of Heaven whose outposts we could theoretically destroy."
Liz laughs. "That's the balseraph, yes?"
Liz says "Yes, but we know who the Game are. That's sort of a major plus."
Daimon says "I would assume. Who else would have perfect hair? Not I. And I bet his shoes are
those $200 a pop kind."
Pat says "And we will continue to know who they are, until the more immediate concerns are
settled."
Daimon says "No, we will stop them quickly, cleanly, and with the minimum of muss."
Pat sips coffee. "Mm."
Hitherby says "Daimon, I am surprised. I had understood you desired to muss them."
Daimon says "Well, mussing them would be fun, funny, enjoyable, and good for everyone."
Daimon says "Dropping anvils on them are very high on my list. But I mean a minimum of a
problem for, well, me and any volunteers."
Hitherby says "Ah."
Daimon says "Hey, if your - I assume this is another one of you guys - wants to let them live and
cower, then fine. God bless you, nice meeting you. But I for one wouldn't want them hanging
around in my bar."
Daimon looks at Liz. "I need to lose my confidence again, I think."
Liz says "I don't think it would be healthy to go attack a Game outpost all by yourself."
Daimon says "Well, no, it isn't. Nor is it healthy for anyone."
Liz says "And while Trade is in agreement that the destruction of a major Game outpost is a very
Good Thing, I'm hardly invincible, myself."
Hitherby buzzes uncertainly. "The Game has a tendency to cower?"
Pat says "The Game understands discretion, Hitherby."
Daimon says "Nope. They don't cower. I do. But hey."
Daimon gives Pat a very odd look.
Hitherby exclaims, "Ah!" to Pat. "That is their weakness."
Daimon says "This is the same Game that we're talking about here, right?"
Pat says "You're aware of another?"
Daimon says "Yeah. I know a group of guys who drag people off in the middle of the night never
to be seen again. I know a group of guys who have torture chambers and arenas and who torture
people who look the wrong way for fun. I know a group of guys who like to stalk you, like to
keep you scared, like to play with you. These are who I am talking about. Who are you?"
Hitherby clusters down onto the table again and hums pensively.
Pat says "The same."
Daimon says "They use discretion the same way the SS did to pick up Jews and put them in
boxcars."
Liz puts her hand on Daimon's shoulder. "Daimon, take it easy. I know you hate the Game. I don't
like them much either."
Liz says "The agreement still stands. You help us keep the two Comedians from pulling their
Prank, and something very Nasty happens to the Game."
Daimon sighs, and closes his eyes. He makes himself relax.
Liz says "It's a win-win situation."
Daimon nods. "That's my general plan."
Pat sips coffee.
Liz says "Marc is usually pretty fond of those."
Daimon whispers to Liz, "And I get to see you after, right?"
Liz nods at Daimon.
Daimon leans back. "Sounds good to me. I'm all for making agreements."
Hitherby says, quietly, "I stand by my intentions. I will assist should the others of my kind conflict
with the Game. This is the limit of what I may offer; I have duties I am neglecting. I make no
other protest against this plan, and presumably, Daimon, you did not intend to involve me and no
others in your conflict."
Liz says "Pat, you're an Elohite. Does the plan sound reasonable?"
Pat says "As reasonable as possible."
Daimon nods. "I'm not arguing with you, Kyrio. And nor would I. I wouldn't want to tax your
patience any more then it already has been. As in, I'm trying to walk on eggshells the best I can."
Pat says "Of course, there are probably factors I'm still not aware of."
Liz says "Oh, I almost forgot. You ran into the Gamesters, right Pat?"
Daimon says "We have three targets, and enough people to investigate them, at least. I'm still
advocating meeting at that bar, Sistine's, at two pm."
Pat says "Three? Comedy, the Game, and?"
Daimon says "And mystery guest alpha."
Pat says "That being?"
Liz says "We don't know."
Liz says "Someone's teaching some of the cast members how to play violin."
Daimon says "That's why people need to check it out"
Liz says "Only they can't talk about it."
Pat says "That's hardly reassuring."
Daimon says "And not conventional 8 tone or chromatic scales. Strange atonal keys. Music that
they can't describe."
Daimon says "Which is why it would be nice... if I could see the music."
Pat says "What would that accomplish?"
Liz nods. "We've already promised to get you a Score, Daimon."
Daimon says "Yep. Sometimes you guys are definitely cool."
Pat says "I tried that, Zebina. I was flatly refused."
Hitherby hums like an angry hive. "It is not the tradition of most Bands to work in strange atonal
keys."
Daimon says "Which is what bothers me."
Liz says "Yes, Pat, so was I."
Liz says "But there are other ways to get things like scores."
Hitherby mutters, softly, "*Four* suns ago there were no Shedim in my life."
Daimon says "It might just be modern classical music. The trends of the last twenty years have
led to some experimentation with tone and mixing in 3rds and 6ths instead of traditional 3rds and
7ths into the chords, bringing atonality. It might just be completely normal. We don't know."
Daimon says "Half steps produce some bizarre... yeah, well, anyway. Back on topic."
Pat says "Is there any indication of celestial involvement?"
Hitherby says, conversationally, although a few bugs continue an angry hum, "You wished that
I and Chephirah should investigate this violinist, yes? Pat, you would be of great assistance in such
an endeavor."
Pat says "Assuming the manager will consent to speak with me again."
Daimon nods. "I wished that you and... uh, Sarah, investigate the violinist. She seemed more of
the conversant type, and won't scare him off if he's human.
Liz nods. "I believe that the arrangement was Daimon and I would track down the two
Comedians. Hitherby and Chephirah find the violinist. Sephar and I will work on the Financial
aspect of the Game outpost, and if we need to hit them, we'll bring in Eduardo and Hubert for
extra help.
Liz says "And Sephar is supposed to get a score for Daimon."
Liz says "Pat, any way you can help out would be appreciated."
Daimon says "I believe that's as far as we got. We just need to lay out times, and keep in mind I
have a lunch rendezvous I must meet."
Hitherby sighs. "I shall hope that Destiny permits me to witness the Shedite's death."
Liz says "And Pat, you still haven't given us your impression of the Gamesters."
Daimon says "Um."
Daimon moves on the couch just a little farther away from Hitherby.
Pat says "I know Mr. Focals by reputation. As I said, he is a rather prominent figure, locally."
Hitherby gives off a short, snorting noise. "Fear not, Daimon. My tastes in enemies are very
specific."
Daimon says "Look, I'm sorry. I know he's nasty. But I have this death hangup."
Liz says "Oh. So what was the whole thing about his hair?"
Liz looks confused.
Liz says "You said he had good hair. Or Daimon did and you agreed. Or something."
Daimon sighs. "Balseraphs have this habit of having good hair."
Pat says "I've lived here for over twenty years. There are few prominent faces I don't know."
Liz says "Oh. My mistake."
Daimon says "It's easier for them to spin their lies if they are attractive and personable then if they
are ugly nasties with bugs crawling under their skin. Makes them more approachable."
Liz says "So you haven't actually met him."
Liz shivers. "Good. Bals make me nervous. And I think they have a Calabite, and that makes me
more nervous."
Pat says "That's typical, for the Game."
Daimon says "And something else. A Habbalah, maybe. Maybe a Sister - I hope not."
Pat says "Sister?"
Daimon says "A... oh boy."
Daimon looks at Liz.
Pat says "Hm?"
Daimon says "You know, a Lilim."
Pat's entire reaction consists of a miniscule elevation of his eyebrow.
Liz shrugs at Daimon.
Daimon says "I know, hey, if she's got a contract from the Game, more power to her. But it's still
nasty."
Daimon says "It's so very anti-I dunno. Lilimish."
Pat says "How so?"
Daimon says "There's nothing less restraining to one's Freedom then capturing people and
torturing them, don't you agree?"
Pat says "I was under the impression the Lilim were more concerned with their own freedom than
with others."
Daimon says "Well, some of us... okay, ME, have an interest in other's freedom as well. And I
don't find the Game particularly freeing at all. It's sort of sad."
Pat says "Ah."
Daimon says "Thought police constrain free thought and all that other rigamarole."
Pat says "In others."
Hitherby hums curiously. "How can one serve a Word without caring about its effects on others,
Pat?"
Daimon says "Definitely in others. Haven't you ever read 1984?"
Pat says "They are servants of the Game, Hitherby. Not their creator."
Pat turns, then to Daimon. "I have. I also noted that the Party members in the highest ranks
generally had the most liberties."
Hitherby hums agreeably. "Point."
Pat says "That is not the case with the Game?"
Daimon says "I dunno. I just know that they make my skin crawl. They may be 'highest up' but
they're just the biggest inmates in the Asylum."
Pat says "I won't dispute that."
Daimon says "I simply find something innately _wrong_ with the Game. Should the secret police
just spread their fear everywhere? Fear curtains freedom."
Hitherby says, "Whereas," and then falls silent and crawls around on the table.
Pat says "Fear promotes circumspection."
Liz looks back and forth between Pat and Daimon.
Daimon says "Fear promotes people being cowed and chained into cages of thought. No freedom.
No creativity. No right to think for themselves."
Pat says "Certainly painful for an individualistic society."
Daimon says "Certainly painful for an individual. Trapped into artificial bounds of society, not
allowed to think or do or reach their full potential."
Pat says "I can see where you would consider that a problem, then."
Daimon says "Certainly. I can see why Angels are always looking over their shoulders, too. Do
you LIKE the Game? Do you promote the Game? Do you spread fear among your dissent to
force them to bow their knees in supplication?"
Liz fixes more coffee, tea, and whatnot.
Liz says "Daimon."
Liz says "Pat isn't the Game, and we don't work like that."
Daimon narrows his eyes. "I don't think they should be allowed to make people feel fear just
because it's fun."
Hitherby says, cheerfully, "I never look over my shoulder."
Liz says "I realize that might be hard to accept, but things don't function like that for us."
Hitherby hesitates. "And my not actually having a shoulder is irrelevant."
Liz smiles brightly at Hitherby.
Daimon says "You have your own secret police, right? They kidnap you in the night, drag you
to some remote location and grill you until you succumb?"
Pat swallows coffee. "We are not individualists, Daimon. The restrictions of society are not
restrictions."
Daimon says "Yeah, this is why I like humans. There's something good about free will."
Daimon says "You should be individualists. Then you'd stop promoting fear."
Daimon says "Appreciate the person. Let them be what they need to be. Laws are just chains."
Pat says "We do not promote fear."
Daimon says "You were willing to lay off the Game. They were 'okay'. And _I'm_ pretty goddamn
scared."
Pat says "I was willing to consider the Game a lower priority. Do not confuse that with laying
off."
Liz says "Daimon, it's okay."
Liz takes Daimon's hand. "Listen for a second, okay?"
Daimon says "A lower priority then what? Two Comedians who are beaten and out of essence?
They can't _take_ another hit like they already have. And I'm not protecting them, I'm talking
about priorities."
Daimon breathes heavily, swallows, and looks at Liz.
Pat says "Your priorities."
Daimon says "My priorities. You got it, buddy."
Hitherby says, "Um. The Inquisition, despite its name, does not really exist to promote laws, but
to keep angels from losing their own nature to dissonance, confusion, lies, the pressures of human
society, and strong emotions." They hesitate. "Pat can correct me if I am wrong."
Liz steps between Pat and Daimon. "Look, Pat isn't part of our agreement so far. It's his choice
whether or not to become part of that agreement."
Liz says "I've already agreed to help with the Game, as have some of the others."
Daimon closes his eyes, and attempts to get control of himself.
Daimon says "I'm okay. I'm just irritated."
Daimon says "I really appreciate the help that those of you who have offered have, well, offered.
I really do."
Liz smiles. "It's the lack of visible emotions. Some people have troubles with that."
Liz doesn't mention that Pat's actions are making her nervous as all get out, btw. And she's hoping
Pat isn't resonating on her.
Daimon nods.
Pat is frankly of the opinion that you're all being too obvious to make resonating necessary.
Liz says "Either way, we have things to do tomorrow."
Liz says "Pat, is there a particular area you'd like to take part in?"
Liz says "Perhaps tracking down our mysterious violinist."
Pat says "I have an appointment to speak to the sergeant who was handling the cleanup tonight."
Liz says "Ah, okay."
Liz looks at the hour, which is probably obscenely late.
Daimon gives a questioning look to Liz.
Pat says "He is of the opinion that the theatre fell victim to a hallucinatory gas attack."
Hitherby says "I suspect he will describe exactly what the Great One wished observers of the
scene to see."
Hitherby says "Although the, er, gas bit was from the walking cans of Raid."
Daimon says "Prank. And it could have been funnier, even if that is amusing."
Pat says "I intend to make certain of it, Hitherby. I would prefer that the incident not repeat itself,
but should that be unavoidable, it would not do to have suspicious humans."
Liz nods.
Liz says "All right."
Liz says "Does anyone else need to exchange any other information?"
Daimon says "Not really."
Pat says "Not that I'm aware of."
Liz nods.
Liz says "Okay. No use standing around here all night then."
Pat rises, pulling on his coat. "Of course. Thank you for the coffee."
Hitherby laughs.
Liz says "Thank you for coming by, Pat. You too, Hitherby. Chephirah. Sephar."
Daimon frowns at Pat.
Liz smiles at the bugball.
Liz says "Well, standing around for some of us."
Daimon says "Yes. I'm hoping that we'll all be able to meet tomorrow before the opera starts."
Pat says "Sephar and Chephirah both know how to contact me."
Daimon says "Fine."
Liz nods.
Hitherby says "If you'll show me where the hands should be on one of those big clocks?"
Daimon makes a hand motion showing 2 oclock.
Liz says "I'll show you, Hitherby. Good night, Pat. Godspeed."
Pat says "Godspeed, Zebina."
Pat turns to leave.
Liz follows along to lock the outer door.
Hitherby rises up in a cloud.
Daimon waits for Liz back in the office.
Hitherby follows to the door.
Pat steps out into the night, heading for the terminal and a taxi.
Liz lets Pat out, shuts the door, and they says, "Oh, Hitherby, may I ask a favor?"
Hitherby buzzes. "You wish me to leave an insect here in case Daimon surprises us all?"
Liz smiles, and then says, quietly. "That's one thing. I have another."
Liz frowns. "That was... weird. I've heard rumors of Judgement and the Game cooperating. I
thought they were just rumors. But that was... frightening."
Liz says "Pat didn't answer a single one of my questions about the Game. Not directly. He danced
around them."
Hitherby hangs in the air, silent except for the unavoidable whisper of two dozen wings.
Liz says "That's sort of unusual for one of his choir. They're usually about as evasive as
Seraphim."
Liz says "I really don't want to think about this but... what if the Game and Judgement are
working together?"
Liz says "Part of the agreement is that the Game does not get their hands on the two Kobalites.
I'd like to see that part of the agreement kept. So, if I might ask a huge favor. Would you keep
an eye on Pat for the next few hours?"
Liz says this quietly enough so that Daimon shouldn't be able to hear her.
Hitherby says, finally, equally soft, "It is impossible that Mazpatiel intends to betray us."
Hitherby says, "It is impossible that he intends to betray you if you are correct that your judgment
in this matter is not impaired."
Hitherby says, "It is possible that he intends to betray Daimon. For your own happiness, therefore,
I will do as you request."
Liz says "Hitherby, I don't think I, or you, or anyone except Daimon and the Kobalites are in
danger from Pat."
Liz says "But I made an agreement with him, and Trade keeps its agreements."
Liz says "If Daimon breaches the agreement, that's one thing, but if he keeps his side of the
bargain, I have no intention of defaulting on a deal with the Infernals. That sort of thing gives us
a bad name."
Hitherby chitter-giggles quietly. "I had not seriously intended to leave a listener here; it was useful
-- but I am an angel, and not *literally* an animal, and I do understand the concept of privacy.
Still," and a mosquito slips out of the swarm and lands on the wall. "If that bites you, then you
will help it find a host that can talk. I will stay discreetly in this outer section.
Hitherby says "In the meantime, you had best let the rest of me out, so that I may do as you
request. Or would you prefer that the speech-part remains here for some other reason?"
Liz says "No, that's fine. If I, um... well if I'm calling to God a bit later, I'd appreciate it if you'd
ignore it. *blush*"
Liz cracks open the door, lets the swarm out.
Hitherby follows Mazpatiel into the night. (Well, into the airport, but that doesn't sound as cool.)
Liz lets Sarah out as well, to go with Hitherby, then shuts and locks the door.
Liz supposes she lets Sephar out too. Most of it, anyways.
Liz wanders back in. "Hi."
Daimon is curled up on the couch. "Hi."
Liz sighs and sits down on the bed, her shoulder slumping for just a moment.
Liz says "God, this is so complex."
Daimon sits up, and crawls over to sit next to Liz. "This is more then a little out of my league, to
be frank."
Liz says "I do cargo. I don't track down renegades. I don't take on the Game. I don't investigate
weird violinists."
Liz laughs.
Hitherby catches up to Pat, unless he is going very fast, and lands a few of herself on his shoulder.
"What'cha thinking?"
Liz says "Great, we're both out of our depth."
Daimon says "And I do stand up comedy in clubs. I don't do this either. I must have been the only
person on standby."
Daimon says "Totally. And now I'm unnerved."
Pat says "Hm? I'm just waiting for a taxi, Hitherby."
Liz says "About what?"
Daimon says "All of it."
Liz says "I can agree with that."
Hitherby says, "Oh," in as enlightened a voice as she can manage.
Pat says "Tell me about Daimon?"
Daimon reaches over to take Liz's hand. "But I'm not leaving you, okay?"
Liz smiles. "All right."
Liz leans over and hugs Daimon, and then looks at the clock.
Daimon says "I figure it's better to be scared out of our wits together, then be scared and alone."
Liz says "Um... I don't exactly sleep. Do you? If not, we have a few hours..."
Daimon says "Me, no, not really. I'll do other stuff at night."
Liz says "Oh good."
Liz grins. "Then kiss me, you fool."
Liz kicks off her shoes, and pounces on Daimon.
Daimon says "How apropos!"
Daimon receives the pouncing happily.
Daimon kisses Liz passionately.
Liz kisses back, and the scene does a slow fade out from there.
Hitherby considers. "A Lilim of Comedy. He displays submissive behavior and appears concerned
about the loss of human lives." She yanks back one of her who was becoming fascinated with a
nearby light. "As far as I am aware, he has come because the other Comedians are acting outside
of orders, although he is somewhat nervous about preventing them from accomplishing something
funny. I understand that he thinks the preferable course is to do something funny to them."
Daimon | Because we're keeping this PG-13. :)
Hitherby says "'Funny', of course, having a somewhat unusual definition."
Liz | Bingo.
Pat says "Mm. You understand, of course, that I can't turn a blind eye to this. I have a few days
left before my report comes due."
Hitherby says "My first inquiry was whether Zebina's association with him was influencing her
actions; she judges that it is not." Hitherby hums random notes. "That given, I believe that she is
operating within latitude allowed her by Marc, and Marc within latitude given him by his Word
-- to maintain the flow of information to and from Renegade and potentially Redeemable
demons."
Pat says "He is a Renegade, then?"
Hitherby says "I am uncertain as to Daimon's status. I refer to his goals, which are to terminate
certain Renegades who are dangerous to everybody, and to stop the Game, which interferes with
non-dangerous Renegades."
Pat nods. "Well enough."
Hitherby hums quietly. "I understand that you will be required to mention his involvement. It is
my hope and my expectation that this information will go up to the appropriate level and then be
formally dismissed as irrelevant."
Pat says "It is possible, if this is concluded before my report, that issue will not be made of it."
Hitherby says "A question." She curls about herself in the air, the bugs resembling a celestial
Kyriotate cloud. "Is association with demons illegitimate, or is it only work towards diabolical
goals? I know that I have not currently trespassed, because the Great One did not express any
displeasure, but I am curious. It has not come up before."
Pat says "There is no legitimate reason for a servitor to associate with the infernal hierarchy on
their own authority."
Liz . o O ( Good thing I asked first, then. )
Hitherby clicks once or twice. "Interesting." Her tone brightens. "I believe that Zebina has
consulted with higher authorities."
Hitherby thrums. "In any case. Would you mind if I accompanied you on your meeting? I wish
to -- I am somewhat curious, you see. The affair at the Opera House tonight was essentially my
doing."
Pat says "It's no more than a phone call tomorrow morning."
Hitherby hums thoughtfully. "Then you should take me out for -- um, is it 'ice cream'? -- in the
meantime."
Hitherby says, smugly, "I beat up a Shedite *and* a Habbalite and should be rewarded."
Pat says "Mm. Of course. Come by before noon?"
Hitherby sighs, but in lots of little tiny bug-voices.
Pat says "Hm?"
Hitherby says "Mazpatiel, I trust you absolutely. You are a friend. However -- what you just said,
about how there's no legitimate reason to associate with a demon without higher authority?"
Pat says "Yes?"
Hitherby says "There's no easy way to say this. It's said that sometimes Servitors of Judgment
have that permission -- about -- er, Game demons?"
Pat says "I've heard the rumors, yes."
Daimon | OOC: Aaaaah a tangled web we weave. Irony strikes!
Hitherby says "And -- I worry -- a little -- oh, *limbo*. I'd just sort of like to stick with you for
a little bit, because I'm already a little bit worried about fighting a whole Triad with maybe one
or two extra --"
Hitherby says, "Not because of you. Just because I don't understand politics but have to be careful
of them anyway."
Pat says "Of course."
Hitherby says "I know you wouldn't tell me, but I hope you're not hurt."
Pat says "Why would I be?"
Hitherby wobbles in the air. "I would be."
Pat says "As I've said. I've heard the rumors as well. And Daimon has every right to be wary."
Hitherby says "I'm not worried for *him*." She hums random notes. "It's more a matter of my
own safety and honor. Mostly safety; I think you would tell me if -- even if you'd been told not
to."
Hitherby says "Er, mostly honor."
Pat says "Hitherby?"
Hitherby crackles once or twice to get her voice and borrowed brain adjusted.
Hitherby says "Yes?"
Pat says "If I may make a suggestion."
Hitherby says "Of course."
Pat says "Don't get attached."
Daimon doesn't mind people plotting to kill him, really. :)
Hitherby bursts into chitter-giggles.
Daimon humphs. He'll keep his side of the bargain the best he can. He's a Lilim, it's bad form to
break even the unofficial ones.
Hitherby says, with a few parts of her still giggling, "I would like it to be that easy. Jordi said
tonight that concern for my pack was good. I, er -- I don't mean Daimon, and neither did Jordi.
But generally --"
Pat says "Generally?"
Hitherby says "Listen. I can wash myself in a beautiful pond, and be unclean again in a minute by
switching bodies. I can kill a mighty wasp, and as soon as I move on no one knows that it was
*me*. I need attachments. And causes, and all those things."
Hitherby says "Mostly, I have causes, which is how I got into this whole mess."
Hitherby says "But, well."
Pat says "There are causes that should not be taken up."
Hitherby says "Agreed."
Pat nods.
Hitherby says "It's just --"
Pat says "Hm?"
Hitherby thinks. "There is a reason why I'm a Kyriotate, and it's obvious to me, and it's obvious
to Jordi, and it may or may not be obvious from the outside. But there are also reasons why
Seraphim are angels, and Malakim, and Elohim, and even Cherubim and Mercurians." She thinks.
"And Ofanim, and did I leave any out?
Pat says "No."
Hitherby says "So even though I'm not made for truth, I have to try and be truthful, and even
though I'm not made to embody honor, I have to try and keep my bargains. And -- well. So forth.
I said I would go along with what the group decided, and my reason was to protect angels, but
the statement remains."
Hitherby says "I think I'm just being Babbleby."
Pat says "There is a reason you are an angel. There is a reason I am an angel. And there is a
reason he is a demon."
Daimon | OOC: I was born in Hell? That's my guess.
Pat | Don't call you hellspawn for nothing, bub. :)
Daimon | *thhhhhhhhpt* At least I play a mean bass, jerky.
Hitherby sighs into the wind. "I suppose that that is appropriate for the Word of Judgment, even
aside from the trappings."
Pat says "We must all be true to our functions."
Hitherby says "What is appropriate to my Word is to abide by my statements, keep him from
doing any damage while he's in my territory, and to get him to leave it as soon as is practical." She
hums a brief, happy, skipping tune. "Fortunately, Shedim are incapable of not doing damage, and
I may tear them to shreds with alacrity."
Pat shakes his head. He might have smiled. "I see."
---