Verse 2: At the Port of Galveston

[archolewa]

[Marduk]

"That would work if the patient was conscious and able to answer questions." Marduk explains. "But since she is still comatose and non-responsive, there's no reason for an FBI Agent to need time alone in the room."

Lilly puffs out her cheeks, and throws a mystified look at Jezreel. "I mean, well. We'll have even less reason to be back there. Not gonna lie Marduk, I got two skills. Seduction and violence. Not seeing how either of those is gonna be helpful here. I can't believe I'm saying this, but there's never a Kyriotate around when you need one. Which is never. Except right now. Right now we could use one."

[Tay-Dor]

[Marduk]

"Just keep them occupied. Talk to them." Marduk explains.

[archolewa]

{Lilly}

Lilly rubs the back of her neck. "So, are we thinking like, we'll walk up to the restricted area. I start chatting up the security guard or something, and you try to sneak through the probably locked door into the trauma wing or whatever? Would it even be a security guard, or are those just at the main entrances? Would I be talking to the receptionist behind the glass wall lots of hospitals have set up since COVID? Hospitals I've been at, they're the ones who control the door unlocker deeper into the hospital."

Lilly taps her lip. "Maybe you could take a minute and look up, like I don't know, FBI case files, or hell local police files? Is that a thing you can do? Help out with local stuff? Maybe there's a person of interest for one of those whose recovering in the trauma wing, but is conscious. Then you could probably get into the trauma wing, and from there walk purposefully and scowly. Doubt anyone would bother you while in the hall. Just make sure to actually question the suspect, for Jezreel's sake, if nothing else."

[shaidar]

{Mal}

Mal emails his contact info to Jezreel.

As Bobby makes his exit "Sorry, he's incorrigible. I'll let you know as soon as we've finished at the lab."

He heads out the door to the car. Once there he climbs in next to Bobby. "Let's go."

[Juramenta]

{Barazephyr}

Drives off to the lab with Maledriel.
Later on the day he returns to Jezreel's home to personally fix the damages done.

[Tay-Dor]

[Marduk]

“Did I miss something? Is she in a restricted area of the hospital?”

[Charybdis Richelle]

{GM}

"Take it anyway, Marduk," the young Creationist says. "It's an adult coloring book. They pass them out at one of the nursing homes where Willow and I sometimes volunteer. Coloring helps keep the mind sharp and improves fine motor control." She hesitates a moment before adding, "Besides, it's fun. you do remember fun, don't you? Or did you never learn that in the first place? A little relaxation improves focus. Anyway, try it when you have some downtime. This one is stained glass patterns. Reminds me of the old cathedrals in the history books. You might find them nostalgic."

[Marduk]

"I have plenty of fun. Usually it involves destroying a demon." Marduk says deadpan.

{GM}

"That is your job, sir," Jezreel says with complete seriousness. "And you may enjoy it. even enjoy it a great deal - which is a good thing. But you really should have other pursuits as well. Taking short breaks from your work to do something unrelated is really important for work-life balance."

[GM]
If Marduk still refuses to take them, Jezreel sets the coloring book and case of colored pencils on Marduk’s feet.

[Marduk]

Marduk doesn't even bother to look at the book when its placed on the floor. He ignores it.

{GM}

Jezreel doesn’t push it any further than that though she does set the items across his feet rather than on the floor.

---

{GM}

“I know Heaven’s view on Roles, Marduk,” Jezreel says. “I, however, share Revelation’s views. But, as I said, in public, I will obey the restrictions imposed by the Seraphim Council. I get enough scrutiny from Judgment as it is. I simply won’t do so in private where those orders do not apply.”

[Marduk]

"Then I will have to instruct my aide to ignore you," Marduk says in reply.

{GM}

"That is your prerogative," Jezreel admits.

{Marduk}

"This is his first assignment on Earth and I will not have him making an error that causes another Angel to die."

{GM}

In typical teenage fashion, Jezreel rolls her eyes. “And how exactly,” the young Seraph asks, “Is speaking the absolute Truth in my home when no one else is in earshot other than we Celestials going to get anyone killed? Context, Marduk. I already told you I would remain silent about Roles in public. Within the walls of my apartment when I have no human guests, everyone using their actual names harms no one.” She scoffs. “Galgaliel may only be a Reliever, but he is more than ten times older than I am. I have faith that he can tell the difference between the interior of my apartment and the rest of the world.”

Galgaliel’s eyes and lips widen as Jezreel argues with Marduk. The Reliever wisely says nothing.

[GM]

“And yes, with your permission, I would like to come,” the young Seraph says. “As long as I can leave early enough to start work at 4:30. I told Moonstone I would if I could. She’s got someone else to cover for her since I can’t close. I have to leave by 9:30 to avoid breaking curfew. But I can bring my uniform with me and just catch the bus if you need to stay. There is a stop a block from St. Mary’s, and I have the Island Transit schedule app on my phone.”

[Marduk]

"Agreed. I could use you and Lilly's help distracting any other humans from being in the room when I attempt to Heal Willow." Marduk asks. "It would not do for any of the humans to see the Song being performed."

"Eh? Can't you just say..." Lilly speaks her next words in a faux deep, monotone voice, a (very bad) impersonation of Marduk's. "'FBI business, bugger off.'"

[Marduk]

"That would work if the patient was conscious and able to answer questions." Marduk explains. "But since she is still comatose and unresponsive, there's no reason for an FBI Agent to need time alone in the room."

Lilly puffs out her cheeks, and throws a mystified look at Jezreel. "I mean, well. We'll have even less reason to be back there. Not gonna lie Marduk, I got two skills. Seduction and violence. Not seeing how either of those is gonna be helpful here. I can't believe I'm saying this, but there's never a Kyriotate around when you need one. Which is never. Except right now. Right now we could use one."

[Marduk]

"Just keep them occupied. Talk to them." Marduk explains.

{Lilly}

Lilly rubs the back of her neck. "So, are we thinking like, we'll walk up to the restricted area. I start chatting up the security guard or something, and you try to sneak through the probably locked door into the trauma wing or whatever? Would it even be a security guard, or are those just at the main entrances? Would I be talking to the receptionist behind the glass wall lots of hospitals have set up since COVID? Hospitals I've been at, they're the ones who control the door unlocker deeper into the hospital."

Lilly taps her lip. "Maybe you could take a minute and look up, like I don't know, FBI case files, or hell local police files? Is that a thing you can do? Help out with local stuff? Maybe there's a person of interest for one of those whose recovering in the trauma wing, but is conscious. Then you could probably get into the trauma wing, and from there walk purposefully and scowly. Doubt anyone would bother you while in the hall. Just make sure to actually question the suspect, for Jezreel's sake, if nothing else."

[Marduk]

“Did I miss something? Is she in a restricted area of the hospital?”

{GM}

Jezreel shakes her head. “Not exactly,” she explains, “But ICU is a locked ward. The nurses or other staff have to buzz you in. Other than hospital staff, they only allow family into the rooms with the patients.”

“But I think you are both trying to make this too complicated,” the young Seraph says. “In the interest of speaking the Truth, here, less is likely more.” Glancing at Lilly, she adds, “There’s an oxymoron for you. One of the very few I understand.”

Jezreel turns to face Marduk, “You just flash your FBI badge and say you want to see Willow Reid as part of your investigation into the attack on her. Don’t give any more details unless they ask. There is a good chance, your credentials will be all you need. If they bring up the fact that Willow is unconscious, say that you want to see the wounds. Again, no more details. They will probably assume you want to look at them to see what sort of weapon made them or what kind of animals could have made the bite or claw marks.” She shrugs. “I don’t know. That might even be true. But don’t give details unless needed. If they say the local police already did that… I don’t know. That’s where your Role comes in, right?.” Her nose wrinkles on the word ‘Role.’

“If they say that the police already took pictures or made drawings, say something about wanting to see them for yourself. That the real thing is more useful than a reproduction, something. You don’t have to be too specific to tell the Truth,” Jezreel says.

“Since they only allow two visitors per patient, Moonstone will have to leave while you and Galgaliel are there,” the young Angel explains. “If Moonstone balks at leaving Willow alone with two strange men, well, I can tell the nursing station that I want to talk to her in the waiting room – since I can’t go in. I’ve done that a few times. She won’t find that suspicious. And I can introduce Lilly when Moonstone comes out. So, that should be distraction enough.” She looks at Lilly. “Between us we should be able to keep her entertained for a few minutes. I can ask questions about work. We can tell amusing stories about Uncle Eli, or better yet, get her to tell us some. If she’s doing the talking, she’s going to be more engaged, right?”

Looking back at Marduk, Jezreel says, “Then you just have to wait for the medical staff to leave. That shouldn’t be hard. Unless the doctors are making rounds or the nurses are taking vitals, the patients are usually left alone. I know because that’s part of the reason Moonstone has not wanted to leave. She doesn’t want Willow to wake up in a strange place all alone. Now, I don’t know how quickly they might enter when Willow’s vitals change after you use the Song of Healing. They do monitor those from the nurse’s station” She shrugs. “But surely you and your millennia of wisdom can think of something, right?”

[Charybdis Richelle]

{Mal}

Mal emails his contact info to Jezreel.

As Bobby makes his exit "Sorry, he's incorrigible. I'll let you know as soon as we've finished at the lab."

{GM}

Jezreel gives Maladriel a tight smile. “I am not going to hold you accountable for Barazephyr’s actions any more than I would for Jean’s. No need to apologize for anything other than your own acts, Maledriel.”

“Thank you,” the young Seraph says. “I’ll set up personalized ringtones for each of you, so I know who’s calling without needing to look.” She sighs. “Not that I’m really expecting any other calls now.”

[archolewa]

She sighs. “Not that I’m really expecting any other calls now.”

Lilly is beside Jezreel in an instant. She gives the girl's shoulders a comforting squeeze.

[Tay-Dor]

{GM}

"That is your job, sir," Jezreel says with complete seriousness. "And you may enjoy it. even enjoy it a great deal - which is a good thing. But you really should have other pursuits as well. Taking short breaks from your work to do something unrelated is really important for work-life balance."

[Marduk]

“I was not created to have fun. I was created to serve the Lightbringer. Now I serve War.” replies Marduk.

{GM}

In typical teenage fashion, Jezreel rolls her eyes. “And how exactly,” the young Seraph asks, “Is speaking the absolute Truth in my home when no one else is in earshot other than we Celestials going to get anyone killed? Context, Marduk. I already told you I would remain silent about Roles in public. Within the walls of my apartment when I have no human guests, everyone using their actual names harms no one.” She scoffs. “Galgaliel may only be a Reliever, but he is more than ten times older than I am. I have faith that he can tell the difference between the interior of my apartment and the rest of the world.”

Galgaliel’s eyes and lips widen as Jezreel argues with Marduk. The Reliever wisely says nothing.

[Marduk]

Marduk bows formally to Jezreel. “I’m sure you must know best, Most Holy, what with your 15 years of experience. Marduk somehow manages to impart some sort of tone of disrespect on the words “most holy” without actually being disrespectful. Similar to the phrase “bless your heart” as used by humans in the southern states.

[GM]
Looking back at Marduk, Jezreel says, “Then you just have to wait for the medical staff to leave. That shouldn’t be hard. Unless the doctors are making rounds or the nurses are taking vitals, the patients are usually left alone. I know because that’s part of the reason Moonstone has not wanted to leave. She doesn’t want Willow to wake up in a strange place all alone. Now, I don’t know how quickly they might enter when Willow’s vitals change after you use the Song of Healing. They do monitor those from the nurse’s station” She shrugs. “But surely you and your millennia of wisdom can think of something, right?”

[Marduk]

Marduk looks at Jezreel impassively for a long moment. He then turns and starts walking to his car.

[archolewa]

{Lilly}

Marduk looks at Jezreel impassively for a long moment. He then turns and starts walking to his car.

Lilly sticks her tongue out at Marduk's retreating back.

[Charybdis Richelle]

{GM}

"That is your job, sir," Jezreel says with complete seriousness. "And you may enjoy it. even enjoy it a great deal - which is a good thing. But you really should have other pursuits as well. Taking short breaks from your work to do something unrelated is really important for work-life balance."

[Marduk]

“I was not created to have fun. I was created to serve the Lightbringer. Now I serve War.” replies Marduk.

{GM}

Jezreel nods solemnly. "That explains a lot." Her tone and expression are completely serious. no teasing at all.

Then she gives a hint of a smile. Her eyes soften. "Abbie Hoffman, a human civil rights leader who was active about 60 years ago wrote, 'There’s no incongruity in conducting serious business and having fun.' Maybe he was right. Maybe for you, killing the Enemy is the only fun. I'm sorry, sir. That seems a sad way to live."

---

{GM}

In typical teenage fashion, Jezreel rolls her eyes. “And how exactly,” the young Seraph asks, “Is speaking the absolute Truth in my home when no one else is in earshot other than we Celestials going to get anyone killed? Context, Marduk. I already told you I would remain silent about Roles in public. Within the walls of my apartment when I have no human guests, everyone using their actual names harms no one.” She scoffs. “Galgaliel may only be a Reliever, but he is more than ten times older than I am. I have faith that he can tell the difference between the interior of my apartment and the rest of the world.”

Galgaliel’s eyes and lips widen as Jezreel argues with Marduk. The Reliever wisely says nothing.

[Marduk]

Marduk bows formally to Jezreel. “I’m sure you must know best, Most Holy, what with your 15 years of experience. Marduk somehow manages to impart some sort of tone of disrespect on the words “most holy” without actually being disrespectful. Similar to the phrase “bless your heart” as used by humans in the southern states.

{GM}

“14 years, 354 days, and about 12 to 18 hours, I think. My mother never told me the exact time of my birth. Close enough for estimation, though,” Jezreel says. “So, I am guessing if I were wrong, you would have explained why.” She shrugs. “At least if it were really important.”

---

[GM]
Looking back at Marduk, Jezreel says, “Then you just have to wait for the medical staff to leave. That shouldn’t be hard. Unless the doctors are making rounds or the nurses are taking vitals, the patients are usually left alone. I know because that’s part of the reason Moonstone has not wanted to leave. She doesn’t want Willow to wake up in a strange place all alone. Now, I don’t know how quickly they might enter when Willow’s vitals change after you use the Song of Healing. They do monitor those from the nurse’s station” She shrugs. “But surely you and your millennia of wisdom can think of something, right?”

[Marduk]

Marduk looks at Jezreel impassively for a long moment. He then turns and starts walking to his car.

{Lilly}

Lilly sticks her tongue out at Marduk's retreating back.

{GM}

Jezreel represses the desire to giggle. Frowning deeply, the young angel turns to Lilly. “I don’t think Marduk likes me very much.”

[archolewa]

Jezreel represses the desire to giggle. Frowning deeply, the young angel turns to Lilly. “I don’t think Marduk likes me very much.”

"Pffssh," says Lilly, flicking her hand, her eyes sparkling with mischievous mirth. "He hasn't stabbed you yet has he? Coming from a Malakim, that's practically a declaration of love!"

She takes Jezreel's hand and gently pulls her towards the car. "Now come on, let's go help Willow."

[Charybdis Richelle]

Jezreel represses the desire to giggle. Frowning deeply, the young angel turns to Lilly. “I don’t think Marduk likes me very much.”

{Lilly}

"Pffssh," says Lilly, flicking her hand, her eyes sparkling with mischievous mirth. "He hasn't stabbed you yet has he? Coming from a Malakim, that's practically a declaration of love!"

{GM}

Jezreel chuckles. “I think it’s a little too soon to start planning my wedding,” she says.

More seriously, the young Revelationist says, “It’s fine. I’ve never exactly been the cool kid on the block. I seem to get along with human adults better than human children… or other angels. Martha loves me, though. She keeps offering to let me use her spare room.”

{Lilly}

She takes Jezreel's hand and gently pulls her towards the car. "Now come on, let's go help Willow."

{GM}

Jezreel nods. “I really hope Marduk’s Song can heal her,” she says. “I’m not very good at it, even if I put all of my heart and soul into the Song.” She shrugs. “Maybe I should be practicing my singing more than my painting.”

[archolewa]

Jezreel nods. “I really hope Marduk’s Song can heal her,” she says. “I’m not very good at it, even if I put all of my heart and soul into the Song.” She shrugs. “Maybe I should be practicing my singing more than my painting.”

"We could practice together! I've got a couple of Songs under my belt, but when I'm not specifically singing them, I sound like a drunk duck who just had throat surgery."

[Charybdis Richelle]

{GM}

Jezreel chuckles. “I’m not quite that bad,” she says, [doc=]“But I’d rather not sing with an audience unless I need to.” She shrugs. “A few of the angels on my team in Montreal told me its good to practice with mundane, day to day, human songs. They say the skill carries over, and that way you don’t have to worry about Disturbing the Symphony to practice.”

The young angel falls quiet as they reach the bottom of the stairs and start walking towards the FBI Ford in the parking lot because there are people who might be in earshot.