The Nightingale. Rhyaad de”Annar, having anticipated an evening of solitude and meditation, owing to the first snow storm of winter, has instead received an unusual visitor. Natasha Snow, a former pornographic actress, who had once been a client of Collins Investigation, has appeared to him as a ghost. Her body and mind having been stolen by Nicholas Blair and used to transmigrate Natasha’s great-aunt Lillian Snow from an old 1920’s pornographic film, The Hounds Daughter, now finds herself trapped between death and undeath. Rhyaad has called together his colleagues to discuss this visitation – what it means and what their next steps should be in this mystery that continues to deepen.

Alone, sitting by the fire, a small teacup in hand, Rhyaad sits nervously by the fire, sipping blood as he awaits the knocks he expects to come at any moment upon the front doors. After Natasha Snow’s ghostly visitation he had made some hasty calls: Nikki, who was at her office; Esther, at the Old House; Meili, at a number he had been given. A voice he had not recognized taking the message. He took another sip.

The snowfall intermittently becomes rather heavy— as it does now, thick, large flakes falling in the forest. Esther, who had bundled up and felt the Old House, made her way through the woods, the beam of her flashlight bobbing along the trail. The trees draped in snow gives the impression she is walking through some night scene of a holiday Hallmark card. Her breath escapes in long white puffs. Normally the walk from the Old House is a good hike, tonight, in the snow, it takes far more exertion. The sound of the falling snow is like a slight hiss of some elemental creature hidden in the darkness. Cautiously, she takes a large step over a fallen log and directs her flashlight ahead to illuminate the narrow path. Her boots crunch in the frozen crust. The two bats hanging from a branch in the distance goes unnoticed.

Nikki had just rung off from a confidential call to Providence when she received Rhyaad’s call. She detected not only the excitement in his voice but a sense of trepidation. He had asked her to come to the Nightingale as quickly as possible; he had new information, but he only wanted to discuss it at the tearoom. He had told her there was no reason to go by the Old House to get Esther as she was on her way—seeing as how he had tried to call her earlier, he said, but the line was busy. As she was exiting Collins Investigations, she opened to door to find Dr. Praetorius just preparing to knock. “Miss Collins.” He had said with his British accent, slightly hinting of his old Swiss roots. Nikki invited him to join her and so through the increasing snowfall, along the soft, white, snow powder slick street, Nikki drove now toward the Nightingale. Dr. Praetorius sat back and enjoyed what many would have considered to be her recklessness on such hazardous streets.

In the dashboard light he looks over at her profile –

Downshifting around a sharp S-curve, the Ferrari’s lights suddenly illuminated Esther stepping out of the woods.

Nikki pulls the car to a halt. The Doctor lowers the window, “I say, Miss Friedman, care for a ride?”

“Move up a bit,” She tells him.

Two bats flittering darkly through the falling snow winged their way across the highway.

As they arrive the parking lot is empty. Carefully stepping through the snow, they approach the front doors.

Esther throws her arms up as she looks over at Nikki, ‘What, again without a coat . . . with all this snow.” The flakes gathering to Nikki’s black sweater.

Nikki smiles awkwardly.

“Tea room?’ The Doctor says, “I do so hope he has a good glass of gin available.”

“Bah, you an’ yer Gin.’” Esther looks at the Doctor, “Give me a beer any day.”

Meili sat . . . well, not quite sat so much as draped himself across a decorative bench sitting along the perimeter of the parking lot. He could feel the tension in the air, and it irked him. No sooner than he had arrived than had things become infinitely amusing and vexing at once. The blonde male sighs, taps a finger across his chin, and waits. The night would be long, and likely troublesome, but he had his part to play all the same.

Rhyaad heard the familiar noise of Nikki’s Ferrari outside and went to unlock the door.

As the doors opens, Nikki looks at Rhyaad, “Rhy, whatever is the matter?”

“Oh, Good Evening Mr. de’Annar . . . may we come in.” The Doctor asks huddle in his thin overcoat.

“Something terrible and frightening, Nikki.” Rhyaad answers and looks at the Doctor, “Oh, yes, please, do all come in.”

Nikki enters, Esther and Dr. Praetorius following.

Dr. Praetorius looks around, “Nice establishment.”

“I will of course fix you all the customary drinks first, but then I have to ask you to accompany me to an unusual place. And please don’t be frightened.” Rhyaad explains, “Well, at least not by where I take you. But what I tell you there may scare the s**t out of you.”

Dr. Praetorius leans over to Esther, “By customary, I would think they do serve cocktails here.”

“Sorry, no cocktails, but I do just happened to have a bottle of gin available for you Doctor.”

“Ah, you are quite the host, Mr. de’Annar.”

Meili Rainheart steps into the lobby and closes the door behind him, “I don’t care where you take us, so long as we get to hear in full what has you so frightened.” He says as he glances over to Rhyaad with a mix of concern and annoyance. “I’ve never seen you this white.”

“By all means, Rhy . . . what has you so upset?’ Nikki asks.

“I will tell you shortly.” He gathers up a wooden box with various glasses in it, containing such disparate drinks as wine, blood, beer, and gin. Then he leads the way behind the wooden panel, where he presses a cleverly concealed brick in the wall, and with a mechanical click, there slides open a panel. “Follow me please.”

As you wish,” Meili nods and follows close behind the male.

“Back here again eh?” Esther says, well aware of the room. The room where they had once taken Nikki after she had been so brutally attacked, stabbed in the abdomen – blood, so much blood she remembers, frantically suspecting she was about to lose her best friend. This room did not hold fond memories for her—

Rhyaad pulls up the trapdoor within the hidden room and reveals the steps going deep down underground. “Fraid so, Esther.”

He stepped into the opening and began his descent into the deepest level of the Nightingale.

“Oh, now this very interesting,” The Doctor said as he made his way into the room, inspecting the trapdoor, and then looking down the stairs, “This does call to mind a place Victor once had. We were experimenting with bran transplants as I recall.”

Esther cuts her eyes at the Doctor and slightly shakes her head.

Once they were gathered in the underground room, Rhyaad carried his wooden box of drinks over to an altar and began to sit it up as a bar.

Esther leans against the wall, her arm’s crossed, waiting to hear what Rhyaad was taking far too long to tell them.

“If you’d all take your seats.” He then turns and goes over to a panel concealed in the wall and opens it to reveal some sort of neon-like tubes filled with glowing orange gas and an odd set of controls with definitely non-human markings.

“So,” He says as he turns around, “Please, no one attempt to leave the room, until I say it is safe.”

He then activates the controls and with a slight humming, which quickly fades to silence, he walks back over to his makeshift bar.

“Please Ester have a seat,” he tells her as he hands her a beer.

Esther unbuttons her coat and pushes back her hat, and opens the beer but chooses to remain standing, leaning against the wall.

“I say, you did mention a bottle of gin, did you not?”

Ester, beer in hand, chooses to remains standing, leaning against the wall. There goes to time lock again.

“Meili Rainheart, this is Doctor Praetorius.” Rhyaad says by way of introduction as he hands over a miniature bottle of gin to the Doctor, “ He was a colleague of Frankenstein’s. Doctor, Meili is a Solomanari, if I pronounced that correctly.”

Ever the host, Rhyaad continued by pouring Nikki and himself a large flute of blood; he pours a glass of wine for Meili.

‘The Somomonarii?” The Doctor smiling as he took the gin, “A long way to Collinsport, I would say.”

Esther glances suspiciously at Meili – still very wary of the this ‘consultant.’

The Doctor then turns his attention back to Rhyaad, “So. I suspect you are going to tell us why you have us all gather here?”

Rhyaad nods, “And now – we may say whatever we wish. Nobody can hear us. Not even Nyarlathotep.” Rhyaad begins now to address those he has assembled, holding his glass and looking very much like some English detective about to give a lengthy exposition of the crime, “Who, by the way, is coming. But Let me begin at the beginning.”

“Nyarlathotep?” Nikki holding her glass of blood and raises an eyebrow curiously.

“Tonight,” Rhyaad says with dramatic effect, “I was visited by the ghost of Natasha Snow.”

“Natasha Snow?” Nikki asks. “What did she have to say that has so apparently upset you so?”

Esther looks at Rhy, “Natasha sn—you mean Lil’ Miss Pornstar? She came to see ya?”

“Porn star?” Meili mutters and quirks an eyebrow as he attends to his wine, looking around and listening carefully.

“She told me that an arrangement has been made. The creature who used to be Pickman is alive, though no longer a man, and he desires Lillian Snow, who now lives in Natasha’s body.’ Rhyaad says, and turns to Meili, “And yes, a porn star.”

“Natasha was the recipient of a AVN Best Actress award and she was at one time out client sometime back,” Nikki explains, “An arrangement you say?”

“Yes. A deal has been made. Blair is waiting for the other necromancer, Petroli. When he arrives they intend to somehow deliver Lillian Snow, now in the body of Natasha, to this Pickman ghoul.’ Rhyaad continues, “Natasha wants us to save Lillian from that fate.”

“Pickman — Richard Pickman, the artist?” Nikki asks.

“And that’ll keep this Egyptian fella from appearing?” Esther holds her beer with both hands before her.

“In return, they shall receive a visitor. A priest in a yellow mask. A follower of Nyarlathotep. “ Rhyaad explains, “And yes, Pickman, the former artist. He lives. If you can call that living.”

The blond silently drinking his wine, keeping a careful ear to the details. With a small motion his legs cross and he leans back in his chair. A look of interest and focus took his face, especially at the mention of Nyarlathotep. His brow furrows, the faint appearance of anger and venom in his eyes.

Esther frowns and takes a drink.

“To save Lillian, we must get past the necromancer Blair, before Petroli arrives, steal the film, The Hounds Daughter, and destroy it. This will prevent Lillian from being spirited away into the realm where Pickman dwells.”

Esther tries to suppress a yawn.

“Bored, Esther?” Rhyaad asks incredulous.

She shakes her head, “No tired, a long day just got longer. Go on.”

Nikki looks at Esther and sees how tired she is, “Please Esther have a seat.”

Esther waves away the suggestion and takes another sip of her beer, which not only warms her but also makes her feel far too relaxed.

“Worse—she indicates that there are even worse things embedded in that film that could be released. Things we must prevent from escaping by destroying the film.”

“This was the same film we suspected they somehow held Lillian Snow’s spirit within?”

“They did, yes.” Rhyaad answers, “But you all know of the Starry Wisdom Cult, yes ?”

Esther nods, why is he talking so long, “Of course.”

“Yes, and the poem of Noah’s.” Nikki adds.

“They worship Nyarlathotep. They are seeking the trapezohedron. So are various other parties. And, Nyarlathotep himself is loose. He possesses the body of someone. Natasha says we will meet Nyarlathotep.”

The details were starting to make Meili wonder, as well as make him uncomfortable in his chair all at once. While he listens on he quietly shifts himself upwards and, not concerned with the others immediately, he lifts himself over the chair in order to drape over it. He needs room if he was going to think over everything after all. The blond sighs and furrows his brows a bit deeper, now letting the wine balance on the chair in front of him while he supports himself over the rim. “Wait. Wait.” He says, “You are saying that Nyarlathotep has escaped the crystal? He walks in this realm?”

Esther peers at him – that is what Rhy just said.

“Yes, Meili. As an ‘avatar’. He controls some person like a puppet, if I have it correctly.”

Doctor Praetorius rises and goes over the bar and removes a small glass, opening the bottle of gin and pouring himself a glass. He takes note a several more miniatures of gin and pockets them,

“Natasha also told me of her brother Elijah Snow—it seems he too is seeking this trapezhedron.”

“Yes – yes, as long suspected, by the Diogenes Club.” Dr, Praetorius says as he returns to his seat.

Fiii si fiicele de nenumarate curve! Va lista niciodata sfarsitul!?” Meili growled, visibly tensing in a thinly-withheld rage.

“Elijah Snow is seeking it in order to restore the Starry Wisdom Church.” Rhyaad explains.

“But, this arrangement with Pickman, we have been aware of this – I mean did not Catronia Kaye tell you that in London?”

“Well, not anything so specific or frightening.” Rhyaad tells him.

“The Snows have been infamous throughout New England for some time.’ Nikki mentions as she takes a long sip of her drink.

“Hey! Watch yerself’s F*** all I understood from her ramblin’ ‘ Esther says and takes a drink.

“The Snows have made some very powerful alliances with some ancient forces.” Nikki adds sitting forward.

“Well, Natasha’s cultist brother – he is in on this and needless to say, this could mean the destruction of Collinsport, or Ipswitch, or gods know what.” Rhyaad says with a wave of his arm.

Meili growls again, then slowly made himself try to relax with an obviously forced motion. “This does not bode well for me. It does not at all…” He grumbles again. “So many complications.”

“It doesn’t bode well for any of us, Meili.” Rhyaad tells him, “This ancient god-person, according to Natasha’s ghost will show up in someone’s form. And he is called the man of a thousand faces. He could be anyone.”

“Well, we were aware that the necromancers were arranging a trade of Miss Snow for something – something that Pickman was to get for them,” The Doctor says with a look of dissatisfaction as he takes a drink, “Did she by chance tell you whatever that could be?”

“This film thing, is there a clue to its location, perhaps?” Meili asked, wanting to add to the list of potential things.

“So you are saying that she told you Nyarlathotep . . . himself . . . is coming here, to Ciollinsport.” Nikki asks.

“And a priest with a yellow mask. It’s all gibberish to me. Unless the priest is in fact the priest of Nyarlathotep.”

Esther shakes her head, “Ol’ Artemis sure would not be happy to hear all this I c’n tell ya that.”

“In a manner of speaking, Nikki, she said we would meet him.” Rhyaad nods.

“And she spoke of a priest – a priest in a yellow mask.” Nikk asks.

“Oh, my good lord!” The Doctor, with a sudden thought, exclaims.

“We must act before Petroli arrives.”

“Petofi,” Dr. Praetorius says to Rhyaad. “Count Andreas Petofi. But, Mr. de’Annar, you are sure, very sure she said a Priest in the yellow robes who wears the yellow mask.”

“You are sure she didn’t say a Pallid Mask?” Nikki interjects.

Rhyaad nods, “Yes – yellow mask. “ Uncertain what all this concern was over what the color of the mask, “Now, we must steal the film from Blair and destroy it.”

Nikki looks at the Doctor, who looks at her with concern. “Doctor you don’t think?”

“One of the faces…” Meili sighs.

“My god Miss Collins.” The Doctor says, his gin forgotten at the moment.

“Would someone PLEASE tell me what th’ F*** everyone else is realisn’!?” Esther demands – having noticed the looks the Doctor and Nikki were giving each other, furtive and worrisome looks.

‘This is insane!” The Doctor says, “What the bloody hell is Petofi thinking?”

“It all sounds insane to me.” Ryhaad admits.

“It all sounds like you two know something Doctor . . . Nikki.” Esther deduces.

Nikki looks at the Doctor with dismay, “Godd**—they are trying to summoned he who can not be named?”

Meili looks at them, “It is insane.”

“Hastur. “Dr. Praetorius says apprehensively, “Miss Collins this is worse than we ever suspected.”

““I thought Hastur was a different demon.” Rhyaad says.

“Well—seems you just named him, Doctor.” Esther says flatly.

The Doctor looks over at Nikki, “You know what happens if they bring him here, the priest?”

“Yes, and we do not need to say it again.” Nikki warns looking at them all.

Rhyaad shakes his head, “I imagine it’s not going to be good for the people.”

Esther detects the very deep concern now in Nikki’s eyes, “I will remember not to.”

“Lost Carcoso . . . it will . . . ” The doctor took a drink and then poured himself another.

“If I can interrupt!” Meili pauses again, slowly righting himself on the right arm of the chair in an awkward way that assures he should probably fall.

“I have to inform Kaye of this immediately . . . “ Praetorius says.

Nikki looks at Meili, “Yes . . . please go ahead.”

“This changes very little of the core, doesn’t it? You have a target. The film. I asked earlier, where is it? Do we know at all?”

“I have an amulet that was old when I was born. I have some magical abilities. I can break into Blair’s house, wards or no wards, and steal this film, and destroy it. But then what? Surely he may guess who did it.” Rhyaad turns to Meili. “Can you handle a necromancer?”

Nikki shakes her head, “The film is secondary – yes . . . we need to get it. But far more importantly we need to find Lillian Snow.”

“Also, there are a number of other elements still to be considered. This puzzle, the jewel . . . too many elements now that do not make sense without a place.” Meili sighs again and reaches up to hold his head. “Yes, Rhyaad. I would be fine. They could not stop me.”

Dr. Praetorius nods, “Yes, you are correct, Miss Collins, she is the key – Pickman may not deal without her.”

“We must have Snow and the film.” Rhyaad says definitively

“But why would they seek this jewel so fervently? If Nyarlathotep is free—why is it not now destroyed?”

“Did she tell you where Lillian Snow was?” Nikki asks.

“But can we survive the retribution of Blair and Petroli?” Rhyaad ponders now, “You edge on one of my hundred questions, Meili.”

“If what the Doctor and I suspect is truth, we have no choice.” Nikki tells them.

Esther leans forward, “I suggest we try her house. Failing that, well, it’s not a large town…”

“No, no. This makes no sense. There is something else . . .. Too many other things in the way.” Meili groans, and then rubs his forehead.

“As I have said, I believe Noah was allowed to escape, we were given that scroll, the assassins they sent after us they were imbeciles.” Rhyaad takes a long drink of his glass of blood, “Someone is setting us up.”

Dr. Praetorius tries to pour a drink from the miniature, but it is empty, “The Trapezoheron, you say her brother, this Natasha Snow, she told you her brother Elijah was looking for it to re-establish the Church of the Starry Wisdom. It seems he may not know that the Haunter in the Dark is no longer therein contained.”

“Then it is as I said.’ Meili leaning forward from his awkward perch on his chair, “There are others, possibly many more powers converging on the same mystery. All of it leading back to the Crawling Chaos…”

Rhyaad nods, “Elijah Snow, yes.’ He turns to look at Esther, “It was him who tried to shoot you by the way, Esther.”

Esther sighs, her bottle of beer empty, “Oh great. So, how big is the universe Rhyaad?’

“What sort of game is this? So many appear to be trying to claim the same pawns…” Meili complains now more to himself than the group.

“He was the man who attacked you in the street.”

“It sounds as if this brother may have started this search for the Trapezohedron – and so, once the others learned that it can be found they have to get to it first.” The Doctor says dismayed that his glass is empty.

“Because he can summon him.” Nikki speculates.

“Perhaps they wish to destroy it so their god will remain free?” Rhyaad suggests

Meili Rainheart nods, “Likely.”

“Perhaps they wish to summon his true form?”

Nikki Looks at the Doctor, “So, what you’re suggesting is that her brother, Elijah Snow, his search may have disrupted their plans?”

“Putting the Crawling Chaos back into the gem is what WE should do. But what do we know of such things? I know nothing.” Rhyaad tells Meili.

“Well, I remember it being spoken of that he is a grave threat by the Elders. But, not even we could stand a chance….” Meili continues.

“And so you see why I called you all. What in the nine hells do we do?” Rhyaad asks.

“My dear Miss Collins, the Crawling Chaos has been about since 1936 – Dr. Dexter thought he had a marvelous plan and tossed the gem into a bay, only the deep darkest of the Bay unleash him – good intentions never have happy consequences especially when it comes to the Outer Gods.” The Doctor says, “And so, the earth has been his playground. Think of all the advances we have been given since 1936—you are aware he helped with the Manhattan Project.”

“I suggest we come up with a few plans, then. To play our hand among the chaos quickly growing around us without setting off the whole.” Meili suggests

“But, if Snow’s brother was to get the gem, gaze into it . . .” Rhyaad asks, “What would that do? How can T-tep be put back into his gem?”

“Then he would be able to summon him, or quite possibly summon something else — and so the others have to stop him from getting it.”

“The gem is a gateway, it allows him to pass, but to come through the first time a human mind gazing into must activate it.” Nikki says.

“But I thought Elijah was on the side if the Starry Wisdom Cult. He WANTS to bring his dark got to Earth, yes?”

“Can the same, then, also send him away?” Meili asks.

“Yes, you are correct Nikki, when it is active, it is a portal, but it only allows one to summon something to the portal, not to pull it through or back, that happens on the other end of the connection – if the being wishes to cross over. As for putting something back?’ The Doctor ponders, “A fascinating idea, not certain it is possible . . . but fascinating conjecture all the same. Wouldn’t bet anything on the theory.”

“If one glances into it and wills that he- appears in the gem . . . Yes. That. Can someone do that?” Meili asks.

“It is a portal—hmm, alien technology . . . one never knows . . .” The Doctor shrugs fishes in his jacket pocket for a miniature he had taken and twists the cap.

“But a door once opened, then . . . In theory our job becomes simple.”

“The only thing we do know at this point is that for whatever their reasons for wanting it, we are in the middle of two groups that are seeking it. Elijah Snow and the Necromancers.” Nikki says trying to return to what they know with any certainty.

“How do we know Elijah intentions? Perhaps we should capture him also?”

Nikki looks at Rhy, “I have no idea why he is looking for it.”

Meili Rainheart shakes his head, “Rhyaad, I will not help you there.”

“And how do we even know that Natasha is telling you the truth?” Nikki asks, “What if she is setting a trap?”

“I do not trust myself enough, yet. It would not be wise unless you would make a far better inquisitor than I.” Meili explains.

Rhyaad looks at Meili and sighs, and then turns to look at Nikki, “Yet another point. Ghosts can lie.”

“What if we held a séance? Held her to terms of honesty. It is possible, is it not?” Meili asks.

“But she says she wishes to save Lillian from the fate Pickman has in mind for her.” Rhyaad rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Esther, owing to her long day, has begun to feel the effects of but a single beer as she feels very warm and relaxed, and needs to sit down as she reluctantly goes over to a chair. She sits down and feels her eyelids closing – she is far sleepier than she had thought.

“And since that fate also involves handing over this yellow priest….”

“Seems she gave you a lot of information Mr. de’Annar, enough to get you acting in haste – perhaps that is her plan – one of the greatest dangers in dealing with the old ones is making decisions in haste. My understanding is that the whole of the Snow family is deception personified.” The Doctor says holding up his glass and pouring the miniature’s contents into it.

Esther leans back and pulls her coat closer around herself as she finds herself staring to drift in and out of sleep.

Meili looks up at the Doctor, “I say again, would it be possible to bind her to honesty in séance?”

“They are all in some way involved in cults and deceptions.” Rhyaad nods, “I don’t know. Praetorius?”

“Doctor – is it possible that Pefofi is actually going to try this madness.” Nikki cuts a glance at the doctor sipping his drink.

“Men try all manner of madness, my dear.”

Meili lounges back in his chair, “Hnn…”

“Edward Hutchinson, was much further advanced in his studies that Curwin –“ The Doctor continues, “He is brilliant and he cares for only one thing . . . his own desire for immortality, whatever the cost, and so yes, this is precisely something that madman would try and do.”

“Lillian Snow – we have to get Lillian Snow and we have to find that bloody gem”

Dr. Praetorius nods, “Yes that seems obvious”

“Then we must act with some quickness, but we have to do so in the shadows . . . ” Meilli agrees.

“If we must get Lillian, we must act fast, before this Petroli comes.”

“Yes,” The Doctor pours another gin.

“Should we believe Natasha’s claim that destroying The Hound’s Daughter will somehow prevent this trade with Pickman from going through. And then steal and destroy the film?” Rhyaad asks.

“This, I can do. Infiltration and theft is nothing to me.” Meili grins, and give Rhyaad a wink.

“Myself also, Meili. It surviving their retribution afterwards I worry about.”

“I do not understand this request of hers regarding The Hounds Daughter. It – well, it makes no sense.” The Doctor frowns.

Nikki looks over to the Doctor. “Yes.”

“We just have to play it off well enough that they suspect more than you all to be involved.”

“Too bad we can’t blame it on the Starry Wisdom church.” Rhyaad reflects.

“We can’t? Are you sure?” Meili looks at him.

“If we could…. that would be most excellent. But how?”

The Doctor looks at Nikki, “Well the point has been made, why? Why does she come and request that . . . I mean to me it makes a lot of what she says suspect.”

Nikki nods “Precisely?”

“Perhaps she implies the opposite is true, that destroying the film would enable Lillian to go with Pickman, and Natasha could get her body back.” Rhyaad offers.

Dr. Praetorius frowns, “Well they used it to let Lillian out – so its purpose is done. The only one who would care about it is Natasha Snow – she could think she could use it to find her way back if that were at all possible – and I am not certain that it is . . . . But it does concern me that she shows up now – not after the transmigration of souls took place. Why? Why now? And besides, I have found you can never truly trust a Ghost.”

“But, if what she says is the truth – then we need to act.” Nikki counters

Rhyaad sighs and looks frustrated, “Then you realize we are going in circles, second-guessing everything. How about if we just steal the film ourselves also lock it up someplace. That we can do.”

“Yes, I agree with Miss Collins that finding Lillian Snow is of paramount importance.” The Doctor looks at his gin glass.

“Wait! The film!” Meili Rainheart suddenly states, “Yes, that’s perfect. An anchor! Ha!”

“We can also try too find Elijah Snow and interrogate him.” Rhyaad adds.

“So, what we need to do is find Lillian, secure the film, and get to the gem before the others – whatever their motivation for wanting it.” Nikki outlines.

Meili grins, then quickly shifts to his feet and gestures around. “If we have the film, and this Natasha woman is inside it, and the Lillian woman came from it, we have a very important tool. We could use it to reverse the process, or force Natasha to tell us what they fear she knows.”

“We have a very important tool, yes. Even if we don’t know how to use it. The same can be said of the crystal.” Rhyaad tells Meili

“Even if this is a trap, it is a trap we can turn into an advantage, is it not?” he replies.

“We can obtain the film. This we can do.” Rhyaad nods.

“It seems we have been given various pieces of the puzzle, we just don’t know how they all fit – but importantly we have no idea what picture this puzzle makes.’ Nikki reflects as she takes a sip of her blood.

“The crystal will be more difficult… but we should try for it also.”

“Yes, I agree.” Nikki nods.

“Then we should find the frame of it. That involves sorting the pieces out one by one.” Meilli tells Nikki.

“And put in a safe that is always brightly lit.”

‘The more pieces of the puzzle we can find, perhaps we can then begin to figure out the truth from the lies.” Nikki agrees with Meili

“And half truths.” Dr. Praetorius adds.

“Yes! Exactly.” Meili smirks, gesturing again.

“The lie is always different at every level.” Dr. Praetorius says quietly.

Rhyaad nods, “Without it blowing up in our faces.”

“Not hard to do if we can arrange the board to turn in on itself.” Meili offers

Nikki sips her drink, “For too long we have not paid enough attention to the Snows – we have been side-tracked every time we started looking onto them. I have not understood their importance until tonight.”

“I offer myself, then.” Meili Rainheart says placing his palm upon his chest, “I can operate in the shadows without drawing awareness to you.”

“Well, first things first. “I can turn invisible, break wards, and steal the necromancer’s film. If Meili here can hold off an irate necromancer should he catch us… or better yet if we can make it seem as if the Starry Wisdom ichurch stole the film…”

“This can be arranged. I would only need to know how they would operate in that situation, what signs to leave behind.”

“I like that idea better — let them think it was Starry Wisdom.” Nikki agrees.

“Then again, I will act as your sword and shield. Show me the part I must play and it will be done.” Meili nods, and then presses an arm against his chest in deference.

Rhyaad nods. “Yes . . . if there is a way.” He turns now to the Doctor. “You are supposed to be our helper. Tell us – how can we implicate the Starry Wisdom church for our crimes?”

The Doctor frowns, “I will have to think about that. . . . “

“Do they wear a certain garb? Speak a certain way?” Meili Rainheart asks the Doctor, “I alone could break into the house and deal with the defenses, steal the film, and return. But if I have to be seen as one of them, I need to know what I have to look like, and how I have to go about keeping the image.”

“No, they appear outwardly as anyone, they only gather to worship the Crawling Chaos, and without the gem it has been mostly ceremonial.”

Nikki looks at her glass thoughtfully, “It is odd that Blair is in town and no one has yet to see him.”

“Are you sure you can take such a risk, Meili? I can turn invisible, pass through glass, deal with wards, but being seen is not something I would want to do. What if Blair sees you? Can you repel an elder necromancer?” Rhyaad asks, and then turns to look to Nikki. “Yes, that is odd. I heard his voice; but I did not see him.”

Nikki looks at the others, “So, we are agreed that we need to find Lillian, and if we can . . . this film.”

“You give me the tools to deal with the wards, I can handle the rest…” Meili grins again, and flexed his fingers reflexively. “Alexandru and I are well-accomplished Gypsy thieves. But, I have something he lacks. Charm, patience, and the power to manipulate kinetic force directly.”

“Now, do we know where the film is – or where Lillian is?” Nikki asks Rhyaad as he had spoken to Natasha’s ghost.

“We know the film is in Blair’s house. Lillian’s house. I saw it there.”

“Rather than destroying this film, I suggest letting me have a look at it, and if you could, I would like to have the Farnsworth Projector also.” Praetorius says as if he has been in some thought.

“It was used there to . . . to . . . project her out.” Rhyaad continues and then looks at the Doctor, “Yes, we should steal them both.”

Nikki smiles at the Doctor, “Yes, a very good idea Doctor. We could take it to your lab.”

Rhyaad sighed. “Well, what if Meili could pull it off by himself? What if all the rest of us threw an overt party someplace to make sure we are all seen, while Meili, whom nobody knows and who has no official identity, does the theft?”

“I’d be missing a party? Aww—Save me a bottle or three of good Merlot, then.”

“If you come back alive, I’ll give you six”.

“Ha! Deal. I will drink like Dracul himself!” Meili beams and crosses his arms proudly.

“You mean the devil, not that vampire I loathe?”

“Well – I would suggest that perhaps you go with him Rhy,” Nikki offers, “I will try to distract them with Esther, Sam, the Doctor and myself. But you have been there before, and something may make sense to you that you see owing to having been visited by Natasha.”

Meili Rainheart shrugs, “Well…The Duke of Wallachia. Same difference.”

“If you provide me with an alibi. Maybe some stated reason why I was unable to go to the party.” Rhyaad looks at Nikki.

“As long as you don’t lecture me for five minutes when I break down a wall or three.” Meili sighs, looks over to Rhyaad, and grimaces. “If Blair sees us, you’ll need to run and get things back while remaining invisible. I can handle a necromancer, Elder or no.”

“Um, Meili, everyone knows that best thief is one who slips in and out unseen and the victim does not even know they have been robbed till tomorrow.”

Nikki nods, “Yes, I can do that – perhaps we can say you have gone to Arkham to see Artemis, since you have done so in the past.”

“If I get seen, by some chance, I might not have the option of leaving the building unscathed to guarantee an escape.” Meili reminds them.

“I could say I visited Justin I suppose.” Rhyaad offers, and then stares at Meili. “I can make you invisible too, you know.”

“Where’s the fun in that? If they see me, they might see the mark left of me by the Crawling Chaos. They might immediately just implicate – Wait. That’s actually an amazingly simple idea.”

“What?” He stared at the man incredulously.

Nikki sits back and sips her blood thoughtfully.

Rhyaad staring at Meili, “So you want to be seen, you want them to see your chaos mark, perhaps yell something about how much you are devoted the N-tep, and then expect to escape?”

“Think about it. Nyarlathotep corrupted me. His touch remains on me still, but . . . . Well, obviously I have taken back my mind and body. This aside.” Meili waves the thought off derisively and continues. “What if I let myself be seen? What if I make it clear that I’m an agent of Nyarlathotep and get them to notice the mark I have on me while I take the film? That would be an immediate implication, it would put an agent of the Crawling Chaos into question.”

“Perhaps . . . if you let me wait at a strategic point to render you invisible AFTER they see you. How abut that?”

“…Can I at least make a big mess of their headquarters? I have to be convincing, yeah?”

Rhyaad rolls his eyes. “Nikki, can you talk some sense into this man.”

“I’m joking. Only a little mess.” Meili waves his hands and laughs, grinning sheepishly.

“You want them to see your mark, blab some nonsense about how much you worship Nyarlathotep, then let me turn you invisible so you can escape with the goods.”

“Yep. Does that sound like a reasonable plan, Miss Collins?”

“Yes, Nikki?” Rhyaad turns to her. “I think it sounds like an excellent plan. Why don’t we all put it to a vote. And then I will provide you with another little demonstration that should impress even Dr. P.”

“You know where my vote is going.” Meili smirks a little wider.

Nikki sits quietly, there are so many questions, and so few answers at the moment – things that don’t quite make sense to her, “Well, it certainly sounds like a sound plan.”

“We can be more than certain that if someone is on the trail of the Trapezohedron, then the Haunter of the Dark is actively doing to try and stop them.” Nikki says.

“And so, they would certainly suspect an agent of the his to be actively engaged in his behalf.” The Doctor agrees.

“Well, we aren’t yet. We’re after the projector and the film and Snow. But perhaps Blair will believe that Meili is an agent of N-tep.”

“It sounds like this could stir up a number of parties, cause some chaos in our favor, if I play the part well enough…” Meili smiles

“But, should you make it in and out without drawing attention, then we might want to save the ruse for later.” Nikki counters.

“Ah, yes. I understand. I will follow whatever you think is best, then.” He nods, a little let down, but still knowing he had to defer.

“Oh, wouldn’t that be a joy. I know how much Meili loves Nyarlathotep.” Rhyaad comments.

“I can swallow my pride if it means I throw all his black machinations to chaos.” Meili grits his teeth, speaking the words in a growl through clenched fists.

“I am just thinking, since we are not certain we can trust Natasha, and we do not know why they are seeking this gem . . . Nikki explains.

“But we try the first plan first, yes? Break in, get seen as a cultist, then turn invisible and escape by magic. All that the two of us can arrange.” Rhyaad rubs his hands together as he now has a plan.

“I can disguise myself, then. It would make sense. Wear a hood and speak his praises if I am seen, then escape with no other indication.”

“If the opportunity presents itself I say favor stealth – it always leaves us a second option.” Nikki replies

“As you wish, Miss Collins.” Meili nods.

“Good idea.” Rhyaad agrees.

“And we still have not seen Blair,” Nikki comments, “or anyone still alive that has.”

“True. I guess, though, I figure if we find the projector and film and he shall not be far away.” Rhyaad deduces.

Nikki looks at Rhyaad, “Now you said she told you Petofi was coming, did she say when?”

“Only thing she said was soon.”

“I need to warn David.” Nikki tells him.

“Petofi is a very old enemy of the family, is he not?” The Doctor asks looking at Nikki with a raised eyebrow.

Nikki nods, “Yes – very old and very much an enemy. My father stopped his mad plans in 1897.”

“You do know you may very well be on his agenda.” Praetorius informs her.

“I have suspected as much.”

“Do be careful my dear.” The Doctor says and takes a drink, “I would hate to lose you, seeing as how I helped create you.”

Rhyaad barely suppresses a little snarl at that remark.

Nikki looks at him hard, “I am going to take that to mean you honestly think of me fondly, verses what that statement means.”

Dr. Praetorius looks shocked, “Oh, so sorry – Yes, I meant that I do care about what happens to you . . . “

“If the vampires among us could please. Focus on the subject at hand…” Meili sighs, slapping his palm against his forehead. “We need to put dates together and formulate a plan.”

“You should be aware that this whole story of Nikki’s creation is…. difficult for us to bear.” Rhyaad tells him coldly. “Tomorrow, then. Tomorrow night. Meili and myself shall steal the goods. And see if you can spot Snow.”

Meili Rainheart looks at Rhyaad, “So soon? I—Yes, all right. If that is acceptable.”

Cue Music End of Episode