[IC] The Gaslamp Shadows, London's not going to be the same... Options

[Meriss]

Brookes smiles at the man's offer. "Fer now, I don't need no more bodies fer my pull. I suppose if yah want a split the pogue inta fifteen shares we could. But why bovver? Iffin I can't get ahold of me old crew and you lot impress me I suppose I wern't be opposed to changing things. But no offense gents, I don't know you lot from Adam, what's my interest I ask you. A new crew, wiv no reason not ta blow on me, I doubt it. Lemme see how you lot handle this un and we'll talk Ned old son. Now, you be wanting them addresses? Er' shall we call the whole fing off? For man with no choices Brookes seems a cool customer.

Another thought occurs to him " I suppose I could, after ya finish o course, talk ta a few o' me old mates and let em know if they have some thing they could call you. He twirls the brass head of his cane and munches the last of his chips.

Zen

[ Spoiler ]

There is little to no stress in Brookes' voice.

[ludomastro]

This man is like ice. I suppose that in his line of work, that is a good thing.

Very well. I suppose that fair is fair.

[fistandantilus4....]

Did he just threaten that man? I thought we were supposed to be this man's alleis and assistants? This is getting confusing. I ....I certainly hope I'm not getting in over my head here.

Outwardly, Spence only watches the exchange, like some sort of verbal pugelists at work. It was strangely fascinating.

[DuckEggBlue Omeg...]

Arthur nodded approvingly, pleased that his brilliant oration had had the desired effect, just as he expected. It also seemed he was correct in assuming that these tasks would lead to more bountiful endeavours in the future. He looked over at the other man who had spoken up following himself.

I'm glad at least one of these men had the presence of mind to follow my lead.

Arthur was ofcourse completely oblivious to the fact that his little speech was perhaps too 'brilliant' for his own good and that, amongst his present company especially, exclaimation on his status as a gentleman, did naught but to cause Mr. Brookes, and perhaps others, to consider him little more than a 'poncing toff', harmless as that may be.

[Critias]

"The addresses, then? The Celestial doesn't seem much interested in haggling over prices, negotiating secondary jobs, or any of the rest.

[ZenZen]

[Fresno Bob]

Bismarck laughs at Martin when he fires back the reply about his voice and gasmask. His own reply is cut short by Arthur's quick apology.

German: "No apology needed, friend..."

No need for violence and anger... yet.

When Brookes comes in, Bismarck quietly watches the exchange, not really having anything to add, until he thinks of something fairly pertinent. He clears his throat and steps forward, the back of his neck hissing out steam as he walks.

"Theres no doubt going to be glocks keeping the keys... Are we to kill them?"

[marghos]

Martin looks others and his voice is clear and sharp "Count me in"

[fistandantilus4....]

All these questions ... perhaps I was a bit hasty in giving my assent. No turning back now though.... oh dear.

[Meriss]

Brookes smiles as the men begin agreeing to take the job. "Right then gents. The addresses are. For the first key, Number 25 Baker Street. The Molson residence. Second 2001 West Chantry Lane, over by the Palace. The Johannsenns. Third the Regency Warehouse on Charles St. The key is in the office stong box. And the plans I want are in the White Star Lines office downtown. They should be in the plan room, labeled The African Star.

He looks over at Bismarck and sighs "Killing 'll bring the crushers in to this faster than you can say 'Bob's yer uncle' Specially the Johannsenn's, I suppose if yah have to, yah can. But I'd prefer you keep it tight like. He frowns a bit.

He twirls the head of his cane again "Now gents I know I ain't really offering yah a lot of pogue to do this, but you can pinch anything else in them places, it'll look more like random cracking and less like jest the keys was the target. I do know fer instance that the warehouse and the Star Line office 'll have four 'er five grand afore payday. So that might help out wif any fing you need."

He waits a beat. "Any other questions chaps?"

[Critias]

The elf clears his throat softly from his corner, "When and where, exactly, are we to exchange the keys to you for our payment?"

[ludomastro]

I suggest that we exchange names and contact information and then divide up the tasks to be done.

Even criminals should be well organized.

[Meriss]

Brookes snaps his fingers and nods "Righto mate, you lot can find me down at the Haymarket. The Old Cock Inn. In or before three weeks from taday. Ask fer Jim at the desk, I'll be around the place in a few. How you lot split up the jobs is up ta you. Any thing else you chaps need from me?"

[DuckEggBlue Omeg...]

As discussion turns from money to details of the job, Arthur takes out a note pad and pencil and begins writing.

nosloM .tS Rekab 52
snnesnnahoJ (ecalap yb) .nL yrtnahC Tsew 1002
...

Arthur continues to jot down any relevant information, as it comes up, before asking a question of his own.

"What else do you know about these locations, and the people we are likely to encounter there in?"

[Meriss]

"Well lesse, the Molsons ain't flush but they seem ta do a'right. I've seen six folks in that house. John Molson, works fer the White Star line and has one key, Before you ask no I don't know where he keeps it. Sorry. Blame Dursley, he went inta the steel afore we could figure that out. The Johansenns are a posh bunch. They've got a "polite street" and it wern't easy getting a crow or two down there. I'd say theres oh, five people in there. But I ain't sure. Old Man Johansenn gots key numbers two. I fink it's in 'is desk then, again 'e might 'ave a safe or strongbox. But it's in his office I know that. I never did get a the warehouse 'er office. Dursley got pinched afore any o that was done. Sorry I can't be a' more help lads."

[marghos]

Before mr Brookes leaves Martin wants to know more Those keys, how we find those, is there anyting how we indentify those among other keys "Am I missing something? Could we go back to the those keys mr Brookes?" Martin nods and continues "So we have all the adresses we need, but is there something else we should know about these keys? Description, labels or something. I guess that within those adress there must be lot of keys, which ones we bring along or shall we carry all the keys we find?"
...he sighs ...
And then to these places. If we investigate those places and found that there is no way of getting in or obtaining these keys without some special equipment...

He pauses and looks at Brookes when continues Equipment, is there something we need "If there is somekind of special equipment to accomplish this task of your, can we trust that you get that equipment to us, if that is possible. Maybe we dont need anything but if there is something we need. And last thing, this money you are offerin, thats fine with me."

[Meriss]

Brookes glances at St. North "Blimey, almost fergot. Thanks fer remembering mate, they'll be new brass keys, shiny and clean, etched wiv the White Star Lines logo. As fer equipment. I don't fink you'll be needing any more 'n what you got. Iffin a'course yah need anyfin special come down at the Old Cock. I've got me an arangement with an eel-skinner. He'll want 'a be paid a'course but I kin get yah a discount. Now chaps, do yah need anyfing else at all afore I'm off? I've gotta get me some shut eye so's I kin start up tommory.

[Critias]

The Hand makes no arguments, and certainly no motions, towards keeping Brookes from leaving. He's apparently satisfied with the information they've got.

[DuckEggBlue Omeg...]

Arthur checked over his notes...

So little information...

...and then looked up at Mr. Brookes.

"If that's all the information you have for us, I think we are ready to proceed?"

Arthur closed his notebook, but waited to see if anyone else had any questions before putting it back in his coat.

[marghos]

Martin stands up and he walks to the door with mr.Brookes, he glances his pocketwatch casually Do we need more information, yes but what that info is? Is there something we did not ask or we didn't demand from this cove? Some of this cash in advance Martin smiles, or some could say grins and he stops

Mr. Brookes! little pause and then Martin continues I think that we need some kind of prepayment, I'm sure that my partners will agree that too. So if you don't be offended we could continue this meeting.

[Meriss]

Brookes nods at St. North "I kin give you lot the last of my bankroll, but I'm afraid it's only three hundred pounds."

[marghos]

"That sounds reasonable for now"
Martin nods and then he continues with little bit lower voice "How about some other arrangement between you and me, after this one? I may need some special ammunition for my hmmm.. my hunting rifle can you find and deliver that kind goods?" He smiles slightly.

[ludomastro]

How could I have been so dim to forget to ask for a retainer fee. Perhaps you don't notice how much the light has gone while holding a candle for the devil.

Jacob waits for the conversation with Brookes to end and for the cove to leave.

Shall we spend a moment more here to divide up the work?

[Meriss]

The Bull and Bear. 7:20PM June 15th, 1870 AD

Finally after agreeing to talk to the eel-skinner for St. North, and leaving three hundred pounds in twenty pound notes on the table, Thomas Brookes left the rear room. The men sat at the low table and fell to talking about this job. Perhaps not as lucrative as some of them would prefer, but these were the times they lived in.

[fistandantilus4....]

Coughing to clear his throat and for once, draw some attention to himself, Spence steadies him self and speaks up.

I believe, gentlemen, that prior to allocating our resources to the tasks at hand, we should famliarize ourselves with the nature of those assets.

I thikn it prudent to take the time to ascertain our strengths and weaknesses, get to know each other as it were, and see how our individual strengths can form a cohesive whole to confront our task with.

Now standing, Spence looks around at the men at the table. Realizing that he's fallen back into his habit of using as many pretentious sounding words as possible when he gets nervous, he wonders if he's overstepped his bounds.

Don't get skittish now Spencer. You've already come so far. Strong front now old boy. Stand straight and tall.
Spence looks down a the men, with the best poker face he can manage on.

You may call me 'Spence'. I am in expert in the matters of Arcanum, the matters of Spirits, Enchantments, and the Netherrealms. How do you do?

He tips his hat and bows to the men at the table.