You say "Pat, it is a while after the earlier call, but not yet time to go pick Sarah up."
Pat says "Okeydoke."
The phone rings.
Pat picks up the phone, bow tie dangling open at his throat. "Hello."
Michael Focals' voice says, "Hello."
Pat says "Good evening. What can I do for you?"
The voice says, "We have been able to access certain data files on the individual in query."
Pat says "And they reveal?"
There is a shuffling of paper. "A dubious picture. He is a Lilim, frequently going by the name of Daimonique."
Pat says "Oh?"
More shuffling of papers. "He took service with Lust at an early point, showing a great deal of talent for the work, and was responsible for the Fall of several Servitors of Creation and Flowers."
Pat frowns, phone clamped against his shoulder as he fastens his cuffs. "I see. When did he move to Comedy?"
There is a faint hmm as the papers rustle again. "Apparently it was in an attempt to gain more favours from Andrealphus that failed to pay off, according to our sources. He did not actually bind himself to Comedy."
The voice says, "You will understand that this is supposition, but we theorise he is hoping for some favour to raise himself in the sight of either Prince."
Pat says "You're not suggesting he operates independently, are you?"
The voice says, "We cannot be certain. He might be attempting to establish a personal power base, certainly, but we have no proof as yet."
Pat says "I have no evidence to support that theory. He seems to be more interested in the activites of his compatriots."
A pen can be heard making a note. "Interesting. Of course, his Heart is probably in the keeping of Kobal, so simply killing his Vessel would not be the best course."
Pat says "That would bind him to Kobal, would it not?"
Pat . o O ( Gotcha, ya six eyed freak. )
The voice says, a shade coldly, "He would simply awaken before his Heart, and Kobal would have no direct complaint to make against him. He might be on the surface of the Earth again in days."
Pat says "You're supposing, Mr. Focals."
The voice has a persuasive edge to it. "If he were in our custody, we could ensure that he is removed more permanently."
<
<
There is a slight hesitation. "Though of course I understand that you do not have an emotional
involvement in this, naturally you are concerned for your fellows."
Pat says "My fellows are aware of my concern."
The voice returns to bland neutrality. "I am sure."
Pat says "I am sure, also, that you are aware that for the time being his goals run similar to ours.
There is a significant catastrophe in the near future, if it is not averted."
The voice says, dryly, "If we could remove the other Renegade on the loose, we would
presumably settle the matter. We have no interest in causing significant mortal catastrophes."
Pat says "That, Mr. Focals, is exactly my point. Currently, Mr. Lightner is of the same mind."
A brief pause, then the voice says, "Presumably this matter should be settled by or after tonight's
performance."
Pat says "That is our hope, yes. Do you have any information to support this?"
The voice says, "Logic dictates that the Habbalite must act tonight, and indeed would wish to act
tonight, given that it is the "first night"."
Pat says "Entirely logical. I assume you will have a presence?"
The voice says, "We have booked tickets."
The voice says, "Will you also be in attendance?"
Pat says "I intend to be. Discretely, of course."
There is a pause for consideration, then the voice says, "Your colleagues would not understand
the necessity of my giving you information."
Pat says "Precisely."
Another rustle of paper. "I take it that the Lilim is also intending to attend the performance
tonight?"
Pat says "To the best of my knowledge."
The voice says, "Ah, thank you. Is there any further information that I can give you?"
Pat says "What is your priority?"
There is the sensation of a frown on the other end of the line. "To minimise the disruption caused
by the Renegades, and take them and other - interfering parties - back for the attention of higher
authority."
<
<
You say "It's all true. He's just trying to do his job."
Pat nods. Clearly, that is so.
Pat says "And the interfering parties?"
There is a slight pause, as though the topic is unpleasant. "Will be removed from further
complicating the suggestion, and taken back for appropriate justice."
Pat says "You misinterpret. Who is interfering?"
The voice says, "This Lilim of Kobal, as I understand what you have told me. He is attempting
to conceal the actions of these Renegades from due process of justice."
Pat says "He is attempting to keep the matter in his own house."
The voice says, sensibly, "I am sure that you have encountered similar situations, with some of
the - less logical - Archangels."
Pat says "For the nonce, though, he is still working in the same direction. His priority is to stop
the Renegade remaining."
Another shuffle of paper. "He is likely exploiting the situation for his own gain and power. He is
a random factor, and should be removed by those who will see that he is duly judged."
<
<
Pat's head explodes AGAIN.
Pat says "I am not disagreeing. But that judgement can be delayed while he works towards our
ends."
There is a thoughtful pause, then the voice says, "True. We must act for the optimal end in these
matters."
Pat says "Always. It is, after all, only logical."
The voice says, "Absolutely." There is a soft murmur from someone else on the other end of the
line. "Will there be anything else?"
Pat says "That should be all."
Pat says "I doubt we'll have the opportunity to converse tonight."
The voice says, "Indeed. Good hunting to us both." The phone clicks down.
Pat hangs up the phone, and sets about adjusting a tuxedo jacket to cover a shoulder holster.
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