C-BBVR04 (Sep 15, 1995)
Puzzle
“My dear Sophia, remember to be calm, be loving-unto-men, be gentle, be peaceful, be... CCXVII-G.R.S.”
#71 Trivia | 1 Word
Clue
Hover over the clues if you require!
Clue 1: #71 likes to read apocrypha.
Clue 2: Sophia or Sofia? And who is this G. R. S.?
Clue 3: Page 217 of the Pistis Sofia, as translated by G. R. S. Mead.
Answer and Explanation
Answer: Merciful
Explanation: Sophia is a reference to the Pistis Sofia, a Gnostic work translated by G. R. S. Mead. Page 217 contains the phrase "Be ye X" repeatedly, with X being, in order, calm, loving unto men, gentle, peaceful, and merciful.
Summary of Receipt
71 and Trigano have a conversation. They discuss the Owner’s ‘blight’ and how it seems to be worsening, before Trigano helps to dispel Pleasant’s calming aura by giving the CaD his feathers. He then talks about Mr. Cold and how he seems to have disappeared, despite Pleasant and Cold commonly appearing together. Trigano then leaves for the Otherside, though he leaves behind some feathers as a ward against Pleasant’s aura. They also presumably discuss the Wicked and the Cold, but 71 redacted certain parts of the conversation.
Transcript
RECEIPT #004
FILED UNDER: CAFE-BBVR
DATE: 09/15/95
EMPLOYEE #71
Mr. Trigano paid us a visit late last night. We had a small chat about, well, a few things actually, but mainly concerning his distant relative, Mrs. Pleasant. I’ve included what I can in the transcript below, although I fear some of the coffee we shared together was a tad bit too hot, even for the Cafe. Right now, I have no plans to release those details in the form of a receipt, although I’m always happy to share what I can face-to-face. Most of what can’t be shared isn’t very interesting either, so I wouldn’t worry much about it.
S.O.T.
71: Ciel, good to see you. Here for some late-night coffee?
Ciel: And comfort food, [71]. Are you the only one here tonight?
71: Why? Were you looking for [26]? Or looking to avoid her?
Ciel: That’s not-
71: Just a joke, don’t worry, it’s just me tonight. The new kids aren’t allowed in the Cafe alone, [62] and [17] are up north dealing with a customer, and, well, I’m not actually sure where [The Owner] is.
Ciel: He can be rather hard to keep track of, huh?
71: You’re telling me. I remember when we first started this operation. He’d disappear for weeks at a time. Ever since he was blighted, he’s stayed more or less in the Cafe, but lately, he’s been stretching his legs more often. Not sure if it’s good that he’s getting out or terribly concerning.
Ciel: How is his blight? Is it worsening?
71: Yes, unfortunately.
...
...
...
Ciel: I see. Well, if there is anything I can do to help.
71: I’m afraid there isn’t much that can be done for him now. He’s too stubborn to ask for help anyway. Now I assume you didn’t just drop in to catch up, Ciel?
Ciel: Ah, yes, I came to warn you about the Mothman.
71: Pleasant? I don’t see how she could be much of a threat-
Ciel: So you’ve succumbed to it too. I knew it.
71: Succumbed to what?
Ciel: Its calming aura. One of the Mothman’s more dangerous skills. At least I’m immune.
[Ciel the Bird Beast plucked a clawful of feathers from his arm]
Ciel: Here, take this, and be sure to give the rest of the Cafe one as well.
71: A- wh- Pleasant. Damn!
Ciel: Like a fog has lifted, isn’t it?
71: Yes. Thank you, Ciel. I can’t believe we were falling for that.
Ciel: Don’t blame yourself. Even most lower demons aren’t immune to the calm.
71: Where’s Indrid Cold?
Ciel: Cold? I’m not sure. Why?
...
...
...
Ciel: Interesting. Although, I haven’t seen or heard anything about Indrid Cold. Or any other usuals from that area.
71: I see. Still, though, it’s strange. Does Pleasant’s “calm” usually obscure outside details like Cold?
Ciel: Not to my knowledge. Typically, it only conceals its presence.
71: Very strange. Well, in any case, thank you again, Ciel. Your help is more than appreciated. Are you planning on staying for a while?
Ciel: Would if I could. I’m needed in Aurora. Although, if you need more feathers, you know how to get in touch. And, uh, tell [26] goodbye for me.
71: Just goodbye?
Ciel: For now, just goodbye.
E.O.T.
So, there you have it. We’ve been tricked into a false calm by Pleasant. Thankfully Trigano’s feathers clear the calm while held and usually keep it at bay for about, oh, 12 hours after touching one. An important detail we seem to of either overlooked or forgotten is the ever-elusive Mr. Cold. Usually, where there is Pleasant, there is Cold, but he has shown no signs of showing up since Pleasant and Padre came into L.A. There is the possibility he is waiting for Pleasant to make the first move. Still, though, we can probably expect to hear from him soon. As for Pleasant, well, we need to get back to work figuring out what her game is. With Mr. Trigano returning to the Otherside, we’ll have less protection than before, but we should still be able to handle whatever disaster she tries to conjure up.