(Some discussion is taken on a short plot and people's notions for 
advancing their characters.)

The GM says, "Allrighty then.  It's a new day in Civis, a few days after 
your recent trip.  The sun, as Jack has decreed, is shining, and the lot 
of you are in the oldest dojo in the Domain, rather than the angelic 
training centers in the Angels' Quarter.  Thais is studying under the 
owner of the place, Neil and Ekur are sparring in another corner."

Neil stands on the ceiling fencing -- and losing, but slower than when he 
started -- with Ekur on the floor.

William [to Thais]: To add some depth to the characters, Master Fong 
certainly knows Xiao Li and had known Jane for years as well.  You know 
she's been headhunting him to come to her new Domain.

fadethecat [to William]: Ack, lag, half a sec.

William [to Ekur]: You're Neil's teacher presently, the course of study 
is at your pleasure.  :^)

Neil is training for Short Sword-15 and Retain Weapon (Pistol)... gosh, 
14, wasn't it?

The GM says, "15 each (Earth-level skills).  Need 4 points in Shortsword, 
1 in Retain Weapon."

Jesdyn [to William]: No, I've already spent 3 on Shortword.

The GM says, "Ah, that explains this weird little 3* notation.  Right."

Ekur apologizes, was called away for a moment.

William [to Jesdyn]: So you need 1 more in each.

fadethecat [to William]: Right, lag dealt with.

William [to Ekur]: Since Jesdyn needs his fourth point in Shortsword, 
exactly what you've got, the training he needs is in the most advanced 
techniques you know.

Ekur notes his Earth-level shortword skill, before talisman, is 13.  Can 
he /teach/ somebody with higher skill?  Oh, okay.

William <ooc> Yeah, the student can surpass the master in native talent, 
just not in points invested.

William <ooc> Anyway, here in the Marches your skill will be the same.

Neil narrows his eyes, and focuses on disarms.

Ekur advances on Neil, sword at the ready, and makes a complicated wave 
of the blade.

Master Fong takes up a karate position across from Thais, presently armed 
with a shinai.  "Your enemy, if he is wise, will remain still until he 
strikes," he says.  "But nevertheless, muscles must physically tense, if 
he is to employ the image of physical reflexes, before he moves.  You can 
watch for this..."

[ snip msg'ing ]

Neil goes all out against Ekur -- feint with the baton to trap the blade, 
and then an off-hand kidney jab pulled to bruise.

Thais nods shortly, watching Master Fong's movements. For once her sword 
isn't at her side, but leaning against the wall off by the side of the 
room.

Master Fong says, "If he is *not* wise, he will be betraying his line of 
attack in the fidgeting that he makes seeking openings.  Watch and 
project.  Send your sword not where he is --" he steps forward, pulling 
your shinai where he was standing-- "but where he cannot help going," and 
he switches it to where he demonstrates running up against it.

Thais's hands twitch at her side for a moment as she runs through the 
appropriate response mentally, before she considers the other side of 
that equation, where she might give off the same clues.

Ekur steps backwards from the punch, making contact even ligher than 
expected.  The sword blade then twists, wrenching on the tonfa in an 
attempted disarm, which Neil manages to resist.  Space is opened between 
them, and both resume ready position.

Neil drops to the floor and springs at Ekur from a crouch.

Master Fong says, "Use all your senses; sight is important, but in some 
Domains or in some forms, you may lack some senses or have senses with 
which you are unfamiliar.  Listening is can be valuable, especially in a 
natural Domain with a great deal of ground litter to rustle."  He gives a 
wry smile.  "You wouldn't think it to look at her, but Jane always did 
very well at this.  Not much of a fighter, but she could really read 
people."

"I can believe it," Thais says. "She seemed the sort of person who'd be 
competent at her own defense." She takes a half step back, considering 
Master Fong's posture. "I don't think I'd want to be caught trying to 
read an opponent in the dark if there were more than one, though."

Ekur ducks, tucks down his head, and slashes (with the flat of the blade) 
at neil's legs.

William [to Ekur]: While it may be a bit of a distracting second priority 
here, Master Fong's decision to stay in Civis or go join Jane will have 
multiple repercussions in both Domains.  Sucks if the new Domain Master 
is refused, and she does need military strength, but sucking Civis' 
community-core talent away isn't good for Civis either... one of those 
balancing acts that have to occur between allies.  And you're the angel 
in position to decide whether any pressure needs applied.

Neil dodges the blow with Lucid Dream--- no, he didn't. "Ow. Still not 
fast enough."

Neil levers himself off the floor and starts circling Ekur.

William <ooc> Few if any actual Mind Hits will occur here, since after 
all you aren't *intending* to harm each other.

Neil says, "Right."

Neil says, "Hey, can Fast-Draw work at default?"

Master Fong says, "With multiple opponents, skill at reading body 
language and knowledge of small-unit tactics can feed off of one another.  
Calculate one opponent's intentions, and you may get an idea of the 
group's plans, and vice versa.  Of course, you have to be able to do this 
at a reflexive level, otherwise all the thinking involved means you've 
been stabbed before you come to a conclusion."

William [to Neil]: No default.  It's a Ready maneuver until you've 
practiced enough to have a point in the skill.

Thais frowns to herself. "The theory I have; actual experience in 
small-group tactics I perhaps lack. What would you suggest as a good way 
to actually work on turning theory into reflex?"

Neil says, "Rawr. Hmph. I suppose it'd be best of Neil wasn't /even 
quicker/ to hit people."

Neil dashes at Ekur, trying to move inside his effective range.

Master Fong says, "Practice.  A lot."  He eyes the other students and 
drops his voice.  "I think I can safely say that, many years ago, I spent 
some time on Earth learning of the ways of natural physics.  The shelter 
of a Vessel also helps you take a considerable amount of punishment 
without fearing mental scarring from a few overzealous blows."  He 
returns to normal volume.  "Not that I've done it recently, of course.  
Haven't left Ra- Civis for years."

skill 16 Neil_Perception

You rolled 9 and Neil_Perception - succeeded by 7.

Ekur says, "You're doing well.  Now, if I were back at the form I had two 
hundred years ago . . . but when you get ambushed by a pair of Barons on 
Nightmare's side of the Marches, coming back alive counts as a win."  
Ekur steps forward at the last moment, to collide with neil and shove him 
backwards.

skill 17 Thais_Perception

You rolled 10 and Thais_Perception - succeeded by 7.

skill 18 Ekur_Perception

You rolled 13 and Ekur_Perception - succeeded by 5.

The GM says, "Each of you hears a low humming reverberating through the 
room at the edge of hearing.  The Ethereals don't seem to have noticed 
yet."

Neil slaps into the wall. "Oww... my ears are ringing..."

Thais considers this silently, with a small smile. Earth practice could 
be...interesting.

Thais frowns, and glances about. "What's that?"

Neil says, "I said, my ears are ringing."

Master Fong says, "I'm glad you don't seem to-- eh?"  He quirks his head.  
"Ah... I hear it now.  I don't know.  What a funny sound."

Ekur says, "Hmm.  Some sort of hum."  Ekur heads for the door.  "Excuse 
me for a moment."

Neil shakes his head and centers himself. "Wait. That's not... that's not 
me."

Neil runs after Ekur.

The GM says, "The people out in the street are looking up at what Neil 
recognizes as a large blimp, its engines emitting their characteristic 
hum, and..."

skill 18 Ekur_IQ

You rolled 10 and Ekur_IQ - succeeded by 8.

The GM says, "Yes, Ekur places the notion of a dirigible.  (Flying dreams 
being fairly common, even with newer tech.)"

Neil says, "Ekur, we have any blimps scheduled to visit?"

Thais follows along with Neil and Ekur, grabbing up her sword on the way.


The GM says, "The blimp is many times the size of what has ever flown on 
Earth, nearly a half mile in length.  Depending from it is a very large 
gondola, the size and shape of a luxurious yacht.  If luxurious yachts 
had gun ports."

Neil sheathes his nightstick, takes a moment to adjust his halo and pop 
some wings, and sails on up to say "hi".

Ekur goes to CelTounges Matthias.  Gun ports are troublesome.

The GM says, "An Ofanite comes spinning up to Ekur and Thais.  Thais, you 
recognize a fellow fresh young Swordie from the border patrol.  'Vassal!  
Tsayadim at the border!'"

Ekur nods to the Ofanite.  "Lead me there."

Neil hears, and wavers in indecision -- then tears off after Ekur.

Thais follows the Ofanite. "Tsayadim in blimps? That's new."

Jesdyn [to fadethecat]: If I'm following it right, the Tsayadim are 
/chasing/ the blimp.

William [to Thais]: The Ofanite stays with you.  It says, "No no, they 
were following the blimp.  They're waiting outside the border for someone 
to talk to.  I don't know who's in the blimp."

Thais says, "That's a relief. I think. I'm not sure today's a good day to 
deal with airborne Tsayadim."

William [to Ekur]: The Ofanite says, "This way, sir."  It takes off for 
the border, at Ofanite-Resonance speed.

Neil CelTongues Jack -- "Giant blimp overhead. Pursuig Tsayadim outside 
border. Send guns, money; lawyers already enroute."

William <ooc> Allright, so Ekur is headed to the border and Neil is 
following Ekur?  And Thais is...?

fadethecat [to William]: I think we're all heading for the border.

Neil spies the Judgementmobile pulling an ice cream cart and takes a 
moment to apologize to the trainee Mercurian before smacking the quick 
release and abruptly ending somebody's Role Playing session.

The GM says, "'k"

Neil says, "We're back on the clock!"

The GM says, "The dirigible comes to rest over the Wilderness region, the 
southeastern third of Civis that's been left as the native desert.  It 
takes you a few minutes to get to the border, during which time a few 
curious ethereals gather 'round it, while angels are apparently awaiting 
orders."

Thais has by this time finished buckling on her swordbelt again en route, 
and looks about as official as she ever manages to look, striding forward 
behind Ekur with her ribbons sparkling in the light.

The GM says, "You pass an exodus of ethereals from the Southgate 
neighborhood toward the city center.  When you arrive at Southgate there 
is a cluster of border patrol angels there, some on the ground, several 
others having taken wing to be at the same altitude as ten or so angels 
of stern mien and significant presence, flying at the same altitude as 
the dirigible but just beyond the Domain border."

Neil munches on a prepackaged ice-cream cone -- don't look at him like 
that. He's authorized to help teach merchant roles about shrink and 
theft. He'll file a report later. 

Ekur decides to 'shape himself some wings and approach the Tsaydim.

Neil skids to a halt and jumps straight out of the car to Ekur's right.

The GM says, "Six are Malakim, three Cherubim.  There is one Seraph.  The 
apparently-lead Malakite is wearing honest-to-god full-plate relic armor.  
All have weapons bared."

William [to Ekur]: The lead Malakite watches you approach, nods and 
remains silent.

Thais frowns up into the sky, but then follows behind Ekur, a respectful 
distance back.

Neil . o O ( 'Ello, 'ello, wot's all this now? )

StevenE [to William]: General rule -- I presume Outcast angels (which 
tsaydim technically are) aren't allowed in Civis?

William [to StevenE]: Exactly.  In fact, he's being strict about it and 
waiting for you to speak first, rather than do anything so gauche as 
request assistance.

Ekur says, "Hello, gentlemen.  I am sorry, but Superior-less angels are 
not allowed into Civis, except under unusual circumstances.  What is your 
business here?"

Jesdyn [to William]: Case law problem.

William [to Ekur]: The lead Malakite hesitates, and says in Latin, "If 
you wish to use corporeal languages, I'm sorry but I don't speak that 
one."

William [to Neil]: ?

Jesdyn [to William]: I read your Laws of Heaven, and I've run into a 
conflict -- angels are to shun Outcast angels, but /self/-Outcasting is a 
crime; ignoring this crime is also a crime.

Ekur repeats himself in . . . hmm, Latin or Angelic?  Let's go with 
Angelic.

Jesdyn [to William]: Am I obliged to arrest them all? I don't think that 
would work very well right now. But didn't Dominic tell me not to help or 
hinder the Tsayadim outside Civis? Does that mean they're not 
self-Outcast and he knows something I don't?

fadethecat [to Jesdyn]: Does shunning them count as ignoring it?

fadethecat [to Jesdyn]: I mean, maybe the shunning is the acknowledged 
/response/ to the crime.

William [to Neil]: It is.  In this case, the standing response is 'treat 
them as Outcast until and unless they care to take service with another 
Archangel.  If they go *really*, Heartlessly Outcast, terminate with 
prejudice.'

Jesdyn [to fadethecat]: No; it's a crime that warrants trial and the 
range of punishment explicitly includes death... ah, there we are.

William [to Neil]: Tsayadim are pretty much the canonical example of a 
special case.  ;^)

Neil nods. Okay, firmer ground.

William [to Ekur]: He responds in Angelic.  "Thank you for the 
consideration.  We are in pursuit of our orders, in this case the 
retrieval of a stolen fragment of a human's dream and the punishment of 
the thieves."

Ekur says, "Meaning, I assume, that flying contraption with the gun 
ports, and its occupants?"

William [to Ekur]: "Correct.  The vehicle that entered this Domain is 
rightly the property of the mind of a human dreamer.  With your 
permission, we would like to enter the Domain and retrieve it for return.  
We will not go out of our way to interact with anyone who does not 
interfere with the operation."

Jesdyn [to William]: ... okay, I don't want to bog you down, but check me 
here -- what kind of damage is the human looking at here?

Jesdyn [to William]: If the item isn't returned, I mean. I sorta thought 
that pretty much /everything/ out here escaped a human's dream.

William [to Neil]: This is a matter of CDaU from the EPG.  You, like 
other angels, would believe that carving a mobile Domain such as this 
dirigible from a human dreamscape harms the dreamer's ability to imagine.  
Ethereals don't think this is the case.

The GM says, "Stuff like the Judgmentmobile made in Civis comes from the 
general pool of human dreamstuff, and in a sense hasn't left it since it 
started in the Marches at large and is still there."

The GM says, "Radz probably started from a specific dream, somewhere."

Jesdyn [to William]: Okay -- are we operating on a time limit here before 
the Domain will resist reintegration, or is the human just going to 
suffer this notional disability until we return his notion?

Thais keeps a close eye on the Tsayadim, and a respectful distance behind 
Ekur. She's neither Judgment nor distincted, but it does seem reasonable 
to be prepared for any necessary defensive action.

Neil reminds himself to taunt the next few Servitors of Revelation he 
sees with this problem.

Neil . o O ( I wouldn't mind this mess if I /knew/ the human was 
endangered. )

Ekur nods.  "Unfortunately, I have a feeling they'd resist, and Heaven 
would not like having a battle in the middle of this city.  I'm going to 
have to ask you to remain outside the city for now, while I speak to the 
occupants of the dirigible."  Ekur adds in Latin (on the assumption that 
it's less likely to be understood by listeners), in a low voice, 
"Unofficially, if you'd like to post your angels around Civis to make 
sure it doesn't escape, that's fine."

William [to Neil]: No time limit.  The specifics of *how* to do such a 
thing are something Ekur's probably more familiar with -- return the 
vehicle to the human's dreamscape and destroy it there, the figments will 
fade into the human's subconscious when the human awakes.

William [to Ekur]: "That would be a most appropriate step toward a 
solution.  My thanks, Power."  He turns to the other Tsayadim and speaks 
a few rapid jargon commands in Angelic.  In pairs, they begin flying the 
perimeter of Civis.  (Within a few minutes, they have taken up five 
equidistant points.)

Ekur turns around and tells the Civis angels, in Angelic, to match the 
perimeter from inside Civis, to keep an eye on the Tsayadim.  He then 
begins a flight to the dirigible, a white parley flag dreamshaped in 
hand.

Neil drives to near where the dirigible is, then flies up to meet Ekur's 
approach.

Ekur says, to neil and Thais as they head that way, "Any ideas?  I expect 
that we might be able to talk the occupants of the dirigible into giving 
it up and settling in Civis, while talking the Tsayadim into taking the 
dirigible but letting the occupants be 'punished' by a period of 'city 
arrest'.  Neil, do you think that'd be appropriately just?"

William [to Ekur]: There is a veritable crowd of flight-capable Ethereals 
fluttering around the thing now, and several angels hovering nearby 
keeping an eye on the public order.  There is a small contingent of 
groundbound gawpers on the sands below, as well.

Neil says, "Fine with me. "

Neil says, "We /believe/ humans are harmed by this practice. Ethereals 
/believe/ otherwise. That's a hard charge to make stick."

Neil says, "I /believe/ we need a better answer. Not having to smite 
anybody would be great for now."

The GM says, "As you approach, the gondola opens a door in its side and 
drops a ladder."

Ekur says, "Thais, any objections from the Sword?  Any alternative 
ideas?"

Thais [to Ekur]: Sorry, missed the question. Half a sec.

Thais shrugs with one shoulder. "The Sword isn't raising any specific 
objections until we get some more information on what's going on. Let's 
see what the occupants say."

Ekur heads for the open door.

The GM says, "The door opens onto a small cabin in one side of the ship.  
Inside the gondola, bright brass fittings of steam engines and clockwork 
gadgetry lend a semi-humorous air to the place.  Whoever the dreamer was, 
he certainly was a creative soul.  A brass nameplate by the door has the 
signature initials 'P. F.' incised on it.  Several human-looking 
ethereals in naval outfits eye you.  The one in front is unarmed, the two 
others here have cutlasses drawn."

The lead officer says, "Good day, gentlemen.  Whom do I have the honor of 
addressing?"

Ekur says, "Good day.  I am Ekur, Vassal of Dreams.  My companions are 
neil of Judgment and Thais of the Sword."

Neil pings them to learn who /he/ has the honor of addressing.

Ekur autorezzes, too.

Thais joins in the fun.

Jesdyn [to StevenE]: Do you just not like me today? You can't hit that 
capital-N to save my life. d:

Thais rolled 9 versus 17 and succeeded by 8.

The GM says, "Do-mi-so...  *typing*"

fadethecat [to William]: It's downright angelic to harmonize the way we 
do.

William [to Neil]: All three singly, as a group, or what combination(s) 
thereof?

StevenE [to William]: Reaction to confronting them about bringing an 
armed warship into Civis without warning or permission.

Jesdyn [to William]: All three singly and then the group -- and then I 
want to know the connection between the captain and the head of the squad 
back there.

StevenE [to Jesdyn]: I've been missing about half my capitals on this 
keyboard.  irritates the heck out of me.

Jesdyn [to William]: I should've rezzed them too, but I wasn't thinking.

Jesdyn [to William]: Of course, they're angels of Purity. They're not 
paid to have personalities.

William [to Ekur]: The three of them are nervous and coming off a panic 
jag.  There are slight feelings of guilt and anger.  The two in back 
would defer to the one in front, who would hastily try to defuse any 
reason you might have for animosity.

skill 16 Neil

You rolled 12 and Neil - succeeded by 4.

skill 16 Neil

You rolled 10 and Neil - succeeded by 6.

skill 16 Neil

You rolled 4 and Neil - critically succeeded by 12.

skill 16 Neil

You rolled 7 and Neil - succeeded by 9.

The GM says, "The first one in the back is a flunkie, and the others 
agree.  The second one in the back is flunkie #2, though his name is Bob.  
He popped out of somebody's dreamscape a few years ago, doesn't know who 
or why.  He can actually use that cutlass.  The guy in front is Rick, 
he's a few years older than the others and was born as a seargeant in 
somebody's dream; he's in charge of the gondola and has several other men 
beneath him presently operating the ship.  He's led this group for a 
while raiding the Vale, paying taxes to Beleth for the right to pick over 
there, but the stuff you can get from nightmares is crummy, so they 
decided to hit Blandine's side today.  And got caught by Tsayadim, so 
they're rather regretting the decision, despite the haul (this ship)."

William [to Neil]: This is, obviously, the most illegal thing they've 
done for a while.

William [to Thais]: assuming you rezzed the lead guy, Rick has a raider's 
code of honor and is basically out to live the mercenary/pirate 
lifestyle.  His honorable acts involve keeping his contractual promises 
to his men even when it's costly, because he feels loyalty is important.  
His dishonorable acts are basically dreamscape-raiding.

Arr.

Thais [to William]: ...you are a marvelous person.

Ekur . o O ( Oh, wonderful.  That ups the necessary level of punishment, 
at least in Ekur's eyes, assuming he's informed of it by Neil.  Dealing 
with Nightmares, raiding Dream's half of the Vale . . .  )

Thais shifts slightly, moving from a generic attentive posture to one 
that reads a bit more as "You shouldn't try to run, because then I'd get 
to stab you." Her expression remains perfectly polite and professional.

Neil taps the floor with his shoe experimentally. "Sweet dreams are made 
of these?" He shrugs, "Who am I to disagree."

Neil says, "Gentlemen, it's your lucky day."

Neil says, "We can probably keep the Tsayadim from killing you all."

Rick says, "That would certainly be a plus over this morning."

William [to Ekur]: Rick relaxes noticeably.

Rick says, "We'd heard that an Ethereal in Tsayadim trouble could run 
here.  It's good to know that the rumors were true."

Neil says, "Well. There is a downside."

fadethecat [to William]: What's the IC year, again?

Rick says, "Of course.  Cost of doing business.  What'll it be?"

William [to fadethecat]: At this point, late '86 I believe

William [to fadethecat]: ("Sweet Dreams" was already published)

Neil says, "Lady of my acquaintance needs some military backup in her new 
Domain. You'll be delighted to surrender your loot and plead guilty to a 
long list of crimes and agree to be bound to her service for a period of 
time not unjustly long, enforced by a Sorcerer."

Neil says, "You get a new start in a new Domain, and I don't have to kill 
you for hurting humans."

fadethecat [to William]: Actually, I was pondering the Jeopardy theme 
song...

Rick's face falls.  "I... what?  What crimes?  We're the ones running 
from them."

Thais says, mildly, "Should we make a list, or just summarize?"

Neil says, "Looting human dreamscapes, paying taxes to Beleth, Grand 
Theft Automaton..."

Ekur keeps his face neutral.  Since he doesn't know about their 
activities himself, he assumes neil picked up something with his 
resonance.

Neil says, "Really, I'm not happy with you gentlemen at all. If you were 
less loyal to your men, Rick, I'd as soon just give you the boot."

Rick says, "Look, is this about the airship?  Angels are always going on 
about that, but there's no evidence it harms anyone.  We picked it up 
fair and square.  We paid taxes to Beleth because, hello, they'd hit us 
if we didn't, and it's a damn sight easier to go there than Blandine's 
side of the Vale."

Bob turns to the other flunky.  "How'd they know about all that?"  
"Angels."  "Oh.  Wow."

Neil says, "Well, all true -- but /we/ think you're hurting humans, and 
even if we didn't, the Tsayadim do."

"We /could/ just skip the bargaining and hand them over," Thais suggests 
idly. "I mean, if they're convinced of their own innocence, I'm not sure 
sentencing is actually a useful response."

Ekur says, "Well.  You won't have to pay anything to beleth when you're 
holding down an honest job.  And if Neil says this is just, I'll let him 
restrain me to it.  I am, as I mentioned earlier, a Vassal of Dreams.  
What do you think I feel about you handing anything over to Nightmares?"

Neil visibly considers this. "That's true, I guess. I mean, this is an 
opportunity for them to live in relative safety and defend something 
instead of steal it."

Rick waves his hands hastily after Thais speaks.  "Now, now, let's not be 
foolish.  You wouldn't hand any poor soul over to a bloodthirsty pack of 
Outcasts, would you?"

Ekur takes his sword and looks at the light playing off the blade.  
"Yeah, Thais, why let the tsayadim have the fun?"

Neil says, "Actually... yeah, I think that's our final offer. Accept just 
punishment for your crimes and the opporunity to start fresh, or we trash 
your cannon and tell the Tsayadim we didn't have any luck. "

Neil says, "Did I mention the relic full plate armor that Malakim was 
wearing? Half-inch thick celestial steel."

Neil . o O ( Mala-/kite/. )

William <ooc> Do you know, I suddenly got the image of Thais on a string, 
gliding in the breeze.

Thais [to William]: Frighteningly enough, she'd probably consider it fun.


Rick says, "Err... just a sec."  He turns to his two men and they talk 
quietly for a bit.

Rick turns back.  "How long are we talking here?"

Neil shrugs. "No promises. Nothing unjust, and your willingness to 
surrender instead of being forcibily subdued will be considered."

Neil says, "I won't be deciding it, in other words."

Rick thinks.  "A term of service is one thing.  Indefinite slavery is 
something else.  I won't speak for my men, but I'd rather take my chances 
with the Suicide Express if the latter's the bargain.  Terms of duration, 
or no deal."

Jesdyn [to William]: Alright, this is a call Neil can make that I can't.

William [to Jesdyn]: What are you looking for?  Just length of sentence?

Jesdyn [to William]: Yes.

Neil rolled 10 versus 16 and succeeded by 6.

skill 16 Law(Heavenly)

You rolled 11 and Law(Heavenly) - succeeded by 5.

The GM says, "Rolled at the same time, but yeah, both succeed.  For the 
list of crimes you're talking about, imprisonment and servitude -- and he 
really does need to have his activities restricted to work and house 
arrest, otherwise it's handing him a job, not a sentence -- for 10 to 20 
sounds right.  Possible time off for honest performance of 
unanticipatedly hazardous duty."

The GM says, "(That is, 20 years, minimum 10, Jane's prerogative for time 
off after 10.)"

The GM says, "For the flunkies -- and assuming any other crew are similar 
-- 5 to 10, same terms."

Neil relates the bad news to Rick -- in Angelic.

Bob says in a British accent, "Aww, come on.  This was my first trip with 
these guys.  I fell into bad company!  Don't I get a lawyer for the 
defense?"

Thais resonates Bob, as long as he's making a target of himself.

The other flunky on deck turns to him.  "You little whiner."

fadethecat [to William]: In general, should I roll for resonance, or 
would you prefer to?

Neil says, "Of course you do. We can have a big trial, and get you an 
honest angelic lawyer, and we can try you for conspiracy with Hell."

William [to fadethecat]: Since resonances are almost never penalized or 
contested for you, it's pretty safe for you to.

Bob considers this for a moment, then says confidently, "5 to 10 sounds 
fine, thanks."

Neil says, "Your penitence is an inspiriation to us all."

Thais rolled 7 versus 17 and succeeded by 10.

fadethecat [to William]: Heck, my Choir attunement gives me a bonus, 
though I don't recall exactly how that works in G:IN. I never remember to 
apply it in the roll.

Neil says, "Rick? Rock and a hard place, maybe so, but there's light at 
the end of the tunnel and that's more than a demonic acquaintance of mine 
ever offered."

William [to Thais]: I do, and it's a bonus equal to your Ethereal power, 
which in GIN's scales, basically pushes you up a detail category.

fadethecat [to William]: Ah, gotcha.

William [to Thais]: Bob's biggest failing is a touch of 
every-man-for-himself, which you've just seen exhibited.  His greatest 
virtue is his broadminded ability to see other people's points of view.

William [to Thais]: *doublechecks* Actually, 2 detail categories, except 
for the lowest.

Rick mulls it.

Thais murmurs after Neil, "As is his loyalty."

Rick says, "10 to 20... well, it's Image-fulfilling, so I'll take it.  
The choice is up to the rest of my men individually, though."

Neil says, "Good to hear! Please surrender your weapons to me and come 
down to the City Center. I believe... yes, I think I've got some suitable 
uniforms for you all"

Neil slaps Bob on the back. "Congratulations -- you've earned your 
stripes sooner than you thought!"

Thais eyes the airship. "Getting this back to where it goes might be 
interesting."

The GM says, "We can safely say that the rest of the men on the airship 
make Bob's choice, so they'll go with Rick as a unit."

Ekur says, "I think the Tsayadim would be more than happy to return it, 
Thais.  or, at least, they have orders to do so, so why not let them do 
it?"

Neil pictures a grim, unsmiling Seraph of Purity attempting to pilot a 
steampunk airship.

Neil says, "An /ethereal/ steampunk airship."

Thais frowns briefly, but says, "Quite right. They're the ones who want 
to make a fuss over it, so they might as well do something /useful/ for 
once."

Jesdyn [to fadethecat]: That's right, you said Thais doesn't much like 
the Tsayadim, didn't you.

Neil thinks for a minute.

Rick says, "You want we should pilot the airship to the border or whip up 
a docking tower and get out here?"

fadethecat [to Jesdyn]: Distinctly stabby opinions of them, yeah.

fadethecat [to Jesdyn]: (Also, she thinks the airship is kinda neat. But 
home it must go.)

Neil says, "Docking tower. We'll take care of the rest. I'd really rather 
not have you guys in the Tsayadim's line of sight just now."

Rick says, "...yes, quite wise."  He orders the pilot with skill in such 
things to shape a docking tower, and the crew gets out and waits in the 
town square.  Several policemen are nearby to see to their honesty.

The GM says, "The airship is yours."

William <ooc> *queues up FF1 airship theme*

Jesdyn [to William]: Instead of heading back immediately, I'm going to 
break off and head to City Hall with the prisoners and get someone from 
Lightning on the phone. There's no reason we can't find that human and 
get some hard data on this phenomenon.

Jesdyn [to William]: CDaU it may be, but I don't intend to have this 
argument a second time.

Thais stares up at the airship. "We really need to get one of those," she 
says. And then looks over at the Judgmentmobile. "Not that cars aren't 
perfectly suitable for local transporation, mind."

William [to Jesdyn]: ...sorry, what's your plan exactly?  You want to 
send a Lightning researcher with the airship back to the human, or just 
Google up some data on the dream-raiding phenomenon, or what?

Jesdyn [to William]: Either send some Lightning guys with the airship, or 
get Lightning operatives on the Corporeal to find the human and run some 
tests, delaying the reintegration if necessary.

Jesdyn [to William]: Whatever they'll let me get away with on whatever 
budget I've got to work with. There's a /big hole/ in what I know is and 
isn't Just, and I'm going to at least /try/ to answer Rick's charge that 
he's not hurting humans.

Jesdyn [to William]: I may be able to swing some of Judgement's weight 
here; I recall that you said Neil's opinon on ethereal law enforcement 
were worthy of note. 

William [to Neil]: The Jeanite rep at the University coldly informs you 
that Lightning does not experiment on the minds of living humans, and he 
would prefer that the airship is returned without delay.  He can obtain 
data on psychological stability and creative output for you comparing 
dream-mined humans to the average, though at present Heaven reluctantly 
acknowledges that the data pool is far too small to draw statistically 
significant conclusions; confirmable samples are rare, and of course they 
try to keep it that way.

The GM says, "For the reintegration, he would be happy to attend and 
observe."

While the prisoners are being processed, Ekur heads over to meet the lead 
Tsayadim.

William [to Ekur]: He is waiting exactly where he was, near Southgate.  
The Cherub is with him.

Ekur says, "Well.  We've taken the thieves prisoner, and they've been 
sentenced by a Judge to imprisonment and labor.  The airship is now 
unoccupied.  If you gentlemen would like to take possession of it and 
return it to the dreamerscape it came from, we'd be more than happy to 
let you do so."

The Malakite says, "Imprisonment?  Under what conditions?  With what 
surety?"

Neil snarls off-scene and writes a nastygram thanking Lightning for its 
assistance in Judgement's work and acknowleding that sometimes even 
Lightning must take matters on... faith.

The GM says, "Ping?"

Neil is awake.

Ekur says, "Binding to obedience and house arrest to a Domain Master 
recently installed by heavenly action and both allied to and in regular 
contact with Heaven.  The Judge assures me that the punishment is Just, 
and we here are accordingly going to go with his Judgment.  If you have 
any objections, you may take them up with Matthias, if he cares to 
listen."

The GM says, "The Malakite pauses a moment and you're experienced enough 
to know that you've just been resonated.  He nods.  'If you feel this is 
appropriate, then, I will defer.  Let me summon my men, and we will 
return the airship.'  He sends the Cherub 'round the Domain border to 
pick up his troops."

The GM says, "After a few minutes, all are gathered again.  'At your 
lead, Vassal.'"

Ekur nods, and starts flying to the airship, tsayadim in tow.

Thais waits by the airship, not that it really needs a guard at this 
point.

The GM says, "From the quiet conversation as you fly in, you get the 
impression that the Tsayadim had been considering Radz for a cleanout 
before Civis was installed here.  Now, of course, they've backed off.  
They also mention the city's 'pollution,' by which they apparently mean 
the Disturbance levels typical for a gathering this large in the 
Marches."

Ekur adds, when they get to the 'ship, "By the way, Heaven is still 
there, and we could still use your help.  If you ever change your minds, 
we're waiting."

The GM says, "The lead Tsayadite signals the Cherub, who flies ahead and 
enters the pilot's cabin beneath the gondola.  He apparently attunes to 
it, or to something associated with it (if you have the EPG, he's 
attuning to the trail back to the human it came from).  The other 
Tsayadim climb in to the passenger space."

Ekur . o O ( Probably won't do any good, but . . . . )

Ekur . o O ( . . .we can Dream. )

Thais steps aside on the platform as the Tsayadim take over the airship, 
watching them with a carefully neutral expression.

The lead Tsayadite looks out from the passenger space at Ekur.  "That 
Heaven remains strong is the light which keeps us walking in our path, 
Vassal.  Thank you for your assistance; we go to complete our mission."  
He shuts the door and the Cherub pilots the airship off.

William [to Neil]: Did you decide you wanted the Lightning angel with 
them or not?  I wasn't certain.

Jesdyn [to William]: I did and do.

The GM says, "Okay.  That angel showed up several minutes before Ekur did 
with the Purity angels."

Jesdyn [to William]: But after he left I sent that carefully-edged 
message. Find a Soldier if that's what it takes, but they've been 
derelict not to answer this one before.

William [to Jesdyn]: Why, thank you for next arc's plotline.

The GM says, "At present, there remain the prisoners to deal with.  Rick 
and his crew are waiting patiently below the docking tower, their pilot 
cautiously deconstructing it girder by girder now that it's no longer 
needed."

Thais drops down from the docking tower once the Tsayadim have taken over 
the ship, ending right near the prisoners at the bottom.

Neil drives back into the scene.

Rick says, "Well, you've got your airship.  What for us now?"

Jesdyn [to William]: I don't really know what you want to do next -- I'm 
going to stuff them into black-and-white striped uniforms and escort them 
to a holding cell, track down a willing sorcerer, bind them, then escort 
them to Roxburgh with a copy of "Granite Boulders And You: 101 Things To 
Make From Large Rocks".

Jesdyn [to William]: Hopefully Jane can be convinced to accept our 
present in lieu of Master Fong's service.

Jesdyn [to William]: Then I'll go see Master Fong and have him kick my 
face in.

Thais is certainly not going to object to any part of this plan. She 
still needs to get back to Master Fong for more lessons in Didn't See 
That Coming.

William [to Jesdyn]: All this works fine, and Jane is willing to accept 
free military help quite willingly.  Where *do* you get the Sorcerer, 
though?

The GM says, "After all, you're talking about creating a part-time 
position as a prison warden for Heaven for the next 20 years."

Jesdyn [to William]: I've met two, and I suspect if we're going to 
examine the limits of the human psyche next arc I should go swing by and 
give Dottie a heads-up. Heck, she might even have a perspective on the 
affair.

Jesdyn [to William]: Yes -- I knew that sooner or later I'd need one.

Jesdyn [to William]: Recall Neil's already aggravated at the problems of 
enforcing law on Ethereals once you've gotten more complicated than just 
discorporating them and letting them spin the Wheel of Judgement.

William nods.

The GM says, "Dorotea, eh?  I'm down with that.  In fact, let's make 
those arrangements at the opening of next week, when you'll learn just 
what all the next long arc will involve."

------------- Session (and Entr'Act) End --------------------

The GM says, "I'll finish up the arc-end XP from last time and tack on 
today's, hopefully in an email this week.  We'll make expenditures along 
the lines we discussed today and earlier."

Ekur says, "Other bits -- Jane had some sort of way of making contracts, 
and there could be angels with Divine Contract around.  How "free" does 
the free will to sign the contract need to be?"

Thais says, "Hurrah!"

Ekur says, "I mean, "Sign or we let the Tsayadim hunt you down like they 
want to . . . ."?"

Jesdyn [to StevenE]: Well -- you know, when Neil was threatening Lamont, 
that wasn't very free, but if Neil is threatening to do nothing and let 
the Tsayadim eat them, I guess Neil has that teeny bit of wiggle-room he 
needs to let the Contract fly.

Jesdyn [to StevenE]: I mean, really, there's "sign or you won't get money 
for food" at the far end -- there's /always/ some question of coercion.

-Ekur Jane's contractual abilities were limited to her social assets as a 
mediator and reputable witness.  Unfortunately, Divine Contract in the 
Marches  is primarily good as an alert to breaking faith, since it only 
does corporeal damage when broken.

William [to Ekur]: Jane's contractual abilities were limited to her 
social assets as a mediator and reputable witness.  Unfortunately, Divine 
Contract in the Marches is primarily good as an alert to breaking faith, 
since it only does corporeal damage when broken.

fadethecat [to William]: Useful for contracts involving not going to the 
corporeal plane, I suppose, but beyond that...

Neil says, "We need a Bright Lilim."

Neil says, "Heh heh."

The GM says, "Although we really should ping Beth about letting Mind and 
Soul Hit versions exist in Marc's currently-being-written expanded 
writeup."

Neil marks the "Sweet Dreams" line off his notes with a satisfied smirk. 
"Still got a few lines waiting for a good chance to use 'em."

Ekur says, "Ah.  Yeah.  Okay.  And there's always the "If you run away 
from the sentence, we tell every angel in the Marches, even the Tsayadim, 
about it.""

William  *nod*

Jesdyn [to William]: Is that what you were planning to have us do with 
the pirates, or was it an open situation?

William [to Neil]: I made up the pirate scenario *checks clock* about 4 
hours ago, and had no particular resolution in mind.

The GM says, "That was all you guys."

Thais says, "And once again Neil managed to negotiate a violence-free 
resolution with our help!"

Thais says, "...wait, there's something wrong in that sentence..."

Neil says, "That's two arcs where Neil hasn't hit /anybody/, note."

The GM says, "Both of them were one session long, but it would read as 
true to a Seraph..."

Ekur says, "Didn't hit anybody in anger, but I got a punch to my 
kidneys."

Jesdyn [to William]: Nayenzigani's arc didn't feature a single combat 
roll.

The GM says, "Ooh, good point.  So it's still two, just not today's if 
you count the sparring."