Morphine and Messages

Liz says "Okay. I show up at the side door around the time Daimon gets back."

Daimon is leaning against his car, smoking a cigarette. He's gone through a few.

Liz walks over to Daimon, looking perhaps a tad stressed. "Hi. How was lunch?"

Daimon drops his smoke, leans over, and gives Liz a long, lingering kiss.

Daimon says "We gotta talk."

Liz gasps a bit, and then nods. 'Yes, we do.'

Liz says "It's been a pretty... eventful lunch."

Daimon says "Who did you guys kill?"

Liz says "The Shedite. Nobody got any info."

Daimon sighs, and looks momentarily upset.

Liz says "Sorry, Daimon."

Liz says "But we kept the Game clear, near as I can tell."

Daimon says "What could I do? Nothing. I wanted to get some information out of him, at least. But he was Renegade... and well... it was going to happen to him one way or another."

Liz says "And they're pretty distracted about what happened at Focals."

Daimon says "Well, good."

Daimon pauses.

Daimon says "Has anyone spoken to the violinist yet?"

Liz nods. "I wanted info too. The others asked. He attacked suicidally, rather than give over."

Liz says "I'm sorry. No. Nobody's found him."

Daimon says "Well, I suggest we go get him. Now."

Liz says "What's going on?"

Daimon says "Look, the girl I took to lunch, she was one of his pupils. I got her to hum me some of those strange atonal scales she's been learning."

Daimon says "She hasn't been learning scales, Liz. She's been learning the Song of Thunder."

Liz blinks. "What?"

Liz says "Oh, Sweet Jesus. The song of *Thunder*?"

Daimon leans down and grips Liz by the shoulders. He looks into her eyes. "The Artifact... it casts the Song of Thunder."

Liz blinks.

Liz says "You knew, didn't you."

Daimon says "Of course I knew."

Liz sighs.

Liz says "Okay, I'm not surprised."

Liz laughs a bit. "I'm not even disappointed, actually."

Daimon says "I'm not going to try to explain away my sins - I'm guilty. And now I'm worried."

Liz says "And you told me now, before it got used. So."

Liz hugs.

Daimon hugs Liz back.

Liz says "Okay, so. Violinist. Does the girl know who he is?"

Daimon says "Yes, she's been training with him for some time."

Liz nods. "Does she have a name? What he does here?"

Daimon says "Look, the musical score was a red herring. There is no message, no hidden jokes, nothing. The Opera is just an Opera."

Daimon says "The girl's name is Tania, she's the backup singer for the main singer, Victoria. The violinist trains the singers. Maybe all of them."

Liz nods.

Daimon says "So we need to get to him. Like, now."

Liz says "And the Prank?"

Liz says "There were two renegades. We know who they both are."

Daimon says "I have no idea. Maybe they'll all sing the Song of Thunder at the very end."

Liz says "One's dead. The other is a stagehand."

Liz says "So who's the violinist?"

Daimon says "He's an old guy who 'had amnesia'. I can't even get his name. He trains the girls in the back rooms of the opera. He's been here for a while, as far as I can gather, and swears all the girls to secrecy. Not even music."

Liz sighs. "What's the connection? It doesn't make sense."

Liz says "Did the two Renegades know him?"

Daimon says "I don't know. I really don't know what they have planned. But they've had a month to give this guy the artifact and let him train people."

Liz blinks.

Daimon says "And now one is dead. The other is probably too scared to talk. We may never know."

Liz nods.

Liz says "Well, how about we try to find the Habby first? Give it one last chance?"

Daimon says "How many angels are in the Opera house?"

Liz says "Right now?"

Daimon says "Yes."

Liz says "Pat, Sarah, Sephar, Hitherby, me."

Daimon says "Then I suggest we beat them to him."

Liz says "Fair enough."

Daimon gestures. "I'll follow you, milady."

Daimon says "Ah... we may be stuck."

Liz says "Stuck how?"

Daimon says "Because we're racing the other's...."

Daimon says "The idea, I think, is to kidnap the Habbalite. But we can wait."

Daimon grins. "In and out. Preferably fast."

Liz says "Kidnap a Habbalite. Interesting."

Daimon says "It's the thing to do. Either he comes with us, or your pals kill him too."

Liz says "Make it a deal? Go back and face his Prince, tell us everything. Or hand him over to Pat. Or the Game."

Daimon says "Just like they killed Ashamael."

Daimon says "Yep. It's that simple."

Daimon says "But we know his name is Math and he's in Lighting."

Liz says "Daimon, I know you're not too into it, but... Pat gave the Ashamael a chance. Not a big one, but a chance."

Liz thinks for a moment. "Okay."

Daimon says "True, but someone can point us in his direction."

Liz says "And, I think, he's right thataway."

Daimon says "And I need a tux."

Liz nods.

Liz says "And I should pick up my dress."

Daimon says "So we have a hell of alot to do in a very short time."

Daimon says "Order? I say we go get the drugs first, obviously."

Liz mmms.

Liz says "Drugs first is a good idea."

Daimon says "Then, uh, clothing? Because we can track the guy during, if need be."

Liz says "Sure."

Daimon says "Then that's the general plan."

Liz says "Right. Off to get much fine Morphine."

Daimon says "We go do this getting drugs thing, then we get clothing and dressed for the Opera, and then we come back for the Habbie. Of course, he'll probably be dead by the time we get back."

Demiurge says "Right. So how and where do you want to "shop"? :)"

Daimon says, "I have no idea. Liz is the one with the drug connections. I don't even know how to score a nickel bag of pot yet."

Daimon gives Liz a little hug.

Liz says "It's pretty simple. I've done a heck of a lot of relief flights over the years. I have contacts with Medcins sans Frontiers, the Red Cross, CARE, and any number of other relief agencies."

Daimon says, "Okay."

Liz says "What I want to do is get a packet of morphine, enough to keep one person seriously out of pain for a few weeks."

Liz says "Plus whatever application method (syringe is doable)"

Daimon nods. "This sounds like something where I follow you around, nod a lot, and try to look good. All of which I'm good at."

Liz smiles. "We'll hope I can manage."

Liz crosses her fingers and prepares her 'Savoir Faire' skill.

Daimon decides to follow Liz on this plan, and just nods and smiles.

Liz says "So I assume I'd want to use resonance to find the best person who'd be willing to get me the drugs, in a hurry."

Demiurge says "You can try for a place that would sell them. Not a person."

Liz says "That's reasonable, I suppose. I imagine I have suppliers that I go through for usual things, right?"

Liz says "From corn meal and rice all the way through pharmaceuticals."

Demiurge nods.

Liz says "We'll do that then."

Demiurge nods. You head for the place that normally supplies you with pharmaceuticals, usually for charity or hospital work.

Demiurge says "Medicare Associated, a good firm."

Daimon hands Liz the keys to the car.

Daimon gets into the car and prays for his somewhat immortal soul, or at least the preservation of his vessel. :)

Liz says "All right. First we stop off by the hangar, where I get some forms. Specifically, the usual 'medical request' forms I fill out when flying to the third world (where supplies are cheap). The morphine gets put in a somewhat larger order of supplies I'd need for an extended trip down South."

Demiurge nods.

Liz says "So, anti-biotics, bandages, etc etc etc."

Liz says "Quinine, the usual drill."

Demiurge nods.

Liz says "Plus syringes and stuff. *then* we go off to the medical company."

Liz says "Plus forms."

Daimon follows Liz, and figures she knows what she's doing.

Demiurge nods. You arrive at the appropriate company: it's about twenty minutes drive from the airport.

Liz says "All right, I'll submit the request, along with a 'high priority' request (the flight plan says we're due to leave tomorrow, early)"

Daimon says, "The faster we can get our hands on the drugs, better."

Demiurge says "The clerk nods, checking the list. "I'll get it put together as fast as I can, ma'am. May I see your authorisation, please?""

Liz passes over the usual forms.

Demiurge says "He takes them, and goes through them, chewing on his biro. Eventually he finishes signing them off, and passes them over to a junior to go hunt out the items. He offers you coffee or tea while you wait."

Daimon accepts coffee and his role as the Official Boyfriend Lackey.

Liz takes tea.

Demiurge says "After about another twenty minutes, your stuff is fetched out in three large boxes, packed for transit."

Liz thanks the clerk, and asks Daimon to help her load.

Daimon helps Liz out with her load.

Demiurge says "The clerk nods, and files away the forms, going back to his job."

Daimon wisely just keeps his mouth shut, and looks helpful.

Liz gets the car loaded, and back to the hangar, to unload, and then prepare many fine syringes of morphine.

Demiurge nods. :)

Daimon tries to be helpful, mostly by staying out of Liz's way.

Liz smiles. "Okay, Daimon, how much do you know about drugs?"

Liz pulls out several syringes, plus a few bottles of Morphine.

Daimon says, "I know how to, uh, take some of the more widely used recreational ones."

Daimon says, "Medically speaking? Nada."

Liz says "We want to find your Habby, stick him full of a couple of these before he turns our minds to pulp, and then ask him a bunch of questions while he's halfway lucid."

Liz says "Then we can toss him down a tether and work on the violinist."

Daimon says, "That's a hell of a plan. But it's probably a good one."

Liz says "It's simple, direct, and quick. I -like- plans like that. So off we go."

Daimon nods. "Yeah. I still need a tux, or else I'll be at the Opera in jeans and leather jacket."

Daimon does not argue with Liz's plan, because it's about as good as he can come up with right now in a rush as well.

Liz says "Let's go get you a tux."

Liz steps close for a moment, snuggling.

Daimon says, "To the mall!"

Daimon looks a little surprised, then returns the snuggle.

Daimon decides that he really likes the smell of Liz's hair.

Liz drives Daimon to a nice Tux shop (not the mall).

Liz makes sure she brings along her own dress outfit and makeup and stuff, so she won't have to go back to the hangar. And the morphine. And the gun.

Demiurge says "The Nice Tux Shop is delighted to serve Daimon."

Demiurge says "Fine figure of a man and all that."

Daimon is a little nervous about the gun, but doesn't say anything.

Daimon is a fine figure of a man!

Daimon insists on something cool, like a goofy cumberbund.

Demiurge says "The helpful shop assistant offers a range of cummerbunds in different colours."

Daimon peers at the cumberbunds. Anything strikingly plaid or paisley?

Demiurge says "There's one in a nice paisley in green and gold."

Daimon smiles happily. "That one is great."

Demiurge says "The shop assistant makes a nice bundle of the whole lot, all neatly wrapped so it won't get dirty, tux, shoes, cummerbund and all."

Daimon thinks this was all too easy, but hey, he won't complain.

Demiurge says "The shop assistant then presents the BILL."

Daimon thanks them, and pays.

Liz thinks Daimon needs to adjust to a service oriented economy. ^_^

Daimon peers at the bill. He wonders if it looks like a small

country's defense budget.

Demiurge says "Not quite. Just almost."

Daimon sticks his tongue out at Liz.

Liz slips back up to Daimon, kisses him again.

Liz says "Now, to the Opera."

Daimon wonders just how big his limit on yea old AmEx is, and hopes to god he gets reimbursed by the Organization.

Daimon turns, and kisses Liz fully on the lips. "Off to go do Stuff."

Liz kisses Daimon, and drives for the opera, at speed.

Daimon lo-er, likes Liz dearly, but he prays for his vessel when Liz drives.

Demiurge says "Okay, you're driving."

Demiurge considers how to telescope time. I think you arrive shortly.

Daimon thinks this is cool.

Liz drives like a pilot, not a cast member of the 'Dukes of Hazzard'.

Demiurge says "As you are driving, Liz's car radio switches itself on. It starts playing bits from _They Might Be Giants_."

Liz blinks.

Daimon blinks, and laughs.

Liz says "Daimon, do -all- your cars do this?"

Daimon says, "Not that I know of. Most of them just sort of run, and usually stop when I tell them to. That's about it."

Demiurge says "The music changes to a whistling medley of, "Yes, We Have No Bananas.""

Daimon leans back in the seat, and laughs out loud. He reaches down to mess with the radio.

Demiurge says "The music becomes a voice. "And here's one for all you little bananas out there. Hey, babies, we know you're not the Top Banana yet, but stay cool, all right?""

Daimon waits for Wisdom, or whatever is going to happen.

Daimon decides to stay cool.

Liz just drives.

Daimon says, "I think it's okay, Liz."

Demiurge says "The background music segues into _Nobody's on Nobody's Side_ from _Chess_. The voice continues. "And hey, we just want to say that the weather is real bad here down south! So hang loose, all right, and keep out of the thunder! It's bad for your skin.""

Daimon leans back, and steeples his fingers under his nose. He ponders this deeply.

Daimon says, "I'm cool. He's unhappy, but not at me. Man, this whole situation has to be worse then I thought."

Demiurge says "The voice gets warmer. "And for all the happy people out there who like bananas, I just want to say, watch your back. There are evil apples who want to fall on you! And hit you! Hard!""

Demiurge decides, oocly, that she is insane.

Daimon enjoys his debriefing.

Daimon would like to ask questions, but apparently not this time.

Demiurge says "The music shifts to _Endgame_, also from _Chess_."

Daimon rolls down the window and lights a cigarette, pondering.

Demiurge says "The voice continues. "So let's all keep our noses clean and our faces washed, and not get photographed on our bad sides! One down, one to go! Signing off, your happy host, the Peel of Peels, the Toothpaste Fairy.""

Demiurge says "The radio blips a couple of times, then settles to _Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head_."

Daimon bites his lip, and continues to smoke his cigarette.

Daimon says, vaguely, gesturing with a new cigarette, "I love the Boss dearly, but his briefings lack a little cohesion sometimes. Good enough though."

Liz hmmms. "All right..."

Daimon ponders for a bit. "I seriously doubt I'll get anything better until Lucrezio is dealt with and whatever happens happens. But I'm not one to complain."

Daimon goes back to pondering.

Demiurge says "The car radio starts crackling again."

Liz blinks again.

Demiurge says "A voice becomes coherent, a polite announcer's voice. "This is the financial news for today. There have been disturbances in some old, established markets, causing a great deal of worry to licensed traders.""

Liz laughs softly. "Ah, naturally."

Daimon says, sort of distractedly, "I hope it doesn't say, 'And kill the Lilim'."

Liz says "Seems unlikely, but shush. I was quiet for yours."

Demiurge says "The voice continues. "Reports are extremely good on current information flow, and this bodes well for the market, as information exchange is the lifeblood of good Trade. The manager of one of our highest-ranking companies was heard to comment on this.""

Demiurge says "The reception crackles a bit, then the voice says, "We would like at this point to remind all listeners of our company's well-known hiring methods and promotion prospects. Apply today to our recognised agents for prospectus and salary details.""

Demiurge says "The static smooths out. "And, finally, we would like to remind all our employees of the grievance handling procedures. If you have any problems, feel free to contact your superior! We're willing to listen to your ideas and difficulties.""

Demiurge says "The voice says, "This is three-thirty, world service trade news, brought to you today." The voice cuts out to the chimes of some clock, and the radio falls silent."

Liz smiles. "Well, that was encouraging."

Liz looks over at Daimon. "Perhaps, after this is all over, you might want to consider switching contracting firms. Nothing necessarily permanent, but enough to give you a taste of other opportunities."

Daimon says, "Um."

Daimon says, "I dunno."

Liz says "No rush."

Liz says "After all, we've a Habby to drug to the gills first."

Daimon says, "Thank god. I'm still worried about being told to watch my back and things are bad and weird down under. I mean, obviously I'm doing well, and that's good. But I have this sinking feeling that this is going to get messy, fast."

Daimon says, "I don't want to worry about the Archangel of the Month club too."

Liz laughs. "Oh, hardly of the month."

Daimon says, "Liz, if it's okay, can we change the subject?"

Liz smiles. "Sure, Daimon."

Liz does one better, pulls into the parking area for the Opera House.

Daimon sighs, and drags himself out of the car.

Daimon says, "I think we should start at Lighting and just move out from there. I'm positive he's hiding in the building, but the matter of where is quite a question."

Liz checks her purse: three syringes, each triple-dosed, all in a protective, shatterproof casing, gun, ID, money, etc.

Liz nods, gets out.

Liz pulls out another shatterproof case, hands it to Daimon. "Here, there are three syringes inside, each with triple the usual dose. Just pull the cap off the needle, stick it into the Habby, and push the plunger. Try not to get yourself, or me."

Daimon says, "I don't know who would have seen him. Hopefully we can follow the trail of pissed off people."

Daimon takes the little box, looks at it, nods, and slides it into a pocket.

Liz says "Triple the normal dose will render a human unconscious, according to the reference text. It should mess him up nicely, but if there's any doubt, do another syringe worth. That won't -quite- kill a human, and if he goes unconscious, we can always wake him up inside the Tether, later."

Daimon says, "Certainly. I'd like to get information out of him before he passes out. But if we can't, then the tether it is. I'm not picky."

Liz smiles. "Me too."

Liz says "Okay, off we go."

Daimon nods, and follows Liz, because she always knows where she's headed.

Liz says "Oh, and Daimon, I have the gun with me. Just so you know. I'll try not to have to use it."

Liz smiles, and then leads Daimon back into the Opera house.

Daimon nods again. "I'll keep in mind you have the gun."

Daimon says, "We'll start in the Lighting area."

Demiurge says "Okay. You head backstage, collecting the odd glance, and make your way up towards the flies - the gallery area above the stage. Hope neither of you minds heights."

Daimon says, "I don't mind heights all of the sudden!"

Demiurge says "The lighting crew is busy. One of them makes the time to come across. "Can I help you people?""

Daimon says, "Hi. We're looking for a friend. Math Collin?"

Daimon resonates on this guy. What the heck.

Demiurge says "Roll, Daimon."

<> Daimon rolls the d666 and gets 5 6 CHECK: 4.

Daimon says, "Doh."

Demiurge says "You fail to get a reading."

Demiurge says "The man shrugs. "He phoned in sick earlier. Said he hoped he'd be okay for the performance. Poor guy." He shrugs again. "We're working out some stuff in case he doesn't show.""

Daimon says, "Well, we really need to get ahold of him. Do you have his phone number?"

Demiurge says "He shakes his head. "Naah. Bill Johns - the stage manager - he'd be the guy you want.""

Daimon asks, "Where can we find Mr. Johns?"

Liz looks girlfriendlike at Daimon's side.

Demiurge says "The man says, "He's probably in his office. Down the ladder, round to your right, second corridor, and the door with the "Stage Manager" sign on it.""

Daimon smiles. "Thanks! I appreciate the tip. Good luck on the performance tonight."

Demiurge says "He grins. "Best of luck to you too.""

Daimon waves at the guy, and starts making his way toward the office. "A phone number might or might not be of any help, Liz."

Liz nods. "Well, if he has a cellphone, I bet Sephar could find the other end pretty quickly."

You say "Hitherby, Sephar, did you two remember to lock the office door behind you?"

Daimon nods on his way to the stage manager's office. "No doubt. Then we can just get this over with quickly."

Hitherby didn't, Demiurge.

Sephar didn't lock the office, didn't seem much point.

Liz . o O ( Two ships, passing in the night... )

Demiurge says "You two come to the stage manager's room. The door is closed. No sound."

Daimon knocks lightly on the door.

Demiurge says "No answer."

Daimon tries the knob.

Demiurge says "It opens."

Daimon carefully opens the door, keeping an eye out for crazy people with meat cleavers.

Demiurge says "The place is empty. There are a lot of papers on the desk, as though someone had been going through them for information."

Daimon swears.

Liz says "Hmm. This isn't good."

Liz says "Check the personnel records?"

Daimon nods. "Definitely. It looks like more then just the two of us are looking for him. I have this creepy feeling we'll find his vessel, and not much else."

Daimon enters the room, and starts poking around in paperwork.

Demiurge says "You find the personnel records for the stage hands. They're near the top, as if someone else had just been going through them."

Demiurge says "You find the entry for Math Collin, hired just over a month ago."

Liz says "Hmm. Well, that's even more disturbing."

Liz says "Okay, phone number? Address?"

Daimon says, "I'm officially disturbed."

Demiurge says "No phone number. A boarding house address listed."

Daimon thinks about this, and lets it go.

Liz says "Shall we check the boarding house, or stay here and search around?"

Daimon says, "Maybe this place has a phone number in the phone book."

Liz says "Good idea."

Daimon looks through the desk, looking for a phone.

Liz picks up the phone, calls information.

Daimon frowns, as Liz beats him to it. :)

Demiurge says "Information answers."

Demiurge says "Information provides you with the phone number of said boarding house."

Liz writes down the number, hands the phone to Daimon. "You call him."

Daimon shrugs, and takes the phone. "Um... okay."

Demiurge says "At this point, Liz's portable phone rings."

Liz says "You make a better stage manager than me, y'know."

Liz blinks as her phone starts ringing.

Liz pulls her phone out of her purse, answers. "Elizabeth Bradley."

Daimon says, "True." He tries the number on the desk's phone.

Sephar says "It's Sephar... (says the phone in an asexual monotone) I've got data on the artifact."

Demiurge says "A receptionist answers, with a Texas accent, and gum in her mouth. "Kin I help yew?""

Liz says "Nice job, Sephar. What's the data?"

Liz says "And where are you? We're currently in the Stage Manager's office. It looks like someone searched the place pretty heavily."

Sephar says "It's shaped like an emerald necklace and is assigned to the lead soprano of the opera... I'm backstage. I tried to clean up after they got in..."

Daimon says into the phone, "Yeah, hi. My name is Billy Johns. I'm looking for Math."

Liz says "They? The Game?"

Demiurge says "A long pop comes down the phone, as of someone masticating chewing gum. "Yeah, well, he ain't in.""

Daimon blinks, and looks at Liz.

Liz shrugs, whispers "It's Sephar."

Daimon says, "Do you know when he will be? He's needed down at the Opera House before opening. I'm afraid it's an imperative."

Daimon wonders about what the hell that means.

Demiurge says "She yawns down the phone. "Ain't got no idea, honey.""

Liz says "Ah. Okay. So we need to find the Lead Soprano?"

Sephar says "There is a nice young woman walking around in a suit who works for Focals, though."

Liz blinks.

Liz says "Can you describe her?"

Sephar describes her as best he can, along with the suit and the hair.

You say "Black long hair up in chignon, blue eyes, demure manner, white blouse, black suit with skirt."

Sephar says "The Lead Soprano's name is Victoria Montagni."

Daimon casts a look at Liz, and then says back into the phone, "Look, _honey_, it's simple. Either Math comes to the phone, or he loses his job and he doesn't pay you rent anymore."

Demiurge says "There is another *pop* of chewing gum. "Yeah, well, mister, he ain't here. That's all there is to it. Capisce?""

Sephar says "Oh. She's the woman we ran into on the stairs."

Liz says "Understood. Thanks for the info. We're currently tracking the other Comedian, but we'll keep a lookout for the others."

Sephar says "Not the soprano, the lady in the suit."

Daimon says, "Thank you for your oh so helpfulness. I'll keep it in mind."

Sephar says "Okay."

Liz says "Oh, and Daimon looks cute in a Tux. Tell Sarah if you see her."

Sephar chuckles eerily like the crackle of static, "I will."

Demiurge says "She says, "Gee, thanks, honey," and puts the phone down."

Daimon hangs up the phone, and swears.

Daimon looks around the room, like Math is just going to materialize from the ether.

Liz sighs. "Well, think about it that way, she's had to deal with a Habbalite for the past month."

Liz says "So she's either in love with him, or hates his guts, or both."

Daimon blinks. "What's the deal with the lead soprano?"

Liz says "Well, the artifact is supposed to be an emerald necklace, and it's checked out to the lead soprano."

---

Fiat Justitia