Play@YSDC

Maxwell's Sanitarium - London, England
10:00 AM - Tuesday, September 10, 1940

Everyone got back together in the lobby of Maxwell's Sanitarium just as the clock struck ten.

Eugene smiles sheepishly, pleased to see everyone but somewhat embarrassed that they witnessed the breakdown that led him to the hospital.

"I'm glad you're all here; and still alive. Tell me, is that witch locked up? I-I think that monster she summoned is still in their warehouse."

"Mrs Exeter is back in her room but she said she can escape at any time- with magic no less! And she's alone with only her daughter at the moment." Says Phyllis disapprovingly, looking pointedly at Anna.

“What!?” Eugene asks, staring at Anna, aghast. “You left them together? Alone!? Didn’t you see what they did to me with their magic? We have stop them before they unleash that monster again!”

Archie looks delighted to find everyone together. "In these times, it is a blessing every time friends meet and everyone is safe. Be calm Eugene, all will be well."

"We have some information we must share with you all - ah - somewhat more privately."

He continues more quietly so as not to be overheard, leaning towards his friends. "I think it is important to realise that the daughter and husband, however horrible, crazed and misguided their actions have been, are not emotionless monsters. They are two desperate Londoners, one a war hero, who I now understand just want to end this war and start a family."

"Of course they cannot continue with this hideous venture. I believe that they have been convinced the ends justify the means." Archie looks meaningfully towards where the patients are located. "If only we could sway them from the grip of the mother."

Story clears his throat and looks at Eugene and then Archie, "Whether we persuade the daughter or she escapes again makes no difference. We are fully capable of stopping the beast." He runs his hand through his hair and continues, "It would be a shame if it was turned on Mrs Exeter."

Archie looks at Anna. "Perhaps we could use your office for a few minutes? Benjamin and I could give everyone a proper report."

Anna gestures to the others to follow her to her office and she asks an orderly to check on Mrs Exeter and her daughter.

Nervously looking over his shoulder, Eugene follows everyone into the office.

The orderly did as told and went to the ward where Catherine Exeter was. Everyone crowded into Anna's office, which was a tight fight, but manageable.

OOC,[b]Catherine[/b] is in a large ward, not a private room. There are other patients and staff there, so she isn't completely alone with her daughter.

Benjamin clears his throat. "We actually found an interesting notebook in the house. Apparently, he has an appointment today with a certain with a Squadron Leader Reeves, and a note for 1800 hours (6:00 PM): "Meet Madeline at Liverpool Street Station. Tonight's our last chance, as I go back up tomorrow." For tomorrow, he has an appointement at 0700 hours "New planes arrive. Going back up with Barrow and the rest of the wing." So, I think tonight is our chance to deal with this once and for all!"

Archie nods. "Yes, that's right. The appointment with Sqn Ldr Reeves is at 1400 today, that's 2 o'clock."

"And there was a letter from a Capt Travers in the United States, dated 1938. The letter was in regard to the possible sale to Steadman of a miniature coffin containing a gem. Apparently it had been found at sea."

"Benjamin, I believe you have the letter?"

"Indeed, here it is!" Benjamin says, holding it up to anyone who wants to take a closer look.

"The gem! That must be the one they use for their magic; t-the one they used on me." Eugene winces.

'Phyllis, did they find anything amongst her possessions when she was brought in?' asks Anna.

"Not that I'm aware of. She had those pages of Egyptian but they blew away before we could look at them." Phyllis replies to Anna. "If this is their last night then Mrs Exeter will be escaping again and she'll be going to that gem if she needs it for her magic.
I think it's something that will help our airmen in the sky according to her. But it's actually some sort of beast, maybe Egyptian. I don't really know." She finishes.

"The pages came from a book that she had had," said Brook. "It fell apart in Elizabeth's hands and blew away in the wind when she got it outside, but you did save that one page."

The letter, for those who hadn't seen it before, read as follows:
"September 25, 1938
Providence, Rhode Island, USA

Dear Captain Steadman,

Thank you for showing an interest in my discovery. To be honest, I had had no idea of its value when I first found it. One finds all sorts of detritus when fishing on an industrial scale, but this is the oddest thing I have ever seen. It looks nothing so much like a tiny coffin, undoubtedly very old. I did not want to risk opening it, for fear of damaging it or its contents, but I had it X-rayed at Brown University. There is some kind of small stone within, perhaps a crystal or gemstone. They believe it to be at least five thousand years old. If you are ever in Providence, feel free to drop by and examine it, though that does not seem likely to happen any time soon considering the current political situation. I fear your country may be at war within a week, and you will doubtless be called to duty in its defense in that event. Should you wish to purchase the artifact, I will entertain your offer, though you will need to make it a good one. There has been interest in it from both Brown University and Miskatonic University in Arkham, Massachusetts.

Sincerely,
Captain Dominick Travers"

Archie:

Archeology 76%,[dice]0[/dice]

Archie Pennyfeather,[b]Archie[/b] was certain that the described object was not Egyptian in origin. In fact, it did not resemble the style of any culture on Earth, for if it had, he would have known about it. He found this very disturbing. [spoiler][b]Archie[/b], please roll Sanity. Sanity loss is 0/1.[/spoiler]

OOC,Everyone who has points in Cthulhu Mythos may also roll against that.

Archie suddenly staggers against furniture, going quite pale.

"God's Holy Blood!" This technically blasphemous cry is evidence both of his sometime career as a sailor and his current shock.

Archie mops his brow with a handkerchief and attempts to pull himself together. As he speaks, his normally cheerful voice is shaking.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have just had a terrible realisation. Firstly, I must tell you that in peacetime I am an ecclesiastical archeologist. I hold a doctorate in archeology from Cambridge."

"Having had time now to consider the contents of that letter..." He trails off.

Archie struggles to find the right words but continues after a moment. "This tiny coffin object the letter refers to ... I am certain it is not Egyptian in origin. In fact, it does not resemble the style of any culture on Earth, for if it had, I would have known about it."

"Do you understand what I'm saying?" He looks desperately at the others.

Cthulhu Mythos 5% fail,[dice]0[/dice]

“I’m not sure I do understand, but I do know what it can do! We need to find it and smash the perishin’ thing!”

"Oh my!" Murmurs Phyllis, "You mean to say.... If you were not a man of the cloth I should scold you for pulling my leg, Reverend Pennyfeather!" But Phyllis is really just prattling to cover her shock at the clergyman's words.

"I understand," said Brook. "If it's not from any culture on Earth, it must be from a culture not on Earth." She seemed to be taking this in stride.

Archie looks at Brook and nods.

"Even in the Church of England we do believe in angels and demons, neither remotely human. But this..." Perplexed, he trails off, lost in a world of his own thoughts.

With a faint smile Story says, "Yes, yes... this is fascinating. Though I confess I'm not totally surprised."

'Well if she didn't have this object with her, where is it now?' says Anna impatiently.

Archie:

Idea 90%,[dice]0[/dice] [ooc]Critical success![/ooc]

Archie, seemingly talking more to himself than the others, mutters, "Surely one of the Steadmans must have the terrible thing on them? It's not at their home and the mother doesn't have it."

Eugene and Anna realized that Archie was probably correct.

"You're right Reverend!" Eugene exclaims, fixing the Archie with a wild-eyed stare. "My money's on Madeline; her husband seemed more in thrall to her than anything else when they... When they got me."

He pauses for a moment.

"Unless of course he's taking it to this meeting... Perhaps to use against the Jerries the next time they come over..."

"Madeleine could be carrying it in her handbag now, up in the ward!" Exclaims Phyllis. "Are you sure they are safe up there? Those other patients could be in danger." She says to Anna.

Anna shrugs, 'and what do you propose we do about it?'.

Eugene pauses, as if forcing himself to speak of something he is reluctant to articulate.

"P-perhaps you could take me up to the ward - y'know, for excercise. I could cause a scene with them and maybe grab Madeline's handbag. As much as I never want to see those witches again, they wouldn't dare cast their spells in public... wouldn't they?"

Anna balls up her fists and rubs her eyes, wearily she says, 'There shouldn't be any problem visiting the ward, I'll just say I'm showing you around. But I'm not sure robbing a woman in front of everyone is the best idea'.

Archie looks up from his inward contemplation, straightening his back and squaring his shoulders.

"No, we are civilised people, I will not hear of this. This war is a war for and against decency. Decent people do not rob a woman in a hospital visiting her sick mother."

"We could try convincing Mrs Steadman to assist us? Although we may not wish to reveal our hand just yet. My suspicion is the Major has it and intends to try to convince some of his RAF colleagues that it can assist."

"Which of course it can, in a very Faustian way."

"I tried to convince that witch when I followed them to their warehouse, and look where it got me," says Eugene, running a hand gingerly over a healing sore on his cheek.

"Perhaps Major Steadman might be more amenable, but don't hold your breath."

Archie still looks lost but shakes his head, as though trying to shake sense into it.

“I think perhaps we should go and check on the two of them, make sure they’re not getting into mischief.” He starts heading towards where he assumes the ward is.

"I'll show you where the ward is." Phyllis bustles after Archie.

Phyllis led the way back to the way, along with anyone else who wanted to accompany her. Madeline remained at Catherine's bedside, talking with her softly.

OOC,Anyone going to the ward may roll Listen.

Archie:

Listen 50%,[dice]0[/dice] [ooc]Critical success![/ooc]

With great trepidation, Eugene follows the others, trying to keep out of site of the Steadmans (as he collectively calls the mother and daughter).

Listen 45% success,[dice]0[/dice]

Phyllis pins back her ears,

listen,25 [dice]0[/dice]

Archie turns to his colleagues. Sounding hearty and cheery, he says, "Mrs Exeter and Mrs Steadman are still conversing, so perhaps we should give them a few more minutes."

"I want to show you all my plans for an upgraded chapel for this facility. For the spiritual benefit of patients and staff alike. Do come and have a look."

Archie gestures back the way they came, looking hopeful.

Eugene is more than happy to follow Archie out of sight. When at a safe distance, he turns to the others.

"Did you hear that?" he hisses. "Madeline is meeting someone who will bring 'it' - I reckon that's her husband and the gemstone that she's talking about. But we have bigger problems - the 'Father of all Bats' - that's the monster that they summoned - has chosen 'the one who escaped' as his vessel! I-I think they meant either me or the Home Guard sergeant!"

"Oh my word!" Exclaims Phyllis. "Well, try not to worry, Mr Thomson, we'll look out for you and if a 'bat man' should appear I shall give him something to think about!" She brandishes her heavy iron umbrella. "We'd better keep an eye on the other gentleman too; dod she say when all this is to happen?"

Archie will attempt to politely usher everyone back into Anna's office.

"I heard the two of them whispering. I'm sure it's a sin to eavesdrop but needs must I suppose. Hopefully the Almighty will overlook my transgressions. The conversation was as follows." Archie clears his throat discreetly.

Madeline said, "Don't worry, Mother, he'll bring it this evening when he meets me at the station. I can take over once he goes up tomorrow. I think we can tip the balance and win the air battle."

Catherine replied, "I'll be out of here soon enough. The Father of all Bats has chosen the man who escaped us as his vessel. It is only a matter of time before he can no longer resist the call."

Eugene groans at the final sentence.

“So that’s either me or the Home Guard sergeant. You need to lock us both up n a room with lots of light while you go out and beat Madeline to her husband and get the jewel off him. If the Father of all Bats gets loose, then we’re done for. I’ve seen it - trust me.’

"Well, the searchlight I used hurt it pretty bad," said Brook. "It won't come out in the daylight, but once the sun goes down and the blackout starts, there won't be any stopping it if it wants to get loose. Which means we have to deal with it today. We also have to get the thingummy away from Major Steadman. Maybe one of us could nick it, pick his pocket, like."

Archie nods agreement. "Had anyone heard of this Squadron Leader Reeves? The officer who had an appointment with the Major at 2pm? If we had any idea where that meeting might be taking place, perhaps we could head there."

"Only Madeline can tell us where her husband is neeting this Reeves." Eugene looks at Annanand Phylis. "If you have her confidence, perhaps you can get it out of her?"

"We'll have to act fast whatever happens. As soon as it starts getting dark you'll need to lock me and the Home Guard chappie up with plenty of flashlights."

'I think we could find a room here in the sanitorium for you and the sergeant' Anna says to Eugene. 'I have not had much luck with Madeline Steadman but perhaps someone a little more persuasive could lend a hand in trying to find out where this meeting is? Others could follow her at a distance to determine which station she is meeting her husband at, or make an educated guess, and then we might need to take a more direct approach to obtain the stone if all else fails.'

'On second thoughts, this Sqn Ldr Reeves sounds like a pilot, they are probably meeting at the RAF base. I don't think we're going to be able to sneak in' says Anna.

"How about we try bluffing our way in, by saying we have important information or something?" Benjamin muses.

'If anyone can get in I expect the good reverend would have the best chance' says Anna gesturing towards Archie.

Idea 90%,[dice]0[/dice]

Archie gestures reluctant agreement. "Perhaps I could get onto the base but I'm no pickpocket. Even if I got close enough to the Major, I'm sure I'd get caught."

"Elizabeth, you went there before with Captain Barrow," said Brook. "You could probably get back inside again, but I don't know if you could pick pockets."

Archie Pennyfeather,[b]Archie[/b] realized that [b]Anna[/b] was probably correct. It also occurred to him that [b]Madeline[/b]'s planned meeting with her husband at Liverpool Street Station at 6:00 PM in the appointment book was most likely what she was referring to when she spoke to her mother.

Eugene Thomson,[b]Eugene[/b] realized that [b]Anna[/b] was probably correct.

"For their plan to work, they have to get the jewel, Mrs Exeter and The Home Guard sergeant or Mr Thomson here all together. It might be easier to take the jewel once Mrs Steadman has it. Oh dear." Phyllis pauses, "I spent most of yesterday following her; but I don't think she saw me except outside her neighbour's house."

“I don’t think I’d be any good at picking pockets,” says Elizabeth, thinking carefully. “But if someone wanted to come to the base with me I may be able to get them inside too. I’d certainly be willing to give it a go, though we may have more luck intercepting them elsewhere.”

Belated Idea roll for Elizabeth (stat 65%)

OOC,[dice]0[/dice]

'At some point Mrs Steadman will need to leave, I drove her here so I could offer to take her home and one of you could follow behind and keep an eye on her when I return.' Anna thinks for a moment, 'Others could either visit the base or wait outside and follow her husband when he leaves. They must meet eventually.'

Elizabeth Young,[b]Elizabeth[/b] realized that [b]Anna[/b] was probably correct about [b]Major Steadman[/b] meeting [b]Squadron Leader Reeves[/b] at RAF Biggin Hill, the base which she had visited.

OOC,Conceal would be the skill to use for picking someone's pocket. [b]Elizabeth[/b] has some points in it, but it would still be very risky. I don't think any of the investigators have it at a good level. The highest is [b]Eugene[/b], with 35%.

“I can be quite persuasive sometimes.” Says Phyllis, remembering her WI activities. “Although if it all went pear shaped, I wouldn’t get a second chance.”

Archie does another quick check that the gathering is not being overheard by either woman.

"I think the consensus is none of us is a pick-pocket and the risks of getting into the RAF base did not merit such an effort."

"Logic would dictate that we are left with trying when the Steadmans meet this evening. And Eugene will need to be kept somewhere well lit, along with that other chap you mentioned."

"So, two teams. One to help Eugene, the other to take on the Steadmans. I volunteer to be part of the second team."

‘Two teams is very sensible. Maybe I should stay and keep an eye on the two gentlemen; I’m not too good at galavanting about.” Agrees Phyllis.

Eugene nods in agreement.

”Yes, I think that’s a very good idea.”

'Would anyone like to volunteer to accompany me taking Mrs Steadman home? asks Anna. 'I will then return here to help with Eugene, without my presence it will be difficult to move around the sanatorium without causing too many inconvenient questions.'

"Sure, I'll go with you! offers Benjamin.

Phyllis looks at the old tailor doubtfully, “Don’t let us forget that the Steadmans want to capture Anna and Elizabeth for some, likely nefarious, reason. Anna should have some strong support; perhaps Archie’s team as they are chasing the Steadmans anyway.”

Benjamin looks a bit crestfallen and sighs. "You're probably right... I'm no longer as young as I think I am..."

Archie nods. "Benjamin, you have proved your bravery already, although your scissor work leaves something to be desired. Having said that, I'd be more than happy to be Anna's aide-de-camp."

Archie still looks sick from his earlier revelation and seems keen to get the blood pumping again.

Phyllis pats Benjamin’s arm, “Don’t worry, Mr Klein, you’ve already given them a run for their money but we mustn’t lose anyone else to their grim machinations; safety in numbers as the Women’s Institute always says. In as far as the East End is concerned anyhow.”

'Well, that is settled then' says Anna and she heads back to the ward to check on Mrs Steadman.

Archie follows Anna.

“Before you go, Anna, can you arrange for Eugene and the home guard to share a room tonight and allow me to stay with them?” Says Phyllis.

'Of course, I will have a word with matron' says Anna. 'We may need to say that you are close relative and I feel your presence will help to assuage his anxiety while he settles in'.

Eugene nods. “I really appreciate you putting yourself in danger like this Phyllis. Just make sure you have a battery torch, some matches and anything you can make some kind of light with. If that thing comes back, light is our only hope.”

Phyllis rummages around in her vast handbag and pulls out a hurricane lamp. “I hope this will be enough!” She says with a smile and then sniffs, “Oh dear, I seem to have got paraffin on my knitting!”

"I swear that handbag is like the TARDIS," Brook whispered to Elizabeth. "It must be bigger on the inside."

Elizabeth suppressed a laugh. When she had control over her features again, she spoke. "It's still morning, and the Steadmans aren't meeting until this evening. We shouldn't waste the rest of the day. What are we going to do in the meantime?"

Anna led Archie and Phyllis back up to the ward and spoke to the matron. "It shouldn't be a problem for your new patient to share a room with the sergeant," she said. "They both require light, so that way none of the other patients are disturbed. Of course, if the sirens go again tonight we'll have to move everyone to the basement again anyway. Jerry's come every night so far; I can't see him letting up now. Of course, we keep it well lit, so there's no worry there." She frowned at Anna's request for Phyllis to spend the night. "It's a bit unorthodox, even if she is his aunt. I don't know..."

OOC,[b]Archie[/b], [b]Phyllis[/b], or [b]Anna[/b] may roll Persuade.

Persuade 70,[dice]0[/dice]

“My dear, I’ve spent many a night in my long life watching over an invalid; I’m with the WI you know. Besides, it will one less job for you nurses to do.” Replies Phyllis.

"Oh," said the matron, brightening. "Well, that's all right, then."

Archie nods, satisfied with arrangements.

"Well, Anna, shall we attempt to extract Mrs Steadman and drive her home?"

Anna laughs nervously, 'I don't think we can put it off any longer Reverend. Is anyone going to follow us? We will probably head straight to the car with Mrs Steadman so be ready.'

Archie straightens his shoulders and stands as tall as a very short chaplain can.

"Right, once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more." He heads in to find Mrs Steadman.

Anna returns to Mrs Exeter's room. 'I can drop you back home now Mrs Steadman, I have a few errands to run in town with the good Reverend Pennyfeather.'

“Look after yourself, Reverend,” says Phyllis to Archie as he heads up the stairs, “Telephone when you can and let us know when you have some news.”

Archie gives Phyllis a cheery half-salute. "Of course. Now stay safe, all of you."

Madeline was ready to leave when Archie and Anna returned to the ward. She bade her mother farewell, promising to visit again tomorrow, and went with them downstairs and outside.

OOC,[b]Archie[/b] and [b]Anna[/b] are moving to the thread linked below:

The Ride Back

OOC,Everyone else is moving to the thread linked below:

A Day at the Asylum