Pat calls Sarah. Ring, ring.
Sarah answers the telephone just before the fourth ring - not, however, breathless. "Hello?"
Pat says "Sarah?"
Sarah says "Speaking."
Pat says "It's Pat."
Sarah says "Good afternoon, Pat. Is there any trouble?"
Pat says "Hm? Oh, no...of course not."
Sarah says "That's good to hear - for a change from the last two days."
Pat chuckles faintly. "Precisely. I was wondering, though..."
Sarah says "Yes?"
Pat says "Would you object to dinner, perhaps? I'm attempting to get the most out of the rental."
Sarah hesitates a moment.
Sarah says "I don't suppose you know what Liz is doing this afternoon?"
Pat says "I believe she had plans with Daimon."
Sarah says "I don't find that unlikely; she's keeping a close eye on him. Still, do you think anything's likely to come up?"
Pat says "If it does, they know how to contact me. Wholly apart from the fact that we'll be near to the theatre."
Sarah says "Good. No, then, I wouldn't object."
Pat has no idea if he knows Sarah's address.
Sarah gives her address over the telephone, including directions from the nearest and easiest access to public transportation. He probably won't need that tonight, but it may come in useful one day.
Pat writes down the information. "I'll be there shortly, then."
Sarah says "I'll be ready."
Pat says "Alright. Goodbye."
Sarah answers, "Until then," and hangs up the telephone.
Pat zips forward time, not much of it, until there is a knock at Sarah's door.
Sarah answers the door. Or at least it's most likely Sarah. The glasses are gone, her hair loose in waves about her shoulders. Her dress is a pearl-gray color, beaded in subtle patterns, and she stands taller in actual heeled shoes.
Pat blinks. He is wearing a different overcoat, this one of heavy black wool. The tuxedo isn't perfectly tailored, but he doesn't cut a /bad/ figure in it. Cleaned and groomed and far less unwholesome looking. He's also standing up straight. "Good evening, Sarah."
Sarah says "Good evening, Pat." She extends her hand. "Would you like to come in for a few minutes, or shall we be off?"
Pat says "We have an unfortunately short time before the show, I'm afraid." He reaches up to take her hand. "And the car is waiting.""
Sarah draws the door closed behind her, locks it. "We mustn't keep the car waiting."
Clearly, you must not. It's hired. Pat provides escort to the car, releasing Sarah's hand to open the door for her.
Sarah accepts the courtesy, if not quite smoothly, and slips into the car.
Pat closes the door, moving around to the other side and entering. He directs the driver, and soon the car is in motion. "You never did tell me how Liz came up with the tickets."
Sarah clasps her hands in her lap, neatly seatbelted. "I'm not entirely certain," she replies. "Liz does acquire the most interesting things now and then."
Pat nods. "Unsurprising, really. Given her job. I'll have to remember to thank her, though."
Sarah says "Once things are relatively calm again, yes."
Pat says "Which I sincerely hope is soon."
Sarah says "Possibly tomorrow."
Pat says "If tonight is as significant as we believe."
Sarah says "If it isn't, there may at least be a slightly lessened need to rush."
Pat says "Very true. What of the matter of the third?"
Sarah says "Lightner?"
Pat shakes his head. "The mystery guest. The musician."
Sarah says "He's made no known attempt to investigate any disturbances."
Pat says "I know. I think I know why."
Sarah asks, "May I hear your hypothesis?"
Pat says "When I was watching the orchestra rehearse, I found a disturbing fact. One of them is of the Empty."
Sarah says "The Em--"
Sarah's expression flickers with a sudden, quiet horror, and she looks quickly away.
Pat nods, once.
Sarah says, to the car's window, "We should see if anything can be done for him."
Pat says "Have you dealt with one of them before?"
Sarah says, low, "Not knowingly."
Pat nods. "Nor have I. But I have heard tales."
Pat says "Reminders are...painful."
Sarah watches out the window. "Yes. I - suppose so."
Pat says "Could there be a connection?"
Sarah says "It might not be impossible. I wonder -"
Pat says "Yes?"
Sarah murmurs, very quietly, "I wonder who he was."
Pat says "No one I recognized. It's possible he was not even one of ours."
Sarah says "It's possible. Either way, it would be good to know. It's - a pity I suppose we won't be able to."
Pat shakes his head. "If he was one of ours, I'd not wish to hurt him further."
Sarah says "Why this opera, then?"
Pat says "Pardon?"
Sarah says "It doesn't seem one not to be a reminder."
Pat says "Have you heard the music at all?"
Sarah says "Liz and I sat through rehearsals yesterday afternoon."
Pat says "And there was nothing unsual?"
Sarah says "Not that I noticed."
Pat says "Hm. I wish I knew what it was."
Sarah says "Which?"
Pat says "The music."
Sarah says "We'll learn, I suppose."
Pat nods. "Hopefully, not too late."
Sarah says "The same for the Prank."
Pat says "Which we still have no sense of."
Sarah says "Lightner was of the opinion it would be likely to involve a number of deaths."
Pat says "Of course. They are of the opinion that death is humorous."
Sarah says "In general, yes."
Pat looks out the window, as the car stops. "Shall we continue inside?"
Sarah glances back to him, recovering at least an approximation of a smile. "Certainly."
Pat nods, stepping out of the car and walking around to open Sarah's door.
Sarah waits for him to open it before emerging. She takes his arm.
Pat allows his arm to be taken, and escorts her into the restaurant.
Sarah follows, as not unreasonable, Pat's lead.
Pat seems to have found a restaurant a few short blocks from the theatre. The dress doesn't raise any eyebrows, as it seems a number of other have chosen to eat here before the show as well. A table has been reserved, seats are shown to, and menus are offered.
Sarah's glance stays for the most part on Pat, following his lead, imitating his actions where it seems appropriate.
When the waiter takes his leave, Pat smiles very faintly. "I haven't done this in years. I'm not making a fool of myself, am I?"
Sarah replies, with much a like smile, "If you were, I most likely wouldn't notice."
Pat blinks. "No?"
Sarah says "I've barely been down for a year. Things have," she gestures around the restaurant, "changed."
Pat says "Changed? When was the last time you were here?"
Sarah colors slightly.
Sarah says "Several centuries, I think."
Pat says "Oh dear."
Pat says "How are things, up there?"
Sarah smiles faintly. "Much the same as they have been, really. Eli's still wandering, Trade and Lightning are in their glory, Jordi is still upset."
Pat blinks. "Oh? I've not seen it reflected on Hitherby."
Sarah says "I don't believe Hitherby is affected terribly by habitat destruction. Though it's true that Jordi's upset isn't at all the same as, say, Gabriel's."
Pat says "Ah. She's still mad then, I suppose?"
Sarah glances down, more toward her menu than actually at it. "I'm afraid so, yes."
Pat nods, letting that particular subject drop. "I suppose the decades aren't nearly as long, there."
Sarah says "Years here move so - quickly. Yes."
Pat nods. "They don't have much choice. Humanity has a tendency to fit as much into their lives as possible...the acceleration is unavoidable."
Sarah says "And their lives are so brief. Even if they've doubled since the last time I was here - they're still all children, all of them."
Pat says "You come to feel it, though. To see things at their speed."
Sarah admits, honestly, "I can't imagine it. I suppose it comes of the books."
Pat says "Give it time. How long will you be here, this time?"
Sarah says "Until I complete my work, I'd imagine. That could be anything from tomorrow to a few hundred years from now."
Pat says "May I ask what the work is?"
Sarah says "Officially, I restore books and documents. Unofficially... I'm sure I'll find out when the time comes."
Pat nods. "Long term. One of the most paradoxical assignments."
Sarah smiles again. "Frequently we're more effective if we don't know our specific assignments. It gives us a good reason to see what good we can do while we're waiting."
Pat chuckles, as the waiter arrives with wine. After he leaves, Pat sips. "Good point. I still don't know if I'm supposed to be involved with all this."
Sarah asks, "May I ask with what you're supposed to be involved?", then sips from her own glass, imitating Pat's hold on his. "If it isn't private, of course."
Pat says "I am supposed to be watching. Keeping tabs on activity here."
Sarah says "I'd say you're supposed to be involved, then, yes. There certainly has been enough - activity."
Pat says "True enough. I only hope that I am able to make a positive report."
Sarah says "I don't think it's terribly unlikely."
Pat says "Three days."
Sarah says "Since, or until?"
Pat says "Until."
Pat shakes his head. "I can't say I'm looking forward to it."
Sarah asks, "What trouble do you expect?"
Pat says "Most pressingly? Daimon."
Sarah folds her hands. "If a word from a servant of Destiny would help, I'm willing to go on record."
Pat swirls wine for a moment. "It would be greatly appreciated."
Sarah sets down her glass, folds her hands. "I think he's a good candidate; one that needs exposure more than active recruiting. Liz - by whatever name - is quite willing to provide that exposure, while still keeping in mind precisely with whom she's dealing. She's expressed willingness for me to keep an eye on her, to ensure that if she's noticed on the chance she begins to slip."
Pat says "You understand, though, that I cannot turn a blind eye if that becomes the case."
Sarah says "Liz and I both understand. And that is the proper course."
Pat says "I think Daimon would disagree."
Sarah lifts her wine again; drinks, a little more slowly. "I'm not so certain."
Sarah says "Have you heard his theory on what happens to the Redeemed?"
Pat says "I can't say that I have. What is it?"
Sarah says "We keep them in cages, or use them for cannon fodder."
Pat says "Hm. I can't say that I've seen evidence of it."
Sarah says "Neither have I. Still, it's entirely possible that they've convinced him that the alternative to staying with them is worse."
Pat says "They?"
Sarah says "His, ah. Employers."
Pat says "Ah."
Sarah says "It would explain a great deal of his behavior."
Pat says "I've spent precious little time with him."
Pat says "Can you tell me what he's like?"
Sarah replies, "He's very - odd, for a demon. Liz informed him of her nature, and mine, and he stayed with her nonetheless. His organization would presumably benefit from whatever the two at the Opera had planned; nonetheless, he insisted that they had to be stopped, because otherwise humans would die. Liz says he's done absolutely nothing to try to harm her."
Pat says "Harm is a very broad term. But go on, please."
Sarah says "The idea of - one of his sort - who dislikes seeing people hurt is an intriguing one."
Pat says "It's hard to corrupt the dead, Sarah."
Sarah says "I haven't seen him attempting to corrupt anyone, Pat."
Pat says "In the past three days, perhaps."
Sarah says "The worst I've seen him do, in fact, is salt a flower and eat it."
Pat blinks. "I see. Please, don't misunderstand. I will not condemn him on three day's evidence. But I do not think it is appropriate yet to proclaim his innate goodness on the same three days."
Sarah says "Innate goodness? Hardly."
Pat says "Tendencies, then."
Sarah says "A good chance that he might drift in that direction if shown it? I think so."
Pat says "Hm. A possibility."
Sarah says "Which is why I'm willing to support Liz in this - while keeping alert in case we're proved wrong."
Pat says "That is my main concern. That for some reason the alertness will slip."
Sarah says "With the two of us, and possibly Hitherby and Sephar, as well as Trade?"
Pat says "Yes."
Pat says "It is still a possibility."
Sarah says "That's true. Do you have any particular reason for concern, beyond the obvious?"
Pat says "An innate wariness, nothing more."
Sarah accepts that with a nod. "The awareness of the possibility is sometimes enough to negate it."
Pat says "That is my hope."
Sarah says "As well as mine."
Pat nods. "I'm glad to hear it." The waiter arrives again, bearing plates this time, sliced beef in a thin burgundy sauce.
Sarah again takes her cues from Pat, finding excuses to delay until she's had a chance to glance over, imitate his manners.
Pat's manners are not embarassing, but it is clear to those who know that he is above his normal station.
Sarah's manners are, thus most likely likewise.
Pat says "Oh my. Very nice."
Sarah agrees, "Indeed." She smiles. "I suppose there are some redeeming features to visits here."
Pat says "Quite a few, to be honest. I've made quite a few notes in my time here."
Sarah says "I haven't found many - though I'm afraid it's true I haven't looked too hard."
Pat says "I'll have to show you some then. If you'd like, of course."
Sarah says "If there's a chance, certainly. Hopefully the opening won't be - /too/ interesting."
Pat says "I just hope we have aisle seats."
Sarah says "That would be useful, yes."
Sarah says "Do you expect any additional complications?"
Pat says "Not inherently."
Pat says "Ones may be created."
Sarah says "Oh, dear."
Pat says "Hm?"
Sarah says "Complications."
Pat says "Ah."
Sarah says "I suppose it's too much to hope for all to run smoothly, though."
Pat says "Nothing is too much to hope for, nor to pray for. Just don't depend on that hope."
Sarah smiles. "Certainly not."
Pat eats for a few moments. Then, "Liz does seem happy though, doesn't she?"
Sarah replies, "Very much so. She enjoys Lightner's company."
Pat says "If nothing else then, that is good to hear."
Sarah says "So long as she isn't being misled about his nature - quite."
Pat nods. "And if she is, I pray she has the sense to accept what must be."
Sarah glances down at her plate for a moment; back up to Pat then, steady. "I believe that she does. And the strength."
Pat nods. "I'm glad."
Sarah smiles. "So, I think, is Lightner. Which may be the point most in his favor at the moment."
Pat says "He honestly cares for her?"
Sarah says "Enough to continue to work with those he believes will kill him or worse."
Pat says "I'd say so. Although I don't know if he knows whom I work for."
Sarah says "It isn't impossible. He's quite bright."
Pat nods. "It's not something I normally conceal."
Sarah says "In which case, all the more reason for him to expect to be sent back to Trauma, I'd imagine."
Pat comments to his beef. "There are worse things than Trauma."
Sarah glances away, with the same shudder she gave in the car. "That's - that's quite true."
Pat says "I think, if it came to it, I'd save a bullet for him."
Sarah says "Thank you."
Pat nods.
Sarah says "I'll hope, if you'll pardon me, that it doesn't come to it. If there is a chance at his Redeeming himself, I rather think it will be mostly due to Liz - and if he's sent back, he'll lose that, and we him."
Pat nods. "I agree."
Sarah smiles. "But there is that if."
Pat nods, reaching for his wineglass. "I prefer not to dwell on it."
Sarah lifts her own glass. "I'll drink to that."
Pat lifts his own glass. "To peace, then."
Sarah touches her glass to his. "To peace."
Pat smiles across the table, bringing his glass back for a sip.
Sarah drinks as well, and looks down to her glass. "That's a sign of peace itself," she comments.
Pat says "Hm?"
Sarah says "That that custom's come so far. A touch of glasses, rather than mixing their contents to ensure that a poisoner would be his own victim."
Pat says "Is that the source of it? I never knew."
Sarah glances up at him, answers his smile. "So I'm told."
Pat nods. "I'll remember that, then. The things we learn in interludes."
Sarah glances around her at the restaurant. "This place is so amazing."
Pat says "How so?"
Sarah says "How much it's changed. How much work has gone into everything here. That this world's reached a point where things like this," she lifts her glass, "can exist, so easily."
Pat says "They never stagnate. They never go backwards. For all the misery and glory they cause, the only thing that remains consistent is the urge to go /forward/. It is amazing, isn't it?"
Sarah agrees, wistful, "More than anything else in the world. But then, I suppose one could call me biased." She sips at her wine.
Pat smiles, faint. "I'll overlook it, this time."
Sarah asks, suddenly, "What is it like, working for him?"
Pat blinks. "As in, working for him in this capacity?"
Sarah says "I suppose so. Working for him at all, really."
Pat says "It's different, depending on what capacity you serve. The Inquisition is the easiest, actually."
Sarah ventures, "You have others' judgment to rely on as well as your own."
Pat nods. "And there is less uncertainty. He would tell us to go to this place, and speak with this person about this matter. We would do so, and return."
Sarah says "Whereas now, you provide your own specifics."
Pat says "And rely on myself to determine where I should be. It's an honoured assignment."
Sarah nods in agreement. "And a difficult one, as is the proper corollary."
Pat nods. "Quite. And Destiny? What is it like there?"
Sarah says "Very - calm. Not unpleasant, though. Trying to discern the best that each person you meet is capable of, as well as the worst. Taking note of the possibilities inherent in each thing you see. The hardest part, I think, is learning that one can't intervene directly."
Pat says "It sounds very distant."
Sarah replies, "As distant as the woman who designed the American flag is from the Navy it inspires. No more, I think, than Judgment."
Pat looks into his wineglass for a moment. "That is not saying much."
Sarah says "Isn't it? Can't watching be the closest of all, sometimes - if only because one must look for what's truly there, rather than settling for an illusion?"
Pat says "There is always the barrier though. To become involved in my work would destroy me."
Sarah answers, slowly, "I'm not certain if it's true for you; but it seems to me that there's a difference between becoming involved, and becoming - impaired, irrational."
Pat says "My interests have no bearing on my work. They can't. That is what I mean by involved, and that is why I name it distant."
Sarah says "I suppose that's the difference. But there is, as always, a place for both."
Pat nods. "I admit, that this dinner has little to do with work."
Sarah smiles. "Other than maximizing value obtained."
Pat says "Well. Of course."
Sarah says "Of course."
Pat says "It is a pleasant respite, I must admit."
Sarah says "I'm glad. Difficult assignments tend to be stressful - it's good to relieve that now and then."
Pat nods. "If I may..."
Sarah says "Yes?"
Pat says "We may both be here for a great length of time. I would like to do this again, I think."
Sarah says "I'd like that as well. It's good to talk with someone - sensible."
Pat chuckles, softly. "Likewise. Someone less...impulsive. I worry sometimes, that we are the slow ones."
Sarah says "Someone must be, I suppose. And Liz is hardly about to volunteer for the position."
Pat chuckles. "She wouldn't."
Sarah smiles. "I didn't think so."
Pat says "And the Dominations, well...They are a bit on the exuberant side, themselves."
Sarah says "Generally, yes. It helps them maintain identity, I suppose."
Pat nods.
Sarah nibbles at a bit of beef, watching him across the table.
Pat looks up. "Hm?"
Sarah says "Only thinking."
Pat says "About?"
Sarah says "Identity, and what defines it."
Pat says "Ah. How do you define it?"
Sarah says "My own? Usually, by my work, by what I love. Which are much the same. I'm not sure that's an entirely accurate definition, much less complete, but it's generally enough."
Pat nods. "And Sarah? How much does she reflect on your identity?"
Sarah says "I'm not certain that she does. Her work is part of my work, after all."
Pat says "She is a subset of identity, then?"
Sarah says "If even that, I suppose."
Pat says "Hm."
Pat muses into his wine.
Sarah says "And Pat, upon yours?"
Pat says "At the theatre earlier...that was the first time I had taken my celestial form since taking this assignment."
Sarah's eyes widen fractionally. "Oh. Oh, my goodness."
Pat nods. "There is still a difference between Mazpatiel and Patrick. It is tenuous, though."
Sarah says "A subset, or intersecting sets?"
Pat says "Intersecting sets."
Sarah shivers again, smaller this time.
Sarah says "I'm not sure I can imagine that."
Pat says "I don't smoke. Patrick does, on occasion."
Sarah says "But to have it be part of identity... I suppose it's single-mindedness."
Pat says "It comes with time. Patrick Murphy is a very real person in this world. There advantages and drawbacks to this."
Sarah says "Sarah Schaeffer is fairly real, as well. But not - such that she would contradict me."
Pat says "I have yet to reach that point, thank God."
Sarah looks substantially relieved, relaxing visibly. "I'm glad. I couldn't think of a condition that would justify something like that."
Pat says "I make certain to keep my priorities in mind."
Pat says "I will always be Mazpatiel first."
Sarah says "Good. That's - very good."
Pat says "Well. Yes."
Sarah smiles, something less certainly.
Pat blinks. "Something amiss?"
Sarah shakes her head quickly. "No. No, nothing."
Pat nods, glancing at his watch. "Oh dear."
Sarah says "Then something is amiss - the time?"
Pat nods. "We have a very short time left. We'd best go."
Sarah says "Yes. That would be best. We wouldn't want to miss them."
Pat nods, rising and offering his hand.
Sarah accepts his hand to rise, then takes his arm.
Pat smiles at her, leading her out of the restaurant and to the theatre.
Sarah doesn't smile back, but her cheeks color faintly as she glances away from him.
---