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Alicia Bedford Alicia scowls thoughtfully at Amber's statement. "Would I survive, if they had?" Contemplating this question seems to cause her more alarm than than the actual idea that someone might bomb her car, and after a moment she shakes her head and steps forward to the door. As she plucks the picture off the handle, she pauses, staring at the message on the back, an incredulous new explanation for the night's events working its way through her brain. It wasn't looking for the Codex. It was looking for me... "But who?" She mutters aloud, continuing her habit of picking up a train of thought in the middle of a sentence, and smears some of the blood from the picture's front on her thumb. She raises it to her lips, sniffs it, and then licks it off. --- Taste of Blood, 4 dice Wits+Composure, gonna spend another willpower for 7. If successful, particularly looking for what kind of creature the blood belongs to, and which clan if a vampire. TehWarsmith fucked around with this message at 19:36 on Jun 13, 2014 |
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Jun 13, 2014 19:18
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Ricky Fry - The City Tonight had been a good night. He prepared a friend for rescue, found a pretty big gun and.... Yeah, there was that other thing. The corpse in the woods. The corpse that implied there were more of them and that they were everywhere. Why he had never seen one of those monsters before was worrying. The thing could have been bluffing. Maybe. But Ricky didn't even know what it was. Maybe Alicia would know. But first, he needed to eat. Ricky drove down to the after hours bars on campus. Leaving Fang in the truck, he headed for whichever bar had the loudest music. They were all pretty much the same.
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Jun 13, 2014 19:55
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Amber Holloway - Alicia's House Amber goes through a mental list of ways a car could be trapped as she scans the surrounds for any sight of the mysterious thief. Cutting brake lines, tampering with the fuel tank, shorting the electrics... The thief, at least, looks long gone, so Amber decides to start with the good news. "He's not here." Alicia doesn't seem to notice her as- is she licking the photo? Not quite, but licking her fingers. Gross, Miss Manners. Can I investigate the house for potential for being broken into for, uh, future reference? Also signs if those routes have been used?
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Jun 14, 2014 01:11
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Ricky The closest bar to the U of R campus is the Distillery, just off of Mount Hope Avenue. As Ricky stepped inside he felt the humidity more keenly - while it still wasn't much trouble in his undead state, it would account for the scores of fairly scantily-clad, inebriated young men and women crowding the bar, talking loudly enough to wake the dead sleeping in the nearby Cemetary, and generally being young and irresponsible, despite the fact the bar was technically closed at this point in the night. Alicia, Amber, and Leo The blood is old and stingy, and Alicia can't taste anything familiar about it. A frustrating glance away from the photo and she sees Amber rummaging through her things, going from room to room in an impromptu investigation. The Mekhet can determine that the front door would be a fairly easy lock to pick, and the blacked out windows don't look particularly daunting, either. However, nothing looks like it's been broken into - yet anyway. The sound of a vehicle pulling into the drive points both of the women outside, where Leo is rolling up. Leo, you can take 2 blood before the jazz singer gains the Drained Condition, more than 7 Blood might kill the man, though you can easily fill up, let him pass out, and leave him, though he'd probably need medical attention at that point. Since Amber is trying to determine the safety of Amber's house, and not her safe place (the U of R campus), I'm assuming it's not super secure. If the intention is to have the house be included in her Safe Place, let me know.
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Jun 14, 2014 21:29
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Ricky Fry - The Distillary Hunting humans wasn't much different than hunting deer. Your weapons changed, sure, but the concept was the same. Despite his good nature and affability, he wasn't a very social person, interacting with people only through their pets or while trying to sell them on lessons. But he was a good listener. In order to make a living as a dog trainer, you needed to hear what people said and what they didn't say. You needed to anticipate their needs and cater to them. His weapon was his heart, unbeating and cold as it was. Just as with deer, Ricky surveyed his potential prey. He wanted a woman who was alone, depressed, possibly with tear streaked mascara. Then he'd be all heart, letting her unload her misery onto his shoulders. He liked to think that he helped these women he fed on. That the catharsis of a caring stranger and the bliss of the kiss helped them to move on with their life. Everyone lies to themselves, sometimes. using Presence 3 + Empathy 2 to hunt
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Jun 14, 2014 21:52
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Alicia Bedford Alicia sighs in frustration - not at Amber, just at the night in general. "I know." she spits out the blood into the gutter and steps into the house, taking a look around to satisfy herself that there was no burglary, just this strange ... warning? Plea for help? She checks the bedroom to be certain, unlatching the old suitcase she keeps under her bed, the codex sealed in a vacuum bag inside it when she's not working on it. She needs to make some progress tonight, and now she has even more work to do outside... She hears a car in the driveway. "Come on." She says to Amber, and appears out on the front step to greet Leo. "Mr. Jansen!" She calls, striding towards his car - she's not eager to have anyone else in her house tonight. "I am happy to report that this was a false alarm." --- This seems like a good time to switch to IRC, Valhawk.
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Jun 14, 2014 22:26
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Leo Jansen - Alicia's House Leo is out of the car quickly. Relief flows over him like a wave as he sees the Codex safe in Alecia's hands. "I'm glad to hear that it's safe. I think it might be worth accelerating your work with it. Once it's translated you want have to worry about it so much." How much Vitae can Leo take with out it proving dangerous to the guy? Would 3 be too much? Also, I'm out of town this weekend, so no IRC until Sunday night.
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Jun 15, 2014 00:21
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Amber Holloway - Alicia's House Amber makes herself at home by carefully examining the house for possible ways to break in. And oh man, there are so many possible ways. Probably won't ever need them, but having that leverage over Alicia is reassuring. And hey, she might even get around to telling her all the problems with her house. Amber decides that when she gets her own place, it's going to be vampire Fort Knox crossed with vampire Alcatraz crossed with vampire Home Alone. But to have a house, you need money, and money means jobs and blackmail. Amber frowns. "Come on," says Alicia and they both go out the front to meet Leo. Alicia and Leo talk, as Amber sort of hangs around behind Alicia, fidgeting and trying not to draw attention to herself. She peers out at him from behind Alica, and yep, he's still the same old creepy Murderviking. She doesn't want to talk to him if she can help it. I've already mentioned it to Worser, but I'll be moving over the next few days, so I'll be phoneposting for at least a few days.
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Jun 15, 2014 03:04
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Alicia Bedford "I am working at due speed, Mr. Jansen. I do have other responsibilities, it may surprise you to know." She's irritated and strung out by the night thus far, so she doesn't stop talking, her voice icy. "Translating several hundred pages of moderately well-preserved, grammatically dubious 5th century BC Lakedaimonian - a translation that I cannot claim academic credit for, I might add - is not the work of a few weeks. Patience is a virtue. I will keep you informed on my progress." She clears her throat. "I apologize for wasting your time. Good evening, Mr. Jansen."
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Jun 15, 2014 03:46
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Leo Jansen - Alicia's House "If you're being targeted due to the Codex, the sooner it's translated, the sooner you never have to see it again." Leo looks over the surroundings, "I'd also be happy to help secure your place and person. I doubt anyone targeting you would think to look at my current base, so if you need some place to plan your next move just say the word."
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Jun 15, 2014 04:28
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Amber Holloway - Alicia's House Amber suddenly realizes this is her moment to be heard. "Hey! What about me? I'm being followed! I need my place and person secured too!" "Also, uh-" she shuffles her feet. "I left my phone in your office, Alicia. I sorta kinda but don't really wanna to know what this Rufus fucker wants from me, so... can we go back and get it?"
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Jun 15, 2014 12:03
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Alicia Bedford Amber's interruption breaks up the exchange enough for Alicia to calm down. For God's sake, this isn't Jansen's fault. She raises an eyebrow at Amber. "Wouldn't that require someone actually having access to your 'place'?" She glances to Leo. "Do take her up on that request, Mr. Jansen, this should be quite enlightening!" She winks at Amber, murmuring, "Of course we can go get your phone, dear, there is something I need to do, anyway." and then turns serious. "All joking aside, Mr. Jansen, I am quite sure that the burglary had nothing to do with the codex, but Miss Holloway could use your assistance - she is being stalked, you see. Someone calling himself 'Rufus' has been sending her alarming, voyeuristic messages - not hostile ones, altogether, but I too would be concerned if some anonymous party suddenly had access to my phone when perhaps three people in the world know its number. I was just about to make a patrol of the neighborhood and see if the local Kindred can be of any help on the subject. "In all likelihood this person is another vampire - one even better at staying undetected than Miss Holloway-" Alicia spreads her hands and makes a resigned face, "but if there is anything you could do...?" Alicia snaps her fingers. "On this subject ... now that I think on it there is something you could do for me, Mr. Jansen, something that would make it much easier to focus on my research. I am in the market for a specialist in computers - specifically, someone capable at accessing them when their owners do not want them accessed, mmm? Is there anyone you could put me in touch with?"
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Jun 15, 2014 19:26
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Amber Holloway - Alicia's House Amber bristles at the potential invasion of her home. "It's been flooding lately." She crosses her arms. "And it smells like poo poo." It's not just an expression. Though she cheers up a bit at the thought of Leo slipping and falling into sewage.
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Jun 15, 2014 22:16
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Leo Jansen - Alicia's House Leo looks at Amber, "Well, if they can find even you, then that certainly says something. If you're 'home' hasn't been directly attacked like Alicea's has then I'm not going to worry too much about its security. If you want me to investigate this Rufus character, then I'd be willing to look into him, but I don't work for free." Turning back to Alicea, "As for your request, I may be able to locate someone with those skills, but I'd want to know what they would be used for?"
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Jun 16, 2014 00:43
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Amber Holloway - Alicia's House "Do I look like a loving bank?" Amber knows she doesn't own anything of value, and it should be perfectly loving clear to Murderviking as well. But... Maybe Vikings accept loot? "I guess I could find something for you, she mutters. But what the gently caress does he even want? She hopes it's not another goddamn book. "I dunno, you want a... cellphone?"
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Jun 16, 2014 01:43
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Leo Jansen - Alicia's House Leo turns back towards Amber and tries very hard not to sigh. He only half succeeds before he response, "I'm all to aware of your financial situation Ms. Holloway. I'm more than happy to accept alternative compensation, but I don't want your cell phone. Hmmm..." He thinks for a moment, "What I'll accept instead is your assistance with Mr. Fry's plan to break out Mr. Hoolihan from the survivalist base, and your oath that you will not attempt to approach Olof until I give my permission."
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Jun 16, 2014 02:06
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Amber Holloway - Alicia's House Amber just gapes at Leo. What loving century is this guy in? What makes him think she's going to go along with this poo poo? She raises an arm, about to gesture Why? but then stops dead as she feels the spine of her pocket bible shift against her inside her jacket. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. That's from the Bible, right? If it isn't, Amber thinks as she glares at Leo, it should be. He thinks he's fixing him, but what kind of loving life is it, really? But that smug gently caress knows he holds the cards. Fine, if that's the way he wants to play it. But Amber knows sure as poo poo that it's gonna blow up in his face, and it's gonna be sooner rather than later. She wants to stick around to say loving told you so. She pulls out her pocket bible. She turns it over, glancing at the familiar cover, then holds it out towards Leo. "I pledge to Mr Leo Jansen to not contact Olof, former homeless guy of the Crescent, till he says I can, so help me God." She slips the bible back into its usual spot. "There, fine, done." She's already trying to think of a loophole. "And what the gently caress is this about a break out?"
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Jun 16, 2014 06:34
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Leo Jansen - Alicia's House Leo stares at Amber, "Then I'll see what I can find about this Rufus character and report my results. However, a word of warning Mr. Holloway," his next words are delivered with a not so subtle hint of menace, "if you break your oath, it is not god you will answer to." That done, Leo answers her question, "I see you didn't get Mr. Fry's text message. It appears that he needs help to rescue Mr. Hoolihan from a survivalist compound. Naturally I intend to do so, and it appears that you will be assisting as well. What about you Professor Bedford?"
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Jun 16, 2014 07:05
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Ricky The Gangrel scanned the crowd for a long time looking for his preferred prey, and watched as a number of people stalked off, both alone and in good, or bad, company. He was almost ready to change his tact when he suddenly heard shouting by the bathrooms. The voice belonged to a young woman. And her voice kept getting louder, to the point of hysterics. "...no, Kevin...I didn't...well gently caress you too! rear end in a top hat!" As Ricky peeked around a corner, he saw a pale young thing with dyed red hair beginning to sob into the cell phone she had just closed. Alicia, Amber, Leo I don't have any other plot things planned for you guys for this (in character) evening, so if you want to keep talking or do another thing let me know. As a general thing, since we've been (more than) a week in character now, I'm going to toss out some Beats for everybody. All four of you get a beat for consistent posting during the week. Alicia earns another for her growing paranoia being quite evident and Amber gets one for being the Snarkmaster 3000. Alicia, Leo, and Ricky all earn a beat for finding meaningful interactions. So that should be 9 Beats for the group. Discuss in the OOC thread how you'd like to spend those (or save them) and at the end of next week we'll divvy them out.
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Jun 16, 2014 20:37
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Ricky Fry - The Distillery It was taking too long, Ricky thought. He was almost on the verge of just following someone outside and taking what he needed. It wouldn't have been the first time he had Fang chase prey into an alleyway for an easy feed. But there, just on the edge of giving up, Ricky spotted the perfect 10 point buck. Her pain was fresh, though. That meant he had to be careful, she could just as easily lash out as reach out, but Ricky had been through this before as well. Affecting a fake drunken walk, Ricky stumbled his way over to the woman, "accidentally" bumping into her hard enough to knock her back into the wall. "Oh! Oh god, I'm so sorry, lady. gently caress, I didn't mean. Oh god, let me help," reaching down to her, Ricky stumbles again and falls on his rear end. "gently caress this night, I wish I was just dead," burying his face in his hands, Ricky's shoulders shake in mock sobs. His first shot was aimed and loosed, he just needed to wait and see if it hit. He was on her level now, he had given her the power to move this forward and that would make her vulnerable.
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Jun 16, 2014 21:36
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Amber Holloway - Alicia's House It's a new experience for Amber, not being underestimated. All her life she's been too young, too poor, too weak, too dirty for anyone to take seriously. Facing down an adult, and a really loving scary one at that, was novel and terrifying. But he's not going to kill her, not yet, anyway. And to Amber, who's spent far too much of her life living dodging immediate threats, that's good enough. He needs her, because she's useful. That too is something new, but Amber doesn't dwell on that. There are more pressing concerns. "Survivalists, huh." In spite of her fear, Amber smiles a bit at the prospect of a new challenge to break into. "Try not to let them shoot me." Edited to clarify some things Zephonith fucked around with this message at 00:38 on Jun 17, 2014 |
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Jun 17, 2014 00:18
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Alicia: Alicia tilts her head at Leo, still smiling. "Well, that is my business, Mr. Jansen. I am not asking you to become involved, only to facilitate, if you can." Leo: Leo smiles back, "True, but if you are relying on my contacts then my name will become involved. I merely need to ensure that you're not intending to use this individual for something that I would regret." Alicia: "Mm. Well, there is a possible breach." Alicia would rather use the phrase 'Masquerade violation', it appeals to her, but many Anarchs have either never heard the term or disdain its use to spite the Camarilla. "None of us want that." Alicia: "Someone had a camera. I need to make certain that the pictures are not saved on a computer before I deal with the problem." Leo: "What sort of computer? I'd hate to recommend you someone not skilled enough for the job." Alicia: Alicia raises her palms and shrugs. "I am not even certain there is a computer yet. I would just like to know someone I can call if there is." Leo: "Can you give me an estimate of the level of security you expect? It will be very hard to set you up with a specialist without even some idea. I could always just try and connect you with someone truely top class, but I'd imagine you might not want to bankrupt yourself if you're just worried about some child's laptop." Alicia: She shakes her head. "I only learned of the breach tonight. Do not worry about it yet. I will call you when I know more." Leo: "Very well then. Let me know when you have a clearer idea of just what level of assistance you will require. You have my number." Alicia: Alicia smiles broadly. "Thank you, Mr. Jansen." --- Alicia: Her eyebrows still raised in astonishment at Amber's sudden, decisive action, Alicia bemusedly removes her own cellphone from her purse and looks at Ricky's message. Alicia: She rolls her eyes. "That man." Alicia: "Well, I cannot imagine what use I would be, but if Richard needs my help, I will of course be present. I will have to talk to him first, there is a -great- deal on my plate just now." Alicia: "If there is nothing else, Mr. Jansen?" Amber: "You should come and help." Amber says. The more people between her and Murderviking, the better. Alicia: "Perhaps I will." She is looking forward to speaking with Amber, now. Leo: Leo takes his leave, he would have to coordinate with Ricky for tomorrow's raid. Alicia: After she watches him drive away Alicia looks at Amber, raising an eyebrow again. "I am impressed." Amber: "At what?" Amber gets the feeling Alicia wants her to ask this, but is too confused to resist asking. Alicia: She folds her arms. "You gave an inch." Amber: Amber shrugs. "It'll come back to bite him in the rear end." Amber: "Besides, there's no arguing with that guy. He's like a loving robot" Alicia: Alicia smiles. "A robot Spartan Murderviking?" Amber: Amber grins . it sounds like one of her brother's comic books. "A loving vampire robot Spartan Murderviking. These survivalists are so hosed." Alicia: Alicia laughs at the absurdity and turns back towards her house to lock up. "An Invictus robot murderviking, to boot, which you should keep in mind when you make promises to Kindred." Amber: "Ugh." Alicia's comment brings Amber down to reality. "So can I crash here for the day?" Alicia: "For now, yes." Alicia locks her front door and then makes for her car. "I am going back to the school first, I want to check a hunch, and you can retrieve your phone." Amber: Amber nods and hops into the car. She grabs the sunglasses from the glove box and tries them on, trying to make out a reflection in the mirror.
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Jun 17, 2014 04:49
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Alicia Bedford Willpower 4/6 Vitae 10/10 They drive back over to the campus, Alicia contemplating what has just happened. This is a side of Miss Holloway she has not seen yet, but she is glad that it has shown itself. She feels sorry for Amber, with no direction in life, no one to turn to, to trust, and she is pleased to see her reaching up and taking hold of something for herself, even in some small way. Perhaps I will not have to force her to steal the evidence after all, Alicia thinks mildly. She suspects that Leo Jansen may have made a very serious mistake by (even unintentionally) making an enemy of Amber Holloway. Alicia has no intention of doing the same. She lets them back into the building and makes her way to her office, where she turns on her computer. First she searches the internet for local nightclubs, and shortly afterward dryly says "I assume you meant Vertex, not Clorox?" Then she logs into the SUNY database. Certainly it cannot be this easy, but I may as well make the attempt before I begin turning over every vampire-inhabited rock in South Rochester. She brings up the university's student and faculty records, and filters for 'Rufus'. While the search works, she says to Amber, "Would you like to accompany me to meet the local Kindred? I will be looking for Rufus and your mystery woman, along with taking stock." She writes on a legal pad while she talks. Sweeper's Notes posted:alicia bedford, ventrue, university of rochester TehWarsmith fucked around with this message at 06:46 on Jun 17, 2014 |
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Jun 17, 2014 06:26
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Leo Jansen - Alicia's House As Leo walks back to his car, he pulls out his phone and texts Ricky, code:
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Jun 17, 2014 06:55
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Amber Holloway - Alicia's Office No, what Amber wants is to hide in her sewer for a hundred years. But first the mystery woman, then Rufus, now Leo- people keep noticing her. As long as she's being watched, she can't hide, and she's beginning to feel trapped. The sooner she gets poo poo sorted the better. Amber grits her teeth. Might as well get on with it. She grabs her cellphone and gives a small nod. "Ok, let's go."
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Jun 17, 2014 10:47
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Ricky "rear end in a top hat!" The woman shouts, half-pushing Ricky as he slumps onto the floor in a useless attempt to regain some modicum of her own composure. Stumbling, she gets to her own feet, but breaks a heel in the process. "God-dammit! Seriously!?" She takes another step away from the vampire and then slumps up against the wall, quietly sobbing to herself, then a slow exhale and she looks over her shoulder, smearing mascara on her top to dry her eyes. "Sorry, just...not such a great night here either, y'know?" Another sniff. Amber and Alicia A large university like the University of Rochester has a large number of students, staff, and professors. More than a few hits on simply the name 'Rufus', none of which point out anyone in particular. The chirping of a few pre-morning birds meant that the women would likely need to wait until at least the next evening before starting the Sweeping process, unfortunately, though there was still probably enough time for both of them to make it back to their respective Havens from campus, probably. Leo Going to pause you (and A and A) to give Ricky a brief time to catch up.
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Jun 17, 2014 19:55
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Ricky Fry - The Distillery Ricky looks up at the woman with a strained half smile, "Did you catch your fiance sleeping around too?"
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Jun 17, 2014 19:59
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The Distillery "Me? No." The woman sniffed. "He told me so himself." With a sigh, she wipes her face on her sleeve and turns around. "Love sucks, huh?" After a moment's consideration, she bends slightly and offers Ricky a hand. "I'm Lucy." LifeGetsWorser fucked around with this message at 17:44 on Jun 18, 2014 |
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Jun 18, 2014 16:48
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Ricky Perfect shot, she was his. Wiping his eyes, Ricky gently takes her hand with a wavering, forced smile. "Danny." The vampire pushes himself off the floor, "How long had you two been together?" Soon, she would open up, unburden herself of the grief and sadness and that's when he would strike. He'd leave her passed out and happy, let the bartender know about the "sick" woman and then leave. He wouldn't be full and he'd need to feed quickly before tomorrow night, but he'd be sated. When given the chance of a hug, Ricky will bite and drink at least 3BP, more if Lucy isn't passed out by that point.
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Jun 18, 2014 20:08
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Ricky: Ricky left the bar, fresh warm blood coursing through his body, what few hours remained of the night seem afire with possibility. Anything could happen now, Life, or unlife, was good. Ricky: His thumb tabbed through the alerts on his phone, Leo had responded. Good, getting Big Jim free was a priority for the deava, hopefully working closer with the other vampire would see a bit of trust develop. Ricky: Ricky still wasn't as comfortable around Leo as he was with Alicia and Amber. Ricky: Dialing, Ricky waited to see if Leo would answer. Leo: Leo picked up the phone. He had just arrived back at his warehouse, but he had yet to get out of the car and go in. "So, we need to deal with the survivalists ASAP?" Ricky: "And good evening to you too, buddy. Yeah. I took a trip out there tonight and Big Jim is in." Ricky: Ricky hopped into his pickup, giving Fang a good ear scritch. "I'm going to hit up the Denny's just off campus if you want to meet up?" Leo: Leo looked at his watch, trying to figure out how much time was left before dawn. Leo: "I'm afraid time is short, if we're going to do this first thing tomorrow evening there are preparations to be completed before the dawn. Do you have reason to believe our phones are compromised?" Ricky: "Not really, but it'd probably be easier for me to sketch out what I saw instead of describing it? Your call, though, I'm a stalk and shoot from hiding kind of guy" Leo: "Can you give me an idea of what sort of op you had planned based on your visit?" Ricky: "Well, they have two guys on the main gate. They scare easy, though. It'd probably be safer if we were able to sneak up and knock them out together before they can fire their guns. Not much security inside the compound. I was able to just drive right up to Big Jim's place." Leo: "And he'll come along quietly?" Ricky: "Yeah, and his place is all by itself. Now, he did say he had someone with him. I don't know if it was a girl or a roomie, though." Leo: "Do you think it's someone sent to keep an eye on him?" Ricky: "I can only guess, but if it's not a girl and Big Jim has been complaining..." he lets the unspoken implication hang there. Leo: "Can Jim get away from his house, preferably alone?" Ricky: "I think so, he's going to meet us in some trees. Hopefully we don't even have to go in the actual compound. He said most of the place should be asleep by then" Leo: "Sounds like we should go for a quiet extraction if possible. Your bow is silent enough, and I won't have much trouble with my knife making a lot of noise. Hmmm..." Ricky: Ricky pauses uncomfortable, "Leo, these guys may be redneck assholes, but they're human, you know? I'd rather not leave a pile of bodies." Ricky: "I mean, we catch a few bullets, sure, grab a drink and heal up, but leave 'em breathing, right?" Leo: "We might be able to catch a bullet or two, but I'd doubt Jim can. Minimizing enemy casualties comes second to making sure he gets out still breathing." Ricky: "Yeah, I'm just saying, there's casualties and then there's *casualties*." Leo: "If everything goes smoothly then we'll be in and out without them even knowing we were there. I just plan to make sure the other contingencies are covered, better to come a little over prepared than to be caught with your pants down." Ricky: "Well yeah. Uh, plus.... There might be other things in those woods. I'd rather not explain it twice, so I'll tell everyone tomorrow. Just make sure you've got a gun with you, too." Leo: "I'll bring my assault rifle, just in case." Ricky: "Cool, I'll leave mine home then. Only have the ammo the guy had it loaded with, anyways." Ricky: "You good, then?" Leo: "Yes, where are we meeting tomorrow?" Ricky: "Campus is a good spot, I'll let Alicia know." Leo: "I'll look into some equipment that might be useful." Ricky: "Great, great. Thanks again for this." Leo: "Well I'm getting something out of it to, hopefully." Ricky: "Truth. Big Jim is a pretty intense guy. Strong, too." Leo: "Did you broach the subject with him?" Ricky: "Yeah, he's onboard. Well, I mean, I didn't tell him how hardcore your training is, I figured you'd be able to explain that better than I could" Leo: "Good. I look forward to meeting him." Ricky: "Cool. Later man." Leo: "Goodbye." Leo hangs up. He would have to look into getting some SVI equipped radios. If Amber was going to be along, she'd make the perfect scout to make sure they wouldn't run into any nasty surprises.
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Jun 19, 2014 04:44
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Ricky: Leo's casual talk of killing, even couched in sterile euphamisims took some of the comfortable heat from Ricky's stolen blood. He hoped he was doing the right thing for Big Jim. Shaking his head as if that could clear the bad thoughts, Ricky calls Alicia to inform her of the plans. Alicia: As she lets them out of the building Alicia's phone rings and she picks it up. "Bedford." What else can happen? Ricky: "Hey Boss. You get my text earlier? We'll be meeting up on campus tomorrow. Are you in?" Alicia: "Richard!" She exhales with relief on reflex. "I admit, I am going to need some context. What possible use could I be in, ah ... breaking a man out of a redneck fortress, you said?" Ricky: "Who knows? But I know you're as iffy about our pal Leo as I am, this would give you a good chance to watch him in action. Plus, you're Ventrue, you're almost as tough as me." Alicia: She pauses for a moment. Alicia: "Miss Holloway wants me to come as well, for the same reason." Ricky: "Ha! Good, it's settled, then. A nice family outing to the woods." Ricky: That stops Ricky short. Ricky: "Alicia.." Ricky: "Uh... how much do you know about, well, weird poo poo?" Alicia: He's known her long enough to be almost able to hear her raise her eyebrow. "Not as much as I know about history. More than anyone else you know, mhm?" Ricky: "I ran into something out in the woods tonight. It was... it was like a rotting, bloated corpse. It was eating a deer, that's how I know it wasn't a Nossie, not even those guys are weird enough that they eat. It also knew what I was. Talked to me." Alicia: She frowns. "A Cappadocian elder would rot... but to actually eat flesh? Did it have fangs?" Ricky: "I didn't see any fangs, but yeah, it was eating. It also said it was like a cousin, when I asked what it was." Ricky: "I had my bow and Fang, I should have shot, but I hadn't fed and the risk...." Ricky: "But, it implied there were more of them out there" Alicia: "...it must have been, to be able to sustain itself on an animal, that violates everything I know about Kindred..." Alicia: "No, you made the right decision, Richard. Knowledge is power, and whatever it was declaring war on it would have been a poor move." Alicia: "I will research it in-depth as soon as I can, there must be a reference somewhere." Ricky: "Cool, cool. So... you and Amber getting along? She's a good kid." Alicia: "...in a manner of speaking, yes." Ricky: "Uh huh? Well, I think you're a good influence on her. I figure if you can accept all the rough edges I have, you should be able to do the same for her." Alicia: "Oh, I quite like her, to be honest. She has good instincts, such as not trusting Mr. Jansen." He can hear her smile. Alicia: She pauses for a moment. Alicia: "Richard, you are not the only one who had an eventful night." Ricky: "Do tell!" Ricky says, gently mocking Alicia's more cultured way of speaking. Alicia: She makes an irritated sound. "Someone broke into my office." Ricky: "The codex?" Alicia: "I thought so, but it clearly knows where I live, and it didn't go looking. It cannot be the codex, our circle is too small." Alicia: "I think Miss Holloway startled it and frightened it off. All it did was make a bomb site of my office and ...." She pauses for a moment. "...and steal a picture of someone important to me." Alicia: "It pinned it to my front door." Ricky: "Huh. Okay, I can see that. We've been talking up your strength here, we've claimed territory. Now, someone is testing us. Or letting you know that you're not as safe as you thought." Ricky: "It wants to see how we react to this, I think." Alicia: "Richard, one of the local birds told me that it was another vampire, but made a point that it 'smelled like death.'" Alicia: "Now, perhaps I should not put too much stock in a barn owl's phraseology, but now you say these ... corpse-eaters are in the area..." Ricky: "And these things have to be able to stay hidden," he finishes for her. Ricky: "We can't rule it out." Alicia: She makes a visibly frustrated sound that sounds more like an animal growling. "One day, someone will simply walk up and -ask- me for something. Someone will understand that I do not react like a frightened rabbit or consider a forthright negotiation a sign of weakness." Alicia: "I have to believe this." Ricky: "Well, once we make a few more examples of idiot kindred, maybe they'll recognize our strength?" Alicia: "I will make certain of it. We have an opportunity, and I am going to need your help again, for everything's sake, but I would prefer not to talk about it on the phone. I will tell you when you get here tomorrow." Ricky: "Alright, you know I'm in. Talk to you tomorrow." Alicia: "Thank you, Richard. I will take care of Miss Holloway for tonight." Ricky: "Awesome," Ricky hangs up and heads home.
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Jun 19, 2014 07:06
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Ricky The woman smiles a sad smile. "I don't want to talk about the fucker, do you?" Seeming to decide something - revenge, probably, she opens the door to the men's room, gives Ricky a look, and walks in, leaving the door swinging behind her. Three blood should be fine to take from her. Let me know if you are wanting to do anything else. Otherwise... The Following Night The coterie has met up at Alicia's office in preparation to the trip to the compound. Luckily for the Professor, no one else has broken in in the intervening hours. However, there was another alert sent out to the campus during the day - another gruesome murder discovered, a student seemingly ripped to shreds. No leads and no suspects. There was to be a vigil held starting that evening. And Amber's phone, freshly charged, started ringing. Everyone can go ahead and mark off 1 blood for the next night. Feel free to chat or follow up anything else before heading out, and let me know when you want to move ahead to the compound.
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Jun 19, 2014 16:51
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Leo Jansen - The previous night After his call with Ricky, Leo made some other calls. He was looking to lay his hands on a source of subvocalization recognition gear and compatible radios. They'd be useful for setting up Amber as a silent scout for this op, and just useful to have once he got his unit up and running. First he'd hit up some of the sources that were available to people who knew the right people. Know one knew the right people quite like an Invictus after all. If that failed he would simply have to ask Alexander. Leo had said he would tell Alexander if he needed anything, and if there was one thing Leo would never due it was lie to his sire. Gonna try and use Status: Invictus possibly with Contacts:Arms Dealers. If that fails he'll ask Alexander.
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Jun 19, 2014 17:58
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Ricky Fry - His Apartment. 7BP 7WP Rising for the night was always painful for Ricky. He didn't know what waking was like for other vampires, but it was hell for Ricky. His eyes shot open, back arching in pain as unholy life forced its way though his limbs. His hands clenched into fists almost tearing the sheets of his bed as he thrashed about, the think comforter tangling around his legs. A loud gasp as uneeded air burst from his lungs. It seemed to last an eternity, but it was actually less than a minute before Ricky was up and walking. His first priority was always Fang. The dog was still alive and had its needs, so Ricky left papers out during the day since there was no way to have the dog walked while he was sleeping. He cleaned up the mess, refreshed Fang's water and fed him. Tonight was going to be a big one, hopefully no one would be killed. They wouldn't if Ricky had any say in things. Giving Fang a good scratch, he put the dog's harness on and hooked up the leash. A quick run around the block would get the dog's blood pumping and then they'd be off to campus. This would be a good night.
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Jun 19, 2014 22:42
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Amber Holloway - Alicia's House Amber opens her eyes, then quickly rolls off the couch into a crouched position, looking around her wildly. She finally remembers where she is (Alicia's house), and what happened the night before (a whole lot) and... Her phone is making noises. poo poo. She rummages through her pockets, holds it out and presses to answer it, still crouched. She really hopes it's only Ricky, but... "He... llo?" Upated vitae on sheet
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Jun 19, 2014 22:47
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Alicia Bedford Willpower 5/6 Vitae 9/10 For Alicia, it's like a heart attack. There is a single moment of violent, shooting pain in her chest. That rouses her consciousness, but nothing else, so she lies there on her bed, limp and effectively paralyzed, until the Vitae finishes flowing through her body and animating her limbs. She climbs out of bed, shaking motion back into her frame. Amber is still comatose on the couch. Alicia decides to wait until she awakens before departing for campus; leaving Miss Holloway alone in her house does not seem particularly prudent. And besides, it's polite. This changes when she turns on the TV while she is getting dressed, and hears about the attack. She's out the door in minutes. The Beast is growling in her blood, and she cannot separate it from her own rage. Another one dead on her turf. Where the hell was that wretched hunter when this happened? she thinks, bitterly. She arrives at the vigil, but is too angry to grieve, so she takes some time to calm herself down, walking among the students gathered in the vicinity of the memorial board, speaking softly with mourners, sniffing for rumors. Do you have any idea who could have done this? Is anyone you know acting strangely? When was the last time you saw them? Why aren't they here, too? She has spent enough time sitting back on her laurels. --- Gonna try asking around the students, looking for anything that could point me in the direction of the hunter and advance that aspiration. I got some loose ends to tie up. Weird absences, strange purchases, people obsessed with the occult, etc. Socialize 1 + Manipulation 3 + Status 2 (SUNY) + Socialize (Gossip), 7 dice. (If some other skill, like Subterfuge or Investigation, would be more appropriate, I think they're all the exact same number of dice.) Bit of a blind shot, but I wanted to try this for a while. Alicia: He finds her at the edge of the vigil, standing apart from most of the students. She doesn't approach the memorial board, and he can understand why. It's surrounded by candles. Alicia just stands there, looking at the board with a tight face, her arms folded and fists clenched in the crook of her elbows. Ricky can feel the Beast's anger simmering from a few yards away. Ricky: Ricky freezes in his tracks, his raises slightly as he scents the air for danger, but the only potential threat is his friend. Slowly, cautiously, Ricky approaches. Ricky: "Junkie?" Alicia: She flexes her arms. He sees little spots of blood on her palms where her nails have been digging in. Ricky: He sucks an unneeded breath through his teeth. Ricky: "Hey, hey, relax. Keep it together." Ricky: "You're stronger than this" Alicia: She clenches her teeth and then relaxes her arms. "I know." Alicia: "We have to find it, Richard." Ricky: Standing slightly behind her, he tentatively rests a hand on Alicia's shoulder. "We will. I don't know how, but you'll think of something." Alicia: "I have to show you something." Alicia: She tears her eyes away from the vigil and walks towards the staff building. Ricky: Ricky looks at the time on his phone, "Now?" Still, he follows. Alicia: As they walk, she says without looking at him, "How long is this going to take, Richard?" Alicia: "If you really want my help, I will come, but there is so much to do here." Ricky: "If you want to back out, that's fine," Ricky says striding alongside, "It's not as if you don't have good reason. I just think it might be important for you to be there." Ricky: "Your call, I'm not gonna think less of you either way." Alicia: She doesn't reply as they reach her building. When they get into her office she reaches into a locked drawer and pulls out the blood-encrusted photograph. Alicia: "Look," She says, showing him the back. Alicia: 'what r we' Ricky: "I- what is this?" Alicia: "It took this from my office, and stuck it to the front door of my house, with that written on it." Alicia: "It took nothing else. Does that look like any threat you have ever seen?" Ricky: "It looks like a cry for help. I'm guessing that's you and the junkie and the hunter is the one in foc- gently caress." Ricky: "Who took this, if that's the hunter?" Alicia: She sighs. "It gets worse." Ricky: Ricky squints his eyes shut. Alicia: "It was a man named Takeshi Giovanni. He works for Malcolm Abbot. He also works for more dangerous people." Alicia: "He offered me a job." Alicia: "The Baron wants me to be the neighborhood Sweeper - the local censor. Ah - census-taker." Ricky: "Okay, well that's good news. You're finally getting the recognition you deserve." Alicia: She nods, still not smiling. "Essentially an endorsement of what we have already been doing. It may help." Alicia: "If I do not perform up to his specifications - Takeshi's, not the baron's - " She holds up the picture. "These go to the Sheriff." Alicia: She turns back to her desk. "Or so he says." Ricky: "Wait, the Cammie sheriff?" Alicia: Alicia nods. Alicia: She gives a snort of bitter laughter. "Perhaps this is some sort of professional courtesy. I do fit the profile for a Giovanni, if you stop and think." She waves a hand in the air. "You can't be one of the Family without being blackmailed at least once!" Ricky: "Well, good thing you're pretty thorough?" Alicia: She rounds on him abruptly. "That is not the point, Richard!" Alicia: "I will not do business with someone who holds a sword of Damocles over my head like this!" Ricky: "No, I think the point is that someone respects your abilities and your potential enough to actually blackmail you. Think about it." Ricky: "If they didn't think you had potential, they'd just tell you to do it. They don't really know you, so you're not on a level to get the respect of asking." Alicia: She pauses. Her fingers clench and unclench on the edge of the desk. Ricky: "These guys are gangsters, right?" Alicia: "Mafioso, more accurately." She pushes off from the desk and looks out the window. Ricky: "Gangsters or mafioso, they're kind of like me. Blunt." Ricky: "I think it's an opportunity." Alicia: "So." Alicia: "You are saying, stay the course." Ricky: "I'm saying own the course. What's our, I'm sorry, your goal here on campus? Make it a safe place, right? That's why this Junkie garbage is tearing you up so much." Ricky: "This is power for you, use that power to make the campus safer. I mean, you're working for the Baron now. And this Takashi guy sounds like he's pulling the strings there, so you got an in with the Giovanni now too," Ricky: "The Alicia I know, wouldn't pass that up" Alicia: She rubs her face, like a human would if she had a headache. Alicia: "Not everyone is as upstanding and honorable as you, you know." Ricky: "Well, duh. That's why you need a crew to back you," he grins. Alicia: After a long moment, the smile spreads onto her face again. Alicia: "You make a lot of good points, Ricky Fry." Ricky: "Eh, I figure you keep me around for more than just my looks." Alicia: "Unnecessary, but true." She steeples her fingers on the desk. "So, I will compromise." Alicia: "I want to know where Giovanni has those pictures hidden, but I will not act on it." Alicia: "If his tune does not change once we fulfill our assigned role..." Ricky: "Then all bets are off." Ricky: "So it might be good for you to help me and Leo tonight so Murderviking owes you." Alicia: Her face twitches up in a smile at that statement. "Miss Holloway can certainly coin a phrase." Ricky: "When the shoe fits, right?" Ricky: "You should have heard him last night when we were planning the raid. Dude straight up gives no fucks about killing people." Alicia: Alicia wrinkles her nose. Alicia: "Stay the course." She murmurs. Ricky: "Own the course," he corrects Alicia: "Own the course." She likes the sound of that. Ricky: Ricky nods, smiling. Alicia: "So, then." Alicia's smile doesn't go away, but it fades to a thin line. She turns over the photograph again, of her smiling appealingly with her arm around a bookish-looking man. Alicia: "What does it mean?" Ricky: "This guy still around?" Alicia: "Certainly." Alicia: She looks at him very seriously. Ricky: "Then maybe I'd keep a close eye on him. Whoever left the message, knows you care about him." Alicia: "...mhm." Ricky: "If it's the Junkie? If the Junkie is just some lick who doesn't know what happened to him?" Ricky: "We know about the Beast, imagine if you didn't. If you just woke up and had this thing inside you?" Ricky: He shrugs, "This could be bad." Alicia: "...if I believed in God, I would pray that I will not be made to pity that thing." Ricky: Ricky's face hardens, "Pity or not, sometimes an animal needs to be put down. The Junkie has killed too many. Alicia: "Agreed." Alicia: "Perhaps this will draw the hunter out." Alicia: "If I could find him, or her, and seal the breach, make the photographs worthless..." Ricky: "Ugh." Ricky: "Um, actually..." Ricky: "You don't have any ghouls, right?" Ricky: "Because here's what I'm thinking. This hunter is part of the campus, he's good at staying hidden. He wants to keep the place safe. This doesn't actually conflict with our goals." Ricky: "You give him a bit of blood, work on him with that Ventrue mind whammy," Ricky shrugs again. Ricky: "Grow our pack a bit more." Alicia: "Richard." Alicia says, looking at him with mock incredulity. Alicia: "Are you certain we are not from the same sire?" Alicia: "We think entirely too much alike." Ricky: At that, Ricky throws back his head and laughs deeply. "Oh no, my sire hated your clan. She said you were some weaker offshoot of us. I just like to keep people safe." Ricky: "Glad to see we're on the same wavelength, though." Alicia: Alicia shakes her head, smiling. "The entire thing is nonsense." Alicia: "I have put some feelers out through the campus. We will see if I can find any trace of him." Ricky: He nods, "So. What are your plans for tonight, then? Joining us or working on the Junkie murder while it's fresh?" Alicia: She sighs, heavily. "If we have not managed to find it yet, it will not be found. The Camarilla must be looking for it as well, it is a breach waiting to happen." Alicia: "I would like to go out into the neighborhood and begin the Sweep, but ... you make a compelling point, it would be best to have you, Fang, perhaps even Miss Holloway when I set that in motion." Ricky: He nods, "I can convince Amber to help if you can't for whatever reason. But I think she'll be on board." Alicia: "I will be doing her business as well, so I hope she is inclined to come along..." Alicia shakes her head. "They will be arriving any minute. That is, assuming she is not already standing behind you with her ear pressed up against the door." Ricky: "Heh, never can tell. Okay, let's get ready for this thing." We made a minor mistake (It wasn't one of the blackmail pictures she showed him, it was the framed one that got stolen, but it didn't actually disrupt the scene or diminish either issue, so I decided not to worry about it. TehWarsmith fucked around with this message at 05:15 on Jun 26, 2014 |
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Jun 20, 2014 00:16
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Leo Leo's phone calls reach the right ears, and soon enough a pair of ghouls in suits drop off the equipment he's asking for. Unspoken though, is the promise of the Daeva owing the organization something in nights to come - whether or not his oncoming work with Erri Gurewitch would be counted against that debt was uncertain. No need for Alexander, the Invictus provide. Amber "Hello Amber." The voice is an obvious computer reproduction to Amber's keen ears. "This is Rufus. Do you have a moment to chat?" Alicia and Ricky It's hard to pin down someone like the Hunter, but Alicia does at least hear some rumors - mostly that someone had been seen lurking around the student dorms off and on - someone matching the vague description that Alicia recalled of the individual that stepped in versus the Junkie. Nothing concrete, but it was the sort of thing that was noticed with a serial killer running around the campus. Leo arrives soon after Alicia and Ricky finish their conversation, but Amber seems delayed.
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Jun 20, 2014 00:34
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Amber Holloway - Outside "Hello Mr... Rufus," Amber does her best imitation of that voice Alicia does when she's trying to get information out of someone. Speaking of which, Alicia seems to have gone and- poo poo, the time. poo poo poo poo she's meant to be meeting the others. Amber checks herself over to make sure she hasn't forgotten anything, then goes outside, carefully closing the front door behind her. She starts walking towards the campus, phone against her ear. "What do you want?"
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Jun 20, 2014 00:45
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Leo Jansen - Campus Waking up was terrible, but you got used to. Leo had been through bootcamp, he'd been deployed three times to Afghanistan, and had taken more minor wounds in combat than he could count, he could get used to anything. So when consciousness returned and he was rocked with pain he barely even batted an eye, just gritted his teeth and suffered through it. Pulling himself up from the cot in the office overlooking the majority of his warehouse, he quickly went about his business, it was to be a busy day after all. The "morning" as it was was fairly straightforward. Set Olof up for another day of training alone, Leo marveled at just how pronounced the effect of his majesty was on the man. Next, get his gear together. Knife, pistol, jacket, the same as the previous night. This time however there was an addition. He pulled out the Kalashnikov and looked it over. This one had been his own purchase, even with his somewhat modest means the AK-47 was still within his budget. A gun didn't become the most ubiquitous weapon in the world by being expensive after all. Lastly he picks up the SVR radios, he'd be paying those off someday, but that was the way of things. Hell, it would be looked on more oddly in the covenant if he hadn't owed someone a favor. Throwing it in his car, he makes his way to the campus to meet up with the others.
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Jun 20, 2014 00:57
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| # ? Apr 25, 2024 17:19 |
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Amber "To talk." The modulated voice pauses, seeming to consider something. "The more you are active, the faster she will find you, Amber." Even through the modulation, it was clear that Rufus was referring to the woman from the previous evening. "You are an unanticipated consequence. She will seek to either use you or destroy you." Going to wait on the other scenes for a second, though if you other kids want to converse or what have you feel free to.
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Jun 20, 2014 21:02
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