Merrick looks a bit puzzled. "Competing newspaper? The Black Hills Pioneer is currently Deadwood's only such periodical, which is why I am returning from hiatus. But as for the cause...perhaps you should come inside. I'd rather not discuss this business on the doorstep."

Jackie and the Professor follow the man indoors. The interior of the apartment is dark, but not particularly cluttered. It's well-appointed for a bachelor's apartment, and the only sign of clutter is a pile of newspaper clippings and photographs stacked high on a table near the fire. Zach is currently looking through a file folder marked "artifacts."

"Well, now that we're here," Merrick says, closing the door. "Would you kindly indulge a faintly odd request? Could you take a look in that mirror?" He points to a round mirror on the wall. "Just a glance?"

"Why" Jackie asks.

"Just...indulge me, please. Or I shall have to terminate this interview." Merrick says, clearly uncomfortable.

"I had to go through the same thing when I got here." Zack says from his seat.

---

Mr. Sebastian smiles. "Right to the point. Well, learning what benefit you may glean from our enterprise is something I'm trying to ascertain, hence the query about your background. You've come quite a ways from the Confederacy, which leads me to assume your troubles with Baron LaCroix were substantial. Perhaps if I knew more substantial details about what bad business occurred between the Baron and yourself, I would be in a better position to offer you something." His smile widens. It's a little disturbing. "As for what I stand to gain..goodwill with the new town marshal, and the political capital that may come with it. One hand washes the other, as they say."

---

"...a relaxant and purgative." Mrs. Fairchild says. "Now, are you sure you do not know who may have done this to you?"

The Professor takes a peek in the mirror. "Is this what you want?. he asked.

"It was a minor matter but once I left town I decided to see what the West had to offer. It does not sound like there is much of a payoff in this deal." Boudreaux said sipping his tea.

"But as I said before it also seems have no conflict of interests. So let us enjoy the meal and each others company."

"I suppose that depends on whether you are playing the long game or not, but yes, we shouldn't conflict. Tell me, what do you plan to do now that McCall is in custody? I was rather looking forward to meeting with Hickok's Ghost." Roger says, and then, quite casually, "Oh, and when can Mrs. Weiss and I expect our shares of the reward for subduing him?"

---

The Professor is looking slightly worse for wear, with a bruise beginning to blacken one of his eyes, but otherwise his reflection is normal. Merrick watches the Professor's reflection and sighs, relived. "Yes, that will be quite sufficient, thank you." He leads them over to the table and offers seats.

"Now, what's up?" Jackie asks. "This isn't like you, Al."

"It's...hard to explain." Merrick says. "I've...come into something I'm trying my hardest to understand, and I'm not even sure where to proceed with the information I've collected. My journalistic integrity wants me to go ahead and publish what I've found but...my reputation could be ruined, and several dearly held friendships could be imperiled. Not to mention my life could be in danger."

"How do the mirrors figure in?"

Merrick frowns. "Well...perhaps it's best if I show you. Mr. O'Connor?"

"Here you are." Zach says, passing the file marked "artifacts" over to the newspaperman.

Merrick begins thumbing through the pictures. "Now, what I'm about to show you is...really something I can't explain. This is a collection of photographs I've taken with my Epitaph camera. It's a collection of some of the...photographic oddities that occasionally occur when using that device. It's a splendid contraption, don't get me wrong...marvelous, really. The developing solution and plates they've produced can capture objects in motion...and some of those plates can actually record short snippets of time! Moving pictures!" He continues leafing through the photos. "But with any new technology, there are...hiccups. Strange things that crop up in the photos. Smoke, smears, phantom images...the Tombstone Epitaph may call these anomalies 'ghosts' but that's not the sort of folderol that warrants actual journalistic scrutiny. They are mistakes, not evidence of the supernatural." He frowns. "Damn. Where is it?"

Zach looks suddenly nervous. "Where's what?"

"There's a picture of...well, there is supposed to be a picture in here that defies all rational explanation, but I can't seem to locate it."

"Er..." Zach says. "Maybe you just misplaced it in another folder?"

Merrick sighs. "Well, never mind. I have the original plate still. Let me retrieve it." he stands and strides over to a small safe. He twirls out a combination, opens the safe--it's stuffed with papers and photographic plates. He selects one and brings it over to the Professor. "Now, honestly, I can't make heads or tales of this. This is why I've put the paper on hiatus...until I find a way to reconcile with this, well, I don't feel I've got any credibility as a journalist!"

The plate depicts the rail crossing, as taken from the balcony of the Bella Union. The rail depot is empty...no trains there in the day pictured. People are crossing the street back and forth between Deadwood's main street and Celestial Ally. The focus seems to be on a pair of figures walking arm-in-arm. One of the figures is a smiling man in a black suit and cowboy hat, with dark hair, trim mustache, and wearing a gunbelt. The Professor recognizes him. It's Bullock.

The other figure, the one hanging on his arm, is not human.

The creature cuddling up to the Marshal resembles a bipedal feline in a fancy dress, a pair of tails swishing behind it in contentment. The corner of its mouth is curled in what looks like a fanged smile. The feline thing is built like a walking cougar, powerful muscles rippling beneath the lacy dress it has on.

What the heck is going on here?

"I am not sure what to do about McCall. Guess it is not my business anymore. As for the reward, we can go to the bank after our meal. I will have to track down the others to make sure they get there end as well." Boudreaux said.

The Marshal nodded and explained.


When he was finished, the Marshal sat up and stretched, enjoying the sensation of movement.

"He looks at you too much." he said simply, "When it looks like you can't see him. It makes me nervous."

The Professor nudged Jackie in the ribs with his elbow as he drew her attention to the photographic plate with the odd image. "Well, this is odd to be certain. Rest assured that your confidence will be maintained in this matter. Given the circumstances, I think it is best that Deputy Wells and I handle this. Clearly this is a bit sensitive, given the Sheriff's involvement."

He handed the plate back to Mr. Merrick, and while the gentleman was putting it away The Professor pulled Jackie aside and whispered, "Rakshasa. Extra dimensional species with a nasty reputation.  Why one has crossed over to Earth is anyone's guess. It seems that our Madame is a bit more than she appears."

In reply to Black Jack Boudreaux (msg # 489):

"Perhaps Calamity Jane will have a few ideas. She is the one who had access to Hickok's ghost, yes?" Roger says as he eats his meal.

A shadow falls over the table.

"Greetings, Miss Wiss." Says a lightly accented voice. Fang Lau, the Iron dragon enforcer, gives the trio a polite bow.

He isn't alone...at least four other rough-looking Chinese men in shirts bearing the logo of the Iron Dragon railroad watch the group. None of them have weapons drawn--yet--but there's a noticeable absence of other patrons or wait staff in this part of the restaurant.

"The Honorable Huang Li will see you now, to discuss your activities and the amends you shourd make for them." The enforcer continues.

In reply to The Professor (msg # 491):

Jackie nods. "I always thought the way he'd swooned over her was a mite suspicious. He'd always been steady as a rock before." She thinks. "So, she can cloak her appearance, but it don't fool cameras...and probably not mirrors, neither, which explains what Merrick had us do. And she can putt some kind o' mental whammy on menfolk. What else might she do? And does it tie in to our mummies?"

The Professor replied, "Those, Deputy Wells, are excellent questions. Fancy a visit to the Cathouse? I'm sure that given the circumstances you would be forgiven for any trespass."

Before jack could answer he was interrupted by the enforcer's arrival. As he had nothing to do with the matter, he continued with his meal and tried to ignore the potential ruckus.

Jackie looks out the window. It's starting to grow dark. "I think we oughta be getting ready for Burns' show, actually. It's gonna be peak business hours there, which means not only would we halve to deal with Delgato, but all the other ladies and their customers. Do you think we oughta get Bullock in on this? Or the other fella, the dusky Southern boy who jumped in to help at the house?" She looks down at her satchel. "And do you reckon this show is going to be dangerous enough that I'm gonna need all these here boomsticks? Because I'm gettin' a might nervous carryin' 'em all around, now that I don't have to worry about blowing my way outta that house."

Janet nods.  "Tell Huang Li that we would be honored for him to join us for lunch, so we may discuss how my actions benefit him."

Nodding in agreement, The Professor picked up his satchel, "Indeed.  Dr. Smythe is our main concern.  Never lose sight of that.  He is a VERY dangerous man.  Do not trust a word he says and consistently be on your guard. Let's go back to the boardinghouse and see who we get to aid us. As to the dynamite, Dr. Smythe is exceedingly dangerous, but I don't think that a handful of dynamite will do much in stopping him, unless you plan on blowing up the Theater to prevent his escape." He smiled playfully at Jackie, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

Turning to the two newspapermen he commented, Mr. Merrick, Zachary, you both have been exceedingly helpful.  Do let me know if you discover any other odd photographic images, will you? Zachary here knows where to find me. Good day to you both!" With that, he escorted Jackie out and the pair made their way back to the boardinghouse.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:15, Sat 08 June 2013.

In reply to Janet Weiss (msg # 497):

"Forgive me for the inconvenience," Fang Lau says, clearly not actually sorry, "but Huang Li insists that I bring you to him immediatery. He waits for you at the House of Heavenry Delights." He doesn't say that if she won't come on her own, they are perfectly willing to drag her there by force...but yet his manner implies it as clearly as if he'd spoken it aloud.

Janet sighs.  "We haven't finished our meal yet, and we need to pay our bill.  Unless you can cover our bill, we'll have to wait for the waiter to return.  Will that be all right?"

"As you wish." the enforcer says, with a bow. He takes a step back...and then beings to glow. A nimbus of burning blue energy surrounds him, and electric crackles fill the air. Janet and Jack find their hair starting to stand on end.

[Language unknown: "Haatoswe Son!"] he cries. "HAI!"

Then he leaps up to the rafters and slams down on the table. The table shatters, sending wood, porcelain cups, and food everywhere.

Fang Lau stands, and brushes his fist off. He's still glowing with blue fire. He looks at Janet. "It would appear your meal is over, Miss Wiss." He says calmly. "Are you now ready to accompany us?"

((OOC: The Cup Overflows is a fun Hindrance.))
This message was last edited by the player at 18:37, Sun 09 June 2013.

Janet picks splinters out of her hair.  "As I said, we merely need to pay our bill.  We would never dream of walking out on a Chinese businessman.  If you would be so kind as to bring the waiter here?"

"Huang Li demands your immediate presence. Your bill is no ronger a problem." The enforcer says. He gestures to his goons, who draw their machetes. "If you will not come peaceabry, we will have no choice but to resort to force. No more stalling, Miss Wiss."

Jack jumped up and stepped back from the table to avoid getting any stains on his suit.

"Well it seems our meal is over. While I enjoyed our little chat, I have other matters to attend."

Janet looked at Roger, then stood up.  "I was always going to come peaceably.  Please, leave the waiter a generous tip, and we shall go."  She gestured at the door.  "Shall we, Roger?"

"Indeed." Roger says, standing...but one of the goons bars his way with a machete.

"Miss Wiss and only Miss Wiss was invited." Fang Lau says coldly, his muscles tensed.

"Mrs. Weiss is only being summoned because she was in my employ." Roger replies just as coldly. "Huang Li gave me the impression when he left our meeting that the matter had been resolved peaceably. Your heavy-handed tactics imply otherwise. I will be coming along to see that Mrs. Weiss is not mistreated."

And as he speaks, his shadow spills across the ground and rises like a specter from behind the enforcer, growing all manner of spikes and sharp edges as well as taking on a skeletal appearance.

"You aren't the only one with fancy tricks to throw around, Kung Fu Boy." The shadow says in Mr. Sebastian's voice.

Fang Lau's eyebrow twitches, the only sign that the apparition bothers him. "Very well." he says at last. He steps aside, and Roger's shadow melts back into the normal puddle of darkness thrown by the lanterns.

Roger tips his hat to Black Jack, then holds out his arm for Janet to take.

((OOC: Roger attempts to Intimidate Fang Lau with his creepy shadow. He has Strong Willed, so he gets a +2 bonus to Intimidate checks, and a special ability that allows him to force a roll on the Fear table if he gets a raise over his opponent.

16:15, Today: Roger Whateley rolled 8,5 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,3. Intimidate.

16:16, Today: Fang Lau rolled 4,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5. Spirit. Fang Lau is disturbed by the display, but not to the point where he's running away screaming.))
This message was last edited by the player at 23:20, Sun 09 June 2013.

Janet takes Roger by the arm.  "Let us go."

Jack put on his hat, and then tipped it to Janet. He had no intention of walking into what ever mess Janet had gotten herself into, but he also had no intention of abandoning a friend.

But given that he stuck out in Chinatown, rather than shadow them Jack decided he would just got to the House of Heavenry Delights and follow along at a distance.

I'm going to be splitting this thread in two. The characters in Celestial Alley will be in the Chapter 4.1.1 Thread, while the characters on their way to the theater will be in the Chapter 4.1.2 Thread. I'm hoping to direct some of the PCs involved in prelude threads to one or the other of these threads.