Simon knelt beside Penny and took out his Rosary. He began to pray earnestly and mostly silently, if still with his lisp, for divine intervention on behalf of Penny.

As he prayed he did not touch her, but he did make open handed motions above her body.

"Jethuth. Amen."

ooc: There are a lot of posts to wade through, so my apologies if I miss anything!!

Kimi: You manage to hit Nicholas quite nicely and Lily is able to shoot him in the back. By now he looks absolutely awful and his attempt to slash at you does little good. He sinks to his knees, panting heavily. Alright! Enough! Enough! Don't kill me! I will do anything! I'll tell you anything! He begs. Lily, still wincing from her chest wound, exchanges a look with you, keeping her gun on the now surrendering fellow. What do you think Kim? She frowns, looking angry and triumphant all at once. I'm thinking that we may want to interrogate him before we run him through. Suddenly a figure approaches from the tunnel. It is James Smithson, one of the Men's best doctors. He comes bearing his healing kit and he notices you with surprise. Goodness! Frederick just phoned to say that Miss Dreadful and Ian were in need of assistance up top, and now I come across this. Is that Nicholas?! Do you need any help? Lily waves him away. I'll be fine anyway, what about you Kim? Yes, it is Nicholas, but obviously there's more to the story and I appreciate you keeping this quiet for now James. Her voice has a warning tone that will not be refused. You know what Kim? In the end it was the women who took this little snake down. How wonderful! She laughs. But then knowing her mistrust of men, it is not surprising the woman should be pleased.


Everyone else:
Demon? Are you sure? That should be impossible. This place is warded against anything like that. Frederick protests, looking upset. He then wordlessly draws his pistol and heads down the ladder, moving quickly. The doctor should be here soon! He calls. It just takes a bit of time to get up here sometimes. Then he is gone. Let me know if you need help!! Ian calls after him, looking a bit torn between wanting to keep an eye on things up here and following. He strides over to Colin and offers a hand to help him up. You look awful friend. The Scotsman laughs. Don't worry about your shirt. We can replace it for you. I can't tell you how many clothes I've gone through in this business. As he speaks, the warehouse doors open and you see several bedraggled and bloody men limp in. Colin, you recognize them as the soldiers from the dock who were with you. There are many missing. The look up at all of you in surprise. Looks like you've all fared about as well as we did. One man shakes his head. Did we at least complete whatever the wretched mission was? I hate being left in the dark when we're dying out there. Ian gives you all a look as if to say, 'don't give him details...' Instead he nods the affirmative. Some of the men look so horrible it is clear they could use medical attention right away. Clearly this was a costly battle for everyone.

Kimi nods once. "Please my friend keep the gun trained on his head."  She turns to the man named Nicholas.  "How did you come to be here, and why?" Kimi's eyes were hard and determined.

Penny sat primly on her crate as Father Simon made his prayers, and wondering if something was supposed to happen. She didn't feel any better.

As the men spoke, Penny had little to add. They didn't seem too concerned about this demon, so maybe the matter was well in hand. A demon would certainly explain the spy in the Men of Letter's ranks; likely it had possessed one of the members. But who? Penny was peeved that she'd not had a chance to solve the mystery before the fiend was revealed and caught. Had her analysis of the bodies entombed in the wall even led to its capture? With Emma Bently's escape and her crippled legs, she felt herself to be a dismal failure so far.

At Shaw's warning glance, she didn't say anything. Instead, she turned her attention to the crates themselves, examining the type wood and any shipping details printed on them. Maybe she could discern where these had ultimately come from.


OOC: Studying the crates, where have they come from and where have they been? Investigate 21.
09:04, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 21 using 1d20+13. investigate.

Colin smirked and gave the Scotsman a nod. "I've gotta say, what a fecking mess this turned out to be. Be glad ta have some of the old gang from over ta pond here. Ya Brits are right tossers, but are damn handy in a scuff up!", he chuckled as the Scottish and British accents caused his own language to drift back to the streets of Ireland. He was about to continue his cajoling when the stragglers came in. He jumped to them, propping a man up as he came in. They were all in rough shape. He chuckled again and spoke in a hesitant, but lighter tone. "Oi, lads! None of ya go dyin' on me now. I told ya the next round o' drinks was on me." He gave a 'come help me' look to any who made eye contact.

It was just like the high-class Brit to rut around the crates of antiquity while men lay, likely dying, in her presence. He helped where he could, wracking his brain for any of the local doctors and gang medics that could help and letting people know.


21:44, Today: Colin Browne rolled 32 using 1d20+12. Knowledge[Streetwise].
Colin will try to help the men by instructing the more able bodied survivors to places of men Colin knew would help, even if it was for a price.

Simon had to give the incoming his attention. As he stood he reminded Penny to have faith. Then he went over and started giving what aid he could to these brave fellows.

08:08, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 17 using 1d20+10. Treat Injury.

Penny hardly stirred at Browne's rough language or crude insult. 'Hmph. Someone has got to have the brains in the group.' she returned archly. 'But I've never complained to have a Scot or a Paddy by my side in a scuffle. I'd say all we need now is a Welshman, but our Mr Jones is a demon on the other side.'

Finishing her examination of the crate, Penny sighed and waved one of the injured men over. 'You fellow, come here.' She unrolled her first-aid kit and scrutinised the man's injuries, hoping she had enough left bandages left to patch up a few more wounds, or at least enough morphine to dull some pain.

'Mr Browne, is that a Shelta accent I hear? Do you perchance know Patrick "the Shillelagh" McGrath?' she asked, referring to the famed Irish hunter Pádrig Mac Craith and his heavy club that had staved in many a monster's skull.


OOC: Treat Injury 13
20:49, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 13 using 1d20+2. treat injury.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelta
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shillelagh_%28club%29
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Wed 02 Apr 2014.

Kimi: The doctor, seeing he is not needed, quickly goes up the ladder, though he looks very curious as to the goings on here. Meanwhile, Lily obediently keeps her weapon trained on the man. What is it Kimi? Were those aspen stakes? That could be a great many things. I like to know what we're dealing with. In the meantime Nicholas responds as well. I was brought here by Belial himself. It was he who created me and I served him as a spy, amongst other things. I won't say anymore until I have some kind of assurance of a deal. He adds. By then Frederick has joined you, immediately training his own weapon on the man. Don't mind me. He grins. Lily frowns in thought, trying to place the name Belial. Being a native, she sometimes has trouble with such things.

Everyone else:

Penny, the crates look to be well made, newly fashioned of young wood, and they also have a manufacturing stamp that indicates they were assembled in upstate New  York at a company called Borings Carpentry and Woodwork.

Meanwhile, Ian goes to help the wounded as well, and they seem grateful for the assistance. Soon thereafter a man emerges, announcing himself to be the doctor, James Smithson. Between his and Stefan's instructions you are able to do a decent job of patching up the smaller wounds while the professionals deal with the most grievous of injuries. Ian tells James that Penny will need his help too and whispers something in his ear. He looks at the woman with a concentrated frown, then with a nod he finishes up what he is doing and rinses his hands before heading over to her. He situates her in such a way that no one else can see and raises her skirt slightly to look at her legs. Ah. This is an easy fix, don't you worry. He says kindly. He then takes a few things from his satchel. Holy water, some silver coins with strange symbols on them, and some black powder with a strong, pungent smell. He mixes them in a small clay bowl, mutters something unintelligible, and bids you drink. Just don't swallow the coins please. He chuckles. Should you choose to obey him Penny, you find that your legs begin to tingle and burn and moments later you feel their strength returning and their appearance changing back to your normal features as well.

Colin, the men seem grateful for your information, and you get the sense that they have taken to you between your actions back at the docks and your current helpfulness. No doubt they sense a kindred spirit in you and some of them clearly seem the rough and tumble type that you would feel so at home with. Nice to know that there are so many walks of life here at least. Did anyone else see all the bodies at the docks? One of the men shudders. Dozens of them, all floating limp. The coppers are gonna have their hands full with all this. You may want to have a look about tomorrow Ian. Who knows what your old team will find out that we missed. We didn't exactly leave the place tidy you know. Another adds, We'll be needing to go claim some of our own too I'm afraid. He finishes darkly.

Kimi nods to Fredrick, then to Lily she says. "This is a creature of murder and terror Miss Lily.  The Aspen stakes are like fire and poison to it.  It was risen from a grave of a dead man.  It terrorizes the streets of the lower areas of the city, and I saw it tear a poor French man into pieces." Kimi pursed her lips. "It needs to feed upon those it attacks, I do believe those poor beings we found in the walls, are it's handy work."

She then looked to the creature. "What assurances are you seeking evil one?"

Knowing nothing of Jewish or Christian religion, Kimi looks to Fredrick. "Do you know of this Bellal?"

After making himself useful, and when he is sure everyone else has been tended to, he approached the doctor and asked for help with the pain and swelling in his face.

Facing away from the others, Penny sat primly as Doctor Smithson peered under her skirt at her shrivelled lower limbs in their lace stockings. She bit her lip, stared at the wall, and trying not to think overmuch about it. She was no stranger to a medical examination down there, but the circumstances and her recent deformity made it more embarrassing than most.

She relaxed, though, as Smithson seemed a gentle man and promised a cure. Penny watched fascinated as he mixed up his concoction of holy water and silver and so forth, and felt a prickling down her neck in awe. She was in the presence of magic, controlled and safe, not a dark and crippling curse. She took the mortar bowl with some trepidation, wrinkling her nose at the pungent aroma. But rather than struggle through small sips, Penny drank deep and quick of the potion, and spat back a silver coin.

The strong tingling and burning sensations that followed were uncomfortable but preferable to the earlier numbness, and Penny felt her legs swelling as they regained their earlier muscle mass. She lifted her skirt to see her calves had turned back to normal. Then, with great effort, she found she could raise one leg and then the other. Gingerly but eagerly she climbed to her feet; though she found herself still rather unsteady, she could stand unaided and walk slowly. 'Thank you so very much, doctor.' Penny said with a delighted smile, vigorously shaking his hand. With the same smile, she looked back to Ian, Kate, and Simon to indicate her cure. She was glad to be able to walk again, to have her independence and strength back.

The addition of her ash-wood cane, fetched up from her equipment stored at the Men of Letters base, allowed Penny to walk more reliably. With Father Simon seeing Dr Smithson, she hobbled over to Ian and Kate to see how things were going.

Colin saw to what he could on the men. They we all fighting the good fight. No need to make things more complicated with his attempts at medical care. He patted the last man he help on the shoulder and rose to his feet. He removed the little flask from his back pocket and took a pull before tossing it to the group to be shared. He reached into his pocket again and fished out his cigarette case, rolling and lighting one with the quickness and proficiency of someone who has been doing it a lifetime.

He pointed at Penny with two fingers, the cigarette hanging in between. "Ye'll be here something close, but not actual Traveler. Born in Galway and moved here when I was young. Ya spend enough time with tha Yanks and the tongue follows. As for yer question, I don't go around seekin' out those that do what we do. No as a habit," he said with another long pull of the cigarette.

Kimi: Lily listens with interest. So not a demon then. She muses. Meanwhile Nicholas answers you nervously. I want the assurance of life! Such as it is. I have no wish to die again. I did that once and I did not care for it. Keep me a prisoner if you wish, but let me live!

Belial? Frederick repeats, looking shocked. He is one of the vilest of demons! One of the first created! Why, is Nicholas involved with him somehow?! He sounds worried. Come, this is not a conversation for the hallways. Take him into the study. He offers, holding open the door for you.

Everyone else:
The doctor gives Penny a pleased nod at her thanks and quickly tends to Father Simon's face. With a quick prayer in what you think is Aramaic, as well as the use of some holy water, your face feels considerably better, albeit still sore. I can only cure minor injuries I'm afraid. He explains. More severe things require more traditional approaches. Hopefully that helps some at least. If you remind me when this is all over, I can teach you. He offers.

Ian goes to the phone then and makes a quiet call, then he comes back, getting everyone's attention. Alright, Victoria is on her way to debrief you. Those of you who are able, head on down now. The infirmary is being prepared. Anyone who can't walk will be lowered by pulley. I will see about getting our fallen tomorrow, though I will need someone to come with me. You lot, please stay with me for the moment while I tie up a few loose ends. He addresses you with a look towards the crates. The things for the pulley system are readily available and soon the severely wounded are being lowered down. The doctor surprisingly stays behind, waiting for the others to leave and clearly wanting to tell Ian something but apparently he is uncomfortable about it.

Simon responds at the healing. "Thank you, very much. Yes I would greatly appreciate learning to do what you have done here. I want to be of use to these others as you have been."

Kate did her best to help the wounded as she was needed. There were a lot of injured and she felt a little guilty that she herself was in such good condition.

Once the injured were cleared she waited with interest to see what their instructions would be.

Penny did what more she could do to help the injured, walking from one to the other and using the opportunity to practice walking around again. Her legs were still infirm and unstable, as if she was learning to walk again like a baby or newborn foal. But she was gradually becoming stronger and more confident. At Ian's request, she waited beside the crates, idly looking the summoning scrolls over.

Kimi sees no reason to move from there they are. "No I do not think we will move from here."  She says to Fredrick, "Begin to speak creature, I will make a promise that you will live."

Then to Fredrick, Kimi said, "Please bring Mr Westbrook to us Fredrick."

Kimi: Frederick looks a bit stressed at your response. Miss Noriko, most of the members here do not know about our ranks being infiltrated. If they see Nicholas this way they may begin to get suspicious. If there is more than one spy here it will certainly tip them off and we don't want to do that. He turns to Nicholas. IS there more than one traitor here? Nicholas nods slowly. Yes. Belial is most thorough. But I am afraid I can't just trust your word unless I see Westbrook confirm it. You may want to give in to my demands, but without his approval I am still in danger. Lily nods to Frederick to go find Westbrook, meanwhile proceeding to start to hide the stakes. There will be a lot of traffic coming through here soon Kimi. Do you want to stay still or should we do this elsewhere? If we stay here we're going to have to at least come up with a cover story for why he's like this. She gestures to his various wounds.

Everyone else: After what seems an eternity, the room is yours again. Once he is sure that no one can hear, Dr. Smithson approaches Ian. Sir, I saw Miss Noriko and Lily in the tunnel with Nicholas. He was littered with stakes, aspen is my guess. I-I don't think he's human. He looks worried. But how is that possible? We have protection spells in place. Nothing non-human should be able to enter here. Do you know anything about this? Ian shakes his head mutely, frowning in thought. No. I'm afraid not. For now speak of this to no one while I investigate. We wouldn't want to panic anyone now would we? He gives a smile and pats the man on the shoulder reassuringly. Looking a bit relieved, the doctor gives a shaky nod. Alright. As you wish sir. He turns to Father Simon. I must go to the infirmary now to finish up. When you are free later you can find me and I will teach you a few things. He then heads out.

Once you are alone, Ian quickly produces three large leather sacks and proceeds to hand them out to Colin and Father Simon, keeping one for himself. Alright everyone, we've got to get these out of here fast. We'll need to smuggle them in the East entrance and then put the crates back the way we found them. It would be best if we could keep as many people as possible in the dark. Who knows what spies there are, and if we try to bring the crates or are seen with the scrolls, it won't be long before Belial finds a way to get at them. In fact, I think headquarters may be one of the worst places for them, but I need to time to think of somewhere better to hide them. He shakes his head. I don't suppose anyone has any brilliant suggestions? Once it is hidden I can ward it against thieves. He starts to quickly and carefully fill up his bag with the scrolls, of which there are dozens.

Kimi does not see the need to do cover anything up.  Let the other be exposed, "If you feel it is needed then it will be so."  She reached for the stakes Lily had picked up.  She then indicated that 'Nicholas' should move through the door into the study.

Simon takes the leather satchel and helps with the crates. Ian proclaims the name of the demon, and Simon goes white(er). "Belial, Lord of Lust, commander of The Legions of Succubi. If Belial is involved, we must all tread lightly. We must be on our guard at all times, lust is one of mankind's most common follies." He glanced at Penny, perhaps giving away his own inner struggle.

"I could contact the Monseigneur of my Order and ask for a place to hide these items. I am certain he would know of a place. It may take the use of telegraph, though."

Penny eavesdropped on the talk of this Nicholas fellow, apparently injured with stakes and something less than human. Perhaps they'd found their killer and spy? She wanted to go see and investigate the creature, to see how well it fitted the crime. But there was more dashed secrecy. Well, hopefully she would be invited in and consulted on the case at some point, and hopefully not before they'd blundered all over the evidence.

As Simon spoke, Penny looked back at him, wondering why he looked to her. Did he think her lustful? Maybe it was her evening dress. 'Yes, him. We've made dinner plans for tomorrow.' she said lightly, finding herself enjoying the chance to shock the priest.

She joined the others in scooping up armfuls of scrolls and pouring them into the sacks, trying not to think of the parchment being crumpled and dogeared, cracked and broken, smeared with fingerprints. 'A bank. It should have a secure vault and guards, and ought to accept valuables deposited for storage. It will do for the short-term.' she suggested, thinking it a practical and efficient solution.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:38, Fri 04 Apr 2014.

Simon was shocked, but not for the reason she thought of. His face suddenly burned with both his own guilt and the blush of being caught. She must know. She must know of his secret thoughts. The thing he so needed to confess but had no opportunity. Yes he felt if now, very poignantly, he wanted her. Not in the friendly sort of way he want to be around her. He felt the thoughts of seeing her naked, of touching her, rising in him.

He turned from her, unable to look at the object of his growing desire. She had done nothing to encourage his thoughts, it was entirely his own sin. She suggested a bank, he only had a small objection. "So you know of one on consecrated ground? I could try and bless the area, but it will likely take a priest of far more skill than I have."

He is now miserable, knowing his own sin and being, at least in the immediate now, unable to stop his thoughts. They were a runaway train. He tried to pray but he could not even concentrate on that.

Penny was entirely oblivious to Simon's inner crisis, and looked blankly at him. 'I've not been in New York long, so no, I do not. But as I said, it need only be a temporary solution, a few days perhaps, until you contact your Monseigneur.'

Kate also joined in helping to fill the sacks. "A bank would probably be a good temporary solution," she chimed in on Penny's idea. "Maybe we could stash them in a couple different banks so they are not all together. That way if there is a break in at least not all of them could be taken at once."

Colin chuckled as everyone tried to find a place for them. Granted it could be difficult to track someplace down that was secure, but he had had a massive advantage when he was in the business. "Ya all are thinkin' too big. Banks keep things safe, and if it is some lust demon, them bank managers will spill the safe for the right price." He placed a bag down by his feet and took to another cigarette with vigor. "I got some boys, the newsies, that can hide'um. No one ever bothers them and where better to hide scrolls than with massive piles of paper? Every good boy will have a stash, plus most of'um canno' read the papers they hock," he finished, along with the cigarette.