Beth's In Nomine IOU

arcangel pages: Starting in Gehenna, I think?

Mallory pages arcangel with 'Surely.'.

Mallory pages arcangel with 'Having just received his new vessel and arriving, properly attired, in front of his Prince? With the newly (de-)commissioned rank of 2nd Lt. in the Army.'.

arcangel pages: Or just about to get that...

Gehenna is, as usual, bloody and noisy and dirty -- outside of Mallory's nice little salle where he's supposed to be teaching the little demonlings which end of a toothpick to hold. Ah, for the cool green hills of Earth! For the blue skies! The dancing! The ladies...

A uniformed Impudite pokes his head into the salle, shoving an almost-fledged imp in front of him. "Mallory, you're to report to the _Office_. Pronto. This imp is taking over your class."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Oh, lord. A Baalite."

Mallory says "Ah, right away, M'Lord."

Mallory looks at the Imp. "You. You know how to use one of these?" He holds out a practice epee.

The imp takes it -- by the right end and sets its little jaw pugnaciously. "Yeah. I kin use'em."

Mallory says "Very well. Review primus and secundus, and for the Lightbringer's sake don't swing it like it's a club with an edge. I'll be back as soon as I might."

The imp takes it and -- barely -- doesn't swing it in front of Mallory. "Yeah."

Mallory says "Right, continue!"

Mallory whispers "Am I envesseled yet?" to arcangel.

Mallory whispers "Or still snakey?" to arcangel.

arcangel pages: Probably have only a memory of a past vessel, to allow to be other than snakey.

As Mallory leaves, he can hear the imp yelling about positions like a drill sergant. Still, the Fortress of Baal is, as usual, wonderfully tidy and organized and proper. Guards watch and take note, sometimes challenging Mallory as he passes along. And then... Mallory is just at the door to the _Office_ when, hurrah! The Geas! The Geas that he has worn for a year! It is crumbling!

And then, just as it crumbles, a message comes into his mind, like it's done more times than he can count. "Be Honorable, Mallory. At all costs, be Honorable." *click* Another one is activated.

Mallory strides from the salle, adjusting his (somewhat pitiful) sleeves and adjusting a cravat that has seen better days and which, in fact, was taken from the body another demon who thought that a duel with a Balseraph of The War newly awoken from Trauma would be a good idea. Perhaps soon he'll be able to spare the Essence to have the ichor cleaned from it.

Mallory murmurs to himself, 'Of course, My Lady.'

Mallory is, all and all, something of a shadow of his former splendor, but then,it's to be expected until it can be remedied. Which it will be. Soon.

The Djinn guards by the _Office_ door don't give Mallory a second glance -- they've already ascertained that he's who he's supposed to be, along with the Impudite leading him there. The Impudite knocks on the door, and there is a terse, but smooth, "Enter," from beyond.

Tarot pages: Aie. A Balseraph of the War. Aie.

Long distance to Tarot: arcangel giggles. "Why the Aies?"

Mallory straightens his spine another notch or two, and strides confidently but respectfully into the office, snapping to attention with military precision.

Tarot pages: Because he's going to be interesting. ;)

Behind a desk, looking at some military papers, is a most impressive, most elegant, most _immaculately kept_ Balseraph -- Mallory's Lord, Prince of the War. "Mallory. What rank do you currently hold?"

Mallory whispers "2nd Lt. or Ensign?"

You paged Mallory with 'Which is the lower? You're about to get promoted.'.

Mallory whispers "It depends completely on the military. They're both the lowest rank in, respectively, the officer corps U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. (No Balseraph would suffer himself to be part of the common enlisted personnel, of course. };;;>"

Long distance to Mallory: arcangel laughs. "Pick one."

You paged Mallory with 'Probably land-army is closer.'.

Mallory pages: 1 step up from there would be either 1st Lt. (Army) or Lt.(Navy). Either way, 'Promotion to Lieutenant' works nicely.

Long distance to Mallory: arcangel nods.

Mallory says "Second Lieutenant, Dread Marshal."

Mallory pages: Marshal being higher than General in many armies. <g>

Baal says, "Make that First Lieutenant, now. You have an assignment on Earth."

Mallory says "Sir!"

Mallory's voice goes up a notch, with a renewed sense of vigor and enthusiasm.

He places an envelope on the edge of the desk. "Your orders are in here, along with the equipment you'll need for Earth duty. You'll be operating in the alleged sanctuary territory of Strafford Community College. I expect you to familiarize yourself with the rules of the territory, and not be bounced back here needlessly. Understood?"

Mallory leans forward without un-straightening his spine, and plucks the envelope neatly from the desk, tucking it inside a jacket pocket for perusal afterwards. "Yes, Dread Marshal. Who will I be reporting to, Sir?"

Baal says, "Your orders include your contact. You will be met at the College by a member of their own side, who will escort you in and clarify any rules there. Any treachery on their part, naturally, should be reported as soon as possible. This does permit you to return to your Heart if you would otherwise be placed in Trauma before you could report."

Mallory says "Of course, Dread Marshal. The Mission Comes First."

Mallory . o O (So long as Honor is satisfied.)

Baal says, "Naturally. Your orders include the Tether you will be using, the orders for your escort, and the passes to get there. Any questions, Lieutenant?"

Mallory says "No, Dread Marshal. Thank you, Dread Marshal."

Baal says, "Good. Take your orders with you as you ascend, and you will be envesseled. Dismissed."

Mallory salutes smartly, turns, and without actually turning his back on his Commanding Prince, departs the office.

<<OOC>> arcangel admires that trick.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "All reasonably ranking demons manage it. Hey, if Englishnoblemen could do it..."

The Impudite is loitering outside the _Office_ as Mallory leaves, the heavy door slamming behind him. "Am I still on escort duty?" he asks, his manner (and, curse it, his uniform insignia) indicating that he's still outranking Mallory.

Mallory says "If you'll permit me, Sir, I'll check."

The Impudite nods.

Tarot pages: As one never turned one's back on royalty, you see. So in such societies, noblemen could always leave the room without turning one's back.

Long distance to Tarot: arcangel admires.

Mallory takes the orders from his jacket, and unseals them. Without allowing anyone else to actually have a look at them, he reads.

The orders, when looked at, have one sheet that itimizes the vessel and equipment that Mallory will be ascending with. They have another sheet that has three names -- one Impudite (Akbram) and two Djinn (Gus and Gustav) -- and instructions that they will be escorting Mallory to the Tetherpoint. There is a pass to get out of Gehenna and into Shal-Mari. There is a map to a certain Gluttony Tether. There is also another sealed envelope that reads, "Open On Earth."

Mallory looks at the Impudite's name tag.

The Impudite's tag is, indeed, Akbram.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Ah, sweet military efficiency."

Mallory tucks all the sheets back into his jacket, save the escort instructions. e presents the escort instructions to Akbram, allowing the Impudite to read them easily, without actually letting go of them.

Mallory says "Sir."

Akbram nods. "The twins, eh? Right. This way." He turns and heads off.

Mallory nods and follows along. The further away from the _Office_ he gets, the more relaxed his demeanor becomes. Less rigid military presentation, and the more relaxed, but still purposeful, stroll of a duelist with a destination.

A stop at one of the barracks, and Gus and Gustav (a matched pair of felinoid Djinn, with bat-wings. Think of a calico tiger, if it were calico where the white were fur, the black were scales, and the orange were feathers) are collected. Briskly, the group makes its way through the Fortress.... through the blood and muck of Gehenna.... through the checkpoint and into the noise and squalor of Shal-Mari...

Mallory ponders his new vessel, and remembers his old one. He was slender, but well muscled, with dark, curly hair and a fashionable goatee and moustache kep twell oiled. He hopes he might retain his height. The extra inches on his contemporaries were most useful in the duels, although he was not so freakishly tall that dancing with the ladies was uncomfortable.

Mallory pages: Needless to say, tall back then is, at best, medium sized now. No comment on the long, blond tresses, the incredibly delicate features, or the lack of facial hair. ;)

p mallory=:giggles.

Long distance to Mallory: arcangel giggles.

Soon enough, as such things go, Mallory is being passed into a pizza-making establishment in Shal-Mari. The Seneschal is a depressed-looking Shedite, who eyes Mallory glumly, even Djinnishly, as Mallory stands within the Tether. "Oh, just go on up," it burbles. "I'm going to eat something."

Long distance to Mallory: arcangel suspects that the specs on the vessel are nearly impenetrable -- or absent. It's probably: One Vessel, Male.

Mallory looks at the Shedite with barely concealed disdain, and arranges his equipment for travel, papers tucked securely away, equipment slung neatly about his person.

Mallory salutes the Impudite. "Sir."

The Shedite burbles away. The Impudite salutes Mallory in turn. "Lieutenant."

Mallory steps into the tether, and...ascends!

The universe around him...changes. The restaurant fades away, an evil red light shining through the greasy fixtures and ratty walls, rendering them more and more transparent until they fade away, and there is only that red light and a hot wind and the scent of sulpur, growing quickly distant.

The light envelops Mellor, each piece of his travelling equipment subsumed into a hot pinprick of a shooting star that separates from his form, falling into a loose formation with the others as he cannons upwards.

Mallory's form lengthens, light brightening until there's a flash, and a Balseraph of the War flies earthward, burnished bronze coils and pale, satin leather wings riding the hot wind, surrounded by those small celestial comets. Around him, his Personal Symphony sings with the call to glory and battle and the Cause of Right, wrapped up in his own sense of purpose, as precise and elegant as his favorite blade. The Symphony crescendos, and a second form seems to overlay the first. Gold bright eyes fade to an icy blue, searching out the cool greens of the earth ahead. Lustrous blond hair waves in the wind. Slender limbs stretch out, and for a moment, an angelically beautiful young human in his late teens rides the wind; the pale wings guide him until they too fade away.

The sensation of speed grows faster and faster, until there's sudden of pure white. The scene slowly gathers back in, and the young man stands in the middle of the room, his equipment draped about him as precisely as before, but with only his posture and a certain set of the jaw to remind any viewer of the figure who left the tether below.

Around him, is a kitchen, akin to the one he left, where pizzas are quickly manufactured and put on trays and brought out. No one seems to have taken note of his appearance, next to a highly polished metal door -- where he can make out enough of his reflection to see hair and eye color. He is wearing what seems most indecent and scanty clothing -- tight, stiff pants that ride low on his hips. A black shirt that exposes his body from the ribs down. Shoes of black leather and strange laces....

Mallory hisses. "By the Scales of the Serpent's Belly, I am but a *child*." His voice comes out in a pure, smooth tenor.

Mallory looks at his reflection, and then a second flash of horror. "Not a *Female* role, certainly?!" He looks down.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "And cut for the night!"

<<Scene Stop>>

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Last connect was from wmilliken.ne.mediaone.net on Thu Apr 29 15:03:58 1999.

Nutshell II(#1666RFJM)

The groovy place where all the hep angels hang. Any cyborg weasels sent back intime by Bill Cosby's disembodied brain will be summarily executed.

Contents:

Mallory

look mallory

Balseraph.

Mallory bows politely. "Good Day, My Lady. I trust you're well."

arcangel smiles at Mallory and refrains from regaling him with human problems.

Mallory probably wouldn't much understand them anyways.

arcangel chuckles. Poor little Balseraph.

Mallory looks at arcangel with those guileless blue eyes.

arcangel hardens her heart and doesn't swoon _too_ much.

arcangel . o O (Cute like Goury?)

Mallory says "Ah, now, as to the matter of my equipment."

Mallory looks about himself at the various bags and containers.

arcangel hands Mallory the guitar.

You say "Electric, of course."

Mallory says "Or is that to be left until later... Great Serpent, am I to be am instrel as well as a female?"

You say "Well, perhaps it's good for serenading lasses beneath their windows?"

Mallory ponders this. "Perhaps, although I'm afraid I lack musical skills."

arcangel thinks. Perhaps the guitar should be a talisman.

arcangel would throw in a Musical Instrument/1 talisman for free, for the amusement. O:>

Mallory peers dubiously at the guitar.

arcangel touches it. It's a talisman/1.

You say "Perhaps he's not attuned to it, though. Can't find it if it gets lost."

Mallory picks up the guitar, lightly running his fingers over the strings.

The strings twang.

arcangel is just sure that he'll have a fit about electric guitars...

Mallory mutters something about looking like a fool with this absurd instrument. "And the color! Where did they find that blessed color?" (What blessed color is it?"

You say "(Candy-apple flaming red with some yellow swirls, or Neon-blue with neon purple swirls -- either metallic. Your choice.)"

You say "Or maybe vivid blue and gold, to match his eyes and hair."

Mallory winces. "The colors... bright, I'll grant, but so... tastelessl yapplied."

arcangel suggests Mallory look in his luggage...

arcangel is sure there will be... interesting T-shirts and whatnot.

Mallory will dig through his luggage in scene. Right now he's almost afraid to.

arcangel giggles!

arcangel . o O (What do Baalites know of proper teenage wear? Er -- ROTC uniforms and whatever this catalog insert tells them is proper.)

Mallory could get into ROTC.

arcangel suspects Mallory likely will. (She, herself, knows little of it, so would need explanations here and there...)

Mallory grins. Particularly after showing those cattle just what a true soldier can do in the salle.

arcangel snickers.

Mallory's precision is also just scary enough to make guns not a problem.

You say "Though he's probably going to be going URK a little at the thought of a human with one of those things."

arcangel imagines Mallory practicing his, "You _DON't_ want to shoot me."

Mallory says "Why don't you put that lead slinging club down and we'll settle this with gentlemen. Yes. Good. Now, epee, rapier, or sabre? I'll give you your choice."

arcangel snickers.

Mallory tends to class weapons into three categories. There are clubs (includingedged clubs, like longswords), dishonorable distance weapons like crossbows, andthere are the weapons of gentlemen.

Mallory doesn't much like Michaelites. Those damn axes.

arcangel snickers again.

arcangel patpats Mallory. No Michaelites currently in the group. Really.

Mallory says "I should hope not."

arcangel smirks.

Mallory's lips thin into a cold smile. "Although, if there would happen to be one, I'm sure he and I could come to a sort of arrangement."

arcangel mutters something about "she."

You say "But she's not a Michaelite anymore."

Mallory says "Ah, even better. Properly trained, but on the lookout for more... ambitious employment."

arcangel thinks. One Shedite, gender optional. One male. Every other PC female.

Mallory is so doomed, yes.

arcangel pats Mallory again. "Just think. Angela will adore Mallory."

Mallory says "Of course she will."

You say "And hey, Baalites and Asmodeans have gotten along in the past from time to time..."

Mallory says "Asmodeans? An asmodean named 'Angela'?"

Mallory 's lips quirk. "Are you sure she's not one of Kobal's?"

arcangel snickers. "Only some of the time, she's named Angela."

Mallory says "Ah. The shedite."

Mallory sniffs.

arcangel pats Mallory. It's a young Shedite. It will need guidance.

Mallory says "Guidance..."

You say "In style."

You say "Dancing."

You say "The ways of the blade."

Mallory says "Style and Dancing, certainly."

Mallory says "As for the blade... I think not."

You say "No?"

Mallory says "A dagger, perhaps, so that she might defend her honor."

You say "What if the Shedite goes for a male host?"

Mallory says "Ah, well then."

Mallory grins again, that tight grin. "That's different."

arcangel chuckles.

arcangel pats Mallory. Maybe he can train the Shedite to stay "female."

Mallory chuckles. "An interesting thought, simultaneously repulsive and attractive."

You say "Much more attractive if you can get it into the right hosts, and as a Gamester, it needn't make the lass do anything _really_ appalling."

Mallory ponders this. "Also true. And, certainly, it would be dishonorable to allow such an...ignoble sort as a Shedite to do anything truly apalling to a woman."

You say "That too. So you have to train it."

Mallory nods sagely.

Mallory ponders how one goes about training a shedite.

You say "Treats and punishments?"

Mallory supposes one must appeal to the pleasure of the host, and thereby influence the shedite behind.

Mallory says "Yes, precisely."

Mallory says "Punishment will need to be most judiciously applied, lest it decide to abandon the host."

arcangel suggests chocolate ice-cream. She's sure Mellor will be happy to introduce Mallory to it.

Mallory says "Ice cream and chocolate?"

arcangel grins.

Mallory says "Ice and Chcolate (that is). An intriguing combination."

You say "Mallory, you're going to have an experience..."

Mallory says "Although I would not have thought it."

arcangel grins. Mallory'll probably like it.

Mallory might.

arcangel rubs her hands. "So, are we ready?"

Mallory says "Ten minutes, if you please."

Mallory says "Then yes, we can begin."

Tarot grins.

arcangel will do a brief Tarot interlude.

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<<Scene Start>>

It's shading into afternoon, and Tarot has some things to consider picking up. (Not to mention that her Special Students are being a _little_ overquiet, for them, but hey.) She's gathering her things . . .

. . . and the computer bloops with incoming mail.

Tarot puts her things back on the desk, and checks her email window.

It's a message from Tarot's Boss.

Subject is "New Student."

Tarot takes a seat, suppresses a sigh, and opens it.

The text of the message is, "Some people have pulled strings, and we've got a new student enrolled late. Congratulations and condolences. Can you pick him up at Mile-Hi Pizza Pie, next down over? I hear he's an anachronism, not a newbie. The attached file is his course schedule and room assignment. It's already approved, so he doesn't have to go through Admissions -- not that a Bal would admit to anything anyway.

--AD"

Tarot rubs between her eyebrows with a knuckle, then quickly checks the attached file.

It's a typical course, really. Fencing, History, Public Speaking, and Tarot's class, for the semester. Some notes about ROTC. Balseraph of the War, not a new fledge.

You paged Tarot with 'Hey, you're working for someone whose Word is Information. You get detailed reports.'.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Public Speaking. Heh."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Well, he'll probably be good at it."

Tarot nods slightly. She tosses the usual paraphanalia into her bag, including a printout of the email and report. She then pauses a moment -- then removes a shoulder holster and automatic from the bottom drawer of her desk.

Tarot attaches the holster and automatic under her jacket with the ease of practice, before heading out to her car.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "For some reason, Tarot is paranoid about currently going off campus."

<<OOC>> arcangel chuckles.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Fortunately, the Biker Dude and Passenger have long since left."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Phew."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "BTW, is this new guy assigned to Monty Hall like the rest?"

<<OOC>> arcangel nods.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Yup!"

Tarot slips into her car, and heads for the restaurant.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Tarot's car, theoretically, is an unobtrusive but fast and tough brand, but alas, I do not know enough about cars to specify such a brand."

<<OOC>> arcangel gives Tarot something Japanese.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Heh."

The drive is uneventful, and the only people who look as if they'd like to run people off the road seem only normal loons. Fairly soon, she is at the distinctive mountains-made-of-pizza-slices sign of Mile-Hi Pizza Pie, and hunting for a parking place.

Tarot looks for a parking place not too far from the Pizza Pie place.

As usual, their parking lot is full -- there's a _lot_ of business around here, and the occasional explosion of Essence. However, if she's willing to feed a parking meter, she can get a spot within a few minutes brisk walk.

Tarot decides that it is safer to feed the parking meter. She does so, locks her car carefully, and heads for the Tether.

At the edge of the Tether's parking lot, a starved-looking stray cat comes out of the bushes and tries to rub against Tarot's ankles.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Tarot might be dubious -- this place _does_ have some defenses..."

Tarot glances down at the cat. "Refrain from touching me, and I will buy you a piece of pizza. I am here on official business from the Lady of the University."

The cat pauses, then backs off and looks up. It winks.

Tarot inclines her head. She walks inside.

It's busy. As usual. Tarot's own stomach considers rumbling hopefully. Waitstaff carry huge dishes of pizza and large pitchers of soft drinks to communal tables where students (mostly) are gathered to stuff themselves and consume vast amounts of soft drinks.

Tarot walks over to the counter, looking for anybody showing signs of ... interest.

The waiters and waitresses are all looking busy. This may be a place to earn some money, but you're on your toes! The cashier finishes a take-out transaction and looks at Tarot with a pasted-on smile. "MayIhelpyouMa'am?"

Tarot says, crisply, "You may. I am here to meet an arrival, on orders from the University. I also need to buy a piece of fish pizza for a cat."

The cashier nods. "Right. Two bucks for the pizza slice. Um. I'll ask the manager about arrivals."

Tarot nods. She removes a couple of dollars from her purse, and passes them across the counter.

The dollars are taken, and the order goes into the kitchen and shortly a slice of pizza is delivered, on a paper plate.

There are anchovies on it.

Tarot nods. "I will take this outside, and return directly."

Tarot walks to the exit, taking the piece of pizza with her.

The cashier nods distractedly and takes a phone call.

Outside, the cat is sitting on the brick wall that surrounds the "landscaping" of the building -- a knee-high brick wall, with bushes planted between it and the building. The bushes are scraggly.

Tarot brings the plate of pizza across, and sets it down on the brick wall in front of the cat.

The cat purrs and hooks the pizza so that it can sit up and nibble it like a squirrel with a nut. With its mouth full, it mumbles something that sounds like, "Thanks."

Tarot inclines her head again. She walks back to wait just inside the restaurant door.

There is a bench there, for people to wait for their take-out orders. A few student-sorts are already there, but there's room enough if Tarot wanted to sit. There's also room to stand.

Tarot stands, leaning against the wall, and watches the room blandly.

Customers pass in and out, waitstaff trot about quickly. Tarot's tummy rumbles. And then there is a Symphonic BONG, from the direction of the kitchen. One of the waitresses blinks, then detours to Tarot. "Your order's ready, Ma'am. Do you want to pick it up or have it sent out?"

Tarot says "I will pick it up, an it is no inconvenience."

Tarot heads for the kitchen.

No one stops Tarot, though some of the staff glance at her quizzically. As she dodges pizzas being delivered from the sweltering kitchen, she can see someone who is plainly out of place...

Tarot glances across to the person who is out of place.

Long blond hair, narrow waist, slight hips. Elegant. A short black half-T-shirt. Tight, low-slung jeans. Black leather laced-up shoes. A lot of baggage, including a guitar, is around this person's feet.

Mallory looks at a reflection in the polished metal of a door. There's a flash of horror over that beautiful face. "Not a *Female* role, certainly?!" The figure looks down quickly, acessing the vessel.

Tarot says "I would not have thought so."

Tarot says "Permit me to introduce myself. I am Tarot di Ordo, staff at the University. Do you require assistance with your luggage?""

Mallory 's head whips up, a slight hiss, nearly dropping into a ready stance.

<<OOC>> Tarot notes that Tarot is in a trouser-suit. Naturally. Not skirt. Definitely not full flounced dress.

Mallory says "Ah. I..."

<<OOC>> arcangel notes that Tarot is a bit taller than Mallory.

Mallory pauses, floundering for words. No title given, but a woman. A tall woman. In pantaloons.

Tarot says, possibly grasping a part of his discomfort, "Ms di Ordo, an you wish it."

Mallory says "I... Madam. I find myself at a loss for words. A moment."

Tarot inclines her head, and dodges a stack of pizza-boxes.

Mallory nods. "Madam di Ordo, thank you."

Waiters and cooks move around, starting to give the pair dirty looks.

Mallory 's eyes scan over the waiters, and he sighs. The body does not appear to be female, on closer inspection, and this is clearly not the place to make introductions.

Tarot says "While I do not wish to force you into undue action, sir, perhaps we might continue this discussion outside?"

Mallory looks about at the equipment, and says, "I believe I might manage it all, and yes, this is clearly not the best of places to make proper introductions."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory notices the guitar. That wasn't in the luggage _before_..."

Tarot nods. She turns to lead the way to the exit.

Mallory begins picking up equipment, strapping it over his body here, and there. About the time he gets most of the way through, he noticed that this vessel is not as strong as his last, either. "Ah. Ahem."

Tarot has not gone far.

Mallory colors a bit. "Perhaps with that oddly shaped case there. I find myself...overloaded."

Tarot says "Certes, sir."

Mallory says "My thanks. I hate to impose."

Tarot picks up the remaining bags, and leads the way to the exit.

Mallory, balancing carefully, follows along. He steps with exquisite care to avoid any pools of grease or the like.

There are, surprisingly, relatively few pools of grease, though there's a splatter of tomato sauce where someone's pizza obviously invoked butter-side-down laws.

Tarot steps out into the main restaurant, and leads the way to the main door out.

Outside, the cat still sits on the wall, munching on the crust of a pizza. There is another one on the plate in front of it, half-eaten. Obviously it has been begging.

Mallory follows Tarot out, caught between mute staring and the desire to maintain dignity. Well, at least the taverns appear to have improved in smell, somewhat, although the kitchen looked suspiciously Vapulan.

Tarot's brows draw together a moment. She says, thoughtfully, to the cat, "Anything that we should know about?"

Mallory looks at the cat, appraisingly.

Everyone in the tavern appears to be wearing thin clothing, with short sleeves, and tight pants predominating. One wench eating this food has her skirt up so it barely covers her hips!

The cat eyes Mallory back and stuffs its face.

Mallory's eyes glaze, and he asks, rhetorically, "This is not Shal-Mari, despite appearances?"

Tarot says "I fear not, sir. It is Earth."

The cat raspberries Mallory.

Tarot says "Might I ask the year when you were last here?"

Mallory says "Sixteen fifty six."

Mallory stares at a car going by. "Things have, ah, changed."

The cat laughs, with its mouth full.

Tarot says "They have, sir. Those are horseless carriages, generally known as automobiles or cars, propelled by a process of internal combustion."

Tarot says "You will be riding in mine."

Tarot nods to the cat. "Thank you." She begins to walk towards where she left her car.

Mallory says "Very well. No footmen to hope for, I take it?"

The cat waves to Tarot and starts in on its next slice of pizza.

Tarot says "They have never really been in fashion in America, I am told."

Mallory decides he can't very well challenge the cat to a duel, so he ignores it pointedly and follows along.

Mallory says "America? This is not Europe, then?"

Mallory says "One of the English colonies, then. Pity."

Tarot says "I believe that a number of European countries claim influence on America, though English is the general language."

Mallory nods. "And who is on the throne?"

<<OOC>> arcangel wonders how much Current Events Tarot's picked up...

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Oh, Tarot has a general overview, though she may have her own opinions on it. ;)"

<<OOC>> arcangel nods. It's certain that the information would be available to her.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "It would be inefficient of her not to be informed of the general governing principles of the country."

Tarot says "There is no monarch. There is a president, and a house of representatives, elected by the people."

Mallory blinks. "A democracy? Does Parliament still sit in London, at least?"

Tarot says "So I understand, sir, though America is now independent of England."

Mallory says "Ah, I see. A revolt in the colonies."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Viva la revolution!"

Tarot says "I believe that it was along those lines. The library will have full details, should you wish to investigate."

Tarot's eyes narrow slightly as they approach her car, and she idly glances around.

Mallory says "Yes, some...aquaintances of mine mentioned a goal of that sort. No doubt they're well pleased."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Tarot is paranoid."

Mallory looks rather miffed at having missed it.

Tarot's mouth quirks.

The car seems to be exactly as she left it. No roses under the wipers or tickets, either.

Tarot says "I have heard modern America described as both a triumph for Heaven and a triumph for Hell. By different people, of course."

Tarot opens the trunk of her car.

Mallory says "Of course. Perspective is so important in these matters."

Mallory says "Ah, at least these automobiles keep the rain off one's luggage. Excellent."

Tarot says "There are a great many different brands of automobile."

Mallory begins inserting bags into the car, along with several long, cylindrical items that could contain posters, if they weren't so heavy.

Tarot begins to stack the items of luggage that she is carrying into the trunk.

Tarot hefts one of the long, cylindrical items a moment.

Tarot says "I should probably mention, sir, that all weapons on campus must be peace-bonded, and that duels are no longer generally legal."

Mallory says "Ah."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "In true anime style, the background goes black behind Mallory and a F-ZAP of green lightning goes through his ears."

Tarot says "However, there are regular fencing classes at the gymnasium."

Mallory says "No true salle?"

Mallory wilts slightly.

Tarot says "Oh, there is an excellent salle there."

Mallory perks up. "Better."

Tarot says "Representations were made to the ArchDean by certain persons from both sides, I have heard."

Mallory says "The... ArchDean?"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "What do I know about the ArchDean? Particularly given that I haven't had a chance to check my earth orders yet."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Um, sounds like half of "Archangel?""

<<OOC>> arcangel grins.

Tarot says "The head of this University."

Mallory says "Naturally. Will we be required to report to him directly?"

Mallory looks slightly dubious at this idea.

Mallory says "Or will I at least have time to make myself presentable?"

Mallory needs a proper coat at the least, and some hose or looser pantaloons.

Long distance to Tarot: arcangel notes that Mallory has +3 Charisma. If Tarot wishes to comment. O;>

Mallory would happily slaughter for a good cravat as well.

A man in a business suit, with a briefcase, wanders over to the car behind Tarot's and does the unlock and get in thing. He is not wearing a cravat.

Tarot's mouth quirks. "Modern fashions have changed, sir. I am not certain how you will wish to appear, or what clothes you may have in your luggage."

Mallory looks over the man. "I see. It's too much to hope for that he's on his way to a funeral, then?"

Tarot says "That is what is referred to as a "business suit". It is a general professional garb, though not necessarily apt to a student."

Mallory says "As for how I wish to appear. I seem to appear to be a child, and very nearly a female one at that. Wishing does not appear to enter into it."

Tarot opens the driver's door and gets in, then pushes open the passenger seat door for Mallory.

The man starts his car and parallel unparks, driving past.

Mallory, out of room in the trunk, sighs and sticks the oddly shaped case in the rear seat.

Mallory gets in, waits two seconds for the footman to shut the door, blinks, and then pulls it shut himself.

Tarot says "You will need a seatbelt."

Tarot demonstrates the function of the seatbelt, applying her own.

Mallory nods, and does much the same. "Thank you, Madame di Ordo."

Mallory says "Do they crash often, these automobiles?"

Tarot says "From time to time, though that is more often a function of the lack of skill of the drivers, or a lack of care taken over the automobiles."

Tarot inserts the key, turns on the ignition, and sets the car in motion. Not too fast, at first.

Mallory nods. "Much the same as a carriage, then, without the good sense of the animals to act as a check. No doubt my associates in Technology are busy laughing themselves sick as we speak."

Tarot says, neutrally, "Still, travelling at a hundred miles an hour has the odd compensation."

<<OOC>> Daria grins. Tarot is a Windy! :^)

Mallory pales a bit. He starts to say something, strangles a bit at the idea, then grabs for a response to that. "Ah. The...suspension is noticeably better as...well. Yes."

Tarot says "Now, sir. I have you registered as one of my students, as well as for several general courses."

Tarot's mouth quirks. "My course is a general one, designed to give some introduction to the mortal world and human ways of thinking."

Tarot says "I am not certain how much briefing you may have received on the University."

Mallory 's hands fiddle, finding the nearest spots to grab should a crash happen. Then he impractically tugs the t-shirt down some more.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "There are moments when one wants to go fast. ;)"

<<OOC>> arcangel grins.

Mallory says "Little enough. It is apparently a neutral ground, with rules to keep it such. I have been instructed to follow those rules."

Tarot nods.

Tarot says "Attacks on the "other side" are forbidden. Self-defence is understood, but manipulation into claiming grounds of self-defence is not."

Mallory says "Ah."

Mallory . o O (Drat.)

<<OOC>> Tarot says "I thought I'd better tell the Balseraph that one. ;)"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Wise."

Henrik has arrived.

Mallory says "How are quarrels and matters of honor and satisfaction normally handled, then, if there is no dueling?"

Tarot drives smoothly. "There are a large number of "mundanes" there -- people who are unaware of the war, or of the genuine nature of the celestials present. However, they are used to a certain amount of strangeness."

Tarot considers. "Discussion. Argument. The occasional brawl, though such may be punished by Security. Sometimes controlled matches -- boxing, buttoned foils, or the like -- at the gymnasium."

Tarot says "The concept of what is "honourable" may have changed somewhat in the last few hundred years."

Mallory says "Buttoned foils only? No live steel?"

Mallory ignores the boxing comment. Boxing is for Djinn who don't know better.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Hm. arcangel? I suspect that live steel is only used with the agreement of both sides, and of the gymnasium authorities supervising? And to first blood, not the kill?"

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Probably only for really heartfelt Sword/War/the War, at that."

<<OOC>> arcangel suspects that live steel is only used between celestials, and then yes, first blood.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "_Maybe_ the odd Soldier or Saint or undead -- but an accident is a bit more traumatic than mere Trauma for them."

Tarot says "Live steel is only permitted with celestials, and that must be with the full agreement of both sides, and of the authorities of the salle -- and then, only to first blood."

Mallory says "Ah. Well, it lacks a certain spontaneity, but..."

Mallory shrugs.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "If you want a duel to vessel-death, you don't get to do it on-campus. Being invited outside the walls is a, ah, more traditional challenge."

Mallory . o O (Besides, first blood can, if necessary, be last blood, if one is skilled enough.)

Tarot says, after a moment, "There is a certain tradition of both parties going "outside the walls" of the University, for matters leading to vessel-death."

Mallory perks up.

Mallory says "This is, of course, frowned upon by the University."

Tarot says "It is tolerated as a necessary evil."

Tarot says "I am sure that I do not have to mention that going "outside the walls" can be a dangerous experience, for those who have accumulated enemies."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Dueling violins is much preferred. O;>"

<<OOC>> Tarot grins.

Tarot says "Non-fatal methods of settling disputes are preferred. There is also a tradition of artistic competition."

Tarot nods slightly towards the guitar-case.

Mallory says "You do not, but I thank you for the courtesy none the less. Clearly my role as a child is to give me an opportunity to re-orient myself. Localization training, if you will. It would be dishonorable of me to abuse the privilige."

Tarot nods.

Mallory snorts. "An instrument? Am I to be a minstrel as well as a child?"

Tarot says "Many young men and women practice some form of instrument. The guitar is a common one."

Mallory sneers just a bit. "In my day as well, although among gentlemen, those who could not handle a blade most often turned to music."

Tarot's mouth quirks. "O tempora, o mores."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Latin tag. "O times, o customs." Implication - how things have changed."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "And what is Latin for 'Truth'? Verdi?"

<<OOC>> Tarot says ""E vero" would do it."

Mallory says "E vero, Madame."

Tarot inclines her head. Continues to drive.

Tarot says "The territory of the university includes the local Mall -- although this is sometimes disputed. The Mall is an area of shops, restaurants, and other places of leisure."

As before, the traffic seems to be typical. Except for the black car that's trying to shadow Tarot's, about two cars back.

Mallory blinks, and quickly searches his clothing, such as it is, for his orders. They *had* been in his jacket, which he no longer has.

Tarot says "Your lodgings will be in Monty Hall, with other new-come students."

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

<<OOC>> Mallory does not see the black car.

Tarot watches the car behind her in the mirror. Her eyes narrow.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Oookay."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Is the traffic such that I could attempt to lose this car?"

Mallory says "It is a large university, then?"

The orders appear to be nowhere on Mallory's person. Perhaps they are now in one of his luggage bags.

Mallory curses between his teeth.

<<OOC>> arcangel nods to Tarot. "Or simply proceed back to the University with all due speed and sic Security on it."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "It would be doing a good job -- if it weren't such a _black_ car."

Tarot says, a shade vaguely, "Indeed." With her free hand, she finds her portable phone in the shoulder-bag propped by her.

<<OOC>> Mallory doesn't suppose he finds those back pockets or anything?

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Can I, possibly, see its numberplate?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "It's a couple cars back. You might be able to make it out on a turn, with a Perception roll."

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

<<OOC>> arcangel thinks that Mallory's clothing is a bit overtight for a thick envelope of orders. O;>

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Yeah!"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Tarot can get the license plates!"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "And then some, yes."

Tarot doesn't attempt to lose the black car. Yet.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "How far are we from the university at the moment?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "About 10-15 minutes, speeding somewhat, if traffic is nice. 20-30 if traffic conspires against you."

<<OOC>> Tarot nods.

Tarot says, to Mallory, "A moment, please," as she punches in the phone number for IOU security, then nestles the phone between chin and shoulder. Her attention stays on the road.

A ring, another, and the line is picked up. "Campus Security, Melissa speaking."

Tarot says, calmly, "Di Ordo here, Security. I was picking up a student from Pizza Pie, just up here from down below, and I have a tail on my car. Black paint, licence plates <as quoted>. Not very competent, by the look of it."

Tarot says, into the celphone, "I am between ten and thirty minutes from the University, depending on traffic."

Mallory's eyes sharpen considerably. He does not speak. He listens very carefully.

There is a sound on the phone, as of someone typing fast into a computer. "We show that there's a Judgment watch on the place, and has been for the past three weeks. Presumed Cherub, in mild disfavor for reasons unknown. Plates and car match. Shall we call up a Judgment Tether and tell them the Cherub's got the wrong person again?"

Tarot's mouth quirks. She says, into the phone, "If you would, please. I would not want to see them wasting their time."

The voice adds, "Or it could be the IRS again."

Tarot says "Unlikely to have the plates and car match, in that case."

The voice says, "Well, it depends on what his Role is, really. If I could have your phone number, ma'am, I'll call back if it's not Judgment."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "What can I see of whoever's in the car?"

Tarot says, "Certainly." She dictates her phone number. "Single white male in the car, business suit."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Tarot may remember it hogging two spaces near the pizza place."

<<OOC>> Tarot nods.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Yes -- single white male, in business suit. She saw that when she got the plates."

Tarot says, "Certainly." She dictates her phone number. "Single white male in the car, business suit."

Mallory curses himself for having left his swords in the trunk. Idiot!

On the phone, Melissa types. "Got it. Will call back if there are problems. Anything else?"

Tarot says "Not at the moment. I will call back if there are further developments. Information on the results will be appreciated. Thank you.""

On the phone, Melissa says, "Welcome." There is a click as she hangs up.

Tarot slips the phone from between chin and shoulder, and puts it back, poking out of her bag.

Tarot says "Telecommunications. They are very useful."

The car continues following, but it's likely that channels will take time.

Mallory says, dryly, "Evidently."

Tarot says, politely, "Which terms would you like me to explain?"

Mallory says "Ah. License plate. The name of your device, and its use."

Tarot says "All cars, and other road vehicles, are required by law to bear unique license plates, which are registered at central authorities. This permits the authorities or police to identify cars which are described to them."

Tarot says "They are the plates at front and back of the car, with lists of numbers and letters."

Mallory nods. "Quite practical."

Tarot nods.

Mallory approves of a certain amount of regimentation, so long as it doesn't get in his way.

Tarot says "That is a celphone, or cellular phone. It is a portable device, which can contact the general network of telephone communications."

Mallory says "They are generally available, or restricted to the ruling classes and their trusted servants?"

Tarot says "Keying in a particular phone number should result in a link to the celphone or stationary phone registered to that phone number."

Tarot says "They are generally available."

Tarot says "On payment of a small amount of money."

Mallory says "So humans are ruled by merchants then, instead of honorable nobility?"

Tarot keeps half an eye on the following car, through the mirror.

Tarot says "I fear there is no hereditary nobility in America. The humans are, generally, ruled by their elected leaders."

Tarot says "A number of these leaders are often merchants."

The other car continues to follow. Odd. She'd have thought that they'd have contacted him by now. Perhaps he doesn't have a celphone, and they are seeking someone with Celestial Tongues to talk to him.

Mallory says "No doubt your class will be most enlightening on the subject."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Yeah, right. Paranoia time."

Tarot's mouth quirks. "Well, actually, for some details I give library sources. You do not wish to be listening to me all day, after all."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "About 10-15 minutes to the university now?"

<<OOC>> arcangel nods.

Tarot's phone rings.

Mallory says "Ah, but it would be an honor and a pleasure to listen to your wisdo.... well."

Mallory says "It is convenient, but rather rude."

Tarot picks up the phone, and clips it between shoulder and chin again. "Di Ordo here."

Tarot says, towards Mallory, "But efficient."

The voice says, "This is Melissa, Campus Security. They say that the Cherub just showed up at Blandine's Tower. Are you in immediate danger?"

Mallory murmurs, "Efficiency is well and good, but some things are more important."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "(a) How distant is the car at the moment? and (b) Are there any "dubious" stretches of road between here and IOU, suitable for ambushes/forcing off road/etc?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "The car is one car behind, hanging back. There's maybe one "dubious" stretch of road between here and there -- but if that car that the black car is using for cover doesn't turn off first, it's going to be sixteen kinds of tricky. Mr. Black Car may have outsmarted himself."

Tarot says, into the phone, "It would be difficult for him to make an open attack on me, short of at the," and she names the dubious stretch of road. "If he is simply following, then perhaps you could arrange something at the University gate?"

On the phone, Melissa says, "Arranging now. We'll have a pigeon try to get to that bit of road, but no promises. Watch out he doesn't try to grab you or any passengers."

Tarot says, into the phone, "So noted. Thank you. I will contact if there is further activity."

On the phone, Melissa says, "You're welcome. Um, watch out for other cars on the road. He may be a jumper." She hangs up.

Mallory looks visibly relaxed in a tense sort of way. And, despite his apparent youth, his demeanor is rather a lot older at just the moment.

Tarot says, calmly, "You have noticed the car which is following us?"

Mallory looks at the passenger side rear view mirror for a moment. "The black one?"

Tarot says "Yes."

Tarot says "Apparently it is not a Cherub of Judgement, so there is a high likelihood it may be hostile."

Mallory says, somewhat breezily, "I should complement you on your automobile. The mirrors and glass are quite good."

Tarot's mouth quirks. "You are kind, but they are standard issue these days."

Mallory says "There are worse things to have trailing you than a Cherub of Judgement? You must lead quite the active life, Madame di Orfo."

Tarot says "Now, there is only one real area of road between here and the University where it might try and force an incident. Security has said they will attempt to send assistance, but can promise nothing."

Tarot tilts an eyebrow. "And have you no enemies, sir?"

Tall, thin, windburned skin, dark red hair pinned up in a knot, yellow eyes. Long gloved hands, a dark suit, and a habit of striding.

Mallory chuckles. "None among mortals, and I have been, ah, out of circulation for some time."

Mallory says "None that I believed would hold a grudge for some four hundred years, except perhaps some Virtues of the Sword."

Tarot says "Well, then."

Tarot says "It may be mere coincidence."

Mallory reminisces briefly, "They were something of a hobby of mine, you understand."

Tarot says "My main concern is that it might be a Fleshless possessing the driver, which could be inconvenient."

Tarot says "Ah, yes. Duelling."

Mallory says "Duelling. Honorable opponents. Quite regular about it, too."

The black car seems to be wanting to pass the car in front now. Unfortunately, this is a two-lane (one each direction) road, and there is a little too much traffic in the other direction...

Mallory says "Regardless, my sword is yours, until we reach the safety of the University."

Tarot's mouth quirks slightly as she watches the black car in the mirror. She holds her position.

Tarot says "I thank you, sir."

<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 2.

The other car, between them, does not turn off at the crucial point. The black car attempts to tailgate it.

Tarot's tone becomes didactic. "You may notice that there are certain rules of road safety, by the by. Drivers are required to pass tests to be permitted to own a vehicle and drive legally.

Tarot's mouth thins sharply. She reacts by trying to curve past the car ahead of her, and pick up speed.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Tarot was, btw, expecting something might happen."

Tarot picks out a hole in oncoming traffic and passes the slow-poke in front of her. The black car takes the opportunity to do the same with its. However, the road in front of Tarot is now clear, and the black car must deal with the slow-poke who _was_ in front of Tarot.

Mallory leans opposite inertia. "I'm minded of several coach rides I've taken, though I shouldn't like to attempt to leap out and ambush the pursuers."

Tarot says, abstracted, "Not at this speed or under these conditions." She attempts to gain more distance, and more cars between her and the pursuer.

Mallory 's eyes get big again as Tarot picks up speed. "No, by the Serpent, I would not."

Henrik has disconnected.

Tarot stands on the accelerator, in fact.

Tarot manages to get ahead, though only passing one more car (and getting the black car picking out the same gap again), and past the stretch of dubious road. Perhaps five more minutes...

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Any speed traps or known police routes between here and the University?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Sometimes, yes -- if you explain that you're being followed, you can probably pull a little weight. The guy over in the black car might be the one caught..."

Mallory sees a 'SPEED LIMIT' sign. He surreptitiously glances over at the gauge with matching ranges of numbers, and pales visibly.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Right."

Tarot pushes the edge of the legal speed limit. Outright breaks it, in fact.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Hey, it's only 40mph... Oh, there's the 35 mph as you get closer...."

<<OOC>> arcangel | Tarot flings down the legal speed limit and dances upon it.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Somewhat."

Finally, there, the turn-off for the university.

Tarot applies the brakes in time to make a safe turn.

Behind them, as the car between them passes on, the black car makes the turn as well.

Mallory hisses and braces himself at the turn.

Tarot applies the accelerator again. She says, "Mallory, pick up the phone, dial the number you saw me dial, hold it up to my mouth, an you would."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "I refuse to believe that Mallory didn't notice and memorise the number. ;)"

Mallory says "Ah, yes. Of course."

Mallory picks up the phone, and pushes numbers. Oh, and, logically, the 'send' key to get the invisible messenger on its way.

Mallory holds it up to Tarot's cheek.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Did he do it right?"

<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 2.

<<OOC>> Mallory is an intelligent sort of balseraph.

<<OOC>> Tarot is not taking her hands off the car controls at high speed, if she has a choice.

There is a ring, and Melissa answers, "Campus Security, Melissa here."

Tarot says, into the phone, "Di Ordo. Just passed the turnoff. He's behind me. We're both at speed."

On the phone, Melissa says, "Right. This is Abdeel. I just saw you passing. Couldn't take the driver. Too big. We're getting the parking lot clear, and a couple of others have the gates. Should be a straight shot."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Ah, Kyrios!"

<<OOC>> Tarot grins. Yup!

Tarot says, into the phone, "Check. Will endeavour to hold position."

Mallory says "They are preparing for our arrival?"

Melissa/Abdeel says, on the phone, "Should be fine. See ya soon!" There's a click.

Tarot nods to Mallory. "They are. And if the other car keeps on following us, he will walk right into a . . . reception."

Tarot says "Thank you."

Tarot nods that he can put the phone down again.

Mallory presses the 'End' key to let the messenger go back to whatever it was doing, and nods.

Indeed, it would seem that even the single traffic light is cooperating. Tarot can swerve into the main parking lot and through the gates as she wishes.

Mallory holds the phone ready. It's not much of a sword, but he can throw it if he has to. Or call someone.

Tarot swerves right in through the gates, in a swish of gravel.

<<OOC>> Tarot refrains from doing the thumb-to-nose gesture. Or even biting her thumb at her pursuer. ;)

The gates slam shut behind her, and Security appear on the walls. Behind them, Tarot can see (and Mallory, if he's twisted around at all) that the driver of the other car... has vanished. The empty car barrels for the gates....

Tarot applies her brakes, coming round in a loose stop.

....and a man in a Campus Security uniform appears in the car, braking it as the gates open just enough to let it in, and it stops without a scratch.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Nice Song of Motioning. ;)"

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

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Yup."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Quiet one, too. <g>"

Tarot touches a control, and her door window slides down. She leans out to look up at Security.

A Security man has run over, indeed. "Are you all right, Ms. di Ordo?"

Mallory notices that he's breathing quite quickly. He immediately stops that.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Poor Mallory."

Tarot says "Yes, thank you. No damage done. My thanks to Melissa and Abdeel."

Tarot says "And to all of you."

Tarot says "If there is any relevant information in the car, might I request a copy of the report?"

Mallory nods to the guard soldier. "My thanks as well."

The man nods to both. "It's our job. We'll go over the car and have a word with its owner, and see what we can do about getting you anything relevant."

Tarot nods.

The man asks, "Any clue when you picked up the tail?"

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Any idea how soon it was after leaving the Pizza Pile?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Pretty soon after. Gimme an Int or Perception."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Per, I think."

<<GAME>> Tarot rolls the d666 and gets 3 2 CHECK: 6.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Wow, that's a make."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Oh, nice. Yeah, you picked him up right as you passed the pizza-place, where it had been parked before. He hung back at one point, to let a couple of cars pass, but was on your tail since."

Tarot says "I believe I picked him up as I passed the Pizza Pie when I left it."

Tarot says "He hung back at one point, but has been on my tail since."

The man nods. "Gotcha. Okay, we'll contact you when we have more data. Thanks." He gives a casual salute-wave and trots over to where Campus Security appears to be all but swarming over the black car.

Tarot nods in return, then restarts the car, driving for Monty Hall.

Tarot says "I should perhaps apologise. Matters are not always quite so vigorous."

Ah, Campus. How peaceful, how scenic. How attractive the cloud of smoke from a WUSE prefab building.

How sweet, the students clearing out of it and standing around, one clutching a fire extinguisher.

Tarot says "I will show you your accomodation, and point out the general food hall. Additional food may be obtained from individual vendors on campus. I also have a list of your courses."

Tarot pays no particular attention to the panicking students. Such things are commonplace.

Ah, the melodic wail of the fire truck as it pulls up by the building.

Mallory nods. "Are all the taverns like the one I arrived at?"

Mallory peers over at the fire truck.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Hm. Is there a pamphlet in the Library along the lines of SO THE LAST TIME YOU WERE ON EARTH WAS HUNDREDS OF YEARS AGO, AND WHAT IS ALL THIS STUFF ANYHOW?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Probably, yes!"

Tarot says "Many are along those lines, though some provide better-quality food, and require higher dress codes or standards of patron. And charge a higher price, naturally."

Men in yellow coats swarm out of the fire truck and grab large red cylinders, heading inside the smoking building.

Mallory says "Naturally."

Mallory wonders idly what he's supposed to do for money in this Role. Students are notoriously poor.

Tarot glances to the fire truck. "Ah, that is a public service vehicle known as a "fire truck", whose function is to carry firemen and their equipment to extinguish out-of-control fires."

Mallory says "And, please, no apologies are necessary. You conducted yourself with admirable clear thinking under the circumstances. I was honored to watch."

Mallory says "Ah. Those would would be very handy."

Mallory says "Do they bring water along with them, or use local wells?"

Tarot says "They use local supplies of water, or containers of chemical substances which are fire-retardant."

Mallory says "Ah."

Mallory says "Very convenient."

Tarot says "You will find hot and cold running water in your assigned quarters, heating, and so on. I regret that I cannot promise how efficient it will be."

Some of the firemen troop out of the building, while others are opening windows.

Mallory says "Presumably it will be an accomodation befitting my Role."

Tarot indicates the Borgia Center as they pass it. "That is the general student mess hall. The food is possibly comparable in quality to army rations."

Mallory can't hide the trace of disappointment in his voice.

Tarot says "I fear so. There are more elegant accomodations, but they are more expensive."

Mallory says "That poor, then? Is dysentery common among the student population?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "The ones who eat at Borgia Center... Maybe."

Tarot says "Not too common. Sanitary conditions are tolerable, though, and bathing is frequent."

Mallory says "Excellent. Indeed, I'm pleasantly surprised at how well a city of this size smells."

Monty Hall, that tall tall building that students swear sways in the wind, looms ahead.

Mallory says "Albeit, with more sulphur than I'm accustomed to on.."

Mallory looks up. And up. And up.

Mallory says "I see buildings have grown taller, as well."

Tarot says "Indeed. It has not yet fallen down, however."

Tarot brings her car to a stop in the parking lot.

Tarot reaches down and fishes out from her shoulder-bag the list of Mallory's courses and details, which hopefully includes his room number.

Indeed, it does. It is on the 14th floor, one door down from... Jude.

Mallory says "Are the lodgings to be singular, or common?"

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Are they shared or single?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "It depends. Mallory's seems to be a single."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "As befits an Officer in the Lightbringer's Army."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Even one reduced to the role of a lowly student."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Just wait till you see your closet."

Tarot says "You have a single room, though other rooms in the building are shared."

Mallory nods, looking somewhat more satisfied.

Tarot passes Mallory his documents, before getting out of the car and walking round to open the boot.

<<OOC>> Tarot | How am I supposed to fit a gentleman's wardrobe in _here_?

Mallory looks over the documents with the practiced eye of someone who comes from a place where lack of documentation leads to flaying, if you're lucky.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Is there a family name on the documents?"

Ah, documents. They seem to have days, and times, and things like Fencing, Public Speaking, History, and Earth Intro 101.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory, hm..."

Mallory chuckles. "I am to be refreshed, I see. What is this 'ROTC' class. The rest are self explanatory."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Mallory Belli?"

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Belli - of a/the war. ;)"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Oh, let's just completely give it away, then. ;)"

Tarot says "I believe it is some manner of local military organisation."

Mallory says "Excellent."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Bernlak."

<<OOC>> arcangel picks one of the spellings of the names of the Green Knight.

<<OOC>> Tarot grins. Admires.

Tarot begins to lift luggage out of the trunk.

Mallory raises an eyebrow at the family name. "Bernlack... it leaves something to be desired on the feel of the tongue, but... Oh, Madame, don't trouble yourself. Surely we can call a porter."

Mallory stops. "Or... can we?"

Tarot says "Unfortunately not."

Mallory says "I...see."

Tarot says "Fortunately, there are lifts inside."

Mallory looks at the very tall building. "Are there wondrous devices which might, perhaps, spare us ... ah, good."

Tarot says "Which will obviate the need of walking fourteen flights of stairs."

Mallory nods.

<<OOC>> Tarot sees Mallory becoming something of a technology convert.

<<OOC>> arcangel . o O (And creak and shudder alarmingly...)

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Well..."

Mallory helps pick out bags, settling them about his person in the same manner as before.

Tarot checks to make sure she and Mallory have everything between them -- including the guitar case -- then leads the way inside.

Birds sing, students call out and some bring a frisbee out to chase around, and all seems as normal as IOU ever gets.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Technology is so far proving impressive, but an incomplete replacement for the luxuries that make life worth living."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Such as footmen, fine food, and the intricate dance of a duel."

Mallory follows along, making a concerted effort not to gawk.

Once inside, and the button pushed, it's not a long wait for an elevator, and a selection of nervous-looking students file out of the lift, emptying it. One politely keeps a hand over one side of the door for the pair.

Tarot nods in thanks to the student as she steps cautiously into the lift.

The lift doesn't shudder _too_ much upon entering it...

Tarot says, as Mallory joins her, "As you can see, your dress and looks are not overly unusual for a student." She remains near the emergency handle.

Mallory follows, showing similar care. If Mamdame is being careful...

Tarot says "Press the button marked "14" to send the lift to the fourteenth floor."

The student waves and releases the door as the pair get in.

Mallory says "But for being somewhat tighter and less covering. And, I notice, more in the style of the females than the males."

Mallory glances down at the cut-off t-shirt.

Tarot says, blandly, "Presumably it was the choice of whoever equipped you. There may be better garments in your bags, or you can always go shopping."

The button pushed, the lift begins to creak upwards. It makes little quivers at each floor, and a tiny *ping* sounds.

Mallory nods. "I hope the choice of clothing is similar to the automobiles *gulp* so far."

Mallory balances more explicitly.

*ping*shudder* *ping*shudder* *ping*shudder*

Mallory says "Your Pardon, Madame, but the ride of your automobile was rather more pleasant."

Tarot says "I am afraid that the equipment in the student blocks is something of a match for their rations."

Tarot's posture is also wary. She keeps half an eye on the emergency handle.

The elevator doesn't seem inclined to suddenly drop away. But it does slow a little as it approaches the 14th floor.

Mallory says "Ah. Other...lifts...are better than this?"

Tarot says "Indeed. They move smoothly and noiselessly. Some even play music, though it is rarely good music."

Mallory raises an eyebrow.

Mallory mentally assigns blame/credit as it's warranted, in his mind at least.

Mallory thinks that at least distracts from the lift's vagaries.

*ping*shudder* *ping****shudder* *ping*****shudder*

Tarot's brows draw together a shade.

Mallory shudders a bit himself, looking very very young for some reason.

Blaine is waiting for her elevator -- on the 13th floor, the stairs are a bit... annoying. One also tends to want to hit both the up and down buttons, to make sure you get the elevator coming or going...

The elevator pauses, at floor 13, and the doors judder open.

Tarot stands inside the lift, with Mallory, both all slung about with bags.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Blaine, that woman in there, with the drop-dead cute... guy/girl/whatever, looks an awful lot like how that teacher is supposed to look. The one you have to talk to, about missing her class yesterday."

<<OOC>> Tarot chuckles.

Tarot tilts an eyebrow.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Out of curiosity, was I trying to go up or down? And where am I now?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Tarot is tall and thin, with dark red hair. The person with her is wearing a black half-t-shirt, tight-tight jeans, black sneakers. It has large, brilliant blue eyes, and long blond hair."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "You're trying to get *into* the elevator, to head down for the office. However, this person in the elevator might well be the teacher you need to talk to. She _stands_ like a teacher."

Mallory looks up, a little startled, and more than a little wary.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "There's enough room to squeeze in, even with all the baggage these two have."

Hamilton nods and steps into the elevator.

The doors slide half-way closed, shudder, and close fully. The elevator heads up.

Mallory shuffles back a bit, and finds that this allows him to wedge himself against two walls, without looking silly doing it. This is good.

Hamilton, after waiting a brief moment says to the teacher type, "Excuse me, are you teaching <insert name of class here>?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Blaine is rather petite and weak-looking. Blond, gray eyes, pale."

You paged Hamilton with 'The blond is, BTW, Charisma +3. Feel free to appreciate if you think it appropriate.'.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Just like the description says... ;>"

Tarot says "I am, yes."

Balseraph.

Tarot says "Would you be a student on it?"

Hamilton says "Yes. I'm afraid I missed class yesterday due to its being moved..."

Tarot says "Ah, I perceive."

Mallory gives off an almost delicate shudder as the doors close and the lift shudders into motion again.

Hamilton is, meanwhile, casting an interested eye at the shy-boy/girl/whatever.

Tarot says "Please call by my office for a copy of the assigned text to be read for the next lesson. Animal Farm, by George Orwell. Intelligent commentary on the viability of the society formed is expected."

You paged Hamilton with 'Very thin, slightly prominant hips, but wearing a boy's style of jeans.'.

Tarot says "What is your name, by the by?"

Hamilton says "Blaine Hamilton."

You paged Tarot with 'One of the later additions.'.

Mallory is, upon close inspection. a boy. Well that or a girl with no bosom to speak of, and a touch more definition around the arms and stomach than most women have.

Hamilton says "Animal Farm. Interesting. I read it in high school, but could certainly use a refresher."

Mallory would probably look more boylike if he weren't expecting the elevator to plunge him back into Trauma any moment.

Tarot nods.

The elevator shudders up to the next floor up and pings. Then, after about three seconds, the door creaks oen.

Tarot picks up her bags and steps briskly out of the elevator.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "That will probably require Blane to shuffle out first."

Hamilton will do so.

Tarot says "Blaine Hamilton, this is Mallory Bernlack. Mallory Bernlack, this is Blaine Hamilton. I believe that you are both new students here, as well as being on my course."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Heh."

You paged Tarot with 'Though Blaine may be mortal. Who knows. O;>'.

Hamilton steps back into the elevator and extends a hand. "Pleased to meet you."

<<OOC>> Tarot giggles. That's cruel.

You paged Tarot with 'She's in on a Special Scolarship by the ArchDean's decision...'.

Tarot pages: Right. Mm hmm.

Mallory sets down a bag, and extends his hand. He takes it, and bows slightly over it, with the impression that he'd bow further if he weren't loaded down with luggage.

Mallory says "Likewise, mademoiselle."

Tarot says "Blaine, as you are here, I would be grateful an you would show Mallory around a little once he has put his bags in his room."

Mallory 's hair sweeps majestically through the air as he bows.

Tarot says "The main areas on the campus, the library, and so forth."

Hamilton quirks an eyebrow. "I would be delighted."

Mallory rises, and smiles, a very pretty smile now that he's out of the elevator. "As would I, Mademoiselle."

Hamilton says "What's your room number?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "1410."

<<OOC>> arcangel has plans.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Oh dear."

Mallory says "Fourteen Ten."

Tarot begins to lead the way along the corridor in that direction.

Mallory looks either way down the hall.

Mallory waits for Blaine to walk ahead of him, and then follows.

Hamilton will do so.

There are doors on either side of the corridor, to both sides.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Any significance to the number?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mebbe."

<<OOC>> Tarot takes it Tarot can find the room?

Mallory memorizes numbers and locations, particularly avenues of approach and retreat, as he walks.

To one side, it opens out into a lounge, with a table, chairs, and a set of shelves with a glass-fronted box on it.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Just wondering if Blaine's in 1310 or something..."

<<OOC>> arcangel smirks. "Why, as it happens..."

<<OOC>> arcangel takes this idea and runs with it. Blaine and Raven are in 1310.

Hamilton says "It appears I'm your downstairs neighbor. I'm in 1310."

Mallory smiles. You can hear it in his voice. "A pleasure, then, to have such neighbors."

Mallory doesn't know about Jude upstairs in 1510 yet, clearly.

Hamilton rolls her eyes. "You haven't met my roommate yet."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "So... which of you three likes loud music? :)"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Jude? Jude's in 1408, IIRC."

<<OOC>> arcangel points to the guy with the guitar.

Tarot pages: Ack. Where's Mallory's key?

Tarot pages: Or will we find the door is open and the key in an envelope on the table inside?

Long distance to Tarot: arcangel grins. Bingo.

Tarot comes to a stop in front of 1410. She tries the door handle.

It opens.

Tarot pushes the door open, then steps back to allow Mallory to enter.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Why spoil his first view of his new kingdom? :)"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Elysia is in 1511."

The door opens... Into a room about eight feet by six.

<<OOC>> Hamilton looks up all the info on her roommate.

Hamilton says "Cozy..."

There is a bunk bed along one wall, and a built-in-desk with cupboards above it on the other. A door immediately apparent beside the existing door might be a closet a couple of feet deep.

There is an envelope on the desk, stark white, with dark red markings on it.

Mallory looks inside.

You paged Mallory with 'They're Mallory's name, in Hellglyphs.'.

Mallory says "Cosy. Yes."

Mallory slips inside, shedding bags as he goes, and picks up the envelope.

<<OOC>> arcangel notes that much of those 6 feet are taken up by bed and desk. The usable space is more like 2.5 feet...

Mallory turns around. Twice. "Cosy."

Mallory wants to whimper. Where's the closet space?! But not in front of the ladies.

There is room for a rack or something between the door and the foot of the bunk bed. There is another door... Perhaps there's something there?

Mallory sets the envelope on the bed, with two or three sword cases on top of it, and turns back to the ladies.

Hamilton pages: Can I make out what's on the front of the envelope?

Tarot inclines her head.

Mallory says "Madame di Ordo, my thanks for your help."

You paged Hamilton with 'Make a perception roll. "roll d666"'.

Tarot says "A pleasure, sir."

Tarot says "One more word apart, if I might, before I go."

<<GAME>> Hamilton rolls the d666 and gets 6 4 CHECK: 3.

Mallory says "Of course. Mademoiselle, if we might excuse ourselves a moment?"

Tarot sets her bags down inside the room.

You paged Hamilton with 'It's all scribble in dark red.'.

Tarot turns to Blaine. "Your pardon. We will be but a moment."

Mallory is squeezed into the back of the room, since himself, bags, and Tarot pretty much fills all available floor space plus most of the other horizontal surfaces.

Hamilton steps out

Tarot lowers her voice, but she is quite serious. "The conditions of truce extend to the humans present. They are not to be charmed, controlled, corrupted, or the like. Such offences result in expulsion."

Hamilton pages: I'll, of course, try to listen in...

You paged Hamilton with 'Another Per roll, then. O;>'.

Mallory says "On my Honor, I will make use of only those skills aquired by my own hard work, at least where humanity is concerned. I of course reserve recourse to more celestial talents in matters of self defense and with others of similar persuasion on campus."

Tarot says "Naturally. I hope that I will not have any cause to reproach you on this matter."

Tarot says "A good day to you, sir, and good fortune at this university."

Tarot opens the door.

Mallory says "Thank you, Madame. Again, it was a pleasure."

Mallory waits expectantly for Tarot to extend her hand.

Tarot inclines her head, then turns to leave. She does not extend her gloved hand.

Tarot pauses.

Tarot says "By the by, sir, hand-kissing is not a regular custom any longer, I must inform you."

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

Mallory says "No?"

Tarot says "At least, not among students."

You paged Hamilton with 'They're talking low, and you hear Mallory say something about "my honor... work... humanity... defense"'.

Mallory says "A pity, although I suppose the state of manicure so dictates. At least, among students."

You paged Hamilton with 'Then you hear the "A good day to you." And then you twitch away from the door as the knob rattles.'.

Tarot's mouth quirks. "I am sure that you will soon have a better understanding of this era."

Tarot steps out into the corridor.

Mallory says "With your capable aid, of course."

Tarot says "I am tutor to the entire course."

Hamilton is waiting a discreet distance away outside the room, to show Mallory around.

Tarot turns to Blaine, "My apologies for the inconvenience. And my thanks for giving Mallory some idea of this place. If you call by my office, I will leave a copy of Animal Farm for you."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Heh. Mallory is alone at last! Envelopes can be opened!"

You paged Hamilton with 'You could use one for Raven, too...'.

<<GAME>> Hamilton rolls the d666 and gets 5 2 CHECK: 5.

Mallory sticks his head out the door, and says to Blaine. "Forgive me, mademoiselle, but if I might beg a moment of you to change from these travelling clothes to something perhaps more suitable."

Tarot heads for the stairs -- not the lift -- to return to her car, and thence to her office.

Hamilton nods to Tarot. "No problem," then turns to Mallory. "I'll wait. Take your time."

<<OOC>> arcangel has a spouse, will have to go soon.

Mallory nods. "I'll just be a few minutes."

<<OOC>> Tarot nods, hugs arcangel. That was very cool. Thank you.

<<OOC>> arcangel hugs Tarot!

Mallory closes the door, and immediately steps to the bed, picking out the packet, and opening it for reading.

The packet that was in his room opens, and inside there is a little metal key. There is also a copy of a book, saying Animal Farm on it. And there is a note, in Hellglyphs and dark red ink.

Mallory reads the note.

The note says, "Mallory, Balseraph of the War, greetings. Find enclosed a key to this room and your first text for Ms. di Ordo's class. I hope you enjoy your stay here. Please take care not to distress the cats on-campus." It is in a flowing, elegant hand. There is no signature, but there is a faint perfume, slightly citrusy.

Mallory hmms.

Mallory looks around the room, opening doors and figuring out how he might quickly unpack and stow at least a portion of this, without making a complete mess.

The other door in the room does indeed go into a closet, with empty hangers and drawers at the bottom of it.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "And what, we wonder, happened to Mallory's original orders from Baal. :)"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Has he looked in his luggage yet?"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "About to do so, actually."

Mallory picks a bag that looks likely to contain clothing, and quickly starts unpacking, cataloging clothing and trying to match it in his head to clothing he saw on various people earlier.

Mallory is searching for orders and something he'd be halfway comfortable walking about in, in that order.

In Mallory's luggage are more of these blue and black pants, all apparently rather tight. Also one pair of military-style dress pants and jacket. There are more shirts -- including one with buttons on it, probably intended for the dress clothing. There are a number of shirts with short sleeves and long, mostly black, many only going half down. His clothing seems to be perhaps a little tighter than many of the outfits, but.... close. Finally, in a flurried panic, he opens up the black, slick-fabric backpack -- and there is the packet of his orders, including the "Open On Earth" envelope.

Mallory is having vain little hopes of a decent frocked coat and maybe even a codpiece.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Awwwww. Poor Mallory."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "No cod-piece, though one bit of fabric does unfurl into a rather long, dark-gray duster."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "A bit heavy for the climate, though."

Mallory hangs the uniform up. That is obviously for the ROTC thing.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Ah, a proper gentleman's greatcoat."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Or at least its poor relative."

Mallory ahas. he opens the envelope, and reads.

There is a note, and a painted picture. The note reads, in a clipped and tidy

hand, "You are in a position to find odd people. This sanctuary territory is known to harbor Renegades and Outcasts. If you can find this individual, report with all due haste. Lust and the Game are both seeking her, and this interests me." The signature is the insignia of the Prince. The picture is of a Habbalite in mirrorshades, with sharp-cut rose hair. It is not the best of likenesses, whoever it is of.

From afar, Tarot notes that she had really dark-red hair, not rose, when in Hell. Unless the picture's incorrect. ;)

Mallory tucks away the orders along with the earlier note. He looks with disgust through the various clothing. "You'd think all the men were in mourning for their dead savior."

Long distance to Tarot: arcangel nods. Incorrect pic.

From afar, Tarot laughs.

You paged Hamilton with 'You can probably hear Mallory muttering _that_...'.

Hamilton pages: Hehe.

Mallory thinks back to outside. Were many, any, even, of the students wearing jackets or other 'covering' clothing?

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Nope."

Mallory looks longingly at the covering jacket, but hangs that up as well.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "A few in suits, akin to the one called a business suit, but you don't have anything there."

Mallory opens another bag, looking for something else. Anything. A shirt with a little color, even if it's non covering. Something -other- than blue or black for the pantaloons.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "There are also tight, satiny undergarments, and a pair of tights, in black, of the same satin/silk stretchy fabric."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Tarot, btw, heads back to her office, sends an email to report the new student is delivered to his rooms and to mention the chase, and then gets back to work."

Hamilton pages: Was this after class hours?

You paged Hamilton with 'This is in the afternoon, between classes. Blaine will probably only have an hour or two.'.

<<OOC>> arcangel nods.

Mallory peers at the undergarments.

Mallory looks suspicious, and checks inside his pantaloons.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Indeed, undergarments."

Hamilton , BTW, was in crisp, businessy clothes, grey, to match her eyes, and flats with a few pieces of simple jewelry.

Mallory saw no males with these tights on, did he?

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Some females in those tights, no males, yet."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "And Mallory does have, ah, a male vessel."

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Woohoo!"

<<OOC>> arcangel mentions to Blaine, "He's been worried about that."

Mallory finds, at least, a lighter looking one of the thin shirts, one with longer sleeves and which covers the torso.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "What, whether he was properly equipped?... ;>"

This shirt is a soft gray.

Mallory compares it against the blue pantaloons, then the black, and decides that the black look better.

There is also a little belt, of black leather, with a zippered pouch as part of itself.

Mallory pulls the cut-off shirt off, and looks at himself in the mirror. Unclad (at least above the waist), he still looks androgynous, but with quite a bit of definition around his shoulders and arms. He's not bulky, just very very wiry, to the point of emaciation.

<<OOC>> Tarot starts up the anime theme music, for the hero to saunter into the outside world to.

Mallory mutters something dark about kobalites, and puts on the gray shirt.

Mallory decides that Something Must Be Done about the Hair. He looks among the cases for a ribbon or even a band.

There is a set of leather lacings, if he digs long enough.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "goes back to see what Mallory's hair was like..."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Long and fine and blond."

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Ah, like Blaine's..."

Mallory quickly braids his hair into a long, professional braid. He ties it off at the bottom, and then clubs it, folding it in half.

Mallory checks for some powder and rouge.

There is no powder or rouge.

<<OOC>> Hamilton thinks Mallory needs to become a Goth to better fit in... ;>

Mallory looks at himself in the mirror. "Bah. Why didn't they just give me a female vessel and be done with it. This is almost worse." From the shoulders up, 'androgynous' is being generous, even with the hair braided and clubbed. Something about those full, pouty lips and ice blue eyes.

You paged Mallory with 'Are you talking in demonic, english, French, or what, and are you keeping your voice down?'.

Mallory is muttering to himself, in french, if you were close enough to hear.

Rusty French, at that.

<<OOC>> Hamilton checks her char. sheet. Dang. No French...

Mallory picks up the belt, and straps it around his waist.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Heh. Tarot has French."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Well, it's not on her character sheet, but she has some French."

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Well, she'd most likely recognise it as French, but not know what was being said."

<<OOC>> Tarot nods.

Mallory tucks his identity papers into the pouch, smoothes the grey shirt over his body, and makes sure nothing valuable or implicating is in view without at least a cursory search.

<<OOC>> Mallory has, perhaps, a dagger or at least a knife in addition to his weapons?

<<OOC>> arcangel says "There is indubitably a small dagger -- and in the pouch, there's a folding blade. He's seen that sort of thing before, though usually only demonlings bother with something that's so concealable but has to be readied."

Mallory opens the folding blade, acquainting himself with it quickly, then folds it and tucks it away.

Mallory says "D'accord. Comme femme ou comme homme, departons..."

From afar, Tarot | Mallory says "Ah well. As woman or as man, let us be on our way..."

Mallory opens the door, waits a moment before walking into the halway.

Hamilton is there waiting patiently.

Mallory smiles, and tilts his head in a slight bow. "Apres vous, mademoiselle."

Mallory's outfit has changed to the extent that he's now wearing a soft gray shirt, and his hair is braided. The net effect is that he's still gorgeous, and still as androgynous as all get out. Particularly since the shirt covers the definition of his stomach.

***********************************************

<<Scene Start>>

<<OOC>> arcangel | Tarot notes, btw, that Tarot is sending a quick email to Deborah mentioning that she was followed/chased while outside IOU, and advising Deborah to watch he rback and stay on campus.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "As I recall, Mallory had found something to wear, and was about to head out for a tour of campus? (And finding the bookstore -- Blaine will know how hard it is to find _that_. It's not on the maps!)"

Mallory steps out of his room, dressed in a soft grey t-shirt, his long blond hair tied into a braid and then clubbed (tied back on itself), with a leather thong. He still looks androgynous and then some, though. Mostly because the t-shirt is now hiding the slight stomach definition that the cut-off t-shirt revealed.

Mallory says "Are you ready, Mademoiselle Blaine?"

Hamilton says "Yes. Let's stop by the offices to get the papers and book I need, and"

Hamilton says "then I'll show you to the bookstore."

Mallory nods. Explaining that he already has the book might be...difficult.

Hamilton says "Oh, do you have your schedule of classes? You'll need that to get the proper textbooks."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "It was in the papers Tarot gave him."

Mallory says "Ah, excellent idea."

Mallory says "I should be lost without you, Mademoiselle."

Mallory goes back into his room, and finds the class list.

Mallory says "Perhaps we might orient ourselfs to where these classes will be held."

Mallory shuts his door, and locks it as securely as possible.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "You have to remember that Blaine missed the first class, though, Mallory... ;>"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Well, yes, but it would be rude to discuss it."

<<OOC>> arcangel believes that Blaine and Mallory were heading down to 1310, to talk to Raven, Blaine's roomie?

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Via the stairs, if possible."

Stairs are easily found.

Hamilton gives Mallory an interested look, but doesn't comment.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Only one floor, after all..."

Mallory follows Hamilton down to the thirteenth floor.

Hamilton walks to her room, knocks to warn 'Raven' she's there, then opens the door. "Raven, you here?"

Mallory waits patiently in the hallway.

Raven_D hurriedly shoves something into a drawer, then turns to face the door. "Yeah... oh, hi, Blaine."

Strange, non-melodious music drifts from one of the other rooms. It seems to be someone talking strangely, to Mallory's ears.

Mallory hmms.

Mallory unobtrusively steps down the hallway, towards the music.

One of the doors is cracked open. The screeching and fast-talking music comes from there.

Hamilton looks innocent at Raven as if she hadn't seen her just shoving something in a drawer. "I was just going to show a new guy around campus and stop by di Ordo's office for the notes and stuff we missed for the one class. You want me to get yours?"

Mallory listens a bit more, but doesn't quite go in.

Raven_D lets a look of mock disgust creep onto her face. "You think I'd let you get anything for me after the candles? I asked for midnight black, you got jet black. I think I'll come with, if you don't mind."

The "song" ends, and then another one starts, even noiser than the first.

This song, Mallory will note, contains numerous words only used by the cruder grunts back in Gehenna...

Hamilton shrugs. "Fine with me. Sorry about the candles."

Mallory gets a vaguely disgusted look on his face, and ambles back down the hall to Blaine's door.

Raven_D allows the look to dissipate. "'Sokay. Don't worry about it. So who's the new guy?"

Hamilton says "Name of Mallory. French persuasion. Lives right above us."

Mallory smiles. "Mam'selle."

Raven_D says "Oh, neat!...""

Raven_D clears her throat. "I mean, that's cool. Got a last name, Mallory?"

<<OOC>> Hamilton knows better than to actually suppose Mallory is from France...

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Well, once, maybe..."

Mallory is more than good looking, he's gorgeous to the point of beauty. Refined, slim, of moderate height, with golden hair tied back in a braid. Well, he's also pretty to the point of looking nagelesque, too. The 'new guy' was something of a guess as to the gender.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "This is IOU, after all..."

Raven_D manages to keep a straight face and tight lips.

Mallory says "Bernlack, Mademoiselle. Mallory Bernlack. Enchante'."

Raven_D clears her throat again. "Raven Darkchyld." She holds out her hand, as if to shake his.

Hamilton does not smirk.

Mallory takes Raven's hand in his, although he turns his hand to hold Raven's lightly, rather than a straight handshake. Much more...old fashioned. He bows ever so slightly over it.

Raven_D remains dead white. This could, of course, be the makeup.

Long distance to Mallory: arcangel notes that Raven is serious "Goth," with bracelets-attached-by-chain to rings, net stockings, dangly-rings that get caught in the net stockings...

You paged Mallory with 'Her eyes are, however, innocent blue.'.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Except for the lips, which are still black... ;>"

From afar, Mallory recalls the type. In his day, they disguised themselves somewhat better, but had a tendency to sneak off to have their fortunes read by gypsies.

Long distance to Mallory: arcangel giggles. Yes, quite.

Mallory says "You will be accompanying us on our tour?"

Hamilton watches Mallory bow over Raven's black-lace gloved hands. "We all ready, then?"

Mallory releases Raven's hand, and nods. "Quite."

Hamilton says "Raven?"

Raven_D says "I'm ready when you are."

Hamilton says "Let"

Raven_D is, almost imperceptibly, struggling to keep a straight face.

Hamilton says "Let's go then. I've only got a couple hours till class."

13 flights of stairs await. Or the elevator.

Raven_D nods and follows the other two out, locking up on the way out.

Mallory looks somewhat hopefully towards the stairwell door.

Hamilton heads for the elevator.

You paged Hamilton with 'Sadist! O;>'.

From afar, Hamilton ;>

Raven_D is torn. Follow the cute guy, or have working legs when we get to the first floor?

Mallory doesn't sigh. Quite. He then dutifully follows along after Hamilton, since it wouldn't do to leave someone to a horrible fate in that damned contraption.

<<OOC>> Hamilton thought horrible fates were something demons encouraged... ;>

Raven_D follows Mallory and Blaine to the elevator, then.

<<OOC>> Raven_D is not so tall as to be tall, and not so thin as to be thin. Any exposed skin is dead white, although her lips are black, as are her eyelids and the surrounding area. Her clothing - predictably, all black - consists of a tank-top, fatigues torn off at the calves, lace gloves, fishnet stockings and Doc Martens. She has on an inordinate amount of very painful-looking jewelry, all silver, some with onyx inlays.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Don't forget the black black hair and the annoyingly innocent blue eyes... ;>"

<<OOC>> Raven_D says "Oh right. ^_-"

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Annoying to a goth, at least."

<<OOC>> Mallory 's eyes are ice blue, with a tendency towards complete lack of guile.

You paged Mallory with 'May look something like some Habbalite of Saminga who Mallory once crossed the path of... O;>'.

Mallory pages: Except for the eyes, yes.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "They're made for each other!"

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Anyhow..."

The elevator doors slide open eventually, almost smoothly.

Hamilton proceeds into the elevator, holds the door open for the other two, then hits the button for the ground floor.

They are the only residents of the elevator, which begins creeping downwards, with a *ping* and a shudder as it passes each floor.

Hamilton remains blithely unaware of any horrible dangers the elevator might pose.

<<OOC>> Raven_D hopes this elevator doesn't play Muzak. She'd have to kill herself on principle.

Thankfully, the elevator is silent.

Except for the ominous creaking noises...

Mallory shudders slightly at each ping, standing absolutely still in one corner.

At the 7th floor, the elevator slows, and the doors creak open, so that a Jock <tm> can get on.

<<OOC>> arcangel eeps!

Raven_D slinks closer to Mallory when the Jock <tm> gets on.

Hamilton checks out the Jock <tm> on general priciples, but doesn't say anything.

Mallory looks the Jock over once, out of habit, and goes back to concentrating on the elevator, which is far more threatening.

Hamilton says to Mallory, without turning to look at him, "So, what are you majoring in, Mallory?"

Raven_D edges up to Mallory as the Jock <tm> shifts, perhaps unconsciously, toward her.

Mallory blinks. "Majoring in? My course of studies, you mean?"

Hamilton says "Yes."

Mallory looks over his class list. Ahah, there's a Major category. "It is 'undeclared'."

Hamilton turns and looks at him oddly when he has to consult his class list, but says nothing.

Hamilton says "I see. Haven't you decided or is that a typo?"

Mallory says "'Undeclared' is as good a description as any, Mademoiselle. And your own course of studies?"

Hamilton says "Law."

Raven_D almost says "Art," then realizes Mallory wasn't talking to her and thinks better of it.

Hamilton sighs. "I wanted to go to Harvard, but Father wanted me to attend his old Alma Mater.

Mallory smiles at Raven. "I was about to ask. I beg your pardon for my tardiness."

Raven_D wonders, a moment later, why she didn't say it anyway.

Mallory says "And yourself, Mademoiselle Raven?"

Raven_D blinks at having her name used that way. "Art..." she says, very quietly.

Hamilton says "Yes, she has some quite interesting sketches up in our room."

Raven_D fires a dirty look at Blaine.

Hamilton smiles disingenuously at Raven.

Mallory smiles. "Perhaps you might grace me with them, some time?"

At last, there is a final rattle and *ding* as the doors open on the ground floor. The Jock (tm) trundles out, with only the occasional look back at the odd group behind him.

Hamilton steps out quickly, so Mallory can escape without bulldozing over her in his haste.

Raven_D again is white at Mallory's question. "Sure. No problem." She sighs with relief once the Jock <tm> leaves the car, and lets everyone else off first.

Mallory doesn't jump out of the elevator, quite. It's true, his exit is rather swifter than is strictly called for, but it's quite graceful, for all that.

Mallory seems much relieved to be on solid ground again. "The bookstore first, Mademoiselle Blaine?"

Raven_D regrets, for an instant, having not brought along a bag of some sort.

Hamilton says "I was thinking of stopping by Miss di Ordo's office, first."

Mallory nods. "As you like."

Hamilton proceeds to the building housing Ms. di Ordo's office.

Mallory makes pleasant small talk as the walk proceeds, asking Blaine how she became interested in the law, and Raven what types of art she prefers. Painting, sculpture, and so forth.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "I believe this is the College of Metaphysics, right?"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Very likely."

<<OOC>> Raven_D says "I'm guessing so. Tarot?"

<<OOC>> Tarot says "I think so, yes."

The departmental secretary is a busy-looking type, with glasses and a definite figure under her blouse and skirt. There are several notebooks piled on her desk, next to her computer and books.

Hamilton shrugs at Mallory's question. "It's a challenging profession with a great deal of social advancement potential."

The secretary smiles. "Hi there! Can I help you?" She absently flips shut the notebook that she'd been scribbling in as the three students approached.

Raven_D responds to Mallory by way of pulling an unfinished sketch out of her pocket and showing it to him. It looks surprisingly like a Gothified Blaine.

Hamilton smiles at the secretary. "Hello. I'm Blaine Hamilton. My roommate--" here she indicates Raven-- "and I missed Miss di Ordo's first Earth 101 lecture due to its being moved. I was told to come here and get notes on the lecture and a book we're going to read."

Mallory takes the drawing in hand, spending a few moments considering it with all gravity.

The secretary nods. "Okay, no problem. She's in at the moment, so let me just email her and check, then I can send you in to pick it up. That okay?"

Mallory volunteers, "I believe the book is _Animal Farm_. Madame di Ordo was kind enough to arrange for my transportation to the campus. She did not mention notes, however."

The secretary nods, and smiles at Mallory. Her smile widens. A couple of moments later, she breaks eye contact. "Uh, yeah. Just let me email her, right?"

The secretary rapidly turns her attention to her keyboard, types in a message, and fiddles with the mouse.

Mallory smiles back at the secretary, bending his head slightly in acknowledgement.

Raven_D says "Sounds good." She sounds slightly bitter. This is, of course, not abnormal.

Tarot pages: She's just emailed Tarot that some students are outside demanding notes. Tarot sends an email back telling her to send them in.

A minute later, there is a bleep from the secretary's screen. She grins. "Okay, you three can go in. Down the corridor, second door on the right, there's a nameplate."

Hamilton says "Thank you."

Raven_D says "Yeah, thanks."

Hamilton proceeds to the office.

Mallory nods. "Thank you, Mademoiselle."

Mallory follows along after Hamilton, still looking at Raven's sketch. "This is quite a good depiction. What medium are you using? Charcoal?"

Raven_D makes sure Mallory leaves, then follows him.

The secretary nods to them, then goes back to her work. The second door along the corridor does, indeed, have a nameplate stating "Ms di Ordo".

Raven_D says "Charcoal pencil, yeah. Easy to blend and shade, you know?"

From afar, Tarot suspects Deborah has a couple of notebooks on her desk, often, used for "jottings".

Long distance to Tarot: arcangel is sure of it.

Hamilton knocks on the door once the other two are behind her.

Mallory says "Ah, yes."

Mallory's eyes trail over Raven's hands, which look exceedingly clean for someone working in charcoal.

Tarot's voice, from inside, calls, "Come in."

Hamilton enters. "Hello. We're just here to pick up whatever we needed from the lecture we missed."

Mallory returns the drawing, adding, "I hope to see more in the future," and waits for Blaine and Raven to preceed him into the office.

Raven_D smiles, ever so slightly, at Mallory, then enters the office.

Tarot is sitting at her desk. The office is small, has several bookcases along the side, a computer at the desk, a couple of file cupboards, and a single chair for visitors. She looks up from her terminal.

Tarot says "Good afternoon, ladies, sir. I am afraid I have no specific notes for you. I do have copies of the particular text from this lecture, _Animal Farm_ by George Orwell."

Tarot nods to where a few copies are stacked on the edge of her desk.

Tarot says "I would like you to read and consider it, and comment on the viability and stability of the society formed in it."

Raven_D smiles wryly. "Appropriate."

Tarot says "I will hope to see you all at the next lecture."

Tarot tilts an eyebrow at Raven. "Howso?"

Hamilton nods. "We'll attempt to find someone in who attended to copy their notes. Do you know if any of your students are in Monty Hall?"

Tarot's mouth quirks. She says, to Hamilton, "Most of them, I believe."

Hamilton says "Ah, good. How convenient."

Hamilton says "Do you have anyone who appeared to have taken especially good notes, if I might ask?"

<<OOC>> Tarot suppresses the urge to say, "Mellor."

Mallory stands quietly in the corner, watching.

Tarot considers a moment. "Perhaps Jude, or Elysia." She gives their room numbers.

<<OOC>> arcangel introduces Angela to Raven....

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Both are in Monty Hall, I just can't remember the room numbers."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Jude is 1408."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Next door to me, strangely enough."

Raven_D says "Well, Animal Farm is just a perfect metaphor for the world today. Collapsing around us, and we're too caught up in ourselves to notice."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Elysia is... 1511."

Tarot's mouth quirks again. She says, to Raven, "I look forward to hearing the class discussion on the subject. Who, would you say, are the pigs?"

Mallory . o O (Ah, this is not an agricultural work, then.)

Mallory watches with increased interest.

<<OOC>> Raven_D says "My player hasn't read the book, so can't comment. :)"

<<OOC>> Hamilton assumes last names are given for Jude and Elysia.

<<OOC>> Raven_D hangs his head, ashamed.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Jude Wallace."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "The "pigs" are the animals who gain control of the farm, and stay in control via lying, fraud, politics, propaganda, and force."

<<OOC>> Hamilton read it too long ago to really remember much.

<<OOC>> arcangel can't find Elysia's, off the bat. Probably in the first logs.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "In the end, the pigs become as corrupt as the humans that the farm was seized from, and ally themselves with other humans to better exploit the other animals."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "It's a metaphor for the Communist Revolution in Russia."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "It would be cruel and unkind to make it a metaphor for the Fall, to certain demons. ;)"

<<OOC>> Mallory doesn't know what you're talking about.

<<OOC>> Tarot grins.

<<OOC>> Raven_D says "Fielding. Elysia Fielding."

<<OOC>> Raven_D is happy to serve.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Ah. Dang. And I was so hoping to get all the way through and head off to Suing People for Fun and Profit."

Tarot says "In any case, I think that is all that I can give you for the moment. Unless you have further questions?""

<<OOC>> Tarot just gets them out of Tarot's office and into IOU proper. ;)

Hamilton takes the requisite copy of Animal Farm, makes a note of the two recommended names and says, "Thank you. I look forward to attending."

Tarot says "It will be interesting, I trust."

Raven_D says "Oh. Um, where is the class?"

Tarot says "Lud, room 408."

Hamilton makes note of this, as well.

Raven_D refrains from scribbling this in the inside cover of the book.

Tarot says "A good day to all of you. I hope that you have an educational time here."

Mallory says "If I may borrow a small pen?"

<<OOC>> arcangel . o O (What, not a feather?)

Mallory notices a distinct lack of ink pots on the desks.

Tarot says "Certes, sir."

Tarot picks up a spare biro, and offers it across the desk.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Biro, pen, whatever."

<<OOC>> arcangel giggles.

Mallory takes the pen. He looks at it for a moment, and tests the tip on the paper.

The pen makes a mark.

Mallory, suitably enlightened, then writes out the location of the class in a classical, looping hand.

Mallory returns the pen to Tarot. "Is there a place where I might purchase something with a more suitable tip for proper calligraphy?"

Raven_D says "Probably at the bookstore...."

Tarot says "Possibly the university bookshop or library can assist you, sir."

Tarot nods to Raven.

Mallory smiles. "Merci. I believe that was our next destination."

Hamilton waits for the others to file out first.

This may prove somewhat difficult, as Mallory clearly expects the young ladies to go first.

Tarot nods to the students as they leave.

Raven_D goes out.

Hamilton will allow Mallory to be gentlemanly and goes before him.

The door swings shut behind them, quietly. And now, the whole of the university awaits...

<<Scene Stop>>

***

<<OOC>> Daimon points out that all things University of Michigan are cool except her job which is lame.

<<Scene Start>>

The door to Tarot's office has just clicked shut behind the trio. The whole of the university awaits their eager explorations...

<<OOC>> Mellor says "And he wass played by whatsit who was the Green Cross man."

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Hehe. Last reason SW is better than Titanic-- Han Solo would've missed the d@@@ed iceberg."

<<OOC>> arcangel laughs!

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Or at least escaped from the giant alien monster lurking inside."

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "We had decided bookstore was next."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Indeed, we had."

<<OOC>> Raven_D says "If we could figure out where it was. ;)"

Mallory says "To the bookstore, then?"

Raven_D says "That's the plan."

Mallory says "If you'd care to lead the way, Mademoiselles?"

Hamilton will then lead them to the Union (rather than the Confederacy or the Scab)

<<OOC>> arcangel has a map at http://www.nh.ultranet.com/~emccoy/IOU.JPEG

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Indeed, the bookstore is not on the map."

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "But I believe Blaine and Raven have been there before."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Presumably it is in the student union."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Indeed, I beleve that was where it was last time anyone went there."

<<OOC>> Daimon says "Jude is in the process of writing you all up. Even those who aren't playing."

<<OOC>> arcangel laughs. "Ah, yes, Jude. In room 1408, IIRC."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "If only Jude and Mallory had been sharing a room. ;)"

<<OOC>> Daimon says "Jude is convinced you are all bad."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "And it's so untrue!"

Through the campus, past the Pent, with the strange melted-looking statue of the Founder in its center...

Raven_D follows Blaine and Mallory.

The clock tower chimes, though none of its faces appear to be on an hour/quarter hour/half-hour. Mallory will note that it's off-center in the main building.

Hamilton thinks Raven is always last so she can admire Mallory from behind...

Raven_D would deny this enthusiastically if Blaine said anything. Ignore the sketchbook and pencil in her hands.

<<OOC>> Hamilton grins

Right next to the Escher Art Building and Student Union building, there is a small building that is not on the map. It has bookshelves in the windows, and a hand-lettered sign on the door reads "Bookstore."

Mallory peers at the statue, with some interest.

<<OOC>> Mellor wonders how many takes it would get if it set up an unofficial class in 'How to bee Evill - for beginnerz'

<<OOC>> Daimon says "Time to write you up... again."

The statue is tall, and somewhat Djinnish-looking, to Mallory.

Mallory hmmms.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Anyone I know?"

<<OOC>> Mellor | Summoning Fiends from the Nether Regions

One of those tentacled-bear-Djinnish things, maybe.

Mallory says, by the by, "Have you ever considered sculpture, Mademoiselle Raven?"

Raven_D sketches something quickly, stealing glances at Mallory and the statue, then puts the sketchbook away.

Raven_D says "I tried it once. It came out looking kind of like that."

Mallory says "Ah."

Mallory refrains from asking if she intended it to be so.

Mallory looks around the campus with a deliberate air of bemusement. This is because if he looked with any other air, he'd probably be trending towards astonishment.

Students pass back and forth. Cats prowl the area here and there. Pigeons perch on buildings. A seagull lands on the statue's top (head?) and eyes the group with a beady eye.

Mallory wonders if the admonishment about cats extends to the seagulls.

<<OOC>> Daimon says "Lucky for you all, I must go."

<<OOC>> arcangel hugs.

<<OOC>> Hamilton hugs Dai

<<OOC>> Daimon says "You'll be written up in a Dominican book another day! I rue it!"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "If no-one nicks it :P"

<<OOC>> Daimon thhhhpt.

Hamilton stops in front of the Bookstore and waits for the others.

The seagull contemplates Mallory through its other eye, then flaps off.

Mallory halts next to Blaine, and waits for Raven.

Raven_D nearly smacks into Mallory when he stops.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Can I see through the windows of the bookstore?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Books, books, and more books. An impression of people moving around inside."

Raven_D says "Um... sorry."

Mallory says "That's quite all right."

Mallory asks Blaine, "This is a bookstore, and not a library, Mademoiselle?"

Hamilton says "This is it. You have to buy the books here, not just check them out."

Mallory says "Ah. It is somewhat larger than I had expected."

<<OOC>> arcangel notes that to Blaine and Raven, this is a _smallish_ building...

Mallory reminisces about Paris in the old days. The narrow, winding streets with interesting and odd little shops scattered here and there. The dark back alleys, so convenient for the occasional challenge.

Mellor pages: They're all so nice. When we were showing freshers round, we used to take pride in screwing them up as much as possible. | Yes, this is the prof's study. He likes it best if people come to ask him questions at 5pm on Friday evenings...

You paged Mellor with 'You sadist! Hee.'.

Mellor pages: It's traditional! :)

You paged Mellor with 'Obviously they're being nice because he has +3 charisma.'.

Raven_D says "You must be used to tiny buildings."

Hamilton smirks. "Like the rooms in Monty Hall."

Mallory chuckles. "I've seen larger buildings, Mademoiselle. I trust the palace at Versailles would take your breath away. It is, however, quite the largest bookstore I have seen."

Raven_D says "You've been to Versailles?"

You paged Hamilton with 'Man, you just _gotta_ see what he thinks about the Mall someday...'.

From afar, Hamiltonhad already thought of that.

Long distance to Hamilton: arcangel grins!

Mallory smiles. "Yes, though not recently."

Raven_D looks excited for a split second, then goes back to her usual demeanor.

<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 3 3 CHECK: 1.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Alas. Missed it."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Hm?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Ah. Hee."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "The flash of excitement. Unless Savoir Fair gets added in."

<<OOC>> arcangel chuckles.

Mallory says "D'accord. The books will not come find us out here. Allons-y."

Mallory opens the door, holding it for Raven and Blaine.

Hamilton smiles pleasantly and steps through.

Inside, the bookstore seems to somehow fold space in around itself -- surely it's crammed full of more shelves and tables of books and supplies than would otherwise fit!

Raven_D steps through, reaching back to hold the door open for Mallory.

A set of shelves hold people's backpacks, next to the door.

Hamilton sets her pack, with Animal Farm in it, on the shelf.

Mallory looks about, perhaps a bit lost.

Students stand in lines for the two over-worked cashiers, their arms full of books and whatnot. A few have plastic shopping-baskets dangling from their hands instead.

Mallory says "Where to even start..."

Raven_D sets her sketchbook and Animal Farm next to Blaine's pack.

The various course abbreviations are on paper, taped to bookshelves here and there.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Mallory carrying anything?"

Mallory has only the small pouch on the belt he's wearing.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Aka a fannypack/bumbag."

Raven_D wanders into a promising-looking aisle and starts looking through the course lists.

Just inside the door are various non-course books -- the Weird World of Science, etc. -- obviously placed so as to tempt students to pick them up _before_ they've loaded themselves down with coursebooks.

Hamilton says to Mallory, "Let me see your class schedule."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "How cruel. ;)"

Mallory hands his class schedule to Blaine.

Pieces of paper are taped to the shelves, with course abbreviations and course numbers on them.

Mallory's schedule is heavy on history, along with the Earth 101 course, ROTC training, and several fencing classes.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "And Public Speaking 101."

Hamilton studies his schedule and heads for the history classbook area.

Hamilton says "Follow me."

Raven_D does her best to keep a covert eye on Mallory and Blaine.

Mallory smiles, and elegantly half-bows.

Mallory then follows along.

Other students sidle past here and there, for the paths between bookshelves are narrow. And this place definitely seems bigger than outside.

Hamilton shows Mallory how to find the books for the courses he's signed up for.

Mallory's amazement at the size of the library, er, bookstore, eventually gets the better of him. It takes a bit of prodding to get him to stop looking at all the books.

As usual, there are a few used books (i.e., cheaper!) and a dose of new ones for each class. Except Public Speaking. That has only new books, which are apparently written by the class' lecturer.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Look, Mallory! A book called _Lady Chatterly's Lover_! In public!"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Shame!"

<<OOC>> Mallory tsks.

Raven_D picks up a few books she hadn't taken before and goes to find Mallory and Blaine.

Hamilton points out to Mallory that he can save money by buying the used books, so long as they aren't too beaten up to be useable. She also shows that having one that's been well-notated, instead of highlighted at random, can help in studying.

Tarot pages: Why do I suspect that the course is always taken by a Balseraph?

Tarot pages: That the lecturer is a Balseraph, rather?

Long distance to Tarot: arcangel giggles. "Next question is who the teacher is..."

Long distance to Tarot: arcangel snickers.

Mallory smiles. "Thank you, Mademoiselle, but I am well aquainted with the utility and savings of used books."

Mallory pages through the new books, and shakes his head slightly, wondering how he's expected to pay for all of this.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Since new books were exhorbitantly expensive, backwhen."

<<OOC>> arcangel chuckles.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Obviously you're intended to indenture yourself."

Hamilton refrains from asking after his financial status.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Does Mallory have any strange plastic things in his fannypack?"

Mallory winds up with an armfull of books, almost more than he can handle easily. "Is this...*oof* everything?"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "What's plastic? <g>"

<<OOC>> arcangel grins at Tarot.

Hamilton goes over the class list. "It looks like that's it."

Raven_D eeps for an instant as she is thoroughly knocked over by the Jock <tm>. She does manage to keep hold of her books, though.

Mallory says "Ah. if you would kindly tuck the list back in my pouch, and show me where I might pay?"

The Jock <tm> mutters "Scuuuuuuuse" in a sneer.

Raven_D mutters darkly and tries unsuccessfully to get back to her feet.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Do I see this?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Probably."

Hamilton delicately folds the list back into the bumbag.

<<OOC>> Raven_D says "Probably, we were in the same aisle..."

The Jock <tm> cuts into line, in front of a somewhat weedy looking fellow with glasses, who is carrying several math texts. The Jock <tm> is carrying a single package of paper.

Mallory scowls, pulling away from Blaine just as she finishes tucking in the list and almost marching, arms still of books, over to The Jock. "You."

The Jock <tm> looks down his nose at Mallroy. "Me."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory, even. Yeesh."

Hamilton looks at Raven and whispers urgently. "Uhoh. What do we do?"

Raven_D grumbles and sets her books down, gets to her feet, and notices that her books have vanished. She sighs and goes to get another copy of each.

Mallory 's front is entirely covered with a stack full of books, and there's enough noise to force him to pitch his voice louder (and, alas, higher) than he really wishes to.

The weedy fellow with the math books backs away, blinking curiously.

Mallory says "What is your name?"

The Jock <tm> says, "Da Wall."

Raven_D hears Blaine and stops. "Um, I don't know... let him deal with it?"

Mallory says "No proper name, then? I am not surprised."

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Oh, no. Not the Wall!... ;>"

The Jock <tm> says, "What's it to you?"

<<OOC>> Raven_D says "Da Wall? Oy vey..."

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

<<OOC>> arcangel snickers to herself.

Mallory says "Because, Monsieur Wall, you are going to apologize to the lady, and to the young man, or I will mark your name."

Da Wall just looks at Mallory. He grunts (rather Djinnishly, really), and turns away to shuffle a bit closer to the cashier.

Raven_D swallows hard. "It's okay, Mallory, really..."

Mallory says "Attendez! I will not be ignored."

<<OOC>> Raven_D nearly swoons for the French. ;)

Da Wall says to Mallory, over his shoulder, "Hey, if you want a date, gotta take a number."

Hamilton strides up to Mallory. "Calm down, Mallory."

Mallory hisses slightly, and sets down the books carefully on the nearest counter.

Raven_D says "Um, Blaine?"

Mallory says "Oh, I am very calm indeed."

Raven_D tugs Blaine back to where she's standing.

Da Wall ignores Mallory. The weedy fellow says, "Um, it's okay, he's my roomie, he doesn't need to do anything about me."

Hamilton says "Have you ever heard the saying 'Revenge is a dish best served cold'?"

Mallory says "Unlike this cochon, who is merely too stupid to realize his misdeeds."

Mallory says "And so other