A meeting with the War Duchess (François/Jake/Leo, pre-dawn Wed. 4/4/07)

[Detritus]

Another scene that starts off with a cast of thousands:

NPCs present
Toreador - Anneke, Dee Dee, Radeyah
Gangrel - Wynn, Roman, Camille
Brujah - Uma, Yuri, Antoinette
Tremere - Muaziz, Sabine, Sarah, Thomas, Merill

A map of relevant locations is given below. The point marked "A" is the address that Jake dug up in his investigation of Mr. Johnson's machine upstairs. The meeting with the Garou kinfolk will occur near the Sculpture Garden just in the southern end of the New Orleans City Park. The scene's dialog will begin in the next post.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t126/tkrenbarger/3203_st_ann_street.jpg

[Detritus]

You've convened in the mansion parlor once again. People start trickling in around 4 am, and by quarter after Anneke brings the meeting to order. Sabine, Camille, and Radeyah spend a few minutes speaking with each other before everyone starts to segregate themselves by clan.

Once the rearranging is done, Leo is by himself, furthest from the parlor doorway, then the Gangrel, Brujah, Toreador, and Tremere in that order. The lone exception to this arrangement is Dee Dee. The Sheriff stands nearest to the doorway, looking very much like a bailiff. She faces nearly perpendicular to everyone else in the room, and looks down the line of all of you who face Anneke where she stands at the head of the room.

Some tension hangs in the air, but Anneke begins the meeting without reference to events earlier in the night, or to those who are absent from the assembled Kindred.

"All right, there's still a lot to do before sunrise, so let's keep this as brief as we can. There are two main orders of business -- arranging backup for the meeting with the Garou agent, and learning what we can of Mr. Johnson's contacts in the city in the wake of his demise.

"Why don't we start with the backup. Those of us presently in the room form the pool of candidates to choose from. It'll be Roman, Wynn, François, and Leo going to attend the meeting, but unarmed. A wise precaution, I would say, and also wise to have armed reserves nearby. Whom would you like to have backing you up?"

[Brother Brian]

Francois speaks firmly. "I would have my clan at my back, should the Sabbat bring trouble. Yuri, Antoinette, and Uma. Perhaps one of the Gangrel clan would be assistive in scouting.

[Detritus]

Anneke looks to Camille, who says, "I could do it myself. Zack might be a better choice, but I'm not sure where he is right now." She frowns for a moment and then says, "There are cemeteries to either side of City Park. One person can't watch both sides at once."

"That's where the meeting is, the City Park?"

"We'll be meeting near the Sculpture Garden in City Park, yes," says Roman. "5 am sharp."

"Hmm, that suggests two patrols in addition to the reserve force," replies Anneke. "You two," she says, indicating Sabine and Radeyah, "I think you'll need to be part of the patrols. If you could track down one of your siblings, that would be nice," she says to Radeyah.

"I'll see if I can find Ramiel."

"I'm surprised he isn't back yet," says Dee Dee. "How much time can it take to set the search for Mr. Johnson's contact in motion?"

"That's what he's doing?" asks Radeyah. "Mr. Johnson didn't share much with us along those lines. It could take time, more than a few hours' worth, assuming he didn't just give up after five minutes."

"What about that computer upstairs?" Dee Dee asks.

"Wait, wait," says Anneke. "Let's figure out who's going to be in the field before we get to that. You," she says to Muaziz, "I think you should be in the field with those three. One Tremere with each patrol."

"Very well," says Muaziz, "what's my assignment?"

Anneke gives the four women an appraising look, and then says, "Camille, you'll be with Muaziz."

"There's a lot more ground to cover west of the park, if we're worried about encountering fresh Sabbat recruits," Radeyah says.

"Maybe the reserves should be stationed west of the park, then," replies Anneke. "Where would that put you?" The other Brujah talk amongst themselves briefly before Uma answers.

"There's Delgado Community College, basically right between the park and those cemeteries. We can probably find a greasy spoon nearby that serves breakfast to hang out in." Anneke gives Uma a considering look for a moment before replying.

"OK, good, that will be the plan, then. I'll leave it to the patrollers as to who covers which side of the area around the park."

"What about their weapons?" Uma asks, indicating those of you going to the meeting. "We should have them with us, in case hostilities do break out."

"Is that OK with you?" Anneke asks you.

[Brother Brian]

"Indeed Uma", Francois says, "I would indeed ask you to carry my sword for me, so to speak. I would suggest that each of us in the meeting have a second among our backup to have our personal gear within reach."

[Huxley]

"Indeed Uma", Francois says, "I would indeed ask you to carry my sword for me, so to speak. I would suggest that each of us in the meeting have a second among our backup to have our personal gear within reach."

"If we are going to hand our weapons over, I fail to see the goal of bringing more along with us"

Leo reaches into his hoody pocket and pulls out the pistol he was given, reaching to give it to Uma.

[Detritus]

"If we are going to hand our weapons over, I fail to see the goal of bringing more along with us"

Leo reaches into his hoody pocket and pulls out the pistol he was given, reaching to give it to Uma.
"If you can regroup in the event of a Sabbat attack, you can get your weapons back," replies Anneke. "But under no circumstances are any Kindred on our side to approach any agent of the Garou while armed, unless an attack occurs."

Uma hands Leo's weapon to Yuri. Roman hands over a pistol to Antoinette. Wynn holds up empty hands and shrugs as this goes on.

"Ah, that's right," Anneke says. "You like using your own natural weapons. If fighting does break out, you could do a lot worse than remaining near Wynn," she says to Leo.

"We should probably set up communications," Dee Dee says.

"Yes, but in a moment," Anneke replies. "Now that we have established the company for the meeting with Roman's contact, we should figure out whether the investigations into Mr. Johnson's contacts will require any field operations." Led by Anneke, all eyes turn to Jake.

[Chimaera]

Jake nods acknowledgement, then steps forward, holding a file-folder.

"I was able to gain access to Mr. Johnson's computer and find the relevant files. I've printed out the contact list [he gestures with the file folder]. I was also able to determine that the Prince's machine was under some form of surveillance. While the computer wasn't being actively monitored on the network, there was a hidden keystroke-logger on it, one set to periodically send out it's reports to a specific computer off-site."

"I isolated the computer before diving in. I also cleaned all traces (I hope) of my activity and left it as I found it, connected to the network again. I cloned the drive, so we can examine it again at our leisure. I'm reasonably certain that my work will be undetectable, but that shouldn't be taken for granted. I also managed to get the address of the off-site computer that the key-stroke logger reports to. As I see it, we have two broad possibilities: Mr. Johnson's security had been breached by some third party or his personal security measures included such an off-site monitoring set-up."

"In any event, I have the location; It seems to me that we should at least check it out. If it is your will, I can go there with some complement of pointy and punchy folks to determine who or what the Mr. Johnson's computer is reporting to. Also, while I don't think we should panic and take all computers off the network, but I think there should be a security sweep of all computers on the local network and perhaps of all relevant kindred computers."

[Detritus]

((I'm going to assume that you also included the address somewhere in Jake's report.))

Anneke takes the dossier from Jake and lowers her shades. The parlor's light glitters in her glass eye as she reads. For a short time the only sound in the room is of Anneke flipping through the pages.

"It seems Mr. Johnson had a firm grasp on the New Orleans police department," Anneke says as she hands the folder to Dee Dee. Sabine comes over to read with the Sheriff. "Nicely done," Anneke says to Jake.

"St. Ann Street, that's in Mid-City," Sabine says. "Not too far from the meeting with Roman's contact."

"I think I should be one of the ones to go," Dee Dee says.

"Agreed," replies Anneke. "I believe we can also spare Sarah for this one. Radeyah, contact Ramiel and tell him we've found the needed files. Jake, you'll see to isolating the other computers in the building before you leave. If there are any."

"I think the field team is set now," Dee Dee says, "what about communications?"

"You'll be bringing the dagger with you?"

"Of course."

"In that case, you'll be able to communicate with François and Leo. I'll link with you." Anneke looks around the room and says, "I'll need contact with one of the locals from each other group. Camille. Sabine. Roman. Uma."

"No," replies Uma. Anneke's jaw tightens for a moment before she turns to François. She makes interlinked circles with her thumbs and forefingers and pulls on them.

[Chimaera]

<OOC>Jake includes the address in the written report, but didn't speak it aloud, not being sure about relative needs-to-know and such</OOC>

Jake raises his hand.

"Uhm, if I may?"

"About isolating any other computers -- I think that perhaps that should wait until we've determined the nature of the situation. If other computers are being monitored, isolating them now is likely closing the barn-door after the horse has bolted already; if security has been compromised, well, it's been compromised. The up-side of slamming the door now is minimal. On the other hand, the potential down-side includes alerting whomever is picking our pockets that we're on to them. I suggest that we don't interfere with any other machines until after we've made the off-site visit."

[Detritus]

((This little exchange will occur before Anneke starts calling off names to be part of the communication mental link-up. You'll be able to leave once the link has been established.))

<OOC>Jake includes the address in the written report, but didn't speak it aloud, not being sure about relative needs-to-know and such</OOC>

Jake raises his hand.

"Uhm, if I may?"

"About isolating any other computers -- I think that perhaps that should wait until we've determined the nature of the situation. If other computers are being monitored, isolating them now is likely closing the barn-door after the horse has bolted already; if security has been compromised, well, it's been compromised. The up-side of slamming the door now is minimal. On the other hand, the potential down-side includes alerting whomever is picking our pockets that we're on to them. I suggest that we don't interfere with any other machines until after we've made the off-site visit."
"All right, we'll do it that way," replies Anneke.

[Brother Brian]

Francois gives Anneke a quizzical look. "I'm sorry; I am unfamiliar with the hand gesture you're making." He puts on an abashed pose, "I guess I'm just to old world to keep up."

Turning to Uma, he asks in a very quiet voice, "Why the resistance? Is there something I need to know?"

[Detritus]

"I don't want her inside my head," Uma says.

"That's not how it works," says Dee Dee. "It isn't mind reading, at least, if that's what you're worried about. It is telepathic communication, but you still have to actively think what you speak." Despite the Sheriff's words, Uma's reluctance is still obvious.

"I need contact with each group," says Anneke.

"Maybe I should be the one to be in contact with the Brujah," replies Dee Dee. "You don't have to take my word for it," she says to Uma. "I can show you."

Uma studies her feet for a moment, and then gives François a querying look.

[Brother Brian]

"I don't want her inside my head," Uma says.

"That's not how it works," says Dee Dee. "It isn't mind reading, at least, if that's what you're worried about. It is telepathic communication, but you still have to actively think what you speak." Despite the Sheriff's words, Uma's reluctance is still obvious.

"I need contact with each group," says Anneke.

"Maybe I should be the one to be in contact with the Brujah," replies Dee Dee. "You don't have to take my word for it," she says to Uma. "I can show you."

Uma studies her feet for a moment, and then gives François a querying look.

Francois tone is calm, reassuring.

"I'll not force you to do this Uma. You have the right to decide this for yourself, and I would not take it from you. I would prefer you to lead the Brujah in my abscence, but should you not be comfortable, I can certainly ask another."

[Detritus]

"I'll do it," Uma finally says, "but with her." She points at Dee Dee. A hint of a smirk appears on Anneke's face.

"As you wish," she says. "Sheriff, will you form your link with Uma? The rest of you, please come with me."

Anneke moves deeper into the parlor and sits on the floor, and appears to begin meditating. Dee Dee likewise comes a little more into the room and then sits.

"Please sit down, Uma," Dee Dee says in an encouraging voice. "I'll need a little time to relax and concentrate, and then we join hands, and then it's done." Uma does as requested and Dee Dee closes her eyes once Uma is seated. Those that Anneke will be linking with start to sit down around her, and there's a gap in the circle that forms with Anneke at its head.

Nothing really happens for a couple of minutes, but Dee Dee finally opens her eyes and reaches out towards Uma, who simply looks at the Sheriff's hands for a few seconds before gingerly taking hold of them. Dee Dee closes her eyes again, but they pop open after a few more seconds pass.

"That's it?" Uma asks.

"That's it," Dee Dee replies mentally, rendering her silent to all but Uma, François, and Leo. "Can you tell what I'm thinking?" she asks, then suddenly falls silent.

"No," Uma thinks, then she recoils in mild surprise that her mental speech worked.

"The link doesn't prevent people from reading body language," Dee Dee says, smiling. She stands and stretches, and then goes over to fill in the gap by Anneke.

"Wait, why are you going over there?" Uma asks.

"That's the plan," Dee Dee replies simply. "Don't worry, our link will still be separate."

((To be continued... You may still reply as you see fit, if you get a chance to before I post the continuation.))

[Detritus]

Dee Dee sits next to Anneke, who then has everyone in her circle join hands. She closes her eyes briefly and then the deed seems to be done. There are a few moments where everybody in the new link is evidently checking with each other, but those of you in the Sheriff's link don't hear anything of that.

"All right," Anneke says, "one last thing before we go. Obviously, there's some chance for negotiations with the Garou agent to occur. One of you at the meeting should keep the Sheriff apprised of what's proposed, and wait for a reply before committing to anything, if at all possible. That's doubly important if any of the Garou themselves are at the meeting. Good luck."

((The "good luck" will come after any questions from all y'all.))

[Huxley]

"As a primer to enable smooth discussion, can we explicitly state the social roles for everyone that will be talking to the Garou?"

[Detritus]

"Let's see," replies Anneke, "Roman makes introductions. I would say Wynn and François would be the negotiators, although you all may be required to speak at some point, I couldn't say. You'll certainly stand as witness, as can François."

Anneke waves for Dee Dee to leave in answer to some apparently unspoken question, at which point the Sheriff beckons for Jake and Sarah to follow her.

[Detritus]

"Sounds good to me," Roman says. "We should probably get going pretty soon."

((It's about 430 am by the time you leave. If there's anything else you want to cover here, go ahead, but I'll be starting a new IC thread pretty soon once I think up a title and work out the initial post.))

[Brother Brian]

"Indeed" says Francois. As they walk out, he stops and opens the trunk of his car. He takes off his jacket and removes the double shoulder holster containing his desert eagle. He removes a rapier of the trunk of the car, and holds it across his palms. Stepping to Uma, he says, "I would ask you to take my blade, and thus second me in this endevor. Should I fall, it will be your task to lead clan Brujah in New Orleans. Do you accept the blade?"

[Detritus]

Uma glances down at the rapier. It is a wary look.

"I'll take it, but... I don't know how to use it."

"I'm not so sure about that," says Yuri.

"I've never held a sword in my life," replies Uma. Yuri merely shrugs, and an enigmatic smile appears on his lips.

[Brother Brian]

Uma glances down at the rapier. It is a wary look.

"I'll take it, but... I don't know how to use it."

"I'm not so sure about that," says Yuri.

"I've never held a sword in my life," replies Uma. Yuri merely shrugs, and an enigmatic smile appears on his lips.

Francois looks seriously at Uma for a moment, then slowly winks. Very quietly, to avoid others overhearing he says, "You strap it on your belt, then take out your gun and shoot the bastard you want dead. It's more symbolic than useful in the days of belt fed ammunition. If you do need to use it...aim the pointy end at the bad guy." Francois smiles warmly.

He walks back to the trunk, grabs the M4 and Desert Eagles out of it, and says "You get to take care of these too."

[Detritus]

Uma takes everything you give her, and gives you a weird look as you explain this stuff to her.

"I don't care about using the damn sword," she snaps. "Sorry," she says more calmly, "it's the symbol that worries me, or at least what it symbolizes in this case." She looks back at the mansion, and murder flashes in her eyes for an instant.

"Sitting through meetings every night with Anneke? We'd be at each other's throats within two nights."

[Brother Brian]

Uma takes everything you give her, and gives you a weird look as you explain this stuff to her.

"I don't care about using the damn sword," she snaps. "Sorry," she says more calmly, "it's the symbol that worries me, or at least what it symbolizes in this case." She looks back at the mansion, and murder flashes in her eyes for an instant.

"Sitting through meetings every night with Anneke? We'd be at each other's throats within two nights."

"Good" Francois says softly. "The bitch needs to be kept in line. Remember, we are Brujah, nobody expects us to be the soul of elegance and demeanor. The trick is to lose your cool outwardly, before you do so inwardly. That way you control the beast, it does not control you." Francois smiles, "Hell, I hadn't had the position for more than an hour before I threatened to cut Anneke's head off if she was disrepectful to our clan again."

Becoming serious he says, "Uma, this is war. I've fought them before. Right now both we and the enemy are pushing our pawns around, trying to get small advantages. It's customary, and probably necessary. But once battle starts, it's the Brujah who must lead, if only by example. Our place isn't at the table, but on the field. Have you doubts of your ability in that area?"

[Detritus]

((We'll say Leo and the Gangrel have made it over to Roman's truck, so it's just the Brujah by themselves during this discussion.))

"If I'm on the street, I'm fine," Uma says.

"Is that how it was in LA?" Antoinette asks.

"There's no need to go into that now," Uma replies a bit sharply.

"Isn't there, Uma?"

"It's old news.

"I think that's part of the problem."

"I'm not sure I would have brought it up now, but she does have a point, Uma," Yuri says. "If Frankie boy here is going to go to bat for you, he deserves to know the whole story."

"She butted in where she wasn't needed," Uma says.

"That's not how I remember it," replies Antoinette. "Hector was going to beat the crap out of you before Anneke 'butted in,' as you put it. Hell, we might have all gotten our asses kicked, most folk at the rant were on Hector's side. We were the newbies in LA."

"It was New Year's '06," Yuri says to you. "We had just made it out to LA a few days before, after the storm. There was a big gathering of Anarchs, the New Year's Rant, as they call it, and it was our first rant in LA.

"Hector is Uma's sire. It's probably fair to say that relations between them are strained in the best of times. This wasn't the best of times. Some verbal jabs were exchanged, and Uma managed to put Hector down pretty easily, but he didn't back off. Public sentiment was running against us until Anneke swooped in and staked him." Yuri slowly shakes his head a couple of times.

"Damnedest thing I've ever seen. Shut everyone up, too. A lot of grudging respect on the surface, and an undercurrent of fear below. Knowing what I know now, I'm not sure anyone ever realized that they should have been more afraid of her than they were."

"And that was over a year ago," Antoinette puts in. "Have you ever thanked her for that, or even acknowledged that you might have needed her help? It's no wonder she fucks with you and no one else from our clan."

[Brother Brian]

Looking sternly at the other Brujah, Francois holds up his hand.

"This was not your story to tell, it was Uma's. That said, I see where it changes little. I have never doubted Anneke's abilities, nor her flair for the dramatic. It was clear to me that something had gone on between the two of them prior, and in truth, I expected something more important than an uninvited intervention."

Turning to Uma, he states, "As for expressions of gratitude, I must say it would have been more polite, and political, for such to be made. That said, to admit a boon owed to Anneke is likely not going to lead you where you want to go. I think that a pose of treating her intervention as unwanted, and thus unworthy of repayment, is a prudent course of action."

Turning to Yuri, Francois shows his teeth just a bit. "As a side point, my name is Francois, and not Frankie or Frankie boy. If that is difficult to remember, then refering to me as Primiogen, or Captain Petit are also quite acceptable. Oui?"

[Detritus]

"Whatever you want, Captain," Yuri says, shrugging.

Antoinette looks between you and Uma a couple of times, then asks, "Just saying thanks, that's enough to owe someone a boon? I mean, I don't think she was trying to play that game in LA, at least I never heard her bring it up, and it's not like anyone asked her for her help, even if it was handy."

"Just drop it, Antoinette," Uma says.

"No, Uma, I won't, not when you're being picked for something that affects us all." Antoinette turns to you before continuing. "Don't get me wrong, I think she's the right pick, but if you do happen to go down, are you telling me this thing between Anneke and Uma won't have any impact on how the rest of the Brujah in the city are treated? You said it yourself, this is war, and from what I understand, Anneke even outranks the Prince in matters specific to the war."

[Brother Brian]

Francois sighs dramatically, all the more so because he wouldn't normally breathe at all.

"Look at who is in charge in this city. The position of the Brujah will be secure until the war moves somewhere else. After that, it will be as strong as the person who leads it. For there are rules, and then there are political realities. Killing a primogen is bad form, unless you have solid evidence of treason. Being a Brujah, we're allowed a certain amount of yelling and screaming anyway."

"As for the question of Boon, from the way you tell it, Anneke could lay claim that she saved Uma's life...and yours and Yuri's as well. Not only could she lay claim to a boon, but to a major life boon.

If however, she merely interrupted your playtime, interjecting herself when her presence was neither asked for nor required, no such boon is owed."