Hogan shakes his head slowly. """Nope, you're barking up the wrong tree. The street thugs were just whichever gang was active on that block. They were strictly the tools for whoever was higher up, which is why they couldn't answer any real questions. They didn't know. All they knew was that they'd get a fresh BTL worth of nuyen for tagging up a MaChef."""

Piggy-backing on Blue's question, Karma asks, """Were any of these thugs repeat offenders, or were they all one-shots? Maybe we can join the vandals and work this thing from the inside."""

Hogan rubs his (quite stubbly) chin before taking another pull of beer while considering the question.

"""See, that's a tough question. Gangbangers all have records, pretty much, from public urination on up. But generally speaking the vandalisation attacks were pretty much catch-as-catch-can. I guess some street bosses got repeat orders, maybe, but it didn't matter whose hands actually did it. We interviewed the street bosses, which is why we know that it was done through middlemen."""

"""So the Johnson hired the street boss, who gave it to one of his delinquents, but the Johnson was different each time, and more than one gang was approached with the same task?"""

"""That's where the investigation ground down, you see. The middlemen were pretty much hired guns, from what I can tell. That was a kind of slog, because most of them are very good at hiding their identities and trade in deniability and confidentiality, so instead of pursuing that too hard I started to work out common threads between the attacks. That's when I realised that it was about the local market, and how I had to start checking out who wanted MaChef out of the way but not the average pipe slinger. The problem then reduced to an analysis of the players in the region, and I was narrowing the field when I was told to stop spending time on that and start spending time on a fresh rash of 'weener attacks."""

"""Weener attacks? Pipe slinger trucks are now the new target?"""

Blue's mind is spinning as he tries to keep up with and decode the slang terms. And to think a few weeks ago when he was 'slumming' he thought he was up on this lingo. Not!

"""Nah, the 'weeners go for anything and everything. They love roasting randoms, so there it's more a matter of finding them ASAP and sending the armed and armoured troops to bring 'em back, dead or alive. Usually dead, if I'm a betting man. But this was a way higher priority than digging out some mastermind with a grudge driving vandalism. People get excited about granny being toasted by a flamethrower just because some freak burned his brain with a BTL and decided that he needed more excitement in his life."""

"""Is the vandalism still ongoing? Can I get a list of all the events, with dates and locations?"""

"""At the moment, no, but I can get you the records. It's as if they did it for a while, then decided to stop. Some kinda elaborate pump-n-dump scheme? Who knows? The more worrying side of it is, if bombs didn't do what they needed, what comes next?"""

"""Hmm. I'm not sure how to proceed, Karmakaze. Should we check out the damaged concern to see what they think? """

Blue really has little idea how to investigate these things. Give him a nice, complex philosophical problem, or a magical formula to figure out. This. People issues. Conflicting political ideologies. Power grabs. Sheesh!

"""That is a good idea. Maybe the owners will have some insight now that some time has passed."""

She turns back to Hogan, """Can we get a list of the franchise owners for each, and go shake some trees?"""

Hogan nods, and taps on his pocket secretary. """Yeah, not a problem. It's all public record anyway, but here, let me send it over."""

Karmakaze gets a file sent over with neatly categorised data. It's a format that she recognises as Seattle enclave standard records; easy to parse and search.

Blue perks up. """So, where should we go first?"""

Neither of them answers that question right away. In the silence, Blue comes up with some more questions.

"""I recall hearing that these events happened for a while and then stopped, and that the troubles were localized. So, was there something else happening during that time? Political election, like that Grenville guy.

"""An obvious cause might have been somebody who shorted the stock, sold it high and then expected to buy it low. Did any large sell happen before, matched by a large buy after the stock dropped in value? Maybe that Voltsev guy.

"""Was there a pattern to the strikes? Like moving along a street or around a block? Could one have predicted where the next strike might have come?

"""Maybe the data files we have could show something."""

Hogan nods seriously. """Yup, those were the kinds of things that we were looking for. Best lead that I found before I was pulled into other stuff was when I figured out that it was not really limited to any location, but concentrated where street gangs were stronger and even so nobody was safe. That led me to see that it was really aimed at the whole organisation, not just one zone. Here's my thinking: it's not an incumbent enemy or competition gunning for them, but somebody trying to make a situation right for making their own move - but that hasn't happened yet, so following the money's kind of the main trail."""

"""Sounds like we have a first step, then. Study the data we've been given and see if we can find any clues that the police missed because they got called off. That work for you, Karmakaze?"""

"""That is the usual suspect; Money."""

While looking over the data, Karma continues, """We can take another look at it, compare it to other data, and maybe run some of that data back with our contact."""

Hogan nods firmly. """Always was. Always will be. Look, I gotta scoot but you know where to reach me. If you want to figure out who's pulling the street gangs' strings, you'd prolly have to look into the records of some ugly johnsons who don't mind getting their hands dirty. I never figured it out, but I'll bet that whoever it is has a real agenda. My bosses didn't care that much compared to other things that were going on - serial vandalism was what they called it. Politicians always seemed to care more than we did, and frankly I think that's just a matter of visibility."""

"""Thanks, detective, but I have one more question; Do you know what gangs were involved?"""

"""Sure, I can get you a list. Don't know how much use they'll be, but the Capitol Crew did a few, I remember the Millers down in Tacoma did a couple, there was some by the First Avenue Cruisers, then the Fremont Freaks did - although that wasn't very effective. They mostly tagged it up and shoved an empty paint can into the pay slot."""

"""Well, I guess we can drive and figure out where to go as we go. Any idea where the Capital Crew hang out? And how aggressive they are with cold calling investigators?"""

Blue finishes his drink.

While the contact thinks about his answer, Blue opens to the astral and asks the Hearth spirit, ::: Have you noticed any kind of violence or threats happening in this establishment? :::

"""The crew are usually around the old Capital Hill Station. They move around a lot, partly because they're in a running tussle with Neo-As from the Lake Washington waterfront. They trade in drugs and BTLs, and the Neo-As ... well, they have their own agenda."""

The hearth spirit responds with the kind of answer that Blue has come to recognise from spirits when he asks questions that are too open-ended: Yes, of course, plenty.

"""Alright, then,""" Blue stands and downs the last of his drink. """Let's check out that gang and see what we can find out. If they turn out to be a dud, we'll figure out the next step. I just want to be doing something."""

Karmakaze looked to be thinking a lot about the data she had collected. Blue figured maybe she needed some time before they went after more info. So, he suggested a side trip to check on Billy's niece. They pulled up to near her home and parked. """ You be the getaway driver if I have to get out quickly."""

Blue summoned a city spirit to conceal the vehicle from prying eyes.



Blue addresses the spirit, ::: Thank you for coming. Guard and Conceal this vehicle and all occupants. I will leave your domain, so continue with these tasks till I release you.:::

Blue waits till the household looks to have gone to sleep and then walks up to the front door and gets under the overhang. There, he summons the Hearth Spirit of the house.



He waits to see the nature of the spirit. That in itself could be informative.

Blue's summoned spirit gets to work with its assigned task quietly enough. The concealment makes the car look like a construction dumpster full of broken concrete and roofing.

The hearth spirit looks like a rather emaciated yellow labrador that scratches itself lazily, and bites at ticks on its flank.

+++Well, that's interesting. Not the little fairy or the other things. +++

::: Thank you for answering my call. In the recent past I encountered astral beings staying close to the little girl who lives here. Some at least appear to be female and have wings. Please tell me all you know of those beings, especially, but not exclusively, why they are around her. :::

The labrador whines a bit. It tries to nuzzle Blue's hand, and then responds: :::I know them. I know them well. They are parasites, and distractions. Fleas and flies. They infest this region greatly, and seek to feed on what stands.:::

+++Hmm. What does it mean by 'what stands'? I only have two services left of this instantiation of the spirit. Is it worth asking for an elaboration? +++

::: When you say 'this region', what do you mean: this house, this city; what? :::

:::This house, and ones like it nearby, but especially this house.:::

One more service left. Blue might have to summon the hearth spirit again. It could get snippy about that.

::: Are they harming the girl, and if so, how? :::

:::They draw upon her spirit for their power, but this does not harm her. Instead, she attracts and directs them.:::

Blue is confounded by these revelations. As the hearth spirit fades back to their home, Blue mulls over the information he has. His thoughts circle and swarm almost like the little fairies. These are spirits of a type of which he has never heard. There is something about this place that allows them or draws them to congregate here. The girl's 'spirit' attracts them and she can direct them. Is that it?

Though the hearth spirit says they do not harm her, it calls them parasites. And distractions.
They 'infest' this region.
'Fleas and flies' it calls them, in the way a canine might characterize something that infests it.
They 'feed' on what 'stands'. What the hell does that mean?

Wait! Maybe the term harm is limited. She is physically unharmed but maybe her Awakened nature is being eaten. Didn't he read something in a missive, an advertisement, sent out to corporate security sections about a virus or bacterium that feeds on magic? What did they call it? Fat Bacteria or something. But it said nothing about little fairies with teeth.

And why here? Just here and a few houses around. "This house and ones like it nearby, but especially this house." What is there about this house? Is it the nature of the house or the location? Is it the mother who brought them here? Does she work in some kind of research facility?

Oh, Shit. Is this another Petsonal-type breach orchestrated by the Soccer Moms from Hell?

He needs more information. Looking around first to be sure he has not attracted any attention, Blue summons the Hearth Spirit again.



That felt good. The spirit should be able to stay for a few questions. First question:
::: I am sorry to continue to call you, but I need to know more about those things here you call parasites. You say they do not harm her. But do they consume her magic, enough to eventually leave her without magic?:::

:::Little shaman, provided that you improve the situation your call is forgiven. But they do not feed on her power, and harm neither her body nor her spirit. They feed on other things about, such as me.:::

:::I am happy to help if I am able. How did these things come to be here?::: Blue has in mind the Mother, but it could be unrelated to her.

:::That, I do not know. They arrived in the twilight from beyond my demesne, and when in due course the girl arrived she and they made common cause.:::

+++ Huh. From beyond the spirit's demesne. But ... wait. +++

::: Your demesne is this house. How do you know they are in "This house, and ones like it nearby, but especially this house? :::

:::I might be of this place, but I speak with others about me, that pass through and are of similar aspect. That I am of one place does not blind nor deafen me to my fellows.:::

[OOC: Wow. DS is up to speed right now. Sorry about the delay in posting. I'm usually better. I could blame the DS link, but it wasn't completely out, just slow. No, I started a new game of Civilization VII. Three months on the wagon and I fell off with a thump.]

All this information leads Blue to think of far more questions than he has services from the spirit. He tries to remember how many of the little buggers there were buzzing in the astral around the girl.



As far as any promise to Billy, even if that were to matter any more, the girl appears to be safe for the moment, and Billy has been told about the magician boyfriend. Spirits are spirits, and these ones are just a new form. Maybe the girl likes them. You know, little girls and fairies in tutus. But Blue is developing a soft spot for Hearth Spirits ever since he interacted with Madel. He kinda likes this doggie. He reaches to stroke its head. He takes a side.

The girl attracts these spirits. And controls them! Why? What is it about her that she can do this? Did she get a gift, some kind of pendant, that attracts them and gives her power over them? And what about the other houses nearby? Other little girls with pendants? What is going on?

The Hearth Spirit has asked for help. How can Blue help it? a Cure Disease Spell or a Heal spell? Fight the swarm off?

If there is to be a fight, what can Blue do? A mess of Stunbolts? Huh. Note to self: area effect astral spell. They bite. Astral armour helps. Ooh. Watcher spirit allies. Blue can summon up to eight of them. Even the odds some.

But, if they are driven away or disrupted, won't they just come back later? Or other ones from nearby? An astral barrier won't help. These ones can return from their plane straight into this house.

Well, next question.

::: How can I help you against these things?:::

The canine spirit form snuffles at Blue's hand. :::Servant of Owl, I do not know. Can you flea dip a house? I think not.:::

Blue is at a loss as to what to do for the Hearth Spirit.

::: This summoning leaves me only one more question of you. I need time to decide what to do to help you. You look like the creatures are harming you, but gradually. I consider the time from one sunset to the next as one day. In those terms, how many days before they have disrupted you completely? I will do something before that happens. :::

:::Perhaps never, but perhaps as few as a thousand, depending on their growth and movement with the seasons. My term is not short. But they are apt to be a plague on the region and degrade it far and wide.:::

As the Hearth Spirit begins to fade, Blue promises, ::: I will do what I can to learn what this plague is about, and find a way to end it. Be strong.:::

A worried Blue goes back to the car and Karmakaze. """Shit's going down in the astral here,""" he says to his partner as he sits back in the car. """Those little fairy things are slowly eating the Hearth Spirit and spreading to houses nearby. I need to find out what is going on.

"""Can we swing by where we replanted Madel? I want to see how she is doing and, hopefully, see this plague isn't going on where she is."""

[OOC: the connection flips between normal and broken, so I am packing more into one post than I normally would. Hope that's OK.]

At Madel's home, they park again. The service Blue set for his City Spirit still covers the vehicle till sunrise. There on the front stoop, in the darkness after having ensured there is no surveillance, Blue tries to summon Madel.

Madel does show up, but interestingly she looks a little younger than she had in the past. Newer situation? Re-establishment? Reduced power? Who really knows? But she appears before Blue, and even appears to recognise him with a knowing nod and a grunt.

::: Glad to see you, Madel. It looks like your new home is treating you well. I dropped by to see if you are OK, but also to ask a question. In another part of town, a Hearth Spirit's domain is experiencing an infestation of a kind of astral being I have never seen before. Small, female fairy-looking things that are hostile to the Hearth Spirit and in fact are slowly draining them of energy. Apparently they were attracted to a human girl in the house and she appears to have some control over them.

::: Does any of that sound familiar, or around here, maybe? :::

Madel thinks this over for a while, then takes a slow sip of the drink in the steaming mug with which she manifested. She leans on the wall, and says: :::As you well know, or should, spirits are not all friends, and just as an owl will strike a rat, so will spirits feast on each other. Parasites are spirits as well, but it would be wise to understand what manner of spirit they are, and their domain.:::

:::Yes, that is what I have to figure out. I will have to do some research. I am glad that these spirits have not yet come to your domain. I hope they never do.

:::I'll let you get back to your hot beverage. See you another time, maybe.:::

He returns to the car and asks Karmakaze to dirve him home. On the way, he suggests they conduct parallel investigations: Karmakaze into the neighbourhood issues, and Blue into the spiritual conundrum.

Back at his place, Blue thinks for a moment. He had considered asking Sweez the same question as Madel, but a niggling thought finally makes it to the surface. A number of spirits recently have referred to him as a servant of Owl. Maybe Owl is tweaking him to have a chat.

He settles himself with a cup of tea, sits in a comfy chair and opens his mind to the astral.

:::Owl, my Totem, a mystery reveals itself to me. I have come across a form of spirit that I do not understand. I ask for your wisdom. Help me to understand and to know how to deal with these spirits.:::

Blue's vision slowly dims, then changes as his view embraces the astral, and he sees a large, old, animated electronic billboard displaying an advertisement for something that he can't quite make out; lingerie, perhaps. Uninteresting. His vision drifts up, and on the top bar of the display he sees an owl perching; a barn owl. It's eating its prey.

Beneath the talons, in the smear of red, Blue sees butterfly wings and spindly humanoid arms.

Blue comes back to this world and considers his vision. +++Alright. Time to go to war.+++

He checks the time to see how much time he has till sunrise.

Blue also initiates an inquiry into a plan that might take a few days to put together. He sends a message to Mary Margaret. <<<Blue here. Interested in a Force 4 Stunball spell formula. Willing to pay 12,000 for it if it can be expedited. Let me know soonest.>>>