Elanah, Jayant and Wilhelm have all received calls from Ishani, asking them to come to her club for an important meeting, while Konstantin got word of the meeting to Aesop, and gave directions and the address, through Circe.
The address in question has a sign out front: REVERENCE. As the vampires arrive, they find Konstantin waiting for them, ready to escort them in.
Wilhelm was just putting the last of his tomes on the bookshelves in his new haven when he heard his phone go off. After the brief conversation he donned his gear and headed straight to the address given him by Ishani. Meeting here was nice, in comparison to an Elysium; he was never truly comfortable when denied his disciplines and weaponry. Upon arriving he looks around briefly before walking up to Konstantin, "Mr. Malevich, well met. I assume your presence here is no coincidence."
"Good evening, Wilhelm. No, not coincidence. Harpy Ishani and I are working on something important. The Domain has a need for your talents."
As Elanah makes her way to the address she was given, she thinks to herself, I wonder what this is about... Her Mask is up and her skin blushed with life. She is wearing a pair of khaki cargo pants, military boots and a mans cut shirt with the sleeves rolled just below the elbow. The top two buttons are undone as well as the bottom two. Her belly button is at times noticeable but her chest is flattened down due to a sports bra. She is armed but her weapons are obfuscated and her dog tags, as always, are around her neck. As Elanah nears she feels the beast of Konstantin and another. She fights down her bestial urges as she walks up to the two Vampires. "Hello Gentleman," Elanah says.
"Good evening, Elanah," Konstantin says, nodding. "Is good to see you again."
Jayant arrives in Circe's van, the one he has been using a little too much of late. He really should purchase his own vehicle at some point. Parking it near the address he was given, he hops out with a determined look set on his face and his kukri hidden in its sheath under his grey jacket, cloaked in shadows. Wearing a pair of black cargo pants with matching military boots, he glides towards the three waiting individuals, holding his arm outstretched to Konstantin.
"Evening, my friend, I hope you are well." Jayant gives Wilhelm a nod of greeting and looks to Elanah warily, not feeling her Beast.
Konstantin grips Jayant's arm mid-arm and claps him on the shoulder with the other hand. "Jayant, my friend, is good to see you. We have important business this night."
Seeing Jayant's gaze, he says "Jayant, this is Elanah... I mentioned her at the meeting with the Prince. Elanah, this is Primogen Jayant, a fine warrior and a friend of mine."
"Hello Sir Konstantin it is good to see you again as well. Sir Jayant, it is my honor. Good evening Wilhelm." She gives a slight bow of respect to all three of the men. Elanah turns to Konstantin, "May I ask what this meeting is regarding."
Releasing Konstantin's hand, he turns it towards Elanah, smiling once again.
"A pleasure, Elanah. Please call me Jayant, I am not one for titles."
"Very well Jayant." She says with a nod.
"It regards the Lost Nights, and those behind the attack then, and the bombs placed in other Kindred," Konstantin says. "Priscus O-Yama, of Clan Nosferatu, was captured by them. We believe we have located where they have him. This may be their headquarters. We need to scout this location, find out what we can, and how to get in. We await one other who may be of help."
Wilhelm's steady gaze took in all the kindred present, his mind churning. He had skills in both infiltration and combat, and from what he'd seen of Elanah she did as well. Ishani was a warrior, and Mekhet Priscus, so she'd probably fit that mold as well; though he did not know if she was coming. He'd hardly be surprised if everyone called was possessed of a similar skill set. "And you think it may be dangerous, which is why you have called those skilled in stealth and combat." It was as much a statement as a question.
Konstantin nods again. "Yes. We do not plan to fight yet. We go seeking information. But if fighting becomes necessary, it is important we not be captured, and if opportunity is there, strike to rescue O-Yama and cripple these cowardly enemies."
After listening to Wilhelm's comment/question Elanah got a little excited. She was ready to prove her worth again. The Dragons, she reminds herself. Perhaps one of these people are of the Dragon. First I must cement my place in the city before I can join a covenant. Not covenant will allow a unproven to join there ranks. Elanah looks to Konstantin, "Do we know anything of our enemy? Wizards? Hunters? VII?"
"We know some, though not as much as I would wish," Konstantin says, frustration evident in his voice. "We try to find out more on this mission. We will discuss what we know once inside."
Ishani comes down the spiral staircase at this point and nods to all of those gathered in greeting. Turning to Elenah she extends her hand. "I am Ishani Naetesh, Harpy to Prince Asa Clarke, and Priscus of the Shadows. I am very pleased to meet you."
She then motions for everyone to follow her upstairs to a private room where they may talk without fear of eavesdropping.
"It is my honor Mistress." Elanah says with a deep bow. She then follows everyone up the stairs to the private room.
"I will wait just a moment longer for Aesop," Konstantin says.
Wilhelm falls into step behind Ishani, following her to the private room. Once inside, away from mortal ears, he speaks. "It is good to see you again Harpy Nateesh. Even if the circumstances are, apparently, dire."
Ishani smiles at Wilhelm, happy to see him despite the situation. "I mirror your sentiment Wilhelm. I am pleased to see you are well. I have some things I wish to discuss with you privately when this meeting is over, if you are willing to stay."
She then takes a seat at a large table set for eight and indicates everyone up here should follow. "We need to discuss strategy for getting information on a certain location. We believe O-Yama is being kept there and we need to get him out, but it needs to be done in a smart fashion rather then rash. We chose you all because we felt you would be the best to assist with the job."
Elanah sits quietly. Listening intently to her Priscus speak. She gives her undivided attention to Ishani. Waiting to speak, and only then when prompted.
"I would indeed be willing to say, it is not as though I am short on time." He briefly considers asking about whether or not it was about the same matter as before, but ultimately opted against it. He had learned patience many times over the decades. Instead he takes a seat and turns to the matter at hand. "What is known about the place you wish to infiltrate?"
Aesop walks into the meeting curious and reserved, Konstantin was one of the few kindred outside of the Crone he respected enough meet without an explanation. His body reforms and contorts to become the man after climbing out of the bush. He wore faded blue jeans and a nondescript black shirt, his hair was wild and he was missing a finger.
Jayant gives his Priscus and, he hopes to the Mother, friend a respectful bow as she appears, leading them all through the building to the meeting room where he takes a seat, silently, waiting for Ishani to answer Wilhelm's question, and for Konstantin to appear with Aesop.
"Good, you have arrived," Konstantin says, extending a hand to shake. "Come with me."
As Konstantin guides Aesop up the stairs to where the others are waiting, he explains. "Harpy Ishani is here. So is Jayant, and two new arrivals, Elanah and Wilhelm, both Shadows. We think we know where those behind the Lost Nights are keeping O-Yama. We need to scout this place. Your talents and mine, and those of the Shadows, will be of help."
When the enter the meeting room, Konstantin introduces Aesop. "Those who have not met, this is Aesop, of Clan Gangrel and the Circle of the Crone. He is the most skilled form-changer in the Domain, better even than me. Aesop, this is Elanah, and Wilhelm."
Elanah Nods to the new arrival. Shape changer, hmm that will be a valuable asset to the mission, Elanah thinks to herself.
Ishani smiles at Wilhelm. "I don't know yet." She bends down and pulls out a case from under her chair. Opening the case, she pulls out a laptop and sets it on the table. She turns it on and allows it a few minutes to start booting up.
"But, there is this thing called Google maps and if we have the address, I can use recent satellite images to find it and we can take a look at what we have from the outside at least."
She nods at Jayant when he comes in. "It is good to see you well, Jayant. I am looking forward to seeing our work pay off come Court. I hope you have not had any more problems with translucent worm-things?" She gives him a reassuring smile as he looks very uncertain.
Jayant shrugs as he replies, not sure whether it would be wise to grin or not, opting to simply smile a little. "If they return, they return, ghosts do not scare me. I am more afraid of bitter feelings between colleagues."
So they were being sent in blind; which either meant that their superiors within the realm either had a good deal of confidence in them, or considered them expendable. Wilhelm really hoped it was the first option, and if the Harpy, a Primogen, and/or one of the Prince's Hounds accompanied them the first option certainly did seem to be the case. He motioned toward the laptop in the process of booting up, "Perhaps while we are waiting we could share our clans and a synopsis of our talents. If we are going to work together on such a dangerous assignment it will be crucial for us to know such things about each other."
Konstantin arches an eyebrow in response to Ishani's comment about Google Maps. He'd had no idea something like this existed until now, and found somewhat disconcerting the idea that they might be able to peer on the enemy's location from above while sitting and discussing strategy. This might be a boon to them, but might the enemies not also use this against them?
Konstantin nods at Wilhelm's suggestion. It was good to know the strengths of one's allies. "I was a warrior before Embrace, a scout in the armies of Pietr the Great, and am still a warrior. I fight with my hands and many weapons, but prefer the spear. I can take the form of wolf, bat and cat, and can change myself to swarm of scorpions. I am also able to make my body stronger and tougher with the Blood."
Elanah sat thinking about what Ishani had told them. Elanah also listened to Wilhelm. The German has a point, she thought to herself. She looked around the room observing the tableau of warriors. It will be difficult working with a team again. It has been so long, Elanah thought.
Ishani frowns at Jayant's comment, not sure what he means by it. "Maybe we should discuss that later?"
She looks at Wilhelm wondering how long this "get to know you" session is going to take. "I can fight, I can hide, I can screw with your head. Oh yes, and I also have some decent computer and investigation skills. I used to be the Sheriff, so those were kind of required for the job."
She looks around, waiting to see who would speak next.
"I am decently skilled in stealth and investigation, capable of hiding in plain sight. My greatest asset, however, is my combat ability. I am particularly skilled with weapons and prefer dual-wielding. My clan is Mekhet, and I can enhance my speed and senses as well." He was relieved that she hadn't mentioned Merges Sorcery. It was nice to know that she had taken it to heart when he told her that the bloodline was secretive. But she was the Priscus of Shadows and had proven to be quite an impressive individual so far, it was not as though he had expected anything less from her.
Elanah looks to Ishani, "My abilities are at the disposal of My Prince, My Priscus and whomever they deem. I am a soldier and, at times was, an assassin. I will be again if My Prince or My Priscus wills it."
A skilled observer may notice Aesop's apprehension about speaking, not about himself but about anything. He nods to those kindred that he didn't formally meet, though chances were he had seen them all at the last Elysium, he was Circe's shadow that entire night, seen but not heard. His skin rolled and bubbled as if to change forms but he stopped midway with his facial features and arms stretching like clay. He cycled through creatures that people may be able to Identify as a lizard, lion, vulture, wolf, one may even notice the ghastly visage of a spider. He hoped that this show of his abilities was enough to dispel all doubt and to quell any farther questions. "I hunt", he grunts with razor sharp spikes still jutting from his forearms.
That will be a fun conversation, Jayant thinks, knowing he has crossed the line again. He listened to each lay out their own blessings, what they brought to the table and was impressed. Even mad Aesop, still not sure in the modern world, had an impressive set of talents that could aid them in this endeavour. How could Jayant possibly be on their level? As he spoke, it is with an air of awkwardness as if he does not really enjoy doing this.
"Like Elanah, I am a solider, first and foremost. I have been trained in mundane stealth techniques and hand-to-hand combat, both armed and unarmed, with the kukri being my personal preference. As for talents of the blood, I am adept at becoming a little stronger and faster, improving my senses, causing the eye to slip over items and..." Jayant pauses as he tries to describe Obtenebration, "A way to manipulate shadows in a limited manner." He finishes and simply waits so they can discuss the mission.
Ishani listens to everyone explain in their own way what they were capable of. "Good. Now, what we need is for someone to infiltrate the perimeter of the building. Get us a good look at whether or not they have guards, security, that sort of thing. We need to know what we are dealing with before we can get in there to remove O-Yama. We're also open to suggestions."
She looks at her laptop. "Oh good, it's good to go. Konstantin, do you have that address?"
"Priscus Ishani, I am able to fully envelop myself in shadow. Perhaps myself and the shape changer, Aesop, would be able to do this." Elanah volunteers herself but looks to Aesop for his reaction.
Konstantin nods and hands Ishani his small notebook, in which he has written down the information provided at the Prince's meeting. His writing is somewhat scratchy, but legible.
He smiles as Elanah volunteers to take on the task... "Yes, was good to suggest her," he thinks, liking her attitude.
"How clear a picture will this show us?" he asks Ishani.
"It might be best to allow Konstantin or Aesop to make the initial approach in animal guise. The Cloak of Night would hide us from guards. But there may be mechanical devices that could still sound an alarm, something far less likely to happen to an animal. Aesop's vulture form would be best, I think. In my experience people don't look up nearly as often as is wise."
"I agree. An animal, even a shapechanged one, may have more success in slipping by unnoticed. At this point, we have to assume that O-Yama has spilled his guts to his captives and they have taken measures in counter-acting our gifts for Obfuscation. From what I am aware, the Gangrel's talents of Protean does not simply make an illusion but actually changes the person to said animal, making recognition quite difficult to the initiated." Jayant looks to the Savage Priscus. "Am I assuming correctly?"
"Yes," Konstantin. "Is not illusion. We Gangrel, we change our bodies. I can take the form of a bat and a cat. Bats are hard to notice, good for approaching from above. Cats usually do not draw suspicion."
Ishani types the address into the Google maps site and then hits the satellite image button.
"It isn't about clarity really, it's about how old the image is. They don't update these things very often, so this image could be weeks or even months old. The good thing is, it tells you right on the picture when it was taken."
Elanah leans back in her chair nodding and listening to everyone discuss the situation. Elanah nods her head listening to Ishani as well as Konstantin. A protean would have a distinct advantage, Elanah thinks to herself.
Aesop seems as if he has a hard time following all the rapid fire planning, though he seems as if he gets the basic theme of the meeting, one of their kind was missing and he could help them find him. He met Oyama in passing and he seemed a decent enough warrior born of a time slightly out of joint with the present day. Plans amongst the damned were tricky to say the least, it was kindred nature to be devious and secretive, so working together was not really common behavior, though Gangrels and some haunts seemed to be more inclined to the concept. "I will scout ahead", Aesop declared to the room as if he were willing to risk his well being for the good of this new society. Aesop looked to Ishani as if recognizing her for the first time he seemed as if maybe he had seen her before, made she was one of the few kindred that actually lived in this city longer then 15 years.
((Ooc - Aesop may actually have seen or known Ishani from 15 years ago the last time he went into torpor. He sort of pops in an out of torpor and when he got out this time the entire community was replaced. He's a recluse and pretty much goes by any name people call him so he could have been known as anything back then))
"It is true that cats are often overlooked, but I believe an animal capable of flight would be best in this situation. If this organization is aware of the shapeshifting ability of Protean, and it is wise to err on the side of caution and assume that is the case, they might be suspicious of animals they believe to be acting strangely. They are less likely to spot something that is flying, especially if we choose to act on a cloudy night so as to prevent a silhouette against the stars and moon. Not to mention that it would be much easier to escape as an airborne creature should something go wrong." Wilhelm glanced over at the laptop once more, "And if the compound is fenced in, something we will know shortly, any land-bound creature within the perimeter will likely draw scrutiny."
"Agreed." It was Jayant's assertion that this would be the initial task, to gather the intelligence required. "It is a sound plan."
"I agree as well, a shape changer with flight would be best, but I still feel we should send two of us." Elanah said to the group at large. "Two sets of eyes, and if something goes wrong one person to report back or to run interference."
Ishani inspects the picture in front of her for a moment as she listens to those around her. She looks up at Aesop, the nagging feeling of familiarity tugging at the back of her mind. "Aesop, you said you could change into a spider? Or a swarm of some kind?"
"I was not suggesting we send Aesop nor Hound Konstantin in alone. Even for the initial reconnaissance we would be wise to have the entire scouting party stationed nearby; to both provide aid if necessary and allow an opportunity for further infiltration if wise. And even if we were to send only those capable of changing shapes, ill-advised as that may be, both Aesop and Hound Konstantin are capable of the feat."
"Well of course," Jayant countered. "Even a lone operative has a trusted team behind them ready with measures for, now how did my Major once put this?" Jayant pauses in mock thought. "Oh yes, for when the shit hits the fan." He smiles mischieviously. "Personally, I do not wish to see what would happen at that point." Jayant pauses to think back to the Prince's meeting. "Additionally, I was very interested in these 'Winslow' characters that we had information on. I would wish to investigate them to see where that leads."
Aesop looks to Ishani and nods. He says merely, "ants", in the case of a swarm. His skin rolls showing the glimpses of the type of common ant he could become if he so chose to. He didn't mind breaking himself apart, but the sensation put him on edge after he attempted it. He moved through history as whimsically as a breeze, he woke at random moments throughout time as natures warriors, the sacrifice he gave to her was the clarity of mind. What he recalled was spotty images mixed into a puzzle, with pieces long since missing. When she mentioned she was sheriff once pieces interlocked into one another and he began to remember the way things were... though he said nothing.
"Reeve Culler and Priscus Twist have been assigned to investigate these names," Konstantin says in response to Jayant's suggestion regarding Investigation, while studying the Google Maps image. "This is fence, yes? Or wall?" he asks, winding his fingertip along one part of the image, to what does appear to be a fence of some sort encircling the Horizon Pharmatech site, which is made up of several buildings.
"Going in as bat or vulture is best," he concludes, nodding to Wilhelm. "Or maybe ants, if Aesop can get in unseen but get close enough to listen to guards. Once in, perhaps other forms may be called for."
He looks at Ishani, then at Elanah and Wilhelm. "Do you know about modern security, and how to get past it?"
Elanah speaks up "I have some experience in such things. I am by no means an expert though."
Honesty is not weakness but strength, Elanah remembered one of her military handlers tell her.
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