Tangled Currents--Lizzie Options

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda nods and drives you back to your bike then follows you to your apartment. When you open the door, you find that Shelly and Corbin are still out, but that is not too surprising. Glinda pauses in the living room and looks out over the part of the sprawl that is visible from the window. "Lots of lights out there."

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Author: Ennui

I join her at the window. Curious as to what's caught her attention. What do you mean?

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Author: Mercy Merchant

When you get to the window, you see nothing more than an ordinary skyline and the twinkling lights of the city sprawl. Glinda waves her arm at the vista then reaches over and takes your hand in hers. "I was born to a time of candles and fish oil lamps. As a young girl, it was often the hearth that provided the only sort of light in my father's house. I have lived through every phase of the world since that time and am still amazed at what has been done. I witnessed the birth of electricity and can still be awed at the view of so many lights in one place. I am fascinated by it all. Does nothing still fascinate you, Lizzie?"

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Author: Ennui

Of course things fascinate me. Para-species and magic the most. Science fascinates me even though I understand it more. People fascinate me, their motives, morality and madness. I may be a bit cynical because I am no longer surprised by most things, but it's still fascinating...even more so when I'm wrong.

Why do you ask?

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Author: Mercy Merchant

"Perhaps it is your short lifespan. I still find many minor things that surprise and fascinate me. Like you, for instance. You did not seem to flinch one bit when I told you what I am. And now you are standing next to me, holding my hand. I detect no fear or distrust from you towards me, which I do find a bit surprising."

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Author: Ennui

Like I said before you haven't tried to hurt me and I find you interesting. There are strange things in the world these days. Powerful creatures stalk the lands. Dragons are real. Corporations may be the most dangerous thing out there and they are completely mundane. I have faced horrors at a young age and have learned to use my fear instead of it controlling me. Of course if you had been a ghoul we would never have gotten this far. I've learned my lesson with those things. I've learned to deal with dangerous. All it really comes down to is motivation. I understand yours, so I'm not afraid.

If you were hungry, I might take precautions though. I add on with a grin.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

She turns to look at you and her deep blue eyes look into yours. "No, I have already fed tonight and do not hunger in that way. What I need is the touch of another person who wants me. If you are interested, I can help you with your preparations and lay with you after."

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Author: Ennui

I brush her cheek with a finger and stand close to her. You can help with set up but I'm afraid the actual cooking will be about an hour that you will have to entertain yourself unfortunately. You can watch of course but I'm afraid it would take quite a bit of training to actually assist with this part. Make yourself at home otherwise. I will be all yours for a while afterwards though.

I move in and kiss her gently biting at her bottom lip, besides the anticipation is my favorite part.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

The other woman almost purrs as you touch her cheek and her eyes brighten a bit. She nods and goes to help you in the set up. She is very attentive and you do not have to repeat any instructions to her. She stands aside as you set about the cooking phase, standing off and not getting in your way or distracting you with silly and useless questions.

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Author: Ennui

Set up only takes a few minutes with the help. I make sure Glinda wears appropriate safety gear. Properly made, the fumes and dust particles can be deadly or scar lungs. Not sure if you need to breath but I don't want to take any chances. I blink a few times. Do you breathe? Sorry I don't think I'll ever run out of questions. Like I said I'm interested in you.

Maybe someday you will give me a blood sample. I imagine that could have some interesting alchemical applications, I chuckle.

Once we are both prepared I concentrate on the cook, double checking measurements, maintaining temperatures, separating compounds and recreating them. Transforming one set into my recipes. There's nothing like this. Sex is pleasure for the body, but chemistry and alchemy, changing materials into the things I desire, it's an orgasm of the mind that is at least as satisfying as a physical one.

Once complete I set the mixtures out to set and turn on the ventilation system to aerate the room. I lead Glinda out close the door and take off the protective gear. I look Glinda in the eyes and draw her to the bedroom backing in my eyes on her at all times. On the bed I caress and tease the places she showed me that turned her on and continue with the foreplay until she can't take it anymore.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda looks at you. "The body breathes because it is a reflexive muscle operation, but I really do not need to breathe to exist. Not anymore. That part of my life changed a very long time ago when I died and was reborn. And, other alchemists have tried over the years to make something of a vampire's blood, but they usually tried to take all of it and I am a bit against that notion. It all starts out with a sample that might have "interesting" or "beneficial" applications, but has so far always ended up being merely interesting and beneficial for the alchemist, who just cannot get enough from little samples and goes for the lot. There is usually some really important thing they an do to save peoples' lives or bring about a cure for some disease, but they need so much more of our blood, you see. In fact, any relationship of that sort with an alchemist has universally ended badly. Are you so different from all the others I have met over the centuries?"

Once in bed, she encourages your touch with appropriate moans of pleasure and need, but does not stop there. She remembers much of what she has learned of your body and shows you that she is as expert a lover as you might expect from someone with over 1500 years of practice. She very clearly lets you know that you are driving her to the level of ecstasy that you have intended, but turn about is fair play and you, too, experience a most profound sexual revelation at her hands and tongue. Afterwards, she holds you tight to her, her eyes seeming to burn into you as you both relax.

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Author: Ennui

I lazily trace patterns on her skin with the tip of my finger. Sorry if I brought up some bad memories before. That wasn't my intention. I like to think I'm different from those you spoke of but then again temptation is kind of my thing. I always want more, but I like to think my affinity for the anticipation of an act gives me a certain level of patience. I would never actually ask you for blood, I was just letting you know that I would be interested in testing its properties. I hate putting my friends in positions like that. I try not to ever put my friends in a position to have to say no to me.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda rubs a finger along the side of your face, her touch warm and alive somehow, despite her having been dead for centuries. "I do believe that you are different from almost any mortal I have ever met. I will freely give you a sample of my blood if you like and you may do with it what you will. Just remember that there is a limited amount available."

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Author: Ennui

I nestle in closer to her, pressing my body against hers, feeling her softness against mine. If you are comfortable with that then I accept. Perhaps you can tell me what properties your blood has that you've discovered so far. I've heard many stories about that and magic seems to resonate with symbolism, so it might be that its properties are those which the most people believe them to be. Can you feed it to others to control them? Can it heal wounds or diseases? You know anything like that?

Is my pillow talk weird? It's weird isn't it. It's funny I don't ever do this. I guess you are just more interesting than my other lovers have been.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

"Yes, I would be willing to let you experiment with it. I do not know what it can do, but I do not think that it is the blood itself that makes me what I am., and I do not really know the answers to these questions. But I will give you some blood. Would you give me some of yours in exchange?"

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Author: Ennui

What, like to drink? I'm a little skittish about the biting, but I have a chalice I can pour you some if that's okay. Or are you wanting a material link? I suppose that's only fair if you are going to trust me with your blood. It's not like we haven't had ample opportunity to collect those from each other on the sly anyway. I rub against her feeling flesh on flesh and kiss her. Then reluctantly pull away from her and roll out of bed. I should get working on finishing the batch. If you'd care to help it will go much faster I say stretching.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda, too, reluctantly gets out of the bed to stand near you. She reaches out a hand and runs it down your torso from your cleavage to below your navel, all without her eyes leaving yours. She then places the tip of her finger in her mouth and sucks on it before saying, "Of course I will help you. I want to learn how you do it, or at least enough to be your assistant."

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Author: Ennui

I go over the instructions again to make sure she has got them and I even let her try to more annoying stuff like setting the lozenges and how to mix them. While grinding and mixing I ask, Do you really want to trade blood samples? Did you want a vial of mine for keepsies or a cup to drink?

Then we continue on preparing for the encapsulating process.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda seems to remember quite well your instructions from the last time and seems eager to try something new. She laughs softly at your question. "No, I do not want to keep it; I would like to drink it, to savor the essence of you. But I do not need a cup, nor do I wish to endanger your magic. A few drops is sufficient and will drain nothing away"

Beyond that, she is quiet and works hard to your specifications.

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Author: Ennui

Do you have to bite me though? That kinda weirds me out. It's not a deal breaker or anything, but it would be easier on my nerves. I have used blood in rituals before I laugh lightly.

The work moves quickly though it takes longer than last time since there is about twice as much to process. Once completed I set the machine to start encapsulating and compressing and lay the lozenges out in the cooler. I shed my protective gear, toss a cool rag to Glinda and wipe myself down.

Shower? I ask.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

She has not answered your questions while the two of you were working, keeping silent to concentrate on what she is doing. At times you catch her looking intently at something and her tip of her tongue is showing at one corner of her mouth. When finished, she accepts the rag and wipes some of the sweat off as she nods. "A shower is definitely called for." While walking to the bedroom and shower, she says, "No, I do not have to bite you. In fact, I do not really think that is best for now. Blood is like nothing else in creation; it soothes, it seethes, it maintains, and it is addictive. It is as necessary for my life as it is for yours. My own blood will not sustain me beyond a short time, which is why I need the blood of others. I have learned great control, but I have also learned to not put myself in a bad situation, too. Biting you would be immensely gratifying, even if you only allowed me a few drops of your precious blood. Such an act is more binding than making love or sharing children. It presupposes so much more......................"

She pauses for a few seconds. "I do not intend to ever ask to be allowed to bite you, Isla. I will leave that up to you, if you ever wish to allow it. In the meantime, I can be satisfied with a few drops from a simple cut. And you would not wish to drink my blood without changing it in some way. The only time it is possible for you to survive that is at your turning, your rebirth as one of us. Then, it is vital and you could not survive the change without drinking of my blood. Or Sian's. But I do not think that you are considering making that sort of change right now, so please do not drink of the blood I give you. Experiment to your heart's content, but do not sip at it."

"But enough of dire talk. I have sweated in a hot suit and a hot room and want to clean us off so we can get all sweaty again."

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Author: Ennui

I start the shower and let Glinda take the lead this time. So far I had been the one instigating and teasing. Perhaps it is time to see what Glinda can do and while I know she knows what I like I think a pop quiz may be in order. Will she rush it? Will she take her time? Will she make me go mad with desire? The anticipation...

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Author: Mercy Merchant

She goes with the "making you mad with desire" option. By the time you go through your third shattering climax you have moved from the shower to the bathroom floor to a chair in the bedroom to the bed. She seems to have enjoyed the experience as much as you and lays next to you, panting. Her eyes bore into yours and she smiles at you. "Now, that was amazing. Thank you."

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Author: Ennui

That was fun, I say snuggling in close. Are you staying? I need to get some shut eye.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

She smiles at you and caresses your face. "Then sleep. I will watch over you and keep the night demons at bay." Your last memory is of her looking at you as you drift off to a dreamless and very restful sleep. You wake to find that you have turned and your back is to her. Her arm is wrapped about you and you actually do feel safe and warm. As you stir, her hand strokes down your side and she says, "Good morning. I trust you slept well. Your friends returned a bit ago and are sleeping in Corbin's room. Shelly did open the door to make sure that you were alright, but did not try to disturb you."

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Author: Ennui

They were out late...or early I suppose. You want soy-caf. I don't have real coffee until you introduce me to your contacts. I blink and look thoughtful. Clearly you drink it does the caffeine effect you the same way? What about other drugs; can you even get high or does it have to be in a persons blood? How much blood do you need each day anyway? Are we talking pints or what?

I stretch cat-like out of bed put on some underwear and a robe then head to the kitchen to put the pot on. I go to my altar grabbing a shallow chalice and a ritual dagger on the way. I make a small incision on the back of my hand and make squeezing motions to make the blood flow. It's more than a few drops about a swallows worth. Then cast heal on myself.

As requested, I say swirling it in the bowl.

[ Spoiler ]

force 4 heal; drain (http://orokos.com/roll/445617): 9d6t5 4 10d6t5 4 No drain. Since this is my lodge I may not have rolled enough dice, but you know...

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Author: Mercy Merchant

She looks at you with interest as you walk back with the chalice; an interest that increases as you cut yourself and allow your blood to drip into the cup. Her eyes grow larger and she runs her tongue around her lips in anticipation. She takes the goblet and sniffs deeply of the warm blood you are offering her, almost as how a wine connoisseur would treat a glass of fine wine. Carefully, the vampire lifts the chalice and sips at the blood in it, making a sound of intense pleasure as she drinks. When she lowers the cup, there is no sign of the blood in it or on her lips, but there is an odd look on her face. "My very existence is forbidden and my kind are hunted ruthlessly in every corner of the globe, yet you have accepted me into your life and your bed without any apparent qualms. You have freely offered your most precious physical asset, your blood, to me without fear or prejudice. History, legends, and rumors all conspire to paint my kind in the worst possible light but you look at me differently than others of your kind. You would almost certainly be considered insane for befriending me."

She motions for you to give her the knife and cuts the back of her own hand, allowing some of her own blood to flow into the chalice. You can instantly tell that there is something different about the blood; it is red, to be sure, but it flows with a different texture and you think you can see small sparkles in it. As she hands you the cup, you note with some interest that the cut on her hand is nearly healed. "Remember, do not drink of this. Your body is not ready to take my blood. And to answer your questions, at my age, I am able to exist for some time without the need for blood, the length of the interval depends on what my physical exertions are. I try to "top off" as often as possible so that I do not get in a position of need. I need a good bit, but can get a tiny amount from several people to make up the total. My body is a very efficient filter and I am not affected by the poisons people put in their blood, so the caffeine has no effect on me. I happen to like the flavor of the food and liquids I take in, but need neither to exist. I do not get "high" in a normal sense, but I can reach a certain euphoria from the act of sex and from drinking blood. Right now, even from just this small amount of you that I have consumed, I am feeling a strengthened desire for you. Do what you will with the blood I have provided you and perhaps you can share with me the details of anything you discover."

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Author: Ennui

What measure makes you a monster? How much suffering do you cause and how much do you intend to cause? By my count you are a positive influence in the world. Sure some people believe that certain conditions lead to a kind of moral black hole where once caught in it's gravity there is no escape from its damnation. I'm not sold on that. Ghouls may be the closest thing to it for me but I can still conceive the possibility even with those foul creatures.

I take the blood to my alchemical study and store it appropriately.

I want to drop everything and take a look at it right now but business first, I say. I gather up the completed doses and divvy them up into hundreds, I get packs for my deliveries, Glinda and refresh my stocks and the rest will go into storage for future use. Another day or two of this and I should have a weeks worth of distribution. I doubled you up this time. I know Sian said to slow down but if you've got someone distributing for you then you will need more anyway.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda laughs softly. "You are seeing me now, but it took a very long time before I could control the hunger for blood. After I turned, I was ravening for it and sated the lust with many lives. Old, young, criminal, pure; it made no difference to me back then. Sian helped me take the ones that would be missed the least, but even then I was hard to control. We are not the only ones of our kind and some are not as careful with their....progeny......as Sian was. Some just leave their creations alone to wreak whatever harm they can before some hunter puts them down. Sian is different, even among our kind. She cares for me very much and did not want to leave me to be destroyed for my actions. So I lived and survived, but make no mistake, I killed many people in those early years. I was a monster, so does outgrowing those tendencies take that away somehow, or am I still a monster? I still kill on occasion and take someone's blood almost every day. I can control my urges and only take a small bit from each victim, but I am still robbing people of a bit of themselves every time I feed. So, you decide if I am a monster or not."

She takes the packet of drugs with a smile. "Thank you, Ilsa. I will be more careful with this lot. I do not wish to disappoint Sian.........or you."

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Author: Ennui

Well then we should be good stewards of the future to make up for the suffering we cause then. Regretting our past is useless it's wasted energy. Your past is already a part of you. Use that energy to move forward instead of constantly looking back. This world is bleak, it doesn't take much to make it better. Simply not being a douche bag, makes you good people in my book. You and Sian trying to make that cesspit of humanity a little brighter makes you god damn heroes in my book. Don't sell yourself short.

Sorry, did I just sound optimistic for a second there? I'm gonna lose my goth card.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda snorts. "Yeah, you did sound a bit optimistic, there. I should probably report you to the Goth Council, but I think I will let it ride.......................this time. Just watch yourself in the future and be careful who you such things to as others might not be so nice." She sets her packet to the side and continues. "So do you have plans for the day?"

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Author: Ennui

Yeah, I have deliveries to make to my new suppliers and I'll probably stop at Pulse for a few hours...I really need to find a distributor for that place. I'll probably make another batch as well so I have some stockpiled. Hopefully you will show me your coffee connection too.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

"Hmmm. My coffee connection? Now, that is asking a lot from a new relationship. A really big step. Next thing you know, you will be asking me to move in here." She laughs. "Of course, I will take you to meet the guy. And you don't have to invite me in.........................unless you want to. I have a nice coffin not too far from here."

You hear some shuffling of feet and Corbin sort of stumbles into the room. "Did I hear someone say something about coffee? And a coffin? Hey, if you are living in one of those coffin motel places, you ought to move in here with us until you can get a better place." He looks from one of you to the other and back. "Ooops. Did I say somehting wrong. Serves you right for making so much noise so early in the day."

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Author: Ennui

Invite you in? You're welcome here any time.

No. She was just making a joke Corbin. Don't act so desperate. I say giving him a wink. Help yourself to soycaf or whatever. You and Shelly were out late, everything okay?

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Author: Mercy Merchant

Corbin stifles a yawn, but perks up a bit at the mention of soycaf. He walks over to pour some, saying, "Yeah, things went fairly well after we split up, although the late start sort of ate into my distribution. But the stuff is good and I still unloaded a god bit, so about average for the night. Still have plenty of what I started with though, so don't need a restock yet." He looks at Glinda with eyes that are marginally more awake now after some soycaf. "You really thinking of moving in for a bit?"

Glinda looks from him to you. "Well, that sort of depends on all three of you, I guess. My place is comfy for one, but that is about all it is. Is this an official offer or just noise? I could help with any rent payments, if that will help make the choice easier?"

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Author: Ennui

Do you really want to stay here? What about Sian? I mean you are welcome to stay... it just never occurred to me that you might want to. You are helpful at work and fun to play with. I fine with it, Corbin made the invitation and I'm sure Shelly won't mind, but we will have to ask her of course.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

Corbin says, "Shell will be thrilled, I am sure. And who is Sian?"

Glinda smiles and nods. Sian is a friend of mine that I sometimes stay with, but I do not live with her. I have an apartment not too far from here, but it is small and fairly plain. I would love the opportunity to move in. I do not have much to move over and certainly understand the need to wait for Shelly to wake up to give give her approval. Thank you for asking me, though. It means a lot."

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Author: Ennui

There's a spare room we just had a couch and a spare trid in there in case a guest wanted to crash. No reason not to use it as a bedroom. I can help you move, summon up a spirit to help anyway, once we get the okay from Shelly. I'm going to check out that new compound while we wait for Shelly to get up.

[ Spoiler ]

Some dice rolls in case you want them
Assensing, Arcana, Alchemy, Chemistry (http://orokos.com/roll/446249): 8d6t5 4 7d6t5 3 9d6t5 1 8d6t5 2
reroll alchemy misses w/ edge (http://orokos.com/roll/446251): 8d6t5 5 total of 6 hits on alchemy (let me know if the edge is needed)

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Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda smiles at the prospect of your offer and sips at her caf as you go off with your sample. Over the next hour, you quickly determine that the blood you are looking at is very special indeed. You determine that it is a physical source of mana and could probably be used in various alchemy processes and formulas. You also feel that it will take a lot of research and work to be able to use it in any fashion. You also have a nagging feeling that you would need much more of it than what you have now.

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Author: Ennui

After an hour I return the blood to a proper storage container and head into the main room to check if Shelly has awoken. She up yet? Did you tell her?

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Corbin is sitting on the couch and looking out the window in the living room. He waves his hand in a lazy manner. "Not yet. You know how she gets when she is out working all night. Anyway, I really think she will be all for the idea. Glinda went to look at the room and is probably measuring it for furniture. She is nice and very sexy, but are you sure that you want her here? I mean, we just met her. I am for the idea, but what about you? Really?"

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Author: Ennui

Having second thoughts? I don't know. I trust her though and it's convenient. She says she isn't the jealous type and that's all that really worries me. I shrug at Corbin and commune with my altar for a bit attempting to understand the spells and alchemical processes that I want. I open myself to the astral seeking guidance.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

Corbin shakes his head emphatically. "Frag no; I am not changing my mind. Just wondering if I made an offer to her that you really did not like. She is easy on the eyes and exciting in bed, if the first time was any indication. And she can apparently help us in our operation. Very neat package, all in all." He goes silent as you move to your altar.

[ Spoiler ]

OOC What sort of astral guidance are you looking for and how would that manifest? Are you asking a specific spirit for aid?

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Author: Ennui

Corbin you are and Shelly are my family. If I had a problem with it I would tell you.

Do you trust my judgement Corbin? We've put out lives at risk with each other countless times, but if I were to put you in harms way would you trust that I believed I had all of our best interests at heart? I know I come off as a hard ass with others but you know I keep yours and Shelly's safety foremost in my mind right?

Do you think I'm easily swayed or naive? I ask in all seriousness and I want a straight answer, no matter how you think I might react. Unfettered truth, so-ka?

[ Spoiler ]

Nothing specific allowing Seductress to teach me something. Practicing Magical theory. turning cluttered ideas into sharp focus in ways to manipulate mana. General magical training and spell/alchemy formula research etc. basically

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Author: Mercy Merchant

"So-ka, Lizzie. Alright, unfettered truth it is. I like her and I think she is a good fit here. I believe that you have our best interests at heart, even if you are taking us into dangerous waters, which I do, by the way. Very dangerous. I can handle most low-life ganger scum, hell, we could easily be classified as that, given what we do to get by. But what you are doing now is dangerous. Those two people we met last night spooked me. Similar names and they put off similar vibes. Ruthless and scary is how I would describe them. The girl has already made her move on a gang and I think it is only a matter of time before the dude does the same with that other gang. And then there is the whole idea that we might just get big enough to get some of the major players interested in us. Mafia or Yak or Triad? Maybe the Vory? Are you sure that you want to play in that league?"

One of the minor servants of the Seductress enters the room you are using to examine the blood you were given. "Mmmm. A gift for our Mistress? What have you for me?"

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Author: Ennui

Yes. They are dangerous people for sure. I don't know that I could respect them if they weren't. It was actually a refreshing change of pace from normal ganger scum as you put it. They've instilled discipline in their people. They are smart and even a little charismatic. They have secrets and I will have to find out those secrets to keep them tied to me. I don't see this as a bad thing, it will be dangerous, but I believe we can handle it.

What i need from you and Shelly is to keep your ear to the ground and keep me appraised of any rumors you hear about our product, these gangs, our neighborhood and chinatown. I want to keep you out of the line of fire, I know you and Shelly too well to hope you will stick with distributing and not get involved in anything else, but come to me with anything. What comes next will take some planning and precision.

Don't worry about the big boys. They may be in our future but right now they have no interest in this area...yet. Nor are we alone in this endeavor, I have been sworn to secrecy, but I will tell you both when I am able. Thank you for being straight with me.

I look over at my workshop and see the spirit peeking in side. Just a moment.

I take a seat and project and stride up to the spirit. That is not for your nor our mistress. I doubt she would even want it. I have been studying its properties while attempting to develop and alchemical formula for healing magic. Are you here to teach me or do you have a message. Surely you aren't nosing about my lodge out of sheer curiosity.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

"Do not act huffy with me, mortal. I am a servant of our Mistress, just as you are. She sends me with a message to you that she needs a favor." The spirit moves, swirling and eddying about the room. "You are to see to the needs of a man by the name of Alvin Corse. Find him and seduce him and get the secret of his wealth. The Mistress desires that this man be left alive to do her bidding in the future, but you may toy with him as you desire. You will be rewarded for success. Do you understand?"

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Author: Ennui

Find Alvin Corse and discover the source of his wealth. Who is the man and where do I find him? I am rather busy at the moment but I will do my best to help.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

"our Mistress is not overly concerned with how busy you are, but she does have mercy in her heart for you, mortal, although I fail to see why." The spirit motions with a wispy arm and a small card falls to the floor. "The man's contact information is provided. I am told that you now have enough to perform your task. I am also supposed to tell you that you are to be cautious in this. I do not see why She has to work through mortals, but that is not my decision and I bow to the wishes of our Mistress, even as you must."

The spirit swirls about the room a bit more then dissipates.

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Author: Ennui

What a little shit. I come out of my trance and go to the spot and pick up the card.

I'll have Summer check this guy out.

Hoi Summer. I need info on a mark name of Alvin Corse. I've got contact info and apparently he's got money. Think you can put together a profile on this guy? Its a paying gig of course.

I go knock on Shelly's door. Shelly? You awake yet?

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

>>Hoi back. Sure, I will give it a shot. How much detail and how fast?<<

"Mmmhmmm. I am now. Just don't turn on the light when you come in. I think I had a bit too much to drink. Corbin make it back OK?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Give me anything you can today. I will let you know if I need more.

Ah another spell I need to pick up. Corbin is fine. I go in and sit down next to her and stroke her hair. Who were you drinking with? Anyone I should know about? Glinda has decided to join us here pending your blessing of course. You can finally lure her to your room at your leisure.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Shelly visibly perks up at your words then puts her hands to her temples. "Got no problem with her staying a bit. But why? Is her place being sold or something? And I don;t think you need to worry about the punks I was with. A couple of hotshots tried to prove they could drink me under the table. I showed them." Her face scrunches up a bit as she tries to remember something then her arm moves under the sheet. "Frag. I seem to have lost my panties somewhere, so that means that I probably got fucked. I hope that I did not embarrass myself too much in the process. Sucks that I cannot remember it, though."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

No she just said her place was small and she liked the company. I trust your judgement but do try not to let yourself get taken advantage of dear. I'll go get you a hangover kit. I grab a few packs of aspirin and a hit of bliss just in case, a few bottle of generic electrolyte solutions and a shot of my aqua vitae for a little hair of the dog. You know the drill. Drink lots of fluids, the bliss is last resort.

I sit with her a moment stroking her hair making sure she takes and aspirin and drinks plenty of the electrolytes. Feel better sweetness I'd stay with you but I have some deliveries to make.

I go back to the others. Glinda Shelly has given her blessing so you are welcome to move in, However I have some deliveries to make. If you would be so kind as to join me Glinda I would appreciate. Shelly is indisposed. Corbin you can come if you like but you had a pretty late night to if you want to get back to sleep for a bit.

Time to go make the deliveries for Jessie and Jess..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Shelly does as directed then lays back down. "Thanks dear. Very tired so I think it is back to sleep for me."

Back out in the main room, you see that Glinda has rejoined Corbin and the two are chatting. Both look happy when you make the invitation to move in formal. Glinda nods when you mention the deliveries and Corbin takes advantage of your offer. "I think I will stay here and get some more rest, if you don't mind."

Glinda moves to your side, saying, "Ready when you are."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

First batch is for Jessie. I take both batches so we don't have to come back. Why don't you just drive, no need to take two vehicles when you have a car.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda nods and walks with you to the car. "Is this just a drop or do we have something else to do here?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Money is changing hands so it's a little more than that. Hopefully it wont take too long.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda climbs in and turns the car on. "Where to, Isla?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I give her directions to the meet. Stop a few blocks out so I can do a little astral recon. I'm not really expecting trouble, but you never know.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda drives to the destination you give her then waits quietly while you do your search. You do not detect anything amiss.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I summon a force 4 fire spirit before continuing and asking him to guard me for the day. Then we will go meet Jessie.

[ Spoiler ]

summon force 4, resist, drain (http://orokos.com/roll/447921): 9d6t5 2 4d6t5 1 10d6t5 4 1 service but no drain

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

When you get to the garage, you notice that there is a row of bikes parked outside, along with four men who seem to be watching over them. one of the men notices you approaching and alerts his companions, who all turn to watch you come up. They do not appear to be hostile, but are alert.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I approach scanning for Jessie. Greetings gentlemen. Is Jessie here? I understood he was making this deal in person. Are we doing this here or inside?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

One of the gangers will squint at you. "And who the frag are you to ask?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I'm Lizzie. Seriously this lack of communication is really very unprofessional. Are we doing this deal or what?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

One of the other guys saunters over. "Hey, Scar, she might be the slot Jessie told us to be on the lookout for." The man called Scar looks closely at you and grins, showing some really bad dental work. "Yeah? So you here to deal, is that it? Give the stuff to me and I will see that Jessie gets it."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I've put up with quite a lot from your people. That ends now. I grab him by the balls with my strong arm. I won't crush them but I will make it hurt.

Let me introduce you to my friend. I have the spirit materialize. The spirits I summon aren't typical black magic summons they tend toward traditional demonic shapes. I like my demons with a certain Lovecraftian flair. It appears as a giant bat-winged maggot with a mass of tentacles at its head. I look over at the other one who spoke and say, Now go get Jessie before I kill this asshole.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

The expressions on the faces of three of the gangers are priceless as they all stop in their tracks and back up a bit. The guy you are gripping simply passes out and you have to release him to avoid crushing his nuts in the vise of your hand. None of the men appears able to speak but one nods his head and dashes away to the building. Glinda steps up next to you and whispers in a voice loud enough for the remaining two men to hear. "If you kill him, may I have him, dear?" The two men still near blanch perceptibly and look from one demon to the other before backing even farther away.

At that moment, Jessie comes out of the building and sees the three of you. Taking stock, he does not appear to be afraid or even particularly bothered by the spirit. He pushes past the two guards, barely giving the unconscious man a glance. "Is he dead?. He toes the man, who moans a bit and turns onto his side cradling his balls. Jessie looks back up at you. "Can you please send your spirit away now that you have scared four nearly witless men half to death? Such a creature is not necessary here and might lead one to think that you are impatient and rash. We can do business once it is gone."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Thank you my friend. I say to the spirit. I have it dematerialize and retreat back to the car to wait for us. Then I turn to Jessie.

My apologies, I expected you to have a better reign on your people than this. You seemed to command more respect from them the last time we met. I confess they caught me a bit off guard. I turn to the remaining gangers. My name is Lizzie Borden. I have little tolerance for disrespect. You will spread the word.

I turn back to Jessie and say, Better? We dealing here or inside? You never did call for that date...how long are you going to keep a girl waiting?

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessie laughs and sends the other men away. "In the first place, these are not my people.............yet. For now I am just an underling with ideas. Perhaps working with you will give the bit of edge I need, eh? And we only talked yesterday and the boss has not yet taken his mind far enough out of the drug haze he has given himself to make a cogent decision about much except which woman he wants to have sex with. He is bragging about having sex with you, but I somehow doubt that you are that desperate. How much are you looking for me to push?" There is something about the man that attracts you to him. His easy charm or the way he looks at you? His looks? Perhaps his ability to hide his fear when he saw your demon or his obvious ambition? You might not know exactly what it is, but there is something there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

[ Spoiler ]

You were never specific about how much he wanted. You just said he gave me his order. Should I have asked for specifics?

I just brought what you asked for. I suppose you can push whatever you are comfortable pushing. If you are considering expanding past your gangs haunts I would suggest you contact me so you don't overlap with the other groups I'm supplying. You wouldn't want to get into a pointless war over that.

Speaking of other groups...I met a woman who reminds me very much of you, not only your demeanor but she also seems to share your name. I must say this is not the kind of coincidence that I find easy to overlook, yet I cannot imagine a connection. Do you have a clone or twin or something; but what kind of parents would name two children the same...outside of tasteless jokes anyway?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessie takes the packet you have for him and smiles as he brings a stick from his pocket. "Here is your money up front. I understand 80% of the street value, yes?"

He pauses as you mention the girl then smiles. "Now that you mention it, I might have a sister by that name. Tough girl, so be careful around her. I don't think she scares easily, either. And yes, our parents were a bit on the odd side. I am quite sure that they heartily disapprove of the lifestyles we have taken up. Now, not to put too fine a point on it, you two are remarkably attractive. Could I buy you both a drink?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

That's the deal though I can give you a better percentage as you start to sell more. I suggest taking it slow at first though, but you strike me as smart enough to take the necessary precautions.

I can stay for a drink or two, but I have an appointment, with your sister apparently, so we can't stay long. Glinda, this is Jessie, Jessie this is Glinda. We going to a bar or you got a bottle inside?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

The man actually smiles as he reaches out to shake hands with both of you. "Pleased to meet you both but sad that you cannot stay longer. I imagine that it would be nice to be on the good side of the two of you. But no, not a bar. Bars are for chumps who want to pay way too much for some soy swill. I have a good bottle at my place just around the corner from here, if you are comfortable with that."

Glinda takes his hand and mutters something under her breath that you cannot make out. She smiles and looks at you as she lets his hand go. "I think we can spare a few minutes for a good drink. What do you think, Boss?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Okay we'll follow you in the car.

Once in the car and out of ear shot I speak to Glinda Sorry about that. I have to say I have very poor self control when it comes to things like that. I'm still disgusted by the pig of a gang boss I had to deal with and I hope Jessie makes his move soon to get rid of that fool. Did you cast a detection spell of some sort on him? I swear a day doesn't go by that I don't wish I knew more spells.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessie shakes his head. "Nah, you won't need a car. My place is just around the corner. Do you think I could keep these people under any sort of control if I lived away from them?"

OOC: You can have your whispered chat with Glinda as you follow Jessie.

Glinda nods. "Sure did and will talk about it when we are solo. For now, he is not entirely what he seems, but you probably figured that out for yourself."

Jessie does indeed live pretty much just around the corner. His apartment is in a run-down building much like all the others in the area, but things change as soon as you open the door. The inside is far nicer than the outside would have you think. Nice furniture and it seems like he has far more space than a little walk-up should have. "I took all four apartments on the floor and knocked out some walls. I wanted to make the place mine. Have a look while I get the bottle and some glasses."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I take a look around, both in the meat and in astral to see if there is anything interesting. i take a moment to assense Jessie scolding myself for not having done this sooner.

Nice place. Similar to what I did at my place but I have friends who live with me.

[ Spoiler ]

Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/448788): 8d6t5 2

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessie's aura shows that his essence level is practically non-existent. Your look in meat space shows that he takes care of his place and that he is neat. "Yeah. I never found anyone who wanted to take a chance on me so it is pretty much just me. I like nice things and would like to share them with someone, so let me know if you are interested in the position or know someone who might be. Here you go. This is a very good year for scotch so I hope that you like it. I made it neat, but can add ice if you prefer." He hands both of you glasses filled with an amber liquid.

Glinda swirls the drink and sniffs it, giving a soft moan of appreciation before sipping at it and letting it run down her throat. "Very nice, Jessie. What do you think, Lizzie?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I raise my glass to him. To you finding that special someone. I swirl the glass under my nose to get a sense for the smell and take a drink getting a sense of the flavor and quality.

Very nice. I will have to drop off a bottle of my ginger distillation the next time I come by, see how you like it.

So what's your story Jessie, if you don't mind me asking? You certainly don't appear to fit in around here. You seem disciplined and competent. An attractive quality in business associates. Certainly much more pleasant to deal with than your boss. I can see you going far, the gang not so much...at least not under its current leadership.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessie watches as you drink and smiles. "I like a woman, er women, who can take the time to enjoy a good scotch. I may find the right woman someday, but for now, I am alright just looking and taking what comes my way, even if it is just for a short time."

He lifts his glass to both of you and takes another drink form it. "As for about me, I don't fit in well in most places. Neither does Jess or Jessica, who you might meet another time. But we have plans, plans that might include you two if you are interested. I expect that one of your stops is to see Jess. Yes, she told me about your meeting. And the boss here? He is not long for this world and I hope that does not disturb you. I am just waiting for the right opportunity to remove him and step in."

Glinda looks at you then back to him. "Maybe we can help each other out. What if we can provide for his removal? That would leave you out of it and allow you to assume control. What do you think, Lizzie?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I have plans that might include the two of you as well. Perhaps all three of us should get together and discuss those plans. Are there others involved in these plans?

I'm sure he knows what he is doing Glinda. I doubt he needs our help. Still I wouldn't mind being involved in that cretins demise. So if you would find it advantageous we could see our way to helping out. So long as that advantage is mutual, of course. We are all business people here after all, and I wouldn't want you to feel beholden to me, nor would I care to feel used.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessie nods. "You are right; I do not need any help doing it, but it might be interesting to see how my new allies work. And yes, my sisters are part of the plan. We are business people to be sure and we can each benefit from the other. Are you willing to talk to us?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Of course. I have some plans. I need to meet with your sister and an errand to run but I could meet with you later this night or if you'd prefer we can meet tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessie shrugs again. "Talk that over with Jess and see what she wants to do. I am pretty flexible as to when we meet. Tonight is better than tomorrow, but I can change my schedule if you are busy later." He tips back the last of his scotch and holds out the bottle to see if you would like any more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Sure. I'll take another finger.

So where are you from and where did you get your cyber, if you don't mind me asking?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessie smiles as he pours you another finger of scotch. "Hmmmm. We were born in Denver. Our family has some very good relations with a certain AAA and they managed to pull some strings to get us wared up. Jess is wared as well, but Jessica went another route, as I am sure you will find out when you meet her."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

If your family has that kind of money and influence why are you working with these gangs. Surely there were better opportunities. I take another swallow listening, fascinated and a little suspicious, I make it a point not to hide it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

A wry grin and something that looks like pain crosses his face for a second then is replaced by his normal smile. "Yeah, well some good thing have to come to an end, don't they? For now, let's just say that the AAA in question no longer supports us and would rather that we disappear. Permanently. The grand opportunities went away pretty quickly. Still, we landed on our feet, right? I mean, what could be nicer?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I raise my glass one more time. To our future plans. May they all be compatible and complementary. I swallow back the rest of the scotch. It's been a pleasure Jessie and I hope we may soon be part of a much bigger endeavor. With that I fear we must take our leave. I would hate to keep your sister waiting. If she's cool with it we will set a meeting for the wee hours, you can bring the sisters I haven't met....You aren't all named Jessie are you?

In the car I lean on Glinda and say So what did you learn of our new friend. I must say things are coming up spades for me and it makes me nervous. I expect things to go my way because I am good at making them go my way, but this is on a different level.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessie just smiles and does not answer the question.

Glinda pats your arm as she gets the car moving. Smiling, she says, "What's the matter? Everything going too well? I suppose it could all be a dream and you will wake up next to Corbin and Shelly and wonder what the frag happened. As for our new friend, he is actually very hard to read, which is a mystery and a challenge. I did not want to start anything that might end the relationship before it really got started and I really do not like jumping into something without doing some research first. So what is spooking you?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Nothing really. It's just that as a scientist I don't trust coincidences and there have been entirely too many. Nothing outside the bounds of possibility, but more than I feel comfortable with.

What was the spell you cast ?

Once we get to Jess' deal site I'll pop out and do another astral sweep before heading out to meet her people.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

"I did not use a spell as such, really. I have a knack for reading body language and seeing into the words spoken to get a good idea about someone. Some people are easier to read than others. He is fairly tough, but I did get the impression that he is tight with his sisters."

You get nothing out of the ordinary from your astral sweep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Oh. I heard you mutter something when you spoke to him and figured it was a spell.

Everything looks clear. Jess has a tighter reign on her people I doubt we will have trouble, even the minor issue with had with his brothers people. I approach the site of the exchange and greet the gangers keeping watch.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda laughs again. "No, no spell. Just some muttering."

Jess does indeed seem to have better control over her people. Two gangers who look like they know what they are doing step out of the shadows as you approach. One looks the two of you over then talks into a 'link and takes up a position where he can watch both you and the street. The second man simply moves sideways to give himself an uninterrupted field of fire if it becomes necessary. Both men are armed with what appears to be a serious-looking short barreled combat shotgun as well as a Predator V handgun in a shoulder rig. They move as though they are familiar with what they are doing. Funny, they are not wearing the ganger colors that Jess was sporting. The first one speaks up and his accent is decidedly slavic, "The boss is on the way. Please wait here."

Glinda touches your arm and nods past the men, where you can see two figures approaching. Both are women and the moonlight shows that they bear a striking resemblance to each other and the man you have only recently left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I take some time to assense the two women as they approach. Good Evening ladies I have your order ready. I just spoke to your brother. It appears we may have further business to discuss. I have a few things to do first but we can meet at Pulse in a few hours to discuss it, if you would like.

[ Spoiler ]

Assensing x2 (http://orokos.com/roll/449757): 8d6t5 4 8d6t5 4Oh my I probably know quite a bit about these jessies

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

As the two women approach, your look at them reveals that one is barely human, stuffed to the gills with cyber or bioware. The other has a faint glow as if she were awakened, but the cat on her shoulder is clearly awakened as well. You hear Glinda suck in her breath a bit, but she does not say anything at this point. The women look amazingly similar in feature, but theay are dressed about as differently as they could be. One, you think it is Jess, is wearing a bomber-style jacket emblazoned with the gang colors you had noticed on your previous trip here the handles of a pair of swords can be seen over her shoulders. The other woman is dressed in the same style combat fatigues the two men are wearing. The man who had taken the lead in talking to you, nods to her and both men leave.

When you are alone, Jess nods to you and holds out her hand to exchange a credstick for your package. "Thank you very much. It is a pleasure doing business with professionals. Jessie said you were on the way. This is our sister, Jessica, but I do not know your new companion? We are interested in talking to you later, but I am not sure a club like Pulse is the best place as it might be hard for either Jessie or me to get past the scanners. Do you have an alternative or would my place here be satisfactory?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Jess this is Glinda. Glinda this is Jess. A pleasure I'm sure Jessica. I say nodding to her.

I'll make some calls I know the owner of the club I think I can get you in without having to go through the scanners and they have white noise generators at the table for discreet business.. Otherwise I suppose here will work. I can call with details if that will be okay.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessica smiles. Sure thing. Call us. Maybe we can all get the slacker brother of ours to do what he needs to do. Maybe he just needs a small push."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Good, I will see you later tonight then. I say my goodbyes and take my leave. Once in the car I ask Okay, what's with the breath sucking. I'm guessing Jessica surprised you in some way.

I also send a message to Grace. I have a couple of friends that want to meet me at Pulse. You think you could overlook their cyber when they come. If not you know any decent places one can have a private conversation on neutral ground on short notice?

Let's go meet your coffee supplier then we can get you moved

Once we are heading out I dismiss the spirit Thank you again my friend I'm glad we did not need your protection. You may go.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda looks over at you as she puts the car in gear. "Yes, she did surprise me. The woman is a sorceress for sure but hides it well, allowing only a bit of her power to be revealed. Her familiar is something else............something very powerful. She is well protected. The one with the swords is almost dead from the 'ware she has, but I suspect that she knows how to use what she has."

>>Sure. You can use the side entrance as long as you vouch for them. When are you dropping by?<<

"Coffee, eh? Letting you in that secret is worth it to be able to move in with you. Let's go."

.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I assumed it was an ally spirit. I'm thinking of doing that myself soon-ish.

Yeah I'll vouch for em. We should be there in a few hours or so.

Good News Jessies They will let you in the side door as long as you promise to behave yourself. I can meet you there in a few hours, I have a couple of errands to run, but I'll let you know when I'm heading that way.

Drive away you are the one who knows where this place is, after all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda drives a good distance, out to the edge of the sprawl to a small parking lot. Exiting the car, she points to a wooden arch near one end of the lot. "Cajun Town. Ever been here. A bunch of people moved here about five years ago from New Orleans, CAS, and settled here, creating their own little community. It is a bit odd, almost as it they are living in a different time and place. There is a sign at the entrance asking that visitors please respect the privacy of the residents and guests and refrain from assensing or casting spells while they are in the community. There is a rumor that there is at least one very strong mage living here that works really hard to protect the place and that it does not pay to get on his bad side. There is also a voodoo priestess here that can tell your fortune and cast hexes for you..............if you can pay her."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Nope. Never even heard of the place. I'll mind my manners. Mambo's are the priestesses but they don't typically sell their services or deal in hexes, those would be the bocor the sorcerers, course some might take offense to being called a bocor too.

Anything else interesting here besides coffee and magic?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda laughs as the two of you walk towards the arch. "Sounds like you know something about voodoo. Maybe you should talk to this Mama Lini, that is the priestess I was talking about. As for other things, there is a very good restaurant here if you like Cajun cooking. A bit spicy, I hear, but what do I know, right? There is a path along the river that is something to see. I think there is an illusion of some sort at work, but the magic is foreign to me."

There is a man in rough clothing at the arch, wearing some sort of large metal star on his vest. He politely doffs a hat to you and motions to the sign at the entrance that indicates exactly what Glinda had said it does. The man bids you a nice day and waves you in. As soon as you step through the arch, you feel a bit odd, as if you have just stepped into a foreign land. The weather seems to change to clear but hot and muggy. The locals are easy to tell from the tourists due to their way-out-of-style clothing. You see huge trees just beyond the buildings lining both sides of the single dirt road. Glinda points out a shop where you can find Mama Lini as she leads you to the restaurant, which bears a weather-beaten sign indicating this is Sophie's Kitchen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I dont really get restaraunts. I mean you can only prepare mycoprotein and krill so many ways. Sure maybe their seasoning is better I suppose and I havent eaten lately so I guess we can try it. We can check out the view too. Id like to check this place out astrally, I love illusions.

I open my mind to the astral to see whats there. I wont assense anyone as requested.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda shakes her head. "No krill, soy, or microprotein here, dear. I am pretty sure that everything they cook is real. Don't know how they do it, given that they look poor as dirt, but try the food and see for yourself. Of course, it could be that this Sophie is a real stove wizard and can just do it better then most."

The astral here is amazing. You have never really seen it quite like this. It is a confusing mass of swirling colors and the overall effect is almost hypnotic. It looks like one of those old-fashioned kaleidoscope toys you have heard about and you have a vague but unsettling notion that you could easily get lost in the maelstrom of color and movement if you stay in the astral here for too long.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Real food? Oh my, why am I just now hearing of this place. Let's go have lunch then. This place is...intriguing.. I will limit myself to checking the astral every once in a while instead of constant monitoring. So many things, so few hours...

Remind me to buy coffee before we leave, I say as I wander into the Kitchen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

The restaurant looks a bit ramshackle from the outside. A wide wooden porch stretches across the front and three old men are sitting in rocking chairs and smoking long pipes. They will all tip their hats to you as you climb the rickety stairs. Even from out here the aroma of food cooking is making your mouth water. Inside are eight tables that can seat four people each and all but two are occupied; four with groups of tourists and the others with locals, at least you can assume that based on their clothes. A young girl who appears to be maybe ten comes to you and motions to one of the empty tables. "Hello and welcome to our restaurant. Would this table be suitable?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I smile and nod at the men as I pass and glance around the interior in the astral for a moment.

Hi. Thank you this will be lovely.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

The swirling colors make it very difficult to read anything in the astral here.

The girl shows you to the table and provides you with a paper menu. "Our special right now is crawfish stew, but we also have a very good gumbo. Please ask if you have any questions. May I get you something to drink?"

The menu is pretty basic and lists several varieties of gumbo and jambalaya, as well as something called a poboy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Both sound great. What do you think Glinda should we order both and we can share them between us. I'll have an iced tea please.

Real crawfish, shrimp and sausage? Where do you get your ingredients, if I may be so bold as to ask? With all this astral energy I attempt to determine what kind of background count exists here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda smiles and nods at your suggestion and orders iced tea as well and the girl takes an old-style lead pencil, licks the end, writing your orders down on a small order pad she takes from a pocket of the apron she is wearing. "'Ol Jeb, he brings the crawfish in and the taters and herbs come from the gardens hear about. Big Daddy brings the shrimp in on his boats........................"

She is interrupted by a woman probably still in her late twenties who speaks with a French accent. "Why don't you get their order in Jeanette, please?"

The girl smiles at you and heads off to the counter as the woman places two tall glasses of an iced amber beverage on your table. She nods to Glinda then to you. "Hello. I remember you from a couple of earlier visits....Glinda, oui? And this time you bring a good friend? Hello, I am Sophie. Is this your first time here?"

You think that the BGC is at least five here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Thank you Jeanette, I call after her, as she leaves.

Hello Sophie. I go by Lizzie. It is indeed my first time here but I hope I will be a frequent visitor if the food here is as good as they say. This place is quite charming.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Sophie smiles at you. "You have made good choices for your meal. You should let me know how spicy you like your food and I would recommend saving some room for spice bread for dessert. And I, too, hope that you become a regular."

Glinda says, "And we will need a couple of pounds of that spiced rum coffee."

"We were fixing up a new batch of that this morning. I will bring some with the dinner so you can taste it and decide if it is to your liking."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

She recommended them I'm sure she has good taste. So you must be the proprietor of the coffee shop then? Do you carry unflavored coffee? I'd quite prefer a dark roast as well if you carry any.

I'm surprised how easily you seem to be able to get these ingredients. Is your method a secret? Jeanette seemed rather matter of fact about it but these days all these things are typically much harder to come by.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Sophie laughs. "The only real secret is finding the people who know how to get the supplies. And, yes, I am also the proprietor of the coffee shop, but most of the time I am too busy here to really manage it, so I have someone from the community in to help me. So you want a plain dark roast? I can get you some, but you really should try the spiced rum. Your food will be out in a few minutes; I hope that you enjoy it. Oh, you did not say if you want it spicy or mild?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Oh, I'll take both kinds. As for the food, just make it however you do normally if it needs to be spicier I'll have you make it spicier next time. If it's too spicy I'll know better next time, but unless you can't taste the food underneath the heat it's probably not too spicy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Sophie nods and smiles at you as she walks away to talk to the diners at one of the other tables. Glinda leans forward a bit and says, "Did I not tell you this whole community is like a place from another time and location. But the food is very good and the atmosphere is very laid back and easy."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Yes, but I didn't think you meant literally. The astral here is mesmerizing. I'm not sure I could cast a spell here even if I tried.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda nods her head and chuckles. "It is a bit uncomfortable for me, which is why I cannot stay here longer than a couple of hours at a time. It is the same every time I have been here and I do not know if this is some natural astral event or someone manipulating the astral streams. Frankly, both options are a bit unnerving."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I'm rather surprised that they have managed to avoid more public scrutiny. I can think of any number of groups who might want to study a place like this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

"Hmmmm. Good point. But it could be that the astral phenomena here does a good job of discouraging that sort of thing; I know that I could not stay here long enough to do any real research."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Perhaps, but I'm getting pretty much the opposite vibe. Like it's inviting me to get lost in it. So many things to investigate. Our new friends, this place, the new reagent you showed me not to mention my regular studies. I'm going to spread myself too thin on multiple fronts I feel. I finish with a laugh shaking my head.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

"Yes, I can sympathize with your problem as I have been in a similar situation more than once. Your life has changed a lot in the past day or two and it will probably never be the same. Try not to regret it.. Mmmm, it looks like our food is coming."

Jeanette is carefully making her way across the floor, wending her way between the other tables while carrying a large tray with some bowls on it. She makes it without sloshing a drop and put the bowls down between you, along with some extra tableware. The tray also had four small cups of coffee that would be appropriate in a child's tea set service and she places two cups in front of each of you, pointing to them. "This is the plain dark roast and this is the spiced rum. I am to tell you that the rum gives it a nice kick, if that is what you are looking for. Here is some cream and sugar if you need it. I am to wait to see which you like so I can bring a pot out to you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I dutifully taste the coffees but say, They are both lovely but I will stick with the tea sweetie. Another cup of the dark roast will be lovely with dessert if I have room after all this, though.

I taste the stew and gumbo, chewing slowly and savoring the flavor of real food.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

The food is definitely worth savoring, both dishes containing generous chunks of meat and different vegetables in savory sauces. Glinda lets you take as much as you want then tastes of hers, smiling at the look on your face. "By the way you seem to be enjoying the food, I think I can say this place is a hit. I am glad that you enjoy it. So, which do you like the best?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I'm going to have to go with the gumbo. The crawfish just reminds me a little of krill. It's good, better than krill for sure still reminds me of it a bit. I work methodically through the meal eating slowly, enjoying the flavor judging the spiciness. When finished I lean back and rub my tummy.

Oh, that was yummy. I'm definitely coming back here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda digs in with relish, seeming to greatly enjoy her food. When finished, she too, sits back and makes appreciative sounds. The girl comes to the table and begins to move empty plates onto a tray. "It looks like you enjoyed the meal. I hope that you have room for at least one slice of spice bread?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Oh, I suppose. I probably shouldn't though. Just one slice and coffee please. The food was excellent. Thank you for the suggestions.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jeanette nods and walks away, seriously concentrating on not dropping the things on her tray. Glinda watches then says, "Sweet kid. So, off to my place after we leave here?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Yeah I'll summon an earth spirit to move you in.

So I was wondering...I mentioned forming or joining a circle, had you broached that subject with Sian at all? Are either of you interested in something like that?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

"Hmmm. What would that entail, exactly?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

It's a bit of ritual magic, we come up with rules for the group and it creates a mystical bond between us, making it easier to learn the deeper mysteries of magic. I thought we could set it up as the four of us as the council in charge and eventually start recruiting those with the Talent from our respective territories

[ Spoiler ]

page 129 street grimoire

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

"Sounds intriguing. What is the risk and who is the fourth person you have in mind besides Sian, me, and you?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Well Corbin of course, if you have anyone else you might want to include we can discuss that. The only danger other than the normal issues with magic is the bond itself will need to be rather potent but since it's a ritual spell it shouldn't be too hard to pull off. It could theoretically kill us but so could any powerful ritual magic, the chances are slim but we can take precautions so keep it low enough to be manageable. Those precautions can have consequences of their own however. Each stricture we include would be a rule that if broken could have repercussions, physical, painful repercussions or even loss of magical ability. It depends on the rule. Other things like swearing an Oath and keeping magical links like blood or a special creative work will also make it easier to cast but you have to be sure about the bond because these things can be used against you. There is a lot of trust involved. This bond is deep, granted we've only known each other for a few days now but... I don't know it feels like I've known you much longer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

"Oh. That will definitely be something for Sian to decide. And are you sure that you want to be bound to a pair of................well, you know. What about Jessica?"

She reaches a hand across the table and touches yours. "And I really feel that I have known you far longer than a few days, too. There is a bond of some kind already between us. What would this other bond do?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

We will have to let Corbin know and of course Shelly too, those can't keep secrets from each other. I suppose Jessica could join but I don't think she should be part of the ruling council. None of us know her at all. Then as I start training the Talented folks in these gangs we will have a spiffy little mage corps for when the shit hits the fan. Yeah I don't mind but that's why we'd need to tell Corbin, but I think our goals are well aligned that this wont be so difficult. I'll look in to possible strictures we might want to include. I'd trust you and Sian with a material link and an oath to our strictures at least. I think secrecy would be good, you know, first two rules of magic club, don't talk about magic club. We can also try to get a mentor spirit involved to guide us as circle. I have mine but I can see the benefit of having one the order respects as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

"I can bring it up with Sian, but in person. And she may need to talk with you and Corbin. She has not lived as long as she has by acting rashly, and she does not know your friends. How much time do you need to organize this?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Certainly it would be something for all four of us to discuss together. Once the decisions are made I'd say it's pretty much done and it's just creating the group bond, The important part will be determining the strictures and what we are willing to commit to the circle. We could probably do it the same day.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda nods. "I will certainly bring it up to Sian, but it might take some convincing from you to sell this idea to her. It sounds like this would require a high degree of personal trust and that is hard to come by for us. Too many memories of people with torches and pitchforks, not to mention the wooden stakes, no never forget those. But I will talk to her about it."

The girl returns with a smaller tray with four thick slices of bread and a pot of butter, all of which she puts on the table. "Would you like some coffee with this?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Of course. It's not a decision to be taken lightly. We would set it up that those who might join later do not need be so close knit. The four of us would be the lead council, assuming you agree of course.

Yes please. The dark roast would be lovely. Thank you dear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda nods and munches at her slice of bread as she sips at her coffee. She gives you a thoughtful look and smiles as she puts her cup down. "I will go visit Sian and talk to her about it."

Sophie comes to the table with two small bags of coffee. "Fresh ground, just for you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I munch on the bread and sip at the coffee while talking with Glinda.

But first we need to get you moved in and talk to the Jesses, Are you about ready to go?

Thank you sweetie. I say to the girl. I pay for the meal and top it off with a generous tip.

Once we reach Glinda's place I summon an earth spirit to move her.

[ Spoiler ]

summon force 4 earth spirit; resist; drain (http://orokos.com/roll/453675): 9d6t5 4 4d6t5 0 10d6t5 1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda finishes her drink and nods as she stands. She follows you out the building and you see that most of the tourists have departed the area, as there is really not much here that attracts people other than the restaurant or the voodoo shop. But that is not to say that the road is deserted. You find that there a number of locals out and about, to include several children chasing a metal hoop down the road and others going after some early fireflies. The old men on the porch tip their hats but do not stop rocking.

There is a new deputy at the arch as you go through it, heading to Glinda's car who tips his hat and smiles. "Good evening, ladies. Hope you had a nice stay and please come back to visit with us again."

The ride to Glinda's apartment building is without event. Once there, she takes you up to her place and shows you around. The tour does not take long as she has little to show. "Not sure how much we need to move. What do you think I need?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I suppose it depends on what you want. Your bed or coffin or whatever, clothes, hygiene products if you even need those. The rest is to your taste I suppose. Honestly I don't think you'd NEED a thing. I've seen you change your clothes with a wave of the hand. You wouldn't lack for a bed between the three of us, I doubt you'd ever need to sleep alone. The only apprehension I have is telling the others your secret. You get why they have to know right? It doesn't need to be right away but it should be soon if you live with us.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda breaks into laughter. "Coffin? No, I do not need a coffin anymore. Once upon a time there were restrictions like that, but I have grown beyond the need for a coffin to rest in. Hygiene products, yes, but mostly for the benefit of those I am near. For presentation sake, I do have some things to take over to put in a room, and a few keepsakes that I have picked up over the....................uh, years.............but they do not amount to much."

She moves about to gather a few things and soon there is a medium-sized pile of stuff on the couch, along with a box of mementos. "I took the place furnished and still have a couple of months left on the lease. I will keep the lease in case we need another place to go to for any reason. And yes, I do see the need to tell Corbin and Shelly. The knowledge will put a tremendous burden on them, just as it does you. I, we, have found that this is a secret that many people find too hard to carry about for long. The usual result is a need to relocate to another place. I know that Sian likes it here and feels compelled to be here for some reason she is not fully sharing with me."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I surprised you didn't I? My friends are cut from the same cloth. They may see things a little differently but not by that much. I know my friends. There will be some trepidation but they will see reason. Then there will be a lot of curiosity and questions...I imagine they will want to meet Sian as well and show them what she is doing. Her goals are very similar to our own after all, just different neighborhoods. In fact we should probably do that first.

I turn to the gorgon-like spirit I summoned, Thank you for heeding my call. We require your assistance. These items here need to be delivered to my lodge, afterwards we need you to accompany us to a meeting for protection.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

"Yes. I was surprised and that does not happen often anymore. I think a meeting is indeed in order. Perhaps you and me with Shelly and Corbin first, then I talk to Sian and then we all meet."

The spirit bows and picks everything up before vanishing. Glinda looks at the space her stuff had been just moments before and shakes her head. "Yes. Well, I may never get truly used to that sort of magic. I am more of a direct user and do not have never really used spirits. I can see their value, though."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I don't like using them for menial tasks. I try to be respectful of them though some will treat them as slaves. I don't see any reason not to be polite, I've never understood that particular vice to be honest. Pride, it seems a silly thing. I understand self respect and dignity, but gloating makes no sense. Treating people, or spirits, poorly without cause, just doesn't make any sense to me. Don't get me wrong, some people deserve ridicule and disdain, but that is based on their actions not on your default setting.

You should talk to Sian first. Then we should show Shelly and Corbin Chinatown and explain what you are attempting to accomplish. If Sian wishes to meet them at that point then she can. Then we have that meeting and tell them. We won't mention Sian without her approval though.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda nods. "Sure. That makes sense." She looks about the sparse room, now a bit more sparse with the rem,oval of her things. "Seems a bit cold here to me now that there is little of me left here. Are we off to the meeting with our new maybe partners?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Sure, give the place a once over and make sure you have everything,

I link the Jessies, We're on at Pulse. Use the side entrance and they will let you in without a hassle.

When you talk to Sian are you wanting to do that alone or should I accompany you? We sort of have a lot to talk about and half of it is my idea. Shall we visit her after?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda laughs. "Sure, we can go see her after our meeting; it is not like she will be asleep or anything. And I do think that it is important that you be there to explain what I am not familiar with."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

We head to Pulse. Once there I inform the guards about my friends. We take a seat and set up the tables white noise generators. I will deal with those who approach me but I won't be pushing today.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Pulse is jumping when you get there, but your table is reserved and waiting for you. It is techno night and Glinda laughs and takes you out to the dance floor where you find that she has an excellent feel for the beat of the music and seems to prefer this type. She moves with a sensuous grace mixed with an abandon that has some people near you reaching out to touch her, which seems to bother her not at all; instead, she just seems to let go a bit more as she writhes and moves to the music. Her eyes are on yours as the hands of several strangers touch her face, sides, and breasts and you notice when they seem to change first to a light red color then a deep crimson from their normal hue. She smiles at everyone, but when she turns it on you, you know that the others are just toys and that you are the one for her. You know what she is but there is just something........................some almost animalistic draw to her that you find difficult to explain or ignore. She moves in close to you and there is a hunger in her eyes and mouth that reaches out to you as she leans in and runs her tongue down your cheek and the side of your neck, easily competing to be the most sensual feeling you have ever had. Her hand cups your breast and her thumb flicks across your already hardening nipple as her mouth seeks out yours and her kiss seems to stop time as your body goes into sexual overdrive. She pulls back and looks deeply into your eyes and no else in the room exists for a few seconds.....minutes......hours......ever. For an instant, you are allowed to share what an immortal love might be like then the music breaks in before you can get more of it, leaving you completely breathless and a bit weak at the knees. She places her forehead against yours and whispers one word that your ears cannot make out in the din, but your inner soul hears it. "Isla"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

After dancing for a while I bring her back to the table. What is that thing you do. Is it magic or is it how you feed? And why does it make me feel like it does? Am I noticing the effects just from being around you or when you do it or am I getting in the way somehow?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda talks softly, yet you seem perfectly able to hear her in the noisy room. "It was both. I was using magic to feed. I was taking a small bit from a number of people around us, but not from you. What did it make you feel like?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I feel a pull, both alluring and scary. Like it's bait for a trap, dangerously seductive, like nectar from a carnivorous plant. I thought maybe it was part of the magic you used and I was just caught in the fringes of it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda shakes her head and reaches for your hands, causing an almost electric shock to pass between the two of you. Her eyes open a bit wider for an instant. "No, I think there is something more to it than just being on the fringe of what I was doing. I was not reaching out to you to take anything, but I felt that I was being drawn to you as a moth to flame. Are you my doom, Isla?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Your doom? Are you waxing poetic or is that something I should know about? If I'm your doom it would only be because you desired it. Tell me about the Isla you knew. Do you think she could have been my great grandmother that my mother would talk about?

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda's face takes on a very sad look. Her eyes seem to focus far away as she shakes her head. "I would not think they are the same, but.............................My isla, or rather, Sian's and mine was our sister wife and the third of us. We lived and loved a very long time ago. She was an Egyptian beauty and our brother husband wanted her very much and turned her when she was in the flower of her youth. We were together for centuries, happy in our immortality. Then the Venetian Doge and several other European princes conspired to weaken Constantinople just as the hated Ottomans were making plans to besiege the city. Still, things might have worked out, as the Sultan of the Ottomans was losing heavily in his war. But traitors within took advantage of the weaknesses created by the Doge and opened the gates to the invaders and life changed. Our brother husband was betrayed and killed and we three fled on foot with some jewels, vowing vengeance. We walked across the lands to get to Venice and plotted to have the Doge and his friends pay for the loss of our beloved Constantinople and our brother husband. In the end, we accomplished all we set out to do, but Isla had grown tired and left us shortly afterwards. Not even the love we had thought we shared was enough to keep her. It seems that her love was for our husband and less for Sian and me. I know not where she went after that, perhaps to the lands of your name. Still, I doubt that she would have been the woman your mother spoke of, but the name is odd enough to get my attention. In any case, we loved her much more than she loved us.............and still I miss her touch and the way her eyes caught the light and reflected it back."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

That's terrible. I hope she brought you more good memories than those bad ones. You're right though, unless she could have children, which I assume you can't, there's no way she could be my ancestor.

I check the time on my com to see how much more time before we can expect the Jessie's.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda nods. "Yes, it is a very sad tale. There were many good memories, but they were mostly illusion, as she really cared for our husband and not so much for Sian and me. And in the end, there is even some concern that he had tired of us and grown closer to Isla. Even vampires can love and such a revelation was hard to accept or handle. Sian and I have been together for a very long time. We have had mortal lovers, but the sad truth is that my appearance will stay as you see it while lovers grow older and die."

Even as you check your chrono, five people approach your table. You recognize Jess, Jessie, and Jessica, but the other two are strangers, although the family resemblance is striking. Once at the table, Jessica motions to the strangers. "We thought that it would be prudent to bring Jessup and Jezzabel to this meeting. There is a sixth sibling, but he is..............detained from attending this meeting. Is it alright if they join us?"

Both newcomers look remarkably like the other three and it might be hard to tell them apart if they wanted to pretend to be each other.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Good grief, are you guys clones or something? Of course, if we are all going to be working together it's only natural that we should meet. I had a feeling I'd be seeing more of you. What were the chances of me stumbling on to the only two Jessie's in the two areas I was expanding into. I didn't think you would all be...what is it sextuplets. I may have to tell you that joke after all.

I peer at them in astral space and assense them, nodding and smiling as they are introduced.

It's a pleasure to meet you all. I, as I'm sure you've been told by now, go by Lizzie Borden, or just Lizzie. If you are all as competent as your siblings are I think we will get along marvelously.

So let me tell the story, it's a little groan-worthy but it's worth a few chuckles and I must say I cannot think of a better time for it. I used to work security for a guy in the Barrens. He was a social worker and ran a shelter poor folks flooded that place down on their luck and he got some grant to pay the bills and his salary. So one day this single mom and her five young kids show up, ages 4 to 10 maybe and I thought, oh goody a bunch of screaming kids are just gonna make my day. Sure enough it doesn't take them five minutes to start acting up but before they get too loud the mom says "Lee Roy!" Every one of those kids shut their mouths. I almost started applauding. I said "how did you get them all to be quiet? You only said one of their names." And she replies "Nah, they all Lee Roy" she saw that I was confused and pointed out they have different spellings for the girls "Leigh Roi" and she mentioned a famous boxer at the turn of the century who named all his children George. "Well okay" I said. "but what if you only want to call one of them? What do you do then?" She replies "Oh, that's easy. I just call em by their last name."

Buh dum Tss.

[ Spoiler ]

I may have already assensed Jessie, but I get general mood and on the 3's and 4 their magical power in relation to me as well.
Assense x 6 (http://orokos.com/roll/454653): 8d6t5 2 8d6t5 3 8d6t5 3 8d6t5 4 8d6t5 2 8d6t5 2

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Four of them chuckle at the joke. Jezzabel leans forward and looks you in the eye. "So what sort of security were you doing for a homeless shelter?" Jessie gently punches her in the arm, getting a blank stare in return. From your assensing, Jessica seems to be the only mage of them and her power is likely on a par with yours. The general mood seems to be upbeat and interested.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

No, but seriously are you all twins or what?

So, what are your plans in the barrens and how can I help?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jezzabel looks at you with her almost blank stare. "Of course we are all twins. All twelve of us were." She looks like she is going to say something else, but Jess puts a hand on her arm, bringing back the near blank look before turning to look at you. "Look, we were all part of a genetic experiment to create a superior being, a sort of collective that could with everyone doing something in concert to increase the effectiveness of the group. Something went wrong at the lab and a decision was made to cancel the program, which meant cancel us. They came in the night and started killing us, but two of the scientists managed to help six of us escape. The rest died. We fled here to hide and make plans. Our goal is to bring down the people that turned on us to try to hide what they had created."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I wince. I know that pain. Ghouls ate my little sister. I'm sorry for your loss. Were you close?

I flag down a waitress Scotch, best ya got. Bring the bottle, glasses and a bucket of ice please. We will drink to family and to vengeance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Only Jezzabel has a blank face; the others all cloud over in various stages of anger and.............something...............else. Jess nods and says, "Yes, we were all very close. We were bred to almost think like each other, to anticipate each other's needs. The immediate loss was almost unbearable as we felt the others die. It almost prevented us from leaving as we tried to turn on the killers. But the two scientists that were helping us kept herding us along, using our own strength against us to keep us moving away. They got us out of the complex and into a van they stole, giving us some money and the directions to go to hide. The last we saw of them was in the rear view mirror as we drove away."

They all go silent for a bit when you mention your sister, the silence only broken by the arrival of the bottle and glasses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I place a cube of ice in each glass and pour two fingers over them and pass them around. I hold up my glass, to absent family and their killers ruin.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

In what appears to be an amazingly synchronized movement, all six siblings pick up their glasses as one and drink the whiskey down, placing the empty glasses back on the table at the same time. Each acknowledges your toast and smiles, well all but Jezzebel, whose rather disconcerting blank stare does not seem to change much during all of this. Jessica leans forward. "All of this is good, but why did you want to talk to us? What are YOUR plans?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Plans are fluid. I have ideas and goals. My actions are based on the best information I have at any given time and the best way to achieve those goals. So while I have no plans per say, other than making money with you folks, my goal is to make the Barrens, or at least my part of it stable and prosperous. Relatively speaking of course. The gang wars, shifting territories and alliances, the general violence of every day existence needs to end. This whole Might makes Right thing that's going on isn't in my best interest, and it certainly wasn't in the best interest of my friends when ghouls invaded our neighborhood.

Besides, a little bit of order is good for business. I think the best way to do that at this point is a criminal empire. It seems like you folks have a similar idea, I thought maybe we could work together. You at least seem to have your shit together which is more than I can say for must of the bastards I've met in the barrens. Professionalism is so hard to find these days. So tell me...how can I help?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

As one, four heads turn to look at Jessica. Jezzabel does not seem to understand that you have asked a question and continues to stare at you. For the others, though, Jessica seems to be the primary spokesperson. She nods at you and says, "Yesssss. Similar goals, perhaps. The criminal enterprises we have entered into are a good stepping stone to a greater goal than simple stability in the Barrens, though. It would seem, however, that our short term goals align with yours and I can see that there is room for a conversation and perhaps even a working relationship, even though you are not one of us. We already control two of the smaller gangs and are in position to shortly secure control over two more. I am in control of a honed and experienced group of mercenaries that can provide us some security as well as some mobile force projection. Is this of interest to you and can it help you help us?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I refill everyone's glass and continue on. The problem with the stability in the barrens is the competition. The Vory, Mafia, Yakuza, Triads, Seoulpa...move too fast and we risk the big boys coming into play and they will likely see us as a threat as soon as we make our presence known, unless you guys have ties to any of them. That's a long way off though. I don't need any mercenaries right now, but there may certainly come a day.

Which corp are you after? You going to take down the whole thing or just the people involved? What kind of resources do you think you will need for that? We also discussed other more immediate concerns regarding accidental death and dismemberment insurance and promotions.

I say to Jezzabel I mean some of you mentioned killing their boss to take his place.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jezzabel opens her mouth to say something but closes it when Jessica puts a hand on her arm. The mage looks to you and says, "Does it matter so much right now which AAA it is? I think that we are still a bit early in the planning stages for that to be necessary. And we agree that planning for this needs to be drawn out so that we do not move too fast and get noticed too soon. That is why we only have three gangs, including my mercenaries, and are waiting patiently before moving on the others."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

No I don't suppose it matters. Knowing that it's a triple A does. I'll have to make educated guesses I'm thinking Horizon or Evo. No that's not important at this point but it will become important if we are to align in this, food for thought. If you think rivaling a criminal syndicate will be an easy or short term goal, well...I think I will need a little convincing of that.

So short term, what can I help you with? You trusted me enough to bring me into your plans in this small way. I understand if you want to keep me in the dark as to specifics but I am a professional as well and there is a certain etiquette to follow. I don't sell out business partners as a matter of propriety, but words are just that. If you have investigated me, and I would be disappointed if you hadn't, you know my reputation proceeds me. My ability to help is directly tied to how much I know, so tell me what you feel you can and we'll conspire accordingly.

I lean back and raise my glass with a nod and take a drink.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jezzabel looks over to Glinda. "You are known but we do not know anything about her."

Jessica squeezes her sister's arm, quieting her. "Sorry about that. She can be very blunt. Yes, we have done some research and have picked up some information on you, Lizzie, but almost nothing on Glinda. She has been seen in your company, though, and it is assumed that you trust her."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I do trust her, but fair enough. Glinda, would you mind excusing us for a while?

When she is out of earshot I turn back to the Jessie's. Are you put at ease? She was just concerned for my safety as, I'm sure you are aware, there isn't much known about you and yours. I don't mind blunt, blunt can be refreshing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda nods and leaves the table without saying anything. Jessica waits until she is gone and you have spoken to reply. "Thank you. That woman might be your friend, but she gives me the willies and that takes something. I took the liberty of assensing both of you, as I am sure that you have done with us. You are impressive and I think that we are very much alike, but your friend is just scary. She is reading as a perfectly normal woman with no emotions evident other than calm. Now, I could see that with someone who is going about a normal wageslave sort of existence, but I rather doubt that she is a normal wageslave if she is helping you. And nobody I know can hide an aura that well, so I am wary of her. Are you aware if she has the ability to mask herself?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Of course. It's a very handy skill to have. I hope to learn it soon myself. She is scary, however she has proven herself trustworthy to me and I am proud to call her friend. However, she left so that we could privately discuss your plans, not so that we could talk of her behind her back. You have my word that I will keep information compartmentalized. Shall we discuss your plans then?

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

>>I am outside and waiting in the car. Ping me if you need me and I will be with you before you know it.<<

Jessica nods. "Point taken and I am sorry. We are firmly committed to moving slowly and would not even be as far along as we are were it not for circumstance. Five of us infiltrated different gangs with the idea that we would eventually work our way to the top of the ladder in each and be ready with a larger gang with which to challenge the authority of Renraku corporation. Three of the gangs ran into problems and we had to move faster than we had planned. Two former gang leaders died while out on gang activities and a third proved to be so incompetent that he was destroying the gang from within and needed to be replaced. The other two are moving according to schedule. We were originally looking at another three years or so before being ready to make some of our challenges."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Okay so again that's the long term plan and it will be good to know moving forward but surely you have more stages than Phase One: gain control of gangs, Phase Two: use them to attack Renraku. You will need to train your people. You will need intelligence to know where to strike them and when. Renraku won't be some push over you will need resources. Three years is optimistic in my opinion, but then again I don't know the full extent of your current resources but I think I have a fairly good idea..

But again this is long term plans, how can I help you now? I mean besides our current business venture. I'm assuming Jessie's gang is the incompetent one that you were referring to?

Also I can make heavier designer drugs for quickly enhanced shock troops. I wouldn't try to rely on that too much, that would be for like emergencies and mission critical ops.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessica laughs, "No, the idiot he is currently working for is a genius compared to the one Jessup was with. Our short term goals are pretty defined by surviving and taking over these gangs, but we could listen to other ideas. What do you have in mind?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Well, I could help with the gangs. I got the impression that you were looking for allies and our purposes seem aligned. So I offered our assistance, or rather Glinda did and I agreed.

I propose an alliance. I don't run my gang but they all know who keeps them happy. Once we get them trained up and disciplined we can consolidate. Make a kind of meta gang where each individual gang will be a feeder to the true organization. Directly run by our little council here. We can use the money from our enterprises to enhance our people, supply them with high quality armaments. Honestly the only thing I can see us lacking are hackers. I don't suppose any of you have a specialty in this area?

I have a few ideas that can consolidate the power base as well. I had been considering a project where I test the locals for magical abilities and train them and make a magician corp. I never thought it would be feasible in the small scale of my gangs territory, but if we all contributed there should be a few teachable ones.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

All of the others turn to look at Jezzabel when you ask about hackers. Jessica gently squeezes her sister's arm. "Jezzabel keeps us all in and protected. Her mind was..............altered..............a bit by our creators to be very good at that. Sadly, what they did also had some negative side effects on her personality. Something else they will pay for."

"Mages are rare and good ones even rarer. Effective training can take a long time. Are you looking for young ones to put in some sort of school? Or older ones that are already trained?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I was thinking the young ones, but both would be suitable. Like I said this would be long term but handy in consolidating the powerbase.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessica nods and looks to the others before turning back to you. "We can certainly get behind that. Do you have a place in mind to send kids to and a teacher, yet, or is this the first step in that direction?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I have my eye on a few properties in my immediate area, but nothing set in stone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

"Well, that gives us a bit of time. But perhaps you could work up some sort of package like to have provided to Jess and Jessie for Jessup. I can't really use it and neither can Jasmine or Jezzabel. I think that we can make a good start on spreading the drugs around and putting a portion of the money aside to make improvements. So, is this the group, or is Glinda to be involved in the decision process? I feel bad about chasing her away and should make an apology if you had thought to include her."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I just so happen to have a supply on me. Jessie was able to pay his up front but Jess and I worked out a slightly different deal. You want the whole set it's up front, you want 50 cram I'm willing to let that go on credit and you can owe me.

As for Glinda, I don't see the need for her to be included at this time, but I will covet her council on these matters as I would all of my friends. I can guarantee our complete discretion though. She's part of my crew and she probably deserves the apology, but she's a big girl she understands it's just biz.

So let me make sure i understand Jessica and Jezzabel have not infiltrated gangs you have this mercenary company instead. Jessup Jess and your detained sister Jasmine have already taken control of theirs and Jessie is close to doing so himself. May I ask why Jasmine doesn't want to get in on our little business plan? Also that brings us full circle to why this meeting was set up after all. I noticed Jessie and Jessica had similar attitudes names and looks and I put two and two together while we were brainstorming ways to help Jessie take care of his problem and frankly I wouldn't mind offing that oaf who runs his gang anyway. He suggested a sit down with everyone...or did I? Well we seemed to agree that would be a good idea. Are you intent on waiting for his play or can we update that time table...that pig can't be doing a good job running that gang.

Oh and we should probably establish which gangs are in our little circle. I know Jessie's and Jess' but not the others. We are called Scarlet Blades we own the territory between Jess and Jessie's groups and a little bit more north of them.

[ Spoiler ]

OOC: I don't actually know their gangs but I scouted them so my character should know.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessica laughs. "Right now, Jasmine is somewhere on the I5, mixing it up with a sub-branch of the 'Weeners who were bold enough to challenge her. She was apologetic, but not too much. She is really into the mixing it up bit and is definitely our most out-going sister." She turns to one of her brothers. "Jessup, why don't you take the packet and see what you can do with it.?"

Jessup smiles at you and leans forward with his hand outstretched. "Tell me what I owe for the entire packet and I will pay for it. Had a bit of luck earlier today when we shook down some mooks trying to cross our territory."

Jessica gives him a punch in the arm, eliciting a mock groan from him. "You bugger-head. Why did you not say something before. Let me have some of that so I can clear my debt with our new partner."

After you tell them how much your packets are worth, Jessup slips you some credsticks to cover the cost.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I meant, should I make her a batch as well? I say pocketing the credsticks. And what about Jessie's predicament?

OOC: updated Lizzies picture.
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3c/b2/f4/3cb2f4f3afcfb529cbc46acc48f66b66.jpg)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

OOC: Cool picture.


Jessica nods. "Ah, I see. Yes, I would think she is interested in a packet. She actually has the greatest opportunity to spread the drugs around, so it would be a good fit."

Jezzabel nods and says, "She would like that very much. She expects to be back in the city in two hours, if you would like to meet. Otherwise we can set something up for later."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Sure I can get more just tell me when and where.

On another note...would you mind if I tested your abilities just a bit Jezzabel? I have an interest in a man by the name of Alvin Corse, a little side project I'm working on. I have his contact information here, do you think you could find anything out about him over the next few hours? I have had a friend on it for a few hours already I was hoping for a cross reference. Think you can pull that off?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jezzabel does not change the expression on her face, but simply looks at Jessica, who asks, "What do you need to know about him and can you tell us anything that can get her started besides his contact information?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

It's all I have on him, but I need everything you can find. I want to know his hearts most secret desires. I want to know what he had for breakfast on his 12th birthday. I turn to Jezzabel, wink and say That's a figure of speech. I want as complete a profile on this guy as you can get. I am going to have to run a game on this guy to find out his closest secrets and I need anything you can find to get me an in.

Where should we meet Jasmine? I can meet her in about 2 hours or so. We should brainstorm on Jessie's predicament. I can take care of it but I imagine certain conditions will need to be met. It could be as simple as giving him a drug he will OD on, that's hardly a leap for his lifestyle, but there may be methods that would be more conducive to Jessie moving up in the group.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jezzabel nods in answer to you.

Jessie snorts. "Almost any means of killing him would work, as long as it does not come back to me, I suppose. Even then, some on the gang would probably approve of me doing it. We have delayed that part of our action because we do not want to move too fast, but this may be the right time. Are we agreed?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

If it's just effectiveness I could sic a spirit on him, at least I'd get to watch that,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessica looks at the others then nods as she turns back to you. "Sure. Go ahead if you like. When would you like to do it? I think Jessie needs to be in the vicinity to take control after the guy is killed."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Some night or another. We could even stage it while Jessie is there and have him, I raise my hands and make air quotes "fight it off". That might look good to his boys and add to his influence over them. How do you want to play it Jessie? Your gang your show.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jessie looks at Jessica first then when she nods, he switches to you. "Yes, I would like to be there and I think that your idea of having me fight your spirit off is a good one. When would be convenient for you to do this? And I would think we might need to at least talk out what is going to happen so that it looks real."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I could do it tonight if you really wanted, the timing doesn't matter. The spirit would manifest kill your boss then fight you for a bit, but not hurt you, then act as if it were disrupted. Depending on when we do it we could even choreograph the fight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

He nods. "Good. But I think tonight is not the best time. What about I meet you tomorrow and we work out the details. If everything goes well, we can try for tomorrow night or the next?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Sure. I'm sending my comcode to everyone to keep in touch. You can let me know when you want to meet up with Jasmine. I should probably go unruffle Glindas feathers a bit. I'm sure she understands why you guys wanted her left out, doesn't mean she's happy about it though. I'll see you in a few hours.

I head out to to the car and knock on the window before joining Glenda. I grin at her while climbing into the car. Home Jeeves. I need to get another batch started. Sorry I made you take off for a while. I talked you up bunches so I don't think they will have a problem with you in the future. I can understand their paranoia though. They've had a rough time of it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda shakes her head. "They really know frag all about paranoia or what having a rough time is. Try fifteen hundred years of running and hiding from mobs of people with pitchforks and torches trying to drive a stake into what passes for your heart. Try living with a hunger for precious blood that never, ever goes away and only becomes more manageable after the first four hundred years. There are reasons why there are so few of my kind, Lizzie, and none of them are pretty. Those people back there know nothing of hardships." She looks over at you without smiling. "Do you want my friendship? Do you want to be partners? I had thought I knew where I stood, but it hurt to be shuffled off to the sidelines in such a cavalier manner. Does that make any sense to you?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I look at Glinda and search her eyes. I reach over and cup her face as I say, I'm sorry. Sometimes we have to do distasteful thing in the short term for a long term gain. If it makes you feel any better I talked you up and they were all ready to apologize to you for the slight. You are welcome at future meetings, though I thought you might not be interested.

Of course you are my friend. As for partners I am partners with you and Sian in your gentrification project in the Chinatown Barrens. Did you want to be involved in my plans for Redmond? I never actually considered that. I've thought of you as a general ally and friend and I treasure your counsel, but I fear I never expected you to be invested in my work there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

For an instant, Glinda closes her eyes and presses her cheek against your palm. There is an odd look in her eyes when she opens them again; almost as if asking a question on their own. After a short pause, she smiles and says, "Sorry. I guess that even fifteen or sixteen hundred years cannot shake some of the the insecurities of my youth, eh?" She leans over to kiss you, lightly flicking her tongue across your lips before probing. After a few seconds she breaks but keeps her forehead against yours. "I would like very much to be your partner in all that you do. If you are not ready for that, then tell me so I know where I stand. It might be hard to fathom, but being somewhere between alive and dead has not taken all emotion from me and I do have feelings and sensibilities and I can feel pain and heartache. I will give you all the space you think you need, but I would like to know what that is before just being pushed aside. It would have hurt far less if you had told me in advance that I should wait in the car."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

This sounds dangerously like a relationship talk. I don't want to alienate Glinda but I can't just give up the reigns of my project.

I sigh and lean back in my seat. Then look over at Glinda with a mischievous grin. I'm a little surprised you didn't see through that little maneuver. It was subtle but it both increased my value at the table and put the others at ease at the same time. Giving me a hand up in the negotiations... Not to mention protecting your secret from some dangerous players. You showed them I had powerful allies who deferred to my judgement. I'm sorry it hurt your feelings, that wasn't my intention, but you have to trust me if we are going to work together.

I am a con artist and you learn to recognize angles in fluid situations. Sometimes things occur that need to be acted upon without prior collaboration and that was one of those times. Please be assured I would never intentionally do something to harm you.

I value your counsel Glinda and I was going to share the details of our discussion with you, but frankly I'm just not ready to share the reigns on this project. It's been my primary motivation for nearly a decade of my life. I would love if you would work with me in this endeavor but I need to be in charge of this. I hope that's not a deal breaker.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda looks at you as she processes what you have said. She might make a good poker player since her face gives nothing away of what she is thinking. When the silence gets to be several seconds, her face suddenly explodes into a smile that seems to mirror what is in her eyes. "I am sorry about that. I do trust you and want to help you. I guess it is just that both of us are strong women who feel a need to be involved and in charge. I will bow to you on this project, however; it is yours and I am merely along for the ride and to give you whatever support you ask of me. I am sorry if I came across as selfish and bossy. Sometimes I forget what being with someone I respect and admire is like as it has been far too long since I met anyone who fit that description, except for Sian, of course."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I shake my head. I don't want you to apologize Glinda. Your feelings are valid. I want you to tell me how you feel. I'm not trying to shut down the conversation I just want you to know where I'm coming from so that we can be on the same page and hopefully make you feel better about it.

I don't know why but you and Sian are the first people I've opened up to besides Shelly and Corbin since the rest of us were killed. Maybe it's because we see things in a similar way or have similar goals but I feel closer to you two than anyone besides my friends. I want you to realize that means something to me. I'm a controlling manipulative bitch, and it's hard for me to let go of things that are important to me. Please try to remember you are one of those things.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda looks at you and her features soften. "Thank you, you are important to me, too. So, home you said?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Yes home. You need to arrange your room how you want it. I'll let the spirit off the hook afterwards. I need to get the next batch started too. Once that's done and I grab the last of my stash for the Jessies and make another delivery. Then we can go talk to Sian about starting the group and setting up a meeting with Corbin so she can get to know him.

Once home I direct the spirit to assist Glinda with arranging her room and then dismiss him from his services. Thank you for your service. I am glad we did not need to put you in danger.

I strip down and put on the protective gear and start the next batch while Glinda rearranges her room. Afterwards I get ready to make the delivery for the Jessies.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Everything goes smoothly with your batch preparation, which is about all you have time for if you are going to meet Jasmine on time. Glinda is sitting cross-legged on the floor outside the prep room when you emerge, her eyes closed and her arms on her knees with her palms open and turned up. Without opening her eyes, she says, "Are we ready to leave? I was going to come in to help, but saw that you were nearly finished. Are we returning to the club?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I'm not sure. They said to call to set up the meet and see if Jessica can find anything on this guy Alvin Corse.

Hey I got the stuff you wanted. You said to let you know in a few hours and we could meet. Where are we going? And bring Jezzabel for that report on Alvin too.

What are you doing? Meditating? I'm considering going on an astral quest and initiate myself. I would prefer to do it with a group but I think that may take a little longer than I'm wanting to wait. We can still make the group of course but I'm getting antsy. I go over to my altar and inspect the grain of the black marble. The smoothness of the cut.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

The response from Jessica is almost instantaneous. >>Lazy B in Touristville. We will be there until 0200. Oh, and I am supposed to tell you oatmeal, soy-bran muffin, and soy-orange juice.<<

"Yes, meditating. It helps clear my mind. What is this about initiating? I thought that you were already a sorceress?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

nice! I hope she got more than that though.

We're meeting at Lazy B. Initiation is seeking the higher mysteries. Like your ability to mask your aura or centering to reduce the fatigue cost of a spell or summoning and rituals. Doing it as a group is easier but I'm impatient and we don't even know if Sian will be interested. You ready?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Glinda nods and rises to her feet. It is more a sort of flowing than the physical effort of standing, but that should not be possible, right? Anyway, she is on her feet and walks with you to the car. "Lazy B. Touristville. That place has a rep for being wild and noisy. Just us or will the others meet us there?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Probably. Corbin and Shelly are usually back by now but if they are selling they could be out a while and I haven't heard them. I'll link em just in case. If they are near we will wait for them.

Hey guys we are going to meet at Lazy B if you guys are close to the building or there meet us there for a meet with the Jessies I'll introduce you to a few more.

Once we determine who all will be coming I fill Glinda in on what was discussed at the meeting with the meta gang and consolidating power as well as the test for their hacker as we drive there. Don't suppose you've heard of Alvin Corse?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Unfortunately, both Corbin and Shelly are still out selling and no where near Tourisville. Both indicate that they could drop what they are doing, although Corbin says that he has a potential heavy hitter on the hook that might need some more time and he would rather not break that off right now.

Glinda nods as you explain what went down at the meeting and grins when you talk of killing Jessie's boss. "I think it is a good idea to let him fight your spirit off. Would you like me to summon one of my.....associates or do you want to deal with this?"

"Alvin Corse? No, I do not think I am familiar with the name. Should I be? Who is he and why is he important?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Now worries I doubt there will be a need I just didn't want you to feel left out.

I'll handle the spirit.

No reason you should know, but with the amount of coincidences lately I figured I'd ask. I just need to find out about the guy and run a game on him.

Once at the club I scope out a good position near a corner unless I see the Jessies first.

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

OOC: LOL Even good GMs forget things on occasion, and I do not claim to be one. Who is Alvin Corse and where did I introduce him?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

OOC: Page 19 about halfway down. One of Seductresses "minions"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Wednesday 12 June 2075 0100 Lazy B Bar Touristville Seattle


The Lazy B is located near the outer edge of Tourisville and caters to the country music set and your ears are assaulted by the twang of country music even as you leave the car and walk across the parking lot filled with a wide variety of vehicles. A row of Harley Davidson's finest is parked near one end of the lot, with two very large Trolls standing watch over them. The door to the bar is open to allow smoke to flow out and air to flow in, although your first glimpse inside leads you to think that there is still more smoke than fresh air inside the place. An Ork bouncer does not even ask for IDs as he gives both of you a quick visual once over. He smiles at you and waves you on inside.

The interior of the bar consists of a large wooden floor in the center with a rail that separates it from the tables set along three of the walls. The fourth wall is almost entirely taken up by a long bar, behind which are several men and women serving drinks to those standing there or sitting at the few stools available. A number of people are in lines on the wooden dance floor, moving in time to the beat and everyone doing the same steps at the same time in some sort of robotic movement.

A lifted arm catches your attention and you see Jessica standing at one of the tables and waving you over. Jezzabel is sitting at the table next to a woman who clearly bears a resemblance to her and the rest of the Jessies. Glinda looks at you with a grin. "They all do look alike, don't they. I wonder if they are clones?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

They said they were all "twins" and they were genetically bred. If that's not cloning I don't know what else to call it.

I wave back and join them. So you are Jasmine, I say addressing the third woman. A pleasure to meet you. I have that stuff you wanted and I can't wait for you to tell me all about Mr. Corse.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jasmine stands and holds out a hand. She is built very like the others you have seen, but the body under the light tee is more developed than what you have seen in the others. A grin flashes across her face as she nods. "Jasmine it is. Sorry I missed your meeting earlier, but I had a small problem on the I5 I needed to clear up. Some punk 'Weener wanna-bes were making trouble and looking to try to horn in on my turf so I had to go take care of business. Jessica has pretty much filled me in, but I would like to hear the details from you, if you don't mind?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I shake her hand and give her an appraising look. I sell you the merchandise at 80% of the street cost, you distribute it and keep the rest. The price for this package is 7200 the street is 9k, when you want more you let me know how much and what kind if you have something that sells better than the others or something.

Funny I would have thought you guys would have wanted your Face at the initial meeting. We could have rescheduled. You will forgive the assumption I hope, but I have a nose for these things.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Jasmine nods and hands you a cred stick to slot to your 'link, holding out her hand for the packet of drugs. "I will see what I can do with this." Her eyes widen a bit as they find Glinda, who is standing behind you. You notice that she controls a slight twitch of her left hand as she continues. "Not sure what you expected, but we don't really have a face since we do not normally project anything like a unified front. Too many people are spooked the fact that we look so much alike. Who is your companion?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

That's a good reason to have a single person as a face for your particular group. Also keeps anyone hunting you guys from hearing a bunch of stories of six twins in the shadows...that's got to be pretty distinctive.

This is Glinda. I'm surprised your family didn't mention her. She is a business partner, trusted advisor, and very good friend.

I take a moment to peer into the astral and assense Jasmine, kicking myself for forgetting to as I joined them.

[ Spoiler ]

Assensing Jasmine (http://orokos.com/roll/465824): 8d6t5 2

Afterwards I look to Jezzabel, rubbing my hands. So tell me everything you know about Alvin Corse

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Wednesday 12 June 2075 0110 Lazy B Bar Touristville Seattle


Jasmine is not awakened. She is a bit suspicious right now.

Jessica nods and says, "I am usually the one who does the talking, if that is what you mean. And I did not mention your friend because I had thought she was not part of this and that you had sent her away. I am sorry of I misunderstood that part."

"36
70 inches, 170 pounds
Pale blond hair, blue eyes, no facial hair, no ink, scar from dog bite on left arm when 8
Divorced, apparently heterosexual, wife left him for better prospects, no children
Lower level day shift manager at EVO Consolidated Industries, two black marks for insubordination
Owns home at 2769 Blankenship Drive
Drives 2065 Americar, red, last maintenance was 8/72073
Gambles at Blood Bowl, mostly loses
Smokes Lucky Strikes
Frequent customer at Eve's Garden, bar and brothel, drinks malt whiskey, favorite whore is Christy
Father died of heart attack on job at EVO Consolidated when Alvin was sixteen, mother ran away from marriage when Alvin was six, remarried, three daughters
Average student at G. W. Senior High School, wrestling team for three years, almost expelled when caught slotting the wrestling coach's wife in locker room
No military service
Straight to EVO apprenticeship program from high school, average student
Started at EVO Consolidated at 22, lineman, crew foreman, shift tech, shift supervisor, shift manager"

Jessica puts a hand on Jezzabel's shoulder, stopping the flow of words. "Is that enough for the test, or do you need more from her?"

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Author: Ennui

We agreed that she wouldn't be a part of the other thing, and we can accept that, but I made it clear she helped me in other things. Things like Alvin Corse and general deliveries to unfamiliar places.

I listen interested while Jezzabel goes over the details of Alvin Corse's life. I speak up when Jessica tells her to stop.

Well if she has more I'd love to hear it. do you have pictures of him, his ex wife, whore, home, all that? He doesn't sound all that wealthy did you check into his financial?

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Wednesday 12 June 2075 0115 Lazy B Bar Touristville Seattle


Jessica lifts her hand from her sister's arm and your 'link lets you know that you have a message. Looking, you see a folder titled Alvin Corse waiting for you. Opening it you find several pictures of a young man in various stages of growing up. Captions on each photo give some information as to the subject. Besides photos of Corse, you see ones of his father, his mother and her new husband and three daughters, his ex-wife, Christy the whore, the man's house, and several of his co-workers. There is also a file of the man's finances. He is not doing well at the moment. His gambling seems to have drawn him quite deeply in debt to a bookie by the name of Vito "the snake" Montoni.

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Author: Ennui

i swipe a copy over to Glinda and glance through it. Excellent work. I'm very impressed. I will have to come to you if I need anymore matrix work. I'm going to have to study this in detail.

Strange though... My job is to discover how he came across his fortune, but this guy seems broke. Was this just a cursory search or did you dig deep? I know I didn't give you much time, but did you check on any aliases or hidden banking, that sort of thing? Maybe he's got another thing going and this identity is just a cover or something.

Oh well I wasn't expecting this to be that easy anyway. If you do continue digging let me know if you find anything interesting would you?

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Author: Mercy Merchant

Wednesday 12 June 2075 0115 Lazy B Bar Touristville Seattle


Jezzabel just looks at you as Jessica says, "You have what she found in a couple of hours. She is still looking for you and we will let you know if she gets more. Your request was......um.....pretty general. Do you have any instructions or information that would help her refine her search? It sounds like this is more than just a test and that you are using her for your own purposes?"

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Author: Ennui

Well, it's a little of both yeah. It's not a secret. I told you I was going to run a con on this guy and I need anything you can find. I have another guy on this and I was going to compare what you had with them.

Are you fishing for compensation? I laugh. All you have to do is ask. I'm not used to offering, but I don't want you to feel used right?

I know it's a broad request hopefully i've narrowed the parameters somewhat with what I'm trying to do, but you really never know what kind of information can help with the approach.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Wednesday 12 June 2075 0116 Lazy B Bar Touristville Seattle


Jessica's eyes narrow just a bit then she smiles. "No, not fishing for compensation. After all, you did say this was a test to determine if Jezz was any good. So is she good enough for you?"

Jasmine looks between her sister and you and raises a hand. "Say we're not getting off topic, are we?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I raise my hands a look of concern on my face. Hold on now that's harsh. If I'm breaking some kind of etiquette with you guys you should tell me. This was never about Jezz being good enough but how good she is, and as I said I'm quite impressed. Clearly I've done something to concern you and if we are going to work together we need to be up front with each other.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Wednesday 12 June 2075 0117 Lazy B Bar Touristville Seattle


After a pause that extends a few heart beats, Jessica's eyes soften again. "Sorry. Just a bit touchy tonight I guess."

Jasmine laughs. "What's the matter, sis? Not get laid lately?"

Jessica shrugs. "That's probably it, yeah. Been a while." She looks at you and adds, "Sorry."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

Look I'm sorry if I came off judgemental. I don't doubt any of your groups talents. Knowing your situation, I say with wide eyed amazement, and add add to that that your are positioning yourselves to strike back as well, impresses the hell out of me all by itself, but we are supposed to be allies. You know something of what I can bring to the table and I have some idea of what you all do and working together on things like this help us to better understand our strengths, and maybe even limitations. You use me for what I can do, I use you for what you can do and we all make more money and solidify our positions. I'm so used to finding the angles that I might come off as callous, but I hope you can overlook that.

Speaking of using people and angles if you want to get laid, Glinda and I are amazing wing-women. You just point out what you want.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

Wednesday 12 June 2075 0119 Lazy B Bar Touristville Seattle


Things at the table get a bit quiet for a minute after your speech then Jasmine begins to laugh out loud, followed by Jessica. Even Jezzebel smiles a bit, which is almost the only emotion you have seen from her so far. Jasmine slaps the table and hoots. "I like your style, Lizzie. Might have to make you an honorary J if you keep coming up with things like that. I am going to go get something from the bar, you want to come with? We can talk while we walk." She stands up and wipes her eyes, waiting to see if you will come with her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

[ Spoiler ]

OOC: I probably should have done this before but can I do like a judge intentions to see if I can determine what Jessica might be upset about, or if I got it right?
Rolled just in case: Judge intentions (http://orokos.com/roll/467513): 9d6t5 3

I rise and join Jasmine. What's up?

[Imladir]

Author: Mercy Merchant

Wednesday 12 June 2075 0120 Lazy B Bar Touristville Seattle


Jasmine takes your arm as the two of you walk to the bar. "Nothing you did, Lizzie. We are all a bit protective of Jezz, just in case you did not see that. She has lots of skill in her field but very little in the way of personal skills. In effect, she is very na෥ in the way of people and has little defense against what people say."

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Author: Ennui

No I saw that right away. Maybe I didn't realize HOW protective you guy were. I thought I was going out of my way to be especially nice to her. One of my friends as a kid had Aspergers, I miss that kind of honesty, and some of the greatest minds in history have been on that spectrum. I do want to use her talents but I don't want to abuse her, or any of your trusts.

I've heard the word "no" and "but" before. I say with a grin. I'm not in the habit of using people and throwing them away. I certainly use people but I like to think I do so fairly...for the most part at least.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Wednesday 12 June 2075 0122 Lazy B Bar Touristville Seattle


Jasmine laughs again. "Is there a but at the end of that sentence?" Once at the bar, she orders a drink and looks at you. "My treat. What do you and Glinda want? And I have a good feeling about you, Lizzie, and I believe you when you say that you would not abuse us. I could even say pretty much the same for Glinda....................and there IS a very big but at the end of that sentence. She has Jessica frightened almost out of her gourd. I have never seen her this way and it shows in her words and the way she looks at Glinda. I gather she is a mage, and a powerful one, but is there any reason we should be afraid or even really concerned about her?"

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Author: Ennui

Whatever you're having is fine.

That's a loaded question; everyone can be dangerous if you give them reason to be. Short answer is no, so long as you don't give her a reason to be angry with you. Glinda, her mentor and I have some common interests. It's nothing our activities would infringe upon so I don't think you have anything to worry about.

I laugh softly. You folks want to fight a triple A corp but she's afraid of one mage? I'm sorry but it almost seems ludicrous and I almost think you are just messing with me. I mean Jessica's right to be wary of course, but that comes with the territory.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

Wednesday 12 June 2075 0125 Lazy B Bar Touristville Seattle


Jasmine orders the drinks up and indicates the table they are to go to before continuing her conversation with you. "I can understand what you say, and to me, too, it appears a bit ludicrous. But I am not putting you on about Jessica being scared of Glinda. I hope that things work out for the best and the she will calm down after getting to know her. I am certainly willing to give her the benefit of the doubt if you vouch for her and 'nuff said about that."

While walking back to the table, she points to the people dancing on the large floor, all of whom are women at the moment. "Fancy a turn on the floor? Line dancing is a lot of fun and you can meet some really nice people out there. Not all the dances are for women only, and I really have no idea how that grew from the music, but there it is, I guess; habit and tradition. If you stay in the club long enough, you will start liking the music enough to have it play on your 'link. Trust me on this. I used to hate the music but now.................now I really like it."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

No I get it. I did say "almost" ludicrous. When I realized just how powerful Glinda was I was a bit taken aback too.

Oh this girl is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. I can't say it's my favorite but I like it just fine. The line dancing, I'm afraid, I don't know the choreography at all nor am I really dressed for it. I motion to my biker leathers and combat boots. Maybe I'll watch for a bit and get the moves down and we can try next time.

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Author: Mercy Merchant

Wednesday 12 June 2075 0126 Lazy B Bar Touristville Seattle


Jasmine looks down at you feet and smiles. "Yes, those might be a bit rough if you are just learning. Sure, feel free to watch and maybe we can try it next time, like you say." She walks with you back to the table and sits down, looking at Jessica and the others. "I see everyone is still alive, which is a good sign. Jessica, dear, stuff your emotions in a sack and lets get to being business partners. Glinda is not going away and I do not see the need to even dream of that. She is a friend and partner of our partner and we have to accept her. I, for one, think she is going to fit in quite well." She leans over the table and offers a hand to Glinda, who looks at it in some surprise then smiles as she shakes hands. Jasmine looks around the table and smiles. "Good. Ahh, here are the drinks. I offer a toast to our group partnership and a continues success in our endeavors."

She lifts her glass to all of you. Glinda joins her in the toast.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

To an unlikely and lucrative alliance, I reply toasting with the rest of them.

So what do you ladies do to relax? Besides blowing off steam at bars and such. Any interesting hobbies? Read any good books lately? Follow sports? Between chemistry and magic my life is packed solid I love hearing about others interests though...feels like I'm more well rounded when I keep abreast of these things.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Mercy Merchant

Wednesday 12 June 2075 0130 Lazy B Bar Touristville Seattle


Jasmine laughs out loud. "Personally, I love my bike and sometimes take off for a day or two and just ride. Anywhere.....nowhere....somewhere. Doesn't matter where. Other than that, I like busting the chops of punk gangers that want to muscle in on my turf. That sort of action by others just frosts my nipples, you know, and gets me all sorts of cranky." Jezzabel does not even crack a smile, but Jessica looks a bit amused and smiles for pretty much the first time all night.

A strange man approaches the table and calls out, "Hey, Jasmine, fancy a twirl?"

Jasmine smiles at the man as she stands then turns back to you and whispers, "I also like sex a lot. Don't wait up for me. I will be in touch."

Jessica looks at the two of you. "So, I guess I own you an apology, Glinda. You have stoked my fears in some way I do not understand. I am not sure I have ever met a more powerful mage and it makes me wonder why you have thrown in with us."

Glinda nods and smiles. "I can accept that apology and I am sorry that I affect you that way. You are more perceptive than most, perhaps. I assure you that I have no designs against you and can be called on to help."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author: Ennui

I'm glad tensions are being resolved. I don't want my friends and allies to be antagonistic with each other.