Paladin & Immortal

You work your way towards the bar, the crowd subtlety parts around you. A current of unease ripples through the patrons with your passing. The bar on the left clears out as you approach. An older woman moves behind the bar, her skin is a smooth cream color and her hair platinum. Her age is indeterminate. She gives each of you the glad eye. "Well, well real boys in the club tonight." Her voice is like velvet. "Nice to see something walk in that a girl can sink her teeth into. What can I get you two strapping men? And please tell a desperate girl that your just friends." Her tone is light and teasing. She leans across the bar, waiting to take your drink order.

He nods his head to Moira, a subtle gesture, just the right amount of respect, as he hands the staff over to the woman. He flexes his wrist once, eyes flicking over the band, before stepping into the bar proper.

He moves over to the bar, thankful to see that they carried at least two of the better brands of Japenese liquor. A few moments later, and he's strolling towards Moira's table, a glass of the odd flavored beer in hand, and orders for hot saki later. He gives her a bow, flashing a bit more of a smile then strictly necessary, but he was happy to see someone he'd worked with before, if not totally trusted.

He gives the other patron sitting at the table a small nod, much less respect necessary to a newcomer with no obvious station. His voice is calm, smooth, and sounds cultured.

"A pleasure to see you again, Moira, in much better surroundings."

:: Her smile seems to creep up a notch as she extends a hand towards the empty seat, taking a moment to bow her head in reply. ::

"Indeed. Then again, there are few places of low enough prestige to compare with our previous meeting. Please, join us. This young man is known as Murray. It seems he will be joining our clandestine palaver."

Some men'd love the feel of power that came with parting that sea of wealth. Immortal was apt not to give a damn about them. Let the wealthy clubgoing folk gawk and cower from him and Paladin. He doesn't need their kind anyway.

When he steps up to the bar, he leans on it, and arches a brow at the woman who's intentions are less than subtle. Though even this interest, he takes to be an act. He tilts a head towards Paladin.

`Who him? He's just a guy I haven't shot yet. Says a lot, but nothin' like you're insinuating. Not all us daisy eaters are queer.`

He looks over the selection behing the bar, and points to one of the bottles with his cigarillo.

`I'll have the Jack Daniels, don't bother with a glass.`

At hearing himself introduced, Murrey stands and bows politely and sits again.
"I beleieve those two are here for the same business that we are, otherwise, given the surroundings, how else would they pain entry ghast the doorman?"

:: Moira cocks her head to the side and looks at the two misfits at the bar. ::

"I do believe you're right, however, I think I will wait to meet them at the proper moment. Their lack of style and manners is not something I wish to associate myself with. I do intend to come back here."

Paladin & Immortal

The bartender hands you the bottle. "Enjoy gentlemen and let me know if you need anything else." She looks down the empty length of the bar. "You seem to be my only customers for the moment."

Murrey looks around the room, watching the people shy away from the rougher elements introduced into their little aquarium. Waiting for the moment to be invited to speak to the man with the money.

Paladin smirks sideways at Immortal,"Shut it, farie. And I'll take a bottle of the same, thanks."

Taking the bottle, Paladin turns around and leans back against the bar. His eyes search the crowd for anyone eyeing him and Immortal with more than general curriosity. His eyes fall on Murrey and Moira and he gives the pair a wink. Taking a swig from the bottle, Paladin turns back to Immortaland says with a small grin, eyeing the empty bar, "I hope this meeting starts up soon, or else the club is only gunna be getting half a normal nights cut."

A small smile flits across his face at Moira's comments, although they couldn't be truer. He takes the proffered seat, a quiet "Bakatare" for Murrey's benefit.

He observes the men for a few moments, and then speaks again. "My hopes as this point are simply that they are professional."

He cants his head towards Moira, another small smile on his face.

"And after our last trip, anything short of ripping implants out with their bare teeth would seem professional."

Murrey listens to the exchange, making mental notes concerning the two at the bar and the newcommer to the table.
"Just bow had is this likely to be if that would seem professional compared to your last...project?"
Murrey also totes up physical size and apparant weight of each of the potential teammates, making mental notes for suspension adjustments that may be needed.

:: Moira visably shudders at the visual. ::

"Do me a favor and never mention that again."

:: Turning her attention to Murray. ::

"Despite best efforts, sometimes you are forced to work with morally corrupt amateurs. The last was beyond tolerable. Even I wish I had gutted that punk."

"Lovely. Well, if they've survived this long, they are sue dumb measure of respect."

Everyone

Once again the under current of the club changes. A young man moves from the back of the club working his way forward. Some of you recognize Stefan, Mr. Carvaggio's assistant. His pale blonde hair picks up the various lights of the dance floor. He flows from one group of patrons to the next with practiced ease. Each group feeling like he stopped just for them before moving on. He makes eye contact with Moira and gives a gentle nod to the other bar where the patrons have vacated. He approaches the lone duo and makes eye contact with both.

"Paladin. Immortal. Thank you for coming on such short notice. We'll just wait for the others to join us and then retire somewhere more private to discuss the problem we need solved."

Immortal, leaning on the bar now, opens the bottle and gives the guy a long look. So, this is either their contact, or a toady. Good, other than the booze this wasn't his scene. Well, ok, there's pool tables, so at least there's some potential. Still, he'd rather get down to business.

`Sounds like a plan to me Mr. Blonde.`

He takes a swig from the bottle, and lets his trained eye pick out the runners as they approach. He always could spot the self proclaimed professionals, they walked a certain way. A touch of the proper wariness, with a good dose of plain arrogance splashed in. He didn't consider himself a professional, or a runner. He was just a guy with plenty of guns, and even more anger.

:: Moira rises, lifting her half full goblet of deep red wine with her. ::

"Gentleman, it appears our meeting is about to commence. Shall we?"

Bakatare nods as he rises, stepping over to the bar a step behind and to the right of Moira. It was a sign of submission, or at least respect, and one he planned to foster as long as was necessary. He always hated negotiating during meetings...idiots made bad debate partners.

Moira was at least competent, and would handle the situation better then he could, and he trusted her as much as he trusted anyone, besides perhaps Winter. It didn't take him long to offer trust to others, but he was always very, very bitter when it was betrayed.

Murrey stands and walks along side Moira, watching the envious eyes follow the trio across the floor.

Paladin gives the blonde a simple nod of acknowledgement and waits for things to get started.

Everyone

Stefan seems relaxed. As Moria crosses to the bar he extends a hand to take hers, and places a light kiss on either side of her face. "Good to see you again." He moves on to Bakatare, bowing deeply. In Japanese "I must apologize for the confusion surrounding your arrival. You are an honored guest here and we extend you the same courtesy we would Onna." He turns and walks towards a section of wall on the perimeter of the club. "If you'll follow me please."

He touches a section of wall and it opens to reveal a cleverly disguised secret door. A small office is awash in a warm glow. As you enter you can see a long leather couch flanked by two armchairs, all facing a wooden desk. He stands aside to allow everyone to enter. He trails in behind the last person to enter and closes the door behind him. As he moves behind the desk he begins to speak.

"Mr. Carvaggio would like to thank all of you for coming. As per the agreement, you will be paid 5 thousand nuyen to hear his offer. The understanding is that if you decline, what was said here will not go behind this room." He opens a drawer and removes a small case. Opening it and turning towards all of you, you can clearly see 5 credsticks inside. "We are acting as intermediary in this. An individual has approached Mr. Carvaggio looking for a group of professionals to handle a problem that has recently begun plaguing them. Our client hosts a regular rave called the Looking Glass. It caters to changelings almost exclusively. The last such event ended in a massacre of all the attendees except one. The offer is 10 thousand to sign on and being paid 5 thousand per day of work. As you can see our client wishes this matter to be given the utmost priority. You were all selected because of your particular moral character and skill sets. At this point I am free to answer any questions you might have before deciding on the offer."

He takes a seat behind the desk, patiently waiting for any questions you might have.

Murrey sits in the chair to the left of the couch.
"Will expenses be covered in this tatter or is mat to be aborbed by those that accept the task?"

"My client feels the pay is sufficient at this time to cover any need you may have. There exists the possibility for a bonus depending on how the matter is handled."

"Good to know. I assume your client wishes any and all surveilence gained to be turned over at the end of this matter. What goal has your client defined thor fiz endeavor? "

"Correct. They want to identify and, if necessary, eliminate the attackers. Our client also wishes you to display a certain degree of sensitivity towards the changeling community. They feel very strongly about protecting and safeguarding their interests."

"Assuming the team is able to find the perpetrators of this massacre, does your client want input before the punishment or would she use our own discretion?"

"They would like to know what motivated the attack and whether they acted alone in this matter. After that, they just want them dealt with. I was given to understand the brutality and viciousness of the assault was quite severe. My client just wants justice for the Changelings and to ensure no further attacks occur."

"So, they'll be daunting the wish served warm, publically and loudly?"

"That was not covered so you will need to confer with them for the that particular answer. I do know that this floating club has kept a low profile and has remained out of the public eye for some time."

"Assuming enough people sign on for this, when will tea theme be able to confer with your client, or will you continue to act as the intermediary?"

"My role will end with this negotiation. If the job is taken you will then deal directly with our client going forward."

Murrey nods and sits back, listening to the others ask their questions.

Paladin moves into the room and takes up a standing possition in the corner, his Bo Staff resting lightly in his arms.

"Something isn't clear to me. Do you want us acting as security at this party, or are we gunna be hunting down the people who attacked the rave and take care of them?"

"Our client is looking for a team to hunt down the perpetrators. I do not believe they are looking for a simple security team."

He shrugs, "I was just currious because of the daily pay rate, rather than an upfront fee."

"It seems standard for detective work. A per day rate along with expenses until the info is gathered, then a bonus for dealing with them once we've tracked them down."

:: Moira shifts slightly and crosses her long legs. ::

"I am most interested in assisting your Johnson with this matter. There was a time when elves, orcs, trolls and dwarves were treated in much the same matter and we are STILL fighting for those rights to be equal. The changlings of the world are just another part of the sixth world. In many ways, what you're describing is a changling version of the Night of Rage. I am eager to bring justice to any who will perpetrate that atrocity."

:: Her voice is quiet, yet resonates with deep passion. The pain in her eyes showing evidence of her disgust at the events alluded to. ::

"It appears my trust in Wind was not misplaced.' Stefan's eye radiate approval at Moira's convictions.

"The opportunity for doing mischief is found a hundred times a day, and of doing good once in a year. Count we in as mel."

Paladin listens to Moira's words carefully. "Strong words, I'll help you back them up."

He then looks over at his friend, Immortal, "What do ya say? Sounds right up our alley, eh?"

Immortal'd been silent through most of the exchange, attending mainly to the cigarillo; the JD bottle hung loosly from one hand. Drinking and business don't mix.

`I'd say it's intriguing. But why not just the 'Star?`

It was a baiting question. He knew all too well the desire for revenge, and he'd already made up his mind to accept the offer. Darkness begets darkness, hatred begets hatred, and death brings only an end to life. Whoever'd purpetrated the massacre would learn this, nice and slowly perhaps.

:: Moira turns her deep blue eyes on Immortal. ::

"Remind us all again how effective the Star was in handling the Night of Rage?"

:: She barely resists the desire to roll her eyes. ::

Bakatare listens quietly, as was his wont. Accepting the task had never been in question, simply due to the nature of Onna's request.

He could see the flickerings of anger twisting through his own aura as he heard the tale, and he took a long moment to scan the other potential members of the team, gathering his own information about the validity of their responses through the emotions they couldn't hide.

"I'm in."

"My client does not wish to answer questions about the club and desires to protect the identities of the Changlings who attend. The client does not have a well of faith where Lone Star is concerned. I believe all that remains is your answer Immortal, unless there are more questions?"

Paladin opens his senses up to the Astral, trying to get a feel for his fellow runners and the Johnson.

Moira: Essence 2.15, Magic 0, Force, N/A
All implants in head
Healthy.
Angry: a massacre
Nervous: an electronic device
No astral signatures (that the player is aware of)

Paladin's aura shows that he is calm, but only on the outside. Inside he is very pissed off.

His own aura unruffled calm, he finishes his observations and looks back to their intermediate, waiting on the final confirmation.

Immortal's aura is one of barely restrained violence, temprered with a core of strange calm. That he is laden with cybernetics is quite obvious to tell.

`That you have no faith in the complacency of rent-a-cops is satisfactory. Consider me in as well.`

:: Moira's aura is mundane, but her pain and sympathy are easy to recognize coursing through her astral presence.

"Good." Stefan stands up and reaches in to his coat pocket and hands a card to Murrey. "This is the address where you will be meeting your employer. They are waiting there now for your arrival. Once again, Mr. Carvaggio wishes to thank for your assistance in this matter." He turns to face Moira. "Mr. Carvaggio would like to extend an invitation to visit the club some time in the future when your current commitments have been resolved. He is interested in acquiring your services." He gives everyone a brief nod and calmly heads out the door back out the main part of the club leaving you all alone with each other in the office.

:: Moira actually blushes and looks at her hands a moment before meeting Stephan's gaze. ::

"Tell him I would be most honored. I'll call as soon as Im able."