"For that matter, we have several devastatingly handsome gentlemen on our side. Lucky me."
"Agnostic, well any belief during these cynical days is welcomed." she smiles to the were-capra; "And I'm sure we can change that belief."
However Soph's face deepens, becoming more serious as Sal lays out the seriousness of what's happening. Nodding to the first point and generally becoming more dour as Sal continues. "Glad you came to us, this sounds serious. The vampires moving into the drug market and increasing their presence here."
"I'm shocked that Laurence would deign to put his hand to something as plebeian as drugs." She shakes her head annoyed, a spill of hair flicking across her face. "Sounds like it could be under the purview of this other court. But they must be powerful if they can force Laurence to acquiesce - he must be fuming for them to cut away his power-base like that." Soph's worry abates slightly as she sees possible opportunity.
"The various courts and vampires feud more amongst themselves than with us, and for one to trespass upon his range' she spits out the word obviously having heard it from a vampires mouth; "Maybe we can spark a feud between the vampires or at least a deep enmity..."
"... hang on 'wasting disease'?" she asks confused.
"That's what he said. I think it was the Poppy Court vamps that were withering up and dying." She scrutinizes Sophie for a moment. "Maya isn't one of your associates, is she?"
There's a look of surprise on Sophie's face at the abrupt change of subject. "No." she lies waving away the question.
"So, the Poppy Court is withering. That's not good, they'll be backed into a corner like a dying creature - biting whatever comes within reach to survive." she changes the subject; "Maybe if we can put the Red Court in opposition? Or find some way to expedite the process."
A frown creases Sal's brow. "You don't think the Red and Poppy Courts are working together? I just kind of assumed that since they were all..." she glances around and lowers her voice "vampires that they would be working together."
"Well, they are probably working together.... as much as vicious predatory animals can." she shakes her head; "What I mean is that they'll each be trying to gain the upper hand - the ultimate blood-sucking politicians."
"Predators can work very well together to bring down prey. They may fight about it afterwards, but that doesn't help the prey any," Sal points out, "So right now, Tangris and some other friends and I are on our way to try to stop some of the illicit goods from entering the country tonight. We've let the issue of the picture go, and the Poppy Court can all waste away and die as far as we're concerned. We have a representative - at least one - scheduled for the summit between the fae and the two courts tomorrow night."
Sal shakes her head, still feeling out of the loop. "Is there anything you can offer to aid us? Information, material aid, sage advice?" She gives Sophie a wry smile. "I keep feeling that we're in over our heads, but this is something we can't walk away from, you know?"
"For that matter, we have several devastatingly handsome gentlemen on our side. Lucky me."
Danny's ears perk up, he looks around.
"I thought I heard someone talking about me,..."
Laverna having left Danny, especially when he mentioned Church, has bullied Lyceus into taking her around town and showing her the sights.
Whilst back in the Cathedral, it's great ancient vaulted arches hiding the group. Sophie looks as Danny approaches; "Really? I take it he's one of your friends Sal, not just some opportunistic Lothario tourist?" she cannot keep the humour from her voice.
Sophie adds; "Sanctuary, we are always good for offering that aid. We have quite a bit of political clout, not as directly powerful as Lawrence but subtle and strong. Thus we have plenty of material aid to offer.... the Order of St. John aren't particularly powerful militarily, especially compared to the Pope's Vindicators. Of course we have our own allies in the Salvation Army."
"I'm sure that we can help. I had heard that Larry keeps his underlings vying for his attention - maybe we could persuade one of them to reveal what is going on?" she wonders.
Cathedral
"Certainly, helping the people who took down the Oriental Dragon-King is beneficial for all." Sophie says with a smile to the trio.
Sliding a finger across her jaw in thought; "Well, if we know some of the routes of drug transfer..." she pauses as if assessing how much to reveal; "then my organisation can ensure it'll be closed down. Police raids, customs and duty stopping the drugs transfer. All the little things that a small elite group hasn't the time to do." she adds with a smile as if taking in how tired they must be.
Guy Fawkes Inn
After spending most of the noon hours brewing and crafting alchemical fusions, Kenneth arrives at the pub. Dark oak and whitewashed walls, the building is a typical Georgian style. Meant to emphasise the ancient rustic aesthetic, a typical olde English pub.
The L-shaped bar has a few pumps for real ales and a ruddy faced barmaid behind dabbing at the collar of her blouse. Looking up as Kenneth enters; "What can I get you love?"
From the corner of his eye, he can see into a side room and sat around a small table is Laura nursing a cola. Wearing a simple shirt & jacket combo, she seems to be watching the bubbles in her beverage.
"If you can get me the current information and ensure that they routes don't immediately change. I believe that I can shut down the entire pharmaceutical operation surreptitiously and anonymously." she adds assessing exactly how much she can do and noting it down in her iPad; "Plus I can ensure that they don't find any more decent British chemists, whilst keeping an eye out for purchases of the appropriate technological equipment."
She takes a deep breath and let's out the trouble with her assistance; "However, it would be secret and gain little politically within the supernatural world. For my institution doesn't wish to be overtly involved."
At the inn....
Kenneth takes in the inn, pleased to see that it's an actual authentic pub rather than some sort of "auld-style" monstrosity, and smiles. It's real wood and nae plastic meant tae look like wood.... I'll take history o'er trendy any day... He turns his attention to the barmaid as she speaks to him, taking her in as he did the pub. I wonder if the flush in her face is related tae why she's dabbing at her blouse, or that someone caught her doing it... ye can ne'er tell with gingers, they oft flush so easily. Still, there's an easy test for that...
He smiles at the barmaid and says, with a twinkle in his eye, "Well, like as nae, there be a hail host ay things ye could offer me that I'd enjoy... but fur now, 'tis likely best we keep it tae a pint.... Ay whichever ay them taps has the darkest brew."
He watches the girl turn even redder at the suggestion and smiles to himself again, Aye, she's so flush now ye can barely see her freckles. Poor lass.... though I clearly dinnae have the time tae help calm her down... He says in a less-playful tone, "I'll just be waiting in there when it's poured.... and could ye bring a menu also? I think I forgot tae grab lunch or even tea today."
He smiles again and turns toward the small room, and feels an irritatingly-familiar stab of guilt as he takes in Laura's serious expression.... So different than the first time we met in a bar... and, tae be fair, while what we dae after this meeting is likely tae be fun, I cannae imagine it'll be as much fun as what came after that first date... He does his best to shake the concern away and turns his smile back to full intensity, "Well, now, what's a bonnie lass like yerself daeing here, all alone? Surely ye'r aware ay the danger that some cad ay base character might take a seat and offer tae buy ye a dram with wicked ulterior motives?"
He sits on the bench and slides over next to her, and asks with a wink, "Speaking ay which, can I buy ye a pint?"
"Where would I find such a cad?" she says looking around as if hopeful, then Laura lets out a smile. "I'm driving, mister! If your having a drink, I'd guess I will have to drive your bike!" she says as if it's an old argument about her driving it.
"I have a warrant, but we're meant to be in that Whitby pub and find a skipper that'll take the boat to a rendezvous?" she recollects. Just then the barmaid comes over, glancing at Laura before putting the dark beer on the oak table. "A dark nutty porter, Riggwelter. But if you fancy anything lighter - I'll be at the bar." She hands over a menu.
In the Church
Danny steps up next to Sal and the other woman, grinning at her subtle hints and comments.
'Oh I like her! She's quick.'
"Oh never fear, I'm as opportunistic as they come. I'm just too darn noble to take advantage of a friend. Too much anyways." he grins as Sal gives him a 'look' that says she might argue otherwise.
Having determined (rightly or wrongly) as the conversation continues that they can trust the lady, (and the tired, muddle-headed Danny thinks they could use all the help they can get right now) He pipes in when the lady mentions intercepting the drugs.
"Well, we know they're bringing them in by boat. At least this latest shipment. But we haven't found exactly when and where. Yet." he adds ruefully, realizing that wasn't as helpful as he'd hoped it would be.
He frowns/pouts cutely and shoves his hands in his pockets. "Yeah. We're working on that."
York Minster
"Yes, this is Danny, a legend in his own mind," Sal introduces the newcomer as he approaches. She listens carefully to the no-nonsense businesswoman's offers, pondering as Danny responds and starts in surprise at some of Sophie's statements. "The Dragon King? You know...? Oh, right. Trip probably filled you in, huh?"
Sal nods at Danny's admission of general ignorance. "We should find out some more tonight, I hope. We do have police aid in shutting down the obviously illegal stuff. They don't like drugs any more than we do. But their hands are kind of tied when it comes to the supernatural. Every little thing you do helps us out, Sophie. You have my number if there's any more you can tell us." Giving Tangris and Danny a look for confirmation, she continues, "We can pass along any more we find to you, especially if it's for stuff the cops can't handle. Beyond that... I'm not sure right now."
"Good, I've contacts with the police department too, I'm sure with the right intell we can shut them down." she crosses herself in a gesture of good luck.
In response to the Dragon statement, Sophie adds; "Well, it was the talk of the 'community' and I was at the University dance." she glances from Danny to Sal, observing the ladies new clothes; "You go to the Uni?"
Sal quirks a little smile. "Maybe someday. I just got into town, more or less. I still need a job and to figure out if I can handle college, or even how to get admitted here. It's different." She shrugs, seemingly a bit embarrassed.
She reaches into an expensive Gucci purse and produces a thick cream business card; "Well if you ever need a hand..." she passes it over her tone soft and reassuring as it used to talking to nervous people. Maybe she's used to intimidating people with her poise and position.
Sophie Lauren
Vice-Chancellor
University of York
Danny unabashedly peeks over Sal's shoulder at the business card.
"Oh, that's handy." He grins.
"You planning on throwing any more University events I should know about? I went to a couple of party schools back in the states, but YOU guys know how to throw a party" He says, tongue firmly planted in cheek.
Sal looks between Danny and Sophie, clearly lost. "Oh? I didn't know University of York was a big party school?" she ventures.
Tangris groans.
Sophie sniffs; "Party school! Shocking, we head the field in terms of the sciences and English literature. With a higher UCAS rating than Oxford & Cambridge in certain departments. We host a fabulous choral event and some orchestral extravaganza's." she lectures then with a cheeky grin. "The explosive party at Central Hall was an aberration, even if it was exciting..."
She lets out a sigh; "And as they said on QI, we do have the largest man-made lake in Europe."
She looks to Tangris; "Why do you wish to attend or just to party?" Sophie quirks an eyebrow.
"I could teach graduate level courses in partying, miss. Among other, more carnal topics..." Tangris leers.
"You might wish to tell security to keep Tangris off campus," Sal jokes with a fond smile at her goaty friend, "Just look for that shirt."
The dignified woman's discussion of her University's specialties take the sniper aback some. She can kill things, sure, but her high school grades were not the best, and she'd never taken college prep classes. Maybe I can get a job as a barmaid or something, she thinks glumly, trying to keep the disappointment from her face, Something more at my level.
Sophie just sees the look upon Sals' face, trying to interpret it? "We do the arts and sports too! Not just the classics, there has even been an incentive to try and improve our sporting teams." she guesses randomly.
Sal jerks one shoulder in a careless shrug, studying the interior of the Minster to avoid the scrutiny. "Won't make any difference if the bloodsuckers take over. We'd best get to our meeting. I want to get some holy water first. Sophie, it's good to meet you and we'll ping you with any updates. Call me anytime. You've got the number." She regards her comrades curiously. "You guys ready or do you have more questions for our new allies?
Danny smiles pleasantly to Sophie.
"Never underestimate the classics! It was nice to meet you. Hopefully we can meet again. Without the threat of dire, impending doom hanging over our heads. For once." He says brightly, which makes it hard to tell if he is joking or not.
At the Inn...
Kenneth shakes his head, "Nae, but I'd best sit here and protect ye in case one shows up....", he then chuckles and adds, "...and if ye think that one pint is enow tae keep me from driving my Commando, then ye've clearly been intae the bottle yerself.... though if ye're a good girl who promises tae be bad later, maybe we can talk about it some more."
He winks again but then shifts to a more serious tone and topic, saying, "Aye, I believe that was the plan. The others are meant tae be gathering here.... for moral support, ay course."
He smiles as the barmaid brings him his pint and says, "Aye, that looks right lovely, thank ye,", turning the full warmth of his smile upon her. He catches the redhead's glance at Laura but pretends not to, instead distracting himself with the menu.
"Now, lass, should I be ordering just for myself, or shall I assume that food will just magically disappear from my plate, as usual, and compensate?"
Sophie shows Sal to the font at the rear of the church and an alternate one in an alcove. Handing over a small crystal bottle the size of a hip flask and with a similar solidity. "Here, this will keep the water pure even in the darkest places."
Sophie shakes Sals hand, doing so to the chaps with a little hug. "Good to talk to you. I'll let you get off, it was really nice to meet you....again in some cases." she smiles to Danny. "Trip sends his regards to you all, he's fully recovered and enjoying London."
Laura grins; "It's not my fault the pixies like your food, especially if you get some risotto, chips or cheesecake." Glancing away innocently; "So your friends turning up soon? There I go being naughty and discussing work when we have a lovely meal forth-coming."
Danny returns Sophies hug (Mostly) chastely. He smiles at her in-joke.
"Nice to see you again too. Maybe next time we'll actually get to talk, you know, BEFORE the fireworks." he grins.
"And tell Trip I said thanks for everything. Glad he's ok." He adds.
"Thanks for everything, Sophie." Sal shakes the woman's hand gratefully, then looks glumly at the little pool of holy water, wishing it were a tanker truck full. She dips the little crystal flask in and fills it quietly, not wanting to attract attention, then caps it as the dignified lady dwindles in the distance.
"I wonder why priests don't do more to fight vamps and other evil things," she wonders aloud but quietly to Tangris and Danny as they make their way to the outer doors, "A warrior-priest would be really effective and a lot more useful than listening to gossip about everybody's affairs and trivial sins." She glances about guiltily, hoping no clergy have overheard and misunderstood.
"It's hard to fight in those dresses and funny hats?" Tangris supplied, not at all guiltily.
"I don't know." Danny responds, seemingly serious for once as they walk outside.
"I have to admit, "Battle Pope' from the comics would have come in REAL useful a couple of times." He adds, spoiling the serious effect that lasted for all of 2 seconds.
"Big as the church(es) are, you have to figure that ALL of them can't be clued in. Even if all of the higher ranks are in the know and active, that's still a LOT of rank and file clergy, of ALL faiths and denominations, who thinks they're still just scary stories and fairy tales. Their job is to protect Joe Public from the truth. And I get the impression that the churches try to keep it that way. I mean, what good would it do to come out and prove what's REALLY going on? Seems like there's enough damage being done with the 'war' between good and evil being kept 'quiet'. Can you imagine the damage if BOTH sides decided to come out in the open and just slug it out?"
Danny shudders, and not from the chill outside. He's obviously thought about this very question before.
"Besides. I like to think of them as the 'Spies' of the Church, you know? Think about it, they get a LOT of intel, all delivered to them personally, and voluntarily. I'm willing to bet that most of the priests would have no problem with using some of that info to save lives if they find out about a Vamp nest or something from it."
Sal points the way to the Guy Fawkes, since she and Tangris scouted out its location earlier. It is a quick walk from York Minster.
"'Battle-Pope'? I never heard of that. But, like, you see St. George slaying the dragon, right? And in The Exorcist, they made it sound like the church knows about possession and the Jesuits, at least, have secret exorcists. Maybe they have secret vamp fighters, too." Crossing the street in front of York Minster, Sal ducks into a lane opposite, then takes a right onto Low Petergate, shrugging with an eloquent frown as they walk and talk. "This business isn't something you can exactly come out and ask about, is it? Maybe the priest Fothergill recommended to me is in on it. I think Trip's household is more up on these things than most. I'll ask when I go to confession."
The rustic, three-story buildings loom close over them in the narrow lanes, well-kept shops inviting.
"Hey, Starbucks!"
Kenneth chuckles, "Aye, it be pixies now? From what I recall ay my auld lore, Pixies dinnae carry badges.... So just extra chips then? And, apparently, cheesecake?" He winks and then adds, "And if ye want tae be naughtly, lass, I imagine I can think ay better ways tae go about it."
He stands and starts walking to the bar, "Back in a moment."
He approaches the barmaid with a friendly, flirtatious smile, "Well now, if the feed be as good as the beer, then I imagine I'll be besotted with the place for more than just your smile. I'll try the famous Steak and Ale pie, though I'll need a side ay chips, apparently. And the Honeycomb Toffee cheesecake tae finish.... and I'll likely want a Scottish Breakfast or Scottish Blend tae help wash it down."
Down t' pub.
"How's about a bottle of Ennis & Gunns' Scotch flavoured beer?" replies the barmaid flirtatiously, taking his order efficiently. "I'll get your food to you in two shakes of a bunny's tail." She gets the drink and moves off to the kitchen. The pub is fairly quiet apart from a few regulars and business men.
Whilst in the pub, the food comes out as does the drinks. Of an impeccable quality, the flavours are a taste sensation that combines a rustic simplicity with bounteous mastery of the culinary arts, whilst remaining the hearty repast.
As desert is served, Danny, Sal and Tangris arrive after their coffee. Laura beckons them over to the soft leather chairs. "So we are a couple of options; " she lays out; "firstly we need to get some information on the local dealers and supply routes. I do have some definite leads on a main man, but this might be too easy for people of your....." she looks Kenneth up and down, "....resources."
"Then, Molly is looking to hire a boat at a pub in Whitby this evening - so as to bring in 'a cargo'. We could try and stop that?" she offers the two most pressing options - but as ever is open to suggestions, as her fork nips the edge of the cheese-cake.
Kenneth carefully places the cheesecake just a mite closer to Laura to help her reach it as he takes a pull on his final beer and winces a little. Ach, that might be good, but not in combination with the thick sweetness... He reaches for water to give the new brew a fair chance and nods at the arrival of his companions. After Laura's little spiel, he chuckles, ...aye, resources..., and then says, "Well, if the first is so easy for the lot ay us, I dinnae see why we cannae dae both. A'course, if it cannae be done, then I'll vote for what irritates my dear sister first."
Laura smiles at the cordial sibling conflict; "Well the drug dealer works from a flat in Leeds. We aren't sure if he directly distributes from there - but he only supplies dealers and not individuals. So with some luck we should get some reliable information on the system."
The policewoman thinks; "If we have a fast driver I expect we can make both.....?"
Drumming her fingers on the table deep in thought; "Yes, I suppose we can just get to Alberto's flat - shake him down, then drive to Whitby. It'd put us on the Northern route, which would have less traffic." Laura looks to the others expectantly; "So what do you think?" she asks with steel in her voice.
Kenneth smiles, "I don't mind putting the bike through it's paces... and if Moiren's choice of vehicle and driving style haven't suddenly shifted over the morning, I think we can make it."
"Morien? I don't think I've met her." the policewoman arches an eyebrow quizzically.
Kenneth shrugs, "One of Danny's friends..."
Seeing the look on Laura's face, he quickly adds, "Nae like that! At least, I dinnae think so. I just met her last night, meself, tae be honest. Still, she has a car, a rather bonny one at that, and so, we've asked her tae the party."
The small bell above the door gives a pleasant little tinkling as the door is opened, and Danny Steps in, with the others, and looks around. Danny leans over to Sal and says,
"That's odd, I could have sworn that someone was talking about me,..." He shrugs.
Then he spots Ken and smiles and waves.
"Alright, I've got the party invites..." she slides the arrest orders and warrant book across the table, Laura responds with a smile.
As Danny enters Laura waves him over; "Good to see you again. So we're going to Leeds to get some information from a major dealer, supplier. Then we swing across to Whitby and spoil Molly's party - well see what she's trying to bring into the country."
Kenneth nods at Laura's description of the task and adds, "And if that's nae enow, we can dae a pub hop when we're all done."
Laura's eye's light up, "I've heard there are a few good clubs and pubs in Whitby." she adds, looking to the others and gathering her items to leave. "So we pick up Morien and off to Leeds. Drink up..."
"Pub? I'm game!" Tangris perks up at the idea of places where women routinely get intoxicated...
"Why does that not surprise me?" Laura picks up the pint off the table and hands it to the were-goat.