Re: The trouble with corrupted Nodes, Hedge Wizards and Cranky Judges IC thread 2

[Jaq]

(4 Successes thanks to WP spend)

Bianca giggles softly and nods. "Alright then, thanks. Yeah Amadeus can be pretty scary when he's pissed off. I'm at small cafe at the airport. There are two guys from the Technocracy are around here too, please be careful."

[Warpmind]

--- Afternoon ---
Colin looked up at Ryan, "Probability tampering? Bugger... Tane, Coawa, if you would like to join me on a small escort mission? Beatrice... this could be the Nephandi woman; best not take the chance. You get some rest - you might need it before this day is through."

--- Night ---
Colin glanced at the old revolver. "Very well maintained, I see. Let me guess, .44 or .45 caliber, or thereabouts? A nice decorative grip, but how well does it handle when your palms begin to sweat? Ah, that is a question, not a criticism, mind."
Colin turned to Antonio and Richard.
"Gentlemen, I am quite confident the Technocrat in our basement was fully sincere. I would consider the scenario where twenty Technocrats are waiting to ambush us as essentially irrelevant, and I am willing to wager my left nut on that. Also, I find it less likely that the Technocracy as an organization is aware of the target's location, however, it is not implausible. The potential interference of Nephandi... a bit more likely than I might appreciate, so being prepared to defend ourselves is necessary. To be precise, the reasons I believe our temporary, reluctant guest to be honest are these: The fallen Technocrat was her apprentice, she asked me to light a candle for her fallen Amalgam... or her Cabal, if you prefer, and she asked me to... provide one other favor after we've retrieved and dealt with her fallen apprentice. I do not believe she would ask a favor of that nature from someone she was stabbing in the back at the same time."
Looking down at the weapon case, Colin changed his mind and opened it, loading the pistol and putting the gun and the spare magazine in separate pockets.
"With that in mind, my assessment is that we have less reason to worry about the ones who just want to kill us, and good reason to worry about the ones who want to capture us alive, torture us, and put our souls through a proverbial grinder, to either destroy us or turn us into monsters like themselves. Cheerful thought, is it not?"
With that, he placed the case in a corner of the garage, and climbed into the car.

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

Bianca:

"Oh wonderful crazy bitch, who know that faction Entropy mages and Technocrats, just what I need in my life right now...ok wait there I have asked Rosa to wait as well, you two are more of a target when together so I will pick you up separately, and Miss, a couple of hundred years old blood witch are always scary, however I am told our friends in the bloody Union tend to be able to read text messages and this conversation probably glow on their control boards right now so we should wait with any more...not sleeper friendly topics until I come and get you, stay safe."

You look down at the abandoned glass of water and in the still surface you see the handsome man you saw before danger still surround him though, danger and grief. You see the giant vagina again, and you see him, kind eyes turned hard as he turn his magick on his former allies, it is not an absolute future but a possible one, again you see seventy seven broken angels, and Rosa with a mourning veil together with yourself sitting by two graves, you get the feeling this potential future is further off now, you stalling the woman long enough for the two Technocrats to notice her, might have delayed her plans, but she have not given up. The future hold trouble and despair, that you are sure of, both for yourself, and for the handsome you man with the pretty, mysterious eyes.

Tane and Colin (afternoon):

Beatrice looked down.
"I feel I am of little use to you all, that I am a porcelain doll that can do nothing but sit and watch."
The young Verbena said sadly then she sigh.
"But I guess you are right."
She muttered.

Ryan got another text message as his phone pinged and he quickly read it while he say.
"Thank you Colin...I would owe you one, as for your two friends I do not know...hello, I would welcome any help to just get my apprentice back here safely."
Quickly the Cultist fingers flew over his phone for a reply.
"Ehm...Colin do we know some crazy bitch named Lisa? Apparently she is trying to get at me through my apprentice and the girl she was sent to pick up, however the only Lisa I know is my ninety two year old grant aunt and I seriously doubt she is out on Logan's with her walker scaring the shit out of baby mages."
Ryan said as he curiously eyes Tane and Coawa.

Colin (night):

"It is a 44 and yeah the grip is a issue, I have considered getting it redone into something more practical, but my grandmother have given this to me and it is one of my most treasured possessions, I sort of do not want to do to many changes to it."
Freddy said and shrugged.
"But yeah the grip could be better."

Antonio shrugs.
"Well if you are wrong Colin then I think that left nut you are promising might be to full of holes to be much worth, the right one to for that matter, but yes let us hope there are not Technocracy central in that apartment...I really do not want to win a bet on that, both because I have little need of your left nut and also because I prefer not to get taken down, tortured and sent to Mecha as a slave, get fed to the Computer or any other of the joys the Top Hats might do to a mage they do not like...however your reasoning do seam sound. Hum...she lost her Cabal eh? Man that is rough, I kind of feel for her even if she is a Technocrat and her apprentice is Fallen, yeah, I would not want to be in her shoes. Hum...well yes we need to be able to defend ourself, hopefully though we will be able to get the target, and get home with no incident, but then when are we ever that lucky?"
Antonio say with a sarcastic grin then his grin faded.
"When you put it that way...ehm...I think I kind of prefer a room full of Technocrats to being taken down by the Nephandi, I mean that is not like pest or cholera, it is like choosing between Ebola and a somewhat nasty cold."
The Hermetic muttered as he made sure his own daggers where loose in their scabbards and that his gun was ready before he got into the driver seat of a large, red Subaru.

[Ashan101]

I am here to help says Richard (ooc sorry for short replies. On phone and on breaks ) Will there be any entanglements ?

[Jaq]

Bianca will patiently wait for Ryan and the others arrive to pick her up. She'll keep an eye out for Lisa but otherwise won't do anything of note.

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

(OOC: That depend on how the story go, but I can work around short replies so do not worry about it.)

[Warpmind]

--- Afternoon ---
Colin frowned. "Bloody Hell, that IS the name of the Nephandus we're worried about. You're no China doll, Beatrice, but in this instance, you would be walking into a poorly baited trap. You stay here. Ah, introductions, I forget my manner... Ryan Darehill of the Cult of Ecstacy, meet Tane Karyak of the Dreamspeakers, and Coawa, the wereshark. Gentlemen, there's no time to waste."

--- Night ---
Colin nodded to Freddie, "Yes, I know how it is; restoring an antique should only use materials used in the era the item was made. Fortunately... I do use some such materials. If you wish, I can add some suitable rubber lining to the grip, without harming the original plates. I do have a few other pieces I need to make first, but I could have a look at it next week or so."
He exhaled wistfully, "Hopefully, Doctor, there will be no... entanglements. Hopefully, it will be a reasonable, peaceful retrieval with no bloodshed or strife... but we cannot expect that to happen."

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

Afternoon:

Beatrice sigh and nods, her older Cabal mate was right off course, first of all her getting anywhere near a Nephandi would just be an invitation to D'Angelo to strike, and also her getting near a Nephandi would just be inviting her Avatar to decide blood and mayhem should be had off the canvass as well.
"You are right Colin...but I just feel useless...however Rosa is in danger...and whoever she was sent to meet, my bruised ego will heal, do not delay on my account."
The young Verbena said a bit sadly.
"Just be careful Colin, if you get hurt and I was not there to help, I will never forgive myself."
Beatrice said and put one of her small hands delicately on Colin's for a few moments.

Ryan looked at Colin as he ordered his Verbena Cabal mate to stay behind, he assumed it was because Beatrice was so young that the older mage did not want to put her in danger, well good on him, he was progressive and all but he had no desire to see a early 20 something girl hurt. The Cultist nodded to Tane.
"How do you do like he said Ryan Darehill bani Cult of Ecstasy."
The Cultist said formally then he blinked a few time.
"Ehm a were what? Are you telling me that man is a fish?"
The young Adept said then he got a hold of his surprise.
"Ehm...sorry I did not mean to be rude...nice to meet you Coawa."
The Cultist said then he turned and headed for the garage.
"Yes let us get going gentlemen, if this is a Nephandi I do not want to leave my apprentice there longer than I have to, damned it she Awakened last month, she can not defend herself, she can tell time, she might as well be a sleeper when it comes to magickal fights."

Night:

"Hum...well if it do not damage the original handle I would love that Colin, whenever you have the time, depending some on cost though, but I have a part time job so I have a little money to spend."
Freddy said and smiles.

Antonio nods.
"Yeah let us all hope this one will be easy guys, so let us get in the cars gentlemen, and who Mr Wainwright forgot earlier, ladies, the sooner we get this done the greater chance no one else is there wanting this kid as well. Let us get a move on people."
The Hermetic said.
"Though with this Chantry's luck lately...do everyone have their wills in order?"
The man added with a wink and a grin.

[Adley]

I agree but while her hatred might make her judgment unsound, proving that is hard unless it is an actual Quiet, which can be measured, but yes someone so consumed by hatred should not serve as a Enforcer in any Tradition and certainly not in the Order of Hermes.

"Her hatred itself might not be easy to measure but her actions are building their own story as do her words."

"Many of them do not trust us Mr Roth Hicks, and yes it is unfair, but then that stay did save Miss Alexander from suffering her fate right then after her trial three years ago, I do not know if the stay was worded like that as an oversight or as a cruelty, but yes it is unfair and if we can manage to deal with the Vittoria D'Angelo situation then perhaps we can do something about it, I am just not sure how yet. But yes there have long been time for the Order of Hermes to clean up in it's own ranks...but there are to much ego and to much hubris holding us back from what we could be."

He wasn't so sure it -was- unfair that there was so much mistrust, which was why he was feeling ill of the situation. "Yes, and I am not without blame. I was angry myself...I wanted her to be removed from the Chantry when I found out, as I thought she was an ongoing threat. Which, in some ways she still is of course but I have reevaluated my stance."

"There are still more good than bad my young friend. Thee are more Order mages like your mentor than like the unfortunate Miss D'Angelo, but are we a group without flaw or fault, no we are not, and all we can really do is try to act with honor and wisdom ourselves and hope that will inspire others to do the same, and speak up when we find the black spots of shame among our ranks."

He nodded to that. He held himself to a high standard but he had his own shameful actions sitting right before him, his own flaws and faults were present. Building  a better interior would prevent influence from the exterior.

The way I see it we have two options if we are going to stop D'Angelo, one is to try to take her to trial for her threats, perhaps we can be able to prove that her judgment are not sound and perhaps get her stripped of her rank as Quaesitor, this will be difficult though for she have many allies and are quite respected and I fear that before we could even get such a case up before a Tribunal, she would have already moved against Miss Alexander."

Adley wondered if that would even stop her then; that she would continue to work through her allies and networks and somehow the problem would persist. Or if the actions of her being removed from position would serve as an example.

"Another option is to try to trap her, if we could feed her information, give her something false to go after Miss Alexander on, that we can prove is false we can let her get things into motion, and then present the proof at the last moment, that she where going to Gilgul another mage on flimsy charges, even a mage with a Fallen Avatar, and got within inches of doing so...that will tip her hand, and the status she knew she would loose after the act, would be lost without her having been able to accomplish he goal, the problem with this is that such a tactic would no doubt scare Miss Alexander quite badly and she should not be told about the ploy, D'Angelo are no fool, if she sense that young Beatrice's reactions are not genuine she will know something is up, and she have to gather the Masters for the ritual and be ready to perform it so she have acted on her ill intentions for the trap to work."

He frowned. He knew subterfuge was useful - against an enemy and he had been thinking of setting some sort of trap for her and planting evidence was one way to accomplish that goal. In most cases he by far preferred the truth which was honourable. To set a trap like that meant treating them like an enemy and if he got caught, there would be consequences, unless it were done with a subtle hand and the judge herself filled in the blanks with her dark judgements. Even so, it would cause Beatrice suffering because he could not tell her what was happening. And though the ars mens were supposedly not used against members of the Order, that did not mean that they wouldn't be used against Colin or Beatrice. And the sense of unease about participating in blatant lies to accomplish what they needed to do - he had lied before, his entire mundane guise was a lie. He lied to protect the chantry and himself, the collective of mage society. But he had never sought to put words in someone else's mouth before in order to gag them. His mentor had said, take the choice that you can live with. Would he rather live with the fact he had compromised his morals to save Beatrice, or that should the above-board methods fall short, see her Avatar ripped from her and leave her in a state wishing death. All the planning to save her avatar would be for nothing. In such black and white he always wanted a third option, so he left that for now and turned his mind back to the present.

"So the question is, if such a plan can be set in motion, can you and your Cabal control Miss Alexander while things play themselves out until we can prove that the information D'Angelo have acted on are not true and that she have made good on her word to ignore the intent of the law and set the girl up? It would be a tricky and dangerous way to solve things, but it might work."

He thought of how terrified she was and how short the time was to do things the more legitimate way. And how the second plan made him feel...which was not good. But what good were rules and laws when they weren't being enforced or dealt with in a measured way? On the other hand if he did things in the same cloth as those he would oppose, how was he any better than them? He thought of his mentor, who had positioned him into the cabal in the first place and turned a decision over to Adley, one that he had done everything -but- what he had initially been advised to do. "I am concerned that someone would be able to use ars mens on my cabal mates." And himself, though they weren't supposed to, it did not mean it never happened.

"I find that everyone thinks better on a full stomach Mr Roth Hicks."The Archmage said with a smile."Now think about the two suggestions I had for how to potentially save Miss Alexander from Miss D'Angelo's plans, and do not let this old man keep you any longer. Thank you for the company young Mr Roth Hicks, it have been a pleasure, though the topic for conversation have not."

"Thank you Primus." He knew he didn't have the luxury of thinking too long. In fact his thoughts and emotions had been trapping him in indecision for days. He stood up and gave the man a deep and respectful bow. "I would wish you a good evening but I know there is a long evening ahead," he said, turning to leave.

He checked the time and then headed for his apartment, walking through the Chantry at a fast but more measured clip than he had not long ago and with more focus. He pushed aside the feeling that he should be with his mentor and focused on the fact he was glad that Colin was with him. He owed that man a great debt of gratitude, between the two of him he was the true leader of the cabal and they both knew it, though Colin did not want to be the 'face' of it. He didn't want to be a figurehead, or a drag on the group or make decisions that put them in excess danger. Tomorrow, he thought. He would get everyone together right after he saw Beatrice, before everyone went to their assorted duties if possible. No more scrambling around.

He went inside, shutting the door behind him and allowing himself to collapse against the back of the door, out of sight of everyone but his own avatar. He closed his eyes and with a deep breath in and out, he pulled himself away, walking to his bureau muttering to himself in Persian, 'Righteousness Will I see thee when I find good thought and the path to the lord, Wisdom, hearken to my Word to turn away miscreants with my tongue."

He took out all his tools and inscribed clothing, the gun and magazines from the desk and laid them out in a specific order, checking them all and letting his mind focus on what they were used for, what they meant and what to do when he did not have them and needed something else, what his father had taught him. He had become too dependent on some of these and if he was going to change that then he would have to start thinking more flexibly and focus on what was the most important aspect currently of the workings. Then he took the wand and began the banishing ritual, concentrating on emptying himself of all the negative feelings, thoughts and energies that he had attracted over the course of the day, of which there were many.

[Warpmind]

--- Afternoon ---
Colin smiled and patted Beatrice's hand in return. "Actually, if you could run the message by Chief Morgan and everyone else you or he thinks need to know immediately, that we have a sighting of the Nephandi and are going to intercept to rescue our own, that'd be greatly appreciated."

--- Night ---
Colin snorted with dark amusement.
"I have nothing to fear; I am too pretty to die."

[Ashan101]

Richard gets in the vehicle last. Prepping shots/injections .. including several heavy sedatives

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

"Her hatred itself might not be easy to measure but her actions are building their own story as do her words."

"That is true, and strong emotions can trigger Twilight, however not all insanity a magus suffers are Twilight, and a more mundane mental illness born of hated or no are far less detectable and more difficult to prove."

He wasn't so sure it -was- unfair that there was so much mistrust, which was why he was feeling ill of the situation. "Yes, and I am not without blame. I was angry myself...I wanted her to be removed from the Chantry when I found out, as I thought she was an ongoing threat. Which, in some ways she still is of course but I have reevaluated my stance."

"She is a danger Mr Roth Hicks, and it is important to remember that, I believe there is a chance to save her and I think we owe it to the innocent girl she now is and what her Avatar can be if it is cleansed to try, but also never forget that she is Fallen, she is not with them, but she was born Nephandi, you can never fully trust her. I trust that right now she is a kind, well meaning if naive girl who are talented and filled with a pure love of the magick she practice, and I care for and feel compassion for that child, but I never forget what she is either and neither should you, but if she can be saved, she will one day be a great mage."

"I am concerned that someone would be able to use ars mens on my cabal mates."

George nodded he sigh.
"It is a danger in such a plan yes, which is why as few as possible should know about it, however if the information given is not told by your lips but left for her to discover, I think the chance she would try to do so to be small, but yes there is a risk, on all levels the plan I mentioned are not without possible catches and risks, there are no easy paths out of this conundrum."
The archmage said in a serious tone of voice.
"Also such a plan, to use trickery and deceit, it go against your sense of decency yes? You are your mentor's student Mr Roth Hicks."
The old man said with a kind smile.
"I however sadly have no other plans to offer you right now, but that do not mean that there are none, perhaps your young mind can find solutions I can not, just remember though, time run short, for whatever you decide to do, if you hesitate to long the power of choice will be taken out of your hands."

"Thank you Primus." He knew he didn't have the luxury of thinking too long. In fact his thoughts and emotions had been trapping him in indecision for days. He stood up and gave the man a deep and respectful bow. "I would wish you a good evening but I know there is a long evening ahead," he said, turning to leave.

"A good evening to you as well Mr Roth Hicks."
George said and smiles.
"Yes this night will bring with it little sleep I fear, for any of us."
The Archmage said.
"Be well for now young one."
He said before he closed the door after the younger mage left.

When you do the Lesser Banishing Ritual again you feel your Avatar relax, it did not speak or send any emotions, it did not have to, but it felt at ease with the slow, pure flow of Quintessence, again came the part of the Umbrood splinters name, and something else a nurturing, curious feeling, a feeling that was not yours, this feeling of compassion was from your Avatar towards the splinter stuck inside of it, the higher soul might not be able to feel and see and think as a human, but it was curious about the shard and bore it no ill will, it was uneasy though for...it was ever changing, ever flowing, a being of dynamism, and the Umbrood shard was hard, unchanging, eternal, static this piece of opposite Resonance irritated the Avatar, if you where going to translate the feelings from it into something human...and then just as soon as the feelings from the higher soul had been there they where gone, it no longer felt like sharing and it retreated deep into it's host's soul where it's unknowable home was located.

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

Afternoon:

Beatrice smiles, at least she would have something to do and not be completely useless.
"I will go and see if I can find Master Morgan right away Colin."
The young Verbena said and stood up and brushed of her skirt, trying to make herself look presentable.
"Just stay safe okey?"

Night:

Freddy laugh and then she shrugs.
"Hey at least you are smart, I would take smart over pretty every day."
She said and climbed into the middle seat of the car.

Soon both cars where ready and left the garage, the drive was not very long, especially now that there where not much traffic, but the apartment building in question where in one of Boston's most luxurious areas and Steelhaven definitively was not.
"What is the exact address?"
Antonio asked as he waited for a green light at an intersection.

[Warpmind]

--- Afternoon ---
Colin nodded. "I'll do my best to stay out of harm's way."
((OOC: I have the oddest feeling even the powers of Paradox will do what they can to bring Colin back unscathed this afternoon, y'know. ))

--- Night ---
Colin glanced at Freddy in the mirror, "If you like my smarts, you should see what I can do with my hands and a few carefully chosen tools."
Clearing his throat, he added, "Ehum, my pardon - force of habit; pre-combat jitters, you know. I must apologize if I get too fresh; there were not yet any women in the RAF when I served, and that sort of situation tends to breed a rather... rough sort of banter."
He scratched his nose, slightly embarrassed at himself. "The Philippe Jones building, at the top, apartment 706."

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

Freddy smiles as she leans back in her seat.
"A crafty man, my my that I can like."
She say with a wink.
"Aww do not apologize, I do not mind I have seen allot worse, and if you eve go onto the Virtual Adept web forums you will see some banter that would make you turn red as a boiled lobster."
The young Technomancer said and winked again.

Antonio nods then he say.
"Ok that is a pretty fancy building, how are we getting in? Such a place is sure to have a doorman and perhaps security guards, we need a plan for how to get in and get to this To Hat's apartment without creating to much of a fuss."

(OOC: I am just waiting with the afternoon storyline to give Tane a chance to reply, and yes I do suspect Colin is destined to come back in one piece.)

[Jaq]

(OOC: Bianca will fade into background until they meet her at the cafe.)

[Warpmind]

Colin chuckled a bit, "Well, then, I rather suppose I should consider myself fairly warned, then. That suggestion does, of course, require me to actually fond those fora. I'm given to understand one needs something of a... specialized world view to access those systems? In any case, the apartment belongs to a fellow named Hulio Rodriguez - he died in the scuffle between Technocrats and Nephandi earlier tonight - and I'm sure we can... persuade any guards that we are legitimate guests of his. I, hm, don't suppose we have any telepaths among us?"

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

Freddy giggle and nods.
"Yeah we would not want sleeper to just wander in on what we are discussing, and when one of them do manage to find the forums, generally that means they are ready to be Awakened so in that way the forums are good apprentice generators to."
The Virtual Adept smiles.
"I could log you in though, no problem."

Antonio shrugs as he takes a left and continue driving.
"Well Doc here is a Akashic, is not that sort of their specialty?"
The Scribe said and indicated Richard with a movement of his head.
"I...can influence someone's mind somewhat but I am better at expanding my own than messing with the minds of others, goodness gracious I am a librarian not a spy."
Freddy sigh and shakes her head.
"Don't look at me, I have no clue, Ingmar study Mind though, he have a degree in it, but the Sphere name is just that a name, what he actually can do with I have no clue, probably make a three grow out of someone's ears."
Antonio sigh.
"Somehow I do not think that go under the Sphere of Mind Freddy."

[Warpmind]

Colin arched an eyebrow at the mirror. "In the words of George Takei, Oh, My, Miss Adelbloom. Keep this up and one might begin to suspect you were coming on to me."
Stroking his ear, he added, "I suppose Mister Rush might make someone believe there was a tree growing out of their ear with that particular... branch of magic. Come to think of it, that might actually be amusing to watch, under the appropriate circumstances."

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

Freddy smiles a little to Colin.
"Well I do have a weakness for a man who is good with her hands."
She said with a giggle.
"Now as for Rush and trees...are not that what Verbena do, making trees grow everywhere?"
Antonio sigh again.
"I think you have a somewhat limited idea about what the Verbena do however Freddy, however shall we focus, would one of you call the other car and ask Ingmar, in a way that do not flag the entire conversation for the entire Technocracy, if he might have a way to get us discreetly past eventual guards or doormen."
The scribe said.
"Three minutes until we arrive and I would like to have a basic plan before we reach the building."

[Warpmind]

Colin fished out his phone and skimmed through the contacts. "Um, I do not seem to have his number... Miss Adelbloom, do you? And please, don't ask him too many questions about his wood; we don't have the time to go where those speculations might take us."

[Adley]

"Also such a plan, to use trickery and deceit, it go against your sense of decency yes? You are your mentor's student Mr Roth Hicks."
The old man said with a kind smile.

"I know that Hermes has the appellate of trickster, but yes, to be plain it does. I would not think twice of deceit designed to overcome an enemy, such is war. This however dances too close to the edges of the Code and that is something that I believe in and that I swore with sincerity, even if others do not. I suppose I am old fashioned in that regard and likely makes it easier for others to try to set me into narrow positions. But otherwise how would I be any better than this woman, someday should I acquire a position of more power, my success in this venture might tempt me to do so again. And if it should fail and discovered, the consequences to myself would be bad. But far worse would be how it could extend to others...my mentor and my cabal. I have seen what fallout my poor decisions can do. As well have I seen my indecision do the same." He looked thoughtful. "You say there is no recourse once the judge has cast her words. She would then gather the magii and they would perform the rite and since they are close this would not take long. There would be little time between. To what extent if any would knowing the truth or clouded judgement be then if all those involved were shown it somehow, before the rite? If we kept Beatrice under observation ourselves for security reasons, could not that be used to show the judge's misinterpretations of what has occurred in the same way as if she were found with faulty evidence? Would you, or my pater be therefore bound under the law to perform an action if you -knew- it was wrong or at least out of line with the intent of the law? As when you turned my thoughts into words, and words into testimony, would an apparent contrasting observation serve?"

Adley was not sure how such a thing might be accomplished but the idea had some benefits: first, it would appear that they were taking additional security precautions, second, it would build on Beatrice's actual reactions to what was going on and how the judge acted to her would be apparent, and three, any 'misconducts' put to the test could be scrutinized. Again, the matter boiled down to time.

(later)
By the time that he had completed the ritual, he felt somewhat more settled in himself even if there was a great deal of chaos at hand. He checked the time to see how much was remaining and then gathered his tools together for the evening and mentally preparing himself for the watch-rest-monitor sequence. If he found himself with some small amount of time, he will go to see Beatrice and look again at the documents, this time to try to see how the judge would try to manipulate the loopholes.

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

Colin:

Freddy nodded and fetched her phone out of her pocket and grins at Colin.
"Well are we not having fun out Nephandi hunting...we should bring the apprentices next time."
She muttered then he said into the phone.
"Yeah Ingmar, it is me, now we are going to this fancy apartment building, I was wondering do you have a way to get an eventual doorman that such a place is bound to have to just think we belong there...discreetly?"
Freddy nodded then said to Antonio and the rest of you.
"He says maybe, but that it is not his specialty."
She said and held the line to see if anyone had any questions.

Adley:

"I know that Hermes has the appellate of trickster, but yes, to be plain it does. I would not think twice of deceit designed to overcome an enemy, such is war. This however dances too close to the edges of the Code and that is something that I believe in and that I swore with sincerity, even if others do not. I suppose I am old fashioned in that regard and likely makes it easier for others to try to set me into narrow positions.

"An honest man can be at a disadvantage for a while, but generally that honest will repay itself eventually. Perhaps young one it is I who have become to much of a politician and that you are the wiser of us."
The old mage said with a bit of a smile

But otherwise how would I be any better than this woman, someday should I acquire a position of more power, my success in this venture might tempt me to do so again. And if it should fail and discovered, the consequences to myself would be bad. But far worse would be how it could extend to others...my mentor and my cabal. I have seen what fallout my poor decisions can do. As well have I seen my indecision do the same." He looked thoughtful.

George gave the younger mage an approving smile.
"You would make a fine Quaesitor Mr Roth Hicks."
Was all he said then he added.
"You do your mentor proud."

"You say there is no recourse once the judge has cast her words. She would then gather the magii and they would perform the rite and since they are close this would not take long. There would be little time between. To what extent if any would knowing the truth or clouded judgement be then if all those involved were shown it somehow, before the rite? If we kept Beatrice under observation ourselves for security reasons, could not that be used to show the judge's misinterpretations of what has occurred in the same way as if she were found with faulty evidence?

"Perhaps but Miss D'Angelo must still think that she have something to get Miss Alexander on before she will move, otherwise she will just wait until she find something, or if she is fanatical enough make some accusation, that she knows is false, the point of the solution I suggestion would be to make her show her hand, we could however probably be able to get the same effect of discrediting here if we can show that she have acted on a wrongful accusation once she have put the wheels in motion, it would however not get the same outcry from the rest of the Traditions that would be sure to force her out of her position, as it would if things went...further and was stopped just in the nick of time, however perhaps time have dulled my sense of judgment my young friend, perhaps I have been a politician to long and think tactics where I should not."
The old mage mushed more to himself then to Adley.

Would you, or my pater be therefore bound under the law to perform an action if you -knew- it was wrong or at least out of line with the intent of the law? As when you turned my thoughts into words, and words into testimony, would an apparent contrasting observation serve?"

"Under law...maybe the law is not completely clear on that point, however it would be enough doubt about the legality cast that I think that both of us would be able to excuse ourselves from performing the rite without betraying the law. Yes I do think such a contrasting observation might serve the purpose yes, if off course the accusation is about something that that have happened recently, Miss D'Angelo might as well made a claim about something that have happened before observing Miss Alexander begun."

Later:

After completing your ritual and preparations you do find you have some time left before you are due to take your watch at Deacon Sharaya's quarters. You knock on Beatrice's door and after a short while the young Verbena opens the door, she is dressed in her nightclothes now though, a simple gray, cotton pajamas with a bit darker gray floral print on, over this she have a dark blue dressing robe, the girl had probably retired early due to the stresses of the day, but did not look like she had been able to sleep much, she wore a worried look on her face and she was just as pale, you notice that one hand was still bandaged but he had apparently healed the other one.
"Oh Adley, please come in."
Beatrice said and moved out of the way so you can get into her apartment, and yes she did apparently have quite a bit of problem sleeping for several books where open on her living room table and she appeared to have been studying when you knocked on her door, though as tired as she looked it was doubtful she where learning much.
"I have some tea ready, would you like a cup?"
Beatrice said as she hid a yawn behind one of her small hands.
"Or coffee, I could make coffee."
She muttered.

[Warpmind]

Colin smirked as he pocketed his phone again.
"Bring apprentices... I'll have to get one first. I don't suppose you have a spare?"
Pondering a moment, he added, "Ask if he can make us seem unremarkable instead."

[Adley]

"An honest man can be at a disadvantage for a while, but generally that honest will repay itself eventually. Perhaps young one it is I who have become to much of a politician and that you are the wiser of us."

"Only time will tell; though if that can be said, then dishonestly will also be paid back in time. And if we can manage to keep forestalling her and build our case with smaller steps and a clear goal I would prefer to do that. I myself am not a politician nor do I have a desire to be one- but I understand a battle when I see it."

George gave the younger mage an approving smile."You would make a fine Quaesitor Mr Roth Hicks." Was all he said then he added. "You do your mentor proud."

For a moment he looked a touch amused but some of the earlier heaviness left him as well. "I am not sure that my mentor would want me to have been taken to another House and so employed," he said, teasing lightly. It was written that an apprentice could be taken by an Bonisagus, though it hardly ever happened. "Though I am glad to know some of my actions today uphold what he has bestowed upon me," he added with a more serious tone.

"Perhaps but Miss D'Angelo must still think that she have something to get Miss Alexander on before she will move, otherwise she will just wait until she find something, or if she is fanatical enough make some accusation, that she knows is false, the point of the solution I suggestion would be to make her show her hand, we could however probably be able to get the same effect of discrediting here if we can show that she have acted on a wrongful accusation once she have put the wheels in motion

"I am also thinking tactically - if she will be looking for any opportunity to use to make her accusation, the truth will pan out that she is acting inappropriately. And if it show's Beatrice's reactions to her, it may draw sympathy and reveal the abuse of the power dynamic that she carries with her title, which we can leverage. I will have to review the document, see where she is likely to try to abuse the wording but she was quite adamant that she would find anything. Also it might prove some comfort for Beatrice to know that her actions, while watched, are also being guarded from blatant exploitation. I am not sure of this, as I am a private person and would not like such encroachment of my privacy but if my life were staked upon it, or that of another, then of course that is a different matter."

...off course the accusation is about something that that have happened recently, Miss D'Angelo might as well made a claim about something that have happened before observing Miss Alexander begun."

"Then that would be a lie. Beatrice has not done anything wrong. I have been with her for much of my time and if not myself then Colin. I am sure that both of us would at least be able to show an alibi for the last two days. Anything before that would require some assistance, someone with ars temporalis to prove. But I think that at a point, it would start to look desperate. As for how our observation might be done, though I would require assistance. someone who can use correspondence or perhaps make a pact with a spirit that might be given the task of watching and portraying the events, both of which are beyond my ability to do myself alone. I would be willing to be in debt for any of these and also it might be worded as a way to improve our security from a perceived threat, if my pater so allowed it."

(later)

"Oh Adley, please come in...I have some tea ready, would you like a cup?"

Although Adley looked better than he had when he was rushing around the Chantry earlier, there was something lingering in his eyes that betrayed that the evening had been extremely stressful only recently. "I'm sorry to call on you so late. A small measure of tea only, thank you." He noted how drawn she looked and frowned slightly, closing the door behind him. "I do not have much time, there has been much that has occurred tonight. But as I tell you, I would like to review your court documents again, in light of some information that has come to me. Things are moving swiftly in many directions but as much as we have been able, we have also been trying to prevent you from being unduly harmed. Was Colin here earlier?"

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