Traders

Liz will be driving from the apartment pretty much straight towards the Trade tether (the SEC).

Your cars draw up in the private SEC car park.

Liz gets out of her car.

Liz walks over to Azalea's car, to the driver's side.

Azalea rolls down her window, looks out.

Liz has SepharMouse and probably a Hitherbug with her.

Liz says "I'm going inside to report. Would you like to come in with me?"

Azalea says "Where are we?"

Sephar curls up quietly in Liz's pocket, then.

Liz says "The SEC. Securities and Exchange Commission. It's also a Tether of Trade."

Liz says "I have an appointment with the Seneschal in five minutes."

Azalea climbs out of the car. "Sure."

Liz nods, and walks over to the entrance. Unless there's a security detail, she keeps her gun this time.

There is, indeed, a security detail, but Liz is on the approved list.

Liz sees the detail, and asks Azalea quietly, "Are you armed?"

<> arcangel says, "She's a Calabite, what does she need (or *want*) with a gun?"

<> Liz says "One never knows, but good point."

Azalea says "No."

Liz says "Right."

Liz signs herself in, and then has Azalea sign in as her guest.

<> Azalea has also left her cell phone and wallet in the car.

The security guards wave you both past. Liz would know the way to the Seneschal's office, up the lift and on the fifteenth floor.

Azalea smoothes her hair, carefully.

Liz leads Azalea up to the office. The only sign she's at all nervous is a slight tendency to orbit more than usual.

The secretary is the same as ever, except that she has a startling new shade of electric blue fingernail polish. She nods politely to Liz. "Good evening, Miss Bradley. Mr Evison will see you now. May I show you in?"

Liz nods. "If you please."

The secretary nods, rises from her desk, and walks across to open the inner door. "If you would go in now, please."

Liz walks in.

Azalea follows.

The secretary closes the door behind you.

Inside is a nicely carpeted office, with tasteful prints on the walls, and a long window facing out over the city. Behind the desk is a well-dressed man with elegantly silvered hair, who rises and smiles at you both.

You paged Liz with 'You know his real name is Esthan, cover name John Evison, Mercurian of Trade.'.

You sense Liz nods.

Azalea watches him gravely.

The man says, "I wasn't aware that you were bringing a guest, Miss Bradley. Would you introduce us?"

Liz walks up to the man in the office. "Mr. Evison." She shakes his hand.

He returns the handshake, politely.

Liz says "This is Azalea. She is currently working for our competition, but is interested in changing sides."

Liz says "She has already been quite helpful, but we're none of us quite sure what the best path for her is, so I thought I'd bring her here for an interview."

He nods, and walks round his desk to offer Azalea his hand. "I'm glad we can meet under reasonable terms."

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 4 5 CHECK: 1.

Azalea takes the hand as offered, and shakes it.

<> Azalea rolls the d666 and gets 1 6 CHECK: 6.

<> Demiurge says "What is Azalea rolling for?"

<> Azalea says "Resonance."

<> Demiurge says "You don't have to roll to find out what his worst nightmare is."

<> Demiurge says "You get that automatically. ;) It's, um, seeing his Tether torn apart by intruding forces or corruption, himself being rent apart by the Tether being destroyed (or more personally), and FAILING."

Azalea releases the hand, and steps back.

He says, "Please, take a seat, ladies." He moves back round to his own chair.

Azalea seats herself.

He rubs his nose, the gesture of someone used to wearing glasses. "And please call me Esthan. We may as well skip the formalities. I must say, Zebina, I have had a number of rather urgent requests from you."

He turns to Azalea. "I think it unlikely that you will want to serve our Master's Word, Azalea, from what I have heard of you, but if you are interested, I can give you the standard explanation and obligations."

Azalea says "I was rather resolved on Dream, actually."

Azalea says "It seems to be where my skills would be best put to use."

He nods. "Perfectly reasonable."

He reaches across to check a filofax. "I imagine you have already been informed about this, but the closest Tether of Dream in the city would appear to be the Washington Monument, if you wish to make any contacts there."

Azalea says "I hadn't heard; thank you."

He says, "No trouble. Most of the Seneschals round here know the locations of the main Tethers, or at least the main angelic Tethers."

Azalea says "And you don't object to handing them out to random demons who may or may not be attempting to reform."

He regards Azalea through eyes that are a moderately frosty shade of blue. "I am sorry to disappoint you, Azalea, but you have already been checked out by a number of people who feel that you are sincere in your desire to Redeem."

Azalea says "That's reassuring."

He says, "I may have fluffy white wings, but I also have some business sense."

Azalea says "Trust is novel for me, I fear; please excuse my concerns."

He inclines his head. "Blandine's servants guard the frontiers. Your caution will be valuable to her."

Azalea says "I imagine Liz has other business for you?"

He nods. "Certainly. Please continue, Elizabeth."

Liz sighs. "We have several pressing problems."

Liz sees if she can remember all of this.

He flicks a finger and sets a small desk microphone whirring. "Please continue."

Liz says "First, I need to report that I encountered a Demonic Superior today. The Prince of Lust."

Liz figures hey, get the big stuff out of the way first.

He nods, waiting for Liz to continue.

Liz says "I had been looking around for possible Tethers of Lust, attempting to find the fled Seneschal of Dark Humor whose tether was destroyed the other day."

Liz says "I finally got the location via Terry, a *distasteful look* Balseraph of the Media, and Daimon's agent."

He frowns slightly. "You will, of course, give the full location of this Tether in your report."

Liz says "I proceeded there, and was meeting with the Seneschal to discuss the possibility of Daimon meeting the fled Seneschal when the Demon Prince walked in."

Liz says "A list of the Tether location and a preliminary report was sent via encrypted email earlier today."

Liz says "Although I imagine they'll relocate."

He nods. "Ah, yes, I believe that my secretary received that. Please continue. Andrealphus walked in."

Liz nods. "He then proceeded to... invoke? Daimon over an open phone line."

Liz says "Mazpatiel, who is helping to shelter Daimon, grabbed on and was drawn over the link as well, into the Tether."

Esthan says, "Ah, yes, the Elohite of Judgement."

Liz nods.

Liz says "As Daimon is currently Geased into the Service of Judgement, they're now partners, of a sort."

Liz looks a bit apologetic that she didn't manage to get Daimon on board with Trade.

<> Daimon is just a general screwup.

Liz says "The Prince wished to speak with Daimon face to face. We were allowed to listen in."

Esthan says, "Yes, I believe that I recall the remainder of your report. The Prince passed on certain information to Daimon, disturbed Mazpatiel, and left."

Liz nods.

Liz says "Precisely."

Esthan glances between Azalea and Liz.

Liz says "More to the point, he removed us to the alley, remaining in the tether."

Esthan says, quite calmly, "You do understand, that as a consequence of recent events, most Tethers have been placed on a footing of imminent War."

Liz says "It does not surprise me."

Sephar chirps softly in surprise in Liz's pocket at that news.

Azalea frowns.

Esthan glances to Liz's pocket.

Liz says "Oh, sorry, I forgot about Sephar and Hitherby."

Liz shakes her head. "My apologies. I'm... distracted."

Esthan says, "No problem. Good evening, Kyriotates."

Sephar blinks and then peeks out and gives a little bow to Esthan.

Esthan turns to Azalea. "You have probably been briefed that Asmodeus has arrested Kobal, in Hell?"

Liz pulls out Sephar. "This is Sephar, Dominiation of Lightning. And Oboth, known as Hitherby, Dominiation of Animals."

Sephar bobs its bow from Liz's hand, but curls up quietly afterwards.

Azalea says, vaguely, "I don't recall."

Liz says "The extent is rather greater than that, I'm afraid."

Esthan nods to Sephar, then turns back to Azalea.

Liz looks at Azalea, and then at the Seneschal, and raises an eyebrow.

Esthan says, "This event has made it possible that Hell may fall into a state of civil war. As a consequence, several of the more warlike Archangels have raised the possibility of a major move in the War."

Esthan says, "Either against Hell, if it should be appreciably weakened, or possibly if Hell should attempt a strike on Heaven, if it emerges stronger."

Esthan taps one of the piles of paper on his desk. "Hence, I am afraid, most Tethers have been placed on a footing of possible War."

Liz nods, looking disturbed. "I see. And our position?"

Azalea says "I wonder, rather, why Beleth would be sending spies against the angels, while Hell is teetering like this."

Hitherby hums softly, "Hey." After recovering from a temporary distraction, and in greeting.

Esthan leans forward slightly. "As I understand from Zebina's reports, Beleth is a part of this presumptive alliance with Kronos and Asmodeus?"

Azalea says "I am not in her confidences. It is possible."

Sephar chirps softly, "So, for some reason, we're being watched carefully for that Hellish alliance?"

Esthan avoids Liz's question, for the moment. He says, to Azalea, "In that case, it is possible that Beleth's targets would strengthen Asmodeus' position, enabling their alliance to firmly seize power."

Esthan nods to Sephar. "Precisely."

Sephar sighs softly. "Wow."

Esthan says, "If you want an up-to-date strategic assessment, I would suggest that you contact a Tether of War or the Sword."

Azalea says "Sir."

Esthan says, "Yes, Azalea?"

Azalea says "What do you think I should - or even could - do, in a time like this?"

Esthan rubs his nose, in what is clearly a totally habitual gesture.

Esthan says, "You have three choices. Either you go and attempt Redemption, live or die, or you hold off for the moment because you are not certain, or you hold off because you believe you can be of more use with them not realising your allegiances."

Azalea says "I don't know how I can be of most use. I *do* know I'm of little use as things stand."

Esthan says, wearily, "I think that if you want to Redeem, you should go to the Tether of Dreams now. Your "cover" will probably not hold more than another day or two, for you will likely have to report back to the Tether."

Esthan says, "And if you are there, it is likely that any Habbalite or Calabite of Nightmares will realise your alignment."

Azalea frowns. "Why do you think so?"

Esthan says, "What is your current worst nightmare, now?"

Azalea's mouth twitches. "I see."

Esthan says, "Or what might a Punisher see, if they tried to feel your emotions?"

Esthan says, "You might be able to sustain the masquerade, but it is my opinion that you would do better to leave it be. You have done excellent work."

Azalea manifests surprise. "I have? Well, very well, then."

Liz says "If you want to go now, Azalea, I'll come with you. If the Tethers are on a war footing, it'd probably be good to have someone to vouch for you."

Esthan nods, briskly, and turns back to Liz.

Esthan says, "There is one thing first, Zebina."

Liz says "Yes sir?"

Esthan says, "I have read your requests for an immediate Audit. While I can supply some human and temporal investigators, I cannot provide Malakim or other strike teams, short of a great deal more information."

Esthan says, "Resources are limited."

Liz nods.

Liz says "Sir, based on events earlier this evening, I think we should at least make an investigation attempt."

Liz says "I will volunteer myself, if necessary."

Esthan says, "It is now past six in the evening: I can hardly send in an ordinary legal team now. I have already put the IRS on Focals."

Esthan says, "If you wish to make a civil investigation of Bellmans, you are instructed to take backup. I have read the reports about you and second-rate cop shows."

Liz very quickly and succinctly tells the Seneschal what went on in at the apartment earlier.

Esthan frowns.

Azalea's mouth twitches.

Liz siighs.

Liz resolves to buy a level in Move Silently or something.

Esthan says, "Check with your co-workers who have gone to the Stone-tether. They can find out whether he is in Trauma by his Heart, or in some other state."

Liz nods.

Liz says "That is our plan."

Esthan nods.

Sephar says "Good."

Liz says "If his heart is intact, but he isn't near it..."

Hitherby hums, quietly, "There are several among us who can be inconspicuous -- by nature, if not by skill."

Esthan rises. "Other Servitors of Stone may be able to see from his Heart where he is. In that case, liaise with them. They may be able to provide muscle."

Liz says "Thank you, Sir."

Esthan nods.

Liz says "There's one last question. How much information, and when, we might release to those of parallel interests."

Liz says "Right now I am assuming nothing specific."

Esthan says, "You are referring to Lust, Dark Humor, the Media, or angels?" His voice is dry.

Liz says "The first three. As I am working, it seems, with several servitors of Judgement, including my *she chuckles* boyfriend, there's not much point in witholding information from them."

Liz says "Nor with any of the other angels."

Esthan says, flatly, "Nothing relating to the internal affairs of angels. Other than that, at your discretion, but bear in mind that War or the Sword may end up taking an interest."

Hitherby says "Sir, there is something I do not understand."

Liz says "Of course, Sir. I will endeavor to keep myself out of any fighting. I keep telling people 'I just do cargo', but nobody seems to believe me."

Liz supposes shooting the Elohite of Judgement wrecked that excuse.

<> Jordan says "Yes, rather."

Esthan says, "We all rise to the level of our ability, Zebina." He glances to Hitherby. "Yes, Oboth?"

Hitherby says "Earlier, you said that Beleth's targets might be those who might help Asmodeus. Were you referring to us, those her Calabim were watching? If so, don't you mean 'the destruction of which' would help Asmodeus? Or do you think that they're actually intending to *use* us somehow?"

Azalea inserts, "I have been told that the plan is to watch you for sometime, and then 'bring you in'.

Esthan rubs his nose again. "From what Azalea says, it sounds that they mean to use you somehow."

Sephar meeps softly.

Hitherby says "I see. Thank you for clarifying."

Esthan says, "Thank Azalea. Now, if you will excuse me, I have an urgent conference call coming in shortly."

Esthan says, "God go with you all."

Liz says "Godspeed, sir."

Sephar bows gently again and dives into Liz's pocket. "Dreams now?"

Hitherby hums, "Harmony to thee."

Liz stands, walks to the door.

Azalea follows, bowing to Esthan on her way out.

Esthan returns a polite nod, before seating himself at his desk and reaching for his phone.

Outside, the secretary is waiting. "Will there be anything else, ladies?"

Liz says "No, thank you."

Liz says "Azalea?"

Azalea says "No."

Liz says "We're done."

The secretary nods, and goes back to her duties.

Liz asks Azalea, "As Sephar said, Dreams?"

Sephar squeaks softly, "Did you get where the Dream tether is?"

Liz says "I have it, Sephar."

Azalea says "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I would appreciate that."

Sephar chirps happily.

Liz smiles. "It's not too much trouble."

Liz says "Particularly after that report..."

Liz looks about as downcast as you've seen her yet.

Hitherby says, softly, "Incidentally, Azalea, it is pleasant to meet you. And I admire your strength, to choose so quickly after a lifetime of hearing lies."

Azalea looks down towards Hitherby. "Several lifetimes. But it wasn't a quick choice - just a gradual necessity."

Liz says, slowly, "We should take one car. If things go well, I can drive you back, or you'll be upstairs for a while. If they don't go well, or if you're gone for a while, your car would just get towed."

Liz says "I'll have your car returned to the agency if you don't have any use for it, after."

<> Arcangel says, "Oh, that's a great way to encourage her..."

<> Liz is, as she mentioned before, feeling a bit down.

Azalea says "Most of my 'personal belongings' are in the car. I think it would be best that if things don't work out, that it just be left to the authorities."

<> Hitherby can't see Liz's face. Is her downness obvious in her voice?

<> Daimon says "ack! My angst is catching!"

Azalea says "Just in case."

<> Daimon passes out the angstoff.

Liz says, on at least a somewhat cheerier note, "If nothing else, you might want something with a bigger engine."

<> Arcangel grins! That's the spirit!

Azalea laughs.

Liz gives a bigger smile at the laughter.

Liz says "Come on, let's go."

Sephar dances, "Yes."

Liz walks Azalea to her car.

Azalea looks inside the car a moment. "I really think I ought to just leave all this stuff here."

Azalea says "Let me break a window, to make it look like there was some sort of attack."

Liz says "In the parking lot of the SEC?"

Azalea says "You people are a dangerous lot."

Liz says "Just leave it, Azalea. We'll take care of it."

Azalea looks down at the car, wistfully. "You're certain."

Liz says "If you really want to, go ahead, but not here."

Liz grins. "I know."

Liz says "Focals."

Azalea nods. "Why don't I dump it somewhere less - certainly, if you wish."

Liz says "C'mon."

Liz says "Meet me at..."

Liz ponders, gives an address a block away from the building Focals is in, on a side street.

Liz says "Meet you there, okay?"

Azalea nods.

Liz gets in her car, and zooms over towards Focals.

Azalea follows, rather more carefully.

Sephar squeaks to Liz, "I could possess a boy in the area to break the window for her."

Azalea parks a while a few blocks away from the focals, and steps out of the car.

Liz pulls up behind Azalea's car, dims her lights.

<> Azalea rolls the d666 and gets 2 1 CHECK: 2.

The driver's window fractures, shattering inwards in a spray of glass.

Azalea smiles, her eyes crinkling. "Let's blow this joint."

Liz grins back, pops the door for Azalea. Once she's in, she peels out and into the night.

Azalea is quiet in the car, contemplative.

Liz drives legally but quickly, as is her usual manner. She tunes the radio to (she hopes) classical music. Mozart, if possible.

The radio can easily be tuned to classical music, especially with Sephar in the car.

Liz takes a 'back route' to the Washington Monument, naturally. It's the quickest, and it lets pull relatively quickly into the tour bus parking that surrounds the area.

Liz pulls to a halt. "I'll walk you up." There's about a 100m area of open space between the parking area and the monument itself.

You reach there at about 8pm. The crowds have slackened, and the occasional couple or family drifts around it, with the odd caretaker or guide moving there.

Sephar rides in Liz's pocket, enjoying the evening air quietly.

Liz waits for Azalea to get out of the car first.

Azalea follows, similarly silent.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 4 6 CHECK: 3.

Liz stays very alert walking up the path to the monument.

<> Azalea says "I hate it when she does that, for no apparent reason."

<> Liz says "Me too."

<> Sephar grins.

An elderly caretaker makes his way towards Azalea and Liz, stick-thing for litter balanced on one arm.

Sephar murmurs, "Remember everyone's on alert."

The elderly man says, "Can I help you ladies?"

Liz glides to a halt, just far enough away from Azalea to have freedom of movement.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 6 5 CHECK: 2.

<> Azalea is, yes, doing a resonance check.

<> Arcangel says, "Last time, too...?"

<> Demiurge says "His worst nightmare is to be corrupted to be a Balseraph, and to see this Tether twisted into a sign of nightmares and deluded hopes."

Azalea smiles at the old man. "I think you can."

Liz just sort of stands there, swaying back and forth in sterotypical Ofanite manner.

The elderly man nods. "I don't suppose we have an acquaintance in common?"

Azalea says "I would imagine you are acquainted with Aron."

He nods, a creaky motion. "Do I take it you wish to speak to someone such as my Lady?"

Azalea says "I think I wish to speak to you, for the moment."

He nods again. "Care to come into my office for a cup of tea or something while we talk?"

Azalea says "Do you want to make introductions, Liz, and then perhaps you can go off on your own adventures."

Liz smiles. "If you want me to stay, I'll stay, Azalea. It's no imposition."

Liz bows to the caretaker. "Zebina, Wheel of Trade."

The elderly man offers his hand. "Phaleris, Seraph of Dreams, Seneschal of this Tether. I'm afraid that you are a little perceptible to the eye, young woman." The latter to Azalea.

Liz shakes the elderly man's hand.

Azalea says, slanted, "I know."

He returns the shake, then disengages his hand. "I will appreciate if you need to be about your business, Zebina. In any case, tea is this way." He turns to hobble towards a small building at one side.

Azalea follows the old man.

Sephar murmurs, "I think she's safe for now, Zebina.

Liz says "I have a meeting later. I'm not urgently needed at this moment. But I'll leave you two to your privacy, if you'd prefer."

Phaleris says, over his shoulder, "Might be easier, young woman."

Liz nods.

Liz stays where she is, stepping back and forth lightly, watching the two of them into the monument itself.

Hitherby calls out, "See you soon, Azalea!"

Phaleris leads Azalea inside, out of Liz's view, and into a small office. It is neatly set up, with a campbed in one corner, a desk and chairs, and a CD player, with a small collection of CDs stacked next to it.

Liz looks on, her expression a tad wistful, until the door shuts.

Liz says "All right, let's go."

Liz says "I have an errand to run at the opera."

Sephar murmurs softly at the wistful look, "He'll make it, sometime."

Liz walks back to her car, gets in, and drives Opera-wards.

Sephar dives back into the pocket at the let's go.

---

Fiat Justitia