Penny says, "also, imagine I'm still here and babbling on too much baileys while I'm actually AFK"
Wilfred gets his morning edition of the London times on his way out from Rupert's cast party.
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "Heh, I'm just the opposite, I guess. I'm only interested in mechanics, as I inevitably make my own settings."
[nobilis] GM says, "Alexandra's in seattle for real, so she won't be here; I'll give Franklin & Michel another few minutes"
[nobilis] Wilfred says, "Also, give me a couple of minutes to throw some peas and seasoning into my dinner gruel."
[whiz-games] RogerCarbol says, "Mmm, right."
GM says, "right then"
GM says, "the majority of our heroes spent much of last time tracking down things"
GM says, "there was some experimentation with the pair of half-spheres the two groups had collected (or rather the three, but one turned out to be probably not interesting), and also a trip following up on the rest of the buddha statue, which led to the university and thence to a familiar antique shop"
GM says, "the minority of the heroes, Wilfred to be precise, stuck around and watched over Rupert, and, as it turned out, it was a good thing he did"
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "which is probably Locus Evil."
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred still wants to see a video arcade fight game of us.
GM says (to Wilfred), "the paper has only a small sidebar on page three -- "Witnesses reported some 'unusual noises' last night in the north part of the <district>. Police are interested in speaking with anyone who has information on the source of these noises, as well as anyone who spoke with Constables Bret Erron or Arthur Dale last night or the night before""
[Crows-Nest] Gaston asks, "'Arthur Dale'?"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "s/Dale/Daley"
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "(Ignore us. Ask ddyte for explanation.)"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "I COULD BE SO GOOD FOR YOU"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "etc"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "hee hee"
Wilfred just needs his morning paper ... it's one of those things that if he doesn't do, his day doesn't start.
[Crows-Nest] Penny plays that song, in fact
Gaston says (to Wilfred), "Literally, I assume."
Wilfred says (to Gaston), "Quite."
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "if I'd made a mix for ddyte, this would be on it"
Gaston asks (of Wilfred), "So what is this minor story at which you're glancing surreptitiously all about?"
Wilfred says (to Gaston), "eh?  Oh, just some ... incident ... that happened at Rupert's cast party."
Gaston says, "Hmm, this would be after I left with, with -- hmm, I forgot to ask her name."
Raul comes wandering in. "Incident?"
Wilfred says (to Gaston), "Probably a good thing you had her with you."
Wilfred says (to Raul), "Oh, that lizard-cat creature."
Penny ambles in, writing furiously in her notebook
Raul asks (of Penny), "More quilting patterns?"
Penny mutters, "...dived to the side, cluthing her around the..."
Penny says (to Raul), "oh, er.  Yes."
Gaston asks (of Wilfred), "Excuse me -- may I see that paper for a moment?"
Wilfred asks (of Penny), "sounds more like an incident report.  What happened?"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "cluthing. feh."
Wilfred passes the paper to Gaston.
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "clutching"
Gaston says, "I just spotted a name I recognised."
Penny says (to Wilfred), "oh, er, nothing"
Penny hastily closes her notebook.
Gaston says, "Yes, this is someone I used to know. I've been somewhat remiss in keeping in touch, I must admit."
Wilfred asks (of Gaston), "whom?"
Gaston says, "A certain Wendy Thakare-Shaw. Missing for two weeks, apparently. Hm."
Raul ambles back out, to do more research on the chancel map.
Wilfred says (to Gaston), "Not someone terribly important to you, I hope."
Gaston says, "She's a model I used to work with."
Penny says (to Raul), "<need help with that?>"
Gaston says, "She never took it as seriously as she ought to have."
Raul says (to Penny), "<Sure. I'd lvoe to get this project done."
Wilfred . o O ( so who takes modelling seriously? )
Penny follows Raul
[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "I've caught Penny's typing problems."
Gaston looks to see if anyone else vanished at around the same time.
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "I have MANY BAILEYS as an excuse"
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "you're scaring me"
GM says, "there are a few other names listed there -- none that look really familiar"
Wilfred looks over Gaston's shoulder at the list.
GM asks, "no, wait, except Harriet Tannings -- didn't she pose for you once also?"
[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "BILL BAILEY COME HOME"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "heehee"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "(we got a free baileys with our meal earlier)"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "and this just after I had drunk a baileys coffee, too"
Gaston says, "Hmm. Harriet Tannings. I have vague memories of red hair and finely honed calves."
[Crows-Nest] Penny says (to Gaston), "yeep"
Wilfred says, "I'm sure you do."
GM says (to Gaston), "that's right -- she was posing for the cover of "Only a cow-herder's daughter""
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "also, if I was there, it occurs to me I would have to be feigning complete ignorance of these names"
Kori makes a face and start looking around for an excuse to go help Raul
[Crows-Nest] Gaston exclaims (at GM), "Ha!"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says (to GM), "heehee"
Penny says (to Kori), "<want to help us with, er, the edges of the map?>"
Gaston says, "I suppose there's a chance this isn't directed at me."
Gaston says, "But either way, I should investigate."
Wilfred asks, "What about these other people?"
Gaston asks, "Which others?"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "actually, it now occurs to me I'd probably only remember the names of the male models"
Wilfred says, "The others who apparently have not posed for you"
Gaston says, "I'm sure some of these missing persons are missing by virtue of having become lost, and not by kidnapping or any such."
Kori has disconnected.
Kori has connected.
Gaston asks (of Wilfred), "You think some others could be related cases?"
Wilfred says, "I'm paranoid.  I think everything's a related case."
Raul says (to Penny, Kori), "I think we'll need parchment on which I can imprint the shifting paths."
Wilfred says, "And if the Bavarian Illuminati, the FreeMasons and the Sulpicians are involved, so much the better."
Gaston says, "Perhaps the publisher's would be a good place to start."
Penny says (to Raul), "I sense a quest"
Kori asks (of Raul), "where's Franklin when we need him?"
Kori says, "But in the absence of someone to voom it on over here..."
Kori goes looking
Raul shrugs. "I thought he'd be here for this."
Wilfred says (to Gaston), "In all probability."
Penny says, "paper is not the same as parchment, though"
Gaston says, "Hmm, I could show them some of my new work... aha, here's a watercolour of Penny and John which may be suitable."
Penny says, "thought maybe it all falls under his aegis"
Wilfred exclaims, "....!"
Gaston says, "And a fantasy in oils featuring Kori and Michel."
Wilfred says (to Gaston), "I don't think so."
Wilfred says (to Gaston), "Oh, now that one works."
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "COUGH"
Raul stumps about the library, looking for leads on where to find paths-holding parchment.
Gaston says, "Hmm, and here's an intimate study of... er, of a fellow noble from another chancel."
Gaston quickly collects some pictures in a big folder.
GM says (to Raul), "well, there's lots of various kinds of writing surfaces in the library here, or you could find an appropriate nobilis to talk to, or you could look up how to make some"
Penny wanders back in time to hear Gaston's last line, and raises an eyebrow
[nobilis] Raul asks (of GM), "This is where I was hoping Franklin would appear. Sigh. Are there other nobilis whose domains might cover this?"
[nobilis] Penny asks, "a noble of animal skins?"
[nobilis] Penny says, "or perhaps just skin"
Gaston says, "Okay, I think I shall make inquiries at my old publisher's firm about these missing models."
Wilfred asks (of Gaston), "which firm would that be, incidentally?"
[nobilis] GM says, "hrm, well, ok, I suppose it is silly to go haring off after other people when Franklin is handy"
Gaston says (to Wilfred), "*cough* Red Rose Publishing."
Penny hides a smirk behind her notebook.
GM says, ""Ah hrm erhm," says Franklin, walking in. "All this talk about paper and nobody thought to invite me?""
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "heh"
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says (to GM), "Nice try."
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "it's like we don't need Rob!"
Raul asks, "Aha, there you are. Golfing again?"
Gaston asks (of GM), "What contact details are given in these missing person ads, by the way?"
GM says, ""It's the pants that give me away," Franklin says."
Gaston asks (of GM), "Is it the same or different for each girl?"
GM says (to Gaston), "they're a different name and phone number for each of the two (and speaking of girls, it looks like it's mostly missing girls). one of them is a Mrs Tanning, so presumably it's for her mother"
Gaston makes heading-off-on-mission type motions.
Gaston asks, "Anyone coming?"
[interludes] GM has removed Chaz from the channel.
Penny says, "er, hmm"
Penny says, "I think I'll pass"
Raul has disconnected.
Raul has connected.
[nobilis] Raul asks, "Okay, froze for a bit. What did I miss?"
Kori says, "if Raul's got the paper thing under control, I'll come too"
Penny says, "never been one for reading the kind of books those places publish"
Gaston says, "It might be useful to have someone who can investigate the records and look for connections between these cases, at least."
[nobilis] Raul says, "Also, I realize now that I was supposed to mention that Michel might be late tonight"
[Crows-Nest] Penny looks innocent and sweet
Gaston says (to Penny), "Hmf, yes, I'm afraid they are rather lowbrow."
Wilfred says (to Gaston), "I'm game."
[interludes] GM has added Gaston to the channel.
[interludes] GM has added Kori to the channel.
[interludes] GM has added Wilfred to the channel.
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "hee hee"
[nobilis] GM says (to Raul), "ah, ok -- I wasn't sure if he'd forgotten entirely or what"
[Crows-Nest] Raul laughs.
Penny says (to gaston), "oh, they're valid forms of writing, of course. *cough*"
Gaston says, "Still, it was useful to pay for food, back when I needed to eat and breathe."
[interludes] Wilfred says (to Gaston), "Some prying about would be a nice change from beating cat-lizards about with balls of red tape."
[interludes] Kori gathers her usual assortment of non-fatal weapons, pocket flashlight, spare key that can be re-edged, etc
Penny asks, "air is food in france?"
GM says, "Gaston, Kori, and Wilfred head off into the stacks, wandering past the others on their way to the exit"
Kori says (to Penny), "I think it's more that food is air."
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori,Wilfred), "Thank you for the support. Let's head off, then."
[interludes] Gaston knows where this publishing firm is and stuff, so.
[nobilis] Raul says, "So the last I saw was the comment about Franklin's pants"
[interludes] GM says, "And back to London for you all, and the somewhat dingy offices of Red Rose Publishing"
[interludes] Kori makes following mostions.
[interludes] Kori says, "er, motions"
[interludes] Wilfred thinks about the firm's accounting procedure.
[nobilis] GM says, "that was it, yeah -- (let us say he just walked in on the mention of paper and needs to have the thing re-explained to him)"
[interludes] Gaston says, "They've tried to contact me a few times, pleading for more work."
[interludes] GM says, "Dingy outsides, that is -- the inner waiting room is rich in pink wallpaper with little roses on it and furthermore with vases full of roses on the end tables"
[interludes] Gaston says, "My thought is that I'll turn up with a portfolio, claiming a change of heart."
[interludes] Gaston says, "And I can ask if they've had any trouble with models recently."
Raul says (to Franklin), "Penny and I are working some more on the chancel map"
[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "they seem to be keeping their heads above water, although they aren't exactly raking it in"
GM says, ""Oho,"
Raul says (to Franklin), "It turns out we'll need living ink, which we've got, and parchment that can have paths bound to it, which we don't got."
GM says, "er, "Oho," says Franklin. "And you need some paper for it, eh?""
Raul nods.
GM says, ""Now, let me see here," he says."
GM says, ""This will require some special paper -- not any of the ordinary stuff""
[interludes] Gaston looks around for a bell to ring or a secretary to accost.
[interludes] Kori asks (of Gaston), "fair enough. What are we? your personal secretary? fans? sycophants?"
[interludes] GM says, ""Ooh, Mister Lecroq," says the secretary, hurrying in at your bell-push. "I'm so glad to ... see you again""
[interludes] Wilfred says (to Gaston), "If we're supposed to be your new models, I'm afraid I'm hardly model material."
[interludes] Kori looks over the secretary dubiously
GM says, ""Ah hrm hrm hrm," he adds."
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Er, I can't think of anything convincing. I suppose you could be artists.>"
GM says, ""But how about .. this!" he thrusts his arm into the shelves and yanks out a good-sized sheet/."
[peanut-gallery] Sargent asks, "Anyone know who the guest is?"
[interludes] Kori says, "<um, right.  Just so long as they don't ask me to draw anything.>"
[interludes] Wilfred looks decidedly un-artistic.
Raul says, "it's...certainly big."
[interludes] Kori says (to Wilfred), "<I think you should be his accountant.>"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<You could pass as a writer, I think.>"
[peanut-gallery] Storme says, "nope"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "<And perhaps you are indeed applying to be a model.>"
GM says, ""Knew I had it somewhere around here -- supposedly genuine dragonhide, hand-tanned by monks. Different from our monks, I mean.""
[peanut-gallery] veek says, "And we never will."
[interludes] Kori says, "<ha.>"
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<I suppose I could ape the sort of hippie jargon my parents friends used to throw at me.>"
[interludes] Kori says, "<all right.  Though it's just as well Michel isn't here to comment on *this* one.>"
Penny examines the parchment.
Raul gives the parchment a once-over. "Dragon-hunting parchment-making monks. Who would've guessed?"
[interludes] Gaston says (to secretary), "Hello. I'd like to see, uh, I have his card here somewhere..."
[interludes] GM says, "The secretary looks back and forth between Wilfred and Kori in some confusion. "Er -- and are they with you, Mister Lecroq?""
[interludes] Kori tries to make herself look as glamorous as possible, though there's not really a lot to work with.
Penny asks, "Dragonhide?  Why does it smell like goat, then?"
[interludes] GM says, ""Mister Barstow? He's in his office -- I'll just go let him know you're here""
Penny says, "ennh, maybe the dragon ate a goat, I suppose"
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "Because it's an EVIL goat."
[interludes] Gaston says, "Yes, these are some friends of mine. I think good Mister Barstow will be very interested in their work."
[interludes] Kori says, "I'm here about a modelling job."
GM says, ""The monks aren't big on bathing," Franklin says"
Penny says, "eww"
Raul says, "Gah."
[interludes] Gaston exclaims (at Kori), "Shhh! I told you we need to take it slowly!"
[interludes] Kori tosses her head in a girlish fashion.  Or so she supposes.
Penny says, "that'd better not be our monks then"
[interludes] Kori exclaims (at Gaston), "well, you know I get so bored waiting for you to work around to things!"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "I'll show Mister Barstow our portfolio, and then we'll see."
[interludes] Kori giggles stupidly.
GM says, "Also, the parchment is basically blank, although it has stray bits of what could be either fur or scales on it"
[interludes] Wilfred shifts his head to avoid being cut to pieces by Kori's tossing hair.
Raul picks something off the parchment. "Is this a...furry scale?"
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "mmm catlizard"
GM says, ""Or scaly fur," Franklin says."
[interludes] Kori taps her fingers against the doorframe meaningfully. "So are we going in or what?"
Penny asks, "well, do we have everything we need for the map, then?"
[interludes] Kori checks her watch meaningfully.  "I've got a lunch date, you know."
GM says, ""Anyway, er, I believe this should be able to hold up to whatever magic you  put on it, as long as you're careful""
[interludes] GM says, ""Oh ah er yes -- I'll just go fetch him""
[interludes] Gaston says, "This is England. It's polite to wait to be invited in, in this place."
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "(er, way too much meaningfully)"
Raul asks, "Is there something else I should know about this goaty, dragony parchment?"
[interludes] Kori rolls her eyes and flounces
[interludes] GM says, "The secretary bustles out, and a short time later comes back to say "he says to come right in," and leads you to his office"
[interludes] Wilfred follows wordlessly.
[interludes] Kori sits down in the best chair, crossing her legs and holding her head in a queenly fashion (ie, a la Bronwynn)
[interludes] Gaston strides in imperiously.
[interludes] Gaston says, "Okay, Barstow, you bastard, I'm back."
GM says, ""Well, it's a very good example of vintage parchment in the style first developed by Jacques Cormor in, ah, 1232, I believe -- it was expanded later and then modern manufacturing processes came along in the 1800s and ...""
[interludes] Gaston says, "And I've some new talent for you, not that you deserve it."
Penny says, "okay, I guess that's a no, then"
[interludes] GM says, ""Ah -- Gaston, so, er, good to see you""
[interludes] Kori inspects her nails during this exchange
[interludes] GM says, "He is a somewhat shrinking violet, as is appropriate for romance-novel publishers"
[interludes] Gaston adds hastily, "*and* another model", so that Kori doesn't think he's referring to her.
[interludes] Kori looks pleased, as though she utterly fails to grasp this nuance.
[interludes] Gaston dumps his porfolio on the desk.
Penny asks, "so, er, do we have some kind of ritual for this?"
[interludes] GM says, ""I, er, do hope you've reconsidered your letter -- a final refusal always seems so final to me""
Raul says, "Let me check with my sources."
[nobilis] Raul checks the source labeled 'GM'.
[interludes] Gaston says, "Here's some of my recent stuff, although don't expect you can get this at your usual criminal rates."
[nobilis] GM says, "you can do whatever you want -- this is basically a miracle and not magic, so it doesn't have to be flashy, just a bit of careful work"
[interludes] Kori swings one foot
[interludes] GM says, "Barstow eagerly reaches out for the portfolio."
[interludes] Gaston says, "I'll expect a notable increment if you expect me to come back."
[nobilis] Penny says, "okay"
[interludes] GM says, ""Oh, my, this is very interesting -- and who is this fetching couple?""
[interludes] Gaston says, "Also, I'll expect to work with Ms Shaw again, although --"
Penny asks, "where did we put the living ink, again?"
[interludes] Gaston glances meaningfully at Kori --
Raul says (to Penny), "I can feel the paths as they are, and hold them in place for the duration. You'll need to paint the map as I help direct you."
[interludes] Gaston says, "-- I think you may be interested in this young lady also."
[interludes] Kori looks back at Gaston with arched eyebrows
[interludes] Kori smiles at Barstow.
[interludes] Wilfred says (to Kori), "I must say, you look very fetching in the Georgian "a la Greque" mode."
[interludes] (from Kori) The effect is slightly unnerving, as she hasn't tried smiling much before.
Penny carefully lays out the parchment on a table
[interludes] GM says, "Barstow looks over at Kori, his face assuming a professional air. "Well, hrm -- she certainly does have a certainly *something* about her""
[interludes] Gaston delicately slides a phantasmagorical study of Kori into Barstow's hands.
Penny assumes they have the ink on hand, so dips a fine horsehair brush into it
[interludes] Wilfred. o O (what she has, sir, is the edge on the competition.)
[interludes] Kori exclaims (at Wilfred), "I like costumes!"
[interludes] Kori exclaims, "and hats!"
[interludes] GM says, ""My goodness," he says"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Look, I have a good memory, okay? It's not as if I've been spying or anything. Much.>"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "also, I typed 'inky' there at first"
Raul prepares to hold the paths in place.
Raul asks (of Penny), "ready?"
[interludes] Kori says, "<eeagh.>"
Penny concentrates.  "Yes."
Raul says, "Here we go, then."
[interludes] Kori makes a mental note to hermetically seal any rooms in which she sleeps
Raul closes his eyes, then opens them again. He puts a hand on Penny's shoulder. "You can go ahead."
[interludes] GM says, ""She certainly has a sinister look in this picture -- tell me, young lady, would you be interested in 'She Stole Him Away'? or perhaps 'The Corporate Woman'?""
Penny starts drawing, very carefully, sticking her tongue out in an intense pose of painstaking concentration.
[interludes] Kori asks (of Barstow), "Perhaps... er, does the Corporate Woman wear an off-the-shoulder business suit?"
Raul seems relaxed, though sweat is starting to form on his forehead.
[interludes] Kori says, "Gaston always says my shoulders are my best feature"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "also, see #nanowrimo infect my nobilis acting."
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "Probably quite a lot off the shoulder."
[interludes] Kori looks at Gaston meltingly
GM says (to Penny), "it's tricky -- it's like trying to sketch a snake that's wriggling despite Raul's efforts to pin it down"
[interludes] Wilfred gets the impression that he may be learning more about Kori, in a roundabout fashion, than he expected.
[interludes] Kori says (to Gaston), "<you're enjoying this way too much>"
Penny fights the urge to draw huge looping swirls at random
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<Much of that picture is extrapolation, sadly.>"
[interludes] GM says, ""Well -- possibly the cover could be a scene in her private office""
Penny also fights the urge to draw little love hearts in the margins.
[interludes] Kori smiles at Barstow again.  She's getting better at this.
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Er, at some point I should get round to asking about the missing models.>"
[interludes] Kori says (to Gaston), "<be my guest>"
GM says, "It gets trickier as you continue -- a few times the brush almost jerks out of your hands as if caught by a loop in the path"
Raul says, "Not to...rush you, but...I think I'm...going to rush you."
GM says, "the paper seems to twitch slightly itself as if resisting the ink"
GM says, "Penny writes faster, Raul concentrates harder, the paper darkens under the criss-crossing paths"
[interludes] Kori gets out a mirror and refreshes her lipstick
Penny wonders briefly if she should spend an aspect point to go even faster.
[interludes] Kori makes kissy faces at herself in the mirror
[interludes] Gaston exclaims (at Barstow), "So, can I assume we have another six-month contract at a generous increment, with my usual model Ms Shaw, plus an option for Ms ... hmm, Ms Barstow. Interesting coincidence!"
[nobilis] GM says (to Penny), "it might help -- you're aspect 1 at the moment"
[interludes] Kori says (to Gaston), "<hey, you just named me the same thing as him!>"
[nobilis] Penny says, "go for it, then"
[interludes] Kori says, "<oh, wait>"
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says (to Kori), "lpsmith's page says you're 'Korinth Barstow'."
Penny spends an aspect point, and draws even faster.
[interludes] GM says, ""Ah heh heh, you will have your little jokes, Gaston. What's her real name?""
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "yes; I was assuming you would make up a pseudonym for me"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Damn.>"
[interludes] Kori says, "<Um. Miller?>"
GM says, "And her hand blurs over the paper, not losing any of its precision, but actually drawing the edges in even more detail even as it increases in speed"
Raul's left hand has started spasming a bit.
[interludes] Gaston says, "Well, she normally uses her trade name."
[interludes] Kori says, "Miller."
[interludes] Gaston says, "Er, Symphony Miller."
GM says, "and then the last line is drawn and the map is done"
Penny says, "done!"
[interludes] Kori says, "we think it sounds so much more... musical"
[interludes] GM says, ""Ah, much better.""
Raul sits unceremoniously on the floor.
Penny carefully moves away from the table before collapsing
[interludes] Kori bites her lower lip.
[interludes] Gaston asks (of Barstow), "Wendy Shaw *is* still working for you, I hope?"
[interludes] Kori says, "So there won't be any trouble with the other models?  Gaston said you already employed a few..."
GM says, "as soon as Raul and Penny release their hold there's a snap and the paper seems to fold crazily in on itself -- it's like it's in the middle of a shock wave rippling out as the paths go back to how they were before."
[interludes] Gaston exclaims, "You know I insist on working with only the best!"
GM says, "but then you look again and the paper drifts casually down to fall onto the floor"
Penny says, "yikes"
Raul says, "Um."
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Wow, we're subtle.>"
Raul says, "*You* can pick it up first."
[interludes] GM says, ""But, er, I'm afraid you can't work with Miss Shaw again""
Penny looks at it before picking it up
[interludes] Gaston says nothing but casually yet firmly retrieves his portfolio.
[interludes] GM says, ""She seems to have moved, or something -- didn't collect her last paycheck""
[interludes] Gaston asks, "...oh?"
[interludes] GM says, ""But -- wait!" Barstow sadly reaches after the portfolio"
[interludes] Gaston says, "I am very displeased, Barstow."
GM says (to Penny), "it's covered in writing which, as you watch, slides and bends on the page"
Penny says, "hmm"
[interludes] Gaston says, "Of course you still have Ms Tannings, but..."
Penny says, "possibly we should havetamed the living ink *before* we used it"
[interludes] GM says, "Barstow seems to shrink even more. "We did our best to contact her! We talked to the agency and they said she hadn't registered -- er. Ms Tannings, you say?""
Raul looks at the map, his eyes crossing. "I think I'll stick with my innate paths sense."
Penny says, "like, with tiny little paper whips"
[interludes] GM says, ""Ah -- in fact, um, we haven't heard from her either.""
[interludes] Gaston blinks.
[interludes] Kori gets a strange frown in her eyes.
[interludes] Wilfred says, "That sounds suspicious."
[interludes] Kori asks, "(in a whiny child-voice) Is there something funny going on here, Gaston?"
Penny says, "I think I'll stick with my flying ability to help me out in chancel"
[interludes] Gaston asks (of Barstow), "Do you have *any* models still working for you, Mister Barstow?"
[interludes] GM says, ""But Ms Moon is still there! I know how much you liked her -- er, aside from that time when you threw her out of your studio. Or perhaps Ms Dawkins!""
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "I'm sorry, dear, I always understood this to be a reputable and viable institution."
[interludes] Kori pouts.
Raul asks (of Franklin), "Care for a look?"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "But possibly it has succumbed to debt and weak management."
[interludes] GM says, "Barstow looks stricken. "Wait! What about the corporate woman!""
Penny asks a monk to go fetch some large industrial tongs to pick the paper up with
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "<...what about the corporate woman?>"
GM says, "The monk comes back, looking depressed about something, and hands the tongs to Penny with a meaningful cough."
[interludes] Kori says, "<oh, we can say I'll do it>"
[interludes] Kori says, "<always time to, er, back out later>"
Raul asks (of monk), "Eh?"
GM says, ""Ah hrm very interesting," says Franklin."
[interludes] Kori asks (of Barstow), "Does she... fall in love with her superior?"
GM says, ""Oh, nothing," says the monk. "Don't mind me.""
Penny whispers to the monk, "oh, do stop looking so upset."
GM says, "The monk pretends not to have heard Penny"
[interludes] Gaston says, "Possibly we can still do business."
Penny pointedly turns her back on the monk, and picks up the parchment with the tongs
Raul asks, "Okay, what's going on?"
Penny asks (of Raul), "hm?"
Penny says, "I can't imagine what you could be talking about"
[interludes] Gaston says, "But I think we can expect rather more than a generous increment, given how desperately you seem to require our services."
[interludes] Kori asks, "And is he a reckless, handsome executive, so powerful he has forgotten how to love?"
Raul says (to monk), "You look like your tonsure died"
Raul says (to Penny), "and you are busy being snubful"
[interludes] Kori is leaning forward in the chair eagerly.
[interludes] GM says (to Kori), ""Are you *sure* you haven't done this before?""
Penny says, "I'm sure I don't know what you mean"
[interludes] Gaston exclaims, "Wait!"
[interludes] Kori leans back suddenly.  "Oh, er.  I have just a casual acquaintance with these books.  A friend tells me about the plots."
[interludes] GM says, ""Well, I've always known there's no model who can touch you, as long as you can contain your passion for including defects, Gaston""
[interludes] Gaston adjusts Barstow's pose slightly.
[interludes] GM says, ""No artist, that is.""
Penny puts the parchment back on the table, and coughs.
[interludes] GM says, "Barstow freezes"
GM says, "Franklin leans over the parchment and studies it intently"
Penny then hands back the tongs to the monk without looking at him.
[interludes] Gaston says (to Barstow), "That's perfect, but you need to look... huskier."
GM says, ""Very interesting," he says"
GM says, ""Look how well it holds onto the ink, even though all the little paths are moving""
[interludes] Gaston stands back and looks the scene over professionally.
[interludes] GM says, "Barstow inflates his chest a bit"
[interludes] Kori seems to catch on, and gazes deeply into Barstow's eyes
[interludes] Gaston exclaims (at Kori), "Yes! You're perfect!"
[interludes] Kori says (to Gaston), "<I am going to kill you later>"
[interludes] Kori says (to Gaston), "<with very sharp little knives>"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Barstow), "As long as we get a proper male model, of course."
[Crows-Nest] Penny says (to GM), "also, yay"
[interludes] GM says, ""...oh.""
[interludes] Gaston says (to Barstow), "Thank you, thank you... as you were."
[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Gaston), "hee hee hee"
[interludes] Kori winks at Barstow, then sits back as she was.
[interludes] Wilfred considers Rupert.
[interludes] GM says, "Barstow relaxes. "Well, I am so pleased you'll be willing to work with us again, along with your young lady there -- and, er, what of your other friend?""
[interludes] Gaston says, "Oh, he's a writer."
[interludes] Wilfred freezes.
[interludes] Kori says, "You'd like him.  He does corporate settings, too."
GM says, ""Hrm," Wilfred says, continuing to stare at the map. "Raul, do you see anything odd about the arrangement in the center here?""
[interludes] Gaston stage-whispers (to Barstow), "He's a little shy, but I've never met a man who knows more synonyms for the male member."
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<um.  I should have brought some "writing", shouldn't I ... let's see ... I have a copy of the incident report on the cat-lizard thing....>"
[interludes] GM says, ""Well, we don't *only* do office romances, although houses and offices are our best settings.""
[Crows-Nest] Penny asks, "Wilfred?"
[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "Aie mighty morphing nobilis"
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "HA"
[Crows-Nest] Penny asks, "Franklin?"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "THEY ARE ALL ONE"
[nobilis] GM says, "(sorry, right, Franklin)"
[interludes] Kori says (to Barstow), "I'm sure he could whip up something else for you, too."
[interludes] Gaston says, "And we do mean 'whip'."
[interludes] Wilfred tries to smile.
[interludes] Kori says, "I personally don't care for some of his more exotic material, but then I've never looked quite right in a fur-lined bra"
Raul eyes the center. "What's there?"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<Just so we have something to show for this, could you look up the addresses of all the models? And find out which ones are AWOL?>"
[interludes] Kori stage-whispers, "Those things are really meant for women who aren't... well, very full-proportioned to start with."
[interludes] Wilfred says (to Gaston), "<I'm on the case.>"
GM says (to Raul), "to your professional eye, it looks like -- ah, hrm, what it looks like is a weird area of stability in the midst of the paths"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "As I keep telling you, dear, it's to your advantage."
GM says (to Raul), "noticeable only in that the paths there don't move"
[interludes] Wilfred focusses on the filing cabinets behind Barstow.
Raul says, "Now that's not right."
Penny asks, "hmm, might that be the heart of the chancel?"
Raul tries to feel those paths.
[interludes] Kori casts Gaston a dark look
[interludes] Gaston asks (of Barstow), "How many other models are missing?"
Penny tries to work out where the realm's heart would be on the map
[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "contact information for the agency -- for a number of models -- ah, hrm, wait a sec. It looks like both the models that disappeared were from the same modelling agency. "Tangerine Talent Agency," it's called."
[interludes] Gaston says good-naturedly, "I'm trying to work out how much Ms Miller can screw you for."
[interludes] Gaston says, "Er, as it were."
[interludes] Kori coughs faintly
[interludes] Wilfred runs a comparison check between Tangerine Talent and the Missing Persons page of the Times.
[interludes] GM says, ""Ah -- well, we've had to stop using that agency, in fact -- too many of their models haven't been showing up. They were our main source, too, so I'm afraid we've been a bit strapped. Using some .. (he winces) stock footage""
[interludes] Gaston says, "<I must say, it does my heart good to bully poor old Barstow again.>"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Now that the bastard doesn't have me by the short hairs, at least.>"
GM says, "This seems not quite the same as that. The heart drifts around with the paths -- you can tell it because none of the paths lead there and many paths lead out"
[interludes] Gaston exclaims (at Barstow), "!"
[interludes] Gaston asks (of Barstow), "Where's your sense of artistry, man?"
[interludes] Wilfred asks, "Bit of an epidemic?"
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<he's admin.  admin isn't supposed to have a sense of artistry.  I had mine surgically removed years back.>"
Penny says, "mrm"
GM says, "whereas this is more of a, hrm, node in the maze -- it wouldn't be noticeable from the structure except that it doesn't move"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "Both Wendy and Ms Tannings were notably robust in constitution, as I recall."
Penny asks (of the monk), "Marcus, do you recognise this area of the chancel?"
GM says, "The monk steels himself to not show any emotion and glances at the paper."
[interludes] Wilfred says (to Gaston), "I'm not sure I want to know how you know this."
GM says, ""No ma'am," he says. "Though if you wanted me to go there for whatever reason, no matter how small, you would merely need to say the word and ...""
[interludes] Gaston says, "Oh, well, keen eye, you know."
[interludes] Wilfred says (to Gaston), "I'm sure."
[interludes] GM says, "Barstow coughs. "I know these girls tend to come down with occasional complaints, but I also know that, sad as it is to say, many of them need the money very much""
Penny sighs.  "Marcus, we've talked about this."
Raul says, "I think a number of us should go"
Penny says, "although sending a squad of monks to investigate might not be a bad idea... or, yes, us ourselves going"
[interludes] Gaston exclaims (at Barstow), "And as such it's your moral duty to pay healthy or indeed fat wages!"
[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "#belated and yes, one or two of the other models from the agency also show up in the new york times"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "okay, Marcus is very sweet"
[interludes] Kori says, "<I wonder whether some of them might have been involved in something illicit on the side?>"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "I heartily approve"
[interludes] GM says, ""Ah .. business, Gaston, business must be first, or else none of us will eat""
[interludes] Gaston asks (of Barstow), "Speaking of which -- should we sign a healthy contract now, or later?"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "though of course I'm still probably going to be mean"
[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "(you can also get the addresses and phone numbers of the various agencies if you would like)"
Raul sighs as he holsters a few weapons.
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<illicit activities would be mostly beyond my scope ... unless they got caught.>"
Penny asks (of Raul), "so, you me and franklin go to check it out?"
[interludes] Wilfred says (to GM), "I do"
[interludes] GM says, ""Ah .. perhaps we had better wait on this, and I will have Miss Jellane work up a contract and then send you a notice when we have fully worked out what covers you'll be doing""
Raul says, "Sounds good to me."
[interludes] GM says, ""We'll have to have to using some new models, I fear, but I am sure you will, um, get along with them just spendidly.""
Penny murmurs to Marcus, "we'll talk later, okay?  Just.. for god's sake, try and restrain youself, man."
GM says, "Marcus turns away sadly. "Yes ma'am""
[interludes] Gaston says, "It doesn't sound like anything that a suitable bonus payment can't ameliorate."
[interludes] Wilfred idly wonders if any of Rupert's cast members have worked here ... hmmmm, rummage through files....
Penny (to Raul) says (brightly), "shall we go, then?"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<So, shall we check out this Tangerine place?>"
Raul checks the map, orients himself to it, and starts walking.
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<yes>"
[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "there are a few actors who do both, yeah"
Penny looks back at Marcus, shakes her head, and follows Raul.
[interludes] Gaston says (to Barstow), "Anyway, nice to see you again, you old bugger."
GM says, ""Um er hrm," says Franklin, "I don't care much for this gallivanting-around business -- I'll just take a nap, and you can call me if there's a problem""
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "good excuse"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Somehow my use of language tends to drift in this place.>"
[interludes] GM says, ""Er .. always nice to see you too, Gaston""
GM says, "Franklin heads off in one direction, Marcus in another, and Raul and Penny in yet a third"
Raul says, "It's been a tiring round of golfing, I imagine."
[interludes] Wilfred says, "Good day.  And, uh, if you happen to have a copy of "Miranda Dearest", I have a friend who seems to have lost her copy..."
Penny says, "yes, swinging those constant hole-in-ones must be exhausting"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "Come now, dear, stop posing for the nice man."
[interludes] GM says, ""I will send it along with the letter to Gaston," Barstow says."
GM says, "despite that the target is staying still, it's actually fairly tricky to get there as the paths keep shifting"
[interludes] Wilfred says, "Thank you."
GM says, "you'll be walking towards it for a while, then realize the path you're on is slowly curving away"
Penny takes to the air to see from above, if necessary
[interludes] Kori gets up, gives Barstow another long sidelong look, and goes out
GM says, "but you make gradual progress"
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "I'm not sure what it indicates that I'm at my best when playing a) a criminal or b) a tart"
GM says, "the stacks around you get darker and mustier as you continue"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "You did famously."
GM says, "either less monks come here, or their cleaning jobs are hastier"
[interludes] Gaston says, "(oops, channel. Pretend I thought that.)"
Penny runs a finger along a shelf, and tsks.
[interludes] Kori says (to Gaston), "<remember what I said about the little sharp knives... but it was actually kind of fun.  In a way.>"
Raul says, "You should have Marcus cean up down here."
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Hrm.>"
Penny says, "It's not my job to assign the monks to cleaning duties"
Raul asks, "Just other ones?"
GM says (to Penny), ""101 uses for dragon's bones .. on the privileges of gods .. worse than the demons ..""
[interludes] Gaston says, "<You certainly got Barstow more exercised than I've seen him before.>"
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<you ARE going to do that cover, aren't you?>"
Penny says (to Raul), "I do not know what you mean"
[interludes] Kori says, "<I'm sure Gaston can do it from his, er, ample imagination>"
Penny says, "hmm, interesting books down here"
GM says, "and then the path stops abruptly, dead-ending at a shelf."
Penny says, "we should get the monks to catalogue for wilfred"
Raul looks at the titles. "That's one word for it."
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Observation, not imagination.>"
Penny says, "er, path ended"
[interludes] Kori says, "<... right.>"
[interludes] Gaston asks (of Wilfred), "So, where was this Tangerine agency?"
Penny asks, "what do we do now, oh Noble of Paths?"
Penny asks, "or is this the stable bit?"
[interludes] Wilfred says (to Gaston), "<27 Charing Cross>"
Raul tries to find a way into the stable region.
GM says, "This seems to have just reached the edge of the stable bit -- it's hard to tell from the map (although it is amazingly detailed) but it looks like the stable bit starts with this bookshefl"
[interludes] Kori subsides into a significantly less glittery version of herself without seeming to actually do anything
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred wonders what Charing Cross is really like.
[interludes] Gaston says, "Hmm, interesting location for a modelling agency."
Raul checks behind the bookshelf.
[interludes] Gaston says, "(He says, not smirking meaningfully at the GM in any way.)"
Raul asks (of Penny), "Can you go over it?"
[whiz-games] Whizzard asks, "Hmm, what's the filename for Another Earth, another sky?"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "Franklin would love it."
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "(Actually, I just popped that address up myself.)"
Penny flies up to the top of the bookcase
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "I didn't realise Gaston had ever lived in London, either, but there you go."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I dunno, I just have trouble visualizing a french romance novel company"
[whiz-games] Jeff says, "eas2.blb"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "I'd see him living in Wardour Street"
[interludes] Wilfred hails a taxi.
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "but possibly this is due to lack of trips to paris"
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says (to GM), "Good point."
[interludes] GM says, "The three of you head over"
[whiz-games] Whizzard asks, "blb? What system is that?"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "above a 'girls girls girls' parlour"
GM says, "The shelves here are a bit -- odd"
GM says, "First of all, either they're taller or the ceiling is smaller"
GM says, "as this one reaches all the way up to the top"
[whiz-games] Jeff says, "Blorb file.  Glulxe game."
Penny flies back down.  "hmm."
Penny says, "can't get over"
[interludes] Gaston says, "We really must bring Franklin here at some point."
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "Huh. I'll have to grab that interpreter too, I reckon."
GM says, "it looks like it must be both -- the shelves surrounding (Penny can see) are slightly shorter, grading away from this area"
GM says, "so that a section is blocked off from entry over the shelves in a non-obvious way"
Penny says, "maybe I can go up and around, though"
[interludes] Gaston says, "I believe I once saw a rare misprinted edition of the Necronomicon in that bookshop over there, although unfortunately I had not a penny on me at the time."
Penny says, "to check to see if it's the same on all sides"
[interludes] Wilfred looks about.
Raul says, "You go clockwise around it, and I'll go counterclockwise. Yell if you find an opening."
[interludes] GM says, ""Tangerine Talent Agency," says the neon sign."
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred asks, "Okay, I give.  What's the REAL Charing Cross REALLY like?"
[peanut-gallery] veek says, "yaaaay clue."
[interludes] Kori asks, "instead of summoning unspeaking evils, it just summons up a week-old omelet?"
[interludes] Gaston says, "And in the mythic world, perhaps it literally says that."
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "Something of the kind."
[interludes] GM says, "hee hee"
GM says, "the two of you circle the shelves"
[interludes] Kori looks over the talent agency.
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "Lots and lots of bookshops."
[interludes] Kori says, "I suppose perhaps the best course would be for me to continue my trend of looking for work."
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "And musical instrument shops."
[interludes] Kori says, "and find out just exactly what kind of work is entailed."
[Crows-Nest] Raul says (to Penny), "I guess this is really widdershins"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "I love it"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "charing cross is one of my favourite streets"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "I'm sure they're perfectly reputable."
GM says, "you meet on the other side, neither having found a break in the shelves"
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "damn, I was picturing it as a red-light district"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "I worked at the non-bookshop end of it last year for a fortnight"
[interludes] Gaston says, "Er, pink neon signs are probably just cheaper than any others."
[Crows-Nest] Kori pictures this even more
[interludes] Kori says, "unh hunh"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "it's offices and boring stuff down there"
[interludes] Kori looks at the neon sign in Mythic
GM says, "in fact, you realize, having gone around it, that it's not separate shelves at all -- it's one long shelf, curved in a circle"
[interludes] Kori asks (of sign), "what do you do here?"
Raul takes down books to see if the shelf ends in a wall or an opening
[interludes] GM says, ""Tangerine Talent Agency! C'mon in!" shouts the sign"
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "I guess it is at the corner of Soho at the north end."
[interludes] Kori says, "heh"
[interludes] Kori switches back to normal.
GM says (to Raul), "hey, these books don't move at all"
[interludes] Kori rearranges herself as before, except with her shirt unbuttoned one button lower
[interludes] Kori says, "Okay, I'm ready.  Let's go."
Raul says, "Now, waitaminute."
[peanut-gallery] Bishop says, "Seems like a decent sort."
[interludes] Wilfred says, "I think this time round I'll be an accountant."
Penny says, "this is really odd.  I'm intensely curious now."
[interludes] Gaston says, "Hmm. I guess I can ask about Wendy, and Kori can be looking for work on my recommendation."
[interludes] Kori says, "you lead the way, then"
[interludes] Gaston says, "I never dealt with these people directly, but they may have, um, heard of me."
[interludes] Kori says, "I bet."
Penny asks, "time to go back and get industrial-strength shelf-cutting equipment?"
[peanut-gallery] ghira says (to guest2), "We accept you, we accept you, one of us, one of us."
[interludes] Gaston goes right on in.
Penny says, "it seems like that must be a sort of weapon somewhere"
[interludes] Kori looks a bit like the Corporate Woman, assuming a rather liberal interpretation of what business the Corporate Woman is in.
Raul says, "Let me see if I can make a path through here before we resort to violence."
[interludes] Kori follows Gaston.
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Goodness.>"
[nobilis] Raul asks (of GM), "would it be possible to open up a path, here in the chancel?"
GM says, "The titles continue suggestive "The Under-Lore of the City ... Blood of Tears ... Perfect Harmony ..." but they don't seem to be actual books -- or, rather, the books seem to be part of the shelf"
Penny says, "but violence might be the answer to this one!"
[nobilis] GM says, "yeah"
[interludes] Wilfred shakes his head to himself, knowing full well what real corporate women look like.
[interludes] GM says, "(it is the oldest profession, after all)"
[nobilis] Raul says, "I'll do so, then."
[nobilis] Raul asks, "what is that, level 4?"
Penny stands back as raul opens a path, then
[interludes] Kori says, "<it's all in the interpretation, *guys*>"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<Hmm, perhaps you shouldn't be with us this time -- you could be a tax official, or maybe health and safety.>"
[interludes] GM says, ""Tangerine Talent Agency, can I help ya?" says the girl at the desk. "Wait, hold on, I gotta call--""
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<Something to make them suitably worried.>"
[interludes] GM says, "She picks up the phone, says "yes, yes, no, sorry, haven't seen 'er, yes, I'll let you know, bye""
[nobilis] GM says, "yeah"
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<I'll just be a little more unobtrusive than I am now.  I'll think of something if someone asks.>"
[nobilis] Raul exclaims, "Watch a DMP go frmph!"
[peanut-gallery] veek says, "Yay, he (?) has an account."
[interludes] Gaston says (to girl), "Hello, I'm here about a booking with -- uh, Senga."
Raul plants his feet, then spreads his arms like Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments.
[interludes] Gaston says, "Ms Wendy Thakare-Shaw, that is."
GM says, "There is no sound, but the shelf parts"
[interludes] Kori fiddles with her hair.
GM says, "Gazing at the inside, you can see it's like --"
[interludes] Wilfred begins scanning company records.
GM says, "it's like what you would see if a bookshelf was a creature and you were doing open-heart surgery"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<Hmm -- who would be a boss whose name I can drop here?>"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<To claim I arranged an interview for Kori.>"
GM says, "the titles on the outside have the faint semblance of some kind of exoskeleton, and the shelving is the bones, and on the inside is --"
GM says, "strange flat and papery organs on the backs of the shelves, but the path leads onwards into darkness"
[interludes] Wilfred quickly scans company hierarchy.
[interludes] GM says, "(Gordon Parks)"
[peanut-gallery] Bishop blinks. "Oh, katre ~ cadre. I kind of get it.
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<Gordon Parks>"
Penny says, "ewww"
[interludes] Kori looks around as though sizing the place up
[interludes] Gaston says (to girl), "Come on, now, Mr Parks is expecting me."
[interludes] GM says (to Kori), "I think you've sized it up correctly from your dress and the secretary"
Penny says, "luckily I have this handy torch"
[interludes] GM says, ""He is? Well, he's right back there, then. Go on ahead.""
[interludes] Gaston says (to girl), "Thank you."
[interludes] Gaston goes on through.
[interludes] GM says, "She gestures vaguely behind her, then pulls out her magazine and goes back to reading"
Raul has disconnected.
Raul has connected.
[interludes] Kori follows, with more than her usual allotment of hip-sway on the way
[nobilis] Raul says, "GRRR"
Penny shines a light down the corridor
[interludes] Gaston says, "Hee hee."
[nobilis] Raul says, "I didn't see what happened past 'gazing at the inside, you can see it's like --'"
[nobilis] Penny says, "I'll whisper a recap to you"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<Maybe you should pump the secretary for information?>"
[interludes] Kori says (to Gaston), "<rowr.>"
GM says (to Penny), "dust seems to be drifting down from the ceiling in a light but continuous shower"
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<sure>"
[interludes] Kori says (to Gaston), "<oh, wait, it's Wilfred we're talking about here.  Never mind.>"
GM says (to Penny), "it dances in the air-currents which, now that you notice them, have the very faint sound of breathing"
[interludes] Kori looks around the office.
[interludes] Wilfred waits until Gaston and Kori are gone off to see Mr Parks.
[interludes] Gaston looks around for Parks.
Raul tiptoes in after Penny.
[interludes] Gaston says, "<I think I've heard of this man -- 'Flash' Gordon is his nickname.>"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<...because of his expensive cars, obviously.>"
[interludes] GM says, ""G. Parks, Manager" says the (peeling) gold writing on the door."
[interludes] Kori says, "<well, I hope he doesn't do anything to earn it this time>"
Penny says, "this place is creepy"
[interludes] Gaston knocks briefly and enters.
[interludes] Gaston asks, "Parks?"
Penny carefully and slowly draws her gun out from her waistband.
GM says, "The ground seems to be some kind of carpet-like thing, but perhaps a bit spikier -- like walking on a bed of very short, blunt nails, perhaps"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Not sure what line to take here.>"
[interludes] GM says, "The girl on his lap hastily stands up, and his chair spins around to face you. "Eh? What? Who are you?""
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Demand to know where Wendy is? Or play it slow, and try to get Kori a job?>"
[interludes] Kori says, "<play slow, I think>"
Raul says, "Um."
Penny walks forwards slowly and carefully
Raul asks, "Are these cilia?"
[interludes] Kori carefully fails to appear remotely surprised
GM says, "it appears the path is curving -- I guess it's following the outer wall, but it seems to be spiralling in"
Raul says, "Because if so, ew ew ew."
[interludes] Gaston says, "I'm the answer to your prayers. Or rather, this young lady here is."
Penny says (to Raul), "ew, thank you for making me think about that"
[interludes] Kori smiles coyly.
[interludes] Wilfred puts on the sunglasses, and runs over the known-and-recorded details of what has been done with regards to the missing models.
[interludes] Gaston says, "Allow me to present... Symphony Miller."
Penny says, "hmm, at least franklin knows where we are"
[interludes] Kori walks forward (wiggle, wiggle), and extends one hand for Mr. Parks to shake
[interludes] GM says, ""Thanks," he says, "but I don't need another model. I already got Angelcakes right here.""
Penny creeps forward slowly.
Raul says, "And your special monk friend."
Raul stays close to Penny.
Penny pointedly ignores that remark.
[interludes] Gaston asks, "You don't need another model, eh?"
[interludes] Kori raises one eyebrow and looks over Angelcakes in an extremely dismissive manner
[interludes] (from Kori) A small smirk plays over Kori's mouth.
[interludes] GM says, "They'd have to add some clothes to put her on the cover of a romance novel, yeah"
Raul asks, "What would a bookshelf's digestive system run on? Pulp water?"
[interludes] Gaston asks, "Angelcakes is fine for the cheap stuff, but what happened to your A-list girls?"
[interludes] Wilfred leans on the secretary's desk.
GM says, "You make a slow and careful circuit of the outside -- when you've almost spiralled all the way in, it opens up into the center. Over the archway leading in is a plaque: "THE INNER LIBRARY""
[interludes] Gaston says, "I've just spoken to Barstow over at Red Rose, and they're not happy about the way your girls keep going missing."
Raul says, "Good god, our library really does have everything."
Penny says, "oh dear lord"
[interludes] Wilfred drops the name of one of the missing girls ... the latest one, as far as he can tell.  "Does the name sound familiar?"
[interludes] GM says, "Gordon shoves the other model. "You get out of here, girl -- I guess this is business.""
[interludes] Gaston says, "And I happen to know they're not working for anyone else."
Raul asks, "Given what we've found in the main library, what do you figure is hidden here?"
[interludes] GM says, "She stumbles/sashays out of the room"
Raul continues forward, though slowly.
Penny asks, "maybe this is where Vona lives?"
[interludes] GM says, "Gordon says "Listen, if you're about that stuff, have a seat.""
[interludes] Kori watches the girl go, smirk firmly in place.
[interludes] GM says, "He gestures expansively with his cigar and sprays ash onto the carpet."
[interludes] Gaston lounges in a seat.
Penny carefully steps forwards into the inner library.
[interludes] Gaston asks (of Parks), "So what's the story?"
[interludes] Kori slides into a seat, managing to look imperious yet vaguely tartlike.
[interludes] Kori . o O ( Bronwynn comes in handy yet again. )
GM says, "The entrance is a small, circular room"
GM says, "bookshelves line the walls and there are openings into other rooms"
[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "Maybe we've found the POE ROOM"
Penny inspects the books
GM says, "It's light here, although nothing seemed to spill out onto the other side of the archway"
[interludes] Gaston says, "Ms Miller here is an A-list girl who Red Rose would pay a fortune for, and just maybe we can make a deal here."
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "heehee"
Raul checks the books on the bookshelf, to see what they are and if they're real.
[interludes] GM says, ""The story is I ain't got no girls anymore, is what!""
[interludes] Gaston asks, "What did you do to scare them away?"
[interludes] GM says, "He pounds the table. "I was a sucker to take that deal and I don't like getting suckered!""
[interludes] Gaston asks, "What deal?"
[interludes] Kori asks, "(in a slow sultry drawl) what deal might that have been?"
[interludes] Kori glances over at Gaston and shrugs.
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "<Golly.>"
GM says, ""The war against the Excrucians, tactical notes, vol 1,939""
Penny says, "oh, my"
GM says, ""Suspected traitors""
Penny asks (of Raul), "are you getting the feeling we Should Not Be In Here?"
[interludes] Kori says, "<I got tired of Giggling Bimbette and have moved on to Femme Fatale>"
GM says, ""The uses of the heart""
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<go you.>"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<I think that's the correct approach here.>"
Raul says, "This is starting to frighten me -- hang on."
Penny says, "this is like the secret repository of all those books we needed"
[interludes] GM says, ""This guy came in here, wanted an appointment -- I said sure, fine, I'll talk to anyone who looks money like he does""
Raul tries to leaf through "The Uses of the Heart"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<'Flash' Gordon won't acknowledge any woman who doesn't terrify him.>"
Penny says, "and now I am having horrible suspicions"
Raul asks (of GM), "Do any of these books look like theyv'e been disturbed recently?"
Penny leafs through 'suspected traitors'
[interludes] Kori says, "<I'm thinking maybe we could pitch it to him that I'm willing and able to do a little... detective work, under the cover of being his employee>"
[interludes] GM says, ""He wanted some kind of long-term deal with the girls. Said he had a big modelling project that'd take some time.""
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "<Hey, good idea.>"
[interludes] Kori says, "<Undercover, as it were.>"
[interludes] GM says, ""I said sure, fine, whatever you want, just so long as I get my ten percent.""
[interludes] Kori says, "<er, except I already said that."
[interludes] GM says, ""He said, "I'll give you fifteen but I talk to the girls myself""
GM says (to Raul), "nothing in here looks dusty at all"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<I'm not sure why, but this feels like Jack's work.>"
[interludes] Kori asks, "And then you didn't hear from them again?"
[interludes] Kori says, "<I could imagine him coming in here looking all money, yes>"
GM says (to Raul), "but at the same time it's not exactly clear what's been touched recently -- definitely not extremely recently, though"
Michel arrives, looking for booty.
Penny says, "hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Alex would do it better.>"
[interludes] Kori says, "<well, sure>"
Penny says, "I am feeling a definite need to get out of here before whoever collected these comes back"
[nobilis] Michel asks, "'pologies for lateness. what's up?"
Penny says, "especially if it's who it would obviously seem to be"
Raul asks, "Really?"
Raul says, "I'm thinking of staying here with a baseball bat"
[nobilis] Gaston says, "Kori, Wilfred and I are investigating the case of the vanishing models."
Raul says, "Besides, we haven't looked further up and further in."
GM says (to Penny), ""Marquis of Temptation .. reportedly responded favorably to offer 709Z .. take into account the natural talents .. Kirkan-Mell .. discussed purple amethyst pendants with subject B1185 ..""
Penny says, "mmmmm"
Penny says, "you're right"
Michel wanders into the chancel, humming a traditional San Bushman song
Penny says, "I'm just very very wary"
[interludes] GM says, ""So I got the cash down -- what do I look like, a sucker?""
[interludes] Kori says (to Parks), "(still drawling) Not at all."
Raul says, "We could use some backup."
Raul says, "<Anyone awake back in the chancel?>"
[interludes] Gaston says, "."
[interludes] GM says, ""Then I brought some girls' files in, we worked out who he was going to talk to, then he paid me. Which is great, but I haven't heard from the girls since.""
Penny draws another gun, and steps forward lara-croft style
[interludes] Gaston asks, "How do you mean, 'talk to'?"
[interludes] Gaston asks, "He came here and spoke to them? Or what?"
Michel says (to Raul), "<Yeah>"
[interludes] Kori says (to Gaston), "<possibly like how you "talk to" various women we meet on our adventures>"
[interludes] GM says, ""Just what I said. He said he wanted to make his own deals, fine, but I made sure I got my 15% of our usual rates.""
Penny asks (of Raul), "wait, can anyone else *get* here?"
[interludes] Kori asks, "And he didn't tell you anything about the work?"
Penny says, "even with the map"
Raul says (to Michel), "<We're...uh, we're somewhere we may not should be. Want to join in the fun?>"
Michel says, "<Sounds perfect>"
Raul says (to Penny), "We'll find out. I've left a path in."
Michel fills his coat with a small arsenal
Penny says, "<Good luck getting here>"
Raul says (to Michel), "<Can you follow my mental directions? I'm going to have to help you here.>"
Michel says, "<I'll do my best, but, mmm, where the hell might you be?>"
GM says (to Penny), "there are two openings out of the room, each darkened slightly, but you can make out similarly circular rooms through each exit"
Penny takes the one on the left.
Raul says (to Michel), "<We're in a part of the chancel that, in a strange fashion, doesn't change at all.>"
[interludes] GM says, ""He said it wanted it mum. Fine, I know how to be discreet -- sometimes folks want, companions, it's not my problem. I don't know what he was going to do with a dozen but it's not my problem.""
Raul says (to Michel), "<And comes with books like 'Suspected Traitors' and 'Notes from the Excrucian War'>"
[interludes] Kori smiles, slowly.
Raul follows Penny along, trying to concentrate on two things at once.
Penny says, "<and 'Uses of the heart'>"
Michel says (to Raul), "<well, if you could give us some directions I'll be right there'>"
Michel hops on his motorbike for added swiftness
[interludes] Kori says, "I can think of a lot of things someone might do with a dozen, but unfortunately only some of them end up with the girls still in a state to do any further work."
GM says, "The left room is set up like a -- hrm, cross between a trophy room and a museum"
Raul gives Michel directions, tracking his progress.
[interludes] Gaston says, "<I am shocked and stunned that Barstow would work with such a firm.>"
Raul says (to Michel), "<No, no, your *other* left!>"
Penny looks around the room
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Well, very slightly stunned.>"
[interludes] Kori says (to Gaston), "<sure you are>"
GM says, "There are the few heads of some creatures -- some totally alien, some animal, and three human, mounted on the wall"
Michel says (to Raul), "<with four arms this left-right business gets problematic>"
Penny sees if she recognises any of those heads.
Raul checks the heads.
GM says, "There are glass cases on racks, in which are things like wands, jewels, paperclips, and sheets of paper"
[interludes] Kori says, "It seems to me, Mr. Parks, that you have a problem.  You need your staff back before your agency goes up in smoke, but I'm guessing that going through the police doesn't exactly appeal."
Penny checks to see if she recognises *anything*
[interludes] Kori inspects her fingernails.
GM says, "one of the heads blinks very, very slowly"
[interludes] Kori says, "You also might need someone to fill in for your girls in the meantime."
[interludes] Kori says, "Someone who knows how to take care of herself."
Penny jumps back
[interludes] GM says, "He pounds the table again. "That's exactly my problem! But where do I find a girl like that?""
[interludes] Gaston smirks.
Raul exclaims, "Gah!"
[interludes] Gaston asks, "Didn't I say I was the answer to your prayers?"
Raul keeps himself from frying the head. Barely.
[interludes] Kori looks at Mr. Parks in an extremely dangerous manner.
Penny asks (of head), "um, hello?"
[interludes] Gaston says, "Well, not me specifically, of course."
Michel takes some corners with screams of smoke and rubber
[interludes] GM says, ""Ah -- I see. a proposition, eh? And he's your agent?""
[interludes] Kori says, "I'd be willing to help you out.  As a favor to my old, old friend Gaston, who is tired of working with cut-rate models and wants his favorites back."
[interludes] Gaston says, "Just so."
[interludes] Gaston says, "<*old* old?>"
GM says (to Penny), "the head doesn't seem to notice you, but you can hear a very faint noise from its slightly-parted lips"
Penny says (to Raul), "<man, I'd be chain-smoking right now if I had some cigarettes with me"
Raul says (to Michel), "<Come quick! You're missing the mounted human trophy head that just blinked at us.>"
[interludes] Kori says, "<positively antique.  Practically Franklinite.>"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Ouch.>"
Penny listens to the noise.
Raul says (to Penny), "<Michel has some, I'm sure.>"
[interludes] Kori says (to Parks), "I think I understand all the nuances of this particular job reasonably well."
[interludes] Kori uncrosses her legs and recrosses them the other way.
Penny says (to Michel), "<GET HERE NOW>"
GM says, ""S..o..r..r..y....V..o..n..a....S..o....s....o....r....r....y""
[interludes] Gaston says, "Like I said, Barstow is all ready to hire Ms Miller."
Penny says, "oh, fuck"
[interludes] Kori says, "In fact, I flatter myself that Barstow rather liked me, though it's hard to tell on such a short acquaintanceship."
[interludes] Gaston says, "But clearly she needs an agent."
Penny backs away fast
Michel says (to Penny), "<yes, your ladyship>"
Raul says, "motherfucker"
Penny says, "looks like my suspicions might be on the nail"
GM says, "Michel comes in from the other room, having passed through the gap in the bookshelves (where, incidentally, he notices small spikes of wood sprouting from the edges of the game), through the opening room with the bookshelves and into this room"
Penny says, "I say we get out of here."
Raul checks the other heads for noises, memorizing what they look like.
Michel dismounts, casually tosses a 20-pack of Galloises to Penny
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<How are you doing?>"
Penny says, "and then I go to smoke all of these at once and have a moral and nervous breakdown"
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<um.  looming ominously.>"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<Parks seems to have made an interesting deal recently. Are there any written details of it?>"
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<and who's this, uh, lady who just stormed out of the office you entered?>"
GM says, "The other heads don't seem to be talking, although their eyes don't look like the usual taxidermist's glass eyes"
Penny goes to look in the other room, quickly.
[interludes] Kori twists her hair with one finger.  "It would help, of course, if you could give me a description of this gentleman you made the deal with."
[nobilis] Raul asks (of GM), "how much aspect to read those books in the other rooms real quick and memorize them?"
Michel says, "Therese can now hit a bullseye at thirty metres. I am highly content... hmm, you all seem a little tense"
[interludes] Wilfred access files again.
[interludes] Wilfred is the Universal Hacker.
Penny says (to michel), "um, somewhat"
Raul says (to Michel), "Perhaps the hidden room in our chancel with heads saying SORRY VONA is putting us on edge."
Michel nods sagely
Penny says, "er, I am currently wondering"
Penny says, "we're not, er"
Michel asks, "so, ah, something fucked up?"
[nobilis] GM says, "The print is somewhat small, and it's written in imperator script which is fairly compact -- you'll do ok at your current aspect if you spend some time, but you aren't going to get all the details"
Penny asks, "the *first* nobles she made?"
[nobilis] Raul asks, "Can I bump up one to get most of the details?"
[nobilis] GM says, "I don't know if there's a way to get everything memorized, although if you -- sure"
[nobilis] Penny says, "I am checking the other room you mentioned, by the way"
Raul says, "damn damn damn. Check the other rooms. I'm going to find out what's in all of those books."
[nobilis] Raul exclaims, "frmph!"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<Actually, that's a good question.>"
Raul takes the books from the shelf and starts going through them at breakneck speed.
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<She's apparently called 'Angelcakes'.>"
GM says, "Penny (and Michel?) head into the other room, which is set up like a small study"
Michel blinks, and wanders off after Penny
Penny checks out the desk
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<that can't possibly be her real name.>"
GM says, "On the desk in there is a note"
Penny reads the note, not touching it
Michel blows smoke rings
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<It does seem unlikely.>"
GM says, "and it's got a single drawer, and two paintings on the wall"
Michel examines the paintings with a critical eye
[interludes] Kori says, "<it's Miss Angelcakes to you>"
GM says, ""No, but if you don't make a mistake, Penny, it won't happen to you""
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<oh wait, I think a friend of my father's had a daughter named Apple Crisp.>"
Michel glances at the note
Penny says, "gah"
GM says (to Michel), "they are so abstract as to be almost meaningless"
GM says (to Michel), "but not quite. definitely not quite."
Penny says (to Raul), ""<um, come here and read this note>"
[interludes] Gaston says, "The GM seems to be being distracted by the non-#interludes plot, but then so am I, so that's okay."
Raul finishes off the book in his hand and joins Penny in the other room.
Penny says, "<NOW>"
[nobilis] Michel asks, "would it be a flagrant abuse of domain to blank out the empty meanings from these paintings, thus leaving only the useful stuff?"
Raul says, "Okay, okay."
Raul runs in and takes a look at the note.
[interludes] GM says, "(sorry, yeah, I'll get back to you guys in a few minutes)"
GM says, "As Raul comes in, the drawer slides open on its own, revealing three little envelopes"
Michel squints at the paintings
[nobilis] GM says (to Michel), "feel free"
Gaston says, "<I sense an, um, disturbance in the force.>"
Gaston says, "<Is everything okay?>"
Raul says, "<Not now not now holy fuck.>"
Penny asks, "can we leave here now?  please?"
Raul says, "You know, she told Franklin and me to work on this map."
Penny says, "and me"
Raul thoughtfully checks the envelopes for his name on one.
[nobilis] Michel asks, "hmm. lesser destruction?"
Raul says, "Clearly she knew what would be coming."
[nobilis] GM says, "yeah"
GM says (to Raul), "they are indeed labelled with your names"
Raul takes his envelope and opens it.
[nobilis] Michel does
[nobilis] Gaston says, "Yikes."
[nobilis] Gaston says, "(In general.)"
[nobilis] Penny asks, "me, Raul and Michel?  or Franklin instead of Michel?"
(From Wilfred) GM says, "And then you all die."
[nobilis] Penny says, "(names)"
[nobilis] Gaston exclaims, "Creepiest session ever!"
GM says, ""I told you to work on the map a while ago -- it's about time""
[nobilis] GM says, "Michel, yes"
Penny opens her note.
Raul laughs and laughs, without a hint of fear or madness.
GM says, "(there are sheets of paper in the envelope with this written on them, I should clarify)"
Michel works on the paintings before taking his nore
[nobilis] Michel says, "er, note"
GM says (to Penny), ""Imperators are very, very old; please try to remember that""
GM asks (of Michel), "as you focus on the paintings, they seem to twist dizzily under your vision -- you remove the meaningless bits, revealing -- more meaningless bits? but different ones?"
Michel concentrates
Penny sits down very suddenly on the floor, and starts smoking
GM says, "there is the faint sense of something bending, and for a minute you see light, a crystal sphere, and then darkness, and then the painting goes back to the way it was before"
[nobilis] Penny says (to GM), "you are actually creeping me out here, by the way"
Michel whips his note from the drawer, opens it
[Crows-Nest] Raul | Michel, you smoke too much.
[nobilis] Gaston says, "At this point I'm wondering if there's a list of all the times we were brusque or snarky with Vona."
Michel says, "It looks as if we have spheres again."
[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "bwahaha"
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "Hee hee."
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "ha"
GM says (to Michel), "your note reads "By the way, I have instructed the inner library to disgorge you five minutes from now""
[Crows-Nest] Penny asks, "'disgorge'?"
Raul reads Michel's note over his shoulder, then runs back to the entrance to finish off the books.
[Crows-Nest] Raul exclaims, "Cilia! I told you!"
Penny joins Raul and helps with the reading.
Michel shrugs. "Was this meant to be some deadly inditement on my character?"
GM says, "Raul and Penny read frantically"
[Crows-Nest] Kori says (to Michel), "she pretty much assigned me to do that job"
Michel heads towards the books, for lack of anything better to do
GM says, "as the minutes tick by, the floor begins to twitch ever-so-slightly"
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "there being too much material to fit in a note"
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "Heh."
Raul is keeping count of the time in his head, the better to flee just before the five minute mark.
[Crows-Nest] Michel says (to Kori), "and you are a splendid example of why delegation doesn't work"
GM says, "four minutes, thirty seconds -- a breeze begins to blow into the room from the outer tunnel"
Penny starts hovering so as not to be knocked off-balance by the twitching floor
Penny says, "okay, time to leave"
Michel mounts his bike while reading, for a quick getaway if needs be
GM says, "four minutes, forty-five seconds -- the breeze pauses"
Raul finishes the books and sprints for the exit.
Penny says, "OUT"
Michel revs for the exit
GM says, "And you run out with the tunnel roaring at your back"
[Crows-Nest] (from Penny) GM says, "the words 'HA ha' hang in mid air before you for a second.'
GM says, "the spines covering the entrance seem to direct you outwards, in exactly the opposite way of the hairs on a pitcher plant do"
GM says, "and you stand outside, before the entrance, which closes itself up neatly"
GM says, "leaving only a small sign visible where the entrance used to be"
Michel says, "Next time we are told library research is boring, we can point to this example"
Penny says, "okay, that was unpleasantly like having the inside of my brain scrubbed with a wire brush."
[nobilis] GM says (to Michel), "ha"
Raul says nothing, but lights up a cigar.
Penny reads the sign.
GM says, "The sign, naturally, reads "But don't come back.""
Michel extracts a bottle of wine from his coat
Penny grabs the wine from Michel and swigs down about half of it.
Michel says, "Some nerves need calming, I feel."
Raul strolls back towards the main part of the chancel, smoke trailing behind him.
Michel says, "Also, it would only be polite to let that at least come in contact with your tongue as it goes down, it being a vintage and everything."
Penny follows Raul back to the main part, on the theory he'll know the way
[interludes] GM says, "Meanwhile, back in the interlude"
Penny says (to Michel), "vintage schmintage.  I need ethanol in my bloodstream."
[interludes] Gaston says, "(cheesy Star Wars-style wipe cut)"
[interludes] Wilfred says, "...so, Angelcakes, you were saying about this friend of yours......."
Michel says (to Penny), "in which case, I have some rather good absinthe somewhere around here..."
Michel searches his pockets
[interludes] Kori is still waiting for Mr. Parks to tell her anything he might remember about the guy who hired the other models
Raul says, "You know, fuck the stereotypes. I've got a bottle of tequila that needs finishing off. Right now."
Penny says, "perhaps once we get *back* to the main part of the chancel"
Michel uses a spare arm to extract the wine from Penny's grip
Penny says, "and then I will drink anything vcaguely alcholic"
[interludes] GM says, "She tosses her head. "Mister Gordon didn't want *me* talking to him -- I guess he wanted to keep me for himself, tee hee""
Michel says, "you know, we need more crises like this. it makes you people almost tolerable"
Penny collapses on a couch back at the main area of the chancel.
[interludes] Wilfred asks, "When was the last time you saw Miss Tanning?"
Michel discovers his absinthe, tosses it in Penny's general direction
[Crows-Nest] Gaston asks, "Anyone remember Ms Tanning's first name, by the way?"
[interludes] GM says, ""Rich fellow, nicely dressed -- mid thirties," says the guy. "I think I have his business card around here. Oh, and there was something else about him, let me see. Oh, yes -- he kept one hand in his coat-sleeve the whole time.""
Raul recovers his bottle of tequila and begins drinking from the bottle.
Raul also remembers to remove his cigar from his mouth just in time.
[interludes] Gaston says, "Odd."
% Resuming TinyFugue.
[interludes] Kori says, "Very interesting."
Michel watches in vast amusement at the sight of people drinking and smoking more than him
[interludes] Kori waits for Mr. Parks to dig up the card.
Penny finds something that might have been a cup before wilfred used it for holding pens, and fills it with the absinthe.
Raul says, "I need some time to think through everything I was reading."
[nobilis] Raul asks (of GM), "Anything leap to mind of what I was reading?"
Penny says (to Michel), "high aspect makes it annoyingly hard to get drunk, butI'm willing to try"
Michel says (to Penny), "if absolutely necessary I shall skin up"
Penny says, "actually, *low* apsect is enough to make it difficult"
[interludes] GM says, ""Harriet? Oh, I saw her right after she talked to the guy -- she was whistling and humming and looking all pleased with herself""
Raul says, "I've given up getting drunk, but I do seem to get a psychosomatic buzz off the stuff. Habit, I think."
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "woo, now I can blame my typos on the alcohol"
[interludes] GM says, "Gordon pulls the card, now somewhat ratty-looking, out of his desk. "RH Arrangers, Inc""
[interludes] Gaston says, "<R for Rafe?>"
[interludes] Kori takes the card delicately.
[interludes] GM says, "It has a phone and an office number"
[interludes] Wilfred asks, "You well acquainted with any of the girls who didn't come back?"
Penny weakly asks a monk to get some more alcohol from somewhere.
[interludes] Kori says, "Thank you.  This will make a good start."
Michel quietly produces a trio of joints, and passes them out
[interludes] Wilfred exclaims, "<Holy ... of course!  We cut off his hand at Locus Four Winds!"
[nobilis] GM asks (of Raul), "well, there's a lot of stuff to think over. was there anything in particular you wanted to remember about, or just randomly?"
[interludes] Kori says (to Parks), "I've already got the job with Barstow, I think, but if there's anything else you find for me, let me know at this number.  (writing something down for him on a slip of paper)"
Penny's normal prudish behaviour kicks in and she sticks to cigarettes.
Michel asks, "Now, can somebody please fill me in on why this was all so stressful?"
[interludes] Kori says, "And if you see that gentleman again and he seems to want anyone else..."
[nobilis] Raul says, "Traitors, first off."
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<My goodness. I thought he merely lost a foot.>"
[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), ""Well, some of the other models think they're so high-and-mighty and don't want to talk""
Raul says (to Michel), "It was a bit surprising finding our Imperator's home, to start with"
% Resuming TinyFugue.
Penny says (to michel), "well, I guess Vona really wasn't kidding when she said we were a distraction for the execrucians"
[interludes] Wilfred asks (of Angelcakes), "Meaning Harriet?"
Michel asks, "Does 'imperator's home' entail 'chancel heart' here?"
[nobilis] GM says, ""Naw, Harriet was fine -- but Wendy, sheesh. Thought she was the queen or something.""
[interludes] GM says, ""Naw, Harriet was fine -- but Wendy, sheesh. Thought she was the queen or something.""
Penny says, "I handed exactly thought she'd been making it easier for them to pick on us, though"
[nobilis] GM says, "(er, channel)"
Penny says (to Michel), "no"
Michel says (to Penny), "ah"
Penny says, "er, hadn't"
Raul says, "The heads of what I expect Penny pegged correctly as Vona's former nobles got my blood pumping."
[nobilis] Raul says, "For a moment there I thought the traitor log was just gossipy"
Penny says, "yes indeedy"
[interludes] Wilfred has been reaching his mind out to search the office records for details on the contract.
Michel asks, "Is this a horns-of-the-bull exercise, then?"
[nobilis] Gaston says, "Hee hee."
[interludes] Kori relays to Wilfred the details from the business card
Penny asks (of michel), "in what way?"
[interludes] GM says (to Kori), ""I'll let you know," Gordon says. "And if you find out anything about where they've gotten to, you give me a call. If they've tried to switch agencies on me, I'll have 'em busted!""
[interludes] Kori says, "Of course."
[interludes] Kori smiles slowly at Parks.  "I think I'm going to enjoy this."
Michel says, "tactic used by Shaka Zulu. present a weak force at the centre, draw in the enemy, encircle them"
[interludes] Gaston asks (of Banks), "You'll let me know if you hear from Ms Shaw again, I trust?"
[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "the contract is between "RH Arrangers, Inc" and "the Tangerine Talent Agency" for "services rendered" and "personell requisitioned""
Michel asks, "Or are we more of a snack to stop the excrucians attacking important things?"
[interludes] Gaston says, "Red Rose will renew her contract in a second, so it will definitely be worth your time."
Raul has disconnected.
Raul has connected.
Penny says, "either that or they want us just to distract while they work on more important things"
[interludes] GM says, ""Absolutely.""
[interludes] GM says, ""I'm so glad we see eye to eye on this.""
Raul says, "I'm calmer now that I've had time to think."
Raul says, "Clearly Vona knew what would happen, and in fact planned for it."
Penny says (to Raul), "that much would seem patently obvious"
[nobilis] GM says (to Raul), "The thrust of one of the more recent (unfinished) collections of notes on traitors is "there is corruption in the highest circles -- people we had previously thought immune are not""
[interludes] Wilfred asks (of GM), "no list of girls?"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<I'm wondering if this guy is hiding something at this point.>"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Since we've been fooled that way several times in the past.>"
Raul says, "since she encouraged us to make the map"
Michel says, "I'm calmer now that I have three spliffs that nobody else wants to consume"
Raul says, "and left me a nice note about it."
Gaston <But I suppose we've done enough for now.>
[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "yes, there is a list -- it matches the missing girls from the Red Rose, plus about a half-dozen more"
[interludes] Kori says (to Gaston), "<I suppose if you're really curious we could try to distract him and ransack his office and/or home>"
Raul says (to Michel), "Hand one over, mister."
Gaston says, "<Er, channel>"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "<Maybe later.>"
[interludes] Kori says, "<but I think the business card should give us something to go on>"
Penny says, "I am more alarmed at her warning to me in my note"
[interludes] Wilfred asks (of Angelcakes), "What about the others?  Any of them turn up again after talking to this guy?"
[nobilis] GM says (to Raul), "Further notes: "Clearly a substitution has taken place, but so well-hid that the perpetrator is not evident. The person must be made to reveal themselves.""
Raul asks (of Penny), "It seems part and parcel with her--humor?"
Michel does
Penny says (to Raul), "mm"
Penny says, "in any event, that was unpleasant"
[interludes] Wilfred says, "<I could perhaps see if we could trace the printer who produced this ... more Franklin's line, but I could do it with some digging.>"
[nobilis] GM says, "Further: "Techniques have clearly been developed for draining power -- does this relate? And what, exactly, is the need for all this power? [ref Thread 80A1]""
Raul drags on the joint. "I'd be interested to know what lead to the head-mounting bit."
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "also afk - pretend I've just sunk into deep thought"
[interludes] GM says, ""I haven't seen nobody -- I bet they're all off getting paid hundreds and here I am trapped in this grungy old office with nobody who wants to take up my contract""
Raul says, "Judging from the number of us there are, surely Vona's had more than three nobles."
Penny says, "non-human nobles, too"
[interludes] Gaston says, "<Perhaps we should introduce this poor girl to Barstow.>"
Michel says, "I am still concerned about this sphere I observed"
Raul nods.
Penny says, "and perhaps not all of them had heads left to mount after..."
[interludes] Wilfred asks (of AngelCakes), "You haven't read today's Times, have you?"
Penny shuts up now.
Michel says, "I have a definite feeling it links to our little hemispheres once again"
Raul says, "Or you have to fuck up something mightily to get your head mounted."
[interludes] GM says, ""What, read?""
[nobilis] Raul says, "er, mighty"
[interludes] Wilfred says (to AngelCakes), "Have a gander at the Missing Persons section.  And count yourself lucky."
[interludes] Gaston says, "(I should think 'Hello' or 'Heat' is more her speed.)"
[interludes] GM says, "She gasps. "You are't suggesting ...!!""
Michel says (to Raul), "If I got my head mounted, there is no way on God's green earth that I would be going 'sorry, vona'"
[interludes] Wilfred says (to AngelCakes), "I'm not suggesting anything."
Michel says, "I would be more concerned with invective"
[interludes] Wilfred says (to AngelCakes), "Now"
Raul says (to Michel), "If your head were mounted, I'd be disappointed if you weren't smoking still."
[interludes] Wilfred says (to AngelCakes), "Tell me more about the girls who went off with this guy."
Michel says (to Raul), "I am just hoping my lips are dextrous enough to manage the job on their own"
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says (to Michel), "Yikes, that line could have come from #interludes."
Raul says, "If we're to be distractions, that may explain why Vona tells us little. To do more would be to attract attention to her efforts."
Michel says, "it could be just that she's an imperator and thus inscrutable"
Raul says, "That and she seems not to be the molly-coddling type."
Raul says, "What with the heads and disgorging ciliated library and all."
[interludes] GM says, ""Well -- they were all pretty, of course -- but not as pretty as me""
Michel says, "I really feel that we should work out once and for all what those goddamn hemispheres do"
[interludes] GM says, "Her brow furrows. "I think they were all romance novel models.""
[interludes] Wilfred asks, "Any of them say where they were going?"
[interludes] GM says, ""Or for other book covers.""
[interludes] Wilfred asks, "reeeally?"
[interludes] GM says, ""I only talked to Harriet, and she wouldn't tell me, the cat."
[interludes] Wilfred stretches mind out to the employee records.
Michel says, "light, a crytal sphere, and then darkness... hmm"
Michel goes for the hemispheres
[nobilis] Michel asks, "how many have we got, again?"
Raul smokes and drinks and smokes.
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred,Kori), "<You two are demonstrating a surprising facility at interrogating the opposite gender.>"
Michel drinks and smokes and drinks.
Gaston <I am impressed.>
[nobilis] GM says, "there is the crystal one that the sunday group found, a glass one that the sunday group found, and the obsidian one that you guys found"
[interludes] Kori says, "<uh... thanks>"
Gaston says, "Feh, channel again."
[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "yes indeed"
Penny wobbles off to go find John.
[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "it looks like the dozen of them do work for a half-dozen publishers, mostly small-press stuff but a few for some of the more major companies"
[nobilis] Raul says, "How much longer? I may have to go now or very soon from now."
Michel says, "Okay. So, when the lights are on, the hemispheres fit together, yes? but when the lights go off it is no longer possible"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "and/or Marcus, at this point"
[interludes] Wilfred says (to Gaston), "<My tactics have nothing to do with gender.>"
[interludes] GM says, "And furthermore, these dozen seem to work primarily doing book covers, unlike the others"
Michel asks, "What happens if we connect them and then turn out the lights when they are still connected?"
[interludes] Wilfred asks (of GM), "any list of titles?"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<That's what *you* think.>"
Michel says, "I may be reaching somewhat here, of course"
Penny wanders back in, too disoriented to actually really go far.
Raul says, "You know who we need? Stella."
[interludes] Wilfred says (to Gaston), "<should I be flattered?>"
Raul says, "This is her domain."
Michel says (to Raul), "an excellent idea"
[nobilis] GM says (to Michel), "you recall last time the black and crystal one would only go together with difficulty"
[nobilis] GM says, "um, I'm up for another half-hour or so if people want, but it also seems like this might be a decent place to pause"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<Just making an observation.>"
[nobilis] Penny says, "I'd be happy to stop here for now"
[nobilis] Gaston says, "Yeah, seems like we're nearly done too."
[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "it ranges from "Passion's Paradise" to "Max Blaster versus the Xavian Menace""
[nobilis] Michel says, "I'm good with that"
[nobilis] Raul says, "works for me"
[nobilis] Gaston says, "If Wilfred can escape from Angelcakes."
[interludes] Wilfred memorises the list ... perhaps one of the more literary nobles might be able to make a connection.
[nobilis] GM says, "if you guys want to roust up Stella, you can do it either next week or tomorrow if you show up for their session"
[nobilis] maga asks, "Angelcakes?"
[nobilis] Raul says, "I'm up for trying tomorrow."
[nobilis] Gaston says (to maga), "Wait for the transcript."
[nobilis] Penny says (to maga), "#interludes, I think"
[nobilis] Penny says, "I *hope*"
[interludes] Wilfred says (to AngelCakes), "Well, you've been a great help.  Good day."
[interludes] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<Angelcakes appears to be making sheep's eyes at you, in case you hadn't noticed. So -- aha, good.>"
[nobilis] Raul says, "Okay, I'm going to run."
[interludes] GM says, ""Tee hee," she says, "Anytime, mister.""
[interludes] Gaston says, "<We can head up to the British Library and see what our chancel-mates have been getting so excited about.>"
[interludes] Kori says, "<to be fair, I think Angelcakes makes sheep"
GM says, "Ok, same time next week -- good game, folks"
[nobilis] Raul says, "Assume I'm still on the couch giggling for now"
[interludes] Kori says, "er, sheep's eyes as a matter of course>"
Raul has disconnected.
[interludes] Wilfred says (to Gaston), "<Good heavens, man.  She's not doing anything of the sort.>"
[interludes] Gaston says (to Kori), "<Point.>"