(Hitoshi - Toshiro Kimura's Estate)
"He does not know," Heishi says. "He was between the worlds."
Matsudaira bows respectfully.
"This way, Ryder-sama," he says.
There are others in the home, all clad in unadorned Japanese peasant garb from the Shogunate era, all quietly tending to tasks such as food preparation, cleaning, and - it appears - praying. The hallway leading to Kimura's office is lined by figures kneeling in supplication.
All of whom lower their heads to the floor as you pass.
Matsudaira opens the door to the office, which is also lit by flickering lamps. Simple shadows dance and beckon, while others seem to writhe and form dark-omened kanji that dissolve when you try to discern them. And all of the shadows seem to stretch towards a decorative screen at one end of the room.
"Kimura-san is in the Shrine. He may wake when you approach," Matsudaira tells you.
Heishi moves a panel of the screen aside and takes up post. For a moment, he is not a business-suit clad executive bodyguard, but an ashigaru, a foot soldier from a time long since passed.
Beyond the screen, the space is lit by a single candle. A spare form is kneeling before a statuette whose shadowy outline is quite familiar to you: Izanami.
And you realize the kneeling figure is Toshiro Kimura.
Or, what's left of him.
This is not the man you met at the signing, the Pacific Rim CEO who appeared to be in his early 50's, but a much older man, his hair completely white, his face deeply lined with wrinkles. His eyes are half-closed, with a rheumy edge to them. His breathing is labored.
Before him is a bowl that is filled with a dark liquid. You know, without closer examination, that it is blood. His blood.
A barely audible rasps reaches your ears as Kimura acknowledges your presence by speaking your name.
Hitoshi takes a step towards Kimura. then looks over at Matsudaira.
"Someone explain this please... Someone other than Kimura-san." He says softly
"Hai, Hitoshi-sama," Matsudaira says. "We are the Miezaru Te Izanami, the Invisible Hand of the Goddess. Though she touches all, we are her eyes, her ears, and her hands in the mortal world. To express it in business language, she holds the controlling interest in Pacific Rim. The Board of Directors all serve at her will."
"We do not know the Goddess' mind; we do as we are bidden."
"When the unnatural winter came, Kimura-san acted as She required," Heishi explains. "The barrier protecting the Westview, and the suspension of time within its walls all require power. Though you are Amatsukami, you do not yet have such power. Thus, it became our burden."
"Kimura-san has nearly spent himself, whereupon the burden will fall to me," Matsudaira says. "I am prepared, but I am also afraid. Part of me wants to run, even though that would dishonor me and my clan and require my death to atone. I cannot entreat with her for lenience, but as long as the barrier stands, our flesh and spirit will power it while we still live."
Kimura speaks again, a faint whisper.
"Hai," Matsudaira says. "I am reminded that, in mortal eyes, we are a Yakuza clan operating as a corporation. Our enemies are not without their spies, and a weakened Miezaru Te Ryu will embolden them and threaten our corporate power."
Hitoshi frowns.
"So you give your life force to Izanami to power the protection for my casino.I don't know if I like this. Much as I am thankful for the protection of those I love and that which I own while I was gone, I can not agree with what you are doing. though I have a feeling that you answer only to Izanami, and not to me on this particular issue."
He falls silent and looks over at Heishi.
"They are pledged to the Goddess," is all Heishi says. "Are you ... rejecting her patronage?"
Where Matsudaira looked nervous, he now looks markedly pale. The Invisible Hand is not, it seems, comfortable with the notion of defying the Goddess.
Hitoshi sighs. "No, the abilities she has given me have been helpful, and I'm not rejecting the help and advice she has given. But though I understand Duty, and Honor, Loyalty, and Sacrifice, I've never had anyone sacrifice anything for me. I've always done everything I needed to, myself."
He kneels next to Kimura. "You have given so much for me though you do not know me. The only thing I can do is say Thank you for your service, and hope that one day it is no longer needed."
He stands. "Heishi, It's time we go. Unless there's something else you need to show or tell me."
"Ryder-sama, you stand at a shrine to Izanami," he says quietly. "It is not ... proper to leave without offering a prayer."
Hitoshi nods then quietly bows his head. "Izanami, Goddess of darkness and Death, let not these people suffer for me. I am the one who sacrifices."
He raises his head. "I am ready Heishi."
Heishi indicates the space between the panels, and you step back out into Kimura's office. Matsudaira slides the panels closed behind you, hiding the shrine from sight.
"Do you wish to return to the Westview, or attend to something else?" Heishi asks.
Hitoshi stops and thinks for a moment. "This is really all a bit overwhelming for one day so I'm going to need advice. Do you think we should head back, or should we try and connect with the other Casino's and get them on board with the Sanctuary issue.?
"The mortals do not grasp the importance of Sanctuary," Heishi tells you. "Heaven and Earth may be torn asunder, and they are worried about losing profits from unused hotel rooms. You will have to lead, and not be deterred if others do not follow."
"Also, Matsudaira-san is right. You will need to have an eye to your enemies, who do not understand what the Invisible Hand is, or what it does, and see only a rival that is, for the moment, at a disadvantage. If they should test your resolve, you will have to act decisively."
Hitoshi rests his hand on Heishi's shoulder. "I will fight for what I believe in and to protect what I care about. If they test me, they will find that I am not above doing what must be done. I will need help in all this. The Invisible Hand must be my eyes and ears They must help me protect those that can't do so themselves."
He takes his hand off the mans shoulder. "Now, what hotel do you think is most likely to follow the example of the Westview?"
"I am unfamiliar with the individual properties," Heishi says. "In the Yakuza, we would simply make our reach known. People cooperate because they would rather be a friend than an enemy."
Hitoshi scratches his head. "Well shit. Guess we should start visiting them all. What's the nearest to here?"
"You are now the Oyabun of the Invisible Hand. When threats are made, your enemies know it is your voice, but there are no records, no traces of the conversation. Tell Matsudaira-san, and we will speak to each owner in turn without you risking exposure," Heishi says.
Hitoshi shakes his head. "Oyabun I may be, but this requires a personal touch. Here in the United States, it's not like Japan. In a situation like this it's best if I represent the Westview accompanied by you for the initial contact and then later on the rest of the men will be the contacts. It shows honestly and good faith."
"Then I would recommend a show of ... force," Heishi says. "The shogun entertains his guests, but the size of his army is made evident. Forgive me, Ryder-sama. I am a soldier and think like a soldier. Speak to Matsudaira for a perspective that is better informed as to modern business practices."
You are nonetheless reminded of the fuss over Musashi's Book of Five Rings, styled as 'the Japanese equivalent of the Harvard MBA' to appeal to American executives.
"A Show of force is a good idea for any Yakuza clans here in Las Vegas, however for the other Casino's, I think a simple face to face meeting will suffice. Sadly, this is not Japan, we can't force them to follow our lead through force. We ask nicely, and then if they don't do it, we proceed to dig up dirt on them that will damage them once things return to normal so that their sales plummet, and their bottom line is hurt. And nothing does that better than making the public not want to stay and spend their money with them."
Hitoshi grins almost evilly.
"Speaking of the other Clans, are there any here I should know about?"
"Matsudaira-san is your ... point person on such matters," Heishi smiles. "I am the kogatana, the hidden knife, the samurai's friend."
"Your old enemies, the Kuroi Kuren - the Yakamuras - likely have people watching you," he warns. "Your rising to the leadership of the Invisible Hand will also draw attention. There will be those who will seek to test your resolve, forgetting that a hand may also become a fist."
"Also, Miss Hanamura is the daughter of Isao Muramasa, leader of the Black Lightning Clan."
Hitoshi nods, a sudden understanding coming to his eyes. "Ah yea, I'm kinda new at having people willing to do the things for me that I'd normally do myself. Sorry about that."
His face contorts in pain at the mention of the Yakamuras and what happened.
"Let them come. They will either join us, or die, ad I almost hope they chose death. I still haven't forgiven them for what they did to Akane."
He lights up a smoke. "Speaking of this whole Yakuza deal and all that, there will be no Yibitsume, no Sepuku. Any of you screw up, you tell me so. We do our best to fix it. You all are too valuable to be taking your own lives or cutting off fingers over what I will see as a small mistake, when we all know there will be enough time to sell your lives for humanity. As for Mika Hanamura, I know. She told me, and I trust her. She has her own decision to make, and I won't get in the way. If that eventually makes us enemies then so be it. I'll deal with it then."
He inhales the smoke and then breaths out. "Funny thing is, I used to hate these things. Damn cancer sticks, but when you find out you and your friends are the only thing standing between the world and destruction, smoking seems like a small issue."
He pauses thoughtfully and rolls the cigarette between his fingers. "What are the chances we can get the Black Lightning Clan to join our cause?"
"The decision to require yubitsume or seppuku is yours, Ryder-sama, but making it known that you will not inflict such punishment may undermine your own authority," Heishi says.
He watches you take a pull off your cigarette.
"Isao Muramasa would indeed be a useful ally, but he will live up to the reputation of his name," Heishi says. "Muramasa's blades were said to be bloodthirsty and share his ill temperament. So it is with the leader of the Kuroi Inazuma. And this is a matter best handled face-to-face. His daughter may be a distraction."
"Oh I never said there would not be punishment, I just think My employees killing themselves and cutting off fingers is a bit extreme when an american ass beating would actually suffice. Still, it's not something I wish to do. I prefer loyalty through honorable actions, and I lead by example." Hitoshi replies heading for the door and back out into the cold.
He pauses and whips out his cellphone.
"Yes Pheobe?" He motions Hieshi over.
"Hitoshi, it's Phoebe," the Fury answers. "Lya and Evie have been questioning the Colonel and Congressman and it turns out the female scion that was attempting to replace the Colonel with a doppelganger was brought to the Congressman's poker game by your fellow board member Doug Mason. We figured you should know... just in case he's involved with Lyman's dealings. Lya's got pictures of the woman as well that you'll need to see when you get back. Are you well?"
"Huh. Well shit. I am well, yes. Was going to go to the other Casino's to setup the programs, but I feel we should come back now. Have you found the girl?" Hitoshi tosses the keys to the Hummer to Heishi and motions for him to drive. Then he gets into the passenger side.
"Negative... the girl and the doppelganger were missing when we checked the room. Lya's supplied photos to security, and we've made the Colonel and Congressman aware of the entire situation. Evie also has news she'll want to share... I believe she's discovered something about Lyman's castle."
"Damn, and I thought I was busy. Nice job." Hitoshi says grinning, but it's a grim grin. He knows having that girl and the doppelganger on the loose was a bad thing.
"Phoebe, see if Lya can get in contact with the Military unit we unfroze and have them be on the lookout for the Colonels doppelganger. They are more likely to listen to us. Better yet get a hold of Alex and let him know. We can't let that doppelganger do whatever it plans to."
"I'll see what we can do," Phoebe answers. "We'll fill you in on the rest once you return."
(Evie & Lya - Sanctuary)
"Very well. Russell, thank you for hooking us up," Lee says. "TJ, let's get rolling. If you follow us, Lya, Detective, we shouldn't have any problems with the checkpoints on the Strip. Shall we?"
"That sounds good, to me," Evie nods in agreement. She looks to Lya, giving her a questioning look.
As far as Evie knows, Alex is the only one of them with any kind of bounty on their head. There's no reason at all for the Guard on the strip to want to detain either of them.
"Arky, we brought supplies," Lya offers again.
"I'll get someone to help you unload," he nods.
The ambulance is in the same re-purposed garage as your own vehicle, though Dr. Lee and TJ are busy dealing with several, 'Oh, by the way ...' requests as other volunteers help unload your car.
"Ayup. Got that. Good, good, some more warm clothes. Folks in these parts weren't ready for this. Look out, coming through!" he says, wrangling a pile of ski jackets under one beefy arm. He himself is swathed in a thick cloak and sheepskin boots.
He bumps into Evie as he turns away from the car.
"Oh, sorry, you were in my blind spot," he says, chuckling. "Thanks, again."
In short order, your two-car convoy is making its way back to the Westview. The shadows of the driveway seem to melt back as you approach, and your way into the garage is clear.
As they pull into the garage, Evie asks Lya, "So, do you want me to run ahead and see if we can get the colonel moved and unfrozen before Dr. Lee gets up there...so we don't have to explain the weirdness?"
"Yeah... no need to expose these guys to even more weirdness than they're already dealing with," Lya chuckles dryly. "Hopefully one of Hitoshi's bodyguards is around to help with the unfreezing process... because if this guy is in mid-overdose we're going to want the doctors to be able to step in quick once he's awake."
"That was my thought, too. I'll run on ahead and see if we can get him moved to an empty room...assuming we can move him. I don't know how all this 'freezing' works and if things are stuck in space when frozen, as well. We'll find out!" As she opens the car door and swings a leg out, she says, "I'll text you the room number."
As she walks past the doctor's vehicle, she spots TJ helping unload some equipment. TJ...TJ... she thinks. That name seems familiar. Didn't Valeria have a partner who used his initials?
Shrugging to herself, she walks up and gets his attention, "Excuse me, TJ? I just have a quick question. I don't want to slow you down, here. You wouldn't happen to have been partnered with a woman named Valeria before all hell broke loose, would you?"
"Val? Yeah, she had to leave town. Some family thing, and her father's pretty strict in a head-of-the-household way, apparently," TJ frowned. "She was a good partner."
At the desk, things seem to be running somewhat closer to normal. The Casino floor is quiet for the moment, though the attraction-mode lights and chimes are still going. You can see more of a crowd by the ballrooms, with resort staff gathered by the doors, as some form of explanation is being given to guests.
Overall, everyone is being assured that they are safe, the resources of the Westview Grand are being marshalled to provide shelter for those who are otherwise unable to leave town or return home, and that all of the Westview's services and amenities will remain available within reason.
The Furies hook back up with Lya; one of Hitoshi's bodyguards is standing by the elevators, looking rather foreboding. He says nothing as you return to the suite, with Congressman Malcolm still getting his cookies tossed, and the eerie doppelganger of Colonel Ellison being given a wifely send-off by the unidentified woman.
The real colonel is still lying insensate and suspended in time.
TJ feels for a pulse, drops Ellison's hand. "I can't get any vitals, Doctor, but he's alive."
"Hmm," muses Doctor Lee. She looks between the two men. "Let's get the patient moved out of Party Central, first."
TJ nods and unfolds the stretcher. He nods to Pheobe. "Miss, can you give me a hand? Just a simple one-two-three, and we'll pick the gentleman up and move him to the stretcher."
Doctor Lee is taking a look at the woman and the ersatz colonel. She frowns, but says nothing further.
The closest room is, of course, Hitoshi's penthouse, which he gave you the key to. Or, you can access a room on the floor below.
"Told you I'd be OK," Lya whispers as she nudges Klepto on the way into the suite.
"Knew you would be... doesn't mean I won't worry though," she smirks.
"You're probably not going to get any vitals as long as he's in stasis," Lya offers to to TJ. "Long story best explained by Hitoshi... but once we move him out of here, and with a little assistance, we should be able to get him going again. Let's get him over to Hitoshi's room and grab Mister Stoic by the elevator."
Phoebe nods to TJ as she moves to assist. "Whenever you are ready."
"Weird. It's like moving furniture, not a patient. Even an unconscious patient." TJ smiles at Phoebe. "Thanks for the assist. I'm TJ."
Nonetheless, he straps the comatose colonel onto the stretcher.
"Where are we taking him?" he says. "Doc?"
Doctor Lee is still studying the mystery woman and the fake colonel as if trying to riddle out pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
"Xiǎo shén," she murmurs quietly, almost disapprovingly. "Detective. Is there a glass nearby, or even a needle? It will be helpful if we have an idea of what was used, before it metabolizes in the Colonel's bloodstream."
Hitoshi's bodyguard follows, again saying nothing. It's beyond the whole stoic samurai thing, and more than a little creepy.
TJ raises an IV support pole. He takes a rather large backpack off, and breaks it open to reveal a portable EKG and respiratory console. He suspends a bag of fluid from the pole, and prepares an oxygen mask.
"Ringers lactate," he says, inserting the needle out of long-practiced skills. "How do we ... unfreeze this guy?"
Hitoshi's bodyguard looks towards Lya and Evie. Then, as if noticing her for the first time, he bows formally to Doctor Lee.
"I don't know about needles," Evie says. "But I'm sure that a glass is easy enough to come by. Give me a minute and I'll see what I can turn up."
She pauses and turns back to Dr. Lee, "Oh! The woman's purse is there by bathroom door. You might find some clues in there."
"I'll be back in a second," Evie says as she hurries off to find what Dr. Lee has requested. As she turns, she notices the formal bow the guard give. She says nothing, but makes a note of it. Obviously, there is more to this woman than meets the eye.
"Phoebe," the Fury replies with a small smile.
"That would be our silent friend here," Lya replies with a thumb in the direction of the silent bodyguard. "When you guys are ready to take over, I guess we just ask him real nice to do his thing. From the looks of it, he'll listen to you, Doc."
There's a tumbler that smells like scotch - a nice one, dark and woody - sitting on the nightstand, although it gives Evie a chance to examine the scene, and her sense of what happened clicks into place.
It's a scenario that most would discard as some Mission: Impossible style plot, but which Evie's instincts tell her is accurate.
The colonel, expecting to bed a young woman, but getting a different surprise by way of his drink. He passes out. The woman opens the door to admit the colonel's twin, who dons the real colonel's uniform. ID, keys, access cards, and a phone with a safe combination written down. The double will leave, access the safe's contents, then return.
Depending on the drug used, the colonel would not be able to recall events. He might dismiss the grogginess as a hangover and, if the young woman were still present, that he'd simply dozed off after getting laid.
Evie sees Doctor Lee rummage through the woman's purse, removing a small phial - clearly not perfume. She examines the woman's lipstick and a compact as well, but returns them to their place.
For a moment, Evie eyes meet the Doctor's. For an instant, she is reminded of her encounter with Heimdall, then the aspect of divinity is hidden once more behind the face of a demure doctor.
"All right," Doctor Lee says. "_Qǐng shìfàng zhè míng shìbīng_."
The bodyguard nods his assent, but does not speak.
The EKG unit begins to beep, but there is an off-note to the rhythm that draws a muttered exclamation from TJ, who nonetheless proceeds with taking the colonel's vitals. He recites numbers to Doctor Lee, who nods.
"Looks like rohypnol, but a king-sized dose," TJ explains. "Six hours, maybe longer before he wakes."
"Someone should stay with him," Doctor Lee says. She looks at Hitoshi's bodyguard. "Not you."
The bodyguard bows his head and remains looking down as if he were a child being reprimanded for tracking mud on the floor.
"In the meantime, TJ, perhaps we can return to the main floors and see if others need help," Lee says.
"Sure thing, Doc."
Evie assumes that Dr. Lee is an Asian deity, but which one or even which culture escapes her. She knows nothing about those pantheons and has had little exposure to Asian languages. She guesses that Lee is speaking Mandarin, but it's just a guess. It could just as easily be Korean or Tagalog or some other tongue that she's not familiar with.
At any rate, she tucks that knowledge away and decides to ask Hitoshi about her, later. Evie will simply continue to treat her with the same respect that she would any person, especially someone who is in public service.
The detective walks over to Dr. Lee and TJ, holding the glass," It looks like he was given the drugs with alcohol. I don't know how that may complicate things."
She glances to Lya after Dr. Lee's recommendation, "Do you want to stick around or should I? My only other plan was to find a way to the roof and watch the castle, see if I can spot any kind activity or information that could be useful. But, that's not something that I need to do right now."
She grins and adds through a yawn, "Well, that and sleep."
"I can watch the Colonel until he recovers," Lya offers with a wink. "You know me, I can go for days. Get some rest, Evie."
She turns to the Furies. "Same goes for you guys... get some rest while we can."
"Thanks, Lya," she smiles gratefully. Evie looks around and spots a large, comfortable looking recliner tucked in one corner. She walks over and flops down onto it. "Do you think Hitoshi will mind if I sleep here? That way, if anything goes wrong with the colonel and help is needed, I'm right here. Easier than having to run and get me."
"I doubt he'll mind Evie," Lya replies with a smile over her shoulder as she follows the doctor out into the hallway.
"Nǐ zěnme néng gàosù tāmen ne?"
Doctor Lee motions Lya off to the side.
"Ah. Another child of the gods," she smiles. "There is a saying in Western thought that 'god is in the details,' though I am not certain they understand the depth of that insight. Mortals do not recognize us because they are not paying attention."
"You see it, of course, because of your chi. It is what allows you to dance through the world as you do."
"We're you able to detect their chi, Doctor Lee? Is that how you knew? Gods know that would be a handy ability these days," Lya replies. "My father was a Greek aficionado of fine wines, though my mother was of your heritage."
"It comes with years of experience," Doctor Lee laughs. "Mortals are used to seeing the world and dismissing it in the same breath. They see a rock, and think nothing further of it. They see each other in snapshots and frozen moments, like judging a river by a single droplet of water. True wisdom and compassion are possible only when one is willing to look with better eyes.*"
"Ah... not something you can teach, eh," Lya chuckles as she runs a hand through her hair. "Thank you, doctor... whoever you are. Saving that colonel may give these people the best chance we have to get them all to put their differences aside to work for the greater good."
Vaguely, Evie thinks, I should probably take a shower but that thought doesn't last long. Her head has barely laid back on the chair before her eyes are closed and she is deep asleep.
"As your own chi manifests, your perspective will change," Doctor Lee tells you. "You may find the concerns of mortals seem small compared to your own, but it is your choice what you take with you as you grow. Others in the Celestial Bureaucracy may find mortal pain inconvenient; I prefer to remember that pain is the other side of those things we treasure in life: love, music, joy, and happiness."
She notices Evie falling asleep in the chair and quietly motions to TJ. They gather Evie up and move her to the bedroom, where she continues to sleep soundly.
"We have time, Daughter of Mirth," she tells you. "Are there other questions you have for me?"
"Mirth..." Lya laughs hollowly as she runs a hand over her hair. "Yeah... not sure how much good that's going to do these days. I've been trying my best to remain in good spirits, but you can't exactly tell someone whose home has been destroyed by Ice Giants 'Hey buck up, have a drink and party your cares away because things will get better, ' you know? The forgotten people of my city need more than that... which means I need to be more than that if I'm going to help them survive this."
She looks at Doctor Lee with desperate eyes. "Please, can you teach me? I'll light the incense and say the mantras every morning if that's what it takes."
"I had not expected to acquire a new pupil," Doctor Lee says. "But voices of Compassion and Mercy are always of value, especially at times where violence and despair are the easier choices."
"I ask for no devotion except practice, and do not even require it," she continues. "Some find fault with such unconditional gifts, even as they benefit from them and see them at work in Heaven and on Earth. All too soon, however, we predicate our affection and care upon an exchange in equal value. We expect people to love us in return, or to reward us for those actions which should be as essential as breathing. We qualify mercy and compassion through laws, when these are not the Laws of Heaven, but those of Man."
"Accompany me as we make our rounds of other guests."
You return to the Casino/Concourse floors and find Karen Ryder.
"Something has changed," she says. "The front desk is getting calls from guests on floors that we had not 'unfrozen,' and I cannot find any of Hitoshi's ... bodyguards. I have sent staff to assist where needed, and the desk is asking guests to assemble in the ballrooms, as with our other guests."
"Miss Ryder?" says one hotel security guard, dusting off a rain slicker that isn't at all suited to the cold and snow outside. "I went out by the pool. There's nothing out there but snow."
Whatever barrier was in place is apparently gone, though you do not know if this is because Hitoshi asked that it be removed, or if some natural limit had been reached/exceeded.
"Um ... hi. Ladies and gentlemen?" TJ fumbles with a microphone. "My name is TJ. I'm a paramedic, and I'm here with Dr. Xuehua Lee from Vegas General. If anyone is in need of medical attention, we will be setting up in the Earhart Room ..."
A short time later, you are taking part in an impromptu clinic, with hotel staff taking patient histories, TJ taking people's vitals, and Doctor Lee speaking with them as needed. Issues range from running out of medication to minor sprains incurred when someone's movement was abruptly restored.
Lee greets each patient warmly, telling them that you are 'in training' without explaining further. She asks you to describe what you see, a question that takes on an added dimension as she pushes you to go beyond the obvious and physical ...
Lya stops one of the security guards before joining the doctor as he makes his way through the area they set up for triage. "Hey... I heard you guys say that the barrier is down and everyone's waking up, right?" She whips out her phone and quickly flips through the pictures to show the images of the woman attending the person attempting to impersonate the colonel.
"You should know that Detective Cartwright of the LVPD and I found these two criminals who had drugged Colonel Ellison in an attempt to impersonate him and break into his safe. The real Colonel has been brought to medical attention and is currently being guarded, so we need to make sure these guys are apprehended before they attempt to either try again or escape the hotel. I have to attend the doctor, but please, if you have any further questions, call Detective Cartwright at this number."
She quickly excuses herself to rejoin the doctor as she makes her rounds and ponders the question put before her.
"I see people in need... but not just because they're hurt physically... they're hurt in here too," Lya replies as she touches her chest over her heart. "It's like we're all drowning in a tide of greed and indifference... and these people are reaching out hoping someone will care enough to grab their hand and bring them to shore."
"Yes, Ma'am," says the security guard. It's clear he may not understand what is going on with talk of barriers and people being 'frozen,' but direct, tangible threats like thieves running about the Westview? No problem.
"To see those things that cannot be seen is an auspicious beginning," Doctor Lee tells you. "Things like greed and indifference may also be invisible, but no less potent. They are simply easier, like a stone rolling downhill, and gain a force unto themselves."
The analogy reminds you of the tale of Sisyphus, and it's not entirely comforting.
"Now, Mr. McGaffin is having difficulty walking," she says, indicating the gentleman sitting beside you. "Where do you see the problem?"
"It's my damn knee," the older man says. "Used to be just when it was cold, but it pretty much hurts all the time, now."
From the way McGaffin is sitting, it's clear he's in pain, holding his left leg straighter. The obvious concerns come to mind - a previous injury or perhaps, arthritis - but in trying to frame things holistically, to see things as a whole, you notice McGaffin is also sitting canted to one side. And you understand the issue is not his knee, but likely a consequence of sciatica or similar back trauma, with the pain being perceived in his knee because he started adjusting his posture to compensate.
Dr. Lee smiles as she sees the comprehension in your eyes.
"So the knee is just a symptom of a greater problem," Lya says as she begins to understand. "If we don't diagnose and treat the actual cause, we end up being about as effective as putting a band-aid on a gaping head wound. Not that this is anything that serious, Mr. McGaffin," Lya reassures the man with a smile after he gives her a worrying look. "In this case I'd have to ask if you've recently fallen on your back, or possibly strained it in any other way?"
"Fallen on my back? Where did you pull that from, young lady?" McGaffin asks.
Before you can temporize, he adds, "Because I did, about a year-and-a-half ago. Slipped on the kitchen floor, boom. Doctors gave me some ibu-whatever and sent me home, told me to take it easy. That ain't my style, really, idle hands and all that. So you're telling me my knee isn't the problem?"
"While knee pain is always a problem, I think the root of it might've been your accident with your back, sir," Lya replies. "Your body tried to compensate for the stress on your back by putting more of the burden on your knees... and eventually it was just too much for the joints. I wouldn't be surprised if you were having foot pain too, sir...it all tends to be connected like that."
Doctor Lee smiles again, and even though it seems restrained, it is a warm, room-filling sensation, the goddess' concern and care radiating from her being.
"Lya, if you will help Mr. McGaffin stand, we will endeavor to make things better," she says.
You understand, of course, that whatever she undertakes will be more than a simple correction to the man's posture, and that in observing the goddess at work, you will have a better understanding of how to move beyond merely giving voice to unspoken pain (and, thus, setting it free), but to heal.
Lee makes seemingly trivial corrections to McGaffin's stance, telling him he simply needs to remember the correct posture, guiding him gently without remonstration, but also providing him with a rationalization as to why he feels better. You find yourself wondering how often patients who marvel at the doctor who understands their particular problem have crossed paths with the goddess or, perhaps, one of her children.
At one point, she guides your hand to a supporting position, and you feel ... something. Chi. Energy. Like the gentle balm of warm water, easing the knot of wrongness in McGaffin's back.
"Ow, Jesus Lord," McGaffin says, "Oh, that ... hey, that actually feels better. I didn't realize I was standing all cock-eyed. Thank you."
Lee smiles somewhat amusedly at the invocation of the Christian God, but looks at you to see if you recognized, even in the beginnings of understanding, what she did.
"I swear I could almost feel it," Lya replies in wonder. "It was like removing a rock from a stream..."
"You did feel it," Doctor Lee tells you. "Trust your divine blood, Daughter of Joy. Doubt is your mortal side trying to protect itself from truths it is not ready to accept."
"Still," she adds, "Let us see how strong the gift runs in you."
She motions the next patient forward and lets you take the lead ...
Lya nods and walks up to the next patient with a smile. "Hi, my name is Lya and I am here to help. What can I do for you today?"
A nervous swallow, darting glances.
"I'm sorry, I'm wasting your time. I shouldn't be here," the young woman says. She brushes a few strands of hair out of red-rimmed eyes and starts to get up from her chair.
The notes from the staff aren't particularly helpful. The woman is upset about something, but won't say what. TJ indicates her pulse and blood pressure are somewhat elevated, but within normal ranges.
"Helping people is never a waste of time," Lya reassures her gently as she puts a hand on her shoulder. "I can't help unless you tell me the problem."
Lya looks intently at the young woman for any signs that she might be another unfortunate casualty of Lyman's Jotunblut ritual. After seeing what happened to the Lobo member on the street, she has to remind herself to temper her compassion with caution. "I have to ask, though... were you coerced by someone into coming here?"
The woman shows none of the signs of Jotunblut. She is distraught, but not agitated, and not aggressive. But placing your hand on her shoulder begins to unravel the knots of pain and distress that her words only hint at.
"No, I ... it's just that," she hesitates. "I have nowhere to go. I can't go back ... to that. It doesn't matter if we were caught up in some kind of weird time loop like a Star Trek episode."
Where to begin? There are smaller injuries, healing on their own, but there's a tangle of emotion like a black, choking cloud. The spark of a new life, still within the first trimester.
And the child is a Scion.
Lya's eyes widen and she lets out a small gasp as the knowledge of the woman's plight comes to her. Her hand moves from her shoulder to take the woman's hand as Lya sits down across from her and leans forward to talk quietly.
"Look, I am personally friends with the guy who owns this hotel and I can tell you that you don't have to go back to anything if you don't want to. Trust me... no matter how weird or impossible your situation might sound, you're among people who will understand and not judge."
She takes a deep breath. "I take it that what happened... wasn't by choice?"
"Yes. No. I don't know," the woman sobs. "I keep trying to make things better. I thought I'd found someone who cared about me not someone like Anthony. Everything was right for that one night, and then he was gone. And I'm pregnant! Once Anthony finds out, he'll blow up!"
She chokes back another sob.
"He's not a bad man. He drinks too much, and he gets rough when he does, but he loves me. And I cheated on him!"
"It's not always like the stories, is it?" Lya responds as she hands the girl a tissue. "Love can be just as broken as we are, and turn from something pure into a broken, corrupting thing. It's not your responsibility to fix Anthony or fulfill what he thinks love should be. It's time to focus on yourself and the little one you carry... for they will need love too, and give it back to you in droves."
"I'm going to let you in on a little secret, OK?" she takes another deep breath. "My mom went through something similar... though with her it was a slew of boyfriends until she met a guy like the one you met. He treated her like she was treasure on Earth for one night, and then left her with nothing but me nine months later. Maybe if he'd told her what a special gift that was, she'd have treated me better and I wouldn't have run away to live on the streets. It wasn't till I met my dad again that I realized I had a purpose... that I was here to remind people not to forget the happiness and joy this world can still offer."
She sniffs before taking both of the woman's hands in hers and looking her in the eyes. "So let me tell you what your mystery man should have: that child that you carry is going to be special. Someday their father is going to come back to tell them that and they will do great things ... but they're going to need your guidance as much as their fathers to make sure they do it for the right reasons. You are important... and when that child is born you will be its entire world."
"If you need help, we can find you a room here so you can be safe and have what you need. We can give a description of Anthony to Security if you like, and I have another friend who is an officer with the LVPD who is staying here."
"I can't go to school because I can't afford it. I can't get a job that pays more than minimum wage because I don't have an education. And all Anthony cares about is whether dinner's on the table when he gets home," she says. "The only open doors I seem to find are the ones that get slammed shut in my face."
She shakes her head. "I know. That's not fair. You just offered me help, but I'm not looking for a handout. A job with decent wages, a chance for me to finish college, that's all I need. And then the world will be special for my daughter because I can help make it special."
"First things first," Doctor Lee tells her. "Ms. Bach will see to your having a room. You are in good health, and the child is in good health. I will recommend a colleague who can see to your needs, and you can begin building a real family for your daughter."
The power of those words underscores the goddess' power. Small things, seemingly fragile things that combine to become stronger than the harsh realities of an unkind world. Of course, the child will already have some interesting godparents - a band of Scions.
"Thank you," the young woman says. "I know it's silly, that seven months have passed, and, maybe Anthony figures I walked out on him, and he's gone for good. But I don't want to be alone. I'd come here to apply for a job, like I said, and I hope I still can."
"So hey," Lya asks as she escorts her to the front desk to look for a good room, "like I said, my friend Hitoshi owns the hotel so I'm sure we could work out something where you work for room and board and whatever you need while you can... and once you're needing to be off your feet I'm always looking for somebody to help run the website and message boards for Lya & the Furies."
She hands the girl her card. "Either way, we're always around if you need help... especially if Anthony tries to bother you."
It's at that moment when Lya's phone rings and she checks to see that Evie is calling. Hopefully things are still all right with the colonel...
"Hey Evie... aren't you supposed to be sleeping?"
"Yeah, I just woke up briefly. I figured I'd check in and make sure things are okay before I traipse back to the Land of Nod," Evie answers.
A clerk at the desk listens to your request and nods in agreement.
"Mr. Ryder has always been charitable in that regard," he says. "There isn't housekeeping service at present, but we do have a room available for you, Miss Griffin."
"And a job application, which will be circulated among the Westview Group owned-and-operated facilities. Franchise locations - mostly the restaurants - leased by other companies tend to their own hiring. But that application covers everything from hotel services to the casino floor, though certain positions will also require a background check if you're handling money or working as a dealer or croupier."
"Main thing to be aware of is that everybody is awake...and I do meaneverybody. The barrier is down and Hitoshi's guards are nowhere to be seen. Neither is he, actually... haven't seen him since we left for Sanctuary. I gave pictures of our friends in the hotel room to Security, but we're probably going to want to keep a guard on duty. Meanwhile I'm down in the lobby learning a new trade with Doctor Lee, and I've made a new friend named Barbara that you should meet sometime. Trying to get her set up with a room before I get back at it. Turns out we've all got a lot in common."
Lya chuckles. "Sorry if you can't get back to sleep after all that."
She covers the phone receiver for a moment as she thanks the clerk and moves the application over to Barbara. "You've got my number on my card, so call me anytime if you need anything. I'll be sure to put in a good word for you when I see Hitoshi again, and you can meet my friend Officer Cartwright if you need help with Anthony, ok?"
"Oh, shit," Evie mumbles. "Okay, I'll coordinate with the ladies here and see what we can do to cover Colonel Fake-o...if he's still in his room. It could be that he's already slipped out."
She pauses and considers. for a moment. Slowly, she continues, "Buuuut, that might not be a bad thing. If he hasn't left, maybe we can tail him to wherever he's going and figure out what he was trying to accomplish. And, since you were clever enough to change the combo on his notepad, we know he won't be able to actually do anything if he does get away from us."
"Of course, that depends entirely upon them continuing with their plan. They may call it off since Colonel Kissy-face is missing. They'll know something is amiss. Still it might be worth following him."
Fortunately, the computer in Hitoshi's penthouse has access to the Westview's security grid, and Evie is able to check the hallway without leaving the room. A quick review shows that the fake colonel and the mystery woman haven't left their suite.
Still, this isn't a complete surprise. Congressman Malcolm would have resume boffing his 'personal assistant,' and might not even realize he's been caught in flagrante delicto for six months. The fake colonel would realize the real colonel is missing, leaving him with the option of aborting any plans of taking his place, or continuing the charade with a very strong chance he'd be exposed in short order.
It had only taken a moment to access the security cameras, so Evie had kept Lya on the phone as she checked.
"Okay, it looks like no one has left. That's not surprising. They may have called it off," she says. "I can continue to keep an eye on their room from here while the Furies help guard Ellison."
"So, you have someone I should meet?" Evie continues, now that the frontmost question in her mind is answered. "I'd be happy to meet with Barbara, anytime. Just let me know when would be good for her and we can work it out."
"You be careful, Evie... don't do anything without back-up, ok?" Lya cautions. "Keep in mind what Dr. Lee said about them... we don't know what they can do. I'll be down in the lobby, but I'll be sure to check back up there with you guys when I'm done. I'll let Barbara know... I'm sure she'll be glad to hear that she's got friends. Later, girl."
Lya hangs up the phone and turns to Barbara. "Hey... do you have a picture of Anthony you can share? Nothing will happen unless he tries to start something, I swear. I just want to pass it on to my friend Evie. She's really nice, and she can help you with the legal mumbo jumbo if things get too bad with Anthony."
"No worries. Just surveillance and recon, if needed. I won't engage. Promise. I'm in no hurry to find out if I have super healing!" Evie chuckles and adds, "You watch yourself, down there. I'll ring you if I see any activity from the colonel's room. See ya!"
Evie hangs up the phone and shoves it back into her pocket. She puffs out a breath as she leans back in her chair and watches the surveillance camera. Evie chews on her bottom lip as she thinks. What has happened to Hitoshi? Where is he? What happened to the barrier?
Damn it. I hope he's okay. And, Alex is okay. I don't want to have to go find both of them Evie's leg begins to bounce nervously.
She fishes in her purse and takes out a faded print wedged in the cover of a datebook. It's a photo of her and Anthony, in front of an oversized Dodge truck. He's wearing jeans, cowboy boots, and a faded Dallas Cowboys jersey. She's in short-shorts and a bikini top, sandals dangling from her right hand. He's leaning, arms crossed, against the truck bed; she's sitting in the passenger seat, her bare feet propped up on the dashboard.
The photo strikes you as a guy showing off things he owns: a big truck, and a sexy girlfriend. Property.
Lya uses her phone to take a picture of the faded photo the best she can so she can pass it on the Evie. "There we go," she says as she hands the photo back.
"You can do this, Barbara," Lya says as she gives her an encouraging smile. "Think of it as a second chance to take control of your life and make it what you want it to be. You can check out your room, and if you're up for it later maybe I can introduce you to the rest of my friends if you like. In the meantime, though, I should get back to the doctor so I can complete my rounds."
Barbara nods, reassured by the support you and others have offered without asking for something in return. She remains at the front desk to fill out the employment application - there are no guests lining up behind her to check in or out - then heads for the elevators.
"She's in 421," the desk clerk tells you. "I've made a notation on her invoice so Security knows she's fleeing from probable domestic abuse. Our people will keep an eye on her."
"Yes," Doctor Lee smiles approvingly when you return. "It really is that simple. Mortals - and sometimes gods - lose sight of that too easily."
None of the remaining patients are as challenging, providing another lesson. Compassion is not a burden, a load that must always be shouldered in self-sacrifice. Instead, it is in recognizing each other's burdens that we free one another to offer help when it matters the most.
"Your gift will grow as you use it," Lee tells you. "There will be times where it seems a small thing in the face of that which is larger and stronger. Do not lose heart, and do not be afraid to reach out."
She gives you a small ring, wrought from white gold and set with a cabochon of jade. Amid the pale green, there is a brighter streak.
"The stone will change as your chi manifests,*" she says. "I will be nearby, for a time. Walk the path of the heavens."
"You honor me," Lya replies as she dons the ring on her right hand and bows with her hands together. "It's like they said in the movies... it's the small deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay, right? I'll do my best to spread the word... and maybe together we can all make this world right again."
She sighs and looks around at all the people looking for help midst all the turmoil caused by Lyman's actions and feels that spark of hope flare once again inside her.
First things first, Lya... time to check on Evie and see how Colonel Kissy-Face is doing.
The line of patients diminishes without further serious need. You are free to return to the Penthouse, or make other inquiries.
Lya takes the elevator back up to the Penthouse to check back with Evie and the Colonel. If she's able to help the Colonel with her newly learned powers, maybe he can fill them in on what's so important in his safe.
And if we're lucky, maybe he can help us with Sanctuary and find out what happened to Alex...