<
Zebina looks around for any of the others.
There is no sign of any of the other angels Zebina knows immediately next to them.
Zebina mmm.
Zebina whirls by Shannen. "Shall we check the Tower or the Spires for the others?"
Shannen looks about for companions and redeemed, frowning in frustration "Where.. are the
others?" before nodding to Zebina "Oh, that would be a good idea."
Zebina says "Spires first then, for news of Pat, then the tower, and maybe the Savannah."
Shannen nods.
Zebina says "Okay. Did you want to do anything while we're here?"
Shannen shakes her head "No..not here, I don't think so."
Zebina nods.
Zebina says "Okay, let's try the Spires."
Shannen nods "Okay.. let's go." and begins to make her way towarsd the Spires, taking to the air
after a short time.
Zebina spins along and about Shannen, here and there in long arcs, to see what might be seen.
Beneath Shannen and Zebina, the golden streets of the *true* Heaven glitter as they make their
way to the high and beautiful Council Spires, other angels passing them in the air from time to
time.
Zebina . o O (Much better.)
Shannen sighs happily "You never know how much you miss something until you see its fake
imitation."
Everything is pure, and clear, and _true_.
Zebina happily agrees.
At the entrance to the Tribunal sit two great winged wolves, Cherubim with a glitter of patience
in their eyes. One lifts his head.
Shannen erms and stays back a little, deciding to let Zebina do the talking.
Zebina inclines. "We come seeking word of survivors of the recent incident in the marches."
The Cherub blinks. "What recent incident in the Marches?"
Shannen looks to Zebina for a second.
Zebina ponders a moment, describing a tight circle. "It involved at least three, possibly more
superiors manifesting. Perhaps there is someone we could talk to who specializes in this sort of
thing?"
The Cherubim growls, "Well, I am not precisely certain what "this sort of thing" is, but I can have
somebody talk to you - unless you know anybody that you wish to speak to within these
walls?"
Zebina ponders a bit longer. "Who does Mazpatiel usually report to when it's here?"
Shannen nods quickly.
The Cherub growls, "I am not certain. He does not come here often, and the last few times, he
has reported directly to the Most Just."
The Cherub growls, "I can send you to his office, though, or ask if there is anybody who could
help you, if you are seeking him."
<
Zebina dips again, a 'nod'. "Please."
<
The Cherub nods. "A moment." He steps back into the shadows of the gate, then emerges with
a reliever trailing after him, the little creature's butterfly-wings all red and orange.
The reliever flutes, "If you will follow me, please."
Zebina thanks the cherubim for their help, and follows the reliever.
Shannen steps forward to follow the reliever.
The reliever leads the way through the ivory passages, past angels and blessed souls, down to an
office that has clearly been afflicted by the Decorating Style of Daimonique.
Zebina says "Okay, I've never seen a kazoo in the Spires before."
Shannen nods "Me neither." and peeks around the office, critically going over the decoration
choices.
Zebina calls out, "Is anyone here?"
An Elohite makes his way along the corridor towards them. "May I be of assistance?"
Zebina says "We're looking for news of Mazpatiel."
Zebina says "Or anyone he might have been with."
Shannen nods "And Daimon?"
Zebina says "And Daimonique as well."
The Elohite says, "The situation is being monitored, and his Heart is being watched. I believe
Daimonique's Heart is being watched also, though that is in the Halls of Creation."
The Elohite says, "We believe that Mazpatiel, Maasiai, and the Malakite of Gabriel with them are
currently in the Archives."
Zebina says "The Archives? Of *Fate*?"
Shannen coughs politely as her face pales. "Archives?"
The Elohite nods, quite calmly.
<
<
The Elohite says, "All three could ascend at any moment if they wanted to."
The Elohite says, "We believe they may be trying to find Daimonique."
Zebina looks somewhat relieved. Her flames perk up.
Zebina nods. "Undoubtedly."
Shannen says "Find him..in..the Archives?"
The Elohite says, calmly, "The most recent report from the person watching Daimonique's Heart
said that he was in Shal-Mari."
Zebina says "Do we know who's with him? Any word of Sephar or Chephihrah?"
The Elohite says, "Apparently Chephirah of Destiny and a woman who resembled Daimonique
were with him."
The Elohite says, "We assume that there is some reason why they have not simply ascended to
their Hearts."
Shannen doesn't look relieved, but takes a few seconds to look about the room. Deep breaths.
Deep breaths.
The Elohite glances to Shannen. "It is natural to be disturbed."
Zebina spends a few moments telling the Elohite about the collars they saw in 'Heaven'.
The Elohite nods, mildly.
The Elohite says, "What you tell me is disturbing but logical."
Zebina sighs. "I can't believe we didn't think to ask about them when we had the chance."
Zebina says "Is there anything we can do to help?"
The Elohite asks, "When did you have the chance?"
Shannen idly nods and sits on a corner of a desk, frowning "Erm..is.. there any plan? Or rescue?
.. Or..yeah.." she nods to Zebina.
Zebina gives a quick background on what happened in 'Heaven', when Novalis traded The
Redeemable for a batch of Impudites and Kanah.
The Elohite waits for Zebina to finish talking.
The Elohite says, finally, "I am sure that the Most Just has been informed. I do not myself know
of any plans to storm Hell, but it is possible that I have not been informed."
The Elohite says, "I cannot comprehend the motives of the Demon Princess of Freedom."
Zebina delicately shudders. "Nor can I."
Shannen remains frowning.
Zebina lists off all the other angels she knows were in the area, and asks if they've been seen in
Heaven.
The Elohite says, "I will have to go and make some enquiries, as we are not yet able to tell you
precisely how many angels are in heaven at any potential moment."
The Elohite says, "Would you be comfortable staying here until I return?"
Zebina says "Aron and Azalea would likely be at Blandine's Tower. Phineas with Michael, and
Oboth in the savannah."
Zebina says "I'd rather spend the time reporting into my own Superior."
Zebina says "If that meets with Judgement's approval."
The Elohite says, "It might be quicker for you to enquire in those locations yourself, if you wish
to find them. Certainly we would not attempt to stop you reporting to the Archangel of
Trade."
Shannen frowns, looking around the empty area "I..well, I don't have any reporting to do, I guess.
I can stay here."
The Elohite nods. "If I return to here, would you take the news to your friend? It might be more
efficient."
Shannen nods. "Sure."
The Elohite turns to Zebina. "Is that reasonable, Wheel?"
The Elohite says, "After all, we cannot be certain how long it will take you to report to your
Archangel, even if he has time to see you immediately."
Zebina nods. "Certainly, although I can leave a report if he isn't available."
The Elohite nods. "Very well. I will return as soon as I can."
The Elohite turns, to head back down the corridor.
Zebina says "I'll be back as soon as I can, Shannen."
Shannen remains sitting on the edge of the desk, fidgeting "Okay. Thanks. See you later."
Zebina gives the other angel the location of where she'll be reporting, and the location of her 'tent'
in the bazaar.
Zebina says "If you need to find me."
Zebina zips off without further ado, staying at reasonable speed inside the Spires, accellerating
to full out zip once she gets outside, arrowing across the sky.
The Bazaar is as busy as ever, throbbing with business and Trade. Marc's Tower itself rises in the
middle, high and marble and glorious.
Zebina arcs across the Bazaar, wishing she could slow down and engage in a little Trade to soothe
her nerves, but instead she heads for the Tower entrance.
The two Malakim on guard nod her past, letting her into the main lobby of the Tower. Doors lead
off to offices, stairs and elevators offer passage up and down.
Zebina takes the stairs. The elevators aren't fast enough to her taste. *zoom*
She passes other angels on the stairs, and they nod in a friendly manner. At the top of the tower
is the office of Marc's secretary, the Seraph Estinore.
Zebina composes herself and wheels to a not-quite-stop before the office.
The peaceful silence of busy work emanates from inside.
Zebina does that slight vessel-wise rotation and stands in front of the office as the flame haired
woman she normally resides as.
Zebina knocks gently.
A voice from inside calls, "Come in."
Zebina does so.
A Seraph coils behind a desk that is covered with all the tools of modern technology. The walls
are lined with files and documents. She lifts her amber-scaled head. "May I help you?"
Zebina says "Yes, I'd like to make out a report. It's urgent, and if an appointment with Himself
is possible, I'd greatly appreciate it."
Zebina says "It involves the incident in the Marches earlier today."
The Seraph blinks thrice. "I will check and see if he has an opening in his schedule. Just a moment,
please."
<
Zebina says "Thank you."
<
The Seraph flicks through some sort of appointment book. "He will have a space in half an hour,
for five minutes, or in four hours, for thirty minutes."
Zebina says "I'll take the five minute appointment, thanks."
The Seraph nods. "Please take a seat. Do you wish any equipment to draw up a pre-report?"
Zebina nods. "Please."
The Seraph inclines a wing towards a side table, where pens and paper are laid out neatly, with
a chair next to it.
Zebina chuckles to herself as she realizes she's gotten entirely too comfortable with computers
(and with SepharOS 1.0), and begins to write.
Time passes quickly, and in half an hour a light flashes on Estinore's desk.
Zebina writes out the recent events, not sparing herself for either credit or blame where they're
appropriate.
Estinore glances across. "The Archangel is available."
Zebina says "Thank you."
Zebina gathers her notes and walks into the office.
Marc is sitting at his broad onyx-topped desk, which is absolutely, totally clear. He is in a neat
business suit, blindingly pale wings draped over the back of his chair. The window behind him
looks out over Heaven.
Zebina says "Sir, it's good to see you."
Marc rises from his chair. "Zebina. Do sit down." He indicates the chair on the other side of the
desk. "A matter of some urgency?"
Zebina nods.
Marc seats himself again, and folds his hands on the desk in front of him.
Zebina sets her notes on the table.
Marc reaches across for them.
Zebina stays quiet (if fidgety) for the time it takes to read them.
Marc swivels the notes till they lie in front of him. He takes a single glance at each page, then
turns it over, and as he does, it sinks into the onyx surface of the table, vanishing.
Marc is frowning faintly by the time he has finished.
Zebina waits for Marc to continue. Doesn't do well to rush the boss.
Marc says, "Your calmness under pressure certainly seems to be improving, Zebina. You did well
to maneuver your way into that..." He frowns again. "That place."
Zebina says "Thank you, Sir."
Marc says, "It strikes me, however, that I may have failed to make it clear to you in the past that
Lilith is a Demon Princess."
Zebina says "It was rash of me, Sir."
Zebina says "I assumed that I was safe with the presence of another Archangel. She did prevent
me from a very bad deal, but..."
Zebina says "It was rash."
Zebina leaves it at that.
Marc says, "It was." His voice is final.
Marc says, "Also, I believe that Novalis was already bargaining with Lilith when you interrupted,
from your report?"
Zebina says "I'm not sure, Sir."
Zebina reviews things in her mind.
Marc says, "Perhaps we should consider your record, especially in the last few weeks."
Zebina . o O (Here it comes...)
Marc says, "Looking back, we can see that you have done a number of excellent things, being
involved in the Redemption of two demons, helping topple that place, locating Focals, assisting
in the rescue of subjects, and so forth."
Marc rubs his forehead between his eyebrows. "All of these things can definitely be said to be
achievements."
<
Marc says, "We also notice that you shot an Elohite of Judgement and attempted to bargain with
Lilith. One might consider these to be less good."
<
Zebina says "Along with the side trip to Hell, yes sir."
Marc frowns slightly. "I was omitting that, as you were under the influence of a Song at the time.
However, let us include it, then."
Zebina says "I failed to take proper precautions in dealing with the Impudite."
Marc says, "None of us are perfect, Zebina." One wing twitches slightly.
Zebina says "Yes, Sir."
Marc says, "Looking back at this record, one can see that you are only displaying the weaknesses
that one might expect from an Ofanite of Trade, really, in being too swift - especially to make a
bargain. Is that a fair summary?"
Zebina blinks, in almost human-like surprise. "I..suppose it is Sir, yes."
Marc says, "More seriously, Zebina, there will be certain people from the Opposition building up
a record on you by now. They will be liable to attempt to exploit any known weaknesses of
yours."
Marc says, "My dear Wheel, I wouldn't want you to be less enthusiastic than you are, and you
have done a great deal in these past few weeks. I must, however, caution you."
Zebina fidgets more. It's just the Ofanite resonance. Really.
Marc says, "Next time, remember that a Demon Princess is a Demon Princess, and think first. Do
you understand?"
Zebina says "Yes sir."
Marc nods.
Zebina says "There's one other thing, Sir."
Marc says, "What would that be?"
Zebina says "Three of my friends are missing and apparently in Hell somewhere. Daimonique,
Chephirah, and Sephar."
Zebina says "Daimonique, Chephirah, and possibly Sephar are in Shal-Mari."
Marc rubs between his eyebrows again. "My dear, if I could just reach into Hell and pull people
out, I assure you that Hell would be rather understaffed by now."
<
<
Zebina smiles. "I know sir."
Zebina says "Is there anything we can do? Anything at all?"
<
Marc says, "I take it that you wish me to have some contacts there."
Zebina says "Favors to call in? Diversions we can make?"
Marc says, "I will see if anything can be done. However, your disruption of that ... place ... is
liable to have angered most if not all of the Princes, including Lilith."
Zebina says "Who knows who I am, yes sir."
Marc says, "Consider yourself lucky that she did not take your bargain, and order you to face the
questioning of Asmodeus. For your _first_ task. With a year to run."
Zebina sighs. "Sir, we took a dozen possibly redeemable demons from that place, and there's
Daimon and Azalea as well. There *is* good in that place, or at least the potential for it..." She
pales, and nods. "Yes sir."
Zebina says "I won't make that mistake again. Ever."
Marc nods.
Marc says, "We will make inquiries. If we find anything useful, you will be notified."
Zebina says "Thank you, Sir."
Marc rises from his chair.
Marc says, "Do take care of yourself, Zebina. A number of Princes are liable to be extremely
annoyed, if they find out who was involved in this."
Zebina nods.
Zebina says "I'll pray their attention is elsewhere just now, and watch out."
Marc nods. "Now, my dear, I'm afraid I have an appointment scheduled at the Halls of Progress.
If you don't mind..."
Zebina says "Of course not, Sir."
Zebina says "Thank you for the time."
Marc nods.
Marc says, "Best of fortune." The light flickers around him, and he is gone.
Zebina says "Hmm."
Zebina steps out of the office, and thanks Estinore.
Estinore bows her amber-scaled head. "No trouble at all."
Zebina checks to see if there are any messages from Shannen, either at the Tower or in her tent,
and if not, arrows back to the Spires.
<
About fifteen minutes after he left, the Elohite returns.
The Elohite says, "Daimonique is still at liberty in Shal-Mari, with his two companions. The
Celestial Song of Tongues is being used to alert both groups of the other."
Shannen nods, continuing her fidgeting, keeping in mind all the calories that it burns "Do we..sit
and wait? Or..?"
The Elohite says, gently, "There is little that we can do at the moment, as we cannot enter Hell
to fetch them out. If necessary, we can send them Essence, or give them further messages."
Shannen lets out a big big breath "I understand. I..I'm worried. You know how it is. I just wish
I could do something and I feel so helpless." She closes her eyes for a second "I should probably
find something to keep my mind busy."
The Elohite says, "It would be the wisest course, yes. Will you be remaining in Heaven?"
<
<
Shannen frowns, and shakes her head "I.. don't think so. I have so much to do back home--err,
at my shop."
<
The Elohite says, mildly, "It is only natural to wish to go and try and help them, even though it
would be insanely dangerous."
Shannen nods "But..I..they'd do the same for me! And..I mean..I'm going out of my mind with
worry. I just want to help. Somehow. Anyhow." She looks down with a sigh "I'd better leave
now..and go find Zebina.."
The Elohite says, "We can send a message to you via the Judgement-Tether nearest to you, if
there is something that you can do. If you would leave your earthly name and address?"
Shannen smiles weakly "Shannen Mitchells." and gives the address of the coffee place.
The Elohite nods, still quite calm. "Thank you. Do you wish to wait here for your friend, or shall
we tell her where you have gone?"
Shannen says "Could you tell her for me? If I don't see her or anything?"
The Elohite says, "Certainly. Somebody will let her know."
Shannen smiles gratefully. "Thanks. I'll..well, goodbye and thank you.."
The Elohite nods. "Walk in justice."
Shannen turns quickly and grins widely for a second "Peace." And makes her way out, depressed
again.
The Tribunal is a busy place. People move past her, with documents, discussing cases, or
sometimes just talking.
Shannen sticks her hands in the pockets of her jeans as she makes her way out, humming
'November Rain' softly to herself.
Shannen will make her way over to the Trade-type places when she leaves.
<
<
Zebina's Tent has her 'Blue Skies' logo on the outside and pictures of the various airplanes she's
flown over the years inside, along with paintings from the ships she sailed on before that. Some
of them show former vessels of hers: when she was a captain's wife, or a flight officer during
WWII.
Shannen taptaps on the outside of the tent, then scratches a little to make more noise.
Zebina isn't there yet, but the flap's open (so people can leave her messages or peruse).
Shannen slips her head inside, looking for things to write and and with.
Zebina has left a set of business cards with corporeal contact information, as well as as slip of
paper for messages to be written on. A small card states that if you're in a hurry, to please send
her a message to Blue Skies on earth or to purchase a song of Celestial Tongues from a nearby
booth.
<
<
Shannen giggles softly at the card, and scrawls out a quick message along the lines of
"Judgement's doing all they can. I wish I could help in some way, though. Going back to
earth."
Shannen sighs the note with a big 'S' and makes her way back to the Glades, still despondent.
<
<
Zebina whirls into her tent, back to her true form, just as Shannen turns to go.
Zebina says "Shannen?"
Shannen turns, and nods "Hi. I..left a note for you, but this is probably faster."
Shannen says "I just wanted to say that they're doing all they can for them. And..well..that's not
much. I'm going back to earth. To keep my mind off things. You know."
Zebina nods.
Zebina says "Want some company?"
Zebina says "I can't do much here either, and I have some earthly matters to take care of."
Shannen smiles weakly "Sure. It'd be nice. How.. do you like your coffee?"
Zebina laughs. "I usually have herbal tea. There's not much point in Caffeine for me."
Shannen shakes her head gently, smiling "You drink coffee..well..to drink coffee. Caffeine is a side
effect. Well.. shall we be off or ..?"
Zebina says "Sure."
Zebina checks over her messages, taking the new ones to read on the way back.
Zebina holds them in a vortex in the middle of her wheel, reading as she spins, a technique
guaranteed to give anyone other than an Ofanite motion sickness.
There are a few new messages suggesting possible flights, but nothing that demands urgent
attention.
Zebina says "Lead on."
Shannen nods and goes to return to the corporeal plane.
Zebina says "They're doing all they can, Shannen."
---