Underground Reading Rainbow

[Robert Cross]

Cross nods his understanding to Greenberg. "A good point, Priscus. Allow me to clarify. Maybe it's not about the physical territory, say Citrus Heights, so much as operational territory: resources, strategic capacities, information networks, spheres of influence. More and more, the physical presence of an actor is being replaced by its capacity for mobilization. Remove what was once a powerful player on the stage of the city and that 'territory' or excess capacity is up for grabs." He shrugs, "I'm just saying that someone will take it in hand. What it comes down to is resources, whether one group ignores another's authority or not."

In response to Greenberg's second point, Cross simply glances to the Shadow Priscus, letting him answer for his intentions. Cross had been asked how this new development would change the domain. And he'd given his answer.

Regan's response is tangled and cryptic to the Burned Man, but it does present some interesting angles. The desires and motives of a few can create effects, ripples, beyond their intention, and those effects can in turn become the cause of other, larger, effects and actions in turn. Given a long enough timeline, and all Kindred have the potential for very long time-lines indeed, even the smallest actions can have outsized results.

But it's the Shadow's mention of the vigilante group that really grabs Cross's attention. He's been hearing about them from all quarters, it seems. "This Maze...What did she have to do with Brady? And what kind of information did you 'liberate,' if you don't mind me asking, Priscus?"

[Robert Cross]

Cross frowns as the soft-spoken man with a seemingly inexhaustible memory enumerates the varied information possessed by Kristen Maze. Perhaps this person had long since left the city, but their legacy, and the dangerous archives they'd assembled, could still pose a threat to the Domain in the wrong hands. At the very least, a dossier assembled on different Kindred could provide knowledge, and targets, to the so-called Volunteers.

"Very interesting, Priscus. And very strange, these connections. Thank you for the explanation." It's all Cross has to say at the moment. He's trying to piece all of this together. It might serve to notify the Reeve of this connection as soon as possible, and see if we can't get a look at the materials stored at Twist's property...

His scarred brows are knit together in thought as blue, unblinking eyes stare at the table in front of him.

[Robert Cross]

As always, the questions outnumber the answers. Cross is too familiar with such situations to grow frustrated. Choose a line and follow it, see what turns up. If nothing does, choose another. Patience, endurance, and thoroughness. It's all you can do. Eventually the answers come. Or they don't. Just keep moving.

David's comment draws a surprised, and bemused, smile from Cross. This is a new one, being told he might make a good fit for the Ordo Dracul. No one's ever accused him of being particularly erudite. However, he's got other allegiances, other ideas, and from what he understands of their thinking, he's not sure the Order is his cup of tea. After all, Cross is interested in understanding and accepting his benighted state, not transcending it. But, he takes it as a compliment nonetheless, knowing that the Shadow is careful with his words. "Thank you, Priscus. I'll keep that in mind," he answers, gracious yet noncommittal.

When David turns to pose his question to Greenberg, Cross takes the opportunity to cast his eyes about the Annals once again. It truly is an impressive collection, even in it's initial stages. I'll have to come back on a quiet night, spend some time. The Domain of Sacramento, after all, has become his home. And knowing its history is a duty he is beginning to feel quite keenly.

[Robert Cross]

Would you like me to pull out Jack's plans for the catacombs? Maybe show him what areas have been brought up to spec, what we're still working on? That way he can have a clear idea of what he's looking at when we do our walk through?

Cross isn't sure whether it's Greenberg's curse or something altogether more mundane, and insidious, that fosters mistrust in him. Either way, there would be no tour tonight.

He offers his Priscus an apologetic smile, looking between him and Regan, "Unfortunately, I have to be going myself, to attend to some other business before the night is through. I hope you'll forgive me." Adding: "Another time?" to the Shadow. His offer is a matter a politeness, he has no intention of fulfilling it. At least not as of now. Of course, he doesn't make that apparent.

"Thank you again for the background on Rhayna and Brady, Priscus Regan," and with that, he turns his attention back to Greenberg, "And thank you again for inviting me along, Priscus Greenberg, this has all been very enlightening."

Cross will wait until one of his betters stands, effectively dismissing him, before following them out.

Good to wrap as well. Thanks for the fun!