The security guards pay a tad extra heed to punk-rawk Mickey. Chase looks back lazily as he enters, "What the shit..." Who knew beer needed so much protection. Well, perhaps from monster alcoholics and drug addicts, they do. Hello Chase, hello Penny.
No, they never did like our kind. In fact, there's a kind of active animosity in their eyes. Sending out one of their stockboy minions to 'unpack' and 'restock' is a thinly vieled surviellance tack.
Trolling the aisles, Penny's pushing a cart with a case of Labatt's in the bottom, just getting her shopping started. The early afternoon brought in a truckload of frat & sorority kids; she stands in sharp contrast to their bluster and noise, a very serious woman on a mission. She pushes the cart back and forth, squeaky-wheeling the college kids away.
"No fuckin' Coors." On the verge of outrage, Chase pays in spades for having bad taste in beer north of the border. His perusing stops near the chill stale air leaking from the cracks of the refrigerating system. The man's now frozen in front of one of the windows, a plethora of micro-brewed beers beckon his attention. But he's lost in some kind of intense calculation, perhaps figuring out what kind of possible substitute there could be for the Silver Bullet.
"Oi, 'ets Nazi beer anyway. You don't want that," friendly-like, now.
The squeaky wheel was coming upon you under further rattling of wine bottles; a whole army of dark green bottles holds the line in the back of her cart. Penny reaches into the fridge door next to that one and starts pulling out boxed wine, up-ending them into the front part. "Try that one," chin-points at a yellow label "the old man digs it."
"Yeah, I know." Chase looks disenchanted. Way to piss in his beer. Eyes are downcast, pretending to spot something on his boots. "But the shit's good." Trying hard to convince Penny the politics of that particular Beer Baron doesn't matter. But you can see it irks him. FInally though, he locks upon the proffered label with suspicion. "What's that then." He folds over to inspect. "Uncle Grampa's Honey Pot, Wheat Ale...." The square jawed man contemplates. "Looks gay."
"I'm just sayin' - don't hafta get all bitchy about it. Shit man, it's just beer, what's your problem?" Penny, taciturn. She makes to shove past you and get a six pack out just to prove her point. Or something. Maybe her elbow 'accidentally' catches you in the arm as she's turning back to the cart. "You got somethin'a say just say it. Don't go dissin'the old man," leveling with a look; that oh-yeah? look so common "No need for that, he's good people."
"Alright, alright, heysoos de christo. Don't queen out on me." Chase raises one side of his thin smile and holds up callused hands. "Look." The reach for Uncle Grampa's Honey Pot Wheat Ale is a display of nonaggression. "I'm gonna check out the old man's taster's choice." A 6er is raised, though absent eyes have to double check the label. "Say, who's the old man anyways? I know 'm then?"
Penny does a where-am-I lean to read the signs, doublechecks that aisle there and that other one there. "Yeah y'do - Comps. Hawaii Five-oh?" assuming you'd know exactly what she's on about, Penny keeps walking. Now we're aiming for the white wine and mixer collection. We're casually ignoring the clerk in the apron shadowing us and sticking together 'cause there's safety in numbers. "Toss it in," nodding at your six and the toxic-looking lime green daquiri stuff on your side. "he was at the thing the other night."
"Oh, oh. Dude with the 10/90?" Chase asks, but knows. "Oh yeah. I 'member him. Right then." For some reason it seems an acceptable idea to follow the suggestions of a man with a mullet on the complicated subject of beer. The squat man nods rhythmically and follows in tow. The 6er's in the basket, and he finally realizes the amount of alcohol Penny is loading up on could fund a small party. "What is all this shit?" Pointy finger points.
Nodding, she yeah-hims in the middle of that " I do the shopping this week," her response as casual as it is vague. Hangs a left into the next. Here we have vodka in all varieties and colors. With pepper, with citrus, without alcohol percentages on the label. Her fingers crawl over bottles, slipping both hands onto four bottles of The Tall Blonde. She holds them close and heaves them over the cart's rail. "Oh and they say we might be moving in. So there's the housewarming to consider. Things to keep in mind."
Tom steps in from the street.
Tom has arrived.
"Tits." Chase affords approval and lingers towards the -extra- peppered beef jerky. A long irregularly shaped piece of dried cow skin is pulled from one of the bins. "This is shaped like Argentina." Perhaps an astute observation or drifting gaze, his boots follow Penny and her cart of mobile death up the Vodka isle. The store clerk notes their presence with a keen eye. "When ya movin' then?" The punk returns to fall in line, tasty beefy treat in check.
Shrugged down into his coat, gripping his suitcase loosely in one hand, Tom eases into the liquor store. Maybe not the best part of town for Tom to come
on a random jaunt down to, but here he is - buying liquor, no less. He gravitates towards the long cooler full of beers, wines, and premixed beverages... taking slow, meandering steps, fingers occasionally brushing alongside the cool glass.
Passing Penny and Chase are shopping in the vodka aisle. They're being overtly shadowed by a clerk in an apron because they're the shifty sort around these parts. Shiftier than the college kids by far. "Next week I think," a terse aside. Penny's more focused on the rubber-sole steps moving past them. She watches Tom's back the way people do when they're starstruck or sure, so sure they know that person. Voice low, then, almost a murmur "Heaviest things'll be this," nodding to the cart "shouldn't be too much of an ordeal."
Starting towards the counter now, Chase looks back to conspire with baldy. "Is this it, or wha'?" Bloodshot eyes survey the immediate vicinity, they still haven't hit the dark liquor section. "You got whiskey in there?" He cants his head, stressing the importance of said content. "I'm not goin' to any housewarmin' without whiskey." Note to Penny, don't buy Whiskey.
If Tom knows he's been spotted - or if he's anxious about the possibility of being spotted - he doesn't exactly show it. Just continues his meaningful quest for the right beer across three... now, four, then... five... rows of beer. A halt between Japan and Thailand - the beers are grouped by region, then nation. Towards the end of Japan, he finds a frosted six-pack of Sapporo. He slides the door open, reaches in, hefts up the stylish beers in their stylish paper case. Lets the door slide close on its own - he turns his back on it, walks to the bar... one foot in front of the other, with no particular rush.
She shrugs into a sidelong glance at the frat boys just leaving ahead of them. One of them keeps feeling around his pockets, looking around at the floor, confused but let onward by his unconcerned friends. "S'just the essentials," hands deep in the pockets of her jacket, she pushes the cart forward with her hip keeping a slower pace. The squeaky wheel ribbits out in a predictible pattern as they keep moving, Penny fingering out a sizable fold of bills "I'm supposed to get a receipt for everything. Fucking Steve.. and fucking /Dave/" spitting that name out; rusty nail in her cheerios.
"What're they, writing this shit off?" Chase quips while lending a callused hand to the cause. His cause. Some Bushmill's whiskey is reached for and snuck in with the army of bottles. A fair amount of cash is withdrawn from his pocket and offered up into the frey. "'Ere." That's for Uncle Grampa's finest. Stained teeth start in on the jerky, and tear at the flesh with tensing jaw muscles.
Tom grabs a slim bottle of Grey Goose Vodka with thumb and forefinger off of the end of an aisle. He makes for the line leading to the register... patient, calm. No where in particular to go with all this alcohol. Just making one leisurely stop on the way to some other leisurely stop.
Turning at the register, she tugs the shopping cart behind her and moves to start unloading things. She shakes her head no at the money he offers "Put that away, jesus" lifting out things from the far side onto the tiny little conveyor. There won't be enough room length-wise to get everything all at once; she starts piling the boxed wine "Hey can you get me two more'a these?" She holds two fingers up to Chase, index and middle splayed. "Please?"
Wordless, the thick man turns to run the gauntlet. Chase passes Tom with unblinking red eyes fixed on some vino. Boots thump along, made for terrain much more treacherous than the inside of this store. The two bottles *clink* together as they're pulled from their brothers and sisters.
Nonchalantly, Tom turns sideways for Chase to pass, with nary a glance at him. Brow arched, he looks towards the front of the line... then glances down to read the label on his vodka, head canted to the side. Reading something or the other on the side of the bottle. Another glance up and over.
The beep-beep at the checkout is steady. Machines work. The girl swings the bottles, barcodes down over the infrared without really looking or paying any kind of real attention to the work she's doing; or rather the work the machine is doing. Nobody ever watches the machines; machines are perfect.Perfect until the beep-beep becomes a singular noise-flare. Error. Penny fidgets a little in front of the cashier shen she picks up the intercom, the nasal english-as-a-second-language amplified to reach the entire store and all it's busy employees,
"PRICE CHECK ON THE TALL BLONDE."
Already uncomfortable in her position at the head of the line, now she's holding things up. In a small voice, Penny clears her throat "I think they were on sale." It's the kind of thing everyone says when there's a problem. The cashier just looks at her. And the rest of her items. And pushes a big red button,
"MANAGER TO THE FRONT, PLEASE."
"Shite." Chase curses under his breath as he rejoins baldy and with the two bottles. His nose wrinkles as the manager is called for, and shoulders shift to preemptively spot the overseer. The horse neck of his *cracks* when it's turned a bit too far to one extreme. No flinch on Chase's plain features. "It was on sale..." There's some backup.
Tom glances fixedly at the pair, his interest quite apparent. A gentle lift of his hand readjusts the loose and somewhat sweaty grip on the neck of the vodka bottle, pinched between thumb and forefinger. The six-pack must be killing the circulation of those three fingers he grips it with. Pale eyes scan Chase... skim to Penny. Back to Chase. Tall Blonde on sale, eh...?
Penny drops into defensive mode, deciding that waiting five minutes for the manager to get off his ass shouldn't be in her list of things to do with her evening. "Look it's right there on the shelf," gesturing largely behind her in a grand arc across the whole of the store "on a pink sign. With cut-out stars. It says six for thirty-six. You want me to go get it? I'll get the sign, okay?" The manager still has not appeared. The cashier seems rooted to the spot, a sentry lacking what capacity it takes for enlightened thought. She stares at Penny, nonplussed. "Just wait for the manager." Penny's hands come out of her pockets, thumb and forefingers flex back over her head "Fine, fine" looking at Chase "are they all like this? Shit.." Where is the help? Is the help coming from back there beyond Tom? Looking straight at him, her gaze a lit fuse.
"Fuckin' hell." Grumbling from the gallery, Chase turns again to await the manager, Mr. Snuffaluffagus. His square jaw is still chewing on spiced beef as absent fingers reach up to scratch behind an ear. Red eyes meet pale counterparts, the punk looks in Tom's direction as well. Both expecting help to arrive from the same direction. "Yes, everyone's like 'this'" More chewing, it does take a while to eat those pieces of store bought jerky.
As if feeling some sort of... responsibility for this... the dullness of the clerks, the shrill, shrieking horror of the banal business exchange, the difficulty of capitalist money-for-merchandise exchange in this day and age... Tom glances momentarily away... then back up at the pair, calling over, "I think the sign says it's six for thirty six." A pause. Then, mildly, to no one in particular, "That sounds like quite the deal." He seems to feel he's responding, someow, in a socially appropriate way to some pre-designated cue.
See? /He/ agrees with us," pointing at Tom, she looks back at him but starts in again, a little slower. He dresses the part, fits the role of reasonable and trustworthy much better than Penny or Chase. Modifying her tone with a symapthetic pitch, she turns back to the cashier "Please? Just call the manager. He isn't coming. He'll just tell you to override the thing anyway, come on.
"It /is/ a deal, eh?" the cashier lifts the end of her phrase with that irritating thing half the world thinks Canadians do. But the beep-beeps start again. Progress. Penny's shoulders slump a little; it's over and we're moving on. She turns a little again and mouths 'thanks' to Tom, a guilty ha-ha lingering while the check-out continues.
"Fuck." Chase does like that word, though this time it's seasoned with relief. As the bottles are scanned, the thick punk begins to bag them himself. No more time for cashier bullshit, he even takes precious moments away from chewing on his cured meat. Though his teeth continue working long after his last bite. Bottles into bags, a wonderful trick when it works. Arms begin to gather the bounty, Chase goes about this work with the experience of an ex-check out man. Not possible. "I'll be outside, Cojack..." Boots walk him out towards the exit, having left just enough for Penny to carry without much hindrance.
Drifting closer as the line shortens by way of attrition, Tom lifts his chin in amusement, recognition. "Tremendous..." His eyes dance as they watch Chase dash... then glance on back to Penny, dim with recognition. "Lovely night for it, don't you think? Or are you just stocking up to replenish what was lost on All Saints?" Tom, of course, looks almost identical to that night by the docks.
The total comes to something like a hundred and change, and she pays it without balking. Just hands over some cash from her pocket, fiddling with change. There's a lot of coinage; too much for Penny to really bother with. She tosses it in the 'Help this Sick Dog' bottle - it's the same half-empty/half-full jug you see everwhere on this continent. Everyone knows it's really the tip-jar anyway; there are no sick dogs in the world - only photographers in the Pound before they put the really awful-looking strays down.
The gesture takes the cashier by surprise and the noise makes her jump a little. Penny starts to say something to Chase as he walks out "It's one-seven-four," knowing she won't be able to catch him. She has bottles to wrap and bag, the tags of conversation to keep dangling. She smiles broadly at you, turning newspaper into cushioning barriers, loading the winebottles into a box "Hey," still having herself a private chuckle about the fast one you just helped her pull "oh this? It's for a thing. Me and my friends," explaining "we're moving. It's.." tilting her head that way "Tom, isn't it."
"You and your friends like to celebrate, huh?" Tom finds himself at the head of the line, after what appears to be a reformed hobo in a poorly tailored suit buys a hip-flask of Night Train. Walking to the head of the line, Tom puts the booze down on the counter beside you with an abundance of caution. He got it all the way here, he'd hate to drop it now. Glancing towards you, Tom ventures, "You're the one in the Santana shirt... Penny, wasn't it?"
Penny nods a few times "On the jacket, yes." She tucks another bottle into the box and starts shifting glass around, moving plastic mix-bottles into the groupings. "We're ah," eyes shifted to the ceiling, to the right, back to you "yes. We're like that.Throw parties, do some really high-ener.." The flow of information interrupted by the beep-beep "...energy stuff. It's" looking you over again "well it might not be your thing but y'never know," trailing off she finished packing up her stuff.
"Jacket," Tom corrects, aloud - as though it might be necessary to a certain mnemonic for placing faces with names, et cetera, et al. The cashier rings up his purchase, and Tom already has his wallet out. Indeed, he's already fishing up the company card out from a pocket. "It might not be my thing," he echos, smiling, "but you never know. You headed there now? I could maybe give you a ride, if you take the train."
"Oh it's not even a done deal yet w..I'm still at the hotel. Someone else is closing on the place.." she starts wrapping the bags around her fists, balancing the box between them "still in its infancy. You know. Budding thing. I'd appreciate the ride though .. I'm no good at maps and directions here. Just haven't gotten used to it yet."
"Sure, sure... where in the city are you?" Tom hands the corporate card over. Not terribly flashy looking, but certainly not exactly his, either. "I'm not very good at, uh... directions, either, really. Or driving, particularly, but I'm learning my way around Toronto, to and fro." The credit card takes care of the currency exchange - no need to fumble out loonies and all those other absurd little fake Canadian currency units. The cash for goods exchange as it was meant to be - automatic, unthinking, invisible. As it's bagged, he leans down to sign a credit slip with a pair of squirmy lines. Pockets the receipt. Slips the card in the wallet. And slips the wallet away.
Penny makes a face, bugs in her soup. "Some toursity-trappish sty," setting the box down to rest on the edge of the check-out stand. She applies the right amout of pressure and leverage, completely confident it won't fall. "They /call/ it a Holiday Inn but /I/ don't think it's anything like the ones back states-side" her opinion of Canadian-run businesses ever evident, maligning "No aye-ch eye would ever go up without at least a dinky little pool or a gym," not that Penny would use them - does she look the sort to use those amenities? "unless it was put up at an airport." She dwells on that into an expectant quiet. Then, "You?" making the exchange complete.
Hefting the loops of the plastic bag cautiously, Tom squints at it rather thoughtfully. Lifts the bag off of the surface of the counter, to make sure the double-bag can hold the wait. "I think I stayed there when I first came in. Do they have a really rotten grill-cheese? They burn the cheese a tiny bit when they leave it on the griddle?" He moves away from the check-out and nods to a fellow who momentarily passes by him.
"And their tomato soup has that annoying half-split parsley sticking out of it? And their soda machines only have that lame generic 'President's Choice' crap" a wry smile "Yeah, that's the one, hey can you hang on to one of these for me?" Holding out the bag in her left hand. Her fingers have turned purple and white, circulation cut off at strange intervals. It isn't clear whether she wants you to take it so she can just shake life back into her hand or if she means for you to hold it while you both walk out the door to whereever "Hand cramp."
Sympathetic or eager to help or perhaps simply eager to make an impression, Tom grabs up the bag with his free hand. The two bags he is holding are relatively unbalanced in terms of weight, so he has a tendancy to list starboard. "Sure, sure," Tom demurrs, with a half-smile. "Absolutely the one, absolutely. You might have to fold up your knees a teensy bit," he notes, apropos of nothing, "It's only a hatchback."
That Tom isn't patently denying knowing Penny is a little shocking to the Canadian public; but that he's walking out with her? Punk and Conservative? Couldn't be anything stranger-looking in this town. "Thanks," flattening her hand out, flexing and bending fingers into their normal pink color toward the exit "I'm sure it'll be just fine" and when she says "..been in worse things than a hatchback," you can believe it's true.
Rather unimpressed by whatever scrutiny is given him, Tom walks right out with you. "It's a pretty rotten little Geo Metro," he grins, "Built right around the turn of the century." Slow footsteps on dry pavement, and he's aimed for the white Geo Metro along the curb. He walks up alongside the back of the car - putting the bag on the ground, fetching his key, working the trunk open.
"Wow, that's a real 'tique" investing a subtle and ironic tone to the conversation "I can't remember the last time I saw one of these.. grade school, maybe?" Her low whistle is quicky and smarmy but of course well-timed so as not to offend or put-off. She tramps along the side of the car, poises her bags and box for loading "Where'd you find a thing like this up here?"
"Used car lot. It's a weird design... it only has three pistons, so it doesn't use very much gasoline. I figure that's a plus. And it came cheap, so I bit for it." He lifts the bag into the trunk, which is unusually tidy. A roadside assistance kit, a box full of books, a crowbar to the side, a spare tire probably lurking, regularly checked, beneath the little trunk-rug. Reaching out, he makes to assist with the loading of booze into the back of the truck.
"Three pistons, yeah," hefting the box into your hands, shimmeying it to fit just so "but no get up and move, y'know? It's kind of a fa" Glancing to your hands, briefly "family car. Sensible, safe. Economical," these things she says with the kind of animosity only a real driving enthusiast could harbor for those kinds of qualities "but where's the /fun/." Penny grins, all teeth, mostly to herself eyeing the box of books casually, packing the trunk with the rest of her purchases.
"Sort of, yeah, sort of," Tom demurrs, with a reluctant little sigh. "I mean, yeah. But it's a light little car, and man, it really -takes off-, sometimes. It doesn't need that much go. /I/ don't need that much go." Tom laughs, bolstered now: "I don't really think I'm a good enough rider to handle a lot of go. This is about as much go as I'm comfortable with." He makes sure the 'supplies' are secure, then slams the trunk closed.
"You could be. You never know," dusting her hands off on the front of her pants, observing the lines of the car. Something. Maybe the color, the paint, some unseen focal point. " Are we ready to go then?" Penny walks around to the passenger's side and waits for the dull sound. The familiar unlocking click all car doors make. "And you're almost sure of where we're going..."
Wednesday, April 09, 2003
Brief scene - we learn the Opposition has eyes in the mermaid as we always suspected. Left relabeled thing #1 there.
The rich aroma from Starbucks draws you in.
Starbucks(#547RIJM)
Always with the morning hours and the coffee, Penny shoulders her way in past suits and skirts, a halo of truly toxic smoke wreaths - meant to keep others away. Does it's job, that and the the withering half-lidded, puffy-eyed squint clears her a path toward the back. Between little chairs and little tables meant for little conversation, Penny looms - some gigantic figured cut from a different picture and pasted in at odd angles. Her hand flattens on someone's stray tabloid and drags it off the table toward Alyx's sofa, crusts of sugar and drink-stirs falling behind her. "Shove over, hey?"
Obligingly moving over on the sofa, Alyx smiles up at her new companion. "Heyo," she greets cheerfully. "How's things, Delightful?" Her own drink is almost gone - decaf coffee, by the smell of it. If one can smell through the fumes, that is.
One can not tell.
One is still sleep-walking.
"Just penny," speaking in code, rubber soles squeaking on the tiles, she turns and shoves herself into the corner of the couch kicking aside stray chairs that "people never push in, no manners man, /that/'ll be the end of civilization. Feel like the dregs" making faces at some unexamined grime beneath her nails "Comps got confirmation for the group so now we're puttin'somethin'together. Daze put out the word, yeah?"
Then, "Funny how we haven't heard from anyone else."
"Group? Daze hasn't mentioned anything to me?" Alyx prompts. "What would the group do, exactly, Penny?" As she speaks, Alyx makes an odd gesture with one hand, finger lifted to her lips as she glances 'upwards'.
Dunce comes in off the street following the rich aroma of coffee.
Dunce has arrived.
Dunce walks in and joins the line before the counter.
Penny shrugs herself further into her jacket, looking at Alyx, her cigarette smoke ever lifting. She reaches out a hand to a table, out of place and nearer to the couch than normal and plucks an ashtray from it, looking upward. Smoke hiccups and coughs out through her nose, one brow raised archly. "From the man," whoever the man is "got word on the next gig. Daze didn't tell you? God.
F'y'can't invite your friends what good is it?" She reaches a hand inside her jacket, extracting a 3x5. Bright colors, shiney slicky "Pay's good and we're totally on it but I'ma play low, Kid'll play high, Piggy's on lights.. comin'together."
"Sweet," Alyx murmurs, eyeing the painfully yellow flyer. "If you need a hand with anything, gimme a shout," she adds, stuffing the flyer into her bag. "I'm only a general dogsbody, mind, but still. Many hands make light work, and all that shit."
Dunce pays for a large cup of coffee, and starts sweeping the cafe with his eyes, looking for a good spot.
Penny lifts her ass off the couch without getting up, tugs something else out of her backpocket. "Solid, girl" Timepiece tapped at it "Hey, you got the time? Never reset this. . . " trailing off a little "I need to get back soon I think - it eight yet?"
Checking her own watch, Alyx notes, "Yeah. Five past. Better run, Penny." She seems amused at that, finishing her coffee and adding, "Or just take a leisurely stroll."
Lurching off the couch, Penny winds the watch foward, leaving the tabloid behind "Call you later, let you know when we're heading out," then she breaks into an inexplicable run. Must be late. Penny tugs something from her pocket, arcs it into a trashcan and bangs out the door.
The rich aroma from Starbucks draws you in.
Starbucks(#547RIJM)
Always with the morning hours and the coffee, Penny shoulders her way in past suits and skirts, a halo of truly toxic smoke wreaths - meant to keep others away. Does it's job, that and the the withering half-lidded, puffy-eyed squint clears her a path toward the back. Between little chairs and little tables meant for little conversation, Penny looms - some gigantic figured cut from a different picture and pasted in at odd angles. Her hand flattens on someone's stray tabloid and drags it off the table toward Alyx's sofa, crusts of sugar and drink-stirs falling behind her. "Shove over, hey?"
Obligingly moving over on the sofa, Alyx smiles up at her new companion. "Heyo," she greets cheerfully. "How's things, Delightful?" Her own drink is almost gone - decaf coffee, by the smell of it. If one can smell through the fumes, that is.
One can not tell.
One is still sleep-walking.
"Just penny," speaking in code, rubber soles squeaking on the tiles, she turns and shoves herself into the corner of the couch kicking aside stray chairs that "people never push in, no manners man, /that/'ll be the end of civilization. Feel like the dregs" making faces at some unexamined grime beneath her nails "Comps got confirmation for the group so now we're puttin'somethin'together. Daze put out the word, yeah?"
Then, "Funny how we haven't heard from anyone else."
"Group? Daze hasn't mentioned anything to me?" Alyx prompts. "What would the group do, exactly, Penny?" As she speaks, Alyx makes an odd gesture with one hand, finger lifted to her lips as she glances 'upwards'.
Dunce comes in off the street following the rich aroma of coffee.
Dunce has arrived.
Dunce walks in and joins the line before the counter.
Penny shrugs herself further into her jacket, looking at Alyx, her cigarette smoke ever lifting. She reaches out a hand to a table, out of place and nearer to the couch than normal and plucks an ashtray from it, looking upward. Smoke hiccups and coughs out through her nose, one brow raised archly. "From the man," whoever the man is "got word on the next gig. Daze didn't tell you? God.
F'y'can't invite your friends what good is it?" She reaches a hand inside her jacket, extracting a 3x5. Bright colors, shiney slicky "Pay's good and we're totally on it but I'ma play low, Kid'll play high, Piggy's on lights.. comin'together."
"Sweet," Alyx murmurs, eyeing the painfully yellow flyer. "If you need a hand with anything, gimme a shout," she adds, stuffing the flyer into her bag. "I'm only a general dogsbody, mind, but still. Many hands make light work, and all that shit."
Dunce pays for a large cup of coffee, and starts sweeping the cafe with his eyes, looking for a good spot.
Penny lifts her ass off the couch without getting up, tugs something else out of her backpocket. "Solid, girl" Timepiece tapped at it "Hey, you got the time? Never reset this. . . " trailing off a little "I need to get back soon I think - it eight yet?"
Checking her own watch, Alyx notes, "Yeah. Five past. Better run, Penny." She seems amused at that, finishing her coffee and adding, "Or just take a leisurely stroll."
Lurching off the couch, Penny winds the watch foward, leaving the tabloid behind "Call you later, let you know when we're heading out," then she breaks into an inexplicable run. Must be late. Penny tugs something from her pocket, arcs it into a trashcan and bangs out the door.
Sunday, April 06, 2003
Meeting, part 2 -- after Compton left. Pretty uneventful.
Compton steps back out to the main hall.
Compton has left.
Hana has, by this time, sat down on the floor. She seems to be leaning against the wall, asleep, unless one is observant enough to catch the slight crack of her eyelids, through which she could be watching.
Keene steps forward to allow Compton to walk past him, not even looking at him when he leaves. His attention moves to Siomen; he smiles thinly at him, but then moves his attention back to Jonah. "I realize this, Magister. I believe in you, as I am sure all the other magi in this city do. But it takes time for my colleagues to learn to trust others. They have difficulty dealing with the rest of the Traditions at times because of their methods. Thus, I have found myself in the role of leader because of my ability to negotiate and explain their actions to others."
Rhiamon's hand stays up.
Alexandre whispers to Rhiamon, "... difference."
Rhiamon whispers to Alexandre, "... their..."
Paksenarrion enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Paksenarrion has arrived.
Paksenarrion makes her way in from the main chamber, a long slender bundle wrapped in black cloth is slung over a shoulder.
Alexandre shakes his head at Rhiamon's reply, looking like he doesn't believe her.
Jonah continues to listen, then nods. "Very well." He looks to Rhiamon. "Miss Jones?"
Keene, when his turn has passed again, returns to being seate.
Rhiamon lets her hand drop, not showing the ring this time. "I am glad to see Aaron Michaels here, but perhaps his position could be elucidated ? There seem to be some things going on that I have no knowledge of..."
Abel looks over at Rhiamon, then over to Aaron.
A crooked grin comes to Alex's face at the mention of Aaron's presence and he shakes his head slightly.
Jonah nods, "His position is currently under review. I shall announce more information when it is decided and appropriate." He looks about to the others, "Now, for those who aren't part of a Cabal, please raise your hands."
James raises his hand.
Abel takes a quick look over to Chase to see his reaction.
Rhiamon shrugs, and settles down. She'll ask Aaron later.
Jonah guestures to James, "Yes.. Mr... Anderson?"
Alyx lifts a gloved hand, the other resting on the table in front of her.
Abel turns his look over to James. He fingers his Sun symbol unconsciously.
Rhiamon whispers to Alexandre, "... fulfils... about the..."
James says, "You said earlier that thos of us who aren't part of a caball would still be allowed access to the realm and the chantry if we expressed interest in being affiliated with this organization. I am James anderson, and I would like to do so."
Keene returns to writing on his legal pad, taking notes on the proceedings.
Alexandre smiles briefly at Rhiamon, nodding slightly.
Hana doesn't raise her hand, but she seems alert again.
Jonah looks back over his shoulder, at Rhiamon and Alexandre. He gives her a half-smirk and says, "Thank you, Miss Jones, Mr. Taylor. I try very hard." With that said, he looks back to James. "Yes, I did indeed say that. I will take note of you. What Tradition are you, Mr. Anderson?"
Aaron raises his hand as well and smirks.
James replies simply, "Verbena"
Jonah notes that, then continues. "Very well. Thank you." He looks to Alyx. "Miss Davian, I will record your name and Tradition. Do you have anything you wish to say?"
Alex looks over to Aaron when he raises his hand, but then turns his head to look over at Hana, without waiting to see what it is that Aaron is going to say.
"I would prefer to remain affiliated with the Chantry," Alyx murmurs. "Though at the present time, I do not know the goals and unifying purposes of the Cabals here, so joining one will be difficult."
Abel looks over to Alyx, trying to catch her eye, and mouths silently to her 'Talk to me later.' He smiles.
Jonah nods to Alyx. He writes some notes, then looks over to Aaron. "Yes, Mr. Michaels?"
Abel turns in his chair so he can see Aaron.
Alexandre looks over towards Aaron as he speaks. The same curiosity that provoked Rhiamon's question is evidently on his face as well.
Jesyca looks over towards Abel and then Aaron and back towards her cloak and continues fidgeting with it.
Abel looks down at Jes curiously
Aaron rises softly, 'I was once considered a member of the Virtual Adepts...while I came back willingly to this venue...as my choices are limited to a single cabal I have no interest in...I will decline joining a cabal...". Plain and simple speech from one usually so volatile at these meetings. He flairs his longcoat and settles back down.
Abel whispers to Jesyca.
Paksenarrion slides into a sitting position on the floor with her back to the wall, looking about the room and quietly listening to the meeting.
Jesyca's green eyes blink a few times and she freezes for a moment. She turns her head up towards Abel and offers a bit of a smile, shaking her head lightly.
Alexandre whispers to Rhiamon.
Rhiamon whispers to Alexandre, "... I'd..."
Alex's head turns slightly, a sideways glance at Aaron, and then further to look at Chase. A curious eyebrow is raised, as he wonders how Chase will respond to this.
Abel also turns to see Chase's reaction to this statement.
Chase has been silent till now. "Micheals, this is not the forum for that discussion. Unless you'd like me to inform the entire room of your misdeeds?"
Alexandre whispers to Rhiamon, "... trust..."
Alyx lifts her hand once more, remaining silent.
Rhiamon whispers to Alexandre.
Paksenarrion raises her hands as well, quietly waiting her turn.
Jonah watches Aaron for a moment, "As Mr. Kettle has stated, this is not the forum for that particular discussion. We will discuss that after this meeting is over." He looks to Alyx. "Go ahead, Miss Davian."
Aaron looks to Chase, 'Only if you're willing to share your screwups as well, Kettle...I'll be happy to tell them the ones I know...and submit to the lie detection you won't..". He again leans back and puts his feet up.
Chase remains silent as Jonah backs his words. He smiles slightly, and like the slow rise of a bean-stock, his middle finger extends towards Aaron.
"Once this meeting is ajourned, Guru, I would ask that if there are any of questionable loyalty within our midst, that their activities be made known to all. There is little that brings a Chantry to it's knees faster than strife on the inside." Here, Alyx nods to both Aaron and Chase. "We all have our stories to tell, gentlemen."
Alex rocks his chair back on it's rear legs as he kicks his feet up to rest crossed on the back of the chair in front of him. Time to get comfy for the first match of the evening.
Jesyca's cheeks flush Crimson at Chase's display and glue back down upon her cloak once more.
Keene has no particular reaction to Chase's `outburst', if a hand gesture can be considered one. Instead, he continues taking notes.
Alexandre whispers to Rhiamon.
Rhiamon shrugs to Alexandre.
Rhiamon whispers to Alexandre, "so..."
Jonah merely nods to Alyx, "I will consider this, Miss Davian. For now, I want to finish this meeting." He looks to Paksenarrion. "You are... Miss.. Johnathan? No, perhaps you would be so kind as to introduce yourself."
Abel listens to and watches aaron and chase and just shakes his head with a sigh.
Alexandre lets out a sudden, dark chuckle at Rhiamon's last statement.
Siomen sits quietly and listens, he glances over at Geero and tilts his head as he spots the new chain.
Paksenarrion coughs and stands up, pushing a small braid out of her face, "I am Paksenarrion Johanson.. Of the Celestial Chorus.." She gives Jonah a deep nod, almost a bow, "I wished to add my name to the list of affiliation of the chantry please. Of the cabals currently represented, one I would not feel truly part of.. The others.." She glances towards Aaron and Chase, then around a little, "I will not serve.. I would however be happy to lend my skills to the chantry itself and aide others as the need arises."
Abel blinks at Paksens words, looking at her inquizzitively.
James looks thoughtfull.
Jonah nods. "Very well. Duely noted." He takes a moment to glance around one last time. "I do believe that we have recorded everyone," his eyes stop on Hana, "save you, Miss Kawakami. Do you wish to be affiliated with us?"
"I don't know," Hana says, slowly unfolding her limbs, legs and arms, as she rises. "I don't really know what that means."
Alex raises a hand, speaking before aknowledged. "Kaze, Kasui and myself will work with Hana so that she can determine if and where she fits with the Chantry," he offers.
Hana twists a little, to look towards Alex studiously, followed by a brief glance at Kaze. She doesn't say anything else for the moment.
Jonah nods, then offers a brief smile. "Very well. I shall allow you time to learn what it means and then consider the offer." He takes a few more notes, collects his papers, and begins putting them away. "I will compile this list and complete it. Everyone shall soon receive a letter which shall acknowledge your request. As of now, however, this meeting is officially adjourned. We will have another meeting ten days hence (One RL Week). The agenda of that meeting will be on the board. You are all dismissed." He begins packing his things.
Jonah adds, quietly, "Oh, Mr. Kettle, Mr. Hess, Mr. Michaels, Mr. Shinketsu, Mr. Elison, please stay after the meeting."
Rhiamon stands, and moves towards Aaron, then halts as Jonah speaks..
Aaron doesn't move from his spot in the Gallery, though he smiles, 'Detention again...too many spitballs.."
Alyx rises slowly from the Seat of Entropy, brushing her shirt down and tugging her coat into place before beginning to cross the room towards Abel.
Rhiamon moves over, she can talk to him first.
Abel nods to Jonah and remains seated, then turns to Jes.
Jesyca bites on her bottom lip a bit and looks up towards Abel.
Abel squeezes Jes's hand and smiles at her. "I'll see ya later?"
Siomen yawns and stands, he moves over to Rhiamon and smiles as he pats Geero on the head. He looks at Rhiamon "Hope he was not too much trouble?"
Hana watches a moment longer, then slips out the door.
Rhiamon whispers to Aaron, "Want to... what's..."
Hana steps back out to the main hall.
Hana has left.
Alex remains in his seat, leaning back on the rear legs, with his heels on the back of the chair in front of him.
Chase now stands, chewing on the same piece of gum with same fervor he has been along. And despite the fact his stained teeth must've long since driven out every morsel of sugar, he's still enjoying it. His stance is mainly to stretch, as it's apparent he's not heading towards the door. Shoulders flex, producing a crack, as his thich arms wave in circles.
Rhiamon looks back and smiles at Siomen, "He's never any trouble.."
Aaron whispers to Rhiamon, "... or..."
Jesyca gives a bow of her head towards him and smiles, "Of course." She then lifts up from the ground, and keeps her cloak closed about her body.
Alyx approaches Abel, stepping into place beside him, though not saying anything. Arms cross over her chest, the woman simply waiting for something.
Aaron replies to Rhiamon as he gets up to move to where the table is
Keene makes a few more notes on his legal pad, then puts his pen away in his breast pocket. He picks up his notepad, slides it into his coat, and rises, heading out with everyone else.
Rhiamon ouches, but quickly hugs Aaron. "Luck"
Abel turns to Alyx and smiles. "Can we talk later? I think The Beacon in the Dark may offer you a place with us, but I need to talk with the others. I know I'd like to see you Join. We have similar goals I think."
Alexandre remains seated where he is, thinking. Considering. He slides his seat away from the table, though.
Aaron smiles and hugs Rhiamon back and replies, 'SKill.."
"You have my cellphone number, brother," Alyx murmurs quietly to Abel. "Call me when you have finished here, and we can talk then."
Rhiamon laughs.
Siomen smiles as he moves to take back Geero "Whats this?" he inspects the necklace "You going to keep care of that Geero?"
Rhiamon turns to Siomen, "He better " but smiles. "I thought he deserved an ornament.."
Abel nods to Alyx.
Alyx heads for the exit, filtering out silently.
James gets up and makes his way out.
Alyx steps back out to the main hall.
Alyx has left.
James steps back out to the main hall.
James has left.
Paksenarrion stretches a little and shoulders her burden, looking about once more before deciding which way to go..
Kaze sits quietly, unmoving in the Seat of Mind waiting for the post meeting discussion to begin.
Aaron walks over to the table and uses the unoccupied seat of time to get up and walk on the table, settling himself cross-legged in the middle of it
You step back out to the main hall.
Compton steps back out to the main hall.
Compton has left.
Hana has, by this time, sat down on the floor. She seems to be leaning against the wall, asleep, unless one is observant enough to catch the slight crack of her eyelids, through which she could be watching.
Keene steps forward to allow Compton to walk past him, not even looking at him when he leaves. His attention moves to Siomen; he smiles thinly at him, but then moves his attention back to Jonah. "I realize this, Magister. I believe in you, as I am sure all the other magi in this city do. But it takes time for my colleagues to learn to trust others. They have difficulty dealing with the rest of the Traditions at times because of their methods. Thus, I have found myself in the role of leader because of my ability to negotiate and explain their actions to others."
Rhiamon's hand stays up.
Alexandre whispers to Rhiamon, "... difference."
Rhiamon whispers to Alexandre, "... their..."
Paksenarrion enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Paksenarrion has arrived.
Paksenarrion makes her way in from the main chamber, a long slender bundle wrapped in black cloth is slung over a shoulder.
Alexandre shakes his head at Rhiamon's reply, looking like he doesn't believe her.
Jonah continues to listen, then nods. "Very well." He looks to Rhiamon. "Miss Jones?"
Keene, when his turn has passed again, returns to being seate.
Rhiamon lets her hand drop, not showing the ring this time. "I am glad to see Aaron Michaels here, but perhaps his position could be elucidated ? There seem to be some things going on that I have no knowledge of..."
Abel looks over at Rhiamon, then over to Aaron.
A crooked grin comes to Alex's face at the mention of Aaron's presence and he shakes his head slightly.
Jonah nods, "His position is currently under review. I shall announce more information when it is decided and appropriate." He looks about to the others, "Now, for those who aren't part of a Cabal, please raise your hands."
James raises his hand.
Abel takes a quick look over to Chase to see his reaction.
Rhiamon shrugs, and settles down. She'll ask Aaron later.
Jonah guestures to James, "Yes.. Mr... Anderson?"
Alyx lifts a gloved hand, the other resting on the table in front of her.
Abel turns his look over to James. He fingers his Sun symbol unconsciously.
Rhiamon whispers to Alexandre, "... fulfils... about the..."
James says, "You said earlier that thos of us who aren't part of a caball would still be allowed access to the realm and the chantry if we expressed interest in being affiliated with this organization. I am James anderson, and I would like to do so."
Keene returns to writing on his legal pad, taking notes on the proceedings.
Alexandre smiles briefly at Rhiamon, nodding slightly.
Hana doesn't raise her hand, but she seems alert again.
Jonah looks back over his shoulder, at Rhiamon and Alexandre. He gives her a half-smirk and says, "Thank you, Miss Jones, Mr. Taylor. I try very hard." With that said, he looks back to James. "Yes, I did indeed say that. I will take note of you. What Tradition are you, Mr. Anderson?"
Aaron raises his hand as well and smirks.
James replies simply, "Verbena"
Jonah notes that, then continues. "Very well. Thank you." He looks to Alyx. "Miss Davian, I will record your name and Tradition. Do you have anything you wish to say?"
Alex looks over to Aaron when he raises his hand, but then turns his head to look over at Hana, without waiting to see what it is that Aaron is going to say.
"I would prefer to remain affiliated with the Chantry," Alyx murmurs. "Though at the present time, I do not know the goals and unifying purposes of the Cabals here, so joining one will be difficult."
Abel looks over to Alyx, trying to catch her eye, and mouths silently to her 'Talk to me later.' He smiles.
Jonah nods to Alyx. He writes some notes, then looks over to Aaron. "Yes, Mr. Michaels?"
Abel turns in his chair so he can see Aaron.
Alexandre looks over towards Aaron as he speaks. The same curiosity that provoked Rhiamon's question is evidently on his face as well.
Jesyca looks over towards Abel and then Aaron and back towards her cloak and continues fidgeting with it.
Abel looks down at Jes curiously
Aaron rises softly, 'I was once considered a member of the Virtual Adepts...while I came back willingly to this venue...as my choices are limited to a single cabal I have no interest in...I will decline joining a cabal...". Plain and simple speech from one usually so volatile at these meetings. He flairs his longcoat and settles back down.
Abel whispers to Jesyca.
Paksenarrion slides into a sitting position on the floor with her back to the wall, looking about the room and quietly listening to the meeting.
Jesyca's green eyes blink a few times and she freezes for a moment. She turns her head up towards Abel and offers a bit of a smile, shaking her head lightly.
Alexandre whispers to Rhiamon.
Rhiamon whispers to Alexandre, "... I'd..."
Alex's head turns slightly, a sideways glance at Aaron, and then further to look at Chase. A curious eyebrow is raised, as he wonders how Chase will respond to this.
Abel also turns to see Chase's reaction to this statement.
Chase has been silent till now. "Micheals, this is not the forum for that discussion. Unless you'd like me to inform the entire room of your misdeeds?"
Alexandre whispers to Rhiamon, "... trust..."
Alyx lifts her hand once more, remaining silent.
Rhiamon whispers to Alexandre.
Paksenarrion raises her hands as well, quietly waiting her turn.
Jonah watches Aaron for a moment, "As Mr. Kettle has stated, this is not the forum for that particular discussion. We will discuss that after this meeting is over." He looks to Alyx. "Go ahead, Miss Davian."
Aaron looks to Chase, 'Only if you're willing to share your screwups as well, Kettle...I'll be happy to tell them the ones I know...and submit to the lie detection you won't..". He again leans back and puts his feet up.
Chase remains silent as Jonah backs his words. He smiles slightly, and like the slow rise of a bean-stock, his middle finger extends towards Aaron.
"Once this meeting is ajourned, Guru, I would ask that if there are any of questionable loyalty within our midst, that their activities be made known to all. There is little that brings a Chantry to it's knees faster than strife on the inside." Here, Alyx nods to both Aaron and Chase. "We all have our stories to tell, gentlemen."
Alex rocks his chair back on it's rear legs as he kicks his feet up to rest crossed on the back of the chair in front of him. Time to get comfy for the first match of the evening.
Jesyca's cheeks flush Crimson at Chase's display and glue back down upon her cloak once more.
Keene has no particular reaction to Chase's `outburst', if a hand gesture can be considered one. Instead, he continues taking notes.
Alexandre whispers to Rhiamon.
Rhiamon shrugs to Alexandre.
Rhiamon whispers to Alexandre, "so..."
Jonah merely nods to Alyx, "I will consider this, Miss Davian. For now, I want to finish this meeting." He looks to Paksenarrion. "You are... Miss.. Johnathan? No, perhaps you would be so kind as to introduce yourself."
Abel listens to and watches aaron and chase and just shakes his head with a sigh.
Alexandre lets out a sudden, dark chuckle at Rhiamon's last statement.
Siomen sits quietly and listens, he glances over at Geero and tilts his head as he spots the new chain.
Paksenarrion coughs and stands up, pushing a small braid out of her face, "I am Paksenarrion Johanson.. Of the Celestial Chorus.." She gives Jonah a deep nod, almost a bow, "I wished to add my name to the list of affiliation of the chantry please. Of the cabals currently represented, one I would not feel truly part of.. The others.." She glances towards Aaron and Chase, then around a little, "I will not serve.. I would however be happy to lend my skills to the chantry itself and aide others as the need arises."
Abel blinks at Paksens words, looking at her inquizzitively.
James looks thoughtfull.
Jonah nods. "Very well. Duely noted." He takes a moment to glance around one last time. "I do believe that we have recorded everyone," his eyes stop on Hana, "save you, Miss Kawakami. Do you wish to be affiliated with us?"
"I don't know," Hana says, slowly unfolding her limbs, legs and arms, as she rises. "I don't really know what that means."
Alex raises a hand, speaking before aknowledged. "Kaze, Kasui and myself will work with Hana so that she can determine if and where she fits with the Chantry," he offers.
Hana twists a little, to look towards Alex studiously, followed by a brief glance at Kaze. She doesn't say anything else for the moment.
Jonah nods, then offers a brief smile. "Very well. I shall allow you time to learn what it means and then consider the offer." He takes a few more notes, collects his papers, and begins putting them away. "I will compile this list and complete it. Everyone shall soon receive a letter which shall acknowledge your request. As of now, however, this meeting is officially adjourned. We will have another meeting ten days hence (One RL Week). The agenda of that meeting will be on the board. You are all dismissed." He begins packing his things.
Jonah adds, quietly, "Oh, Mr. Kettle, Mr. Hess, Mr. Michaels, Mr. Shinketsu, Mr. Elison, please stay after the meeting."
Rhiamon stands, and moves towards Aaron, then halts as Jonah speaks..
Aaron doesn't move from his spot in the Gallery, though he smiles, 'Detention again...too many spitballs.."
Alyx rises slowly from the Seat of Entropy, brushing her shirt down and tugging her coat into place before beginning to cross the room towards Abel.
Rhiamon moves over, she can talk to him first.
Abel nods to Jonah and remains seated, then turns to Jes.
Jesyca bites on her bottom lip a bit and looks up towards Abel.
Abel squeezes Jes's hand and smiles at her. "I'll see ya later?"
Siomen yawns and stands, he moves over to Rhiamon and smiles as he pats Geero on the head. He looks at Rhiamon "Hope he was not too much trouble?"
Hana watches a moment longer, then slips out the door.
Rhiamon whispers to Aaron, "Want to... what's..."
Hana steps back out to the main hall.
Hana has left.
Alex remains in his seat, leaning back on the rear legs, with his heels on the back of the chair in front of him.
Chase now stands, chewing on the same piece of gum with same fervor he has been along. And despite the fact his stained teeth must've long since driven out every morsel of sugar, he's still enjoying it. His stance is mainly to stretch, as it's apparent he's not heading towards the door. Shoulders flex, producing a crack, as his thich arms wave in circles.
Rhiamon looks back and smiles at Siomen, "He's never any trouble.."
Aaron whispers to Rhiamon, "... or..."
Jesyca gives a bow of her head towards him and smiles, "Of course." She then lifts up from the ground, and keeps her cloak closed about her body.
Alyx approaches Abel, stepping into place beside him, though not saying anything. Arms cross over her chest, the woman simply waiting for something.
Aaron replies to Rhiamon as he gets up to move to where the table is
Keene makes a few more notes on his legal pad, then puts his pen away in his breast pocket. He picks up his notepad, slides it into his coat, and rises, heading out with everyone else.
Rhiamon ouches, but quickly hugs Aaron. "Luck"
Abel turns to Alyx and smiles. "Can we talk later? I think The Beacon in the Dark may offer you a place with us, but I need to talk with the others. I know I'd like to see you Join. We have similar goals I think."
Alexandre remains seated where he is, thinking. Considering. He slides his seat away from the table, though.
Aaron smiles and hugs Rhiamon back and replies, 'SKill.."
"You have my cellphone number, brother," Alyx murmurs quietly to Abel. "Call me when you have finished here, and we can talk then."
Rhiamon laughs.
Siomen smiles as he moves to take back Geero "Whats this?" he inspects the necklace "You going to keep care of that Geero?"
Rhiamon turns to Siomen, "He better " but smiles. "I thought he deserved an ornament.."
Abel nods to Alyx.
Alyx heads for the exit, filtering out silently.
James gets up and makes his way out.
Alyx steps back out to the main hall.
Alyx has left.
James steps back out to the main hall.
James has left.
Paksenarrion stretches a little and shoulders her burden, looking about once more before deciding which way to go..
Kaze sits quietly, unmoving in the Seat of Mind waiting for the post meeting discussion to begin.
Aaron walks over to the table and uses the unoccupied seat of time to get up and walk on the table, settling himself cross-legged in the middle of it
You step back out to the main hall.
Downtown - Jarvis and Dundas(#131RJ)
Empty lots and undeveloped plots of useless land fill this intersection. Old, largely-abandoned factories are set up along the streetside. Development here ceased long ago, apparently. Two major homeless shelters operate in this area, given its rather cheap real-estate value. The area is mostly populated by homeless people, junkies and whores, though the occasional employee of the few operating companies in this area might be seen driving through... generally rapidly.
Contents:
Compton
Billboard In Front of the Vacant Lot
Obvious exits:
The Co-Op cab pulls up to the curb, and the rear door pops open and Compton hauls his mass out of the back seat of the old Caprice. Handing a $20 and a $5 over the seat to the Jamaican driver, letting him keep whatever change there is... not that there was any offered to begin with.
Penny grouses on the way out the door, bitches while you hail a cab, whining the whole time "I don't wanna, we can go somewhere else, let's get coffee okay? Coffee? I want breakfast. I'm hungry" no she isn't, she's uneasy "look I'll buy, okay? Just.." Kind of a pathetic stream of conciousness. Penny gets out of the cab with Compton's help. "Help." He practically has to drag her out of the backseat.
Unnusually garbed, for her at least, Alyx happens to already be at the vacant lot, looking as if she's either in dire need of chocolate, or contemplating murder.
Compton retrives a satchel from the back seat along with Penny, and gives her an an annoyed look, "Quit yer bitchin, a'right?" he gruffly returns to Penny. The satchel is bulky and looks to weight about half of what Penny does. Looking serious and burdened.
Penny is a pain in the ass. She starts to wave the taxi back toward them, stepping out into the middle of the road "HEY?" arms in the air "Come back!" The shouting she does winds her, bends her forward. She looks suddenly like she's run a great distance, head turned slightly to the side. Cars start honking at her, swerving out of the way.
After hauling Penny to her feet, Compton undoes one strap fo the bag, and pulls a large Saporo can out. This thing is a canon of a beer can. At least 4 liters with a screw on cap and a large handle on one side to facillitate ease of drinking, and with a grimiace he thrusts it towards Penny, "There. Brekkie." he adds.
"PENNY! Fuck head, get back here." Compton yells as she bolts from his offering and in to oncomming traffic, far fast than someone of Comptions size and girth could move, so he starts to make his way across the street to gather Penny and move closer to the vacant lot.
Glancing over at the shout, Alyx notes Penny's odd antics, beginning to head after the woman herself. Not encumbered as much as Compton is, she manages /not/ to get herself knocked down by oncoming cars as she heads across the road in persuit.
Busted on all sides, Penny stays put but looking to the opposite side of the street indicating there. Let's go there. Away from the fence. Yeah? Maybe? No. She just waits for Compton to come get her, only noticing Alyx just then. Doesn't smile or anything, isn't in much of a mood as she is in a state.
Compton waddles up on Penny's side , and armpits the beer and grabs her under her arm and just keeps on hauling, not saying anything at this point. Just a look of determined pissed-offness stamped on his mug at this point.Opting to follow the pair, in case Penny decides to make another dash, Alyx fiddles with her gloves until they sit comfortably.
You say, "Fine, she can be overheard saying angrily, "I'll take the BUS back. Look I was just here the other night. Isn't like shit's changed all that much and Keene says we can't" wrenching her arm back, clearly not intending to run again, continuing her rant sotto voce - nigh on a hiss "just go all gangbusters so I SAID I wouldn't so what're we supposed to be doing?"
Reaching the sidewalk, and relative safety from radiator grill smooching in to you Compton releases Penny arm, and drops the satchel to the pavement roughly, "Look," he starts all pissed off like, "Fuck off, kay? Got a job to do here, right?" Yeah, he's grumpy, he's always grumpy. But this time it is different. This isn't a hangover bitch, but a focused more professional twisting of the knickers. "We're just gonna take a look, get some readings and fuck off right?"
Compton notices Alyx finally, and addsa simple nod with a 'Hi.' tacked on to his Penny rant.
"And what /is/ your job here?" Alyx inquires dryly, stood behind the pair. "If it's about the site, I could probably tell you a /bit/."
Compton inclines his head towards the fence and answers, "Wanna see what's makin all the bad karma in there... Penny says there's somthing riping up the dimensional divide in there."
Penny whips around and looks at Alyx like - would she be pitching such a fit if she didn't have a good-enough reason? She uses Compton for a leaning post, holding her right hand to her stomach, belching something foul behind him "Old man, you really need to work on your mixers."
"Node," Alyx quips, ever-so softly. "That's why Hyperion want it. Could be that's what's causing the 'divide'."
Compton hrms handing the beer canon to Penny again, and peering throught the chain links, "No, I don't think that's it... Penny said there was 'somthing' in there now... somthing new. As of last night."
What the hell. Penny takes the can from Compton and chases whatever she had before with it. Ask any alcoholic, beer's good for the soul. Her attitude improves some, but her mood's still dark as tar "Stuff's dying," tacking something meaningful in there for Alyx "it's all messed up, chaos." In between pulls, Penny hides the can in the big sleeves of her jacket. What open container, officer?
[OOC] Alyx says "Are you calling Staff on this, to see what we find out?"
[OOC] Compton was thinking that.
[OOC] Penny says "Sure, wave at Cassius?"
[OOC] Compton says "Yup."
[OOC] Alyx pages 'im.
Compton pages: Excuse me Mr. Cassius. We lil mages are poking around the Hyperion site, wanna play?
[OOC] Alyx snickers.
Compton pages: I'm hoping to gather some info of the 'thing' in the site right now. Photos, readings maybe hands on inspection if I get brave enough.
Compton pages Cassius, Penny, and Alyx: Sounds great.
//.etro: Cassius will be joining your location.
Cassius has arrived.
[OOC] Penny says "Oi Cassius :)"
[OOC] Cassius says "Oi!"
Compton Penny and Alyx are standing out of the site. Compton has a bag of pseudo techno-gadgets with him.
Penny's got a beer up her sleeve and a puss on her face.
Long distance to Cassius: Penny es'plains: Saw the big machine land the other night. Went to talk to the spirits and all I got was a headful of noise (spirits screaming in agony, dying) so I told the guys, took the night off and now we're back. Against Penny's better judgement.
From afar, Cassius nods.
From afar, Cassius knows what's here and mostly knows what's going on.
You paged Cassius with 'Rock.'.
"So? Ya got any info like that" Compton asks Alyx, refering back to Penny rather broken description of events last night.
Alyx shakes her head at Compton. "Nope. Don't come by here much. All I know is what was said at Cixi's little party. Going in, or doing this remotely?"
Compton says, "Lemme scan first to be safe. Would perfer not to BnE if I don't have to."
[OOC] Cassius needed to check the jnotes. :)
"I'm not goin'back in there. Fuck no, they got security." Penny backs off a few steps, gets a little air and knocks back more of that beer. "Saw them arrest coupla kids the other night for trespassin'."
With that Compton unbuckles the straps of his satchel and rummages inside, nodding to Penny, "I'da guessed as much. Don't worry toots."
Alyx leans back a little, watching Compton begin to look through his gadgets, deferring to the man's lead for now.
Penny holds out her free hand, knowing Compton'll give her something useful to do sooner or later. "I'm worried, okay?" Looking up and down the block at the junkies fixing, the homeless gathering here and there, lumps on the street "I'm really fucking worried."
Compton pulls out two baton like objects. Made of a maglite type flashlight with a couple of gizzmos duct tapped to the sides and where the light bulb would be housed. Standing he extends one of the tubes to Alyx and says, "Here lady, take this and walk over there a few feet.." he asks her, pointing to Alyx's left and then turns and hands Penny the other one that she was already expecting and points to her right, "Over there."
"It's 'Alyx', Comp," Alyx corrects, though does walk as directed. "Not 'lady'. God forbid I ever act like a lady."
Penny sticks the flashlight in the back pocket of her jeans and starts walking off, hands shoved in her pockets. She shuffles slowly, zipping up her jacket and raising the hood, blending easily into the crowd. The further away from the fence, the better is Penny's theory. Just a few more steps and she's warming her hands over a pharmaceutical-bin fire pit, handing the can of beer off to the nearest body.
"Alyx." Compton says simply as a form of appology, and returns to the bag, producing this time a Polaroid camera that seems to be mounted on the end of a rifle stock and scope. The old style Polaroids, (which he most likely picked up off some venders junk heap in the St. Laurence market) and his rusty, trusty Ether Goggles... some hackneyed gadgets you just can't get rid of it seems.
"So what, we just stand here?" Alyx prompts, holding her tube up and watching Compton curiously.
Compton says, "Um, yeah." He says as if it was obvious, "Over your head and point it in there." Compton adds pointing towards the vacant lot."
Compton with no thought to how odd this is starting to look, dons the Ether Goggles making him look truely absurd. Maybe if it wasn't for the shirt he'd be okay, but that's just not the way it is. Next he lines up the sights on the weird Polaroid-rifle thingy and points it out in to the Vacant Lot, getting as close to the fence as he can.
Laughing with the small group, Penny relates some anecdote with wide gestures. Pulling the rod from her pocket, they shrink back a little "No no, it's not a gun" letting them see it. They pass it around, taking turns pointing it at the fence, trying to turn it on. When it comes back around to her, Penny bangs it a few times in her palm and she too, points it at the fence.
Compton says "Okay, well - the magick part: Matter/Spirit spell. Looking to capture images of the matter and ephemera inside the lot. Going to take 5 picutres. Results depending on the rolls I guess."
Alyx lifts her tube as high as she can, this a little difficult for the 5'2" woman, but managing to get it poked over the fence anyway.
Cassius says "Okie dokie. Page me the PAT."
'PHENOMENON: The local junkies if they are together enough will see the three of us with odd gagets. The two 'flashlights' look inert and project no visible light. The Polaroid-gun just looks odd, but simply spits out 4x4 photos.'.
'ACTION: The two ladies pointing etherically charged maglites in to the coumpound, and Compton with his mounted Polaroid with Etherically senitive film he's made on his own, snapping shots off at the fresh construction site.'.
'THEORY: The Ether-lights are projecting a form of light in to the lot. The polaroid with it's sensetive film will work much like Infrared Cameras work, but on hardcopy and not monitors. The concept is that the Etheric engergy is going to resonate off both solid matetr and ectoplasmic material rendering it visable on the film.'.
Compton steadies himself against the fence and concentarates through the viewpiece.
//.etro: Compton rolls "intelligence+occult" at diff 6
For a total of 0 success(es).
Compton frowns...
... looks up, removes the lense cap and tries again.
"Keep 'em up there ladies."
[OOC] Penny snarks her soda. shit.
[OOC] Penny snarfs, too. dang.
//.etro: Compton rolls "intelligence+occult" at diff 6
For a total of 3 success(es) including 1 ten(s).
Compton grins, and starts pulling the trigger snapping off shots.
//.etro: Compton rolls "arete" at diff 3
For a total of 0 success(es).
Somthings wrong. The polaroids arn't developing. Compton starts swearing under his breath, makes a couple adjustments, and lines back up.
//.etro: Compton rolls "arete" at diff 4
For a total of 1 success(es).
Finally, Compton seems to get it all right. Saving what little technical dignity he has left. The 4x4 pieces of film shoot out of the camera in to a clever little hopper basket he has rigged up at the front.
Compton finishes with his impromptu photo shoot. Collecting the snapshots from the basket, he raises his goggles up on to the great expanse of forehead, and takes a gander.
Cassius pages: Ok. Specifically the picture shows what appears to be a large spacecraft. The name on the side reads: ACTIUM. I'll let Escalus know that you were looking."
Cassius goes home.
Cassius has left.
Assuming the work is done, Alyx drifts back over to Compton, looking curious.
Penny shuffles back toward Compton, flipping him the maglight "Catch." Her homeless friends don't bother following, working on the beer she gave them. "So. Happy now?"
Compton pockets the snapshots and puts the camera away, then goes and picks up the maglites from where the one was dropped, and the other was thrown when he failed to even try to catch it. "Well, it's a start. Can show Keene and the others these, and maybe with the right spectral anaysis get some more from them. I think you're right though, it's time to split."
"Let's go get you some breakfast." Compton adds, in a pale attempt at making up for dragging you out here.
You say, "Good. Thank you. Okay then, let's go." She raises her hand out to the street, but any attempt to get a cab in this part of town seems pretty thin. "Nah, I just wanna go back to the room and sleep. Still not feeling right."
Compton nods "Alright." points westwards, "There's a TTC stop a few blocks this way." and shoulders his bag moving off.
Empty lots and undeveloped plots of useless land fill this intersection. Old, largely-abandoned factories are set up along the streetside. Development here ceased long ago, apparently. Two major homeless shelters operate in this area, given its rather cheap real-estate value. The area is mostly populated by homeless people, junkies and whores, though the occasional employee of the few operating companies in this area might be seen driving through... generally rapidly.
Contents:
Compton
Billboard In Front of the Vacant Lot
Obvious exits:
The Co-Op cab pulls up to the curb, and the rear door pops open and Compton hauls his mass out of the back seat of the old Caprice. Handing a $20 and a $5 over the seat to the Jamaican driver, letting him keep whatever change there is... not that there was any offered to begin with.
Penny grouses on the way out the door, bitches while you hail a cab, whining the whole time "I don't wanna, we can go somewhere else, let's get coffee okay? Coffee? I want breakfast. I'm hungry" no she isn't, she's uneasy "look I'll buy, okay? Just.." Kind of a pathetic stream of conciousness. Penny gets out of the cab with Compton's help. "Help." He practically has to drag her out of the backseat.
Unnusually garbed, for her at least, Alyx happens to already be at the vacant lot, looking as if she's either in dire need of chocolate, or contemplating murder.
Compton retrives a satchel from the back seat along with Penny, and gives her an an annoyed look, "Quit yer bitchin, a'right?" he gruffly returns to Penny. The satchel is bulky and looks to weight about half of what Penny does. Looking serious and burdened.
Penny is a pain in the ass. She starts to wave the taxi back toward them, stepping out into the middle of the road "HEY?" arms in the air "Come back!" The shouting she does winds her, bends her forward. She looks suddenly like she's run a great distance, head turned slightly to the side. Cars start honking at her, swerving out of the way.
After hauling Penny to her feet, Compton undoes one strap fo the bag, and pulls a large Saporo can out. This thing is a canon of a beer can. At least 4 liters with a screw on cap and a large handle on one side to facillitate ease of drinking, and with a grimiace he thrusts it towards Penny, "There. Brekkie." he adds.
"PENNY! Fuck head, get back here." Compton yells as she bolts from his offering and in to oncomming traffic, far fast than someone of Comptions size and girth could move, so he starts to make his way across the street to gather Penny and move closer to the vacant lot.
Glancing over at the shout, Alyx notes Penny's odd antics, beginning to head after the woman herself. Not encumbered as much as Compton is, she manages /not/ to get herself knocked down by oncoming cars as she heads across the road in persuit.
Busted on all sides, Penny stays put but looking to the opposite side of the street indicating there. Let's go there. Away from the fence. Yeah? Maybe? No. She just waits for Compton to come get her, only noticing Alyx just then. Doesn't smile or anything, isn't in much of a mood as she is in a state.
Compton waddles up on Penny's side , and armpits the beer and grabs her under her arm and just keeps on hauling, not saying anything at this point. Just a look of determined pissed-offness stamped on his mug at this point.Opting to follow the pair, in case Penny decides to make another dash, Alyx fiddles with her gloves until they sit comfortably.
You say, "Fine, she can be overheard saying angrily, "I'll take the BUS back. Look I was just here the other night. Isn't like shit's changed all that much and Keene says we can't" wrenching her arm back, clearly not intending to run again, continuing her rant sotto voce - nigh on a hiss "just go all gangbusters so I SAID I wouldn't so what're we supposed to be doing?"
Reaching the sidewalk, and relative safety from radiator grill smooching in to you Compton releases Penny arm, and drops the satchel to the pavement roughly, "Look," he starts all pissed off like, "Fuck off, kay? Got a job to do here, right?" Yeah, he's grumpy, he's always grumpy. But this time it is different. This isn't a hangover bitch, but a focused more professional twisting of the knickers. "We're just gonna take a look, get some readings and fuck off right?"
Compton notices Alyx finally, and addsa simple nod with a 'Hi.' tacked on to his Penny rant.
"And what /is/ your job here?" Alyx inquires dryly, stood behind the pair. "If it's about the site, I could probably tell you a /bit/."
Compton inclines his head towards the fence and answers, "Wanna see what's makin all the bad karma in there... Penny says there's somthing riping up the dimensional divide in there."
Penny whips around and looks at Alyx like - would she be pitching such a fit if she didn't have a good-enough reason? She uses Compton for a leaning post, holding her right hand to her stomach, belching something foul behind him "Old man, you really need to work on your mixers."
"Node," Alyx quips, ever-so softly. "That's why Hyperion want it. Could be that's what's causing the 'divide'."
Compton hrms handing the beer canon to Penny again, and peering throught the chain links, "No, I don't think that's it... Penny said there was 'somthing' in there now... somthing new. As of last night."
What the hell. Penny takes the can from Compton and chases whatever she had before with it. Ask any alcoholic, beer's good for the soul. Her attitude improves some, but her mood's still dark as tar "Stuff's dying," tacking something meaningful in there for Alyx "it's all messed up, chaos." In between pulls, Penny hides the can in the big sleeves of her jacket. What open container, officer?
[OOC] Alyx says "Are you calling Staff on this, to see what we find out?"
[OOC] Compton was thinking that.
[OOC] Penny says "Sure, wave at Cassius?"
[OOC] Compton says "Yup."
[OOC] Alyx pages 'im.
Compton pages: Excuse me Mr. Cassius. We lil mages are poking around the Hyperion site, wanna play?
[OOC] Alyx snickers.
Compton pages: I'm hoping to gather some info of the 'thing' in the site right now. Photos, readings maybe hands on inspection if I get brave enough.
Compton pages Cassius, Penny, and Alyx: Sounds great.
//.etro: Cassius will be joining your location.
Cassius has arrived.
[OOC] Penny says "Oi Cassius :)"
[OOC] Cassius says "Oi!"
Compton Penny and Alyx are standing out of the site. Compton has a bag of pseudo techno-gadgets with him.
Penny's got a beer up her sleeve and a puss on her face.
Long distance to Cassius: Penny es'plains: Saw the big machine land the other night. Went to talk to the spirits and all I got was a headful of noise (spirits screaming in agony, dying) so I told the guys, took the night off and now we're back. Against Penny's better judgement.
From afar, Cassius nods.
From afar, Cassius knows what's here and mostly knows what's going on.
You paged Cassius with 'Rock.'.
"So? Ya got any info like that" Compton asks Alyx, refering back to Penny rather broken description of events last night.
Alyx shakes her head at Compton. "Nope. Don't come by here much. All I know is what was said at Cixi's little party. Going in, or doing this remotely?"
Compton says, "Lemme scan first to be safe. Would perfer not to BnE if I don't have to."
[OOC] Cassius needed to check the jnotes. :)
"I'm not goin'back in there. Fuck no, they got security." Penny backs off a few steps, gets a little air and knocks back more of that beer. "Saw them arrest coupla kids the other night for trespassin'."
With that Compton unbuckles the straps of his satchel and rummages inside, nodding to Penny, "I'da guessed as much. Don't worry toots."
Alyx leans back a little, watching Compton begin to look through his gadgets, deferring to the man's lead for now.
Penny holds out her free hand, knowing Compton'll give her something useful to do sooner or later. "I'm worried, okay?" Looking up and down the block at the junkies fixing, the homeless gathering here and there, lumps on the street "I'm really fucking worried."
Compton pulls out two baton like objects. Made of a maglite type flashlight with a couple of gizzmos duct tapped to the sides and where the light bulb would be housed. Standing he extends one of the tubes to Alyx and says, "Here lady, take this and walk over there a few feet.." he asks her, pointing to Alyx's left and then turns and hands Penny the other one that she was already expecting and points to her right, "Over there."
"It's 'Alyx', Comp," Alyx corrects, though does walk as directed. "Not 'lady'. God forbid I ever act like a lady."
Penny sticks the flashlight in the back pocket of her jeans and starts walking off, hands shoved in her pockets. She shuffles slowly, zipping up her jacket and raising the hood, blending easily into the crowd. The further away from the fence, the better is Penny's theory. Just a few more steps and she's warming her hands over a pharmaceutical-bin fire pit, handing the can of beer off to the nearest body.
"Alyx." Compton says simply as a form of appology, and returns to the bag, producing this time a Polaroid camera that seems to be mounted on the end of a rifle stock and scope. The old style Polaroids, (which he most likely picked up off some venders junk heap in the St. Laurence market) and his rusty, trusty Ether Goggles... some hackneyed gadgets you just can't get rid of it seems.
"So what, we just stand here?" Alyx prompts, holding her tube up and watching Compton curiously.
Compton says, "Um, yeah." He says as if it was obvious, "Over your head and point it in there." Compton adds pointing towards the vacant lot."
Compton with no thought to how odd this is starting to look, dons the Ether Goggles making him look truely absurd. Maybe if it wasn't for the shirt he'd be okay, but that's just not the way it is. Next he lines up the sights on the weird Polaroid-rifle thingy and points it out in to the Vacant Lot, getting as close to the fence as he can.
Laughing with the small group, Penny relates some anecdote with wide gestures. Pulling the rod from her pocket, they shrink back a little "No no, it's not a gun" letting them see it. They pass it around, taking turns pointing it at the fence, trying to turn it on. When it comes back around to her, Penny bangs it a few times in her palm and she too, points it at the fence.
Alyx lifts her tube as high as she can, this a little difficult for the 5'2" woman, but managing to get it poked over the fence anyway.
'PHENOMENON: The local junkies if they are together enough will see the three of us with odd gagets. The two 'flashlights' look inert and project no visible light. The Polaroid-gun just looks odd, but simply spits out 4x4 photos.'.
'ACTION: The two ladies pointing etherically charged maglites in to the coumpound, and Compton with his mounted Polaroid with Etherically senitive film he's made on his own, snapping shots off at the fresh construction site.'.
'THEORY: The Ether-lights are projecting a form of light in to the lot. The polaroid with it's sensetive film will work much like Infrared Cameras work, but on hardcopy and not monitors. The concept is that the Etheric engergy is going to resonate off both solid matetr and ectoplasmic material rendering it visable on the film.'.
Compton steadies himself against the fence and concentarates through the viewpiece.
//.etro: Compton rolls "intelligence+occult" at diff 6
For a total of 0 success(es).
Compton frowns...
... looks up, removes the lense cap and tries again.
"Keep 'em up there ladies."
[OOC] Penny snarks her soda. shit.
[OOC] Penny snarfs, too. dang.
//.etro: Compton rolls "intelligence+occult" at diff 6
For a total of 3 success(es) including 1 ten(s).
Compton grins, and starts pulling the trigger snapping off shots.
//.etro: Compton rolls "arete" at diff 3
For a total of 0 success(es).
Somthings wrong. The polaroids arn't developing. Compton starts swearing under his breath, makes a couple adjustments, and lines back up.
//.etro: Compton rolls "arete" at diff 4
For a total of 1 success(es).
Finally, Compton seems to get it all right. Saving what little technical dignity he has left. The 4x4 pieces of film shoot out of the camera in to a clever little hopper basket he has rigged up at the front.
Compton finishes with his impromptu photo shoot. Collecting the snapshots from the basket, he raises his goggles up on to the great expanse of forehead, and takes a gander.
Cassius pages: Ok. Specifically the picture shows what appears to be a large spacecraft. The name on the side reads: ACTIUM. I'll let Escalus know that you were looking."
Cassius goes home.
Cassius has left.
Assuming the work is done, Alyx drifts back over to Compton, looking curious.
Penny shuffles back toward Compton, flipping him the maglight "Catch." Her homeless friends don't bother following, working on the beer she gave them. "So. Happy now?"
Compton pockets the snapshots and puts the camera away, then goes and picks up the maglites from where the one was dropped, and the other was thrown when he failed to even try to catch it. "Well, it's a start. Can show Keene and the others these, and maybe with the right spectral anaysis get some more from them. I think you're right though, it's time to split."
"Let's go get you some breakfast." Compton adds, in a pale attempt at making up for dragging you out here.
You say, "Good. Thank you. Okay then, let's go." She raises her hand out to the street, but any attempt to get a cab in this part of town seems pretty thin. "Nah, I just wanna go back to the room and sleep. Still not feeling right."
Compton nods "Alright." points westwards, "There's a TTC stop a few blocks this way." and shoulders his bag moving off.
Keene enters the apartment.
Compton is working on some brew in the bathroom and just like he said, Penny's zoned out, tucked into one of the beds. Within her arm's reach are a number of things; a notepade, the tv remote and a glass full of something brown and disgusting. She doesn't stir but mumbles into the drool on her pillow.
Keene slides the card into the door, steps into the room, and closes the door behind him. He sets the various locks accordingly. Then, slowly, he moves to his desk, putting down his legal pad and pen by his laptop, then moves back to the door to hang up his coat in the `to be laundered' queue. Coat off, things sorted out, he takes off his shoes, puts them in the annex next to the bathroom door, and moves to the desk, opening up his laptop. He proceeds to transcribe all of his notes into his computer in Enochian. It's going to take him a while to become civil enough to not start using Ars Mentis as a blunt instrument against Compton.
..and the small plastic garbage pail from bathroom. Penny's hand flops around for it's edge, picks it up some and lifts her head. An awful, heavy rattle passes for breath from her too slow to be normal. The blankets are kicked off suddenly, no longer trapped in the tangle, she sits upright and retches into the pastic-liner, coughing out in breaks of three. Senseless babble errupts from some deeper region, Penny's voice hoarse.
Keene keeps working. Out of a sense of courtesy, he avoids looking over at the retching going on behind him. That, and he wants to be sure he transcribes every detail before he decides to scream at Compton for most of the evening.
Penny gets out of bed and shuffles to the bathroom, shouldering-open the door. The smell of bleach, ammonia and salt-water escapes into the room. Compton's probably doing his best to keep himself underwraps, the tinkle of glass and metal kept to a minimum. Underneath it all; the low rumble of the shower turned to full-blast. Mostly there's no conversation happening. About twenty minutes later she's out again in that cheap-looking chinese robe. Penny's barely got her shit together, wobbling back to bed, but at least she's clean. "Ke," a dry hello.
"DTs?" asks Keene, finishing up typing his notes. He saves his work, then closes his notebook and slides his memo pad underneath it. "SARS going around again or something?"
You say, "I wish," tying up the loose ends of the garbage bag "fucken DTs pass, y'know?" A stomach rumble suggests there's nothing left, air roiling. "Some," interrupting her own flow, gulping down the disgusting brown stuff "something happened last night."
Keene turns on his chair to look towards Penny as she goes back to the couch, looking at her intently. "Something happened?" he asks. "What happened?"
She only pauses a minute to burp, then regaining better control of her voice "I saw Their machine land at the vacant lot. I was off my ass on that crap from Pobble just wandering. I heard it first." All the talking stops then, closing her eyes to get steady. She belches again and the dry heaves start.
Keene grouses. He's never been able to mask the queasiness he gets around people being violently sick very well. Even Keene has his weak spots. He idly rests his hand on his stomach. "You mean the Technocracy landed something somewhere?" he asks. "This must have been some sort of Umbra thing -- that's why I didn't hear anything about it."
"Breathe, Penny" comes the voice of wisdom from the bathroom.
Penny opens her mouth and does that deep-breathing thing that hyperventilating people do. She makes a kind of groaning noise, whining "The hell did you give me..." Planting her feet on the carpet, she leans elbows to knees and poises herself over the garbage bin. Just in case. "Yeah. /Yeah/. Bugged the shit out of me. Thought it was some side-effect'a the dose but this buzzing just got louder and louder. So I followed it and saw it land and then," voice cracking, like she might cry "there was this horrible sound. They were scre-eh-ehming for help."
"They said it has to be destroyed."
Keene grits his teeth. This is the kind of situation Keene knows would happen, sooner or later; a threat would arise that the Invisible College would know about but the rest of the community would not, and action would have to be taken before terrible consequences could come about. If they hadn't already. But how do you fight a Technocratic eating machine?
"What is it doing, Penny?" he asks, trying to keep his voice even and soothing despite the sinking feeling in his gut.
Penny ah-ahs, fighting off the urge to vomit again. She swallows and grinds a fist into her side, leaning to it; a distraction from the nausea. "It's swallowing anything that gets near it. It," spitting bile into the plastic bag, chewing the insides of her cheeks "I saw it. It's acting like a black hole, Keene. Everything, everything, everything.. and I saw them, and that woman. She walked in like she couldn't feel it.. "
"Which woman?" asks Keene. "Who was it, Penny?"
You say, "Shahai. The one that set up that public meeting in the arena. I know it," hiccuping "I know it was her."
"Cixi," mutters Keene. "I knew it. Typical egomaniacal Technocrat ... I bet she doesn't even know what kind of ecological havoc this kind of thing will wreak. Or if she does ..." He looks down, gripping the back of his chair. "If she does, we're in a lot more trouble than I thought we were in. And none of the so-called magi around here have a clue."
Penny buckles again and heaves into the bag. "And," reaching for the tissue box, she blows her nose "the spirits can't help. Can barely get them to talk to me." Clearing her sinuses again Penny leans back, taking longer pauses "Felt like a migration in reverse, like a great going-against. They're dying. She killing them - what's it supposed to do?"
Keene gets up, pacing around in his usual oval-shaped path. He runs his hands over his scalp, trying to keep focused. "Kill them," he says. "There's no other reason for that machine to act like it does. It's a Gilgul machine. It's a mechanical door to Oblivion." He fishes his flask out of his coat and takes a hard pull from it, following it up with a handful of something from his right slacks pocket. "Christ almighty. Why don't they just open a controlled portal to Malfeas and get it over with?"
"Funny," coughing out a bitter laugh "she left that part out of the press release." Penny, always finding the humor. "Does it have an off button? or do we have to send it through it's own portal to get rid of it.." either option none too appealing, she cringes. Pulls on a sweatshirt over her robe, still shuddering. "I need a cigarette," she say but really means I want to leave this fucking city.
"Can do," says Keene. He walks over to Penny and gives him one of his cigarettes, even going as far as to light her with his black Masonic-logo Zippo. "I have no mad Flambeau skills to blow shit up. We can't ask the loa to help us because they don't want to go anywhere near it. I don't see us having a lot of options internally."
Penny puffs, the cigarette bobbing around as she talks "Do we have a time limit? I mean like.. before it fucks shit up permanently? ..not just me with the getting sick and all.." Each draw turns her a different shade of green; some side-effect of Doctor Compton's Spiritual Hangover Cure-all. "I mean you're right.. outside of some stupid bait and switch tricks I can't do shit, god I don't think I could get anywhere near there again without getting ill. We need to pow-wow."
Keene walks back to the desk and sits down, putting his hands on his knees. "We do," he says. "I don't know if it's even too late or not, but we have to do something."
Penny moves like she might put her head back down on the pillow. Her hands slide around, searching for something in the wrinkled mass of cotton and fleece. She pulls out a pair of cargos and a t-shirt "So should I get dressed or what? You think we can do anything tonight?"
"Probably not," says Keene. "The jackasses had their meeting today. They've all left by now to go sodomize each other or whatever those other filthy hippies do because they don't study worth a damn." He takes out his flask again and takes a long hit.
Penny tosses the clothes into the heap at the end of the bed. "Shit" is all she says. Burning off another lifetime of smoke, she waves it in zag before crawling back under the sheets and blankets making like to go back to sleep. Tipping the cigarette into the remains of the brown gunk in the glass, it flares out and sends up a single wisp. Tossing around, punching the endlessly flat pillows Penny thrashes. "Fuck."
Keene sits in silence. He internalizes his frustration; he's good at it.
Penny's fit peaks when she kicks the covers off again. Flat on her back, she stares at the ceiling and talks to the paint "We could do *something*. I've been here all day, all night sick to my stomach and doing *nothing*. Anything. Anything besides this," pushing her head into the pillows, punctuating "This is so not us."
"I would rather act like people who are alive than people who the Technocracy have shot dead," says Keene. "If we run into this thing without some sort of plan of action, we'll be torn apart. As it is, we don't have many friends in the local Tradition community, so we'd have very few places to run if it went south. You can't be a martyr if nobody misses you."
"I hate you."
Penny probably means that very sincerely given the moment but probably doesn't mean it in the truest sense of the phrase. There's a certain malaise in the delivery; the ghost of exhaustion beating futile drums in her syllables.
Keene opens back up his notebook, activating Word. He starts to work on processing a document. "Go to sleep, Penny," is his advice.
You say, "I need pills to sleep. Give me pills."
Keene reaches into his coat, produces a orange cylinder from Rite Aid, and lobs it overhand at Penny's bed. "Valium. A little dab'll do you."
Penny waits for the prescription bottle to fall on the bed somewhere, her energy-level sinking. She rattles out a few pills, swallows them dry. "Thissen," reaches over to the nightstand, places the bottle there and tosses back the rest of the water "I had an idea. Me'n Daze. We can do something. Call'r." Concious deep-breathing going on now, she pulls the covers back on and stretches out.
Ruins of Novus Valnastium -- Council Chamber
This chamber used to be vast, even more so than the remains of the hall outside. Amidst all the rubble marring its ancient perfection is an almost perfectly preserved marble table at the head with nine preserved chairs, each with a single, golden Sphere glyph; the remains of what used to be a perfect certamen circle in the center; and the wooden remains of many chairs, now nothing but rotted sticks and boards. A single door and the chamber beyond still stands to the left, glowing a soft gold.
The great marble table has been split along a radius directly to the center, which has been hollowed out. A new wooden chair sits quietly in the middle of the damage, another golden glyph shining quietly on its back.
<< NIGHTZONE >>
Contents:
Hana
Aaron
Alexandre
Abel
Tal
Rhiamon
James
Alyx
Siomen
Kasui
Jonah
Obvious exits:
Left Door Out
Abel listens to Aaron then turns to respond to him.
Compton trudges in. All sodden and mucky from his extra-dimensional splunkering to get here.
Abel whispers to Aaron, "... I've... too... hasn't..."
_________________________ //.etro: Toronto by Night _________________________
Name Sex Mode Idle Type Short Description
______________________________________________________________________________
Aaron M IC 42s Pl WM, mid teens to early 20's, long sandy
Hana F IC 13s Pl Svelte, skeletal, probably Japanese.
Kasui F IC 1m Pl -
Rhiamon F IC 32s Pl Girl, late teens, inconspicuous
Alyx F IC 1m Pl A small, pale woman, garbed casually.
James M IC 2m Pl White-blond hair, green eyes, 5'3"
Alexandre M IC 5m Pl -
Tal M IC 2m Pl A tall, lean, compelling young man dress
Compton M IC 0s Pl Middle aged guy wearing a hawiian shirt.
Siomen M IC 6m Pl -
Jonah M IC 6m Pl -
Abel M IC 48s Pl A blonde young man with a pleasent smile
NovBLDR n 1m Pl -
______________________________________________________________________________
Kasui looks up as Hana enters, bowing her head to the woman in greeting from where she sits preparing to take notes at the seat of Mind. "It is good to see you again, Kawakami-san. It has been quite a while."
Hana bows casually, but in the innately formal manner of the Japanese. About 45 degrees, and then she goes back to peeling her orange, and glancing around. She's never seen so many people around here, it bears examination.
Siomen stands and makes his way over to the chair or matter, he sits down and starts to open his backpack.
Alexandre shifts where he stands next to Rhiamon. Then, he sits down on the ground next to her, crossing his legs. Might be a while.
Tal pulls a large manilla envelope out of his duster and sets it on his lap.
Aaron smirks and nods to Abel, continuing to speak in soft tones as to not disturb the meeting
Rhiamon nods to Alexandre. "Jane's not going to make it, but I bear her sigil.."
Aaron whispers to Abel.
Jet enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Jet has arrived.
Jet shuffles in
Hana finds a fragmnet of wall to lean against. Since she has yet to be asked to leave, she decides to stay.
Rhiamon smiles from her rubble-seat by the Forces chair. "Jet!"
Abel listens to Aaron and laughs just a little... softly.
Aaron's gaze turns as he hears Jat's name called and he raises his hand to wave to her from his seat by Abel
Alexandre sits by Rhiamon, crosslegged on the ground. He looks up at the entrance as Rhiamon calls out. He smiles as well and waves her over.
Jet looks around at Rhiamon's voice and smiles brilliantly! "Rhia, dahling, so good to see you." She heads over toward the Seat of Forces, with a cheery wave for Aaron along the way.
This room has been partially restored. Piles of carved stone can be seen beyond the walls, which seem to be rebuilding themselves gradually and slowly, as everyone speaks. Rubble has been cleared, debris swept away, new chairs brought in. The room is slowly, slowly coming together again, as if defiant of the ages and determined to be as it once was. (LOOK here - if you have at least Spirit 1, page Mercutio)
You paged Mercutio with 'Spirit 2.'.
Alyx glances to her side, at Tal, offering the choirester a slight smile before lifting a hand as if to beckon him closer, for quiet talking.
There are no Umbral Aspects here.
Tal grabs the manilla envelope out of his lap and heads over to Alyx with a curious smile on his face. He leans on the arm of Entropy, "Sup?"
Alyx leans up with a smile on her lips, murmuring to the Choirester.
//.etro: Compton rolls "perception+Awareness" privately to Mercutio at diff 7.
For a total of 1 success(es).
Chase enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Chase has arrived.
Alyx whispers to Tal.
James would be sitting crosslegged on the floor as well, but still filing away at the stone he has.
Tal nods to Alyx and replies in low tones.
Tal whispers to Alyx.
Abel is sitting in the Gallery, watching the ruins rebuild themselves curiously. Aaron sits next to him.
Alyx nods towards Tal, sitting back a little after murmuring a reply.
Walking into the frey, Chase stalks. He already looks pissed and the shit hasn't even begun to fly. Sneakers walk him towards the seat of Correspondence. Harsh looks for Aaron, bloodshot eyes lock on him in passing. Though his gaze fades into a solid sneer in general as he takes his seat. The chewing gum bubble he *pops* lets those that know him, know it the real Chase and not some robot.
Alyx whispers to Tal.
Aaron meets Chase's gaze and smiles, speaking again softly to Abel
Aaron whispers to Abel.
Tal reaches up and squeezes Alyx' hand with a smile before walking across the table again passing from Entropy to Prime once more. He sits at his appointed seat and folds his hands in his lap over the manilla folder.
Siomen just sits quietly, playing with Geero on his lap, geero still tucked away in the backpack. Seat of Matter never contested.
Abel frowns a little and shakes his head as Aaron speaks. Then he whispers back.
Jonah gradually makes his way into the Council Chambers. A soft click of his wooden cane preceeds each step, and a briefcase is held in his other hand. He takes his time walking through toward the Seat of Forces, quietly, saying nothing to anyone as he drifts through the room.
Abel whispers to Aaron.
Aaron shakes his head to Abel and replies to the man's soft words
Aaron whispers to Abel, "... tried... a..."
Abel nods and speaks softly back.
Jet murmurs to Rhiamon and Alexandre
Abel whispers to Aaron.
Mercutio pages: You see small spirits drifting back and forth through the ruins, carrying stone and mortar. There are a dozen of them, all working toward restoration of the room.
Prepared for unpleasantries, Chase leans back in the chair of Correspondence and kicks his sneakers onto the table one over the other. *Pop* Cynical.
Mercutio has arrived.
Tal is looking around in amused amazement and chuckling softly.
Alyx likewise sits back, though without putting her feet up, hands clasped on the tabletop, leather gloves squeaking a little.
Hana still leans against a wall in the back, eating her orange.
Compton watches the debris clean itself it. Brow krinkled in cofusion or wonder as he gazes out in to the mid point in the room. His head panning and his eyes darting, following somthing elusive.
Siomen just sits quietly and looks up as jonah enters, he nods as he casually tickles geero's stomach
Aaron whispers to Abel, "... keep... doesn't..."
Kasui suddenly blinks, tilting her head to one side as she murmurs quietly, "Oro?" Her amber gaze seems to ollow somehting... just beyond view, like she is watching an invisibel parade.
Aaron whispers to Abel.
Abel listens to Aaron and nods, frowning a little, then turns to whisper to him again.
Jonah reaches the Seat of Forces, pulling it out from the table slightly. He sets his briefcase down on the tabletop. "Good morning, everyone," he says, his voice full and loud enough for all to hear. "If you would, please take a seat and pull it near to the table.
Abel whispers to Aaron, "... spearheading..."
Alexandre stops whispering as he looks to Jonah, ready to listen.
Abel stands and grabs a chair, starting to head closer to the table with it.
Rhiamon stands, and fetches a chair for herself and Jet, placing them to one side of Jonah.
Hana remains stationary.
Compton shuffles forward in his soggy footwear and sits down in one of the seats. Then doing the chair scooch along the rock floor. The heavy chair making a loud squeak with each inch it budges.
<>
Alyx looks up and over to Jonah, fingers lifting to remove her reading glasses so she can focus on him properly.
James puts his stone, and file away, remaining where he is already seated.
Alexandre sits up, grabs a chair, sits to the same side of Jonah as Rhiamon and Jet. Without the speaking.
Siomen winces at all the noise, he sighs and remains where he is, close enough for his purposes, Geero beeping a couple times before shushed by its maker.
Chase doesn't shift from his chair, save the absent flexing of his square jaw on some gum.
Jet sits next to Rhiamon and Alexandre.
Rhiamon sneaks a small finger wave to Geero.
Geero hops up and manages to escape Siomen's grasp, he toddles over to Rhiamon.
Kasui remins, of course, upon the Seat of Mind, her momentary distraction fading as she focuses her full attention upon Jonah.
Jonah casts a quiet, dicerning glance amongst everyone collected. "I fail to believe that this is everyone, but very well." He opens his briefcase and begins to remove some papers, placing them on the table adjacent the case. "If I have everyone's attention," with that, he spares a glance to everyone again, "I would like to call this meeting to order."
Abel sits back down and pulls his sun symbol on it's chain out from under his shirt, then lets is hang again.
Siomen pulls out Cally's recording device and turns it on with a smile. he keeps an eye on Geero.
Abel's turns to see of Aaron haas followed him over then turns his attention to Jonah.
Rhiamon reaches down, and scoops Geero up, cradling him on her lap, so he can see.
Tal stops glancing about at the open air and turns his attention to Jonah.
Jet smiles at Geero, then looks up and winks at Siomen.
Siomen smiles back to jet and dips his head.
Alyx simply continues to watch Jonah, attention unwavering.
"My first order of business today was actually not on my agenda." Jonah retrieves a typed letter from the top of his neatly stacked papers. He places a pair of reading glasses over his nose. "It seems that Mr. Alex Hess has caused quite a stir with the Mr. Michaels situation." A brief glance is given to Aaron, followed by Chase and then Abel. "I do not validate this change in agreement off-hand. I suggest that you, Mr. Kettle, speak with Mr. Hess and determine an appropriate means to recover this situation. I will speak with Mr. Michaels myself at a later time. This matter /will/ be settled, however there are other agendas which currently take priority."
Compton does so, likewise. Being old enough to actually pay attention for extended periods.
Chase nods fervently. "I intend to." And that's he'll say at the moment. *Pop*
Siomen listens and frowns, wondering about the problem.
Tal tucks that bit away for later reference, doesn't concern him in particular.
Jet listens with apparent attention.
Abel nods to Jonah. "Of course, MAgister."
Attention wavering briefly, Alyx plucks a quarter-sized coin from the cuff of one of her sleeves, beginning to absently roll it along her knuckles.
Rhiamon looks curiously at Aaron, and tilts her head.
Jonah places the letter back in his briefcase, which is gently pushed to the side. "Right. Our next order of business is the development of the Earthside Chantryhouse. I have located several appropriate locations on the north side of town. So far, the most promising of the two is near an old, abandoned manorhouse called Lebrentis Manor. It is a slight distance out of town, though I feel that is a better decision than keeping it in town." He looks up from his papers, "Thoughts, comments, objections?"
Siomen tilts his head "Will this be a place to bring new members for introduction before introducing them to the realm? i still have a member wandering out there who hasn't been introduced to the rest of you, because i don't know who to bring him to without having him yelled at or worse attacked if i bring him here.
Not a word from the chair of Correspondence. Chase scratches under his chin lazily. Seems he's no particular thoughts pertinent to the location of the earth side Chantry.
Alyx lifts her chin slightly, lifting a gloved hand to indicate that she has a question, though not interrupting Siomen's question.
Kasui speaks up in a resonant, respectful, contralto as se finishes inking a series of Kanji and Kana to take note for her Sempai. "Sir, I am here representing the head of Dharma's Tear and the Seat of Mind in his absence due to pressing business. I do not know Kaze-sempai's thoughts on this subject, but my own is that there should be some means of hidden transit to the site. A park area liek this present entrance is public enough not to attract scrutiny if large numbers of people pass inexplicably through. However, a manor, or private residence, will attract attention due to too much traffic even if it is logically more secure a locale."
The Invisible College's lone representitive, Compton, maintains his silence.
Jet says, "I'm willing to volunteer my house, but I suspect the Union is aware of it, so I'm not sure it's a good choice. I have no real evidence that they are watching it, but it's not impossible. And I agree with the Chair of Mind that a place without regular mundane traffic can be found by traffic analysis if precautions are not taken."
Hana continues to simply listen and watch, in somewhat bemused silence.
James listens quietly.
Tal hmms quietly, "What about Casa Loma? Is it possible to move the gate somewhere inside it? It should not be impossible to bypass the security on such a large structure. There is quite a bit of tourist traffic in and out of it and its in downtown. We may not be able to have total control over the building, but if we are going to gain resources from New England, it shouldn't be too difficult to gain rooms as a 'historical society' or the like."
Abel looks to Tal at the seat of Prime to see what his ractions are.
Tal adds, "It also has the benefit of being a place considered to be odd by Sleepers, which is a mark in its favor."
Rhiamon listens, stroking Geero's head absently.
Jet says, "Do we have a group who can move the gate, in fact?"
Jonah looks over to Hana momentarily, his head cocking to one side. Studying her, he offers a smile. "Yes, yes you did. You are Kawakami Hanami, am I correct?"
Hana offers a compulsive bow, a shallow one but one perhaps in assent.
Siomen sighs as his question goes unanswered for yet another little while, he sits back and stays quiet.
Abel looks over at Hana then turns to Jet. "If the gate needs to be moved, I believe my Mentor and brother, Father Dismas, can help.
Chase says, "I can assist as well."
Jonah looks away from her. "I believe Casa Loma is too public. I liken it to Allan Gardens, personally, in its accesibility." He looks to Jet, "As for your house, Miss Levantine, I would prefer to find someplace more neutral than the existing house of a Hermetic. This Chantryhouse is for all, not just for us." He shuffles through some papers again, "As for Mr. Rutherford's question - yes, this place will both house the new Gateway and serve as an earthly location where new arrivals may be introduced and interviewed before allowed access to the Realm."
Jet says, "Public has certain advantages... in terms of hiding among normal traffic."
Siomen nods and smiles "Expect Jack 'lucky' London to visit soon then"
James raises his hand.
Alyx's hand remains raised, green eyes fixed upon the magister that leads the council.
Hana seems more bemused by the fact that yet another stranger knows who she is, but lets the conversation move on past her, listening once more.
Abel turns to the unmoved Aaron and raises an eyebrow to him, inquizzitively, then turns back to the proceedings at hand.
Jonah guestures across the table to Alyx. "Yes, Miss Davian?"
Aaron keeps his seat in the Gallery and just watches the proceedings from whee he is. For those that know him, his silence and decorum might seem unsettling.
"What are the merits of this suburban house, Guru? I am still unfamiliar with much of Toronto; what kind of area is it in, and of the house itself, what of it's size and accessability?" Alyx inquires softly. "Also, what will be kept there, other than new recruits and the gateway?"
Jonah responds, "The merits of a suburban house are manyfold. It is in a private location, north of the city a few miles. The manorhouses there are large estates and very well separated. Privacy being the key, this location will serve well. The House is fairly large, and will be accessible to any who belong to the Chantry at any time they wish to be present. I am working on a security system which will likely consist of watchers at the gates who will likely control the 'automatic' gates." Thinking for another moment, he continues, "We will have the gateway at this location, as well as a centralized database with which we may better communicate. Also, the Chantry's new Library will partially exist in the Earthside structure."
Abel raises a hand to speak.
Jonah says, "Yes, Mr. Elison?"
James lowers his hand.
"Oh, one moment, Mr. Elison," Jonah says, "I apologize. You may speak, Mr...?"
Abel nods and waits. "Of Course."
James says, "Anderson. What would the merits of say a building on Campus, or an anex of the public library be?"
James says, "Since people suggested a semi public localle"
Jonah furrows his brow. "Well, they would be easily accessible, and I agree that public locales would be less obvious. However, a public locale is much more difficult to defend, and the ease of accessibility makes it possible for accidental entrance to the Realm through it's Shallowing. I am surprised that such a thing has never occured here."
Alyx lifts her hand once more.
Jonah nods to Alyx, then looks to Abel. "Mr. Elison, then Miss Davian."
Abel stands. "Thank you Magister." He looks around the room. "I think we need to keep in mind that the Mirrorshades don't only know where the gateway is currently, but that they know -Us-. I know they know me. Neither Ms. Cixi nor Mr. Palmerton are happy with my petition and have told me so. They will find the Chantry. Is it possible to have doorways from multiple locations? All opening to the realm and from there to the chantry house? I don't want to have Hyperion's eyes follow me then bring them here by mistake."
Kasui 's hand stills in note taking for a moment as she raises it to next gain the attention of Jonah for th epurpose of speaking. Her amber eyes focus upon Abel as she listens otherwise quietly.
Kasui 's hand stills in note taking for a moment as she raises it to next gain the attention of Jonah for th epurpose of speaking. Her amber eyes focus upon Abel as she listens otherwise quietly. (re)
Aaron smirks to himself and crosses his arms over his chest, leaning back in his seat in the Gallerly and putting his feet up on the chair in front of him as he continues to watch in that odd silent way of his
"I don not fear the Mirrorshades, Mr. Elison," Jonah replies, confident. "This is a war. Each side possesses information about the other. That is not only acceptable, but it is to be expected. The purpose of moving the gateway is to better protect it - as it stands, it has little to no protection whatsoever. I am not afraid of being known insomuch as I am afraid of the Realm being taken."
Chase nods at Jonah's words. Slightly shifting in his chair, he chimes in support. "Here here."
Abel nods once to Jonah, then sits.
Jonah says, "Miss Davian?"
Tal nods in agreement with Jonah and shrugs in Abel's direction.
Abel shrugs back to Tal.
Alyx dosen't stand, though does lower her hand once addressed. "How /do/ you intend to protect the realm gateway, Guru? All the locks in the world are unlikely to stop the enemy if they decide they will intrude."
Jonah suddenly blinks. "Oh. I apologize. One moment, Miss Davian." He looks back to Abel. "Multiple doorways are not out of the question. However, we will have one, to begin, and we can build others as we see fit, as long as they are properly secured." Then, without a pause, he turns to Alyx, "The gateway will be protected in many steps. Mundane guards, mundane security systems, magickal wards, and spirit guardians. The realm itself is already protected by five Guardians and their twenty lesser guardians."
Abel nods to Jonah.
Alyx inclines her head slightly to the magister's answer and returns to idly flipping her coin, never pausing to check which way it lands.
Jonah passes his gaze to Kasui, guesturing. "Miss Suzuno?"
Kasui nods once, tapping her papers agaisnt the table to straighten them as she stands smoothly to speak. "Firstly, I concurr that security is neve full proof or unbreakable. I have personal experience in that matter. That does not mea, however, it should nto be used for the purpose it is intended." Apparentlys omeone ha been sudying their english pretty hard. "Thatbeing, to slow an enemy down long enough to face the incursion or escape it. Secondly, I simply wanted to add to the list of possible measures, that we have multiple entrances to any gateway. Two or more. It will take more security to defend, but, simply, it will serve to spread our own entrants accross a broader range and timeframe while simultaneously allowing us more than one means of escape from our own den."
Jonah just nods, "As I said, other entrances are acceptable, but in due time. I am more concerned with moving the existing entrance before we work to create more."
Kaze appears standing silently behind the Seat of Mind, one moment nothing and the next there he quietly stands like a Shadow behind where Kasui is seated. Having come late his entrance is soundless and indeed might go unnoticed unless you were looking in Kasui's direction at the time.
Kasui ndos once, "I wish, then, to offer my services in construction of any material entrances, tunnels, or the like if needed. My skills with External Alchemy are my mystical Forte', even if I am only a disciple. Thank you, Magister." Catchng Kaze's presence out of the corner of he reye, she blinsk once and then bows to ehr Sempai before handing him her stack of calligraphied notes and stepping aside for him to occupy the seat.
Jet says, "Oh how interesting... perhaps you could give a seminar"
**********************************************************************
Penny skinrides Compton at this point. Sad thing is she gets more XP for Comp in one scene than I have. Bitch.
**********************************************************************
James listens quietly, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Jonah looks about for a moment, offering a bow to Kaze when he appears. Again, he passes a gaze to everyone, then finally he speaks. "We still have the matter of location. Personally, I prefer a non-public locale, such as the Manor. It is accessible to us without being accessible by others, it is more easily defended. However, it may not be accessible to all on an equal basis, and it may be more obvious. A public locale is easily accessible to everyone and is less obvious, though that ease of accessibility is also a downfall, as is the lack of effective security."
Alex enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Alex has arrived.
Abel gets a blank look on his face at the mention of external alchemy, then seems to understand and settles back into his place.
Alex steps into the council chambers, pausing just inside the door, to take a moment to look around....
Hana leans against bthe wall next to the doorway, apart from the group gathered around the table.
At Alex's arrival, Chase turns his head to stare at the man. *Pop* There's no greeting in his bloodshot eyes.
Jesyca enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Jesyca has arrived.
Jesyca tries to quietly walk into the meeting, looking rather sheepish at arriving so late.
Hana offers a quiet greeting, though. "Hi Alex.."
Kaze returns Jonah's bow before moving gracefully to take over the Seat of Mind vacated by Kasui, taking her notes in hand and looking them over as he sits there listening for the moment.
Abel seems to have pulled a chair from the gallery closer to the table. Occasionally he looks back to the gallery to where Aaron is sitting. Around the room, the chantry seems to be slowly rebuilding itself.
Alex moves to take a seat in the gallery. A small nod is given to Hana in response to her greeting.
Jonah glances to Alex as he enters, then looks over to Chase. "Mr. Kettle, unless you have an immediate opinion on the current matter, I will excuse you so that you may speak with Mr. Hess."
Jet smiles at Aaron.
Chase stands at Jonah's words, nodding. Knuckles flex and his sneakers start him towards Mr. Hess with bad intention. A snap of his callused fingers, he point at Alex and gestures for him to follow the punk into the chamber beyond.
Jesyca walks over towards Abel, green eyes drifting over towards Aaron a moment and then back towards Abel.
Kaze's gaze wanders meaningfully towards Chase, Alex, and the Magister for a moment but returns to the notes not long after breezing through the calligraphy like it was english.
Abel smiles up at Jes warmly, offering her a hand, then leans in to whiper to her.
Abel whispers to Jesyca.
Alex stops just before he sits, his head turning slightly in Chase's direction at the snap of his fingers. A frown creases his brow and he pauses, definantly it would seem, before following Chase, casually, into the other chamber.
Chase steps back out to the main hall.
Chase has left.
Tal steps back out to the main hall.
Tal has left.
Jesyca steps back out to the main hall.
Jesyca has left.
Jesyca enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Jesyca has arrived.
Kasui stands, now, completely silent at KAze's side. She seems, almost, to simply be an ornament with as still as she stands, her hands olded beneath the billowy sleeves of her kimono.
Tal enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Tal has arrived.
Alex steps back out to the main hall.
Alex has left.
Abel turns to Jonah. "I see no problem with a private Chantry at the Location you suggest Magister. I think a private entrance is best."
Jesyca quietly kneels down onto her knees by Abel, letting the dark material of her cloak spill out on the ground around her.
Jonah says, "All in favor of a private Chantryhouse?"
Rhiamon holds up her hand, "Mercuria and I would also prefer a private entrance." The hand she raises holds a ring.
Cassius nods, "I am, Magister."
Hana's growing bored with things, and tired as well. Tilting her head back she rubs her neck and looks up at the ceiling, if there is one.
Tal nods, "I am, Magister."
Kaze raises one hand slightly, "Hai." he says loud enough to be heard actually looking up from the notes now to answer.
Alyx does not raise her hand, though she dosen't seem particularly opposed to the decision.
kset Are we for ro against it?
Jesyca nods her head agreeing with Abel and Tal.
James raises his hand and waits to be counted before lowering it again.
Jonah counts all the affirmative votes, then says, "All opposed? Speak now or forever hold your peace."
Rhiamon lowers her hand.
Compton reaches inside the pocket on his loud shirt and pulls out what looks like a postit note. Opening it he pauses and says in his gravelly voice he states with some authority, "The Invisible College does not support this action."
Geero beeps softly and reaches a hand to the ring in Rhia's hand. She smiles at him, but puts it safely out of his way.
Alyx lifts her hand slowly, though remains silent on the matter.
Jonah looks over to Compton, curiously, while still watching and counting. "Do you mind if I ask why the Invisible College does not support this?"
Tal sighs gently and shakes his head with a smirk.
Abel looks over at Tal, sighing a bit.
Compton visibly pinks around the ears at this question. Obviously he wasn't expecting to actually have to talk about anything, "I, well, um..." he gets going witha rough start, "I, I mean we think we should stay inside the city... Around the masses. A subtle urban locale allows us to hide in plain sight."
Tal asks gently, "Um, you guys wouldn't be disagreeing out of habit, would you?" He smiles at Compton, slightly amused.
Abel turns to Compton as well. "Do you guys have a better suggestion?"
Jonah nods, slowly, while still watching Compton. "Yes, I do understand that." He waves a respectfully dismissive hand at Tal, "No, he presents a valid point. It would be less obvious if we were in the city. I will note the objections of the Invisible College as valid and consider them in my final determination. However, as it currently stands, the ayes have it."
Rhiamon reaches into her bag, holding Geero steady with one hand as she listens, and fishes out a small gilt chain which she drapes carefuly round his neck, careful that it dosen't get caught in any of his gears, then goes back to gently scratching his stomach area.
Tal looks as if he suspects otherwise, "True, Magister. He does raise a good point." He inclines his head respectfully to Compton.
Jonah reaches down and retrieves a pen, actually writing something down on a fresh sheet of paper. A moment, and he guestures to Alyx, "Miss Davian, your objection, for the record?"
Compton crumples his little postit, and sits back again visibly relaxing. Quietly he slips a tiny paper bag warpped bottle from his pants and takes a sip. Those close enough might get a wiff of diesel fuel for some odd reason.
Hana tilts her chin down again, looking for a long moment at Jonah, then at Compton, and finally back again. "Doesn't it all depend on who you're hiding from?" she says, her English perfect, but accented. "I mean, that is what matters, when choosing an advantageous location from which to fight...or to hide. The capabilities of the enemy always...come under consideration.
Allowing her hand to drop, once she's been noticed, Alyx murmurs, "I simply dislike all the cloak and dagger, Guru." Perhaps amusing, given her current garb. "While I am painfully aware of the need for secracy, this sounds far more like the 'secret house' of a 'secret club' who have 'secret meetings' and passwords and all the rest that goes with such childish behaviours. Something like the current arrangement at the zoo, where the only 'secret' is location, I find far more to my taste. It is only a personal dislike, however, and I do not speak for my Tradition when I say it."
Abel turns to Tal, a questioning look on his face and mouths 'Zoo?'
Jesyca leans up a bit to speak to Abel. She whispers to Abel, "I..."
Tal shrugs to Abel, he looks at a loss himself.
James frowns thoughtfully
Abel blinks and turns down to Jes.
Aaron has, for his part, remained quiet and rather polite as he sits in the Gallery. ot once having offered an opinion or even a single word to the topics discussed.
Abel whispers to Jesyca.
Kaze finishes the entirety of the notes while still seemingly giving his meeting his full attention and arranges them neatly in front of him on the table looking from one speaker to another not yet choosing to say his own piece.
Jesyca speaks quietly back towards him, She whispers to Abel, "... things... tell.... target..."
kset Sure, so we can do 3 times as much nothing? :P
Abel hmms and nods to Jes, then leans down to her.
Abel whispers to Jesyca, "... mask you."
Jonah nods slowly, first to Hana and then to Alyx. "I understand your objections and will note them, Miss Davian." To which, he does just that. Silence passes the next few moments, interrupted only by the soft breeze and the eerie sound of the walls being rebuilt all around. Finally, "Miss Kawakimi, our enemy is that of the Technocratic Union. From what I understand, you know little of the threats which exist to us, though there are some who would be willing to teach you. Our enemy is powerful and organized."
Jesyca gives a quiet bow of her head towards Abel growing silent once more.
Aaron leans back softly and seems to close his eyes, settling into a comfortable position.
This statement has Hana's attention.
Abel seems to think of something then raises his hand, while looking down at Jes.
birthday, here in a bit.
Keene enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Keene has arrived.
Alexandre has connected.
Keene comes in, hopefully during a collective pause in the conversation, and moves over to stand or sit nearby Compton.
Jonah glances over to Abel, "Mr. Elison?"
Abel turns to look at Jonah. "Will this place you have in mind still be under the protection from The Storm the Spear of Longinus on top of the CN tower grants us?"
Jonah says, "The effects of the Spear do end at the edges of the city, however the storm does not seem to exist until a decent distance outside the city itself. This location is within the calm zone."
Compton nods over to Keene, getting his flask out for the umpteenth time. He says something to the man and nods at Jonah at the same time.
Abel nods.
Compton mutters to Keene, "... don't think he... what..."
You whisper "Slow going, don't think he gives a rat's ass what we do." to Keene.
Somehow, Keene knew he would come in just as talk of the Spear of Destiny began. This is why his Valium-blood level is at a nice, optimal level. He moves, sits down next to Compton, and leans in a bit once he starts talking to him. He gives no audible reply; instead, he inclines his head once, pats Compton on the shoulder, and offers him a cigarette from his breast pocket. Meanwhile, with his other hand, he takes out a legal pad and pen from inside of his coat.
Jonah looks over to Compton and Keene for a moment. He offers a nod of greeting to Keene, then looks back to his notes. "Very well. On the motion to determine the location of the new Earthside Chantryhouse, we have voted that it shall be a private location, outside of the city. I will review this decision and notes taken regarding it and announce a resolution within the next few days." He scribbles something onto this piece of paper, then turns it over and places it in his briefcase. A new sheet withdrawn, he looks to everyone. "Now, we will begin collecting a list of those interested in being part of this Chantry. I will begin by recording the names of the existing Cabals and their members, and then I shall go to those who are not currently part of a cabal and record their names."
Compton slips two fingers into his left-breast pocket, trading cigarettes with him offering a light on the heels of the gesture. Choking a little on his first drag, Compton hacks and snorts his way through Johah's summary.
Abel turns to Tal.
Keene takes Compton's offered cigarette in a smooth movement, putting it between his lips as he catches
Jonah's nod. He returns the gesture politely, then lights up the cigarette with his usual black Zippo. Meanwhile, with his other hand, he starts writing on his legal pad.
Tal nods to Abel then turns his attention to Jonah, waiting for him.
Chase enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Chase has arrived.
Alex enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Alex has arrived.
Alex follows Chase into the council chambers and heads back over to the chair he was about to sit in before he was called out to the other chamber to speak with Chase.
Jonah guestures to Tal, who currently occupies the Seat of Prime. "Starting with the Seat of Prime, we shall go 'round the table, collecting the names of Cabals and their members. If you are not a part of a cabal, please pass until we return to you." He looks to Tal, expectantly.
Tal begins, "I, Taliesin Emrys, am a member of the Beacon in the Dark. Abel Elison is also a member as are my two apprentices, Millia McMillan and Jesyca Petrovich."
Jonah writes this information down as it is given to him. Moments pass, then he looks to Kaze, in the Seat of Mind. "Seat of Mind is next."
Kaze waits until Tal has finished and then speaks himself, "I, Shinketsu Kaze, lead the Cabal Dharma's Tear. Both of my Kohai, Mizuno Kasui and Tian Shi Chou are also members."
Jonah again scribbles this down, moving on. "The Seat of Spirit is Vacant, we move on to the Seat of Matter." (is Siomen in it, but idle?)
Chase now reoccupies the seat of Correspondence in relative silence. Though his tech vest makes some noises one would associate with teflon armor as he resettles. *Pop*
Jonah notes down the members of Team Ether, then moves to the next seat. "Next is this Seat, the Seat of Forces. As I am only a temporary representative, I shall turn to Miss Jones for input."
Jonah notes down the members of Team Ether, then moves to the next seat. "Next is this Seat, the Seat of Forces. As I am only a temporary representative, I shall turn to Miss Jones for input." (repose)
Keene sits quietly, taking notes as Jonah speaks.
Abel remains quiet as the cabals are announced, offering his hand for Jes to hold, smiling down at her.
Rhiamon clears her throat, and looks to the other two by her, "The Turris Scientiae cabal is formed of myself, Holly Levantine, Alexandre Taylor and Jane Smith. Viktor might also be joining us."
Jet murmurs to Alexandre and Rhiamon
Jonah nods, passing on as he continues to write. "The Seat of Life is currently unrepresented, as is the Seat of Time. I know who represents both and have received word from both, however, and thus will take note of such later. Now, we move on to the Seat of Correspondence." His glance goes to Chase.
"After-Math consists of myself, Alex Hess, Maisri MacKenzie, and will be receiving a new field operator and acolyte from a different chapter in the coming weeks. Also, we''l receive a new member pending on a discussion which will take place after this meeting." Chase says with a slight smirk, punctuating his statement with a small flinch under his left eye. After he states his piece, he leans back in chair and kicks his feet up again.
Rhiamon murmurs quietly to her cabal-mates.
Abel quirks an eyebrow.
Aaron finally speaks from the Gallery, "Don't count on it, Kettle.."
Jonah just ignores this, noting down what he must, then moving on. "Last at the table is the Seat of Entropy." He looks up to Miss Davian."
-"
Alyx smiles pleasently towards Jonah. "I, Alyx Davian, am of no Cabal," she murmurs. "Nor, to my knowledge, is Mr Tullern, who formally occupies this seat, though that is something I would advise you check with him, once he returns."
Aaron, for those recently arriving, is lounging in the Gallery with his head back and his eyes closed. He did not look up when Chase spoke, but simply spoke his mind and remained in place
Jonah nods. "Very well." He glances about to the rest of the people. "Are there any other Cabals not represented by a Seat at present?" The glance falls on Keene and Compton, "The Invisible College?"
Jet says, "Trinity is non-geographical, I'm in that also."
Alex's head turns in Keene and Compton's direction, for a brief moment, before glancing over to the Seat of Spirit.
Tal clears his throat softly, "The Invisible College is represented by Ms. Inscrutable in the Seat of Spirit, Magister."
Abel looks over to the Invisible College members from his seat.
Bloodshot eyes drift towards Jet in an 'aroo?' fashion. Chase shifts, taking his feet off the table. "Say that again?" He prompts the girl.
Jonah looks over at Tal, from him to the Seat of Spirit, and then back to Tal. "Funny, Mr. Emrys, but I see no one currently seated in the Seat of Spirit, thus no one is representing it, and the Invisible College is not, at this time, represented by a seat."
Tal seems about to reply but just shrugs. Apparently Daze never replied.
Compton keeps his mouth shut, defering to Keene taking another drag on his cigarette.
Keene, with a sense of lingering dread, pauses in his writing. He puts down his notepad and gets up, smoothing his tie, then speaking. "The Invisible College itself does not lay claim to a seat at this time. However, I believe that Daisy Inscrutable earlier claimed interest in holding the seat of Spirit. It would be in her hands to affirm or deny that claim now, but she is not present." He smiles thinly. Passing the buck is how Keene gets his cardiovascular exercise.
James looks at Keene and frowns.
Jonah watches Keene, as if that were not the exact answer he was looking for. He speaks, to clarify, "Who is the leader of the Invisible College?"
"I am," says Keene.
Jonah nods, "And as the leader of the Invisible College, do you wish for your Cabal to be a part of this Chantry?"
James looks at Keene and frowns.
Jonah watches Keene, as if that were not the exact answer he was looking for. He speaks, to clarify, "Who is the leader of the Invisible College?"
"I am," says Keene.
Jonah nods, "And as the leader of the Invisible College, do you wish for your Cabal to be a part of this Chantry?"
Keene pauses for a moment, looking over at Compton. Then he returns his attention to Jonah. "Yes, we would like to be part of this Chantry." A simple, unambiguous answer. My God, the world will end.
Jonah blinks, looking up from his paper, where his pen still hovers, waiting. "Very well. And the members of your Chantry, please?"
Abel seems a bit surprised at Keene's response.
Rhiamon has partially disconnected.
Jet says, "Welcome aboard."
"The members of the Invisible College," says Keene, "are Jesse Truant, Penny Ante, Hiro Stace, Daisy Inscrutable, Eric Compton and myself, Steve Keene."
Jet says, "Are those all pseudonyms?"
Alyx resumes absently rolling her silver coin over her knuckles, barely watching it.
Abel stretches in his seat a bit, squeezing Jes's hand.
Aaron remains in place in the Gallery, still looking much like he's sleeping
"Stice," Compton corrects, ashes on the floor between his feet.
Jonah looks satisfied, now that the names come out. He notes them down on paper, briefly, and looks up once more. "Any other Cabals not mentioned? If not, we shall begin taking the names of those interested in being part of this Chantry who are not part of a Cabal."
Jesyca smiles up to Abel having been quiet for awhile, that or she may have done like she did the last time she was in one of these meetings. She casts a quick look towards Tal just to make sure.
Keene nods to Compton. "I always mess up his name," he mutters, then sits down once his turn has seemingly passed. He either didn't hear or isn't going to answer Jet's question.
Compton whispers to Keene, "How... charade?"
You whisper "How long do we have to keep up this charade?" to Keene.
Jonah glances up, to Compton. "Charade, Mr. Compton?"
Abel looks over at Compton as well.
Compton says overly loud "Yeah, CHARADES. We have a game scheduled with the local pre-school. We volunteer."
Rhiamon toys absently with Geero's new chain as she listens.
James waits quietly for things to move on.
Jonah frowns sharply, guesturing to Keene, "You asked Mr. Keene how long you had to keep up this charade."
Jonah asks, "What charade?"
Siomen smiles faintly and looks over, he wants to hear this"
This even gets aaron to sit up and take notice, "And they're all after me.....figures.."
Alex chuckles softly at Jonah's questioning of Compton, turning his head slightly in Compton's direction.
Kaze's gaze travels from the Magister to Compton and Keene now, as calm and unphaseable as ever, though he seems interested enough in the question.
Rhiamon holds up a hand, though listening..
Jesyca's green eyes drift up towards Abel and then towards the ground a moment fidgeting with her cloak quietly.
Compton shrugs it off "Look, I'm tired and I've got a cabal member slightly comatose back at our place. She needs me more than you so I've been feigning interest in being here for the sake of the group." He gets up from where he was sitting "May I be excused?"
Abel looks over at Compton's excuse to leave and quirks an eyebrow. Then turns to Tal.
Jonah watches Compton, unconvinced. In fact, he's not even moved since he caught the whispered conversation. "You will forgive me if I do not immediately believe you, Mr. Compton, however I will excuse you. I will speak with you at a later date concerning this issue."
Alex raises an eyebrow at Compton's explaination, doubt plain on his face.
Aaron watches this scene with some interest and arches a brow as Jonah excuses Compton, "Fuck me...", can barely be heard to pass his lips, followed by a soft laugh.
Keene sits back, a neutral expression on his face. He doesn't look over when Compton talks to him, nor does he show any particular response to Jonah's questioning. He puffs on his cigarette, adjusting his glasses. His gaze tracks from Jonah to Compton, where it sits for several seconds. He puffs on his cigarette, rolls his tongue inside of his mouth, and puffs a smoke ring over Compton's head. Then, after a languid moment, he moves his attention back to Jonah. He gets back up.
"Several members of my organization," he says, "dislike that I have chosen to align ourselves with this Chantry. They feel the security in the Chantry is questionable at best," and he looks at Aaron for a long moment before looking back to Jonah, "and that this Realm should be allowed to be destroyed. Fundamentally, they feel several aspects of this Chantry and its operations raise red flags, and that we should consider moving our operations elsewhere to avoid the seemingly inevitable wrath of the Technocracy."
"I," says Keene, "do not feel that way. I feel that under your guidance, Magister, conditions will improve. This Chantry will become safer and better for all of us, and ultimately we will be able to make real progress in the Ascension War. But this has been a hard sell for me to my cabal."
He gestures with his cigarette. "I lead not so much because of the consent of the governed, but because I am simply one of the few people left in the cabal who has faith in the ability of the Order of Hermes to lead us all to a better day. They wish no part of this Chantry -- I, however, have insisted upon it. I trust in your leadership, Magister. Please forgive my colleague's rudeness."
At that, he inclines his head respectfully, then awaits whatever judgement Jonah may pass.
A soft clatter, as Alyx's silver coin is flipped down onto the tabletop, spinning on it's edge before coming to -*+alt on one side. She examines it's fall and nods, scooping the coin up and tucking it back into it's place under the cuff of her gloves, looking then over towards Jonah.
Abel turns and frowns a bit when he hears Aaron, then turns back to Keene.
Siomen sniff softly "Perhaps you should pass the issue to your cabal then.. that if they feel this place has questionable security, then why do they not offer suggestions on improving it?"
Compton walks out, asiding to Jonah "Whatever, man. You wanna drop by? We're at the Holiday fuckin'Inn. Room One Seven Four. Keene," looks over his shoulder "Bring home some tp and a sixer. I'm out."
Jonah listens to Keene's momentary monologue, listening and interested in what the man has to say. He nods. "I understand the concerns of those in your Cabal, Mr. Keene, and agree with those concerns one hundred percent. Hence, I was sent here to fix those exact problems. This is what we are currently attempting to do."
You step back out to the main hall.
~Fin~
This chamber used to be vast, even more so than the remains of the hall outside. Amidst all the rubble marring its ancient perfection is an almost perfectly preserved marble table at the head with nine preserved chairs, each with a single, golden Sphere glyph; the remains of what used to be a perfect certamen circle in the center; and the wooden remains of many chairs, now nothing but rotted sticks and boards. A single door and the chamber beyond still stands to the left, glowing a soft gold.
The great marble table has been split along a radius directly to the center, which has been hollowed out. A new wooden chair sits quietly in the middle of the damage, another golden glyph shining quietly on its back.
<< NIGHTZONE >>
Contents:
Hana
Aaron
Alexandre
Abel
Tal
Rhiamon
James
Alyx
Siomen
Kasui
Jonah
Obvious exits:
Left Door
Abel listens to Aaron then turns to respond to him.
Compton trudges in. All sodden and mucky from his extra-dimensional splunkering to get here.
Abel whispers to Aaron, "... I've... too... hasn't..."
_________________________ //.etro: Toronto by Night _________________________
Name Sex Mode Idle Type Short Description
______________________________________________________________________________
Aaron M IC 42s Pl WM, mid teens to early 20's, long sandy
Hana F IC 13s Pl Svelte, skeletal, probably Japanese.
Kasui F IC 1m Pl -
Rhiamon F IC 32s Pl Girl, late teens, inconspicuous
Alyx F IC 1m Pl A small, pale woman, garbed casually.
James M IC 2m Pl White-blond hair, green eyes, 5'3"
Alexandre M IC 5m Pl -
Tal M IC 2m Pl A tall, lean, compelling young man dress
Compton M IC 0s Pl Middle aged guy wearing a hawiian shirt.
Siomen M IC 6m Pl -
Jonah M IC 6m Pl -
Abel M IC 48s Pl A blonde young man with a pleasent smile
NovBLDR n 1m Pl -
______________________________________________________________________________
Kasui looks up as Hana enters, bowing her head to the woman in greeting from where she sits preparing to take notes at the seat of Mind. "It is good to see you again, Kawakami-san. It has been quite a while."
Hana bows casually, but in the innately formal manner of the Japanese. About 45 degrees, and then she goes back to peeling her orange, and glancing around. She's never seen so many people around here, it bears examination.
Siomen stands and makes his way over to the chair or matter, he sits down and starts to open his backpack.
Alexandre shifts where he stands next to Rhiamon. Then, he sits down on the ground next to her, crossing his legs. Might be a while.
Tal pulls a large manilla envelope out of his duster and sets it on his lap.
Aaron smirks and nods to Abel, continuing to speak in soft tones as to not disturb the meeting
Rhiamon nods to Alexandre. "Jane's not going to make it, but I bear her sigil.."
Aaron whispers to Abel.
Jet enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Jet has arrived.
Jet shuffles in
Hana finds a fragmnet of wall to lean against. Since she has yet to be asked to leave, she decides to stay.
Rhiamon smiles from her rubble-seat by the Forces chair. "Jet!"
Abel listens to Aaron and laughs just a little... softly.
Aaron's gaze turns as he hears Jat's name called and he raises his hand to wave to her from his seat by Abel
Alexandre sits by Rhiamon, crosslegged on the ground. He looks up at the entrance as Rhiamon calls out. He smiles as well and waves her over.
Jet looks around at Rhiamon's voice and smiles brilliantly! "Rhia, dahling, so good to see you." She heads over toward the Seat of Forces, with a cheery wave for Aaron along the way.
This room has been partially restored. Piles of carved stone can be seen beyond the walls, which seem to be rebuilding themselves gradually and slowly, as everyone speaks. Rubble has been cleared, debris swept away, new chairs brought in. The room is slowly, slowly coming together again, as if defiant of the ages and determined to be as it once was. (LOOK here - if you have at least Spirit 1, page Mercutio)
You paged Mercutio with 'Spirit 2.'.
Alyx glances to her side, at Tal, offering the choirester a slight smile before lifting a hand as if to beckon him closer, for quiet talking.
There are no Umbral Aspects here.
Tal grabs the manilla envelope out of his lap and heads over to Alyx with a curious smile on his face. He leans on the arm of Entropy, "Sup?"
Alyx leans up with a smile on her lips, murmuring to the Choirester.
//.etro: Compton rolls "perception+Awareness" privately to Mercutio at diff 7.
For a total of 1 success(es).
Chase enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Chase has arrived.
Alyx whispers to Tal.
James would be sitting crosslegged on the floor as well, but still filing away at the stone he has.
Tal nods to Alyx and replies in low tones.
Tal whispers to Alyx.
Abel is sitting in the Gallery, watching the ruins rebuild themselves curiously. Aaron sits next to him.
Alyx nods towards Tal, sitting back a little after murmuring a reply.
Walking into the frey, Chase stalks. He already looks pissed and the shit hasn't even begun to fly. Sneakers walk him towards the seat of Correspondence. Harsh looks for Aaron, bloodshot eyes lock on him in passing. Though his gaze fades into a solid sneer in general as he takes his seat. The chewing gum bubble he *pops* lets those that know him, know it the real Chase and not some robot.
Alyx whispers to Tal.
Aaron meets Chase's gaze and smiles, speaking again softly to Abel
Aaron whispers to Abel.
Tal reaches up and squeezes Alyx' hand with a smile before walking across the table again passing from Entropy to Prime once more. He sits at his appointed seat and folds his hands in his lap over the manilla folder.
Siomen just sits quietly, playing with Geero on his lap, geero still tucked away in the backpack. Seat of Matter never contested.
Abel frowns a little and shakes his head as Aaron speaks. Then he whispers back.
Jonah gradually makes his way into the Council Chambers. A soft click of his wooden cane preceeds each step, and a briefcase is held in his other hand. He takes his time walking through toward the Seat of Forces, quietly, saying nothing to anyone as he drifts through the room.
Abel whispers to Aaron.
Aaron shakes his head to Abel and replies to the man's soft words
Aaron whispers to Abel, "... tried... a..."
Abel nods and speaks softly back.
Jet murmurs to Rhiamon and Alexandre
Abel whispers to Aaron.
Mercutio pages: You see small spirits drifting back and forth through the ruins, carrying stone and mortar. There are a dozen of them, all working toward restoration of the room.
Prepared for unpleasantries, Chase leans back in the chair of Correspondence and kicks his sneakers onto the table one over the other. *Pop* Cynical.
Mercutio has arrived.
Tal is looking around in amused amazement and chuckling softly.
Alyx likewise sits back, though without putting her feet up, hands clasped on the tabletop, leather gloves squeaking a little.
Hana still leans against a wall in the back, eating her orange.
Compton watches the debris clean itself it. Brow krinkled in cofusion or wonder as he gazes out in to the mid point in the room. His head panning and his eyes darting, following somthing elusive.
Siomen just sits quietly and looks up as jonah enters, he nods as he casually tickles geero's stomach
Aaron whispers to Abel, "... keep... doesn't..."
Kasui suddenly blinks, tilting her head to one side as she murmurs quietly, "Oro?" Her amber gaze seems to ollow somehting... just beyond view, like she is watching an invisibel parade.
Aaron whispers to Abel.
Abel listens to Aaron and nods, frowning a little, then turns to whisper to him again.
Jonah reaches the Seat of Forces, pulling it out from the table slightly. He sets his briefcase down on the tabletop. "Good morning, everyone," he says, his voice full and loud enough for all to hear. "If you would, please take a seat and pull it near to the table.
Abel whispers to Aaron, "... spearheading..."
Alexandre stops whispering as he looks to Jonah, ready to listen.
Abel stands and grabs a chair, starting to head closer to the table with it.
Rhiamon stands, and fetches a chair for herself and Jet, placing them to one side of Jonah.
Hana remains stationary.
Compton shuffles forward in his soggy footwear and sits down in one of the seats. Then doing the chair scooch along the rock floor. The heavy chair making a loud squeak with each inch it budges.
<
Alyx looks up and over to Jonah, fingers lifting to remove her reading glasses so she can focus on him properly.
James puts his stone, and file away, remaining where he is already seated.
Alexandre sits up, grabs a chair, sits to the same side of Jonah as Rhiamon and Jet. Without the speaking.
Siomen winces at all the noise, he sighs and remains where he is, close enough for his purposes, Geero beeping a couple times before shushed by its maker.
Chase doesn't shift from his chair, save the absent flexing of his square jaw on some gum.
Jet sits next to Rhiamon and Alexandre.
Rhiamon sneaks a small finger wave to Geero.
Geero hops up and manages to escape Siomen's grasp, he toddles over to Rhiamon.
Kasui remins, of course, upon the Seat of Mind, her momentary distraction fading as she focuses her full attention upon Jonah.
Jonah casts a quiet, dicerning glance amongst everyone collected. "I fail to believe that this is everyone, but very well." He opens his briefcase and begins to remove some papers, placing them on the table adjacent the case. "If I have everyone's attention," with that, he spares a glance to everyone again, "I would like to call this meeting to order."
Abel sits back down and pulls his sun symbol on it's chain out from under his shirt, then lets is hang again.
Siomen pulls out Cally's recording device and turns it on with a smile. he keeps an eye on Geero.
Abel's turns to see of Aaron haas followed him over then turns his attention to Jonah.
Rhiamon reaches down, and scoops Geero up, cradling him on her lap, so he can see.
Tal stops glancing about at the open air and turns his attention to Jonah.
Jet smiles at Geero, then looks up and winks at Siomen.
Siomen smiles back to jet and dips his head.
Alyx simply continues to watch Jonah, attention unwavering.
"My first order of business today was actually not on my agenda." Jonah retrieves a typed letter from the top of his neatly stacked papers. He places a pair of reading glasses over his nose. "It seems that Mr. Alex Hess has caused quite a stir with the Mr. Michaels situation." A brief glance is given to Aaron, followed by Chase and then Abel. "I do not validate this change in agreement off-hand. I suggest that you, Mr. Kettle, speak with Mr. Hess and determine an appropriate means to recover this situation. I will speak with Mr. Michaels myself at a later time. This matter /will/ be settled, however there are other agendas which currently take priority."
Compton does so, likewise. Being old enough to actually pay attention for extended periods.
Chase nods fervently. "I intend to." And that's he'll say at the moment. *Pop*
Siomen listens and frowns, wondering about the problem.
Tal tucks that bit away for later reference, doesn't concern him in particular.
Jet listens with apparent attention.
Abel nods to Jonah. "Of course, MAgister."
Attention wavering briefly, Alyx plucks a quarter-sized coin from the cuff of one of her sleeves, beginning to absently roll it along her knuckles.
Rhiamon looks curiously at Aaron, and tilts her head.
Jonah places the letter back in his briefcase, which is gently pushed to the side. "Right. Our next order of business is the development of the Earthside Chantryhouse. I have located several appropriate locations on the north side of town. So far, the most promising of the two is near an old, abandoned manorhouse called Lebrentis Manor. It is a slight distance out of town, though I feel that is a better decision than keeping it in town." He looks up from his papers, "Thoughts, comments, objections?"
Siomen tilts his head "Will this be a place to bring new members for introduction before introducing them to the realm? i still have a member wandering out there who hasn't been introduced to the rest of you, because i don't know who to bring him to without having him yelled at or worse attacked if i bring him here.
Not a word from the chair of Correspondence. Chase scratches under his chin lazily. Seems he's no particular thoughts pertinent to the location of the earth side Chantry.
Alyx lifts her chin slightly, lifting a gloved hand to indicate that she has a question, though not interrupting Siomen's question.
Kasui speaks up in a resonant, respectful, contralto as se finishes inking a series of Kanji and Kana to take note for her Sempai. "Sir, I am here representing the head of Dharma's Tear and the Seat of Mind in his absence due to pressing business. I do not know Kaze-sempai's thoughts on this subject, but my own is that there should be some means of hidden transit to the site. A park area liek this present entrance is public enough not to attract scrutiny if large numbers of people pass inexplicably through. However, a manor, or private residence, will attract attention due to too much traffic even if it is logically more secure a locale."
The Invisible College's lone representitive, Compton, maintains his silence.
Jet says, "I'm willing to volunteer my house, but I suspect the Union is aware of it, so I'm not sure it's a good choice. I have no real evidence that they are watching it, but it's not impossible. And I agree with the Chair of Mind that a place without regular mundane traffic can be found by traffic analysis if precautions are not taken."
Hana continues to simply listen and watch, in somewhat bemused silence.
James listens quietly.
Tal hmms quietly, "What about Casa Loma? Is it possible to move the gate somewhere inside it? It should not be impossible to bypass the security on such a large structure. There is quite a bit of tourist traffic in and out of it and its in downtown. We may not be able to have total control over the building, but if we are going to gain resources from New England, it shouldn't be too difficult to gain rooms as a 'historical society' or the like."
Abel looks to Tal at the seat of Prime to see what his ractions are.
Tal adds, "It also has the benefit of being a place considered to be odd by Sleepers, which is a mark in its favor."
Rhiamon listens, stroking Geero's head absently.
Jet says, "Do we have a group who can move the gate, in fact?"
Jonah looks over to Hana momentarily, his head cocking to one side. Studying her, he offers a smile. "Yes, yes you did. You are Kawakami Hanami, am I correct?"
Hana offers a compulsive bow, a shallow one but one perhaps in assent.
Siomen sighs as his question goes unanswered for yet another little while, he sits back and stays quiet.
Abel looks over at Hana then turns to Jet. "If the gate needs to be moved, I believe my Mentor and brother, Father Dismas, can help.
Chase says, "I can assist as well."
Jonah looks away from her. "I believe Casa Loma is too public. I liken it to Allan Gardens, personally, in its accesibility." He looks to Jet, "As for your house, Miss Levantine, I would prefer to find someplace more neutral than the existing house of a Hermetic. This Chantryhouse is for all, not just for us." He shuffles through some papers again, "As for Mr. Rutherford's question - yes, this place will both house the new Gateway and serve as an earthly location where new arrivals may be introduced and interviewed before allowed access to the Realm."
Jet says, "Public has certain advantages... in terms of hiding among normal traffic."
Siomen nods and smiles "Expect Jack 'lucky' London to visit soon then"
James raises his hand.
Alyx's hand remains raised, green eyes fixed upon the magister that leads the council.
Hana seems more bemused by the fact that yet another stranger knows who she is, but lets the conversation move on past her, listening once more.
Abel turns to the unmoved Aaron and raises an eyebrow to him, inquizzitively, then turns back to the proceedings at hand.
Jonah guestures across the table to Alyx. "Yes, Miss Davian?"
Aaron keeps his seat in the Gallery and just watches the proceedings from whee he is. For those that know him, his silence and decorum might seem unsettling.
"What are the merits of this suburban house, Guru? I am still unfamiliar with much of Toronto; what kind of area is it in, and of the house itself, what of it's size and accessability?" Alyx inquires softly. "Also, what will be kept there, other than new recruits and the gateway?"
Jonah responds, "The merits of a suburban house are manyfold. It is in a private location, north of the city a few miles. The manorhouses there are large estates and very well separated. Privacy being the key, this location will serve well. The House is fairly large, and will be accessible to any who belong to the Chantry at any time they wish to be present. I am working on a security system which will likely consist of watchers at the gates who will likely control the 'automatic' gates." Thinking for another moment, he continues, "We will have the gateway at this location, as well as a centralized database with which we may better communicate. Also, the Chantry's new Library will partially exist in the Earthside structure."
Abel raises a hand to speak.
Jonah says, "Yes, Mr. Elison?"
James lowers his hand.
"Oh, one moment, Mr. Elison," Jonah says, "I apologize. You may speak, Mr...?"
Abel nods and waits. "Of Course."
James says, "Anderson. What would the merits of say a building on Campus, or an anex of the public library be?"
James says, "Since people suggested a semi public localle"
Jonah furrows his brow. "Well, they would be easily accessible, and I agree that public locales would be less obvious. However, a public locale is much more difficult to defend, and the ease of accessibility makes it possible for accidental entrance to the Realm through it's Shallowing. I am surprised that such a thing has never occured here."
Alyx lifts her hand once more.
Jonah nods to Alyx, then looks to Abel. "Mr. Elison, then Miss Davian."
Abel stands. "Thank you Magister." He looks around the room. "I think we need to keep in mind that the Mirrorshades don't only know where the gateway is currently, but that they know -Us-. I know they know me. Neither Ms. Cixi nor Mr. Palmerton are happy with my petition and have told me so. They will find the Chantry. Is it possible to have doorways from multiple locations? All opening to the realm and from there to the chantry house? I don't want to have Hyperion's eyes follow me then bring them here by mistake."
Kasui 's hand stills in note taking for a moment as she raises it to next gain the attention of Jonah for th epurpose of speaking. Her amber eyes focus upon Abel as she listens otherwise quietly.
Kasui 's hand stills in note taking for a moment as she raises it to next gain the attention of Jonah for th epurpose of speaking. Her amber eyes focus upon Abel as she listens otherwise quietly. (re)
Aaron smirks to himself and crosses his arms over his chest, leaning back in his seat in the Gallerly and putting his feet up on the chair in front of him as he continues to watch in that odd silent way of his
"I don not fear the Mirrorshades, Mr. Elison," Jonah replies, confident. "This is a war. Each side possesses information about the other. That is not only acceptable, but it is to be expected. The purpose of moving the gateway is to better protect it - as it stands, it has little to no protection whatsoever. I am not afraid of being known insomuch as I am afraid of the Realm being taken."
Chase nods at Jonah's words. Slightly shifting in his chair, he chimes in support. "Here here."
Abel nods once to Jonah, then sits.
Jonah says, "Miss Davian?"
Tal nods in agreement with Jonah and shrugs in Abel's direction.
Abel shrugs back to Tal.
Alyx dosen't stand, though does lower her hand once addressed. "How /do/ you intend to protect the realm gateway, Guru? All the locks in the world are unlikely to stop the enemy if they decide they will intrude."
Jonah suddenly blinks. "Oh. I apologize. One moment, Miss Davian." He looks back to Abel. "Multiple doorways are not out of the question. However, we will have one, to begin, and we can build others as we see fit, as long as they are properly secured." Then, without a pause, he turns to Alyx, "The gateway will be protected in many steps. Mundane guards, mundane security systems, magickal wards, and spirit guardians. The realm itself is already protected by five Guardians and their twenty lesser guardians."
Abel nods to Jonah.
Alyx inclines her head slightly to the magister's answer and returns to idly flipping her coin, never pausing to check which way it lands.
Jonah passes his gaze to Kasui, guesturing. "Miss Suzuno?"
Kasui nods once, tapping her papers agaisnt the table to straighten them as she stands smoothly to speak. "Firstly, I concurr that security is neve full proof or unbreakable. I have personal experience in that matter. That does not mea, however, it should nto be used for the purpose it is intended." Apparentlys omeone ha been sudying their english pretty hard. "Thatbeing, to slow an enemy down long enough to face the incursion or escape it. Secondly, I simply wanted to add to the list of possible measures, that we have multiple entrances to any gateway. Two or more. It will take more security to defend, but, simply, it will serve to spread our own entrants accross a broader range and timeframe while simultaneously allowing us more than one means of escape from our own den."
Jonah just nods, "As I said, other entrances are acceptable, but in due time. I am more concerned with moving the existing entrance before we work to create more."
Kaze appears standing silently behind the Seat of Mind, one moment nothing and the next there he quietly stands like a Shadow behind where Kasui is seated. Having come late his entrance is soundless and indeed might go unnoticed unless you were looking in Kasui's direction at the time.
Kasui ndos once, "I wish, then, to offer my services in construction of any material entrances, tunnels, or the like if needed. My skills with External Alchemy are my mystical Forte', even if I am only a disciple. Thank you, Magister." Catchng Kaze's presence out of the corner of he reye, she blinsk once and then bows to ehr Sempai before handing him her stack of calligraphied notes and stepping aside for him to occupy the seat.
Jet says, "Oh how interesting... perhaps you could give a seminar"
**********************************************************************
Penny skinrides Compton at this point. Sad thing is she gets more XP for Comp in one scene than I have. Bitch.
**********************************************************************
James listens quietly, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Jonah looks about for a moment, offering a bow to Kaze when he appears. Again, he passes a gaze to everyone, then finally he speaks. "We still have the matter of location. Personally, I prefer a non-public locale, such as the Manor. It is accessible to us without being accessible by others, it is more easily defended. However, it may not be accessible to all on an equal basis, and it may be more obvious. A public locale is easily accessible to everyone and is less obvious, though that ease of accessibility is also a downfall, as is the lack of effective security."
Alex enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Alex has arrived.
Abel gets a blank look on his face at the mention of external alchemy, then seems to understand and settles back into his place.
Alex steps into the council chambers, pausing just inside the door, to take a moment to look around....
Hana leans against bthe wall next to the doorway, apart from the group gathered around the table.
At Alex's arrival, Chase turns his head to stare at the man. *Pop* There's no greeting in his bloodshot eyes.
Jesyca enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Jesyca has arrived.
Jesyca tries to quietly walk into the meeting, looking rather sheepish at arriving so late.
Hana offers a quiet greeting, though. "Hi Alex.."
Kaze returns Jonah's bow before moving gracefully to take over the Seat of Mind vacated by Kasui, taking her notes in hand and looking them over as he sits there listening for the moment.
Abel seems to have pulled a chair from the gallery closer to the table. Occasionally he looks back to the gallery to where Aaron is sitting. Around the room, the chantry seems to be slowly rebuilding itself.
Alex moves to take a seat in the gallery. A small nod is given to Hana in response to her greeting.
Jonah glances to Alex as he enters, then looks over to Chase. "Mr. Kettle, unless you have an immediate opinion on the current matter, I will excuse you so that you may speak with Mr. Hess."
Jet smiles at Aaron.
Chase stands at Jonah's words, nodding. Knuckles flex and his sneakers start him towards Mr. Hess with bad intention. A snap of his callused fingers, he point at Alex and gestures for him to follow the punk into the chamber beyond.
Jesyca walks over towards Abel, green eyes drifting over towards Aaron a moment and then back towards Abel.
Kaze's gaze wanders meaningfully towards Chase, Alex, and the Magister for a moment but returns to the notes not long after breezing through the calligraphy like it was english.
Abel smiles up at Jes warmly, offering her a hand, then leans in to whiper to her.
Abel whispers to Jesyca.
Alex stops just before he sits, his head turning slightly in Chase's direction at the snap of his fingers. A frown creases his brow and he pauses, definantly it would seem, before following Chase, casually, into the other chamber.
Chase steps back out to the main hall.
Chase has left.
Tal steps back out to the main hall.
Tal has left.
Jesyca steps back out to the main hall.
Jesyca has left.
Jesyca enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Jesyca has arrived.
Kasui stands, now, completely silent at KAze's side. She seems, almost, to simply be an ornament with as still as she stands, her hands olded beneath the billowy sleeves of her kimono.
Tal enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Tal has arrived.
Alex steps back out to the main hall.
Alex has left.
Abel turns to Jonah. "I see no problem with a private Chantry at the Location you suggest Magister. I think a private entrance is best."
Jesyca quietly kneels down onto her knees by Abel, letting the dark material of her cloak spill out on the ground around her.
Jonah says, "All in favor of a private Chantryhouse?"
Rhiamon holds up her hand, "Mercuria and I would also prefer a private entrance." The hand she raises holds a ring.
Cassius nods, "I am, Magister."
Hana's growing bored with things, and tired as well. Tilting her head back she rubs her neck and looks up at the ceiling, if there is one.
Tal nods, "I am, Magister."
Kaze raises one hand slightly, "Hai." he says loud enough to be heard actually looking up from the notes now to answer.
Alyx does not raise her hand, though she dosen't seem particularly opposed to the decision.
kset Are we for ro against it?
Jesyca nods her head agreeing with Abel and Tal.
James raises his hand and waits to be counted before lowering it again.
Jonah counts all the affirmative votes, then says, "All opposed? Speak now or forever hold your peace."
Rhiamon lowers her hand.
Compton reaches inside the pocket on his loud shirt and pulls out what looks like a postit note. Opening it he pauses and says in his gravelly voice he states with some authority, "The Invisible College does not support this action."
Geero beeps softly and reaches a hand to the ring in Rhia's hand. She smiles at him, but puts it safely out of his way.
Alyx lifts her hand slowly, though remains silent on the matter.
Jonah looks over to Compton, curiously, while still watching and counting. "Do you mind if I ask why the Invisible College does not support this?"
Tal sighs gently and shakes his head with a smirk.
Abel looks over at Tal, sighing a bit.
Compton visibly pinks around the ears at this question. Obviously he wasn't expecting to actually have to talk about anything, "I, well, um..." he gets going witha rough start, "I, I mean we think we should stay inside the city... Around the masses. A subtle urban locale allows us to hide in plain sight."
Tal asks gently, "Um, you guys wouldn't be disagreeing out of habit, would you?" He smiles at Compton, slightly amused.
Abel turns to Compton as well. "Do you guys have a better suggestion?"
Jonah nods, slowly, while still watching Compton. "Yes, I do understand that." He waves a respectfully dismissive hand at Tal, "No, he presents a valid point. It would be less obvious if we were in the city. I will note the objections of the Invisible College as valid and consider them in my final determination. However, as it currently stands, the ayes have it."
Rhiamon reaches into her bag, holding Geero steady with one hand as she listens, and fishes out a small gilt chain which she drapes carefuly round his neck, careful that it dosen't get caught in any of his gears, then goes back to gently scratching his stomach area.
Tal looks as if he suspects otherwise, "True, Magister. He does raise a good point." He inclines his head respectfully to Compton.
Jonah reaches down and retrieves a pen, actually writing something down on a fresh sheet of paper. A moment, and he guestures to Alyx, "Miss Davian, your objection, for the record?"
Compton crumples his little postit, and sits back again visibly relaxing. Quietly he slips a tiny paper bag warpped bottle from his pants and takes a sip. Those close enough might get a wiff of diesel fuel for some odd reason.
Hana tilts her chin down again, looking for a long moment at Jonah, then at Compton, and finally back again. "Doesn't it all depend on who you're hiding from?" she says, her English perfect, but accented. "I mean, that is what matters, when choosing an advantageous location from which to fight...or to hide. The capabilities of the enemy always...come under consideration.
Allowing her hand to drop, once she's been noticed, Alyx murmurs, "I simply dislike all the cloak and dagger, Guru." Perhaps amusing, given her current garb. "While I am painfully aware of the need for secracy, this sounds far more like the 'secret house' of a 'secret club' who have 'secret meetings' and passwords and all the rest that goes with such childish behaviours. Something like the current arrangement at the zoo, where the only 'secret' is location, I find far more to my taste. It is only a personal dislike, however, and I do not speak for my Tradition when I say it."
Abel turns to Tal, a questioning look on his face and mouths 'Zoo?'
Jesyca leans up a bit to speak to Abel. She whispers to Abel, "I..."
Tal shrugs to Abel, he looks at a loss himself.
James frowns thoughtfully
Abel blinks and turns down to Jes.
Aaron has, for his part, remained quiet and rather polite as he sits in the Gallery. ot once having offered an opinion or even a single word to the topics discussed.
Abel whispers to Jesyca.
Kaze finishes the entirety of the notes while still seemingly giving his meeting his full attention and arranges them neatly in front of him on the table looking from one speaker to another not yet choosing to say his own piece.
Jesyca speaks quietly back towards him, She whispers to Abel, "... things... tell.... target..."
kset Sure, so we can do 3 times as much nothing? :P
Abel hmms and nods to Jes, then leans down to her.
Abel whispers to Jesyca, "... mask you."
Jonah nods slowly, first to Hana and then to Alyx. "I understand your objections and will note them, Miss Davian." To which, he does just that. Silence passes the next few moments, interrupted only by the soft breeze and the eerie sound of the walls being rebuilt all around. Finally, "Miss Kawakimi, our enemy is that of the Technocratic Union. From what I understand, you know little of the threats which exist to us, though there are some who would be willing to teach you. Our enemy is powerful and organized."
Jesyca gives a quiet bow of her head towards Abel growing silent once more.
Aaron leans back softly and seems to close his eyes, settling into a comfortable position.
This statement has Hana's attention.
Abel seems to think of something then raises his hand, while looking down at Jes.
birthday, here in a bit.
Keene enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Keene has arrived.
Alexandre has connected.
Keene comes in, hopefully during a collective pause in the conversation, and moves over to stand or sit nearby Compton.
Jonah glances over to Abel, "Mr. Elison?"
Abel turns to look at Jonah. "Will this place you have in mind still be under the protection from The Storm the Spear of Longinus on top of the CN tower grants us?"
Jonah says, "The effects of the Spear do end at the edges of the city, however the storm does not seem to exist until a decent distance outside the city itself. This location is within the calm zone."
Compton nods over to Keene, getting his flask out for the umpteenth time. He says something to the man and nods at Jonah at the same time.
Abel nods.
Compton mutters to Keene, "... don't think he... what..."
You whisper "Slow going, don't think he gives a rat's ass what we do." to Keene.
Somehow, Keene knew he would come in just as talk of the Spear of Destiny began. This is why his Valium-blood level is at a nice, optimal level. He moves, sits down next to Compton, and leans in a bit once he starts talking to him. He gives no audible reply; instead, he inclines his head once, pats Compton on the shoulder, and offers him a cigarette from his breast pocket. Meanwhile, with his other hand, he takes out a legal pad and pen from inside of his coat.
Jonah looks over to Compton and Keene for a moment. He offers a nod of greeting to Keene, then looks back to his notes. "Very well. On the motion to determine the location of the new Earthside Chantryhouse, we have voted that it shall be a private location, outside of the city. I will review this decision and notes taken regarding it and announce a resolution within the next few days." He scribbles something onto this piece of paper, then turns it over and places it in his briefcase. A new sheet withdrawn, he looks to everyone. "Now, we will begin collecting a list of those interested in being part of this Chantry. I will begin by recording the names of the existing Cabals and their members, and then I shall go to those who are not currently part of a cabal and record their names."
Compton slips two fingers into his left-breast pocket, trading cigarettes with him offering a light on the heels of the gesture. Choking a little on his first drag, Compton hacks and snorts his way through Johah's summary.
Abel turns to Tal.
Keene takes Compton's offered cigarette in a smooth movement, putting it between his lips as he catches
Jonah's nod. He returns the gesture politely, then lights up the cigarette with his usual black Zippo. Meanwhile, with his other hand, he starts writing on his legal pad.
Tal nods to Abel then turns his attention to Jonah, waiting for him.
Chase enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Chase has arrived.
Alex enters what's left of the Council Chambers by way of the ruined doorway.
Alex has arrived.
Alex follows Chase into the council chambers and heads back over to the chair he was about to sit in before he was called out to the other chamber to speak with Chase.
Jonah guestures to Tal, who currently occupies the Seat of Prime. "Starting with the Seat of Prime, we shall go 'round the table, collecting the names of Cabals and their members. If you are not a part of a cabal, please pass until we return to you." He looks to Tal, expectantly.
Tal begins, "I, Taliesin Emrys, am a member of the Beacon in the Dark. Abel Elison is also a member as are my two apprentices, Millia McMillan and Jesyca Petrovich."
Jonah writes this information down as it is given to him. Moments pass, then he looks to Kaze, in the Seat of Mind. "Seat of Mind is next."
Kaze waits until Tal has finished and then speaks himself, "I, Shinketsu Kaze, lead the Cabal Dharma's Tear. Both of my Kohai, Mizuno Kasui and Tian Shi Chou are also members."
Jonah again scribbles this down, moving on. "The Seat of Spirit is Vacant, we move on to the Seat of Matter." (is Siomen in it, but idle?)
Chase now reoccupies the seat of Correspondence in relative silence. Though his tech vest makes some noises one would associate with teflon armor as he resettles. *Pop*
Jonah notes down the members of Team Ether, then moves to the next seat. "Next is this Seat, the Seat of Forces. As I am only a temporary representative, I shall turn to Miss Jones for input."
Jonah notes down the members of Team Ether, then moves to the next seat. "Next is this Seat, the Seat of Forces. As I am only a temporary representative, I shall turn to Miss Jones for input." (repose)
Keene sits quietly, taking notes as Jonah speaks.
Abel remains quiet as the cabals are announced, offering his hand for Jes to hold, smiling down at her.
Rhiamon clears her throat, and looks to the other two by her, "The Turris Scientiae cabal is formed of myself, Holly Levantine, Alexandre Taylor and Jane Smith. Viktor might also be joining us."
Jet murmurs to Alexandre and Rhiamon
Jonah nods, passing on as he continues to write. "The Seat of Life is currently unrepresented, as is the Seat of Time. I know who represents both and have received word from both, however, and thus will take note of such later. Now, we move on to the Seat of Correspondence." His glance goes to Chase.
"After-Math consists of myself, Alex Hess, Maisri MacKenzie, and will be receiving a new field operator and acolyte from a different chapter in the coming weeks. Also, we''l receive a new member pending on a discussion which will take place after this meeting." Chase says with a slight smirk, punctuating his statement with a small flinch under his left eye. After he states his piece, he leans back in chair and kicks his feet up again.
Rhiamon murmurs quietly to her cabal-mates.
Abel quirks an eyebrow.
Aaron finally speaks from the Gallery, "Don't count on it, Kettle.."
Jonah just ignores this, noting down what he must, then moving on. "Last at the table is the Seat of Entropy." He looks up to Miss Davian."
-"
Alyx smiles pleasently towards Jonah. "I, Alyx Davian, am of no Cabal," she murmurs. "Nor, to my knowledge, is Mr Tullern, who formally occupies this seat, though that is something I would advise you check with him, once he returns."
Aaron, for those recently arriving, is lounging in the Gallery with his head back and his eyes closed. He did not look up when Chase spoke, but simply spoke his mind and remained in place
Jonah nods. "Very well." He glances about to the rest of the people. "Are there any other Cabals not represented by a Seat at present?" The glance falls on Keene and Compton, "The Invisible College?"
Jet says, "Trinity is non-geographical, I'm in that also."
Alex's head turns in Keene and Compton's direction, for a brief moment, before glancing over to the Seat of Spirit.
Tal clears his throat softly, "The Invisible College is represented by Ms. Inscrutable in the Seat of Spirit, Magister."
Abel looks over to the Invisible College members from his seat.
Bloodshot eyes drift towards Jet in an 'aroo?' fashion. Chase shifts, taking his feet off the table. "Say that again?" He prompts the girl.
Jonah looks over at Tal, from him to the Seat of Spirit, and then back to Tal. "Funny, Mr. Emrys, but I see no one currently seated in the Seat of Spirit, thus no one is representing it, and the Invisible College is not, at this time, represented by a seat."
Tal seems about to reply but just shrugs. Apparently Daze never replied.
Compton keeps his mouth shut, defering to Keene taking another drag on his cigarette.
Keene, with a sense of lingering dread, pauses in his writing. He puts down his notepad and gets up, smoothing his tie, then speaking. "The Invisible College itself does not lay claim to a seat at this time. However, I believe that Daisy Inscrutable earlier claimed interest in holding the seat of Spirit. It would be in her hands to affirm or deny that claim now, but she is not present." He smiles thinly. Passing the buck is how Keene gets his cardiovascular exercise.
James looks at Keene and frowns.
Jonah watches Keene, as if that were not the exact answer he was looking for. He speaks, to clarify, "Who is the leader of the Invisible College?"
"I am," says Keene.
Jonah nods, "And as the leader of the Invisible College, do you wish for your Cabal to be a part of this Chantry?"
James looks at Keene and frowns.
Jonah watches Keene, as if that were not the exact answer he was looking for. He speaks, to clarify, "Who is the leader of the Invisible College?"
"I am," says Keene.
Jonah nods, "And as the leader of the Invisible College, do you wish for your Cabal to be a part of this Chantry?"
Keene pauses for a moment, looking over at Compton. Then he returns his attention to Jonah. "Yes, we would like to be part of this Chantry." A simple, unambiguous answer. My God, the world will end.
Jonah blinks, looking up from his paper, where his pen still hovers, waiting. "Very well. And the members of your Chantry, please?"
Abel seems a bit surprised at Keene's response.
Rhiamon has partially disconnected.
Jet says, "Welcome aboard."
"The members of the Invisible College," says Keene, "are Jesse Truant, Penny Ante, Hiro Stace, Daisy Inscrutable, Eric Compton and myself, Steve Keene."
Jet says, "Are those all pseudonyms?"
Alyx resumes absently rolling her silver coin over her knuckles, barely watching it.
Abel stretches in his seat a bit, squeezing Jes's hand.
Aaron remains in place in the Gallery, still looking much like he's sleeping
"Stice," Compton corrects, ashes on the floor between his feet.
Jonah looks satisfied, now that the names come out. He notes them down on paper, briefly, and looks up once more. "Any other Cabals not mentioned? If not, we shall begin taking the names of those interested in being part of this Chantry who are not part of a Cabal."
Jesyca smiles up to Abel having been quiet for awhile, that or she may have done like she did the last time she was in one of these meetings. She casts a quick look towards Tal just to make sure.
Keene nods to Compton. "I always mess up his name," he mutters, then sits down once his turn has seemingly passed. He either didn't hear or isn't going to answer Jet's question.
Compton whispers to Keene, "How... charade?"
You whisper "How long do we have to keep up this charade?" to Keene.
Jonah glances up, to Compton. "Charade, Mr. Compton?"
Abel looks over at Compton as well.
Compton says overly loud "Yeah, CHARADES. We have a game scheduled with the local pre-school. We volunteer."
Rhiamon toys absently with Geero's new chain as she listens.
James waits quietly for things to move on.
Jonah frowns sharply, guesturing to Keene, "You asked Mr. Keene how long you had to keep up this charade."
Jonah asks, "What charade?"
Siomen smiles faintly and looks over, he wants to hear this"
This even gets aaron to sit up and take notice, "And they're all after me.....figures.."
Alex chuckles softly at Jonah's questioning of Compton, turning his head slightly in Compton's direction.
Kaze's gaze travels from the Magister to Compton and Keene now, as calm and unphaseable as ever, though he seems interested enough in the question.
Rhiamon holds up a hand, though listening..
Jesyca's green eyes drift up towards Abel and then towards the ground a moment fidgeting with her cloak quietly.
Compton shrugs it off "Look, I'm tired and I've got a cabal member slightly comatose back at our place. She needs me more than you so I've been feigning interest in being here for the sake of the group." He gets up from where he was sitting "May I be excused?"
Abel looks over at Compton's excuse to leave and quirks an eyebrow. Then turns to Tal.
Jonah watches Compton, unconvinced. In fact, he's not even moved since he caught the whispered conversation. "You will forgive me if I do not immediately believe you, Mr. Compton, however I will excuse you. I will speak with you at a later date concerning this issue."
Alex raises an eyebrow at Compton's explaination, doubt plain on his face.
Aaron watches this scene with some interest and arches a brow as Jonah excuses Compton, "Fuck me...", can barely be heard to pass his lips, followed by a soft laugh.
Keene sits back, a neutral expression on his face. He doesn't look over when Compton talks to him, nor does he show any particular response to Jonah's questioning. He puffs on his cigarette, adjusting his glasses. His gaze tracks from Jonah to Compton, where it sits for several seconds. He puffs on his cigarette, rolls his tongue inside of his mouth, and puffs a smoke ring over Compton's head. Then, after a languid moment, he moves his attention back to Jonah. He gets back up.
"Several members of my organization," he says, "dislike that I have chosen to align ourselves with this Chantry. They feel the security in the Chantry is questionable at best," and he looks at Aaron for a long moment before looking back to Jonah, "and that this Realm should be allowed to be destroyed. Fundamentally, they feel several aspects of this Chantry and its operations raise red flags, and that we should consider moving our operations elsewhere to avoid the seemingly inevitable wrath of the Technocracy."
"I," says Keene, "do not feel that way. I feel that under your guidance, Magister, conditions will improve. This Chantry will become safer and better for all of us, and ultimately we will be able to make real progress in the Ascension War. But this has been a hard sell for me to my cabal."
He gestures with his cigarette. "I lead not so much because of the consent of the governed, but because I am simply one of the few people left in the cabal who has faith in the ability of the Order of Hermes to lead us all to a better day. They wish no part of this Chantry -- I, however, have insisted upon it. I trust in your leadership, Magister. Please forgive my colleague's rudeness."
At that, he inclines his head respectfully, then awaits whatever judgement Jonah may pass.
A soft clatter, as Alyx's silver coin is flipped down onto the tabletop, spinning on it's edge before coming to -*+alt on one side. She examines it's fall and nods, scooping the coin up and tucking it back into it's place under the cuff of her gloves, looking then over towards Jonah.
Abel turns and frowns a bit when he hears Aaron, then turns back to Keene.
Siomen sniff softly "Perhaps you should pass the issue to your cabal then.. that if they feel this place has questionable security, then why do they not offer suggestions on improving it?"
Compton walks out, asiding to Jonah "Whatever, man. You wanna drop by? We're at the Holiday fuckin'Inn. Room One Seven Four. Keene," looks over his shoulder "Bring home some tp and a sixer. I'm out."
Jonah listens to Keene's momentary monologue, listening and interested in what the man has to say. He nods. "I understand the concerns of those in your Cabal, Mr. Keene, and agree with those concerns one hundred percent. Hence, I was sent here to fix those exact problems. This is what we are currently attempting to do."
You step back out to the main hall.
~Fin~
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