Media Mayhem

<> Demiurge says "Sarah, you think you've managed to get the stone bits together - at least some of them, in the right sort of areas - but frankly, it needs more work, and probably by an expert. You've also managed to copy down what you remember."

<> Demiurge says "You probably also need a dictionary to make any sense apart from the most rudimentary out of it."

<> Demiurge says "It's something to do with a king and a god, or a king who is also a god, or something, fighting against two demons, one who is made out of stone, and one who is made out of fire."

<> Demiurge says "Apparently it ends with them walling him up alive with all his soldiers."

<> Demiurge says "Your translation is _really_ sketchy."

<> Sephar says "Meep!"

<> Aron says "Hey, how'd you get a hold of my diary?"

<> Demiurge ?

<> Aron is joking.

<> Sarah spanks Aron. :)

<> Demiurge says "Anyhow. It's morning. People can do businesslike things."

<> Daimon says "I just got off the phone with Malik, and talked to Pat. Therefore, I am pulling on my coat and walking out the door."

Sarah looks down at the stone fragments spread carefully on her jacket on the floor of Pat's office.

<> Pat was just doing Role stuff for the Hitherbum.

Sarah looks decidedly disturbed at them, and then equally disturbed at Daimon. "Where are you going, dear?"

Daimon is pulling on his coat in the living room, and checking his cellphone.

<> Demiurge nods. Actually, between the Hitherbum and the Marches, that's probably all but one of Hitherby's Forces occupied, really.

Daimon says "I have to call Terry and make an appointment to see him. Then I have to go to the bank and make sure we can pay for that condo. Then I have to actually see Terry and see his video tape and talk business over with him. After that, we'll meet Pat at Sistine's for lunch to talk about how we're going to take our investigations."

Daimon starts walking out the door.

<> Hitherby says "Hitherbum = 5, Marches = 3, cat = 1/4, bugs on Daimon = 1/4."

Sarah says "I'll give you a ride if we might be able to fit in a stop at the Library on the way."

<> Hitherby says "The cat being where it should be. :)"

<> Demiurge says "Okay, so one swarm of bugs on Daimon. Right."

Daimon looks at his watch. "We have four and a half hours, and this is things I _have_ to do."

Sarah says "I have a partial translation. I suspect that dropping this off where someone might be able to get more is also something we _have_ to do. And I don't want either of us out of the other's sight, particularly."

Sarah makes her jacket and the fragments into a careful bundle again, then stands up.

Daimon sighs. "Okay, well."

Sarah says "Thirty seconds, then."

Daimon yells over his shoulder, "Pat, make lunch at 12:30, not 12."

Pat says "Alright."

Sarah pauses long enough to leave a Xeroxed copy of her recollection of the inscription, and the original and only copy of her partial translation, and then hurries to join Daimon. With bundle and paper.

All is quiet and peaceful, outside.

Sepharmouse pokes its head out to look and then curls up again sleepily.

No Calabim. No big guns. And no bananas.

Sarah unlocks her car, checking the back seat.

Sephar whews softly as it curls up again.

The back seat is empty, as it should be.

Daimon fumps into the 90% seat, and pulls out his cellphone.

Sarah gets into the car, eyes the ignition warily, then gives in and starts it. "Where to first?"

Daimon rattles off the name of a bank. "I don't have an appointment, but hopefully they're open and we should be able to get in. I need to do a big money transfer, and then call that lady with the crystals and her real estate agent."

Sarah says "I hope no-one's troubled your accounts particularly."

Sarah leaves the car in park but running for a moment, and gets out her map to check routes quickly while Daimon deals with cellphone.

Daimon says "That's why I have Sephar."

Daimon needs to dial the Cool One of the Media first, to make sure he'll be around.

Sepharmouse nose peeks out on the mention of its name.

Daimon pets Sephar, and dials.

Terry answers after one ring. "Hello, this is the producer for you, baby."

Daimon says "Yeah, Terry, it's Daimon."

Terry says, "Cool, baby! I got a video for you."

Daimon says "I need to talk to you about that and some other things. I really need to hit the bank first, but can you pen me in for around 10:30 on your busy as hell schedule?"

Terry hms. "Sure, baby. Wanna set a place, or just gonna drop by here?"

Daimon says "I thought I would come by there, seeing as you have much easier access to a VCR that plays tapes masters in Hell then I at the moment."

Terry considers. "Okay, baby. Just give your name to the receptionist, okay?"

Daimon says "I just want to make sure you're going to be there."

Terry sounds hurt. "Daimie, _baby_, have I ever missed an appointment with you?"

Daimon searches his memory. "There could have been a time, I'm sure, but not in recent memory, no."

Terry says, "Well, then. I'll be waiting, baby. You'll like this."

Terry says, "Hey, and you bringing that cute redhead with you?"

Daimon says "I'm sure I'll be amused. I'll see you in a few hours, you sexy snake bo- er, no, I'm bringing Sarah."

Terry sighs melodramatically. "Ah well. See you later, alligator."

Daimon says "Later, baby."

Daimon hangs up the phone.

Sarah keeps the map unfolded long enough to hide the wince.

Sarah then accordions it back, neatly, and pulls out. Off to the bank go we!

The bank is, indeed, open.

Sepharmouse goes, "Whee!" at any appropriate moment on the drive.

Daimon gets out of the car, and waits patiently for Sarah.

Sarah finds a parking place, and feeds meter or attendant or what-have-you.

Sarah then joins Daimon, Hitherbugs, and Sepharmouse.

Sarah keeps a sharp eye out for anyone who appears overly interested in her car, too.

The bank is doing business, nice and briskly. A paean to Trade.

<> Demiurge says "Try a Per roll, Sarah."

Daimon enters the bank, and waits to talk to the bank manager.

<> Sarah rolls the d666 and gets 3 5 CHECK: 3.

<> Demiurge says "Alas, Sarah spots nobody."

The wait to see the bank manager isn't that long. She's a middle-aged woman with greying hair and a fuss blouse.

Sarah agitates nonetheless - then blinks, and solves the problem by reopening the door, opening the bundle, attuning to one of the fragments, closing up bundle and car, and hurrying after Daimon.

Daimon proffers his hand to be shaken. "Hi. My name is Daimon M. Lightner. I've come to move some money around into your bank and apply for a mortgage on a condominium."

The woman says, "Certainly. My name's Anastasia Kamilsky, and I'm manager of this branch of the Sloan. I'll be glad to help in any way that we can."

Daimon grins, and allows himself to be ussured into her office. "The transfer is going to be of about $15,000. Some of this is going to include cashing in several outstanding treasury bonds, cashing out a CD, and pulling a little from my mutual funds."

The bank manager nods, as if quite used to all this. She puts several intelligent queries, of the sort which would be asked.

Sarah waits within sight of Daimon, patiently.

<> Demiurge says "And which your GM doesn't know enough about to simulate."

Sepharmouse doesn't really know if it should show itself, so just stays quiet in Daimon's pocket.

<> Daimon says "Well, assume the bank manager does, and she sits at her computer, and for the next few hours, I tell her banks and account numbers, and she cashes everything in and transfers to a CD at her bank."

<> Zebina says "No mice in the bank please."

<> Daimon says "Sephar is my Spirit Guide, I'll have you know. :)"

The bank manager is very agreeable, and the money can be arranged just as Daimon wants it.

Sepharmouse listens and cools quietly as it all happens appropriately.

Daimon hopes that Sephar can sit on the lines and verifies that the money exists, but doesn't indicate that there is a mouse in his pocket.

<> Zebina says "Most financial people are -so- not into spirit guides."

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, you can check the woman's computer, and everything does look okay."

Daimon says "Once I have the money, and you have a good layout of my accounts and what is left on my mortgage on my condo in California vs. how much equity I can take out of it, I'll be happy to start filling out the forms for a pre-approval on a mortgage here."

Daimon pulls out the papers on the condo in DC.

The woman checks the papers, and nods. "Excellent. We'll have to check matters, of course, but there shouldn't be any problems with this, Mr Lightner."

Sephar checks from the pocket.

Daimon nods, and fills out the piles upon piles of forms.

<> Demiurge says "All looks okay, Sephar."

The woman sits patiently, makes encouraging noises, and helps with the fiddly bits.

Sephar just patiently watches from the 'puter and nestles in the pocket as all this is going on, is here simply as backup.

Eventually, all the forms are filled in.

Daimon makes some comments, asks plenty of questions, and wonders how he can replace the money that he's spending here quickly. Ah, that's another point to talk to Terry about.

Sarah patiently paces back and forth, keeping tabs on Daimon and car in turn.

Nobody attempts to assault the car or Daimon, that Sarah can sense.

Daimon so wants a cigarette. He chews a stick of gum, and asks how long it will be until he can get the mortgage approved.

<> Demiurge says "About how long is normal? A few days?"

<> Daimon says "Few days if I obviously have the money and it's in their bank."

<> Sephar thinks so, for that kind of money.

The woman says, "We should have it done by Friday, Mr Lightner."

<> Demiurge says "It's now Tuesday. ;)"

Daimon nods, "That should be enough time for me to arrange with the seller and go through her real estate agent, I think. I'll have to call her today and inform her that the papers are in. Thank you. Thank you very much."

<> Daimon says "You can't speed up the world."

The woman smiles. "It's a pleasure." She escorts Daimon to the door, and shakes his hand.

Daimon shakes her hand in return, and looks at his watch.

<> Demiurge says "It's now about 10am."

Daimon says "We have a half hour, Sarah, to get over to the Old Post Office. Do you want to stop at the Library?"

<> Demiurge says "There's just about enough time for that."

Sarah says "I'd like that, yes."

Sarah says "It needn't be long."

Daimon says "Okay," as he slides into the front seat of the car. "That's cool. We'll have about 10 minutes to stop."

The car does not blow up. Nothing bad happens.

Sephar eyes the car.

Daimon is rather surprised, actually.

Sarah slides in on the other side. "Everyone in?" she asks as she fastens her seatbelt; checks for Kyrios; nods, starts car, and drives.

Sarah drives, thusly, to the Library of Congress.

Daimon smokes a cigarette. Ahhhhhhhhh blessed nicotene. And then another, because he was starting to get the shakes.

Sepharmouse squeaks, "If you like, I can check the car after every stop or just put part of myself in it."

The Library is easily reached. It is comfortably busy, given the time of day.

Sarah says "I hope that won't be necessary."

Sepharmouse nods.

Sarah parks, gathers up bundle and paper, and moves as quickly as can politely be managed.

Daimon follows Sarah on in, trying to look inconspicuous.

Hitherby feels ever-so-faintly guilty about losing some of Sarah's notes, back when Sarah was kidnapped, for some reason.

The Seneschal - an Asian man, one Izboniah by name - is in his office.

Sarah knocks lightly.

The nameplate on the door says, "Jesse Banson."

Izboniah rises as Sarah enters. "My dear Chephirah. What can I do for you?"

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

Sarah says, "An apparently hidden inscription was destroyed at the Smithsonian last night. I caught a glimpse of it beforehand, and managed to salvage some of the remaining fragments." She half-smiles. "I thought someone might be interested."

Izboniah rubs at his forehead. "And... Daimonique, I believe? Pleased to meet you."

Daimon proffers a hand. "Just Daimon."

Sarah adds, "My apologies for not performing formal introductions."

Sepharmouse peeks out, "And I'm Sephar."

Izboniah shakes the offered hand. "No trouble at all. Hm. May I see these fragments?"

Izboniah says, "Pleased to meet you, Sephar."

Sephar bobs a gentle nod.

Sarah offers the bundle, with exquisite care.

Sarah says "I believe Hitherby is also present, but may not be awake."

Izboniah takes it, equally carefully, and puts it down. "My regards to the Domination, then. Hm. This may require some careful handling."

Izboniah says, "Perhaps you will tell me more about how you discovered it later, Chephirah?"

Hitherby hums, cheerfully, "I'm reasonably present, but I'm playing hide and seek with myself in this forest. Er, I mean, Daimon's hair. It's very distracting; I'm a devilishly clever opponent."

Sarah says "Certainly, Most Holy."

<> Sarah says "... when I know. :)"

Izboniah chuckles. "Till later, then, my friends." His fingers twitch faintly as he regards the bundle.

<> Demiurge laughs.

Daimon bobs his head.

<> Sephar laughs!!

Sarah lays the paper beside it. "This is my recollection, but it is likely to be inaccurate. I'll give you a full report when time allows."

Sarah smiles, warm. "Until then."

Izboniah nods, picking the paper up. "I'll have one of our experts look at it."

Sarah says "I hope it proves useful."

Sarah ushers the other three out.

Daimon gets ushered, right back out to the car. For another smoke.

Izboniah says, "May you all journey towards your destinies."

Sepharmouse tucks back into the Pocket and naps quietly.

Outside, the car is _still_ in one piece.

<> Demiurge says "BTW, Sarah, did you detune to the shards, or are you still attuned?"

Daimon climbs into the passanger seat once again.

Sarah drives Daimon off to his next destination, once all leaves are taken and seatbelts fastened.

<> Sarah says "Detuning would probably be a good plan, since it's out of my hands now. :)"

<> Demiurge says "Okay, Sarah. Make a Will roll to detune."

Sepharmouse peeks up and eyes the car carefully, just looking, not possessing it.

The car seems in perfectly good shape, still.

Daimon smokes yet another smoke.

<> Sarah drops a further two essence in that detuning, since it's in a Tether and nicely hidden. Which brings her down overall to 6, I think.

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

<> Sarah says "All I have to do is spend Essence in order not to need Essence :)"

<> Demiurge says "Sarah, the attunement is removed."

Soon enough, and just in time for the appointment, you draw up beside the Old Post Office.

<> Sarah looks relieved. Dissonance is BAD when dating a Judgmenter :)

Sarah parks, as per standard.

Miracle of miracles, there is even a parking space.

Daimon is impressed.

<> Demiurge says "Daimon, you (and Sephar) would remember that side door which is the entrance to the important bits of the Tether."

Daimon gets out of the car, once it is stopped, and heads toward the correct door.

Sarah is very impressed. She locks the car and heads hastily after Daimon.

Inside, a girl with neatly styled hair and gaudy nail varnish beams from behind her desk. Cameras swivel towards the group. "Hello! My name is Benni and I'm your personal Media Assistant for today!"

Daimon is rather single minded today.

Sephar just hides in the Pocket.

Sarah wishes she had a Pocket to hide in, and merely endures.

Daimon says "Hi Benni. I'm here to see Terry Jackson. I have a 10:30am appointment."

Benni smiles cheerfully. "Just a moment. Please have a seat and sample our latest magazineware!" She murmurs into her headset.

<> Demiurge says "Sarah, this is even more ... nervous-making ... than the Freedom Tether was. You can feel the miasma of Media all round you."

Daimon settles down in a chair, picks up a magazine, to see if it's a new one.

<> Pat says "In Perdition, new magazines come out every ten minutes."

Sarah does not have a seat, nor so much as /touch/ a magazine. She stands close by Daimon.

The magazine is a new one, and has a new photo of Demi Moore on the front, modelling nipple shields.

Daimon sighs, and flips to see if there are any articles worth reading. At the same time, he slips on the Scale.

Footsteps can be heard, and then the door opens. Terry is standing there, resplendent in a MIB-type outfit. He's even wearing mirrorshades, and grinning. There's an attache case under his arm.

Terry says, "Daimie, _baby_!"

Daimon stands up. "Hiya Terry."

<> Zebina says "Ah, but does he have a Noisy Cricket?"

<> Demiurge says "No obvious Cricket."

<> Pat says "Shedite Gun!"

<> Demiurge says "No obvious Shedite gun, either."

Terry crooks a finger. "This way, baby. The equipment's _all_ set up. And hi there, honey. You being Daimie's bodyguard these days?"

Sarah does /not/ cringe. But it takes an effort of will.

Daimon says "Something like that. Look, Terry, I have business concerns to talk to you about."

Terry says, "You have? Okay, baby, let's head up to my office and you can tell me all about it."

Terry says, "You, after all, Daimie, you're a girl with _insight_."

Sarah lets Daimon do the talking. Perhaps it's best that Daimon got words out first. She tags along after Daimon.

Daimon nods, "Okay."

Daimon follows along, looking at the stuff on the walls.

Terry leads the way down the corridor to the nice bright shiny Media Lift. There are many prize-winning photo reprints on the walls.

Daimon is getting that inner cringing from Capitalizations.

<> Demiurge says "Sarah, you are really _not_ feeling happy about this place, or this situation, and it's not getting any better."

Terry steps into the lift, and puts his finger on the Doors Open button to keep the doors open.

Daimon follows Terry into the Lift.

Sarah pauses, and puts a hand on Daimon's shoulder. From outside the Lift.

Daimon says "Yeah?"

Terry waits, patiently.

Sarah says "Where precisely is your office, Mr. Jackson?"

Terry says, "Upstairs, baby. Look, Daimie's been there."

Terry says, "The Lightning whizz-mouse, too."

Sepharmouse sighs and pokes its head out and eyes the Lift.

Sarah glances across to Daimon, and pings resonance as she does.

<> Sarah rolls the d666 and gets 2 1 CHECK: 5.

Daimon says "Terry, are you trying to kill me?"

<> Demiurge says "Sarah. Danger. Bad danger. Not mortal danger. But bad danger. From the direction of Terry and the lift."

Terry says, quite truthfully, "No way, Daimie."

Sarah tugs Daimon back, gently.

Terry half-steps out of the lift. "What is this, kid?"

Daimon looks at Terry, then looks at Sarah. "Fuck this. I'll go get another agent."

Daimon turns and starts walking for the door.

<> Daimon says "Hello, I trust Sarah."

<> Sephar says "Hoorah!!"

<> arcangel says "Trust your Cherub."

Terry snorts a breath through his nose, and as Daimon turns, he snaps the attache case open, tossing it towards Daimon and Sarah. Gas billows out.

<> Demiurge says "Str roll, please, people."

<> Daimon rolls the d666 and gets 4 3 CHECK: 5.

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

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 4 3 CHECK: 5.

<> Demiurge says "I'm afraid that all who just failed their Str rolls are about to pass out."

<> Daimon says "Woo hoo!"

Daimon coughs, falls to his knees, and passes out on the floor.

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

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, you can depossess your mouse as it passes out, but that leaves you dehosted."

<> Demiurge says "Hitherby, you are still conscious."

Terry walks towards the group, breathing through his nose.

<> Daimon says "Damn, there goes my lunch plans."

<> Daimon says "Leave it to a Balseraph to make me late for an appointment."

Sarah tries to shove Daimon down the hall, but collapses nonetheless.

<> Demiurge says "I believe you have a whole Force free to do stuff with, Hitherby."

Sephar does dispossess the mouse, hanging quietly by the bodies.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 4 2 CHECK: 6.

Terry's eyes flick to the floating Sephar.

Sephar looks at Terry to see if he's wearing a gas mask.

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, he's not wearing a gas mask, but you might suspect nose filters, as he's breathing through his nose."

Sephar uses remote control to turn off the filters.

<> Demiurge says "The filter are solid things. Basically, filter-types."

Hitherby Sings Corporeal Form. In the middle of a Media Tether, God help her.

<> Demiurge says "I don't see quite how one _could_ turn them off."

<> Demiurge says "Roll, Hitherswarm."

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

<> Demiurge says "Cool. Hitherswarm is Corporeally Formed."

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

<> Sephar ahs mildly then and possesses the filters and then zaps Terry through 'em with the generator.

<> Pat says "Nose zot!"

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 3 2 CHECK: 4.

Hitherby then lifts up and goes for Terry's groin at full-speed charge.

There is a flare of electricity from Terry's nose, and a muffled shriek.

<> Demiurge says "Roll for your charge, Hitherby."

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

Terry shrieks again, as the Swarm Of Might collides with his groin, and sends him crashing into the wall. He squeaks, faintly, "intruder alert."

<> Sephar pays Essence, baby and zaps him again. I'm not sure enough of the mechanics as to whether or not it's better to zap him all at once or just do it in small bits.

<> Pat says "Man. Death by nose zot."

<> Sephar should probably hold on to some for those that are coming.

<> Pat says "And Insectile Groin Pummelling."

There is the sound of running feet, and a couple of the doorways swing open, as six Gasmasked Goons come tumbling through.

<> Hitherby says "How hard would it be to tear a way into Terry's pants with my iron-hard legs? (I know, I know, he loves it when girls get into his pants.)"

<> Daimon says "GOONS!"

<> Daimon says "YEAH, GOONS!"

<> Daimon does a serious happy dance.

Sephar *now* uses remote control to stop the pumps on the gasmasks?

One of the Goons is carrying a Big Weird Rifle. It has an odd funnel-like projection at one end, and a big crystalline thingy at the other.

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, do most gasmasks have pumps? I thought they just had filters."

Terry's nose is developing severe scorch marks, and he's whimpering as the Kyrio tears at his trousers.

<> Sephar hrms. I guess if it's breathing app. it's pumps, if it's just filters, I guess not.

<> Pat says "Most of them have valves, at the very least."

<> Demiurge says "You could unstrap them or something, though."

<> Daimon says "Poor Terry. He's just not built for combat like this - at least when it involves his groin. That's his best asset!"

Sephar does that, then.

<> Sarah just dies quietly. We have the most BIZARRE combat scenes.

<> Daimon says "If you tear up his groin, how is he going to think?"

The Goon with the Gun points it at the swarm of insects buzzing over Terry's pants.

Sephar possesses a gas mask, careful to jump from the nose thing to a mask, then to the next then to the next then to the next..

Sephar does it to the guy with the gun, first.

Sephar feels for possible Force Traps on the Goons as it possesses the masks.

Hitherby's clever plan is to get in one choice steel-hard sting with the three best-situated insects, and then scatter as much as she can. (That is to say, take my regular Dodge when this guy fires. :))

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, try a Per roll to spot Force Traps. Hitherby too, if you look at the rifle."

<> Hitherby is actually just assuming it's a Force Trap. :)

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 1 2 CHECK: 6.

Terry screams and jerks as the stings go in.

<> Sephar is assuming the gun is, but if the goons are *wearing* any.

<> Sephar has five Forces and wanna have one of these guys for lunch.

Hitherby mutters, "Traitor," but she does it in an archaic dialect of dung beetle, so he probably doesn't understand.

Sarah, doing her part... er, lies on the floor, unconscious.

It becomes clear to the perceptive Sephar that the Weird Gun is some sort of Force Catcher, but it's projective in form. It looks like it might be Vaputech.

The Goon with the Gun triggers it. There is a melodious clanging sound, as a wide bluish ray of light flickers out towards where Terry lies and Hitherby swarms.

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, the goons don't seem to be wearing Force Catchers."

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

<> Demiurge says "Hitherby, make a Dodge roll (at a penalty) to try and avoid the gun blast."

<> Hitherby rolls the d666 and gets 6 3 CHECK: 1.

<> Demiurge says "Ooops. That's a fail. Okay, try a Will roll (at a penalty) to avoid being sucked in."

Sephar hrms and does Generator *at* the Gun.

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

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, just a moment. You might want to consider that it is a Bad Idea to try actually doing stuff at a Force Catcher."

<> Sephar ah Hokay. What does it do?

<> Demiurge says "Well, the concept of being sucked in once you affect it is ... possible, for a free-floating Kyriotate."

<> Sarah says "It might depend on the individual Catcher. :)"

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, there are ways to destroy it."

With a dreadful feel of lurching, Hitherby feels herself being drawn ... in. Inwards. Into crystal. Into a void... (and this gets all 9 Forces of Hitherby, yes).

<> Demiurge says "And actively using an attunement on it, while unanchored, is probably not a good way."

<> Demiurge says "Like physically breaking it with physical tools might destroy it. Or overloading it _might_ destroy it, or might result in your being sucked in when you contact it. You don't know."

Hitherby thunk.

<> Demiurge says "Hitherby, for the moment, you are Out Of It."

Sephar throws its six Forces at the Goon with the Gun, then.

Hitherby . o O ( Unfortunately, Terry will not be happy with me. )

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 3 1 CHECK: 5.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 3 2 CHECK: 3.

The Goon with the Gun resists.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 3 5 CHECK: 2.

The Goon with the Gun looks sharply around the room, eyes narrowed.

Sephar possesse the Goon's gas mask, then and undoes the straps.

<> Sephar says "Or can I just do that with remote control?"

Sephar actually goes into the mask, to be mildly anchored.

Terry clutches at his groin, trying to regain his feet. He waves an abused hand in Sephar's direction, croaking, "There!"

<> Demiurge says "You can do that with remote control."

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

<> Sephar drats and also only had five Force, the rat at the Lab was the one it forgot...

The Goon's gasmask comes free. He holds his breath as he points the rifle in the direction of Sephar, and fires. Blue light flares.

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

<> Sephar pulled *all* of itself into the mask, Demi.

Terry yells, voice hoarse, "It's in the fucking mask! And someone get the prisoners out!"

The ray blast hits only empty air.

Sephar jumps to the next mask.

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

Sephar undoes it.

Sephar then jumps into Terry's coat.

The men are coughing now, trying to hold their breath.

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

Sepharlabrat calls Pat.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 5 6 CHECK: 3.

The Goon with the gun begins to fire regularly across the room, reaching down with his free hand to grab his gasmask again.

<> Demiurge says "Across town, Pat's phone rings."

Pat answers his phone. "Murphy."

Terry grabs his jacket in both fists. "Come out of there, baby, or I rip it up and you eat dissonance."

Sepharlabrat pants, through phone circuits, "Bad bad bad at the Old Post Office. Terry had gas and got Daimon and Sarah."

Sepharlagrat rushes out, "They have Hitherby in a Catcher and are trying to get me."

Terry yells, at the Goon, "Here!"

<> Daimon says "Oh, Terry, but it's your new COAT."

The Goon levels the gun at Terry's chest. He fires.

<> Hitherby says "Pat probably knows that Hitherby got zapped or busy or something, because, well, the bum is acting funny."

Pat is standing by the second 'bad', grabbing gun and coat. "Don't get killed. I'm bringing help."

Sephar jumps from the coat away completely, for the mask on the guy who's shooting.

<> Demiurge says "The Bum has returned to his normal self."

Blue light shoots out to wash over Terry's coat.

Pat looks at the bum. "Just...er...Just stay here. Help yourself to the kitchen. I'll explain it all later."

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, you can try a Dodge roll (at a penalty) to avoid that ray. If you fail, try a Will roll (at a penalty) to resist."

The bum is looking himself up and down. "Yeah. Um, whatever."

Pat tries for a reassuring smile. "You're in the hands of the angels. Trust me."

<> Daimon says "The bum gets possessed by Elijah. He casts the Kerubim of Exasperation, who get confused and goes to the Old Post Office, and the rest is history, baby."

The bum says, "Um," and investigates the coffee.

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

Pat heads out the door, dialing Etecius.

<> Sephar thinks it like completely missed it's Dodge.

<> Demiurge says "You did, Sephar. Try a penalised Will roll."

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 3 6 CHECK: 5.

<> Demiurge says "Alas. Sephar also slides down, down, down into the crystal nothingness..."

<> arcangel says "Schlurp."

<> Sephar says "Slop!"

<> Demiurge says "Where it could communicate with Hitherby, but is cut off from the rest of the world."

Etecius' secretary answers the phone.

<> Sephar is starting to get used to this.

Pat identifies himself very tersely, as he is all but running for the tube station, and uses the code phrase for 'Get me the blasted Seneschal NOW'.

Etecius says, a moment later, "Mazpatiel?"

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

Pat says "Etecius, we have a problem. Daimonique and the other have been taken prisoner by the Media."

<> Daimon says "And once Etecius stops laughing...."

<> Sephar says "Hey!"

There are a couple of clicks. "I will alert somebody to check their Hearts. Where were they last seen? And which others?"

<> Pat says "Come on. Prisoner of the Media. Really. :)"

<> Daimon is so very non threatened by the Media for some reason, even after this mess.

Pat says "The USPS Museum. Daimonique, Chephirah, Sephar, and Oboth. I'm on my way there now, and would greatly appreciate assistance."

<> Daimon keeps thinking 'I've been taken hostage by Ted Koppel.'

<> Sarah laughs!

Etecius says, "Forthcoming. I will alert the police force that there is a suspected felony inside. Please observe due caution."

<> Daimon says "My God, Ted! Your Toupee!"

Pat says "Something was said about gas. Take it into account."

<> Sephar eyes all of you, is still scared from the *last* time angels got taken.

<> Pat says "We're not going to let that happen, Sephar. The Tether raid happens now."

<> Daimon just keeps giggling.

<> Sarah suspects, simply from the nature of the fight, that Terry is in the pay of Dark Humor :)

<> arcangel | Pat . o O (That's my Partner! And my girlfriend!)

<> Daimon is being well rewarded for stupidity.

<> arcangel says "Never Trust The Balseraph."

<> Daimon says "Well, I don't blame Terry. He's naturally broken. I'm sure he's doing what he thinks is Right."

Etecius says, "I will. Etecius out." The phone goes down.

Pat, perhaps a bit rudely, pushes past people on the escalator into the Metro.

The Metro chunters through the tunnels... but there is always the knowledge of time, time ticking away...

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

Pat knows he is not posessed by a Shedite of Fate, so merely frets in silence.

<> Demiurge says "Pat, make a Perception roll."

<> Pat rolls the d666 and gets 5 1 CHECK: 2.

As Pat emerges from the Metro entrance on the other end, a face in the crowd is suddenly familiar. Coming _from_ the direction of the Post Office, face set in lines of mild annoyance, is Cecilia. She's moving fast. Police sirens can be heard from the direction of the Old Post Office.

Pat makes a quick judgment call, and moves to intercept Cecilia.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 6 1 CHECK: 4.

Cecilia's eyes flick across. She raises both palms, showing them empty.

Cecilia says, "I can guess who you're hunting, but they've already taken him down."

<> Daimon says "Well, I guess I don't have to talk to Terry about my bank accounts anymore, now do I? That problem solved."

Pat says "Just him?"

Cecilia shrugs. "He was the only one I could track. There was some noise, though."

Cecilia says, "The question is, do you want to follow?"

Pat purses his lips. "You know exactly how wise that is."

Cecilia shrugs. "I do. And I wouldn't protect you if they caught you. But I know my way down there, and I can track him."

Cecilia's lips curve, faintly.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 5 5 CHECK: 3.

Pat says "And if they don't catch me?"

Cecilia says, "Then you'll have a better chance of reaching him than you do now."

Cecilia says, "It's up to you. But I'm in a hurry."

Pat frowns. Calls Etecius.

Cecilia waits, paused on the balls of her feet.

Etecius answers. "Who is it?"

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 4 2 CHECK: 2.

Pat says "Mazpatiel. Send word upstairs, watch our Hearts."

Etecius' voice is sharp. "No trace of them at the Tether. What are you doing?"

Pat says "Finding them."

Pat hangs up.

Hitherby, in the Gun, says, "Hey, Sephar."

Pat looks at Cecilia.

Hitherby adds, "Come here often?"

Sephar giggles quietly at Hitherby, starting.

Sephar says "Uhm. Lately. Yes."

<> Daimon says "Who's the Elohite Private Dick who's down the Sex Machine with all the Chicks? PAT!"

Cecilia nods. She leads Pat down, back into the Metro.

Pat follows.

Sephar sighs, "I wonder if I should have just left, but then I couldn't know where you are."

Hitherby says, "Of all the seedy Vapulan guns in all of Hell, you had to walk into mine."

Sephar giggles again quietly.

Hitherby smiles, sort of. "Well, thank you for staying."

Sephar and Hitherby, in the Gun, feel a change of state. A shift. And they know the feeling of the realm outside the Gun - it is Hell.

Hitherby frowns, sort of.

Sephar snuffles quietly, "Well, it wasn't that much of a choice, actually. But I really couldn't-- hrm. This is getting to be too familiar, too."

Hitherby says "This isn't how it's supposed to work."

Sephar says "No, it isn't."

And, slowly, Sarah and Daimon wake. They are both in celestial form, and both have shackles locked to their ankles, with a chain running from each shackle to a large heavy ball marked PROPERTY OF NYBBASCORP.

Daimon moans, and opens his eyes.

They are in an office, a penthouse office, looking out over a BIG city below. Skyscrapers. Flashing lights. Dark sky.

Daimonique peers at the ball, swears, and turns over to go back to sleep.

Television screens blink on the walls of the office. Many of them. A chromed Balseraph is fiddling with a crystal globe set into some sort of mechanism on his desk. Television jingles hum subliminally in the air.

Sarah lifts her head, and turns it to peer at the chains. Then at the chains on Daimon, much more closely.

Chephirah growls, half under her breath, "I think /not/."

Daimonique . o O ( Man, I haven't been in Perdition in, um, hell, weeks. You can NOT get a good taco here, even if you try. )

Terry flicks the globe, and it lights up - to reveal the churning forms of two Kyriotates.

<> Demiurge says "Sephar, Hitherby, you can now see the office outside you."

<> Demiurge says "But you're stuck in the globe."

<> Demiurge says "You can speak and hear and be heard."

Hitherby says, chipperly, "Hi, Terry!"

Terry turns, at the growl, and his wings flicker. "Hey, baby. You're awake."

Sephar giggles a bit and puts an eye against the globe surface, "Kinda like goldfish."

Hitherby says "So the Media's doing scut work for the alliance these days?"

Terry says, "No, baby, no. I'm acting on my Prince's orders."

Hitherby says, "Well, yah. The Media."

Hitherby says, "Or, um, did you change?"

Hitherby eyes Terry thoughtfully. 'If you work for Lust now, I'm *terribly* sorry."

Terry says, "No way, baby. I still work for the coolest Prince in all of Hell. Anyone want some Perrier?"

Daimonique turns over and lays on her back, and stares at the ceiling. "I thought you were having the ceiling repainted."

Terry says, "Hey, the Habbalite down the hall said it was passe to repaint the ceiling, so I did the wall instead."

<> Demiurge says "Daimon, the Scale is gone."

Daimonique says "I can still see the crack in the left hand corner there. You should get someone up here to fill it."

<> Daimonique says "I figured as much."

Hitherby looks at the ceiling.

Sephar eyes the ceiling with many eyes as well.

Hitherby eddies.

Terry says, "Sure, kid, no problem. But I'm afraid you're not down here for plastering jobs, honey."

Chephirah tugs herself over as necessary to lay a wing over Daimonique, blanketlike.

Daimonique says "It was just some helpful commentary."

Terry says, "Cool, kid, cool."

Daimonique says "I'd get off the floor, but I would feel the urge to strangle you, and I just don't have the motivation yet."

Daimonique says "It's coming to me, though."

Terry says, soothingly, "Now, I don't want any of you to be _frightened_. Really. This is going to be cool."

Daimonique says "No, I'm not afraid. I've been prepared to die for a while now. But this does make my life easier, in several ways."

Hitherby says, thoughtfully, "I'm not frightened, either. I'm terribly peeved, though."

Chephirah growls, "Only in the sense of 'serpent on ice'."

Hitherby says "I was in the middle of stuff."

Terry laughs. "Hey, good banter. We may have some work for you later, Sarah honey."

Hitherby waves her hands around. "Lots of stuff."

Terry says, "Well, yeah."

Daimonique closes her eyes again. "Was the gas morphine based, or was it chloroform?"

Chephirah curls her wing about Daimon. "I am already happily employed, thank you."

Terry says, cheerfully, "But it's rest cure time! Spas and jacuzzis and all that fun stuff!"

Hitherby blinks.

Chephirah shudders. Noticeably.

Hitherby says, "It's a goldfish bowl."

Daimonique says "Terry, please don't tell me you hit me with something addictive."

Terry says, "No, nothing addictive, Daimie. Just a little snoozeness."

Daimonique says "Good. Because, dammit, I don't want to die while going through withdrawal cramps."

Hitherby says, "Not that I would mind a hot spring."

Sephar pushes at the side of the globe experimentally.

Terry says, "Daimie, you're not going to _die_. You're going to have a nice little vacation in a quiet place."

The side of the globe is smooth and slightly elastic.

Daimonique says "Ah yes, the funny farm. Finally. So who won the pool on that? Did you?"

Sephar mmm elastic, so it pushes harder.

The globe deforms as Sephar pushes, pulling in on the other side.

<> Zebina makes noises to herself mostly indicating a high desire to empirically find the going market rate for balseraph skin.

Hitherby, ever charitable, pushes the other side out.

<> Zebina is going to turn Terry into a set of Matched Luggage, and sell him at a discount, she is.

Terry says, "It's my boss, kid. See, I think you've kinda been listening to the wrong people, and knowing too much, and stuff like that."

Hitherby blinks.

Hitherby says, unbelievingly, "Daimon?"

Daimonique opens her eyes and sits up in indian style. "Well, I dunno. Hey, you know what, I think _I_ won the pool on my interrment on the Funny Farm. I did have 1998-1999."

Chephirah thinks "Yes, he's been listening to you, Terry," but says nothing aloud lest Terry make another comment about banter. It's annoyingly hard to leap and rend when one's chained to a large heavy ball.

Hitherby says, accusingly, "You didn't tell me you knew stuff. You're one of them, whatchacallem, brains, aren't you?"

As Hitherby and Sephar push on opposite sides, the top of the globe begins to fold down on them, making an ovoid of the thing.

Daimonique says "I try to know very little, Hitherby."

Hitherby says, helpfully, from a Terry-side-mouth, "See?"

Terry says, "Look. None of you are going to the Game. Or any of that shit."

<> Zebina wonders idly if there's a little sticker on the bottom of the base that says 'Recommended Kyrio Limit: 1.'

<> Hitherby giggles!

<> Demiurge says "There's one saying _Vapububble_."

Daimonique says "Excellent. My hat is off to Prince Nybbas, who has proved himself to be a pretty cool guy as always. So when does the games begin, Teraphim?"

Terry says, "Well, kid, there aren't games. You're just getting shipped off for a quiet stay in the country. Like I said. Your friends too."

Terry says, regretfully, "It's that know-too-much thing, you know."

Daimonique says "Has it occured to you that I might be happy just the way I am?"

Hitherby says, "Terry, it's not that I *object* to having a little vacation and not being hurt, or anything, but, er," She waves a hand about. "The Great One can see where I am. And I'm dissonant, just off of Discordant; he probably has someone watching. And, he's, er, ..." She floats. "Well, Iwouldn't want to get him mad, you know?"

Terry says, "Don't worry about that, kid. It's all being handled. You can just sit back and enjoy the vacation."

Sephar hrms at what Hitherby says and eyes the oviod quietly then looks around, and tries, probably vainly, to possess a nice sparkly piece of Media tech, just to see what happens.

Terry says, to Daimon, "It'll be great! Really!"

Hitherby says, with actual feeling, "I mean, I *really* wouldn't want to."

<> Demiurge says "It doesn't seem to work, Sephar."

Daimonique yawns, scratches a little, and stands, extending her wings out.

<> Demiurge says "Of course, it doesn't work in Heaven either."

<> Sephar hrms.

Terry says, "Okay, okay. Look, I'll just get the boxes sent in."

Daimonique then, very casually, attempts to walk in range of Terry and beat the living daylights out of him.

Chephirah lets her wing slip from around Daimonique, and pushes herself to her feet, but is deceived by Lilim casualness.

Terry spreads his wings, and dodges the other side of his desk. The fact that Daimonique has a ball and chain doesn't help.

Terry says, from the other side of the desk, "Daimie, Daimie, this isn't helping matters."

Daimonique falls against the chain, pulling her leg out, and attempts to drag the ball behind her as she slowly and causally pursues Terry around the room. "You know I can hurt you."

Sephar hits the side of the ovoid sharply, very hard, as fast as it can.

Daimonique says "Actually, I would like to do so. Right now. It's not a real need, per se. It's more of an abstract desire."

Sephar hits it in the direction of Terry.

The ovoid fails to shatter.

Terry dodges round the other side of the desk. "That still leaves you in the middle of Hell, baby. Look, just cooperate and it'll be easier."

Chephirah blinks at Daimonique, mildly, and thoughtfully tugs her own ball and chain around to the other side of Terry's desk than the one around which Daimonique is pursuing.

Daimonique says "I'm not Flowers, you fucking moron. I'm Creation. And that means Destruction as well. At my very own hands."

Daimonique continues to pursue Terry.

Hitherby murmurs to Sephar, if the ovoid is made to move, "Sarah has teeth. And insight." If it's not, well.

Terry takes to the air, sailing up and over the desk.

Terry says, "Calm down, kids, or I call in the Djinn to calm you down."

Chephirah beats wings, and snaps for Terry's tail.

Terry says, "You either sit and listen, or I stick more chains on. Okay?"

Daimonique just grins at Terry, standing in the middle of the room.

Terry yelps, as teeth score into his tail. He snatches it away, but it oozes ichor.

Terry yells, "SECURITY!"

Chephirah spits ichor. "Uugh. I was right. He does taste bad."

Daimonique sighs, and sits indian style on the floor.

Hitherby cries, "Freedom! You can't have both at once!"

Chephirah spits again, blinks over at Daimon, and retreats to his side.

Sephar pushes the ball towards Chephirah, now.

Daimonique starts to chant, "Om mani padme hum. Om mani padme hum. Om mani padme hum. Om mani padme hum. Om mani padme hum."

A couple of Djinn come lumbering through the door. They're large, wearing chrome-and-black tassels, and look like bulls crossed with snakes.

Terry sighs, still hovering.

Sephar thinks it got what Hitherby meant, but if it doesn't move, it doesn't move, but if it's anything like the hamster ball it looks like.

Daimonique starts to sing, loudly, "Oh I'm a lumberjack and that's okay! I work all night and I sleep all day!"

The bubble finally comes loose, and bounces out of the contraption, rolling onto the floor.

Terry says, to the Djinn, "Get the boxes. And get me a gag and some chains, kids."

Hitherby pushes up, getting an inverse handhold, and tries to roll the ball towards Chephirah -- as Sephar is doing, she thinks.

Daimonique stops singing. "Okay, okay."

Daimonique sighs. Really hates chains. I mean, really hates chains.

The Kyrio Ball rolls slowly across the carpet.

Terry says, to the Djinn, "Just the boxes."

The Djinn nod, and retreat apathetically.

Chephirah blinks, and tries to figure out whether the Kyrio Ball is within wing-reach.

Daimonique pulls her knees up to her chin, and stares at Terry. "Is this any way to treat a friend, big boy?"

Terry says, "So, kids! I'm sure you want to know all about your exciting travel itinerary!"

The Kyrio Ball is nearly within wing-reach.

Sephar rolls merrily towards Chephirah.

Chephirah waits. Patiently.

Sephar remembers exercise sessions in a hamster ball...

Hitherby grins.

Terry sighs. "Don't try breaking that thing, kids, it's full of harmful radiation Vapulan shit. Seriously."

Hitherby . o O ( This is more fun than should be legal in Hell. Besides, er, the future. )

Daimonique says "So when do I talk to the Boss, Terry? I mean, seriously. When does that happen?"

Terry says, "You don't, kid. You're shipping out in about ten minutes."

Daimonique says "No?"

Daimonique looks a bit bugged. "I mean, that's the whole point of this, right?"

Terry says, "No, baby. I think the boss kinda wants to deny ever meeting you, you know?"

Terry says, "It's like I said. You're going on a rest cure."

Daimonique starts to laugh a little. "No way."

Chephirah gathers the ball in with a wing when it comes within reach, Terry-warning or no. Though she does keep her body between it and Daimonique.

Daimonique says "I was a Kobalite for 84 fucking YEARS, Terry. I DESERVE to be killed by him."

Terry says, "Yes way."

Terry says, "Trust me, baby."

Daimonique says "I fucking earned being killed by his hands."

Terry says, "I thought you'd got over that crucifixion shit."

Hitherby murmurs, very softly, "Can you sense how, Sarah?" Very *very* softly.

Daimonique says "Can I get a smoke before I go?"

Chephirah rubs the side of her jaw lightly against the bubble, and /attempts/ to ping resonance.

There are creakings and grindings at the door, as the Djinn begin to carry in large - human or Cherub size, even - crates stencilled with "CAMERAS, NYBBASCORPS."

<> Demiurge says "What are you trying, Chephirah?"

Daimonique says "Oh fuck, Terry. Don't put me in a box."

Daimonique says "I can't DEAL with being locked up."

Daimonique starts to try to crawl over and on the other side of the desk.

Terry says, "Look, baby, I'll put the Cherub in with you, okay?"

Terry says, "And the Kyrios too."

<> Chephirah is trying to find out if she can sort out any particular danger to Daimon from 'harmful Vapulan radiation!' in amidst the general horrific shrieks of 'YOU'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF HELL!' :)

Daimonique starts making an effort to get away from anything that even looks like a prison.

Terry says, "But I can't get you out through Hades looking like _that_."

<> Demiurge says "You really can't be sure, Chephirah."

<> Chephirah says "The usual. :)"

Hitherby says, softly, "Sarah, he wouldn't be in the room with it."

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

Sephar blinks mildly, "Hm?"

<> Demiurge says "Sarah, you don't _think_ there's an overwhelming danger associated with said globe."

Terry says, "Yeah, Electric, I'm angel-smuggling." He preens a little.

Hitherby explains to Sephar, very quietly, "Terry wouldn't be in a room with it if it were dangerous."

Chephirah shudders, and covers her head with another wing to bar the sight of Terry preening.

Daimonique is making an attempt to hide under the desk.

Chephirah . o O ( At least I managed to mar his scales' finish. Hmph. )

Terry says, "Look, Daimie, suppose I give you the key to the box? Then you're just kind of locking yourself in, right?

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 3 4 CHECK: 5.

<> Demiurge says "Daimon, try a Will roll. :)"

Daimonique says "I don't want to go into the box."

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

<> Daimonique says "Oh yeah."

<> Demiurge says "Curses! :)"

Terry twitches.

Terry says, "You're not making this easy on me, kid."

<> Daimonique says "EAT DISSONANCE!"

Chephirah then, under cover of wings, bites at the bubble. And does much praying.

Daimonique says "I'm afraid of the box. I can't DEAL with being in prison."

Terry considers.

Daimonique says "I can only deal with this ball because it's so Funny it's Ludicrous."

Terry says, "Look, kid, how about you do the human look? Then you can ride on the back of the truck."

Terry says, "I'll even let the Cherub do it too. How's that?"

<> Hitherby says "Do animal souls ever go to Hell?"

<> Demiurge says "No, Hitherby. Not that you've ever heard of."

Daimonique says "I can do that."

Sephar hits the inside of the bubble as Chephirah bites.

Daimonique says "Terry, can I still write whereever I'm going?"

<> Demiurge says "Okay. Sephar and Chephirah and Hitherby, make Will rolls, and I'll tell you if it works."

Hitherby hits, too, but not near Sarah's mouth.

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

Terry says, "Yeah, sure, kid. They've got plenty of paper and pens and stuff."

Daimonique says "Okay. I'll make you a DEAL, okay? Right here. If I write the first chapter of a book while I'm trapped down here, will you publish it in one of your popular magazines?"

<> Zebina says "Make sure you get royalties!"

Terry says, "Well, sure... if it's publishable. You know what sells."

<> Zebina says "Or at least a get-out-of Hell free card."

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 1 4 CHECK: 3.

Daimonique says "It should be. I mean you should be able to sell it, right? We're talking about me here, it should be fairly decent."

<> Hitherby rolls the d666 and gets 5 2 CHECK: 4.

Daimonique says "And then, Terry, you have another job. You hear me? Here's your other job. Your job is to take all my bank accounts if the Game hasn't yet, get them in YOUR name, and donate 15% of whatever I have to the Lilim Guildhall. You do whatever you need to with the rest."

The bubble fails to break, alas.

Hitherby says, muffledly, "You can have mine, too."

Terry considers. "Holy shit, Daimie. You serious?"

Hitherby says, "Swiss account. 2562281-A."

Daimonique says "And then you find my sister Malik, who is going to arrive in DC this afternoon, and you put her up someplace nice overnight, and you ship her back to LA the next morning."

Daimonique says "I'm dead serious."

Sephar quietly eyes Hitherby but stays silent.

Terry considers.

Daimonique says "Promise me, you slimy son of a bitch. Promise me you will DO THESE THINGS."

Terry says, "You've got a deal, kid." He turns to Hitherby. "You've got a swiss bank account, baby?"

And a Geas forms around Terry's neck. Nice and firm.

Daimonique nods and says, "Good" to herself.

Hitherby points out, "I'm a Kyriotate. I can't keep it on me."

Chephirah also eyes Hitherby.

Terry considers, then says, "Naaaah."

Daimonique says "Now we have to talk about the box. Where am I going that I have to go through Hades?"

Terry says, "You're going to a vacation cure rest home place, Daimie."

Daimonique says "Which Principality?"

Terry says, "Plenty of time for you to relax and think and get things straight."

<> Pat says "Abbadon."

Terry waves a vague wing. "Out in the Marches, kid. Sorta. That's why we've gotta get you out through here."

Daimonique says "Oh. Weird."

Hitherby goes still.

Sephar blinks quietly.

<> Zebina says "Marches? Do tell."

<> Zebina doesn't suppose they'd be keeping a certain BalSeraph... naah.

Daimonique ponders. "That I can buy. Who will I have contact with? You?"

Sephar says "The Marches? Not the Far End of the Marches?"

Hitherby says, thoughtfully, "Beleth."

<> Zebina goes back to rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic...er her job.

<> Sephar pats Zebina's paranoia.

<> Chephirah says "Lowering haystacks off the boatdeck of the Lusitania?"

Terry says, "Don't worry, kids! I'm sure you'll really get into the place once you're there."

Chephirah keeps the KyrioBall covered with a protective wing. And glowers at Terry.

Daimonique says "Terry, you have to tell my sister I love her very much. And well, I'd ask about Zebina too, but she'd rip you to pieces."

Terry says, "Sure, sure, I'll tell your sister. And hey, if Zebbie turns up where you are, that'll be cool too."

Chephirah growls, showing teeth.

Daimonique closes her eyes. Well, she got to see Heaven. That was enough.

Terry says, "Now! You two can't really carry the Ball, like, openly, so how about you put it in a box? Then you can chat while we're on the truck."

Chephirah purrs, "How about you take it off?"

Daimonique says "How about I geas myself to stay wherever you tell me, and you take the goddamn thing off."

Terry says, "Oh, come on, Sarah baby. That'd be kind of a bad idea, like?"

Chephirah says "I think it would be rather a good idea, actually."

Terry says, "You'll be fine. Now come along, kids, get looking human. We haven't got all day."

Daimonique says "I can't believe I suddenly don't exist. 84 years of my life, Terry."

Chephirah does no such thing.

Sephar whispers softly, "Maybe all at once?"

Terry says, "Daimie, Daimie. It's my Prince who doesn't want to talk to you. I've no clue what the Big Banana wants."

Terry says, "And I'm not asking." He gestures the Djinn towards Sarah. "Get the Ball."

Hitherby murmurs, "You know, if you would rather a polite Geas to dangerous Vaputech, you have a Lilim here."

Daimonique says "Okay."

Hitherby says, "Yes." to Sephar, and ripples once in signal, and does so. Though she doubts it'll matter.

Sephar hits with the signal as well.

The two Djinn lumber towards Sarah.

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

Chephirah catches Terry's gesture, and takes one more desperate rip, trying to pin the ball down with claw or wing as she does.

<> Demiurge says "Okay. Will roll, all those trying to break the Ball."

<> Hitherby rolls the d666 and gets 1 3 CHECK: 2.

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

Unfortunately, the Ball fails to break, though it deforms spectacularly.

Hitherby murmurs rapidly, within the ball, to an interior Sepharsurface, "When they pick us up, try and deform it hard enough to wrap around their hand?"

Sephar murmurs, "Hokay."

<> Hitherby may be misperceiving things, depending on how big the ball is. If it's Large, then this is silly.

The Djinn reach down to push Sarah aside and pick up the Ball.

<> Demiurge says "The Ball is about basketball-size."

Sephar punches to wrap it around the Djinn's hands...

Chephirah is, presumably, pushed, as it's hard to maneuver with the dratted chain.

Hitherby murmurs to Sephar, "Hold and squeeze ..." as she does the same, trying to keep it distended if it gets distended far enough to begin with.

<> Sephar rolls the d666 and gets 6 1 CHECK: 2.

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

Unfortunately, it doesn't quite work. The Djinn is evidently used to handling such Balls.

Hitherby sighs.

Terry says, "Look, Sarah, honey, either you turn human, or you go in the box, and Daimon sits outside and does the travelogue. Okay?"

Chephirah pushes herself to all four paws, and turns a shaggy head to look at Daimon.

Daimonique is still hiding behind the desk, silent now.

Hitherby pats Sephar. "I wasn't really expecting anything to work," she admits, quite honestly. Even so, she tries one last thing, mouthing to Sephar, "Electricity?" and withdrawing from the edge of the ball.

Sephar frowns quietly and uses its generator attunement on the inside of the ball.

Sephar uses a point of essence to do so.

Chephirah sighs, and shifts, rubbing a human jaw against her scarf. Presuming she still has the scarf, that is.

Electricity sparks inside the ball, flickering round between Hitherby and Sephar like the inside of a plasma globe. The ball itself reacts as though mirrored.

<> Demiurge says "Yes, Chephirah, you do have the scarf."

Sephar catches the spark back within itself so it doesn't hit Hitherby.

Hitherby . o O ( Well, it *is* Hell, I suppose. )

Terry says, "Okay, okay. Hm." He looks Sarah up and down. "Just as long as you don't ride way in sight, honey. Back of the van or something. Most humans don't wear that many clothes, you know."

Sarah looks entirely skeptically at Terry, given that, at present, she's dressed in skirt, blouse, and scarf. Well, and glasses and shoes and so forth.

<> Demiurge says "How much clothing do you think damned souls normally get allowed in Hell? :)"

Sarah paces over to kneel beside Daimonique, behind Terry's desk.

<> Sarah giggles. He didn't say that part :)

<> Demiurge says "He thought you'd understand. ;)"

<> Sarah says "Of course he did ;)"

Daimonique is sitting under the desk, chin on her drawn up knees.

<> Zebina is not only going to turn Terry into Matched Luggage, but she's going to be the only angel in Heaven with a Balseraph handbag.

<> Pat says "I want shoes."

Terry picks up a smaller crate, and says to the Djinn, "Here, guys, put the Ball in." He peers at the Kyriotates. "Don't worry, babies. Just to make sure you aren't seen."

<> Sarah laughs!

<> Demiurge says "Isn't it nice to have your characters so appreciated, Daimon? :)"

<> Daimonique says "Damn straight. :)"

<> Daimonique knows very well that Terry thinks this is the Best Possible Thing.

Sephar whirls about, and sticks its tongues out at Terry in all directions.

<> Sephar is pretty sure of that, too.

Terry looks shocked, baby, shocked at this vulgarity.

Hitherby says, "Honestly, Terry, we're not *that* glorious. Only one or two demons would see the light, I'm sure."

The Djinn plops the Ball into the box, though he leaves the lid off. Sound still comes in clearly.

Hitherby says "Although, hm."

Hitherby says "There *are* two of us."

Hitherby swirls quietly.

Sarah offers Daimonique her hand, quietly.

Sephar nods at Hitherby and hrms quietly.

Sephar giggles.

Daimonique looks at Sarah. "Terry, can I be tired now? I'm just so tired."

Terry says, "Yeah, baby, exactly. Don't want the Game knowing."

Hitherby says "You know, I bet if the Media started campaigning for Redemption and stuff, it'd be *really* controversial. Like, everyone would be talking about it.""

Terry says, to Daimonique, "Be tired, baby. Just relax. Let us do the shipping. Just sit back, right? It'll be okay." His voice is smooth.

<> Zebina snorts. Terry? Shipping? *Feh*

Daimonique says "I can't do this anymore. I can't even be pissed off at you, Teraphim. I mean, I am. There will come a day when this will all be rectified. But I'm finally all used up."

Terry sighs.

Terry says, "Relax, honey. Nothing you can do will affect things right now, so just sit back and close your eyes."

Hitherby says, "It's difficult to be angry when you're helpless, Daimon. Instead you wait. Then, when you are no longer helpless, you strike; cleanly, effectively, precisely, and humanely. Although that last word is sort of a joke."

Daimonique curls up in a tighter ball under the desk, eyes closed.

Terry says, to Sarah, "Suppose we put you in the back of the van with the doors shut? Get him to look human if anyone tries coming in."

Hitherby says "You might be pleased to know, though, that I stung him in some delicate places with Corporeal form up. He probably won't use that Vessel for a while."

Sephar says "And you can always do something."

Sephar says "Sometime."

Sarah does /not/ answer Terry.

Sarah does, however, lean down and put her arms around Daimonique, gently.

Terry says, "Animal baby, you hurt me in all _sorts_ of painful places. And the Lightning kid damn near burned my nose off."

Sephar giggles at that.

Terry hovers across the office, and picks a convenient robe-cum-cape, in silver velvet, off a chair where it has been dropped. He brings it back across.

Terry leans down to put the cape round Daimon's shoulders.

Sarah snaps her head around and bares teeth at Terry. Admittedly, this is much less impressive with human teeth.

Hitherby smiles cheerfully, although Terry can't see. "It was justified. I think it would be a nice gesture if you didn't get it healed for a while, so that every time you sat down or inhaled through your nose, you'd be reminded of just what you did."

<> Daimonique says "So do I have my Eli gun?"

<> Demiurge says "Alas, no."

Daimonique shoots a hand up like a shot, and reaches up to grab Terry about the geas.

Terry smiles Balseraphically at Sarah - and then is grabbed. He rears back, in an unfurling of wings.

Daimonique pulls Terry to meet her eyes, down nice and close. "I work for Judgment, motherfucker. Don't you think this won't be made right."

Daimonique then hits him, right between the eyes.

<> Hitherby says "Which ones?"

<> Hitherby ducks.

<> Daimonique says "Oh, any of them is fine. I'm not picky."

Terry is hit squarely between the eyes. He sprawls in a puddle of leathery wings, blinking.

Terry's tail comes round to grab Daimon by the ankle, and pull him off.

Sarah looks frantically between Terry, Daimon, and the Djinn. And incidentally tries to step on Terry's tail. Preferably where she bit him.

Daimonique struggles against the tail, and attempts to get some more of Terry.

<> Daimonique says "Thugness!"

The Djinn who holds the box with the Ball puts the box down, and slams the lid on, before he and his friend come round to separate the squabble.

Hitherby looks to Sephar.

Daimonique hisses, "Oh, there's going to be unhappiness, let me tell you. And this is for my beanies."

Terry makes a squalling noise as Sarah steps on the wound.

Daimonique hits him again.

<> Pat says "Yeah! Kick him!"

<> Pat says "HURT HIM!"

<> Sarah HOWLS

<> Zebina thinks we're going to see one very bruised looking Balseraph.

<> Demiurge says "Poor Terry. ;)"

<> Pat says "Screw bruised. I want a corpse."

<> Sarah says "BEANIES BEANIES BEANIES :)"

<> Daimonique says "Sorry. I've been planning on spanking him for the last hour."

<> Shaniel says "Terry deserves it :)"

One Djinn crowds Sarah backwards, bulking over her. The other grabs for Daimon's wrists, prying them back as Terry shoves with body and wings to force Daimon off him.

Daimonique gets shoved off with an oof, and a cockeyed patented Kobalite grin.

<> Hitherby says "I *really* wish Corporeal Songs worked here. :)"

Sarah looks mildly apologetic, but really not very sincerely, and backs away. Though preferably in Daimonique's direction.

Daimonique says "I'm done now."

Sarah asks, "Do you feel better?"

Daimonique says "Oh yes, quite."

Sarah says "Oh, good."

Daimonique says "I had levied a warning about the Beanies. I thought then was a good time to call it in."

Daimonique says "I'm quite harmless now, thanks."

Terry picks himself up, mopping at grazes and bruises. "Daimie baby, you fight mean."

Daimonique says "Of course I do, Terry. I lived on the streets of Shal-Mari."

Sarah leans over, if she can get close enough, and kisses Daimonique on the cheek.

Daimonique does look a litle remorseful. "I am very tired, I wasn't lying. It just seemed a good time to, well, take advantage of a geas."

Terry says, "Yeah, well, kid, get yourself looking human. We're behind schedule."

Terry rubs painfully at his throat.

Daimonique sighs, and morphs into her female vessel, which looks very much like her celestial form, but leggier and with less wings.

Daimonique says "I love you like a brother Terry, but sometimes you need your ass kicked."

Daimonique is also still in a black suit.

Terry says, "You'll feel better about it later, Daimie. Gotta work off that buried hostility."

Daimonique says "Buried? BURIED? It's right on the surface, baby."

Terry writhes across to pick up the Kyrio Box. "Now come on, kids. We got a van to catch."

Sarah thus looks remarkably underdressed beside Daimonique.

Daimonique returns to her indian style way of sitting on the floor. Back to being totally harmless.

Hitherby picks the feather she'll miss the least, grits several thousand teeth, and yanks it out.

Terry says, to a Djinn, "Pick the Lilim up, kid, and carry her."

Sephar meeps quietly at Hitherby.

Daimonique says "I am not going into that box."

Sarah says to Terry and Djinn, "There's really no need for that."

Sarah offers both hands to Daimonique.

Daimonique takes Sarah's hands and gets up off the floor.

Terry says, "No, no box. Just down to the van."

Terry says, "We'll keep you two in the back. Say you're new screenwriters or something. And you two just keep your heads down, okay?"

Hitherby tests the tip of it, where it attached, against a finger. Kyriotates are made of tough stuff, celestially, and the ends of feathers can be sharp. It doesn't have to be good; she's hoping for screwdriver-level sharpness, not serrated-knife-level.

Daimonique clearly isn't going to fight this.

Hitherby, if the feather is sharp, begins methodically scratching at the bubble with it. Otherwise, she uses her sharpest fingernail. *Over* and *over* and *over* again.

Sarah accompanies Daimonique. Closely.

Daimonique approaches Terry.

<> Demiurge says "Hitherby, you're scratching, but this may take a very very long time. If at all."

Terry, holding the box, watches Daimonique warily.

Daimonique holds up her hands. Totally harmless. And then both hands disappear into pockets. "I'm sane now. Sort of. Very depressed, but sane. I'm not going to rough you up anymore."

Sarah continues to stay close by Daimonique. Odd, that. You might think she was, oh, a Cherub in the middle of Hell.

<> Sephar puts two Essence into Cel Tongues and sends: "Terry is taking all four of us from Media Center to a 'vacation place' possibly Marches. Sarah and Daimon in human form, possibly in boxes on truck.""

Daimonique says "You know, the great thing is that I KNOW you think this is the right thing for me. But you have to understand, it's the Right thing for me, and it was the Right thing for the time."

Daimonique says "Well, this box isn't. Redemption was."

Terry nods to Daimonique. "Okay, kid. Don't worry. You'll feel better soon."

<> Demiurge says "The Song goes off, Sephar."

Daimonique says "Terry, I will never be a demon again. I will kill myself first."

Terry says, "Sure, Daimie. But right now, it's vacation time."

Daimonique lifts her eyebrows. "I tell you the truth. I know you can't detect it, but I do. And you know, through all this bullshit, I don't hate you. I don't even dislike you."

---

Fiat Justitia