(http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/papacy-vatican-inside.jpg)<br/><br/>The Vatican. Easter Sunday.<br/><br/><br/>The crowds were thicker in the Holy City come the Easter holiday. Her mother used to joke about the Christians who would come out of the woodwork only on holidays, calling them "Chreesters" in a mocking tone. Mea never did understand the irony of a Christian woman judging other Christians until she grew up. Then she felt guilty, as a nice Italian Catholic girl was wont to do, because her job took her away so often she wasn't able to attend Mass, and always made an effort around special Christian holidays. She was a Chreester now. What would her mother say?<br/><br/>"Major Van! Major Van!"<br/><br/>Hurried footsteps that broke through the dull white noise of the crowd caught her attention. Turning, she raised a hand in greeting as Father Murray's flushed and worried expression came visible.  "Father Murray..." she murmured, pushing aside a trio of college students to meet the priest halfway.  His arms were filled with stacks of papers, which slipped awkwardly in his grip. She gasped, catching a handful before they fell. "Jesus Christ, Father, you okay?" The red-faced papist waved her concern away, eyes glittering half in amusement, half in anger "That's enough of takin' the Lord's name in vain, child. Here, help me with these-"  He began handing her stacks of folders, stuffed to the brim with paperwork.  Then he turned, flicking his head for her to follow. Shuffling the papers to a better degree of organization, she followed.<br/><br/>"There's somethin' that Father Masino wants to speak to you about. He's through here..." he pushed open a side door that read "Private Entrance" that revealed a long hall studded with doors.  "Last one on the right.  And give me back my papers."  Mea grinned, hefting the load back into his arms, nearly bowing the man with the weight.  "Don't kill yourself, now."  He murmured assent, hurrying off like a white rabbit with a waistcoat.<br/><br/>She strode down the hallway, knocking politely at the door.  After a muted conversation on the other side of the door stilled, a voice called "Entre!"  Pushing the door open, she nodded to Father Masino as he stood from the office chair in greeting.  "Padre. What's the trouble?" The priest motioned her to sit, which she did, crossing her ankles beneath the comfortable office chair.  "I just got off the phone with Yousef, he should be here momentarily. Vino?" He tilted his head towards the silver tray decked out with a fancy little spread.  She shook her head mutely, folding her arms around her torso.