Da'at, Zahi, and C meet at the bar inside LAX.. Corat aka John Wyatt sits at the bar chatting with a pair of pilots. He waves you over.
Zahira walks in wearing her normal jeans and t-shirt She walks over, "Hello, haven't seen you in a long time." She has a warm smile
Corat Hey
Corat is all warmth and joviality, though there's a hint of some heaviness there too He is dressed comfortably, "business casual". The two pilots are in uniform--that's how you know they're pilots. One is dark-skinned, possibly African or some sort of Creole. You can tell he works out, even under the suit
Zahira Sitting down next to him, "So how are you today?"
Corat Not bad Sister. Workin'
Da'at walks in, taking his overcoat off and folding it on his arm. He quickly survays the bar and recognizing the two angels - walk up to them and takes a seat. "Good evening John, Zahira. Good to see you again"
Corat Good middle-of-the-night, Glen This (indicates the dark-skinned pilot) is Marty, and this is Steve.
(Both pilots offer handshakes)
Zahira will shake each of their hands, "Nice to meet you."
* Da'at shakes hands with the pilots though staying focused on Corat
Da'at A pleasure
* Steve holds up his glass. Soda. Working...
Corat These are the guys who'll be flying our plane tonight
* Corat looks well enough, though you can see that he's drinking from a wine glass
Zahira smiling, "Well it's good to see you are nice and awake then"
Da'at How are the skies tonight?
Marty Clear sailing I think. Weather report's good and nothing on the news
* Marty has a faint and hard to place accent
Da'at Wonderful. How long, would you say, the flight will be?
* Corat seems to sense the gaps in the conversation
Marty Well, we pick up the plane when it comes in from
Zahira So you'll be staying with us for all the legs of the flight
Marty Yes we will I'll try not to make it too bumpy. So you going to
Zahira That's interesting. I always just assumed that pilots only flew for one leg of a flight.
Marty Oh heck no! In fact we used to fly it from start to finish, but the airline got sick of the overtime. It's actually cheaper for them to put the guy up here in LA than to pay Steve and I for the six hours over the ocean
Zahira It's hard to imagine that putting someone up in this city would be cheaper than anything.
* Marty and the two others laugh at that
Corat Marty--these folks are part of the 'boardroom' I was telling you about
* Marty nods, understanding.
Marty You won't mind if I come back and say hello though?
* Marty looks at the two of you
Zahira looks to Corat expectantly
Corat Yeah. I'll signal you if it's a bad time, maybe let the flight attendant know
* Da'at gives Marty a warm smile
Da'at Of course. Thank you.
* Corat is trying to read the room, to figure out who wants what.
* Corat seems at a loss
Da'at John? is everything alright?
Corat Eh. Just uh, the meeting tonight. Didn't know if maybe...you want to talk?
Da'at I'd be delighted. Would you prefer if
we found a more quite place?
Corat I just got the feeling...well, haven't seen you in a week. That'll work. Marty, Steve, catch you later?
Da'at "Gentlemen." Inclines his head to the pilots. and follows C
Zahira takes a seat, she still has her smile and cherry disposition, but doesn't seem as nervous anymore. Or cheery even.
Corat Don't worry about them Zahi. Good people
Da'at Da'at will - if possible take the seat facing C. "You've known them long?"
Corat Yeah, years. Marty's been flying this route almost as long as I have
Da'at How have you been doing this week and a half ?
Corat He's recently married...
* Corat sighs
Corat Long week and change. Working the Air Marshall gig mostly. Went to the Breckenridge funeral. Being the Air Marshall gives you a lot of time to sit and do nothing
Da'at How was it?
* Corat shrugs
Corat It was a funeral.
ZahiraIs his mother alright?
Corat ((You don't have to be a Seraph to know he is terribly understating that))
Corat She'll be fine. She's got Glen now, her older son. That was huge
Zahira That's good to hear. How about you?
Corat Some of...me?
Da'at yes. You. How are you?
Corat Lots of the kid's friends were there...Rina was there...
Zahira I was wondering how you were doing? I'm afraid I got here late so I don't know how to expect you to take everything.
* Corat gets a WTF look on his face, fleetingly
Corat It was a hard week. I'll be glad when it's over
Zahira Well if there is anything that I can do to help that's what I'm here for." Her smile makes it obvious that she really does want to be useful
* Corat reaches over for a brief hug
Corat Thanks luv
Da'at a little bitter smile is on Da'at lips as he asks: "What did you want to talk about?"
Corat You mean tonight, or just now?
Zahira hmmm... How about we start with just now and then more on to tonight if there is time?
Da'at "Start with now, we'll get to later" His smile warms up.
Corat Fair enough. Just now--wanted away from ears in case you didn't want to make small talk with people you don't know. And you know, how's your week been. How did...(hesitation, as though he's not sure he wants to know) last weekend go?
Zahira It's been ok, I've been trying to undo some of the damage I caused.
Corat Damage?
Da'at nothing we couldn't handle. there were some glitches but everybody pulled off their part.
* Corat looks at Zahi, and then Da'at
Zahira I see you haven't been briefed. I thought that remnants were human- long story. Anyway when he became a remnant- I thought we could save him and told Rina-el that. Then her and Shem got in a fight. It all worked out, but it was messy between us.
* Corat laughs, wearily.
Corat Those two at it again?
Zahira Well I don't know about the past, but this time was my fault I'm afraid.
Corat I tell you, if I didn't adore her, and need them both around... What was it you told me about forgiving yourself?
Zahira laughs a bit, "That doesn't mean I can't try and fix it in the process. I've been talking to him to see if I can help them find a compromise."
* Corat is clearly pleased at this
Zahira Perhaps that's why I stumbled into this group- I'm more suited to talking, but not opposed to violence.
Da'at ah - then you have been luckier then I. Jasmin has been busy all week and couldn't meet.
Corat (to Zahi) You sound like Kyle.
Zahira Who? I had a brief meeting with Shen, but that was about all I could manage so far.
Corat (to Da'at) I wonder what she's been doing?
Corat Kyle. A Cherub I know on The Corps. He's usually their face man because he can be so reasonable
Zahira Sounds like a kind comparison then.
Da'at You know her longer than I do, I'm afraid. She probably needed some time to clear her head.
Corat Yeah, I've known her, God...centuries. Been through a few Roles in that time, but we keep in touch
Zahira Then maybe you can give me some clues to help work things out.
Corat I'll try
Zahira I'm thinking that if I could get her to be a bit more formal with Shen it would go a long way toward getting him to be a bit less formal with her. Just not sure how to convince her
Corat More formal with Shenmachel? That's not easy.
Da'at I agree. but it can be done. But to be frank - I'm also worried about you.
Corat She wins folks over by being friendly. I've tried to set an example on that, going with titles, but she didn't follow
Zahira Well I plan to talk to her directly to try and find a way to help. He seems to be willing to try a bit at least
* Corat looks at Da'at for just a second
Corat Just tell her that he likes that. I mean, really makes him happy to hear all the titles and formalities and stuff
Zahira Zahira will look at Corat- like she's waiting on him to answer Da'at
Corat Call it etiquette?
* Corat endures a moment of uncomfortable silence... and sighs
Corat Why are you worried about me?
Zahira I'll try that approach. How about you- are you ok. Is there anything we can do to help you? Because Da'at and the others are. If that many all feel they need to worry about you then there is most likely a good reason.
Zahira seems to be waiting expectantly on Da'at to fill in a more concrete reason
Da'at Why? because you are worthy of it. Because you've had a lot on you these few weeks. Because you are trying to pass of an event that obviously made an impact on you as trivial.
* Corat leans over, as though physically in pain
Corat It's over
Zahira Not knowing what to say she will reach out and cently squeze his hand
Corat There's nothing I can do about it now
* Corat pulls away
Da'at Yes. you can talk. You can let us help with understanding and accepting and handling the aftermath.
*Zahira places her hands back in her lap and look a bit nervous, not really knowing enough about Corat to know what approach to take
Corat He's dead. A demon is dead.
Da'at Yes. But he wasn't "A" demon. Was he?
Corat A demon that made contact with a Loa and tried to start World War Fucking Three, is dead. Not that he could have pulled it off.
Zahira But you were involved with the family and I have no idea what kind of ripples there is in the family. Or having to talk about it like it was a tragedy. Knowing the truth and not being able to tell the family. Knowing that if they knew what had happened they wouldn't understand. I'm sure that there is more that I'm missing too.
Corat Glen actually mentioned to some folks that his little brother had been a demon. Luckily, I suppose, he was blowing it off as a joke.
Zahira All those little things that you have to deal with that the rest of us don't since we just swept in. We can't deal with them for you, but we can talk and help you deal with them. Does glen know?
Corat Tasteless. I guess Pepito had Kobalite gifts I didn't know about.
* Corat says that last with some anger
Da'at True. But that's not it either. You weren't there last weekend. Why?
Corat It isn't fair I was ordered not to be.
Da'at Yes. I know. and still - Pepito is just "A" demon?
Zahira Do you know why?
Corat No, not really. Got the orders secondhand. Not even positive from whom, Archangelwise
Da'at You have no idea why?
* Da'at smiles slightly
Corat I could guess, but I'd be guessing
Da'at then guess.
Corat I got the orders on All Soul's Night, from Ulysses, the commander of the Corps unit. Someone called it in to him. Meaning the decision was made that night
Zahira "I'm sorry. Surely there was a good reason though." She still has the confidence in Heaven of a newly redeemed and it is obvious in her tone of voice when she says this
Corat Lots of phone calls went around that night... My guess is one of our
little crew convinced his or her
Da'at was he?
* Corat has noticed that you're driving at this, and isn't too happy about it
Corat He was a little Impudite, not very bright, holding down a role which made him too hard to finish off
Zahira just waits patiently- unsure of what to say at this junction
Corat So I had to minimize his impact on those around him. Which was mostly easy. He wasn't very bright
* Corat comes to some realization, and looks off into the distance
Da'at And?
*Rina-el walks in, sees everyone, offers hugs and sits down She gives Corat a penetrating look..
Rina-el Sorry I'm late.. Traffic.
Rina-el Is everything alright?
Zahira Smiling at both of them, "Hello"
Mitch enters the bar soon after Rina and joins them at the table "Hello."
* Corat doesn't answer for a minute, seemingly deep in thought. He looks up and puts on a smile, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes.
Da'at "Hello Jasmin, Mitch. How have you been?" His gaze is still on C.
Corat Hey Jasmine, Mitch. Glad you could join us
*Mitch orders a beer and glances between Corat and Da'at "Is everything alright?"
*Rina-el adds a request for tea..
Corat It's alright.
* Corat sips at his wine
*Rina-el looks at C and Da'at..
Rina-el What's going on?
Corat Did I mention I've known her forever?
Zahira Just talking things over for the meeting. Talking about what happened.
* Rina-el smiles at him fondly, but there's something hard in her gaze..
Da'at "Indeed". He smiles.
Rina-el Care to fill me in?
* Corat looks pointedly at Da'at
Mitch Mitch nods "How is Pepito's mother dealing with things?
* Corat looks to Rina-el
Corat She looked okay to me. I think getting her other son back really did help
* Rina-el raises an eyebrow at Corat..
Rina-el Makes sense, that..
*Zahira just watches trying to figure out the new dynamic
* Rina-el raises an eyebrow at Da'at, too..
Rina-el C, what's going on?
* Da'at smiles at Rina-el.
Corat I was just...going to lie in front of a Seraph. Hi Mitch.
* Corat hides frustration behind a smile
Corat We were just talking about Pepito.
Mitch Mitch gives Corat a small smile "Not normally a wise thing to do Corat. Have you filled in on what happened?
Da'at Yes. Mitch - impecable timing.
Rina-el Right.. Once again. C, Glen, *WHAT* is going on?
Mitch Mitch looks closely at Corat "What was the lie you were going to tell?
* Corat laughs
Corat Nice try Mitch.
Da'at Da'at raises an eyebrow, obviously surprised by Rina-el's reaction. "I was offering advice to Corat. Are you ok, Jasmine? I've been trying to reach you this week..."
Mitch Mitch simply smiles and sips his beer
Zahira I thought we were supposed to trust each other and work together?
Rina-el I would be interested in hearing this advice, Da'at.. Sorry, I've been busy and a little out of touch this week.
* Corat attempts to put his arm over Zahi's shoulder, briefly, affectionately
Corat You're sweet. (to Da'at) Yes, what is this advice?
Mitch Yes, she is, but it is also true.
Rina-el Rina smiles at Zahira, including Corat.. "Yes, you are!"
Corat Mm-hmm. Tell me Mitch--do you think there is ever a time when a lie is appropriate?
Mitch Mitch ponders that for a moment "My Seraph natures tells me no, but I must admit that sometimes Trade is better handled with a small white lie once in a very great while. But in most situations, no."
Da'at Da'at laughs surprised and smiles at Zahira. "You are wonderful Zahira." To Corat: "It is clear to me that you need to accept things as they are. I would be glad to help in that if I could".
* Corat Listens to the room for a minute
Corat I have a Discord, Da'at. I don't know when, or how, I got it.
* Rina-el slides over and hugs Corat
Corat I only became aware of it on All Soul's Night, though it seems it's been there longer than that
Da'at Ah... Finally. Yes. I know. I sensed it last time we met.
Mitch Mitch frowns slightly "A Discord? That is troubling."
Corat (mildly sarcastic) Yes it is
Rina-el We've been really worried about you, Windy.. Why didn't you talk to me?
* Corat gives that WTF look again
Corat Because I didn't know
Mitch Mitch ignores the tone of voice "What are you going to do about it?"
Da'at I also were able to understand from the Imp that he has been a major influence on that discord of yours. I believe THAT is why you were ordered to be away.
Rina-el She sighs, then hugs him again..
* Corat is not accepting hugs at this time...
* Rina-el seems to stiffen slightly at the mention of the Imp
Corat (coldly) he what?
Rina-el (She's used to his not accepting hugs, she simply lets go and gives him room..)
Da'at Corat, do you understand the nature of your
discord?
Corat Claustrophobia. I get wiggy when I feel locked in
Rina-el Yeah, Windy.. He was given instructions on how to spin you into Discord.. Because of your anger - which *wasn't* aimed at him. C, what happened?
Corat (to Rina) What do you mean, what happened?
Rina-el What made you so *angry*?
Mitch That's troubling for a pilot. But I ask, what are you going to do about it? Confessing to Janus sounds simplest.
* Corat thinks on that, long and hard. The thousand-yard stare...
Da'at I see. Corat, look at your reactions when he is brought up. You've become angry twice in this conversation alone at the mention of him
* Corat looks briefly at each of you, and then back into the stare
Corat Where's Shenmachel?
* Rina-el mutters something under her breath
Mitch Mitch shakes his head "I'm not sure, I hope he joins us."
Corat He should hear this
Mitch Which part?
Corat The part I haven't said yet. And I'm not a pilot. I sit in the back and watch for trouble. The fact that the plane's moving seems to offset the phobia. Wind...
Mitch Mitch says softly "Well, are you willing to talk about it without him here?
Corat Alright. Yes, to that. Maybe he can get the short version later.
* Corat looks over to the two pilots, and the empty lounge
Corat I can't watch for listeners and tell this too. Looks safe enough. If we go on board Derek can watch to make sure we're not overheard, but he'll overhear. So will Velga, but she already knows
* Rina-el sips at her tea, attentively listening..
Corat And that's part of the trouble, Mitch. Janus
already knows. Confessing, isn't productive
Mitch And who are Derek and Velga?
* Corat breathes easier at the diversion
Corat Derek is the Seneschal of the Janus tether. Velga's my boss, under Michael
Mitch Mitch raises an eyebrow "And he's doing nothing about it? Does he want you to deal with it yourself somehow?"
Corat Since it happened. There's not a lot he can do.
Rina-el Rina-el looks at Corat, startled.. "Since when, C?"
Corat I got stuck in an argument between Michael and Dominic, and I lost.
Zahira Do you maybe have to come to terms with it and figure out how it happened before it can be effectively dealt with?
* Corat waits for the implications to sink in
Rina-el What? How? When? C, why is this the first I'm hearing about this stuff?!
Zahira Argument between Michael and Dominic?
Mitch Mitch blinks "Just what was the argument between Michael and Dominic about?"
Corat The argument. Because I'm not proud of it, Rina. I'd rather forget it ever happened. And you help me forget.
Rina-el immediately softens at that, blushing slightly..
Mitch What argument? What am I missing?
Corat What is appropriate behavior for War
Mitch Mitch nods "The trial. How were you involved in this argument?
Corat Right.
*Rina pales as she thinks about what that means.
* Corat is clearly struggling to get this out, tactfully, correctly
Corat When I was first fledged, I was a pilgrimage angel. We
guided pilgrims to
*Mitch leans forward, listening carefuly.
Corat Not just the Lord's sites though. We guided them spiritually, and we didn't limit ourselves to people who were already halfway there. Janus is a hard one to reach. He's not big on giving instructions. So we largely chose who to guide, and where.
Zahira listens- seeming to be afraid that if she interupts him he won't finish
* Corat pauses. He waits. Watches to see if anyone understands yet, or if he has to continue
Mitch nods at him to continue
Corat I chose Yasukuni Shrine
Zahira so you used to work with the ethereals?
Corat No. I did not work with them.
Mitch Where is that found?
* Rina-el raises her head, looking at C, surprised..
Corat It's in
Zahira Ok, so far I don't see a huge problem. Faith is a good thing most of the time.
Mitch Why did you chose that site and not another?
Corat I don't know. It hadn't been done before.
* Da'at nods in understanding
Corat There was a Triad sniffing around. We Windies kind of get used to that But they took exception.
Mitch Oh, when was this by the way? How long ago?
Corat 1972, give or take. There was a trial
Da'at Corat - What happened with Dominic?
* Rina-el puts some things together and her face shows that she's realized something..
* Corat waits. Hopes...
Rina-el Oh, Windy! Seriously!
*Mitch simply frowns "What were the charges?
Corat Promoting a pagan war cult. Condoning premeditated suicide. Condoning moral relativism.
Rina-el Dominic doesn't do anything halfway, does he?
Zahira she looks absolutely shocked, "But you were just trying to help people."
Corat It wasn't him personally. The Triad, a Cherub and two Seraphim
Mitch A blank look appears on Mitch's face "Err, perhaps you should tell us more about the Ethereals that were worshiped at the shrine. It is my understanding that most Japanese deities were fairly peaceful."
Rina-el Except that he was doing so under the
"wrong"
Corat They were Ethereals. The Triad didn't care what kind. And ultimately...that wasn't...
* Corat is upset, confused
Mitch Mitch frowns at Rina "I must
disagree, Janus and Dominic have their differences of
opinion, but he is an
Rina-el And Dominic and Michael, Mitch?
* Rina-el mutters.. "or something" is partially clear..
Mitch That seems to me to be mostly on Michael's side, Dominic certainly has no official policy of harassing Michael or his Servitors. But we can discuss this later, I wish to hear Corat's story.
Corat Nothing official, no. But you've worked for Janus long enough, you know they hang around
* Rina-el nods
* Zahira looks shocked at the way they seem to be bickering
Da'at Corat - I understand all this - but how is
this connected to here and now?
Corat You asked me what I was angry about, and somehow we got talking about this
Rina-el C, honey.. What happened at the Trial?
Corat I was pulled off the pilgrimage for one thing. I never got to see what happened to those people.
Mitch sighs "Yes, I'm sure there are individual Judgment servitors who harass both Windys and War."
*Mitch falls quiet as Corat continues
Corat The Seraph and the Cherub of Judgment were split. One for, one against. The third, a Seraph of the Sword, was (his voice cracks) undecided
He could not decide
Mitch Mitch frowns "What was a Seraph of the Sword doing judging a trial? Why didn't the third member of Triad have a voice?"
Corat He was the third member. IST Judgment. He did decide, eventually, though.
Mitch And what was his judgment?
Corat Michael sent a repre...someone to talk to him. This was a war shrine after all. The Swordsman was offended at the tampering, and voted guilty.
* Rina-el raises her hand in an abortive gesture of starting a hug, then pauses, thinking twice about it, and puts her hand down..
* Corat 's voice trails off, and he's exhausted at the memory
Rina-el Oh, Windy. I'm so sorry!
* Corat closes his eyes to hide the tears, but holds a hand up to Rina as though to say "stop"
Mitch Mitch frowns a bit "He used bad judgment then. I hope you discussed the matter with his superior."
* Corat starts a smartass remark, but can't follow through
Mitch Did you appeal the matter?
Corat (very quietly) No.
Rina-el Why not, C?
Mitch Mitch tilts his head "Why not?"
Corat I was promoting a pagan war cult. A noble one maybe, but I did it. Judgment isn't about technicalities
Mitch So you felt that you were guilty?
Rina-el So? If the deciding vote was biased.
* Rina-el 's voice trails off..
Corat I did what they said I did
* Zahira seems very conflicted as she hears the story
Mitch What was the sentence?
Corat Off pilgrimages. Until further notice. Probably forever.
* Rina-el cringes
Mitch And you feel that was fair?
Rina-el Mitch, how,by all that is holy, could that be fair?!
Corat (crying, looks up at the pilots who don't seem to have noticed) I was nearly the Word of Pilgrimage. How can I feel that was fair??
* Rina-el looks at Corat, shocked
Rina-el And you *didn't* fight this? C, what's wrong with you?
Mitch Mitch winces "I'm sorry to hear that.
Zahira Then why not appeal it, the fact that you did it, does not make it wrong. Appeal on the fact that you did what was right.
Mitch Mitch nods "Yes, you should have appealed.
Corat I DID WHAT THEY SAID I DID. You don't think I argued that?
* Corat is getting quite worked up
Rina-el And you *didn't do anything wrong* C, you're usually not stupid, either!
Corat You don't think I explained to them about virtues? About sacrifice? About the inherent unselfishness of that culture??
Zahira You promoted faith, perhaps I could talk to someone above me. Maybe Khalid could help.
* Corat takes a few deep breaths
Mitch Were the people worshiping a member of the Japanese Pantheon?
Corat Yes. Gods and ancestors. Yes. And war heroes. And that's where Michael also comes in.
Rina-el Mitch, what difference does that make? It shouldn't be C's job to determine who can get the benefits of a pilgrimage and who can't, based on what they believe! Unless you want to tell me now that Khalid had it right, before - that only a certain belief deserves to be valued and encouraged? And that the rest can - literally - go to Hell?
*Corat takes a napkin to his eyes. He notices the pilots getting up and waves at them. With some effort he normalizes his voice.
Corat We'll be up in a minute
Zahira Were they honorable? Were the things that they promoted in keeping with people meeting their destiny or their fates?
Corat Rina-el...that was a minor point. Suicide. Premeditated suicide.
Mitch Buddism or Shintoism?
Rina-el Which is only wrong in *some* traditions. *not* something you should have been judged on at all, anyway!
Corat (to Mitch) Kind of both. Fairly typical for Japanese folks to mix the two.
* Rina-el is very, very upset. She is practically shouting, towards the end..
* Corat snort-laughs, it almost comes out a sneeze
Corat You can imagine my reaction when Velga told me to chat up Ryuki, after that...
* Rina-el looks at C in astonishment
Mitch Well Buddhism is a Divine religion. Did you argue that they were sending essence to Heaven by worshipping there?
Corat I argued that Divine believers weren't the only ones needed guidance.
Corat (aside, to Rina-el) Not a word to him about this.
Rina-el Wow, you *think?
Mitch Mitch says half to himself "And you could have honestly argued that you were promoting Heavenly values by nudging them closer to Buddhism and away from Shintoism. Or trying to influence the Shinto gods though their worshipers.
Corat Shinto reveres family and nation, cleanliness, patience.
Mitch Yes, but they've currently made a pact with Nybbas. They were hit hard by the Purity Crusades.
Corat I know. I wasn't interested in their gods. I was guiding people. Like I always had.
*Zahira just sits listening, trying to figure out the things that she was not told during her debriefings
Corat Heck, I'd led people to Plymouth Rock, not a peep.
Mitch Mitch rubs his chin "I wonder why the Triad simply did not tell you to take up a different site rather then ban you totally from pilgrimages.
Corat "Poor judgment"
Mitch After all it was not the idea of pilgrimages they objected to, simply this one.
Rina-el C, why didn't you fight back?!
Corat I did fight back. I argued in my own defense. I argued for the virtues of those people. That, and Michael interfered.
Rina-el "interfered?!
Corat Sending his servitor to talk to the undecided Seraph. I understand Janus chewed his ear off for that...
Mitch Yes, but if the Seraph of the Sword was influenced by his annoyance at the interference he was just not judging justly and you could have appealed that it seems.
Corat I didn't. I was crushed. Really, that's what it came down to. I was past fighting.
Mitch leans forward "It's not too late. You could probably still appeal."
Rina-el You should have told me, Corat. I would have found some way to help!
* Corat shakes his head.
Corat Michael tried to...well, he helped, in his way. He couldn't force the issue without dealing with that old argument. But Janus made it clear--you broke it, you fix it
Mitch Appeal the sentence at least. Argue for a lesser penalty
Zahira "Perhaps I could somehow help?" She doesn't sound anywhere near as sure of herself as she was earlier
Mitch Mitch nods "Perhaps a neutral third party such as Marc could help or yes, Faith."
Corat Help? You either help me to understand what I did wrong,
or you tell Dominic's Triad that they were wrong. You're
willing to throw yourself into an
* Corat is incredulous. And very flattered.
Mitch Dominic's triads are not the sole arbiters of right and wrong. You can appeal above them, to the Seraphim Council if needed.
Rina-el You didn't do anything wrong! That's what we keep trying to tell you! You should go and argue that the Triad made a bad call and they were too harsh!
Mitch A Word is on the line after all, thats nothing to sneeze at.
Corat Except now I've got a mission for Michael. Two of them actually, but that's another story. I can't abandon that, Pilgrimage or no.
Mitch Mitch nods at Rina. "Exactly."
Zahira "If the ethereals in question were allied with Beleth then you were assisting in providing her with essence to use against heaven in the war. If that was not happenning how does the idea of suicide work?" She looks specifically to Da'at. "We've already seen that the metaphysics I learned prior to redemption are questionable."
Mitch By the way if Janus was so annoyed about Michael interfering in the trial why did he allow you to go into service with him?
Corat That, that's kind of a funny story
* Corat smiles a bit now
Mitch Do tell.
Corat It was quoted to me "You broke him, you fix him". So Michael put me on the Corps. Well, boot camp. Never quite made the cut, but they didn't really expect me to.
Rina-el Really? and you *conveniently* forgot to tell me *that*, too.
* Rina-el gives C a withering look
* Corat smiles, perhaps glad for the familiar tone
Corat I was a wreck. The honor of training with Michael's elite and oh yeah, 'round the clock ass-kicking. For 12 weeks I didn't have time to do anything but train and follow orders.
Zahira I wish I knew what to say.
Rina-el C, while I'm glad I'm *finally* hearing about this, how is this connected to your getting Discordant?
Corat Fixed me right up. Well, apparently not all the way.
Mitch Mitch nods "I've heard about their training sessions. Brutal, but useful."
Corat I'm angry. (Yes, they are). Look at yourselves, hearing about this. You're willing to throw yourselves in front of the oldest grudge in Heaven. But what did it serve me to be angry at a Triad? At Dominic? At Michael? That's treason.
Da'at no it isn't Corat!
Rina-el Not when they were *wrong*, C!
Corat Were they? I've never really understood that.
Mitch simply nods at Corat to go on.
Corat I did what I did. I argued my case, and at least one Seraph believed I was wrong. I'm sure Dominic got the report, and he didn't fall over himself to change it.
Zahira Perhaps if you tried to kill them, or went along doing what you were banned from doing, but arguing and appealing doesn't seem like treason.
Corat Wanted to wring
Da'at Then why are you angry?? Because you think they're wrong. So did Michael. Did he commit treason?
Rina-el Zahira, we don't try to kill our own, no matter how angry we get at them.. Even when they're wrong.
Corat Michael is Michael. Pardoned by the Lord Himself. Guilty, but not condemned. He was wrong, then...?
Zahira That's what I was saying- perhaps if he did that it would be treason, but that isn't the same as just being angry at them.
Corat There is one other thing. We, um, have a job to do. Much as I wish I'd gotten you all together for me...let's kind of remember Little Boss, and the Baron...
Mitch
Rina-el Why, are you not important enough, C?
Corat Speaking of.. (his phone rings)
Corat Yeah, on the way in.
Rina-el It looks like most of us think you're worth fighting for!
Corat Thank you luv. But I won't have another War started over me. Nobody wins that.
Rina-el Why are you so sure it will be a War? Seriously, C, we're not all incompetent!
Corat Maybe you can mention it to Velga...she knows all this, but well, Elokite... Sorry Da'at.
* Da'at raises an eyebrow
Mitch It won't come to that, we simply have a unjust sentence to put right.
Zahira Well why don't we look at what we're supposed to do now, and look into taking time to think about the rest of this
Da'at We do have a job to do. And the job needs you able and fit. And let me say one more thing about the subject
Mitch Yes, what's the job Corat?
Corat Yes. And we have to involve Shenmachel. My hunch is he's here by way of Dominic. Great person to test out the argument on.
* Corat leads you towards the plane
Rina-el Hold on! Da'at, what were you saying?
Corat We had to find out what the Baron is, and we did. And what he wants, and whether and how to stop him
Mitch Is that the job, finding out how to stop him?
Corat Near as I know. When I first got the mission it sounded like Janus giving orders. "Go here, see what happens, do something"
Zahira Well if we find him possessing someone I can be a bit of help
Corat Oh nice!
: * Rina-el gives *everyone* a withering glare
: * Da'at quit
Corat What???
Mitch Mitch peers at Rina "What's wrong?
Rina-el Nevermind..
Corat Its a standard 767, clean and scrupulously maintained. Youre greeted by a lean young man with an animated voice who greets you affectionately yet professionally. His name tag reads Derek, and he directs you to your seats near the back of the plane as though youre just another set of passengers. On your way back you see a handful of other passengers spread out through the front of the plane including a man in business class sleeping under a blanket, a lock of sable hair peeking over the top of it, the seat belt dutifully buckled over it. Two older guys in business suits recognize John Wyatt and look up from their conversation to say hello, then decide just to wave when they see he is not alone. Further back, in coach, a pair of blond guys, clearly brothers, rest bleary-eyed in their seats; unlike the guy in the expensive seats they apparently did not sleep through the landing. A lone teenaged girl plays with a video game, oblivious to your entrance. A middle-aged woman sits up and reads, seemingly jaded to the hour of the night.
The tether itself seems to simply be the back section, carefully sequestered from the rest of the world by your 'flight attendant'
Mitch Mitch leans over and whispers to Corat "Where is the plane going? I shouldn't leave my shop for days on end."
Corat Just to
Mitch Mitch nods "So, what's the job?"
Zahira "I had just assumed we were flying out and back in." looks to Corat for confirmation
Corat Commercial jet, though we can get a return ticket. Really, this will only take a minute
Rina-el Well?
* Zahira will sit where directed and wait for things to begin
Corat ((There is a Disturbance near the back of the plane--someone coming through the tether))
Mitch Mitch turns to see who's arriving.
Corat and then you see her. A woman, tall and lean with impossibly green eyes, lounges back in the seatwell, as nearly as anyone can lounge in a coach airplane seat. She nods to each of you pleasantly as you sit down, inviting half of you to occupy the row behind her. Hello, Im Velga. She lets her name go to the celestial hum youve become familiar with, and you know that it is short for Velvet Glove.
* Rina-el nods at her
: Zahira Hello I'm Zahira
Mitch Mitch stands and Sings "Mitchim, Seraph of Trade."
* Velga stands and accepts the handshakes. She looks to Corat, starts to say something, and sees...or perhaps resonates.
Velga I see. I was hoping to watch your little group in action, but this is unexpected I'd still like you to stay on board and give me your reports, but maybe... But I'll follow you, if need be. We won't have to worry about listeners. I've brought you a present.
IhIvelga (to use her proper nameIron Hand in Velvet Glove) pulls out six little velvet boxes, and hands one to each of you. A gift, from Michael. Actually more of a loan, something he feels you should have on this mission. Go ahead, open it. I think youll find them useful.
Mitch Mitch accepts the box and opens it, peering inside.
* Rina-el looks at the offered box..
* Zahira opens the box
Rina-el C, I don't know about this..
Corat Trust me. She's a little rough around the edges, but I don't think she'll do you wrong
Velga Inside each box is a pocket knife, with the classical portrait of the Archangel Michael on itsteel breastplate, hairless face, driving a lance into a bat-winged devil at his heel. It is clear to your celestial senses however that these are no ordinary pocketknivesthey are relics. Velga watches the look of comprehension on your faces.
Rina-el I'm not War, C.. I *really* don't know about this.
Corat It's alright Rina. We need you. I need you.
* Rina-el hardens.
Mitch
Velga Inside each of those little tchotchkes is the Vassal of War distinction. If you want to Speak, you hold it up to your lips like this, the gesture appears almost a blessing or a kiss, and then her voice switches to celestial, coming impossibly from her human lips, and you will be able to speak from your vessels. Others will just hear a little tune, of course. This will last for the duration of the combat, or the argument as the case may be. Youll have to reactivate it then, and I understand its got three Essence charges in it. After that youre using your own, though it should still work.
Rina-el No, C, you don't. If you did, I wouldn't be pulled in the middle of something that has been brewing for years without knowing about it. I can't commit to something like this.
Velga You like?
* Velga arches an eyebrow at Rina-el
* Zahira nodding, "thank you."
Mitch Mitch smiles and nods "Yes, I assume he'll want them back
in good condition afterwards?" He bows slightly to Velga "I thank
you and your
Velga But Angel of Flowers, you know
Rina-el I'm sorry, Velga.
I appreciate the offer, but I can't do this. Of course I'll follow what's going
on in
* Velga rolls eyes and then looks at C
Velga I've heard that one before
* Rina-el stiffens
Mitch Just to clarify, Archangel Michael wants us to deal with Baron Samedi here in LA.
Velga (almost sarcastically) Buuuuut if you-or one of your Superiors (she scans the room) takes exception, I'm sure they'll find some suitable substitute
Mitch Does he want us to chase him back to the
Velga (to Mitch) We'd like you to deal with him. Our intel says his stronghold is
Mitch Mitch nods "How are you defining Deal with him?"
* Rina-el in a voice that is cold as steel:
Rina-el I will not let *anyone* - least of all you, Michaelite - speak to me like that.
Mitch Mitch glances over at Rina, clearly a bit puzzled at her refusal of the loan.
Velga Substitute for the knife, dear angel
* Rina-el just shrugs, still coldly angry
Velga "Deal with him" depends on what he wants. Yves speaks true, we may have to extinguish him. We may simply have to keep him away from demons. We don't know yet.
Velga Up until a few months ago, we didn't know who we were dealing with
Mitch I hope we can simply convince him to return to the
* Velga nods
Rina-el (muttering) "Show's how good *your* intel is.."
* Rina-el turns around and walks towards the nearest exit
Velga That is why we need you
*Mitch raises an eyebrow at Rina-el, but lets it slide for now.
* Velga sighs and looks at Corat, who shrugs
Mitch Well, lets track him down and try talking first. It's what Trade is good at after all. If that fails, we'll look into other options.
Velga That's your call, all of you
Zahira We need to find a way to keep him out of people's heads.
Rina-el (Assuming no one stops her, she quietly tells Derek that she's on the wrong flight and asks to be let off..)
((You can hear Derek's reaction from there, though you can't make out the exact words. He's sweetness, fawning, honey-what's-wrong In other words, he knows who you are))