Pat leaves Sarah in the midst of chocolate mousse bliss, and walks over to his desk phone, dialing the number Liz gave him for Jordan.
Jordan knocks on the door. As his cellphone rings. He raises his eyebrow.
Jordan says "Hello?""
Pat says "Jordan?"
Jordan says "Speaking. And you are?"
Pat says "Mazpatiel. I had hoped to speak with you."
Jordan says, "Indeed." He sounds amused. "Perhaps you could open your door, then."
Pat blinks. "Of course." He sets the phone on the desk and walks over to the door, looking vaguely abashed when he examines the peephole. He opens the door.
Jordan says "Interesting timing."
Jordan sweeps in, in proper Seraphic manner, trailing the rest of the triad.
Sarah lifts her head, and - reluctantly - sets solidified chocolate mousse bliss down in the kitchen. She smooths her hair needlessly with a hand and steps out to greet the visitors.
Jordan is putting away his cellphone.
Pat dips his head. "Indeed." He steps out of the way, closing the door after them and going to the desk to hang up the phone.
Jada-dan, the mild, shorter man, and Maasai, the dark woman, follow. Maasai stops by the door, glance sweeping across the room, assuming a guarding stance.
Pat wonders if either Jordan or Jada-dan are in Vessels he's seen before?
Jordan looks for the chair with the most commanding position in the room.
Jordan is probably in his standard vessel.
Pat nods.
Demiurge thinks you've seen both their vessels before, yes.
Jordan wonders if he's seen *Pat's* vessel.... And how long ago?
Pat is in the Vessel he used for Triad work, but it's been at least a half-century since then.
Jordan may well remember, if they'd met, then.
Pat has met Jordan and Jada-dan. Doesn't know Maasai.
<
<
Long distance to Sarah: Demiurge rolls elsewhere, and gets a reading of 6 on your emotions. Care
to elaborate?
Pat indicates Sarah. "Most Holy, this is Chephirah, Guardian of Destiny. Chephirah, Jordan, Most
Holy of Judgement, Jada-dan, Power of Judgement, and..." He looks at Massai for a moment.
Jordan says, "Maasiai, Cherub."
Pat nods to Maasai. "An honor."
Jada-dan's gaze moves across Pat and Sarah, and he inclines his head politely.
Maasiai herself gives a brief, curt nod.
Jordan will shake hands with Sarah, should she be so inclined.
<
You paged Sarah with 'That is, Jada-dan gets such a reading on you.'.
Jordan says to Pat, "I understand that you have had dealings with... troublesome individuals.
Pat nods. "That is correct."
Jordan says "Would you care to explain the situation?"
Pat says "Which areas require elaboration, Most Holy?"
From afar, Sarah considers. Most mildly, a slight regret over abandoning the chocolate. :)
Affection for Pat; interest and pleasure (that can't be common) at the Triad's arrival; concern and
the usual attunement-devotion for the welfare and Destiny of the sleeping demon in the bedroom.
Jordan gives Pat a mildly severe look. "Perhaps we should start with the Balseraph. I would like
to hear of your experience personally, and not merely from the report."
Jada-dan removes a notebook from his pocket - his arm now seems well enough - and makes a
couple of small notes in it.
Jordan pages: Ah, the perils of interrogating fellow servitors! They know all the shorthand and
handsignals and whatnot!
You paged Pat with 'Are you bleeding with guilt, in the way that Elohim of Judgement can spot?
:)'.
Sarah nods politely to each of the Triad in turn, and is quite willing to shake hands with Jordan;
she stations herself at a wall, a little out of the way, with a view of the door to the bedroom. And
folds her hands before her to listen.
You paged Jordan with 'Yup, which is why Jada-dan isn't trying to make any yet.'.
Pat pages: Surprisingly, no. He's gone over this with Dominic and it has been dealt with.
Jordan pages: He'd only do it out of visual range, and/or if there were extreme emotions/guilt that
Jordan had to know about. Perfect sense.
Long distance to Jordan: Demiurge nods.
Pat nods. "I can only admit to falling prey to deception, Most Holy. I was persuaded to believe
that assisting the Asmodeans would be the optimal condition to deal with the renegade Kobalines,
as well as Lightner."
Jada-dan glances to Sarah a moment: he pauses, and flips his pen in a couple of brief gestures,
from Maasai to Jordan, and then from Sarah to the door of the bedroom.
Jordan looks pained, but nods. He looks at Jada-dan.
You paged Jordan with 'Jada-dan is attempting to indicate that Sarah is attuned to someone in the
bedroom, identity guessable, just as Maasiai is attuned to Jordan.'.
Jada-dan nods blandly to Jordan.
Jordan nods to his triad-Elohite, then turns back to Pat. "Do you believe you will be vulnerable
to such deceptions in the future?"
Pat says "I pray not, Most Holy."
Jordan says, dryly, "The experience was not... pleasureable, then?" (He obviously expects that the
answer will be "No.")
Pat says "Deception is never pleasurable."
Jordan says "Good. You will be alert to the presence of... overly helpful individuals, in the
future?"
Pat nods. "I have been reminded of our instructions regarding collaboration."
Jordan flicks a small glance at Sarah. "That is well." He takes out his own notepad. "Now,
regarding this Daimon Lightner. What are your impressions of him?"
Jordan . o O (Darn civilians. We can't lecture Pat as much as we'd like...)
Pat says "I have formed many. Which are of priority?"
Jordan raises an eyebrow. "What priority do you believe they should be presented in, Mazpatiel?"
Pat says "You are aware that he has been judged once, Most Holy."
Sarah keeps her hands folded, quiet.
Jordan says, "Definitely. I have received instructions regarding him. I will have more specific
questions when I have determined his influence on you." (There is a slight stress on that "you".)
Pat says "In that respect, then, I believe he is coming nearer to the Light."
Pat says "He has misconceptions still, of the nature of redemption. They are quite clearly such,
though."
You paged Jordan with 'Daimon has _big_ horrific misconceptions about the nature of
Redemption, which have personally shocked Pat.'.
Jordan says "It is good that he is coming nearer. And a pity about his misconceptions. I hope that
you intend to clear them up for him."
Jordan takes notes.
Pat says "I have every intention to, Most Holy."
Jordan says "That is well. Of course, you must be careful not to let his misconceptions affect your
judgment."
Pat says "I have made every effort to avoid such."
From afar, Pat trickles a faint line of bloodsweat, if Jada-dan is watching still.
Jordan says "Are you aware of any areas where you might become subjective?"
Jada-dan reaches up, and idly brushes the side of his face.
Jordan pages: Ah, and Pat gets to see *that* sign... Guilt!
You paged Pat and Jordan with 'Which probably both of you will recognise as standard
Judgement- Elohite-signal for "the questioned is feeling guilt".'.
Pat takes a breath. "I would prefer to see him Redeemed, Most Holy."
Jordan says "Do you believe that would affect your ability to deal with him, should he take actions
that would endanger the angels and humans around him?"
Pat says "I would be saddened."
Jordan's eyes narrow a little. "But would you do what was needful and just?"
Pat says "I would."
Jordan pages: Truth?
You paged Jordan with 'Truth.'.
Jordan nods, looking a more satisfied. "Good. Are you aware that you are slanting your answers,
Mazpatiel?"
Pat says "We have only spoken of one aspect, Most Holy."
Jordan says "And you are being very careful to do so. It is interesting. What other aspects of
Daimon, and your interactions with him, do you feel would... interest me?"
Sarah frowns faintly; she glances toward Pat, loses the frown and nods slightly at his reply.
Jordan . o O (Have to be even sterner with the fellow Servitors, after all.)
Jada-dan makes another note in his book, face mild.
Pat says "I feel a grave injustice is being done, Most Holy. And it troubles me."
Jordan says "The matter with Kobal? Or something more personal -- if there *is* much that more
personal -- regarding Daimon?"
Pat says "Kobal, Most Holy."
Jordan sighs. "Are you aware of the Lilim's plans regarding this matter?"
Pat says "He has stated a desire to see justice done."
Jordan says "For a Demon Prince. His priorities are..."
Jordan shakes his head.
Sarah asks, quietly, "May I offer something, Most Holy?"
Jordan looks to Sarah. "Of course, Guardian."
<
Sarah says "Unpleasant as the thought may be, I believe that - that Prince - may have been the
best to which Lightner was exposed, or have appeared to be. Thus his unusual loyalty, which,
divorced from its object, might be considered admirable."
You paged Jordan with 'At the word "Prince" Infernal influence eddies around you, your
connection to the Symphony goes *BLANK*, and ooof!'.
Jordan drops his pen and notepad and hunches over, hands over his ears for a moment.
Pat blinks. "Most Holy?"
You paged Jordan with 'Clearly you were listening too closely to something akin to the
diabolical.'.
Jordan pants. Doesn't answer yet.
Maasiai steps brusquely away from the door, charging over to stand by Jordan, movements sharp,
and swivels to watch the room. Jada-dan's reaction is similar, though smoother.
Pat follows, a moment behind, kneeling and touching a hand to Jordan's shoulder.
Jordan finally catches his breath. "I... think I can continue," he says, grimacing. "Listening too
closely, to the affairs of Princes..." He shakes his head.
Jordan looks up at Sarah. "Perhaps you could repeat that?"
Sarah looks back to Jordan, from a wary check of the windows; she does repeat it, quietly.
Jordan pages: Time to use the Detect Lies skill!
<
Long distance to Jordan: Demiurge grins.
<
Jordan pages: To Pat: Shocky and annoyed, because he's lost all sense of the Symphony.
Long distance to Jordan: Demiurge nods. Jada-dan picks up similar.
Maasiai retreats to by the door, face stormy and watchful. Jada-dan takes a half-step back, still
hovering near Jordan's shoulder.
Jordan says, quietly, "Thank you. Yes, I am aware that Daimon has an unusual capacity to give
affection. It is... admirable."
Pat rises, stepping back silently.
Jordan looks to Jada-dan, with a faint grimace, and makes a small gesture.
Sarah bows her head slightly, silent.
Jordan pages: I can't hear, my Power. Watch closely.
Jordan pages: Which Pat will probably pick up.
You paged Pat with 'The gesture from Jordan was "I can't hear: watch closely." Though directed
to Jada-dan and not Pat.'.
Jordan takes some more notes, seeming to regain his poise with every squiggle.
Pat nods, slightly, to Jada-dan.
Pat pages: Translation: I know you know, don't worry.
Jordan, looking to Pat again, asks, "And is there anything else that you believe I should be aware
of, regarding your current state in the corporeal realm?"
Pat says "I would like to request advice, Most Holy."
Jordan nods. "Of course. What do you require advice on, Mazpatiel?"
Pat says "The matter at hand. As stated, it troubles me. I feel assistance is justified and necessary.
However, I do not wholly trust my own judgement. I would prefer a second voice."
Jordan smiles wryly. "We have already offered to assist Mr. Lightner in gathering facts and
information in the situation, with the understanding that he will attempt not to do anything rash
until we have shared information."
Sarah looks abruptly, and decidedly, relieved.
Pat says "And beyond that?"
Jordan says "We will have to request additional instruction."
Pat says "May I inquire as to the extent of your current instruction?"
Jordan nods. "We are here to assess the impact of the Lilim on you, and the other angels,
primarily."
Pat nods.
Jordan says "And to make perfectly, utterly, entirely sure that you are not going to make a habit
of listening to Balseraphs, Mazpatiel."
Jordan deadpans that.
Pat deadpans in return. "I have no intention of it, Jordan."
Sarah settles against the wall, looking - relatively pleased.
Jada-dan makes a note.
Jordan gives him a small smile. "I do believe you." He draws a breath, and glances to Jada-dan,
then back to Pat.
Pat lifts an eyebrow a hair's breadth.
Jordan pages: Watch closely, Power.
Jordan says "To 'cut to the chase,' as I have heard the phrase said... Mazpatiel, have you been
doing anything that you think I would disapprove of?"
<
Pat says "Excepting what has been discussed? No."
You paged Pat with 'Feeling guilty?'.
Pat pages: Nope.
Jada-dan shakes his head, very slightly.
Jordan looks like a Seraph wearing celestial earmuffs would be expected to look (i.e., mildly
frustrated) -- but nods. "That is well. And the others around? What effect has the Lilim had on
them, in your judgment?"
You paged Jordan with 'No guilt, Most Holy.'.
Jordan glances to Jada-dan, and then in Sarah's direction, very briefly.
<
Jordan pages: And her, Power?
You paged Sarah with 'Feeling guilty? And what's your main emotion at the moment?'.
Pat says "Chephirah is protective of him, as is her nature. Zebina and he are romantically involved.
I am unsure of the Kyriotates that have been assisting us."
From afar, Sarah is not feeling guilty (yay, thank you, Yves), and is pretty pleased to be listening
to this.
Jordan nods again, making quick, tidy notes. Then he looks to Chephirah. "Since it is often
deemed rude to speak of someone in front of them... You are protective of the Lilim?"
Jada-dan's hand moves slightly as he scribbles something else in his notebook.
Hitherby drops from the sky to peer in through Pat's window, wings beating strongly to support
her in midair.
You paged Pat and Jordan with 'She is not feeling guilt, Most Holy, and is pleased to be listening
to this.'.
Maasiai swivels towards the window, gun half-drawn from beneath her jacket in one motion.
Sarah answers, "Yes, Most Holy. I -" She turns matching Maasai, hand dropping to her purse.
Jordan stands and moves back, relatively quickly, to give the Cherub a clear line of fire if
necessary.
Pat lifts a hand, palm out, to Maasai. He moves for the window.
Hitherby drops to the ground as fast as she can. (Protect the darned host. Grumble.) Glances
around to see if there's anyone on the street.
Jordan murmurs, "Someone known?"
Pat says "Possibly."
Jada-dan has also turned towards the window, moving to get a better line on it.
<
You paged Hitherby with 'What's your current mental state? :)'.
There is nobody on the street outside, as it is past dusk.
Hitherby pages: Panic. Pat is in danger but a single bird host can't save him without the risk of
serious injury.
Sarah turns her glance to the bedroom door, watchful.
Pat picks his gun up from the desk, pocketing it and going to the door. "I'll return."
Hitherby scuttles out from directly below the window, looks around for lights in windows.
Jada-dan says, relaxing a shade, "It fears for Mazpatiel, knowing that it cannot save him in a single
bird-host."
Jada-dan says, "Projection, Most Holy: one of the Kyriotates."
Pat blinks. Then, "Hitherby." The gun is returned to the desk, and the window is opened."
Jordan relaxes. "There are two around. It makes sense." He looks to Sarah again. "You were
stating you were protective?"
There are a couple of lit windows: Hitherby now also sees Pat's window being opened.
Pat holds a hand out the window, providing a perch.
Sarah relaxes likewise, and her hand falls away from her purse. "I have attuned to the Lilim," she
answers, not loudly. "I am aware of the risks, but in this instance I believe them justified."
Jordan closes his eyes and looks mildly pained for a moment. "You have spoken to your
Archangel about this?"
Sarah says "Yes, Most Holy."
Jordan says "Very well. And who else have you attuned to, who is in the bedroom?"
Sarah says "The Lilim is, ah. Unconscious in the bedroom, Most Holy."
Jordan blinks. "Unconscious? Why?" (It sounds more like personal curiosity than professional,
for a change.)
Sarah says "Sleeping pills. I believe that the phrase is 'he had a long day.'"
Jordan says "His would-be Prince arrested, our visit... He seemed to be coping tolerably well
when we saw him, though."
Hitherby spots Pat in the window just as she launches herself for one of the lit windows, hesitates,
and circles warily to his outthrust hand.
Pat draws Hitherbird inside the apartment, closing the window and drawing the curtain.
Sarah counts off, mildly. "I believe that, since then, he has become acquainted with Zebina's
Superior, learned that a Tether of his was destroyed, and met a Malakite."
Jordan says "I trust that the Malakite did nothing... rash?"
Sarah says "Not that I am aware of. I believe that Lightner made the mistake of reading his Needs,
however."
Hitherby croaks, "Gun?"
Hitherby sounds as nervous as a bird can.
Jordan says "That could have unsettled Lightner, yes."
Maasiai slides her gun away, and resumes a guarding stance.
Jordan looks up, wating to be introduced to the Kyrio.
Sarah says "It did, quite."
Sarah keeps watch on the bird out of the corner of an eye.
Pat transfers Hitherbird to his shoulder, facing the Triad. "Most Holy, this is a host of Oboth,
Domination of Animals. Hitherby, Jordan, Jada-dan, and Maasai. Of Judgement."
Sarah relaxes again, promptly.
Jordan inclines his head, Seraphically.
<
Sephar flutters to the window and peeks in.
<
<
Hitherby tilts her head to one side, and her eyes are suddenly very amused. "Hi," she croaks.
Jordan says "Greetings, Oboth -- or is Hitherby prefered?"
Sarah repeats glance to window and hand to purse. "Hitherby, is that another of you?"
Sephar blinks at Sarah, shakes its head.
Hitherby tilts her head, follows Sarah's gaze, and then shakes her head too.
Hitherby rasps, "Hit'erby."
Sephar coo's, "'epharrrr."
Hitherby wiggles her shoulders at Sephar, the ancient Kyriotate signal for, "Now there are two
of us -- we have them outnumbered!"
Jada-dan's gaze flicks between the two pigeons.
Sephar wiggles back and hops into the room.
Pat squints at the second bird. "Sephar?"
Sephar nod-bobs at Pat.
Pat opens the window /again/, and gestures to his other shoulder.
Jordan says "The other Kyriotate, I presume?"
Pat . o O ( Still life of Elohite with Birds. )
Sarah lets her hand drift away from her purse. Again.
Sarah says "Apparently so."
Sephar flutter-glides to Pat's other shoulder.
Sephar bob-bows gently to Jordan.
Hitherby sees if she can spot a bug or two while the drapes are open. A swarm of bugs could
make talking easier, if she wants to talk.
Pat closes the window. "Sephar, Domination of Lightning. I present you to Jordan, Jada-dan, and
Maasai of Judgement."
Pat says "Are we all here?"
Demiurge says "Hitherby, you can probably collect a swarm of bugs as they fly past, but it'll take
a few minutes."
Sephar then lights up Pat's TV, and it shows a screen the color of the summer sky. "Greetings and
well met."
Hitherby nods. She just wanted to catch the first one so she had presence outside.
Jordan nods to Sephar-TV. "Greetings."
Maasai remains in her guarding stance by the door, inclining her head slightly. Jada-dan's nod is
more polite.
Hitherby will assemble as slowly as it takes. She's got time.
Sarah smiles to pigeon, then television.
Pat moves to the kitchen area, birds still on his shoulders. "Would anyone care for coffee?"
Jordan looks for where he left his train of thought. He looks severely at Pat.
Hitherby makes a hacking noise.
From afar, to Demiurge and Pat, Jordan | Coffee, Power? To a *triad on duty*?
Jada-dan makes another note in his notebook.
Pat pages to Demiurge and Jordan: He didn't offer them whiskey, at least.
From afar, to Demiurge and Liz, Sepharmouse squeaks, "The Triad's at Pat's... could you set
me-mouse by Daimon when you get in there, if you want someone to watch the cell phone in his
pocket? I can hear from out here, but I think I'd like to be in the room with everyone in it for a
bit."
Jordan murmurs softly, but audibly, "All the comforts of the corporeal?"
Pat looks between the assembled Host.
Pat then nods to Jordan as he fills a mug. "Yes, as a matter of fact. In keeping with my original
assignment."
Jordan says, "Is it required to do so, in the company of angels alone?" He sounds slightly chiding.
Pat . o O ( Disapprove all you want, six-eyes. Dommie told me to fit in and be inconspicuous. )
Pat says "I prefer to keep in the habit, lest I falter at a critical point."
Jordan nods, but doesn't look entirely pleased. Still, no lecture appears.
Sephar cooo's softly.
Pat . o O ( Where's my Righteous hat? )
Jordan . o O (You're not a Seraph, you don't get one.)
Pat . o O ( Oh. )
Pat takes the silence as refusal, and walks back out with just his own mug.
Hitherby croaks something utterly incomprehensible. Anyone doing any kind of reading on her
will probably get that it's a "Hey, act natural," but that she made no effort whatsoever to make
it understandable.
Jordan takes a breath and looks at the assembled Host. He seems somewhat weary.
Pat says "Influence."
Jordan says "I think I will wait a while before discussing that with the Kyriotates."
Liz pulls up outside the house, somewhat in a hurry.
Pat nods. "Of course."
Hitherby turns her head so she can peer at Jordan.
SepharTV chuckles using a laughtrack.
Liz pops the trunk, walks round, pulls out the large bundle of medical supplies, and the small
bundle of information.
Jordan smiles slightly. "Have either of you done anything that you would be afraid for me to
know?" he asks the Kyriotates, after a faint glance to see that Jada-dan is paying attention.
<
Hitherby cracks up, which is fairly impressive in a crow.
<
<
<
Sepharpigeon thinks a bit, the TV says, "Nope."
You paged Hitherby and Sephar with 'Are either of you feeling guilty? :)'.
Hitherby pages: Nope. Not at all :)
You paged Sephar with 'And what's Sephar's current main emotion?'.
<
Sephar pages: No. The only thing I would have felt guilty about was warning Liz of the Triad, but
since they'd already seen her... nothing to be guilty about.
Liz walks the packages up to the porch, sets them down, goes back, closes up the car, comes
back, rings the doorbell. *DING-DONG*
Sephar pages: Some reflection about the lonely woman, some listening for the cellphone in the
backroom for Daimon. Some anxiety about getting into a fight in the next few days.
Hitherby's chirrking laughter dies down after about ten seconds, although her body still shakes
occasionally with mirth.
Jordan raises both his eyebrows to Pat. "Have we crashed a planned social event?"
Pat looks at the door. "For Heaven's..." He sets the coffee mug down.
Sephar pages: Kyriotate in parallel process mode.
Jada-dan makes a couple of small gestures as he scribbles some more notes.
You paged Pat and Jordan with 'No guilt in either, Most Holy. Lightning is worried.'.
Hitherby pages: If I have bugs, I bring them around and sneak them in behind Liz. Still completely
unguilty. :)
You paged Hitherby with 'You have some. Right. ;)'.
Jordan, while Pat answers the door, asks Sephar, "Is something wrong?"
Pat looks through the peephole. "Don't bother with the guns this time. It's Zebina."
Sephar's TV blinks its screen. "Uhm... not yet, I don't think."
Jordan rolls his eyes. "Most certainly we should not bother with the guns," he mutters under his
breath. "I do not want to have to heal anyone *again*..."
Pat unlocks the door and opens it. "Evening."
Hitherby looks thoughtful. "Prolly," she admits.
SepharTV says cheerfully, "I can help healing..."
Jordan says, to Sephar, "Not yet?"
Liz smiles. "Hi." She looks in, taking in the sight. "Wow. Everyone's here."
Sephar says "I think something terrible is going to happen in the next few days, Boss said so."
<
Jada-dan's face remains entirely bland, but he watches Liz mildly. Maasiai, moving to the side of
the door, also watches.
Pat nods to Liz. "I believe introductions are not necessary?"
Jordan says, to Liz, "We are still the same triad you shot at earlier, so you need not do it again."
Sarah turns to smile at Liz. "Zebina. Thank you for the gift."
SepharTV laughtracks softly.
Hitherby thinks thoughts behind her beady little eyes.
Liz looks around, then at Pat. "Guess you were next on the list. No, I've met everyone. Greetings,
Servitors of Judgement."
Liz says "I have..."
Pat closes the door as soon as Liz is clear of it, locking it again.
Liz motions to the packages, "Medical Supplies, and intelligence regarding Bellmans Studios. I'd
like to talk to you about the latter, and about a very...odd encounter I had."
Pat nods. "Daimon's sleeping in the bedroom. He needs the rest."
Sepharpigeon bobs toward Liz, "And what's up with the Studios worries me."
Liz says "I took the Medical supplies out on the pretext of a South American trip, so I could get
the Morphine. Looks like they'll come in useful, though."
Jordan looks interested in the Liz-Pat conversation. Especially when Sephar chimes in.
Liz bows to Jordan. "Most Holy."
Jordan inclines his head. "Wheel of Trade."
Liz looks over at Jada-Dan. "You're looking better. Did you see the Mercurian about healing?"
Jada-dan shakes his head. "It was performed by my Seraph, although your kindness is
appreciated."
Jordan finds a seat which gives a nice, Seraphically commanding, view of the room and does not
make him a target through the window. He sits with the air of a Seraph of Judgment who is
interested in what's going on, and cannot be kicked out.
Liz says "Again, I apologize. I have reviewed my actions, and I have concluded I acted
improperly. I should have either put my gun down, or attempted to kill you. Wounding you would
not have saved me from a Habbalite. In the future, I will try to be more optimal in my actions."
Jordan rubs his temples at Liz's words. "Perhaps a camera and an intercomm would be even more
optimal, in the future?"
Liz nods at Jordan. "And a bulletproof door."
Jada-dan replies, unemotionally, "A sensible course of action."
Liz says "Please understand, I do cargo. I am unused to this level of...involvement."
Hitherby hides her head under her wing for a moment, and then looks up and focuses a beam of
pure attention through one beady eye at Jordan.
Jada-dan says, "It is understood."
Liz says "But, if it would not be too much of a bother, I need to talk to Pat, and I have
information to share with everyone."
Jordan raises an eyebrow at Hitherby's beam of pure attention.
Liz says "Time is somewhat of the essence. I must drop another packet of information at
Shannen's, return to my hangar by 9, and be at Sistine's at midnight to meet with someone."
Pat says "I assume it is not something that requires privacy?"
Hitherby doesn't waver.
Liz says "No, but if his Most Holy is busy with something else, we could do it in parallel in
another room."
SepharTV says softly, "Same data packet is balled up, encrypted in Pat's email."
Jordan says, "I have little better to do than discover the Truth of what is going on here, especially
if it concerns demonic involvement."
Liz nods at Sephar. "But with the photograps and the drawing I'd like him to see."
Liz smiles at Jordan. "Thank you, Most Holy."
Sepharpigeon bobs a nod.
Liz plops down on the floor, and spreads information all over the coffee table.
<
Pat says "There's coffee, Liz, if you'd like some."
Liz says "Here's hardcopy of what I got earlier."
Liz says "That's okay. Tea would be nice, though."
Jordan makes more notes.
Pat frowns. "I don't think I have tea."
Sarah has partially disconnected.
Liz spreads out her photos. "This is an aerial survey of the studios. It's incomplete, and not close
enough. I'm getting equipment to do a proper survey tomorrow morning."
Pat leans over the papers, looking over them.
Liz says "Sephar also has a list of the published building plans and layouts."
Jordan also moves to see the photos.
Sarah glances over to the photos, but doesn't crowd the other angels.
Demiurge says "Everyone looking at the photos, make an Int roll."
<
Liz pulls out her drawings. "There's something odd about the layout of the grounds. The buildings
are common enough, but the grounds themselves, where they're doing the sets..."
Sephartv says, "In Shannen's packet too, if you want to set them next to everything else."
<
<
A swarm of a modest number of bugs flips up into the air from the carpet near the door and
hovers above the photos. Where did they come from?
<
<
<
You paged Jordan with 'You get the impression that there's some sort of pattern to the layout of
the sets, yes.'.
You paged Sarah with 'Aha!'.
<
Jordan frowns. "Jad'an? A look?"
<
Hitherbugs hum atonally, "Er, why are we looking at this?"
<
Jada-dan crosses to examine the photographs.
Pat looks up at the bugs. "This is a studio linked to Focals, Hitherby."
You paged Sarah with 'Those studies in archaeological photographical techniques are coming
back to you.'.
Hitherby chrisks. "Ah."
You paged Sarah with 'You realise that beneath the outlines of the sets, you can vaguely make
out some sort of underground layout!'.
You paged Sarah with 'Cellars. Large cellars.'.
Liz says "My guess is either Lust or Media involvement with it. But with Daimon's agent showing
up... I don't know."
You paged Sarah with 'From the lines of subsidence/etc in the ground.'.
<
Sarah frowns, then steps closer. "Lust, I'd think." She indicates lines on the photographs, without
touching.
<
Jada-dan frowns at the photographs, and nods slightly to Sarah. "Large, it would appear."
SepharTV says dryly, "That was what I was worried about."
Pat looks at Sarah, moving slightly to allow her to step closer. "How do you mean?"
Liz says "I'll have much better photographs by noon. I'm going to mount a modern 35mm camera
in a WWII recon rig and do an overflight as soon as there's enough light."
Liz says "But I need to be back at the Hangar by 9 to take delivery."
Sarah says "I can't think of a reason that Media would particularly want a large underground
complex."
Hitherby says, conversationally, "Perhaps someone could explain further? A Judgment Triad,
photographs of a studio, looming danger to Sarah or Daimon, Daimon's agent -- I am not certain
how these things fit together."
Liz says "At the height Amelia flies, you'll be able to read the license plates off the cars."
Sarah's attention jerks sharply to Hitherby. "Looming danger?"
Jordan murmurs dryly, to Hitherby, "Neither are we certain."
Sepharpigeon peers at Hitherby as well.
Pat's phone rings.
Liz says "All right. More pictures tomorrow, perhaps."
Liz says "Maybe Daimon would recognize it..."
Pat says "Sephar, can you answer that?"
SepharTV, "Sure."
Pat says "Thank you."
Sephar picks up the phone by possessing it and taking the line.
Liz says "There's one other thing you should know, Pat."
Pat says "Yes?"
On the phone, Terethel's voice says, "Good evening. May I speak to Mr Murphy?"
Liz says "I had an... encounter just before I got here."
Pat says "An encounter?"
Hitherby makes an amused noise over near Jordan, and murmurs softly, "An implication of certain
statements of the Great One's."
SepharTV says, "It's Terethel, Pat."
Liz nods. "It was non-violent.
Liz says "But..."
Liz stops, will wait for Pat to get off the line.
SepharTV says, "Or do you want me to take amessage?"
Sarah frowns slightly, and retreats from the photos again. Just a couple of steps, in the direction
of the bedroom door.
Pat walks towards the phone. "I quite nearly envy you, Sephar." He picks up the phone. "Yes?"
Hitherby admits, "I had ruled out Daimon, but if he is unconscious in the back room of Pat's
house, this seems to indicate increased probability that he is the -- er."
Hitherby flutters around in Kyriotate patterns. "Prospective victim of fate or malice."
On the phone, Terethel's voice says, "Mazpatiel. Sorry to bother you. I need to speak to you, or
possibly Sephar."
Jordan raises his eyebrows at Hitherby.
Pat says "Is it pressing?"
On the phone, Terethel says, "I just need to know one thing. Is the Hubble Space Telescope area
a Tether to anyone? In particular, anyone bad?"
Hitherby points out to Jordan, "Your human mannerisms will not overcome my sturdy Kyriotate
mind!" Then she hums happily.
<
<
On the phone, Sephar says, "It's Vapula's, Terethel."
Sarah thoughtfully takes another step toward the bedroom.
Jordan says, to Hitherby, "I am not attempting to overcome your sturdy Kyriotate mind. Should
I be doing so?"
On the phone, Sephar says dryly, "Yes, that's bad. Why?"
Hitherby says "Of course! There was a large prize posted a century and a half ago."
Pat says "Why is this relevant?"
Jordan says, to Hitherby, "I was not aware of that. What was the reason for the prize?"
From afar, Pat is going to try to resonate on friend Terethel over the phone.
On the phone, Terethel manages to give an impression of frowning. "Shit. Hell's bells and fucking
ding-dong. Look, thanks. I'll get back to you, all right? I need to check some more stuff and talk
to someone."
<
You paged Pat with 'Sorry, you just miss it. You _can_ tell he's definitely worried.'.
On the phone, Sephar says, "Get back soon, it's something my boss is interested in recovering
sometime. Anything would be of help."
Sarah takes the remaining few steps, and leans to check the bedroom. Doesn't go inside, only
glances. Evidently satisfied, she then steps away.
Pat says "Terethel. Things are happening. We need to know what."
Hitherby says, brightly, "It's good to know one's weaknesses!"
On the phone, Terethel's voice says, "Sure, Sephar. And I'll tell you when I _know_, Mazpatiel,
though I think it's something to do with a bang that went off earlier. All right? I'll get back to
you."
Sepharpigeon shakes its head a bit at what HItherby says and settles just a bit more quietly on
Pat's shoulder, listening.
Jordan merely looks at Hitherby, seeming perhaps a little tired.
Pat says "Alright."
On the phone, Sephar thanks and godspeeds.
On the phone, Terethel rings off.
Pat hangs up the phone, turning back to the coffee table. "Take it as given that I have spent the
next five minutes uttering profanities."
Jordan says "There is a problem?"
Hitherby's individual bugs perform daring roll-over maneuvers in the air.
Jada-dan raises an eyebrow.
Sarah murmurs, "Another one?"
Pat says "Terethel, Friend of Stone, seems to be concerned over possible Vapulan activity."
SepharTV sighs softly.
Liz mutters something about it pouring Calabites.
Jordan says, mildly, "Perhaps someone could detail the problems? I am not sure we are acquainted
with them all, yet."
Pat begins ticking fingers.
Hitherby, in the act of flitting over by Sarah, stops, reverses, and returns to the vaguely central
table.
Sarah stations herself by the bedroom door this time, looking vaguely resigned.
Hitherby looks thoughtful, flops her bird to the table, and moves her bugs back towards Sarah
again. When they get there, they wonder, soft and low, "Have you enemies I am not aware of?"
Pat says "The strife within Hell is having effects on the corporeal realm. There is a demon in my
bedroom who stands a remarkable chance of Redemption, providing that the Game does not move
to destroy him. The studio currently spread across my coffee table is at this moment an
undeterimined factor. Zebina has had an encounted she has not spoken of yet. And now I have
a Mercurian asking questions about infernal Tethers. Have I missed any?"
Jordan says "Kobal has been allegedly arrested by the game and the Lilim seeks the Prince's
freedom."
Sarah lifts a hand to provide a convenient resting place for Hitherbugs, and indicates Pat and
Jordan with a nod, as if by way of answer.
Pat nods. "I categorized it with the strife in Hell. Apologies."
Hitherby lands a bug on Sarah's hand to indicate that the offer is appreciated but unnecessary.
Jordan says "If his quest for Justice for a Prince brings Zebina, and others, into potential conflict
with demons... It is not just strife in Hell."
Liz blinks at Pat. "How did you find out about that?"
Hitherby begins to swirl somewhat faster.
Pat says "Find out about what?"
Sarah doesn't drop her hand, nonetheless.
Liz says "Lilith seeking Kobal's freedom."
Liz says "I don't remember hearing about that one."
Pat says "I believe you misheard. Daimon, the /Lilim/, seeks Kobal's freedom."
Jordan corrects, "The Lilim, Daimon. Though it would be reasonable to suspect Lilith's interest
in matters..."
Liz says "Oh."
Liz sighs.
Liz says "Right, long day."
Liz says "Well, let me add one more thing, just to stir the pot more."
Liz says "The 'encounter' I had."
Pat says "Yes?"
Liz says "A woman, about my size. Dressed with remarkable, almost fastidious neatness."
Liz says "Sunglasses, sensible shoes."
Pat frowns.
Liz says "Definitely Celestial."
Pat . o O ( Lilim... )
Liz says "*Probably* Infernal. Sephar and I are guessing Djinn."
Pat says "On what evidence?"
SepharTV says, "But she sounded disconnected."
Jordan raises his eyebrows, listens quietly.
SepharTV says, "I didn't have enough data, but Liz wished to conjecture."
Liz nods. "She was... disconnected. Emotionless, almost, until the very end."
Liz says "And then one nervous smile."
SepharTV says, "Yes."
Pat says "You have exempted the Shedim and the Impudites, then."
Liz says "She said she had my name from somewhere else, and that her wish to meet me
somewhat conflicted with her orders or her information or the person who sent her."
Liz says "She had no body language. None."
Sarah says "Interesting."
SepharTV says softly, "It was also a disconnect from other people... she didn't seem to be able
to trust us either with her problems or her orders."
Hitherby lands all of her bugs on Sarah's hand, suddenly and swiftly.
Jordan murmurs, "Common in demons..."
Liz says "So, another Demon, perhaps."
Liz says "Or possibly a dissonant Elohite, although I have no idea why she'd come to *me*."
Pat looks at Jada-dan, tilting his head towards Liz.
Sarah accepts her sudden crawling glove with equanimity.
Pat pages: Elohim signals. Any ideas?
<
Liz says "Unless Daimon's been advertising me as Redemption Angel. Seems unlikely."
Jada-dan makes another note, and tilts his head slightly in a shake.
You paged Pat with 'Unknown, Power.'.
Pat frowns. "What was the conclusion of the encounter?"
Liz says "Or maybe I'm the only Angel that's been pointed out to her, and that idea just makes me
nervous."
Liz says "Given the past few days, information about Pat, Sarah, and the others might be swirling
around."
Sarah says "Given Daimon's misconceptions of Redemption, I would imagine it unlikely, yes."
Liz says "So, Pat, Jada-Dan... any ideas?"
Liz looks up at Jordan. "Do my words... is there any Truth there?"
Pat shakes his head. "Too little evidence to form a concrete impression. How did the encounter
conclude?"
Jada-dan shakes his head, also.
Jordan looks pained. "Ah. I..." He sighs. "I am having some difficulties. I listened too closely to
matters concerning a Prince, earlier."
Liz blinks. "Oh."
Liz says "Are you all right?"
Sepharpigeon blinks.
Jordan says "Besides, you spoke in conjecture and belief. I would not be able to touch the Truth
easily though such words, even if I were entirely... functional."
Liz nods.
Jordan quasi-ignores the "are you all right" question.
Liz says "I'd like to at least know if she's a Demon or an Outcast or *whatever*."
Jordan murmurs, "As would we."
Pat says "Zebina."
Liz says "In any case, I am supposted to meet her at Sistine's at midnight."
Pat nods. "Alright. I'd suggest not being alone."
Liz says "I do not believe myself to be in any danger, and I had intended to bring Sephar with me
as a backup."
Sepharmouse squeaks and peeks out from Liz's pocket.
Liz pets Sepharmouseears.
Pat nods again.
Liz says "More than that would be premature, I guess."
Sepharmouse disappears back into the pocket.
Pat shakes his head. "Not single spies..."
Liz says "Hmm?"
Pat says "When troubles come, they come not as single spies, but as battalions."
Hitherby flutters up again and hums, softly, "Demon. It would be a demon. We are in the eyes of
Hell now. A stranger being an Outcast would be too much to ask."
Liz says "Oh. A name."
Liz says "She called herself Azalea Persephone."
Sarah says "Interesting."
Pat says "Trapped in Hades against her will?"
Liz blinks.
Liz says "I hadn't thought about it that way."
Long distance to Jordan: Demiurge grins.
Pat says "It's a logical connection."
Liz nods.
<
Hitherby murmurs, thoughtfully, "Azizel who is now Eblis bore the standard of the unholy Host
-- so I have heard."
Liz says "I knew bringing this to you would be a good idea."
Jordan murmurs, "Interesting. Potentially a *Renegade*, then."
Sarah says "And Azalea, for temperance. That's a possibility."
Pat says "Hm."
Jordan says "Or a Game-demon with a twist."
Liz nods at Jordan. "That was my other thought."
Pat . o O ( Fear our free-association. )
Liz says "I was afraid of a Game-Triad. A false Redeemer would be just as likely."
Pat says "How was her hair?"
<
Hitherby makes a sudden, amused noise. "So we have established that she is a Renegade, demon,
Outcast, angel, mortal, or undead, correct?"
Jordan says "Hair?"
Liz says "Hair?"
Liz says "Um..."
Liz says "Precise."
<
Sarah considers Hitherbugs. She says, straightfaced, "It seems most likely."
Pat frowns.
Hitherby then falls back into pensive humming.
Liz says "She was very... precise. Newly pressed, almost."
Pat frowns more.
Pat says "We have no evidence of Focals' fate."
Liz says "Finally, I plan to contact my Organization to ask the status of Focals, both the Company
and the Demon."
Liz says "I'd like to find that Lilim of the Game."
Liz says "And the Game Calabite, if it's still around."
Liz says "Sephar is already tracking down connections from the Game Files."
Liz beams at the TV fondly.
Sarah quirks a wry smile. "I could wander the streets alone for you, Liz, but it would not be my
favorite method of Calabite-location."
Hitherby wonders, quietly, "Jordan, do you believe in prophecy?"
Jordan says "Prophecy, Hitherby?"
Long distance to Daimon: Demiurge hms. If this lot keep on talking, I think Daimon might wake
up anyhow. They're hardly keeping their voices down.
Daimon pages: Okay, sure.
You paged Daimon with 'Feel free to stagger in, yawning, bemused, and funky. ;)'.
Liz looks over the information on the table, and sighs. She looks like an Ofanite with a Puzzle:
*FRUSTRATED*.
Hitherby bobs gently in the air. "A moment when the future becomes as inevitable as the past? I
know that a mind like an Archangel's can *predict* most things --" She hesitates. "I am not
speaking of minds like an Archangel's."
The door to the bedroom opens slightly.
Jordan says, gently, "What are you speaking of, Hitherby?"
Daimon peers through the crack at the sound of the multitudes of voices, blinking really blearily.
Sarah turns promptly at the hint of movement.
Daimon whispers, "Sarah?" Dilated pupils and all that show that he's still very very stoned.
Jada-dan and Maasiai both glance to the door, then Maasiai resumes her guarding stance.
Sarah offers her hand. Not the one Hitherby occupied. "Yes, Daimon."
Daimon reaches out to take her hand. "Wha's goin' on?"
Hitherby says, quietly, not even noticing Daimon behind her (not that she notices things very
well), "It seems to me that -- it has become inevitable -- that we, at least some of us, will be going
to Hell at Daimon's side -- and not by Falling."
Jordan murmurs, "It is my wish that none of you shall Fall, and my duty to ensure this."
Sarah says "An impromptu information-sharing and strategy session, it seems."
Daimon says, "Oh." He pushes the door open, and leans against the door jam. "Why?"
Liz stands up, and walks across the floor to Daimon. "Hi."
Hitherby hums with momentary amusement. "I do not have it in me to become a Shedite, I assure
you."
Pat looks over at Daimon, nodding to him.
Daimon looks at Liz, and grins a little bit. He's really wobbly.
Demiurge notes: it's near to the time that Liz is going to have to dash back to the hangar, if she
wants to collect the camera.
<
Liz kisses Daimon's cheek, and holds him for just a little bit, until her resonance causes her to
move on.
<
Daimon does a little bit of Liz holding, and lets her go when the time is right.
Liz snugs Daimon. "I have to go. I'll be back in the morning, okay?"
Daimon nods. "You wan- you wanna me stay here?"
Jordan smiles. "Good. I also hope that no one here must actually go to Hell, either. I do not
approve of such plans, on principle."
Sarah nods toward Jordan, calmly enough.
Liz says "Yes, stay here, with Pat and Sarah. They're good for your state of mind, I think, and
they can Protect you. Being around me might not be the safest thing on the planet, just now."
Liz bows to Jordan. "Most Holy, with your permission, I must depart."
Hitherby seems amused again. "It will happen eventually," she says quietly. "At least, it must." She
considers. "It is difficult to explain."
Daimon says, "Okay," slowly, as his numbed brain digests this. "Okay. They were gettin' into my
head. But you stay safe."
Pat look at Jordan. "It may yet become necessary."
Jordan nods to Liz. "You have things to do. I trust none of them will be... rash?"
SepharTV says, "Uhm... I could... uhm... collect the cameras..."
Liz smiles at Sephar. "They're not Soldiers, Sephar. I doubt they would accept a Pigeon taking
delivery."
Sarah glances between Hitherbird and Pat, and arches an eyebrow.
Liz says "And I need to get to Shannen's, too."
Sephar says "They. Okay."
Daimon goes back to leaning against the doorjam. He's trying to figure out who all is here, but
they won't stay still enough.
Jordan says, to Pat and Hitherby, "Perhaps it will become necessary to storm Hell itself in some
fashion, but there is great risk in that. It is not a 'neutral course of action.'"
Hitherby says, "I was taught a long time ago that your Destiny begins with the hardest choice one
could ever make. And I have been in Hell, once, long enough to understand what that choice, for
me, must consist of. I had not expected it so soon --"
Pat nods to Jordan. "I am aware of this, Most Holy. But there is injustice here, and I am certain
that you can feel it as I can."
Hitherby bobs gently. "There are other factors. I would not," a chrisk, "exactly leap at any
chance."
Jordan looks from Hitherbugs to Pat. "There would be equal injustice in allowing Zebina, or
yourself, or Daimon, to be caught by the Game. Perhaps more injustice, for Kobal *is* a Prince,
and did not get that power by being selfless." He sighs. "But yes, I feel the injustice present."
Sarah keeps an eye upon Daimon's balance, just to be certain.
Daimon looks nice and wobbly. And stoned.
Liz says to Jordan, "I will try to be as careful as my nature allows, but I will not be indirect."
Liz says "Godspeed, Most Holy. Everyone."
Pat nods to Jordan, satisfied with the answer.
Jordan says, to Liz, "Very well. Godspeed, Wheel."
Sarah steadies Daimon, but only as necessary.
Liz looks at Daimon very carefully. "Take care, Daimon. Be well."
Daimon smiles, and waves to Liz, and can't remember why she's leaving.
Hitherby's crow looks up, startled, shaken out of its reverie. Then the bugs say, "Oh. Bye, Liz."
Liz flashes out of the house, to the car, and is gone, leaving the hardcopy for Pat behind her.
Jordan makes several notes in his notepad, almost absently.
Daimon whispers to Sarah, "Nice coffee smells in the kitchen."
Jordan frowns slightly, realizing that Liz has gotten away without explaining *why* she's taking
arial photos of this potentially demonic-influenced studio.
Hitherby's crow glances to Jordan as the bugs mutter, "I expect you recall how Asmodeus came
to power quite well."
<
Jordan says "I was not created then."
Liz . o O (Pat could probably explain why good photographic intelligence is important if you're
going to raid a place.)
Sarah agrees, to Daimon, "There is coffee. Would you like some?"
Hitherby explodes outwards from her swarm center to maximum distance, then compresses again.
"The stories, then."
Daimon nods, very slowly. "It smells very.... coffeeish."
Pat looks over the photos again, moving them around into random juxtapositions.
Jordan says "I have heard the stories. Asmodeus listened too closely to the words of he who
would become the first among Balseraphs. He Fell. He was granted a Princedom."
Sarah steadies Daimon against the door, and goes to get him coffee from the kitchen.
Thoughtfully, she only fills the cup halfway.
Jordan leans foward to look at the pictures with Pat. "I believe I have missed the explanation for
why we have these photos."
Hitherby hums a faint, low tone, and then manages a buzzing giggle.
Pat says "The studio is tied to Focals Investments."
Hitherby says, "Fair enough. Hi, Daimon."
Pat says "Closely tied, from what I understand."
Daimon blinks at Hitherby for a minute before he realizes that Hitherby is Hitherby. "Hi."
Jordan says "Which is the Game-company, if I recall the briefing...?"
Pat nods.
Jordan says "And you are gathering information on this studio. To what purpose?"
Pat says "To determine the extent of the ties."
Pat says "And their nature."
Hitherby, already aware of who she is, manages to respond rather quicker, with a "How are you?"
Hitherby says "Did you suffer a head wound?"
Jordan raises his eyebrows. "Photographs from an airplane determine ties?"
Pat says "Photographs from an airplane determine layout and use. If physical reconnaisance
becomes necessary, it will be of assistance."
Daimon blinks. "No... no head wound. It just go' ver' _loud_ and I couldn' sleep even though I
tried puttin' a pillow over my head and stuff. I'm jus' sleepy. SleepING. Sleepying."
Sarah hands Daimon his coffee. Waits to be sure that he actually has hold of it.
Jordan thinks. "*Are* you planning to ... invade a potentially demonic stronghold?"
Hitherby flutters over and peers at the pictures again, but does not admit that she is not certain
how something *flat* can give any idea of what anything's layout is.
Pat says "Not at the moment, no."
Sarah says mildly, "Not at present, that I am aware of."
Pat says "I do not discount the possibility."
Daimon looks like he can manage holding the cup. He adjusts his leaning and drinks a little coffee.
Jordan sighs.
Sarah says "Given the extent of the, ah, cellars, I believe that we can upgrade its status from
'potentially demonic' to 'probably demonic', however."
Pat tries to lock eyes with Jordan over the pictures.
Hitherby says, "I could borrow your Vessel if you wish to return to the Marches?"
Jordan says "Extent of the cellars?"
Jordan meets Pat's gaze, as soon as he notices.
Daimon says "I wasn' in the Marches."
Hitherby says, "Oh."
Hitherby says, reasonably, "Where were you?"
Daimon sips a little coffee, and starts working his way to the floor. "The bedroom."
Sarah says "It isn't my specialty, of course, but the lines of subsidence made it fairly clear that
there was a substantial underground complex."
Pat resonates on Jordan as he speaks. "We are gathering information. We will continue to gather
information until a course becomes clear. Until that time, discarding potential lines of inquiry is
less than optimal."
<
<
SepharTV says softly, "The only way we can determine where those satallite dishes are pointing
is by physical recon, too."
Sarah glances back to Daimon, and lends both hands to support if it looks like his trip to the floor
is likely to accelerate.
Daimon is just sliding down to sit on the floor, which is more stable then the wall. At least in his
opinion.
Hitherby says "I don't think borrowing your Vessel would help you return to the bedroom. Or,
well, it *could*, but not really."
Daimon says "Oh."
Daimon offers his coffee up to Hitherby.
Sarah is merely keeping an eye on the slide to make sure it doesn't metamorphose into a fall.
Hitherby's crow, halfway across the room, makes another hacking noise.
SepharTV laughs softly.
Jordan is currently a bit stressed, and concerned for the safety of all the angels around. Strongest
emotion is probably the concern, with frustration right behind it, because messing with demons
is a dangerous thing. Especially for civilians.
Daimon shrugs, not disappointed that Hitherby didn't want the coffee, and takes another sip.
Jordan says "Is this at all connected with Daimon's quest to... gain justice for a Prince?"
Pat says "Yes."
SepharTV says mildly, "I don't think so... that particular business was in the data I picked up from
Focals before any of that came to light..."
Sarah says "Focals would be a connection, Sephar."
Hitherby hums atonally, "Everything is connected."
Hitherby reflects. "Each situation is determined by a limited number of prime motivating factors,"
she adds.
SepharTV quiets for a moment, "Ah. Hrm. I thought it was more to know one's enemy rather
than specifically for Daimon's sake."
Pat says "It's less for Daimon's sake than for the sake of justice, Sephar."
Hitherby's crow makes another hacking noise.
There comes a knock at Pat's front door, definitely firm and definitely loud.
SepharTV says dryly, "I'd put it, rather, that Daimon's quest is connected to *our* desire to make
things right."
Jordan presses his lips together, looks in Daimon's direction, and murmurs to Pat, "Our
instructions were to leave the Lilim be if he was following a neutral course of action. Dragging
Zebina, yourself, Chephirah, and the others into danger will *not* be neutral -- and the situation
will become very much more complex."
Daimon says, vaguely, to himself, "I'm not draggin' anyone into anythin'."
Pat looks over at the door. "She's quick." He looks back at Jordan. "We'll deal with that if it
becomes the case." He moves for the door.
Sarah glances toward the door. Sighs, slightly, and slips between it and Daimon.
SepharTV blinks dark.
Maasiai moves to one side of the door, drawing her gun again and standing ready.
Hitherby . o O ( It's the pizza I ordered! No wait. :) )
Jordan considers the photographs some more.
Pat looks in the peephole, scrunches his face for a moment, and turns back to the apartment.
"Daimon? How are you feeling at the moment?"
SepharTV whispers, dark, "It's not Liz."
Pat says "I know."
Daimon says, flatly, "Like bits of a military academy. Parts of me keep passin' out."
Eduardo stands outside the door, his trenchcoat as black as his celestial form's wings and his face
not much lighter. He looks impatient.
Pat looks at Sarah. "It's Edward."
Sarah winces.
Eduardo knocks again, a little louder.
<
<
<
<
<
Jordan pages: Mangled motivations?
Jada-dan glances at Sarah again, and his eyes go flat and expressionless. He makes a couple of
quick gestures.
<
<
You paged Pat and Jordan with 'Most Holy, the Cherub is terrified by the person beyond the door.
I suspect that it is some renegade or outcast, and advocate extreme caution.'.
<
<
<
<
Jordan straightens and stands, walking over to Pat. "Who is this?"
Pat looks at Jada-dan, his eyes narrowing. "No."
Maasiai's eyes flick to Jada-dan, and she goes tense, watching the door steadily.
Sarah says mildly, "I'll stay between him and Lightner, if I --" She pauses, looking between
Jada-dan and Pat.
<
Pat looks at Jordan. "I must disagree with his assesment, Most Holy. He is mistaken."
Jada-dan says, in Pat's direction, "Her emotions are entirely clear. She is afraid."
Pat says "She is not."
<
Jordan looks pained and checks the peephole himself.
<
Hitherby's bird flutters over by Sephar and her swarm moves over by Sarah.
Eduardo looks about at the cars, then back at the door. He raises his hand to knock again,
impatience written even larger on his face and his badge in his free hand. "This is the police.
Please open the door."
Eduardo. o O ( OK. Pat's here. He's not answering. Must be trouble."
Sarah frowns slightly, but does not make any sudden moves. Or any moves at all, really. "I don't
have any reason to be afraid. They've already met."
<
Long distance to Jordan: Demiurge takes it that was a detect lies?
Jordan pages: Yes.
Pat watches Jada-dan as he speaks to Jordan. "Edward, Virtue of Fire."
Daimon looks a bit confused, but everything is very confusing right now.
Jordan frowns, and will open the door (unless Pat is in the way), and stand in the doorway.
Hitherby cannot imagine Sarah being afraid. She dared attack *me*, didn't she, once?
Pat will let the door be opened.
Sepharbird flutters up into the air, to quietly dance about Hitherby's.
<
Pat pages: Can I resonate on Daimon?
Jordan is tall, dressed in a suit, with Good Cheekbones.
Maasiai remains in guard position, twitching somewhat as Jordan puts himself in full view of the
doorway.
You paged Pat with 'Sure.'.
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Jordan says, standing in the doorway, "Edward?"
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Pat glances at the door, then at Maasai and Jada-dan, flicking his chin once with a fingernail.
Eduardo stares at Jordan, who he Does Not Recognise, and who is calling him by his Angelic
name. "Eduardo. Detective Chavez." He attemps to peer past the block.
Eduardo says "Could you move out of the way, please?"
Pat pages: Subject is potentially agressive. Be wary without being confrontational.
Eduardo still has his badge in his left hand, but his right is free and clear.
Pat says "Edward."
Jordan moves aside a bit. "I'm called Jordan. I'm an associate of Mazpatiel's." He's looking over
his shoulder at Sarah.
You sense Liz will spend the next few hours mounting the camera in her plane, probably in the
cockpit right behind her so she can change film easily, pointing down through the floor.
Jada-dan inclines his head slightly, and moves sideways in the room. Maasiai keeps her gun
drawn, but pointed down rather than at anybody.
Eduardo gives Pat a somewhat surprised look, and then squints back to Jordan. "In that case,"
he says. "It is an honour to meet you." He extends his right hand.
Long distance to Liz: Demiurge nods.
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Jordan shakes Edward's hand.
Eduardo also starts to move forward, rather regardless.
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Jordan will move backwards, out of the way, so long as Sarah shows no panic.
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Sarah keeps her place, between Daimon and the door, looking - resigned, still.
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Hitherswarm assumes a place between Sarah and the door, having vaguely figured out something
about what's going on.
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Hitherswarm's body provides exactly zero visual or armor-like protection, though. :)
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Eduardo studies Jordan appraisingly, then glances over to Pat. "I like your friend," he says, stony
faced.
Pat says "I'm glad. Close the door and I'll introduce the other two."
Jordan murmurs, "That eases things."
Eduardo closes the door behind himl glancing around; his stoniest face reserved for Daimon but
the looks he gives the rest of the gathering certainly not must warmer. One has to wonder if he
knows how to smile, or if his Vessel even *has* those muscles.
Daimon doesn't look like he notices. The opposite wall is suddenly so _interesting_.
Sepharpigeon settles again on Pat's shoulder.
Jordan will let Pat do the introducing.
Jordan wants to have some ...words... with Jada-dan, though.
Eduardo says "Edward. Virtue of Fire," by way of redundant introduction.
Maasiai, a tall dark woman, slides her gun away, and resumes guard stance by the door. Jada-dan
nods politely, watching.
Pat indicates the other two. "Jada-dan, Power of Judgement, and Maasai, Guardian of Judgement.
I present Edward, Virtue of Fire, an associate with a similar corporeal assignment to my own."
Sarah nods toward Eduardo, stationed by Daimon. More for Daimon's benefit than the rest of the
room's, apparently.
Hitherby's bird croaks vaguely to Eduardo.
Eduardo doesn't even glance towards the gun-wielder, though he does purse his lips.
Pat then looks at Eduardo for a moment. "Hitherby and Sephar are occupying my shoulders."
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Eduardo executes a terribly precise bow, a gesture both formal and very wrong given his dress.
Jordan nods graciously and says, "We are currently making what I believe has been termed, 'the
usual nuisance of ourselves.' It is well to meet you."
Sephar cooo's softly.
Eduardo straightens, and his expression still lacks even the faintest flicker of humour. "Of course,"
he says, then glances over and nods to Pat. "I do not believe I have met them all."
Hitherby hums in a series of random tones, "They're fun."
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Pat says "Dominations, both. Hitherby serves the Word of Jordi, and Sephar is Jean's. Have you
made the acquaintance of Chephirah?"
Jordan moves back to a position that almost flanks Sarah, the better to keep an eye on Daimon's
state.
Hitherby hums, abruptly, "The Word of *Animals*. Jordi isn't a *Word*."
Pat says "My apologies. I intended to convey Jordi's Word. My phrasing was poor."
Hitherby hums, darkly, "Just you watch out, or I'll apply for the Word of Mazpatiel."
Sarah conceals a slight smile.
Eduardo ahs at Pat again, and then says "There was a Calabite." He frowns. "It escaped."
Pat says "It fled, at the intervention of my Superior."
Sephar bobs a nod at its introduction, but mostly just listens.
Jordan is just listening too, and watching to see if anyone is going to have a delayed freak-out.
Eduardo blinks, slowly. "It fled again, in that case."
Pat says "Yes."
Hitherby hums, "Those crazy Calabim. You can never get a complete description because you can
only see their backsides."
Eduardo says "Ah. Persistent."
Daimon looks over at Eduardo, and chews thoughtfully on his lip.
Pat restrains his mirth.
Hitherby adds, "He fled a third time, by the way, earlier."
Sarah takes another, longer moment before she straightens. "It was. It may still be."
Eduardo frowns again. "I would have burnt it that first time," and there is passion in his vouice
for the first time, a crackling of flames banked behind a steel door.
Sarah loses her amusement, and steps back to rest a hand on Daimon's shoulder.
Daimon closes his eyes, and leans his head against the nice cool wall.
Sarah murmurs, "It'll be all right, Daimon."
Daimon nods slowly.
Eduardo gives Daimon a vaguely surprised glance, then looks back to Pat. "It would have saved
... trouble."
Pat says "Quite probably. May I ask what brings you here?"
Eduardo turns. "To see what had passed. Every time I try and act, some mortal business takes me
away."
Eduardo says "A conflict of Duties."
Eduardo gives another frown.
Hitherby hums airily, "Oh, yah, I hate those."
Pat nods. "A consequence of devotion."
Eduardo gives Hitherby a less than amused look. "And since I had acheived nothing in the one,
I went to execute my Mistresses will in another."
Pat pages to Demiurge and Jordan: There may have been a trace of sarcasm there.
Jordan says quietly, "Perhaps he knows something of the studio?" He looks at Sarah. "And its
cellars?"
Sarah shakes her head, more indicating lack of knowledge than negation. "I don't have the
slightest idea."
Eduardo raises an eyebrow. "No."
Eduardo says "Just the Song in the Mall."
You paged Eduardo with 'Bellman Studios: there have been a couple of investigations of them
in the past, but nothing ever got turned up.'.
Jordan says "Song? Mall?"
Pat blinks. "Is that where it was? I felt it below ground, I hadn't though of Crystal City."
Eduardo frowns again, still standing straight in the middle of the room. "I am Virtue. My abilities
lie in other directions that investigations." Again, he glances at Daimon, almost unconsciously.
Jordan gets out his notepad again.
Jordan makes notes.
Pat says "Jordan. To the south of the city is an underground community known as Crystal City.
There was a disturbance in that area earlier this evening."
Sarah squeezes Daimon's shoulder, and returns a calm look toward Eduardo.
Jordan looks enlightened. "Ah. Thank you. A problem you forgot to mention, or merely an
event?"
Daimon keeps his eyes closed. He doesn't really want to see this anyway.
Pat says "An event that I no particulars on. It seems Edward is more aware of the proceedings."
Eduardo turns to the Cherub, nods slowly once again; a recognition and an acknowledgement in
both gesture and mien. Then he turns back. "Somewhat. I found nothing, save another Virtue and
... another." He frowns once more. "Which studio?"
Jordan makes a gesture at the information on the coffee table.
Pat says "Bellman's Productions. In Reston, I believe. Another Virtue?"
Hitherby hums atonally, "Charity? Honesty? Love?"
Eduardo nods. "Indeed," he says, crossing to the table; his walk betraying an easy arrogance only
barely subdued by the presence of the Triad. (I mean, he's done nothing wrong and if he has, he'd
be harder on himself than they are). He picks up the papers and says "I have heard of it. Never
a homicide investigation, but there have been others."
Eduardo merely gives Hitherby another *look*.
Pat says "Oh? Of what sort?"
You paged Eduardo with 'Vice Squad once, and tax evasion a couple of times. Neither ever found
anything that you know of, though you weren't really involved, so are short on info.'.
Hitherby ignores the look. As long as she has so *many* of her friends here, she's as close to
following Jordi's orders as you can get and not be a hyperactive Cherub.
Eduardo says "He was in service to Dream."
Jordan takes notes.
Pat says "Was he the source of the Song?"
Eduardo shakes his head. "He and the other were investigating it."
Jordan murmurs, "Other?"
Eduardo nods. "Other."
Eduardo says "Very ... cheerful. Overly much so."
Pat frowns. "Female vessel?"
Eduardo nods.
Pat looks at Sarah and Daimon. "Shannen, perhaps?"
Eduardo says "She took us to a coffee shop."
Eduardo says "Good coffee."
Eduardo gives the closest he has given so far to a look of approbation.
Pat nods. "Shannen. Novalis'."
Jordan makes more notes.
Sarah agrees, "Almost certainly."
Jada-dan scribbles something hieroglyphic.
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Eduardo says just "Ah," and then -- after a moment. "That might explain it."
You paged Eduardo with 'If you're looking closely at the photos, make an Int roll.'.
Pat nods, moving to the table. "You said you had heard of the Studio?"
Hitherby hums, "Shannen is okay. Although she hangs out with humans too much."
Jordan makes notes in response to Hitherby's hum!
Pat steals a peek at Jada-dan's notes while he's walking.
Eduardo studies his papers as he talks. "Vice. Fraud."
Eduardo says "Somewhat out of my area."
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Pat says "We suspect Infernal ties."
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Demiurge says "Eduardo, you notice that the lines of the sets and outdoor buildings have an
underlying structure that suggest underground workings, such as cellars. Large cellars."
Hitherby's steady buzz grows momentarily tentative when Jordan notes her comment, but then
strengthens again.
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Eduardo squints. "Odd."
Pat says "Odd?"
Pat says "That vice and fraud would have Infernal origin?"
Eduardo says "No. These."
Pat says "What?"
Eduardo waves the papers. "The other one could expect. Lilim. Impudites."
Pat says "You have an insight, then?"
Eduardo nods, not even glancing at Daimon as he says "The walls are laid out as if supported
from beneath."
Eduardo says "A basement. Possibly a large one."
Pat ahs. "Cellars."
Jordan walks over as well, to examine the photographs again.
Sarah smiles slightly. "Confirmation."
Pat looks up and nods to Sarah, a faint smile there. "Indeed."
Hitherby swirls about, and then wonders, "Why would the *Media* need cellars?"
Hitherby says "Are they cloning dead TV stars down there?"
Sarah says "More likely Lust."
Hitherby falls silent and settles to the ground like dust. "Oh."
Pat says "Wonderful. They're cloning John Holmes."
Eduardo hands the papers over to Jordan in silence..
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Jordan looks through papers.
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Sarah gives Pat a faintly puzzled look.
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SepharTV ews softly.
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Hitherby rises up gently and wonders, "How big is this place?"
Eduardo shrugs. "I can't tell."
Demiurge says "Actually, there's one shot of a scene being filmed, which suggest there's about half
to three-quarters of a mile of sets out back."
Demiurge says "An accidental shot by Liz of some filming in progress. With Barbarian Hero and
Heroine In Bikini and Furry Monster."
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Sephar flutters to the table and scratches out the appropriate photo.
Pat points at one of the photos. "There. If those are indeed people, we're looking at at least a half
of a square mile."
Sarah says "How pleasant."
Demiurge notes: the underground cellars do not stretch over this entire area. They do have a
sizable area, though. Rather more than the building specs in Liz's folder state.
Jordan is laying out blueprints, and making more sketches on a blank sheet from his notepad.
Jordan pages: At your discretion, the Seraph has a mystery, and would probably be trying to
figure out what the layout of the cellars could *mean* -- he does have Tactics...
Hitherby hums darkly. "That is a problem."
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Jordan pages: Also Artistry -- is it laid out in the celestial symbol for LUST, or EVIL or
something... O;>
Long distance to Jordan: Demiurge thinks he isn't really getting much more than "they're big and
roughly this pattern" now that he's had the rough structure pointed out. No, no celestial symbol.
;)
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Daimon IS paying attention. Just being silent.
Hitherby whispers, gently, "Lust has a tendency to do terrible things."
Jordan pages: Okay. No notions whether they're defensible, or if they extend around under things
such that there could be Secret Passages, then?
Jordan murmurs to Hitherby, "All demons do terrible things, at one time or another."
Eduardo nods. "There is a reason we do not suffer Evil to live."
You paged Jordan with 'It looks as if the passages would have to be from the main buildings.
Nothing obvious otherwise. The cellars do centre on/generate from the overground buildings.'.
Hitherby mutters, "Therefore, if we are *not* going to raid this place, we must arrange for
someone else to do so."
Pat murmurs "Just be certain it's Evil, Virtue."
Daimon has quite a commentary on Lust, be keeps it to himself.
Jordan pages: They're just bigger than they should be, for some reason. Equipment, or secret
apartments, maybe.
Pat says "These blueprints show a rather small foundation area."
Long distance to Jordan: Demiurge nods. They're bigger than on the "official" building plans, very
definitely. Some expanded, some entirely new.
Jordan pages: Is there any indication of what the buildings are *for*? Or are they all just
"buildings"?
Sarah kneels down beside Daimon; doesn't, still, touch more than his shoulder.
Hitherby hesitates. "How small?"
Pat says "Too small, I think."
Daimon reaches up, and covers Sarah's hand in his own.
Daimon pages: Well, maybe I should pick up Sarah's needs, just for reference.
You paged Jordan with 'In the official plans, the bottom line of the U is "office space" and the two
arms are "indoor sets and so on".'.
You paged Daimon with 'Roll for check digit. ;)'.
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Daimon pages: Thank god that's automatic.
Hitherby says "It is not a -- smaller version of -- down below? then?"
You paged Sarah and Daimon with 'What are Sarah's "level 2" needs? Protect Daimon, protect
Pat, sort this out?'.
Sarah doesn't pull her hand away; stays, patient.
Pat says "These may be inaccurate."
Pat says "Sephar?"
Jordan pages: And now the cellars are extended. But they're all *under* something... Are there
any areas that would have been isolated from the other cellars, if the additions had not been made?
SepharTV says, "Hm?"
Pat says "Are there copies of these plans in the data packet?"
Sephar says "Yes."
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You paged Jordan with 'Not really. Possibly some bits at the ends of the "arms" of the U.'.
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Pat says "Can you arrange for Terethel to receive a copy, then? Just of the plans. He's an architect
by Role."
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Jordan pages: Okay.
Sephar says "Sure."
Pat says "Thank you."
Sephar says "May I use your computer?"
Liz, out at the hangar, is lookind down through the camera mount in her cockpit. She looks a bit
more, stops, and says, "Oh. Hell."
Sephar says "And your account, then I can just forward things."
Liz says "Sephar?"
Pat says "Of course. You set it up, remember."
Jordan is just frowning at his sketches, which seem to be rough outlines of the 'official' cellars, and
the actual ones.
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Sepharmouse says, "Yes, Liz."
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Liz says "Remember those satellite dishes?"
SepharTV chuckles, "It's always good to ask, though."
Pat nods.
Sephar lights up Pat's computer.
Pat has no idea what the specs on his computer are. Sephar told him what to buy and he bought
it. :)
Sepharmouse says, "Yes?"
Liz says "Could those dishes pass information back and forth from, say, the Hubble Space
Telescope?"
Sepharmouse says, "Oh, yes."
Liz says "I was afraid of that."
Sepharmouse chuckles, "Yes."
Sepharmouse sighs, "Me, too."
Liz says "Is there a way to verify if they're pointed at the Hubble?"
Liz does not know a thing about Orbital Mechanics.
From afar, Sarah feeds you needs and asks you to filter. :) Protect Daimon. Keep Eduardo from
scaring Daimon. Spend more time with Pat, so long as it doesn't interfere with their duties.
Untangle this mess. See Daimon reach as close to his Destiny as possible. Keep the Game off of
all their backs. Finish the chocolate mousse cake. :)
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You paged Sarah and Daimon with 'Sarah's level 2 needs: protect Daimon, untangle this mess,
spend more time with Pat, finish the chocolate mousse.'.
Daimon smiles, just a little.
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Sepharcomputer balls up the data with the Architect's key and sends it off.
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Sepharmouse says thoughtfully, "From the pictures, they didn't seem to be pointed to the right
quadrant of the sky..."
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Liz sighs. "Thank goodness."
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Liz happily goes back to tinkering with the camera.
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