cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
The boxes disappear into the darkness beneath the surface, while Emmett watches carefully. Oddly enough, there is no sound of a crash or even a muffled impact. Just silence.
"That should do us. I got my boys on the case, so unless you all got anything else to add..." Emmett gives a half salute and begins to head down the tunnel himself, hesitating only briefly as he begins to pull the cover shut. "You all want me, I'm not a tough guy to find. Just come on down. Scream loud enough, maybe I'll get to you before the beasties do." He flashes a grin, and unless an objection is voiced, he is gone.
Not long after, each of the coterie's phones buzz with a text from an unknown number. "Report with your status. What leads do you have? -J"
Lizzy looks down at her phone and puts it away. Then she looks at Bulldog.
"Don't you EVER bring this kind of shit in my studio!
I expected to be picked up and then we go.
Not this fucking dog and pony show.
What if this situation had gone to blows?"
0
FencingsaxIt is difficult to get a man to understand, when his salary depends upon his not understandingGNU Terry PratchettRegistered Userregular
Lizzy looks down at her phone and puts it away. Then she looks at Bulldog.
"Don't you EVER bring this kind of shit in my studio!
I expected to be picked up and then we go.
Not this fucking dog and pony show.
What if this situation had gone to blows?"
"In the immediate term, what would probably have happened is none of us would have anything else to worry about. Ever"
Max also sees the message
"If she continues to be this clingy, we aren't going to get anything done. We need to give her something that will calm her down for at least a couple of days"
Bulldog was tempted to get back into it with Liz, but they had bigger issues to deal with. “Wasn’t my idea, Liz. Miser and Emmett were here when we showed up. Thanks for the help.”
Looking back down to his phone, Bulldog said “I was hoping to get Liz back to Elysium first, but it looks like J is expecting miracles on The Kenneth case. Not sure what else we can tell her besides ‘we're working contacts, no leads yet; we'll keep you posted’. Unless anyone has a better idea, I’ll text that back.”
Alex tosses a strange glance at Elizabeth. She had already talked to the Sheriff? When and where did she find a way to run into the Sheriff without having gone back to Elysium. It was a question he filed away for later, as she didn't particularly look like she was interested in explaining. "Tell the Prince that we have a means of fighting whatever Beast was there also. Maybe that will buy us some additional time or at least calm her a little." The Toreador silently agreed with Max's assessment. The Prince was really pushing, but it was coming as more of a micro-management type effect which wasn't going to help anything. They needed to make progress, but she needed to give them some space to make that progress.
"Tell her we've got the Nosferatu's request sorted out and are following up leads on Kenneth's whereabouts with their assistance," Deke says absently, looking over the remaining inventory in the SUV as he closes the lift gate. "It may not be the progress she wants, but she can't deny it's progress."
He leans against the closed lift gate and looks at the rest of the coterie. "We need to put the rest of this into the hands of our clans as soon as possible. Before everyone else hears about this too, ideally."
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
The relative quiet of the side street is soon interrupted by the brief sound of a siren, as if to get attention before it goes silent, and soon a police car can be seen approaching from the far end of the street with its lights flashing. For whatever reason, the police radio isn't giving any hint about the reason for its presence. It appears to be a simple patrol vehicle.
Deke shrugs, then moves to intercept the police cruiser, buying time for Alex to get ready to leave. He staggers a bit, as if drunk, and waves ostentatiously at the police. His gait is somewhere between swagger and stagger, and his face says three sheets to wind.
Geth, roll 5d10o10h8 for Manipulate + Presence + Performance to be drunk
Danny turns to speak to one of the others gesturing apologetically for show. "Perhaps the friend of the drunk individual who just wandered into the path of an oncoming vehicle should attend to him while everyone else expresses their frustration." He was prepared to do it himself, but wanted to give a better liar a chance to step in first.
0
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
The patrol car slows beside the SUV, and two officers exit, though they don't seem to have been expecting a drunk. "Kind of late for you boys to be out. Car trouble?" The driver has a hand near his pistol, as if braced for the worst. "Hope that guy ain't driving." The other one remarks before looking back to the parked vehicle.
"We've been getting reports of a suspicious vehicle moving around the city involved with drug trafficking. You all wouldn't know anything about that, now would you?"
No objections then. Danny thinks to himself, motioning his arms frustratedly. "I'm so sorry officers, everybody, officers. He doesn't... he's not usually like this, but it's been a rough couple of days. Can I please just get him out of the street? I'm sorry." Not waiting for a response, but careful not to break into an all-out run, Danny moves quickly in Deke's direction.
Uncertain whether the cops would end up checking IDs, whether it was safe to use their real names, and whether those two would even match up, Danny goes with the first thing that comes to mind, "Honey, come on! You need to be more careful!" Reaching Deke he takes him by the shoulder and tries to move him over to the sidewalk. "Please? It's going to be fine, no one got hurt, no harm done." He looks over at the others apologetically.
My Manipulation Subterfuge roll would be a 2, so I guess I'll spend a Willpower for an auto-success?
0
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
The officers exchange skeptical looks, then seem content to ignore Danny and Deke... the rest of the group, not so much. The driver shines a flashlight in the vehicle's direction. "How about the rest of you? Anything special in the back there?"
Alex leans against the SUV appearing to look casually annoyed. "No sir. Just trying to get these idiots home. Signed up to be everyone's taxi, didn't realize I'd have to babysit too." The Toreador tried to keep himself from thinking about what would be found if they happened to search the back. Or, more appropriately, what the group would have to do to them if they didn't become less curious.
Not sure if Charisma is appropriate here vs Manipulation, so I'll roll the lower one and you let me know if I should reroll.
Geth, roll 6d10o10h8 for Manipulation+Subterfuge+Presence
Manipulation+Subterfuge+Presence:
6d10o10h83 [6d10o10h8=6, 9, 7, 2, 8, 9]
0
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
"..." There's a long pause, then the flashlight goes off. "Better get them home, then. Streets are dangerous lately, you hear?" The two get back into the vehicle, and drive off. Not long after the police radio crackles with activity. "Got a report about suspected trafficking, dispatch. False alarm." "10-4."
Charisma would have been ideal, but either works, it was a success regardless.
"Let's go," Deke says, the drunk act gone. "Before more people try to screw us on this. If I wanted to be screwed, I'd be at Victoria Wentworth's party."
"Yeah. I think we might need to prioritize getting a new ride if this is gonna keep happening." Danny scans the area as best he can. "Wonder if they've got physical eyes on us or if it's a magic thing... Julia's still gonna need a reply, but I don't think what I would like to say right now necessarily meshes with what any of you would."
Geth roll 8d10o10h8 for Perception, Alertness, Auspex
If Danny sends the reply in his current state of mind it might be a little terse, but hopefully not to the point of angering her.
Perception, Alertness, Auspex:
8d10o10h81 [8d10o10h8=9, 1, 6, 4, 5, 2, 7, 1]
0
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
Alex breathes a small sigh of relief when the cops leave. They were in a precarious situation, that could have gotten worse by the minute, and they skated through by the skin of their teeth. Now, he agreed with Deke. They needed to get out, and get out fast before someone else comes sniffing around. "Agreed Deke. Let's move quickly." He throws open the SUV door and climbs into the driver's seat, starting up the engine.
Once inside the SUV Danny spends some time reading and rereading the text from 'J,' his brow furrowed. "You know what? I got this. Calm blue ocean."
He texts "All proceeding to plan. Just picked up the stuff you recommended. Lizzy thinks she might have something solid, but you know us Malkavians. Should have something soon, stay by the phone."
"Not really going to to keep her off our backs, but she'll probably just contact me for a while at least." He pauses a moment. "Anyway. If we pass by anywhere that sells cheap-ass pre-pay phones I could really use a couple. Probably all could, but that's up to you guys."
0
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
There is a significant gap of communication after the text is sent, then finally, Danny's phone buzzes with a reply. "I would take her insight with a heaping dose of salt, but so be it. I understand she's lucky to have her head still attached to her shoulders. Do relay that her blood is safe, for now, and only by my graces. I expect results well before dawn."
Not long after the text is received, Bobby's phone goes off with an incoming call. "UNAVAILABLE" is only detail provided on the caller.
0
FencingsaxIt is difficult to get a man to understand, when his salary depends upon his not understandingGNU Terry PratchettRegistered Userregular
"I really don't like this newfound popularity. It makes me twitchy."
Max texts the Brokerage, to see if there are any leads on their end.
Geth roll 7d10o10h8 for wits+investigate+mentor
I'm not sure I can use my mentor like that, but let me know
"Yeah this is some bullshit. Everytime we say goodbye to the Nos, fucking cops show up. Living up to that Rat nickname I guess, " Bulldog chuckled humorlessly.
"Nice work guys. Looks like we can finally head to museum to look for clues, lets head there Alex," he said.
"Lenko, who's this?" Bulldog said, answering his phone. Hopefully it wasn't another distraction, they had burned up too much time already.
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
A vaguely familiar voice can be heard, though there is a lot of static, as if it's from an area with very bad reception. "Sorry about the piggies, chief. They're really itchin' for some action after someone iced their boy." A scratchy cackle. "The boys tell me Mr. Wayne was near Claremont in the Bronx. Fuck if I know why. Probably after connections or donors or some shit."
Sarasvat is assuming you want information on Kenneth's whereabouts. She heard he was visiting Elysium and reporting to the Regentia the last anyone heard from him. He's a lot of things, but he's not one to cut and run. She'll ask with her contacts uptown and get back to you, unless you have anything more for her to go off of.
"Sure thing Bulldog." Alex flipped the gear into drive after everyone loaded in. GPS loaded on his phone, he headed off towards Claremont. "It'd be great if on the way someone could figure out how the hell we keep getting found."
"You mean like how Miser shows up wherever we go? Or like how 'Unknown Number J' requested to know where we were headed? Or Julia being able to communicate with at least one of her minions telepathically? Lots of options, just gotta narrow it down."
"All of the above would be great." Alex responded sarcastically. "But realistically, we should probably focus on those outside of the Prince who keep putting stuff in our way. She will likely be pretty overt with her anger if we run into that, it's everyone else who is trying to be sneaky that is going to be our bigger problem."
"Don't get me wrong, it's not my intent to implicate the prince in this very specific instance, but something like that isn't exactly a unique ability. Hell, building off what Lizzy's saying, one of us could be unwittingly acting as eyes and ears for... Someone." Danny shifts in his seat, attempting to counter a discomfort not entirely physical. "Look, you think I haven't been waiting for one you to betray us from the start? Funny thing though - Only one of us has particularly stood out, in my opinion, as seeming to work against the group." He pointedly looks to Lizzy. "I would recommend against casting aspersions against one another unless you're prepared to present evidence."
"I have my reasons to not outright accuse the individual I suspect is behind all this, though I have tried to ensure you all have the same evidence to potentially draw the same conclusions. Once we decide whose side we're on it'll come clear. Hard to betray people when you don't know who serves who."
Lizzy raised an eyebrow. "I am the least likely to be fucking with the group because I don't know what's going on.
I don't know what happened to you guys since I've been gone.
I don't know where you got those boxes nor what's in them to deal with our menace.
Or for the other matter, What the fuck happened to Kenneth?"
"And I'm completely happy to fill you in on all of that, because as much as I've found some of your actions suspicious, you also haven't exactly been subtle in the way someone working against us ought to." Danny fill's Lizzy in on any gaps in her understanding that need filling.
"Siding too obviously with the Nosferatu would cause us trouble with Julia. On some level, Emmett's moves are saving us a lot of awkward conversations," Deke says. "But I'm sure at some point the party will be over."
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
edited April 2017
The particular part of the Bronx that the group is directed to feels more like the unpleasant side of South Chicago, especially at the current time of night. The streets are far from empty. Groups of teens are sitting by apartment building stairs exchanging questionable goods, a few cars sit abandoned along the road, and one of the nicer vehicles clearly has someone attempting to break into it, though no one seems to pay him any mind. There's even a few distant shots of gunfire followed by the sound of tires squealing off into the distance.
A few heads turn as coterie's SUV heads down the street, as if fresh prey has just entered their turf. The neighborhood looks like the last place someone like Kenneth would be caught in.
“Well my money's on the Nos. They been pretty up front. If we don’t join them they are going to fuck with us, or worse. Whether we’re helping with Nictuku or not. We need to figure out what side we’re on soon, because sitting on the fence is just putting us in the crossfire,” Bulldog said.
“As for having a mole among us, until we can get a working lie detector and start asking some direct questions, I’m not sure what we can do. But we do need to get a new ride, that’s for damn sure,” the biker added.
“This whole Claremont thing feels like a setup. But since we’re here we might as well look into it. If it is an ambush, we focus on getting out of here.”
“Turn up that scanner, might as well let ‘em think we’re pigs, they already know we ain't from here. Pull up here, let’s see if we can find someone that’ll talk,” he said, looking around.
“You seen this guy around?” Bulldog says, showing a picture of Kenneth from an online newspaper article on his phone. “Or hooded weirdoes that ain't from around here? Besides us.” he asks with a chuckle.
Asking around to get a lead on Kenneth or any Nos in the area. Looking for aomeone that might be willing to talk.
cj iwakuraThe Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered Userregular
It doesn't take long for a nearby street urchin to walk over and take an interest in the photo. Either he's not afraid of the group, or is actively looking forward to trouble. "Man, you don't see suits like that around here unless they're lookin' to score, y'know? JT! You ever see this guy?" Another teen gets up and heads over, giving the photo a look. "Hmm. Maybe, we get a lot of big business, so I might know that guy, I might not. Depends on who's buyin'. You all with the feds?" JT looks to the vehicle then back to the driver. "Last black SUV that rolled through here wound up getting bricked."
“Nah, we ain't feds. Just like to know what on the dispatch. Always pays to be prepared.” Bulldog says with a wink. He flashes his pistol for a moment, not pointing it at them, but making sure they see it. He then pulls out a fold of bills, and hands a $100 to each of them.
“There’s another c-note for each of you if you got something I can use. Either the guy in the picture or new guys that ain’t from here, wearing hoods.”
Posts
"That should do us. I got my boys on the case, so unless you all got anything else to add..." Emmett gives a half salute and begins to head down the tunnel himself, hesitating only briefly as he begins to pull the cover shut. "You all want me, I'm not a tough guy to find. Just come on down. Scream loud enough, maybe I'll get to you before the beasties do." He flashes a grin, and unless an objection is voiced, he is gone.
Not long after, each of the coterie's phones buzz with a text from an unknown number. "Report with your status. What leads do you have? -J"
Lizzy looks down at her phone and puts it away. Then she looks at Bulldog.
"Don't you EVER bring this kind of shit in my studio!
I expected to be picked up and then we go.
Not this fucking dog and pony show.
What if this situation had gone to blows?"
"In the immediate term, what would probably have happened is none of us would have anything else to worry about. Ever"
Max also sees the message
"If she continues to be this clingy, we aren't going to get anything done. We need to give her something that will calm her down for at least a couple of days"
Looking back down to his phone, Bulldog said “I was hoping to get Liz back to Elysium first, but it looks like J is expecting miracles on The Kenneth case. Not sure what else we can tell her besides ‘we're working contacts, no leads yet; we'll keep you posted’. Unless anyone has a better idea, I’ll text that back.”
PSN: Boozer_777
"I've already been there, done that.
Seen the Sheriff and had the chat."
He leans against the closed lift gate and looks at the rest of the coterie. "We need to put the rest of this into the hands of our clans as soon as possible. Before everyone else hears about this too, ideally."
"Fuck, if it's not one thing it's three. Get in the SUV and start it in case it's a hostile. Can any of you recognize who's driving?" The biker says.
PSN: Boozer_777
"We've been getting reports of a suspicious vehicle moving around the city involved with drug trafficking. You all wouldn't know anything about that, now would you?"
Uncertain whether the cops would end up checking IDs, whether it was safe to use their real names, and whether those two would even match up, Danny goes with the first thing that comes to mind, "Honey, come on! You need to be more careful!" Reaching Deke he takes him by the shoulder and tries to move him over to the sidewalk. "Please? It's going to be fine, no one got hurt, no harm done." He looks over at the others apologetically.
Geth, roll 6d10o10h8 for Manipulation+Subterfuge+Presence
If Danny sends the reply in his current state of mind it might be a little terse, but hopefully not to the point of angering her.
He texts "All proceeding to plan. Just picked up the stuff you recommended. Lizzy thinks she might have something solid, but you know us Malkavians. Should have something soon, stay by the phone."
"Not really going to to keep her off our backs, but she'll probably just contact me for a while at least." He pauses a moment. "Anyway. If we pass by anywhere that sells cheap-ass pre-pay phones I could really use a couple. Probably all could, but that's up to you guys."
Not long after the text is received, Bobby's phone goes off with an incoming call. "UNAVAILABLE" is only detail provided on the caller.
Max texts the Brokerage, to see if there are any leads on their end.
Geth roll 7d10o10h8 for wits+investigate+mentor
"Nice work guys. Looks like we can finally head to museum to look for clues, lets head there Alex," he said.
"Lenko, who's this?" Bulldog said, answering his phone. Hopefully it wasn't another distraction, they had burned up too much time already.
PSN: Boozer_777
@Fencingsax
PSN: Boozer_777
"Could be someone in this group." Lizzy says as she takes her keys out to lock her record store down.
"Maybe someone marching in the Rat's troops."
"I have my reasons to not outright accuse the individual I suspect is behind all this, though I have tried to ensure you all have the same evidence to potentially draw the same conclusions. Once we decide whose side we're on it'll come clear. Hard to betray people when you don't know who serves who."
Lizzy raised an eyebrow. "I am the least likely to be fucking with the group because I don't know what's going on.
I don't know what happened to you guys since I've been gone.
I don't know where you got those boxes nor what's in them to deal with our menace.
Or for the other matter, What the fuck happened to Kenneth?"
A few heads turn as coterie's SUV heads down the street, as if fresh prey has just entered their turf. The neighborhood looks like the last place someone like Kenneth would be caught in.
“As for having a mole among us, until we can get a working lie detector and start asking some direct questions, I’m not sure what we can do. But we do need to get a new ride, that’s for damn sure,” the biker added.
“This whole Claremont thing feels like a setup. But since we’re here we might as well look into it. If it is an ambush, we focus on getting out of here.”
“Turn up that scanner, might as well let ‘em think we’re pigs, they already know we ain't from here. Pull up here, let’s see if we can find someone that’ll talk,” he said, looking around.
“You seen this guy around?” Bulldog says, showing a picture of Kenneth from an online newspaper article on his phone. “Or hooded weirdoes that ain't from around here? Besides us.” he asks with a chuckle.
Geth roll 6d10o10h7 for cha+streetwise+presence
PSN: Boozer_777
“There’s another c-note for each of you if you got something I can use. Either the guy in the picture or new guys that ain’t from here, wearing hoods.”
PSN: Boozer_777