(Alien Call) The Alchemist's Return

[Robert Cross]

There's a vanity to the Alchemist's words, something that carries the scent of grandiose self-delusion that Cross finds...unpalatable. And dangerous. It doesn't help that this Breather keeps talking about the Dawn and easing someone's passage. No one will be staying up to watch the sunrise on Cross's watch. With or without some bullshit Water of Life.

Cross's cold, blue eyes fix on a spot just where the the man's skull meets his neck. The knife will go in, just there.

But no--that's the Beast. The Fire that feeds on Blood. It would be pointless, such violence. At least at the present juncture. Better that Cynthia conclude this interview. Even if that means agreeing to their terms. After all, what could these Breathers do if things never come to fruition?

Why did I agree to come in here cloaked? Cross asks himself. Not that it matters now--this is the path they've taken. Just have to play it out.

[Cynthia Weiss]

There was a long stretch of seconds between Cynthia and the Alchemists. Her glare bore into them as she listened to the Alchemist...

She relented. "OK then." She shrugged and walked back to her spot in the room as though nothing had happened. The haunt doubted he actually knew what he had gotten himself into, but the Priscus and deputy had interest in them so she continued to play the part. "We'll convince the others there is nothing to worry about and see to the reagents." She stopped in her spot and turned back to them. "Obviously we can't meet here any more. Would your lab work for the next? It would save time when we are done."

[Robert Cross]

It seems that Cynthia is beginning to draw the conversation to a close. If Cross still drew breath, he'd sigh with relief.

As it is, he awaits the Alchemist's response and prepares himself to follow his fellow Haunt out the door should she leave.

He's already beginning to think about the conversation they'll need to have concerning this evening once they're back in the car.

[Yumyumcrow]

"Yes. That would work," the Alchemist agreed. "You have my contact number. Call me first and I'll give you the details then."

His words faded as he faces down a challenging stare from his apprentice. For her part, the woman simply sighs and uncrosses her arms.

He turns back to Cynthia, eyes watchful.

"Did you wish to discuss anything else?" Hope, fear, mixed together in his voice. His apprentice's stare was surly and suspicious.

[Cynthia Weiss]

Cynthia shook her head."I don't have anything else I'm afraid. If my friend had anything she didn't tell me about it." Discussions about what happened would be reserved for later.

The haunt eyed the apprentice, her gaze was cold and hard compared to her disgruntlement.

"We'll be in touch. Good night you two." She smiled and slowly stalked out of the room, giving Robert time to finish up. She assumed. His actions were a mystery to the haunt.

Soon as she was some distance away from the garage she ran her fingers through her hair and tried to resist the urge to kick something. "Well that could have gone a lot better." The Artist muttered between clenched teeth.

[Robert Cross]

It's only when they're back to the car, and he's safely in the alleyway where he first pulled the cloak, that Cross fades back into view. Of course, he takes a few moments to check and double check that things are clear before he does so.

Perception Rolls

  failure, First Attempt

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2017-06-14 19:27:54		Robert Cross rolls 6 to Anybody out here? Wits3 + Composure3 (10 Again)		6, 2, 6, 6, 5, 2		failure

  2 suxx, Second Attempt

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2017-06-14 19:28:26		Robert Cross rolls 5 to Anybody out here? Wits3 + Composure3 - 1 Second Attempt (10 Again)		5, 9, 9, 5, 6		2 successes

Sheathing the knife under his suit jacket, he emerges from the alley, and answers her earlier statement: "Yeah, it could have gone a lot worse too."

It's true, the meeting had gone south. But he'd seen things go further south than that. "We just have to figure this out. Whether we move forward or not." They'll need to discuss with Alice.

He's at the driver's side of his car now, unlocking the vehicle, opening the door. "Get in. Let's talk."

[Yumyumcrow]

The air is still in the garage as Cynthia turns and walks away.

The air is thickening, charging with electricity while Cross lingers. In the silence, Master and Apprentice at first stare, then stalk, one another.

By the time Cross is retreating to the street, the words are beginning to spill: at first harsh and quiet, then slowly growing to a conflagration of pent up frustrations - from both of the breathers, by the sound of it.

On his second pass, the still cloaked haunt picks up the following with his enhanced hearing:

"Armitage was right. You are nothing without Radzinksy."

"He sold us out! For money and fame! You think anyone associated with Mehmet Khan is pure!?"

"Us? There is no us! Not now!"

But the dark streets are clear. Further down the alley a mangy pack of dogs feast from an upturned bin.

[Cynthia Weiss]

Cynthia nodded as she opened the door and slipped into cross's car. She waited a moment to finally let herself calm down and ruminate what had happened. "Not sure how much you got out of that." She admitted as she let herself sink into the seat. "At least you have an opening to go into wherever it is they are hiding."

She started to rub her temples, focusing on quelling The Beast completely. "Might find your book there. He seems pretty clueless about whats going on." The calm was starting to take hold and dropped her arms to her sides. Her attention was on Robert now and whatever he had to say.

[Robert Cross]

"Not much," his voice is almost a growl as he starts the engine. "Other than the names for things that I have no understanding of." Damn that Dragon Kastsuro for disappearing on them!

He pulls onto the street and starts driving as he speaks: "I'm...uncomfortable with how little we actually know. About the 'reagents,' the 'experiment,' and the proposed results." He frowns, thinking it over as he navigates benighted city streets. "And I don't like that we might be entering into some sort of conflict between our 'friends' and their competitors." It's the devastation left by the Alchemist's so-called 'charitable contemporaries' that's got him worried.

"We'll have to ask around, see if anyone in our community can shed some light on this..." Who, though? About the only one left with sufficient Occult knowledge is the Prince, being a recent convert to the Ordo Dracul and a Monster of advanced age. The thought of approaching Him makes Cross's frown deepen.

"After you left, they said a couple of names, though: Armitage and Radzinsky. The first, I'm not sure about. But the second? Sounded like the man's former partner." You're nothing without Radzinsky, the woman had said. "The hunchback." The one with the book. "Maybe we should look them up next. See what they have to say about this little...project?"

[Cynthia Weiss]

"Its all moon speak to me as well." Cynthia said with a habit-enforced sigh. "Hes not as great as he think he is. Don't think we are at all what he was trying to call up and his friends are dropping him." The vandalism and looting were obvious signs of that at least.

She had nothing to add when it came to sources. The sort of people she kept in contact with did not deal in occult secrets.

"I dunno. If he's on the outs with everyone then he would be isolated. Get him alone and you could do whatever the hell you want with him. Assuming his apprentice doesn't get in the way." Her the tenor of her voice had a bit more of an edge to it when Cynthia mentioned her.