Patrol Planning

[Moonfang]

With Sir Baldwin ( Cross ) already contacted, there wasn't much else for Roderick to do but to try and arrive at the Nox Populi before the Knight. A taxi with a very strong incentive to get to his destination as fast as possible made that so. Once he had arrived, he ensured that one of the meeting rooms was clear for use and then moved to stand at the foot of the stairs at attention. He kept his attire more practical than his usual form when in the Court area. A simple button up shirt and blue jeans with black boots.

So he would remain standing there, awaiting for the arrival of Sir Baldwin.

[Moonfang]

Beasts tend to not forget. When Baldwin appeared, so did his alterego, only made worse with the air about him that set the soldier on edge. Defeated before by the other only make his Beast burn in anger. It's pride struck, it demanded revenge. It demanded the blood of one who thought itself it's better. But the budding Sotoha knew better. There are superiors and inferiors. This was a fact of life. For everyone and everything that exists, there is a greater and lesser. Sir Baldwin earned his place as Roderick's Superior. But for the moment, the Beast countered. And that one moment of defiance, Roderick allowed.

The internal struggle took only a moment and Roderick was in control. When Baldwin spoke, Roderick straighten himself up just short of a salute, "Thank you for coming, Sir Baldwin. I am in good health tonight." He slowly relaxed and moved to an 'at ease' stance. "I hope the night finds you just as well." Right foot, two three. Roderick might hate dancing, but he was starting to get the hang of the Danse. Formalities out of the way, hopefully on to business now. "A meeting room I have prepared for us is ready."

[Moonfang]

Once inside the meeting room, Baldwin let Roderick have it. For a moment, it felt like he was back at bootcamp and was getting a verbal lashing from his drill sergeant. No, this was missing the hand spear, the set of exercises and a lot more cursing. But Baldwin had that special touch that made Roderick's neck hair stand on end. It actually made sense. Roderick, in his haste, had not seen the uniqueness and exclusivity of the Knights and their role in the Invictus. He had allowed himself to assume and once again it struck him back. Roderick had only one option to chose.

He set his feet together, put his hands firmly at his side and bent forward at the waist until he was as far bowed as he could go, "Forgive me! I overstepped my bounds. I..." His attempt to excuse himself died on his lips and he swallowed it. His next words were more carefully chosen. "I am still a neonate in many things, despite my long mortal life. Please, correct my waywardness as you see fit for I lack in understanding. Then, if I am still worth your time, allow me to properly make my request." He does not rise from the bow or lift his head. Though his Beast raged in protest, he would not allow it to make his mistake any worse.

[Moonfang]

The last part stung. It struck him hard. It sometimes felt with every passing of a day he was further and further away from his goal. First the Prince and now Sir Baldwin. To have his only goal in his new life, the chance to prove that his Sire was of quality, pushed further and further away. This was almost too much to bare.. But he held himself steady. The last thing that Roderick Pearson was was a quitter.

He straightened himself up and stood firm, even as the curse washed over him. Though this entire situation was starting to feel like a bomb defusing and he didn't know which wire to cut, he pressed on "Yes, sir. I understand. The Knights are the walls that surround the Fortress of Order, the Invictus. I fully understand now." Just as the Sotoha serve as the tranquil reflecting pond within those walls, every part of the Invictus have their role in the whole. If he wishes to find his place among them, he must make them see that he has a valuable role to serve as well. "My only desire here is to return vigilant patrols back into the norm of Kindred society. I can lead the patrol, of that I assure you. However, my last attempt has shown me that I do not have the weight to gather Kindred willing to serve. If I still have your favor, I ask only that you assist me in calling them together."

[Moonfang]

Roderick nodded and moved to the meeting table as he spoke, "I was planning on first gathering those of a like mind. I was hoping you would be one of them. A single voice can be ignored, but a gathering of them is a movement. Once I had some I could call allies in this, I would then go to the Prisci. While they lack the ability to put forward orders, they are influential. And even one would be enough to sway others." He unrolled a map onto the table then, areas marked out for each of the Regent's territory similar to the one Martha used for her Orientations. Added on top were areas outlined in bright red. "I would then go to the Regents of different areas, ask them directly which areas are of concern to them. For the Communal Grounds, I found an area that is of interest that I would like to hit first." He tapped his finger on a red bordered area, the Alden-Arcade area of Sacramento.

Roderick then straighten up, adding, "My main interest would be gathering the fresher of the Kindred of Sacramento. Those looking to prove that they can be of help and show they are worth their space. This would be a chance to not only educate them on a wide range of topics, but to instill the mindset of community and co-operation. Things that the Beast tends to rebels against. All of this will hopefully make the idea of Patrolling something that is unusual to not do or not to attend. With that, we will make clear to any Kindred who refuse to present themselves to the Court, or those with malicious intent, that Sacramento is defended by her residents."