Houston, we... well, you know. (Sun. 3/25/07)

[Detritus]

A little expository preamble:

It's common knowledge that Austin was a part of the Houston domain until Prince Jürgen Strauss rose to power in Dallas about a quarter of a century ago. Strauss managed to found a Chantry in Austin, and appointed a powerful but highly self-indulgent Toreador known only as Trelaina as his viceroy in Austin in exchange/reward for her support in his takeover bid.

A large group of Kindred from Dallas paying a visit to Houston, especially when the group includes two Tremere in their number, therefore has some political undercurrents that all the PCs will be aware of, even newcomer Jocelin.

Furthermore, anyone with a non-default level of Area Knowledge: Dallas will know that Merill and Thomas rotate assignments as the Austin Chantry's regent. Neither is the #2 Tremere behind the Prince in the Dallas domain (that would be "The Queen of the Harpies," Lydia van Cuelen), but they're probably #3-4. (There aren't that many more Tremere in Dallas beyond the Top 4, incidentally).

Also -- map of Texas is located here (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=55705&postcount=8).

[Detritus]

You roll into Houston proper a bit after 1:30 am, and it takes you until nearly 2 to reach the high-rise building within which your presentation to Prince Casimir will take place. The parking garage is somewhat less than half-full, so it's easy enough for you to find a couple of parking spots near each other. No one gives you a second look as you head to the elevators and make your way to the lobby.

Once there, the guard looks the group over once and says, "Ah, yes, you must be the visitors from Dallas that Madam Casimir is expecting. If you'll follow me, we'll take the express elevator to the penthouse suite."

(Presumably, given events earlier in the night, everyone is eager to reach the Prince of Houston ASAP. Let me know otherwise, but for now I'll just get the scene rolling.)

As you reach the penthouse floor (the 70th, if you want to know), you see a haughty looking woman seated behind a large desk in a tall-backed leather chair, flanked by two other women, both standing, who are also behind the desk. You're fairly sure they're all Kindred. You are also treated to a spectacular view of downtown Houston.

(OOC note, here (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=52390&postcount=8) are the three women. Tatiana is to Helena's right, and Rebekka to Helena's left.)

As you emerge from the elevator, the seated woman speaks. "Welcome to Houston. I am Prince Helena Casimir. This is Tatiana, and Rebekka. Are any of you hungry?" she asks, sweeping her right arm in front of Tatiana towards a sunken living room. Three girls who look to be around 13 years old are there, two playing chess, the third reading (with headphones on). Rebekka closes her eyes and minutely shakes her head "no" a couple of times while the Prince is looking the other way.

[Parzival]

I am Menachem. <bows> I thank you for your kind offer of hospitality. I am afraid I've already had my fill, but I would gratefully accept shelter from the sun.

<Proceeds to start introducing the other members of the party with first names and an indication of who is who.>

OOC: Respond to, or interrupt, this introduction as you see fit. I may be a bit scarce for the next couple days, so Menachem might not have a major role in this conversation.

[SD Anderson]

Jack will signal to the van and have Jocelin pull over.

"I've called the Prince and let him know our situation. One request. Hold off any mention about Lucien letting us go. We got lucky and avoided the initial attack and even grabbed a couple of flunkies a few minutes later. You can straighten out the details later on if you want to. Right now Drake does not know she was betrayed by the anarchs. As long as she doesn't know this, she might continue to use them which hurts her."

"until she's ah, takne her finals I'd rather keep the exact story vague."

[SD Anderson]

"Jack Constatine, Private Investigator, at your service, Ladies."

[Huxley]

Leo nods to the prince politely. "I am Leolin Friskin, childe of Berone Hark, childe of Gina O'Donald, childe of Zacharia Muldowney. We have come to seek acceptance into your city".

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin bows to them. "Jocelin Danis, Blue Hurricane of New Orleans"

"Mucho gracias, but no thank you on the kind offer of dinner"

[Detritus]

The Tremere make similar introductions, during which you learn (if you didn't already know it) that Merill's sire is Elisabetta Romano, and Thomas's sire is Astrid Thomas.

Prince Casimir eyes all the newcomers, lingering perhaps a beat longer on the two Tremere.

"You are late. I was not apprised of any delays. Did your trip go smoothly?"

[SD Anderson]

"A delay. We were swtopped by a flat tire and a brief dealing with some locals in a tow truck."

[Detritus]

"A delay. We were swtopped by a flat tire and a brief dealing with some locals in a tow truck."
"You were not equipped to handle such a contingency on your own?"

[SD Anderson]

"You were not equipped to handle such a contingency on your own?"

"In this case the locals appeared quite suddenly after the flat. And we found proof the flat had been arranged. Suffice it to say I doubt those particular tow truck operators will be victimizing the tires of traveers down that highway any time soon. No, we didn't resort to any supernatural activities to deter them. The six of us are more than capable of making ah non0supernatural points."

"Besides, given the circumstances, it might have been looked on as poaching if we'd dealt with the locals without clearing it with you."

[Huxley]

Leo watches the little girls while Jack and The Prince speak. He ponders, and if anyone were watching, they might read his disapproval.

. . .

[in an attempt to shift the topic]

"Are there any areas in Houston we should be wary of, Prince?"

[Detritus]

Leo watches the little girls while Jack and The Prince speak. He ponders, and if anyone were watching, they might read his disapproval.

. . .

[in an attempt to shift the topic]

"Are there any areas in Houston we should be wary of, Prince?"
"Are you suggesting that I do not have sufficient control over my Domain to provide you safe passage through it?" Prince Casimir asks Leo with a mildness belied by the hardness of her eyes.

Addressing Jack again without waiting for an answer, she asks, "This... arranged flat tire, where did it occur?"

[SD Anderson]

"Somewhere on the highway about [gives a time estimate with at least a half hour's margin of error]."

[Detritus]

"Somewhere on the highway about [gives a time estimate with at least a half hour's margin of error]."
OOC - It's OK for Jack to be intentionally vague, but everyone knows that the incident occurred a bit north of Huntsville.

IC - The Prince fixes her gaze on Jack for a pregnant pause, before replying, "It is regrettable that that section of the highway is a... contested area. I will be happy to look further into the matter, however, as soon as I may."

A brief pause, and then, "These locals, were they all mortals?"

[Jocelin Danis]

"Didn't see them use any interesting abilities mortals couldn't. They did have shotguns."

[Detritus]

"Didn't see them use any interesting abilities mortals couldn't. They did have shotguns."
"What sort of answer is that?! Not one that pertains to my question!

"I am given to understand that this mission is of an urgent and delicate nature. I do not care to know the details of internal Malkavian politics, but I have a domain to run. I learn that you are attacked by armed assailants, possibly within my domain, but details are not forthcoming. It is insinuated that I may not be able to protect travelers, and perhaps with good cause, if I read the undercurrents in your evasions properly. What aren't you telling me?!"

Prince Casimir becomes just the tiniest bit overwrought, as she shoots a brief but venomous glance at Rebekka before turning on Thomas and Merill. Her voice deepens to resonant tones, and her aspect takes on a subtle but tangible air of menace as she addresses your Tremere companions.

"You, Warlocks, are you holding back something from me that you will report to your Regent? I may have no choice to accept you into the bounds of my domain on this night, but I would be well within my rights to expel every last Tremere from Houston if I find that you are keeping something from me that is relevant to the safety of all Kindred in this domain!"

Thomas and Merill look uncertainly between the Prince and Rebekka for some time.

===================

OK, now what, while the Tremere dither? ;)

[SD Anderson]

"I can honestly say that neither of the two men in the tow truck exhibited any supernatural abilities that I could say, bu... if they were kindred" Jack looks somber and thoughtful "Could I impose on your gnerosity a little more? I'd like to get a radio detector, see if they planted a transmitter on our van... Good catch. I completely overlooked that possibility."

[Parzival]

<putting my diplomacy skill to work>
Your grace, there were kindred among those who attempted to detain us just north of Huntsville.
After threats of force, one of them indicated loyalty to someone by the name of Lucian; who seems to have an interest in, and an uncomfortable amount of knowledge about, our mission.

We have an obligation to warn you about his presence in or near your realm.

We dared not tarry long, there were those who got away from the encounter unscathed to consider. I doubt that this individual is one to give up easily. He may well try to pursue us through your domain.

My compatriots are understandably concerned about how we were intercepted. I'm afraid the experiance has made some of us unwilling or unable to share information surrounding our mission in any forthright manner, and I apologize for this.

[Detritus]

All three Tremere flinch slightly at the mention of Lucian's name, and the Prince sees Merill and Thomas's reaction. A taut silence lengthens as all three Houston Kindred consider the implications of Menachem's revelations.

"I see," replies Prince Casimir, her voice still resounding with power. "I thank you for your candor in this matter, Menachem. The matter is perhaps even more serious than I began to suspect."

The Prince turns to Rebekka. "This Lucian, you know of him?"

Rebekka turns briefly towards her clan brethren before replying softly with a hint of a German accent, "We do. It is a matter of... internal Tremere politics, if I may borrow the phrase. But he is dangerous, my Prince, and if he commands the loyalty of Cainite followers, then he is all the more dangerous because of it."

After Rebekka's pronouncement, Prince Casimir gives a tired, wistful sigh, and you can almost see the air of power draining away from her person. As you see this, it strikes you for the first time just how slight a figure she is. She speaks with her normal voice again:

"Ah, the roles we must play, to maintain our stations. What shall we do with this dangerous leader of the undead?"

Turning towards the travelers from Dallas, she asks quietly, "What would you do, were our places reversed?"

[Jocelin Danis]

Jocelin blinks at Menachems partial revelation.

"Uhmm . . . well . . actually . . well. We didn't precisely rout them in the most specific and technical application of that term. He had at least a score of swords in the initial ambush, half a dozen with crossbows, half a dozen with SMGs and half a dozen with shotguns. And two with flamethrowers. Some of which were apparently kindred . . . but they didn't do anything visibly kindredesque. And then two more at least with the tow truck. Oh. And it has been said that Lucian would rather like to see those of the camarilla cease in our continuing existence."

"Taking on that many of them might be a slight bit sporting. So. If you send blades against them make sure to send lots or powerful ones. Uhm. Or ones you dont care if they dont return."

"Maybe what you should do is send a champion to call Lucian out . . . he would feel obligated to respond would he not?"

[SD Anderson]

<putting my diplomacy skill to work>
Your grace, there were kindred among those who attempted to detain us just north of Huntsville.
After threats of force, one of them indicated loyalty to someone by the name of Lucian; who seems to have an interest in, and an uncomfortable amount of knowledge about, our mission.

We have an obligation to warn you about his presence in or near your realm.

We dared not tarry long, there were those who got away from the encounter unscathed to consider. I doubt that this individual is one to give up easily. He may well try to pursue us through your domain.

My compatriots are understandably concerned about how we were intercepted. I'm afraid the experiance has made some of us unwilling or unable to share information surrounding our mission in any forthright manner, and I apologize for this.

(ooc: let us now rewrite Menachem's character sheet. Incompetent at diplomacy [-1]. Clueless [-5]. ;0 )

(Did he Honestly think that the Prince of Houston was unaware of Lucien's presence? She SCREAMED her awareness when she called the area between Houston and Dallas a 'Contested Area'.) Jack grumps to himself.

(We may not have been marooned in Houston, but we definitely have been MORONNED here...)

and still grumping:

(The best fucking asset to fall into our hands: Lucien's betrayal of Drake. Oh go mention his name when we DON'T know the leak isn't here.)

[SD Anderson]

Replying to the Prince's question, Jack says:

"I might suggest doing nothing that would be outwardly noticable. Shore up your defenses, ready for action, sure. But the best hope for Camarilla vampires in Texas is for now not to le him realize he's been exposed to the the light of day. Rest assured my Prince was informed of his presence here. For reasons I do not want to mention, I suspect a Justicar was notified about him moments after I got off line with my Prince. But he is NOT the major piece on the board, nor is he an imminent threat."

""I ask that you do nothing that might warn at least one bigger piece on the board that we know about Lucien."

[Detritus]

(ooc: let us now rewrite Menachem's character sheet. Incompetent at diplomacy [-1]. Clueless [-5]. ;0 )
Don't be too, too hard on Menachem. He's got those fancy peepers, remember. ;)

[Huxley]

Leo, bound to serve the Camarilla, patiently awaits the Prince's decree. He has no desire to kill Lucian -- he didn't do anything to them, and he did give their cotorie a tip, albiet a possibly scewed one, that may help in finding the truth. He picks at a scab underneath his hoodie out of nervousness, knowing that she may well turn him and his group into assassins.

[Detritus]

You note with some amusement that the Prince actually steeples her fingers together in front of the lower part of her face, index fingers tapping together just in front of her mouth, as Jocelin and Jack speak.

"This band of marauders, they seem to grow every time they are mentioned. A group so large, it could threaten the stability of the entire state. If your suspicions are correct, and they are set on following you to New Orleans, I could wish for your departure to be as swift as possible.

"I will shelter you this evening, and protect you from these miscreants so long as you remain in this domain. But I suggest that you get the earliest possible start tomorrow evening.

"It grows late. If there is nothing else..."

==================

At this point Tatiana interrupts, speaking for the first time during this meeting.

"But what of the bigger piece?" she blurts out in a Slavic accent. "Surely this must be related to their mission! These accusations, I have heard rumors. They are totally ridiculous, of course. How could it possibly..."

Whatever it could possibly... will have to wait for a short while, as Jack's cell phone begins to sound its ringtone, interrupting Tatiana's verbal momentum.

[Parzival]

(OOC: Dude, she wasn't buying it. And she was getting pissed at the increasingly obvious evasions. We have more than enough trouble without deliberately setting out to make enemies of powerful individuals. <shrug> I think telling her the whole truth was a bit much, but that wasn't my decision. Nevertheless, I can say with confidence that none of these three were the leak. Jocelin's revelation was safe.)

"The bigger piece of what?"

[Detritus]

"The bigger piece of what?"
Tatiana looks at Menachem like he's mentally defective. "He just said that this Lucian was not the major piece on the board," she says, gesturing towards Jack. "That must mean there is a bigger piece on the board, no?"

[Detritus]

Another OOC note - It is entirely appropriate for 13th-generation vampires to become spooked at the sight of a prince of two major metropolitan areas in the full bloom of her Majesty. I'm just sayin'.

[Detritus]

Well, while we're here, we're going to play a round of "the GM isn't sure how else to inject this info into the scene."

======================

Shortly after Jack's cell phone goes off, Leo's phone starts to ring. Then, a few seconds after that, Rebekka's phone goes off. Prince Casimir gives an exasperated roll of her eyes while waving her right hand to grant permission for you to take your calls, muttering a phrase that sounds like "blasted technology" under her breath, as all the while Tatiana smirks behind the prince's back.

======================

PMs will be forthcoming in the next hour or two....

[SD Anderson]

(OOC: Dude, she wasn't buying it. And she was getting pissed at the increasingly obvious evasions. We have more than enough trouble without deliberately setting out to make enemies of powerful individuals. <shrug> I think telling her the whole truth was a bit much, but that wasn't my decision. Nevertheless, I can say with confidence that none of these three were the leak. Jocelin's revelation was safe.)

"The bigger piece of what?"

(OOC: What she wasn't buying and what she would SAY she wasn't buying are two separate things. Based on her subsequent comments, it's clear she was told not only to expect us but not to ask questions. Jack was banking on the fact this missoin came from a Justicar to run with the 'You are not cleared for that' routine.)

"Something we are not at liberty to discuss without higher authorization. Emphasis on the WE." Jack says scowling at Menachem.

[SD Anderson]

==================

At this point Tatiana interrupts, speaking for the first time during this meeting.

"But what of the bigger piece?" she blurts out in a Slavic accent. "Surely this must be related to their mission! These accusations, I have heard rumors. They are totally ridiculous, of course. How could it possibly..."

Whatever it could possibly... will have to wait for a short while, as Jack's cell phone begins to sound its ringtone, interrupting Tatiana's verbal momentum.


Jack answers the phone.

[Huxley]

Leo answers his phone.

[SD Anderson]

Leo answers his phone.

(ooc: As I noted in private message, we haven't had the chance to change ringtones, and from personal experience with two phones of that make and model, they do use the same ringtone...)

[Detritus]

OOC - PMs are sent.

Anyone watching Rebekka can tell she looks a bit agitated while she speaks, but she keeps her voice low.

[SD Anderson]

"That was my Prince," Jack says after listening. "The Chantry here is being directed to loan us some ghoul drivers, in case any more interruptions are in the offing. We are to leave as soon as feasible.

Menachem, you have a special assignment." Jack takes out a notebook and pencil from his coat pocket and writes it down, shows it to Menachem then returns it to his pocket.

(OOC: I'll PM it to you Parz)

[Huxley]

"I will shelter you this evening, and protect you from these miscreants so long as you remain in this domain. But I suggest that you get the earliest possible start tomorrow evening."


"That was my Prince," Jack says after listening. "The Chantry here is being directed to loan us some ghoul drivers, in case any more interruptions are in the offing. We are to leave as soon as feasible.


Leo puts his phone away. He stands quietly for a moment, allowing Jack to speak. "I thank you, Prince, for your hospitality. We will not abuse what you have been kindly enough to give unto us"

Leo turns to Jack. "As soon as the sun sets tommoro would be as quickly as we can in your eyes, would it not? I don't see safety on the roads to New Orleans, and having more night to deal with those conditions would behoove us."

[Detritus]

Rebekka returns, having ended her conversation.

"My Prince, I ask leave to depart from Houston for New Orleans. I will be taking Sarah with me, and *she pauses to think* Dieter, Gunther, and Werner as well. We are to act as bodyguards, it appears," she finishes, a trifle sourly.

Prince Casimir gives Rebekka a droll little smile before replying, "Well, it seems this mission is of the highest priority imaginable. You may leave. How long do you expect to be gone?"

"A few days, perhaps a week. There is also some clan business to attend to, I understand," says Rebekka, looking once again at Merill and Thomas.

[SD Anderson]

"Actually I'm thinking speed means let the ghouls drive us in daylight in a third vehicle, with two ghouls driving our present vehicles as decoys. I'd like to BE in New Orleans when the sun sets." Jack says.

[Detritus]

"Actually I'm thinking speed means let the ghouls drive us in daylight in a third vehicle, with two ghouls driving our present vehicles as decoys. I'd like to BE in New Orleans when the sun sets." Jack says.
"I had thought of three new vehicles," Rebekka says. "Is there any particular reason to take either vehicle that you drove from Dallas? I do not care to place my Ghouls in that much danger, if it can be avoided. They would be recognized, would they not? And, of course, we leave as soon as possible."

[Huxley]

"Actually I'm thinking speed means let the ghouls drive us in daylight in a third vehicle, with two ghouls driving our present vehicles as decoys. I'd like to BE in New Orleans when the sun sets." Jack says.

Leo pulls his hood down, and looks Rebekka over -- now understanding that she is the "ghoul-in-charge".

"Do you have a third vehicle, sealed from the sun and able to hold us all?"

He stares at her face, directly into her eyes, hoping to catch some glimpse of her character before putting himself into her hands in a vulnerable position.

[Detritus]

Leo pulls his hood down, and looks Rebekka over -- now understanding that she is the "ghoul-in-charge".
OOC - You're still the Archon, boy-o. ;)

"Do you have a third vehicle, sealed from the sun and able to hold us all?"

He stares at her face, directly into her eyes, hoping to catch some glimpse of her character before putting himself into her hands in a vulnerable position.
"If it please everyone, I have several vehicles that will meet our needs. Are we taking all new, unrecognizable vehicles?"

[Huxley]

OOC - You're still the Archon, boy-o. ;)


OOC- Yes. But if I'm asleep, someone has sway over the ghouls to convince them to open up the hatches and expose us to beyond SPF 150 sunburn.


"If it please everyone, I have several vehicles that will meet our needs. Are we taking all new, unrecognizable vehicles?"

Leo glances at Jocelin. "I am in favor of leaving the van, as long as it is well kept and can be brought to Dallas on our return trip."

[Detritus]

OOC- Yes. But if I'm asleep, someone has sway over the ghouls to convince them to open up the hatches and expose us to beyond SPF 150 sunburn.
OOC - Understood. I guess you all will have to decide just how much you trust those crafty Warlocks. I will say that you are still on official, Justicar-backed Camarilla business...

=====================

"So that's it, everyone is just leaving?!" Tatiana asks.

[Huxley]

Leo ponders, looking out a window to avoid distraction. He continues to speak staring off and looking at no one in particular "Yes. That's it. We're all "just" leaving. Having the ghouls drive by day would be prudent -- but I wonder if we could utilize the airport nearby. Is there a private jet, or a cargo flight we could sneak into?"

[Jocelin Danis]

"Uhmmmm . . . . I would really much rather take my car. It already made it to Houston fine after all and it would probably like to visit New Orlean's as well."

[Jocelin Danis]

Jocelin shakes her head. "I dont mean to disagree noble Archon, but, I dislike the idea of travelling by day . . . tis Texas, it twould be easy enough to rouse up some human shootists to set against us as opposed to Kindred ones, and wouldst be much more interesting facing them in the light of day."

"Or with unfamiliar drivers, what if we get into a carwreck? Sunlight is just as bad from a collision on Beltway 8 when rescue crews pull us out of the wreck. Imagine there surprise."

"So. I think we do best travelling as God has intended us, at night."

[SD Anderson]

"Ok, how about a compromise on yur caddy? We send a ghoul to drive it to New Orleans and arrange a pick up point. You know the city after all. However IF it gets machine gunned or law rocketed along the way, you owe the Prince a ghoul and we get to all join hands and say 'Told you so!'. "

"I might also recommend renting cars in New Orleans."

[SD Anderson]

Jocelin shakes her head. "I dont mean to disagree noble Archon, but, I dislike the idea of travelling by day . . . tis Texas, it twould be easy enough to rouse up some human shootists to set against us as opposed to Kindred ones, and wouldst be much more interesting facing them in the light of day."

"Or with unfamiliar drivers, what if we get into a carwreck? Sunlight is just as bad from a collision on Beltway 8 when rescue crews pull us out of the wreck. Imagine there surprise."

"So. I think we do best travelling as God has intended us, at night."

"It's riskeier, not suicide to travel by day." Jack says. However speed means we have less risk of... the oppositoin... readying traps for us. If that opoposition has THAT level of resources and preparedness to be ready for us no matter what plans and contingencies we undertake, we're screwed no matter what."

"They knew when we left, where we were going and what cars we drove. That suggests they know our plans and know we planned to stay here during the day. Doing what they do not expect is our best chance of evading whatever plans they've made."

"Any thing we do at this point is a gamble. The gambler in me says daylight travel is the best bet we can make here and now."

[Detritus]

"I might also recommend renting cars in New Orleans."
"If we flew, we would also have to rent cars," notes Rebekka. "We would also land very early in the day. I have no doubt that we could get the Prince's permission to depart from Houston by air, but I am less sure about the situation in New Orleans."

Rebekka then turns to Jocelin, "My men, zey are very good drivers, ja?" she says in an exaggerated German accent as she mimics steering motions with her hands. "Zey have driven on zeh Autobahn."

[Huxley]

"If we flew, we would also have to rent cars," "We would also land very early in the day. I have no doubt that we could get the Prince's permission to depart from Houston by air, but I am less sure about the situation in New Orleans."


"In that case, let us drive tonight. Same effect, but no worry of unloading and scrounging for places to sleep during the daytime. I have no worries of Jocelin having her car driven -- obviously whoever tagged us is either well connected, or well trained in Auspex. The anonmity will do little for us. Assuming you trust your car to be drive by one of the ghouls, Jocelin?

Menecham, you can perform your task while we still have a few hours left."

[Jocelin Danis]

Jocelin looks between Leo and Rebekka then nods marginally. " . . . . I guess. Autobahn trained ghouls may be the way to go."

[Detritus]

"Menecham, you can perform your task while we still have a few hours left."
Thomas replies to Leo, "That will not be possible, if I interpret the need for four Tremere correctly. If, as Arcadian intended, Menachem performs a remote interview, it will require a tremendous expenditure of energy, especially over so large a distance. He will likely have to draw strength from others to complete the questioning. Everyone involved in such a procedure will be very vulnerable, so a warded circle will be required to ensure the safety of the participants.

"I take it that the exact form of the ritual will require some research or rehearsal tonight?" he asks Rebekka.

Rebekka nods in reply, "That is so. Sarah is already working on it, but may require assistance. There are also the preparations needed for daylight travel. We have much work to do and few hours in which to do it. My Prince, Miss Romanov, I'm afraid we must depart immediately."

Prince Casimir raises a hand to forestall any protest from Tatiana. "Depart, and finish your preparations, Rebekka. I expect to hear from you within the week, should your activities keep you away longer than expected."

Turning to the Dallas Kindred, the Prince states, "I like not all that I have witnessed during this audience, but for the good of the Camarilla, I will hold old rivalries in abeyance. I should hope that your return visit will be less contentious."

Helena rises and goes to the sunken living room. "Attend me, my daughters," she states before disappearing into another section of the penthouse suite.

=======================

OOC - The PCs will be headed... somewhere in the city for the remainder of the night. I need to figure out exactly where.

[SD Anderson]

Jack walks up to Menachem, turns his back on him and says. "Thank you for backing my play>" Jack says sincerely to all but one of the people who came with him.

[Detritus]

As everyone else leaves a stunned Tatiana in their wake, the PCs and their Tremere companions head down to the parking garage. Rebekka sees one of her servants and waves to him before turning back to her Kindred fellows.

"We are going to the Fondren Library. It is not very far from here. Retrieve your vehicles and meet us back here, and you can follow us to the library."

[Parzival]

Menachem laughs.
"Jack, it's not a good idea to lie to somebody who is reading your mind. Especially if they have the power to make you regret it."
He pauses a moment to let it sink in.
"You won't be spending the day out-of-doors. And neither will the rest of us. You're welcome."

(OOC: When we get to the library, Menachem is going to be a bit less than social for the rest of the night. He's going to have to spend time preparing himself for the seance-type thing.)

[Detritus]

Alright, it's a short drive to the library. Rebekka has a Rice U. ID, apparently, and the door monitor seems nonplussed at such a large group arriving at ~ 230 am. Rebekka even occupies the monitor's attention so that Leo can sneak in with no (human) scrutiny.

Everyone who goes into the building goes up to the fourth floor, where you see someone with bright purple hair with a stack of books around her. This presumably is Sarah, already at work on the ritual that the Tremere will perform in New Orleans tomorrow night. The floor is pretty much deserted otherwise.

The PCs have some time to themselves if they wish, as the Tremere and Rebekka's driver (Dieter) head over to Sarah.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin goes to Rebekka. "Excuse me if you have a moment . . . is this a library or is this a _library_? Does it have lots of secret rooms and are we likely to go to another dimension if we pick up a dusty old book? That would be cool . . . uh . . not that you're likely to tell me."

[Detritus]

Jocelin goes to Rebekka. "Excuse me if you have a moment . . . is this a library or is this a _library_? Does it have lots of secret rooms and are we likely to go to another dimension if we pick up a dusty old book? That would be cool . . . uh . . not that you're likely to tell me."
(OOC - LOLOMGWTFBBQ)

Rebekka laughs a deep, almost guttural, laugh, genuine mirth in her eyes, before answering. "Dearest childe, I cannot remember when I have last laughed like that. We are in a library."

She drops her voice to a conspiratorial stage whisper, "Whether it is a library... is a secret," she concludes with a wink.

[Jocelin Danis]

Jocelin smiles and bows a bit to Rebekka, "Thank you elder."

Jocelin also is now thoroughly convinced this is a _library_ and left to her own devices will spend the night looking about it. Its not like she needs to sleep at night

[SD Anderson]

Menachem laughs.
"Jack, it's not a good idea to lie to somebody who is reading your mind. Especially if they have the power to make you regret it."



"That just means you need to practice more at dissembling. Not that I was," Jack says with the certainty of someone who technically told not one single falsehood.

[SD Anderson]

Rebekka has a Rice U. ID,


OOC: Well in this setting, OF COURSE she'd have a Ricean ID... ;)

[Detritus]

Lamentably, Jocelin does not receive any confirmation in her belief that there are extradimensional shenanigans afoot in the Fondren Library.

The Tremere take the better part of two hours to finish their research, so you don't leave the library until it's close to 430 am. Walking to where you parked, Jocelin's Caddy and the sedan that Dieter and Rebekka drove in are still present, but Arcadian's van has been replaced by a white BMW limousine. Dieter takes the wheel of the sedan and Werner asks for Jocelin's keys as Gunther climbs in the driver's seat of the limo.

Rebekka motions the PCs in, and Sarah follows before Rebekka herself enters. Thomas and Merill linger outside for a few moments. Somewhat oddly, Sarah starts dabbing each of the windows and doors with a bit of her blood as Rebekka gestures for the PCs to be seated such that she can address all of them.

"I trust this will be to everyone's satisfaction, ja? No reason not to travel in style, as long as we don't let anyone else know about it," she says as she nods in the direction of male Tremere.

"We have some time yet before we will be ready to leave. About tomorrow night," she says, looking briefly in Menachem's direction, "we are supposed to provide a warded circle for Menachem's task. I'm also informed that we should be ready to make our strength available, and so we will do that as well.

"The ritual is a simple one, and will give us the physical protection we need while permitting psychic contact to be extended from beyond the circle. After defining the circle, we will invoke the four quarters, and then weave the associated elemental energies into a bubble of protection. Indeed, once we have completed the ritual, there will be few places on the face of the planet that will be safer than on the inside of the circle. None of you will have to do anything while this takes place, but after we finish, the main psychic effort will still fall to Menachem."

As Rebekka finishes her explanation, Thomas and Merill finally enter the limo, and a few minutes after that, Sarah finishes whatever the heck it was she was doing. Rebekka formally introduces her as Sarah Cobbler, another member of the Houston Chantry.

"One sunproof limo ready to go!" says Sarah. "Or maybe it's a sunproof limo," she says, tapping her nose as she looks at Jocelin. "Yo, Gunther, let's get the Mystery Machine rolling!"

Rebekka confirms Sarah's order before raising a divider between the driver's seat and the rest of the vehicle.

===================

It'll be about 530 am before the entourage gets on the road. PCs are free to retro anything in the library they think necessary, or ask questions before sunrise, but otherwise the scene is a wrap.

[Jocelin Danis]

Jocelin a bit reluctantly hands her keys over to Werner. "Please try very hard to keep it safe alright?"

She then gets in the limo happily enough as limos are indeed cool and nods at Rebekka's remark. "I shall tell noone then of your tremendous style for travel."


Jocelin smiles faintly at Sarah's remark, thinking apparently shes never going to live this down and settles in to get comfortable.

[Huxley]

Leo follows, pulling up his hood before leaving the suite, and remaining largely silent. At the Library, he asks Rebekka, "What was Tatianna so upset about?"

After he gets his answer, he goes to the "Home Improvement" section of the Library, where no college student will go. He reads his play until it's time to leave and sneaks out. After Sarah finishes her explanation, he motions to the dots of blood on the windows, "Is that part of staying camouflaged?"

[Detritus]

Leo follows, pulling up his hood before leaving the suite, and remaining largely silent. At the Library, he asks Rebekka, "What was Tatianna so upset about?"

After he gets his answer, he goes to the "Home Improvement" section of the Library, where no college student will go. He reads his play until it's time to leave and sneaks out. After Sarah finishes her explanation, he motions to the dots of blood on the windows, "Is that part of staying camouflaged?"
Rebekka answers -- "It is a matter of clan unity, mainly. Both she and Mr. Johnson are Toreador."

Sarah answers -- "Camouflage? No, not really, I have merely set the reflectance of the vehicle to unity over its entire surface."

[SD Anderson]

Jack chaqnges the ringtone of his cell, after the dual calls to himself and Leo pinted out a minor problem. Then whiled away his spare time reading some Taoist literature.

[Huxley]

Rebekka answers -- "It is a matter of clan unity, mainly. Both she and Mr. Johnson are Toreador."


"Ah. I see."


Sarah answers -- "Camouflage? No, not really, I have merely set the reflectance of the vehicle to unity over its entire surface."

Leo nods in response, then situates himself for sleeping in the car so he won't wake up TOO stiff.

[Detritus]

About an hour out of Houston, you all feel the lethargy that presages sunrise begin to steal over your minds and limbs. A somewhat dreamy-sounding Rebekka addresses you one final time...

"Rest easy, for you are safe. We shall waken together in New Orleans, and face the challenges of a new night refreshed."

==================

OK, now the scene is a wrap. The beginning of the new scene will be up some time tonight.