Claymore merely shrugs, takes a small sip of beer, and continues to eye the other ganger silently.

The silence stretches for a good 10 seconds, Johnny and Claymore just looking at each other, trying to look nonchalant. Finally, Johnny shrugs.

Well... this's been fun, but uh... I'm gonna roll out You two take it easy huh?

Johnny gives a waive, stepping off and making his way out the door.

Haven, be seein' ya'.

Claymore downs the rest of his beer as he silently watches Johnny move toward the exit, and actually breaks into an amused chuckle just as the door closes behind the other ganger's back.

He shrugs his long, deep green jacket from his shoulders and throws it over the back of a nearby chair. Under his twin holsters, the sleeveless t-shirt he wears has seen many better days. Its once rich pink color is badly faded, and it is peppered with more than a few rips and tears. The words 'Hello Kitty' in what used to be vibrant red lettering over a small white cartoon cat face adorn the chest, probably advertising for some long-forgotten 'trix game or simflick. Despite all of this though, the shirt is one of Claymore's favorites, a present he had once given to his former lover, Kitty Franklyn, and one of the very few things of hers that he had left. Besides the cats, of course.

Grabbing another beer from the fridge, he flops into the chair and pops open the can.

"So, what was that all about?"

"Heh, wow, that was an amusing display. I knew you guys didn't get along, but I would need a thesaurus to adequately describe how awkward that was."

Waiting till his system tells him that Johnny is well and truly gone, Haven goes to the fridge himself and comes back with a.... ginger ale. Popping the top and sitting cross-legged on a workbench, he says "Well, with the disclaimer that I'm not supposed to tell anyone and all that stuff- so you didn't hear this from me as you know I don't put any stock into the inter-family politics. Anyway, apparently something big is going down and they- they being Green Lucifer- have called in me to be a wheel-man/medic and Jester- presumably to monitor the astral. He wouldn't tell me anymore about that. Talked for forever, I may actually be helping Johnny with something later on but that is neither here nor there. Anyway, tomorrow, 2200, at the Squat we are supposed to be getting some more details. Or the whole thing may be going down. He was remarkably uninformed. "

"Johnny's a weasel!"

Claymore slouches deeper in the chair, throwing his leg up over the armrest. Absently tracing one of the green tiger stripes that cut across the black leather, his mind replays the meeting with Green Lucifer's errand boy.

"I prob'ly could'a played that one better. But from the sounds of it, he didn't seem t' know drek anyway."

With a slight shake of his head, he looks up at Haven.

"Normally I wouldn't give a shit what Greenie gets up to, but when he goes outta his way to try an' keep me in the dark ... well ... then I jus' have t' sit up an' take notice."

The elf takes a long pull from the can before continuing.

"So, any ideas?"

Haven shakes his head and says

"Something big and magical is all I know, he dropped the time, place, and keep quiet on me, mentioned that Jester was going to be there too and that it was for Lucifer and that was all he'd give me. Come to think of it, I've never actually heard what the whole quarrel between you and Green Lucifer was about anyway. Without really knowing why hyou guys hate each other I can't really make any guesses as to the things he would go specifically out of the way to keep you away from. I mean, it's none of my business, so if you don't want to tell me that's cool, but it might help me make some educated guesses. Other than that if you don't want to just show up at the actual meet, you are welcome to tag me and follow me that way to keep tabs."

As Haven speaks, Claymore's left hand absently moves to stroke the small cat face on his t-shirt. The eerie, almost ever-present sparkle emanating from his emerald eyes grows in intensity, his fists clench in silent rage as a mirage of images erupt in his head.

"He's gutless! Not to mention that he's leading the Ancients in the wrong direction."

Slipping smoothly to his feet, the elf empties the can in two swallows. Holding it up and giving his host a brief, inquiring glance, he then moves toward the fridge without waiting for a response.

"Next time's on me. So-ka?"

Returning with a fresh pair of cans, he once again flops into the chair, gracing the other elf with a long, calculating look. Letting out a deep sigh, he opens one of the cans, placing the other on the table beside him.

"Back when the Spikes ..."

He pauses, swallowing a few mouthfuls of beer in an effort to gain a hold on his emotions.

"Back when the Spikes slaughtered Kitty, an' me too, almost, Greenie was the one that refused to let us avenge her. His private agendas were much too important to let such trivial matters rock his boat an' cut into the bottom line. He even wanted to act against me when I tried t' set the record straight with the trogs."

He pauses once again to take another drink, then reaches around and fishes the almost-empty pack of Virginia Reals out of his coat pocket. Eying the tech-head as he sparks up the last smoke, he finally crumples the pack and drops it on the table.

"An' nothin's changed! I've learned a few things about dear ol' Green Lucifer since then, an' the more I learn, the more there is not t' like."

Claymore drains the first can, then pops the top on the second before slouching back in the chair.

Haven watches and listens, seeing and hearing the familiar feelings of rage and betrayal in Claymore's face and feeling the reflection of them build in his own heart.

"This must have happened before I really reclaimed my place in the family. I haven't ever heard any of this."

Haven shakes his head as if trying to force his eyes to focus.
"I knew Lucifer had done some shifty fucking things in the past, but this this is almost worse than when Vixen tried to use fuckin' trogs to kill us. I mean, how the hell could he live with himself without ordering revenge on those tusker wastes of life. And acting against you when you tried to set straight a score that we all should have had a stake in settling. Gah! I feel sick. To think I have to this day called this man brother and not known the depths to which he is apparently so willing to sink. FRAG! Are we sure that he isn't the reason you and Kitty ran afoul of the Spikes in the first place?"

Haven hops off the bench and paces slightly.

"I knew that there were some in the family that were doing... are doing things I don't approve of, but it's family so I chose to ignore it. You know I don't normally give a good damn about the politics inherent in this gang... but this is something that I cannot just ignore. Lucifer has managed to stay on my neutral side so far, but... this stands him squarely over into the "Scumbags I don't want to deal with" side."

Haven stops and grimaces.
"What if he doesn't want you involved because we are teaming up with or helping the Spikes in some way? I was originally thinking just calling him and telling him to fuck himself, but someone needs to be there to keep things like what happened to you and Kitty from happening to any other Ancients. I've done a lot of things I regret, but I couldn't live with myself if something like that happened again and I could have prevented it."

Claymore finishes his beer while he listens to the other elf. His eyes widen slightly in surprise at the direction of Haven's rambling, and when the other elf stops for a rare breath, the gunslinger stubs out his smoke and seizes the chance to get a couple of words in to head off any misconceptions.

"I really don't think Greenie had anythin' t' do with the trogs. Either now or back then. He's more int'rested in makin' nuyen an' fuckin' with the Tir. I just wish I knew what his gig is this time, an' why it's so fuckin' important t' keep me out of it."

He lets out another deep sigh and gives the crumpled cigarette pack an irritated scowl. Suddenly he looks up at Haven, his emerald eyes twinkling, a small mischievous smile tugging the corners of his mouth.

"Feel like payin' Jester a little visit?"

Haven visibly calms himself.

"Well, I'm glad you don't think so. Still we should keep our eyes open, and I think you are right. I'm sure Jester could use a little company right now."

Claymore pushes himself to his feet, stretching widely before grabbing his leather jacket from where it lay over the back of the chair. As he settles the long coat on his shoulders, it finally hits him.

"Ahh ... D'ya happen t' know where he crashes?"

Haven looks crestfallen and more than a little disappointed in himself.

"Uhhh... no I don't think I do. I've seen him around a couple of times, of course, but I don't think he has ever really had to avail himself of my services and this will be our first job together."

He clears his throat and says "Uh, do you know anyone who runs with the mage crowd that might know? I really haven't had much experience with any of the Ancient's magical talent other than the phys-ads and that time we spent with Aero a while back.

Claymore merely shrugs.

"Shouldn't be too hard t' track down. Maybe we should start at the Squat. Never know, he jus' might be there for the party."

Haven looks thoughtful for a moment then winces.
"I don't know what's wrong with me, I guess I got a little riled up and wasn't thinking. Let me do a quick 'Trix search, it might save us a lot of legwork."

Haven's eyes, metal though they may be, manage to take on a kind of absentee look as he swaps over to an AR overlay and punches everything he knows about Jester into his search program and waits for the results.

It doesn't take long to find some information connected to the mage. His little sister Angel, an Ancient-to-be is connected to a social networking system frequently used by Tarsilar residents and Ancients alike. While it doesn't have any direct information, it does have contact information for her, through her persona.

"Well, nothing on him, but his sister Angel has available contact information if we want to try to get his info from her. Apparently she is an Ancient in waiting of sorts.

Haven looks inquisitively at Claymore trying to see what he thinks of the idea.

Claymore shrugs again.

"Go for it!"

The elf pauses, running his hand through his short blond hair while he considers the situation.

"Might be best not t' mention me though. Y' know ... just in case."

"Heh, yeah, somehow that always seems to be a good idea unless I'm threatening someone. Give me a second, and I'll give her a call and see what she says."

Haven turns away slightly and calls Angel listening to some rock something or other that is popular with the younger residents of Tarislar as it rings. He's trying to remember where he heard it before when he hears it pick up in the background.

"Hello Angel, this is Haven, maybe you've heard of me. I'm trying to track down your brother, Jester, we've got Ancients' business to discuss, but he is proving remarkably hard to find. I was just wondering if you would mind giving me his contact information or at least passing mine along to him."

Haven looks awkward throughout most of this spiel, it is pretty obvious he doesn't often talk to younger people and has no real idea how to address them.

A cute little blonde elf girl with a pixie cut, looking annoyed at first, then a little confused nods at the end of his 'speil'.
Oh uh... hey ... uh... 'Haven'. What's up. You ever notice how no one around here has a regular name. I mean, not that there's anything wrong with a name like 'Haven.' I mean, it's totally arc, ya' know? I'm Angel by the way. You know, like, a regular name . Hehe .... just teasing. I thinkk I've seen you around the Squat a few times.

From the screen she seems to be wandering around a small apartment, chatting idly as she wanders.
So, you hang out with that guy Aero right? What's he like?HEY CHESTER! SOMEONE ON THE PHONE FOR YOU!! Anyway, what're you all doing tonight? Chester was saying there was some kinda way arctic party going down. Where's it at? 'Cause I would LOVE to get out of the house tonight, believe me.

Claymore can't help cracking a small smile at the tech-head's remark. While Haven makes his call, the gunslinger idly wanders over to one of the workbenches to check out some of the other elf's tools.

Chester walks into the room and takes the phone from his sister.
Would you keep it down? I dont want the people upstairs comin down here with a shotgun again. Im sure he'd hate to get another black eye from you. Chester considers this for a moment and then chuckles. Actually, that was pretty funny. He slaps hands with her then turns his attention to the com as he clears his throat.

Chester here...Oh.. Hey...um.. Haven? Yeah, Haven. Whats up omae?

Word travels fast..

HEY! Chester! That's MY fucking comm! I was gonna chat you in! Give that back! CHESTER! In the background, the young blonde can be seen slapping at his hands. It's a lot less funny for Chester, who is actually there, getting hit.

He puts the com down covering the mic.

I bought you the god damn com, now wait just a second for me to give em my number. And Ill give it back. Soka?

He adds a little venom to the last word.

She gives a combination sulk/pout/glare that makes Chester pity her next boyfriend more than anything. They're a pain when they grow up.
Fine

She plants her fists on her hips.

Good to know now thought that gifts from you are never gonna really be mine.

Chester sighs with a grin as he sends his number to Haven.

Gimme a call on this line bro, and we can talk.
Chester hangs up the com and hands it back to Genny.
Here, and Im sorry. But this seemed important. Ancient stuff, ya dig? I dont know why they didn't call my com. But you're right, this is yours. Here you go. He tries to sound sincere. Try being the keyword.

I fucking hate hormones.....

She snatches up her comm, walking back into her 'room' without a word, privately bringing up Haven's profile information and scanning it over with interest.

"Well, that was amusing, his sister sure seems like a handful. Anyway, this is his number- you want in on the call?

Haven rattles off Jester's number and sends a request to conference to Clay's link then dials Jester back up.

As Jester picks up the comm Haven can still here Angel ranting a little in the background and smiles a bit.

"Well, that sounds fun. Sorry, I didn't know your number, and hers was plastered all over her profile so I figured she might be able to find you for me. If you want to get away for a bit, I'd like to chat with you a little about tomorrow and me and Claymore are hanging out at the garage, there is free beer if you are interested. Well, if Clay hasn't drank it all by the time you get here, anyway."

Claymore turns, looking at Haven in confusion. This wasn't the plan. The tech-head wasn't supposed to mention him during the call. With a frustrated sigh, the elf joins the conference call.

Meh, hormones. What can you do?
He shrugs.
Hey there Clay. You're lookin as angry and intense as ever. Got that whole meat head thing goin on? Looks good on you, man. Good to see you're in good spirits. Chester smiles wickedly at his joke.

Sure, Ill head down. Gimme 20.

Claymore merely rolls his eyes at the mage's attempt at humor.

"Do me a favor an' grab me a pack o' smokes on the way over, will ya?"

Chester laughs
Yea right [/color"]
He hangs up his com, and shouts to his sister in the other room.

[color=salmon] Hey Genny! Im goin out again! Be back in about an hour! If you leave, send me a message!

As the call ends Haven looks back over at Claymore and says
"Heh, sorry about that, but when he picked up I had a thought and went with it. I figured if I called and invited him over to talk, and then he got here and you were here he would react a lot worse than he would to an invitation to just come hang out and talk with both of us. Let's face it, you are a frightening guy most of the time- personally I think you cultivate the image and I understand why you would- and even the majority of the Ancients are kind of nervous around you if they don't know what is going on. So I figured he might react similarly to Johnny if he showed up and you were staring holes in him and he didn't even know you were going to be here."

"Jester ain't Johnny!"

The elf sighs as he casts another longing glance at the discarded cigarette pack on the table.

"It's arctic. I jus' thought we was goin' to visit him. I was plannin' t' make a stop on the way."

Claymore once again shrugs off his jacket as he wanders back to the chair.

"So, ya got anythin' better than beer 'round here?"

After getting his things together he heads to the door.

As Jester snaps closed his commlink and heads for the door, Juno eyes him angrily. "He FORGOT me! Everyone always forgets the spirit. Oh nooo, we're here when you need us. Just summon us up whenever you want... but noooo, when we're not doing something useful... just up and go, without so much as a "Hey, I'm going over here to screw some random joytoy and probably get a really nasty disease that prevents me from peeing straight ever again!" Oh, that's how you want it, huh? Just act all interested and then BAM! gone. See how you like... this!" She looks around the room for something to throw, settles on Angel's comm. She whips it out of the young girl's hands, takes aim and pelts it at Jester's head. "How'd you like that? Huh?! Huh?!!"

Angel's eyes go wide with shock staring at her hand, then at Jester, still in the doorway. Her face blanches as she trows her hands in the air.

WASN'T ME!!

Chester turns around holding his head.

God damn mother fu-! He stares at Genny as it registers. Oh shit...Juno.
He mindlinks to the spirit.
Juno. I didn't forget you. I was just in a hurry, Sorry. Really I am. Besides, I just assumed that you would follow me out the door. Soka? We cool?

Genny starts 'backing' into a corner, looking around frantically.

Ohshitohshitohshitohshit! Chester I think I know what this is! I saw the same thing happen in Nightmare 4 - Spirits Forsaken!
Her voice somehow changes frequencies to a higher pitch, only audible to dogs and older brothers. She whispers -

I think it's an angry spirit Chester! Let's get outta here! She somehow rushes across the room and never moves her feet more than inches at a time all at once resulting in her latching onto hamster with a drop bear like death grip.

He grabs his sister by her arms.
Relax, relax. Ive got this under control Genny. Just calm down a little.

He turns in Junos direction.

Juno, you can't do that. She scares easily with these kind of things. Just calm down, and let's go.

He doesnt appear angry, but he doesn't appear happy either. Its obvious he's protective.

Juno looks from him to the girl and then back again. She smiles. She disappears for the briefest of seconds, appearing again right behind the girl. She leans in close and whispers... "Boo!"
Juno stays just long enough to give Jester a look that could melt glass before disappearing again.

GM Note

Jester stands in front of Genny, now very angry.

GOD DAMN IT JUNO!! IF YOU DONT LEAVE HER ALONE.....!! He closes his eyes and breathes in deep. Once he opens them again, he speaks through his teeth.

.....I swear to GOD, I will banish your ass back to the metaplanes...

He looks back at her even more narrowed look.

We. Go. Now.

He turns to his sister, anger instantly dissolved.
Dont worry Genny. It wont hurt you. Shes just likes to play. I promise you'll be okay. Ill put up the wards when I leave just to be sure. Okay?

Genny jumps, latching onto Chester at about shoulder level, her nails digging into his shoulder.

AH! Shit!

What the FUCK Chester!?

Dont worry about her. Ill take care of it. Just don't tell anyone, please? She's not as bad as you might think. Just...childish.

His eyes look pleading to his younger sister.

"Heh, not really sure what's in the fridge, people come and stay a couple days to heal and replace the food and drink with whatever they can afford, so it's always a crapshoot, and I don't trust myself to drink very often. As for your smokes, there is a Shack like three blocks south and two blocks over. It's a shithole, but I'm sure it has cigs if you want to make a quick trip. I'm sure if we are quick we can easily get back before Jester gets here. Wouldn't be a bad idea to have some more beer and maybe some non-random food when he gets here."

Haven walks over and snags his jacket from a bench near the door and looks quizzically at Clay.

Claymore gives the tech-head a long, blank stare before yet again flinging his long green coat over his shoulders.

"Sounds like a plan. I almos' pulled in there on the way, but I really wanted to get here before Johnny took off."

"Understandable. Well, I guess we better go so we can get back."

Haven accesses his home node and flicks the main rolling door open on the garage as he walks over and kicks his leg up and over his bike, keying it to turn over as he does. Once Claymore is out the door, he guns his bike out, shutting the door and reactivating the security system, and heading to the Shack for food, smokes, and alcohol.

The Harley roars to life even before Claymore finishes swinging himself into its saddle. He watches as Haven brings out his own bike, then suddenly guns the engine and burns a semi-circle of rubber into the pavement before releasing the front brake and screaming off down the block.

Chester steps outside and looks directly at Juno. He crosses his arms, and look at her with a stare that he normally reserves for his sister boyfriends. He holds the look for about 6 seconds then breathes in deep and exhales. He half grins and shakes his head.

Lets go see what Haven and Claymore are up to.

He gets on his bike and makes it roar to life. He revs the engine for a moment before taking off into the street. It takes him about 20 minutes to arrive at Havens shop. He shuts off his bike and walks to the door. Before he knocks, he turns to Juno, and mindlinks.

You'd better wait a few moment before entering. Haven and Clay aint magic or anything, but it pays to be safe.

Claymore and Haven make it back to the Far Name sake with plenty of time, and chips, as Chester rolls up some five minutes later, foolishly knocking on the front door.

Haven starts to get up and go open the door- giving it that personal touch- when he notices on his security overlay Jester getting off his bike and walking up to knock on the door.

Haven shakes his head slightly and thinks Man, I'm glad I was here tonight or I would have had some pissed off people in the morning. Maybe I need to put up a "Don't bang on the damn door unless you want to get shocked to hell and back and maybe shot a lot you idiot!" sign up or something.

Grinning slightly, Haven opens the front door and makes a sweeping gesture welcoming Jester inside his home.

"Glad you could make it, me and Clay just got back from a food run like 5 minutes ago so help yourself to whatever is in the fridge. How is it going, man?