The Amazing Doctor Malachai

[Yumyumcrow]

Luna

"There are always the Hierophants should you mange to track one down." Polikarpov looked about quickly as he spoke, ensuring they were not overheard. "A rag-tag band. I do not vouch for their secrets - a lot of blood and superstition - but they may have lore that could assist you. I feel the presence of one of them here... but I cannot see into the crowd from here."

Billy

Hunt and Auchenflower murmur and rustle in their seats. "The police force is made up of men; men of all stripes, it must be said. I have known little despots and men of stout heart. They are getting better, I am convinced... It is true they look poorly on sailors and the poor - still, perhaps we can grease the wheels in this one case, eh?" Fox spoke carefully, attempting to toe a fine line with his audience. "On a better note, Hayden might be strong enough for a small conversation in a few nights. My maid has quite taken to him. It might be worth a shot, if you wish to pursue the matter independently. Come over and we can see. He will no doubt be glad of the company in any case."

[Jokor]

"I probably spoke to soon about that didn't I? You probably got a point there. No sense in judging the entire corps when I only met two of them." Billy said in an embarrassed tone. "Of course doctor fox. Nothing wrong with helping the arm of justice." When doctor fox started to talk about mister hayeden. No doubt trying to change the subject away from his faux pas. "I'll gladly have a talk with him when he is up to it. Just let me know when you think he can handle talking or a while. Don't want to stress the guy out when he's recovering. Talking about such things would shake him up. I would be if I was in his shoes."

If the man wasn't up to such a conversation. THe giant would always be willing to just talk a bit and get to know the man he saved better.

"So about this little party. I heard a doctor malachai was going to present something here. Does anybody have an idea what he is going to do? Is it some kind of medicine?"

[Yumyumcrow]

Luna

"It is possible," Polikarpov conceded. "It is said that he has spent much of his life exploring the mysteries of the East. As to what his talents are exactly, I do not know." The elder Beast turned his head as he spoke, looking down to where a knot of people were gathering.

Billy

Doctor Fox smiled proudly. "Doctor Malachai is a practitioner of the psychic arts. In fact, he has spent most of his life in the Far East, learning from ancient Masters. It is a real honour to have him among us and it is quite an accomplishment for our Society. As far as I'm aware, he does have skills in practical medicine; his talents, though, lie in the manipulation of the Third Eye. If he had not chosen to journey to the America's so that we might share his understanding, he would be a Master himself. You understand? He is a Spiritualist."

[Jokor]

"That's quite incredible." billy said, honestly impressed at what doctor fox was if he had been alive he might have made a hesitant remark about spirits and if they could actually exist. But he was dead and still walking around. Showed what he actually knew about the world. "I wonder what he is going to show to us tonight then. No matter what it is. It's doubt to be interesting." this wasn't just some polite agreement. But a honest interest. With all the things that were lurking in the dark world outside. It was always interesting to know even a sliver about it.

[Yumyumcrow]

Luna

A slight smile catches the corner of Polikarpov's lips. In a smooth, fluid, and practiced movement, the Elder Beast escorts Luna back to the gathering.

Billy

Doctor Fox, Hunt and Auchenflower nod in agreement to Billy's words. "It is a sign of San Francisco's rising prominence in world affairs, I wager. I hear there were some offers from Europe and the East Coast..." Hunt adds, apparently keen to contribute to the discussion.

The Scene

By then of course, the guests are taking their seats. The last party - the knot of people from down the hall that Luna and Polikarpov had noticed earlier - make their arrival: a young woman in a fashionable -if gaudy- dress, a matronly woman in a slightly out-of-fashion hat, and a tiny old man in a simple dress with her hair in an untidy braid; they are ushered along, gently, by a younger man who is putting his best face forward.

Once they are settled, Doctor Malachai makes his entrance with a burly, bearded man (Billy recognises him from the night he bought Hayden to the Society's door) who provides the introduction:

"Our esteemed trinity, fellow adepts, friends, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Society of Pennelope I wish to thank you for joining us tonight as we welcome a Master to our shores. Doctor Malachai began his career as an officer of the East India Company. He received an epiphany when passing through old Babylon and has spent the last thirty years exploring the mystic arts of the Orient. With the blessings of secret masters, he comes now to our shores to teach and instruct. The last century has seen the great progress of mankind with the age of steam and industry, but let us not forget the spiritual traditions and birthrights common to us all! With iron track and steam ship, the globe is unified in ways undreamed of in days of old. Now is the time to bring together all the knowledge of the world, so that all mankind may benefit. It is our hope that tonight shall be the pebble that starts the avalanche... that Reason and Mystery can be once again reconciled as our common heritage and lay the foundations for a golden century of peace and wonder..."

Doctor Malachai - tall, blue eyed, unbowed by age, enigmatic in his turban, steps forward and begins. "Might I trouble someone for an object of personal value?"

[Yumyumcrow]

Luna's enthusiasm was matched by a couple of others from the audience. Her broach fought for space with two rings and a comb. Doctor Malachai refused none of the objects, instructing the bearded man to collect the items for him. While the bearded fellow gathered the collection, Malachai explained the principles of psychometry, which he was about to demonstrate.

Quick check: are people happy to continue with this scene or shall we wrap it up as Doctor Malachai begins his demonstration and talk? Beej Jokor

[Jokor]

Sure, start the demonstration