"No one holds command over me. No man. No God. No Prince. What is a claim of age for ones who are immortal? What is a claim of power for ones who defy death? Call your damnable hunt. We shall see who I drag screaming to Hell with me."
BAPTISM OF FIRE - Friday - January 1, 1993 –
As the others shuffle out only you all, Modius, Allicia, and Danov remain.
Modius sighs, "I fear that even with their sacrifice, we will need something more to hold off Lodin if we wish to remain independent of that fools overreach. I have it on good knowledge from my friend Alexander Danov, the Nosferatu smiles "that the Tremere Justicar will be visiting Milwaukee in two days time! I believe that if we can present our case to Justicar Gabrielle di Righetti Gary will triumph!
Can I count on the six of you to head to Milwaukee to plead our case?
Of course, Patrick and Bradley, you should both let your Justicar know that there is no doubt that Lodin would prevent any new Chantry from being created in Gary were we to remain even remotely under his thumb".
Allicia gently squeezes John's hand as Modius makes his request.
The fact that Danov gave Modius this news is not lost on Shane. Suddenly what was an option he might consider finding an excuse to get out of becomes more important. Nosferatu are not all cuddly bunny hug hug, no Clan is, but they thrive on cooperation.
On the other hand, I just said I wasn't a diplomat, and bam! We're going to be talking to a freakin Justicar? Oh well, out of the frying pan and into Milwaukee. Who knows? maybe the city will agree with me more than Gary does and I'll set up there.
The ugly creature scratches at his chin, then says , "Heck, I'll go. I trust in your generousity in the future, having seen good examples of it here." There, if he sends me, he'll realize he'll owe me a little. I wasn't subtle, but at least I wasn't impolite.
He glances to Danov, "Any message you wish me to drop off to any Clan siblings there while I'm at it?"
"Of course try send one group to ask for something while another group tries to gain support in a totally different direction. Distraction and slight of hand. That's either very wise or very paranoid. I can never tell.
I am honored by your trust, and will do my best to plead our case to the Justicar in two days. Is there an Elysium in Milwaukee? Someone we should present ourselves to?" she bows.
Stepping aside she waits for the others to agree or not to the request.
Morag had been quietly contemplating distances and times of sunrise.
"It will take about two hours of driving if we go through Chicago. I'm not convinced that's a good idea. I'd rather skirt around the city. That will take over three hours. Leaving us just two hours to find places to rest. Should we start out right away or wait until early tomorrow evening?
"Quite the opportunity... for good or ill," ruminates Randolph as he thinks about the Prince's sudden command. He concentrates a bit, clearly vexed in some fashion.
"It is a great opportunity," Patrick bows to Modius. "It is an honor to serve the Prince."
BAPTISM OF FIRE - Friday - January 1, 1993 –
Can I count on the six of you to head to Milwaukee to plead our case?Of course, Patrick and Bradley, you should both let your Justicar know that there is no doubt that Lodin would prevent any new Chantry from being created in Gary were we to remain even remotely under his thumb".
"You may count on me," Brad said, ducking his head in deference and trying not to think about all that could go wrong. He should inform Mr. Garwood at once and seek advice. But not here, with so many ears. Two days would give him that time, and time enough to put the small life he had in Gary on hold.
Morag had been quietly contemplating distances and times of sunrise.
"It will take about two hours of driving if we go through Chicago. I'm not convinced that's a good idea. I'd rather skirt around the city. That will take over three hours. Leaving us just two hours to find places to rest. Should we start out right away or wait until early tomorrow evening?
"Huh," Shane contemplates, "Hell of a rush job for haven seeking unless one of those sending us has a suggestion that cuts down on our hunting time for one. I'd normally be for the early tomorrow evening . Also might avoid holiday traffic."
"I'm afraid I don't have a suggestion for finding a haven in a hurry. I've never been to Milwaukee. I came from Chicago before I arrived in Gary. My life there is gone, and I haven't been back in a while. Tomorrow may be the best course of action."
"Maybe we should book some hotel rooms before we go," says Randolph. "Also, I can try to get in touch with some, ah, associates who may already be there."
John grins. "I believe I can arrange accommodations for all of us for when we reach Milwaukee. That won't be a problem. If you have any particular requirements, just let me know."
He turns to Modius. "I'm glad to be a part of this. I believe this venture will prove quite beneficial to both our interests."
Turning back to the group, he says, "If y'all don't mind, I'd rather leave tomorrow evening. Gives me a chance to tie up a few loose ends, make a few calls, and not have to worry about chance events. 'Fortune favors the prepared,' as my old man used to say. Plus, Shane's right, holiday traffic can be very unpredictable."
"And don't worry about transportation. I can arrange to have you picked up where ever you specify tomorrow evening. No problem if you've got your own rides, of course, but I'm offering a freebie to those who do not." He waves his hand as if to say, 'no big deal.'
BAPTISM OF FIRE - Friday - January 1, 1993 –
Modius smiles, "Come along Alicia, I am sure that we should leave our new friends alone to plot their trip..." Modius, Alicia on his arm strolls down the hall leaving you all alone with Alexander Danov.
He watches the Prince leave and looks to Shane, "He did not say it in so many words but he doesn't want to know what you plan to do outside of what he suggested. The Tremere Justicar is arriving in two nights but should be there for at least three thereafter.
Were I you Shane I'd shy away from the Nosferatu of Milwaukee and make it clear to those who you meet, you are not from the city.
The Prince of the city is a Ventrue, Hrothfulf, an ally of Lodin. However, you should first seek out the Toreador Primogen named Lucina at the Hyatt in Milwaukee. She will be the most welcoming face you shall likely see in that city.
It is a dangerous place... the roads to it are all heavily watched by Lupines. You may arrive there by rail or by flight but both of those ways are controlled by the Kindred of Chicago whose Ghouls are well trained to recognize Kindred.
There is one way to get to Milwaukee unseen by any of these parties..."
Brad stayed silent for a spell, letting the others make preparations and reveal their assets. He listened carefully to all Danov said.
Lupines?! That completely ruled out going by road and by himself, if Brad could help it at all. He was far more attached to his body parts than that! It might even be worth buying a gun. A large gun. Perhaps a rocket launcher.
"In the circumstances, discretion would be very welcome," he said. "I'm allergic to dogs of all sizes."
"Lupines... Those are werewolves, right?" Patrick remembers some bits that were told to him by his Sire, but not much. "Are they very dangerous?"
John's mood visibly drops at the mention of Lupines. "Aw, hell."
He nods at Patrick. "Dangerous is an understatement. They aren't always bright, but they're strong, quick, and they regenerate just about as fast as you can hurt 'em. Usually your best bet is to avoid 'em to begin with. Least that's what I've been told."
"So planes, trains and automobiles aren't ideal. That means we cut across the lake, right? And in the middle of winter, who'd suspect it?"
"I'm interested to hear the suggestion that will keep us under the radar until we can reach the Hyatt, and then speak to the Justicar." Morag turns to John. "Are you suggesting by boat or swim?" Morag looks dismayed at the mention of Lupines and ghouls.
John shrugs. "Depends how much ice is on the lake. I wasn't planning on swimming though."
"Just for the books, it IS by boat then?" Shane says with a scowl, "Got to say this talk of Lupines has me on edge."
"This plan just keeps getting better all the time," says Randolph with a chuckle.
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A glance to Iron John, "About that earlier offer, I may take you up on it for a short time. Real requirement for me will make sure no one stumbles in on the butt ugly nosferatu and bust the Masquerade wide open. Not good for any of us."
"This plan just keeps getting better all the time," says Randolph with a chuckle.
"No $h*t.Thank God there's no such thing as Were sharks." A roll of his eyes.
"Wouldn't want to meet these Lupines in person," agrees Patrick. "If we cut across the lake, I think we'll have to take a boat. I doubt it will completely freeze over."
BAPTISM OF FIRE - Friday - January 1, 1993 –
Danov nods to Iron John, "Very astute Mr. Anderson. The Lake, that means you must deal with a certain guest who was here with us earlier this evening. I hope that at least one of you has some goodwill built up with Lucian".
John looks at Danov quizzically. "I'm afraid I don't understand. What does Lucian have to do with the lake?"
John looks at Danov quizzically. "I'm afraid I don't understand. What does Lucian have to do with the lake?"
"My guess is he has influence over it, or at least the means of crossing it. Just like some folks have media or police under their thumb. the power players, you know?" He states his own view. Might be nice to have some pull, but not sure how I'm going to pull that off.
Shane has his own question for Danov, "I can understand if you don't want to tell me in front of others, but I'm real curious why you think I shouldn't hang around clanmates in Milwaukee?"
"I don't have any goodwill built up. I don't have animosity either." She smiles ironically. "Maybe he can be convinced to help out for the good of the clan of Gary." A favor will be owed to Lucian by the end of this. I'm sure of it.
"I am completely new. Don't have any relations, I'm afraid. On the other hand it may have some benefits."
John snickers a bit. "I guess it just never occurred to me that someone would have a lake as part of there own, personal domain. I'm sure we can come to an arrangement, just not sure it'll be in our favor."
BAPTISM OF FIRE - Friday - January 1, 1993 –
"Lucian controls shipping into and out of Gary. Even if you wished to avoid him, his people have cadavar dogs that sniff for the undead so it is difficult if not impossible to get into and out of that port without bargaining with him.
I doubt he will do it out of the kindness of his heart as he does not appear to have one. Still, if you are successful, the benefits your trip will outweigh the burden of owing the Gangrel Elder.
Indeed Patrick, often a blank canvas is more appealing to a keen observer than one already started by another.
Go to Lucian, you will find him at The Gary Export Company. Likely the best you can hope for is a trip tomorrow by day to awake in Milwaukee by Night".
Danov motions for Shane to follow him to the far side of the room leaving the rest of you to speak amongst yourselves,
Patrick sighs. "It seems we have no other choice but to meet with Lucian." I don't like this one bit. "Should we go together or just me and one more person?"
BAPTISM OF FIRE - Friday - January 1, 1993 –
"Lucian controls shipping into and out of Gary. Even if you wished to avoid him, his people have cadavar dogs that sniff for the undead so it is difficult if not impossible to get into and out of that port without bargaining with him.
I doubt he will do it out of the kindness of his heart as he does not appear to have one. Still, if you are successful, the benefits your trip will outweigh the burden of owing the Gangrel Elder.
Indeed Patrick, often a blank canvas is more appealing to a keen observer than one already started by another.
Go to Lucian, you will find him at The Gary Export Company. Likely the best you can hope for is a trip tomorrow by day to awake in Milwaukee by Night".
I don't like this either. the debt should be the Prince's, not ours. We do this on his behalf. But we get stuck paying the tab I imagine out of secrecy.
Patrick sighs. "It seems we have no other choice but to meet with Lucian." I don't like this one bit. "Should we go together or just me and one more person?"
"If you go with just one you'll want someone with better people skills than yours truly. I'll let you guys sort it out if we go as a group or not..."
He moves along to follow Danov
Danov motions for Shane to follow him to the far side of the room leaving the rest of you to speak amongst yourselves,
Shane listens, and nods slowly. It surprises him what he hears, but more than that, it upsets him,
"I'm a fan of the 'safety in numbers' idiom," John drawls. "This is already complicated enough without something... untoward happening to one or two of us. I say we go as a group."
"I'm a fan of the 'safety in numbers' idiom," John drawls. "This is already complicated enough without something... untoward happening to one or two of us. I say we go as a group."
"You're right," Brad said. "He'll notice a bunch of people coming to see him about the same thing in a single night anyway. We might as well do it all at once."
"I agree we should speak to him as a group. Any deal made should include all of us. We will more than likely all owe him something after this. I suggest we meet at the Export company in two hours. I would like to change out of this ball gown and into something more appropriate for traveling across a lake in the daylight." She gestures at the gown and heels she is wearing.
Randy rubs his chin, then at last says, "Fine. What a bust."
"You look marvelous, Ms. Darrow," says John, smirking a bit. "But we can wait til you slip into something more comfortable."
BAPTISM OF FIRE - Friday - January 1, 1993 –
Once you arrive with this group, no doubt our Clansmen will find out soon enough, encourage them to reach out to you by letting what you are slip. They and their Sire might seek you out but there are more of them than him so odds are, they'll find you faster".
---
The group agrees to wait for Morag near the Export Company. As she has the most to do she takes a head start as the others wait for Shane.
Soon enough, all of the Kindred are heading towards the rendezvous point.
---
The hour grows late when the Coterie, for lack of a better word, knocks on the side door of The Gary Export Company where a light is still on in the window.
A man answers the door who is certainly not Lucian. This man is tall but skinny, one of the skinniest people you've ever seen. He eyes you all with a blase' attitude, "I take it yer not here to collect for the Red Cross eh?"
"Um..." Patrick falters for a second. "No, we're not. We're here to see Mr. Lucian. Is he here?"
John steps up behind the artist, eyeing this skinny fellow and snickering at the Red Cross comment.
"Indeed. Perhaps you could buttle off and see if Lucian would be willing to meet with us."
Morag arrives wearing a pair of skinny trousers, motorcycle boots, and a stylish winter coat.
Morag moves up next to John and Patrick. "We have business with him, please let him know we are here."
Randy still looks like a rumpled, middle-aged businessman - nothing unusual. He grins slightly and lets the more charismatic Kindred do the dealing.
BAPTISM OF FIRE - Friday - January 1, 1993 –
He nods at Danov's comments, "will do. Thanks." Before returning to the others.
Soon enough, all of the Kindred are heading towards the rendezvous point.
Shane hangs back, mask and hood back in place. It's still New Years Eve night, this is the one time this guise may work.
The hour grows late when the Coterie, for lack of a better word, knocks on the side door of The Gary Export Company where a light is still on in the window.A man answers the door who is certainly not Lucian. This man is tall but skinny, one of the skinniest people you've ever seen. He eyes you all with a blase' attitude, "I take it yer not here to collect for the Red Cross eh?"
Shane lets the others take the lead, dreaming of the time he masters this many faces.
For now, ye olde Cloak of shadows will have to do as he holds perfectly still.
Brad stood quietly, keeping to himself and trying not to think too much about the value of the car he was probably leaving behind for good. He could afford it, but it was an inconvenience.
BAPTISM OF FIRE - Friday - January 1, 1993 –
"Buttle off eh? Sure sure. I'll do just that, wait here". He closes the door.
A few minutes later when it is opened again the face at the door is that of Lucian, "I did not expect to see so many of you so soon. Ready to flee the city already?"
John can't help but to laugh. "I sure am glad y'all have a sense of humor." John gives Lucian a small bow. "And yes, in fact. We're interested in a trip to Milwaukee, under the radar, as it were, and heard you're the fella who can arrange it."
Patrick also bows to Lucian. "Yes, after discussing our options, we were told you are our best chance of getting into Milwaukee unseen."
BAPTISM OF FIRE - Friday - January 1, 1993 –
"Sense of humor?" Lucian seems genuinely perplexed by John's statement.
"Regardless, you are both correct, I am the man to be seen for this trip. I can arrange for you to travel to Milwaukee. The question of course is, what can you do for me in return? Besides paying the cost of the freight of course but that was a given wasn't it".
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"You could always consider the bonus of having six fewer mouths in town , more for you right?" Shane says from the shadows. It's not entirely a jest. Gary isn't exactly busting at the seams anymore, and fewer predators in the area means more blood for those that are here.
Randy racks his brains to try to remember what Lucian's known for and what kinds of things he might want to bolster his position in the city.
"What are you looking for in exchange Lucien? We all know nothing comes free. It's a question if the price you ask is worth paying." Morag steps forward from the back of the group. She waits to hear if he's going to give any hints to what he'd like out of the group. Will it be a group request of will he ask each of us to offer something?
Patrick attempts to think of anything of use for a vampire as powerful as Lucian.