Etain
Sunday 8/3/70 00:30:00

All the emotions and anguish that had been welling up inside Etain while before the Seelie Court came crashing out of her all at once as a single word from her mother opened the floodgates.

"Shame Mother?! My shame?!"

Her voice rose in volume as she spoke, not much caring who might overhear.

"I was raped by the so-called prodigal son of the leading clan of the Danaan-mor. He handed me over to his friends." She watched the forced smile on her mother's face twitch as the true facts were thrust in her face. She held up her left hand to reinforce her words. "They cut off my finger, Mother. And ye have the gall to stand there and call it my shame?!"

Disgust crept into her voice and she didn't stop verbally assaulting her mother with the anger she felt towards her, Patrick, his friends, his family, Lady Brane Deigh and her tearing apart of Etain's life by sending her brother thousands of miles from her.

"And ye, what about yer shame Mother? Ye would rather sit back and play politics with yer social circles behind closed doors than expose a darker side of the clan and others. Ye'd be happier if yer own flesh and blood was kept under lock and key lest the truth be told. Ye would rather lie to yer own husband than tell him what really happened. Whatever fits yer agenda Mother, above all others right? Yer son is about to be sent away forever and yet ye stand here and speak to me like I am the one who should be apologizing and feeling guilty for something that was done to me?! "

Etain was certain her voice could be heard in the halls outside the library and likely carried much further than that, yet she made no attempt to quiet herself even though her mother silently begged her to do so. She no longer cared. Her mother stood there before her, horrified by what her very own daughter was yelling at her.

"If this is the honour that comes with the O'Neill name and the legacy I have to look forward to when I grow older, then I wish it was I that the Seelie Queen had stripped of her name and sent into exile. For exile would be better than under yer thumb and yer lock and key for the rest of my years!"

She drew deep ragged breaths as she stood there, red-faced with anger before her mother. The rage hardly out of her but quelled for an instant.

Etain
Sunday 8/3/70 00:32:00

Caitronia O'Neill clasped her hands together and sat slowly in a lavishly upholstered antique chair. She looked down, and then up at her daughter, words quiet and measured, but with the sadness of a mother scorned.
"Of course your reaction is natural my dear. You accuse me harshly, but the fault is mine - you have lived all your life with your every wish fulfilled, and never a thought for the price your elders pay to maintain the privilege to which you have grown accustomed.
"But if I have overly shielded you from the realities of the world, I would have thought at least that you would have gained a stronger sense of yourself. I spoke not of guilt, Etain, that feeling that tortures the good soul privately for wrongs self-acknowledged. I spoke of shame, the scorn of others for sins imagined, regardless of truth or compassion. The one is the thorny road to virtue, if one has the courage to tread it boldly. The other...no more than a capricious circumstance, one more sign of the injustice of this world. Yet it is so very real, my daughter, and in our world - the world of those that bear the mantle of rulership - its consequences can spell the difference between prosperity and ruin.
"Oh, flesh of my flesh, you have no cause for guilt, but shame is not for you to decide. It simply is. And with our house now assuming leadership of the Danaan mor, it must be dealt with carefully.
"Go and rest now, and think upon my words. Sleep well, and trouble yourself not for your harshness toward me - my communication was indeed both ill-timed and poorly expressed."

Etain
Sunday 8/3/70 00:33:16

Her mother's words took the very fight right out of her. Perhaps it was just a simple misunderstanding, but they things she had seen and the ways the aftermath of the traumatic event was handled just left an awful taste in her mouth. She shook her head as her mother's words started to sink in and she could begin to see the distinction that she had been trying to make. She was trying, in poorly chosen words, to prepare her daughter for the looks, the whispers and the slanderous things said behind her back that would ultimately come the moment she tried to step out of the perceived safety of her home and back into the world.

The world had changed, dramatically in a simple seven days.

Inside the tempest of emotions ebbed, momentarily replaced with a temporary steeled resolve to herself to not let anyone make her feel less than what she knew inside that she was. But knowing that in a room only a few meters away, her brother and her father were making the preparations to remove the one thing, the one person who truly kept her strong, made her wonder how she'd get through everything without Conall by her side. She choked back her tears that sprung to her eyes causing her to cough which brought all her pain and aches from the fight to flare back up. She leaned on another ornate leather reading chair to steady herself before looking back to her mother's face.

"I need to see Conall before he's sent away. I can't go to sleep and find that he's already gone in the morning." With her words, more of her little-girlness and innocence was showing through. "Please mother, don't take him away from me like that, not now."

John
Tuesday 5/6/70 18:27:00

John: "Please give that back to your father with my best whishes, Kip."

The lawyer said friendly, as he handed an antique montegrappa fountain pen over to the younger Chalmers - the pen old Chalmers had given to him upon signing his partner contract with RFS, that Chalmers himself had gotten upon signing his contract with RFS. The ancient Danilo Falcao had gotten it from his first boss, who had been given it by the author John Dos Passos.
With that he left for the parking-level, with nothing more then his few personal items and files and the cloths he was waring. Manolo´s private car, an almost antiquated, but finely restaurated Toyota Elite 2050, was waiting right next to the elevator. Once inside the elegant silvery vehicle, he conected to his assistent directly via fiberoptic cable, to have a few words in relatively secure privacy from any hidden listening devices.
As the car left the building, John´s anxiety spiked to a new level, constantly searching the exterior for the slightest hint of a threat.
While she handed him the datachip with his personal files, he wispered directly into her mind. Simultaneously, he used her private external com, to chack his personal messages and reply to a few SIGs - in 15 minutes, his runners would be getting their final instructions.

"Thanks for all the help my dear! Now I´d need you to get me some basic necesities - of course I´ll compensate you for it, once I´m on my own two legs again, but that might take a while ...

Six minutes later, they droped the female elf near an upper-class mall and proceded to the lawyer´s home.

Etain
Sunday 8/3/70 00:35:00

"Conall is with your father. I don't know how long they will be in there, but I will make sure your brother comes up to see you before he departs. Now do as I say and go try to rest. You soldiered through yet another horrible ordeal, and you do not look well."

Etain
Sunday 8/3/70 00:35:23

The idea of going upstairs and sleeping after all that had happened seemed insane to Etain. Her body ached and was trying to tell her to heed her mother's advice but her fears of falling asleep and letting her brother slip away were enough to keep her going. She conceded quietly to go back upstairs to her rooms but she did anything but sleep. She kept her doors wide open, alert for any sounds downstairs of movement. She paced her floors trying to keep herself together while she waited. The Seelie Queen had expected Conall's exile to begin with haste, but she wondered just how fast her father could pull the strings to make it happen, especially if it was being done reluctantly.

She was still cut off from outside communications, but she could surf the TriD for something to momentarily take her mind off everything looming over the house. She watched a repeat of an earlier episode of an entertainment news show and half-heartedly caught up on celebrity gossip, but her eyes kept moving towards her doorway and her heart was down in her father's study.

John
Tuesday 5/6/70 18:36:40

Alone in the car with his physician and personal security-mage, the lawyer had suddanly been at a loss of words. Assassination scenarios occupied his mind. He had wanted to say to him some grave words, that the magician could keep in his memory, where they to never share a moment of privacy again, but everything he was filled with was fear and guilt. Manolo sensed his insecurity, but adjected it to another sorce. Waving a pattern of magical energy, he extended his awareness into John´s compliant mind, making them abled to share thair thoughts without anyone abled to listen in on them.
After what seemed like an eternity in silence, the elf finally made up his mind and started to talk through the direct magical link.

John: "I owe you everything, and you owe me nothing. Without you, I would have been dead long ago and would have gone mad several times! There are dark clouds ahead for me, so many, I can´t see anything but troubling waters... and I don´t want to drag Hanna and the kids and you into this with me. I know you´d do anything to help, but you have to prommis that you won´t do anything that puts your family at risk. And they need you!"

While Del Gato started several times to say something, the elf just kept talking, until he had sead what was pressing down his chest with every breath.

John: "You are the most noble man that I know and I am truely happy to call you friend. Though my intentions have allways been sincer, I apologize if I have ever talked you into something you regret!"

Both men where silent for a few long minutes again, befor the norm finaly spoke up.

Manolo: "Well, there was that two-weeks drinking-tour in 66, you know. My head felat like shit for the rest of the month and Hanna almost killed me ..." "I guess she would have, if not for the kids!"

He started to chuckle and the elf on the backseat joined in on it. When they aproached the lawyers home, his doctor said.

Manolo: "We get this fixed, chummer! And if there is anything, anything at all ..."

John: "Look out for the family, pal!"

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 00:30:00

Avoiding his father’s eyes, Conall picked an oak corner to stare at. He wanted to apologize to his father for his previous action… for slanting and dragging the O’Neill name through the dirt like he had. Even though he had admitted his previous wrongdoing, doing it in a much more direct fashion was too much for his own ego. Conall O’Neill simply didn’t like being wrong. He didn’t like failing.

“Thank you father… I…� he began, the words getting stuck in his throat.

“I’m sorry I failed in my duty. I’m sorry I failed you…�

Again, an uncomfortable silence set itself between father and son. Conall changed his stance in the plush armchair, barely hiding his discomfort.

“I wouldn’t want to bring any more punishment on our House…� he said while getting up.

“I will go pack my things…�

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 00:31:00

"Lad, you have failed no one," Liam O'Neill said, stopping his son at the door. "Regarding your poor sister, I did not know the truth of the matter, or I'd not have condemned your lack of restraint. And now, thanks to your valor, our clan will certainly be the foremost of the Danaan mor. It will not heal your sister, but for your own part you have brought nothing but good to this house."

The older man switched topics - "Son, you must also understand that these things are not forever. If it were so, such would have been said. Nay, power shifts, houses come in and out of favor, deals are made. I won't say it will be easy, or soon, but one day, you will lead Clan O'Neill. The only thing about this Seattle sojourn that could stop that would be your death or your dishonor. Watch yourself, lad, but not so much that you hide under a rock - Brane Deigh saw some purpose for you there, and it should be pursued nobly. Now yes, go and pack. I'll have you on an Aer Lingus flight before dawn."

On his way up to his rooms, Conall met his mother. She called to him from an alcove, and then, almost furtively, embraced him. It was the first time she had done so on some fifteen years. Then, separating herself, she said simply, "Your sister would see you."

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 00:35:42

As his boots echoed in the empty halls of the great house, Conall could think of nothing but of his father’s words.

One day, you will lead Clan O'Neill.

Never in his entire life had Conall ever thought of such a thing. He had never been a leader in anything, let alone in his prowess in duels and feats of arms. He had never seen himself as one who’s example others could follow.

Me. Leading the pack…

He shook his head from side to side, trying to dislodge the idea.
He wasn’t a leader. He was a warrior.

Coming to his room, Conall was slightly startled by his mother’s voice. Standing a few feet away from him, she wore on her face a look he had never witnessed in his entire life. Even as she beckoned him to move closer, Conall stood his ground and didn’t budge. As much as he respected and now trusted his father, his own opinion of his mother hadn’t changed. She had lied to protect her own interest, a lie that could have cost Etain a great deal.

A few seconds of silence passed as the young shaman watched his mother in distrust. Finally, slowly, he moved toward her. Without warning she extended her arms and embraced him, making him jump back in surprise. Even though he could feel the honesty of her emotions on his own body, Conall couldn’t help himself but tense up with uneasiness.

As she looked up at him, Conall avoided her eyes… just like he had avoided his father’s a few minutes ago.

“Your sister would see you."

He cleared his throat.

“Thank you mother.�

And he turned heels, leaving her in the shadow of her alcove.

When Conall approached his sister’s doorway, his pace slowed down. He felt strangely nervous… his palms sweaty and his throat dry. Nervously, he flexed his hands opened and closed, trying to release some tension through the ritual. Balling up his emotions deep down inside, Conall pushed himself to the door.

Putting up his usual wall of cool resolve and assured control, Conall leaned against the opened doorway of Etain’s bedroom, knocking on the wooden frame with his now dry, but still bloody, knuckles.

Etain
Sunday 8/3/70 00:37:13

She knew he was outside her door before he fully stepped into her vision. Every sense had told her as much, including that strange twin sixth-sense they shared. The soft rapping of his knuckles spurred her into action, running to her door and giving him the biggest hug she could manage. She winced slightly but tried to ignore the tightness and pain in her chest as his embrace tightened as well.

“I’m so very sorry Conall… for all of this.. all of it is my fault. If I had only just listened to ye in the beginning…�

Shaking her head her eyes lifted slightly to see the form of her mother lingering within earshot in the halls outside her apartments. Knowing that ensured that any conversation the twins had would be likely shared with her as well, Conall could instantly feel a familiar warmth spread across his back where his sister’s hands were splayed juxtaposed with the tears that dampened the shoulder of his shirt. Immediately, Conall was opened to her thoughts and depths of her emotions. Unfortunately it also meant he got to feel her pain as she suffered the backlash of the spell.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do without ye…� She choked out her words, her whole body shaking in his powerful arms.

"She’s lurking just outside the door, she’s listening in…"

An instant flare of anger and distaste coupled with mistrust slipped into Conall’s head as soon as Etain had thought about her feelings for their mother at that very moment. The sadness Etain was feeling however was near overwhelming, even for Conall who always did so well hiding his emotions, or stuffing them down, except when it came to his sister. He hadn’t even boarded the plane and already she was feeling the depth of the loss.

Lurking amidst the swirl of emotions however was a brief but intense moment of resolve and a promise sealed within it. It was obviously something she was desperately trying to conceal from not only her parents, but her brother as well.

I’m coming after you…

John
Tuesday 5/6/70 22:45:06

The visite to his home had been brife. There was little that belonged to him personally. Most of his lavish lifestyle had been running over the company, for tax reasons - of course John Francis Fitzalan-Howard was a weathy man, but since his every day needs where funded mostly from company coffers, almost all of his money was frozen in investments and would take a few days to liquidate without mayor losses.
What little he actually owned directly in his home, had already been packed by Kob Parker, when they arrived. Save for deciding about keeping or leaving behind a few unimportant trinkits and trivial data and gettint the family hairlooms out of the vault room -which he imediately had shipped to Castle Harlech- John had nothing to do.
When Alice arrived with the items he had requested, he changed into the new suite and drove off to Alice´s appartment with his three former personal aids in Manolo´s car.

While the three of them where checking the appartments security provisions, they had persuaded John to use the oportunity to catch up on some more sleep. He lay down reluctantly and was surprized with it coming rather easily. Fast it came but it was not sound. The elf was rocked by nightmares and bizzar dreams of corporate assassins, toxic shamans and crippled children.
He woke up, not fealing verry rested, the last moment before the Mantide-hurst could 'merge' with him, to produce 'off-spring'. Alice was keeping guard, sitting at his side, reassuringly laying a hand on his chest, when he darted up in the bed, the two men where already gone.

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 00:37:13

When Etain’s arms went around him, Conall chuckled slightly at the embrace.

“Slow down sister!� he choked out under her grip.

As she began her apologizes, Conall ran his hand through Etain’s hair, giving her a warm smile and shushing her silent.

“Quiet down Etain… Everything is alright now.� He said, fixing her hair “What’s done is done, and we can’t go back.�

He gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“I’m just glad you’re alright…�

I don’t know what I’m going to do without ye…� She choked out her words, her whole body shaking in his powerful arms.

“Ye’re a strong girl Etain… what happened today was a testament to that effect.�

As he felt Etain’s feelings and saw her thoughts, Conall did his best to conceal his own. He wasn’t ashamed of anything… and didn’t really have that much to hide. But showing vulnerability at this moment would have only worsen his twin’s emotional state. Etain was still fragile… And he wouldn’t be there to watch over her anymore. He gently pushed on his sister, breaking the hold she had on him. Putting both his hands on her shoulders, he looked in eyes that mirrored his own.

“Like bloody hell ye are! Ye’re as aware as me that the O’Donnells won’t be stopping at this. Seattle isn’t going to be some nice and comfy trip off the Isle. Yer life is here Etain. Don’t waste everything of the account of meself.�

Etain
Sunday 8/3/70 00:37:54

Etain’s eyes widened as she realized too late her mistake, while the spell hid their conversation from their mother, it hid nothing from her brother. She stood there for a moment silent in words and in thoughts as she stood under Conall’s gaze.

My life? What’s left of it Conall? I’m damaged goods, and mother was right, it’s only a matter of time till the witnesses to the Seelie Court spill their secrets. You’ll be gone, I’ll have nothing except these four walls, whispers, stares and nasty comments. Because do y’really believe they’re going to let me go back to my “old life� with the O’Donnell’s still out for retribution?

She dropped his gaze and looked away towards the floor, a little embarassed at her overwhelming feelings. He was a pillar of strength with next to no emotions that she could read or feel through the link. He was telling her to be strong, but he didn’t seem to completely understand that her strength came from having him there. The only other thing that gave her that same feeling of power was when she was on stage, but the prospects of her returning to that same level of “fame� seemed dim to her right now.

There was no acceptable answer to her but to find a way out of the Tir and out from under her parent’s thumbs. Somehow she was going to find her way back to her brother, one way or another. She dragged her wrist beneath her nose and sniffled before she said another word. Her voice was defeated, she knew there was nothing she could do at that very moment to change the immediate events, but she could make changes toward the future. For now, she’d have to resolve the fact that her brother had less than 24 hours left in the Tir.

“When does your flight leave?�

Conall & Etain
Sunday 8/3/70 00:38:40

"In two hours," answered a voice from Etain's foyer. It was their father. "Finish your farewells, lad. You've half an hour to gather your things and meet me again in my study. And you, my daughter, were best in bed - your conduct this night has made me a proud man, but it has taken its toll of you, and you need your rest." And without another word the man left the room.

Etain
Sunday 8/3/70 00:38:53

Her father’s words both light a small flame of pride within her and crushed her spirit all in about the same instant. Two hours was hardly enough time for Conall to get his things together and be on a plane to leave for a casual vacation, let alone for the rest of his life. There wasn’t even enough time to say all that she needed or wanted to say. Especially now that the time had been shortened to a mere thirty minutes, she had to get the last things out quickly, without emotions getting in the way.

Find a way to stay in touch, use our friends and be creative. Try the allies in the house as well if necessary. You won’t be able to reach me directly as I’m sure I’ll be watched or monitored. You’ll always be in my heart Conall, no matter what. Be safe brother, you’re my light… My life...My knight…

Her eyes clouded with tears, but she held strong refusing to let them fall as she clenched her jaw. There would be plenty of time for tears in the future. Though it killed her she knew she had to let her brother go attend to packing and stay out from underfoot since time was of the essence. Sadly they were all correct, she did need to rest and get better, she ached like she never had before and the fatigue was taking its toll as well on her body and her mind.

“You need to go, you have to pack.�

She let go of her brother with a soft push away and their minds immediately cleared of the emotional static that had been swirling and went silent.

In time, perhaps she’d grow used to that silence.

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 01:05:00

Of course althought the thought of packing in thirty minutes was flabbergasting to his sister, to Conall it presented little problem. A couple of changes of clothes, a few key personal items, and a bit of media for the flight. He was down at the door of his father's study with time to spare. And though his heart ached to leave his twin, he had to admit to a certain sense of exhilaration, of heady anticipation at the thought of being cast to the four winds, a young man on an epic and romantic quest.

His father spied his approach and immediately motioned him in. The man was all business. "Paddy will drive you to the airport within the half-hour. You'll be on an Aer Lingus HSCT to New York, and then another to Seattle. First class, of course, but after that we must follow the court's instructions - you will be cut off from all clan support. This I must stress - any violation of the terms of your sentence - most especially any use of or reference to your true identity to anyone at any time - will severely jeopardize my campaign to end your exile. For this reason I do not expect to even hear of you for some time, and you must not attempt contact. We will provide you with an airtight passport and visa, but they will degrade within 24 hours. After that, you will be totally on your own. Naturally I will not be accompanying you to the airport - you are a man now and don't need anyone holding your hand."

Liam O'Neill paused, and in a softer tone inquired, "How are you set for funds? And have you given any thought to what you will do there in Seattle? It is a dark city."

John
Tuesday 5/7/70 15:49:08

John was sitting in the livingroom - the room he fealt least vulnerable in, since it being in the middle of the apartment had no windows, but still left all three paths of exit open. He was monitoring the building´s security-sensors, Alice had cracked for him in medias res, as well as several news-feeds, forums and tickers. It was unnerving to wait, but he couldn´t risk falling to the wrong assassination-party, before an attack on the DocWaggon facility or prearranged forum key-posts heralded his own shadowrunner´s aproach.
He had spent most of the night talking to Alice via datajack, discussing his options with her and asking her for advice on shadow-operatives, in case he had to use them without her help in the upcomming weeks. She had suggested to find out what Chalmers was bringing up against him, but John had declined the offer. Getting that information -if it did yet exsist- wouldn´t do any good. They could simply change them once confronted with an effective defense, as long as it hadn´t been made public allready. They both knew, that he wouldn´t have the opportunity to stay in Boston and wait for that to happen however. Alice was less pessimistic then the male elf, though, but he wouldn´t show it. Since the morning, she had been away, trying to arrange secret transportation to castle Harlech for him. Unknown to her, he would never use it - the direction would be far too easy to anticipate by his enemies. But the preparations might do some good by directing their attention away from his real moves.
Unconcernedby John´s presence, Mr. Pringles jumped onto the couch-table and continued to devore the last bits of the lawyer´s breakfast. The cat had to take a brake after eating two thirds of it - the elf hadn´t touched it at all. Even though Alice had eaten from the same food before she had left and it had no perceivable adverse effect on her, the man was afraid of all the foodstuffs in all his known associate´s places to be preparated - maybe it was some kind of carcerands, or remote-controlled nanites, maybe the last component of a multi-component poison, or at least nanite stealth tags. Besides, appetite failed him anyway.
He filtered out the audio-input from his earbuds, listening to the hairy beast eating noisily. In his mind, he replayed the last words he had said to Alice.

John: "Your star will rise to the top, Alice, no qestion! Should you ever be afraid to loos your purpose, keep your eyes on the summit and you will find it again." There had been other words to go with these, said long ago, when they first met...

His thoughts where interrupted by a flickering light. Like a candle trembling in the wind or a snake´s tongue lashing out of it´s mouth. At first, the elf thought it was spam, but his AR gloves couldn´t swap it away, the image was not on his glasses. A watcher? He scrambled up on the couch. The snakes jawes opened up, ripping apart the very fabric of space. A ritual attack. He panicked. From the rift in reality, a figure uncoiled, winding it´s body into this world like a snake sheding it´s skin. A spirit assault! He fell backwards over the backrest and onto the floor. Only as the translucent humanoid lifted it´s voice did the man on the floor stop pushing away from it. Only then, the elf regained his composure, as he recognized the faintly shining manifestation of Manolo Del Gato´s astral form.

Manolo: "..ave t´ hurry John, they´re attacking you through this plane. The wards, notstrongenough, will breach. Onlya matter o´time - little time!" The mage relayed to his friend in a shouted whisper. "GET UP! Kob be here any sec. Should be save at my circles chapter ... I´m out - find the sorce - stop it..."

With that he was gone in a blure of light shooting through the wall. John saw his black ork bodyguard through the parking level´s cams, gliding out of a car and pacing to the elevators.

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 01:05:00

Conall felt a strange discomfort settle upon him as he walked to his father’s study. The reality of what was truly happening hadn’t quite hit him yet, and slowly, he it was starting to creep in. he was leaving. Maybe for ever. Things he had taken for granted his whole life were to be stripped away. Everything that had always been assured and guaranteed had been smashed to little bits and pieces. But truth be told, it wasn’t really the sudden crumble of his known universe that alarmed Conall. The young shaman held no true aspiration for the future. He was a simple young man with no real goals. He had never accomplished anything great… until today. Like the warriors of old Ulster, he had made himself worthy of his clan and heritage. He had faced the enemies of his house, with his sister by his side, and triumphed.

Nervously cracking the knuckles on his right hand, Conall became aware of how sweaty his palms were. The unknown didn’t scare him. It was simply a new path for him to discover. He had great faith Wolf would guide him toward his own destiny… but what he feared was what would become of his half. Through their mindlink, he had felt Etain's distress and great pain. The young shaman kept telling himself, over and over, that she was strong, and would get over the whole ordeal. But he couldn’t fool himself. Even he felt the deep pain of being separated from her.

Truth be told… Conall was more afraid that he couldn’t survive without his sister… rather than the other way around.

Exhaling loudly, forcing the air out of his lungs, Conall pumped his hand opened and closed a few times, like he always did before a fight. The fight that was to come would be long. Very long. He would have to fight against himself. They always said that Wolf won every fight except the one he died in. Maybe this would be it.

Nevertheless, another part of Conall felt the excitement of adventure. All his life, he never had any real reasons to go on. No ambitions. Now, he had nothing but ambitions. This was it. This was his chance to make a name for himself. To become the noble warrior he had read about in so many legends and myths of the land. This was the beginning of his quest.

Be safe brother, you’re my light… My life...My knight…

Conall felt his own hearth sank down as he recalled his sister’s thoughts. The law said he was to break off all contacts with his family. As a young elf who respected the Tir’s laws, that, he could do. As a young wolf… he couldn’t. His pack was everything to him. He couldn’t simply let his sister’s down.

Casting a quick glance outside one of the great hallway’s windows, Conall saw the moon and clear night sky.

As he approached his father, Conall remained silent… deeply buried within his own head… the words of his father a distant whisper.

Liam O'Neill paused, and in a softer tone inquired, "How are you set for funds? And have you given any thought to what you will do there in Seattle? It is a dark city."

Conall O’Neill looked into his father’s eyes.

“I will be fine father.� He replied, giving his dad a warm and genuine smile.

“Have no worries about me. I do not know what paths lay ahead of me in Seattle, but I feel confident I can walk them unscathed.

He extended his hand forward toward his father.

“Just take good care of my sister…�

Etain
Sunday 8/3/70 00:42:00

She stood there in silence as her room and the hall outside it emptied. She couldn’t however drown out the limited sounds of preparations being made in their wing of the house however. She was heartbroken and helpless with her tears falling freely, soaking her pajamas as she moved to the bay window in her bedroom. She curled up on the window seat, drawing a blanket around her to keep out the chill she was filled with. She stared out into the cloudless night sky, her eyes often drifting to the front grounds. She was desperately trying to stay awake, watching as a car pulled up to the front entrance, presumably waiting to whisk Conall off to his transport off the Isle.

She waited in silence, listening till there was no more movement up in the twin’s wing. Though it was about the hardest thing she had ever had to do, she forced herself to remain where she was curled up in the window. She didn’t need to make things any harder on her brother or her family. There weren’t any magical words that would somehow change the outcome of the situation. Conall was being sent away and goodbyes would be pointless and just too emotional. She could hear muffled voices in the downstairs foyer, even heard her mother’s sobs and sniffles as they and the house staff stood up to say their goodbyes to Conall.

As she sat there waiting and watching as the heavy oak door shut a floor beneath her. She found herself humming, Conall’s favourite song on her lips as they loaded her brother and what little he was allowed to take with him into the car. Her fingers went to the glass in a vain attempt as she silently cursed herself for not getting one last hug in before he was gone. She could only hope he’d take one last glance to her window and know she was always going with him, wherever he ended up. She only hoped he understood why she didn’t go downstairs to say a final goodbye.

She sat and watched with tears as the car pulled away from the front entry. She followed it’s slow wind down the drive to the heavy old iron gates at the entrance to their land. When they closed behind the car it added finality to the situation.

Conall was gone.

She kept her vigil in the window, peering into the darkness swearing to herself that she could still see the taillights of the car as it kept driving till finally her body took control over her mind and she drifted off to sleep.

Monday 8/4/70 09:29:27

A soft but persistent knocking roused Etain from her sleep. As she opened her eyes, Phillipe stood in her doorway with an elegantly appointed tray which from it wafted the most delicious smells. As she started to move from her near-fetal position she groaned as her muscles had stiffened overnight while she slept hard. Her cheeks were tear-stained and her pajamas were wrinkled. She looked disheveled and almost slightly disoriented.

“I brought you breakfast Mistress, some of your favourites. Thought perhaps you’d need my good food for some strength today.�

Phillipe waited dutifully in the doorway with a soft smile till Etain motioned him over, and then came and placed the tray on a table near her. Laid out were almost all her favourite foods, fresh ripe berries and sweet cream, a large glass of orange juice that was likely fresh squeezed by his hands themselves, a small cup of cafe au lait and a small but delicious smelling vegetable omelet that made her stomach grumble.

He remained as she slowly started to eat, soon getting her approval of his food with murmurs and mmmm’s. Even after he normally would have left her to finish breakfast he remained behind and talked a little with her, mostly checking up on her and asking if there was anything he could bring her to cheer her up a little. He didn’t handle her with kid gloves either, but was genuine and thoughtful for her first morning of many to come without her brother.

Bowing with a mock flourish and that same soft smile he left her with one last parting comment that made her choke slightly on her bite of omelet.

“I shall take my leave Mistress, but be aware that I have word that your mother will be coming up to visit shortly.�

She swallowed hard and coughed, which only made every ache in her body hurt that much more. She quickly took a sip of her orange juice and nodded.

“Thank you Phillipe, I appreciate all your thoughtfulness this morning, and your warning.�

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 01:54:00

Paddy had been silent throughout the drive, though it was just the two of them in the car. But as they approached the airport he pulled to the side of the road.

"Me spirits assure me there are none about to hear us, lad. But there'll be spies everywhere so I'll be brief. As you know, you're to receive no help nor communications from us. Now what I am about to tell ye is na strictly in violation of that, but best we keep it on the QT in any event. Now I tell ye plainly, our clan has few or no contacts in Seattle - that's Tir Tairngire's backyard, as ye know. But I have made some quick inquiries of friends of friends. Open yer commlink and I'll send you a code...There - that's a Chinaman name o' Mr. Chu. Not a nice chap, I'm informed, but I'm also told he's a smart enough man to make a habit o' dealin' squarely with the criminal scum he associates with. Take the number and tell 'im you're the referral from the Tir - don't specify which Tir, just the Tir."

The man paused, pulling at his long gray moustache.

"I am hoping, lad, that once you've got yerself some form o' ID that you'll find yourself an honorable way to earn yer keep. But I fear that dark paths lie ahead. Remember the words of the Lady ere you left her court - she saw some good for you to do there in America. Find it, and let justice be yer guide. You're an O'Neill, and though none may call you that, all must see it."

John
Tuesday 5/7/70 16:21:33

Kob stirred the martini and poured it into the cooled glass. With the obligatory olive, he passed it on to John, who slowly twisted it in his lefthand and gazed at it, as he chose his words carefully.

John: "Perfect as allways! ... You never failed me, Kob. Neither as a friend, nor as a guardian. You saved my life at least a douzend times, but the day may come -and it might come soon- that you can´t save me. But remember you never failed me!"

The elf was uncomfortable to say what might well be his last words to Kob in the presence of the driver. Though the man shouldn´t listen in on their conversation through the tinted screen of balistic glass, one never knew. John fealt anxious. He wasn´t too afrait that professionals hired by RFS, NeoNET or Dean would strike before his own team. But there where many less professional groups out there which he might have made his enemies and some might be less hasitant to strike as soon as they perceived a week spot in his security. He picked up the olive and watched drops of martini falling from its green surface back into the glass.

John: "If that day comes, remember the mistake you didn´t make in a hundred years and it shall bring you peace. Look for this sign of peace and you will see that your charge was never lost due to your fault!"

The rented lemousine took a right turn and as he glanced out of the window, something cought his attention in the corner of his eye. A reflection in a mirrored fassade! Paranoia exploded in the elf´s head and he droped his glass, unaware of Kob catching it without spilling one drop, as the boosted reflexes that RFS had payed a fortune for kicked in. John drew the taser from his pocket and turned around on his seat to cast a wildeyed look through the back-window, pressing his hands against the glass. Kob twisted his head, while he gabed his brife case with the left hand.

Kob: "What´s up, John?"

John: "The truck, do you see the truck? I´ve seen it before - It follows us since yesterday!"

The lawyer replyed with a haunted voice, while he turned away from the truck and shakes his head from one side to the other, searching for other tails. Did he see that postman before? Was that snoop drone watching their car?

Kob: "It´s an SWD, they are everywhere since Wuxing opened up shop in downtown."

John recited the license plate number from his memory without looking back, but was interupted by loud, skreeching clap of thunder that rocked the passenger cabin, as the first anti material projectiles punched through the armored car´s motorblock like pistol rounds through a tin foil hat.

John
Tuesday 5/8/70 01:25:16

The bodyguard reacted, even before his charge could press a scream out of his lungs. With fluid motions, he opened his seatbelt, poped open the left backdoor at his side and swung his arm as if throwing out the brifecase. When his arm was fully stretched, he didn´t losen his grip, but instead pressed a button hidden in the handle.
John didn´t know that much about cars -or how to shoot them- but judging from the reaction of the vehicle to the chauffeur´s desperate turning of the wheel, the two shots through the hood had destroyed its accelleration and maneuverability. All he could do was decellerate, to decrease the impact into the quickly approaching wall of cars parked at the sideline.
The next two shots smashed through the heavily armored windshield as if it where suggar just icing, instantly killing the driver and by chance killing the vidcam, that had send the feed from the driver´s cabin on the large screen in the back of the lemousin.
Kob´s brife case exploded away from the handle, releasing a cloud of thick black smoke to the left of the car and revealing the sub-machinegun now in the ork´s hand. Without wasting a look at the spectacel, the discarded casing projected onto the middle of the street, the bodyguard unfastened John´s seatbelt, opened the right door and tackled the thin elf out of the car.
*CRASH*
It probably sounded worst then it was, as the chaufeurs last act must have been to kick the decellerator through to the bottom, still the impact probably would have robbed the two passangers of their initiative long enough, to get shot by the that damn sniper. Loosing their initiative, they still did, as they tumbled over the ground and smashed into the back of a parking SWD van, but they where out of sight and not where the sniper expected them to be.
The casing on the road spew out it´s flash-bang charges, that emerged from the cloud of smoke like thunder and lightning, before the integrated holo-projector made two sillhouettes roll out of the myst. The show was good enough, to catch two projectiles from the sniper and a hail of bullets from additional ambushers upstairs in the buildings to either side of the street.
The first sniper, who must have been somewhere in the upper floores of a building further along the street, quickly resumed to perforate the lemousine with anti material projectiles, while the other ambushers went on to cover the fake-shadows moving through the smoke and glare with automatic fire.
Meanwhile, Kob got them back on their feet, dragging his elven friend up along and checked the scene by quickly waving his smartgun around both corners of the van. The ex-corporate-soldier indicated a small alley to the lawyer and rolled some kind of granade over the van onto the sidewalk. When it exploded in a shockwave of light and sound, he gave the elf a hard push towards the alley and then turned around the other corner of the van, to cover the ambushers on the oposit side of the street with lead. Arms crossed over his head as a futil protection, John sprinted as fast as he could - he was a long distance runner damnit!

John had to review the sceen three times from his own simsense recording with the emotive tracks cut out, to half-way catch what had hapened. He skiped through the rest more quickly, as his recollection of the following events was more clear and vivid. He had fired Alice´s taser on some poor passer-by in the alley and then on an attacker with a huge club. That one probably died, as he hadn´t ejected the cables and droped the electric weapon on continuous shock. Kob was there in time for another one with an AK. The adept aimed his SMG -clip ejected- at the offender and drove the last bullet in the chamber through AK-Guy´s forehead, before he shoved a spareclip into the gun and dropped it into John´s hands, to pick up the assault rifle himself. They flead on foot through the small alleys lined with street-caffees and tourist-traps. There where far too many attackers -they could never have made it on their own- but a Knight Errant SWAT-Team had turned up only seconds after the first shots went off. Turned up much too quickly - they must have been following him.

Anyway, as the ambushers and the SWAT-Team tried to mow each other down, they had escaped the scene. A friend of Manolo´s had contacted them underway. The circle had stopped the astral assault, that had been staged from a small vassel in the toxic harbor. Manolo was allright, but resting now. The chapter house however was besieged by spirits and watchers, who did evade the circles defenses, obviously waiting for John´s arrival. No serious attack, but for the time beeing the house was no longer a save haven for him. So Kob had brought him to one of the possible safe-houses he had inspected today.

And there he was sitting on his own.

Etain
Monday 8/4/70 10:15:00

Etain was granted nearly an hour of peace and quiet to enjoy her breakfast and get herself ready to face the first day without her brother before her mother came up to discuss matters at hand. Surprisingly she didn’t even broach the topic of her brother, almost as if she couldn’t bring herself to speak his name. Instead she once again made it extremely clear that her friends and peers might suddenly start reacting differently to her and some none too kindly.

Almost too perfectly timed, Etain’s commlink rang. The noise startled her since for nearly a week the thing had been rendered useless by the family’s security team. Raising a brow she tentatively answered the call from an unknown and masked number. She was hopeful that somehow it would be Conall finding a way to reach her, however instead of his comforting voice, a shrill and angry one hissed into her ears filthy words and accusations that caused a look of surprise to cross her features. She quickly terminated the call and mumbled “wrong number� to her mother before their conversation continued. Her mother used that moment to lay down the law as to just what would be allowed within the O’Neill household for the time being. Etain was granted access to her commlink and telecom units and free access to the house and grounds, but by no means was she to leave the estate or the lands controlled by her family. She would not be provided access to a car or driver. Her mother tried to sugar-coat it to be for her daughter’s safety, but her eyes revealed that they were much more concerned as to just where Etain might go than for just her personal safety.

The obvious look of defeat that crossed her features as she nodded and acquiesced must have spurred her mother to add additional information to attempt to make things not sound as hopeless as they did to Etain’s ears. She would be allowed access to known friends and teachers without delay, only they would be well-searched by house security before being allowed to see Etain. Her mother rose to her feet and gave her daughter only the briefest of hugs before suggesting she attempt to clean herself up for the day before she left her daughter alone once again.

Some things never change, do they Mother…

Shaking her head at her mother’s behavior, she had to admit a long hot shower sounded delicious and would likely ease some of the aches and pains that still troubled her. It would be time to clear her head and give her time to think of just how she was going to find a way to get to Seattle in the very near future while still so tightly under her mother’s thumb. She quickly made use of her new commlink privileges and called her girlfriends who seemed surprised and yet glad to hear from her. Inviting them both over in the afternoon and them reassuring her that they would come cemented her plans for the afternoon. Perhaps if she kept busy she wouldn’t have time to think much about Conall being thousands of miles away from her. She made additional calls to Pat Murphy setting up an appointment for the next day to dive right back into her vocal studies, and for Cinead to come visit later that evening.

After a good crying session in the shower, she emerged cleaner in mind as well as body as she got dressed for her friends arrival. She stuck to jeans and a comfortable long-sleeved shirt. She didn’t want to invite any more uncomfortable questions from her friends than necessary, and the fading bruises and marks would only do that. When the girls arrived, they were looked over sharply by Paddy’s men and then allowed to join Etain in the recreation room. She could have invited them up to her apartments, however after spending every waking moment in them for the last week, she needed the change of scenery.

Fiona and Keelin were all smiles and hugs and full of support when they saw their friend. However as the time went on their conversations had lost some of the frivolity they used to contain and all three found themselves incurring strange silences they never had before. When Etain enquired about mutual friends the answers were vague and the conversation was shifted quickly. While obviously her friends supported her and cared for her still, everything had changed in their relationships and perhaps would never be the same. She was starting to get her first taste of the things her mother was trying to warn her about. The rest of the afternoon passed quickly, watching movies and avoiding all the things Etain really needed to talk about. When the girls left there were promises to come back and visit, but no invitations to come visit them or to go out with them were offered.

The night brought fitful sleep at best for the young woman as she oft found herself staring at the ceiling or out the window hoping for some clarity to come to her regarding her situation. She knew what she needed and wanted to do, but how she would go about it was most troublesome. Perhaps the answers lay within her talents, but what need did the world have for a singer who possessed the talent of magic? Her questions were answered by silence as she drifted back off to sleep.

Tuesday 8/5/70 11:00:00

She was in the larger soundproof room in the basement of the estate dressed and ready for work. This was the first step of many to throw herself full tilt into her studies, both vocal and magical to be able to avoid the mess that had become her life. The commcalls hadn’t stopped, but had become more frequent, more vile and more threatening. She however had made no mention of them to her parents, guessing that either the security team had been monitoring her calls or doing something to “keep her safe� all along. Besides, she didn’t need her mother’s I told you so’s right now. She was snapped from her internal conversation by the soft rapping of Pat’s knuckles on the door to the studio.

He was kind as he caught up with her for a little while, making small talk and trying to skirt around the recent developments in her life and continue on like nothing had happened. He started off going easy on her, warming up her voice slowly and then transitioning into pieces that she could have sung in her sleep when she was five. When she called him on it he looked at her sheepishly for a moment and apologized and started her onto more challenging pieces. They worked for a good number of hours and Etain was actually enjoying herself as she pushed herself and her voice and was pleased with the results after not singing for a week and after all that she had endured. When they stopped for the day her lungs ached and she was parched. Taking a long drink of water she sat on a plush chair with her legs drawn up beneath her while Pat gathered his things.

“So Master Murphy, be honest with me.� She locked her eyes with his when he looked up, she’d be able to tell if he was lying to her by watching his face and especially his eyes.

“What do I do now? When can I look forward to performing again?� She waited for his answer, preparing herself if it wasn’t the news she hoped to hear.

Etain
Tuesday 8/5/70 11:03:00

The voice coach smiled brightly. "Your voice has held up remarkably. Technically, I think you can be up to snuff in a few weeks. And as for venue, I've been thinking you should consider broadening your range somewhat. You've been mostly concentrating on stuffy cultural occasions, but you have such a versatile talent. I was thinking of setting some quiet engagements for you in some of the smaller towns in the countryside - get a feel for the country you love to sing about, but outside the rarefied halls of high Tir society. Some quiet traditional arrangements. Or, if you are at all interested in "younger" sounds, there are some very promising musicians I could put you in touch with on the continent that would just about sell their mothers for a chance to work with a voice like yours."

Etain
Monday 8/4/70 11:04:00

Etain listened to her coach closely as he began to discuss the opportunities for her with a careful choice of words. Certainly he'd never imply that what happened to her was the reason he was suggesting to go to the further provinces, away from the Danaan clans and the rumors that were certainly flying. He was far too smart for that. While she would welcome any opportunity to sing, the thoughts of performing country shows filled with classic reels and ballads left her with a sense of want. Secretly she loved the high-society shows with the pomp and circumstance that went with them.

Her eyes however immediately lit up when Pat started talk of younger musicians, vocalists that she could work with. She'd always wanted an opportunity like that, but of course proper music for high-society events was stuffy and traditional at best. When he mentioned people he could put her in touch with on the continent she nearly choked on her sudden swell of excitement. Here he was quite possibly throwing the opportunity into her lap, an opportunity that could legitimately take her that much closer to finding Conall.

"I hardly think that selling their mothers would be necessary Master Murphy, but I am quite interested in those opportunities that you speak of." She tried to hold her excitement to a minimum, showing enough interest to keep Pat talking and perhaps even make the calls he'd need to make sooner as opposed to later, but without seeming desperate with ulterior motives.

"You know I can only sing so many renditions of traditional Irish ballads before I need to go to the back with my music chips and detox with some synthpop." She smiled that charming smile that she still had.

"I'm truly interested in just what type of contacts you have on the continent, all these younger musicians you speak of. You really believe that they'd want a voice like mine? Are we talking opportunities for recording or performing? I mean I can't even begin to dream of where I could end up, all the places I could see if this would work out."

She played the part of the daydreaming-starlet for a moment, getting mildly caught up in the thoughts of all the possibilities. She only saw the bright side of what this could all bring and conveniently didn't stop to think of the darker side it could all be hiding.

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 01:54:00

Conall had been somewhat pleased that Paddy had kept everything silent as they drove to the airport. Not that any talking would have bothered the young shaman. It was more that he simply didn’t know what to say. Crossing out of the lobby and into the cold night, Conall hadn’t even given a quick glance back. He was determined to go forward, without a look to his past. He wouldn’t miss anything about his old life. Well, almost nothing. He would miss her. Every second.

Swallowing hard as the airport’s silhouette profiled itself on the horizon, Conall was taken by a brief moment of confusion when Paddy brought the car to a stop. His palms began to sweat, as apprehension and anxiety were starting to gain a hold of him. As he opened his mouth to speak out, Paddy cut him short, jumping straight to the matter at hand.

Looking down at his commlink, a slow smile started to draw itself on Conall’s features. He looked up at his guardian, his eyes filled with a thousand thanks.

“Thank ya Paddy… I’ll make me very best to make a difference.�

He reached out toward him, putting a firm and still knuckle bloodied hand on the man’s shoulder.

“I promise I’ll repay ya someday Paddy. Take good care of me sister… She’ll need someone…�

Conall felt like saying more, but an uncomfortable knot had thighed itself in his throat.

Sunday 8/3/70 03:44:11, Seattle, Pacific Time
Out the window of the now banking aircraft, Conall could clearly see the night-lit Seattle. He had spent most of the two flights either reading or dozing off. His own trial, which had taken place not even 10 hours ago, had drained him of most of his energy. The emotion of the moments also had taken quite a toll on the young elven shaman. He had fought against his own sleepiness for as long as he could… until he had succumbed to it somewhere over the Atlantic. During the layover at New York, Conall had been but a ghost amongst the crowd. He felt terribly lonely… as if something had been ripped from his own soul. Silently, he had sat on a rather uncomfortable airport bench, all of his possessions holding in a simple rucksack at his feet. His head low, he had watched crowds of travelers come in wave after wave; some in a hurry, some laughing, some sad. Some corp exec checking his watch. A family coming back from some exotic vacation. A couple kissing each other goodbye.

A what seemed like a simple blink later, Conall could feel the aircraft wheels touch down on the tarmac.

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:42:00

Conall sighed deeply as he threw himself on the narrow, lumpy bed. With the certified cred in his pocket he could easily have afforded something closer to the standard to which he was accustomed, but such places would want a name, or at least a semi-believable pseudonym - and he realized he had not yet considered what he would call himself.
So here he was in a flea-ridden hotel that was about two tiny steps up from a rent-a-coffin, hidden away on a service road behind the airport and undoubtedly catering to the worst class of people. He had already seen two orks in this place! Of course, there had been quite a few trogs at the airport, but there they were being used as security, which was understandable.

He wanted nothing more than to sleep properly, but there was one thing he needed to get rolling first. He entered the commcode Paddy had given him. In response, the center view of his AR went black, not even an icon, and a machine voice rang in his earbuds - <<State your business.>>

"I'm the referral from the Tir."

The AR image resolved into a trid view of an Asian man at a desk in a cloud of cigarette smoke. He was an older fellow, and did not smile. "Yes. How can I help you?"

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:42:12

Pushing himself off the mattress, Conall could hear the worn springs creak and moan, as it kicked up a cloud of dust. The whole room smelled of a strange mix of industrial disinfectant, sweat and mold. But then again, he wasn’t very surprised by the dilapidated state of the whole establishment… the clerk had been a dwarf. What sort of owner would hire such a Halfling nodogooder was beyond him. Automated drones did better jobs than those… things.

Somehow, Conall was a little surprised to find his called answered. After all, it was almost 5 in the morning. But then again, the young shaman had absolutely no idea how the shadowy side of the sixth world worked. What little he knew had been fed to him the the Tir’s trid service and a few chart topping flicks.

He wasn’t even sure where to start.
He wasn’t even sure why he had called.

“I…” started Conall, finding he was suddenly looking for his words. He had simply no ideas how dealings of this kind were handled. Was he supposed to ask straight out what he wanted? Was he supposed to be polite? Distant? Speak in double talk? Conall grabbed a hold of himself keeping his own doubts hidden under the surface.

“I need to become someone else. I was told ye were a man who could arrange such things” finally said Conall in what he thought sounded confident… in his obvious Irish accent.

John
Wednesday 5/10/70 06:00:09

What? Where? Damn! He must have fallen asleep. Roughly 52 hours ago, he had arrived in this dreck-hole of a safehouse. Two days without news from his friends - or his runners. He feels like shit.

His friend had quickly left him alone, to organize some more comfortable and at least as secure accomodation or save transfer to his cousin´s domain. Whan he stept into the small, sparcely furnished appartment, he had first checked the security provisions and searched for any spying devices. An antiquated com-unit, a closet with a few stacks of paper-flats in different sizes, a few shelves full of self-heating meals and water, chemical toilet, selfenclosed shower-bag, couch, coffee-table, bed. An unused roll of metallic looking, cheap anti-wifi-wallpaper was still standing in a corner. He had just snorted at the sight of the spartan bed - who could think of sleeping in a situation like this.

He rubbs his eyes, that would have been bloodshot, if there was any blood circulating through them, bracing himself, to go on staring through the slim slits in the door and listening for any intruders. He can hear his breath and heartbeat and the faint crackling of his atire.

After watching his trusted companion drive walk down the street through the window´s blinds, he had stood there for some more minutes, just watching the street. The SMG in his hand made him feel relatively save. He had been sitting around, reading, on the couch for 2 hours and 34 minutes, before searching the appartment again - opening all the boxes of food and the watercontainers, unpacking every paper flat and toiletry and ripping open all the furniture.

When he yawns, his stomach begins to growl painfully again. He hadn´t eaten since ... since leaving his office, but without a chemical- and nanite-scanner, he just couldn´t affort the risk, to consume any of the supplies.

staring out of the window again. He hadn´t turned up the lights at all, even when he first arrived, but soon it occured to him, that even in the dark, standing plainly in front of a window, even a blinded one, was a bad idea. So he had sattled on the floor, besides the window and started to watch the street through the build in low rez cam of his crapy placeholder for a comlink. The bed in the next room was becoming more anticing by the hour. He´d rather sleep besides it, though - who knew what kind of explosives had been hidden under the mattress or inside it.

His moth feels dry and his throat hurts. He is probably dehydrated, too, but he can´t concentrate enough, to remember the nuber of days a human ... an elf could go without water - much less calculate how many hours he had been without anything to drink.

After watching the street through his com for a couple of hours, his gaze fell on the gun in his hands. He wondered just how secure the posession of this item was. Kob had surely been shadowed, just as he himself. After a few minutes of hasitation, he started to take it apart. Searching through it piece by piece for something ... something suspicious.
When the weapon´s parts where spread before him on the ground, it already dawned again. Together with the first rays of sunlight, his eyes fall on the comlink on the windowsill. He snatched it from it´s place and started to disassambleit into it´s base components. The glasses followed next, then the chipreader, gloves and so forth.

He wonders how late it is. The antique pocket-watch had stoped ticking after he had taken it apart, even though he was sure he had put back every piece where he had found it. He wouldn´t display the time into his eyes either, because it distracts him from watching the room and makes him feel dazed - or more acurately, it would make him feel more dazed.

After he had tweaked through every item in his posession, he just sat there at the wall, with nothing else to do. He just didn´t dare to take a look out of the window directly. Too risky, especially in full day-light. Sitting there for some time -was it minutes or hours- a thought crossed his mind. Leaning against the wall all the time would surely make his heat-signature shine through the thickest insulation - he could as well climb out of the window and wave his arms at the snipers.

It is hard to force his eyes to open again - impossible to keep them from falling closed every other moment. He is sure the little elf girl sitting besides him is not real, but it is hard to tell reality and hallucinations apart now. His sleep regulator isn´t working propperly, or maybe it is overworked. What day is it? Am I still awake? The girl says he is not -he never had been- but he would awaken soon.

Crouched flat on the floor in the small hallway -the only room without windows- he had been waiting for his friends for an eternity. He hoped they would arrive, befor the others came. With too much time t think, he wondered if there where any tags in his cloths. By the time he was done to rip them apart, he had noticed the voices - next door, maybe ... at least somewhere inside the building. He couldn´t understand what They where talking about, but he was sure they where talking about him - propably plotting to storm the appartment. Maybe the voices came from the appartment below, he thought. Maybe they where allready aiming their APDS-loaded rifles on his heat-signature. He rolled to the side in a moment of panick, before he cought himself again and remembered to stay silent - they could home their weapons in on him, by triangulating his position with microphones on the other sides of the walls.

From his position in the closet, John can see the deterriorated couch, the stack of paper flats and the empty roll of wallpaper. It was surprising how much of it had been necessary to cover his whole body - but now they can no longer home in on his implants´ energy-signature and the oddly shaped hat might also confuse the gunmen when they storm the safehouse.

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:43:00

"The only real question is how much you want to spend. Once we settle that, we can talk about who you want to be."

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:43:00

It was then and there that Conall realized he had NO idea what the prices were for such things. If he offered too much, he would get screwed. If he offered to little, he would be ridiculed.

His mind racing, the young shaman kept a hold of his nerves.

"Well, it all depends on how good you are at providing such a thing. It needs to be very solid. I am ready to pay the necessary price."

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:44:00

"It must be very solid? It?" The Chinese fixer appeared to have little patience for this conversation. "I assure you, I am perfectly competent to meet all aspects of this request. You must tell me what you wish...are your needs merely electronic, or do you require a new appearance, domicile, references, history? I am no mind-reader."

John
Saturday 5/10/70 06:03:10

He could hear them! Footsteps, voices, somebody was knocking at the apartment door. Don´t fall asleep. The little elven child beside him was tucking at his wallpaper-wrappings and said in a shaky voice.

Girl: "They are comming to get us!!"

John: "Shut up, youre not real!"

He answered harshly, afrait that her whining could give away his hiding place. A male voice sounding like Kob´s announced they where comming in. It´s a trick! The little girl grabed his hand and pleaded.

Girl: "Please! You rescued me from Erskin Ridge. Don´t leave me behind now!"

Kob: "Sorry John, Chalmers kept us bussy all the time! We tried to call you, but we got no connection."

He heard them open the door. Now! Nothing happened. He heard two or three persons entering the small anteroom/hallway. Come one, move NOW! The girl´s arms wraped tightly around his left arm. He could hear them close the door behind them. Now or never!
He put both the gerl´s hands into his left hand and grabed them tightly. With the right, he removed the tin-foil-hat from his head and -activating his headware´s wifi-feature just for a split-second, he sent the preprogrammed trigger-sequence to activate one of the safehouse´s emergency escape features.

With a loud shattering noise, the bedroom´s window was blown out of it´s frame. After a short moment, John stormed out of the closet, dragging the little girl along too fast for her, to stay on her own feet half of the way. Running for the makeshift washingroom, he didn´t look back, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw a larg and heavy figure with a gun, that had seen through his distraction, standing in the livingrooms entrance. Don´t look, don´t stop! The person started to say something, but the voice was drowned out by another explosion, as John punched out all the safehouses remaining emergancy exits with another short flare-up of wifi-activety.

John: "Follow me!"

The lawyer shouted at the little girl, as they entered the washingroom. Then he let her hands slip out of his and vaulted through the empty window-frame and into the soft flowerbed below. Looking back, he saw the girl hasitate, horror-struck at the sight of the 3.5 m drop. He stretched out his armes toward her, prommissing that he´d catch her. She looked back, then down again, still hasitant. A shadow apeard behind her, qickly approaching. At the very last moment she let her self fall into his arms with a high pitched scream. The impact too much for himto bare, he fall down backwards.
The man locking down at them from the appartment was perfectly masquerading as Kob Parker. A mage. He futilly held out a hand in a sothing gesture, his gun-hand down at his side. They want me alife. The Fake said something, but couldn´t be understood over the gunfire erupting at that moment. John scrambled onto his balley and pushed himself up, just running, pulling the little elf along. He didn´t think about why the shots where coming from ahead instead of behind him.

When he left the alley behind and entered the street, he couldn´t stop himself from letting out a scream, as all the passers-by where horribly warped figures. deformed children, krippled miners covered in tumors and burnt and smoldered people with molten sports fan-articles. Gazinging at him, pointing fingers. He just ran past them as fast as he could. His lungs burned and his muscles ached, he couldn´t go on like this much longer, but he forced himself forward to cross the street. Run, faster!

Girl: "Too fast!"

He lost his grip on her hand. Go on! He stumbled to a halt and looked back. She´s not real! She was down on her knees, braced on one handand stretching the other one out towards him, while she looked down the street and screamed. Run! A car was quickly aproaching her. Usually the auto-nav should detect the obstacle and slow down, but it didn´t. Either it was malfunctioning or overridden. She´s not real, that´s why it dosn´t stop! RUN!!! He hasitated for another moment, then he started to run.
He ran back towards her, trying to safe her. Saving her was the only good thing, he ever did. Real or imagined, he couldn´t leave her behind! He picked her up from the ground, as the car sounded it´s horn and flared it´s spotlights. The pilot -auto or human- decellerated andtryed to evade the collision, but it was too late.

The moment of the impact fealt good. Soon it would be over, he would be relived. No more fear, no more running. He slided over the concrate, drifting away into nirvana. Then came the pain! He was lying there broken, unabled to get up. Shocked, unabled to move at all. An eternity passed and he wouldn´t fall unconcious, he couldn´t escape the pain.

Someone -The driver?- ran towards him. Leaning over him, he recognized IT. It was the Mantide-hurst! He tried to push away under her, but it pinned him to the ground. It´s wet mandibles moved frantically, as if the clicking was to say 'now you are mine'. Saliva driped out of her mouth, a long string of slime, slowly extending down to his face, into his mouth.

He struggled against the drivers attampts to constraign him, as he tryed to put a patch on his nack, but it was pointless. Too maimed, too tired, too weak. He was paralyzed.

John
Monday 7/14/70 08:00:00

Pain! His muscles hurt after his daily work-out to build up some strength and quickness. He was still not used to it, even though he had gone a long way in the last two months. In a broader sense this aplied to his whole situation.
As he washed his face, he took a look into the mirror. His appearance had changed a great deal since John Francis Fitzallen-Howard had died. He looked a bit paler and his mouth was now rimmed by a neatly trimmed beard, dyed carrot-orange like his eyebrows, lashes and body-hair. What little, short croped hair covered the sides and back of his skull, was dyed, too. The top of the head had all hair removed - it would grow back in a week or two, but for now it was simulating partial baldness. His cybereyes had changed to some kind of dirty gray on his command. These where just the most obvious changes to his looks.
Sitting down at his dinner table, he took a large stroke from his glass of freshly pressed orange juice and opened the boxes of breakfast dishes from the TrippleTree. Even though he had regained a lot of the luxuries he had become accustomed to, since he moved into his new home in the Emerald City, it just didn´t feel the same. The cloths and food and entertainment devices all hadn´t been that much better in his former life, but somehow this new existance lacked the right ambiente. He opened a news-window in his field of vision.
It also lacked purpose and though his lifestyle was payed for the whole next month, he needed to make mony soon, but the vacancies posted on the legit news-bords wouldn´t help him find a suitable job. He needed to keep a low profile.
While he read the latest news and took in his breakfast, his thoughts wandered back, double-checking -again- that his escape did not leave any trail he had overlooked.

Thursday 7/10/70 08:00:00

He was sitting on the bench across his new home, with a cup of coffee in his hand and a slowly dieing CAS special bland in his mouth. He had his usual attire of Mountain Dragons fan articles, the hood drawn over his head, as the multi-colored mawhawk did not offer much protection from the unusually cool wind. His bodypainting -like the mawhawk in the colors of the dragons- had faded almost compleatly, no more then a faint shadow on his natural skincolor. His nose was still not healed compleatly and his left eye still slightly discolored. Dragons fans wheren´t too popular on Screamers Turf, but a good bar fight was cheaper then cosmetic surgery.
He took a last drag from his smoke and then riped the glowing stump from the filter, throwing it on the ground and putting the filter into his pocket ash-trey. He waited for a few minutes, took a sip from his coffee and then made a few more pictures of the Fed-Boeing facility on the other side of the I5 with his cheap digi-cam. Then he lighted an Aztec Gold and took a few quick drags, ready for another day of snooping around in his new neighborhood -as he had done for almost a month- before he was going to move in at the weekend.
He would discard the Tony Markovski-SIN today. He had lived in a shit-hole for the last month, to set off the cost of it, but keeping it for further use would increase the risk of someone finding him.

Sunday 6/08/70 23:20:10

Even though it was a new moon, the night was more then bright enough for his eyes, as it was lit by the straylight of Mile High City. The deal was over quickly, neither of them wanted to be in the exposed situation of an illegal transaction longer then absolutely necessary. The courier handed him his package and he authorized the transaction from his black account to another´s. Tomorrow, Tony Markovski would fly to Seattle, to visit the Dragons´ match with the Screamers. Maxime Fabien Bussereau would never leave this plex.

Friday 5/16/70 12:09:01

John did not recognize the reflection in the mirror, when he steped out of the shower. Maxime Fabien Bussereau was a male elf of light stature, but that was about all he had in common with his former self. Red eyes, curled, milky-white hair and silvery-white skin. He stared at himself for a few seconds, before he put on the old swetter and cort-trousers, that even the laundromat could not give back their originally white color adn moved back into his cell. The hotelroom was only 2.5 times 1.5 meters, but at least it had a 2 m ceiling and a window, unlike those coffins. And if needed, he could smash that window and jump down the two floors into the trash container.

Friday 5/11/70 00:22:07

On his way back to the randezvou-point, he took special care not to be followed by any tails. He had just sent his emergancy-overnight-bag to Seattle anonymously, paying with cash from his smuggling compartment. He didn´t look too much like John with the slicked back hair and the tinted goggles, black synth-lether jacket and dark armored clothing he had borrowed from the team. Besides, John was dead.
After the crash, an ambulance had picked him up. The ambulance´s staff had been payed or blackmailed to kill him with a deadly pharmaceutical cocktail, or so he had been told. But his runners had hijacked the vehicle and stun-spelled all the staff. Inside a tunel they had changed into a Swift Winds Delivery van -which looked more like a SWAT-truck from the inside- with John, leving his clone behind and blowing up the ambulance-car. The DocWaggon facility went up in a gas-explosion just two hours later. Though beyond the regional level these news had been washed away by the Tate-Terrorist-Strike in London.
Inside their own vehicle, that had restored him to relative health with medicine and magic. He had given them the code-phrase identifying himself as Mr. Jhonson and instructed them to bring him to Denver, but only after he had finished something. Boworing a gun and some cloths from them, he went off into the night, as if he wanted to finish off someone. In reality, he tryed to loose as many tails as possible, changing into some fresh vendor-flats and then into a squatters old coat, to recovered his gear from the secret stash and sent it to seattle, through some payed youth.

Monday 7/14/70 08:19:00

He poundered his options to make money. He had hoped he wouldn´t have to rely on Alice´s contact, making some on his own, but maybe it was time to pay a visit to Mr. Chu.

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:44:15

Frag.

Conall had done it. He had already made a fool out of himself. Nevertheless, what angered him the most wasn’t his lack of knowledge on how to proceed… it was the fact he was being treated like an idiot by a mere puny human.

The young shaman curled up his fist off screen, trying to channel his emotions toward something else than his face. With all the will he had, he kept his mask of neutrality.

“Electronic will be enough for now.” He simply finally said, trying his be to tone down his thick Irish accent.

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:44:46

"A minimally effective falsified SIN starts at Y4,000, and quality improves commensurately with spending. You will need to send me certified cred along with particulars of your physicality, including the standard biometrics. If you do not have the means to do so, I will arrange a meeting with one of my underlings. Also send any preferences you have regarding name and background. Do you also require any licenses?"

Etain
Monday 8/4/70 11:06:34

The more Pat spoke of the opportunities for her in Europe, the quicker her heart beat and the more she got caught up in the excitement. For an instant she had forgotten about the rape, forgotten that her brother was thousands of miles away. For an instant there was a genuine smile on her face and her eyes were bright with the possibilities. She begged him to make the calls to get the ball rolling, promising him that she’d get her parent’s approval for the trip as well as getting any of the expenses covered. That could be the hard part of the entire deal really, convincing her parents to let her go off to Europe, but it was at least not Seattle. Pat continued to pack up his things and promised to be in touch the next day regarding any arrangements.

Etain had brought up the prospect of auditioning in Europe to her parents over dinner that night. At first there was a quick response of “no” with a myriad of reasons behind it, however the more she spoke about the opportunities and all that Master Murphy had shared with her, her parents began to come around a little. She tiptoed around the delicate issues as she pleaded her case, explaining how that with all that had happened, shows that she once attended weren’t going to be available to her if she stayed in the Tir. She could look forward to small concerts in rural villages that would have none of the pomp and circumstance that her mother always insisted for in the past. Her mother would have none of that, her daughter deserved better. Of course they insisted she couldn’t make the trip alone and would have to be accompanied. Etain quickly agreed and insisted that both Master Murphy and Anne go with her. She almost had what she wanted in her grasp when her mother positively insisted that two of Paddy’s men make the trip with her. She started to object, but when she saw the determination on her mother’s face and the small shake of her father’s head she knew it wasn’t going to happen unless she agreed to their terms.

So all she could do is acquiesce. Give in and wait for the specifics of what Pat could make happen for her that she could not on her own.

Tuesday 8/5/70 7:03:12

Pat Murphy didn’t disappoint his ingénue the next morning. A commcall roused her from her sleep and made promises beyond her wildest dreams. She had thought it would take at least two weeks or more before she’d be hopping a flight to Europe, however Pat was informing her that she’d be landing in the Allied German States, more specifically Stuttgart on Saturday. He made it quite clear the opportunity he had help land for Etain would be an amazing one and that it would require her to be ready and prepared like she never had before. He ended the call by letting her know he’d be over later in the evening to decide on her audition pieces. She ended the call and let out a victorious yell, but quickly silenced herself as it was still early in the house. She looked about her room for an instant, thinking someone was there watching her. Seeing the room was bare, she did a little dance of joy and called her girlfriends to celebrate the great news.

The girls were incredibly supportive, making suggestions of what to sing or what to wear. Of course almost none of their ideas would be acceptable for an audition of this caliber. She’d have to make it or break it on her own. Of course if she was leaving on Friday, that left her a very short window to get her true plans in motion. Less than four days. She swallowed hard, realizing after a moment of panic that this would work to her favour as there was less time for her true plan to be discovered. She listened as the girls bubbled their conversation in the background saying they’d come over later that afternoon. That snapped her back into reality as she had to tell her friends that it might have to wait a day or so because she had rehearsals this evening and a lot of packing to do. They blew off the idea of having to wait, saying they’d be over in a couple of hours and would take off when Pat arrived, promising to bring a couple of things for her to take with her and that they’d help her pick out clothes and get ready to pack.

While the girls were over, tearing apart her closets and drawers of clothes looking for accessories and the “perfect” outfits things almost felt like they had never changed. They laughed, they were silly and acted like good friends do when they’re together. Etain was going to miss them greatly. She looked around at her rooms, the disaster that it had become in only a few short moments with Fiona and Keelin and she smiled a sad smile. She would miss all of this. She forced the thoughts from her mind and tried to focus on what needed to get done. The girls had her giggling again quickly when they made her promise not to forget all the little people she stepped on to get where she was when she became super famous. Time passed quickly and before they all knew it Pat had arrived and it was time to say goodbye. Etain hugged her girlfriends tightly and quietly hoped it wouldn’t be the last time she’d see them.

Pat wasted no time getting right to work, bringing to her attention the pieces he thought would best showcase her voice and her abilities. One was a fantastic haunting ballad from a popular group, the other a more upbeat pop song. Both were already well known by Etain which would make the practice time less daunting. They worked for a few hours perfecting the songs and adding Etain’s own twists on each of them to make her stand out a bit more. Only when Pat was satisfied with her progress and her promises that she would continue to work on the songs between now and Saturday did he end their session for the night. He left all the particulars of when they needed their flights and what hotel to stay in with her to provide to her parents and their security to make the travel arrangements. Other engagements would keep him from coming back to work with her till Friday, so he stressed to her how important it was that she worked on the audition pieces while he was away.

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:44:46

“Well, I… ummm” started Conall, massaging nervously the back of his neck “4 000 sounds about right. I can wire you the money if you give me an account number, along with the data you need. Biometrics, on the other hand, I can’t really provide you with… I can meet you man any time that would be convenient.”

Through his linked glasses, Conall could not only see, but feel, Mr Chu’s impatience grow. This… was now going well.

“And for name…” said Conall in almost a whisper, trying to come up with something on the spot. “Cailleach… Have it be Padraig Cailleach”

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:45:00

"Very well. You can send the cred to this number now. Meet my man at Club Penumbra downtown tonight at midnight. You should fit right in. He will know you, and will call you by your new name. If you have any further requests you may pass them to me through him."

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:45:19

As Conall watched the Asian man, surrounded in his shroud of smoke, he couldn’t help himself but be slightly amazed at this new world he was discovering. It was as if he had pulled off a curtain that had cloaked a part of the world. A new reality was starting to unfold itself around him. He also realized he had no damn clue where or what Club Penumbra was.

“Thank ya sir.” Answerd back Conall almost out of habit.

The young shaman was about to cut off the link, when something sprung up in his mind.

“Actually, I’m sorry to bother ya with this, but since I have ya on the line… I’m looking for some work. I ain't too picky on the job.”

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:45:50

The Chinese man sighed. "Very well. Besides what you have told me, I know one thing about you - I am told by reliable sources that you can be trusted. Based on that, tell me your qualifications."

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:45:57

My qualifications…
For a brief moment, Conall was starting to wonder why he had ever brought the subject up. From what Paddy had told him a few hours ago, Mr. Chu was used to dealing with the criminal elements that made up the fabric of the world. And here, the young shaman was applying for a job. Nevertheless, Conall knew he was very good a certains things, which made him feel rather cocky.

“Well, I can hunt, find and bring down everything that breaths, and some things that don’t … I’m also well-verse in the arts of combat arcana.” he said with a certain air of pride.

Etain
Wednesday 8/6/70 9:30:05

After she had finished her rehearsal with Pat the night before, she had made a phone call and an subsequent appointment with Cinead for the following morning. Thankfully her magical teacher was as punctual, if not more so, than her vocal coach.

Etain wasted no time filling her teacher, someone she respected highly, in on all the details of her experience before the Seelie Court. Also she explained the “attack” that had taken place in her room and why she thought it was so important that she find a way to defend herself as soon as possible. Much theoretical discussion took place about being a daughter of Moon Maiden and how she wasn’t a fighter as much as a mother and so the two women agreed upon Etain’s learning of an armoring spell.

Cinead was efficient and yet thorough with her teachings, explaining a formula that she was taught many many years ago. She walked her student through each step, teaching the intricacies of the spell and where things could go very wrong if she wasn’t careful. Only when Etain had convinced the teacher that she had the grasp on the spell that she needed did Cinead back off a little of her intensity so that Etain could dedicate her attention to mastering the spell on her own. She had laid the foundation but it would be up to the young Elf to build up from there.

Etain was left to her own devices in the family’s magical lodge in the basement of the estate with strict orders to all the staff that the young girl be left alone to study. Knowing how important having some type of protection would be once she got to Seattle and didn’t have the protection of her brother beside her, she dedicated all her attention to working with the formula. She kept herself locked away in the room till much later in the evening, stopping only when necessary to rest her mind or grab a quick bite to eat. With her nerves on edge however, she found it harder and harder to eat more than a few bites.

Late in the evening Etain collapsed into her bed, exhausted both mentally and physically from her learning. There was still so much to be done, and now she was down to two and a half days.

Thursday 8/7/70 10:25:00

Waking up late into the morning only brought a string of curses to Etain’s lips as she had wasted precious time she didn’t have by sleeping in. She took a quick shower and still in her PJ’s and with wet hair she headed down into her rehearsal room to appear to be working on her audition pieces. She locked the door behind her and tested it quickly to assure she wouldn’t be bothered.

She sang softly to herself, finding the tune that came to her lips to be one that Conall had liked when she had sang only for his ears. She took a seat on the floor, crossing her legs under her and closed her eyes as she sang, her mind reaching out to her mentor, calling Moon Maiden to her with her song. When she finished her song and opened her eyes she wasn’t surprised to see the woman sitting across the room from her, watching her performance.

Very moving my girl. Why have you called for me this day?

“You already know what I have planned so I won’t waste breath or time repeating my plans. I need to be as prepared as possible to find him and to stay safe when I get there. I need your help…I know there are going to be tough times ahead of me, but I do not wish to disappoint you…I can’t fight like my brother could, but I know I possess other skills, those of a more social nature and I just want to hone them before I go on my journey. If I can’t protect myself like he could perhaps I can talk my way out of it… if I had the skills… the influence?”

The silver-haired woman rose from where she sat and slowly paced the small room, walking in a circle around her “daughter” on the floor. She didn’t speak for a long time, another two or perhaps three trips around the circle.

Sing for me again my girl, from your heart, and I will teach you

Etain was surprised that she wanted to hear another song, but quickly complied, choosing a song she loved, “In God’s Hands.” She started out slow and the song showcased her vocal talents and the emotions she put into it were genuine. In the end as she sang the last note she could see the approval upon Moon Maiden’s features.

Now it is time to learn my girl, pay close attention.

Etain was all ears as Moon Maiden told her stories and taught her a spell of influence in ways that were so opposite to Cinead’s methods of teaching, but she was receptive all the same. They traded stories like that for hours and Etain began to understand how the spell worked in ways she never could have imagined. When Moon Maiden finally took her leave, Etain was feeling stronger than ever and continued to sing her heart out in the rehearsal room until she could barely keep her eyes open. Another night of deep sleep was ahead of her.

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:47:00

Mr. Chu paused in mid-puff. There were several seconds of silence as he tamped out his cigarette, taking his time. Conall was a little disconcerted by the man's lack of eye-contact, but then he remembered that he was transmitting from a commlink, and all the fixer could see was his icon.

Finally, Chu spoke: "The skill-set you boast is by far the most sought-after in the 'plex. My fee is five percent of your payment for your first job. Now, there are a wide variety of opportunities I can arrange for you almost immediately. For example, I have a very reliable team working a series of five-figure contracts for a certain triple-A, perfect if you are truly not very picky, since the jobs involve a high degree of, shall we say collateral civilian damage. On the other hand, if you desire something less flashy and more steady, there is an underground Novacoke factory that is always willing to pay top nuyen for a reliable combat mage, provided he doesn't sample the wares. Or, if anonymity is your preference, there are a number of skirmishes taking place between various troll and ork tribes in Puyallup - these unsavories make a lot of money trafficking in elven sex slaves kidnapped from Tarislar, and they are often looking to spend that money on short-term magical support for their raids on each other and the elves. Oh, yes, there is also an earnest young woman searching for a missing nun. I am not sure whether she can pay you at all."
Mr. Chu smiled nervously. "Please make no mistake - that last option was not meant to waste your time or insult your intelligence. It is merely that a very good client of mine asked me to keep an eye out for anyone I thought might be appropriate for the young doctor's special needs. Pay it no mind. Now, what sort of work can I interest you in?"

Etain
Friday 8/8/70 11:03:54

Etain allowed herself to sleep in a little after the past two taxing days. She had overworked herself between trying to master two new spells on top of managing her plans for once she got to the AGS. She was careful to mentally plan everything out and to avoid doing anything via her telecom or commlink that might raise a red flag with the security team since she assumed she was still being monitored instead of restricted.

She wandered the house for a little while, singing the two pieces Pat softly to herself as she walked to parts of the house she hadn’t explored in days. She stopped by the kitchen to grab a bite to eat before continuing on her journey. The walking helped center her mind as her body was a mass of nervous energy over what she was about to attempt to pull off.

A good time later she found herself walking down a wing of the house that seemed to now be all but forgotten. Stepping through the oak door she was surrounded by familiar smells and a haunting emptiness at the same instant. She crossed the carpeted floor and sat on the bed and cried like she hadn’t in days. Seeing everything in its place, only a few minor omissions from worldly possessions reminded her that she had to be successful with her plan. She didn’t want to feel this emptiness any longer, she had to find Conall.

When the tears finally stopped, she rose from his bed and walked back to her room with a new surge of determination. She still had to pack so that she’d be ready for the early flight and the even earlier trip to the airport.

Saturday 8/9/70 4:15:00

She was awake and out of the shower before Anne had even come to the door of her rooms to wake her. She was putting the final touches on her hair when her maid walked in with a smile. She paused and stared at her reflection in the mirror, silently whispering a silent call to Moon Maiden for the strength to get through all this unscathed. She felt stronger, some in part to her new spells and some in part because she had healed some since the night before the Seelie Court.

Anne was ever dutiful gathering her charge’s things and getting them downstairs to the waiting car, everything but one last small bag that Etain refused to let out of her sight for an instant because her hopes and all her chances for success were in that bag. Most of it’s contents were innocent enough, a little jewelry, some makeup, a bottle of Tir water for the flight, music and video chips for entertainment. Nestled in that mess however was an innocent amber bottle, filled with small pale blue pills…

She did one last check of her room before heading downstairs to get her well-wishes and goodbyes from her parents. Pat Murphy arrived right on schedule and before she knew it everyone was loading into the cars to head to the airport. The drive was done mostly in silence, with a few words of instruction and reassurance from Pat.

The flight was uneventful, she managed to even catch a few moments of peaceful sleep in midair but the flight was short and didn’t leave much time for entertainment. Anne looked excited to be traveling outside the Tir for a change and was thankful for the “vacation” even if she would be working while away.

Touching down in the AGS and exiting the plane required Etain and her entourage to pass through an intense customs scrutiny and it gave her a good feeling for how much time she’d need to get through it again in the very near future. There was almost an issue with Etain’s VAV’s but a little work by the customs agents and some sweet-talking on her end cleared up the issue and soon the group was headed by private car to the hotel where they’d be staying the weekend. The accommodations were plush and she almost felt a little guilty over all the money her parents must be putting out to make this all possible. Everyone was settled in their rooms, a suite with three bedrooms rooms down one wing of the hotel and Etain was left to kill time before her audition. Anne tried to get the girl to do some sightseeing, but Etain insisted on staying behind, claiming that she needed the rest and wanted to get a little bit more rehearsing in before her audition that afternoon, but insisted that Anne with the company of one of the guards do some sightseeing of her own.

While Anne was out of the room they were sharing and she could hear the remaining guard keeping watch out in the main room of the suite, she got to work transferring things from her suitcases into the small bag she’d be able to make her getaway with. It all felt so clandestine, and for an instant she was struck with a panic a feeling of betrayal. She was having second thoughts about what she was about to do and the turmoil she was about to cause in her family. But her brother was more important to her right now and he was alone, her parents would have one another…

Saturday 8/9/70 14:20:15

Back in the car on the way to the audition Pat was already getting her to warm up her voice with some diction drills and scales as the car sped through the streets of Stuttgart. She barely noticed when the car came to a stop outside a trendy club that looked like it was closed. She jumped a little when the driver opened her door and offered his hand to help her exit the car. As she and Pat and the security guys mobbed outside the doors to the club, a rather large man opened the door to the party, inviting them inside.

The audition was fairly straight forward, she entered the club and was asked to go up on stage to prepare as a group of chairs were arranged in a circle before it. Lurking around behind the chairs, pacing the floor back and forth while involved in a heated commcall was the man she presumed to be the bands manager. In the chairs sat a number of young band members, one of whom she recognized from a popular group that had just recently fell apart. All of them were decked out in the latest trends, or attempting to start some of their own. Etain breathed a sigh of relief that her girlfriends had brought some of their things to her before her trip so she could show up looking a bit more edgy and not so uptight Irish. She still felt a little out of place, but as she took her place on the stage and took a few deep breaths that tension melted away. She had a job to do, even if it wasn’t one she would ever follow through on, when she was performing she gave it all she had.

When her background music started she closed her eyes and felt the beat, felt the notes of the song coming to her and she sang her heart out. She moved like a pro on stage, trying to work the limited crowd she was performing for. Even through the stage lights she could see Pat’s surprise and the nodding of his head in approval. She completed both songs with a large smile on her face, the rush of the performance taking over her mood. She nodded to the musicians at her feet and walked quietly to wait with Pat. Soon the bands manager was calling Pat over to discuss her performance.

The band members were an easier read than the manager - he had a poker face that she couldn’t crack. While the musicians seemed receptive to her performance, the manager however seemed less enthused. She tried to focus on the conversation between him and her vocal coach but couldn’t hear much, only overhearing things like “solo career” and “UCAS tour” from the manager’s lips. She took a little time to talk to the musicians and managed to get along with them right away. She hated to admit it, but she was enjoying herself and wondered just what would happen if she were to follow this path instead of the one to Seattle. It wasn’t long before Pat had come back over and put his arm around Etain and gave her a little squeeze and a whisper to her ear.

“You nailed the audition love, blew them away….Time to celebrate!”

The smile on his face was threatening to outshine the one on her own lips. With promises of being in touch soon with a final decision and to discuss the specifics, Etain and her entourage went back to the car and quickly sped off to dinner where the food was amazing and the champagne flowed a little too freely throughout the evening.

Saturday 8/9/70 22:12:32

The group was in good spirits as they returned to the hotel to find yet another bottle of champagne waiting for them on ice in the suite. She momentarily excused herself to her bedroom for a moment, closing the door behind her as she went. Once inside she moved to the bag that was sitting on the floor and from within a pocket she pulled out the small bottle of little blue pills. This was going to have to work, if not she was going to have a fight on her hands to get away from the hotel tonight.

With four small pills hidden in one hand she returned to the group, offering to pour everyone one last celebratory drink, convincing even the guards with her charm and slightly tipsy poise that a small glass wouldn’t impair their judgment or their skills to do their job. She took the bottle of champagne left by the hotel and fumbled with it for a moment before getting the top freed and the cork shooting across the room which caused a good bit of laughter amidst the group. As Pat had everyone’s attention by discussing the audition and what the manager had to say Etain used that opportunity to drop a single pill in each glass before covering it with champagne. The pills didn’t take long to dissolve in the bubbly alcohol and she quickly brought the glasses over to the group who were far too willing to enjoy a bit more in the celebration.

It didn’t take too long before Anne and Pat started to talk about being tired, which Etain played along with as well. She noticed that even the guards were trying their hardest to keep their eyes open. She and her maid started off towards their room with the promise that they’d go over contracts and paperwork in the morning when the band sent it over. She went through the motions of getting ready for bed but never had to change since Anne was practically asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. She made one last check of her things, assuring herself for the 80th time that she had everything she was going to be able to walk away with easily. Nervously she sat in the room, waiting as long as she thought possible before peeking out into the suite and saw that the guards too were now dozing in chairs in the living room. She carefully crept from her room with the bag slung over her shoulder, it was stuffed full and slightly heavy but she walked cautiously past the snoozing guards, freezing in place as one of them stirred slightly. When he didn’t wake up fully or try to stop her she bolted from the room, closing the door quietly behind her before starting her getaway.

Outside the hotel she purposefully turned off her commlink, effectively shrouding herself from being contacted and tracked. She used a bellhop’s assistance to flag a cab to take her to the airport. She was positively nervous the entire ride to the airport, looking over her shoulders and tapping her feet expecting to see someone coming after her, but there was no one, not yet at least.

When she got to the airport she paid the driver and quickly moved inside to the ticketing area. There was no way she was going to get past security, or customs except for going through legally. She resigned herself to that fact and at the last moment thought that perhaps if she bought multiple tickets it might throw off her trail for a few precious moments and if she was lucky enough, it would give her enough time to make any connections before anyone could come after her. When she got to the counter she stated her needs for three tickets to multiple locations; Belfast, Seattle, and Amsterdam. As the ticketing agent raised her brow questioningly she flashed a disarming smile, pushed the sunglasses from her eyes and made up a convincing story about trying to hide from the paparazzi. The agent looked at her a little more intensely cocking her head to the side for a moment before nodding and saying “I loved you in The One Ring.” Etain flashed a look of momentary shock before playing along with the woman’s misidentification.

With her tickets purchased, she found a banking terminal within the airport concourse and did a bit of transferring between accounts. She had been moving small amounts to a new account all week, enough that she’d have a good amount of cash when she got to Seattle, but in small enough amounts and increments that it wouldn’t set off red flags to the bank or her mother who seemed to be watching her finances like a hawk. After the final transfer was made, she withdrew the funds on to certified credsticks that were carefully placed on her person in into her bag.

Clearing customs, she made her way down to the gate area, careful to keep her distance from the actual gate until the last moment. She had a few hours to kill before her flight left for Seattle. She was exhausted and scared, so much was riding on what happened next that she felt sick. She hummed softly to herself as she sat in the middle of a fairly crowded gate, trying to take her mind away from everything she had done.

Please let them all forgive me… someday they’ll have to understand…

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:47:30

Under his now trembling hand, Conall heard the casing of his commlink creak and moan of pain. At first, he had merely felt disgust toward not only the jobs Chu was offering him, but also disgust for the asian man itself. Each “opportunity” was even more grotesque and honorless than the one before. Deep down, Conall knew very well he had been trained and schooled in the arts of war, and so, of taking lives… but not in manner so indiscriminate and gratuitous.

The young shaman knew he needed work simply to survive… but he also knew he could never crawl down to such a level of lowlife. What did make him feel sick was the mention of the troll and ork tribes. Sure, he was rather happy that troggs were killing other troggs. That was something to be expected of such… things. But the trafficking of his own people! Now that, he could not allow. He had no real ideas what Puyallup and Tarislar were… or where it was, but he was going to make damn sure he got himself involved. Wolf had to protect his pack, at all time, from anything. His father had previously warned him that Seattle was a dark city… but never would have Conall expected something of the kind. How could elves find themselves literally oppressed by mindless troggs? There was something terribly wrong with that scenario.

“Find it, and let justice be yer guide. You're an O'Neill, and though none may call you that, all must see it."

Of all the jobs Chu had offered him, none carried any justice. None carried any honor. Seattle was a rotten apple.

“This… This woman you speak of, why is she looking for that nun?”

Etain
Sunday 8/10/70 23:28:12, Pacific Time, Seattle

Her flight was uneventful, long and she thought she might go insane if she had to spend anymore time cooped up with the few passengers that made the trip with her. She managed to sleep some of the 7 hour flight in between watching some of the in-flight entertainment. When they touched down she was so worried that someone would be waiting for her the moment she stepped off the plane that she exited so timidly, holding her breath the entire time. When no one called her name and demanded her to stop she left the boarding area and moved with the rest of the cattle towards the customs check, then baggage area and ticketing. A quick glance at a clock in the concourse confirmed it was almost midnight here in Seattle, which meant it was likely that everyone had already woken up and now knew she was gone back in the AGS.

This meant she had little time to sit back on her heels and wait.

She pushed her way through customs, providing a standard “On Vacation” answer when questioned about why she was entering the UCAS. Her VAV’s held up to her response and she was passed quickly through customs without so much as a second glance by the agents. Once she cleared the security gates and was in the hustle and bustle of the airport proper she was able to breathe. She gawked at the sea of humanity and metahumanity that walked the open areas of the airport. Orks, Trolls, Humans of all kinds shapes and sizes brushed past her as she stood like a tourist in the middle of it all. Everything was foreign to her here, but when she spotted a bank of public dataterms she made a bee-line and stopped before an empty one. Her throat tightened as she thought about what she had to do next, just what she’d say when she made the call. She took deep breaths to try to calm herself before she slotted a credstick and punched in a number she’d have memorized until the day she died, the direct number to the head of Clan O’Neill’s security.

She waited for what felt like an eternity before the familiar gruff face of Padraig Cailleach filled the screen.

She found herself at a loss for words, her fear getting the best of her for a moment before she once again found her voice.

“Hello Paddy, I felt I owed it to ye t'let ye know that I’m safe, and to reassure my parents of that fact as well. And to make it perfectly clear that what happened in Stuttgart was of no ones fault but my own.”

She trembled slightly, nervous about his reaction and just what he’d say. She didn’t want to cause a scene here in the middle of the airport, but the call had to be made now before she went any further with her plans. She waited nervously for his response.

Conall
Sunday 8/3/70 04:48:00

The fixer looked disappointed, though unsurprised. "I know very little about it, although my client spoke ominously about terrible otherworldly threats. He is reliable, but also prone to theatricality. On the other hand, given the hopeless state of the neighborhood where both the young doctor and the nun spend their days - some sort of free clinic - well, the sister might simply have slipped on a spot of sludge, fallen into an open sewer, and been eaten by devil rats." The man shrugged - his momentary surge of interest in the Tir elf seemed to be ebbing fast.

Etain
Sunday 8/10/70 23:28:40

"Saints and sinners, child, I'd've expected this from yer brother, but not from yerself. But I'm glad you've come to yer senses. Now just tell me where yer at, and I'll come fetch ye meself. I can be anywhere in the world in no more'n two hours by sub-orbital, and whatever it is yer after, we can work it out together."