Pat is outside the hanger, looking for signs of Liz occupation.
Liz is inside the hangar, with her plane.
Pat realizes this, and knocks on the door.
Liz grabs her gun, pads over to the door, looks out through the peephole.
Pat stands on the other side of the peephole, looking nothing at all like a Game plant.
Liz opens the door. She's dressed in a flight suit, with the odd bit of grease on it from maintenance on Amelia.
Liz says "Pat, hi. Come in."
Pat nods, stepping in. "Good morning."
Liz says "I hope you're well. It's been a busy morning."
Sepharhangar-pigeon pecks at some seed spread on a file cabinet.
Liz says "I have coffee and tea, if you'd like eather."
Liz says "And we need to talk."
Pat nods. "Coffee, please. And yes, we do."
Pat waves at the pigeon.
Liz says "First. Bellmans is a Tether to Nightmares, not Lust or the Game."
Sephar bobs quietly to Pat.
Pat says "Well, we were told it wasn't Media. Nightmare. Hrm."
Liz says "Second, they're aware of us. They sent a Calabite to keep an eye on me. Fortunately she seems to want to Redeem. She's currently in Sanctuary, at a Tether of Creation, under the protection of the Seneschal and a Malakite of Creation in Service to Dreams."
Liz seems rather dazed as she relates this.
Pat frowns. "Creation?"
Liz says "Creation."
Pat says "I see."
Liz says "You'll never believe where the Tether is, either."
Pat says "I'm guessing one of the museums."
Liz says "Sistine's. The restaurant."
Pat just closes his eyes.
Pat then starts laughing. It sounds more hysterical than amused.
Liz shrugs a little helplessly.
Liz says "I was to meet her there. I had no idea at the time that it was a Tether. Nor did I know there was a Malakite of Creation in service to Dreams there."
Liz says "I was... disturbed when I found out."
Pat is still laughing.
Liz says "That said, he's now, get this, protective of her."
Pat sobers, with some effort.
Pat says "The Malakite is protective?"
Sephar coo's softly, "And he met her first, said that she had incredible potential."
Liz nods. "Yeah. She supposedly has the potential to be a major Word-bound Ofanite, which is why he didn't try to kill her on sight."
Liz shakes her head. "Stressful night."
Pat says "It's going to get worse."
Pat says "Daimon arranged to have lunch with Terry."
Liz says "Oh, and I may have found out what happened to the Seneschal of the destroyed Comedy tether."
Liz sighs.
Liz says "It just keeps getting better. I'll bring my earplugs."
Pat says "Alright. Let's take this one step at a time. Chronologically. You go first."
Liz says "Okay."
Pat says "You said you had coffee?"
Liz nods.
Pat says "May I?"
Liz goes into the office.
Liz pours Pat a *heaping* big mug.
Liz hands it over.
Liz sits.
Liz says "Okay."
Liz says "Last night, after I left, I stopped by Shannen's."
Pat takes the mug, and sits as well. "Go ahead."
Sephar flutters quietly to land on the table and preen quietly, just listening.
Liz says "Putting together her experiences of the day along with that Habbalite Daimon, Eduardo and I met earlier, I'm guessing that the Seneschal is being sheltered by Servitors of Lust, and has managed to get some access to healing, although it's unreliable."
Pat makes mental notes.
Liz says "I do not have a definite location on him, though. I also dropped off the medical supplies, the information about Bellmans, and informed Shannen about the Demon who may wish to redeem."
Pat nods.
Liz says "Shannen then informed me that the 'neutral' place I'd told the Demon to meet me at, Sistine's, is a Tether of Creation, and she'd had dinner there earlier with the Malakite."
Liz says "I left shortly thereafter to attempt to beat Azalea to the restaurant. I failed."
Pat says "Azalea is the Calabite?"
Liz says "Calabite, yes. of Nightmares. She'd come from Bellmans. Presumably it is a Tether, and a major one."
Liz says "Taroniel, aka 'Aron', is in town to keep an eye out for Nightmare activities. I'd say this qualifies."
Pat nods. "This closes the ends on your meeting last night, then. Alright."
Liz says "He is not the Seneschal of the Tether, by the way. The Seneschal is the cook. That explains the food."
Pat says "Clearly."
Liz says "Aron and Azalea met before I could get there. Evidently he resonated her, and found out her Potential, which kept him from killing her on the spot."
Pat nods.
Liz says "I came along shortly thereafter. We had a highly uncomfortable four way conversation, as Sephar was along with, but in the end, it was confirmed that Azalea is definitely considering switching sides."
Pat says "Good to hear."
Liz says "She is a Calabite, but it's clear she's suppressing her destructive tendencies. She has neater grooming than a Seraph."
Liz says "She's also not a Game plant, I think, nor is she a plant by Nightmares."
Pat says "Then why is she here?"
Liz says "Her assignment was to watch me, specifically."
Pat says "Ah."
Liz says "I am, and presumably you, Sarah, and Daimon are, known to Nightmares."
Liz says "Probably through the Game."
Pat says "Lines are being drawn. Interesting."
Liz says "So I recommend checking out whether or not you're being watched."
Pat nods.
Liz says "Azalea was also given my address as well as my identity. This Hangar is no longer safe for anyone, probably including me, but I need it to fly out of."
Pat looks absurdly relieved.
Liz says "Your house may also be known to, ah, hostile Infernal forces."
Liz says "Aside from the odd Demon Princess, of course."
Pat says "Of course."
Liz says "Sistine's is unknown. Shannen's coffee house may or may not be known."
Liz says "I recommend we consider moving our operations around."
Pat says "Or reinforcing them. Regardless, it will be considered. Go on."
Liz says "That is about it. Azalea has been granted Sanctuary by the Seneschal at the Tether, and is presumably there or nearby."
Liz says "I took a morning flight over Bellmans at fairly high altitude to do recon. I will have detailed photo reconnaisance of the grounds shortly."
Pat says "Good."
Liz says "I have also made a full report to my Superior via email."
Sephar quietly says, "Hitherby and I could recon around your place, Pat. She's already patrolling, some."
Pat says "If there is anything in his response that could be shared, it would be appreciated."
Liz smiles at Sephar. "That would help a lot, yes."
Pat nods to Sephar. "Thank you."
Liz says "I'll relay what information I can, of course."
Pat nods to Liz.
Liz says "So, my evaluation:"
Liz says "The Game and Nightmares are working together. Lust and Media are aiding Dark Humor. War sent warning, although too late, to Dark Comedy tethers, and may be allied somehow with the latter group."
Liz says "The War, excuse me."
Pat purses his lips. "Curious."
Liz says "It's speculation."
Liz says "The Habbalite seemed to be of War. I have no confirmation."
Pat nods.
Liz says "Maximum deniability."
Liz says "The Seneschal of Dark Humor is sheltered with Lust, and is presumably findable if we need to get ahold of him."
Pat says "Of course. I've a feeling that full declarations have not arrived yet."
Liz says "Aron can probably be considered a strong ally where Nightmares is concerned. He has a directive to investigate Nightmare activity."
Pat says "And a personal interest, apparently."
Liz says "Both he and I have a personal interest now."
Pat nods.
Liz says "If I can get a Calabite to Redeem, I will."
Pat says "I'll have to make note of this, of course."
Liz says "Of course."
Pat nods.
Liz says "I expect everything I tell you will make it back to Judgement. Given who Daimon's working for, I'd expect nothing less."
Pat says "I've word on that, in due time."
Liz nods.
Sephar says softly, "A good balancing knowledge, I'd thik."
Liz says "My Superior indicated that, if circumstances require it, Auditors are available for both Bellmans and Focals."
Liz says "I'm getting close to calling them out."
Pat nods. "It may well become necessary."
Liz says "I have also recommended that a Servitor of Creation of some type contact Tania, the human girl at the Opera who was taught the Song of Thunder."
Pat says "Wise."
Liz says "I'll follow that up as time allows."
Liz says "That's about it. Terry's in town, huh?"
Pat says "He arrived this morning. Shall I start, then?"
Liz says "I suppose it would be beneath our hospitality to stick a sack over his head and beat him with sticks..."
Liz says "Especially if he can help, but yes, your turn."
Sephar chuckles softly.
Pat smiles. "The current plan is more amusing."
Liz says "Do tell."
Pat checks his watch. "As I said, Daimon and Terry are having lunch at noon. Along with anyone else who cares to attend."
Pat says "At Sistine's."
Liz starts laughing.
Pat smiles.
Liz says "Oh. No."
Liz says "No."
Pat says "Oh. Yes."
Liz giggles. "Someone needs to warn the Seneschal."
Sephar ruffles feathers, shakes off and bobs a nod.
Pat chuckles. "Quite probably."
Sephar says "Oh. I should have told Pat. Sorry..."
Liz laughs at Sephar. "I think he got a better laugh out of it this way, Sephar. S'okay."
Sephar grins.
Liz hmms. "Balseraph-kabobs..."
Liz says "I'll be there, certainly, although I might sit at a different table."
Liz says "I want to *watch* this."
Pat says "If he steps out of line or begins filling Daimon's head with some of the things I've heard, then yes. Kabobs."
Sephar says "Shall I call, then, and warn her?"
Sephar says "Or would one of you wish to?"
Liz says "Go ahead, Sephar."
Liz says "She's met you."
Liz says "Please give her the whole guest list, though."
Sephar links up a line to Sistine's...
Liz says "Including Choirs and Servitors. It might reassure her."
Sephar says "Which, I think is Liz, Hitherby, Pat, Sarah, Daimon, Terry and I?"
Liz says "Sounds about right."
Liz says "Shannen may, or may not, be there. Ditto Aron, but that's his own lookout."
Pat says "Apparently, Daimon has some rather offensive Hell-spawned conceptions about the nature of Redemption."
Sephar says "Hrm. Shall I name Daimon as in service to Dominic?"
Pat says "Yes, Sephar."
Sephar nods.
Liz says "I'm sorry I missed that particular sight."
Liz says "Anyways, go on. What about his misconceptions?"
Pat says "Which?"
Liz says "Daimon, pledging to Dominique."
Liz says "Sephar relayed the wording."
Sephar says "Yes."
Pat nods. "He's under the impression that it involves, amongst other things, torture under the name of atonement. Sarah was....stricken."
Liz frowns.
Liz says "Yeah."
Liz says "I can see how he might believe that. More Balseraphs..."
Liz looks disgusted.
Liz says "You told him the Truth, then?"
Sephar says "As much as one can when Daimon can't really see it, yet."
Sephar says "I think."
Pat nods. "I believe we've given him reason to consider other possibilities. But I do not intend to let Terry undo what work has been done. In addition, either at this moment or soon, Daimon will be speaking with a Redeemed Kobalite."
Sephar bobs a nod.
Liz says "Ah, good."
Liz says "That might help."
Pat says "I have also spoken with my local Seneschal."
Pat says "We are aware of possible Game activity in the area. In addition, I will be contacted when word is received on Jordan's report."
Liz says "Good."
Liz says "I would like to read it, if possible. It would be Enlightening."
Pat says "I'll see what can be arranged."
Liz says "And I want to see what he thought of Lilith."
Pat says "I believe the appropriate reaction was awe."
Liz nods.
Liz says "I'm glad I missed that."
Pat says "You have reason to. I made the error of feeling her emotional state."
Pat says "It was...unsettling."
Liz says "Although, given that I dragged Daimon along to meet Marc, I suppose it's unfair for me to have missed the Princess."
Liz nods.
Liz says "So, lunch with a Balseraph?"
Liz sighs. "At least he's not likely to tag it as a Trap. If none of us knew it was a Tether..."
Pat sips coffee. "It is likely that Daimon will attempt to set Terry on the Game."
Liz says "Ah. Sneaky."
Liz says "I've recommended an SEC probe of Focals Investments."
Pat nods. "Which, along with a Media inquiry, should make life difficult."
Liz says "Possibly there could be a fortuitous leak of the information."
Pat says "That would be helpful, if it is proper."
Liz says "I will suggest it, but please do not mention it to Terry without authorization by Trade."
Pat says "Of course not."
Liz says "This is... Tricky."
Pat says "Terry had best behave himself."
Liz nods.
Liz says "I'll stick a gun in his mouth to stop him from talking, if need be."
Pat nods. "If he is honestly a friend of Daimon's, I hope it will not be necessary. But I am prepared for that eventuality."
Liz says "All right."
Liz says "Is there anything else?"
Pat says "At the moment, no. The next step is lunch."
Liz says "All right. I have a few hours, so I'll have duplicates of the pictures made and distributed."
Pat says "Oh."
Liz says "Hmm?"
Pat says "I sent a copy of the blueprints to Terethel."
Sephar says "Oh. We did, too."
Liz says "Ah, good."
Pat blinks at Sephar. "Then why didn't you tell me that when I asked you to send them from my home?"
Sephar blinks and contemplates itself. "Oh... right. It was with Pat..."
Pat says "Ah."
Liz smiles.
Sephar says slightly plaintively. "Sorry. Just remembered I'd sent him a set..."
Pat says "I expect him to have insights."
Liz says "Good. I'll arrange for him to get a complete set of the aerial surveys as well. He might be able to tell us more about the extent of the underground portion."
Pat nods. "Was Azalea forthcoming with any information on them?"
Liz says "Perhaps we should request a few Servitors of Stone, if we have to do in-person recon."
Liz says "Very little. She came from there. Presumably it's a Tether."
Liz says "They're watching us."
Liz says "She's very tentative. I didn't want to push."
Liz says "In a way, she's further along than Daimon, but she's different."
Pat nods. "It may become necessary, later."
Liz says "I think appeals to her courage and her desire to fight those who have done horrible things to her and to others will work best with her."
Pat nods. "I'd like to speak with her."
Liz says "She's extremely brave, and seems to have a lot of self control, for a Calabite."
Pat says "Respectable."
Liz says "I told her I'd like her to speak with you. She's thinking about it."
Pat nods.
Liz shakes her head. "I even gave her a hug for Shannen. I can't believe I hugged a Calabite."
Liz says "Maybe I should change my Choir to Mercurian, what with all this hugging going on..."
Sephar chuckles quietly.
Pat chuckles. "Blame Shannen. She's clearly an influence."
Liz nods.
Sephar says "She's also more wary than Daimon, Pat, just so you know, felt more bitter, to me, too."
Liz says "I'm trying to keep Shannen updated too, although all I ever seem to bring her is bad news. Although she was happy to hear about Azalea."
Pat nods. "I wonder, if she had the choice, if she would rather have not gotten involved."
Liz nods. "She's very dangerous. Daimon is too, of course, but if she could snap in a completely different, and deadly, way. She still doesn't have the 'killing is bad' ethic down.
Sephar says "Yes."
Pat looks at Liz blandly. "Neither do I."
Liz says "Killing humans and angels."
Liz shrugs.
Liz says "Shannen would say killing anyone."
Pat shrugs as well.
Liz says "Matter of perspective."
Pat says "Yes."
Liz says "Azalea's interest is in Fire, currently. Smiting things."
Pat says "Have you had a chance to speak with Edward?"
Liz says "Not yet."
Liz says "I mentioned I knew a Fire servitor, but I'm not sure introducing a Calabite of Nightmares to a Fire Malakite is a good idea."
Liz says "Not until we're sure she's honorable. Fortunately Aron can probably judge that."
Pat says "Not yet."
Liz sighs. "A Malakite helping a Calabite of Nightmares to Redeem."
Liz says "A week ago, this would have strained credulity."
Pat says "A fitting destruction to evil."
Pat says "A week ago, Liz, we were safely ensconced in our assignments."
Liz says "In a very satisfactory manner, I agree. Trade Evil for Good."
Liz says "So, how are Daimon and Sarah?"
Liz says "Sephar's been quiet about what happened after Daimon Pledged."
Sephar's feathers ruffle a bit.
Pat says "Sarah, Hitherby and I calmed him, I think. He is still not quite stable, entirely, but there is progress."
Liz says "Good."
Liz says "Obviously he was stable enough to talk with Terry."
Pat says "He wants news. Terry seems to be willing to provide it."
Pat says "The charges are quite serious, I've gathered."
Liz says "A dubious source, but considering where we want news from..."
Pat nods. "Exactly."
Liz sighs. "I wish we could find that Habbalite. Eduardo didn't cut her down... she must have been extremely honorable."
Liz grins. "Maybe another Redemption candidate herself."
Pat says "Are we crusaders now, Zebina?"
Liz says "Traders. Traders in Redemption."
Liz says "We help people along the path. The Price is the abandonment of their Evil ways."
Sephar chuckles softly and smoothes.
Pat says "Ah. I suppose I consider it a just sentence, myself."
Liz nods.
Liz says "Good sight harder than flying Cargo..."
Pat nods. "Some would say. I had a question for you, though."
Pat says "Of a slightly personal nature."
Liz says "Ask away. I'll answer if I can."
Sephar cocks its head, then, "Tell me if you want me to go to the hangar."
Pat says "Have you experienced difficulty in seperating your personal duties from your professional?"
Liz says "Not lately."
Liz says "As I haven't had any professional duties at all."
Liz says "Nor before that, as I didn't have any personal duties at all."
Pat says "I was referring more to your Heavenly duties, that your cargo work."
Liz looks around the hangar. "No cargo. No flights. No last minute supplies to be flown to some corner of the world."
Liz says "Pat, those were my Heavenly duties."
Liz says "Save lives, encourage Trade."
Pat says "Ah."
Liz says "Bring a little hope."
Pat quiets.
Liz says "In war, and in famine."
Liz says "No Judgement."
Liz says "No War."
Liz says "Not even a lot of redemption."
Liz says "The last four days have been such a break with what came before that I'm still trying madly to figure out what happened."
Pat says "Perhaps it was an inappropriate question. My apologies."
Liz shrugs.
Liz says "Probably not, considering."
Pat says "No?"
Liz says "I'm in love with a Demon, my Superior is suggestiong that my proper role is not that of Liz, Angelic Action Hero, and last night I found a stray Calabite on my doorstep."
Liz says "So talking to an Elohite of Judgment might be a pretty good idea just now."
Sephar bobs quietly.
Pat says "Perhaps I should petition Dominic for reassignment as a counselor."
Liz laughs.
Liz says "Perhaps."
Sephar says "I think you do that already..."
Liz says "You seem to do it pretty well. I'm in awe of the way you and Sarah are coping with Daimon."
Pat says "I've surprised myself, actually."
Liz says "Is he going to be your new Partner?"
Pat says "I think perhaps it is the injustice I see."
Pat says "I'd considered that."
Liz says "Hmm."
Pat says "It is, ultimately, not my decision, though."
Liz says "My Boyfriend, the Lilim of Judgement."
Liz says "It'll be the talk of the Choir, for sure."
Liz says "And you would not believe how fast Ofanite gossip spreads."
Pat smiles. "Without a doubt."
Sephar chuckles.
Pat says "Myself, I am merely glad that Destiny has the respect of Judgement."
Liz says "Oh?"
Liz says "Oh!"
Pat nods.
Liz laughs. "Pat... you and Sarah?"
Pat nods.
Liz says "Hmm. I think Daimon's contagious."
Pat says "Quite possibly. I found the concept of Terry having lunch in a Tether to Eli incredibly amusing."
Liz says "So do I."
Liz says "Pray we don't all end up working for Kobal, with Daimon the Inquisitor coming to Judge us."
Liz sighs.
Pat says "That will not happen."
Liz says "Still, I'm having trouble seeing how duping a Balseraph into a Tether of Creation is Funny in a Bad way, so I think we're okay."
Pat says "As long as he behaves."
Liz nods.
Liz says "How about you? Are you and the others okay after your visitor last night?"
Pat nods. "Jordan's Triad returned to Heaven. He was rather distressed by the whole incident."
Liz says "I'm not surprised. It must have been very hard on him."
Pat says "Undoubtedly. Although the visit was not an unpleasant one."
Liz says "Nobody Fell, nobody was killed..."
Pat nods. "And Daimon's Heart is safe.
Liz says "I suppose it could have been a lot worse."
Liz says "Yes. The best news of all. They can't track him through it. They can't kill him and have him fall into their clutches."
Liz says "I should talk to Azalea about doing something of the same thing."
Pat says "That may be more difficult."
Liz says "Perhaps, but she should know."
Pat says "Of course, if she is actively seeking Redemption..."
Liz nods.
Sephar bobs a nod.
Liz says "I don't plan on sleeping with her, but I'll do as much as I can, just like I would with Daimon."
Pat ahems. "Maybe Aron...?"
Liz laughs. "Playing Matchmaker, Pat?"
Pat scrunches up his face. "Good heavens. Daimon must be getting to me."
Sephar chuckles.
Liz says "Azalea is... different."
Pat nods.
Liz says "I don't expect a little sex and some cuddling to be her Redemption."
Liz says "But I know something about Nightmares, and suffering."
Liz says "I flew relief into China during WWII, and before that I was in the Signal Corps in WWI."
Pat nods. "Perhaps just giving her the opportunity will be enough."
Liz says "I'll show her we have some common ground, and offer a hand, and we'll see."
Pat nods.
Liz says "And once Aron is reasonably certain Eduardo won't kill her on the spot, she can talk to him about Fire."
Pat says "Mm. Aron would be the one to talk to Edward."
Liz says "Very likely."
Pat says "One Virtue to another."
Liz checks the clock. "I should go. I have photos to pick up, sort, and deliver."
Pat nods, rising. "I'll see you at noon, then?"
Liz says "And then I have to look my best for Terry: pretty and as vacuous as possible."
Pat says "Oh."
Pat says "Are Daimon's things here?"
Liz nods. "Good. He shouldn't be found here, under any circumstances."
Liz gets Daimon's things.
Liz piles on some of the extra towels she bought when Daimon first showed up. "Here. Extra towels and sheets."
Liz says "I had thought I'd need them here, but they make more sense at your place."
Liz says "And you have the medical kit too."
Pat takes the bundle. "Thank you. I'm housing three, now. It's a bit odd, after twenty years of living alone."
Liz smiles.
Sephar bobs gently.
Liz says "Okay, I really have to move along."
Pat smiles. "Be well. I'll see you shortly."
Liz nods. "You too."
Pat nods, and departs.
Liz offers Sepharmouse a pocket, and heads off to the photo lab to get her shots.
Sepharmouse hops in and goes...
---