Odyssey Investigations: AEAEA - Chapter 2, Part 2 - The Case of the Lesser Key of Solomon DeMorge

[Glea]

(There's that word again, Detective Sholmes. The one that the spirit, Dr. Lhackof, used when we communed. Resurrection.)

(This troubling talk is starting to give me the heebie jeebies...)

 

[Theobald "Leo" Leonhart]

I don't wanna go to the Dark Place...

I think the scariest thing in the Dark Place is deadlines, but you don't have to come. Will you be a good girl if I let you explore on your own?

I dunno, can you get me some tasty cakes?

I-I'll make a request for room service later.

Then Efi can behave!

[As Leo follows Kane and Garth Marenghi to the Dark Place, Efi joins in on raiding Aldrich's quarters. Eyeing the unopened mail on the desk, she decides against opening it without a sufficient distraction - Leo taught her that tampering with mail is a federal crime - and instead opts to peek at the names on the placards.]

(I'm still learning how to read, and these mage names are hard...but I should be able to read the first letters, at least!)

[Meanwhile, on the way to the Dark Place on the 7th floor of the Ramura Lodge, Leo stops along the way to take a look at the door of Room 704.]

(This was the room where a guest complained about some pattern of dots appearing on their door. Not sure if they'd still be here, but it's worth taking a look.)

 

[Dr. Lyra Orpheus]

(There's that word again, Detective Sholmes. The one that the spirit, Dr. Lhackof, used when we communed. Resurrection.)

(This troubling talk is starting to give me the heebie jeebies...)

(...Mmm. Yes... Though, I'm more concerned about the nature of a different word - Maseonic.)

(If you'll recall, I stated that you reminded me of someone. That someone in question embarked with me upon a veritable Odyssey - and the subject of the ancient civilization known as Maseon was ever-present across our journey. They were certainly capable of... a degree of "resurrection" to be sure, but the results were, as you've stated, largely "troubling" indeed.)

(Dare I say, we should keep an eye on these golems - a closer eye than before. The nature of such a construct is solely up to the will of the summoner, and the soul is a rather malleable thing in the right hands. A man who bore the name of "Sirius" could surely attest to that, if the story I was told was to be believed.)

In any case, thank you, Ms. Baskingford - for your thorough explanation of the topic at hand. A fascinating advancement in arcane research. You'd be correct in saying I prefer to take an analytical viewpoint of the subject though. As our own Mr. Dhurvakt demonstrates, each culture carries their own understanding of the various threads that entwine themselves to create our commonly-known trinity of primary applications. Any investigator worth their salt would consider the viewpoints of those mages that lie tucked away in the corners of this world.

Too often does one become comfortable with that which they are taught within their own sphere. The anthropological angle is rather more interesting, no?

Now then, would there be any problem if I examined the Access Point or Medame Staff Room? Simply a matter of security, seeing as transport through the Thalassic system seem to be accessible via these areas. I'm also rather curious as to why one staff room bears a direct connection, but not the other.​

 

[GBA]

[Two important-looking women arrive in the foyer of Cascade, having journeyed up the grand steps from the docks, a tad later than expected. The more bombastic one takes her time to stand amidst the water of the landing entrance, while the more reserved one wanders to the front desk.

Now, the party can truly begin.]

- [???] - Ah, we're a bit late! Milady, quickly. Aldrich is scowling again. Accept our apologies, we were sending Dr. Dendron on her way, she was looking a bit pale.

- [Aldrich] - Ms. Circe, there is no need to rush, I'm merely preparing some ledgers for a... recompense of sorts. A Findelan fruit basket, as requested by one guest, but some gift shop vouchers and... hmph. There was an incident, I shall recount it to you both later. It taxes me greatly.

[???] Did he say FREE gift shop stuff? Circe get me three!!

- [Aldrich] - In any case, welcome to AEAEA, the both of you. We've been waiting for you.

- [Aldrich] - Moh has advised of a few restrictive counter-measures against a potential Lotus arrival relating to tonight's schedu-

- [Circe] - I'll cut them down where they stand, Aldrich.

[Circe pats her rapier, while the woman once under the waterfall shakes her head like a dog, her hair fluffs out dry and clean, then she comes over to the stand.]

Spoiler: AEAEA's Encounter A

- [Aldrich] - Kleidi, refreshed as ever, I see.

- [Kleidi] - Fear not, my allies of righteousness! We shall ensure a peaceful festival, where all can cavort around the stalls in safety, under our protection. Kane can help too. I've been given authorisation to use my Keyseru in case swift justice is required! And at the very least, I can WACK any Lotus perpetrators with the end of it. Hahahaha!

- [Circe] - You're taking this awfully well, milady. The headaches this event has caused you to cater to Noktmathi and the other stakeholders to ensure peace, and now...

- [Kleidi] - ...it is... what it is. Aside from Eldstar's law taking full effect (with everything that could go wrong now going wrong), on a minor note, we were late after all, and we've already missed the VIP exhibition showing. Debrief me on today's happenings at the end of the day, shall you? I have to review the schedule for a few minutes. Where's Storm, Aldrich?

- [Aldrich] - I've been informed he's exploring the depths with the other VIPs, at present.

- [Kleidi] - "Ghost" puzzles manifested again?

- [Aldrich] - ...P-Presumably.

- [Kleidi] - Circe, at my side! We have justice to share... and pre-game drinks to source! I'll review the schedule on my way, and we can hand it to the others.

- [Circe] - Yes, milady.

---

You have met Prosecutor Circe Chrysothemis, and Chief Justice Eunomia Kleidi. The persons of interest file will be updated shortly.

 

[GBA]

All NPCs for Chapter 2 have been revealed. We've now reached the halfway point of Part 1.

The Submission Phase is now open for discussion.

With Justice Kleidi's arrival, and approval of the schedule, the night's "Open" events are now ready for your allocation. You can use these as opportunities for intel gathering, goal clearing, and potential testimony. Click to enlarge if needed.

Aldrich and Moh have discussed the following security counter-measures for the evening, to ensure VIPs remain safe and with enough suitable witnesses or protectors.

• "Open" events are for all VIPs and staff, while "Closed" events are for a few NPCs exclusively, with freeform alternatives that can be unlocked if you meet certain conditions during this phase.
• VIPS receive temporary AE-Passes to unlock doors relevant to their event, for the 5 minutes before and after an event. Some staff and VIPs will receive temporary skeleton AE-passes, granting access to most rooms for hosting tours or events.
• You must arrive on time, and stay for the duration of an event you allocate yourself to. You can submit to perform minor actions at the events. You may attend overlapping events, provided you seek approval to tag along with an NPC that is attending both.
• Otherwise, it is expected that guests will remain or return to their lodging after an event occurs, aside from when Golem Cleaning is occurring. You can stay within your lodging during cleaning, but you will not be able to leave. Likewise, you will not be allowed in when cleaning occurs, so if you don't attend an event during that time, you can explore Cascade's upstairs area instead.
• There are some player-exclusive events that Aldrich and Moh might not know about... the full list is below.
• (Generally, up to four non-NPC guests per event is ideal for security. NPCs at each event are indicated by icons. Of course, that's not how it appears in-universe.)
• Storm's Brewing is a mandatory event. All VIPs and resort members will attend this at 20:00. Storm is really excited to announce things, and wants everyone who defended him and knows him personally to be there...

Credit to TPG for logo!​

Legend:

• Aldrich
• Cassia
• CYMK🫟
• Storm
• Soleil
• Valerie
• Moh
• Otto
• Kane
• Kleidi
• Circe

Open Events

• Exhibition Restoration - 🫟- Assist CYMK with the restoration of the art exhibit, and learn more about his favorite paintings. Listen to Soleil talk about the artifacts, and statues of the facility.
• Otto's Room Relocation - - Otto has asked Aldrich and Storm to assist him with relocating from one penthouse (Ramura) to the other (Medama). Learn more about their bond and Otto's business, and receive an exclusive penthouse tour of both wings.
• Med
  Itation: Prosecutorial Tea Time and Chess - - Circe delights in the art of tea ceremonies and relaxing chatter. Learn more about Sarase, its lotus, and play logic games.
• "Aldrich Gives All Of The Guests Who Show Up Free Gift Shop Vouchers For Their Troubles" - 🫟 ...as compensation for the exhibition debacle.
• Cassia's Cake Redecorating - - Participate in an icing and cream masterclass with Cassia, who is preparing a new tray of desserts for Storm's Brewing exhibition.
• Garth Marenghi Presents: Garth Marenghi -- GARTH MARENGHI IS HERE
• Valerie's TBD - - To replace an event meant to be run after the presenter's sudden departure, Valerie has offered to practice her speech, which she hasn't written. Learn more about invasive species, and about some of the specimens kept in quarantine within the resort.
• Moh's Seminar Runthrough - 🫟- A somatic expert, Moh will showcase the power of his ritual, and answer questions about his former time as a meteorologist and astronomer studying Sargasso Vermelha.
• East Cascade Starlight Tour and Roaming Trivia Ending At The Giant Roulette Wheel - - Soleil and Circe host a "roaming" trivia night, a game where they guide VIPs around Cascade, and ask questions about its history and other observations for exclusive gifts as prizes. Cellphone reception will be excellent.
• Mind Fortification: Somatic Resonance Workshop on the Promenade Beneath The Stars - 🫟- Gaze at the sea and sky, and perform Somatic training with CYMK and Moh to ward against astral plane anomalies. Learn more about the astral plane, and the Fallen Lotus.
• Giant Roulette Wheel Combat - - After Trivia, Clash against Circe in this "Casino 'Killing' Game"! A pre-game for Storm's Brewing.

Closed Events (requires unlocking)

• Golem Cleaning Cascade Adventure - Hang around and freely mess with the water pipes of Cascade in the hotel lobby to send things to and from other rooms, as the golems clean each wing. Requires asking at least one unoccupied, interested NPC to join you.
• AEAEA Espionage - Eavesdrop or sneak into the AEAEA Shareholders meeting to listen to what occurs. Requires convincing at least one NPC attending the event to grant you their Skeleton Key for a bit of chaos in the Cascade Depths

---

Investigations close Oct 13, 2026 at 4:00 AM !
Submissions close Oct 14, 2026 at 4:00 AM !

 

[GBA]

[Meanwhile, on the way to the Dark Place on the 7th floor of the Ramura Lodge, Leo stops along the way to take a look at the door of Room 704.]

(This was the room where a guest complained about some pattern of dots appearing on their door. Not sure if they'd still be here, but it's worth taking a look.)

You examine the Ramura lodging once more, paying attention to Room C's door, near A Dark Place.

Someone has graffiti'd near the wall. It glows faintly purple.

 

[GBA]

[As Leo follows Kane and Garth Marenghi to the Dark Place, Efi joins in on raiding Aldrich's quarters. Eyeing the unopened mail on the desk, she decides against opening it without a sufficient distraction - Leo taught her that tampering with mail is a federal crime - and instead opts to peek at the names on the placards.]

(I'm still learning how to read, and these mage names are hard...but I should be able to read the first letters, at least!)

You examine Aldrich's desk and the placards on it more closely. It seems that indeed, most of the placards are faded, and some have been smudged off completely, but you can faintly make out the initials of a few. These halls have held many names in their wake..

S.M. W.█.
O.S. J.G.
D.A. S.D.
██. S.F.
R.M ██
G.A.M. M.T
Y.█. D.R.
R.F. █.D.

Kleidi shows up with boundless energy.

- [Kleidi] - Storm! Nice to see you. Seen any weird ghost puzzles?

- [Storm] - (Uh... holy shit. Is that... Kleidi? I've never met her in person before...)

 

[GBA]

Now then, would there be any problem if I examined the Access Point or Medame Staff Room? Simply a matter of security, seeing as transport through the Thalassic system seem to be accessible via these areas. I'm also rather curious as to why one staff room bears a direct connection, but not the other.

You examine these rooms again, paying particular attention to their connection to the Conduit. It seems in order to get through from the east side, one would have to access Aldrich's office, or as he calls it, the "Underworld". Presumably, the man keeps it under restricted access. Aside from granting access and having many points within, the Access Point logs passage to Cascade's depths from the west side. Having a dedicated fast-action pipe flow through the depths allows golems to easily transport themselves underground to service both lodging wings, but they only have residence towards the east. Aldrich may have run a pipe to the east staff room for faster golem access.

You ponder whether Iris would have had some optimisations in mind.

 

[Lin Beifong]

WHOA

this ones a heater

WEE WOO WEE WOO WEE WOO WEE WOO WEE

ok change of plans mr shones
forget about the cat in the hat

were gettin you a date buddy​

 

[Theobald "Leo" Leonhart]

[Leo

​

- [Soleil] - A-a-actually, don't wander too far, there are some high profile rooms about. I'm sure the Artificer's Chamber would be fun! Let's- oh everyone left.

[Efi stares expectantly at Soleil as she concludes her conversation with Herlock Sholmes and "Reginald". Maybe she wants to know if you have games on your phone, or maybe she wants a tour of the chamber. She doesn't know what an artificer is, but she likes art.]

[Meanwhile, Leo returns from his adventure to the Dark Place. Having quickly sketched the code on Room C's door on a hotel notepad, he stands in AEAEA Plaza, scratching his head.]

T...A...K...E...O...U...R...

Fuck's sake, this is taking entirely too long. I figured mages would leave secret messages in ancient runes of a lost tongue, not morse code.

 

[Glea]

My mymymymy! I spy with my little eye, a Chief Justice, with aide in tow! Justice Kleidi, I am charmed! Both by your boisterous spirit, and that artifact tucked so daintily between your fingers. A "Keyseru"... Might you indulge me in its practicality? I hardly think I've seen such an object before!

 

[GBA]

My mymymymy! I spy with my little eye, a Chief Justice, with aide in tow! Justice Kleidi, I am charmed! Both by your boisterous spirit, and that artifact tucked so daintily between your fingers. A "Keyseru"... Might you indulge me in its practicality? I hardly think I've seen such an object before!

[Encountering Kleidi returning from the Underworld with Storm and CYMK, speaking with them in the Thalassic Conduit, she stops into sate your curiosity.]

- [Kleidi] - Hold that thought, sweet pea. There's some anomalous doors in this room, and the boys and I are going to crack them open. I already know what's behind them, of course, but, it's the puzzle that gets me.

- [Kleidi] - You and anyone else itching for something to do besides wandering around, staring at these old, wet pipes should join us! Feel free to check them out yourselves before I do. Anything that makes you go "???", or such. Right, boys!?

[Her pronunciation of "???" is impressive. Clearly enraptured, CYMK and Storm nod furiously. Seems she's given them each a pair of sunglasses, also.]

- [Kleidi] - It's an old bit of folklore that spirits communicate with the world from the astral plane through playing tricks and mind games on us. Unlocking their secrets is... well, it keeps my mind agile. Klevar. Hah! You're surrounded by Thalassic energy in a haunted hotel. Dig in, hon. It's been months since I was last here, and I'm gonna make the most of it.

- [Kleidi] - Now, onto your own mystery: which I'm happy to unlock for you: my Keyseru. Ki-se-ru. Keyser-u. Any way you want to pronounce it.

[Twirling the golden stick without missing a beat, her eyes glitter.]

- [Kleidi] - Special artifact, y'see? I can unlock a temporary portal anywhere in an instant. The noise it makes... phew! Takes your ears off. It's a simple, but powerful device. Costs a ton of magical energy, and the legal complications would make your head spin, so I have to have authorization to use it... and ensure its calibrated, because it can even open portals to places that don't exist.

- [Kleidi] - So, emergencies only, kiddo. I've heard the "dreamweaver" has shown himself at AEAEA this year. He has something a little similar. There's a lost little girl checking out the artifacts in the room over if you want to know more about other cool artifacts we keep here. And I think a girl named Efi is there too. Right boys!?

[Her boys nod again.]

 

[GBA]

[Efi stares expectantly at Soleil as she concludes her conversation with Herlock Sholmes and "Reginald". Maybe she wants to know if you have games on your phone, or maybe she wants a tour of the chamber. She doesn't know what an artificer is, but she likes art.]

- [Soleil] - Ah, Efi! Where's Leo, hm? Art... oh! "Artificer", right away!! Mr. Sholmes, we must continue our discussion later. You seem like someone fun to spar with, ahehe~

- [Soleil] - Now Efi, this room is full of special toys big wizards like to play with, but Mr. Ethos keeps under lock and key for safety. A lot of them are dangerous, or are being used in studies conducted by our shareholde- I mean, the big wizards are sharing their toys with us, since we have a nice big toybox.

You examine the Artificer's Chamber. It's another circular room, with a variety of cabinets, organized in a way that's... mostly imperceptible, except to maybe a curator, or artificer. Some of them explicitly say they're on loan from the Findelo mainland. The word "Maseon" pops up a few times... in the context of "not derived from". But, Soleil is right, there are roughly 30 or so artifacts stored behind safely secured glass chambers. Some of their functions are detailed in documents kept on the shelves, and there's a workbench designed for delicate, magical work, with tools aplenty.

The door at the end of this room is also glowing purple, like the ones in the Thalassic Conduit. A shimmer of dots and dashes washes over it, as Efi gazes at the wall of toys. Visually. You're obviously not sure what they do.

Spoiler: Artificer's Chamber Artifacts - Visual

- [Soleil] - Ahehehe, there's a lot of weird stuff in here, hm? I'm not sure what any of it does, myself. Mr. Ethos is sometimes asked to fix toys, or tell people what they do. Though, it's been a while since he's done that...

 

[Theobald "Leo" Leonhart]

I thought mages were supposed to be scary, but I guess even they play with toys, hehe~

[Efi's eyes drift toward the glowing purple door.]

Umm, miss, do you know what kind of toys they keep in there?

 

[GBA]

I thought mages were supposed to be scary, but I guess even they play with toys, hehe~

[Efi's eyes drift toward the glowing purple door.]

Umm, miss, do you know what kind of toys they keep in there?

You examine the door. The dots and dashes quickly shift into place, revealing a keyhole, and... some kind of inscription.

- [Soleil] - ...eyes. That room has only eyes. You probably wouldn't like being in there.

- [Soleil] - I suppose it's a good thing the door is sealed, hm? I'll have to let Aldrich know to disperse the "ghosts" again. The system reset earlier might have unleashed some Thalassic arcana that's latched onto the doors. Bother! We'll have them unlocked after the Exhibition is cleaned... or perhaps Leo might want to try solving it. Where is he anyway, hm?

 

[Glea]

What the devil?! I didn't sign up to solve an escape room! Why can't we just bust these things open, huh?! Show us what's inside already, magebrains!

...Ah, pardon me, this puzzle is really no trouble at all. Silly spirits, might we inscribe a little more challenge into these doors?

Immediately I recall some mannequin dolls I encountered when we first poked around, in the Madame Medama boutique.

Based on their arm positions, I believe the message should read... "STAR"?

 

[Theobald "Leo" Leonhart]

- [Soleil] - ... or perhaps Leo might want to try solving it. Where is he anyway, hm?

V...O...I...

[Leo walks into the room, having searched for Efi while continuning to recall exactly one letter of morse code per minute.]

Oh, Ms Baskerforge. Thanks for looking after the runt - how many snacks do I owe you compensation for?

[His eyes fall upon the purple door.]

There's another. Why is there another.

I think there are actually three of these? They must be hiding some really fun toys in there! Can we play with them?

Damn these mages to hell. Yes, Efi, we'll certainly be taking a look at these doors. Especially if they hold a clue about what's really going on at this hotel...

You think our client hired us to look for toys?

No, I- forget the toys; we can look at those later. For now...

Ask Soleil what she knows about what's behind the purple doors.

Examine the other purple doors in the Thalassic Conduit.

Wonder aloud, in a suspiciously loud voice so Kleidi can hear, why mages love their damned mysteries so much.

 

[GBA]

What the devil?! I didn't sign up to solve an escape room! Why can't we just bust these things open, huh?! Show us what's inside already, magebrains!

...Ah, pardon me, this puzzle is really no trouble at all. Silly spirits, might we inscribe a little more challenge into these doors?

Immediately I recall some mannequin dolls I encountered when we first poked around, in the Madame Medama boutique.

​

Based on their arm positions, I believe the message should read... "STAR"?

.
The door ripples, and then its ghostly aura washes off, granting access to the room beyond.

An antiquated chamber, the cobblestone walls have carved, oblong depressions with slits in each, making the room seem like its covered in eyes. An ominous picture. You note a pile of letters sitting on an oaken table, and a half circle fountain on the northeastern wall. It bubbles with water directly from the conduit, and glass veins spread from it to touch each "eye".

A pile of rusted swords and shields lays in the corner of one room. There's a picture on the desk.

Out of sheer curiosity, or perhaps host gasbagging, you press your ear against one of the eyes. You can hear... Valerie, chatting to Cassia about her fuzzy, which she's tracked down to one of the boutiques, and she needs someone to help corner it.

You assume, then, that these slits might be for delivering mail or other correspondence that arrives at the hotel to various rooms. The water pumping in from the conduit helps deliver letters.

You have unlocked the Hall of Eyes.

 

[GBA]

Ask Soleil what she knows about what's behind the purple doors.

Examine the other purple doors in the Thalassic Conduit.

Wonder aloud, in a suspiciously loud voice so Kleidi can hear, why mages love their damned mysteries so much.

- [Kleidi] - Hah! You're right, sport. Mages looooove their esoteric wisdom and keeping things as impenetrable to the common person as possible. I've got no magical prowess myself, but surrounded by those who are, and woof. I've had decades to acclimate.

- [Kleidi] - All in the name of justice!

- [Soleil] - ...well, there's a room Aldrich uses to quarantine plants and magical biohazards, matching the one he uses for paint. At least until he can get an expert to identify what they are for labelling. Biomatter is another water purity concern. I suppose there's also seedlings for the botanical garden? He works with some of the plant biologists that attend AEAEA to maintain their image. It's worth a look just to see one of the only Wyddrasil seeds in existence.

- [Soleil] - The other room is Kleidi's office. She keeps case files and other evidence in there relating to her recent trials.

- [Kleidi] - Sol! I was letting the boys guess a little longer. Ah, it's fine. To justify your curiosity, we can take a final crack at these puzzles, then I'll show you inside before the evenings events if we can't solve them.

- [Kleidi] - Sometimes it's not about the destination or end result, but the journey, mm? One of the ferrymen at the docks, who went on to work for Starline Cruises, would say that all the time.

You examine the doors. The shimmering dots and dashes rearrange themselves into puzzles. The larger room is the first puzzle, while the smaller room the second.

​

 

[Theobald "Leo" Leonhart]

"The root was black, while the flower was as white as milk"...

BG...Botanical Garden...SW...southwest? No, Sapphire Waterside. So the answer...is something like the Charon Conference Room?

*sigh* Your ferryman sounds like a troublesome person.

[Meanwhile, in the Hall of Eyes]

Weh...gross room...Efi can hear people talking...

[Efi works up the courage to take a look at the picture on the desk, and examines the pile of weapons.]

 

[GBA]

"The root was black, while the flower was as white as milk"...

BG...Botanical Garden...SW...southwest? No, Sapphire Waterside. So the answer...is something like the Charon Conference Room?

*sigh* Your ferryman sounds like a troublesome person.

[Meanwhile, in the Hall of Eyes]

Weh...gross room...Efi can hear people talking...

[Efi works up the courage to take a look at the picture on the desk, and examines the pile of weapons.]

The initials shimmer somewhat responsively as you speculate, but the dots above the letters remain still. The door itself remains unbudged.

Efi examines the picture. It's a framed photograph of three men at some kind of dig site. You recognise two of the men in the photo as Aldrich and Kane, but not the third one. Amidst some of the rusted weapons you note harpoons with spearheads made from bone, and other seafaring items like rope. They might be from an ancient society. A single note adorns them, saying "Alton".

 

[Glea]

A bit of empty guesswork, but might this door's open sesame be "atlas"?

Also, if I may give some business advice, Justice Kleidi... This "Hall of Eyes" seems ripe for exploitation by a bad actor. Might we consider extra security measures for this room as well? If you like this feedback, you might consider making me your "pupil" in the future!

 

[GBA]

A bit of empty guesswork, but might this door's open sesame be "atlas"?

The word hangs in the air, and the door to Floor 7 Room C opens, as Leo informs you that's where he found the particular puzzle. Circe states Aldrich regularly complains about that room being a hotspot for spiritual energy.

Within, you find the room is... rather unassuming and clean, except the bed, which looks unkempt, as if someone's been sitting in the middle of it. The glass water pipes bubble quietly.

Also, if I may give some business advice, Justice Kleidi... This "Hall of Eyes" seems ripe for exploitation by a bad actor. Might we consider extra security measures for this room as well? If you like this feedback, you might consider making me your "pupil" in the future!

- [Kleidi] - Right you are, sweet pea. Normally, the shafts are sealed and access to this room is restricted to permanent Cascade staff. Mm... perhaps they were opened to air out this stuffy room. Aldrich would yap your ear off about his staff vetting procedures for guest security, but I'm only here for AEAEA, right boys!?

[Channelling his Uncle Oddy, Storm takes to being one of the nice lady's impromptu "boys" pretty naturally, while CYMK is mostly just happy to be here.]

- [Storm] - Youze messin with the bosses style, huh? I ORDER you to go do something else, like step on another fuzzy, or whatever it is you do! I think there's one still missing!

- [CYMK] - Hey, boss, I think Buxy's got a cool pair of shades too! And he's showing off his sick dance moves!!

 

[Glea]

A barren room, brimming with something...

We've not got the time for a full calling, but at the very least... Let me sit in the center of that messy bed, and shut my eyes, and listen so, so carefully...

 

[Dr. Lyra Orpheus]

Ah, Chief Justice - it's nice to finally meet you face-to-face. My apologies for the late introduction, but I found myself ruminating over the intricate pipeworks that snake through the walls and corridors of this place. Such a feat of engineering indeed - dare I say I'll have to acquire some photographs. There's someone back home who would rather enjoy taking a look at something like this.

Anyhow, I wanted to give you my thanks - for your support of Storm's Brewing. In our time since... the incident..., he's become a rather capable and independent young man. I'm glad to see there's someone out there willing to give him a chance, rather than allow him to wither and rot within his father's ghastly shadow.

And your companion here... Ms. Chrysothemis, was it? I have to insist-​

View attachment 68075

WEE WOO WEE WOO WEE WOO WEE WOO WEE

ok change of plans mr shones
forget about the cat in the hat

were gettin you a date buddy​

I- I... No! We're doing nothing of the sort! Are you mad? You great potted wretch, we're in the middle of a case - and besides, the woman is a federal prosecutor! That's a tad too close to becoming formally involved with the justice system, if you ask me! If I'd have known that I'd be saddled with a decoy like you, I'd have asked him to bring Spike along instead - at least he is mute and food-motivated enough to-

...Apologies again. Er... inside joke. Isn't that right, "Reginald"?

What I was GOING to say was.... That's quite a lovely lotus you have perched upon your head. Rather unique and eye-catching, dare I say. Certainly an inspired choice. Well, in any case, I'll leave you two in the more than capable hands of your "Boys".

I've got to have a quick word with von Lichtenfels, before the events proceed for the evening.​