(Familiar Stranger) Detective Work

[Wolven Pryde]

California State Library

Ethan Russell stalks slowly into the library foyer, looking distinctly out of place in his black 'gym attire' and combat boots. The only attention he'd given to the cooling weather was a half unzipped hoodie over his short-sleeved Under Armour shirt. The sleeves of the hoodie had been shorn off roughly (because it had been done with a very sharp knife, and not scissors), leaving his powerful arms bare.

After logging in and getting directions for a computer from a very nervous looking library assistant, the Mekhet in shades finds an open terminal, and begins to search for the former location of 'K M Realty', and as much public knowledge as is otherwise available to him. True, Herald Villiers had agreed to help with this, but as he was using the story that he'd actually been there, and might be interested in using the place for a Haven, it would pay to know at least where it is. While the Herald might have Prince Clarke's authority, Russ was sure Erika hadn't meant to include her in the Oath he took. Best to keep this as close to the chest as possible.

  Yep, diceroller still hates Ethan

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2011-11-02 08:00:28		Ethan Russell rolls 5 to dig up info (Int+Academics+2 library (10 Again)		6, 3, 5, 3, 6		failure

He does send Villiers a text message, however, on the off-chance that she doesn't have anything better to do, tonight.

[Martha Villiers]

Martha had made reasonable time in getting to the Library. When the call came she was close by. Upon arriving Martha began a systematic search of the building for Ethan. Knowing, under his own admission, that he lacked expertise with modern computing, she decided Ethan might be there and had, maybe, called her to help as part of the bargain they had struck several months ago.

Smiling, she hobbles about, looking for Ethan. Dressed in her school uniform: black gymslip to mid calf, Oxford shoe, straw boater hat, twin tails, kneesock, neat black blazer, crisp white blouse and a satchel. She had added a long red and black college scarf from Oxford University and made use of her simple metal peg leg. Her cane helped her limp along. An aroma of lavender and minty toothpaste followed her around.

Eager eyes dart about. Alert to danger...alert to pursuit and alert for Ethan.

[Wolven Pryde]

While the Herald is making her way to the library, and trying to find her fellow Mekhet inside, Russell gives it another go. He tried to think of something he might have missed. A keyword he may have left out... or a search program he may not normally use... anything. Apparently, unlike the majority of the rest of the planet, Google and Wikipedia aren't Russell's go-to sources of information.

  Yay! 1 success

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2011-11-02 23:23:08		Ethan Russell rolls 5 to try one more time (Int+Academics+2 library (10 Again)		4, 5, 7, 3, 9		1 success

When his sharp ears catch the mismatched footsteps, Russ pushes back from the desk. Holding onto it and throwing his other elbow over the back of the seat, facing the tiny schoolgirl's direction, he leans out enough to be seen. And when he wants to be, Russell is very easily seen.

The corners of his mouth twitch in an almost-smile: Ethan Russell for 'Hello', it seems.

Tags

To the STs. Thanks especially to whichever is cool enough to take this storyline

[Martha Villiers]

Martha paused in the middle of the study hall, trying to gather her bearings and pick up any clues for Ethan's location. She wondered if he had a fondness for games and was playing some version of hide-go-seek.

Her mind was just beginning to enjoy the thrill of the chase and the fun to be had from such a game, when Ethan makes himself obvious. Martha smiles a sincere smile and offers a cheery wave to Ethan as he smiles to her.

All wide eyed glee Martha tries a few skipping, hopping, steps over to join Ethan at his workstation. Eager in her every gesture. Twin tails bob as she skips over. Keeping her voice low to a gentle, if enthusiastic, tone and ensuring she has her usual Blush of Life invoked when around Mortals. "Good evening, sir! I do hope you are well! It is good to see you! You do look fit and well, sir!" she offers, all wide eyed...her attention drawn to the obvious power in her arms, shoulders and chest. Her smile doesn't falter this time. Hobbling a step closer, her enthusiasm continues; "Thank you for your message, sir! I always enjoy a visit to a library, sir! Is there anything I can help you study or research, sir? I am, as ever, ready to help you in whatever project I can!" she leans on her cane and nods, rubbing for a moment at her crippled hip. Twin tails bob once more with her nodding.

[Wolven Pryde]

Oh yeah. *Cough*Blush*Cough*

D'awww she looks so cute! Good enough to eat...

"Shut it."

Russell looks over his shoulder as he answers his Beast aloud, seeming to speak to it just behind his ear. His voice was low, but fierce. Unfortunately, at his depth of pitch, it carried. Surely any library patrons in that direction are now contemplating the term 'silent as the grave'...

But toward the Herald, Russell is as close to friendly as a cruel monster like him ever gets. Whether it's simply having developed sense enough to play ball with the give-and-take domain politics to get what he wants, or out of a sense of honor to the only vampire who hadn't immediately treated him like a disease, is anyone's guess. Russ isn't sure about it himself. He doesn't think about it, honestly.

When his guttural voice comes again, moments later, it has a higher, amused sort of tone mixed in with it. Even at a near whisper, it sounds heavy; larger than life.

"Glad you're in good spirits. Might make up for my frustration."

He seems to decide that wasn't a good enough hello.

"What's new?"

[Martha Villiers]

Martha smiled and risked limping a little closer, rubbing at her hip a moment or two. Wide eyed, she listened. Watching Ethan's hands and shoulders at work. Clutching at her cane as she nodded. Twin tails bob as she responds eagerly and sincerely. "Oh, I am in good spirits at the thought of aiding you, sir! I am also greatly looking forward to our next outing to study Parkour, sir!" she offers a happy, if shy, giggle and shuffles her peg leg a little. "But...for now, sir, my intent and focus is on lending you in whatever help I can, sir!" a happy smile again. "Whatever frustrations you may be feeling, I am confident that our teamwork shall overcome them!" she nods, clearly staying very positive.

[Wolven Pryde]

"Anytime you're up for it, gimme a ring."

That seems to be Russell's comment on Martha's mention of future physical activities. Still half-turned in his seat, but not leaning out anymore, he raises a hand to gesture at the computer monitor. Like all of the Mekhet's other movements, it is deliberate and precise, not flailing or overly animated.

"KM Realty."

The screen is probably showing no more than a phone book entry and the address, at most. It would be a wonder if the provided number even worked. Maybe if it was a cell number.

Russell stands deftly, sliding the chair out as he does so. Slipping backward a pace, he props one meaty arm up on the privacy divider on his side of the workstation. With the chair held out, the Herald would be free to assume that Russ is either holding it for her, or-- if the straight peg leg would make sitting too awkward-- holding it out of the way.

"Best I could do. If you wanna give it a try, I'll let your fingers do the walking."

[West]

Unfortunately, the screen is showing a Google Search box. Successive attempts after a failure incur a penalty; with Ethan's success coming on the last die which shouldn't have been rolled, he is Captain of the Fail Boat once again

[Martha Villiers]

"Thank you, sir!" she enthuses at the invite to try. Martha smiles a lot as Ethan talks and helps her with the keyboard. She really didn't want to sit and was glad when Ethan's intuition served him well and he held the chair out of the way. Utterly thrilled at his gesture, in fact, she nodded respectfully.

Martha tries some additonal Boolean search varieties...she even tries a search through Alta Vista...just in case. Then scrolls through two other search options and reference tools which come to mind.

She tries the websites of local Chamber of Commerce and the City Planning Dept components of websites for Natomas, Sacramento and other neighboroughing counties. Reasoning that a realty company must, ultimately, have to file at least some paperwork with the local land registrars and city planning department, she tries a few of their websites and search facilities, relying on good paper-keeping and a general compliance with the Freedom of Information Act and transparency of upstanding civic activity.

  

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2011-11-04 14:34:30		Martha Villiers rolls 10 to Research at the library (Int+Academics+2 Library = 10) (10 Again)		3, 2, 1, 4, 8, 8, 6, 1, 5, 6		2 successes

[West]

Martha turns up little; a few references here and there to property listings, or charity event sponsors. It's been a couple of years, and the digital footprints are fading.

She does, however, find an office address, local.