Part of Sabine wanted nothing more than to let these angry spirits rage at Hawk the way they might have been inclined on their own, but a larger part both perversely because fuck Hawk and with self-and-Scott preservation in mind counseled compliance. So first, aloud and formulaically neither of which were necessary, Sabine commanded the spirits, "I abjure you by the holy names of God and his angels to harm none," and then sent /Play along, please. I'd prefer not to go to jail because you asked for my help/--not that it would be the first time.

Then, she allowed her contact with the spirits to fade. The black in her gaze slowly receded and the wind around her died down. When she spoke, it was in her own natural tone and said, "Hello, Hawk. I wasn't invading your crime scene. The spirits dragged me here because they were in pain, and Scott came along to make sure I was safe. Nevertheless, my apologies. All I can tell you is that for reasons none of the spirits can be sure of, the crew turned on itself and slaughtered them to the last person. As I'm here already, I offer my services as a consultant, and beg you--" Her stomach curdled. "--please don't recall these spirits to their dead shells. They're innocent and that is the worst form of punishment."

She doubted it would be effective, but maybe Scott wouldn't get into trouble at least.