Logs

Logs Home

2001 August 02

2001 August 08

2001 August 09

2001 August 14

2001 August 16

2001 August 22

2001 August 28

2001 September 01

2001 September 04

2001 September 16

2001 September 18

2001 September 25

2001 October 02

2001 October 10

2001 October 16

2001 October 23

2001 October 28

2001 November 07

2001 November 10

2001 November 14

2001 December 12

2001 December 17

2001 December 18

2002 January 01

2002 January 07

2002 January 23

2002 February 12

NachtMusik

NachtMusik Home

Maps

Dramatis Personae

Game Logs

Realms

Realms Home

Dishonored

Goblin Town

Neverneverwhere

The Whole of the Law

Waking Dreams

When The Bough Breaks


One-Shot

Retired

Birthright

Burning Man

Cosmic Guardians

DNAnimals/Tamashii

Fukusei Crystals

Heartwood

Hunter

Idlewild

Indigo

Inizii

Morning Rain

NachtMusik

Oloth

Paradon

Scarred Lands

Shattered Stars

Starfall

Weston


Style Test

Reality Fault

Home

Player

Character

Referee

Programmer

Administrator

Operations


Search RealityFault:

General Info

Glossary

Realms

Events

Credits

Help Files

Help Files (old)


Reality Fault

Realms: NachtMusik Logs

"Between Two Hearts"

    Laurence looks around appraisingly and actually returns the nods he's given. He then raises his blade and rests the flat upon his shoulder. He picks up Merwyn's sword. "You were fortunate to catch my ear when you did, Captain. Rise, and report."

Merwyn relates the somewhat complicated chain of events leading to his involvement in the situation. Sue just sits back, nodding. Laurence listens silently as the situation is explained to him. Finally he nods, and Merwyn falls expectantly silent. The Archangel Laurence turns to Shateishael, "And you. Have you anything to add?"

Shateishael thinks a moment... then nods, "Just what I've observed, Commander." He pauses, then explains, "I'm sure you know that the Resonance of seraphs is sometimes stronger, sometimes weaker, to truth. I had the best Resonance I'm capable of while talking with Father Meade... and my Resonance says Father Meade is telling the absolute truth when he says he is keeping faith in God. Furthermore, when he was shot at... he prayed. His exact thoughts at that moment were, 'Jesus, Lord, just not a kidney!'" Laurence arches one perfect eyebrow.

Shateishael pauses a second again, looking troubled, "I... don't know if demons can pray... but it makes me wonder if this balseraph is trying to show worthiness for Redemption, Sir." He thinks, then adds, "Y'know, he made a small joke about 'Archangel David' too. I'm not Catholic, but Rosi- er, Rosenstern there explained it to me. It would be my guess that Father Meade might have been cautiously checking to see if I was, uh... was a 'safe' seraph to talk to..." He thinks a moment longer, then rumbles quietly, "That's what I saw, Commander." He remains standing, setting his scabbarded katana quietly down on the chair next to him. He moves carefully so as to not dislodge the crow on his shoulder.

Laurence nods, then turns to Thessaloniki. "Have you anything to add?"

Thessaloniki says, "I know that you shall suffer no demon live, and I wouldn't ask you to consider doing anything else in this case. If a demon redeems, though, its Heart is destroyed, and a new one created in Heaven. It seems to me that it would be better to lose a demon and gain an angel than just lose a demon. I don't know how you feel about Redemption, either; some don't trust those who Redeem. I do know that a couple of the local folks here said they'd be really unhappy to take the Father out, as they liked him and the things he'd done. If the demon did Redeem they wouldn't have to, and would be on hand to help keep him on the path of Light. I also know someone who has Redeemed who I do trust, and feel confident that it can lead to happy, productive angels. I hope we can find a way to give the Father the chance if he is looking for it."

Shateishael, standing quietly with arms folded, smiles silently to himself at his old friend's thoughtful words... then grins encouragingly at the twitchy Mercurian. A moment later he wonders thoughtfully to himself if Father Meade knows the Stone angels out here are indeed angels. He grins wryly to himself -- if so, it'd be damn funny if the Father turned up out here just now, asking for the Stone seraph!

Laurence nods again, then turns to Rosenstern, "Have you anything to report?"

Rosenstern blinks a little as Laurence looks at him, and swallows silently. He tries to relax -- as best as he can relax with the Commander of the Heavenly Host standing right there -- and just takes in a soft breath. "All that I was able to find on Meade was that he has been a very positive example for his community." He briefly relates what he found at the library, noting that according to records, a 'Meade' was born here, joined the military and went to Vietnam, then returned and became a priest almost immediately, returning to 'his' hometown of Lubbock to be the parish priest. "From what I have read," he concludes quietly, "I believe that his desire to Redeem is genuine."

Laurence says, "I see." Finally he turns to the crow, "And what have you observed, Domination? Are you in agreement?"

Taygeta nods. "I did not speak with Meade personally, my lord, but from the available data, I concur. The possibility must be acknowledged, at least, and it would seem a low-risk course to find out for certain before taking... irrevocable action."

Laurence nods, "Very well then." He turns Merwyn's blade and offers the grip to the Ofanite. Merwyn accepts it, bowing, and steps back. Laurence asks, "Do you trust their word, Captain?" Merwyn nods, "I have never doubted the word of a Seraph, Lord Commander."

Laurence says, "Then these are your orders. You will find this Father Meade, and determine the truth of his actions. If his wish for Redemption is genuine, then you will bring him to me. If he is false, then you will kill him." Merwyn nods, once. Laurence continues, "However, you will leave the Vessel at least partially intact."

The Ofanite pauses, "Commander...?" Laurence says, "You will bring the Vessel to me. I will create a duplicate that one of our own may inhabit. Be he demon or angel, 'Father Meade' is important to the Church and to the people of this city. I would not see either harmed by this incident."

Shateishael looks relieved... then hms to himself. They're may have to do some cover-up, looks like. Rosenstern is quiet at Laurence's commands, grimly accepting that, with those orders, there is simply no way that Meade, if he's not Redeeming, is going to manage to live through this. He holds to his belief that Meade does want to redeem. He blinks at Laurence's order regarding the Vessel. He's... not quite sure how to feel about that.

Shateishael nods slowly... and mentally crosses his fingers that Father Meade really does wish to Redeem. Explaining the inevitable slips of memory of a new duplicate will be tricky... maybe a car accident with head injury, or something similar? He looks at Merwyn hopefully -- he'd like to go along, but it's Merwyn's show. Thessaloniki stands and listens quietly as the Archangel gives Merwyn his assignment. He will, of course, help the other Ofanite however he can. Taygeta stands quietly on the Seraph's shoulder. An interesting way to handle it. It makes it even more urgent to stay secret, though. No more public assassination attempts, if it comes to that.

Merwyn asks quietly, "Am I to undertake this alone, Lord Commander?" Laurence says, "If you wish. I leave it to you as to how you execute your orders. I will await you in St. Cyril's." Merwyn nods. "Yes, Lord Commander." With that, Laurence nods acknowledgement to the two lieutenants of Stone, and spreads his wings. He appears to leave the ground ever so slightly, then is gone.

Shateishael hms again, remembering the odd behavior 'chivalry' made Merwyn exhibit earlier. Maybe he should be explicit. "Merwyn, want company?"

Thessaloniki says, "Yeah, Merwyn. Any way we can help, just let us know. Personally, I want to know how it all works out." Rosenstern nods quietly in agreement.

Merwyn turns, "vanishing" his sword again. "I am pleased you asked. I would not wish to go alone... the large share of credit belongs to all of you for your help. I simply caused this problem... I have done little to resolve it."

Thessaloniki says, "'Caused'? How can you say you caused a demon to take on a role in the Church?" He chuckles, "Being a little hard on yourself, Mer." He asks, "Going to come along for the fun, Sue?"

Shateishael grins at Nick, then picks up his sword, tucks it back under his jacket, and looks back at the Sword angel with a grin, "Nah. You didn't cause it... you just made sure it didn't get away from all of us." He adds curiously, "Um... where's St. Cyril's? Is it far? We're gonna have to really hustle to get the dead vessel there before it disappears, if it is...?" He adds dryly, "If, that is, we're unlucky, and he doesn't want to Redeem..."

Taygeta says, "Let's hope we're right."

Shateishael nods at the crow's words, "That's what I'm praying for."

Merwyn says, "I believe it is across town. It should not be far." Sue says, "Oh, yeah. If this guy's jerking us around after all this? I'm gonna make him wish Laurence was coming for him."

Shateishael says, "Okay... so, whatcha want to do, Mer? You wanna ask him, or do you want someone he won't recognize as his shooter to ask? Uh... Tay, is Meade still in the rectory? What else... we should let the two Ofanites drive, right, so we can move fastest, if it's a killing... and we need to have a way to signal if the demon says no. Tay, wanna work out a yes/no code with whomever will be outside, so they know whether or not to burst in to attack? Oh... and a way to move a body, if necessary, right? Merwyn... is this all okay with you?"

Rosenstern says quietly, "One of the original plans was for me to approach him celestially. I'm still willing to do that, definitely."

Thessaloniki comments, "The trunk of one of the rental cars will do for moving a body, presuming we can get it there somewhat inobviously. A sheet or two and a couple of us should be able to handle that part." To Rosenstern he adds, "That may be a little less critical now that we know he's demonic."

Taygeta says, "It would let him know we're serious, though."

Rosenstern nods to Nick. "Well, true. It might help to approach him, you know, kind of non-intimidatingly, sort of..."

Shateishael leans to whisper to Nick and Rosie, "Hey... y'all wanna heal Sue up before we go? I'm willing to spot some Essence to Rosie to help, if you do."

Taygeta's bat splinter self can still see Meade in the rectory. Sax nods, picking up his cigarillos from where he dropped them. Sue says, "Merwyn, Sax, and I can take my car. We'll wait outside the rectory, let Merwyn go with the Truthsayer to do the talking. If it comes to killing, we'll come running." The Malakite adds, "It'd be better for me to wait outside anyway, y'know... for both our sakes."

Shateishael nods, "S'cool. Rosie, Nick, y'all will be backup then, and have the sheet or weapons ready if necessary, okay?"

Rosenstern nods to Slate, replying in kind, "That might be a good idea now, actually."

Thessaloniki nods, "We'll keep an eye and a gun or two on the back door. Tay can cover from the air, so he doesn't escape that way."

Taygeta says, "He's still there. I'll let you know if he leaves."

Shateishael counts noses, to be sure no one's missed. Merwyn, Sax, Sue, and he, the fighter-types... Nick, Rosie, and Tay, the backup. Good. "Okay, got it." He grins at the group, "Okay then -- let's roll!" He grins at the Stone angels present, "Thanks for letting us hang out here. Pray for us." He adds to Tay, "You willing to ride in my jacket when we get there, so you can hear if it's a yes or no?"

Taygeta caws. "Of course. Or maybe I'll let the bat ride with you."

Rosenstern, as he heads outside, moves over to Sue. "Ah... Sue? Hi... I'm Rosenstern. Do you want any help with that hand...?"

Sue looks at the boxing glove of bandages around his hand. "Can you do something about this?"

George and Jesse nod, "No problem, brother." Jesse offers his hand, "Come back soon, always good to see another." Zephon says, "I'm gonna go ahead of you. Keep the cops out of this if necessary."

Shateishael nods a silent thanks to the Judge, and shakes hands again with Jesse, "Hope to."

Jesse nods, shaking the Seraph's hand. "Until later." Slate notices around the corner of Jesse's shades, in passing, that one of Jesse's eyes appears to be a solid orb of pale green.

Shateishael grins at Jesse, "Stay strong." He wonders what the green eye means as he heads out, his stride showing his eagerness to get into action again now the political stuff is dealt with. As he's leaving, he throws over his shoulder, "Got a good med-kit in the car, Rosie!" Once they're outside, he adds thoughtfully, "Hey, guys, what Songs do we have available? I've got a shield, a stone numinous corpus, and inevitability... anyone got anything silencing, or holding in place, maybe?"

Taygeta says, "Shield, healing, and light are what I know."

Rosenstern nods his head cheerfully to Sue, "I think I can, sure. Give me a moment?" He looks it over a bit, grimacing, and looks back to Slate. "I don't think a first aid kit's going to help much, I'm afraid. This won't take long, though." He gingerly takes the hugely bandaged hand between both of his, closes his eyes, and quietly sings the Song of Healing.

Shateishael hms, watching Rosie thoughtfully as he muses, "Light... can you stun or slow down someone with it, Tay?" He reaches out to gently rest a hand on Rosie's shoulder, lightly enough not to disturb his Singing, and gives the Mercurian two Essence.

Taygeta says, "Celestial Light has a blinding effect on a physical vessel. Causes damage to a celestial form, though."

Rosenstern sings the song quietly, not reacting as Slate places his hand on his shoulder, but blinking a little as he feels the Stone Seraph's Essence conduct through him -- not like music or warmth, but as direct, coursing veins of mineral through ancient granite. With the minor expenditure of Essence the Song works its minor miracle, and Sue grins, peeling off the bandages. His hand still bears a series of lurid contusions that fade into ugly yellow at the edges, but the Malakite's long fingers flex. "Hey, all right. Little stiff, but hey, it works!"

Shateishael nods at Tay's words, "Good. If he says no, feel free to just hit him with it... and have the crow notify the others, 'kay?" He grins at the Malachite.

Taygeta says, "Will do."

Thessaloniki says, "I've got Ethereal Motion, Slate, and I'm awful at it. Don't know how it'd help, but you never know what'll turn up."

Shateishael nods to Nick, "Well, if he manages to try escaping somehow, you could always just try grabbing him with it... or maybe even better, wrap the sheet around him and blind him?" He nods quietly to Rosie.

Rosenstern smiles to Slate after the Song ends. "Thanks, Slate," he says quietly, then looks to Sue and smiles widely. "Good!" He blinks. "Uh... how on Earth did that happen?"

Sue grins and shrugs nonchalantly. "I got run over by an F-150 truck." Shateishael rolls his eyes in amusement at Sue's nonchalance, and grins ruefully. Malachites.

Thessaloniki says, "Well, I was expecting we'd use one of the rectory's sheets, but I'll find something handy." He grins.

Rosenstern blinks to Sue. "Er... I'm glad you're okay! Should I be seeing the other guy?" He provides to Slate, almost as an afterthought, "Oh! Almost forgot... Corporeal Healing, Numinous Corpus, and Celestial Light, Shield, and, er, Charm."

Shateishael nods again... then gets a rather wicked grin, "Well then, Rosie, guess you'll just have to try Charming him if necessary, eh?"

Rosenstern says, "If it'll even work on a demon! I haven't practiced it in years..."

Sue walks over to hop into his car, grinning, "The other guy is probably still walking back to Lubbock with a broken face. You don't even want to see the truck."

Thessaloniki chides, "You didn't break his truck, did you?" He mock-complains, "Aww, Sue! The truck was innocent."

Shateishael chuckles rumblingly, then heads for Nick's car, "Let's hit the road then. See you there, Merwyn!"

Rosenstern blinks to Sue, and cringes just a little. "Ah, really sucks to be him..." he says wryly, as he gets into the car.

Sue grins, "Hey, I didn't kill it. It's probably still there." Saxon shakes his head, climbing into the car. "Subtle just ain't in your nature."

Thessaloniki makes sure there's nothing else before setting out with Rosie, Tay-crow, and Slate. He parks out of harm's way, then walks around the far side of the church, approaching the rectory's rear hopefully without being noticed. He leads Rosie, murmuring, "Hopefully we have nothing to do here. Be ready in case we're wrong." Shateishael gets out of the car with Nick, Tay-crow, and Rosie, looking around for the bat and Merwyn. Rosenstern nods to Nick and lets out a breath a bit, looking just a tad pensive.

Merwyn is waiting on the steps of the church, hands in his pockets. Sue's blue Edsel is lurking in the shadow of an alleyway across the street. A small bat flutters down from the sky and chirrips at Slate. Tay-crow takes off and lands beside the path.

Thessaloniki reminds, "Have the crow stay with me, Tay. You can keep us all informed, and you said you'd keep by me if things got hairy. Now's likely to be as hairy as it gets."

Taygeta-crow nods and shifts to Nick's shoulder. "Let's hope it doesn't go south."

When the bat comes fluttering up, Slate tucks it neatly into his jacket, making sure the sword is still both hidden and reachable and the bat is comfortable. He nods to Merwyn, rumbling quietly, "Do me favor? Make sure your question is real clear, real yes/no type." He takes a breath, then nods, "Okay... let's go. Let me knock, 'kay? He might recognize you."

Merwyn nods, "I will be very direct, Slate. I will leave no room for ambiguity. I have prior experience with the Liars." Shateishael nods to the Sword Ofanite, looking faintly relieved. A moment later they stand at the rectory door, and Slate knocks. Thessaloniki makes sure he and Rosie have a vaguely out of the way view of the back door.

A few moments later, Father Meade comes to the door. He yawns a bit, then blinks, "Oh, hey there, boys. It's awful late. Is something wrong?"

Shateishael prays silently, Maker... let us do your will in this, please... He nods, "Father Meade. Got someone who wanted to speak with you." He steps sideways a bit, so Merwyn can see, but doesn't take his eyes off the priest.

Merwyn steps forward. "The deception is over, 'Father.' We know what you are. There is nowhere for you to go." Meade frowns. "Then what do you want here? I don't feel like listening to you gloat, boy. Do what you're going to do."

Merwyn seems a little ruffled by that, but simply shakes his head. "We are not here to gloat. This one is a Seraph. He believes that you wish to defect. Do you?" Meade takes a deep breath. "Maybe you boys ought to come inside."

Shateishael looks faintly puzzled at Merwyn's first comment -- this is not a yes or no question. Still... ah, there we go. He studies the demon silently... then shakes his head quietly at the invitation, "Father Meade, please. You know how important this is. Yes or no?" His voice is hopeful... almost gentle.

Meade says, "You're a Seraph, boy. I want to talk to you, and I want to sit down. I'm not doing anything funny. The house is empty. You receiving, there?"

Merwyn looks to Slate for a reaction. Shateishael thinks for a moment... then nods, "All right. I'd like to invite some friends along, though -- er..." he glances at Merwyn, adding ruefully, "Maybe not the Malachite, though."

Merwyn says, "Certainly not."

Shateishael grins, then adds, "Call 'em, Tay." He pauses, "Uhm... that okay with you, Father?"

Meade says, "Whatever you want, son. I just don't feel like talking this over with my front door open." A rather appropriate old saying passes through Slate's head, from a war he missed: 'When you have to kill a man it costs nothing to be polite.' He nods to the priest, and waits to enter with everyone else.

Around the corner, Taygeta-crow caws to the others, "So far, so good. He wants to talk, though, before answering the question. Slate wants to know if you want to come along for the chat?"

Rosenstern blinks to Tay, then looks to Nick. "Shall we?"

Thessaloniki starts at Tay's voice, then says, "Okay. Leave the bat with Slate, and keep the air covered with the crow. Let us know if anybody else shows up, like friends of the demon's. And let Sue know to keep covering the front." He says, "C'mon, Rosie," and walks out of the shadows he's been hiding in, around to the front of the rectory. Rosenstern nods, and follows along behind Nick. Thessaloniki adds before the crow files off, "And ask Sax to come on in."

Taygeta-crow nods. "Will do." He takes to the air then, after a brief visit to Sue to update him on the situation. Sue nods, and will be waiting. Saxon goes to circle around and keep the rear covered. He completes one orbit of the building, scouting to his satisfaction, before coming into the building.

Thessaloniki smiles quietly when he arrives and says, "Hello again, Father. I do hope we can resolve things to everyone's satisfaction."

Shateishael follows the balseraph into the rectory, feeling like he's walking on eggshells. This is SO weird... no. Focus. I am my Maker's tool in this. Must concentrate. He politely introduces the folks the Father's not yet met, "Merwyn, Rosie, Sax... Father Meade."

Rosenstern remains relatively in the background, smiling pleasantly to Father Meade. "Hello, Father," he says politely.

The living room is simply a quiet little room, lined with books and a little television, a few comfortable chairs, and a reading lamp. Sax remains standing, and nods, "Howdy." Meade simply heads back to his chair, sitting down again. "Have a seat if you want," he says, waving a hand at the chairs. "I may as well explain the situation here."

Shateishael takes a moment, while the priest is moving away from them, to hastily hand the bat to Rosie, as the person least likely to get into combat, whispering, "Here, take him!" Taygeta scrambles onto Rosie's hand, then up onto his shirt. Shateishael will then turn so his not-inconsiderable bulk of vessel is blocking direct view of the slight Mercurian... pause a moment to hopefully give Rosie time to hide the bat in his vest... then follow into the living room. He settles on a chair within arm's reach of the priest... shifting one if necessary. He glances around at the small, comfortable room and sighs slightly. The longer the pseudo-priest takes to answer, the more Slate's hopes fall... but he won't give up hope until he gets a definite no.

Rosenstern blinks as the bat is shoved into his hands, and tries to conceal the creature underneath his vest, folding his arms to provide Tay-bat with additional cover. He finds a chair and settles in, listening to Meade quietly. I would have thought this was a simple thing -- come in, approach Meade, welcome him to the Host, and that would be that. What could he possibly have to tell us? Then, sighing silently, Oh, blast. I can see it now, he's going to say he wants to stay a Renegade rather than become a Seraph. Please, please, Elohim, don't let that be the case. This'll be really bad if that happens...

Meade says, "I'm not surprised you found out. I figured someone would eventually. Figured it'd be a Seraph." He sighs and shrugs. "Oh well. Don't matter now. A long time ago," he begins, "-I was sittin' in Hell, looking for something to do. Kobal comes to me one day. Looking for me personally. Well, I figure my days're just about done, figure he's tired of having a slacker on his payroll and is aiming to get rid of me."

Thessaloniki nods wordlessly. Taygeta finds a comfortable spot under Rosenstern's vest and settles in to listen to the conversation. Shateishael also nods slowly, listening intently. So far his Resonance says it's all true. Rosenstern blinks. Kobal. Oh, Scheisse.

Meade says, "Nope, Kobal says, he's got a real joke that he wants to play, and he needs someone up here to play it for him to set the premise. Only he can't tell me what the punchline is, so I don't spoil it by accident." The Father continues, "The premise is a demon gets himself so lost in the Symphony, so perfect, that he becomes a priest in the Church and gets everyone around to believe in him. I figured eventually Kobal'd come and we'd spring the punchline on 'em... something real ironic. Something grand. But I been a priest a long, long time, and he never did come back. Haven't heard a damn thing."

Shateishael says slowly, "Have you been Larry Meade since the Role's birth? Or just since Vietnam?"

Meade says, "I been Lazarus Meade forever. Everything was my doing or my invention. I started trying to think what the joke might be. Maybe just the irony of my being here and doing right by these people, maybe that was the joke."

Shateishael says even more slowly, "Has... uh, has it occurred to you that the joke might be on... on you?"

The Father sighs and shakes his head, "I know it is now. But... you know, it just isn't funny anymore. If there is a punchline coming, I don't wanna hear it."

Thessaloniki asks an odd question, "Do you enjoy it?" Shateishael glances at Nick, then back at the priest. Good question... he wants to hear the answer to it.

Rosenstern lets out a breath, closing his eyes. "I think," he says quietly, "-that the punchline Kobal intended was, 'And the demon got his clock punched by Heaven anyway.'" Then he also looks up at the Father, wondering at his answer to Nick's question.

Meade says, "I like these people. They depend on me. I've baptized their kids and buried their parents. They need me here. I thought about leaving so Kobal can't find me if he does come... but I can't leave them alone if he does come, and besides, I don't know where I'd go. I hope they'd get on okay without me, but I don't wanna run out on them."

Shateishael leans forward, and says firmly, "Then don't. Redeem."

Meade says, "If I did that, would they be taken care of here?"

Shateishael thinks about that, then simply answers with, "Would Redeeming make you act differently than you are now, Father Meade?" He's faintly boggled, mentally, by the concept of a balseraph actually worrying about others. It's... amazing to him.

Thessaloniki nods, "Perhaps the joke is on Kobal. Redeem. Stay here and help them. And if someone comes to fuck with you, you won't be alone. There's several angels locally who'd help you out. You'd look after them yourself." Rosenstern feels a warmth in his heart. He does! he silently exults, sitting up. He wants to Redeem, he just hasn't put it in those words. He's being selfless, as selfless as an angel, I'd say.

Meade says to Slate, "I don't know, never done it, son." He grins a little. "But I hope not."

Shateishael rumbles quietly, "Do you want to?"

Meade says, "I want to make sure these people don't get left out in the breeze. If I gotta do that to make sure you don't stop me from doing that, then that's what I'll do."

Thessaloniki says, "Father, let me make it simple. You can stay here and help these people, and have the backing of Heaven. Or, you can get yourself killed, and go back to Kobal, who'll laugh at you, if he remembers you at all." Rosenstern takes in a soft breath. Not even a selfish reason to Redeem. Nick adds, "But you must really want to help them, and to make the change. If not, the Superior will see right through you, and that'll be the end of you. I can't make that decision for you." He adds, "I can only say that I hope you make the right one, because I like you."

Shateishael thinks about that statement from the balseraph for a while, while Nick speaks. It's true... but it's not really a, er... ringing endorsement for Redemption. On the other hand... the guy did say he wanted to take care of the folks here. He takes a deep breath and looks at Merwyn, "Everything he's said so far Resonates as truth to me, Merwyn. You wanna take him to your boss?"

Meade says, "Think I don't know that, son? I know what I have to do. There's no decision to make here." Merwyn nods, "I think that would be best. He will know what to do."

Shateishael adds slowly, "Or... hm. Kobal. Merwyn... can you call your boss here? I really don't want Kobal's punchline to happen between here and Redemption, y'know?"

Merwyn says, "I am not certain if he will come. But I can try."

Shateishael thinks a bit... then pulls his sword out from under his jacket, "I think it's important enough to try, at least. Will two fine swords work better than just one?"

Sax says, "I got a suggestion, Slate." Shateishael looks over at Sax inquiringly. Sax walks up to the Father and puts his hand on the priest's shoulder. He says simply, "I'll protect you." A moment later he adds, "Meade's not gonna die. At least not today. Not for 24 hours." Taygeta-crow caws outside, and redoubles his vigilance. And nothing's going to get through if I can help it.

Shateishael smiles slowly... then nods, "Got it." He stands, "All right, let's go then. You want you and the Father ride in Nick's car, Sax?"

The Cherub nods, "Think that's a good idea. I wanna get there on the quick."

Shateishael says, "'Kay, good." He heads for the door, "Let's roll! Sooner this is safely done, the better."

Thessaloniki nods, "Let's go." He smiles, "C'mon, Father. You'll feel better when this is done -- you won't have to worry what evil you may be asked to work on your flock any more. And you'll have some friends in town who'll help out when they can."

Rosenstern remains quietly at the back of the group, near the door, having let the bat out from under his vest. Taygeta-crow lands as the others emerge from the church. The bat crawls back out of Rose's vest and takes off into the night -- the Kyriotate releases it a moment later as the group gets into the car for the trip to St. Cyril's.

The trip to Ss. Cyril and Methodius' church is uneventful. It's a relatively quiet evening, and the little rat-like Judge seems to have been true to his word: not a cop in sight as Nick defies the speed limit. The church is a stately little stone edifice. Inside, kneeling before the altar, is Laurence, wings carefully furled. As the group enters he stands, spreading his wings across the nave.

Thessaloniki walks in with everyone, letting Merwyn and the Father and maybe the seraph do the talking. Shateishael takes a deep breath as he follows the balseraph priest in, thinking furiously. How best to present this? Maybe... maybe best to just let Meade tell it in his own words. The example of his growing selflessness was quite convincing to Slate. Hopefully it will convince Laurence also. He whispers to Merwyn as they walk towards the nave, "Want to just let Father Meade tell it?"

Meade huhs. "Well, I didn't expect that. My parishioners'd have a cow." Laurence says, "You've brought him alive. Then you believe that there is hope?"

Shateishael covers a grin at Meade's comment, nods at Laurence' words, then glances at Merwyn. Merwyn says, "I do, Lord Commander. I believe we are all in agreement that this is for the best." Laurence looks over the group, "You are all certain?"

Rosenstern blinks as Laurence asks the group that question. He nods quietly and clearly. Thessaloniki nods decisively, and doesn't say anything to the archangel about tact. Instead he says, "His prime concern is for the people he has spent so long working with. Not only will this allow him to continue doing this; I believe he will be much better off with our support."

Shateishael nods more firmly. "He has truthfully expressed concern for his parishioners should he simply leave, Commander... and he's yet to lie, according to my Resonance." He adds quietly, "But you might want to listen to his story, Sir. Apparently Kobal is involved. I would hate for our inexperience to cause us to miss something you would notice, in regards to the deceptiveness of Kobal."

Laurence asks, "Kobal?" Meade nods and explains the story again in short. The Archangel simply says, "You are beyond the reach of Kobal here. If you are true, and those here seem to believe that you are, then no Demon Prince will take you now."

Shateishael looks relieved. Thessaloniki wonders quietly if Laurence is really the best person to be adopting the Father, but trusts the Archangel's judgement. He thinks, If there were a better choice, Laurence would take care of making that, wouldn't he?

Laurence adds, "Least of all the Hyena. Now, then... will you come with me, Meade?" Meade replies, "Will you make sure my parishioners are safe?" Laurence shakes his head. "I will not. You will." With that he steps forward, laying his hand upon Meade's shoulder. To Merwyn he adds, "You have done well, Captain. My faith in you is again rewarded." To the rest, "As have you all. I will make my pleasure known to your Superiors."

Thessaloniki smiles and bows to the Archangel. His thought of, Good luck reaching my Superior! he keeps to himself. He's full of sarcasm tonight.

Rosenstern looks a bit awe-struck at Laurence's declarations. He expected nothing less, of course; Laurence is the Commander of the Hosts. He bows to Laurence as the others do. Though, he thinks, something tells me that Meade would be just as happy -- no, even happier -- to just become a mortal. I'm sorry, Lazarus. But you were born Celestial, and as Celestial you have to stay, just like the rest of us. The most you can hope for is to know you choose the right side, with all your Heart.

Shateishael smiles, very glad to see Laurence is accepting Meade. Then he blinks thoughtfully and rumbles quietly to Meade, "Should answer the question, Father."

Meade says, "No need. I'll do what I have to, to keep my people safe. I think he knows that." Laurence smiles, "Redemption is a shorter road for some than others. And the Lord forgives." With that he spreads his wings, leaving the nave empty. The sound of his flight echoes in the Symphony for some time.

Shateishael sighs slowly, looking relieved again. He sits down on the steps, setting his katana next to him, and rumbles quietly and in a heartfelt tone, "Man."

Thessaloniki whews, then says, "I hope that goes well, and the Father is happy." He turns to the others and says, "Let's go share the good word with Sue and the others. They'll all want to know what's going on, and to let the Father know he's not alone."

Rosenstern lets out a breath. Well, Mom'll be happy this happened! He nods in agreement to Nick. Sax whews, and collapses onto a pew. "Man, I'm getting to old for this."

Shateishael grins ruefully at Sax, grumbling, "You and me both!" He nods a moment later, to Nick, "Yeah. Just need a moment to... catch my breath. Haven't been listening with Resonance that hard in years!"

Thessaloniki grins, "Oh, c'mon, guys! When's the last time you saw something so very good happen? An angel came into the fold tonight! It's a wonderful event, and you should all be very proud."

Taygeta caws agreement. "Absolutely. I think the good Father is in good hands. I think I like this punch line better than anything Kobal would've come up with."

Shateishael grins at Nick, "Oh, I am proud of him, don't get me wrong. Just... need a breather there for a moment."

Saxon sits up carefully and rubs his eyes. "Yeah, I know it. Laurence just makes me tense. But I'm glad that worked out." He stands up, stretches, and grins, "So, who's hungry?"

Rosenstern says, "Sounds good to me..."

Thessaloniki laughs and seems full of energy, his Ofanite tendencies showing. Left to his own he'd probably drive to LA and back just because he could. He says, "Let's go tell the others. A big meal would be great, too."

Shateishael will stand up again, tucking his katana back under his jacket, and grins at Sax, "Aw, he wasn't so bad, was he? First time I've ever seen him up close, myself." He pauses, then adds a little wistfully, "Wish I could've asked him a question."

Thessaloniki chuckles, "I've met a lot of Archangels lately. I should have been collecting autographs."

Rosenstern says, "What question, Slate?"

Shateishael nods to Nick, heading for the door, "Food sounds great, yeah." To Rosie he pauses, then answers a little vaguely, "Well... about Drew. About... how he's doing... if my suggestion was a good one or not for him... that kinda thing." He mutters amusedly under his breath, "Troublesome little git, for a choir-mate..."

Rosenstern nods quietly, "That would've been good to hear. He might still be in Trauma, though he'd be well taken care of if he is." Shateishael hesitates again... then just nods, and heads out the big church doors.

Sax grins and claps the Seraph on the shoulder. "Laurence isn't so bad. But he's a little young, compared to the Boss. So I worry a little. Anyway, I'm sure Drew's fine. That little shit's too bull-headed to give up. So, c'mon, let's go find something to eat."

Shateishael laughs, relaxing at Sax' words, "Yeah, too right."

Taygeta nods. "Find someplace that allows pets, though." Shateishael snickers at the crow.

Thessaloniki giggles cheerfully, "I can hardly wait to tell whatshisname from Judgement when he come to pester me later." Shateishael laughs aloud at that.


Back at the roadhouse where the Dominions Motorcycle Club has taken up residence, the bikers are pleased to hear that everything worked out and, while slightly disappointed no violence ensued, all are glad to hear about the Redemption. George Santos buys a round for the house. Shateishael cheerfully partakes, and also orders whatever excuse they have for food on the grill here. He's sure to thank the strange, rat-like Judge for his assistance, if the angel returns.

Zephon is back in his place on the end of the bar, perched on a barstool and nursing a beer. "Oh, don't worry. I find it's best to keep the cops out in the first place rather than explain it away to them later."

Shateishael grins at the Judgement angel, "Still, thanks again. Helped."

Zephon nods, "My pleasure. Glad it all worked out."

Thessaloniki asks the bikers, "Hey, can you guys keep an eye on the Father? I'd feel really bad if some of the other side showed up and hassled him. It might do him a world of good to know that he's not alone out here any more; not forgotten by the people he works with." Shateishael nods in firm agreement with Nick's comment.

Rosenstern nods quietly. "He got no support from his side, so maybe some support from our side now will help his transition."

Jesse nods to Nick, "I'll make sure we keep an eye out. The first years are the most dangerous; we'll make certain that nobody lays a hand on him."

Taygeta-crow nods. "Thank you, from all of us. Meade's made a good start these last few years. I think he'll do well."

Thessaloniki nods, "Cool. His only concern was for the people he's responsible for here, and I'm happy to hear he'll have some support in his responsibility."

Shateishael eyes the somewhat scorched thing served to him a bit later. It's supposedly a cheeseburger... supposedly. He grins and shrugs, picking it up and devouring it in hungry bites. It's a celebration... and it and the beer are far better than charred buffalo and rotgut! Saxon devours two of the cheeseburgers as if he were a condemned man. His Vessel is apparently made of something beyond mortal flesh. Merwyn for his part is indulging in a beer and speaking to some of the Stone bikers, and Sue is dealing blackjack... again. Shateishael asks curiously, around a mouthful of burger, "So... did he know y'all were angelic?"

Rosenstern munches on the same fare -- cheeseburger, he thinks -- listening quietly. Jesse hms, "Meade? Dunno. But we'll make some introductions, just to let him know we're looking out for him."

Shateishael chews, swallows, then adds, "He made a small joke about Archangel David... was wondering if he knew there were Stone folks out here."

Jesse blinks, "He didn't say something out of line about David, did he?"

Shateishael nods at Jesse's reply, satisfied, then grins, "Nah... just mentioned Archangel David. I'm not Catholic, so I didn't know that wasn't how a priest would mention David." He takes another bite, then nods towards the Mercurian, "Rosie explained it to me." A moment later he adds, "Hey... y'all got anyone out Austin way?"

Jesse nods, setting down his shades on the table and lifting his beer. "All right then." He rubs his 'normal' eye. "That's okay."

Shateishael tilts his head, still chewing, to study Jesse's face a little more closely, then swallows and adds with his usual tact, "What's up with your eyes?"

Jesse says, "Nobody regular, but sometimes we ride through on business. Trying to help one of the gangs clean the smack out of that side of town..." He pauses, "My- oh. I'm Karst, Slate."

Shateishael ahs, nodding, "Got it. Okay... maybe I can get a name from you, 'fore we head back that way?" He goes back to devouring his burger.

Jesse nods. "If I got a name to give you. What do you need?"

Shateishael says, "Just thinking it might be nice to find someone to help out, maybe ride with, when I got back to Austin, y'know?"

Jesse nods. "Well, the membership changes in the Austin gangs, but if the Dominions ride through I'll make sure we send word and we'll ride, yeah?"

Shateishael grins, "I'll be there."

Jesse nods, "Sounds good, brother."

Shateishael will, as time passes and the burger disappears, chat interestedly with Jesse, asking a number of questions... how the group chose their name, if there's a kyrio involved, if all the gang members are either Soldiers or angels, things like that. He's wondering if there's a Stone angel already in Austin somewhere that he's not yet met... he'd like to meet a brother, and see if he can be of some use to the community.

Taygeta-crow eventually tries one of the burgers, too. Can't be worse than roadkill... Shateishael winces at the crow trying to peck the burger apart, and reaches over to tear it up into small enough pieces, "Here, let me do that. You're gonna send food flying everywhere at that rate!"

Taygeta caws, "Thanks. Are you sure it's food, though?"

Shateishael grins at the crow, rumbling, "You asked for the roadhouse special, guy... not food!" He watches the crow peck up a piece of meat, then adds thoughtfully, "You did good tonight, Tay. Thanks."

Jesse answers the questions unhurriedly, knocking back beer after beer after beer as time winds on, never seeming to get tipsy. The Dominions, as it happens, were founded by himself and George Santos several years ago, mostly as a way of expressing their intention of staking out Lubbock as their protectorate. As humans joined along with other angels, the ranks grew, and Jesse points out in places on the walls the colors of illustrious past members. The current membership is partially angelic, with the remainder either trusted humans or actual Soldiers. They do have a Kyriotate, he tells Slate; he's working the bar. It's only then that Slate notices, behind the thin black man tending bar, the seemingly decorative sculpture of a woman supporting the mirror.

Shateishael listens with interest, then studies the black man and the sculpture. He nods to the bartender politely, then adds one final, curious question -- are they all Delvers? Jesse says, "Oh, yeah. We're all one of David's, some way or another. It's the club, Slate. It's family."

Shateishael nods slowly, thinking hard. "S'cool, must be nice..." He wonders thoughtfully... a protectorate. Would something like that benefit Austin, perhaps? -to have a group that would stop dissent in its tracks? Might it prevent both Hellsworn and Michael's warriors having to... "enforce" the peace in their own peculiar fashion?

Taygeta says, in reply to Slate's thanks, "It was my pleasure, Slate. We're all in this together, after all."

Jesse says to the crow, "That's for sure."

[Previous Log] [Index]





Last modified: 2002-Mar-30 13:54:51

All material on this site is
Copyright © 2001-2024 Reality Fault
unless specifically indicated on each document.
All Rights Reserved.
Administrated by Reality Fault Webmaster