The Brass Quarter

[Existentially Odd]

Fred was nodding silently as Ben asked his first two questions but it switched to shaking his head at the second two.

"I can see why you'd think that but brand new fledgelings aren't common. It's usually the older vampires we're arresting - ten, twenty year olds - because they come down here trawling for tainted blood. They're old enough that the desperate thirst is gone and they can better appreciate the toxic stuff. They're looking for the effect, not sustenance, per se. Most of the time they buy the drugs on one block and go looking for someone they like the look of on the next, dragging them into an alley to get them to shoot up, smoke up or swallow pills before they drink their blood. Both of them are vulnerable at that stage, it usually turns into a damn mess that we have to clean up."

"There've been too many deaths from it to list. The vampires get excited and drink too early, spurred on by the bloodstream slowly getting more toxic and, without meaning to, they drain them dry, leaving us anonymous bodies and a tonne of paperwork to deal with, just because they can't keep their fangs in their mouths!" Charli chimed in with enthusiasm, keen to unload her exasperation on a new and sympathetic audience.

[Trillian]

Ben, initially feeling the positive vibes for Charli and negatives for Fred, was finding himself flipping in his attitude the more the two of them spoke. Oh, the female Warden was helpful and chatty, and he owed her for being there when he'd needed help at the Rabbit, but her end phrasing rubbed Ben entirely the wrong way.

vampires who can't keep their fangs in their mouths
men who can't keep their dicks in their pants

The similarity was too pervasive to ignore and he felt attacked on two fronts. He knew it was his own sensitivity and his awareness mostly tempered his reaction but it couldn't shut it down completely. He stared at her a little too long before shifting his focus to Fred.

"And you're taking the arrestees to Jake to deal with?" Ben asked, then wondered what Jake actually did with them. While he'd been staying with Jake, he didn't remember any prisoners being processed or dropped off at the Rabbit, so maybe they went somewhere else. The Oligarchy Chambers underground prison had been changed to server rooms and extra parking levels. Only the werewolf containment rooms had been kept, but there were always some vacancies during a full moon. He'd thought they'd found somewhere else while the Chambers had been closed, and simply not come back.

"Where do you take them after you arrest them?"

[Existentially Odd]

The Wardens exchanged a look at the question about whether they took the law breakers to Jake but they both nodded. Fred answered Ben's final question.

"We leave them with the District Leader's people and they decide what to do with them. We don't take them anywhere. District Law supersedes Ward Law," the older vampire answered smoothly.

"Usually we see them back on the streets the next night and they've been fined," Charli shrugged, her mouth twisting glumly. "It deters them, for a while, at least."

"And the District takes responsibility for any corpses or destruction incurred," Fred added.

Charli snorted. "Sometimes we spend hours guarding scenes, waiting for them to turn up so-" Charli cut off abruptly as Fred gave her a sharp look. She tried to smooth over the bump in her sentence as best she could. "So we get annoyed. Waiting is the worst part of our job." She pressed her lips together lightly.

[Trillian]

"Yeah, you see that's stupid. Ward Law should be the primary law and the District Leaders should support you, not the other way around," Ben said, his tone belying his passionate belief. "All that should change District to District is where you drop the felons off. So what about the murderers? Do they walk away with a fine the next night, too?"

He sounded as pissed as he felt. Really, he should've stayed calm to get more information out of them but he couldn't help it. Jake McCloud was more interested in the status than he was in the leading. And if he wasn't doing the punishing and it was his people, too bad, because he was ultimately responsible so their mistakes were his mistakes. Who the fuck delegated the hard stuff to other people anyway?

He could feel a Jake rant coming on, so he squashed it and listened.

[Existentially Odd]

The two Wardens exchanged glances again, their body language shifting to face Ben more directly as they instinctively reflected their shared beliefs back at him. Their Captain very much agreed with his viewpoint, too and they'd been hesitant to reveal just how much she encouraged them to display loyalty to the Ward before the districts.

"I've had three bodies," Charli began.

"I've had five. Two on my other beat before we lost our partners and got put together," Fred interrupted.

"Right," Charli agreed, nodding like she'd heard those stories before but hadn't thought about including them. She and Fred had ended up together after Owen and Tariq had gone to the Academy's security staff. "Owen and I only dealt with one corpse when we were together, the other two have been more recent," she explained, holding a hand out, palm up, towards Ben in an inviting gesture. "In each case, I don't honestly know what happened to the super that did it. Two out of the three cases I've had, we caught them right there and took them to the White Rabbit for processing but I don't know what happened after that. I haven't seen them on the streets since," she shrugged. "Truthfully, with a death? The focus from the DL's people is generally more about securing the scene, getting rid of the evidence and far less about prosecuting the murderer. That's how it feels, anyway."

"It doesn't sit right with our Captain," Fred hinted then closed his mouth firmly, like he'd said too much.

[Trillian]

That was a lot of bodies. Ben hadn't quite known how much to believe regarding the hype in the paper about the fae attacks, only two had been detailed while the others were casting allusions and he hadn't had any trouble at the Academy. And who needed Fae to get high when a mortal donor could just be encouraged to put shit in his blood first?

Securing the area so the supernatural secret didn't get out was a pretty high priority, but after the ridiculous show-trial that Jake had put on for Lazarus, it made for a stark contrast of no information about criminals being dumped on his lap from the Wardens.

"Yeah, but you don't know what happens to them and the way it's set up, it's not your place to ask, either," Ben said, sounding miserable about it. "If I get in, I'll be able to change it in this District, but not in the others. Fuck. I don't even think my alliances feel the same way I do about this." Ben stared at the werewolf tag while he thought about it. "Anyway, thanks for talking to me. I figured you're not supposed to so I never heard anything from you."

He didn't want them cold to him or worried that anything shared with him would put their jobs in jeopardy.

"Oh, before I leave you, was there anything that would make your jobs easier?"

[Existentially Odd]

"This district's the one that counts, though," Charli encouraged Ben with a beaming smile and a shrug. "It's the most populous, the most economically and socially diverse and has the biggest mix of supers by race. It's got bodies dropping occasionally, where the others are quiet. This district is the one that counts," she repeated for emphasis, feeling like it was a point worth stressing.

Ben would inherit the biggest headaches hands down if he was elected leader of Central but that would also mean he'd effect the greatest change. Charli thought his anger at the way things currently were boded very well for the district's future.

Fred and Charli looked at each other again upon Ben's final question, like they'd discussed such a thing many times before (more like bemoaned it) and weren't sure where to start with their list. Charli laughed a little before she began.

"Faster response times from district support crews when there's an incident."

"A paddy wagon, to lock offenders in while we deal with crime scenes, so we don't have to divide our teams with one taking the perp away and one staying behind," Fred intoned seriously.

"Having our role respected and not being made to feel like we're renegades who're just wearing the uniform so we have an excuse to use our powers against our fellow supes," Charli added churlishly but then smiled at Ben to lighten her message. "Other than that, we're good. Our utility belts are awesome as is."

[Trillian]

Ben nodded, thinking that the new mayor of the city had pretty much handed him the solution to faster response times amongst his many demands. Everything he'd asked for had been to the city's benefit, really, though he'd been a bit shirty during the meeting at times.

The request for a paddy wagon surprised Ben. He hadn't even considered the Wardens would want cars but it made sense that they needed to put people somewhere. It would have to be strong to hold strong criminals. Maybe get them an armoured truck? It would match the 'security' facade that the Wardens used.

"Alright, thanks!" Ben said, and debated whether or not to shake their hands. After a brief pause he offered, and then they went on their separate ways. Fred and Charli moving to the street Ben had just vacated while he continued down the alley into a street that was far narrower, dirtier, smellier and unwelcoming than the other two. This was the kind of street that reflected what people imagined when they thought of the Quarter. Less families being hard done by, more criminals setting up places to lay low.

He could feel it in the air; like being watched by more than just the groups of tough-looking men and women who were eye-balling him. He stood out in even his most casual clothes; jeans, sneakers, button-up cream shirt. He opened his mind to thoughts around him and found himself touching vile, murderous, hostile thoughts before he closed off again. This was not a safe place for anyone, not even him. It was surprising to him that Fred and Charli had even walked down here without being attacked. At the mouth of every side alley that led to the backs of buildings, he was offered drugs or sex or both, and just like the Wardens had mentioned, a few who recognised what he was had offered to get high before he drank from them. At those offers he looked at who they were. Mostly youths who'd maybe once been pretty but now looked hard-edged and filthy.

He kept walking, and after spying yet another werewolf graffiti icon on a dirty brick wall, he saw someone else walking the street on his side, moving towards him.

[Idrial]

These streets were filled with temptation, drug dealers, prostitutes, thieves, addicts, bite fanatics, and innocent souls desperate to do anything to escape their poverty-stricken life, more often than not turning to crime. Good people forced to make bad choices in desperation, with the hopes it will lead to something better. Caught in the tangled web of poverty which had plagued the Brazilian Quarters and its people for decades. Slum landlords didn't help either. This would be no overnight fix. Wealth, employment and protection could only provide a temporary patch to the problem. Maria was stunned, surprised and humbled by Jake's gesture. This project laid proudly on her shoulders gave her a boost of confidence Maria needed for the Central. Sam was right, Maria fussed about her performance far too much. The citizens of the Central thought Maria was a stern but patient Keeper, and now Maria hoped to earn the confidence of the Brazilian Quarter. A task easier said than done.

Maria's time in the Brazilian Quarter sadly reminded her of her homeland, broken and scattered souls trying to survive by whatever means possible. Making do with what little they had. A free clinic, a food bank and some other bare amenities we're accessible, but their pride was another problem. No one who is wanting to feel worth something is utilizing these programs, or "free handouts," as one bluntly put it last week. It was a state of mind, a refusal for help but there was a willingness to try, but on their terms. Stubbornness wasn't always a bad trait. Maria thought of a reward system at first, but that seemed childish for grown-ups. Another idea hit her later on in the day. A community program maybe? One that would involve the residents, give them the means and resources to rebuild their community in their image. For both humans and supernaturals in the know and not. In turn, it could help them utilize and master their skills, everyone had a nichè in life.

Even prostitutes had customer service skills if given the right guidance to fine-tune their techniques. It would provide an opportunity for Maria to set up scholarships, apprenticeships and help them start a business, once their pride had been healed. Perhaps they would be willing to accept a promise of a future a little easier, and not see it as a handout. Possibly call it... The Heritage Fund? It had a nice ring to it, a new name for a new start.

Her thoughts were cut short seeing Ben on the streets alone. Business no doubt. But he was alone and this concerned her greatly, this area was dangerous. Maria approached Ben with great care, politely dipping her head to the young vampire before coming to a stop a respectable distance from Ben. Dressed up in a blue and white tribal layered top with long sleeves, large, plain black wide-legged trousers and black flats completed her outfit. Her hair was draped over her left shoulder in a simple yaki style. A large black tote bag hung comfortably from her left arm filled with various tools and supplies.

"Mr. Samson. We have not had a proper introduction," extending her free hand to shake in a warm manner, "Pleased to meet you. I am Maria Adisa. Saltigue, healer and the current Keeper for the Central." Maria stated calmly. A polite grin lit up her face.

[Trillian]

As soon as he saw her walking along the street in his direction, he recognised her. Ben couldn't place where from and he stared at her, knowing from her clothing that she didn't belong here. Even wearing jeans (too crisp) and a button-down shirt (too tailored) with sneakers (too new and clean) was enough to let the locals know that he wasn't from the quarter. He knew about living paycheck to paycheck and he'd been too proud to accept Kerr's money even though he'd become his sire. He remembered it but he'd lost touch with it; he wanted for nothing, now. Money was just a convenience, now. He no longer had opinions about spending it.

She'd held his gaze during the walk that brought them together. He knew she was going to slow when they came within speaking distance and very naturally they both stopped facing one another, as though they'd agreed to meet here, in the middle of this nondescript street. She addressed him by name and then put him out of his misery by stating that they hadn't been introduced. Okay, so he hadn't forgotten her name. Good job. He reached out to shake her hand, wavering ever so slightly when she completed her statement

what the fuck is a saltigue?
will have to google that later
keeper for the central she said
so she's one of Jake's

and he finally remembered where he'd seen her before. The trial. He gripped her hand with careful strength and shook it, thinking that her hand had lovely, long elegant fingers, before he pocketed his hands away, so that he wouldn't fidget when speaking to her. He was immediately on guard because she was one of Jake's people, and high up in the ranks too, if she was a Keeper. Again, Ben was reminded that Jake McCloud was not a true Anarch. He might've stopped calling himself the Black Prince, but he was still surrounding himself with the Camarilla setup. Keeper. Sheriff. Harpy.

A light went on in his head and the shock raced through his body, electrifying it. He wouldn't be able to hide that something had happened while Maria was staring at him. The physical reaction had been too obvious; it was like he'd been zapped by something.

"Excuse me, sorry. Um, Maria, yes, I remember you from the trial," he said, speaking softly because he always did when bringing up the trial. Even so, the burning hatred he had for Lazarus was muted now. So much had happened since then. How long ago had it been? Immortality was going to be crazy if a few months could feel like this. "What brings you to the Quarter?"

He suspected she was doing the same thing he was; inspecting, patrolling, taking mental notes. Maybe more than just mental, she had a bag with her. He'd just typed a few things into his phone.

[Idrial]

Chaos, hate, shame and hurt. Their brief handshake had given Maria a deeper understanding of Ben's well being, and behind that intense, confident stare of iridescent white blue eyes stood a young vampire full of turmoil. She briefly studied Ben's physical reaction, almost like being stung by a bee, abrupt and quite obvious. It didn't take the Tom Hardy Boys to tell her what that was all about, and Maria nodded her head slightly with regret. A shame that was where Ben remembered her from but Maria was pleased he recalled her at all.

"I am here to check up on several people in the area. The graffiti is another intriguing issue," her eyes scanning the filthy looking brick wall for a brief moment before returning her attention to Ben again.

"It appears to have caught your interest as well. Would you be comfortable sharing your thoughts with me?" Maria had heard from Sam that Ben is a bright and perceptive vampire in her class. Then again, Ben might not be comfortable with Maria to share what he speculated the graffiti tag was all about.

[Trillian]

After looking at him with warmth and interest, she turned her head to the closest building where yet another graffiti tag could be seen - the third one he'd come across, this one older and more faded, like it had been the first territory claimed - and remarked on it.

"Looks like a wolf. Could be weres, could be shifters," he surmised, then shrugged. He was telling her nothing she couldn't have already guessed. He'd believed the circle around it all was the moon but he could be wrong - it could've just as easily been a triangle, maybe. "What about you? Seen or heard anything about it? This is my first time in the Quarter," he admitted. If she'd been coming here more often, she was bound to know more than he did.

[Idrial]

That explained why Ben was alone in this dangerous part of the Brazilian Quarters, pleased that he was willing to convey his opinion on the matter, "The first tag showed up a few months ago and like you I thought it was a simple were or shifter tag. Nothing more," then her lips pulled together in a slight frown.

"Now I worry it could also be a warning since a fresh one appeared again," she hoped that was not the case but it was something that could not be ruled out.

"Has anyone in this particular subdivision displayed any violent tendencies towards you, Mr. Samson?" Ben looked fine, his clothes crisp and clean. However, if something happened to him Sam would be stark raving mad if her friend got hurt, and Maria would feel incredibly ashamed.

[Trillian]

Ben nodded slowly when she spoke of a fresh tag on the walls. The hot pink one two streets over had looked the freshest, and they seemed to be tagging the alleys, not the outer walls. Did that mean specific territory was being taken or that it was easier to tag alleys just because it was more hidden away in the shadows?

"No, nobody's bothered me," he replied before changing the subject back to the vandalism. "That's the third one I've seen tonight but I've been going up and down the streets, and I haven't looked in every alley. The Wardens don't know anything about them either," he shared. Then, because it was relevant: "Does Jake have any of his people here patrolling? Or is it just you?"

She looked like she could handle herself, much like he could - well, against humans anyway. Ben didn't fancy going up against an angry werewolf, or a whole gang of them. He didn't know anything about Maria other than what she'd told him but she smelled funky in a way that reminded him vaguely of Sabrina. Not that he would ever mention to a sophisticated looking woman that she had funky smell.

[Idrial]

Maria kept a calm presence in front of Ben and gave him a polite nod. She was relieved no one had threatened harm against him, "Some alleys you should not walk unaccompanied," Maria cautioned Ben but addressing him in a caring tone. "Yes we do have people patrolling all over the Quarters, alongside the Wardens but their patrol routes don't always cross each other. You can't always see our agents either," Ben would have known about the ability Obfuscate from Sam's class.

"Once my own priorities and objectives are completed I lend a helping hand to our security force and the Wardens if they need it. Charli and Fred are on tonight for the Wardens. Manuel, Riley and Ami are on tonight for our security," Maria always took the extra mile to know the names of the Wardens on patrol for the night, finding it created a positive response from the Wardens.