Messages

1

The White Rabbit / Re: The Dark One

« on: December 06, 2013, 10:40:06 AM »

Conner nodded his approval. He was intimately acquainted with a particularly sadistic form of punishment, two centuries of it, and until it had ended the final death had seemed so enticing.

Not that the structure of the command he'd been given allowed for suicide.

"You may call us Leader" he gestured toward Jake "and Director." He indicated himself, staring directly at Mitchelletto with icy detachment. His posture was rigid, formal, but not tense. Brusquely, he stepped back and, at total odds with his body language, pulled out and lit a cigarette. Herbal scented smoke drifted up, not mixed with the pungent musk of tobacco. "I thought you might appreciate your cell not smelling like cigarettes," he told Jake around the herbal cigarette, puffing up a small cloud of rose-and-mint scented smoke. "Did you know they sell these in herbal?"

Directing his attention back to the captive Mitchelletto, he went stony again. "We'll begin with a list of all your victims in the city's jurisdiction area. Names if you have them, descriptions if you don't. You will comply with this, or I'll do this again. It's a remarkably efficient technique."

Clearing his mind, he gathered up the memories of pain and suffering, injury and torment that gibbered in a psychic cyclone of agonizing madness around the island of sanity in his mind and rammed it through Mitchelletto's shields like a battering ram directly into the vampire's psyche. As he made contact, he immediately began adding anything painful he could find in Mitchelleto's psyche that he could add to it, building on the spike of searing agony and fueling it with magic. After several seconds, he stopped.

"The list now."

2

The White Rabbit / Re: The Dark One

« on: December 04, 2013, 07:10:13 PM »

"Are we going to kill him whether he cooperates or not, or are we going to give him a chance to alter his punishment if he answers our questions?" he asked distractedly, staring at the vampire in surprise. Jake was a good fighter, and he had some nasty tricks, but for him to have captured an Assamite diablerist of this caliber was an accomplishment. Blood magic and the corruption of having consumed other vampires was dominant in his aura, almost to the point of obscuring his clan's signatures.

"We can probably find all the information we need without his help," he added pragmatically, putting a hand on his knife and scowling at Mitchelleto in disgust. He didn't like Assamites more than the other Sabbat clans, but he did respect them a great deal more. Letting this one go would be a mistake.

3

The White Rabbit / Re: The Dark One

« on: November 27, 2013, 11:20:17 PM »

"Ready," Conner replied smoothly, stepping forward away from the wall where he'd been leaning. He twitched his battered old leather jacket straight and walked silently and sullenly after Jake, following his lead. He hadn't been in the office tonight, so he wasn't wearing his usual militant flavor of business casual. Just jeans, a black tshirt, a comfortable older pair of combat boots, and his beaten to hell leather jacket with too many pockets. His hair wasn't even styled, just sort of flattened with his hands despite having to fend off Bryant's attempted assault with gel and a brush.

The Scottish dirk on his left hip had made that conversation much shorter.

He wasn't happy with Jake. Right now, he'd like to pin the district leader to the wall and have a chat with him about Scott. The silence from Sacrementum after the fiasco at Venture wasn't helping things either. Things were just wrong and bad. Very little trust to be had these days, and now that he knew what it was like to trust again, Conner hated not being able to.

"Anything special I should know that wasn't in the briefing?" he asked quietly, just before they were ready to go in. "I brought something that might help if his powers are too out of control, but I'd rather not use it."

4

† OUT OF THE CITY † / Re: Kerr's Return

« on: October 30, 2013, 09:12:29 AM »

Hesiod's eyes narrowed slightly before he managed to erase the tell from his expression. He'd have to dance carefully; too much lie would create a treacherous foundation for future interactions. Too much truth and Galvin would be aware of more than was wise at this point.

"I represent myself in this matter. There are issues that the disruption of your government have unearthed that impact my interests. It's to the benefit of my bloodline and holdings to ensure a return to the former status quo, or something resembling."

He smiled sympathetically, showing just a glint of teeth. "Getting back on your feet after an absence is always such a bother. Let's get you sorted so we can resolve our mutual problems, shall we? For the time being, do you have any immediate needs? I can arrange transport for us in short order, as such things go."

He hoped Galvin wouldn't ask for a phone. Premature contact with his offspring or old government officials could seriously disrupt his plans.

5

† OUT OF THE CITY † / Re: Kerr's Return

« on: October 13, 2013, 06:33:44 PM »

"One and a half years, approximately. My name is Hesiod. Your disappearance caused something of a curiosity, and those of us who are more educated than most found that to be of interest."

Hesiod was accustomed to lying, and he did it smoothly. The reason he was there is because Connall had practically invaded the hotel, devoting critical resources when he should have been consolidating his position. He tilted his head forward slightly, taking note of Galvin's aura and what he could glean from him without intruding. It didn't appear to be any psychic shock from whatever magic had been used, which indicated that he was in shock from something else.

"You weren't aware of the passing of time, I take it? Come, let's go to my room and discuss it further there. Unless you'd rather leave for your home immediately?"

Prying eyes were bound to be all over the place in very short order, and that would be inconvenient at the least. The faster they moved, the better.

6

† OUT OF THE CITY † / Re: Kerr's Return

« on: September 29, 2013, 09:54:45 PM »

Hesiod had been waiting. Not alone, definitely not alone. Not for this long. He'd only found out the details six months ago, but he'd taken it upon himself to keep watch on the hotel where the Luminary of the Oligarchy had vanished so mysteriously. The screams had alerted him at first; he was lucky that he'd been on watch instead of one of his subordinates. The Domination he'd felt had been smooth and quick, not the hurried action of a panicked vampire, but the reflexive action of an experienced manipulator. One of the chantry apprentices would never have felt it.

He didn't bother concealing his presence as he exited his room across the hall and followed Galvin to the front desk, looking casual as best he could, as though he were trying to figure out what was wrong with the apparently inebriated man in front of him. Connall had not only surfaced, somehow, after centuries thought driven underground, but he'd managed to break his compulsion and ensconce himself as the effective baron of a formidable territory. Removing him by brute force was no longer an option, but Galvin could be a key. He had potential.

A touch of very light Domination on the human at the desk smoothed over her immediate alarm and kept her from alerting the authorities. That would be problematic. He knew that Conall's people, the Ward, were watching this place like hawks.

He stood back as Galvin started laughing hysterically, taking quick stock of the situation. Hesiod was presentable and modern, unlike most of his clan. Black wingtips and a tailored black wool business suit fit into the environment perfectly well. Hesiod was handsome, but hardly the ideal of modern tastes. He didn't quite stand at a full five feet and ten inches, and sported a neatly trimmed beard of golden-brown shot with streaks of silver. He was powerfully built, but not exceptionally lean. His hard gray eyes were shadowed by a heavy brow, and the pallor of undeath clashed with the olive-tan of his Greek heritage. Handsome, powerful, intense - but not young. He'd been near early middle age when he had been Embraced, and appeared to be a well aged thirty five by modern standards. Galvin should be able to recognize another vampire, but hopefully wouldn't be able to distinguish Clan, and the only part of Hesiod's appearance that betrayed his heritage was the gold ring on his right index finger with the symbol of Clan Tremere. Information on Galvin's specific abilities, such as Auspex, had been virtually nonexistent, in no small part because of the original problem that was Connall Iessan.

An alliance would be preferable - they could negotiate for Connall's head later. Galvin's bloodline bowed to their elders, and he would use that in his favor heavily, if he had enough decades on his side of the balance.

"Kerr Galvin," he said, sharply, forcefully in Gaelic, as he strode up behind the cackling vampire. "You must stop this foolishness at once. Come with me. I am here in anticipation of your arrival and my patience is growing thin."

He kept his eyes cold and hard, waiting to make eye contact when, he felt sure, his quarry would turn to see who had just spoken to him so.

7

1710 Patterson Cove Lane / Re: The I-Bomb

« on: June 20, 2013, 12:46:37 AM »

"Thanks," Conner replied with a small smile. "I guess it might be a little.... threatening, now that you mention it." Why the hell didn't he realize that he'd basically decked himself out in tactical gear before walking out the door? Not paying enough attention. Hell. Not really used to leaving the building, come to think of it. The drawback of literally living at work. "I could, but I don't usually run into trouble. People tend to think I'm human, and young, and that everything's some kind of prop. I get asked what game I play a lot. Usually I only have to use domination on police when I hit triple digits on the motorcycle, doing something for business."

He paused, taking in the house as they walked even though Ben wasn't pointing anything out yet. "This place is.... big," he observed, obviously somewhat impressed. "Maybe you should set up an armory in a guest bedroom or something. You know, in case you ever need some accessories."

Accessories? What the fuck is.... maybe he'll think it's a joke. Was I joking? Uhg.

8

1710 Patterson Cove Lane / Re: The I-Bomb

« on: May 29, 2013, 11:17:40 PM »

Conner glanced at his belt, considering. He didn't usually think about why he wore what he did, or carried certain items. It was thoughtless, almost reflexive. Two daggers, a canister of pepper spray, several small silver spikes that more closely resembled large nails, and a couple of small ammunition pouches that held a few objects he could use to his advantage against certain varieties of supernaturals. He followed Ben's lead as he considered why he carried the things he did.

Then why he didn't think about why he carried such things.

"I carry anything I think I might need depending on how I feel," he admitted. "I don't give it much thought. During my exile, I never had to explain to anyone why I did anything. Why I looked a certain way, dressed a certain way. Any sentient being I encountered, I killed or fled. Appearances don't matter much in those circumstances, and I spent a long time doing that. It took me a few years time before I started paying attention to dressing presentably again, and longer than that to care about my appearance. Scott used to help me from making mistakes, but Bryant doesn't give me as much feedback. Or too much."

The end of his explanation took a distinctly bitter tone, one edged with promises of pain for someone, when he mentioned Scott's name.

9

1710 Patterson Cove Lane / Re: The I-Bomb

« on: May 22, 2013, 11:45:35 PM »

Conner blinked, not sure how to take the change of subject, but he decided to take it as agreement. Partially because it was convenient to do so, partially because it seemed like Ben was actually willing to cooperate. He felt like he was, anyway.

"I planned on being out of the office for a while, actually," he replied after a slightly disoriented pause. "Needed time to relax a bit, before I threw someone out a window. I'd like to see it, since you're offering."

Something that didn't cause stress, involve dealing with Bryant's unpredictable needs, or a tedious rainforest's worth of paperwork would be welcome. What it was specifically didn't matter, and a tour sounded pleasant enough. He finished off his glass and placed it manually on the table again, then rose to his feet.

"At your leisure," he invited, settling his knives and equipment to more comfortable angles on his belt.

10

1710 Patterson Cove Lane / Re: The I-Bomb

« on: May 17, 2013, 03:59:13 AM »

A list of possible candidates - some less likely than others, but he was willing to take long shots at this point - was indeed available in Conner's mind, but he didn't have their contact information memorized. Some would have to be approached very carefully.

He brought the glass floating steadily back to his hand and took a drink before speaking, staring off into space as he thought. Would Ben be able to approach all of these individuals? Yes, with the backing of the Ward, he would. Whether or not he'd be able to convince them was another matter, but he had the advantage of being Kerr's progeny on his side and his bloodline's natural submissiveness to elders would serve him well. Provided he was escorted by guards. Which he would be.

Conner would just have to call it an entourage. Hell. What was being a politician doing to him? That thought never would have occurred to him four years ago. He grimaced at the idea, but held onto it as being useful.

"I'll provide you with the relevant information from their dossiers if you'll come by my office," he finally said. "Their qualifications, their background, et cetera. Also, the compensation we're willing to offer for their services. It's not as good as the Oligarch pay was, but we're a smaller organization" with a percentage of their resources "and the scope of responsibility is more limited."

"If you'd like, I can have someone pull up files on potential instructors, as well," he offered, looking helpful and guileless.

11

1710 Patterson Cove Lane / Re: The I-Bomb

« on: May 08, 2013, 12:06:11 AM »

"They weren't supposed to know me though," he retorted, eyeing Ben as he spoke. "I know everyone. Including what and who they ate. I have files on who they spent their free time with, too. Where they slept. What they drove. What I do not have," and he leaned forward slightly for emphasis "is even the slightest goodwill from them. Remember it was my job to violate their privacy as much as possible. Nobody likes that. They're more likely to appreciate a young vampire with good bloodlines who shows that he's growing up."

He glowered sideways at Ben for a moment, then leaned back in his seat, placing his glass back on the table with psychokinesis rather than leaning forward to do so. It was little things like this that kept him advancing, and he was aware of it. The only reason he had the level of power he did was two hundred years of brute force training; he didn't want to lose that edge. With that thought running through the back of his mind, he spun the blood idly in the cup as he spoke.

"One class is too small, I think," he said flatly. "I don't think it'll get any attention, unless it's in a specialty field. Well," he paused. "Huh. I hadn't thought about it. There are a.... a LOT of very young vampires in this city without sires watching over them."

Thank whoever for Loraine and her population statistics.

"Did you have anyone in mind as the instructor?"

12

1710 Patterson Cove Lane / Re: The I-Bomb

« on: May 06, 2013, 12:12:06 AM »

Conner pondered this with unrestrained ambivalence. There was no precedent that he knew of for a supernatural school with anything like a classroom setting, and although he'd been out of the loop for a couple of centuries, he doubted he'd missed something like that. He'd been hoping that Ben would know more about how to manage the whole project than he did, but he guessed he'd been wrong now. Conner knew logistics, even if he didn't know modern academia. If they looked for students and teachers at the same time, who knew what ratio they'd end up with? Probably not the right one, whatever that was.

Then came the questions of the species, disciplines, sub-disciplines, and the complications of all that. Magic and telepathy were different fields, as were telekinesis as most beings used it and then there were the innate talents of certain species. How to organize that body of information seemed a monumental feat, and very few people possessed the scope of education to approach the task. He could, given the time - that was why he and Ben could make the attempt - but he didn't have the time to do it while running all aspects of the Ward.

"I need you to help me fill the Director positions at the Ward," he announced bluntly, having arrived at a suitable conclusion in his own mind, and he spoke with firm conviction. "You know everyone. I can't keep doing four jobs anyway, and certainly not while working on the Academy. It doesn't really matter if they don't like you, I'm sure you know someone I can at least call. Then I can devote some of the free time I gain to sorting out some of the academia for the curriculum structure. You don't seem to grasp how broad the fields involved are. They're staggering, so you know."

He took a sip of his cooling blood when he finished speaking and waited for Ben to agree so that they could move on.

13

1710 Patterson Cove Lane / Re: The I-Bomb

« on: April 30, 2013, 12:09:34 AM »

Conner's mind shuffled the information around, processing Ben's tentative acceptance and how it would influence the group's abilities. He knew from personal experience that certain things could be performed relatively easily by even young vampires, with proper instruction. He pulled one of his business cards and a short pencil from his pocket, scribbled a name and a number on it, and fiddled with it between his fingers.

"This is Loraine's number. She helps me with.... well, pretty much everything at the Ward. She's functionally the second in command right now. Call her to set up the details, she'll see to it that everything gets sorted out if you want to join the team. That's team four, for reference." The other teams call them Nitro, for nitroglycerine, behind their backs but he'll find that out soon enough.

On the matter of Ben's rather ambitious six month schedule for the Academy, he frowned pensively. Acquiring a library was a big leap. Establishing a curriculum would be another. The matter of finding instructors was sticky at best, despite the generous funding Ben was providing. Advertising for students would take six months at the very least unless they just started pulling fledglings, and with them their sires, off the streets. Things would have to be shuffled at Haven Crest; he couldn't know what Jonathon would make of this, he'd only mentioned it in passing. He scribbled another number and a name underneath the first.

"Six months is fast. I don't know if that's possible, but if you want to push hard it's just optimistic. The second number is Jonathon's office number. He owns the Haven Crest building and a few other properties. We'll have to arrange for space and facilities with him in order to have the Academy at Haven Crest. With the Ward there too, it might be a little hectic, but I'm sure it will work. If we crowd out the mortal businesses there, that would be fine with me. They're an impedance. So, tell me what you've got put together on your end so far."

14

1710 Patterson Cove Lane / Re: The I-Bomb

« on: April 27, 2013, 11:55:28 AM »

"As I recall, mostly they do maintenance on standing enchantments. Keep the security net around the building charged, dispel cursed things that cause trouble in the city. They're one of the more fractious teams, but they do good work. I'd have to double check on the specifics, things get moved around a lot when I leave the building for a night."

By fractious, Conner meant that the vampire half didn't like working with the fae half and the feeling was mutual. There was a reason most of the teams were species segregated. Their magics mixed in interesting ways and worked well, so he kept them together and on a short leash. In the Ward, though, all assignments were effectively temporary. Things were still too unsettled. Ben might be able to calm down the volatile mix of races in that team, though. He'd seen students have that effect before.

In another century, but still. It might work.

Leaning forward, he spread his hands. "I can ask Loraine if she knows of anything else, but that's all I know of right off hand. I don't want to put you in the field, of course. You're too well known anyway, so it's not really an option."

15

1710 Patterson Cove Lane / Re: The I-Bomb

« on: April 27, 2013, 11:20:57 AM »

Conner mulled this over, settling his glass back on the table and leaning back into his seat. He couldn't offer Ben one of the still vacant Directorships, partially because he didn't have the experience and partially because he hadn't proven himself after the Mimic Demon debacle. The envoy position was something Ben was uniquely qualified for, even if he didn't want to do it. If he didn't want it, though, there probably wasn't much point in pushing. He eyed Ben speculatively.

Some of the positions he wouldn't be qualified for; others would be so low as to be insulting. Ben didn't need the money, he wanted something to do with himself, or else he wouldn't be interested at all. Conner mentally flipped through the options in his mind, trying to find something suitable, his face creasing into a mask of concentration as he worried at the idea. What did he know about Ben? He'd read his file, even helped compile it during the days of the Oligarchy when Kerr had asked for increased internal surveillance.

"One of the magic teams is a man short," he offered tentatively. "You're young, it would be easier for you to learn the skills than an older candidate. The training would be intense, hours would probably be long because you'd be learning on the job. Pay isn't anything to get excited over, but I doubt you care about the money."

Fifteen million!

"You'd be able to learn a lot, though, if you like."