Judgement In Heaven

<> Demiurge says "Pat, you are just coming out of your office, followed by Efkai the Cherub. ;)"

<> Mazpatiel nods.

Mazpatiel moves towards the exit of the Spires. Nothing to see here, move along. It didn't just go to Hell, nope.

There is a Seraph slithering back and forth in front of Pat's office door. Then there is a Seraph almost nose to nose to Mazpatiel.

Jordan asks, voice tight and strained, "So, Mazpatiel, you are back from Hell?"

Mazpatiel says "Yes."

Jordan continues, voice still strained, "And Daimonique? Chephirah? The Dominations?"

Mazpatiel says "En route to Hades. I am en route to the Library."

Jordan narrows all his eyes. "We are en route to the Library," he corrects, backing away enough to let the Elohite continue on, and pacing it.

Mazpatiel nods. "Very well."

Mazpatiel leads the way out, then.

Jordan instructs, "I am here to debrief you. I have been given only basic facts. Please, report."

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

Heaven is as radiant and beautiful as ever, as the Elohite and the Seraph make their way toward the Library.

Mazpatiel speaks, as it drifts up into the air and towards the Library. "Daimonique, Chephirah, Sephar, and Oboth have been captured by the Media. They are, it is believed, being taken through Hades and into the Marches."

<> Jordan asks Demi, "And TRUTH available is?"

<> Daimon screwed up.

<> Daimon says "That's the truth. :)"

<> Sephar laughs.

<> Jordan scolds Daimon.

<> Sephar says "And all the angels with him. Yeesh, walking into a Media Tether."

<> Zebina says "Media Needs Lilim."

<> Demiurge says "The TRUTH is that Daimonique deliberately walked into a Media Tether, to make some sort of arrangement with Terry, and they got ambushed there."

<> Demiurge says "You can't get any clearer on where they're currently being taken."

Jordan's eyes widen at Mazpatiel. "You... you *let* them walk into a Media Tether?"

Mazpatiel says "No, I did not /let/ them walk into a Media Tether. I wasn't with them."

Jordan takes a breath, calming slightly. "They went deliberately. They were ambushed. *Why*? Why did they go?"

Mazpatiel says "Information."

<> Demiurge says "It is the TRUTH that they went in order to try and get information on the current Hell-situation off Terry."

Jordan hisses and shakes his head away sharply. "I *knew* that Balseraph was trouble! I should not have been so lax, should not have let Daimonique believe she could disconnect slowly..."

<> Demiurge says "It's also TRUE that Daimon agreed to go to the Media-Tether when Pat wasn't around."

Mazpatiel says "I do believe that we can remedy the situation, Jordan."

Jordan shakes his head more. "We must. We *must*."

Mazpatiel dips its head, and descends to the entrance of the Library.

Jordan takes a breath and focuses again. "And you, Mazpatiel, did not just go to an infernal Tether. You went to Hell, with a Habbalite. Despite your previous state. Please explain."

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

Mazpatiel says "There is nothing to explain. Daimonique could not be abandoned."

<> Demiurge says "This sounds worryingly ... subjective."

Today, a pair of Elohim are minding the desk inside. They glance up inquiringly as the two angels of Judgement enter.

Jordan closes four of his eyes for a moment, seeming to agree, and then whips his head around to scrutinize the Elohite with all eyes.

Jordan says "And your decision was based upon which facts, Power?"

Jordan is obviously directing his attention to Mazpatiel, not the others of his Choir.

Mazpatiel walks into the Library and towards the desk, still speaking. "Fact. Daimonique is Geas-bound to Dominic. Fact. In her repentance, she has embraced the Light and like as not her Destiny. Fact. The tortures of Hell are, to say the least, unpleasant. Conclusion. Leaving Daimonique to the mercies of the Damned ranks among the most abhorrent of injustices. Does logic fail?

The Elohim at the desk fold their hands, nearly in unison, and wait upon Mazpatiel and Jordan.

Jordan murmurs more quietly, "That leaving Daimonique in Hell would be unjust, that is not disputed."

Mazpatiel says "A decision was made on assessment of the situation. Note my survival and our current search for assistance."

Jordan waits for Mazpatiel to deal with the Librarians.

Mazpatiel steps up to the Elohim at the desk. "We have a request, my siblings."

The Elohite on the right says, "How may we assist you?"

Mazpatiel says "I wish access to Chephirah's Heart."

The two glance at each other, then the first says, "Are you correlated with the earlier message from Judgement that she was endangered?"

Jordan nods.

Mazpatiel says "I am the origin of that message."

Jordan adds, "We are of Judgment."

The first says, "I believe it would be permitted, then. A moment." He reaches below the desk to press a button.

A couple of moments later, a small reliever, somewhat resembling an angel-fish stippled in white and violet, swims out from between two shelves to hover above the desk.

The first Elohite says, "Vheher will guide you to her Heart."

Mazpatiel dips its head, and turns to the reliever.

Jordan follows Mazpatiel, wings furled about himself and looking very sour

Vheher skims through the air like a piece of living agate, slipping down corridors and between shelves, leading the way to a small nest between two filing rooms. Several notebooks are stacked neatly beside it, and a Heart glows in a niche.

Jordan eyes the reliever to see if it's going to be hanging around.

Mazpatiel slides over to the Heart, peering into it.

The reliever perches on a shelf, clearly wanting to be helpful.

Jordan murmurs to the reliever, "If you could perhaps give us some privacy? I must speak with my fellow Servitor."

Inside the Heart... far away, far below, the tiny figure of Chephirah's mortal vessel sits in the back of a van, next to Daimon's female mortal Vessel. Both have heavy balls shackled to an ankle. They are in a dark and uncomfortable-looking van.

A Djinn squats beside Chephirah and Daimon, looking obviously bored. Beside them is a large box, about the size of a basketball, from which flickers an irregular light.

The reliever bends its head, and swims sinuously down the corridor.

<> Mazpatiel realizes he's never seen the female DaimonVessel.

Jordan smiles faintly at the reliever, but all his eyes narrow again as he turns to Pat.

>From time to time, the view jolts, as though Chephirah herself were being jolted by the movement of the van.

<> Daimon says "Luckily it looks like Daimon in Celestial Form."

<> Daimon says "Or unluckily. Who knows."

Jordan hisses quietly, "You went there, alone, with a Habbalite. You endangered yourself, and I *must* know if your reasons were objective."

<> Jordan rolls the d666 and gets 6 6 CHECK: 6.

<> Mazpatiel says "AUGH!"

<> Jordan is just SO glad 666 doesn't work in heaven in canon.

<> Demiurge says "You're in Heaven, Jordan. No IIs. However, your resonance just doesn't work that time."

<> Demiurge says "I think reroll shortly. That roll just didn't happen."

Mazpatiel says "I went there. Alone. With a Habbalite. I endangered myself. I also sent word that I was doing so, and directed my Heart to be watched. If calamity occurred, there would have been neither question nor delay in doing what needed to be done."

Jordan closes all his eyes for a moment, then opens them and stares into Chephirah's Heart.

In Chephirah's Heart, the view jolts again. Perhaps the van just went over something. Chephirah puts an arm around Daimonique's shoulders, still comforting.

Jordan says, quietly, "Please, Mazpatiel. Please assure me that you were objective. Let me hear the Truth."

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

Mazpatiel says "I may have been impulsive, Jordan. Perhaps even intuitive. But it was not a subjective decision."

<> Demiurge says "Pat honestly believes he was not subjective."

<> Mazpatiel says "Pat honestly believes he's an angel, too."

<> Jordan can see no tattoos.

Jordan closes his upper two eyes. "You believe that." He pauses. "I hope that your... decision... was useful?"

Mazpatiel says "Not particularly, no. But it was not harmful."

Jordan works his jaw. "Going to Hell is rarely 'not harmful'."

Mazpatiel says "On the contrary. Having seen the streets of Shal-Mari, my resolve has been strengthened rather nicely. That place is a cesspool."

Jordan half-lids all his eyes. "And your Habbalite companion enjoyed it?"

Mazpatiel says "Enjoyed the locale? I don't believe so, no. She was a rather grim sort."

Jordan says, "Ah." Seraphically.

Mazpatiel peers into the Heart. "They have likely made it through the border."

Jordan says, with just a *trace* of sarcasm, "At least we need not fear you will be tempted by Dark Humor, Lust, or Gluttony. The War, on the other hand..."

Mazpatiel turns to look at Jordan. Coldly.

Jordan sighs in frustration.

Jordan sighs again. "I have some information on Caliah, your companion. If you could add to it, that might be useful."

Mazpatiel says "Caliah, hm?"

Mazpatiel says "She has been using Cecilia."

Jordan nods. "She was one of Michael's. It is suspected that a Balseraph warped her."

Mazpatiel says "Ah."

Mazpatiel says "Her stated intentions for guiding me were to secure an ally."

Jordan nods slowly. "That... could well be."

<> Zebina says "No, The War doesn't like what's going one here one bit."

<> Zebina says "Possibly because it sucks to be caught on the wrong side of all the really cool conspiracies?"

Jordan adds, "Of course, she might wish to secure an ally of her own nature. The information we have gotten indicates that she is dangerous."

<> Demiurge preens. She is the author of cool conspiracies.

<> Rorschach admires Demi's Inner Shedite.

<> Daimon says "Umberto Eco is the autho of cool conspiracies. Demi is the author of EEEEEEvil ones."

Mazpatiel says "I assumed as much, yes."

Jordan relaxes just a trace. "She has been out of circulation for a few decades, according to our sources. Trauma, punishment -- it is not known."

Mazpatiel says "She's quite active now. I got the impression that she is acting, if not directly on Baal's word, then no more than twice removed from it."

Jordan pulls a little crystal notepad out of his shoulder-feathers and manifests his human vessel enough to make notes on it with a stylus.

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

Jordan asks, "Do you have any information of what she was doing, while absent from the corporeal?"

Mazpatiel says "No."

Jordan notes this down shortly. "A pity. And what made you think she might be operating on Baal's direct or nearly direct orders?"

Mazpatiel says "Her carriage, mainly. Nothing factual."

<> Demiurge says "Jordan, the Truth suggests that she was being punished for something (uncertain) during that period, but gives you nothing on the Baal's-direct-orders bit."

Jordan hums to himself thoughtfully, making notes.

Jordan says "And are you going to be interacting with her voluntarily more?"

Mazpatiel says "That would depend on a number of factors."

Jordan asks, "Under what circumstances would you do this?"

Mazpatiel says "I don't believe I can specify such in advance."

Jordan grimaces. "I hope you have some idea of how distressing it is for me to hear you say that."

Mazpatiel says "Probably, yes."

Jordan mutters something under his breath. "Very well. Now, perhaps you could give me a *thorough* account of what you did in Hell?"

Mazpatiel proceeds to tell the complete tale.

Jordan takes notes and grinds his teeth occasionally.

Mazpatiel says "Any further questions?"

Jordan finishes taking notes and tucks his crystal pad away. He turns his six eyes upon Mazpatiel. "Where do you intend to go, after I go to report this as I must?"

Jordan . o O (Are you going to be findable, or do we have to have a Cherub sit on you?)

Mazpatiel says "I am going to request Destiny's assistance in a rescue effort."

Jordan nods. "I anticipate you will hear from me, or another, before you leave Heaven."

Mazpatiel says "You could always accompany me, to make certain that there are no further indiscretions."

Jordan quirks his upper eyebrows. "The idea tempts."

<> Zebina says "Jordan in hell. Riiiiight."

Mazpatiel says "I am not a Tempter, Jordan. But it is an optimal solution."

<> Zebina can just imagine the debate on disguising him.

<> Jordan says "No plucking scenes!"

<> Daimon says "If Jordan comes down to Hell, I'm going to hit him every bit as hard as I hit Terry, for completely different reasons."

Jordan whispers, "Your... partner. She is a Daughter..." He looks into the Heart, then shakes his head. "I must report first."

Jordan turns and wings off, quickly.

The Library is quiet around Mazpatiel.

Mazpatiel watches Jordan leave. Considers. Heads back to the front desk.

The two Elohim are still there. The first looks up, inquiringly.

Mazpatiel says "May I speak with someone about assistance in retrieving one of your own from the hands of Hell?"

Both Elohim blink. The second says, "That would be Hazardous Retrievals, I think. Through there, second corridor on your left, third door on your right."

Mazpatiel nods. "Thank you." It moves on to the Hazardous Retrievals room.

As he is in the corridor, suddenly there is a tremor in the air around him, a sensation as though somebody had touched the crystal of his heart, and a familiar voice, one utterly known and obeyed, murmurs, "Mazpatiel. Come to the Spires. Now."

<> Zebina says "Now you've done it."

<> Mazpatiel says "Aw, rats."

<> Jordan hides behind the cloak and peeks out. "Told you ya shouldn'a done it."

Mazpatiel snaps its fingers, and zips past the desk, informing the Elohim that it may return. It then heads full-speed for the Spires.

Saffron is at her desk, her eyes grave. She nods. "You are to go in directly, Mazpatiel."

<> Zebina imagines a chagrined Mazpatiel looking about 5 years old. "But Mooooom....!"

Mazpatiel nods. Goes in.

Dominic is coiled there, mantled in his black cloak, eyes gleaming like six rubies. He shifts position as Mazpatiel enters, though he does not speak at once.

<> Mazpatiel says "Oh man. He's wearing the cloak. I'm screwed."

Mazpatiel comes to a halt and waits respectfully.

Dominic's voice is very deep and hollow. Cadenced, he sings, "Mazpatiel, Power of Judgement."

Mazpatiel says "My Lord Dominic."

Dominic sings, "I have heard the report of River-of-Judgement."

Mazpatiel dips its head.

Dominic sings, "You claim that you have acted objectively, and out of the desire to save those from Hell who are not deserving from it. You do not mention your affection for them."

Mazpatiel says "I did not deny its existence, my Lord. I did not, however, feel that it was a motivating factor."

Dominic sings, "Would you do as much for any angel?"

Mazpatiel says "If that were the position I was in, I would."

Dominic sings a chord of notes. A door at one side of the room swings open silently.

A winged lioness paces into the room, bowing silently to Dominic, her pale wings spreading. The Cherub then sits quietly.

Mazpatiel looks at the Cherub quietly.

Dominic sings, "As you have chosen to attempt this rescue, so you shall. Maasiai was attuned to Daimonique as a precaution, when she Redeemed earlier."

Dominic sings, "You shall pursue her in the Marches, as she travels there."

Mazpatiel listens.

Dominic's tone deepens. "But know this, my Servitor, Power of Judgement. You must abide what may now come and abide it as a Power. Should you receive dissonance or discord, my hand shall be upon you. Should she perish, you must abide it."

Mazpatiel dips its head. "The hands of Judgment are not those of Vengeance, my lord."

Dominic sings, settling into a final bass chord, "Be it so. You are both dismissed."

<> Daimon says "Welcome to the Fuck-Up Club, Pat. Here's your card, here's your beanie."

<> Mazpatiel says "Thanks, man."

Mazpatiel nods to Dominic, nods to Maasiai, and heads out.

<> Daimon says "No prob. I have a full set, and I've paid MY dues."

Maasiai stands and walks to Mazpatiel's side, letting it precede her out the door.

Mazpatiel turns to Maasiai once out of the chamber. "Now. To Hazardous Retrievals."

Maasiai nods. "All right."

<> Mazpatiel says "To the Judgment Mobile!"

<> Mazpatiel says "Or at least to the Library."

Maasiai paces along behind the Elohite.

<> Hitherby says "We did so *well* for the first three days :)"

The Library is soon reached, as is the corridor with the Hazardous Retrievals door.

Mazpatiel goes to the Library, nods politely to the Elohim, and walks into Hazardous Retrievals.

A Malakite looks up from behind his desk, and shifts one of the oath-chains that hangs on his chest. "Hello. Can I help you?"

Maasiai sits at the door and listens.

Mazpatiel says "You know Chephirah, Guardian of Destiny."

The Malakite nods. "I do. Believe me, we do try and keep up to date round here."

Mazpatiel nods. "I had no doubts of that. I wished assistance in retrieving her."

The Malakite says, slowly, "Unfortunately, our resources are not oriented towards reaching into Hell."

Mazpatiel says "They will be in the Marches shortly."

The Malakite says, "Interesting. Why have you not obtained backup from Judgement, if you are on an authorised mission?"

Maasiai twitches a wing.

Mazpatiel indicates Maasiai.

Maasiai inclines her head, expressionless as an Elohite.

The Malakite says, "To be more precise, if you have been authorised for a heavily armed mission, why are you asking for assistance from us? I merely request information."

Mazpatiel says "It was my determination that Destiny may have an interest in the matter."

The Malakite says, "Destiny does. We have no wish to see any angel in the clutches of Hell. However, I'm just trying to get the basic facts. Is this a scouting mission to find out where she is, or a hit-them-hard job?"

Mazpatiel says "My counterpart Cherub is attuned to one of their number. Finding them will not be incredibly difficult."

The Malakite considers. "We can give you a summoning device that will allow you to call Servitors of Destiny to where you are, and that will form a temporary bridge - barring unusual conditions, or the personal bar of a Prince."

<> Mazpatiel says "Man. Destiny has some cool toys."

Mazpatiel says "I would consider it an unlikely occurrence to have a Prince present and barring transit."

The Malakite nods. "In that case, the Quill should be sufficient." He begins to root through the interesting litter on his desk.

Mazpatiel nods.

Eventually, the Malakite finds a long dark feather, and offers it to Mazpatiel. "If you break this, it will activate it."

Mazpatiel takes the feather, running it through its fingers. "Thank you, Virtue."

Maasiai stands, twitching her wings into order, and waits for Mazpatiel.

The Malakite inclines his head. "Journey towards Destiny, Power."

Mazpatiel nods, then turns to leave.

The Malakite resumes his seat.

Maasiai inclines her head to the Malakite, then follows Mazpatiel.

Mazpatiel travels out of the Library, and then looks at Maasiai. "Where is she now?"

Maasiai closes her eyes and thinks.

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

<> Maasiai sniffs disdainfully at the CD, but will take the rest, sure.

<> Demiurge says "Thataway, Maasiai, where "thataway" is the Marches. Probably. And in one piece."

Maasiai opens her eyes. "Marches, I think. Whole."

<> Daimon says "My life is such a foregone conclusion. :)"

Mazpatiel nods. "Then we move for the Tower."

Maasiai lazily lashes her tail. "All right. Are we picking up anyone else?"

Mazpatiel says "We could try Lightning or Animals, but it is unlikely we will find assistance."

Maasiai blinks in a slow cat way. "I see."

Maasiai stands and walks to beside Mazpatiel, her wings lightly brushing his side. "All right."

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

<> Mazpatiel mutters. More attunements.

Mazpatiel moves for the Tower. Onward to Destiny! Or something.

Maasiai follows, silent tawny shadow at Pat's heels. Her silence is nothing like Sarah's presence.

---

Fiat Justitia