[Lau is standing on the astral plane with an opium pipe to his lips. He doesn’t seem to notice he’s on the plane at the moment though, for he’s talking out loud to himself as if someone is there and actually listening to him. Not that anyone would be otherwise in his own reality, but he sure assumes that someone is right now.]

Now Earl, you shouldn’t get so uptight over situations like this. You came to see me after all, correct? So relax! You see, I already know why you’re here. Of course you would come to me when no one else would bother to help you right now, except your Butler since he is here with you at the moment, but even he can’t compare to the charm I have in getting what I want from other traders. Whatever it is you need I will get it for you, Earl. I know it must be of great importance no matter how illegal it may be for you to get your hands on it! ... ...

[During his entire little speech, he had become quite serious business – Until he simply smiles and tilts his head as if he suddenly has no idea what’s going on at all] So what is it you’re here for, Earl –

[ He looks around the astral plane.]

... Earl?

[There’s no Earl on the plane at all. Lau simply sighs, and gives a strong few puffs on his pipe before he blows out the smoke he had inhaled from that.]

I must be hallucinating once again! It’s even the same location this time. How curious ... I’m usually so careful when melting down the right amount of opium so this doesn’t happen while smoking...

[Yet, here he is. Still smiling and looking out of place.]

... So where am I?

[Henrietta is hidden in one of the stalls of the bathrooms in the coliseum, puking into the toilet. She's sweating, shivering, her eyes slightly unfocused.] It's changed a lot, I guess. That's my fault, though. [Urk, shouldn't have tried talking to herself. She heaves again, but nothing else comes up.]

...ah...I guess that's a good thing.




[[Tags will be slow, as I'm still churning away on assignments, but I was going crazy with boredom and this is a good way to reward myself between sections of essay. Oh, and Henrietta is de-angeled and back at the Agency now.]]

[Ianto appears on the Plane, clearing his throat slightly.]

Well, Owen will probably want to conduct a few more tests than he needs to, but at least I can talk again.

[ A young man with blue hair and a scarf finds himself here, a bit startled and confused. ] Ah. I wandered into one of those strange sites again. Hmm. Now which is the way out?

[ KAITO stares up at the stars. ] Where is the X button? Minimize? Ah, maybe... [ He waves a hand in front of himself, and a blue, glowing keyboard appears. He wiggles his fingers over it momentarily, like a pianist about to perform. Then he starts hitting keys. ] Escape... Ah?

Alt. Tab. ... Control. Alt. Delete. ... No? How strange. I'd better get out of here before master gets home... [ Only then does he actually clue in to his surroundings. He stares at the other people there. ]

More programs? This must be a popular site. None of you are anti-viruses, are you?

[Shion is on the Plane, seated on a tall golden throne. He has his helmet off and is holding it in his hands, examining it. He gives a resigned sigh.]

Now I suppose I will have to make the decision soon.

[The newest arrival on the Plane doesn’t look particularly frightened. She gazes around, but there is no fear in her eyes. There’s no curiosity there either, actually. Apparently this sort of thing is, if not exactly normal , then at least not the most terrifying thing she’s ever seen.

Her face has a strangely blank expression, and she seems to glide rather than walk as she moves sedately forward with a doll tucked into the crook of her arm. She tilts her head to look up at the sky with wide eyes.]

Look at the stars, Miss Edith. So many stars. And they’re all singing. Such beautiful music.

[She turns slowly, her long skirt fanning out around her.]

Am I dreaming? The pixies didn’t whisper this. They tell me so much when I close my eyes. Fluttering and chattering. Their tiny little voices. They didn’t tell me this.

Spike? My Spike?

I’m cold…

[She looks sadly down at the doll when he doesn’t respond, and then wraps her arms around herself. Though her discomfort doesn’t actually last for too long. Drusilla is soon gazing at the sky again.]

Such beautiful music…