Prepare For War

<> Demiurge says "Phineas."

<> Demiurge says "It's been a week now."

<> Demiurge says "The various files of Heaven (and War) were able to fit Role names to a number of the demonic names that were in that notebook."

<> Demiurge says "You've been running round investigating those."

<> Phineas says "Right. Ok... anything interesting yet?"

<> Demiurge says "_Universally_, those people have all disappeared from their last known surroundings, often leaving bills unpaid, friends unwarned, etc."

<> Demiurge says "Every. Single. One."

<> Phineas says "I think that qualifies as interesting."

<> Demiurge says "This is only those people that could actually have a Role-name identified from files, of course."

<> Demiurge says "You couldn't really trace the ones for whom no Role was known."

<> Phineas says "*nod* So .. what now?"

<> Demiurge says "However, associated records in Heaven on any of the names that they had - perhaps twenty or thirty of the hundred or so - seemed to suggest that none of them were very strong or important."

<> Demiurge says "Which may or may not be relevant."

<> Demiurge says "Anyhow, you've returned to the Groves, I assume, and are waiting on further instructions."

Phineas putters about the Groves, talking to old friends and such. He longs to return planetside.

Not long after he gets up there - it's hard to tell, sometimes, in Heaven - he senses a presence behind him as he strides between the trees.

Phineas stops, turns, looks.

Michael has been following him - in human form, arms folded. His brow is furrowed.

Michael says, "I was wondering if I should cough or something."

Phineas ums, "Sorry, I was distracted by my thoughts." He does look a little sheepish, but only a little.

Michael nods. There's fresh blood streaking his hair and ponytail, and spattered on his shoulders.

Michael says, "You've done a reliable job of investigation. What are your conclusions?"

Phineas hmms, "Well, I think I still haven't much of an idea what is going on. But I know it is big. Everyone is gone on that list. But they don't seem to be .. important."

Michael says, "Perhaps they wanted weaker demons on whom the brainwashing would be sure to take. Can't be sure."

Phineas nods, "Still, if they are weaker, then they aren't as reliable. That might be why they needed so many."

Michael says, "Could be. Anyhow, our next step is to find out what they're doing with them."

Phineas nods, "They have to be hiding them someplace. In Hell would be too risky, I would think."

Michael says, "I've had word from Blandine that she's sending two of her people to follow a lead they've got. They're the two you know. Azalea and Taroniel."

Phineas nods, "I don't know Azalea very well. But Aron seems stalwart and trustworthy."

Michael says, "Glad to hear it."

Phineas says "Well, should I just go earthside and wait for them?"

Michael says, "You should be able to catch up to them on Earth. I'll be expecting you to keep an eye on any other stuff that's going on."

Michael says, "Kobal's been released. Hell's probably in a mess." He grins, showing teeth.

Phineas nods and smiles as well, "Will do. I'll keep sending reports as I get them, through the tether."

Michael says, "Excellent. And this is a scouting mission, so watch your step."

Phineas nods, "As always."

Michael says, "Any questions?"

Phineas shakes his head, "Not at the moment."

Michael nods. "I'll see you later, then. Go forth and conquer."

Phineas nods, bows, and departs.

Michael smiles again, briefly, raises a hand in half-salute, and turns away.

---

Fiat Justitia