Matthew smiles as he recalls Evelyn. He and her were on fairly civil turns, so perhaps she would provide him with young Hawkin's number. Anarchs did tend to associate with each other, after all. He supposed he could have just asked Evelyn herself to make introductions to Maldavis or Ms. Wainwright, but this gave him another contact within the Anarch community. And besides, he was somewhat fond of the lad.
He gives her a ring, and if she answers will exchange basic pleasantries before asking for her aid.
"Ah good evening Evelyn! I just called to inquire if you had young Hawkins-- Hawk's-- number. He was kind enough to drive me home the other night, and I'd like to properly thank him and follow up on our conversation."
Even the Nosferatu, who pride themselves on knowing all tings, cannot be everywhere at once. Just by virtue of having separate existences I will know things that you will not. My Clan is a secretive one, but not all secrets need be kept under lock and key, some can slip out, why not to you?
I confess that I will never have the contacts and resources that you have, but I have access to people and places you do not. Perhaps not all such things I tell you will be of immediate value, but some knowledge of one random event can connect the dots toa larger picture".
While talking, Savannah tries to block her mind and thoughts,just in case.
Pink rhinoceros...pink rhinoceros...pink rhinoceros
She pauses a moment before offering. "I'll tell you what, I'll give your thanks to Hawk and give him your number. If he wants to speak with you, he'll reach out. Fair enough?"
"I suppose there are other ways we could go about this." he says, "Perhaps rather than acting as an intermediary, you could acquire the building from me yourself. What you do with it from there is of little consequence to me. I recognize that in effect there is little difference in what you have requested and what I suggest, but there is a distinct difference in the eyes of the law, both mortal and Kindred. Surely you understand, right?"
"Perhaps the most legendary rivalry among our kind is that of the Brujah and the Ventrue. From what I have gathered, this dispute arose due to what Mortals teach as the "Punic Wars". Why or perhaps how, did that dispute arise, and why has the enmity from it lasted so long? Were there precursors that led to this dispute or did it all arise from just that short time period? After all, it was but a century and a half from beginning to end, I would think an insignificant amount of time for the Elders among us".
Dr. Baker frowns, disappointed slightly. But it was still better than nothing.
"Fair enough." He recites his number to her, apparently not realizing she'd already have it." I appreciate you delivering the message for me, and your protection of his privacy is admirable."
"While I have you, I'd also like to ask if you have contact information for Ms. Wainwright or Maldavis, or at least can point me in the direction of areas they frequent. I would like to make inquiries with them gauging their feelings towards supporting our mutual associate."
"The Ventrue were jealous of what we had made in Carthage. A perfect Utopia where we did not have to hide from the kine nor we did not have to hunt them to sustain ourselves. Can you not imagine how much simpler our existences would be if we did not have to hide from the mortals?" the ancient says.
"Yes, we did have to relinquish some of the raw power we held over mortal institutions in order have that peace, and that was something the Patricians would never stand for. They used their influence to convince the Magisters, Childer of Malkav, and the Artisans to help them in their quest to destroy our Utopia. Add to that our ongoing issues with Saracens and Serpents native to the region and it was simply too much for Carthage to survive the combined might of four clans actively working against her and two others clawing for the scraps." he says almost wistfully."[/b]
The voice goes silent for a bit before adding. If you choose to join me, meet me below the 35th and Cermak station on the redline tomorrow night.
"If you want to try it that way fine, but if this is going to work, I will be dealing directly with you and not as an intermediary unless you want to tell me who your employer is."
The good doctor considers the choice carefully. Maldavis was far more interesting to him. He doubted she would allow him to test her extensively, but perhaps she would find his support for her kind refreshing. Or perhaps she would view him as something of a suck up. Regardless, the chance to learn more about the Thin Blood made her quite enticing indeed. Unfortunately, she was already likely in favor of Maxwell's coup, needing little incentive to rebel against Lodin.
Anita Wainwright was holding her cards closer to her chest. If Matthew could sway her to Maxwell's side he'd earn a great deal of appreciation from the aspiring prince... but that was a big if, and he frankly wasn't sure he could sway her.
He absently scratches Winthrop as he thinks, quickly coming to a decision.
"In that case, I'd rather speak with Ms. Wainwright. Perhaps I can make a case for her to support our mutual interests. Subtly, of course."
The woman smiles and winks
I have never heard this before. Then again, Clan Tremere is mostly interested in magic, and Clan Tremere.
Your turn Elder, what question can I answer that you wish to know?"
Evelyn provides you with number to reach Anita at. "Is there anything else, Dr. Baker?" the self-styled Baron of Gary asks.
"Of course. Leave your specifications with me and I will match those against the various properties within the city that I have available. Is there a particular region of the city you would prefer this building be in?" Bridger says with a smile.
Be careful out there... the voice says as you leave.
The ancient lets out a genuine, low rumbling laugh. "If nothing else, you now have a multitude of questions to choose from for our next visit."
Changing the subject, he says, "Indeed, it is my turn I suppose."
He begins, "Your clan has suffered a few setbacks in recent nights. Vienna destroyed, the Regent of Milwaukee breaking off to form her own house, more locally, Nicolai leaving. Tell me, young Edwin, what do you know of the desires of the new head of your clan in this city, Abraham DuSable?"
"This is actually part of my rationale for wishing to seek out Nicolai. DuSable has told me in no uncertain terms that Clan Tremere wholeheartedly supports Prince Jackson. I suppose that makes him a "traditionalist" for lack of a better term. As the Camarilla supports Jackson, so too does Clan Tremere".
He pauses, "You could perhaps deduce this next piece of information I am sharing so I will divulge.
My loyalty to my Coterie is as strong as that of my loyalty to the Clan. The pyramid that was rigidly holding the hierarchy of Clan Tremere in place is a crumbling edifice. As my Coterie decided to throw their lot in with the Once and, hopefully Future, Prince Maxwell, it immediately put me at odds with DuSable.
I had to choose to either support my Coterie or betray them to DuSable.
Thus, if I can locate Nicolai and get a fundamental understanding of where he lies politically, I can know whether my risk to undermine if not directly disobey DuSable was a sound decision, or one that may cost me my Unlife".
He sighs, and pauses there. Then continues, "I am Kindred for two decades and have kept myself divorced from its politics until now. Only a few days in and I find the prospect fraught with danger and self doubt. I am truly in awe of your ability to have navigated some if not all of the most treacherous periods of our existence and still have your sanity and perhaps even more impressively, still continue to exist!"
"No, I believe that's all. Thank you again, Baron. I look forward to swinging back down to see you one of these nights, when the dogs are particularly docile. Until then!"
Well, that was one problem taken care of. Now to arrange a meeting with the city's Anarchs. The doctor dials the number he was given.
Ollie makes his way towards the Scientology building. He figures he ought to share the news with his coterie. Barely know em, but there as good as any a group to throw my chips down on for this roulette spin.
The ancient smiles. "Information is the greatest commodity we can have, young Edwin. Gaining all you can and making the decisions based on that information that you can 'live' with...one decision at a time...each decision definitive and resolute."
"Is there anything else for tonight, Edwin?"
The phone rings and rings and just as you are about to give up, there is an answer. "Hello?" the voice asks. The voice is that of a young, and you assume African American man.
You return to the Scientology building to find it occupied by a very large, square-jawed man. Seeing you enter the building he quickly gets to his feet and asks, "Who the f*~* are you?"
"If there is nothing else..." he says, gesturing toward the door to the office.
Regardless of the Elder's answer, Edwin heads off campus, texting Ladislav and asking him to come back to the campus to retrieve.
Edwin, as much as he abhors it, texts both Calliope and Jack. Simple, Are you available to speak is all he sends as he waits for his Ghoul to return.
"Good evening. My name is Doctor Matthew Baker. I am calling to inquire if Ms. Wainwright is free for an appointment in the near future. I'd like to discuss recent events in Chicago and how they could affect our shared nocturnal interests." Matthew would never admit to it, but he did have a fondness for the cloak and dagger innuendos their existence necessitated them to speak in at times.
"A mutual friend from Gary was kind enough to provide me her number." He continues. " And I believe a discussion would be to both our benefits."
"Name's Ollie. I'm a friend of Edwin Wagner." I eye him, "And you are?"
Thanks for agreeing on meeting me on such short notice. I sincerely hope to do business with you, and will be waiting for your information.
"Next week this same time would be fine, young Edwin." the elder says, shooing you out the door as he returns to his books.
Ladislav returns the message promptly. Right away, sir.
While waiting for your driver to arrive, you send out a group text, surprisingly, you get a response from Jack. Hey Edwin. Sorry about the silence. Got a question, who the f#!# is this guy with the dog that's in our place?
"Oh, you're a friend of Edwin?" he questions, as he looks as if he's ready to square up and fight you. Just before he's ready to lunge at you, his phone chimes. He steps back and pulls the phone from his pocket.
"How convenient, there's the man himself. Let's just see if your story checks out." he says, typing a message into the phone.
The voice on the other end says something muffled to someone in the room with him. A few moments later another voice, this one distinctly female, educated, and with the faint remnants of street left in the tone speaks.
"Dr. Baker, because you mention a mutual acquaintance from Gary, I suppose I can meet with you tomorrow night. Are you familiar with the Mount Greenwood neighborhood? If you want to talk, meet me at the Mount Greenwood Park Fieldhouse tomorrow night at nine."
You exit Bridger's office and the janitor is leaning against the wall seemingly waiting for you. "Everything go alright?' he asks.
Buttons gives a low growl as the guy tries to get tough with me.
I smirk "Sure, text your boss. He knows me."
I will be there shortly and we can discuss in person".
Once Ladislav arrives Edwin will speak with him on the ride, "Tell me my friend, what do you think it means that Calliope has disappeared? Jack it seems is back after an absence of his own, shall I be paranoid?"
"I'm confident I can find my way there. I'll see you tomorrow then, madame. Bye-Bye."
Matthew hangs up and looks down at Winthrop. "Well, that's the easy part done. Now I have to actually convince the good Baron why she should support Maxwell's endeavors. Wish me luck." Winthrop remains silent. He's a feline of few words, but Dr. Baker can tell he is silently rooting for him by his expression.
" I appreciate that, old friend." He scratches the cat's head. It responds with a purr that makes Matthew incline his head.
"That is an excellent idea. I will text the others and let them know; perhaps they have some advise on how to present my arguments to Ms. Wainwright." He shoots off a text to Edwin.
Good evening Mr. Wagner. Or should I say Guten Abend! Ha ha ha.
I have arranged a meeting for myself with a Ms. Wainwright tomorrow. You may know her; she possesses something of an anarchist character. I am hoping to convince her to support our goals, though historically I fear she has been quite reluctant to make any big moves. If you or any of the others have a history with her or any understanding of her particular inclinations, please do let me know.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Matthew Baker.
Matthew was a little annoyed at being told he needed to be set on the "correct path", but he tamps down his frustrations for now. He shoots a quick response back.
Thumbs Up. Its the actual text, as opposed to the emoji.
Then he gets an Uber and makes his way to the Center to meet with Edwin.
Ladislav contemplates the question a few moments while driving back toward the Scientology building, "I do not know, sir." he says, "Please correct me if I am misspeaking, but has it not been mentioned that her Sire is a rather volatile sort?" As you arrive back at the Scientology Center, you see Dr. Baker getting out of a car.
The large man looks down at his phone, nods and looks back to you. "Apologies. Never can be too careful." he says. "I'm Jack. Good to meet you. Edwin's on his way, and he's not my boss by the way."
Your ride arrives and with little more than some idle, rather boring conversation, you arrive at the Scientology center without incident. Getting out of your car, you see Edwin and his servitor ghoul arriving in another car.
"Oh, that's good to hear." the man says, "I'm Jacob, by the way and this is Moppy." he say gesturing to his mop. "If there's anything else I can help with, just let me know."
Seeing Edwin, Dr. Baker makes his way over.
"Ah, my new colleague. Good evening once again." Matthew says, holding out his hand.
I will exit and meet with the Doctor.
Thank you as always Ladislav. Take the rest of the evening off my friend".
"Before we enter the Center, I wish to apologize for the curtness of my reply text message. Your message included more information than my currently paranoid mind wished to read. I fear that the use of Mortal technology can be tracked, from now on, let's be vague in our discussions yes?
I am sure that you can appreciate having dealt with some of your own Clanmates, that a paranoid mind can be of short temper".
He pauses giving the Doctor a minute to respond, then he continues, [b]"Ollie is here with Buttons as in one of my allies you have not yet met, Jack. Come inside, let's meet with them and discuss... things".
"Ah, of course. These nights it pays to be paranoid.Please,think nothing of it."
After you. I look forward to meeting more of our little coterie. And speaking further to K, if he is around." The gleam in Matthew's eyes betrays his excitement at speaking further to the thin blood.
Dr. Baker and Edwin continue their conversation while entering the Scientology center, once inside they see Ollie and Jack. Likewise Ollie and Jack see the pair entering the building.
"Edwin." Jack says coolly with nod toward the Tremere.
Edwin nods to Ollie and scratches Buttonw on the head, assuming the dog doesn't growl at him.
Edwin shakes Jack's hand, "I see you have met Ollie, I have with me Doctor Baker.
Doctor Baker, one of my Coterie mates, Jack.
Glad you are back Jack. I was hoping to see you at the University, but alas I handled the matter without you, as well as Calliope.
Have you any idea where she is?"
Dr. Baker offers Jack his hand. " A pleasure to meet you. I'm a new addition to this coterie and look forward to working with you all.
And good to see you again, Mr. Myles. And you too, Buttons. I'll have to remember to bring him a treat next time. Though I am sure no treat can compare with what you feed him, ha ha." He chuckles.
Jack takes the offered hand and provides a firm handshake. "good to know you, Doctor." Jack says in return to Matthew's greeting.
Turning his attention back to Edwin, "Calliope is gone?" Jack asks. "Probably that f$&!ing hot-head of a Sire of hers...I swear if he's done anything to hurt her..." he adds, leaving the potentially incriminating details of revenge unsaid.
"Sorry about the thing at the University, Edwin. Something that was said by the old man the last time we were there stuck in my craw a bit and I had to do a bit of looking on my own."
Edwin raises an eyebrow, "I certainly hope not. She told me that she walked in on her Sire in an awkward position and that he was less than pleased but didn't take any direct action at that moment. Even if he did take some action against her, I think that there are steps in the process we will need to follow before we can address taking any further action against him.
Are you at liberty to share what you found in the looking?"
Edwin turns to Ollie and Doctor Baker, "Have either of you contacts for the other two Kindred we met last night? Joey Hart and Savanna Douglas? I would like to determine whether they are in or out before we have a wider discussion related to the status of this Coterie. Especially if we will be reshaping it presently".
"Maybe when there aren't so many people here that I don't really know, it's kind of a personal matter." Jack responds, before offering an uncharacteristically sheepish, "No offense." to Dr. Baker and Ollie.
"Understood, we can speak in private once these matters are... well... whatever are".
Edwin seems hesitant but resigned to discuss something.
Buttons allows Edwin to pet him with good canine humor.
"Nice to meet you, Doc. And yeah, Jack and I met."
Ollie looks over at Edwin again, "When you got a moment... there's another player in the game, one I kind of 'met' in the park."
"I took the liberty of exchanging contact information with everyone I spoke with here last evening, so I could contact them if required. And please, think nothing of it." He tells Jack. "Trust takes time to build, specifically amongst our kind."
"Shall I ask Ms. Douglas to meet us here? If so, I'll go and make the call while you engage in your private discussion."
Thanks for the offer, Jacob, you're a doll. I guess we will meet again in the near future. I wish you all the best, for you and Moppy of course.
With that said, Savanna gets back to her apartment, to think about what to do next.
Edwin nods to Doctor Baker, "That would be excellent".
He smiles at Ollie and the Doctor, "I will be back momentarily". He motions for Jack to follow and leads him from the conference room to one of the "inner sanctum rooms".
As Savanna takes her leave of the obviously mentally off janitor, her phone rings. Looking down at the caller ID, it is Dr. Baker. I would seem that the night's work is not yet complete.
Jack and Edwin head off to another room within the facility, leaving Ollie and Dr. Baker alone in the room - unless of course, Alexander was skulking around the room, invisible, as he is want to do.
Jack leans up against the wall, forgoing taking a seat on the floor. "It was something the old guy said when we were there...he implied that Capone was still among the unliving...as it turns out, he is. He's on the South Side." Jack says. "I'm not real sure what that means for us or Jackson. Jackson claims he destroyed Capone, but he obviously didn't any thoughts on that, Edwin?"
As it turns out, Nicolai is alive as well. Our meeting with Criatias bore fruit. Meetings have been set for us with the Tremere Elder and with Khalid, the Nosferatu Elder...
The South Side, I would have thought that to be Jackson's territory, how is he even hiding there? Though I suppose Cabrini Green is north side so maybe I am just conflating Jackson's sphere of influence with local gangs to be larger than it actually is.
Who confirmed that he was even alive?"
He pauses but throws out a few more thoughts before Jack can get a word in, "I suppose he could be an ally against Jackson but the sense I get is that the Elders were never aligned with Lodin's childer so they may not want to align themselves with Capone. We cannot assume all enemies of Jackson will be each other's allies, especially where the purpose of those collaborating are to put someone other than Capone on his Sire's throne.... Would you even want to find Capone... apologies for the questions, this is all very shocking news".