Portsmith *ignores him.*  We have to find Manouche first.  Who else could have the box?  *They leave from the castle*  Dean, I still am sure that there is something wrong with my stone circle.  I want a new one.

At the docks:

Blake *runs after Manouche as they leave the ship*  Honey, wait!  Where are you goin’?

Manouche:  I’m fer takin’ that bleedin’, cursed box out of its hidin’ place an’ takin’ a bloody AXE to it, that’s where.  *smirks*  An’ let th’ blasted chips fall as they may.  An’ after that, might I suggest we pack up what little we can honestly call ours, an’ leave this town fer good.  An’ I won’t be takin’ that blasted Viper, either.  That’s Kidd’s ship, I don’t care that I earned it once upon a time.  Sod it.  We'll go on bloody foot if need be.  Go somewhere new.  Get meself a new boat ... ship.

Blake *puffing, catching up*  You ... you don’t mean that … What about Raven?

Manouche:  Aye, I do.  *Turns to Blake, who's caught up to her, tears in her eyes.*  He ain't mine, love, his welfare ain't me business.  *Blake starts to say something, but before he can speak, they see Portsmith and Corso coming*  Blimey … I don’t reckon we should be talkin’ to th’ pair o’ them at this particular juncture.  *She and Blake duck into Chez Roux, peek out a window and watch Portsmith and Corso walk by, looking very purposeful*  Wh-what d’ye suppose they’re up to?

Malachi’s Lament:

Malachi *finds himself in very, very strange surroundings, has no idea how he arrived.  Last thing he remembers is standing on the dock near The Apparition, and the guardians approaching.  He seems to recall the beginnings of a conversation about the box, but can’t remember any details.  Next thing he knew, there was something like a flash of light … and the landscape changed around him, like backdrops in a play.  He looks around, sees that the wooded area he now finds himself in is very forlorn-looking, as if it had been the scene of profound unhappiness.  Skies are overcast, trees are bare of leaves, branches bowed … the earth itself has a weary look to it.  The silence is staggering … no birds, no wind.  Then he barely hears a faint sound he can’t quite place.  He listens closely, the sound grows louder, and he realizes it’s hooves.  He turns, sees a small herd of very strange horses coming toward him.  They have an almost prehistoric look to them, in the shape of their heads, their smaller stature, only coming up just past his waist.  They're a reddish color, black manes, stockings and tails, white noses.  They gallop past him, take no notice, and are soon gone, the silence returning more deafening than before.

Malachi *getting nervous, talks loud, hoping to instill some bravado he doesn’t really feel*  Okay, I’m gonna freak right out … anybody here?  C’mon, let’s have some answers, tout suite!  I’m gonna count to five.  One … two ….  *feels a wave of fear as he hears someone coming through the brush nearby; holds his breath, swears as a familiar figure emerges*  DAMN!  Alifi, what the hell …. !

Alifi *smiling as usual, but looking very tired*  Apologies, luv.  I had to do something really drastic, or you would’ve been done for.

Malachi *glares at her*  What’re you talking about?  *waves hands around*  Where the hell are we, what did you do?

Alifi:  You were honing in on Manouche’s thoughts.  You almost picked up on it.

Malachi:  Picked up on what?

Alifi:  The location of the soul box.  Malachi, dear, you do NOT want to know where it is.

Malachi *shakes head*  That damn little fool, I knew she had it.  Alifi, I swear, sometimes I could just … wait.  This IS serious … *grins*  … you called me dear!  Why is it a problem for me to know where it is?

Alifi:  Because you’re too susceptible.  You wouldn’t be able to resist its power.

Malachi *stares at her*  Wh-what??  ME?  Are you kidding?

Alifi:  I’ve never been more serious.

Malachi:  Come on!  Who do you think I am, Marchand?  Do you really think for one minute that I would want anything to do with that cursed thing?  You think I don’t have the willpower over a blasted box?  That’s ridiculous.

Alifi:  All dreamers are in danger of being corrupted by the box.  It seeks them out.  And like it or not, you have plenty of the dreamer about you.

Malachi:  Ahh, but Alifi, be reasonable!  I’m not like that fool Portsmith, or those poor bastards in Fiji.  It’s not like I’ve never been around one of those things before.

Alifi:  You’ve not been around THIS one.  It’s different, it’s the last remaining one.  And it’s exercising all its power to avoid being destroyed.  Even the guardians have fallen under its spell.  Do you know what they were planning to do with Manouche?

Malachi *stares at her, fear growing inside him; becomes angry, frowns at her*  This is all rubbish!  You can’t make me believe that a box – an inanimate object – can will out over me.

Alifi *grasps his arm gently but firmly, takes him a few feet away to a little clearing, where they approach a small pond with a statue at one end of it.

Malachi *points at statue*  Prometheus?

Alifi *nods, smiling*  Stealing fire from the gods and giving it to the humans.  You know your mythology, don’t you?  *pauses, then brings him to side of pond; she sits down, indicates for him to do the same.

Malachi *looks into pond*  Red!  Red water?  What causes that?  Rust?  Iron deposits around here?

Alifi:  It’s just the way it is.  *waves her hand over the water, the shiny surface mists over, and a vision is revealed in the reddish ripples.*  Keep your eyes on it, Malachi, keep watching.

Malachi *leans over, looks into the water.  Sees various scenes from his own life at different stages, like old home movies.  Most of the memories are benign, raising no particular feelings good or bad; just a mild nostalgia for the boy he was, so he watches with interest.  Then he sees a flash of his sister, and though he’s unable to move his eyes from the pond, he growls at Alifi*  Damn you, if you think you’re going to take me there …

Alifi *her voice kind but firm*  Keep watching.  Are you afraid?

Malachi *snorts*  Hardly.  *His voice trails off as he continues to watch, and he breathes a sigh of relief as the images of his sister disappear.  Then the water shimmers, and he sees a young man he mistakes for himself at first; then he realizes he’s looking at his father, young, before Malachi and his sister were born.  He watches his father perform a few simple tasks ... share drinks with his friends … walk hand in hand with a pretty young woman Malachi soon recognizes to be his mother … then he sees him skulking down a narrow alley at nighttime, carrying something underneath his coat.  He watches him enter a small apartment, lock the door, close the blinds, and set the object on the floor … a soul box.  The man sits on the floor before the box, places strange cards around the box, starts to chant … Malachi cries out at the barrage of horrible images that stir up the pond’s waters into a tempest – images that fill the heart and mind with misery, regret, despair.  He still can’t remove his eyes from the pond, though now he’s trying hard … and he’s unaware of the tears running down his face.  Then the water quickly becomes still and black, almost like a pool of oil.  The darkness slowly clears, and Malachi sees his father as he knew him … his face gray, looking much older than his years, eyes red-rimmed, hair and beard unkempt, seldom sober for more than a few hours at a time.  The next image is his parents, approaching the complex that houses The Order … holding the hands of their five-year-old twins, Malachi and his sister … *

Malachi *whispers*  P-p-please, no more, I beg you …

Alifi *waves her hand over the pond, and once again, the water is shimmering red, as before.  She puts an arm around Malachi's shaking shoulders.*  I’m truly sorry.  But I had to make you see how dangerous that box is.  The one your father got his hands on wasn’t nearly as powerful as this one, and it ruined his life.  *places hands on his shoulders, turns him away from the pond to face her*  When I swept you away, Manouche was hiding, watching you and the others talking to the guardians.  You and she didn't even know what you were doing, but you’ve always been able to tune in to each other in a certain way.  Not so powerful as what she shares with Raven, but similar.  She was thinking about the box so strongly, and where she’d hid it, and you were thinking about her … well, I had to do something drastic.  *smiles wearily*  I don’t have many more of these little tricks left in me, I’m getting much too old.

Malachi *wipes his eyes*  Wh-why isn’t Manouche affected this way by the box?

Alifi:  The pure Romany blood, added to the time and date of her birth, other factors.  Everything that gives her her magic that you and I saw in her years ago.  The very thing that everyone’s after in her is the one thing that makes her immune to the seduction of the power the box offers.

Malachi *sniffs loudly, looks away from her, embarrassed to have her see him so shaken*  What the hell are we supposed to do about this thing?

Alifi:  I wish I knew.  I’ve been trying to find an answer, but dynamics keep changing as the box shifts and builds its power.  It should be destroyed, but how to do it, I know not.  I do know one thing … at one point, there was a way to destroy it between the unified powers and magic of Kat, Manouche, Raven and Abberline.  Now, however, even if that possibility still exists, it’s not likely to happen.

Malachi: Why not?

Alifi *sighs*  They’ve had a falling out.  They all stormed off The Apparition, went their separate ways.  *looks at him, deep fear in her eyes*  I fear the worst, Malachi … divided, they’ll surely fall.  Once they get careless, that leaves an opening for Marchand, or who knows who else?  Kat’s running off to sea again, Manouche is talking about leaving Deppville …

Malachi *stares at her*  What??  Oh, fer cryin’ out LOUD.  *stands up, starts pacing, stops, looks at Alifi, eyes flashing*  Are we done here?  ‘Cause I need to get back and kick a few collective butts.  Pirates, gypsies … I’ll knock their damn heads together like coconuts … *glares at her*  What’s so funny?

Alifi *trying to hide her smile*  Just wondering what happened to the opportunist we all know and love.

Malachi *smirks*  No worries, he’s still here.  Hey, I can’t very well have these idiots messin’ up the good thing I’ve got going at From Hell Court, now, can I?  I’ve made some connections, there, Alifi, some damn good ones.  I haven’t just been spending all my time playing big brother to—   *stops, lowers head*

Alifi:  No, of course not.  *she struggles to stand up; Malachi takes her arm, helps her*  Thank you, dear.  Come, I’ll send you back.  Do what you can, but keep your distance from that box unaccompanied.  I’ll keep searching for answers, and if I find anything, I’ll let you know.  Oh, and Malachi … *puts a hand on his arm*  I don’t believe she’ll really do it, but if Manouche speaks of chopping up the box, don’t let her.  It could be even more dangerous if it’s not destroyed correctly.

Malachi *nods*  Can you come see her?  I think it would do her a lot of good …

Alifi:  Not just yet.  I’ve been wanting to, but I’ve been putting so much energy into trying to find a solution for this problem … well, I’m not as young as I used to be.  *smiles slightly*

Malachi:  You’re as young as you feel, beautiful.  *leans down, kisses her*

Alifi:  Then you’ve just taken me back to my summer again!

Malachi *grins, almost boyish for a moment, then clears his throat*  Okay, before my image is completely ruined … let’s get on with it.

Alifi *smiles, brings up the billowing sleeves of her cloak.  Everything goes dark, a flash of light … and Malachi finds himself standing outside his favorite tavern in From Hell Court. 

Malachi *looks around, ducks into tavern, approaches bar.  Orders a drink, pulls out cigarettes, lights one, smokes pensively.  Glances over at doorway leading to opium den on lower level.  Mutters*  Not tonight, dragon.  I got one hell of a headache.

On the docks:

*Abberline, Godley and Raven walk away from the docks.  Raven is gripping hard Abberline's hand and peeps now and then behind him, but the view to the port is hidden by the trees in the park.

Raven:  Why would mother leave me?

Godley *exchanges a look with Abberline, warning him.*

Abberline:  I - I am sure she will come back.

Raven:  Why do you and ...

Abberline *interrrupting him quickly*  Would you want to go the beach now?

Godley:  For Heaven's sake man, you are just going to the beach and Kat is trying to leave and Manouche stormed out and might do something rash and Malachi has disappeared and the Shadows are still running amok and spooks taking control of humans and the Commander ...

Abberline:  They can sort it out for themselves.

Godley:  But they need you!

Abberline:  Then they will have to find someone else instead.  Come, Raven.

On The Apparition:

Shaddrack *Having silently come from below, spots Kat gazing longingly at the lights from Deppville.*  Why don't ye just do it and get it behind ye.  Leavin' Deppville isn't an option right now.  So go.  Make amends and play nice, eh?

Kat *without turning*  Tell me just when was it ye stopped speakin' English?  I swear yer makin' no sense at all.

Shaddrack *fed up*  Ye understand well 'nough.  Yer just bein' yer normal stubborn self is all.  *Grabs her arm, drags her off the ship*

Kat:  What the 'ell are ye doin'?  Let go ...

Shaddrack:  I'm merely takin' a shortcut te where ye'll end up eventually anyway.

Kat *outraged*  And just where be that??

Shaddrack *Without missing a step*  So ye can apologize te Manouche without all the bloody games that yer kind tend te play.

Kat *astounded*  Apologize?  Me?  For what?  I did nothin' …  *pauses*  WHAT YE MEAN MY KIND??

Shaddrack *determined*  I be referrin' te the livin'.  As for the games ... Seems ye've already started!  So do us a favor, luv, and get 'em outta yer system.  Before we arrive.

Kat *muttering*  'ow I do so long for the silent observer ye once were.

At Manouche and Blake’s house:

Manouche *sitting on floor in front of fireplace, brooding, gazing into the fire.  Blake comes over, sits down next to her, hands her glass of rum*  Cheers, love.

Blake:  You’re not gonna do any of it, are you?  You’re not gonna bust up the soul box … an’ I don’t see you packin’.  *smiles*

Manouche *shrugs*  No, I s’pose not.  *looks around room*  I love this house.  I reckon it's th’ least grand house in th’ whole town in terms o' scale an' luxury, but I love it.  An’ … well, it’s true, it’d give me great pleasure t’ take a bleedin’ axe t’ that cursed box … but … well, we don’t ‘appen to have an axe.  An’ Gilbert’s is closed, innit?  *grins*

Blake *hugs her*  Runnin’ away wouldn’t do any good.  You’d regret it, an’ you’d be miserable.  I know you.  *pauses, then says offhandedly*  Soo ….. where is the box, anyway?

Manouche:  Nice try, love!  Sorry, that’s classified.  Th’ less y’ know, the better.  *frowns*  There.  So much fer Manouche’s mouth almighty, eh?  Reckon I can keep a secret after all, can’t I?  *takes a long drink*

Blake:  Now, honey, Kat didn’t mean anything, you know how she is.  An’ … well, who knows what’s up with her right now.  Thought you were worried about her.

Manouche:  I am.  But a lot o’ good it does me.  Blimey, what the ‘ell we goin’ to do about that box?  I thought o’ takin’ it out t’ sea again.  But figured we’d only wind up with a repeat performance o’ what we went through before, an’ I’m not so keen on that.  Wish I could get it t’ Fiji … I could take it to Alifi, per’aps she an’ I together could work out what to do.

Blake:  What about Portsmith?  Sergeant Godley said she’d had a run-in with the shadows an’ wants to destroy the box.

Manouche *looks at him quickly*  Th’ Commander with them Shadows?  Bloody ‘ell, that must’ve been somethin’.  *looks back into the fire*  I dunno … th’ way she an’ Corso looked when we saw 'em earlier … somehow I felt I’d best stay out o’ their way fer now.  *takes another drink*  Per’aps Malachi … he might ‘ave some ideas.

Blake *starts to tell her how Malachi disappeared and they weren’t sure where he was, but decides not to mention it just yet.  Puts arms around her*  We’ll go see him tomorrow …

Shaddrack *still gripping Kat's arm, knocks on Manouche's door.*

Kat *holding back but reluctantly owns that he has a point*  Alright … alright, ye don't 'ave te be so pushy.

Blake *answers door, surprised*  Kat!  An' .... ahh, c'mon in.  *holds door open, calls to Manouche*  Honey, we have company ...

Manouche *approaches, stops short, eyes wide*  Kat ... blimey, Shaddrack ...

Kat:  Aye, this be Shaddrack in the flesh … well not in the flesh, actually.  Lets just be sayin' 'es livin' impaired.

Shaddrack:  Kat … what did I say 'bout games.  Get on with it.

Kat *grimaces, looks at Manouche*  I shouldna yelled at ye te day.  It were wrong.  For some unknown reason …  *Sends a less than pleasant look toward Shaddrack* … I were concerned for this 'ard 'eaded, pushy, know it all spook!!

Shaddrack:  KAT!!

Kat *in a low voice*  Sorry.  *Turns, tries to leave but Shaddrack won't release her*  I said it, what more do ye want???

Manouche:  B-but …  *brings hand up to her head*  Blimey, I don’t know what t’ think anymore … Shaddrack, ye’ll pardon me if I’m less than welcomin’ ye with open arms … but … I ‘ave unhappy past associations with ye, as ye no doubt recall.  Clubbin’ me with a gun, druggin’ Kat ‘ere … imprisonin’ Raven … not a stellar record, laddie!  *notices that he and Kat seem amiable enough, shrugs*  However, per’aps things ‘ave changed, an’ if that’s so … well, I’m the first t’ say everyone deserves another chance.  Even a ….. s-spook??  *shakes head, turns to Kat*  Apology accepted, luv.  But only if ye promise t' quit seein' me as th' enemy, savvy?  We're two of the equation o' four, mate, along with Raven an' th' Inspector ... an' we bloody well best stick together, or we may as well jus' pop th' lock on that cursed box, climb into it an' throw away th' key.  Now ... would ye care fer a rum?  *looks doubtfully at Shaddrack*  Ahhh, can I offer ye anything?

Shaddrack:  Me only excuse for past transgressions I fear lie in the life I lead and the betrayals that led te me death.  I knew lil softness nor niceties in that existence.  Not till I came te be 'ere in Deppville were I te come te know such things could touch me e'en now.  Ye 'ave me apologies for any transgressions that were directed te ye and yers.

Manouche *looks at him intently, breaks into warm smile*  By th’ powers, it were you, weren’t it?  You was on that boat, you scared th’ guardians so I could escape.  That adds up to level peggin’ to my way o’ thinkin’, mate.  Ye saved me from a terrible fate, worse than ye can prob’ly guess at.  So as far as I’m concerned, we’ll consider them previous transgressions cancelled.  As fer Deppville … aye, to be sure, I can relate to yer sentiment about this town.  I been a wanderer all me life, an’ this is th’ first place I’ve come t’ call a real home.  I … *glances at Blake somewhat sheepishly* … I’d be a fool t’ give it up.  *looks at Kat and Shaddrack*  C’mon, th’ pair o’ ye, I insist.  ‘Ave a rest by th’ fire, an’ a rum, or a brandy … an’ we’ll dispense o’ talk of that blasted box fer the time bein’.  Savvy?  *ushers them into the living room*

Blake *following behind, whispers to Manouche*  I’m really confused … should I pound that guy for anything he did to you?  Or should I be thanking him for saving you?

Manouche *laughs*  All o’ the above!  Let it go, it’s all sorted, love.  I reckon sometimes it’s good t’ be a bit confused ...

At Chez Roux:

*Commander Portsmith and Corso stop frustrated in front of Chez Roux.  They have been searching for Inspector Abberline everywhere, his house, Godley's apartment, the Office, even the Apparition and all disreputable opium dens at From Hell Court.*

Corso:  I was so sure he would be in one of those awful places.

Portsmith:  We'll find him eventually.  *she's lost in deep thoughts*  What next?

Corso:  Manouche?

Portsmith:  Not yet ... I am sure there are alternatives.  There always are.  What if the box could be neutralized?

Corso:  For what purpose?  Reuse?  No, Commander.

Portsmith:  Hm … Maybe a really grand explosion could destroy it.  *gets a dreamy look*  A grand explosion …

Corso *just sighs and shrugs his shoulders*   I have one alternative plan too.  Find that weird guy you told about, what was his name ... Malachi?  He seemed to know a lot.

*They enter Chez Roux, still debating alternatives.*

At the beach:

Malachi *out for a stroll the day after his strange visit with Alifi, makes his way to the beach, sees Abberline, Godley standing together, watching Raven playing in the sand.  Approaches them*  Inspector, Sergeant ... taking a well-deserved break from the chaos, eh?  Very smart.  *waves hand toward Raven*  That poor kid needs to be a kid once in awhile.  Good bit o' fathering, Inspector.  *pulls out cigarettes, lights one, offers them to Godley and Abberline*

Abberline * takes the cigarette and smiles*  Can you believe, this is my first try at parenting.  I didn't believe he'd come with me.  *frowns*  He asked why mother could not come with us.  I didn't know what to say, just that she has her life and I have mine ...

Godley:  What happened to you?  Where did you vanish?

Malachi:  Well … I’m not sure you’d believe me if I told you.  I was shown a bit more of my past, something I didn’t know about my father … apparently, he was tempted the power of one of those boxes, long ago, before … before I was born.  He survived, but it ruined his life.  I was shown all that, so I could see that I’m susceptible to the same temptation.  *glances at Abberline*  Dreamers.  We have to watch ourselves around the bloody things.  *smiles as he watches Raven run to the edge of the water, then run back shouting as a wave builds and surprises him, sweeping up to the shore*  Inspector, you're a lucky man.  That kid is a prize.

Abberline:  Lucky?  For a while, yes.  Somehow I don't believe it will last ... I have lost ten years, so I am trying to take at least something back.  *watches Raven for a while with a worried expression because the waves are building up*  So your father fell victim to the boxes ...  It seems to me that they have done more evil than good, and yet I was told they were once used for healing ...  And the souls in the box were great men with great spirits.  You would not want to know what they are now.  *shudders*  You don't have to warn me about those things, I am going to stay as far as possible from it.  And I am sure there is some way to stop seeing those visions, stop being a dreamer as you call it.  I wish that he wouldn't be one.  I wish that he could live a normal life.

Malachi *shrugs*  There are no guarantees in life, and nothing is forever.  That’s why it’s so important to enjoy the time you have, with the people you care about, you never know when it’s gonna be taken away.  *feels Abberline’s surprised look, smirks*  Okay, that wasn’t me talking!  I mean, I guess I agree with it in theory.  I sure as hell don’t always feel that way.  Nah, that came from Manouche.  She really believes it, too, no matter what gets thrown at her.  Think she fell on her head a few too many times.  *tosses cigarette in sand, crushes it*  No point wishing away the dreamer side, Inspector, it’s there.  It’s part of you, Manouche, me … an’ your son.  May as well wish for different color eyes.  But y’know, it’s not always a bad thing.  A little inside information, sometimes you can use it to your advantage.  *grins*  Or aren’t you a poker player?

Abberline *amused*  But you already are acting like Manouche.  Haven't you noticed?  *growing serious again*  No, I mean what I say.  I don't want it.  It is not a gift, it is a curse.  And I wouldn't play cards with you, for sure.  So tell me, you just happened to pick this precise time to take a stroll on this beach?  Isn't it quite a coincidence?  *grins*  I have my visions, you know.

Malachi:  Me, acting like Manouche?  Bloody hell, shoot me now!  To act like Manouche without her charmed life, guardian angel, or whatever the hell in the universe has kept her from getting killed … no thanks, I’d be dead in a week.  *looks at Abberline carefully*  Yes, you have your visions.  Don’t let ‘em rule your life, Inspector.  You can live with ‘em, long as you keep everything in perspective.  Took me a long time to learn that one … I’m still learning it.  *lights another cigarette, looks out at water*  I don’t know what brought me out here right now.  I … I can’t quit seeing those visions … my father … and I keep wishing I could figure out how to destroy that damn box.  I go over it in my head, over an’ over … nothing.  *pauses*  I admit, I had a feeling you’d be here.  Something about that kid, Inspector.  I keep wanting to … I don’t know, protect him, I guess.  I remember how it felt to learn about that ability at an early age … I can see why Manouche is so crazy about Raven, especially the way those two communicate with each other.

Abberline:  So you are fishing for knowledge.  If you are trying to find out if I know how the box can be destroyed, you are just wasting your time.  You will have to ask from someone else other than me.

Godley:  But you said it was in the fil.....

Abberline:  Shut up!  I don't even have those bloody files anymore.

*Godley stares at him his mouth open*

Abberline:  I am sorry.  I am tired.  *shouts to Raven*  Raven, it's time to go!  *To Malachi*  Good luck with your search.  If you want to protect him, keep the box far from him.  *walks away to Raven*

Godley:  What was that about?  What got into him?

Malachi *frowning; to Godley*  I don't know.  But I'm gonna find out.  *runs after Abberline, catches up to him, grabs him, spins him around*  Inspector, I don't know what bloody island you've found on which you plan to cloister yourself from this distasteful existence, and I wouldn't dream of interrupting that effort.  We'll all gladly leave you to your solitude in good time, if that's really what you want.  But before you go, I would think you'd be knockin' yourself out to offer any knowledge you have that'll help us destroy that wretched thing.  Raven's life is in danger every minute, as long as that box exists.  *shakes him slightly*  Now I know you've experienced tragedy, an' you've seen unspeakable horror, and I'm sorry, mate, sorrier than I can say.  And I know you wish to renounce your gift, or curse, or whatever you prefer to call it, and I know why.  But have your sensibilities become so delicate that they can't be sullied even to save the life of your own son?  *nods toward Raven*  All we're askin' for is information ... nobody expects you to ever go anywhere near it again, Manouche herself swore you wouldn't have to.  Please, Inspector ... if you have anything at all, please share it with us.  Savvy?  *stares at him anxiously*

Abberline *tears himself free from Malachi's grip, furious*  You don't understand a thing!  You are just a bloody fool! How can you accuse me of risking his life?  *is about to slap him, but stops and lowers his voice when he sees Raven approaching them, calms down*  All right, I know.  I know to destroy it.  I know one way and it can't be used.  You say that I don't have to go near it, but you are wrong.  It can be destroyed only by one who has been there.  I admit I am afraid of the box and you can call me delicate, call me a coward but never ever think about saying out loud that I don't care about my son's life.  I'll do anything for him.  If I could save him from all this, free him from that box I would do it and go there myself again.  If it would help him I'd do it.  Don't you know what the meaning of the key is - the heart, the soul, blood, the life of the box ... What happens to the heart and soul if you kill the box?  Are they freed?  Do they die with it?  Do you want to experiment with their lives?  *Composes himself as Raven comes close enough to hear*  I can't give you any more information before I have my files.*

Godley *who has been approaching cautiously*  That's what you said.  Everything is in the files.

Abberline: I wish I'd never gone to Fiji.

Malachi:  And I wish I’d never left. *brings hand up, rubs his eyes wearily*  Inspector … I’m sorry. That business about my father really unnerved me … I have no right to talk to you like that.  Truth be told, this whole situation doesn’t involve me at all.  What’s that I said to you about perspective?  I’d be smart to heed my own damn advice.  *shakes head, voice trembling*  I knew it … I told Alifi, I’m getting way too involved, and that’s bad for me.  It’s fine to offer assist, but … getting in over my head, it’s … bloody hell, I AM starting to act like Manouche, blast her.  *lowers head, takes deep breath.  Reaches into coat, removes dark glasses, lifts head, puts glasses on, looks at Abberline and Godley.*  Apologies to you both.  I originally stepped into all this because I have a longstanding appreciation for certain qualities Manouche possesses, and because I knew I could offer some insights no one else could.  I think I’ve done as much as I can for now.  I’m now teetering on that dangerous line of detached assist, and a personal concern that’s neither appropriate nor desired.  *looks at Abberline*  I never meant to imply that you don’t care about your son … it was a cheap trick to get a rise out of you, and maybe galvanize you into action.  What can I say, the scriptwriter is a hack!  Fire the blighter.  *smirks, gazes out at the water for a moment.  Turns back to Abberline and Godley*  If you need me again, you know where to find me.  I’ll stick around a little longer, ‘cause I’m just that foolish.  *grins*  Take what you can, gentlemen ... give nothing back.  *reaches out, gives Abberline a rough but friendly slap to the shoulder.  Turns, leaves him, Godley and Raven standing on the beach.  He starts singing "Gypsy in My Soul"; they hear his voice fade as he walks away*

Another part of the beach:

Kat *Wanting some time alone, goes for a walk on the beach.  An idea has been forming in her mind ever since she'd heard the story of the Guardians fearing ghosts.  If these Guardians held this fear … then logically, the box could have a similar weakness under the right circumstances.  She recalled hearing of a psychic who had moved to Deppville.  If he was what he claimed to be, then perhaps help could be summoned.  She must find this psychic and check him out.*

At Dimitri’s house:

Kat *having been directed to the home of the psychic she seeks, arrives at the door, knocks.  The door is opened by someone she knows.  She smiles*  Enrico, 'ow are ye?  Do you work here now?

Enrico *returns her smile*  Yes, I do.  But if you're in need of my services, I'll gladly make the time for you.

Kat:  I'll keep that in mind, but I'm here now because I find myself in need of a psychic.  Is Dimitri in?

Enrico:  He's out at the moment, but if you would care to wait, he should return shortly.  You can wait in the parlor.*  Shows her into a very lovely sitting room*

Kat:  Thank you.  *smiles, takes a seat.  Starts flipping through a magazine, hears a door close.  Looks up
to see a man dressed in a very unusual way.  Rather odd but in an interesting way.  He comes toward her, then stops and stares*

Dimitri:  I had nearly given up on ever seeing you.  *He looks about the room as if searching for something or someone.*  But you're alone.  Where is he?

Kat *mystified*  I came alone.  If you're talking about Enrico, he did let me in.  But he had other duties I assumed.

Dimitri:  No, no, I meant your pirate, John Shaddrack.

Kat.*Nervously*  Perhaps I should come back later.  *Starts to rise*

Dimitri:  No, no, don't go.  I apologize, I've frightened you.  *Reaches out, takes her arm.  Appears to concentrate.*  I see.  It's the box that has brought you to me for now.  There's much danger in it.  *Trancelike, he starts to chant*

But when the wheel is turned,
the two will become one.
The heart that will have burned.
A soul that is to be won.
blood of the magi to bind
the dreamer that combines.

Kat *badly frightened, pulls away from him, flees into the night.  She finally stops to catch her breath, looking back in fear. wonders aloud*  Who are you?  How can you know so much?  Gotta find Raven and Manouche.  *Calls out*  Gili!  Blood te blood.  I need ye now.

Dimitri *a voice from the darkness*  You don't, not really you know.

Kat *eyes widen*  H-How did ye … I mean, you were back there, and .......  *backs away*

Dimitri:  You've nothing to fear, I want to help.  It's why I'm here ...  Oh.  *smiles*  You ran the long way around the driveway entrance.  I took a shortcut, is all.

Kat:  Why should I trust ye?

Dimitri:  You don't have a choice.  The little you and your friends know is just enough to get you killed.  Now I suggest we find some of those friends before trouble finds them.