HOME FIRES MISTS LIFEBLOOD SPOKES
No sooner does Maya take Praxis...
Log Date - Wednesday, December 23, 1998
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Fransisco says, "other thoughts?"
You say, "Fransisco? What do you know about the Sabbat and Anarchs?"
Fransisco says, "such things came about after my sleep began."
You say, "I was afraid of that."
You say, "It's just been too quiet with them. What if Roosevelt was really
Sabbat?"
Fransisco says, "there was a revolution fometing when I slept.. The younger
generations felt the oppression of the older. The elder felt they needed to
control the younger... Such things were bound to happen eventually. Since
I've awakened, I've mostly tried to stay to myself. I do not trust such
organizations easily. I find the camarilla is at least smart enought to
enforce the masqerade heavily and with solid hand, and for that I grant
them a measure of respect. Though, truly, I operate on my own. If JP was
sabbat, he would have made his move earlier, though his actions seem to be
those that might be done by one such as he."
You say, "Not...necessarily. If he was tryng to open up the area by
dividing.."
Fransisco nods. "I would have allowed it. I would have removed him myself
if it would have gone that far."
You say, "Even so. It's going to make it hard to get a peace..."
Fransisco says, "I believe the current term is Detante."
You say, "OK, Detente."
Fransisco says, "we don't bother the lupines, they don't bother us."
Fransisco says, "if they cannot abide that, then there will be trouble. I
think most of us should be willing to agree to that."
You say, "We'll see."
Maya pulls at her lip again.
Fransisco says, "something more tugs at you to speak."
You say, "I dunno. Just thining there's a lot of missing pieces. Of which
our archon is one."
Fransisco nods.
You say, "Why did she let him go? Or eat him, she might have done either."
Fransisco nods. "they are of a clan, no?"
Fransisco says, "and truly, she outdates the camarilla by many centuries
if not mellinia, why should she care for it's rules?"
You say, "Yes...but no one comes here without her consent, in one way or
another."
Fransisco shrugs, "who are we to second guess the workings of one such as
her."
You say, "People who might have to to survive."
Fransisco says, "if she wanted us dead we would be."
You say, "Who said it was she who wanted it?"
Fransisco says, "if she wants us alive, we will be."
Fransisco says, "either that, or she simply doesn't care."
You say, "I don't know. I'm too young to even be able to grasp that many
years."
Fransisco nods, "I may be old in years, but I slept many of them. Such
existence I can only begin to fathom.
You say, "Is she the oldest you've ever met?"
Fransisco nods, "I am fairly certain, yes."
You say, "And Gangrel's own Childe. And here. Fransisco, I'm really
nervous every time I even think about this."
Fransisco says, "if she had championed you, I'd be dead."
Maya looks toward the door at a sudden disturbance among the guards.
Fransisco raises an eyebrow.
You say, "Someone at the door..? At this hour?"
Fransisco stands and heads to the door to investigate.
Fransisco says, "perhaps you should seek refuge in a corner..."
You let yourself out the great bank vault door, into the foyer.
Foyer(#9473RJ)
This largish room seems to be decorated in what one might call "Early
Bank Vault", if one were sufficently odd.
This description, strangely enough, is mostly accurate: the room
is a squat cube, the walls made of concrete painted a dull black. One-half
or so of the room is empty space, the rear half cordoned off by very
strong-looking steel bars set into concrete at both ceiling and floor...
this barrier pierced only by a heavy gate and a concrete security booth in
the exact center, a tinted viewport keeping watch over the room. Behind
this, black t-shirted security works, checking people through into the club
beyond.
Evidently how this setup works is thus: one enters the gate, and
is sent into a cordoned-off path that allows Security to take a good look
at each patron for a bit. Next, each patron is searched by metal detector,
both wand and large machine.. the final stop is to pass through an MRI
machine, before being allowed through the large metal vault doors to the
club beyond.
Obvious exits:
Out Main Room
Fransisco appears from inside the club itself.
Fransisco says, "then again, perhaps not."
You say, "Just stand at my back..."
Fransisco nods.
Fransisco picks up his sword from behind the counter.
Maya nods to security to let whoever it is through. "I'm sorry, Mr.
Smith's not available, miss.."
The moon is breathtaking, in its silvery pale solitude. Lovely. But it
is merely dead rock, suspended lifeless in time and space, and is but weak
candleflame to Josephine's ethereal delicacy. She does not try to be showy:
no makeup, simple clothes, but her beauty will not be so easily muted.
Where once she was skinny her form has filled out, curvaceous and fetching.
Her skin is no longer that unhealthy pale, but blazes up like glimmering
mother of pearl when the light hits her just right. Her features are
delicate and finely crafted, grey-green eyes regarding you soberly from an
alabaster face. Her hair is ruddy brown, kissed red-gold by the sun, a mad
gleeful jumble of curls that most women tithe hairdresses to create.
She still dresses simply, but with a bit more verve. She wears a tight
v-neck ribbed poorboy of deep mossy green, revealing curve of throat and
angle of collarbone, tight jeans, and stack heel wingtips, adding just a
smidge of height and a dash of funk. She gestures frequently when she
speaks, a southern accent layered over her words, but not thick enough to
make her sound like a hick. She is fairly quiet, though, but quick to
smile. She wears a silver bangle bracelet, claspless, and a black pearl
necklace.
Josie, after a long chat with the security guards is, for some reason,
ushered in.
Fransisco holds something inside his trenchcoat, out of sight. He stands
loosely behind and to maya's right.
Josie says in a honied voice, "That's a shame.... I needed to chat with
him about a friend of his. Celina."
You say, "Can I help you, then? I'm his wife."
Josie nods to Maya, then flickers her gaze to Fransisco.
Fransisco says nothing, but looks displeased.
Security is watching everyone too. Closely.
Josie returns her gaze to Maya. "Is there somewhere private we could
chat?"
You say, "Umm...well, the place is a total wreck."
Josie ahyesses, "So I had gathered, I thought perhaps a back office or
something. No bother. Have you seen Miss Celina of late?"
Maya leans on the wall. "Not the last few days. I just barely know her."
Josie nods. "She attacked a friend of mine."
Fransisco says, "I keep looking to see Miss Firedance in the obituaries
but so far I've been dissapointed."
Maya blinks. "What? Why?"
Josie folds her hands behind her back and levels her strange, probing,
sober gaze on Maya. "Because she was peckish. Miss Celina picked on the
wrong person, though."
Maya blinks again. This is obviously totally news to her. "Ah, shit. Maybe
we should go on in." She looks at a guard. "Make sure we're not disturbed?
I mean it. No one but Richard." The guard nods. "You got it."
Josie refrains from saying "I told you we should speak in private".
As Maya turns, one of the guards mutters "I wasn't calling her squaw
cannibal chick for nothing..."
After you're throughly checked out, you are allowed through the Vault door
leading into the club proper.
Delirium - Main Room
Odd.
That would be a good description of this room.
To enter, one had to pass through a black fire door, and one is instantly
thrust into a strange new environment. The room is pentagonal, one 'point'
being cut out to be the exit.. the room seems made of concrete painted a
deep midnight blue. Above you, is blackness.. no, wait, it's just a steel
catwalk, painted black.. and you may hear the sounds of boots there, if
you listen. At the far end of the room is a long bar of oak and chrome..
the wall behind a bank of televisions, all showing something different,
but no sound. What sound there is, is the sound of having fun.
Off to one side is an open space, leading to a room from which all
sorts of video games and billiards crashing together can be heard. There
are other exits, most parked: 'Private', and there are, of course, the
requisite restrooms. Most everywhere you look, there are friendly and
helpful white t-shirted 'Delirium' crew members, to help you out.
- There are important things in +view, please read it all. -
Obvious exits:
Foyer Catwalk Private Door Private Lounge
Josie appears from the foyer.
Fransisco appears from the foyer.
Fransisco follows closely, adjusting his coat a little.
Maya ducks around ladders, paint, and heads to the one table left after
the floor cleaning. "Please sit, Ms..."
Fransisco takes a chair, drags it over, sitting on it in reverse.
Josie says smoothly, "Crowther. Josie Crowther."
You say, "I'm Maya....did you say Crowther?"
Josie sits down, primly crossing her legs at the ankles like a proper
lady. "Yes. And to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"
You say, "I knew Ziggy. How is he? I haven't seen him in a long time."
Josie picks an invisible piece of lint off of her jeans. "Crowther is my
maiden name." She returns her gaze to Maya.
Josie says, "He's dead."
Maya's shoulders have gone rigidly tense.
You say, "I'm very sorry to hear that."
Josie shrugs slightly. "It happens. He died 2 years ago this spring."
Maya nods. "I'm still sorry. And, as I said, I'm Maya. Your local
complaints board." She sounds like she's trying to make a joke, but is too
tesne to thik of anything funny.
Josie leans back in her chair and smiles faintly. "Good. I was hoping I'd
find the right person." She flickers her gaze to the big guy again, then
looks back at Maya. "Celina bit the wrong person. She is still...alive.
She was left outside the Delirium. In the back. Or so I am told."
You say, "I have heard no...." She pauses. Looks at Fransisco. "That
explains THAT little enigma."
Fransisco just nods.
Maya looks back to Josie. "I hope the assaulted is well?"
Josie waits for the two of you to finish your side conversation, and then
says, "In fact, she bit my significant other. And no, he is not well." Her
countenance darkens significantly. For such a teeny little thing, she's
damn commanding. "She quite clearly...worked his mind. He is incredibly
distraught. Weak. Under the impression he was forced to have sex with her
against her will. I'm not sure which upsets me more: him being fed upon,
or possibly raped. For allwe know, she lied to him when she said they had
sex."
Maya's expression darkens. A lot. "Please, accept my apologies. I give you
my word that I knew nothing about nor gave permission for any of that!"
She has the look of someone who might have suffered such herself, once.
Josie nods slightly. In that waterfall voice she says, "I want three
things."
None of this do this I'll give you that shit from Josie.
You say, "I am listening."
Josie holds aloft one finger. "Your word, on your life and your honor, that
me and mine will be safe from this sort of vicious attack again. We are
strictly off limits. In return, I will attempt to keep temptation out of
you and yours path." A second finger. "When Miss Celina returns to
consciousness, I wish to be present for an interrogation, during which
time it will be determined if, in fact, she used her abilities of the mind
to subdue and force herself sexually upon my Love." Number 3. "If such is
the case, I request the Right of Punishment. That you will oversee her
punishment for raping someone. The mere thought that it might have
occurred is agonizing enough for my friend. If it is an actuality, I
assure you, whatever defense he might have been able to muster is not
sufficient punishment for rape."
Fransisco looks annoyed, wether at the mention of celina's name, the
mention of her so called crimes, or the fact that someone would have the
audacity to talk to maya like this is unclear.
You say, "One question. How are we to know what you are? We do not seek
you out on purpose."
Josie says, "An excellent question. Do you not have the ability to check
what people are?"
Fransisco smiles, "yes, but it invovles cutting them open and dissecting
the remains."
Josie says, "Presumably there are others who are 'off limits', by your
rule. How do you avoid them?"
Josie glances over at Fransisco, and then looks back at Maya.
You say, "Not so reliably as that. And we try to have at least a detente
with them. It is common to make mistakes, sad as they are."
Josie nods. "Mistakes happen. That I can understand. And forgive. Prudence,
perhaps, is the best course. I will tell my people to avoid the Delirium."
Fransisco says, "I saw her leaving alexandria's with a young man the
yestereve, she called him orlando, is this the one of whom you speak?"
Maya nods. "Do you know where the attack took place?"
Josie flickers her gaze to Fransisco and, after a long moment, nods. After
all, anybody who sees Josie and Orlando in public together will put two
and two together. "In a law office? I believe. He remembers aught that
happened between the library and coming to in the office."
Josie says, with some wry bemusement, "Perhaps telling your people if they
suddenly start seeing funky things after taking a drink, apologies are in
order?"
You say, "I don't know about that. What I do know is this: anyone who
feeds on your kind is ignorant or reckless. In this case, I'm not sure
which to believe. If I have a way of knowing who not to touch, they will
not be touched. If I don't, then I can only hope for few mistakes. Celina
Firedance may not live long in any case. What kind of punishment would
your kind demand?"
Fransisco says, "well, as I arrived in the cafe he shot me such a glance
of venom for merely saying hello to the lady that had I been made of
softer stuff, might I have melted. Then he proceeded to talk such things
into her ears as to make way into her pants. When they adjourned the
premises, I can tell you all in attendance would gather to surmise that a
consentual mating would be taking place anon. I think it to their both
mighty surprise that each was not what the other expected to find when
things progressed most naturally."
Maya looks over at Fransisco. "In that case..I'm betting on ignorance."
Josie's eyes narrow the merest fraction of an inch, then her face is
smooth again. "While I fear I may sound like a blindly devoted woman, I
feel confident in saying talkin the game and tryin for a touchdown are two
different things. Given his.... distraught... state at the moment, I don't
think consent entered into the picture. Anywhere."
You say, "Consent for sex is different than consent for the Kiss, Ms.
Josie. But I think we can't know until I examine both minds..and that I
doubt I have your leave to do."
Josie says, "As for punishment, she is of your kind. I leave that decision
to you. Given his memories, I've no doubt, Ms. Maya, that he under some
sort of control of hers. His distress lies not from the Kiss itself, but
from the thought that he might have had sex with her...he did not consent
to that. Nor the Kiss, obviously."
Fransisco smirks.
Josie says drily, "My partner is a flirt, but he's also monogamous. He
knows I'd tar and feather him if he strayed, and he also knows he can hide
nothing from me."
Fransisco says, "perhaps you should prepare your tar."
Maya frowns. "It is...not uncommon..." she says slowly, "for those who hunt
by means of sex to implant false memories of having done so in the minds
of the donor..to preserve secrecy. The act itself never occurs, but they
are made to think so because it is what they expect. To be honest...I
think perhaps..." she trails off, thinking.
Josie frowns deeply and says, all formal pretense going away, "You think
she screwed with his mind to think he'd fucked her. Great. I can just
trundle home now and pat him on the head."
You say, "I don't say it's any better. What I say is that it's possible he
never did, and that the false memory might be undone. Might be."
Josie tips her head to one side. "How?"
Maya half-smiles. "One with the same art going in and commanding it so.
One such as myself.
Josie ahs, and says nothing more.
You say, "As I said..it's unlikely you'll permit that."
Josie says, "I will have to see how he feels about it."
Josie says, "Thank you for telling me."
You say, "You're welcome. I really wish the whole thing had never
happened."
Josie rubs her temples. "As do I. I know he shot her. I don't know what
shape she's in."
You say, "Here is what I propose: I have no problem with making your kind
off limits, so long as we have a safe zone other than here where we may go
or some way of identifying you. The interrogation must and should happen,
if nothing else than for the healing of your love's mind.."
Josie says, "I will speak with him, and encourage him to do as such. Where
would you have a safe zone?"
Maya thinks a moment. "I'm fond of Alexandria's...there's so many students
there. Can you warn your people to be careful before accepting a date
there? So to speak?"
Fransisco eyes Maya.
Josie says, "My people tend to hang out there, but I can warn them, yes."
Maya makes a face. "Why am I not surprised...I will warn mine that they,
too, must be careful there. I can't stop everyone, but I can warn."
Fransisco says, "We will feed where we please, alexandria's may be
considered off limits, but I suggest that your people take care wherever
they may walk."
Josie nods. "Very well then. Thank you. I appreciate it." She turns to
Fransisco. "I can but warn. I would rather have a pact of non aggression
than a war of fast growing wood and sunlight."
Fransisco nods.
Maya puts a hand on Fransisco's arm to silence him. "We all must take care
in this city. I do not want war with you. If mistakes occur, we must be
able to meet somewhere fairly neutral in order to work things out."
Fransisco says, "we cannot be non aggressive if we know not who you are."
Josie says, "Mistakes are fine, so long as there is a place and a means of
working out differences. As Celina is in your hands, if one of mine does
you wrong, they shall be punished, and you will know about it."
Maya thinks a moment. "When the Smiling Turtle reopens, I will declare that
off limits for hunting, but Alexandria's I cannot rule out entirely. I
know this must repulse you, but all things must eat. Will that work?"
Josie nods. "That will work quite well. Thank you."
You say, "You're welcome. To be honest, I am glad we had a talk, though
infinitely sorry of the cause. But I didn't know who to approach. " She
holds out her hand, palm up. "If your love will consent, I will try to
undo the damage, assuming that's what was done. I can promise nothing, but
I can try."
Fransisco nods. "We shall pass along that the turtle is off limits to our
kind. And to be doubly cautious at Alexandria's. Everything else is
neutral ground, and yours and ours mean no harm to each other.
Fransisco says, "whatever it is you are."
Maya says wryly "If Celina made it past the dawn, I think she's regretting
it now.
Josie nods. "If there is any time where one of mine does you wrong, please,
come to me." A pause, a wry grin. "You'll be able to find me at the
Turtle."
Maya grins. "And you can get in touch with me through here."
Josie stands and proffers her hand for a shake.
Maya stands slowly. "Walk carefully, Josie." She shakes your hand, her own
cool but not cold. "There are other things than each other out there."
Josie says drily, "Don't we know it. Be well." She nods politely to
Fransisco, and heads out.
Josie heads out towards the foyer, through the great vault door.
Fransisco grrrs.
Maya sinks into a chair. "Oh, man. Did we ever get off lucky."
Fransisco shrugs.
You say, "I don't like to fuck with people who can call sunlight into my
haven any time of day."
Fransisco says, "if she's unwilling to say who her people are, and yet
come in here to degrade us for not knowing, she is not worthy of calling
those people hers."
You say, "That, Fransisco, was a Faerie. And she was tense because it was
her boyfriend, dollars to doughnuts. Aiieee."
Fransisco shrugs, "He was seducing Celina as surely as she seduced him. I
saw it."
You say, "Without my being able to prove it, she'd never believe it. But
that's beside the point. Wars have been fought over stupider than that."
Fransisco muses, "is it true what they say about faeries and iron?"
You say, "I have no idea and I'm not about to test it." She drops her head
to the table. Muffled: "At least I didn't accede to two of her demands."
Fransisco says, "which two?"
You say, "I didn't say she could be present interrogating Celina, and I
didn't say Celina WOULD be punished. Because if you're right, I think
being shot is punishment enough."
Fransisco says, "damn."
Maya grins. "What, you want me to kill her for stupidity? She can do that
herself quite well, seems like."
Fransisco shrugs, trying not to smile, "I can try."
You say, "I think Richard found her, though. Or her ash. Because of what
he said earlier."
Fransisco says, "where would we find her?"
You say, "I don't know. But I mean to find out what's going on."
Maya grins suddenly. "First crisis, no war. Yet. So far so good."
Fransisco nods.
Fransisco says, "it upsets me that richard would seek to keep this from
you."
You say, "I barely saw him tonight. I'd only been talking to him
maybe....." She pauses. "Unless his overprotective streak was kicking in.
Why?"
Fransisco says, "You cannot make informed decisions if you do not have all
the information."
Fransisco says, "it also means he doesn't trust you to be able to handle
the information."
You say, "Or maybe he went out to see what he coud find out, after he
ate."
Fransisco says, "if the staked or otherwise incapacitated body of one of
our kind is found outside the back door of the elysium both the prince and
the sheriff should be immediately told. It is your place to know and .my.
job."
Fransisco says, "I will .not. have my position compromised again by
someone who refuses to do their job correctly."
You say, "I'll speak to him."
Fransisco says, "if he puts this domain at risk, I .will. find him and I
.will. remove him."
Maya sighs. "I understand that." She's sounding tense again.
Fransisco nods.
Fransisco says, "preferably I can beat some sense into him first."
Fransisco says, "who's the drummer?"
Maya says softly "I am."
Fransisco nods, "figured you for the lead singer, not the drummer."
You say, "Some day, I'll have to dance for you..and drum for you, too."
Fransisco nods
Fransisco says, "I started learning guitar the other day."
Fransisco says, "I've so far found it quite.. interesting. the patience
and attention to detail required."
You say, "I'm glad you like it. We should maybe play together, Richard
plays piano."
Fransisco hrms, "sounds like something that gabriel guy would put
together."
You say, "Gabriel?"
Fransisco says, "peter"
You say, "Oh! Yeah. He's cool. I really like Queen more, though."
Fransisco nods, "the drum you wear seem more suited."
Maya smiles a little. "Want me to show you?"
Fransisco says, "I mean, seems more suited to mr. gabriel's african type
sounds..."
Maya nods. "It is. But I make my own, or sometimes play along with Mickey
Hart."
Fransisco nods.
Fransisco says, "I would love to listen some time."
Maya grins. "You will. At the rave, if no other time."
Fransisco nods.
Maya adds "And I'l dance. Maybe I'll even be able to stir your ancient
bones!" She's teasing now.
Fransisco laughs.
Fransisco says, "very little stirs these bones."
You say, "That sounds like a challenge, Elder!"
Fransisco chuckles, "You should know we don't feel those sorts of
desires."
You say, "Who said I wanted to turn you on?"
Maya crosses her arms. "MEN. Always thinking about sex."
Fransisco grins, "sorry, seemed the sort of thing your generation talks
about most."
Maya says archly "I'm not most of my generation."
Fransisco grins.
Fransisco says, "perhaps."
Maya sighs. "I'm going to be SO hungry tomorrow night." She's pink enough
to have fed today.
Fransisco says, "whyfor?"
You say, "Conflict always makes me snacky. Maybe I can find a nice college
boy who's happy with a grope and a Kiss."
Fransisco chuckles. "I'm sure you can find one."
You say, "Classes just started back, thank goodness."
Fransisco grins. "I shall retire home then."
You say, "Maybe I'll come out and see you practice, meet your ghoul."
Fransisco nods, "you are always welcome."
Fransisco stands and bows lightly.
You say, "Walk safely, knight."
HOME FIRES MISTS LIFEBLOOD SPOKES