Checking Up On Details

<> Demiurge says "Pat, when last seen, had just returned to Heaven."

<> Mazpatiel says "Right at the up point of Old Bailey."

The Tether-locus is quiet and peaceful. The Cherub guarding it makes a note in his book, as is customary.

Mazpatiel dips its head to the Cherub, moving out of the locus and making its way through the Spires to the locus of the Supreme Court.

This locus appears much like the locus of the Old Bailey Tether - indeed, much like the loci of all Dominic's Tethers.

Mazpatiel basks quietly in order and regularity. Ahhh, status quo. It nods to the watcher present.

The watcher, another Cherub, nods in return. "May I assist you?"

Mazpatiel says "I am Mazpatiel, on assignment in this area. I am returning to such."

The Cherub nods. "A good journey to you."

Mazpatiel nods to the Cherub, and steps forward to descend.

The world changes around Mazpatiel, and he stands in the small study that is the locus of the Supreme Court Tether. Looking out of the window, he can see that it is late afternoon, verging on evening.

Pat rolls his shoulders and adjusts his coat, before walking out of the study.

<> Daimon hears the Pat theme music kick in. Badabadabada DUM!

<> Pat says "Wakka chikka wakka chikka."

The secretary sitting outside - a young Soldier who Pat knows, by the name of Anne Westingham - says, "Good evening, Mr Murphy. The Seneschal asked if you would drop in on him, if you turned up before seven o'clock."

Pat looks at his wrist. "My watch is inaccurate. What time is it?"

Anne glances at the clock-window on her computer. "Five-fifteen, sir."

Pat nods, setting his watch. "Thank you. Let him know I'm on my way."

The secretary nods, and picks up the phone on her desk, beginning to dial as Pat leaves.

Pat heads off to Etecius' office, convinced that Anne will warn the Seraph in time.

By the time Pat reaches Etecius' office, the door is standing slightly ajar.

Pat knocks on the door frame, regardless.

Pat says "It's Patrick."

Etecius calls, briskly, "Enter."

Pat pushes the door the rest of the way open, walking into the office. "Good evening."

Etecius is sitting behind his desk, spare and thin as ever. His papers are neatly squared and stacked. "Good evening, Mazpatiel."

Pat says "You wished to see me?"

Etecius says, "I do. There has been a recent development which may possibly affect you."

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

Pat nods, listening.

Etecius' voice is dry. "Two days ago, in Hamburg, a Triad of Judgement went missing, presumed captured by the enemy. Vedanah, Sukiel, and Arriah."

Pat frowns slightly. "Choirs?"

Etecius says, "Seraph, Ofanite, and Cherub."

Pat says "Is it recorded what their purpose in Hamburg was?"

Etecius' voice grows drier. "A standard check of the local celestials."

Pat nods. "Alright."

Etecius says, "However, a few hours ago we received an offer of a prisoner exchange."

<> Liz says "Aha! Trade!"

Pat says "Focalor."

Etecius nods.

Etecius says, "Our Lord has not as yet given judgement on the matter."

Pat says "Has the Serpent recovered?"

Etecius says, "He woke from his coma earlier today. He has not spoken, save to threaten to drive himself back into it if we attempt "anything"."

Pat says "Interesting."

Pat says "Nothing has been attempted, then?"

Etecius says, "We await our Lord's decision on the matter. Apparently there may be some small discussion as to whether both parties to be exchanged are ... unharmed."

Pat nods. "Of course."

Etecius' pencil-thin eyebrows draw together.

Etecius says, "This course of events is no more pleasing to me than it is to you, Mazpatiel."

Pat says "I wouldn't expect so, Etecius. But we all have our duties. Is there a specific role I am needed for in this matter?"

Etecius shakes his head. "Not as yet. I merely wished to notify you of the matter."

Pat nods. "Thank you. If I could, I would like to be updated if things change."

Etecius says, "You will be."

Pat nods.

Etecius asks, "Are you and your partner both recovered from earlier events?"

Pat says "I am. Daimonique has been assigned penance, and I believe she is performing it now."

Etecius frowns.

Pat lifts an eyebrow.

Etecius says, "She appears to have been getting drunk, buying guitars, and indulging with Malakim of Creation."

Pat says "I see. Perhaps she's preparing herself for penance, then."

<> arcangel loveloveloveloves Seraphim.

Etecius does not comment on that, though his mouth compresses a shade.

Etecius says, "Criminal charges have been arranged against Terry Jackson. He is unlikely to trouble you in that identity again."

Pat nods. "I'd heard. It would be optimal if the mortal associates of his organization were left relatively untouched by the proceedings."

Etecius says, "The guilty will be dealt with. The innocent will be as unharmed as possible." There is a slight shading of edge to his tone.

Pat says "Of course."

Pat . o O ( Well, I tried. )

<> Demiurge says "Etecius is a Seraph of Judgement. What's this about leaving Terry's guilty associates untouched? :)"

<> Pat said mortal, not guilty! :)

<> Demiurge says "Well, we can have guilty mortals and innocent mortals. ;)"

<> Pat whistles innocently.

Pat says "Is there anything else, sir?"

<> Liz says "Pat's Fate is to be a Habbalite Hollywood Promoter. Complete with sunglasses."

Etecius says, "Not at this moment. Walk in justice."

Pat nods. "And may thy works be even."

Pat departs. Not /too/ quickly.

The Supreme Court hums around him busily, with a satisfying aura of Judgement.

Pat does as much basking as his walk will allow, before heading out of the building and catching a cab back to his flat.

The cab takes him there speedily. From the outside, all seems quiet. The door is shut, no windows are broken, and so on.

Pat pays the driver, steps out of the cab, and walks up to his front door.

<> Demiurge says "Perception roll."

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

There do not seem to be any hidden watchers that Pat's crime-trained senses can detect.

Pat unlocks his door, loudly, and opens it.

The apartment is still and quiet.

Pat walks in, closing the door. "Hello?"

No reply. There is a scribbled note on the table in the sitting room.

<> Liz hmms. Dominique lounging on Pat's couch dressed in only a black teddy and a fedora? *no no no no*

<> Pat says "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeek"

<> Pat hurts Liz. A lot.

<> Demiurge says "Liz, I marvel at your imagination. Come scriptwrite in Shal-Mari."

Pat hms quietly, walking over to the table and picking up the note.

The note says, "Okay. I don't know what happened. I've cleared out your booze, but I figure you can afford more. Thanks for the shower, but don't do the headbit on me again. Phil."

Pat says "Phil."

Pat shrugs. "Ah well."

Pat sets the note back down, and goes about making sure the liquor is /all/ that was cleared out.

All the booze is gone. Nothing else seems to have been taken, though the drawers on the desk have clearly been disarranged where they were openable.

Pat takes his coat off and slumps into his desk chair, thinking for a few minutes. That being done, he picks up his phone and dials the Octagon House.

The phone is picked up after one ring. A female voice says, "Octagon House. Can I help you?"

Pat says "Is Ms. Serrar available?"

The voice says, "Just a moment and I'll check, sir. Who is this?"

Pat says "Patrick Murphy. We spoke slightly less than two weeks ago."

The female voice says, "I'll just check. Please hold." Some Handel begins to play.

Pat lights a cigarette, puts his feet on the desk, and waits.

<> Pat says "Ah. Back in the swing of things. :)"

A couple of minutes later, the Handel cuts off, and Sariel's voice says, "Good evening, Mr Murphy."

Pat says "Good evening, Ms. Serrar."

Sariel says, "How are you and your friends?"

Pat says "Well enough, all things considered. It has been an...active time, lately."

Pat says "And yours?"

Sariel says, "Quite peaceful, really. Nothing new seems to have come up since poor Terethel's death."

Pat says "I apologize, then, Sariel. Because I have need to change that."

Sariel's frown is conveyed in her words. "Please go on."

Pat says "My counterpart and I have had a charge laid upon us by Dominic. The circumstances of Terethel's death seem tied to the former Prince of Disease."

Sariel says, "Dear, dear. That is worrying."

Pat says "Yes, it is. We have been charged with investigating this connection, as well as its ramifications. I felt that you would need to know."

Sariel says, "I'm very grateful to you for telling us, dear. What sort of cooperation will you be expecting?"

Pat says "All I am asking for is a lack of hindrance. I would be appreciative of any help you and yours could offer, but I am not demanding it."

Sariel says, "I am sure that we'll be interested in the results of your investigation too, dear. Naturally we'll be glad to help, though none of us were very close to poor Terethel, so I'm not sure where you'd like to start investigating him."

<> Demiurge says "OTOH, Pat, you might remember that David's people are notorious for cleaning up their own problems and closing stony walls against outsiders if it turns out that their people are involved."

<> Pat remembers, oh yes. :)

Pat says "The investigation has just started, Sariel. I just wanted you to know what was going on, and that my counterpart and I would likely be contacting you soon."

Sariel says, "Thank you for telling us, dear. There should always be someone here, so do feel free to come by."

Pat says "Thank you. We'll certainly do so."

Sariel says, "Good evening, then. Walk in unity."

Pat says "Go in justice, Sariel."

Pat hangs up the phone.

All is peace, perfect peace.

Pat . o O ( It won't last. )

Pat enjoys it while he can, then.

---

Fiat Justitia