(On the Hunt) Safe Cracker

[Yumyumcrow]

Freemont is a blip. No! Not even that! It is a locality on the West Bank of the Sacramento River, close to rail and road links that pass by Sacramento International Airport. There are trees, fields, a farm, and on the east bank a well situated restaurant. For Kindred, it really is the Barrens.

For Colonel Davis, its an opportunity. Hidden behind a screen of trees and ugly fencing, is a worksite. A dry dock. Not terribly big but most definitely sufficient for the task. Here, a Daeva's dream boat is taking shape: an antebellum paddle boat of the Mississippi.

Right now its nothing to look at: a stripped down hull in the process of being cleaned and restored.

The worksite is well stocked with materials, tools and equipment. If one managed to sneak into the offices, one would find blue prints and the copious notes of restorers, black smiths, agents sourcing correct materials, and the like. By day it would be a quiet hive of activity. By night... it is damn creepy.

Quiet. Poorly lit. Song of cicadas and night insects drawn by the proximity of water. Vestigial heat evaporating into the cool of the night. Shadows - plenty of places for Kindred to hide.

Colonel Davis has opened negotiations with the Hunter Lindasfarne who is a known safe cracker and security consultant.

For the Daeva, this is a chance to lure out one of the Bushwackers quickly and without much incident.

For Lindasfarne, this is a chance to work with the famed gambler who keeps in character (that of a Southern gentleman) all the time: a man known for his historical authenticity and knowledge of the period. Lindasfarne, it is said, likes challenges...

@John Davis JonReeves Aaron van Valen Dark Passenger Cross Lina Moretti Blackbird Stray this is your plot!

[Blackbird]

Soft footsteps fall upon the worksite, marking Blackbird's entry. She has dressed sensibly enough for the occasion, with the outfit being neither too casual nor out of place. It was a business meeting, after all.

Nonetheless, Blackbird was not a fool and kept her Ruger SR9 loaded and stowed within her black handbag, slinged as it was over one shoulder.

Blackbird would encounter Davis and Moretti after the pair's exchange. First a look to Lina, whom recieved a small smile and a nod of acknowledgement, "Good evening," She stopped herself from using Lina's title, though her hesitance was written plainly on her face, at least for a brief moment. They were in public after all and, despite Davis' control over the site, Blackbird could not be certain who was listening.

After a moment Blackbird looked to Davis, her smile lessening somewhat as her ego reminded her of the snub he had afforded her, "Mr. Davis, a pleasure." She'd offer. Like the Priscus, Davis' titles would be unsaid. On the matter of whether or not this could offend the aged Daeva, Blackbird truly didn't care. The security of Masquerade took precedence over a family member's pride.

Pausing only to acclimate to the greater Beasts, Blackbird spoke again. "I do hope you feel I am not over dressed. Considering this is a business meeting, I think it best their is at least some representation from your investors don't you?" Blackbird's tone shifted to one of friendliness as she signaled the Mask she intended to wear.

[Aaron van Valen]

Another night. Another hunter. Another abandoned spot.

How long before they realize the roles are reversed?

Aaron arrives in a positively excited mood. Rather than full-on business mode, he chose to go for a more rich-kid smart casual investor look. Underneath the layers his Kevlar vest is hidden.

'Greetings, everyone.' He takes a moment to keep his Beast in check, while looking at the other Kindred with a most neutral expression.

Lina, his most trusted friend. Davis, his sworn ally. Blackbird, the unknown wildcard that at least seems to posses common sense. Tonight would be good.

The Dragon Lord is carrying a thin leather briefcase. It has a professional look, though it holds anything but business papers: Duct tape. Plastic strips. Syringes. Ok, there is some paper too, print outs of the USB files.

'I'll lie low till blunt force is required, yes?' Last time he took the lead in the interrogation, now it was John's time to shine.

[Blackbird]

Blackbird smiled at Davis' compliment, but she doubted its genuine nature. Either way, Blackbird knew she looked good. Her expression changed, however, as Davis indicated he would handle much of the situation alone. She had never worked directly with the Alder.

But I've heard enough stories to know that might not be best.

Alongside what the neonate perceived as a barely veiled attempt at attaining more status for himself through the endeavor, Davis also seemed to be attempting to supersede Priscus Moretti's wishes. Moretti had explained her role as roaming the site, not sitting in a watchtower as Davis seemed to be strongly suggesting. Further, she doubted Lina wanted her and Aaron sitting in the sidelines. Why bother calling them here at all if that was the case? Thus, when Davis spoke, Blackbird merely blinked, a perplexed expression spreading across her face. Then she blinked again in the silence following the Colonel's plan. It seemed he believed himself in charge.

Or he really wants to be.

Then the neonate move her gaze to Lina proper, searching the Priscus' features for a long moment before finally parting her lips to speak, "Was this the original intent of your plan, Ms. Moretti?" she asked. Lina was, insofar as Blackbird knew, the leader of this particular foray. Like herself, Davis had merely provided support in the meeting. As such, Blackbird would look to the Priscus for guidance, rather than blinding to a man whose merits were unknown to her, but whose reputation had preceded him. However, if Lina directed her to follow Davis' directive she would.

Even if it is a waste of my talents.