Masquerade: The Autumn Court

[Parcia]

The Ogre


He did ponder on this choice for some time, letting the possible reactions to his decision play out in his mind. "God why did you have to die you old fuck..." Letting a small sigh escape from his lips, he nodded. "If you can guarantee the safety of those among my host, then yes, we shall evacuate LA. Give us 24 hours to pack up our equipment and items of Value, we should reach what I imagine is you're perimeter around the edge of the city."

In a rather rare occurrence of disobedience, his chief Lieutenant spoke out of turn, a snap of harsh Cantonese, "You can't be serious!" Jonah didn't snap back, didn't yell at her. He slowly turned to her and spoke. ""What do you expect me to do?" "Not this, running away with our tail tucked between our legs?" Sofia would began to say something, rapid and spiteful string of Spanish curses. With a raised hand, he shut them both up.

Shooting the Mistress a Glance that simply read, "Forgive the insubordination", and spoke in english. "A wise leader never looks for war, yet is always prepared for it. An even wiser king will know when to re-treat and recoup their forces. We can't sustain a ground war with the Entire Camarilla, as much as we would love to. If the Autumn court wishes to do it for us, and let us live peacefully in the undoubtedly brighter world in the aftermath, then so be it."


His enforcer quieted for now, and his Court Mage seemingly placated, he returned his gaze to the Mistress, "If you would be willing, I'd ask you to return with post haste, and deliver to the queen that I would wish to meet with her."

[Luminesa]

Morri

"Yer welcome." Replied Morri. "Tis easier when there is an element o' truth."

"I refer ta me earlier comment 'bouts Little John and trouble." She sighed. "Guess we're not going fer that walk now."

"Don't ye have that bottle ye brought last night?" Morri asked. "I could help ye drink it whilst telling ye 'bouts life as a Garou."

"Well unless ye believe in 'em stupid laws ye have here." Said Morri as she pulled her jumper off, catching the t-shirt underneath and briefly giving Alexei an eyeful before the t-shirt fell back into place. "There, that's better."

Alexei smiled at Morri as she mentioned her lenient use of the truth, as he shut the windows and locked the front door. He knew that they could not leave the house, unless they could sneak past the nosy FBI Agents who had now latched onto a physical suspect. Or a physical accomplice. He gulped, and looked over at the cabinet in the kitchen. "...That's meant for Connor...and I'd rather not be arrested for providing alcohol to someone under 21...I'm sorry..." He gave her a sympathetic look. He knew they both probably needed a drink, but with the upped security around his home, he had to be extra cautious. He smiled as she got comfortable, however, and he walked to the bathroom with his cellphone.

Inside, he looked down at his phone. Jonah had not responded. A grimace stretched across Alexei's face, as he wondered if Jonah had been caught. "...No, the news would say something...I'm going to take the risk..." He dialed the number, and he waited for someone to answer. When he felt he might get a response, he spoke into the phone. "Jonah, where are you? We need to talk. I know you're busy, but if you're able to speak, I need to talk to you about last night. I don't know if you have any idea of what you've just done, but we need to clarify this now. Is anyone else in the room talking to you?" he inquired, keeping his voice soft and low.

[Morrdh]

Morri

"Gah!" Commented Morri as she made a face and then muttered. "Soopid stoopid laws, back in Britain I'd be old 'nuff ta get served at a bar!"

"The sooner I get ta go back home the better!" Morri grumbled as Alexei disappeared into the bathroom, she considered following and possibly even eavesdrop but opted to give him some privacy...for a moment. With a sigh she wandered over to the window and glazed, trying to guess which car the FBI agents were in. Though across the street she noted another figure, a figure that took her a moment to recognize....Cal?

Yes, yes it was him....the pack's other Ragabash who'd been quite happy to hand over the position of Omega to Morri when she failed his challenge. Granted it had taken some time, she managed to get her own back for that. Though as to why he was here, Morri figured Connor probably had detailed him to tail and keep watch over her. Curiously she couldn't hear his voice in her head, even the pack totem had gone silent. Cal had thankfully spotted her and asked in a sign language that the two No Mooners had comprised between them; Fine to meet?

Come up. Morri gestured back. But step in shadow.

Morri watched as Cal disappeared into a nearby alley and then focused her attention on the glass of the window, soon enough she felt the world sliding sideways and the room took on the vague impression of Alexei's apartment. She waited until Cal made his way, up having also stepped sideways, and asked as he entered the 'room'. "Connor made ye keep an eye on me?"

"Something like that lass." Cal answered. "The totem is having nothing to do with ya but the boss still wanted tabs keep on ya."

"I always knew he was a big softie at heart." Grinned Morri. "But luck ya here, thanks ta that blasted Ogre we have the Feds parked outside our door..."

"Oh aye, think I spotted 'em...want me to have some fun lass?"

"Something like that." Replied Morri. "Certainly inconvenience 'em."

"Ya wish is my command m'lady." Cal said, giving Morri a mock bow. "I'll see what I can cook up."

"Ye do that and tell Connor I'm fine and, fer Gaia's sake, stop fretting 'bouts me."

Cal grinned and saluted before disappearing outside again, leaving Morri to step sideways again and hoping that Alexei hadn't noticed her brief absence.

[Morrdh]

Pentex

Despite a promising start, the morning had proved to be....frustrating.

Somehow they had lost track of Little Red, she'd been discharged from the hospital and hadn't been observed leaving the building. None of the teams watching the various entrances and exits had reported seeing anything and the hospital's CCTV footage over the previous 12 hours had mysteriously been deleted. It was likely that she had managed to slip out via the Umbra before it could be closed off as an escape route.

There was worse to come.

Pentex's computer network suddenly got hit by a Denial of Service attack, an attack that was preceded by a virus that was loaded onto the network right before the attack happened. The virus laid dormant until the network had been rebooted, at which point it started causing havoc by shorting out server stacks and wiping whole blocks of data. Before anyone realized, it had somehow gained network access and was spreading throughout the rest of the corporation's network.

With Little Red yet again slipping Pentex's grasp and the computer virus, heads were going to roll.

---

Union Station
Downtown LA
Los Angeles

With a squealing of brakes, the blue and silver Amtrak train came to a halt at one of the station's many platforms after a two night cross-country journey from Chicago. The train's passengers disembarked and joined the throng of morning commuters that bustled through the station on their way to work. One of the Amtrak train's passengers, a strong lad with a large British Army style backpack, glazed with wonderment as he strolled through the station. Though it was the slower option by a wide margin, the lad had chosen the train to enable him to see more of America than he would've done than going by plane.

It was a big country.

Far bigger than the rainy island he'd called home, everything seemed to be supersized in this vast land. The overcrowded cities he'd known as a child were considered towns or neighbourhoods of the great American cities that seemed to sprawl across the land. The landscape of America, from the Great Plains through to the Rocky Mountains and the Californian deserts, he found awe-inspiring. Though now he'd reached his destination, he had to focus on his goal which was minute in comparison.

Finding a certain girl.

He'd never met her, but knew her name and what she was suppose to look like. She'd known his half-brother before his death a couple of years prior, though it was her that he was interested in rather than his deceased sibling. He had plans for her. He had a name and an address, all he had to do was find her.

[Luminesa]

No answer. The line buzzed and beeped, but nobody picked-up from the other side. Alexei sighed, and he hung-up the phone. He figured that he might try later, and he walked out of the bathroom. He had hoped that Morri had not gone out alone. She could not afford that sort of exposure at the moment, and he had an inkling that he still needed to protect her. “...Morri?”

She was nowhere to be found, and Alexei felt himself about to panic for the third time today. He paced around the house, looking in the kitchen and the laundry room. Her clothes were still rolling around in the washing machine, and she had not gone to check them. He walked to his bedroom, thinking that somehow she might be there, but he saw nothing. No Morri under the bed, under the mattress, or in the closet. He stood, and took a deep, weary breath. “...God help me...” he whispered, as he walked out of his room.

She might have gone out to get alcohol...She must have been upset, when I told her she couldn’t... As soon as he arrived back in the living room, she was there. She had not opened the door, as he had not heard the lock click. He wondered now if she had somehow entered the Umbra, as she had done when she was in the hospital. And yet she could have only gone between the time he was in the bathroom and the time he found her.

“...Morri? Where did you go? You can’t...I’m sorry...” He sighed, knowing he sounded too much like an authority. “...We need to stay safe. I’m worried. I don’t know how many agents are going to try to come to my door, and I can’t reach Jonah. I think they’ve caught him. Or he might be busy with other matters...Who knows...” Jonah could be up to anything. He could be running away, or he could be in another shootout. He looked at the news. Still footage of the hospital, people talking about what they knew of the suspect. Not much more on Morri and himself. News changed and cycled fast, sometimes too fast. “...I’m going to try and text another friend of mine...and then maybe we can...talk about what to do about the agents...”

On the off-chance that Mikhailov might see a text a year later, he wanted to try again. Even though he had not been able to reach him for some time, a premonition told him that he was alive. Hopefully, he was also well. Alexei sent a quick text, and waited. “Hi! This is Alexei. I’m in my apartment, finally. Are you well? Please respond if you can. Be safe,” said the text.

[Morrdh]

Morri

When Morri stepped back it was clear she was gone long enough for Alexei to notice given how flustered he looked. She gave him a guilty look and uttered a word she seldom used. "Ugh, sorry....?"

"Though technically I didn't go anywhere." She countered. "Besides, may have gotten some help ta deal with 'em agents."

"One o' me packmates is keeping watch, Connor was fretting 'bouts me ye see." Morri explained. "Our pack totem is having nothing ta do with me, probably 'cause o' Anna, and stepping inta the Umbra was the only way I could talk ta said packmate without the agents noticing."

She sighed and added. "I only wanted ta pop by and say hi ta Jonah..."

[Parcia]

Samantha Slaid


She hated flying. Like, really hated flying. Mostly because of TSA. Being a "Special Agent" with a predominate federal agency absolved her of any of the local gunlaws were ever she may tread, but the TSA still required her to go through the standard check list and line, just minus the obvious process of declaring her fire arms before hand.

Her side arm was fine, her status allowing her to carry the big 10mm in it's normal shoulder holster, her rifle and its accessories, being privately owned, were magnets to surprise checks and inspections, requiring her to go through a whole process of pre-screening and security.

Her comfort through this was her beloved dog. She splurged a little, registering him as a support animal and getting him his own seat. Bass was rather fine on planes, the nature of her life having long since forced him to become accustomed to it, provided he could snack on those little airline biscuits. She didn't know why Qauntico had requested her return with all her gear, likely to re-certify for some mundane certification on it's range. Her two M14s were being shipped via Federal Mail, so at least she didn't have to declare them.


As the United Airlines flight lifted off Bass gave a toothy yawn and fell asleep, curling in to a comically large ball on the seat. Sam stayed awake though. Something wasn't sitting right with her. It was just a hunch of course, but she could feel something big about to go down.


Something...

[Imperialisium]

Caladrielle ap Kyrmane

Caladrielle listened to the quick flurry of words. She did not speak Cantonese but it seemed to be some form of protest by the 'Duke' of Chinatown. Her response was equally quick, "Very well. I will deliver your response. She will wish to meet in the Los Angeles National Forest. Near a locale that the humans call Hidden Springs. Approximately five kilometers North-West you will find us."

At that Caladrielle tapped her staff onto the ground and the chairs reverted into the ground. A portal burst open behind her as she stepped through with her Darkling guards.

Kensington

Interstate 10 was busy even at this abysmal hour of the night. As Kensington traveled with his entourage the small convoy was halted with squealing brakes, their protests audible, guards getting out quickly. Before them a white SUV had stopped and from it emerged five passengers. Behind them and beside three other white SUVs pulled up. All sleek white Cadillac Escalades. Out of which emerged more armed members and one dressed in a white tailored suit.

"Mr. Kensington. Welcome to Los Angeles. I am Arthur Gomez, Ventrue Primogen of Los Angeles. Please if you would follows us?" The self proclaimed Ventrue Primogen and his personnel got back into their vehicles and drove away amid the increasing roar of honking horns and profanity spewing from the Kine drivers now halted in a standstill.

Oppenheimer Station, Above Mars

Two men in blue-grey uniforms looked about at the white speckled blackness of space. Below them the Red Planet slowly turned on its Axis. While in the distance, the blue-green marble of Earth followed its own circuitous route around the teeming brilliant orb of the Sun. "You're sure about the Tychoidian Ion trail that you picked up leading from Earth out to Saturn?" said the older of the two. A white haired man with a well kept moustache. Various medals and tabs on his chest plate.

"Yes Admiral." The younger, but still middle aged officer, handed a green holoslate to his older compatriot. A small circular plinth behind them lit up to show a full color hologram of a man at attention. In a matching blue-grey uniform. The Admiral spoke, "Captain Zaire? You have arrived at the remains of Orbital 77/B?"

The Captain spoke crisply with an ever so slight delay in the transmission due to Saturn's rings messing with the tight light transmission. "Yes, Admiral, and Rear Admiral. Orbital 77/B was completely destroyed. Catastrophic core detonation. There where no survivors."

"What of the artifact?"

"No trace among the remains."

"Keep the Arios on station. We may have especially brave pirates."

"Yes Admiral." The hologram snapped out of existence as the two officers began to walk along the gallery. The older officer examining the scrolling data on the holo slate. "Pirates? Sir, that far from the Moons of Io?"

"The station was top secret. It may have to do with your mysterious ion signature. Only one ship had that experimental drive."

"That ship was lost with all hands over 75 years ago?"

"That station had top secret information that was classified even for much of High Command. Send a message to the garrison on Luna to begin probing Earth-side."

"Anything in particular to look for?"

"Anything about the origin of those ion trails if they aren't dissipated by the time they mobilize."

"I will raise Commodore Valerchez right away." said the Rear Admiral with a salute and retrieval of the holo slate.

[Luminesa]

Morri

When Morri stepped back it was clear she was gone long enough for Alexei to notice given how flustered he looked. She gave him a guilty look and uttered a word she seldom used. "Ugh, sorry....?"

"Though technically I didn't go anywhere." She countered. "Besides, may have gotten some help ta deal with 'em agents."

"One o' me packmates is keeping watch, Connor was fretting 'bouts me ye see." Morri explained. "Our pack totem is having nothing ta do with me, probably 'cause o' Anna, and stepping inta the Umbra was the only way I could talk ta said packmate without the agents noticing."

She sighed and added. "I only wanted ta pop by and say hi ta Jonah..."

He was not angry with her, but he was worried. He did appreciate her saying that she was sorry, and her expression seemed genuine. He smiled at her, and his anxious face softened for a moment. “...I realized that you had probably gone into the Umbra...I understand that you’re upset about...being locked in here. Maybe we can...find a way past the...”

His phone blinked after a moment, and he looked down at his phone. At first he had thought he Jonah had responded. However, his eyes nearly bulged when he saw that someone else had responded. Mikhailov.

“Yes. It’s good to hear from you. I have been out-of-commission. I should be able to see you soon. I will come visit.”

Alexei stared at his phone. Mikhailov was alive. He wondered what ‘out-of-commission’ meant, but he would be able to get an answer once he met with him. Excitement came to his face. Having an extra ally would help him to dodge danger, even if Mikhailov had been a magnet for danger. “...So...one of my friends is alive...Hopefully he will be able to come here...and help us...Or maybe he can find Jonah...” He texted him again. “Where are you?”

“I cannot say, but I will try to reach him...when I can. And you, as well. I stole this phone, cannot speak for long.”

The first good news he had today. Now if he could reach Jonah, he would be glad. He did not know if Mikhailov could track Jonah, but he was willing to try. “Could you track Jonah? He is wanted by the FBI. He’s done something horrible. If he does not cooperate, bring him to the police. He is dangerous.”

“He is always dangerous. Surprised he was not ever arrested. But yes. Say an extra prayer for your dear friend.”

With this, Alexei thanked him, and he let him go. He then looked at Morri. “So...he will also track Jonah. And then he will find us. We should be able to meet with him safely,” he suggested. “So...what friend did you go meet?”

[Morrdh]

Morri

"He's called Cal." Morri answered. "Another Garou like me, another trickster as well and part o' Connor's pack."

"He's gonna be a pain in the arse fer 'em Feds, typical make a nuisance o' himself." Continued Morri. "Also contact Connor if needs as I...cannot do so at the moment."

"Dunno how much ye know 'bout us Garou, but we have wot we call a pack totem. Tis a spirit that the pack is bound ta in order ta get enhancements and sometimes a sort o' group telepathy, though the spirit expects stuff in return." She explained. "Me old pack had an owl spirit as its totem and the spirit expected us ta leave rodents as easy prey in woodlands...fer actual owls."

"Connor's pack has a stallion spirit as its totem and its ban is....ah...alot more physically involved." Morri continued a little awkwardly and blushing a little before whispering in Alexei's ear the totem's ban was.. "Course its cut me o' and so I can't talk ta me pack or gain any benefits unless I somehow get back in its good books."

"Ye could help me with that last bit and ye really would be helping me out alot if ye did." Said Morri as she looked at Alexei and gave him a weak smile. "It would be doing me a huge favour and surely ye can see I'm being truthful here?"

[Luminesa]

Morri

"He's called Cal." Morri answered. "Another Garou like me, another trickster as well and part o' Connor's pack."

"He's gonna be a pain in the arse fer 'em Feds, typical make a nuisance o' himself." Continued Morri. "Also contact Connor if needs as I...cannot do so at the moment."

"Dunno how much ye know 'bout us Garou, but we have wot we call a pack totem. Tis a spirit that the pack is bound ta in order ta get enhancements and sometimes a sort o' group telepathy, though the spirit expects stuff in return." She explained. "Me old pack had an owl spirit as its totem and the spirit expected us ta leave rodents as easy prey in woodlands...fer actual owls."

"Connor's pack has a stallion spirit as its totem and its ban is....ah...alot more physically involved." Morri continued a little awkwardly and blushing a little before whispering in Alexei's ear the totem's ban was.. "Course its cut me o' and so I can't talk ta me pack or gain any benefits unless I somehow get back in its good books."

"Ye could help me with that last bit and ye really would be helping me out alot if ye did." Said Morri as she looked at Alexei and gave him a weak smile. "It would be doing me a huge favour and surely ye can see I'm being truthful here?"

Alexei nodded as Morri made mention of Cal. His being a trickster was a little worrisome, as he could have been responsible for some of the mayhem in the hospital, but if he had some of the same powers as Morri, he would not be caught. A relief, but also with its own implications. If he was ever found to be connected to Morri, then his and her entire stories would be in danger. Yet Cal was a distant, smaller concern. Mikhailov would hopefully help with the larger concern regarding Jonah. He was careful enough with Magic, though he also used guns, which presented the issue of causing another gun-related scene to add to the news reels.

“...I hope Kostya...my friend...will be patient about using Magic. He is a Mage, and a rather strong one as well. Fickle and arrogant, but also intelligent...and lucky, I would presume, since he is somehow alive after all this time...He has missed plenty of action here, but...one has to wonder if in the last year, that has been to his benefit...” He mused over Mikhailov’s whereabouts until Morri mentioned contacting Connor. “...I can try. I don’t know how reliable of a communicator he is over the phone, and given his responsibilities, I imagine he might not have time to answer. But I can try, whenever you wish for me to contact him.”

Morri cut to another subject after hinting at Connor’s concerns, talking about her totem. Much like a club, or a union, it had rules and benefits for those who wished to remain in the organization. Yet it was also something that bound them in spirit, like a religion. Alexei seemed to understand, until Morri whispered in his ear the ban about which she had the most concern. His face glowed crimson, and he could not hide the mortification on his face. Morri had to be busy making children, and she needed a partner. Alexei had presented an opportunity, and now she was begging him.

“...Ah...” He wondered if she was using Persuasion. Yet her face showed that she did not have much hope. Maybe she was hiding her usage of Persuasion behind the guilty face. And yet he found himself leaning a little closer, on the couch. Maybe he did not feel as threatened as he did by Katarina or Anna. And yet Anna was still in Morri’s mind, watching everything. He still could not tell how she would react to a kiss. And he had a feeling that much of Anna’s ‘better’ nature relied on her having some sort of...moral chain. Even if he was a thin one, she had seen a different side of her when she interacted with Maxwell. The pain ran deep, and had shown in her bloody tango with her former lover, her companion in her puppeteering, her victim of passion. His eyes became cloudy, and he wondered. “...What do you...need me to do?...” he inquired.

[Morrdh]

Morri

Kinfolk are easier. Mused Morri. If she'd asked, virtually any Kinfolk would've jumped at the chance and honour of possibly siring another Garou. Perhaps a bottle of the good stuff thrown in for good measure to smooth things over and relieve tension. Though that had been part of the problem, the Kinfolk were already queuing up and there was a certain degree of pressure and expectation of her taking a mate. Yet here she was, though in a way doing it on her terms.

"Well....erm..." She began to reply, feeling more than a little awkward. "Ye know...lie back...or wot ye...normally do...?"

"Dunno if ye have a...preference...perhaps?" Added Morri, still feeling a bit awkward. "Sorry...tis proving tricky ta...ye know...ask."

"Doesn't feel anywhere near as awkward with Kinfolk, but I do...erm...like ye so mebbe thats feel tis feel awkward ta ask...?"

[Luminesa]

Morri

Kinfolk are easier. Mused Morri. If she'd asked, virtually any Kinfolk would've jumped at the chance and honour of possibly siring another Garou. Perhaps a bottle of the good stuff thrown in for good measure to smooth things over and relieve tension. Though that had been part of the problem, the Kinfolk were already queuing up and there was a certain degree of pressure and expectation of her taking a mate. Yet here she was, though in a way doing it on her terms.

"Well....erm..." She began to reply, feeling more than a little awkward. "Ye know...lie back...or wot ye...normally do...?"

"Dunno if ye have a...preference...perhaps?" Added Morri, still feeling a bit awkward. "Sorry...tis proving tricky ta...ye know...ask."

"Doesn't feel anywhere near as awkward with Kinfolk, but I do...erm...like ye so mebbe thats feel tis feel awkward ta ask...?"

Alexei seemed to know where the conversation would go before Morri spoke. The way she quivered, the heat her body threw, the stumbling way she tried to describe what she wanted. She knew that he had boundaries, and that he was uncertain about taking certain actions that might be considered...outside of the law. Of course, she was an adult, as was he, even if a seven-year-difference sat between them. He sat on the couch, close enough to feel her shoulder brush his, and he shivered.

Already he had done a lot of favors for her. He wanted her to be able to go home, to be with her pack, to be safe from Pentex and its all-teaching tentacles. And yet the favor she wanted now was a life-changing one. She wanted him to be her mate, to possibly sire her children. A girl he had met a day ago by chance. He knew more about her now, but she knew nothing about him. If she knew his past, he did not know if she would regret her choice. Even if he was not necessarily afraid of commitment, he was still caught in the tangled web of others’ stories, and he had to navigate his place in that web.

“...Morri, I...” He leaned over and kissed her cheek, lingering for a moment to look her in the eyes. “...I’m so sorry...I...” He sat back, feeling that Morri would deflate from the rejection. He knew the feeling all too well. “...My situation is complicated. I’m...If I was to become your Mate...I would be giving you the weight of my current issues. This problem with the FBI, my own quest regarding Anna, people from my past who have left me...some strange puzzle to solve about my life...among other things. And I cannot give you those things.”

He smiled, trying to keep her cheer and spunk alive. “...Perhaps at a later date...when we’ve...spent more time together...more time navigating and solving...the pressing matters we have...starting with our pursuers in Pentex and the FBI...We could date. I don’t know how you would feel about...dating...or courting, as my mother would have suggested...but I think...maybe with some of the pressure gone...we could focus more on...more private things.” He wanted to hug her, to let her know that he did not hate her, but he knew that his embrace would only inflame those feelings in her heart. Thus he moved from the couch to go check on the laundry.

[Morrdh]

Morri

"I..." Morri started to reply. "...Understand."

"Though it leaves me in an awkward spot and isolated from me tribe, I won't hold it against ye...I mean I'm beginning ta question me judgement and decisions o' late." She continued. "So yeah, probably fer the best."

"Pentex is always gonna be a pain in the arse, tis gonna take some doing ta take 'em bastards down." Said Morri. "But how 'bouts we help each other with our respective problems? We'll get ta know each other better in the process, least 'nuff ta see if things will work..."

She watched as Alexei got up and headed into the kitchen, maybe it was for the best? A thought crept into her mind; She could alwa-...NO. She wouldn't, she couldn't!

There might be a future with Alexei, something she didn't want to ruin with a rash decision and equally rash action. Though her problem with the pack's totem still stood, she'll just have to find some other way of appeasing it. Probably best if she moved things onto a different subject.

"So..." Morri called out. "Ye interested in hearing 'bouts life as a Garou?"

---

The Irishman's Rest

The lad paused and glanced up at the bar's sign, making sure that it was the right place. It seemed to fit the address he'd been given, an Irish bar within the city's dockland area. Its location surprised him, so deep in the industrial urban heart of the city. And such a vast city to boot, certainly larger than anythingshe was accustomed to in the rainy islands from whence he hailed.

He pushed the door open and walked in, taking note of the few patrons that were present this early in the day. One or of the patrons stood out to him, something he could tell was different about them and at the same time confirmed he'd come to the right place. He made for the bar where the bartender was busy cleaning glasses and greeted the man in a strong British accent. "Hey, I'm looking for a girl."

"Theres a few lasses that come here, but not sure you've come to the right place laddie."

"Pretty sure I have, she goes by the name O'Malley....Morrigan O'Malley." The lad replied, noticing the stares the patrons gave him and the hard look on the bartender's face. "She's probably better known as Morri."

"She might be round somewhere." The bartender replied. "What's it to you?"

"I'm a...friend." The lad answered. "Actually, she knew my brother before he died."

"I see." Muttered the bartender. "You probably want to speak to MacDomhnaill, Connor MacDomhnaill then."

"Sure, is he her father or something?"

[Parcia]

The Ogre.


He nodded as the mistress left, then noticed his phone actually vibrating in his pocket. Picking it out and working slowly with his over sides thumbs, began to read through the 20+ plus texts. Jonah's Phone was running on an encrypted "Ghost chip" a sim card overwritten and formatted with a special User ID that was, through some technobabble Jennifer had tried to explain to him, rendering him rather invisible on the cell network. Jonah didn't really understand it and didn't care.


Most of them were simple, "Were are you?" "Why are the FBI involved" , "Did you steal something." Sighing, he dialed the lad and, luckily, got through. Before He could speak, Jonah pulled a card he seldom used. Answering the lad in his accented Russian, Jonah got to straight to the point. " Liston, don't talk. Line not secure, News is a lie, are bigger players at work here. Something is coming, something big. You and..." Jonah stumbled for a moment, his Russian coming back to him in bits and pieces. "You and Red Dog need to find me at the last place we all met before the accident with Baba Yaga. Turn your phone off, microwave your SIM card and any memory drives you have."

"I can help from here, but you're going to need to slip away, use other dogs maybe?"


He paused once again, "Something big is coming...a storm, other changelings, an army is coming...I have a plan, but I need you, Red Dog, and Red's Alpha. Good Luck and God's speed.

[Luminesa]

Morri

"I..." Morri started to reply. "...Understand."

"Though it leaves me in an awkward spot and isolated from me tribe, I won't hold it against ye...I mean I'm beginning ta question me judgement and decisions o' late." She continued. "So yeah, probably fer the best."

"Pentex is always gonna be a pain in the arse, tis gonna take some doing ta take 'em bastards down." Said Morri. "But how 'bouts we help each other with our respective problems? We'll get ta know each other better in the process, least 'nuff ta see if things will work..."

She watched as Alexei got up and headed into the kitchen, maybe it was for the best? A thought crept into her mind; She could alwa-...NO. She wouldn't, she couldn't!

There might be a future with Alexei, something she didn't want to ruin with a rash decision and equally rash action. Though her problem with the pack's totem still stood, she'll just have to find some other way of appeasing it. Probably best if she moved things onto a different subject.

"So..." Morri called out. "Ye interested in hearing 'bouts life as a Garou?"

---

The Irishman's Rest

The lad paused and glanced up at the bar's sign, making sure that it was the right place. It seemed to fit the address he'd been given, an Irish bar within the city's dockland area. Its location surprised him, so deep in the industrial urban heart of the city. And such a vast city to boot, certainly larger than anythingshe was accustomed to in the rainy islands from whence he hailed.

He pushed the door open and walked in, taking note of the few patrons that were present this early in the day. One or of the patrons stood out to him, something he could tell was different about them and at the same time confirmed he'd come to the right place. He made for the bar where the bartender was busy cleaning glasses and greeted the man in a strong British accent. "Hey, I'm looking for a girl."

"Theres a few lasses that come here, but not sure you've come to the right place laddie."

"Pretty sure I have, she goes by the name O'Malley....Morrigan O'Malley." The lad replied, noticing the stares the patrons gave him and the hard look on the bartender's face. "She's probably better known as Morri."

"She might be round somewhere." The bartender replied. "What's it to you?"

"I'm a...friend." The lad answered. "Actually, she knew my brother before he died."

"I see." Muttered the bartender. "You probably want to speak to MacDomhnaill, Connor MacDomhnaill then."

"Sure, is he her father or something?"

Alexei walked and checked the laundry. Nothing yet. He walked back to the living room, as he heard Morri's disappointment. She had wanted to get back into the Totem, but he wondered if maybe another way was available for helping her regain the Totem's trust. At the very least, she did not start tearing apart his house, nor did she lash at him. She instead acknowledged that she was rushing to make decisions, and she conceded that waiting was the best option. He wondered, however, if she would react differently in the future. No...she'll be fine. I think. I hope. At any rate, the distant future will take care of itself when we reach it, he considered.

He stood against the wall by the hallway, and he smiled at Morri. "...We could always help each other with our respective problems, though. I...cannot help with your situation with the Totem, not in that way, but...in other matters, I can possibly be helpful. As far as my own issues, well...I believe some of them are intertwined with yours. More specifically, the fact that both of us are bound to Prince Anna in some way. I would have to explain to you some of the matters of the Camarilla, and maybe...some things about my line of work. Being a former Inquisitor means...I understand quite a bit about vampires, and perhaps a couple of other supernatural beings who wander alongside them...But...we can discuss your life as a Garou, as well. That would be fine," he explained. More conversation was not a bad idea, and maybe it would fill some of the gaps between them.

At that moment, his phone's screen flashed again. "...Oh dear..." He stared down at it, and he answered it. On the other end, Jonah spoke, and static surrounded his words, which morphed from English into Russian. A storm...Changelings...an army...Jonah had responded, but he mentioned a bunch of strange subjects which had little to do with the incident of the previous night. A chain of events had happened between last night and today, and Jonah had now decided that he needed to leave LA. And yet he was confused. Jonah was not the type of person to run, unless this happening was something even more dangerous than the FBI and a life sentence in prison. Changelings coming into LA was definitely an unusual experience, as well, but questions buzzed and flooded his head. Wanting for Jonah to slow himself and to explain, he responded in Russian. "Jonah, Jonah...we cannot go to the White Lotus. The FBI is after us, and they are after us because of your actions. You need to go to the FBI and explain yourself. And what is this about Changelings? What is going on? Why are you leaving LA?"

He was frustrated, trying to somehow contain a situation which was at its steaming point. If Jonah left him to deal with the Changeling's crimes, he would make sure the FBI went after him. With a sigh, he put a hand over the receiver for a moment and spoke to Morri. "Jonah responded, something about leaving LA and Changelings coming. Unbeilevable..." He then turned back to the phone, and answered again in Russian. "Have you spoken to any Changelings? Are they present? Can you reach them? If not, can you tell me how to reach them? If you can go clear your own actions, I will attempt to clear whatever is coming to LA. I am telling you now, if you leave, you will cause more trouble to yourself than you know."

[Morrdh]

Morri

"Ye know..." Morri began, having overheard the conversation. "...there is a way we can get ta the White Lotus without the Feds even knowing, but I don't think ye'll like it."

"I could step both o' us sideways inta the Umbra, tis a sort o' shadow realm, then change ta me dire wolf form ta give ye a lift." She suggested. "It won't be easy as ye won't be used ta it and there are....things that reside there."

"But the Feds won't even notice, though I could get Cal ta distract 'em ta make extra sure." She continued. "If wot Jonah said 'bouts a Changeling army is true, thats gonna be one feckin' big problem...as in a Godzilla or King Kong sized problem."

She quickly told him her, admittedly limited, knowledge of the Fae and how they used to be in abundance before they withdrew from the affairs of Man long ago. She also told him that a warhost of the Fae could only mean one thing; they were coming to annihilate.

[Luminesa]

Morri

"Ye know..." Morri began, having overheard the conversation. "...there is a way we can get ta the White Lotus without the Feds even knowing, but I don't think ye'll like it."

"I could step both o' us sideways inta the Umbra, tis a sort o' shadow realm, then change ta me dire wolf form ta give ye a lift." She suggested. "It won't be easy as ye won't be used ta it and there are....things that reside there."

"But the Feds won't even notice, though I could get Cal ta distract 'em ta make extra sure." She continued. "If wot Jonah said 'bouts a Changeling army is true, thats gonna be one feckin' big problem...as in a Godzilla or King Kong sized problem."

She quickly told him her, admittedly limited, knowledge of the Fae and how they used to be in abundance before they withdrew from the affairs of Man long ago. She also told him that a warhost of the Fae could only mean one thing; they were coming to annihilate.

Alexei put his hand back over the receiver for a moment, and considered Morri’s idea. He had not ever gone into the Umbra, this was true. He knew she was used to whatever happened in such a realm, but he was not sure about leaving his home. If he left, the Feds would believe their were guilty or suspicious. “...The Feds will probably suspect us no matter what they do...They have a target...and they want to get us...If Jonah just...acted normally...” He sighed and stopped his grumbling.

“...We can try to go through the Umbra. I’ll lock the door, and we’ll leave. But we are not leaving LA. If there is a chance at stopping the threat, then we must stay. I don’t know what Jonah has done to make the Changelings come here looking for a battle, and I don’t know what the Fae could sense is the matter, beside perhaps the presence of Kindred. Most beings can be negotiated with. I can learn about the situation and suggest maybe meeting with the forces at work. After all, civilians will get caught in such a conflict. And we cannot have them know that such dangers are approaching. They will throw the entire world into chaos,” he reasoned.

Walking to his door, with Jonah still on the other end of the line, he locked his door, and turned back to Morri. He then spoke into the phone, this time in English. “Do not leave LA. We need to talk. If I have to repeat this another time, I will make sure you do not leave. This is a matter of urgency, and we cannot all run at a time like this,” he explained. He then hung up, and he turned to Morri. “...My doors are locked. Unfortunately, your clothes are going to be wet for a while,” he explained, with a snicker. “...Let’s get going.”

[Morrdh]

Morri

"And Jonah's bound ta comment on why I'm only wearing yer t-shirt and shorts." Sighed Morri as she gave Alexei an unamused look. "Can't be helped I suppose."

"I'll get Cal up." She said as she headed over to the window, blew on the glass to mist it up and casually drew a symbol that looked like nonsense. Though anyone in the know would realize it was actually a short message summoning Cal up to the apartment. Morri turned to Alexei and took his hand. "This won't be easy fer ye, but just think of the city as ye know...everyday stuff."

Morri then glazed into the glass of the window and concentrated, this was her first time she'd other tried Side Stepping whilst bringing somebody along with her. But sure enough she soon felt the familiar sensation of the world slipping sideways and the apartment took on its vague and bare impression within the Umbra. Though there seemed to be thick cobwebs round where technological devices such as the TV were located. Cal was already waiting, leaning against a wall with his arms folded as he greeted them. "Hey up lass, who's this?"

"I'll tell ye later." Replied Morri. "Need ye ta keep the Feds busy."

"Such a tease lass." Replied Cal. "Go on, get if ya got someplace else to be."

"Thanks, I owe ya!" Morri called as she kept hold of Alexei's hand and pulled him along behind her as she led him outside to a world that was a vague impression of the one Alexei knew on a day-to-day basis. She turned to speak to Alexei again. "I'll change inta a form that can carry ye, though hold on tight and keep thinking o' the city ye know."

She let go of Alexei's hand and stepped back before she started shifting form into what looked like a dire wolf, looking round at Alexei and jerking her head for him to climb onto her back. Once Alexei had done so, Morri set off at a brisk through the vague impression of streets. Time seemed to move curiously as they hurried past vague blocks that were buildings and what seemed like cars, though after what felt like an hour they reached the area round the White Lotus. Finding an alleyway, Morri shifted back to her human form before stepping back into the real world Alexei was familiar with.

Morri looked anxiously at him, worried what effect the ordeal of going through the Umbra would've had on him.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

The Irishman's Rest

The lad paused and glanced up at the bar's sign, making sure that it was the right place. It seemed to fit the address he'd been given, an Irish bar within the city's dockland area. Its location surprised him, so deep in the industrial urban heart of the city. And such a vast city to boot, certainly larger than anythingshe was accustomed to in the rainy islands from whence he hailed.

He pushed the door open and walked in, taking note of the few patrons that were present this early in the day. One or of the patrons stood out to him, something he could tell was different about them and at the same time confirmed he'd come to the right place. He made for the bar where the bartender was busy cleaning glasses and greeted the man in a strong British accent. "Hey, I'm looking for a girl."

"Theres a few lasses that come here, but not sure you've come to the right place laddie."

"Pretty sure I have, she goes by the name O'Malley....Morrigan O'Malley." The lad replied, noticing the stares the patrons gave him and the hard look on the bartender's face. "She's probably better known as Morri."

"She might be round somewhere." The bartender replied. "What's it to you?"

"I'm a...friend." The lad answered. "Actually, she knew my brother before he died."

"I see." Muttered the bartender. "You probably want to speak to MacDomhnaill, Connor MacDomhnaill then."

"Sure, is he her father or something?"

Philip Kensington

"Mr. Gomez. Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Sure, I'll accompany you. My driver will follow your entourage and once we're all set up and safe, we'll make proper introductions."

As the convoy lead the way and Kensington followed them, he thought about what kind of deal he could make with the Ventrue. Far as he knew, their situation wasn't that different from the one he was in the first place, and therefore the nature of his deal could be mutually beneficial to all of those involved.

Caitlin Donahue

Out of the bar's private area, a woman slowly walked towards the newcomer, picking up a bottle of whisky and two cups before sitting at his side. As she filled the cups and required some ice from the bartender, her eyes stared at the man who asked about two of the biggest troublemakers she ever met.

"That's very curious... See, if you asked exclusively about Connor or exclusively about Morri, it would be quite the trouble by itself. But not only you're asking about Morri, after coming to LA after leaving England, as you're also inquiring about who Connor is. She knew your brother, you say... But I currently have no way of confirming that.

Which leads me to a few conclusions. You're a Garou, you're Kinfolk to ourselves or another tribe, or you're a Hunter. If it's the last case, I can certainly guarantee that your brains will be spread around the fine wooden floor of this place. So, what is it? Please tell me your story. I am quite interested."

[Morrdh]

Caitlin Donahue

Out of the bar's private area, a woman slowly walked towards the newcomer, picking up a bottle of whisky and two cups before sitting at his side. As she filled the cups and required some ice from the bartender, her eyes stared at the man who asked about two of the biggest troublemakers she ever met.

"That's very curious... See, if you asked exclusively about Connor or exclusively about Morri, it would be quite the trouble by itself. But not only you're asking about Morri, after coming to LA after leaving England, as you're also inquiring about who Connor is. She knew your brother, you say... But I currently have no way of confirming that.

Which leads me to a few conclusions. You're a Garou, you're Kinfolk to ourselves or another tribe, or you're a Hunter. If it's the last case, I can certainly guarantee that your brains will be spread around the fine wooden floor of this place. So, what is it? Please tell me your story. I am quite interested."

The young man turned and gulped when he saw the woman walking towards her, 0he knew from the air around her what she was. He stammered a reply. "I'm... I'm Kinfolk."

"My mother was Garou, a maiden of Fenris." The young man continued. "My brother was an Auhorn in Morri's old pack, the Tawny Howlers, but I did not know until after he'd been killed by leeches."

"Morri is the last person left who knew my brother and I wish to learn about him." Replied the young man, though there was a sense there was something else.

[Luminesa]

Morri

"And Jonah's bound ta comment on why I'm only wearing yer t-shirt and shorts." Sighed Morri as she gave Alexei an unamused look. "Can't be helped I suppose."

"I'll get Cal up." She said as she headed over to the window, blew on the glass to mist it up and casually drew a symbol that looked like nonsense. Though anyone in the know would realize it was actually a short message summoning Cal up to the apartment. Morri turned to Alexei and took his hand. "This won't be easy fer ye, but just think of the city as ye know...everyday stuff."

Morri then glazed into the glass of the window and concentrated, this was her first time she'd other tried Side Stepping whilst bringing somebody along with her. But sure enough she soon felt the familiar sensation of the world slipping sideways and the apartment took on its vague and bare impression within the Umbra. Though there seemed to be thick cobwebs round where technological devices such as the TV were located. Cal was already waiting, leaning against a wall with his arms folded as he greeted them. "Hey up lass, who's this?"

"I'll tell ye later." Replied Morri. "Need ye ta keep the Feds busy."

"Such a tease lass." Replied Cal. "Go on, get if ya got someplace else to be."

"Thanks, I owe ya!" Morri called as she kept hold of Alexei's hand and pulled him along behind her as she led him outside to a world that was a vague impression of the one Alexei knew on a day-to-day basis. She turned to speak to Alexei again. "I'll change inta a form that can carry ye, though hold on tight and keep thinking o' the city ye know."

She let go of Alexei's hand and stepped back before she started shifting form into what looked like a dire wolf, looking round at Alexei and jerking her head for him to climb onto her back. Once Alexei had done so, Morri set off at a brisk through the vague impression of streets. Time seemed to move curiously as they hurried past vague blocks that were buildings and what seemed like cars, though after what felt like an hour they reached the area round the White Lotus. Finding an alleyway, Morri shifted back to her human form before stepping back into the real world Alexei was familiar with.

Morri looked anxiously at him, worried what effect the ordeal of going through the Umbra would've had on him.

Alexei was not sure what to expect of the Umbra. All that he knew was that it was a realm much like theirs, but also not. It was a reflection of the subconscious minds of the people around him. He waited for Morri to call her support, the supposed Ragabash. Once she was done, she took his hand, and he took a breath as he entered. The movement into the Umbra was like the jerk of a rollercoaster before it started. Once he was in, he could feel his perception changing.

The emotions and thoughts of the people around him pulsated and called to him. He cursed himself for being too sensitive to the feelings of others. He could feel the depression of his neighbor next door, the anxiety of the girl studying in the apartment below his, the anger of his neighbor to the left, and he could feel the energy and heat of the streets below. The world was colored by its emotions and sensations, and he could not help but shiver as he walked with Morri into this strange other world. He hardly noticed Cal, who spoke shortly to Morri about watching the Feds.

“...I forgot they were still right outside...” He looked over and noted the men standing outside the complex. They had no idea that the duo had left the home, and were moving into dangerous territory. Returning to the scene of the crime, almost. He grit his teeth as he tried to focus on the destination. When she told him to ride her back, he nodded, and she turned into her wolf-form to left him ride. He was glad that he did not have to walk through this place, and he wondered what sort of wormholes existed in a realm like this.

When they finally stopped and he stepped off her back, he looked around, and took a breath. “...I...I...I’m not sure I liked that very much...but I don’t have much room to complain...ahh...” He put a hand to his chest and stared up at the White Lotus. “...Now to find Jonah...” he murmured, before moving toward the monastery.

[Morrdh]

When they finally stopped and he stepped off her back, he looked around, and took a breath. “...I...I...I’m not sure I liked that very much...but I don’t have much room to complain...ahh...” He put a hand to his chest and stared up at the White Lotus. “...Now to find Jonah...” he murmured, before moving toward the monastery.

Morri

"Yea..." Muttered Morri. "Said ye probably wouldn't."

"Ye alright? Take it easy..." She said, fussing over Alexei a little bit. "If ye think yer fine then yea, lets find where that blasted Ogre is."

She stayed by Alexei's side, watchful and ready to catch him if he fainted from his experience in the Umbra. He seemed fine, but Morri wasn't sure what effect the Umbra would have on somebody so unused to it. As a Garou Morri was part-spirit and thus at home in the Umbra, thus she was able to traverse it with ease and no ill effects. Somebody so unaccustomed to it like Alexei, the fact that he survived was only partially encouraging.

She would have to keep an eye on him, but it was time to find and speak to Jonah.

[Parcia]

The Exodus.

They would find jonah standing in the main courtyard of the temple, just inside the main gates. He stood amid a buzz of activity, shouting off orders in Cantonese and occasionally a few curses in English. The Keui-Jin were packing up shop, clearing out the armory, the library and Jennifer's server farm in quick fasion.

A row of "barrowed" black SUVs, lead by Jonahs discount APC, were being loaded to bear with all the needed equipment and materials while a small team of Keui-Jin with automotive experience went about tinting the windows.


Jonah would turn and give them a frustrated smile. "About time you guys got here, we got shit to discuss."

[Luminesa]

Morri's fussing over Alexei was a pleasant surprise, as she seemed to sense that he was unsteady from his trip through the Umbra. He felt himself still shaking a little. He had heard yells and gripes, he had heard soft cries and had felt the friction of deep anxiety. All of those feelings had surrounded him and had pounced like hungry wolves, fierce and feral. For a moment he had to clutch his stomach, as he took a step toward the White Lotus. "...Next time I'll bring some Pepto-Bismol..." he joked, giving Morri a reassuring smile. He then sighed and walked toward the epicenter of the chaos.

The hospital was not far from the alley, and Alexei turned to glance at it over his shoulder. Yellow police tape still surrounded it, acting as a beacon that warned people of the violence which had occurred the previous night. He grimaced. Hopefully none of the cops will look this way...We don't need anymore questions...We just need to solve this...quietly...diplomatically...Maybe Jonah will be reasonable... He turned to the courtyard of the White Lotus, and Jonah stood not too far away from him. He gulped.

People were running to and fro inside the main gates, with Jonah conducting them around in a cacophony of English and Chinese. The denizens of the monastery were packing in a haste, grabbing weapons and books. They were even grabbing tech he did not realize the temple held, and they were all bringing it...somewhere. "...Acting hastily, I see..." he murmured. He held Morri's hand as he walked to approach Jonah, but he did not show signs of distress. He kept down the acid bubbling in his stomach, and he turned to glare all the way up at Jonah's eyes. "...Yes. We do. I'm guessing you want to speak first?...Maybe you'll listen to me after you go first," he suggested.