Re: Little Moments Between Steptember and November, Meetings and Endings IC Thread 30

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Adley, Colin, Nicole, Tane and Serge] (Cabal meeting 10 in the morning Wednesday 30/9 2015)

He raised an eyebrow at Bruce if the water was put by him. To Colin, he said, "Can I put this in your fridge?" he said, nodding to the candy.

It did seam that Bruce intended the water for you.
"I thought you might need something cold to drink."
Bruce said and smiled.

I don't know I'd be a good fit or not. That's the thing. No offence, but I'm being asked to swap everything for "what's in this box". Let me put it this way; I see being part of a group as important enough that I wouldn't simply jump in unseen.'

"I think that is why Colin suggested you join us or a one month trial and then both you and we can consider whatever or not you fit in our Cabal then."
Bruce said as he picket up the last cracker from the plate and put cheese on it.

He smiled wryly, "More like you're asked to stack your boxes with ours - and not all the boxes are clearly labeled as to their contents. But I am quite confident none of the boxes contain Gwyneth Paltrow's severed head."

"Damn perhaps I have the clean out of my boxes."
Bruce said with a grin then he looked down at the empty tray.
"Ehm...sorry guys I seam to have eaten all the crackers...."
He muttered.
"Sorry."

He nodded, "I am sure something can be arranged without necessarily involving computers, from a few games of Risk to a poker night to working together to utterly demolish everything within a pocket realm... or you could sit down and plan a few hypothetical combat scenarios together, to find out how to best employ one another's skills. The important thing is that I want you to try to figure one another out a bit before a real combat scenario comes up, rather than in the middle of one."

"What about a paintball game? That even work for combat training."
Bruce said.
"Besides it is fun."

He smiled warmly, "Well, then, the vote on offering membership to Serge Yager. As with Miss Bouchard, simple show of hands; all in favour?"
He raised his hand smoothly.

"Works for me."
Bruce said and he raised his large hand.

(Colin's shop)

He smiled, "It's a shiny trinket - it seems birds often favour those almost as much as humans do. Corvids especially, though it's the magpie that's gained the most widely spread reputation for hoarding."

"Onyx are quite fond of crinkled up shiny wrapper balls. I buy chocolates that I can not eat to make balls out of the metallic wrapper for him, so yes he likes shiny things, but they have to be big enough that he can not swallow them, for he will."
Mr Ameli said with exasperated look.
"And we do not want another trip to the vet now do we."
He said and petted the corvid again.

He smiled thinly, "I am not familiar with the Brujah, I'm afraid - I have only had the opportunity to recently encounter a couple of clans; the Malkavians, who see things... differently, it seems, the Tremere, whose tragic past is the reason why the Order of Hermes has a specific law against dealing with vampires, and I've heard mention of a couple others."

"They have become hooligans and rebels now but once they where noble warriors and intelectuals who resisted the injustices of the elite."
The vampire said and nodded.
"But the bloodline I speak about are....special."

He nodded sagely, "Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger... I do believe there's a diminuitive vampire in Chicago who learned the full consequences of that a little too late. Seems like his aligning himself with the Nephandi there led to the Prince's people discovering of a pack of Baali in one of his apartments... strange how that could happen."

"Strange indeed, well this vampire is not going to live very long if he have been discovered to keep company with those accursed creatures. But yes my Sire told me to stay clear of mages and I have tried to lvie by that advice."
Mr Ameli said and frowned.
"It seams fate had other plans though."

He smiled thinly, "That said, I do believe in trying to keep a line of communications open to help prevent such needless... meddling in one another's affairs."

"You might indeed be right about that Mr Wainwright."
The vampire said and nodded.
"I can make sure some contact information reach you once I know where I will be going."

[Warpmind]

((OOC: Will respond to the Cabal meeting once there are a couple more replies.)

[Colin's shop, Monday, September 28th, 8 PM]

"Onyx are quite fond of crinkled up shiny wrapper balls. I buy chocolates that I can not eat to make balls out of the metallic wrapper for him, so yes he likes shiny things, but they have to be big enough that he can not swallow them, for he will."
Mr Ameli said with exasperated look.
"And we do not want another trip to the vet now do we."
He said and petted the corvid again.

Colin pondered, "You know, buying a simple roll of tin foil might be more practical - and cheaper."

"They have become hooligans and rebels now but once they where noble warriors and intelectuals who resisted the injustices of the elite."
The vampire said and nodded.
"But the bloodline I speak about are....special."

He nodded thoughtfully, "An unfortunate change in stature, that..."

"Strange indeed, well this vampire is not going to live very long if he have been discovered to keep company with those accursed creatures. But yes my Sire told me to stay clear of mages and I have tried to lvie by that advice."
Mr Ameli said and frowned.
"It seams fate had other plans though."

He smiled wryly, "Fate is a fickle mistress. Still, an earnest attempt is often all one can do. We must all keep to the shadows in our own way... but that just means that we are more likely to bump into one another in those shadows by accident than we are liable to run into the general, unaware population."

"You might indeed be right about that Mr Wainwright."
The vampire said and nodded.
"I can make sure some contact information reach you once I know where I will be going."

He nodded, "I appreciate that. And, of course, you can trust in my discretion."

[A day in the life, some indeterminate date in the years prior to the Boston-Chicago crisis]
Colin slowly opened his eyes and tilted his legs out of bed, trying to shake away the ghosts that haunted his sleep every few nights... He sighed softly, banishing the last of sleep and got into his running outfit, going for the usual four laps around the Chantry's block, then returned home for a shower and a Full English breakfast. Then he made his way down to his shop before eight, and settled in for a day of completing a series of commissioned pieces, safely tucked away in the back where random customers would not be greeted by his severely scarred face the moment they walked in the door. A few rings needing cleaning, an old locket needing a little maintenance for the hinge, that sort of thing.

After work, he picked up some fresh groceries, headed home, made himself a proper dinner, and sat down to read for an hour's time before heading out to the gun club, going through a few magazines worth of ammunition and chatting with a few of the other members, the military veterans in particular.

In the evening, he chatted for a bit with some of the other Chantry members in the common room, read the day's newspaper, and eventually retired to play a few combat missions in a recent and decent flight simulator before finally heading to bed.

Transiere dies...

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

(Colin's shop)

Colin pondered, "You know, buying a simple roll of tin foil might be more practical - and cheaper."

"This...tinfoil I get that in the grocery store? It is not a bad idea."
Mr Ameli said clearly not to used to the tools and materials used for cooking.

He nodded thoughtfully, "An unfortunate change in stature, that..."

"Most unfortunate indeed, they have fallen far, well there are a few noble ones left but they are getting rarer these days."
The said with a frown.

He smiled wryly, "Fate is a fickle mistress. Still, an earnest attempt is often all one can do. We must all keep to the shadows in our own way... but that just means that we are more likely to bump into one another in those shadows by accident than we are liable to run into the general, unaware population."

"I have found that these shadows are quite populated."
The vampire said.
"And making a few friendly relations among the shadows can be...useful."

He nodded, "I appreciate that. And, of course, you can trust in my discretion."

"And you can trust in mine."
Mr Ameli said then he held his hand out to Onyx and his friend jumped onto it and made his way back up to his shoulder.
"Well then unless it was anything further Mr Wainwright?"
He said and waited to see i you had anything else to add.

[A day in the life of Richard] (Two weeks ago)

Richard woke from his alarm clock at five in the morning, this allowed him time to get into his training clothes and work through his Katas for one and a half hour and meditate for 30 minutes before he had some grapefruit and coffee for his breakfast, went to the garage and headed for his job at the hospital.

Richard's day where rather routine, once he had been a surgeon and he was still called in when the hospital needed another set of hands on the floor or one of his patients prefered heperfrom their surgeries, but he had reducated himsel as a general practitioner, only seeing his patients when they where unconcious got boring for him, instead he preferred to get to know his patients, be a part of their lives.

Mrs Walker had a problem with her feet swelling and hurting, which was normal since she was pregnant so Richard gave her mild druk to help her pass water asier, Mr and Mr Talvo brought in their eighteen month old baby, the child where crying non stop, after an examination Richard found that the baby's ear canals where to narrow and easilly got inflamed so he sent the family to a specialist and gave them some ear drops that would alliviate the issue. Mrs Rosa came in for a general check up before her hip where to be replaced on Friday, eight year old Mona where having problems paying attention at school, Richard soon found though that the girl was near sighted and he sent her to have glasses fitted that should solve the issue. In addition to his regular patients Richard had rounds at the hospital in patient floors, especially to see to his own patients, the day was busy but rewarding.

On his way home Richard icked up some groceries and when back home he made himself rice and vegtable wok and ate while watching a episode of a new favorite show on netflix.

Richard had two more patients that day, mages of the Chantry. Little Jane Cole had twisted her ankle while playing and Richard healed the injury magickally and set the little girl to bed telling her her foot would be fine by morning. Adjan had a problem with insomnia and he came to Richad twice a week for accupuncture treatments which seamed to be working.

Once done with today's work Richard made himself some relaxing camomille tea and read a bit before going to bed, there would be another busy day tomorrow.

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[Cabal Meeting]

He arched an eyebrow, a faint hint of amusement clear in his voice, "Have you spent a long time preparing a list of suggestions?"

"No....maybe......yes..." Serge said in a defeated tone. "Didn't get much sleep last night."

'I see. Well, here is a counterargument. Saying you are bad at things you're not actually unskilled at means that you might miss opportunities that could have been offered to you, or for us to think of you when we need someone with those skills, so the chances of you showing your true potential could end up fewer. Also, by not taking praise that you deserve, it might come off that you are trying to get us to convince you otherwise, that you're a liar, or setting up a 'take that', when people fall for the ruse." He shrugged. "My viewpoint comes from my training and the way the Order of Hermes operates as much as anything else in my past. We are expected to more or less stand on our feet and be able to back up what we ay we can do; admitting inferiority for no reason would earn no laurels. Of course, you're not a Hermetic but perhaps that explains why I discussed it."

"My attitude probably wouldn't fly in the Cult of Ectasy as well. They always say to never be afraid, push past barriers, and most importantly don't ever hold yourself back. Get out of your own way." Serge said with a nod as he listened to the flambeau  advice. "I follow that philosophy better in practice rather than in speech. I'll try my best to not undermine myself in the future."

"A bandit queen Mr Yager?"
Bruce asked and he gave the young Cultist a confused look.

"Very well. All that is true...though I'm not sure to whom you are referring?" he said, echoing Bruce's question. "I have no other questions right now," he added. He was ready to put up a hand for Serge when Colin called the vote.

"Let's just say that my seekings are quite fun." Serge said with a wry grin.

'Don't knock movies. Excellent source on lessons of "how not to do things", they are.' Nicole commented, giving the tiniest of wry smiles.

"See, she gets it!" Serge said looking at those in the room while pointing to Nicole.

He nodded thoughtfully, making a few notes on one of the pages again. Then he smiled to Serge, "Just keep in mind, son, that there's a difference between modestly downplaying your skill, and denying that you have such skills whatsoever. As an example, I am tolerably good at drawing geometric figures..." he quickly drew a perfect Fibonacci spiral on a blank page, rectangles and all, "like this; repeated patterns are also something that comes fairly easily, but you've got the gift for creating art with your penmanship, something I could not do in years."

"I could teach you if you want. It only takes, like, 21 years of practice before you get good." Serge said with a grin. "But thank you. My drawings are something I'm willing to admit I'm decent at."

"What about a paintball game? That even work for combat training."
Bruce said.
"Besides it is fun."

"Yoooo, I'd be so up for a paintball game. I've always wanted to try one of those." Serge said with a smile.

[Serge's Adventure]

'What, you think it was all shiny and futuristic and we'd regularly start a meeting with someone announcing "good news, everyone!"' Nicole replied with a little smile, opening the door and going into the apartment.

"More like everyone was working by themselves in their shiny chrome-plated rooms. Then all of a sudden you hear a scream of joy echoing from down the halls yelling 'EUREKA! I've done it! I've created the perfect perpetual motion machine that can make lasers and fires ice cream!'" Serge said with a chuckle as he followed Nicole into her apartment, eyes wide wanting to catch every glimpse of the Etherites room.

(OOC: I'll do a character post for Serge later today)

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Adley, Colin, Nicole, Tane and Serge] (Cabal meeting 10 in the morning Wednesday 30/9 2015)

"Let's just say that my seekings are quite fun." Serge said with a wry grin.

"I see, well I will inquire no further about such a personal matter."
Bruce said and nodded.

"See, she gets it!" Serge said looking at those in the room while pointing to Nicole.

The Orphan raised an eyebrow at that.

"Yoooo, I'd be so up for a paintball game. I've always wanted to try one of those." Serge said with a smile.

"Well the conflict between Miss Bochard and Adley non withstanding, it would be a good team building exercise, going out for paintball an then perhaps pizza."
Bruce suggested and he glanced over at Colin for approval.

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Serge's Adventure]

Serge's Post:

'Well, there is a bit of that.' Nicole admitted, moving so Serge could enter the apartment. 'But actually rather run-down and old-fashioned, it is; Dry Dock's glory years were quite some time ago. The point is that there the set-up is more for us; this Chantry has less kit and workspace than the [auto] shop I work at.' shaking her head sadly.

Nicole's apartment... was something. For the wrong reasons; it made Serge's pale in comparison. Much of the place was filled with boxes, crates, tools, clothing and general debris; a couple of rough shelves filled hap-haphazardly with books and more boxes along one wall. A desk filled with more tools and papers, an over-sized workbench with jars, bottles and what appeared to be a beer keg with several pipes running off it. The kitchen greeted with bottles, plates and packets, the area around the couch and TV bearing a space which almost looked like a nest of some form.

There wasn't any logic in organisation; angle-grinder sitting on the stove, a large canister of pool cleaner serving as an occasional table, a rifle half-buried in a pile of laundry. In short, it was a tip, and judging from Nicole's demeanour had no shame in regards to it. Especially as the place had this odd, though not unpleasant odour about it.

'Shouldn't be more than a couple of mins. Help yourself to a drink in the fridge.' the large woman commented, pulling off her jacket and dumping it on the nearest pile.

[Nicole's Apartment]

Colin's Post:

'True... but you won't know if there's a better piece out there if you don't try.' Nicole said, unearthing a pair of socks and looking at them critically.

Colin's Post:

'No, the first time round too. You think Washington would have cared enough to send in the troops if all Kuwait produced was dates and camels?'

[Adley]

'You would tell, if you knew I'd find out immediately anyway. Not only would you get kudos for "being honest", but it would also mean when I found out the truth I'd be in too deep to walk.' Nicole replied. 'Not saying you are doing that now. But don't tell me that's not been pulled before.' tone sounding like a person who'd had too much experience of being tricked and manipulated to trust easily.

"Likewise then you can't think we'd dump every single load of dirty secrets into your lap when you sat down? What if you're an infiltrator? I'm not saying you /are/ but it would be about the perfect timing, place and so forth, references or not."

'I don't know I'd be a good fit or not. That's the thing. No offence, but I'm being asked to swap everything for "what's in this box". Let me put it this way; I see being part of a group as important enough that I wouldn't simply jump in unseen.'

"You're not really, it's not as if you can't leave the cabal ever, if you say yes now."

He frowned, "I hope, Miss Bouchard, that this is not a scenario you've personally experienced often? I assure you, we don't do that sort of thing - if we compartmentalize information and not let you in on it, it would be to protect you as much as anything else. While there are matters to which the entire Cabal is not yet privy, there's a continuous assessment of whether knowing or not knowing a matter is safer for each member."

He nodded at that in agreement and seemed to follow his analogy about boxes right up to the part about the severed head. He raised an eyebrow.

He nodded, "Go ahead... er, I would recommend hiding it behind the pickles on the second shelf if you don't want it to accidentally disappear in your absence... unless it's just for a few minutes."

It did seam that Bruce intended the water for you.
"I thought you might need something cold to drink."
Bruce said and smiled.

"It's probably going to take more than a few minutes," he said and tucked the candy bar behind the jar. When he sat down, he looked at the half-filled cup of tea and the water and finished off the tea first.

Nicole's eyes were slightly narrowed, alertly watching Adley's reaction to the words; perhaps appraising being the best description. While her dislike for the Hermetic was plain, she appeared in control enough of her emotions. Then she gave a shrug; one that she was suspicious to whether it would work. 'Okay. We'll set something up, then.'

He nodded, "I am sure something can be arranged without necessarily involving computers, from a few games of Risk to a poker night to working together to utterly demolish everything within a pocket realm... or you could sit down and plan a few hypothetical combat scenarios together, to find out how to best employ one another's skills. The important thing is that I want you to try to figure one another out a bit before a real combat scenario comes up, rather than in the middle of one."

"What about a paintball game? That even work for combat training."
Bruce said.
"Besides it is fun."

"It would have to wait some weeks, any physical activity is going to be more strenuous for me than normal and might prolong my healing if I injure myself further."

"Yoooo, I'd be so up for a paintball game. I've always wanted to try one of those." Serge said with a smile.

Well the conflict between Miss Bochard and Adley non withstanding, it would be a good team building exercise, going out for paintball an then perhaps pizza."
Bruce suggested and he glanced over at Colin for approval.

"Pizza sounds good to me."

If he noticed Nicole's scrutiny, he was ignoring it. "Very well."

"My attitude probably wouldn't fly in the Cult of Ectasy as well. They always say to never be afraid, push past barriers, and most importantly don't ever hold yourself back. Get out of your own way." Serge said with a nod as he listened to the flambeau advice. "I follow that philosophy better in practice rather than in speech. I'll try my best to not undermine myself in the future."

"Good."

He nodded thoughtfully, making a few notes on one of the pages again. Then he smiled to Serge, "Just keep in mind, son, that there's a difference between modestly downplaying your skill, and denying that you have such skills whatsoever. As an example, I am tolerably good at drawing geometric figures..." he quickly drew a perfect Fibonacci spiral on a blank page, rectangles and all, "like this; repeated patterns are also something that comes fairly easily, but you've got the gift for creating art with your penmanship, something I could not do in years."

"I could teach you if you want. It only takes, like, 21 years of practice before you get good." Serge said with a grin. "But thank you. My drawings are something I'm willing to admit I'm decent at."

He seemed a bit amused at that.

"Let's just say that my seekings are quite fun." Serge said with a wry grin.

"Ah, I see."

Don't knock movies. Excellent source on lessons of "how not to do things", they are.' Nicole commented, giving the tiniest of wry smiles.

"See, she gets it!" Serge said looking at those in the room while pointing to Nicole.

"I don't watch many movies, or television. At least now that I'm an adult. I like to read."

(Colin) smiled warmly, "Well, then, the vote on offering membership to Serge Yager. As with Miss Bouchard, simple show of hands; all in favour?"
He raised his hand smoothly.

He put up his hand.

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Adley, Colin, Nicole, Tane and Serge] (Cabal meeting 10 in the morning Wednesday 30/9 2015)

"It would have to wait some weeks, any physical activity is going to be more strenuous for me than normal and might prolong my healing if I injure myself further."

"Off course I would not want your health to suffer Adley we have to wait with the paintball game until you are well again."
Bruce said and nodded.

"Pizza sounds good to me."

"We would go for pizza first while you are recovering Adley, to get to know one another better, or bring pizza home so we could bring Bee up to eat with us."
The Orphan suggested.

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Cabal Meeting]

Colin's Post:

Adley's Post:

'Experienced often enough to be wary of sticking my hand into things before seeing what it is. And make a crap infiltrator, I would; I'd have been all "yes sir may I have another", "drop panties on command" and shit. Hell, he'd-' nodding towards Serge for a moment '-make a better one; as it's been said here he's much easier to like. No offence, not saying you're one or anything.' the last part addressed to Serge.

Anja's Post:

Nicole nodded to this.

Colin's Post:

Another nod; she seemed to be agreeable.

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[Cabal Meeting]

'Experienced often enough to be wary of sticking my hand into things before seeing what it is. And make a crap infiltrator, I would; I'd have been all "yes sir may I have another", "drop panties on command" and shit. Hell, he'd-' nodding towards Serge for a moment '-make a better one; as it's been said here he's much easier to like. No offence, not saying you're one or anything.' the last part addressed to Serge.

"None taken. I'd love to be some kind of slick spy." Serge said with a smile before hastily saying, "I'm not though. I'd make a terrible spy in real life."

[Serge's Adventure]

Nicole's apartment... was something. For the wrong reasons; it made Serge's pale in comparison. Much of the place was filled with boxes, crates, tools, clothing and general debris; a couple of rough shelves filled hap-haphazardly with books and more boxes along one wall. A desk filled with more tools and papers, an over-sized workbench with jars, bottles and what appeared to be a beer keg with several pipes running off it. The kitchen greeted with bottles, plates and packets, the area around the couch and TV bearing a space which almost looked like a nest of some form.

There wasn't any logic in organisation; angle-grinder sitting on the stove, a large canister of pool cleaner serving as an occasional table, a rifle half-buried in a pile of laundry. In short, it was a tip, and judging from Nicole's demeanour had no shame in regards to it. Especially as the place had this odd, though not unpleasant odour about it.

Serge didn't look to bothered by it and instead looked rather intrigued by the mess. "This...this is a room. Is that a gun over there? Fuck this place is so much cooler than mine." he said taking in the room and all it's glory as if it was the most amazing thing he had ever seen.

Instinctively he pulled out a pen only to realize he didn't bring anything to draw on. Not being deterred by this, he began to sketch something on his hand using the room as both inspiration and a reference.

'Shouldn't be more than a couple of mins. Help yourself to a drink in the fridge.' the large woman commented, pulling off her jacket and dumping it on the nearest pile.

"Oh thanks. I actually needed that." Serge said pausing on violating his palm and going over to the fridge, grabbing the nearest non-alcoholic drink he could find. "Why'd you bring here exactly?" he asked knowing full well that the answer was coming regardless of what he said.

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Serge's Adventure]

Serge's Post:

Nicole gave Serge a curious look, then following his eye. 'Oh, that's where I left it.' moving over, pulling it out then removing the piece of clothing stuck on the bolt. Sporting duct-tape, foam and mismatched colours, it didn't look up to much. Then with an air of this being perfectly normal, then placed in a slightly more sensible position.

Serge's Post:

On the bottom rack were a series of drink bottles, devoid of labels, though each bearing a sticky label on the cap with a date written on it. Colours from a cloudy white to a near-black, several reds and oranges. Other food items were present too, along with a couple of mysterious jam-jars, tubes of superglue and for some unknown reason, a packet of scalpel heads.

''Cos we're going out, and I need to change.' Nicole called out, having headed into the bedroom.

[Didn't reply to Nicole's comment about her last Chantry. Just an FYI; if he doesn't want to follow that topic that's fine].

[Warpmind]

[Cabal Meeting, 10 AM, Wednesday September 30th]

"No....maybe......yes..." Serge said in a defeated tone. "Didn't get much sleep last night."

Colin smiled wryly, "Well, that's not an entirely unfamiliar phenomenon... I hope that's not going to be a consistent problem for you, though."

"Damn perhaps I have the clean out of my boxes."
Bruce said with a grin then he looked down at the empty tray.
"Ehm...sorry guys I seam to have eaten all the crackers...."
He muttered.
"Sorry."

He nodded at that in agreement and seemed to follow his analogy about boxes right up to the part about the severed head. He raised an eyebrow.

He grinned at Bruce, "Well, that's why I put them there."
He chuckled at Adley's expression, "It's a movie - Seven - about a couple of police detectives tracking down a serial killer basing his work on the seven deadly sins. Quite a good movie, in fact, and more than a bit on the disturbing side."

'Experienced often enough to be wary of sticking my hand into things before seeing what it is. And make a crap infiltrator, I would; I'd have been all "yes sir may I have another", "drop panties on command" and shit. Hell, he'd-' nodding towards Serge for a moment '-make a better one; as it's been said here he's much easier to like. No offence, not saying you're one or anything.' the last part addressed to Serge.

"None taken. I'd love to be some kind of slick spy." Serge said with a smile before hastily saying, "I'm not though. I'd make a terrible spy in real life."

He arched an eyebrow and looked at Serge with an amused half-smile, "Oh, I think you might be highly useful in espionage, Mr. Yager. You might make for excellent bait, or a good distraction..."

"It's probably going to take more than a few minutes," he said and tucked the candy bar behind the jar. When he sat down, he looked at the half-filled cup of tea and the water and finished off the tea first.

He nodded, "I can probably keep it safe until morning on the outside."

"Let's just say that my seekings are quite fun." Serge said with a wry grin.

He grimaced, "I rather envy you - I got a corrupt giant polyp and a reincarnated Fallen friend... And come to think of it, I still haven't asked Freddy who this 'Solid Snake' character is..."

"I could teach you if you want. It only takes, like, 21 years of practice before you get good." Serge said with a grin. "But thank you. My drawings are something I'm willing to admit I'm decent at."

He seemed a bit amused at that.

He grinned darkly and slid the page with the Fibonacci spiral across the table, "Careful, now... I have tried, believe me, I just never get proportions anywhere near right unless I have something to reference either right in front of me or fresh in mind. But I could easily challenge you to draw a better circle than mine in freehand."

"What about a paintball game? That even work for combat training."
Bruce said.
"Besides it is fun."

"Yoooo, I'd be so up for a paintball game. I've always wanted to try one of those." Serge said with a smile.

"Well the conflict between Miss Bochard and Adley non withstanding, it would be a good team building exercise, going out for paintball an then perhaps pizza."
Bruce suggested and he glanced over at Colin for approval.

Another nod; she seemed to be agreeable.

"It would have to wait some weeks, any physical activity is going to be more strenuous for me than normal and might prolong my healing if I injure myself further."

"Pizza sounds good to me."

If he noticed Nicole's scrutiny, he was ignoring it. "Very well."

"Off course I would not want your health to suffer Adley we have to wait with the paintball game until you are well again."
Bruce said and nodded.

"We would go for pizza first while you are recovering Adley, to get to know one another better, or bring pizza home so we could bring Bee up to eat with us."
The Orphan suggested.

He nodded, "Paintball is going to be off the table for a little while, until Adley is sufficiently recuperated. Something less physically strenuous is going to have to be picked for a while. Pizza, though... Adley, I believe you said something about next time being your treat, back before we went to check on the secondary Node?"

"Works for me."
Bruce said and he raised his large hand.

He put up his hand.

He nodded, "A rather unsurprising result... Mr. Yager, you are welcome to a seat in our Cabal, if you wish it. Now, second point of the agenda... Ah, Miss Bouchard, if you wanted to make your interview, you might wish to make a break for it now, unless you would prefer to stay for the presumably long and convoluted debate on a Cabal name."

[Colin's shop, Monday, September 28th, 8 PM]

"This...tinfoil I get that in the grocery store? It is not a bad idea."
Mr Ameli said clearly not to used to the tools and materials used for cooking.

Colin nodded, "Yes, usually labeled either tinfoil or aluminum foil. American's can't spell aluminium right, it seems. I do not believe it should pose a discomfort risk to you as ferrous materials would."

"I have found that these shadows are quite populated."
The vampire said.
"And making a few friendly relations among the shadows can be...useful."

He nodded, "Having someone to vouch for you among the other kinds can be helpful in a pinch..."

"And you can trust in mine."
Mr Ameli said then he held his hand out to Onyx and his friend jumped onto it and made his way back up to his shoulder.
"Well then unless it was anything further Mr Wainwright?"
He said and waited to see i you had anything else to add.

He smiled wryly, "No, that would be about it... Good evening, and try not to enjoy your dinner too much, you might create a wrong impression."

[Nicole's apartment, 7PM Thursday, October 1st]

'True... but you won't know if there's a better piece out there if you don't try.' Nicole said, unearthing a pair of socks and looking at them critically.

He grinned, "This is true. Still, the concept of a 'better piece' is, as always a question of both objectivity and subjectivity. A gun that is objectively a little better than my old service weapon might prove marginally less effective in my hand simply due to the differences in weight and balance."

'No, the first time round too. You think Washington would have cared enough to send in the troops if all Kuwait produced was dates and camels?'

He nodded, "Yes, they would - so long as the Soviet Union was a credible enemy, the proxy wars justified themselves; Iraq was... aligned with Soviet at the time, and even if Gorbachev publicly criticized Iraq, the Soviet Union kept supplying materiel and manpower. Had the Kuwait issue happened two years later, I would have agreed with your assessment, though."
He smiled thinly, "You might be too young to remember the Cold War, but I lived through the last two decades of it. The pop music of the eighties may seem rather bright and frivolous at times, but it did serve to make us forget, at least for a few minutes, that we might wake up to the gentle rays of nuclear annihilation instead of the sunrise next morning..."

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[Cabal Meeting]

He arched an eyebrow and looked at Serge with an amused half-smile, "Oh, I think you might be highly useful in espionage, Mr. Yager. You might make for excellent bait, or a good distraction..."

"Woohoo...bait...." Serge said with a half-amused grin. "Well as long as I'm useful."

He grimaced, "I rather envy you - I got a corrupt giant polyp and a reincarnated Fallen friend... And come to think of it, I still haven't asked Freddy who this 'Solid Snake' character is..."

"Solid Snake? He's from the Metal Gear solid series. I loved those games. Played most of them. Still need to get to the newer ones" Serge said with a smile. "I'm actually using that series as part of a spell I'm working on."

He grinned darkly and slid the page with the Fibonacci spiral across the table, "Careful, now... I have tried, believe me, I just never get proportions anywhere near right unless I have something to reference either right in front of me or fresh in mind. But I could easily challenge you to draw a better circle than mine in freehand."

"Bring it on." Serge said with an unusual amount of confidence. "I think I could take you on in a perfect circle contest."

He nodded, "A rather unsurprising result... Mr. Yager, you are welcome to a seat in our Cabal, if you wish it. Now, second point of the agenda... Ah, Miss Bouchard, if you wanted to make your interview, you might wish to make a break for it now, unless you would prefer to stay for the presumably long and convoluted debate on a Cabal name."

Serge breathed a large sigh of relief and sunk back into his chair. It seemed he was quite on edge during the entire voting process.

"3 for 3. And yeah I'll take that seat." he said with a smile. "And now for the important stuff. The name of the cabal."

[Serge's Adventure]

'Well, there is a bit of that.' Nicole admitted, moving so Serge could enter the apartment. 'But actually rather run-down and old-fashioned, it is; Dry Dock's glory years were quite some time ago. The point is that there the set-up is more for us; this Chantry has less kit and workspace than the [auto] shop I work at.' shaking her head sadly.

"What happened to Dry Docks?" Serge asked curiously. "A chantry full of tech guru's sounds like it'd be quite useful. Why'd there glory days end?"

Nicole gave Serge a curious look, then following his eye. 'Oh, that's where I left it.' moving over, pulling it out then removing the piece of clothing stuck on the bolt. Sporting duct-tape, foam and mismatched colours, it didn't look up to much. Then with an air of this being perfectly normal, then placed in a slightly more sensible position.

"Is that the only gun you own? No that can't be...do you have a hidden armory in here?" Serge said looking at the apartment with renewed vigor.

On the bottom rack were a series of drink bottles, devoid of labels, though each bearing a sticky label on the cap with a date written on it. Colours from a cloudy white to a near-black, several reds and oranges. Other food items were present too, along with a couple of mysterious jam-jars, tubes of superglue and for some unknown reason, a packet of scalpel heads.

Serge looked at the bottle for a moment, extremely tempted to pick a bottle at random and hope for the best, before saying to himself, "Nah....not worth it."

''Cos we're going out, and I need to change.' Nicole called out, having headed into the bedroom.

"Wha...." Serge stammered as he glanced at his tmnt shirt and more importantly his sweatpants which was very clearly an indoor garment. "You could've told me that earlier. I could've changed as well."

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Serge's Adventure]

Serge's Post:

''Cos Detroit's glories ended. Back in the day, used to piggyback off the automakers for Ethership production. Lost the industrial base, lost the talent. City filled with hostiles as it went into the crapper, energies went into defence than Science.' Nicole replied, giving a shrug. 'Hardly the plum posting, no?'

Serge's Post:

'Hmm... how many guns counts as an armoury?'

Serge's Post:

'What, to put on a flak jacket or a MOP suit?' Nicole's voice replied, giving a chuckle. 'Only doing this 'cos this vest don't hide arm. You're wearing shoes, right?'

[Coward! *smirks*]

[Nicole's Apartment]

Colin's Post:

'And? Go to a range, test some out. If you can find one which operates as good as your current - perhaps it's time to upgrade.'Nicole replied, apparently giving the socks a tentative sniff.

Colin's Post:

'Which in 1990 they weren't. The Eastern Bloc was collapsing, the Union was cracking up, Berlin Wall had fallen, Gorbachev had all but surrendered.' Nicole retorted, leaning up against the wall as she began to pull a sock on.

[Adley]

'Experienced often enough to be wary of sticking my hand into things before seeing what it is. And make a crap infiltrator, I would; I'd have been all "yes sir may I have another", "drop panties on command" and shit. Hell, he'd-' nodding towards Serge for a moment '-make a better one; as it's been said here he's much easier to like. No offence, not saying you're one or anything.' the last part addressed to Serge.

"None taken. I'd love to be some kind of slick spy." Serge said with a smile before hastily saying, "I'm not though. I'd make a terrible spy in real life."

"His mentor saved our lives at the possible expense of her own, thankfully she is recovering. I know her enough to feel that she would know her student and she is easily reachable. Besides, perhaps you're just not a /very good/ infiltrator," he said, this time a touch of amusement on his face. Then he made a face, "Rest assured, I have no intention of ordering any female, including you, to drop your undergarments. For that matter, any male either." Well at least any currently present and under such circumstances.

He chuckled at Adley's expression, "It's a movie - Seven - about a couple of police detectives tracking down a serial killer basing his work on the seven deadly sins. Quite a good movie, in fact, and more than a bit on the disturbing side."

"Ah, I see...thank you, context is helpful."

He nodded, "I can probably keep it safe until morning on the outside."

"If I forget to retrieve it I will consider it forfeit. At least someone will enjoy it.

"Off course I would not want your health to suffer Adley we have to wait with the paintball game until you are well again."
Bruce said and nodded.

"It will be about a month until I am fully recovered but I should be able to take on more involved physical activities in a few weeks. Though I will not be at my best. Colin, is one of your reenactment groups having one in the upcoming weeks that is relatively local? Also I do still plan on keeping my word on taking you to a hockey game, for helping Richard," he added to Nicole. "The Bruins will not be playing long locally outside of September, so I was looking at seats for the series."

"We would go for pizza first while you are recovering Adley, to get to know one another better, or bring pizza home so we could bring Bee up to eat with us."
The Orphan suggested.

"Hrm, perhaps something else than pizza, seeing as that was one of the last things we ate together besides when she cooked for us. Although maybe that would not upset her."

He nodded, "Paintball is going to be off the table for a little while, until Adley is sufficiently recuperated. Something less physically strenuous is going to have to be picked for a while. Pizza, though... Adley, I believe you said something about next time being your treat, back before we went to check on the secondary Node?"

"Did I? Damn, that was before the Nephandi and random looters emptied my pockets. But I think I can swing pizza." Even if he didn't have the cash, he had credit and wouldn't want to go back on a promise.

He arched an eyebrow and looked at Serge with an amused half-smile, "Oh, I think you might be highly useful in espionage, Mr. Yager. You might make for excellent bait, or a good distraction..."

"Woohoo...bait...." Serge said with a half-amused grin. "Well as long as I'm useful."

"Careful, we might get accused of exploiting him."

"Solid Snake? He's from the Metal Gear solid series. I loved those games. Played most of them. Still need to get to the newer ones" Serge said with a smile. "I'm actually using that series as part of a spell I'm working on."

"You're using a video game to inform your spellwork? Well, just don't tell my brother, he already wants to make a portal that looks like video games." He sounded amused though.

He nodded, "A rather unsurprising result... Mr. Yager, you are welcome to a seat in our Cabal, if you wish it. Now, second point of the agenda... Ah, Miss Bouchard, if you wanted to make your interview, you might wish to make a break for it now, unless you would prefer to stay for the presumably long and convoluted debate on a Cabal name."

Serge breathed a large sigh of relief and sunk back into his chair. It seemed he was quite on edge during the entire voting process. "3 for 3. And yeah I'll take that seat." he said with a smile. "And now for the important stuff. The name of the cabal."

"Before we leave we should make sure we have each other's contact information. I have an idea for a cabal name. Colin will be familiar with the pattern British taverns take to make their name like Crook and Owl or somesuch, which could refer to things from coat of arms imagry to some local story and would be accompanied by a colorful picture so that people could find the right pub. Since we are a diverse group, I was thinking something like that. Torch and Compass Cabal, for example."[/quote]

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[Cabal Meeting]

"His mentor saved our lives at the possible expense of her own, thankfully she is recovering. I know her enough to feel that she would know her student and she is easily reachable. Besides, perhaps you're just not a /very good/ infiltrator," he said, this time a touch of amusement on his face. Then he made a face, "Rest assured, I have no intention of ordering any female, including you, to drop your undergarments. For that matter, any male either." Well at least any currently present and under such circumstances.

At the mention of his mentor's condition, Serge's mood dropped considerably but he remained silent.

"You're using a video game to inform your spellwork? Well, just don't tell my brother, he already wants to make a portal that looks like video games." He sounded amused though.

"Yeah. Mainly video game iconography. Metal Gear Solid is quite known for how it brought stealth games into popular video game culture." Serge said with a smile. "Did your brother mention what video game he wanted his portals to look? I'll assume portal because that's obvious and also would be really friggin awesome."

"Before we leave we should make sure we have each other's contact information. I have an idea for a cabal name. Colin will be familiar with the pattern British taverns take to make their name like Crook and Owl or somesuch, which could refer to things from coat of arms imagry to some local story and would be accompanied by a colorful picture so that people could find the right pub. Since we are a diverse group, I was thinking something like that. Torch and Compass Cabal, for example."

"Oh my god that is so much better than what I was thinking of! I was gonna say 'Mr. Wainwright's tea party'." Serge said ripping a page from his notepad crumpling it up into a ball and shoving it into his pocket.

"I like the naming style. I can create a coat of arms for you guys once we've come up with a name. Torch and Compass Cabal fits for an exploration cabal. What are the things this cabal wants to accomplish?" Serge asked.

[Serge's Apartment]

''Cos Detroit's glories ended. Back in the day, used to piggyback off the automakers for Ethership production. Lost the industrial base, lost the talent. City filled with hostiles as it went into the crapper, energies went into defence than Science.' Nicole replied, giving a shrug. 'Hardly the plum posting, no?'

"Sounds dreary." Serge said frowning at the thought. "Is that why you left?"

'Hmm... how many guns counts as an armoury?'

"5 or more. And they have to be different guns or weapons." Serge said without skipping a beat. "Anything less than that seems more like a collection."

'What, to put on a flak jacket or a MOP suit?' Nicole's voice replied, giving a chuckle. 'Only doing this 'cos this vest don't hide arm. You're wearing shoes, right?'

"No." Serge said looking at his feet which were, in fact, placed comfortably within worn-out sneakers. "What the fu- how long have I been wearing shoes? Wait did I sleep in these?"

After a bit of confusion over his shoe status, Serge said, "I still need to grab my sketchbook. I never go outside without it. Don't really feel safe if I don't have it."

(OOC: Hey! Nicole can punch or tough-talk her way out of most things. No gangsters gonna sit and listen to Serge's ramblings )

[Nicole Bouchard]

Adley's Post:

'You got be there. I'm actually the decoy for you to glower at while Mr Manchuria here sneaks in without you none the wiser.' Nicole quipped, giving a smirk.

Adley's Post:

'Hmm... which Bruins?' the large woman said, a little thrown, and inadvertently revealing to Adley where she was originally from.

Colin's Post:

'Is there any other points which need to be covered before that?' Nicole asked.

[Serge's Adventure]

Serge's Post:

'Partly. Got kinda tired of being shot at, knifed and clawed. Fucking vampires.'

Serge's Post:

'Now that's a point... how many do I own?' Nicole replied, wandering back into the main room, zipping up her coveralls and carrying a shoe box. 'Reason we came here is this.' offering it to Serge. Inside he'll find a plaster model of [presumably] her arm, and a couple more rubber "skins", those these were white.

Serge's Post:

'Can grab a jacket too. Bit nippy out.' grabbing her own and putting it back on.

[Forgot Nick was already in coveralls so didn't need to change... *shakes head*]

[No, coward for not picking any of the mystery drinks...]

[Warpmind]

[Cabal Meeting, 10 AM, Wednesday September 30th]

"His mentor saved our lives at the possible expense of her own, thankfully she is recovering. I know her enough to feel that she would know her student and she is easily reachable. Besides, perhaps you're just not a /very good/ infiltrator," he said, this time a touch of amusement on his face. Then he made a face, "Rest assured, I have no intention of ordering any female, including you, to drop your undergarments. For that matter, any male either." Well at least any currently present and under such circumstances.

Colin's eyes glittered with mischief for a moment, while his facial expression otherwise was as innocent and stoic as ever, "Well, now, Adley, I have noted you are quite adept at a quick pat down in combat, so ordering someone to disrobe might be considered an unnecessary extra step in any case. Though I suppose having one's undergarments around one's ankles would make it a lot harder to run..."

"Ah, I see...thank you, context is helpful."

He smiled wryly, "You might enjoy it, actually - though I think you might not want to pick it for movie night with your little brother."

"Woohoo...bait...." Serge said with a half-amused grin. "Well as long as I'm useful."

"Careful, we might get accused of exploiting him."

"Mine are not all 'fun' either, but necessary. Solid Snake? As opposed to what?"

He nodded, "Oh, I'm sure his Mentor would get a bit nasty with us if we tried using him for bait, accusations of exploitation or not... As for Solid Snake, I'm not quite sure. I think he's some sort of stealth specialist, perhaps?"

"Solid Snake? He's from the Metal Gear solid series. I loved those games. Played most of them. Still need to get to the newer ones" Serge said with a smile. "I'm actually using that series as part of a spell I'm working on."

"You're using a video game to inform your spellwork? Well, just don't tell my brother, he already wants to make a portal that looks like video games." He sounded amused though.

"Yeah. Mainly video game iconography. Metal Gear Solid is quite known for how it brought stealth games into popular video game culture." Serge said with a smile. "Did your brother mention what video game he wanted his portals to look? I'll assume portal because that's obvious and also would be really friggin awesome."

He cleared his throat, "Well, I have most certainly heard dumber inspirations for spellwork. Hum, come to think of it, Metal Gear... that rings a bell... I think I saw that title in a stack of Nintendo games one of the chaps at the flight academy had."

"If I forget to retrieve it I will consider it forfeit. At least someone will enjoy it.

He nodded with a wry smile, "I'm sure Anna will at least ask first... She's very hard to say 'no' to, though... and the little darling knows it."

"Bring it on." Serge said with an unusual amount of confidence. "I think I could take you on in a perfect circle contest."

"It will be about a month until I am fully recovered but I should be able to take on more involved physical activities in a few weeks. Though I will not be at my best. Colin, is one of your reenactment groups having one in the upcoming weeks that is relatively local? Also I do still plan on keeping my word on taking you to a hockey game, for helping Richard," he added to Nicole. "The Bruins will not be playing long locally outside of September, so I was looking at seats for the series."

He shrugged, "Well, they are hardly 'my' reenactment groups. I just keep an eye on when they announce a renaissance fair, pay my fee, and set up my little silver booth among the market stalls. With, of course, an outfit that is at least passably medieval. That said, King Richard's Faire is going on almost this entire month down in Carver; I just might skip it this year, though, owing to... new responsibilities."

"Hrm, perhaps something else than pizza, seeing as that was one of the last things we ate together besides when she cooked for us. Although maybe that would not upset her."

He nodded, "It might serve more as a reminder of... happier, more innocent times. We might not be able to go back to where we were two weeks ago, but we can certainly try to bring with us the good on the way forward."

"Did I? Damn, that was before the Nephandi and random looters emptied my pockets. But I think I can swing pizza." Even if he didn't have the cash, he had credit and wouldn't want to go back on a promise.

He nodded, then thought back, "I think perhaps you did - though I wouldn't swear to it. You did express some disagreement with it being my treat, though."

'Is there any other points which need to be covered before that?' Nicole asked.

He shook his head, "No, I think that pretty much covers everything for today. There are some other matters, but those would either fall directly under my personal responsibility to administer, or be a matter demanding full attendance for a meeting."

Serge breathed a large sigh of relief and sunk back into his chair. It seemed he was quite on edge during the entire voting process.

"3 for 3. And yeah I'll take that seat." he said with a smile. "And now for the important stuff. The name of the cabal."

"Before we leave we should make sure we have each other's contact information. I have an idea for a cabal name. Colin will be familiar with the pattern British taverns take to make their name like Crook and Owl or somesuch, which could refer to things from coat of arms imagry to some local story and would be accompanied by a colorful picture so that people could find the right pub. Since we are a diverse group, I was thinking something like that. Torch and Compass Cabal, for example."

"Oh my god that is so much better than what I was thinking of! I was gonna say 'Mr. Wainwright's tea party'." Serge said ripping a page from his notepad crumpling it up into a ball and shoving it into his pocket.

"I like the naming style. I can create a coat of arms for you guys once we've come up with a name. Torch and Compass Cabal fits for an exploration cabal. What are the things this cabal wants to accomplish?" Serge asked.

He arched an eyebrow, "I'm going to straight up veto Mr. Yager's suggestion, and should I still be downvoted, I will make sure Old Man Wrinkle is invited for a cordial cup of tea for every Cabal meeting. Am I quite clear on this matter?"
He smiled warmly, "With that out of the way, I like Adley's suggestion for naming conventions. Though perhaps Torch and Compass might be better suited for, as Serge suggests, a more exploration-oriented Cabal. I had half a mind to suggest 'Entropy Refuted' as a name, but for some reason, our exploits recently make me think 'The Kludge and Keystone Cabal' might fit us well..."

[Nicole's apartment, 7PM Thursday, October 1st]

'And? Go to a range, test some out. If you can find one which operates as good as your current - perhaps it's time to upgrade.'Nicole replied, apparently giving the socks a tentative sniff.

He nodded, "Since I was forced to borrow a replacement when this decided to cease functioning this weekend, I have been seriously contemplating scaling up a little, actually - I've heard good things about ten millimeters, though I suppose something one of those long-cylindered revolvers that take .45 ACP and .410 shells could be a viable upgrade, too."

'Which in 1990 they weren't. The Eastern Bloc was collapsing, the Union was cracking up, Berlin Wall had fallen, Gorbachev had all but surrendered.' Nicole retorted, leaning up against the wall as she began to pull a sock on.

He smiled thinly, "You, young lady, are speaking with the benefit of hindsight. Sure, the Soviet Union was showing a few cracks in 1990, but few people outside the USSR thought the fractures were as serious as they turned out to be. A year later, though, and the story was quite different."

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[Cabal Meeting]

He cleared his throat, "Well, I have most certainly heard dumber inspirations for spellwork. Hum, come to think of it, Metal Gear... that rings a bell... I think I saw that title in a stack of Nintendo games one of the chaps at the flight academy had."

"Hey. Don't call any sort of inspiration dumb. Just because it seems odd to you doesn't mean it doesn't have meaning to someone else." Serge said with a hint of annoyance in his voice, although he tried to keep it hidden due to the Colin's seniority. "And yeah, there's been a few of metal gear games on Nintendo systems. Most of the games are on playstation though."

He arched an eyebrow, "I'm going to straight up veto Mr. Yager's suggestion, and should I still be downvoted, I will make sure Old Man Wrinkle is invited for a cordial cup of tea for every Cabal meeting. Am I quite clear on this matter?"

"Yes sir." Serge said politely although he secretly thought that having tea with one of the strongest and politest paradox spirits was quite a boon for choosing his name.

He smiled warmly, "With that out of the way, I like Adley's suggestion for naming conventions. Though perhaps Torch and Compass might be better suited for, as Serge suggests, a more exploration-oriented Cabal. I had half a mind to suggest 'Entropy Refuted' as a name, but for some reason, our exploits recently make me think 'The Kludge and Keystone Cabal' might fit us well..."

"What about The Luck and Logic Cabal?" Serge suggested. "From the sounds of things, you guys use plenty of both."

[Serge's Adventure]

'Partly. Got kinda tired of being shot at, knifed and clawed. Fucking vampires.'

"Are their a lot of them in Detroit?" Serge asked curiously. "I always found not going outside at night to be a good counter. That and being not important enough to garner their attention."

'Now that's a point... how many do I own?' Nicole replied, wandering back into the main room, zipping up her coveralls and carrying a shoe box. 'Reason we came here is this.' offering it to Serge. Inside he'll find a plaster model of [presumably] her arm, and a couple more rubber "skins", those these were white.

Serge grabbed the box and looked at it's contents. "Ok that's extremely helpful. Why are the synthetic skins white though? Are they unfinished?"

'Can grab a jacket too. Bit nippy out.' grabbing her own and putting it back on.

"Alright mom." Serge joked as he waited for Nicole to get ready.

(OOC: Yeah you got me there. You'd think Serge would be more willing to try strange unidentified substances since he's a part of the Cult of Ectasy.  )

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Nicole's Apartment]

Colin's Post:

'Eh, what suits you. Don't like revolvers, me; harder to hide, worse recoil and slower to reload. Plus, don't hurt to have a spare or two. I've got one stashed in the dashboard of my car.'

Colin's Post:

'If Gorby wasn't gonna save the East Germans from the capitalists, who the hell thought he'd save Saddam's hide?' she sneered, now putting on the other sock.

[Serge's Adventure]

Serge's Post:

'Too many. Barely bother to even hide. And "not going out at night" is hardly viable tactic in winter. That and are you the type to sit in a comfy chair while they're out there fucking everyone over?'

Serge's Post:

'They're the ones the arm started off with. Got the flesh covering after I pointed out the fucking obvious. Same material, though. Thought you could practice on them first.'

Serge's Post:

'Don't have to if you don't wanna.' the large woman replied, giving Serge a look. Gave a quick glance around the room, went to the fridge, grabbed a small vial and slipped it into her pocket.

'Come on, then.' moving towards the door to leave. 'Take your dri-, oh, didn't want one in the end?' ending with a little frown.

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[Serge's Adventure]

'Too many. Barely bother to even hide. And "not going out at night" is hardly viable tactic in winter. That and are you the type to sit in a comfy chair while they're out there fucking everyone over?'

"Where I'm from the vamps mostly fought amongst themselves or at least that's what I heard. Didn't really bother us or at the very least I was too busy to hear about it. And it's not like I could do much. I'd just be a free meal for them." Serge said with a shrug.

'They're the ones the arm started off with. Got the flesh covering after I pointed out the fucking obvious. Same material, though. Thought you could practice on them first.'

"Thanks, that's actually super useful. Honestly I planned on trying to get it in my first try. Would've made for an interesting challenge." Serge said pulled out one of the synthetic skins and looking it over.

'Don't have to if you don't wanna.' the large woman replied, giving Serge a look. Gave a quick glance around the room, went to the fridge, grabbed a small vial and slipped it into her pocket.

'Come on, then.' moving towards the door to leave. 'Take your dri-, oh, didn't want one in the end?' ending with a little frown.

"Your bottles scare me. You should really label what they are. The Cult of Ecstasy's kind of strict on not eating stuff if you don't know what it is." Serge said placing the rubber skin back into the box. "But since your there could you actually get one for me? Preferably one that won't hospitalize me."

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Adley, Colin, Nicole, Tane and Serge] (Cabal meeting 10 in the morning Wednesday 30/9 2015)

'Experienced often enough to be wary of sticking my hand into things before seeing what it is. And make a crap infiltrator, I would; I'd have been all "yes sir may I have another", "drop panties on command" and shit. Hell, he'd-' nodding towards Serge for a moment '-make a better one; as it's been said here he's much easier to like. No offence, not saying you're one or anything.' the last part addressed to Serge.

True he is much easier to like, the kid sort of give the same feeling as a kitten do."
Bruce said.
"I doubt he is an infiltrator though if so he would be a really, really good one."

He grinned at Bruce, "Well, that's why I put them there."

"Yeah but I do think I ate more than anyone else I will make it up to you guys."
Bruce said and scratched his head.

He nodded, "Paintball is going to be off the table for a little while, until Adley is sufficiently recuperated. Something less physically strenuous is going to have to be picked for a while. Pizza, though... Adley, I believe you said something about next time being your treat, back before we went to check on the secondary Node?"

"Pizza it is then Colin, we might want to consider take out so we can have Bee with us if we are getting to know one another as a Cabal she should be a part of it as well, for as long as she is able to."
Bruce said and nodded.

"Solid Snake? He's from the Metal Gear solid series. I loved those games. Played most of them. Still need to get to the newer ones" Serge said with a smile. "I'm actually using that series as part of a spell I'm working on."

"I have the ones that are out on Playstation 4 Mr Yager, I am done with them, you are welcome to borrow them if you like."
Bruce offered.
"I have to ask though how do you use a video game for a rote?"
He asked and raised an eyebrow.

"3 for 3. And yeah I'll take that seat." he said with a smile. "And now for the important stuff. The name of the cabal."

"Welcome to the Cabal kid."
Bruce said and smiled.

"It will be about a month until I am fully recovered but I should be able to take on more involved physical activities in a few weeks. Though I will not be at my best. Colin, is one of your reenactment groups having one in the upcoming weeks that is relatively local? Also I do still plan on keeping my word on taking you to a hockey game, for helping Richard," he added to Nicole. "The Bruins will not be playing long locally outside of September, so I was looking at seats for the series."

The Orphan nodded at that.

"Hrm, perhaps something else than pizza, seeing as that was one of the last things we ate together besides when she cooked for us. Although maybe that would not upset her."

"I did not consider that, I guess we have to ask Master Nassa about it, I know she have gotten scared over things that remind her of what happen, for example she panics if people gather around her...I would not want to upset her."
Bruce said and frowned.

"Did I? Damn, that was before the Nephandi and random looters emptied my pockets. But I think I can swing pizza." Even if he didn't have the cash, he had credit and wouldn't want to go back on a promise.

"We will split it."
Bruce said.
"This Nephandi bullshit have taken allot out of all of our pocket books."

"Before we leave we should make sure we have each other's contact information. I have an idea for a cabal name. Colin will be familiar with the pattern British taverns take to make their name like Crook and Owl or somesuch, which could refer to things from coat of arms imagry to some local story and would be accompanied by a colorful picture so that people could find the right pub. Since we are a diverse group, I was thinking something like that. Torch and Compass Cabal, for example."

"Sounds good to me."
Bruce sai and he pulled out a very scruffy phone from his pocket ready to share contact information with those who did not have his number.

"Oh my god that is so much better than what I was thinking of! I was gonna say 'Mr. Wainwright's tea party'." Serge said ripping a page from his notepad crumpling it up into a ball and shoving it into his pocket.

This made Bruce chuckle.

"I like the naming style. I can create a coat of arms for you guys once we've come up with a name. Torch and Compass Cabal fits for an exploration cabal. What are the things this cabal wants to accomplish?" Serge asked.

"I think perhaps it would stand more for inner searching and inner light but yeah the kid raise a good point we all have individual goals but do we have any in common?
The Orphan asked.

He arched an eyebrow, "I'm going to straight up veto Mr. Yager's suggestion, and should I still be downvoted, I will make sure Old Man Wrinkle is invited for a cordial cup of tea for every Cabal meeting. Am I quite clear on this matter?"

"You are making the scariest Paradox spirit ever our Cabal mascot Colin?"
Bruce asked and he raised an eyebrow.
"I guess we better down vote Mr Yager's suggestion then.

He smiled warmly, "With that out of the way, I like Adley's suggestion for naming conventions. Though perhaps Torch and Compass might be better suited for, as Serge suggests, a more exploration-oriented Cabal. I had half a mind to suggest 'Entropy Refuted' as a name, but for some reason, our exploits recently make me think 'The Kludge and Keystone Cabal' might fit us well..."

"That works as well Colin though I have to admit to really liking Adley's suggestion."
Bruce commented.

"What about The Luck and Logic Cabal?" Serge suggested. "From the sounds of things, you guys use plenty of both."

"We do Mr Yager but it is not in any way defining, everyone use both lagic and luck, you might as well call it the kitchen and loo Cabal we use those as well."
The large Orphan commented.

(OOC: Ad that policy is why Cultists, when they are invited over to a Verbena for dinner do not end up eating the pie made with the blood of their enemies. )




(Colin's shop)

Colin nodded, "Yes, usually labeled either tinfoil or aluminum foil. American's can't spell aluminium right, it seems. I do not believe it should pose a discomfort risk to you as ferrous materials would."

"Hum...is this the material you would use when cooking fish and vegetables in the embers of a fire? I have seen some of the servants of my ehm....group do that."
Mr Ameli asked.
"I will have to go and pick up some then."

He nodded, "Having someone to vouch for you among the other kinds can be helpful in a pinch..."

"Indeed it can."
The vampire agreed.
"I will contact you when I get settled with how you can contact me."

He smiled wryly, "No, that would be about it... Good evening, and try not to enjoy your dinner too much, you might create a wrong impression."

"I always enjoy my dinner Mr Wainwright but I make sure not to kill if it can at all be avoided, killing those weaker than me is both impractical and dishonorable, they will wake up thinking they slipped and fall and find a tiny cut on their arm, their lives will not be disturbed more than that."
Mr Ameli said then he gave you a bow.
"Good evening then Mr Wainwright."
He said before he left.

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

(Steelhaven Monday evening)

It was Monday evening when you where returning to Steelhaven after you had been out getting Anna what she would need, some clothes, some furniture for her room and other essentials. Earlier in the day Jon had helped you move your things up to the new apartment, and get Richard's things down to your old place, the furniture was all in place now though pictures, decorative objects and books and such still needed to be placed.

As you parked the car you got a text message from Richard.
"You wanted to meet Captain Welder? She should be strong enough for a visit now."
Anna glanced over at you from where she was sitting in the passenger seat.
"Did you get a message?"
She asked.
"Anything important?"

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Serge's Adventure]

Serge's Post:

'Odd... they seem to be more like that here too. More... stealthy. Local news has less reports of random disappearances and bodies found.' Nicole commented in a thoughtful tone.

Serge's Post:

Nicole just nodded to this.

Serge's Post:

'Sound advice anywhere.' she said, opening the fridge again. 'Hmm... coke? Root beer? Orange? Name one and I see if I have it. Except Fresca 'cos I hate it.'

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[Cabal Meeting]

"I have the ones that are out on Playstation 4 Mr Yager, I am done with them, you are welcome to borrow them if you like."
Bruce offered.
"I have to ask though how do you use a video game for a rote?"
He asked and raised an eyebrow.

"That would be awesome. Thanks!" Serge said with a smile.

"As for how I use it in a rote? Same way I'd use this symbol in a spell." Serge said stretching out his shirt to emphasize the lighting bolt of Flash's iconic superhero symbol on it. "Symbols influence the mind and thus shape how we view the world. I just take it one step further."

"You are making the scariest Paradox spirit ever our Cabal mascot Colin?"
Bruce asked and he raised an eyebrow.
"I guess we better down vote Mr Yager's suggestion then.

"I'd up for that. I'm told he's quite polite even if he's scarily powerful." Serge said with a grin.

"I think perhaps it would stand more for inner searching and inner light but yeah the kid raise a good point we all have individual goals but do we have any in common?
The Orphan asked.

"We do Mr Yager but it is not in any way defining, everyone use both lagic and luck, you might as well call it the kitchen and loo Cabal we use those as well."
The large Orphan commented.

"We all want to save people and are willing to go through strange and dangerous lengths to do it?" Serge said with a shrug. "We're all different but that seems to be a consistent pattern among us. At least from what little I've seen and heard."

(OOC: Bianca's a Verbana right....and Serge did eat a lot of her cookies....what kind of cookies were those again   )

[Serge's Adventure]

'Odd... they seem to be more like that here too. More... stealthy. Local news has less reports of random disappearances and bodies found.' Nicole commented in a thoughtful tone.

"That's their whole schtick though isn't it? Hide in the shadows because if they become too well-known or too big of a problem they'll have, like, 4 different groups trying to hunt them down even more vigorously than before. And that's not even including themselves." Serge said with a tilt of his head. "I think you just got some of the odd vampires."

'Sound advice anywhere.' she said, opening the fridge again. 'Hmm... coke? Root beer? Orange? Name one and I see if I have it. Except Fresca 'cos I hate it.'

"Coke please. I could use the sugar." Serge said as he headed to the door with the box of skins.

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