Finally, a post...
Mar. 10th, 2007 07:41 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
realsorienIts been a bit since I updated things here, so here's a quickie with a cut. First off, I'll be posting the two Werewolf runs I've got to write up in the next few weeks; I've not been able to go online at work, and that's where I usually do my writing. Second, I'll have 'What I Did On My Five Day Weekend' up soon too- That'll explain a few OTHER things. lastly, Here behind the cut is the latest (First of this cycle and the first of the 'end of season' episodes) Buffy Horror Campaign run. However, this was NOT written by me; I wasn't at the run, so Scott L, the GM, wrote things up. Thus, read on behind the cut. As usual, all characters and the campaign are copyright their respective creators. ;)
Buffy Write up from 2.25.07
The adventure begins Sunday morning after being abducted and returned safe but not completely sound. Sunday morning arrives with Michael waking early and getting ready for church. Jackie decides to sleep in late after the exhausting events and besides, her arms are still healing. The other household members are absent for one reason or another.
Michael goes to the 9am early mass and is one of two attendees. The second, being Ms. Eva Saintly. They sit together while attending mass but Michael finds her perfume and dress a bit distracting. After the service, Eva asks Michael to breakfast and they go to a local restaurant that seems to be famous for their pie. The irony is not lost upon Michael. They spend most of the afternoon together and Michael returns to the dorm house floating and euphoric to encounter Jackie at the kitchen table. After a brief but friendly interrogation, Michael realizes that he has blown off his homework and makes haste to get it done.
Finishing in the wee hours, Michael goes to sleep but (after critically failing a healing role) does not wake in the morning. Jackie, noticing that Michael has not emerged, enters his room and is unable to awaken him. Also, she notices blood on his pillow and a small amount from his mouth. A 911 call later, they are en route to Arkham General Hospital. Several hours of tests later the doctor proclaims him ok. It seems the van accident may have caused some mild internal injuries and the late night may have interfered with his healing and caused some mild bleeding. The prescription, lots of rest. The roommates take a taxi home and blow off classes for the day.
As they are relaxing about the kitchen table, they hear the sound of the mailbox and go out to get the mail. They open the door to see “Larry” the postal deliveryman staring with horror at a piece of mail. Jackie takes the offending advertisement and discovers it is Dairy Queen coupons. Jackie makes the mistake of questioning why a Blizzard coupon would cause such panic and Larry responds (in his best CA surfer style) that he’ll tell her and walks past her into the house and sits at the kitchen table. Jackie, taken back a bit, politely offers him a cup of coffee, which he accepts, and begins rambling about Dairy Queen and the Boy Scouts, all with vivid hand gestures. During the discourse, he stops and says “Hey Blu.” As the household mascot comes through the kitchen for a cup of coffee. Blu responds with “Hey Larry” and stands back to sip his coffee. The roommate look at each other and asks how Larry knows about Blu and Larry states he’s been delivering mail here for a “long time”. Blu whispers to the roommates that Larry is “enlightened” and Larry acknowledges the statement by saying that both Jackie and Michael are glowing. Blu adds, “He is a firm believer in Conspiracy Theories and is also insane”.
A quick reminder puts the ADD mail carrier back on track and he begins his story.
The Tale of “Larry the Postal Worker”
About 150 (1855) years ago, a man by the name of Earnest Hathaway made a bargain for his soul. You may think this happens all the time, and it does, but this time was very special. You see, this time, the story tells that he got the better end of the bargain.
As I was saying, 150 years ago, an ambitious man named Hathaway decided that he was going to meddle in something he had no knowledge of. He was a lawyer and a very good one at that, but that was not his true claim to fame. You see, he was known as a lady-killer and this has nothing to do with murder. He was as charismatic a fellow as you could have met and very few women could resist when he set his mind to wooing them. Story be told, he fathered at least 15 children in the Boston area alone.
It was at this point that he became weary of the challenge. Evidently, human women were no longer difficult and he decided to broaden his power base by winning the favor of a diabolical. He researched into the rites and rituals (with a fury driven by the devil himself, some say) and began his spell. The Devil heard the spell and sent him a female avatar as beautiful as she was evil. His lust arose and he bargained for its favor with the bet being he would be able to satisfy the avatar. Should he succeed, he would rule the world of man, should he fail, the cost would be his soul.
With the wager in place and agreed upon, he set upon the avatar and would have won save for the intervention by the Dark Prince himself. He begged and pleaded for another chance but the Prince was unconvinced. He then offered all his heirs and servitude on Earth, continuing as an attorney. He claimed he could corrupt the good and manipulate the judicial system to channel more souls to Him.
The Dark Prince was convinced and Hathaway sealed the agreement in blood. The downside to the deal, as Hathaway soon found out, he was no longer able to win the affections of a woman and even under force, was unfulfilled. Bitter and lonely, he renewed his career in ernst. After 25 years (1880), the Dark Prince returned to Hathaway when his quota of souls tapered off. He found Hathaway aged and in poor health. He decided to take the lawyer to Hell, where he belonged but Hathaway was as savvy as they come and on the eve of his second descent into Hell, he struck up another bargain. Return his youth, allow him to fulfill his sexual appetite and he would continue his work. The Dark Prince agreed, to the letter of the agreement, and provided him with another concubine with which to pleasure. He enjoyed one glorious night of diabolic passion and in the morning, he was young and strong again but was “castrated” to human women.
Another 25 years go by (1905) and he calls upon the Prince again. Pleased by the souls he has collected, he agrees to “re-new” his contract and u provides another diabolic concubine. However, this time his tryst fathered twins. The Prince brought the new heirs to their father and instructed Hathaway that he should instruct the sons in the “family business” and that if everything goes well, he would be rewarded.
Hathaway raised the sons cruelly but paid for the best education he could. In 1930, the Dark Prince returned and was pleased by the boys, Hathaway. As a token for his gratitude he made the Hathaway sire rich as a king and provided him with another concubine. One of the Hathaway sons found a business partner and began the Dairy Queen franchise in 1940. The other, changed his name and took on the identity of James E. West, lawyer and first Chief Executive Leader for the Boys Scouts of America.
Now the twist in this story is that Hathaway started making a name for himself amongst diabolical circles. And, not just as the “Devil’s Advocate” if you know what I mean. It is said that he caught the attention of Lilith herself and sometime in the 1950’s, took her into his bed and gave her pleasure that no man could do. As a reward, Lilith provided a harem of succubae for Hathaway so that not only could he continue his diabolic pleasures but that Lilith herself could relive the experiences through her daughters. (Since she is the mother of the succubae)
So…for the last 60 odd years, Hathaway continues to produce offspring of a diabolic nature but only the true offspring with the Dark Prince’s concubines are acknowledged and “legitimate” and granted any status. The male children possess his “impotency” with the female children tending toward sociopath. Dark rumors state that only the sons and daughters of Hathaway can produce further offspring. It is unknown why Lilith allows her daughters to continue breeding with Hathaway but she is said to have a conniving mind rivaling that of the Prince himself since his heirs with his succubae harem continue to carry his “curse” of unfulfillment.
Jackie sits through the tale patronizingly but Michael seems to swallow the story completely (gullibility disadvantage). Larry, checking the time, states he has to get back to work and promptly stands and leaves. The rest of the afternoon goes by rather uneventfully and Michael decides, he has to get to work much to his roommate’s behest. At work, Michael begins setting up his gear when his danger sense starts to tingle. He turns around and discovers he is face to face with another person. Somewhat startled he asks who this person is and is informed that he has been sent to assist him in cleaning. He is average-tall (6’) with a thin build and dark haired in a grey polyester-ish uniform with patches and the name “Ed” stitched on the shirt. Michael gives him an area to clean and “Ed” strolls off. Michael notices the patch on his shirt has a different name on it and becomes suspicious. He calls his company but there is no answer due to the late hour. He goes back to work.
A short time later, Michael’s danger sense starts to tingle again and he spins to see Ed standing behind him. He says he’s finished second floor and that he’ll start in the entryway. Michael watches him depart and is not too startled when the motion sensor lights do not turn on in the hallway as Ed departs. Michael quietly sneaks up behind and watches him quietly. While watching, he notices that “Ed” casts no reflection in the large front windows. Only the motion of the mop is visible.
Michael steps out and confronts Ed by asking what he is and why he casts no reflection. Ed tells him he is a ghost while continuing to face away from Michael. He turns to face Michael and shows a face and body that has been mauled. Exposed bone, flesh and entrails give Michael a start but for only a moment. He reverts back to an undamaged state and begins to speak with Michael.
He explains during the conversation that he has been walking lost for 47 years and was a man with a family prior to the savage attack that took his life at this very location. He was unsure exactly what did it. (Thinking either bear, dog or wolf) He also states he heard rumors that Michael is able to judge souls and allow him to pass on. Through a brief discourse, it is discovered that this information was disclosed at the museum during the reliquaries exhibit and that there were many “spirits” around to glean this. Michael, not exactly sure how to proceed, tells Ed that he may have the means but not with him. He will have try tomorrow. Ed accepts this and disappears. Michael finishes his shift and goes to pick up Jackie who went for further training at the radio station and Joe Oracle.
Michael has never met Joe and has never been in the radio station before so he speculatively asks Jackie if it’s ok to come inside. Jackie feels there is no problems and escorts Michael into the break room where Joe is doing paperwork. Introductions and handshakes and brief small talk ensue. After a few minutes, Joe excuses himself stating he has a lot of work to do and Michael begins to leave. Jackie excuses herself from Michael and goes back in to talk to Joe. She realizes something is wrong and questions him about it. He denies a couple times but Jackie is persistent and drags out the fact that usually Joe gets a vision when he makes contact with someone. He saw absolutely nothing with his contact with Michael and this raises red flags in Jackie’s mind.
Morning arrives and Jackie decides that she needs to stick with Michael for mostly health reasons but also thinking of the cryptic statement made by Joe the night before. En route to class they run into Eva Saintly and a discussion ensues regarding the crucifix and its usage. Eva argues somewhat selfishly that releasing the lost souls of the world is a lifetime endeavor and certainly would require him to go away but Michael argues that is the right thing to do. Eva turns and leaves teary eyed and says then she should be proud of him. There is some brief research at the computer lab but nothing is discovered and at this time, Michael, feeling in need of peace of mind and peace for his soul, decides he would like to go to the chapel. Jackie escorts him there. Michael enters and lights a votive candle for the soul of Ed to St. Peter in the hopes of inspiration for his coming task. The roomies then offer up prayers (Michael’s much longer and more direct than Jackie’s) and retire to the last pew to speak. Father Bishop quietly arrives and startles Jackie and Michael. The discussion turns to the Crucifix of St. Peter and who carries them. Bishop states that these are worn by the Jesuits and are a symbol of the “Lawgivers” order of the Jesuits. He steps away briefly and returns with his own. He shows the roomies the backside of the icon and the number 1084 cast into it. Bishop states that after 300 years of use, the crucifix shows no sign of wear thus removing the doubt of Michael’s “numbers” being removed. Michael then shows Father Bishop that his crucifix has no numbers and discloses that indeed, he possess’ the real Crucifix of St. Peter. He then discloses the predicament of Ed the janitor and the responsibility of sending the lost souls to their destination. Father Bishop pointedly questions Michael about the responsibility of what he is about to undertake and if indeed Father Block had shouldered the responsibility himself. Michael affirms that he will do what it takes to do the right thing, regardless of the consequences. They go back to the dorm house to rest for the night’s events.
Night time arrives and Michael and Jackie go to the office building. Jackie watches over Michael outside the custodial closet when Ed arrives. A brief conversation ensues concludes with Ed volunteering to assist in the cleaning before the “procedure” to make sure the work gets done. Edward takes off to do an area and Jackie and Michael compare notes. Not only can Michael sense the ghosts by virtue of the Crucifix but Jackie can also sense the presence of the intelligence. They all meet in the entryway and with assurances, Michael proceeds with Jackie watching on. Michael begins by having Ed state his full name and asks if he is prepared for judgment. He responds affirmatively and Michael then proceeds. Before he begins, he tells Ed that there can be no illusions before judgment and Ed presents the mauled version of himself to Michael and prepares for judgment. Jackie turns slightly green. The procedure is unknown to him but in an instant, the whole of Edward Christopher Steiner’s life floods Michael’s consciousness and after further review, he judges him to be a good man. The whole experience takes less than a few seconds but has greatly fatigued Michael. Edward fades to the afterlife sans some entrails and blood.
It is at this time that Jackie, who has been watching the procedure, notices that spectators of the ghostly variety have started to assemble outside the building and are wailing quietly. Michael, in his fatigued state announces to the gathering throng that he will do no more tonight and they will have to wait until tomorrow. A wail of frustration and disappointment issue from the gathering throng when very tall spectre pushes through and enters the building demanding that he will be sent on now! A battle of wills ensues with the giant posturing to intimidate Michael in a whirl of poltergeist-like activity. Michael maintains his stance despite being tossed about and finally the mountainous spectre falls to his “knees” sobbing in defeat. Michael promises to return tomorrow and this satisfies the spirit. The gathering of spirits depart and Jackie and Michael take stock as to what has occurred. The are standing in the completely devastated entryway of the office building. Realizing that there is no easy way to explain this one, they call 911 to report a bomb blast.
The police arrive and the questioning begins. Michael is questioned by a detective who seems keenly intent to getting to the bottom of the damage and doesn’t appear to completely buy the story. Jackie is also questioned and after some time the roomies are left to stand and watch. As they attempt to leave, a limo pulls up and a well dressed man steps out and begins talking to the police. The man is identified by an officer as the owner of the building. Somewhat embarrassed, the roomies try to quietly exit stage left but they are approached by the man and asked to explain what happened. Michael sticks to his story of a bomb blast and the man seems to accept it. He introduces himself as Ed Hathaway. The roomies get a serious case of the creeps and leave.
On the trip home, both seem to notice the lost spirits wandering the streets and by the time they make it back to the dorm house, another mob has gathered. Michael deliberately announces that it will do no good to hang around and that if they want their turn at judgment, they best leave the occupants alone. A sorrowful wail issues from the crowd but they leave the roomies alone. The run ends with Michael and Jackie settling in for the night.
Buffy Write up from 2.25.07
The adventure begins Sunday morning after being abducted and returned safe but not completely sound. Sunday morning arrives with Michael waking early and getting ready for church. Jackie decides to sleep in late after the exhausting events and besides, her arms are still healing. The other household members are absent for one reason or another.
Michael goes to the 9am early mass and is one of two attendees. The second, being Ms. Eva Saintly. They sit together while attending mass but Michael finds her perfume and dress a bit distracting. After the service, Eva asks Michael to breakfast and they go to a local restaurant that seems to be famous for their pie. The irony is not lost upon Michael. They spend most of the afternoon together and Michael returns to the dorm house floating and euphoric to encounter Jackie at the kitchen table. After a brief but friendly interrogation, Michael realizes that he has blown off his homework and makes haste to get it done.
Finishing in the wee hours, Michael goes to sleep but (after critically failing a healing role) does not wake in the morning. Jackie, noticing that Michael has not emerged, enters his room and is unable to awaken him. Also, she notices blood on his pillow and a small amount from his mouth. A 911 call later, they are en route to Arkham General Hospital. Several hours of tests later the doctor proclaims him ok. It seems the van accident may have caused some mild internal injuries and the late night may have interfered with his healing and caused some mild bleeding. The prescription, lots of rest. The roommates take a taxi home and blow off classes for the day.
As they are relaxing about the kitchen table, they hear the sound of the mailbox and go out to get the mail. They open the door to see “Larry” the postal deliveryman staring with horror at a piece of mail. Jackie takes the offending advertisement and discovers it is Dairy Queen coupons. Jackie makes the mistake of questioning why a Blizzard coupon would cause such panic and Larry responds (in his best CA surfer style) that he’ll tell her and walks past her into the house and sits at the kitchen table. Jackie, taken back a bit, politely offers him a cup of coffee, which he accepts, and begins rambling about Dairy Queen and the Boy Scouts, all with vivid hand gestures. During the discourse, he stops and says “Hey Blu.” As the household mascot comes through the kitchen for a cup of coffee. Blu responds with “Hey Larry” and stands back to sip his coffee. The roommate look at each other and asks how Larry knows about Blu and Larry states he’s been delivering mail here for a “long time”. Blu whispers to the roommates that Larry is “enlightened” and Larry acknowledges the statement by saying that both Jackie and Michael are glowing. Blu adds, “He is a firm believer in Conspiracy Theories and is also insane”.
A quick reminder puts the ADD mail carrier back on track and he begins his story.
The Tale of “Larry the Postal Worker”
About 150 (1855) years ago, a man by the name of Earnest Hathaway made a bargain for his soul. You may think this happens all the time, and it does, but this time was very special. You see, this time, the story tells that he got the better end of the bargain.
As I was saying, 150 years ago, an ambitious man named Hathaway decided that he was going to meddle in something he had no knowledge of. He was a lawyer and a very good one at that, but that was not his true claim to fame. You see, he was known as a lady-killer and this has nothing to do with murder. He was as charismatic a fellow as you could have met and very few women could resist when he set his mind to wooing them. Story be told, he fathered at least 15 children in the Boston area alone.
It was at this point that he became weary of the challenge. Evidently, human women were no longer difficult and he decided to broaden his power base by winning the favor of a diabolical. He researched into the rites and rituals (with a fury driven by the devil himself, some say) and began his spell. The Devil heard the spell and sent him a female avatar as beautiful as she was evil. His lust arose and he bargained for its favor with the bet being he would be able to satisfy the avatar. Should he succeed, he would rule the world of man, should he fail, the cost would be his soul.
With the wager in place and agreed upon, he set upon the avatar and would have won save for the intervention by the Dark Prince himself. He begged and pleaded for another chance but the Prince was unconvinced. He then offered all his heirs and servitude on Earth, continuing as an attorney. He claimed he could corrupt the good and manipulate the judicial system to channel more souls to Him.
The Dark Prince was convinced and Hathaway sealed the agreement in blood. The downside to the deal, as Hathaway soon found out, he was no longer able to win the affections of a woman and even under force, was unfulfilled. Bitter and lonely, he renewed his career in ernst. After 25 years (1880), the Dark Prince returned to Hathaway when his quota of souls tapered off. He found Hathaway aged and in poor health. He decided to take the lawyer to Hell, where he belonged but Hathaway was as savvy as they come and on the eve of his second descent into Hell, he struck up another bargain. Return his youth, allow him to fulfill his sexual appetite and he would continue his work. The Dark Prince agreed, to the letter of the agreement, and provided him with another concubine with which to pleasure. He enjoyed one glorious night of diabolic passion and in the morning, he was young and strong again but was “castrated” to human women.
Another 25 years go by (1905) and he calls upon the Prince again. Pleased by the souls he has collected, he agrees to “re-new” his contract and u provides another diabolic concubine. However, this time his tryst fathered twins. The Prince brought the new heirs to their father and instructed Hathaway that he should instruct the sons in the “family business” and that if everything goes well, he would be rewarded.
Hathaway raised the sons cruelly but paid for the best education he could. In 1930, the Dark Prince returned and was pleased by the boys, Hathaway. As a token for his gratitude he made the Hathaway sire rich as a king and provided him with another concubine. One of the Hathaway sons found a business partner and began the Dairy Queen franchise in 1940. The other, changed his name and took on the identity of James E. West, lawyer and first Chief Executive Leader for the Boys Scouts of America.
Now the twist in this story is that Hathaway started making a name for himself amongst diabolical circles. And, not just as the “Devil’s Advocate” if you know what I mean. It is said that he caught the attention of Lilith herself and sometime in the 1950’s, took her into his bed and gave her pleasure that no man could do. As a reward, Lilith provided a harem of succubae for Hathaway so that not only could he continue his diabolic pleasures but that Lilith herself could relive the experiences through her daughters. (Since she is the mother of the succubae)
So…for the last 60 odd years, Hathaway continues to produce offspring of a diabolic nature but only the true offspring with the Dark Prince’s concubines are acknowledged and “legitimate” and granted any status. The male children possess his “impotency” with the female children tending toward sociopath. Dark rumors state that only the sons and daughters of Hathaway can produce further offspring. It is unknown why Lilith allows her daughters to continue breeding with Hathaway but she is said to have a conniving mind rivaling that of the Prince himself since his heirs with his succubae harem continue to carry his “curse” of unfulfillment.
Jackie sits through the tale patronizingly but Michael seems to swallow the story completely (gullibility disadvantage). Larry, checking the time, states he has to get back to work and promptly stands and leaves. The rest of the afternoon goes by rather uneventfully and Michael decides, he has to get to work much to his roommate’s behest. At work, Michael begins setting up his gear when his danger sense starts to tingle. He turns around and discovers he is face to face with another person. Somewhat startled he asks who this person is and is informed that he has been sent to assist him in cleaning. He is average-tall (6’) with a thin build and dark haired in a grey polyester-ish uniform with patches and the name “Ed” stitched on the shirt. Michael gives him an area to clean and “Ed” strolls off. Michael notices the patch on his shirt has a different name on it and becomes suspicious. He calls his company but there is no answer due to the late hour. He goes back to work.
A short time later, Michael’s danger sense starts to tingle again and he spins to see Ed standing behind him. He says he’s finished second floor and that he’ll start in the entryway. Michael watches him depart and is not too startled when the motion sensor lights do not turn on in the hallway as Ed departs. Michael quietly sneaks up behind and watches him quietly. While watching, he notices that “Ed” casts no reflection in the large front windows. Only the motion of the mop is visible.
Michael steps out and confronts Ed by asking what he is and why he casts no reflection. Ed tells him he is a ghost while continuing to face away from Michael. He turns to face Michael and shows a face and body that has been mauled. Exposed bone, flesh and entrails give Michael a start but for only a moment. He reverts back to an undamaged state and begins to speak with Michael.
He explains during the conversation that he has been walking lost for 47 years and was a man with a family prior to the savage attack that took his life at this very location. He was unsure exactly what did it. (Thinking either bear, dog or wolf) He also states he heard rumors that Michael is able to judge souls and allow him to pass on. Through a brief discourse, it is discovered that this information was disclosed at the museum during the reliquaries exhibit and that there were many “spirits” around to glean this. Michael, not exactly sure how to proceed, tells Ed that he may have the means but not with him. He will have try tomorrow. Ed accepts this and disappears. Michael finishes his shift and goes to pick up Jackie who went for further training at the radio station and Joe Oracle.
Michael has never met Joe and has never been in the radio station before so he speculatively asks Jackie if it’s ok to come inside. Jackie feels there is no problems and escorts Michael into the break room where Joe is doing paperwork. Introductions and handshakes and brief small talk ensue. After a few minutes, Joe excuses himself stating he has a lot of work to do and Michael begins to leave. Jackie excuses herself from Michael and goes back in to talk to Joe. She realizes something is wrong and questions him about it. He denies a couple times but Jackie is persistent and drags out the fact that usually Joe gets a vision when he makes contact with someone. He saw absolutely nothing with his contact with Michael and this raises red flags in Jackie’s mind.
Morning arrives and Jackie decides that she needs to stick with Michael for mostly health reasons but also thinking of the cryptic statement made by Joe the night before. En route to class they run into Eva Saintly and a discussion ensues regarding the crucifix and its usage. Eva argues somewhat selfishly that releasing the lost souls of the world is a lifetime endeavor and certainly would require him to go away but Michael argues that is the right thing to do. Eva turns and leaves teary eyed and says then she should be proud of him. There is some brief research at the computer lab but nothing is discovered and at this time, Michael, feeling in need of peace of mind and peace for his soul, decides he would like to go to the chapel. Jackie escorts him there. Michael enters and lights a votive candle for the soul of Ed to St. Peter in the hopes of inspiration for his coming task. The roomies then offer up prayers (Michael’s much longer and more direct than Jackie’s) and retire to the last pew to speak. Father Bishop quietly arrives and startles Jackie and Michael. The discussion turns to the Crucifix of St. Peter and who carries them. Bishop states that these are worn by the Jesuits and are a symbol of the “Lawgivers” order of the Jesuits. He steps away briefly and returns with his own. He shows the roomies the backside of the icon and the number 1084 cast into it. Bishop states that after 300 years of use, the crucifix shows no sign of wear thus removing the doubt of Michael’s “numbers” being removed. Michael then shows Father Bishop that his crucifix has no numbers and discloses that indeed, he possess’ the real Crucifix of St. Peter. He then discloses the predicament of Ed the janitor and the responsibility of sending the lost souls to their destination. Father Bishop pointedly questions Michael about the responsibility of what he is about to undertake and if indeed Father Block had shouldered the responsibility himself. Michael affirms that he will do what it takes to do the right thing, regardless of the consequences. They go back to the dorm house to rest for the night’s events.
Night time arrives and Michael and Jackie go to the office building. Jackie watches over Michael outside the custodial closet when Ed arrives. A brief conversation ensues concludes with Ed volunteering to assist in the cleaning before the “procedure” to make sure the work gets done. Edward takes off to do an area and Jackie and Michael compare notes. Not only can Michael sense the ghosts by virtue of the Crucifix but Jackie can also sense the presence of the intelligence. They all meet in the entryway and with assurances, Michael proceeds with Jackie watching on. Michael begins by having Ed state his full name and asks if he is prepared for judgment. He responds affirmatively and Michael then proceeds. Before he begins, he tells Ed that there can be no illusions before judgment and Ed presents the mauled version of himself to Michael and prepares for judgment. Jackie turns slightly green. The procedure is unknown to him but in an instant, the whole of Edward Christopher Steiner’s life floods Michael’s consciousness and after further review, he judges him to be a good man. The whole experience takes less than a few seconds but has greatly fatigued Michael. Edward fades to the afterlife sans some entrails and blood.
It is at this time that Jackie, who has been watching the procedure, notices that spectators of the ghostly variety have started to assemble outside the building and are wailing quietly. Michael, in his fatigued state announces to the gathering throng that he will do no more tonight and they will have to wait until tomorrow. A wail of frustration and disappointment issue from the gathering throng when very tall spectre pushes through and enters the building demanding that he will be sent on now! A battle of wills ensues with the giant posturing to intimidate Michael in a whirl of poltergeist-like activity. Michael maintains his stance despite being tossed about and finally the mountainous spectre falls to his “knees” sobbing in defeat. Michael promises to return tomorrow and this satisfies the spirit. The gathering of spirits depart and Jackie and Michael take stock as to what has occurred. The are standing in the completely devastated entryway of the office building. Realizing that there is no easy way to explain this one, they call 911 to report a bomb blast.
The police arrive and the questioning begins. Michael is questioned by a detective who seems keenly intent to getting to the bottom of the damage and doesn’t appear to completely buy the story. Jackie is also questioned and after some time the roomies are left to stand and watch. As they attempt to leave, a limo pulls up and a well dressed man steps out and begins talking to the police. The man is identified by an officer as the owner of the building. Somewhat embarrassed, the roomies try to quietly exit stage left but they are approached by the man and asked to explain what happened. Michael sticks to his story of a bomb blast and the man seems to accept it. He introduces himself as Ed Hathaway. The roomies get a serious case of the creeps and leave.
On the trip home, both seem to notice the lost spirits wandering the streets and by the time they make it back to the dorm house, another mob has gathered. Michael deliberately announces that it will do no good to hang around and that if they want their turn at judgment, they best leave the occupants alone. A sorrowful wail issues from the crowd but they leave the roomies alone. The run ends with Michael and Jackie settling in for the night.
